American Legion building converted into Event Center
November 13, 2019
Vinnie Roberts
In July, Cassville’s American Legion Post 118 moved to sell their building on MO-76 as well as some of the adjoining land. More recently, the Post's leadership announced they found a buyer for the property: local business owner and auctioneer Donnie Stumpff.
According to Stumpff, the decision came after some talks with Legion leadership, who detailed a list of issues that limited their ability to maintain the building.
“They had reached a point where their membership declined to the point where it was hard for them to make ends meet,” explained Stumpff. “I made the offer to buy the building and the grounds south of it, which consisted of about 14 acres.”
Stumpff went on to explain that the group would retain a portion of the grounds, namely the adjoining Memorial Park as well as a smaller building the post will use to hold meetings.
“They kept the park and a metal building behind the main building,” said Stumpff. “They’re going to keep their Post in there. It’s a smaller facility, which will be easier for them to manage with a lot less expense."
The auctioneer detailed his thought process going into purchasing the property, explaining that he and his family intend to use it as an opportunity to bring some long-lost history to Cassville.
“Living here, being a native here, when I was a kid, they used to have things like the Old Settlers' Reunion, watermelon feeds and fireworks out there in the rodeo grounds and won’t have that anymore,” Stumpff continued. “My goal is to try and get a lot of that to come back. We’re going to get the Old Settlers' Reunion to come back and have watermelon feeds and Easter egg hunts out there.”
In addition, Stumpff also plans to have the space available for rent for various community uses. The fees for this rentals have not yet been set but will vary depending on the length of use, as well as the use of the building’s facilities.
The building itself will be rechristened the Stumpff's Family Event Center.
Stumpff added he has already begun changes to the building, but that he will ultimately change it as little as possible.
“We’ve already trimmed the trees, and we’re in the process of cleaning the fence row out and making the grounds look better,” said Stumpff. “There will be some changes to the building but not a great lot. I’d like the keep the history of it the best that I can.”
The Stumpff's Family Event Center already has its first event on the books. On the evening of December 14, the center will be the host of the “God’s Glory” gospel performance. This event will feature 12 booths with various attendees, as well as noteworthy gospel acts Ozark Mountain Revival, the Gavits, and the Ledbetter family.
Stumpff remains hopeful this new venture will foster a new sense of community togetherness, as well as be a venue for exciting events.
“Hopefully, it’s something that the community will get behind and support,” said Stumpff. “I hope that they enjoy what’s coming and support us moving forward.”
The center is currently available for scheduling events. To host an event at the Stumpff's Family Event Center, call Ashley Stumpff at (417) 342-2968.
Vinnie Roberts
In July, Cassville’s American Legion Post 118 moved to sell their building on MO-76 as well as some of the adjoining land. More recently, the Post's leadership announced they found a buyer for the property: local business owner and auctioneer Donnie Stumpff.
According to Stumpff, the decision came after some talks with Legion leadership, who detailed a list of issues that limited their ability to maintain the building.
“They had reached a point where their membership declined to the point where it was hard for them to make ends meet,” explained Stumpff. “I made the offer to buy the building and the grounds south of it, which consisted of about 14 acres.”
Stumpff went on to explain that the group would retain a portion of the grounds, namely the adjoining Memorial Park as well as a smaller building the post will use to hold meetings.
“They kept the park and a metal building behind the main building,” said Stumpff. “They’re going to keep their Post in there. It’s a smaller facility, which will be easier for them to manage with a lot less expense."
The auctioneer detailed his thought process going into purchasing the property, explaining that he and his family intend to use it as an opportunity to bring some long-lost history to Cassville.
“Living here, being a native here, when I was a kid, they used to have things like the Old Settlers' Reunion, watermelon feeds and fireworks out there in the rodeo grounds and won’t have that anymore,” Stumpff continued. “My goal is to try and get a lot of that to come back. We’re going to get the Old Settlers' Reunion to come back and have watermelon feeds and Easter egg hunts out there.”
In addition, Stumpff also plans to have the space available for rent for various community uses. The fees for this rentals have not yet been set but will vary depending on the length of use, as well as the use of the building’s facilities.
The building itself will be rechristened the Stumpff's Family Event Center.
Stumpff added he has already begun changes to the building, but that he will ultimately change it as little as possible.
“We’ve already trimmed the trees, and we’re in the process of cleaning the fence row out and making the grounds look better,” said Stumpff. “There will be some changes to the building but not a great lot. I’d like the keep the history of it the best that I can.”
The Stumpff's Family Event Center already has its first event on the books. On the evening of December 14, the center will be the host of the “God’s Glory” gospel performance. This event will feature 12 booths with various attendees, as well as noteworthy gospel acts Ozark Mountain Revival, the Gavits, and the Ledbetter family.
Stumpff remains hopeful this new venture will foster a new sense of community togetherness, as well as be a venue for exciting events.
“Hopefully, it’s something that the community will get behind and support,” said Stumpff. “I hope that they enjoy what’s coming and support us moving forward.”
The center is currently available for scheduling events. To host an event at the Stumpff's Family Event Center, call Ashley Stumpff at (417) 342-2968.