The American Legion Building is the home of the Ernest W. Jones Post #65.
Named for the first casualty of World War I from Oneida County, the American
Legion Post in Malad, Idaho, was chartered by the national organization on
November 1, 1919.
Construction began on the building at 7:20 a.m. on March 7, 1930, when
J.D. Price, Post Commander, turned the first shovel of soil. Funded by Oneida
County individuals and donations from the County and the State, the building was
constructed by volunteers, mostly members of the Post.
Constructed at a cost of $30,000, the building “will stand the ravages of the
elements for centuries,” according to the building architect. The building was
dedicated in a two-day celebration held on July 16 and 17, 1935. The entire town
closed during the event so that everyone could enjoy “concessions, merry-go-
round, Ferris wheel, tilt-a-whirl, loop plane, side shows, 100-foot dive, and two
picture shows.”
Idaho Governor C. Ben Ross gave the dedicatory address at 1:00 p.m. on
Tuesday, July 16. The building was accepted by the State Legion Commander, C.
A. Bottolfsen, and John Forman formally received the building for the local post.
C.O. Nibert, the Post Commander, also spoke. That evening, a banquet was held at
the new building for all Legionnaires, members of the Legion Auxiliary, and War
Mothers and Fathers. A dance at LaGrande Hall concluded the festivities on both
days. On the second day, a ball game was held between Malad and Garland
Legion teams.
The building has been the home of the American Legion Post #65 and the
War Mothers ever since it was dedicated. Numerous community meetings and
events are held annually in the building, which is a landmark on Main Street in
downtown Malad.
Source: The Idaho Enterprise, July 15, 1935, page 1.