McDonald Ryan Post memorabilia

Thursday, February 16, 2017
Connie Jo Discoe/McCook Gazette

Dorothy Henton, vice president of the High Plains Historical Society and Museum in McCook, left, accepts the donation of framed historical memorabilia and a walnut memorial plaque from Liana and Harry Rich, representing American Legion McDonald Ryan Post 276 and its Auxiliary in Danbury. The plaque lists the 47 deceased members of the Legion post. The framed memorabilia that Dorothy holds tells the story of Dr. McDonald Ryan, the Danbury physician who offered his services when World War I was declared. It is Dr. Ryan in the oval photograph in the background, which is already a part of the museum's military collection. Dr. Ryan became a captain in the U.S. Army Medical Corps attached to the Aviation Department. After the war, he returned to his practice in Danbury and died on April 12, 1931, of pneumonia and heart trouble. He was 40 years old. After his death, the Danbury American Legion Post, formed in 1920, became known as the McDonald Ryan American Legion Post. The McDonald Ryan Post memorabilia will be displayed together on the mezzanine of the museum located at 413 Norris Avenue and open Tuesday through Saturday from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. There is no admission charge.

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