Markus Thoreson contacted 17 WW I ex-servicemen in November 1919, and they met in his office on November 22, 1919, and applied to the State Department for a charter. This was approved at Department Headquarters in November 1919, and a charter issued at National Headquarters December 23, 1919. The following officers were elected: Commander M. A. Thoreson, Vice Commander H. H. Hagen, Adjutant W. A. Eiden, Finance Officer J. B. Westley, Sgt. at Arms George Bjor, Historian Erick Stone, Chaplain O. H. Hoffman. The other members were: Soren Krag, Lester Moore, Alfred Swingen, Carl H. Johnson, Bert A. Olson, Peder Falstad, Otelius Aaker, Earl H. Bustrack, Nick C. Cederson, Olaf H. Stafney. The officers held over in 1920. The number of the Post was 113, and named after the first war fatality from Hannaford, Mervin J. Armstrong, the son of Mr. and Mrs. John Armstrong. By the end of 1920, the membership was 32.
In 1923, construction of a ski slide was started. The new slide was completed by January 8, 1924.
In the years following the completion of the ski slide, numerous tournaments were held in Hannaford. One tournament included a special train secured on the Great Northern from Page to Hannaford. This train brought 103 skiers and spectators.
The Mervin J. Armstrong Post No. 113, has sent at least one boy to Boys State nearly every year since 1941.
Other activities the Legion has been involved with include improving the swimming area, Jr. Legion Baseball, Boy Scouts of America, and others.
The North Dakota American Legion, Eastern Division, bowling tournament was held in Hannaford on three weekends in March 1974. There were 53 teams, 107 doubles, and 216 singles entered. Hannaford also hosted the state roll-off on the following weekend when the best from the west met the best from the east to determine state champions. All roll-off bowlers were then guests of the Mervin J. Armstrong Post No. 113, for a banquet.
The Mervin J. Armstrong Post No. 113, decided to clean up the city of Hannaford in the Spirit of 76. This was started in the fall of 1974, by demolishing the old locker plant building. Demolishing of other buildings is also planned.
Current officers of Post 113, are: Commander Michael Fliflet, Vice Commander John Bakken, Finance Officer John Grover, and Adjutant Roland J. Johnson.
Source: Hannaford Area History North Dakota Centennial 1889 - 1989 Page 32