THE SOLDIER'S GENERAL
GEN JOSEPH W. STILWELL
GEN JOSEPH W. STILWELL
{1883-1946}
All of the Veterans I've talked to who served with
"Vinegar Joe" Have told me that he was famous
for walking the base with his staff car following
at a distance behind him, talking with his men to
to make sure their needs were being met.
They insist He truly was a, "SOLDIER'S GENERAL"
THE SOLDIER'S CLUB
STILWELL HALL
YEAR 1950
The Soldier's Club was dedicated on September 24, 1943.
The hall was not quite ten years old when this aerial shot was taken.
The south wing was intact and 'The Soldiers Club' sign was still over the entrance.
There were plans for the open area in front of the hall.
One plan was to place water and game fish within the area.
The second plan suggested a olympic size swimming pool.
In later years it was filled with concrete to increase the parking.
This is what that extra
PARKING AREA looked like.
CONSTRUCTION PLANS
OLYMPIC POOL 1944
This postcard from the early forties shows what
the Soldier's Club might have looked like with a pool.
But even without the pool. The soldiers had
the entire Pacific Ocean for swimming
THE SALOON 1940
THE LONGEST BAR
The bar in the Soldier's Club saloon.
Is said to be the longest in California.
On my most recent visit to the Fort.
I was told that the Ft Ord Alumni Assoc. has taken possession of it,
to hold to display at the future site at the Ft Ord Museum.
SEPTEMBER 2002
STANDING GUARD
As I approached the hall to take
some photos. I was thinking to myself
that even without the southwing.
The hall still looked pretty good.
SEPTEMBER 2002
MAJESTIC PALACE
But as my steps brought me closer.
I realized the ruinous condition
that time and the elements
had forced upon this majestic palace.
SEPTEMBER 2002
STORM DAMAGE
During a menacing storm. The ocean reclaimed a section
of beach and the cliff that supported the southwing.
This photo demonstrates the aftermath of that storm.
The Army demolished what was left of
the wing after the storm.
SEPTEMBER 2002
RECREATION CENTER
The sign over the dilapidated entrance reads
'STILWELL RECREATION CENTER'
I believe this use to be the reading room areas
There was one for the troops and one for
the ladies.
SEPTEMBER 2002
DRAINAGE PIPES
Looking south from the hall along the beach. You can see the
drainage pipes installed by Army Engineers in the early forties.
The drainpipe in the forground has separated from the main line
and is in danger of total collaspe. The remaining pipes are not
far behind the first. Their condition is just as unstable.
OCTOBER 2003
STILWELL HALL DEMOLITION
With the threat of mother nature demolishing Stilwell Hall. The Army
decides to do the job itself and remove yet another part of military history
and heritage. The $2.2 million demolition project took place in September of 2001.
Another monument of Our past has been lost forever.
STILWELL HALL DEMOLITION ARTICLE
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