|Photo provided| Wally McMasters, at right, member of American Legion Post 1 and commander of VFW Post 4442 in Wheeling, takes a look at the renovated banquet room at the Post 1 home in Elm Grove.

WHEELING – American Legion Post 1 in Wheeling – the “oldest post in the United States” – now has a shiny, new and modern facility in which to operate, gather and offer veterans programs.

And it was all made possible because of a generous but anonymous benefactor, explained John Powell, American Legion Post 1 Home Corporation President. He explained the person stepped up not just to pay for renovation, but also make certain it exceeded the expectations of Post 1 members.

“The individual doesn’t want to be known,” Powell added.

The post first purchased the former Italian American Club at 45 Sycamore Ave. in Elm Grove for $20,000 in early 2022, but members knew then extensive renovations were needed.

“It was usable, but it wasn’t attractive,” Powell noted.

They began preparing for renovations by raising the first $115,000 to start the work, including donations from Ohio County commissioners and Wheeling City Council.

At the time, the projected cost for construction was $300,000, according to Powell.

“The individual came forward and knew that’s what we wanted. He willingly stepped up and not only graciously donated the money, but coordinated the construction and renovation process,” he said. “To be honest, I couldn’t even imagine the dollar figure he spent.

“The members of the post and the community are grateful for his generosity.”

Those who used the former IAC facility over the years are astounded over the improvements, Powell continued.

“This is going to be an affordable, premiere rental facility,” he added.

Construction started in January, and after much work “it is about 98% accomplished in a short period of time,” according to Powell. There is still some paving work in the parking lot that needs to be completed.

Local businesses such as Carney and Sloan, Bigfoots Concrete Coatings and Stewart Electric were among the vendors involved in the project, he said.

Powell described the updated bathrooms as “beautiful” – especially the women’s side with its pink swivel chairs at the vanity.

The banquet facility has undergone a complete facelift, and now has 1-inch, tongue-and-groove cherry wainscotting on its walls.

Before, there wasn’t even insulation in the walls, according to Powell. There is also now more lighting in the room.

The former steak fry pit has become an enclosed room for the facility, and a new pavilion with fire pit has been constructed in the former parking area.

Powell sees the redone outdoor space as ideal for weddings and wedding receptions.

Both the exterior and the interior have new paint. The kitchen has been upgraded and expanded, and there are talks happening with a local chef who wants to rent it regularly for catering jobs, Powell said.

The facility also has an enclosed deck where guests can gather. In addition, a former storage room has been turned into a members-only gathering room with three big-screen televisions and card tables.

“There’s a lot of great things that have happened,” Powell said. “The benefactor took our vision, and he had an even bigger vision. He said if I’m going to do it, we’re going to do it appropriately.

“I just have to reiterate how happy the members and community are for this improvement. It’s just great. It’s one of those things that’s hard to fathom … The potential use of the facility is unlimited.”

The initiative of Post 1 is to facilitate the spirit of the American Legion’s current campaign, “Be The One,” Powell said. He explained that motto means to “be the one to ask for help,” and “be the one ready to help.”

The American Legion was initially established to help veterans learn about what benefits are due them as a benefit of their military service. As an example, Powell sees many veterans who are unaware they may be entitled to disability money each year for something as simple as having broken a bone during their service.

If they now have arthritis as a result of that broken bone, they are eligible for compensation, according to Powell.

“And they deserve it,” Powell added. “Every veteran deserves to be compensated for injuries they sustained while on active duty.”

Those wishing to contact Post 1 about benefits should call 304-830-5987.

Others wanting to rent out the refurbished facilities can obtain information at 304-242-0325.