Town meetings held in 1924 and 1925 voted down $12,000 to erect a building for the American Legion.
In 1926, Dr. and Mrs. Jolliffe of Ware offered a gift of land on Maple Street where the American Legion is presently located. In a deed dated September 27, 1926 it was stipulated that: "THE PREMISES SHALL BE FOREVER USED AND AT ALL TIMES KEPT AND MAINTAINED AVAILABLE FOR USE AS A MEMORIAL TO SOLDIERS, SAILORS AND MARINES, WHO HAVE SERVED THE NATION FROM THE TOWN OF WARE IN THE NATION'S WARS."
Work on the building began in September 1926 by H.P. Cummings Construction Company.
In addition to the gift of land, there was an anonymous donation of $1,000 to insure the use of brick construction so that the building would "Harmonize" with other public structures in town.
The architect, Thomas E. Madigan, donated his commission, which was estimated to be about $600 which was considered a large amount of money in 1927.
Formal opening of the building took place on Washington's Birthday in 1927 at which time the trustees officially placed the memorial in the hands of the Earle F. Howe Post No. 123 of the American Legion.
