(Atlantic) Atlantic Rock Island Society Enterprise Board of Directors is asking for the public’s support to preserve the American Legion Building (Old Armory), an endangered historic building and center of community activities past, present, and future.
A.R.I.S.E. President Steve Livengood says the windows and the drill of the facility were blown out during the December 15th, Derecho. Livengood says the building is approaching 100 years old.
Livengood says many windows are boarded over, which is temporary and does not prevent damage from outside weather extremes. He says irreplaceable artifacts are in danger of being damaged or destroyed. The windows must be replaced as soon as possible, and the insurance covers only a small cost. Livengood says the estimated window replacement cost is $80,000.
Livengood says the building is essential because it was built for World War II veterans and continues to honor all veterans and their families. He says it was the departure point for Company K to fight in WWII, so it is designated as a National Historic Site. For generations, Livengood says the Military Museum, Military Library, and Atlantic History Center have been used for businesses, organizational meetings, family reunions, class reunions, and varied events.
People can donate with a check payable to ARISE and mail it to ARISE, P.O. Box 1, Atlantic, Iowa, 50022. The gift is tax-exempt.
