Stephenville's American Legion Hall is a venerable old building whose massive stone walls make it look, from a distance, impregnable. Its history is not only that of our nation's wars, but of its greatest peacetime initiative, ‘The New Deal.’ Designed by nationally known architect, Wyatt C. Hedrick, the building was constructed by the National Youth Administration, one of many New Deal projects from which communities across the nation benefitted during the economic depression of the 1930’s. The hall was dedicated in 1940 and has been America Legion Post 240’s meeting place since.
By 1989, the 50-year structure was in desperate need of complete renovation or face demolition. The walls and foundation remained sturdy, but the roof, ceiling, gutters, wood trim and windows all needed repair or replacement. A major renovation was undertaken in 1990 to restore the building to a usable state. The fund-raising project, and oversight of renovation, was led by HONORARY LIFE MEMBERS, Brad Thompson, Ben McCollum, and John Rogers. Approximately $95,000 was raised, and the renovated building, with new kitchen addition, was completed in 1992.
Today, 32 years since the last major renovation, the old building continues to proudly serve membership. Annual TLC (tender loving care) has resulted in moderate facelifts beginning in 2016. Two meeting rooms received new carpet; South windows with wood trim were replaced; Interior was repainted; Wooden floor in main meeting room was refinished; Chairs were replaced; A/C Unit replaced; Outdoor signage updated with LED digital sign addition, and the Auxiliary Unit 240 meeting room now proudly displays a built-in credenza with much needed file and other storage and accessible credenza top storage for access to training library and unit history.
Post and Unit 240 regular 3rd Tuesday monthly meetings begin at 6:00PM with Auxiliary preparing and serving a buffet meal followed by Post & Auxiliary meetings at 7:00PM. Meetings normally conclude at 8:00PM.
