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ZEPHYRHILLS, Fla. — An American Legion Post is looking to raise some funds to help save an iconic building.
American Legion Post 118 has a long history in the area, thanks to its building, Gar Hall. Years of neglect and a few natural causes have warped the building over time, but work to preserve the historic landmark is underway.
“It’s been here a long time,” says Gary Douglas, financial officer of American Legion Post 118. “It’s been a central part of the Zephyrhills community.”
At American Legion Post 118, visitors can find a window to the past. A past shared with the City of Zephyrhills.
“This is the front porch, which we hope to have completely rebuilt,” says Douglas. “We need new steps to make them a little bit more accessible. These are kind of tough for people to get up. Although we do have a handicap ramp off to the side that comes up to the back, but this is all going to be redone hopefully with our restoration project.”
Douglas is the post’s financial officer. He and his wife, Sandy, got involved with the American Legion this year. Saying they fell in love with the building and wanted to help.
“We love the old architecture and stuff,” he said. “We saw this, and we came in, and this is just amazing, it really is. When we found out this building and that there was possibly going to be a change of regime, that was going to be really into fixing the building up and, of course, helping the veterans is a little treat to go along with that, too. It’s a two-fer.”
The building, famously known as Gar Hall, was built in 1910 by Union Civil War veterans. Serving as a meeting place for Garfield Post 39, Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) and a community center. A structure that has seen history.
“We were worried about different things that we saw- leaks in the roof and holes in the floor — and we’re going how are we going to take this?” said Douglas. “We’re doing the best we can. And then, of course, with Senator Burgess’ submittal for the grant and the subsequent approval, it’s going to take a big load off our shoulders.”
A $500,000 grant has been approved by the state that will help with repairs.
“The building with the grant has the opportunity to preserve a lot of the historic character of the GAR and American Legion as well as the City of Zephyrhills,” said William McCaw, historic preservation specialist for the City of Zephyrhills.
Gar Hall is one of 129 properties within the city’s historic district. An important factor, McCaw says, to preserving the area’s history.
“They tell the story of the history of the city as much as any person would,” said McCaw. “You can look at the buildings, the newspaper articles, and what was the purpose of the building? How did it serve the community over the years and how will it continue serving in the future?”
It’s that future that Douglas and the rest of the current American Legion post members want to help shape. Bringing the hall back to its former glory.
“We want this place to not only be a historic thing for the city and for the community, but also for our veterans,” said Douglas. “Our main goal is to have a nice, friendly, calm place to come in and relax.”
For those interested in getting involved in helping the American Legion Posts’ building, Douglas says you can make a donation in person.
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Calvin Lewis
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