BY DONNA SWICEGOOD
Pulling down the yellow tape and the closed signs on the bathrooms at the Earnest Morgan American Legion Post took just a couple of minutes, but that simple act represented a huge step forward for the organization.
Post Commander Craig Redmond and board member Aaron Peele removed the tape and signs that were put up a few months ago when a failing septic system forced the organization to close the bathrooms. The loss of rental income associated with issue put the post’s future in jeopardy,
Community support and a lot of faith laid the groundwork for the installation of the new system last week.
Now, Redmond has “optimistic faith” that the historic post on Wallace Springs Road, one of the largest predominantly Black posts in the region, is now one step closer to reopening its doors.
CAC Plumbing owner Cedric Cuthbertson offered to repair and replace the septic system for nearly half of the original projected cost. the post has solved at least one of its major issues. Cuthbertson, who is related to a member of the post’s new advisory board, offered to do the work for $8,100.
“It’s a blessing,” Redmond said.
When word got out about the post’s plight, Redmond said, the donations began coming in. One anonymous donor in Texas offered to match $1,000 for each $1,000 raised, up to $7,000, he said.
Another came from an elderly woman who heard Redmond talk about the issue and handed him a check for $100. And one of the most heart-warming, he said, came from a child who gave $7.
“I know times are tough and people are struggling so every dollar is much appreciated,” he said.
The new system will also include the installation of new toilets in the post’s bathrooms. That means they can at least begin considering renting to the public again.
Redmond said these donations and Cuthbertson’s discounted services are the answer to prayers.
“This will keep the doors open,” he said.
Cuthbertson’s discount means the post can now concentrate on raising funds to replace the aging HVAC system. That’s likely to be a much more expensive project, but Redmond said he’s positive that can be paid for with the help of donations and grants.
The post is also doing its part to raise money for operational expenses so the donations can be reserved for the HVAC upgrades and other needed interior improvements.
Proceeds from car shows and ad sales for a book the post is putting together will help make that possible.
Redmond said part of the effort now is for the post to be more proactive in fundraising and adding members to keep the organization vibrant.
The formation of an advisory board, he said, is a step in that direction. Redmond said that board will assume some of the leadership responsibilities for the post and that will help with planning to address other problems for the building.
The post has also started a website to provide information to members, give an outlet to reserve the post for an event and provide a way for folks to donate. That website is https://earnestmorganalpost217.com/
Redmond said he’s worried over e past few months about the post’s future, especially as the cost estimates for the repairs needed continued to grow. But, he said, he relied on faith to make it happen.
And that faith was rewarded. “There are some really good people out there,” he said. “Some really good people.”