The first known call for a building to commemorate the service
of local veterans in World War I was made in the Free Lance edition
of Nov. 21, 1918, just 10 days after that conflict had ended.
The first known call for a building to commemorate the service of local veterans in World War I was made in the Free Lance edition of Nov. 21, 1918, just 10 days after that conflict had ended.
The article was printed under the head, “Heroes’ Monument Should Be Raised By People of San Benito County,” and suggested the necessary amount be raised by general subscription.
The idea was received with enthusiasm but no significant action was taken. However, the thought had been planted and as more and more of the 400 servicemen from the county gradually returned to civilian life the idea grew.
Original plans had been to erect the building in time for dedication on Nov. 11, 1918, 10 years after the armistice that ended the war. But once the drive began and gained impetus, more and more people felt it should be done as soon as soon as possible.
A Spanish Fiesta’s proceeds of $11,000 were turned over to a fund for that purpose, and the Hollister City Council authorized a city bond issue. The county Board of Supervisors made sure of the balance by endorsing a direct tax under the state’s memorial halls’ act.
The site purchased for $33,000 was formerly occupied by a brewery that had stopped production with the advent of Prohibition. Construction began on May 16, 1927 and was completed that Nov. 1, 10 days before the dedicatory cemetery. Its cost came to $58,000 exclusive of furnishings and outside finishing.
Jens Petersen of Sacramento was the architect, and the contractor was William Radtke of Gilroy. Axel Carlson of San Juan Bautista was building superintendent, and George Renz of Hollister, foreman of construction.
The first of thousands of functions to be presented at the building was the opening of the auditorium for a dance the evening of its dedication. Since then hundreds of dances have been held as well as many other programs, including Halloween and Christmas programs for local children. For many years the building was the site of the annual county Chamber of Commerce Recognition Night.
The Veterans Memorial Building also served as a quarterly Red Cross blood bank for many years, and during World War II as a place for volunteers to rill bandages or engage in other activities to help the war effort. The local draft board met there and directed county men to military service. It was the home for many years for the Veterans Services office.
Many old-timers recall the joys of the skating rink it once accommodated and representatives of home appliance companies frequently gave lectures there.
Balconies were once a feature of the building, but a major earthquake in 1962 prompted officials to remove them for safety precautions.
In 1971 Howard Schipper headed a campaign to improve the exterior and grounds of the building and many companies and citizens contributed to the cause or helped in the actual work.
In the mid-1980s it was determined the Veterans Memorial Building was in need of repair work and it was closed to the public.
For a year many organizations that had routinely used it as a meeting place or to present functions had to find other sites, and it became starkly apparent how much a part of normal life it had become.
Ironically, the building is closed for a massive renovation now on its 75th anniversary, but the traditional Veterans’ Day services were held there today, as always.
