American Legion gives Club permanent Post, 1923

This Week In National Press Club History

September 1, 1923: The American Legion issues a permanent charter to the National Press Club, known as the American Legion Post 20. One of the early members of the Post was Gen. John J. Pershing, commander of the American Expeditionary Force in World War I and an associate Club member whose name was listed on the Club’s roles in 1920 and 1924. In his honor, the Post was nicknamed the “Pershing Post” and the “Black Jack Post.”

America Legion Post 20 was founded at the Club on Nov. 11, 1919, one year after the signing of the armistice that ended World War I. It has been active since its founding.

One of the Post's best-known projects was the sponsorship of the World War II canteen at the Club. Enlisted men from the Allied Forces were entertained at the Club on Saturday afternoons, and Post members served drinks and hotdogs. It was at one of these canteens that President Harry Truman was photographed playing the piano with young Lauren Bacall sitting on top. Today, the piano and photo are permanent fixtures in the Club’s Truman Lounge.

This Week In National Press Club History is brought to you by the History & Heritage Committee, which seeks to preserve and revitalizes the Club’s history through displays, events, panel discussions and its extensive oral history project.

For more information on the committee’s activities or to join the committee, contact Gil Klein at [email protected].