As a result of preliminary organizational work performed by Dr. Marcus B. Austin, George W. Staubus, and Joe L. Kendrick, a mass meeting of veterans of World War I was held in the City Hall at Brunswick on Sunday afternoon, June 15, 1919, at which meeting a post of the American Legion was organized. Dr. Austin was chosen as the post commander and J. L. Kendrick was elected as adjutant. The post was given the name, RUCKER-MCALLISTER, in honor of the two local veterans who gave their lives in the war; namely, Lovick Ray Rucker, of Brunswick, and James Lloyd McAllister, of Mendon. The number later assigned to this post by National Headquarters of the American Legion indicated Rucker-McAllister Post No. 7 was among the first posts to be organized in Missouri.

There is a record that 34 members joined the post at its first session, and their names are inscribed on the original charter.

Rucker-McAllister Post No. 7, the first of five posts , the first of five posts to be organized in Chariton County, continued to enroll a large membership, except during the years 1924-27, when the enrollment declined. The organization of the Rucker-McAllister Drum & Bugle Corps in 1929 was doubtless the principal reason for the increased interest in the various activities of the post. Beginning with the year 1933, the Drum & Bugle Corps attended every state convention of the American Legion in Missouri until the members of the Corps were compelled to discontinue the activity by reason of failing health.

The members of the post had always hoped to build a post home. The acquisition of a lot in 1942 (formerly occupied by the Presbyterian Church,) made it possible to develop plans, but the lack of building material during World War 11 compelled them to delay construction. In the meantime, funds were raised in various ways, principally by donations from post members and business firms of Brunswick and friends of the post in Brunswickof the post in Brunswick and neighboring communities. In 1947 the following members of the Building Committee were appointed: Tyson G. Nichols, Chairman; James T. Corbin, Oma J. Medlin, Robert C. Kerby, and C. Ross Myers. Blue prints were drawn by Ludwig Apt, a contract for the construction let, and by November 11, 1948, the cornerstone was laid.

Because of bad weather and lack of funds, construction was delayed several times. It had been estimated that $30,000 would be needed to build the Memorial Home, but more than $55,000 was spent to