By Sarah Wolff
Tomahawk American Legion Auxiliary member
TOMAHAWK – The Tomahawk American Legion Post 93 building, located at 327 W. Wisconsin Ave. in Tomahawk, is undergoing a transformation to better serve the community, Legion members and all who benefit from its endeavors and services.
Although the work underway does not mark the first internal or external upgrade for this storied building, planned changes will dramatically improve the building, better allow the organization to reach its goals and ideally inspire new interest in this life-changing organization.
Built in 1920, the current two-story building has housed and served the Tomahawk American Legion Post 93 in various ways since 1946. The building’s poured-concrete construction makes it one of the oldest structures in downtown Tomahawk, one of the most solid structures in the City of Tomahawk, the only original building on the westernmost block of Wisconsin Ave., and the sole structure on that block to survive the infamous Mitchell Hotel fire of 1929, the worst fire in the city’s history, which destroyed 19 other buildings in only about three hours.
Humble beginnings, intriguing evolution
In 1900, the site was initially home to The First & Last Chance Saloon, a local watering hole that gave lumberjacks their last chance to enjoy a beverage before heading to work at Theiler’s Lumber Camp in nearby Spirit Falls. The saloon also provided the loggers their first chance for a drink upon returning home with their wages.
1920 marked the beginning of the “modern” solid concrete structure intended to serve as the headquarters of The Bradley Company. Crews removed the wooden saloon frame and built an 80’ x 50’ structure at a cost of approximately $30,000.00. This multi-purpose building housed a basement vault and furnace room, main-floor offices, second-floor apartments for employees and a four-car garage. The Bradley Company moved in and began business operations in 1921. Bradley’s Tomahawk Land Company maintained an office in the building until 1944.
Throughout World War II, the local National Guard Unit used the building for training, and stored their one and only tank in a vacant lot adjacent to the building. In 1945, M. T. & W. general offices and freight agency housed an office in the building. From 1945-1951, Tomahawk Building & Loan Association also held part-time office hours in the building.
In 1946, the American Legion Bronsted Post 93 purchased the building to use for administrative and operational meetings, as well as fellowship, with the American Legion Bar opening on the building’s second floor in 1947. Also in 1947, Tomahawk Upholstery set up shop in the building’s first floor.
After WWII, the building took on a distinctly medical focus, becoming home to the Dr. Raymond J. Henderson Medical Clinic from 1947-1987. First located on the Railway St. (west) side of the building, the clinic eventually moved to the Wisconsin Ave. (north) side of the building, where it remained until its closing. Dr. Henderson would eventually buy the building from the American Legion Post 93 in 1962.
The 1950s brought several different enterprises to the building. In 1950, the newly formed Tomahawk National Guard Unit began using the building’s basement as the city’s first armory, continuing until 1961, when the new Tomahawk Armory was completed. Tomahawk Pulp & Power opened an office in the northwest corner of the building in 1951. The Sinclair Refining Company opened an office in 1952. Also in 1952, the American Legion Club Bar served “The Tastiest, Thriftiest Treats in Town,” including a Walleye Pike fish fry dinner for 50 cents.
The 1970s, ‘80s and ‘90s continued to bring change to this well-established, health-focused downtown corner. From 1975-1979, Dr. Henderson’s office also housed an office of the Lincoln County Health Care Center. In 1987, Dr. E. E. Gilbert opened Tomahawk’s own Podiatry Office within “Dr. Henderson’s Building.” Also in 1987, the renowned Dr. Henderson retired and offered the building to the City of Tomahawk. However, due to the high costs associated with adapting the building to their needs, the City declined. Dr. and Mrs. Henderson then donated the building to the American Legion Post 93, and in 1988, the Legion moved their meetings from the Veterans of Foreign Wars hall back to the building they once called home.
In 1988, the Self-Adventure Nursery School also opened in the front of the building, remaining in business for 16 years.
A 1999 exterior facelift from Rhinelander Stucco and Stone marked the building’s last major change of the 20th century.
A future focused on continued change
The Legion has no plans to slow down in the 21st century.
The Bronsted-Searl-Ingman American Legion Post 93 celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2019 and today still proudly owns its building.
More recently, Sept. 2022 marked the opening of a new outdoor beer garden, coinciding with Tomahawk’s annual Fall Ride celebration, which is also the Legion’s biggest fundraiser and fellowship event.
Legion members are also continuing their efforts to raise funds and plan for major interior renovations to include a new kitchen, bathrooms, meeting rooms, bar amenities and more. These interior upgrades will keep the Legion profitable, responsive and able to provide generous support far into the future.
About the Tomahawk American Legion
Chartered Oct. 6, 1919, the Tomahawk American Legion Post 93 is named in memory of three local veterans: Henry Bronsted, the first Tomahawk man killed in WWI; Charles J. Searl, a Tomahawk native killed in a plane crash in WWII; and Einar Harold Ingman, a Tomahawk-area resident who received the Medal of Honor for his bravery and self-sacrifice in combat during the Korean War.
The Tomahawk American Legion is dedicated to supporting veterans, youth and the Tomahawk community overall. Legion endeavors include providing an Honor Guard and colors for parades and memorial services; providing an Honor Guard and firing squad for veterans’ funerals; maintaining grave markers and flags on veterans’ gravesites; co-sponsoring Tomahawk’s annual 9/11 remembrance ceremony and veteran banners on W. Wisconsin Ave.; supporting the Never Forgotten Honor Flight, Salvation Army, and the Tomahawk Area Food Pantry; assisting veterans with information on veterans programs; and contributing to VA hospitals.
Membership in the American Legion is open to anyone who served in the military during anytime between Dec. 7, 1941 and a future time when the U.S. Congress declares that the U.S. is no longer in a state of war.
Tomahawk American Legion and Legion Auxiliary meetings occur the third Tuesday of every month at 6:45 p.m. All who are interested in becoming a member or supporting the Legion are invited.
Learn more about the Legion and its storied building
For additional information on the Tomahawk American Legion Post 93 and/or the Legion building, contact Kathleen or John Wolff, Legion members, at [email protected] or Legion Post 93 Adjutant Tom Pederson at [email protected]. Or, contact the Tomahawk Historical Society at 715-966-4801 and ask for information about the Tomahawk American Legion building.
Tomahawk-area residents are also welcome to visit Kilroy’s Klub at the Legion Post Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., or Fridays and Saturdays from 4 p.m. to midnight.