The Piedmont American Legion is closing its bar and ceasing all social-club functions effective Aug. 1 due to declining revenue from bar operations. The post itself, established in 1919 as one of the oldest American Legions in the country, will remain active.
“Actually, this is something we’ve been thinking about for a number of years,” said Post Commander Michael D. Racco. “I’ve been commander for 10 years and it’s been touch and go the whole time.”
Racco attributed the closure to an overall decline in economic activity in the area. Without jobs, the population has declined, along with the clientele for the bar. Many of the people who do live in the area work down the road, he said, and don’t have time to patronize the bar or participate in Legion activities.
“That’s a big part of it,” he said. “You can tell when you come through town. We just don’t have the population, and we don’t have the big second shift at the paper mill.”
As a result of the closure, two full-time bartenders and one part-time bartender will lose their positions. Racco said they have found other jobs.
Piedmont Mayor James Gilmore said the closure was a setback for the community.
“I hate to see anything in the town close,” he said.
Racco said the decision to close was difficult, but the finances left the Post’s Board of Directors with little choice.
Between insurance, salaries and “x-amount of unforeseen bills,” the bar wasn’t covering expenses.
“That’s our money-maker and it’s not making money...,” he said. “You have to look out for what’s important for the post and the organization itself.”
The Post will continue to maintain active status, with members providing honor guards for funerals. Regular meetings will continue to be held as well.
The bar will no longer be available for wedding receptions and other social events.
Racco said the Post has no plans to mark the closure with a special last-night event at the bar. “We’ll just have the regulars come in and finish it up for us,” he said.