Post 317 History

KNOWLES-DOYLE POST 317

Application for Post of the American Legion was filed and forwarded to Mr. J Mitchell Chase, Department Commander of the American Legion, Department of Pennsylvania on August 10, 1925. Much like the original colonies, there were 13 incorporators from Yardley, Pa. joined by one from Roelofs, Pa and one from Trenton, New Jersey. The Charter was approved and issued by the National American Legion Headquarters August 13,1925 by James F. Barton, National Adjutant.

Our Charter along with the Auxiliary Charter hang Proudly by our Entrance door.

Our research indicates the names Knowles-Doyle, according to “Soldiers of the Great War” at the Carnegie Library in Pittsburgh, Pa, both participated in World War I.

Miriam E. Knowles and Corporal Edward Doyle

Miriam Knowles was a Nurse and member of the John Hopkins Hospital Unit, known as Base Hospital No. 18 which set sail for Europe just two months after the U.S. declared war on Germany in April 1917. Arriving in France, the group set up a permanent hospital base at Baziolles-sur-Meuse. Casualties were not limited to the soldiers, some nurses and doctors left for war and did not return home. Here Bessie Baker, 1902, Base Hospital No. 18 writes of the death of fellow nurse Miriam E. Knowles, in a letter dated November 15, 1917.

“This is a line to tell you of the death of Miriam E. Knowles[16]. She died November 12, 1917, of hermorrhagic scarlet fever, after five days of illness. We had thought her only ordinarily ill up until the morning of the fifth day when we realized she was desperately ill. At 4 p.m. she died. It seems very hard to us that she should have gone through all these months of pioneer work, and be taken just as the real work commenced.”

If you are looking for MS. Knowles grave in Yardley, go no further than the Cemetery by St. Andrews Church on Afton Avenue.

Miriam Knowles graduated from George School with the Class of 1908. She entered George School on September 22, 1903 and withdrew on June 17, 1909. She studied physics, physiology, math, English, Latin, French, domestic science, gym, and history.

Army Corporal Edward Doyle lived in Pennsylvania and was killed in action on 7 September 1918. He proudly served with the 28th Division, 111th Infantry Regiment, 28th Pennsylvania, Unit. He was awarded the World War I Victory Medal. The record of his burial is on the Tablets of the Missing at Oise-Aisne American Cemetery, Fere-en-Tardenois, France.

At this posting move research is being conducted, so stop back for further updates.

On August 28, 2006, the Sandord-Diletto Post #433 of Morrisville, Pa. was merged into Knowles-Doyle Post #317
at the direction of The Department of Pennsylvania and with the approval of The National Headquarters.

Knowles-Doyle Post 317 is the proud sponsor of the

Yardley Morrisville American Legion Baseball Club

Please visit our baseball teams website at www.yardleysharks.com

What We Do

Ceremonies

Each year on Veterans Day, Memorial Day, and at every meeting we honor those who fought for our nation, including the POWs/MIAs who remain unaccounted for today.
The SAL are involved in Legion ceremonies including Memorial Day and Veterans Day ceremonies
The Auxiliary are involved in Memorial Day Parade (ALA Unit Float, ALA Unit Poppy Queen, Poppy posters), Veterans Day Parade, and Funerals
American Legion Riders take part in ceremonies year-round including: Flag dedications, funerals, parades, and special events

Community Service

We annually have 2 SAL Scholarships. One to a High School Senior from Morrisville High School and a Senior from Lower Bucks County Technical School to help them with tuition going onto the college/school of their choice.
We Sponsor and pay for any High School student looking to attend the Keystone Boys State Program typically held in the summer for a week where the student(s) learn about how US Government works where they learn and do role playing.
The Yardley SAL every year lines the streets of Yardley Borough with American Flags that brings a patriotic feel to the Borough that is well received by the community.
SAL also supports the “Carry the Load” event in Yardley Borough by putting up flags for the event and supporting the event by attendance. SAL members with businesses also support the event financially.
American Legion Riders help families of veterans in need with charitable donations and food deliveries for our local neighbors
The Auxiliary has community service hours for transporting family members and veterans to hospitals, doctor’s appointments etc.

Annual Food Drive

American Legion Riders raises money by selling food during hours of operation and other special events to give back to those to those who fought valiantly for our great country

Memorial Maintenance

we maintain the Memorial landscaping on the East side of Afton Avenue by the Yardley Inn.
We support, assist and attend other Legion, Legion Auxiliary and Riders events when they are held. (Legion family events) Example: We just received a Thank you note for support of the Auxiliary “2021 Veterans Giving Tree” program. We help the Auxiliary with their Annual Flea Market that has grown into a successful event. (set-up and food sales)
We assisted with the funding of the newer bar stools a few years ago and financially support any other improvements needed at the Post including equipment, fixtures, etc.

Helping Veterans

We all help veterans 365 days a year, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
The SAL donates as needed to support our veterans in any way that we can financially or otherwise.
Giving Tree for veterans in six local area nursing homes (Attleboro Nursing & Rehab Center, Manor Care Health, Langhorne Gardens Rehab & Nursing Center, Silver Lake, Center, Statesman, Health & Rehab Center and Woodbourne Place)
Donations to Delaware Valley Veterans Home in Philadelphia
Donations to Department for activities at Delaware Valley Veterans Home

Donations to other American Legions

In 2021 we donated to the Lambertville American Legion that was significantly damaged by Hurricane Ida.