POST 690 in PALATINE ILLINOIS
75th Anniversary of Legion Home
On Memorial Day the American Legion Post 690 building will celebrate it's 75th year of service as the "home" of the Post 690 Legion Family. The Legion turns 99 this year having been officially chartered in 1924. The original Palatine members started organizing in 1920. The founders of Post 690 were the World War I veterans of the Palatine area, along with the American Legion Auxiliary--then the female relatives of the returning veterans.
In 1955, the Palatine Historical Society published a history of Palatine in observance of the Palatine Centennial. The following is an excerpt from a book published for that celebration:
As a young organization the first thought was directed toward money making projects. A July 4th celebration netted them only $29.78. The profits from the concessions awarded them at the county fairs were as small as were the concessions.
The net profit of a dance held in 1922 was only $15.
If the enthusiasm in the early years ran low, it was the Legion Auxiliary which kept alive the dream of the Legion for a home of its own.
The Auxiliary had a way of saving money and in 1922 purchased the land on which the Legion building now stands. The cost was $4700. The two organizations agreed to go 50-50 on a building.
As the more fluent years arrived in the late 1930's, the profits from the carnivals began to pile up and plans for the building became nearer to realization each succeeding year. It became a reality in 1948. Legion members and friends of the Legion made generous donations of time and material, and today the present building stands as a memorial to all who have served in the two World Wars.
Centennial Book, Palatine Illinois, 1855-1955
Today, the American Legion Post 690 Family continues to meet and hold many events in the building with roots back to the early 1920's, and brick and mortar from the late 1940's. The building features a Club Room, which is the oldest continuously operating bar in Palatine. The Club Room is open to everyone. Recently renovated, the Club Room provides an enjoyable place to meet friends and make some new ones too. Our newest addition are four video gaming machines, along with an ATM pay station. This is true neighborhood gathering place. Built and run by the veterans of Palatine.
In addition to our Club Room the Legion offers the Club Hall, which is a perfect venue for parties, meetings, catered meals and other events. Family parties, receptions, training classes and corporate meetings of 85 people or less can be economically provided. A full bar can be a part of the event.
Please feel free to stop in, visit some Palatine history and join us in celebrating the 75th anniversary of the "Legion Home". Members and non-members are welcome.
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