The Military Museum in Rockford, Wash., will open for visitors on May 27, 2012 in honor of Memorial Day and all veterans. The "Log Cabin Post" at Rockford is unique. The story of it's history was provided by Rockford Historical Society.
History of the Military Museum Building
The following article was published in the Washington State Legionnaire in January 1973 and describes the beginnings of what we now refer to as the Military Museum at 140 W Emma Street in Rockford, WA.
ROCKFORD- Edward Leehan Post 165 of The American Legion in Rockford – the Department of Washington’s "Log Cabin Post" – has a unique and colorful history going back more than 50 years.
The Post, formed in 1921, was named in honor of a local man who made the supreme sacrifice in defense of the country during World War I. The remaining members of his family long ago left this area.
The Rockford Post met for about a year with the Grand Army of the Republic veterans of the Civil War in their upstairs meeting rooms in the old Christian Church building which burned down many years ago. While the G.A.R. veterans were generous with their facilities, many Legionnaires felt they should have their own building. Soon, plans were formulated to erect a "Log Cabin Post."
All of the labor and much of the material was donated by the members at this time. The logs were cut and hauled by horses and bobsled from the vicinity of Mica Peak to the North of Rockford. The building has a large fireplace that was built from local basalt rock, which certainly lends character to the structure overall.
To pay for those materials not donated, dances were held in the Odd Fellows Hall, a car was raffled off and other money-raising schemes were used.
When the building was completed, a Fourth of July Celebration was sponsored by the Legion Post. It was a celebration which is well remembered by many "old timers" and one such as only a small country town could accomplish.
Following World War II a kitchen and restroom were added to the original structure by the many new members who joined the Post at this time. The original and main part of the building is in sound condition after 50 years of use and could well be there for at least another 50 years and more.
It may be that Rockford's "Log Cabin Post" is the only Legion Post in this area, or perhaps anywhere, that was built in this manner.
The members of this Post always have been active in community affairs, giving generously of their time and efforts to civic projects. A memorial has been placed in the city park by the members of this organization honoring those who gave their lives for their country during WW I, WW II and the Vietnam conflict.
The highlight of the year is the annual Smelt Feed, which provides funds to send one or more local high school boys to "Boy’s State."
The Post now has 28 members, some of which were charter members, who built the Log Cabin, and others who joined later. The Post membership is not large, but what it lacks in quantity it makes up for in enthusiasm and dedication – and always may be counted on to do its share in the community.
On July 21, 1921 the first meeting was held and the Post formally organized with seven members each paid $2.00 and was issued a membership card. These members were:
Norman V. Carmack James A. Lybecker Versal C. Fisher
David A. Mottern Albert V. Fonder Richard C. Allen
Fred R. Moeller
September 14, 1921 the following paid dues and were issued cards:
Fred Miller Walter Alexander George Wilt
Carl Pair Edward W. Hecht Claude D. Hamilton
Henry Fricke Ralph H. Miller ( by transfer)
September 23, 1921 the following paid dues and were issued cards:
Lloyd G. Bell
Lewis A. Olson
After many, many years of use, the building was in need of a new roof and other expensive maintenance work.
The City of Rockford purchased the building from the American Legion with the stipulation that it would be leased and used by the Historical Society. The City obtained a grant to repair the roof and partially remodel the inside and make repairs to the exterior of the building.
Around the year 2000, the Rockford Area Museum and Historical Society approached the City about buying the building. In August 2000 the building was conveyed to the Rockford Area Museum and Historical Society. Since that time, the Historical Society has made additional renovations and houses its extensive collection of military history about the people and events of the Rockford area.
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