American Legion Cabin Robinson Post #81

This large log building is the American Legion Cabin Robinson Post #81. The American Legion Cabin Robinson Post #81 formed in 1920, one year after the end of World War I. As their membership grew and became increasingly active, they decided to construct a central meeting place. This cabin finished in 1929, was built to honor the memory of Potlatch men who died in World War I, and was named for one of those men, C.J. Robinson.

Alfred Johnson near the American Legion Cabin Robinson Post #81, c. 1950, courtesy of the Latah County Historical Society, 12-03-289.

The American Legion Cabin Robinson Post #81 was one of the very few buildings not owned by the Potlatch Lumber Company. However, the timbers were donated by the company and were hand hewn by volunteer axmen. So many lodges and civic and social organizations grew up in the town, encouraged by the company, that one of the most daunting jobs in Potlatch was the scheduling of meeting places. The American Legion Cabin Robinson Post #81 saw constant meetings, dances, and parties.  The Great Depression brought changes to the social life in the town and the cabin was no longer a beehive of activity. Later it was leased for a restaurant and at this date it is rarely used.

American Legion Cabin Robinson Post #81, no date, courtesy of the Latah County Historical Society, 12-03-288.

References:

Petersen, Keith C. Company Town: Potlatch, Idaho, and the Potlatch Lumber Company. (Pullman, Washington: Washington State University Press, 1987), 148, 154.

Idaho State Historical Society. Inventory Sheet for Group Nominations: Historic Resources of Potlatch. Boise, ID, n.d.

Dedication plaque on the American Legion Cabin Robinson Post #81, courtesy of Virginia Rankin.