American Legion Post 43, in Hollywood, California was founded in 1919 by World War I veterans in the motion picture business such as founding members Cecil B. DeMille, Walter Long, and Adolph Menjou. Known as the "Post to the Stars", past members have included Hollywood luminaries such as Gene Autry, Humphrey Bogart, Ernest Borgnine, Clark Gable, Charlton Heston, Stan Lee, Ronald Reagan, Mickey Rooney, and Rudy Vallee.[2]
| Hollywood Post 43 The American Legion | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Location | 2035 North Highland Ave. Los Angeles, California |
| Coordinates | 34°06′29″N 118°20′16″W / 34.10806°N 118.33778°W |
| Built | 1929 |
| Architect | Gene and Joe Weston |
| Architectural style(s) | Egyptian Revival |
| Designated | 3 November 1989[1] |
| Reference no. | 462[1] |
  Location in Los Angeles County | |
Many of the post's World War II celebrity members served in the Army Air Forces' First Motion Picture Unit, stood up by Lt Col Jack Warner, at the request of General "Hap" Arnold, to create recruitment and training films. Lt Reagan served as the unit's personnel officer. The First Motion Picture Unit is survived today as the U.S. Air Force's 4th Combat Camera Squadron, which still maintains ties to the post.[3][4]
The post's historic clubhouse was completed in 1929, formally opening its doors on July 4th.[5] It was built in the Egyptian Revival style by architects and fellow Legionnaires, Gene and Joe Weston, also known for the NRHP listed Amelia Earhart Library. The property features an iconic art-deco bar that has since become a popular filming location. Its 6,000 square foot theater has been a popular venue for studios to introduce new stars to the veteran community since its inception, and recently completed a multi-million dollar renovation to bring it up to date with modern digital sound and projection technology in 2019.[2][6]
Unlike many posts around the country, Post 43 has been able to maintain its relevancy into the 21st century, attracting many of the recent veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan with its forward thinking leadership continuing to partner with Hollywood and assist transitioning veterans into the many technical roles needed in Hollywood.[7]
The property was recognized by the City of Los Angeles, Cultural Heritage Commission, Cultural Affairs Department Historic-Cultural Monument No. 462 on November 3, 1989, and by the Windsor Square-Hancock Park Historical Society landmark #101 in 2010.[8]
In popular culture
editThe property has been featured in many film and television shows, including Squadron of Honor, The Shining, Star Trek, and American Crime Story.[9]
See also
editExternal links
editReferences
edit- ^ a b Los Angeles Department of City Planning - Office of Historic Resources. "Designated Historic-Cultural Monuments".
- ^ a b "American Legion Post 43: Serving a New Generation of Veterans". Discover Hollywood. Retrieved 19 July 2023.
- ^ Betancourt, Mark (March 2012). "World War II: The Movie". Smithsonian Magazine.
- ^ "1st Motion Picture Unit". Together We Served. Retrieved 4 August 2024.
- ^ Harrison, Scott (5 July 1929). "Hollywood American Legion building is dedicated". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 16 January 2019.
- ^ "ALL ABOUT the Legion Theater at Post 43". Los Angeles Historical Theatre Foundation. Retrieved 19 July 2023.
- ^ Swann, Jennifer (3 September 2018). "Veterans bring Hollywood sizzle to Legion Post". KCRW.
- ^ "Hollywood American Legion Post 43". Historical Marker Database. Retrieved 19 July 2023.
- ^ "Filming Location Matching "The American Legion, Hollywood Post 43"". IMDb. Retrieved 20 July 2023.
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