Life in the Ville by Jimmy Del Ponte

(The opinions and views expressed in the commentaries of The Somerville Times belong solely to the authors of those commentaries and do not reflect the views or opinions of The Somerville Times, its staff or publishers)

A lot of us Somerville “old timers” remember The Logan Post #6800, which was located at 901 Broadway outside of Teele Square. Many of our parents belonged to the post and some of our grandmothers were Gold Star Mothers based there. Not only was it a veteran’s post, but they rented out the hall for functions. Many of us recall wedding receptions, anniversary parties, baby showers, christenings, Super Bowl parties, political parties and rallies (for winners and losers), Pop Warner events, Little League affairs, cheerleading practice, Christmas parties and reunions being held at The Logan Post.

The post was named for 1st Lt. James A. Logan, who was killed in action July 2,1944, in France. He was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart and the Distinguished Flying Cross. A statue honoring him is in Veterans Memorial Cemetery near Clarendon Hill.

My bands played quite a few times at the Logan Post. One I remember was in 1978, and the young bride’s name was Christine. We are friends on Facebook and she contributed to this story. Logan Post also sponsored a Little League team in the 1960s.

A friend tells us: “My father was a member and past commander. The best part was the outings they used to have every summer. We also used to rent a bus on Sundays, as a lot of the guys had season tickets to the Patriots. The early games were played at Fenway Park.”

Bingo was a popular favorite at The Logan Post. “Thursday and Sunday nights! I went with my mom, aunts, Grandma! She was so cute when she didn’t win! When someone called Bingo, she would mutter under her breath, ‘You louse!’”

Cindy remembers: “My friend Linda’s father used to belong there. A bunch of us used to go to their events when we were in our early 20s. I remember they would put out a Chinese food or an Italian spread for just a few bucks. We really had such a good time.”

Many kids had their Little League banquets at The Logan Post. Gert and Ed Lyons celebrated their 25th anniversary there in 1974.

Get a load of this comment: “My parents went to dances every weekend. Summer picnics and outings. No women could be in the bar area, so they had a separate lounge for them. Little room in the back that men played poker in and they had a couple of slot machines. Shhhhhh, no one knows! Had my parents’ 25th wedding anniversary there. So much to remember. The Powder House Community School PTA had a country night dance for adults, which was lots of fun.” St. Clement’s Class of 1973 had a one-year reunion there in 1974. Too funny!

A friend recalls: “25 cent drafts back in the day; ’tis where I learn to salt my beer if it was flat, and ice it if it was warm, thanks to my vet friends. Save The Beers!” “ I remember when they would ring a bell – for what reason I forget, but it  had to do with beer. I go as far back when Earl was commander, and the booths were used for families to bring their kids.”

The Logan Post (at its Broadway location) closed January 2004. I got that from the quartermaster himself. They tore the building down and built a new building housing businesses and residences.

The Logan Post 6800 now shares with Post 19 on 124 Highland Ave. We called the fun occasions that we rented the Logan Post “functions” and “times.” You don’t have to go too far in The Ville to hear a great story of a “shindig” that was held at The Logan Post.