“We Are Legion”: Mitchell Post 281 (Shelter Island,NY)

Two Lanes and a Revived American Legion Post.

Mar 05, 2025

Part of a series “We Are Legion”, exploring the waxing and waning role of American Legion posts. Many of these have community roles beyond their key role as a gathering place for veterans and their families. In many posts, as wars changed and generations shifted, membership has shrunk. Generational disconnect, population shifts, economics of maintaining these old buildings.

Some are finding their way.

Welcome to Mitchell Post 281.

The perfect mid-century vibes of a two lane alley.

Shelter Island, New York Census Data

Population: 2281 in approximately 800 households. 1

Median Age: 40

Median Home Price: $1,200,000

Median Per Capita Income: $56,722

Veteran Population: 6.8% of the population has veteran status

From the Shelter Island Reporter, Apr 16, 2023:
Shelter Island’s American Legion Post 281 saw a changing of the guard last week.
After more than nine years as the commander, Dave Clark is stepping down. Marine Corps veteran Zack Mundy has been sworn in to take his place.
Mr. Mundy is a 2010 graduate of Shelter Island School. He enlisted in the Marine Corps shortly after graduation and was deployed to Afghanistan, where he served his country with distinction.
Commander Clark, also a retired member of the Marine Corps, and fellow Marine Gunnar Wissemann, were in Beirut, Lebanon on October 23, 1983, when their barracks was attacked by a truck loaded with explosives, resulting in the deaths of 220 Marines and 21 other service personnel.2

Two of the coolest bowling lanes are tucked away in Post 281, on this small (30 square mile) island. The clatter of pins, and rolling thunder of the ball return are a testament to mechanics and dedication.