The American Legion Arts Center featuring Robert C. Jackson’s studio door
In the heart of Kennett Square stands a building that has been the center of community events for a century. The American Legion William W. Fahey Post No. 491, located at 208 E. State Street, turns 100 this year—a milestone that honors not just veterans, but the generations of families, friends, and neighbors who have gathered within its walls.
Built by the Community, for the Community
The Ladies Auxiliary to Post 491, organized in 1921 and chartered in 1928 under the leadership of Mrs. Horace Sinclair, Sr., played a crucial role in raising funds for a permanent home. A separate corporation, the Home Association, was formed to oversee the construction plans to construct a building for gathering in community.
Through tireless community effort, $70,000 in bonds were sold, and the cornerstone of the building we see now was laid in 1925. A year later in 1926, the building was complete. The total cost—including the lot—was close to $75,000, a remarkable achievement for a small town in the 1920s.
The architect was Clarence R. Hope of Wilmington, Delaware’s DuPont Building, with Russell P. Brewer serving as broker. By winter 1933, a bowling alley was added, cementing the building’s role as a center for local recreation.
The building approximately 5,000 square feet was designed to serve multiple purposes. It has always been intended to have a large community hall for sports, dances, and events, a full kitchen, and five storefronts. Today, The Legion has 7 tenants and has become a center for the arts.
Despite its early success, the Post faced financial challenges. Low rents, modest membership dues, and free community use of the hall left the Legion with a $30,000 mortgage. But a creative idea changed everything…
A member suggested asking Pierre S. du Pont for permission to host a pageant at Longwood Gardens’ open-air theatre. Mr. Du Pont graciously agreed, and from 1930 to 1956, a series of grand pageants helped keep the Post afloat—an early example of Kennett Square’s creativity and community spirit that we still see today.
Over the decades, Post 491 evolved to reflect the town’s needs. What began as a veterans’ hall soon became a hub for community events and milestone celebrations. Today, it continues to host Legion meetings (2nd Thursday of every month), art galleries, small businesses, the Kennett Symphony offices, and storage space for community groups such as the Kennett Amateur Theatrical Society (KATS).
Square Pear Fine Art Gallery located at 200 E State Street
Corien Siepelinga, Kennett Collaborative Vice Chair & Owner of Square Pear Fine Art Gallery rents the gallery space from The Legion and commented, “We love being the anchor spot for the arts in Kennett Square. Children come to my gallery to make art, and explore their creativity, and none of it would be possible without this incredible space at The Legion! The building truly stands as the cornerstone of the community!” The Legion also rents storefront spaces to artist Robert C. Jackson, photographer Drew Wiedemann, Brandywine Valley Symphony, and several others.
The “Crown Jewel Of The Building” The Banquet Hall decorated for an event
The main hall—able to accommodate just over 300 guests—remains one of Kennett’s most beloved venues, used for weddings, quinceañeras, and community gatherings.
“Many people walk or drive by this building every day without realizing what’s inside,” said local veteran Bill Taylor. “It’s been a community center since the day it was built—always welcoming, always serving.”
Even in challenging times, the Legion remained committed to service. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the hall served as a potential public health site and as a socially distanced venue for Borough Council meetings.
As the American Legion William W. Fahey Post No. 491 marks its centennial, it stands as a testament to what can happen when a town comes together with a shared purpose. From the volunteers who laid its first bricks to the families and artists who fill it today, this building remains one of Kennett Square’s greatest treasures.
