Marengo Legion hall nears completion

MARENGO — The American Legion, the Sons of the American Legion and the American Legion Auxiliary met recently to review the progress of the construction of the new American Legion hall in Marengo and to plan for its completion this fall.

The building is entirely enclosed, plumbing and wiring have been completed, the sheet rock is on the walls and, this week, the masonry as well as exterior sheeting will be completed.

A delay in the delivery of the main electrical circuit board has stalled the completion of the wiring and pushed back the finishing of the interior walls. The Legion is anxious for this phase to be completed.

The group was informed that it is about $120,000 short of reaching its final goal for the full construction. Of that amount, $40,000 is the coverage of the kitchen and bar equipment (stoves, ovens, cabinetry, counters).

The Sons and the American Legion Auxiliary have agreed to dip into their savings accounts to purchase the kitchen equipment with the understanding that those dollars will be returned over the course of the coming months as events sponsored by these groups receive revenue.

Everyone in the area has at some time attended an event in the American Legion Hall, and the Legion hopes that donations will meet the final goal soon.

Donations of any size are appreciated.

Every donation is tax deductible and will lead to the full completion of this project. Donations of $500 or more will be recognized on the Donor Wall.

To make a donation toward the kitchen and/or bar equipment, contact Morris Denson or Harold Rosenberry or mail to the Marengo American Legion, P.O. Box 232, Marengo, IA 52301.

Stipulate on the check that the donation is for the kitchen.

The Legion is proud of the fact that this project has been almost completely funded by the Marengo Community, its businesses and residents (present and former).

We trust that the remaining funds will still be secured to complete the project — giving the community a gathering place for many years to come.

The Sons are sponsoring a Last Bash and Dance event at the present Legion Hall Sept. 23 consisting of food service and a dance. This should rekindle memories for so many who have attended such events there over the course of the past 85 years.

The event will begin at 5 p.m. Food will be served until 7 p.m.

The dance will begin at 7 p.m. and run until 10 p.m. Freewill donations will be accepted. All proceeds will go toward the kitchen and bar installations.

A flag-raising is being planned for early October. The Legion will lower the flags at the present Legion hall and march the flags to the new hall at the north end of North Court Avenue. The community is invited to participate. Details will be announced later this month.