When you think of Marion County, an image of an Egyptian Revival-inspired building with prominent, white columns would probably not pop into your head. But for the American Legion Marion Post No. 62 and its 70+ strong members, this historic location brought a community together. 

Completed in 1926, the building serves as a clubhouse for the local American Legion, a nonprofit organization providing service and support for U.S. veterans. Club members officially meet once a month but have unlimited access to the clubhouse to socialize, relax, and, in recent years, watch sports.  

“Our monthly meetings are for members only, but we do hold open events where we invite the community to participate,” says Post Commander Mike Berryhill. “We held a Veterans Day Breakfast this past year, where we fed pancakes to the public and our members. Around 40 people joined us!” 

While maintaining the history and original infrastructure of the clubhouse is important to the leadership of Marion Post No. 62, their main priority is ensuring members have the resources they need. Through the years, they have updated the clubhouse’s amenities and renovated the inside of the building to include a charming event hall people can rent for weddings and receptions, parties, performances, concerts, and seminars. Funds from renting out the event hall and membership dues are then used to add more amenities for members, the most recent of which include a remodeled basement, kids’ room, and bathroom. 

“Our mission is to reach out to veterans to join us and to join the community,” says Berryhill. “We want to be a support for them. Renovating the post is only the start. We invite veterans of all age groups to be a part of our American Legion chapter.”

For more information on the American Legion Marion Post No. 62 and how you can join, contact Post Commander Mike Berryhill at mberryhill1960@gmail.com.