Manteca’s newest venue is also its oldest.
The venue is the American Legion Post 249 hall.
The post conducted an open house Wednesday at their renovated hall in the 200 block of East Yosemite Avenue.
“It’s more than we expected,” said Richard Silverman, post treasurer, of the $1.2 million modernization made possible with a large chunk of federal pass thru fund earmarked by the San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors.
The building was constructed in 1926 by the Mikesell family and officially donated to the Legion in 1929. For years, it was one of the prime venues in Manteca for renting space for wedding receptions and such.
Now that the renovations are done that included a new commercial kitchen, ADA complaint bathrooms, and other modern touches, the Legion is in the process of establishing rental rates to again allow community use of the post for various events.
“We believe there is a demand in Manteca for a nice small venue with a commercial kitchen,” Silverman said.
The post, in order to pay for finishing touches such as awnings as well as establish a reserve for maintenance and operations, is now selling commemorative bricks.
They are selling 200 bricks for installation in the entrance plaza.
The donation is $200 a brick for three lines with each line having up to 15 characters.
Bricks do not have to honor specific veterans. They could, for example, carry a company’s name with a message thanking veterans.
Almost 40 bricks have been sold so far.
For more information about the bricks, contact George Terry at 209-823-5665 or Silverman at 209-923-3354.
Wednesday’s open house event included the official unveiling of a gift from D.L. Builders, the contractor for the remodel. It consists of an American Legion emblem carved into wood salvaged from the old stage flooring that was placed in the flooring at the entry.
The open house was attended by more than 80 people.
The Legion post has 150 members
The post is actively seeking new members.
Membership if $40 a year
For more information contact Jeff Aksland at 209-454-0268.
To contact Dennis Wyatt, email dwyatt@mantecabulletin.com
