SALISBURY — At its March 2 board meeting, the Salisbury Historical Society received a surprise visit by several members of American Legion Post 309 accompanied an unexpected and generous donation, according to a society official.
The same official declined to disclose the donation amount.
Post member Arthur Ober presented the nonprofit organization with the check, only asking that it be dedicated to the memory of Helen (Pike) Pollard and Emily (Schaffner) Pike. Also in attendance were Jim Pollard, Paul Greaney, Charlie Geary and Peter Carbone.
The donation comes after officials announced the post was disbanding due to lack of members.
“The Salisbury Historical Society is so grateful for the generous support of Post 309, and will explore at its next meeting ideas for how the money should be used,” an official said.
On Monday, the local American Legion Post donated $5,000 to Salisbury Santa’s Helpers officials. More donations are expected soon as the post empties its treasury before disbanding.
The Salisbury post’s charter was issued in 1932, according to Ober.
Ober, 91, explained that in order to remain active the post needed at least 15 members, but as the group has gotten older, the post has slimmed down to 12 and must disband.