NHS Students Construct Cabinet for American Legion

Northampton High cabinetmakers (Photo courtesy Dave Steward)

By JOE VACCARO
American Legion Post 56

April 7, 2014

Despite being one of the oldest Posts in America, American Legion Post 56 had to literally restart from the ashes of a fire that completely consumed it decades ago when it was located in Cape Charles. The past few years have seen a transformation within the Post, including not only an internal structural change but also a collection of items and mementos that reflect the proud military service of its membership.

Ever mindful that Post 56 evolved from a well-known supermarket that was once a gas station and car dealership, the Post’s leadership, under the skillful direction of Commander Dave Steward, has made great efforts to preserve Post history. More important is the effort to preserve the veterans’ stories and the culture of the Shore where the veterans reside.

CONTINUED FROM FIRST PAGE

Over the last few months members of the Northampton High School Building Trades class contributed to the Post’s history by designing and constructing a wooden display cabinet. Teacher Billy Davis Jr. and his students more than rose to the occasion and delivered a first-class piece of furniture that would make any homeowner proud to place it in their residence. The cabinet will be used for Post 56 historical items as well as Legion accessories.

The cabinet is six feet tall and five feet wide and has already gained a place of prominence within Post 56. What is more important are the signatures on the back of the cabinet of all the students who participated in the construction. Those students are identified as Raquan Anderson, Ashan Upshur, Jacob Smith, Dil Chattha, Hunter Elliot, and Deion Upshur.

Decades from now this cabinet’s contents will still stand as a testimony to the veterans who built this Post, and this cabinet to these young students who made a contribution to Post 56 history.

Student cabinetmakers’ completed project