DIXON, CA (MPG) - With a capacity of 300, the Veterans Memorial Hall at 1305 North First Street has been a popular venue for wedding receptions, Quinceañeras, birthdays, dances, classes, memorial gatherings, Bingo nights, and an annual weekend of Christmas trees and holiday cheer. Surrounded by flags and awards, their weekly dinners brought a steadfast group of patrons, mostly seniors, who especially enjoyed the laughter and teasing of local friends. But, for the last six months, as the pandemic ravaged America’s economy, the American Legion Post 208 in Dixon has been silent.

“We are requesting the County to take the building back over,” said Commander Wayne Holland at a recent meeting of veterans. The dozen men and women, some wearing leather ‘Veteran Riders’ jackets seemed surprised or indignant. Some seemed resolved. Holland and the Board have been struggling to pay bills and find solutions for months but hoped if they could open, they could recoup lost revenue to some degree.

With the COVID restrictions lingering, they are only able to have 50 people maximum inside but it costs hundreds to open for even a small group due to utilities such as water, electricity, and air conditioning.

“Our sewer is $350 a month and that’s doing nothing. The standard rate for all businesses that have oversized sewage drains are paying for waste management and it cost us a minimum of $325 a month,” Holland said. The group’s certified letter to the County has been acknowledged and Dale Eyeler who handles Solano County properties has told them they will look into the situation to see what they can do. 

Holland, who has lived in Dixon 40 years and in the Dixon organization 11 years, explained that other cities such as Vallejo, Vacaville and even Rio Vista have the benefit of various groups like the Vietnam Veterans, Disabled American Veterans, etc. so six or seven different groups all share the responsibilities, upkeep, and costs of one building.

“Though the group has 189 members who pay an annual membership of $45 a year, many do not live in Dixon and are scattered all over,” said Holland about the number of volunteers who might help more. “People are busy. The priority is not there and I didn’t join until I was over 50 for the same reason of raising a family,” he added.

“We have shut off everything we can including cable, wi-fi, etc. We are down to one freezer and one fridge and all coolers are shut down,” said Leah Marlin, Women’s Auxiliary Vice President and Hall Manager. She did give some good news: With shutting everything off, PG&E has been reduced from $1,800 down to $900 a month.

This building has been in the care of the local veterans for about ten years. It was in February of 1920 that a committee composed of local service men proceeded with the formation of a post of The American Legion in Dixon.

And this isn’t the first time the county was asked to take it back. They received their Charter in 1920 and in 1924 their building opened. But, within ten years, the American Legion Memorial Building was sold back to Solano County due to the Depression.

“We’ve been promised every election that they are going to help us. Then they get elected and they look away,” said Marlin with apparent frustration.

“My most optimistic hope is that they take over the building, let us meet there once a month, and let us have two Saturdays a year for fundraisers,” said Holland. “It would take a big burden off but that being said, there’d be no Friday dinners. We don’t have that many people that help. Hopefully, they would put a management person in there to rent it out.”

Holland also announced that there would be no Veterans Day activities this year.

The heartfelt closing prayer at the meeting was said by Roger Schaller.

“Lord…You have always guided us. Sometimes outcomes have been favorable; sometimes not so favorable but with your guidance, we’ve always accomplished our goals…Amen.”