Legion Post Makes Historic Register

STONE HARBOR —The American Legion Post 331 headquarters here, built as an 1895 United States Life Saving Station, received one of few historical designations on Seven Mile Island when Commander Al Karusi went to get on the list of the New Jersey Register of Historic Places on June 18.
He said the legion’s next goal is to seek recognition on the national level, which he expects to receive before Veterans’ Day.
This tip of the hat from the state could help the legion receive 100 percent matched funding for historical grants, which Karusi said is integral to continue fundraising for the exterior restoration and asbestos removal.
“This [historical designation] will help the borough attract more visitors,” Karusi said.
The building has been in continual use now for over 113 years. The legion’s military museum holds artifacts of World War II, the Korean War and Vietnam.
Among its artifacts is an antique 26-foot long restored lifesaving boat the legion gained from Cape Cod, Mass., about a year and a half ago, Karusi said.
Three murals memorialize different periods of history and highlight the timeline of the building through its capacities as a Life Saving Station in 1895, then a United States Coast Guard base in 1915 and finally in 1948 it became home to American Legion and now hosts 246 members from throughout the tri-state area, Karusi said.
The American Legion recently received an $8,000 grant from the Cape May County Board of Chosen Freeholders it will use to paint a historical mural in the boat room.
Jim Thompson, a veteran, artist, member and friend of the legion will paint it to depict the inside of the building as a lifesaving station behind double doors inside that open to a wall.
A smoke and heat censor system was recently put in place as was a handicap bathroom. The legion recently replaced the roof and is currently out to bid for a shingle replacement at a cost of about $60,000, Karusi said.
The tower once used by the Lifesaving Station crew to look for tall ships in distress, and by the United States Coast Guard (USCG) to locate submarine activity during World War I and World War II, now offers visitors clear views of the Atlantic Ocean.
The legion has erected six new flags outside to represent the five active duty branches of the United States Armed Forces: the United States Marine Corps, Army, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard, including a flag to represent the American Legion itself.
Karusi said improvements to the building are ongoing and will continue to include restoring the floors and installing air conditioning so local service groups can use the building for meeting space in the summertime.
To make a donation to help restore the historic American Legion building, contact Karusi at (609) 368-1987.
Contact Truluck at (609) 886-8600 ext. 24 or at: ltruluck @cmcherald.com.