ALA 205 Highlights

October Recap & What’s Ahead

October gave us a chance to slow down a little after a busy summer and enjoy some time together while preparing for the upcoming holiday season.

Wreath Making at the Veterans Hall

One of the highlights of October was our wreath-making class at the Fortuna Veterans Memorial Building. With the help of Girly Girls in Ferndale, our Auxiliary members spent a fun evening getting creative, making beautiful wreaths, sharing laughs, and enjoying each other's company.

It's always nice to have an opportunity to get together outside of our regular meetings and volunteer activities. A big thank-you to Girly Girls for helping make the evening so enjoyable!

Our Building, Our History, Our Future

The Canteen — More Than Just a Place to Grab a Drink!

Did you know The Canteen's history dates back more than 78 years?

On April 26, 1948, the State of California granted American Legion Walker Bailey Post 205 its original liquor license, marking an important milestone in the history of what we know today as The Canteen.

For generations, The Canteen has been a place where veterans can feel at home, relax, and enjoy the company of fellow servicemen and women. Whether sharing stories, reminiscing about their time in service, enjoying a few laughs, or simply spending time with others who understand their experiences, The Canteen has provided a sense of camaraderie and belonging for nearly eight decades.

What many people may not realize is that The Canteen is a 501(c) nonprofit organization operated entirely by dedicated volunteers. From the friendly faces behind the bar to those working behind the scenes, these individuals generously give their time to keep this longtime tradition alive.

Unlike a traditional bar operated for private profit, The Canteen exists to serve a much greater purpose. And where does the money go? Right back to our veterans and our community.

Proceeds from The Canteen help support the ongoing maintenance and preservation of the Fortuna Veterans Memorial Building, sponsor local community events, fund scholarships, and contribute to various charitable efforts and programs benefiting veterans, families, and our community.

Every drink purchased and every visit from our members helps make these contributions possible. The Canteen is a members-only veterans bar, welcoming members of our affiliated veterans organizations and their guests. While it isn't open to the general public, the good it does reaches well beyond its doors.

Meet Dorothy — The Lady of The Canteen!

If you've ever noticed the vintage pin-up girl featured in The Canteen's official logo, you've already met Dorothy.

Dorothy was created as The Canteen's mascot, a nostalgic tribute to the pin-up girls who became an iconic part of military culture during World War II.

During the war, pin-up artwork appeared on calendars, photographs, posters, and even the nose art of military aircraft. These images offered servicemen a little reminder of home, a boost in morale, and some lighthearted entertainment during difficult times.

While Dorothy isn't an actual historical figure from The Canteen's past, she represents a little piece of that era and brings some vintage personality to a place with deep military roots. It's a fitting tribute to the history and traditions that have been part of The Canteen since its beginnings in 1948.

A Tradition Worth Preserving

As you can see from our Then and Now photographs, The Canteen has certainly changed over the decades. While the surroundings may look a little different today, its purpose has remained much the same: providing a welcoming place for our veterans and members to gather, while continuing to give back to the community that has supported it for generations.

The Canteen is more than just a bar. It's part of the history of our Veterans Memorial Building, a place filled with memories and friendships, and an important source of support for the organizations and community it serves.

So the next time you stop by The Canteen, remember that you're doing more than enjoying a cold drink. You're supporting a not for profit, volunteer-run establishment that continues to make a difference throughout our community.

To our dedicated volunteer bartenders, behind-the-scenes helpers, and loyal members — thank you for keeping The Canteen going strong!

And of course, don't forget to say hello to Dorothy and grab your swag!

VFW Post 2207 — Honoring Our Veterans

Volunteers Needed for Cemetery Cleanup & Flag Placement

As Veterans Day approaches, our friends at VFW Sunset Post 2207 are inviting members of the community to help honor those who served by participating in their annual cemetery cleanup and flag placement at Sunrise Cemetery in Fortuna.

Saturday, November 7 | 10 AM

Volunteers will gather at Sunrise Cemetery on Newburg Road to clear grass and debris from veterans' gravesites in preparation for Veterans Day. Please bring work gloves, and if you're bringing power trimmers or mowers, be sure to have appropriate eye and hearing protection.

Sunday, November 8 | 10 AM

Volunteers will return to place American flags at veterans' graves, honoring their service and sacrifice ahead of Veterans Day on November 11.

Community members are encouraged to participate in either or both days.

This is a wonderful opportunity to lend a hand, honor those who served, and help preserve the memory of our local veterans.

Join Us for the Jingle & Mingle Holiday Market!

The holiday season is just around the corner, and we're excited to welcome everyone to the Jingle & Mingle Holiday Market, hosted by the American Legion Auxiliary Walker Bailey Unit 205 at the Fortuna Veterans Memorial Building.

Come enjoy some holiday shopping featuring talented local artisans and vendors offering unique, handcrafted gifts and seasonal treasures. It's a wonderful opportunity to get a head start on your Christmas shopping while supporting local makers and small businesses.

Friday, November 20 | 4–9 PM

Saturday, November 21 | 10 AM–5 PM

Bring the family and enjoy photos with Santa on Saturday. The Auxiliary will also have food available for purchase, and The Canteen will be open for members and their guests.

Whether you're searching for that perfect handmade gift or simply looking to enjoy a little holiday cheer, we hope you'll stop by!

2nd Annual McLean Foundation Community Thanksgiving Dinner

Saturday, November 28 | 4–6 PM

The American Legion Auxiliary Walker Bailey Unit 205 is proud to once again help serve our community through the 2nd Annual McLean Foundation Community Thanksgiving Dinner.

Made possible by the generous support of the McLean Foundation, this free traditional Thanksgiving dinner is an opportunity to give back to our community.

Our Auxiliary volunteers will be preparing and serving dinner at the Fortuna Veterans Memorial Building, helping ensure that our neighbors have a place to enjoy a holiday meal and feel welcome.

Dine-in and takeout meals will be available, and everyone in our community is welcome.

This event is about more than providing a meal. It's about neighbors helping neighbors, sharing kindness, and making sure those who could use a little extra support know that their community cares.

We encourage our members to help spread the word, especially to individuals and families who may benefit from this community dinner.

A heartfelt thank-you to the McLean Foundation for making this event possible and to our Auxiliary volunteers for helping bring it to life.

Upcoming Events

Meeting Night - November 5th. Dinner 6PM - Meeting 7PM. Fortuna Veterans Memorial Building.

Cemetery Clean-Up - Saturday, November 7th - 10AM Sunrise Cemetery.

Flag Placement - Sunday, November 8th - 10AM Sunrise Cemetery.

Veterans Day - Wednesday, November 11th.

Community Pancake Breakfast - Sunday, November 15th - 8AM - Noon. Fortuna Veterans Memorial Building.

Jingle & Mingle Holiday Market - Friday, November 20th - 4PM & Saturday, November 21st - 10AM. Fortuna Veterans Memorial Building.

Thanksgiving - Thursday, November 26th.

Community Thanksgiving Dinner - Saturday, November 28th 4PM. Fortuna Veterans Memorial Building.

Wishing Everyone a Happy Thanksgiving! 

As we head into the holiday season, we'd like to take a moment to thank all of our members, volunteers, and community supporters who continue to make everything we do possible.

With several wonderful events ahead, we look forward to coming together, giving back, and spreading a little holiday cheer!

From all of us at the American Legion Auxiliary Walker Bailey Unit 205, we wish you and your families a safe, happy, and wonderful Thanksgiving.

May your holiday be filled with good food, great company, and plenty of reasons to be thankful.

Until next time,

Walker Bailey Auxiliary Unit 205