The county is studying whether to go ahead with a $43-million renovation of the 10-story building, which opened in September 1926 and still has the original boiler system. (Anne Cusack / LAT)
A Civil War drum is among the many items donated to the hall. (Anne Cusack / LAT)
The lobby of Bob Hope Patriotic Hall features a marble floor and vaulted arches, reflecting the neo-Italian Renaissance style of the architecture. Display cases hold military relics from many U.S.-fought wars. (Anne Cusack / LAT)
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Former Marine Jesse J. “Jay” Morales holds a historic photo found in the boxes of memorabilia. (Anne Cusack / LAT)
Jim Meyer, building manager for the Bob Hope Patriotic Hall, stands near a propeller from a B-25 bomber. (Anne Cusack / LAT)
Richard Ledesma, a Vietnam vet who served in the Marines, is concerned about Bob Hope Patriotic Hall and all the military memorabilia it contains. (Anne Cusack / LAT)
Ricahrd Ledesma is reflected in a bookcase containing an entire set of War of the Rebellion Official Record of the Union and Confederate Armies. Some veterans claim a representative from the Smithsonian Institution said there are perhaps only two complete volumes of this in the world. (Anne Cusack / LAT)
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The flag at right dates back to the Civil War. It is on display in the Lincoln Room. (Anne Cusack / LAT)
Military memorabilia stuffed into a cardboard box. Some veterans feel it has been poorly cared for. (Anne Cusack / LAT)
