Wallowa Legion Hall becomes community building
Published 8:00 am Sunday, April 20, 2025
Needs much refurbishment work at estimate of $200,000-$250,000
WALLOWA — The Kruse Post 72 of the American Legion at Wallowa has worked out a deal to transfer ownership of its building to a community group interested in creating a place for a variety of uses.
“It’ll become the Wallowa Community Legion Hall,” said Nora Hawkins, one of the key representatives of the nonprofit community group.
Because of donation, the Legion will get to use it for 25 years.
“We’re going to keep it focused on community members, veterans, Americans,” Hawkins said.
Maria Tye, commander of the Kruse Post, said the building was constructed around 1887. It predates the Legion, which was formed by an Act of Congress in 1919 after World War I, which ended the year before.
The building has gone through several incarnations, including being the home of the Wallowa Sun, a predecessor of the Wallowa County Chieftain.
But the building is now in poor condition and unsuitable for either Legion or community use. It has serious water damage in the roof, as well as needing a paint job and interior work. The roof itself was replaced after the 2022 hailstorm, as was the siding on two sides. But much inside needs doing.
Nora’s sister Mary Hawkins said floors, restrooms and the kitchen all need to be replaced. The north and east exterior walls need siding and the yard and adjacent lot can be refurbished into a community garden and outdoor program space as volunteers come forward.
Mary Hawkins estimated the work will take a year or two, depending on the speed with which donations and grants are received. They have a contractor’s bid for fundraising purposes, but welcome additional bids.
Tye estimated the cost to refurbish the structure will be $200,000-$250,000. She’s not yet sure where that will come from other than donations and grants.
The community group has formed as an Oregon 501(c)(3) called Omprakash, which supports the work of small and start-up community projects with fiscal sponsorship, training resources, volunteer management and other services.
One event that may help takes place this summer when the post sponsors the visit to the county of the traveling replica of the Vietnam Veterans Wall, which includes panels for those lost in Iraq and Afghanistan. It will be displayed July 12 at the Enterprise Elks Lodge at 211 E. North St. There also will be a Northeast Oregon Veterans Outreach Seminar at the lodge.
Tye said it costs the post $2,500 to sponsor the 24-foot-wide panels.
“We’re hoping to get some donations,” she said. “This is a very important public relations asset and I’m hoping (the wall) will bring in people from all five counties.”
Tye’s husband, Randy Tye, is district commander for Region 6 of the Legion in Oregon. Region 6 encompasses Baker, Morrow, Umatilla, Union and Wallowa counties.
Maria Tye said the last time the wall was brought to the area the weather was less than tourist-friendly.
“Last time, we were asked if we could have it when the weather’s better. We said, ‘Yes. And would you come?’ And the people said they would,” she said.
She’s hoping they’ll bring donations, as well as money to spend locally.
“I think they’ll come. They’re all going to be coming over here,” she said. “It’s going to be a big draw.”
To donate to the Legion hall project, visit tinyurl.com/legiondonation. For more information, email wallowacommunitylegionhall@gmail.com.
