SNOHOMISH — Al Atworth has attended meetings faithfully at his American Legion post for years — until he broke his leg.
Since then its been tough for the World War II veteran to negotiate steep stairs to the meeting hall in the century-old brick building.
“I broke my leg a few years ago, and it’s been ornery every since,” said Atworth, 86, who served in the U.S. Army’s Signal Corps.
It will be easier for Atworth to get to monthly meetings since workers installed a chair lift, access ramps, emergency lighting and wider doorways in the headquarters on First Street. The lift can carry a wheelchair or a person sitting on a special seat.
Atworth called the lift a godsend.
Access to a downstairs meeting room was a big problem for Post 96, said American Legion member Greg Guedel. The post includes a social area on the main floor and the formal meeting hall is down a steep flight of stairs.
“There were many veterans who didn’t come because they couldn’t get down the stairs,” he said.
The American Legion’s building is a fixture of historic Snohomish. Veterans have gathered there for decades. The building was first used as a railway office, Guedel said. The building remains in good shape for its age and looks much as it did when it was built.
The headquarters is a social gathering spot for veterans and their families but it’s also provides services to veterans and raises money for the community.
A $45,000 state grant paid for the project. Snohomish city employees volunteered to help the post come up with an affordable solution.
Members of the legion just authorized a study on other projects that would continue to improve the building. The group also would like to update a memorial mural.
Debra Smith: 425-339-3197, dsmith@heraldnet.com.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
