American Legion Post 818
1100 W. Hefferman St., BeevilleCharles H. Lytle, U.S. Navy, was the first African American serviceman from Beeville killed in WWII.
He died on January 4, 1945, when the USS Ommaney Bay sank near the Philippines after being bombed. Lytle (listed as
"Major Charles Lytle" in the official casualty list) received a posthumous purple heart medal. In 1946, the American
Legion granted a temporary charter to Charles Major Lytle Post 274-A, under sponsorship of the local American Legion
Post 274, which was run by Anglo veterans. Sixteen charter members of post 274A met in the Masonic Hall and the Negro
USO Club until completion of their own building in 1953 on lots donated by philanthropist Judge James R. Dougherty. His
son, Dudley T. Dougherty, made further contributions and offered support at meetings. The facility hosted the Negro
American Legion Convention in 1953, with post commander lymas langley, jr. Presiding. In 1955, the post officially
incorporated as charles major lytle american legion post 818. In the era of segregation, the post served as a community
meeting place. For instance, from 1956 to 1963, African American graduates of A.C. Jones High School, barred from
attending the school's prom, held their own prom at the post. Graduates of the segregated Lott-Canada school used the
post for proms until 1963. In addition to Langley, other post leaders were John Mayberry, Ben Lott, George Mccarty, and
Eugene Langley. In 1997, due to declining membership, the post donated its building to the Jones Chapel United Methodist
Church and Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church, jointly. Jones Chapel turned its share over to Bethlehem. After serious
consideration Bethlehem gave sole ownership to the Lott-Canada Alumni Association for its reunions and other
celebrations. (2014)