Post 76 was organized as an affiliate of the American Legion by Racine, Wisconsin area World War I veterans in the fall of 1919. Members of the William Weiss Post 79, composed exclusively of veterans of the 32nd (Red Arrow) Division, were incorporated into the membership of Post 76 upon its founding.
Promoting Americanism; safeguarding justice, freedom and democracy; and building civic pride and helpfulness were among the Post's purposes. To further these purposes, it sponsored Memorial Day and other patriotic events, purchased burial plots for and participated in the burial of veterans, adopted positions on government actions and political issues, established committees to assist needy veterans and to visit ailing members, and sponsored social events. The Post sponsored plays, speakers, an air show, and a visit to Racine by a Navy submarine; supported Post athletic teams, including the Racine Horlicks, a professional football team; maintained a cabin in the American Legion National Forest; sponsored a drum and bugle corps; established a Post clubhouse and held events for active duty servicemen; and held fund raising events. Later the Post sponsored youth baseball teams, sent teenagers to Badger Boys State and Girls State and purchased books and magazine and newspaper subscriptions for hospitalized members, schools, and libraries.
The Post was active at the district, state, and national levels, hosting the American Legion National Convention in 1941. A prominent Post leader was
Vilas H. Whaley who served as state commander from 1923 to 1924; was Chairman of the Legislative Committee of the National Department of the American Legion in 1935; was a member of the Publications Commission of the national Department for 13 years, serving as Vice Chairman in 1943; and was nominated for National commander by the State Convention in 1943.
