Sipe-Peterson, Post 44 of the American Legion, founded in May 1935, is Scottsdale’s oldest, continuously active civic organization. Considering Scottsdale’s population in 1940 was estimated at 2,500, starting a Legion Post was certainly a leap of faith.
The Post was established by a group of World War I veterans who resided around the small unincorporated community of Scottsdale. At the time the Post was established, it was very likely the first corporate organization in the area, a quiet rural farm area where the chief products were the fine dairy cattle.
Land was purchased in 1949 on 1st Street and the first home for Post 44 was built. This was done with volunteer labor and material contributions by members and friends. The first building served as a community center where many local organizations met (and still do!).
The Post name was changed to Sipe-Peterson Post 44 on February 21, 1949 in memory of Travis Sipe and Clayton Peterson who lost their lives in Word War II.
Post 44 moved to its present location in 1994. Since its inception, over fifty Legionnaires have served as Commander and the membership has grown to approximately 1000 combined members (Legion, Auxiliary and Sons).
Today is continues to serve the community and is a meeting place for several community organizations. It also continues to serve Patriotic functions.
We support a Boy Scout troop (Troop 440) and support our adopted military unit the 91st Civil Support Team.
Scottsdale, as many Arizona communities expanded greatly during the War Years, growing to over 10,000 by 1960. By 1980 the population had grown to 88,000 and by 2010 to 217,000.
The Post currently consists of approximately 700 members. Our SAL unit adds a further 150 and our Auxiliary unit totals slightly over 300 members for a total of 1,150.