Restoration of the Grand Army of the Republic Post No. 20 Meeting Hall in Aurora, Illinois.

[Regimental Colours]

The head of the Aurora Public Arts Commission, who is responsible for raising money for the restoration of the G.A.R. Hall, has entered a competition for a grant from Pepsi-Cola. People can vote for the cause they deem the most needy by visiting a website and clicking on the vote button. (Now, you may have to "register" with the Pepsi website, but its their rules.) If you want to help the G.A.R. Hall acquire funds for its restoration, please visit and vote for the G.A.R. Hall:

http://www.refresheverything.com/saveourgar

You can vote every day until they close the polls. All it takes is a few clicks on your computer. Please help if you are interested in the historic preservation of this wonderful Civil War Veterans site.

Thank you.

[Regimental Colours]

Re: Restoration of the Grand Army of the Republic Post No. 20 Meeting Hall in Aurora, Illinois.

Between 1868 and 1877, the Soldiers Monument Association and the Ladies Auxiliary Association of Aurora, Illinois, raised $7,184.54 for the construction of the Grand Army of the Republic Memorial Hall, Post 20. This building was built in 1878 and has served as a meeting hall and museum for veterans of the U.S. Civil War, World Wars I and II, the Korean Conflict, and even Vietnam and Desert Storm. In 2007 the City of Aurora began restoration of this historic structure. The foundations, walls and roof were stabilized. In 2008 restoration came to a halt due to a faltering economy. In order to complete the interior restoration they require $600,000.


Once finished, this Grand Hall will be a place for modern veterans to hold meetings and develop relationships with one another. It will also house a museum dedicated to preserving the memory of those who have fought for this great country of ours.



The entrance to the G.A.R. Hall has its front stoop crumbling. It is an easy repair if there were monies available to have it completed.

[Regimental Colours]

Re: Restoration of the Grand Army of the Republic Post No. 20 Meeting Hall in Aurora, Illinois.

Last night the G.A.R. Hall was ranked as cause #115. Today it's ranked at #87. So, people out there must be voting. Please continue to do so. And, if you haven't yet, it would mean a lot to their community if you could just take a few seconds, follow the link above and place a vote for this cause. $50,000 will go a long way to restoring this piece of American History. Thank you.

[Illinois Rebel]

Re: Restoration of the Grand Army of the Republic Post No. 20 Meeting Hall in Aurora, Illinois.

What happened tot he two Confederate Howitzers that flanked each side of the main entrance? I live three miles from Downtown Aurora and no-one seems to know where they are?

Respectfully,

Michael Collins

PS Same goes for the artifacts that have gone"Missing"...

[Regimental Colours]

Re: Restoration of the Grand Army of the Republic Post No. 20 Meeting Hall in Aurora, Illinois.

Hello Michael:

I don't know where the two Confederate howitzers and other artifacts are.

I know the soldier statue on top of the building was removed in March 2008 and placed in storage. Unfortunately due to its original construction being made of pot metal, it's now in pieces. The restoration plans include taking these pieces and recasting them in bronze.

[MarkTK36thIL]

Re: Restoration of the Grand Army of the Republic Post No. 20 Meeting Hall in Aurora, Illinois.

Any new info on the status of the building and restoration?

[David Fox]

Re: Restoration of the Grand Army of the Republic Post No. 20 Meeting Hall in Aurora, Illinois.

A few years ago I was wandering around the Valparaiso, Indiana town square. Their GAR hall still had the sign (in gilt letters, as I recall) affixed in front with times and days for the meetings of the veterans themselves, the ladies' auxillery, and the SUV. Sent a tingle up my (Chris Matthews) leg.

[cannoneer]

Re: Restoration of the Grand Army of the Republic Post No. 20 Meeting Hall in Aurora, Illinois.

The GAR hall has been moving along. The cannon barrels are back and the interior is progressing.
https://www.aurora-il.org/gar/restoration.php
There is also a research center

[MarkTK36thIL]

Re: Restoration of the Grand Army of the Republic Post No. 20 Meeting Hall in Aurora, Illinois.

This is great news since the doors were closed in 2000 and now finally opening again. Their collection was comprised mostly from G.A.R. members, and was top notch as well.

[MarkTK36thIL]

Re: Restoration of the Grand Army of the Republic Post No. 20 Meeting Hall in Aurora, Illinois.

An update on Aurora G.A.R. Post #20

Chicago Tribune Link

[MarkTK36thIL]

Re: Restoration of the Grand Army of the Republic Post No. 20 Meeting Hall in Aurora, Illinois.

The Aurora G.A.R. Post 20 will be set to open this Memorial Day.Chicago Tribune Link

[FlatLandFed]

Re: Restoration of the Grand Army of the Republic Post No. 20 Meeting Hall in Aurora, Illinois.

Fantastic news. Thanks for sharing. If I wasn't heading to Denver for the weekend, I would head east for the re-dedication activities.
Past SUVCW Department Commander, Nebraska