American Legion Post 30 Then and Now

Most Lorainites would recognize the above photo as the home of American Legion Post 30 on West Erie Avenue.

An interesting article ran on September 14, 1963 in The Journal, featuring the photo below, showing how the Post looked back then when it was for sale.

This is the way I see the building in my mind's eye, and I'm still not used to seeing the sawed-of version of it. Can anyone remember what happened, resulting in the shorter version of it?

Anyway, here is the article that explains why it was for sale at that time.

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Project Is Reportedly Developing

A king-size real estate development reportedly is being planned for the north side of W. Erie Ave. and south side of Second St., between Oberlin and Hamilton Avenues.

Several residents in the area today confirmed reports that they were contacted about optioning their properties to a local representative developer.

No information could be obtained on what type of real estate project is being planned.

There were reports, however, that the project could be either multiple apartment buildings or a large motel with restaurant.

The properties being sought include American Legion Post 30 at 1112 W. Erie Ave., the largest real estate parcel in the area of the development.

Meanwhile, the American Legion property has been put up for sale.

Alex Roth, Lorain realtor, has placed a "for sale" sign in front of the American Legion Home, a landmark on Lorain's West Side.

An official of the American Legion said a contact had been made about selling the property for a new development.

The Legion has occupied the property since the late 1920's.

It was learned that the Legion is interested in constructing a new building smaller than the present quarters, much of which is not being used.

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Well, whatever it was, the big development didn't happen, although American Legion Post 30 got their wish for smaller quarters.

By the way, I did a little research as to when the Post moved into that house.

Using strictly the city directories for information, the American Legion was at 732 Broadway in 1929. In 1933 they were at 200 1/2 Ninth Street. There is a huge gap in the available books, but the Post was at 1112 W. Erie by 1937 for sure.