NEWPORT BEACH : Legion Post to Celebrate Its 70th Year

The city’s American Legion Post is, well, very Newport Beach.

The hall’s nautically themed lounge sits on the shores of Newport Bay, offering the kind of water and harbor views usually associated with the city’s pricey restaurants and million-dollar beach homes.

Just outside the lounge is the post’s own 50-slot marina, home to the only American Legion yacht club in the country.

Members of Post No. 291 take pride in the distinctiveness and beauty of their hall, which turns 70 years old this month. They plan a gala anniversary party Saturday.

“I think people are attracted by the camaraderie as well as by the water location,” said Legion Commander Pat Dolan, noting that the post’s nearly 1,600 members make it the fourth-largest in the state. “This is a water-oriented community.”

The hall has been a popular meeting place for veterans since it was opened in 1924 by 37 World War I soldiers.

No World War I veterans remain active in the group today, but the post does boast of members who served in World War II and the Korean, Vietnam and Gulf wars.

Lounge bar manager Bill Murray said the tone of the post has changed in the 20 years that he’s been a member.

“Back then, you heard a lot more war stories. People talked a lot about politics,” Murray said. “Now, you hear a lot fewer war stories. The people don’t want to sit around the bar and argue. They want to come and enjoy themselves.”

Membership has more than doubled over the past two decades, as Vietnam veterans--at first uncomfortable about getting involved in veterans groups--began joining the legion, said Dolan, himself a Vietnam-era soldier.

In recent years, the number of World War II vets has decreased and more military personnel from the Panama invasion and Operation Desert Storm have become active.

“We have a lot more diversity in the group now,” Murray said. “Back then, everyone knew one another. Now it’s a much more informal club.”

The post faced its biggest crisis in 1979 when a fire caused serious damage to the building.

But members gathered together and within a year had rebuilt the structure--without any assistance from the city or any government agency.

Some members helped with the construction work, while others served sandwiches and drinks.

“Everyone banded together and helped out,” said Trish Ward, the post’s office manager. “Everyone is very proud about what we accomplished.”

Today, the hall is used by community groups for meetings and activities. The post’s bar and restaurant remain a popular hangout for members.

It is decorated with antique maritime items as well as military and legion keepsakes and awards.

As an organization, the legion sponsors many community programs, including awards for outstanding Newport Beach students.

It also works with patients in veterans’ hospitals.

Occasionally, the group invites severely ill veterans to the post, where they are taken on a harbor cruise and treated to lunch.

“These are people who are in a world of pain. We take them in their gurneys for the boat trip,” Dolan said.

“It’s a very humbling thing. You get the feeling that (there) for the grace of God go I.”