Evanston American Legion Post 42, located at 1030 Central Street, Evanston, Illinois, was founded in 1919, the same year the American Legion was chartered by Congress as a patriotic, mutual-help, wartime veterans’ organization. For over a century, Post 42 has been a cornerstone of the Evanston community, serving veterans, their families, and the broader public through charitable activities, community engagement, and social events.

Early History and Establishment
Since its establishment in the wake of World War I, Post 42 has aligned with the American Legion’s mission to support veterans and promote patriotism. Situated on city-owned land near the North Shore Channel, the Post has operated from an unassuming two-story brick building since its inception. Its early years focused on advocating for veterans’ rights, providing camaraderie, and offering essential services to those returning from war. The organization quickly became a hub for community service, reflecting the Legion’s national commitment to mentoring youth, supporting communities, and honoring veterans.

Growth and Community Involvement
Over the decades, Post 42 grew into a vital community player, raising funds for veterans’ needs, such as home repairs, furnishings, and medical care access, including mental health counseling. The Post’s charitable efforts are supported by the Evanston Post 42 Charitable Foundation which organizes events and volunteer projects to enhance veterans’ lives. Fundraising activities have included pancake breakfasts, golf outings, and pasta dinners, with proceeds directly benefiting veterans.

The Post has also been a social and cultural hub, hosting live music (notably bluegrass), community events, and concerts  featuring local artists. Its facilities, including a clubroom, bar, outdoor patio, and rental hall, are open to members, veterans, and community “boosters”. The clubroom, with views of the adjacent golf course, offers a welcoming space for socializing, complete with a stocked bar and tavern-style pizza.

Notable Recent Events

• Centennial Celebration (2019): Post 42 marked its 100th anniversary with a celebration attended by then-Mayor Stephen Hagerty, who praised the Post as a place where “service to the community and country comes before self.” The event highlighted its role in preserving democracy, freedom, and veterans’ stories.

• Patriotic Walk (2021): When Evanston’s annual Fourth of July parade was canceled due to COVID-19, Post 42 organized a Patriotic Walk along Central Street, demonstrating its commitment to commemorating Independence Day and honoring veterans. The event drew community support and showcased the Post’s public presence.

• Accessibility Improvements: In recent years, the Post raised tens of thousands of dollars to install an outdoor lift, improving access for elderly or disabled members, such as a Korean War veteran in his 90s who used it for the first time.
   

Community Engagement
Post 42 has balanced its role as a veterans’ organization with being a community venue. Our facilities are available for rent, hosting events like anniversary parties, graduations, and meetings, with a hall accommodating up to 120 people. The Post’s bar, open six days a week, has gained recognition as a local nightlife spot, as noted in a 2024 Evanston RoundTable article highlighting its appeal for cocktails and socializing.

Membership and Modern Role
Post 42 serves approximately 300 Legionnaires and 200 members of the Sons of the American Legion, with some overlap. Membership eligibility expanded under the Legion Act of 2018, allowing anyone with honorable military service from April 6, 1917, to November 11, 1919, or from December 7, 1941, onward to join. Non-veteran community members can become members through the "Sons of the American Legion" ($40 annual fee) or as "Community Boosters" ($50 annual fee), enjoying access to the clubroom and discounted rentals.

Today, Post 42 continues its mission of “Serving Veterans – Mentoring Youth – Supporting Your Community.” We remain a nonprofit dedicated to veterans’ causes, raising funds for practical support while fostering patriotism. Our Post building, marked by a red, white, and blue mailbox for retired flags, stands as a symbol of its enduring commitment to Evanston and its veterans.