American Legion Hut Restoration
Photos courtesy of Gail King
The American Legion Hut in Des Arc, Arkansas, located at 206 Erwin Street, is a rustic-style structure erected in 1934 with assistance from the Civil Works Administration (CWA), a Depression-era federal relief program. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on June 9, 1995.
Construction began in late February, and on March 21, 1934. Legion members were actively involved in all phases of construction. Will Johnson bought the cypress logs from the King property, and Josh Stanley cut the trees down. They were floated nine miles down the White River to the construction site, where Calvin Vance Hall and his son stripped them of bark. Glen Pay was credited with fitting the logs into the building, and Bruce Garth built the brick fireplace. The finished building reflected the Rustic style of architecture popular with American Legion huts of the period.
In early 2022, the City of Des Arc began working closely with Schelle Architect of Cabot, Arkansas to complete an application for funding through the Arkansas Historic Preservation Program. The application was submitted in September of 2022 and the first stage of the project was approved in October of 2022.
With the help of Schelle Architect and Arkansas Historic Preservation Program, the City of Des Arc has been working diligently to restore this historic structure in hopes it will become, once more, a meeting place for families and community members.
On March 20, 2023, work began to restore the few disintegrating cypress logs along the exterior. Log-Guys, LLC were contracted to complete this first stage of the project by adding new logs that are as close to the original as possible. Diamond Metal Works were also contracted to complete new windows and door frames.
In May of 2023, Top Notch Roofing & Remodeling replaced the roof on the American Legion Hut. Funding for the roof was provided separately by Arkansas Department of Rural Services. The application for a grant for the new roof was completed by Central Arkansas Planning and Development in August of 2021 in preparation for this restoration.
Current Status:
This project is currently completing the second stage and will soon begin applying for the third stage of its restoration.