Hollywood American Legion Post #43

2035 N. Highland Ave.
(323) 851-3030.

Glittering example of Egyptian Revival/ Moroccan art deco was built in 1929 and perhaps one of the most spectacular Veterans’ facilities in the U.S. Still active, Post’s past luminaries include Clark Gable, Humphrey Bogart, Gene Autry, Ronald Reagan, Ernest Borgnine and Adolph Menjou.www.hollywoodpost43.org

Hollywood’s American Legion Post 43 is one of the most storied veteran institutions in Los Angeles — and one of Hollywood’s most architecturally and culturally significant landmarks. Its history blends military service, film‑industry heritage, celebrity membership, and nearly a century of community events. Read Discover Hollywood archived article: https://www.discoverhollywood.com/allpublications/american-legion-post-43-serving-a-new-generation-of-veterans/

⭐ Core Takeaway

Founded in 1919 by World War I veterans working in Hollywood, Post 43 became the “Post to the Stars,” housed in a 1929 Egyptian Revival landmark that has served as a veterans’ hub, film-industry gathering place, recording venue, and cultural center for more than 100 years.

🪖 Founding & Early Hollywood Roots

• Chartered in 1919, several days before the national American Legion received its congressional charter.
• Founded by WWI veterans in the motion picture industry, including Cecil B. DeMille, Walter Long, and Adolph Menjou.
• Actor and stagehand Taylor Duncan was a driving force behind establishing a Hollywood post for returning veterans.

The Boxing Connection

Post 43’s permanent home was funded through a wildly successful boxing arena in Hollywood — an idea championed by Al Jolson, who wanted fights closer to home.

• Fights drew Charlie Chaplin, Douglas Fairbanks, Ida Lupino, Clark Gable, Rudolph Valentino, Clara Bow, and Mary Pickford.

🏛️ The Building (1929)

• Opened July 4, 1929 at 2035 N. Highland Ave., just below the Hollywood Bowl.
• Designed by Legionnaire architects Gene and Joe Weston in Egyptian Revival style — terracotta tiles, monumental steps, and a pyramid‑inspired massing.
• Designated Los Angeles Historic‑Cultural Monument No. 462 in 1989.

Facilities

• Art Deco bar (a popular filming location).
• 6,000‑sq‑ft theater, used for film screenings, premieres, and veteran outreach.
• Cabaret hall, banquet spaces, and modernized digital projection systems (renovated c. 2018–2019).

🎬 Hollywood & Celebrity Membership

Post 43 earned the nickname “Post to the Stars.” Members have included:

• Clark Gable
• Humphrey Bogart
• Charlton Heston
• Gene Autry
• Mickey Rooney
• Stan Lee
• Ronald Reagan (served in the First Motion Picture Unit)

First Motion Picture Unit

During WWII, many celebrity members served in the Army Air Forces’ First Motion Picture Unit, headquartered in Culver City.

• Lt. Col. Jack Warner helped establish the unit.
• Lt. Ronald Reagan served as personnel officer.

The unit’s legacy continues today in the U.S. Air Force 4th Combat Camera Squadron, which maintains ties to Post 43.