Volunteers Working to Reopen Legion Hall

New life is being breathed into a beloved building that once the heart of the social scene in Hellertown, Borough Council was told Oct. 15.

Joe Delfoe of Hellertown told council that a small group of volunteers is working hard to restore the Edward H. Ackerman American Legion building, which was recently listed for sale.

A January 2010 article published by the Express-Times recounted some of the difficulties the Legion Post 397 faced in the preceding decade; difficulties that included the arrest of its former treasurer for embezzling funds from the organization.

Mark Polinchock was later convicted and sentenced to serve time in prison for the theft, according to a February 2011 article published by the newspaper.

According to the January 2010 article, many of the fixtures inside the 1926 Legion building at 935 Main Street were sold at auction to pay off debts and generate revenue for operating costs.

"It was gutted," Delfoe told council.

But thanks to the current group of volunteers, a new bar has been installed and some of the floors in the hall have been replaced, he said.

"Eventually they want to activate the second floor," he added.

Delfoe encouraged council members to visit the building on a Tuesday or Thursday night, to see for themselves the progress that has been made.

He said six veterans are largely behind the restoration effort, and the reopened building could be known as the "Veterans Home."

The Edward H. Ackerman American Legion Post 397 remains an active organization in Hellertown and the post still owns the 16,000-plus square-foot building, according to Northampton County online property records.