Eric G. Stewart Award

Is Hereby Awarded To

American Legion Washington Post 2

In Recognition of its Enduring Persistence to

Forest Grove’s Historical Heritage and Community Involvement

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The Forest Grove Historic Landmarks Board has chosen to bestow the 2024 Eric G. Stewart Award to Washington Post 2 of the American Legion.  The Legion, chartered in 1919, and its membership have been part of the Forest Grove community for more than a century and have been outstanding stewards of their Post building which has become a Main Street landmark.  Their constant care beginning with building upon the ashes of the former Odd Fellows Hall to recent building system upgrades while maintaining the architectural heritage of their building make Washington Post 2 worthy of this award.

The American Legion Hall is a two story brick building constructed in the Colonial style popular between 1910 and 1935.  The rectangular design is bilaterally symmetrical and includes a three-bay front facade with the center bay projecting forward slightly. This section features a pedimented gable cornice, staggered quoins, and a conventional shelf styled entablature entryway that is supported by two square wooden Doric pilasters decorated with wooden discs.  The recessed front entry sidewalls are paneled with the entry door being capped with a six light transom.  This red bricked flat-roof Colonial Revival building with white trim was built in the 1920’s as a memorial to soldiers and sailors who sacrificed their lives during World War I.  A blue cornerstone commemorating them is on the southwest corner of the building’s front facade.  Each window is  adorned with a  rowlock brick sill and topped with a soldier course of brick.  The five primary windows on the west elevation are capped by round-arched windows and keystones to provide extra light in the main meeting hall.

The American Legion Hall has always been home to Post 2 but it has also served the community well.  The Elks and several churches have enjoyed use of the building.  Mid century saw many dances after football games.  Currently, Boy Scout Troop 2060 and Regeneration Dance students ensure that young exuberant voices along with old tales of military life will continue to echo through the chambers of this historic building.  We are proud to present to the American Legion Washington Post 2 this year’s Eric Stewart award.  Current Legion Post 2 Commander, Layne Teague, will accept this award.