Refurbished facade of the American Legion Hall in Joseph, made possible by a Wildhorse Foundation grant, features a WWII scene by county artist Eugene Hayes, who served in World War II.photo/American Legion

The American Legion Hall in Joseph recently finished a renovation that improved the old structure inside and out.

The project was financed by a $5,000 grant from Wildhorse Foundation in Pendleton to Wallowa Lake American Legion Post 157.

Improvements included remodeling the hall lobby and installing new board-and-batten facade.

As a finishing touch, the World War II battle scene above the windows was painted by World War II veteran Eugene Hayes of Wallowa.

Since the remodeling, members report an increase in the use of the facilities by other organizations and for school and family reunions.

“American Legion Post members are very grateful to the Wildhorse Foundation for providing funds,” post member Delbert Pratt said.

Other Wildhorse grant recipients in the county have included Building Healthy Families, Joseph Fire Department, Wallowa School Foundation, Wallowa Band Nez Perce Interpretive Center, Hurricane Creek Grange, Wallowa Lake Rural Fire Protection District, Wallowa Resources and Fishtrap.