In 1913, the Opera House was built at the corner of Main and Third Streets in Danbury for $7,000. According to The History of Danbury, "The first entertainment planned was a home talent play on August 27, 1913. From that time on there were many plays, traveling shows, dances, school func­tions, movies, etc. held there. In 1920 Mr. Johnson was given permission to let the schools use the hall for basketball, and the schools used it until a new school and gymnasium was built in 1929. There was a large auditorium space with stage and dressing rooms to the rear and a balcony toward the front of the building."
    Soon after the end of World War I the Danbury American Legion Post was organized, the Fall of 1920. In 1924, there were 50 members enrolled. This Post sponsored various forms of entertainment to raise money. Some of these funds were used to purchase a flag pole and a memorial plaque bearing the names of every service man of the commu­nity who served in World War I. The pole and plaque were first placed on the intersection of Main and Second Streets, but when the legionnaires pur­chased the Old Opera House in 1954, the pole and plaque were moved to the new Ameri­can Legion Building. These plaques are posted on the front of Dana Hall, formerly known as the Opera House.
    The legion has owned Dana Hall since then and has remod­eled the building multiple times over the past 70 years. In 1991, a major renovation was completed. The group remod­eled the men's and women's restrooms which were both now handicap accessible, re­modeled the bar including new bar counter tops, insulated the building, lowered the ceilings, carpeted some interior walls and the bar room floor and the new addition, and adding central air and heat. Thirteen booths and 4 tables were pur­chased at a restaurant auction. In 2002, the building received another overhaul. This time, volunteers refinished the floor, painted exterior boards, and other maintenance chores were done to give the build­ing a loved look both inside and out.
    Twenty-four years have passed since the last renova­tion, and over 30 years have passed since the major reno was completed. The legion has spent the last four years to bring Dana Hall into the 2020s.
    Major donations and grants have helped with finances. In 2022, a grant was received from MRHD (Missouri Riverboat Historical Development) to refurbish the Dana Hall basement. This Spring, Johnson Propane donated two furnaces, ventilation and the labor in recognition for all the Legion members that had served. Jean Barry, daughter of the late Pat and Tom Barry has given a donation of $2,000.00 in memory of her son, Joel. This donation will be used per the wishes of Jean. Jean's dad was a very dedicated veteran and member of the Carlson Frum Legion Post. Both Jean and Joel spent many, many hours helping with legion activities and continue to support the legion. The Hoffman Agency also presented a check for $1,000.00 to help with the general expenses of the Legion.
    On the back page of this issue are before and after photos from the latest renovation along with information to donate to future projects. Enjoy the changes.
    Photos supplied by Lisa Flanigan, Jean Barry, Dianne McBride, and Tom McBride. Thank you!

	Donations may be sent to Dana Hall, Box 314, Danbury, Iowa 51019.