The American Legion Hut (Decatur, Mississippi), also known as the Newton County American Legion Post No. 89 Hut, was built in 1934. With , it was listed on the U.S.
National Register of Historic Places
The National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) is the Federal government of the United States, United States federal government's official United States National Register of Historic Places listings, list of sites, buildings, structures, Hist ...
in 2007. It is significant for its
Rustic style architecture as applied in Mississippi, which includes use of horizontal log walls, exposed rafters and trusses, and stone fireplaces.
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History
The American Legion
The American Legion, commonly known as the Legion, is an Voluntary association, organization of United States, U.S. war veterans headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana. It comprises U.S. state, state, Territories of the United States, U.S. terr ...
Post No. 89 was founded in 1920 with eighteen original members, most or all being veterans of World War I
World War I or the First World War (28 July 1914 – 11 November 1918), also known as the Great War, was a World war, global conflict between two coalitions: the Allies of World War I, Allies (or Entente) and the Central Powers. Fighting to ...
.[ The hut was constructed in 1934, following a fire that destroyed the original building in 1933. The current structure was intended to serve as a memorial for local veterans and as a recreational center for the community. Since its construction, the hut has hosted numerous local social and civic functions, playing a vital role in the community.][ with ]
Architecture
The hut is a one-story rectangular building constructed with horizontal logs, set on brick
A brick is a type of construction material used to build walls, pavements and other elements in masonry construction. Properly, the term ''brick'' denotes a unit primarily composed of clay. But is now also used informally to denote building un ...
piers. It features a dual-pitched hip roof
A hip roof, hip-roof or hipped roof, is a type of roof where all sides slope downward to the walls, usually with a fairly gentle slope, with variants including Tented roof, tented roofs and others. Thus, a hipped roof has no gables or other ve ...
with broad eaves that cover a three-quarter wrap-around gallery
Gallery or The Gallery may refer to:
* Gallery (surname), a surname
Arts, entertainment, and media
* Art gallery
** Contemporary art gallery
** Online art gallery
Music
* Gallery (band), an American soft rock band of the 1970s
Albums
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. The gallery is supported by double log pillars with Y-braces resting on brick piers. The west facade has 8/1 double-hung sash window
A window is an opening in a wall, door, roof, or vehicle that allows the exchange of light and may also allow the passage of sound and sometimes air. Modern windows are usually glazed or covered in some other transparent or translucent ma ...
s, a half-glazed center door, and flanking multiple-panel French door
A door is a hinged or otherwise movable barrier that allows ingress (entry) into and egress (exit) from an enclosure. The created opening in the wall is a ''doorway'' or ''portal''. A door's essential and primary purpose is to provide securit ...
s. Other elevations feature 6/6 double-hung sash windows.
Inside, the building has exposed log walls, with an open ceiling that reveals roof rafters and Howe trusses. The floors are made of wood planks, and large ironstone fireplaces with fieldstone surrounds and brick fireboxes are located on the north and south walls. The interior layout includes a large stage
Stage, stages, or staging may refer to:
Arts and media Acting
* Stage (theatre), a space for the performance of theatrical productions
* Theatre, a branch of the performing arts, often referred to as "the stage"
* ''The Stage'', a weekly Brit ...
, a kitchen, and separate restrooms for men and women. Living quarters for onsite caretakers were added during the 1934 reconstruction.[
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Significance in Rustic Architecture
The Newton County American Legion Post No. 89 Hut is a prime example of Rustic style architecture in Mississippi. The building's use of log construction, exposed rafters, and natural materials is characteristic of the Rustic style, which emphasizes harmony with the natural environment. This style was popularized in park lodges and recreational facilities in the United States during the early 20th century. The hut maintains an organic relationship with its hilltop setting and remains largely unchanged since its construction in 1934.[
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Preservation
Despite some alterations, such as the addition of vertical cladding and replacement of the lower portions of the log columns with brick pedestals, the hut retains its original character and architectural integrity. These changes do not detract from the building's historic value, and it remains a well-preserved example of Rustic architecture in the state.[
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References
Further reading
* Rumer, Thomas A. ''The American Legion, An Official History, 1919-1989.'' New York: M. Evans & Company, Inc., 1990.
* Bomberger, Bruce. "The Preservation and Repair of Log Homes." ''Preservation Briefs'' 26. Washington, D.C.: United States Department of the Interior, National Park Service, September 1981.
* Short, Arthur C. ''History of the American Legion, Department of Mississippi, 1919-1943.'' Vicksburg, MS: Mississippi Printing Company, 1943.
{{National Register of Historic Places
American Legion buildings
Buildings and structures completed in 1934
Clubhouses on the National Register of Historic Places in Mississippi
Rustic architecture in the United States
National Register of Historic Places in Newton County, Mississippi
1934 establishments in Mississippi
Rustic architecture in Mississippi