On August 9, 1941, a charter was granted by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States for the establishment of South Beach VFW Post No. 3057. Post members serving the needs of local veterans, their families, and the South Beach community.
Post-development
The following history of the local Post’s development comes from Ruth McCausland’s book, Washington’s Westport, and South Beach Bulletin.
In 1954, the group purchased two lots located on East Pacific Avenue, one block east of Montesano Street.
The ground was broken and construction work was undertaken, mostly by volunteer labor. When the larger comfortable building was finished, it was dedicated on Sept. 29, 1955.
a youth center was erected in late 1969 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony in early 1970. Located directly behind the Post Home, the building houses VFW Auxiliary meetings, youth activities and community functions, such as meetings and receptions.
Other improvements to the property and grounds have been made through the years. In 1971, the kitchen and dining room of the Post Home were remodeled, and in 1972 the entire area around both the Post Home and Youth Center was asphalted. In 1987, a barbecue building was added beside the Youth Center. The Ladies Auxiliary was involved in fund-raising for all of these projects and others, as well.
Post name change
In August of 1974, the Altar Society of St. Paul Catholic Church sponsored a dinner for Medal of Honor recipients, fourteen of whom attended. Included among the dignitaries was Medal of Honor recipient Bob Bush, who owned the then Bayview Lumber at the Westport ‘Y’ and General James H. Doolittle.
At the dinner, it was discovered that the much-decorated General was not a VFW member. He was invited to join the local Post and graciously accepted.
Doolittle made many trips to Westport to fish for salmon in the following years.
After Doolittle death in 1994, the national headquarters of the VFW gave permission for the Westport Post to be renamed General James H. Doolittle South Beach Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 3057. The ceremony was attended by Mr. and Mrs. John Doolittle, son and daughter-in-law of the General, as well as Bush and several other Medal of Honor winners.
