1291 Madrona Avenue

The building that now houses the American Legion Post 199, was built by the St. Helena Seventh Day Adventist Church for $1,220 and dedicated in 1880. The pastor lived in a side room that is now the Legion bar. The eastern section was used for Sunday school and separated by a wide drop-down door.

By 1929, times were hard and the church met with financial difficulties when asked to pay for paving Oak Avenue and Madrona Avenue. The cost of paving and needed repairs to the building resulted in a decision to sell it to the American Legion. The Legion began a long process of repairs. Foundation jacks were used to raise the structure and replace the old growth redwood piers.

During renovations, all electrical and plumbing was replaced. Some of the antique wiring hangs on the wall in the bar. The bar is a museum of military memorabilia. Hanging from the ceiling is a dummy practice bomb. A framed Japanese flag with a bullet hole in it hangs next to a Japanese rifle.  War posters put out by Coors are next to a plaque commemorating St. Helenans who died in war. The Kiwanis Club holds meetings in the Legion Hall. Calvary Chapel St. Helena also meets here.