The Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) was organized in 1866 by General John A. Logan and Dr. Benjamin Stephenson, both Union veterans of the Civil War. The GAR operated as a veterans support organization, providing pensions for disabled veterans, their widows and orphans. It was the largest Union veterans' organization.The GAR was comprised of posts in individual cities. Posts within a state made up Departments, and - as a whole - these Departments made up the National organization. Most, though not all, Posts were segregated organizations with separate posts for white and black veterans. Atlantic City maintained two, segregated Posts. General Joseph Hooker Post 32 was the white veterans group, and Martin Delaney Post 54 was the black veterans group. Post 32 was named for General Joseph Hooker, who led the Army of the Potomac at the Battle of Chancellorville, Virginia. Joseph Hooker Post 32 was established on September 1 1897 and remained active through 1931. At its inception, it was made up of 279 members and was located at 31 South New York Avenue in Atlantic City. White veterans groups such as Post 32 held meetings and events at the All Wars Memorial Building, located at 814 Pacific Avenue. The building was opened on April 24, 1924 and boasted a 600-seat auditorium and a dining room that seated 280. This building was purchased and demolished by the Trump organization in the 1990s. Black groups, such as Post 54 convened at the Northside All Wars Memorial Building, or the Old Soldiers' Home, which was dedicated on August 15, 1925 and still stands at 1510 Adriatic Avenue.
From the description of Joe Hooker Post 32 Grand Army of the Republic Records. (Atlantic City Free Public Library). WorldCat record id: 759120531
