Harry O. Vold

Harry Odin Vold was a World War I veteran, longtime Stoughton resident, businessman and active member of Otis Sampson Post 59. His connection to his fellow veterans extended throughout his life, from his leadership of Post 59 to organizing reunions for the men with whom he had served during World War I.

Harry Vold was born July 18, 1897, in Stoughton, Wisconsin, the son of Ole and his wife, whose family raised Harry and his siblings in the Stoughton area.

During World War I, Vold served in the U.S. Army with Company K of Wisconsin's 32nd Division.

His association with Company K remained important to him long after the war ended. In 1947, nearly three decades after World War I, Vold served as chairman of a reunion of the old Company K, 32nd Division. About 35 to 40 veterans attended.

Vold apparently did such a good job organizing the gathering—and preparing the dinner—that his fellow veterans elected him permanent chairman of future Company K reunions. The newspaper good-naturedly described him as the reunion's “chief cook and bottlewasher.”

It is a wonderful glimpse into the lasting bonds between the men who had served together during World War I.

Harry married Helen Gjestson, daughter of Herman and Mrs. Gjestson of Stoughton. Following their wedding, the couple initially went to Rockford, Illinois, where Harry was employed.

Harry and Helen later made their home in Stoughton and had a daughter, Shirley, who later became Mrs. Owen Olson. Harry eventually became the grandfather of two girls, Monica and Cynthia.

Vold became an active member of Otis Sampson Post 59 and served in Post leadership before becoming Commander.

During Alvin Loverud's administration, Vold served as First Vice Commander. In June 1937, his fellow Legionnaires elected him to succeed Loverud as Commander.

Vold therefore led the Post during the term recorded in Post 59 history as 1938.

Serving with him were Ole Cleven as First Vice Commander, Hans Tronnes as Second Vice Commander, Glenn Blakley as Adjutant, Edor J. Everson as Finance Officer, Rev. Merton L. Aldridge as Chaplain, Ole Cleven as Graves Registrar, Ole Dvergedahl as Sergeant-at-Arms, Oscar Jerdee as Athletic Officer and Palmer E. Henderson as Service Officer.

His election continued an interesting pattern we're now uncovering among Post 59's early leadership: many of these men weren't simply members of the same Legion Post. They had shared the experience of World War I and remained closely involved with veterans' affairs for decades afterward.

Vold spent much of his working life in Stoughton.

He managed several local garment factories and was associated with businesses including the Stoughton Garment Company. Later in life, he also spent two years as chef at the local country club.

But Harry apparently had an inventive streak as well.

In 1954, a newspaper featured an invention of his called the “Fisherman's Muff.” Designed for ice fishermen, it combined hand protection with practical storage. The muff had a sheepskin lining, a durable outer covering, a hand warmer and even a zippered pocket containing paper towels for wiping hands after handling fish.

The article reported that the product was being manufactured in Stoughton.

It's one of those smaller details that helps bring Harry to life beyond the dates and offices he held.

Harry remained active in veterans' affairs throughout his life.

His involvement with the reunions of Company K is particularly meaningful. Decades after returning from World War I, he was still bringing his former comrades together and helping preserve the friendships formed through their military service.

That same commitment was reflected in his years with the American Legion and his service as Commander of Post 59.

Harry Vold died September 16, 1965, at the Veterans Hospital in Madison following an illness and operation. He was 68 years old.

His obituary remembered him as a well-known Stoughton resident and specifically noted that he had been active in veterans' affairs throughout his lifetime as a member of the American Legion.

He was survived by his wife Helen, daughter Shirley, two granddaughters, two sisters and a brother.

Harry Vold's story is about more than his year as Commander of Post 59.

He was part of the generation of Stoughton men who served during World War I, came home and helped build the American Legion into an important part of their community.

And Harry never forgot the men with whom he served.

Nearly thirty years after the war, the veterans of his old Company K were still gathering together—and they chose Harry Vold to be the man responsible for keeping those reunions going.

That may tell us as much about Harry as any title he ever held.