New Legion Hall begins Bingo next month

MARENGO — The newly-constructed American Legion Hall, located at 1669 Court Avenue in Marengo, will be open for Bingo Nov. 8.

As usual, a meal prepared by the American Legion Auxiliary will be available at 5 p.m. Bingo will start at 6:45 p.m. The public is welcome.

When the Legion Hall first opened, the only Bingo played there was at the observance of the Legion’s birthday or a special Legion event. The Auxiliary prepared food for the event.

The hall was small and very limited in seating, so Bingo was for Legion members and their families only.

Records show that the Legion hosted Bingo for general public participation in the park for community events such as Catfish Days, Jubiliee Days, Sidewalk Sales, Watermelon Days or the Fourth of July.

The Legion purchased its Bingo and gambling License in 1981 for $50, and each Wednesday night the hall was open for Bingo. Joe Klima and Lloyd Klever agreed to oversee the games, and later Everett Birch joined them.

Late in 1988 an average of 58 players were playing Bingo during the fall. At this point no food was served, but in 1989 Junior Auxiliary members offered popcorn to the players.

By 1992, hot chocolate and ice cream sandwiches had been added.

Minutes from Auxiliary meetings suggest that in 1993 there was discussion of having kitchen service for Bingo. The minutes mention that by 1996 Bingo was being held weekly.

Pie was served by 2001 for $1.50.

Today the American Legion Auxiliary prepares the food served at Bingo, with donations of homemade pies from its members and occasionally cookies or bars.

Sandwiches — Bingo burgers and hot dogs — are always available with chips; each week a special entree is offered in addition to sandwiches.

Money received from food sales goes to the American Legion Auxiliary; proceeds from the Bingo sales goes to the American Legion.

Both groups provide scholarships to local graduating seniors each year, support community projects and contribute to the Eastern Iowa Honor Flight Program.