The American Legion Post 74 of Newberry held a renaming ceremony on Saturday, June 28 at 1 pm., where the former “Big Hall” banquet room was renamed the James Lone Hall. More than 20 Legion members, and residents and family of James Lone were in attendance. Past Squadron 74 Commander, Sterling McGinn, acted as M.C. and gave a background on Lone and his accomplishments. The American Legion Auxiliary provided a luncheon after the ceremony.
Unlike the small banquet room, named in memory of JoAnn Warren, and the lounge named in honor of the Harju Family, the “Big Hall” never had a formal name. Legion officials decided to name the room after current Newberry resident, James Lone, who is a 63-year life member of Post 74.
Lone served as commander in 1977 and oversaw the construction of the current post headquarters and worked to create a hall for the community to use. The room has held weddings, funerals, dances, benefit dinners, graduation parties and more.
Lone was made a life member in 1986, when the mortgage on the new building was paid-off. A Newberry native, Lone owned and operated Lone’s Garden, and was the third-generation to operate the store, which closed in the 1990s.
The new sign, which will hang over the entrance to the hall, was made by Jim Dzelak. Dzelak’s grandfather, Martin Harju Jr., made the rest of the wooden signs in the Legion.
Also during the ceremony, Legion Commander and Legion Riders Chapter Director Leo St. Germaine, presented Becky Keene and Sterling McGinn with Certificates of Appreciation for contributions to the Riders Chapter 74.
Pictured from left to right are Becky Keene, 2nd Vice-Commander, Sterling McGinn, Commander St. Germaine, and James Lone.
