Post History
Our History
Gordon M. Crothers American Legion Post 15
Dade City, Florida
The American Legion was founded in 1919 by veterans returning from service in World War I. That same year, veterans in Dade City came together to establish a local post dedicated to serving fellow veterans, promoting patriotism, and strengthening the community.
On June 7, 1919, twenty-eight veterans signed the application for a charter to establish American Legion Post 15 in Dade City, Florida. The charter was officially issued on February 19, 1920. The founders chose to name the Post in honor of Corporal Gordon M. Crothers, a young World War I soldier with strong ties to Dade City who was killed in action in France on August 2, 1918.
Gordon M. Crothers
Today, Gordon M. Crothers Post 15 stands not only as a veterans organization, but as a living memorial to the sacrifice of those who served during World War I and every generation of veterans that followed.
Building a Permanent Home
In 1927, members of Post 15 demonstrated extraordinary dedication by raising $10,000 through community fundraising efforts to construct a permanent Post home. This was a significant sum for the time and reflected the community’s commitment to honoring its veterans.
The building was constructed at its current location on Church Avenue in Dade City, where it continues to stand today.
Recognized by the City of Dade City as a historic structure, the building retains much of its original character and architectural charm. For nearly a century it has served as a gathering place for veterans, military families, civic organizations, charitable events, patriotic ceremonies, and community activities.
Generations of veterans have passed through its doors, carrying forward the values of service, citizenship, and devotion to country that inspired its founding.
A Century of Service
Throughout its history, Gordon M. Crothers Post 15 has supported veterans, promoted Americanism, sponsored youth programs, participated in memorial ceremonies, and served the Dade City community.
From World War I veterans who founded the Post to today’s veterans of modern conflicts, the mission remains unchanged:
Veterans serving veterans, serving community, serving America.
Preserving the Legacy
As the Post approaches its second century of service, efforts continue to preserve the historic building that generations of veterans worked to establish and maintain.
The building is more than a meeting hall. It is a community landmark and a living memorial to Corporal Gordon M. Crothers and the veterans whose dedication built both the Post and the legacy it represents.
Through ongoing preservation efforts, Post 15 seeks to ensure that future generations will continue to learn the story of Gordon Crothers, honor the sacrifices of America’s veterans, and experience the rich history of this historic Dade City institution.
Historical Timeline
May 26, 1894 – Gordon M. Crothers is born in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
1910–1912 – Gordon attends school in Dade City while his family winters in Florida.
July 7, 1917 – Gordon enlists in the Michigan National Guard.
August 2, 1918 – Corporal Gordon M. Crothers is killed in action near Chateau-Thierry, France.
June 7, 1919 – Charter application for Post 15 signed by local veterans.
February 19, 1920 – Official American Legion charter issued.
1927 – Members and citizens raise $10,000 to construct the current Post home.
Today – Gordon M. Crothers Post 15 continues serving veterans and the Dade City