Upstairs Downtown: Legion building echoes legend
Staff reporter
The hallowed staircase and halls of the former American Legion building at 324 E. Main, Marion, talk to you as you climb the never-ending staircase and enter the impressive hallway.
Many dances, receptions, meetings, and celebrations have taken place in this building since 1951 when it first opened.
A guest book indicated a reception was attended by many on June 23, 1951, to welcome the opening, not long before the 1951 flood ravaged Marion's downtown area.
A tiled hallway, reminiscent of a half-century ago remains in pristine condition. Knotty pine walls makes the interior seem strong and indestructible.
When entering the ballroom, you can almost hear the sound of laughter, music, and a forgotten era.
A glass light still hangs from the ceiling.
Owner Lloyd Davies was amazed at the overall condition of the building when he purchased it nearly seven years ago.
"It was as though they just had a dance here," he said. Coolers still worked and when one of his children plugged in the spotlight in the ballroom, time had not affected it. It worked, too.
Hardwood floors and pleated paneled walls look much as they did 50 years prior.
The pleated panels are called beaded paneling which resembles corrugated paneling with tight pleats.
A bar area is located just west of the ballroom. Many a cigar and drink were shared in this room by military veterans and guests. Original knotty pine remains.
Rosse Case said he and Bill Meyer were bouncers at dances.
Three large office spaces are located at the front of the building on the south side. The James William Miesse American Legion Post 22 had an office as did the draft board in the 1960s and early 1970s.
Today, it only holds memories of an era past.
Davies plans to clean up the rooms, have the floors buffed and waxed, and hopes to someday make it handicapped accessible.
A non-denominational Christian youth group meets in the ballroom on a weekly basis. Meetings also are held in the large area.
The downstairs is home to Great Plains Computers and Networking.
Before that, one of Marion's premier stores — Van's clothing store owned by Dorothy Varenhorst — was in that location.
When it first opened in 1951, Van's was on one side and Sanitary Market was on the other.
A half a century has passed since this building was erected with many people passing through the retail stores and Legion hall. If Davies' plans become a reality, this building will be vital and the center of activity for the next 50 years.
