Regional Interests

NE Portland American Legion Post Gets Lit

Oregon Public Broadcasting | By April Baer

Published December 16, 2016 at 6:30 PM PST

Ever been in an American Legion hall?

They’re not fancy, but for a certain generation they’re as familiar as the corner taproom. They're the place to go for a chat, cheap drinks and of course, monthly bingo — not to mention the assurance of finding people who’ve experienced military service.

So how do you convert a failing American Legion post into an oasis of community and expression, where veterans rub shoulders with queer kids and street people mix with art curators?

We recently sat down with Davis, who — as you might remember — ran for Portland mayor last spring. He teaches writing at Mt Hood Community College and is the author of a memoir called "The Wax Bullet War." We were joined by Amelia McDanel — another Legion member, a Navy veteran and MFA grad of Antioch University-Los Angeles — who oversees the Legion Readers’ series at the post.

April Baer: How did you guys both get involved?

April Baer: Sean, had you ever hung out at a Legion hall before?

April Baer: Like key card access?

April Baer: Not every veteran has experiences related to their service they have to work through, but some do. What is it writing provides for people who’ve had this set of experiences?

Post 134 also opens the doors for live music, fundraisers, community meetings, potlucks and holiday fun. Dec. 21 is the next Legion Readers meeting, and the first Tuesday of each month is an Oregon Humanities discussion group, “War Stories,” which is the basis for the Post 134 Press Anthology. There are a total of eight different reading groups, including open mikes, so check out the Post’s Facebook page for all the latest.

On a related note: This week the East Portland Eagles Lodge #3256 on Southeast Hawthorne narrowly avoided relocation. Members resisted pressure to consolidate and sell the building, voting to stay in place. The lodge is one of those older fraternal organizations that used to be bedrocks of so many Oregon communities. Eagles #3256 was able to revive thanks to new members and creative events. (Their rummage sale is not your grandma’s — think DJs, a full bar and plenty of cool vintage wares and crafts.)

<p>Readings at Post 134 feature mostly local writers, but also the occasional out-of-towner, like San Jose's D'Angelo GIllespie.</p> — Readings at Post 134 feature mostly local writers, but also the occasional out-of-towner, like San Jose's D'Angelo GIllespie.

<p>Post Commander Sean Davis warms up the crowd at an October "Slush Pile" reading.</p> — Post Commander Sean Davis warms up the crowd at an October "Slush Pile" reading.