The former Log Cabin Inn has been the home of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7011 since December 2023. (Sentinel file photo by TOM LAUB)

LEWISTOWN — A long standing home and landmark to veterans in Mifflin County as well as their friends and family was destroyed in a fire in Aug. 2021.

Smoke, heat and water damage claimed the first floor of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7011 building located at 12 Chestnut St., Lewistown. Demolition of the damaged structure began on Feb. 1, 2023. The site is now an empty lot. The loss almost claimed the hearts of those veterans. But, they did not let it stop them.

Officers and members of the VFW hoped to restore the building but unfortunately, repeated efforts to raise funds through monthly fundraising to restore the building failed since the funds were much greater than they anticipated.

They did not let this stand in their way to give the veterans of the community a new home.

“We looked at a bunch of different buildings but there were pros and cons to each”, says Al Forshey, junior vice commander.

“Then we came across the old Log Cabin Inn. We knew there were some compromising things to address with the move” he added.

The post had to get approval from Derry township to buy the building, transfer their liquor license and receive an inspection by the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board.

The board made the decision to move forward and the former Log Cabin Inn is now the new home of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7011.

Since opening their doors in December 2023, their memberships have rebounded.

The post currently has a full staff with three full-time bartenders, three part time bartenders, a part-time cook with a full array of foods and a full-time overnight cleaner and maintenance.

Bands and DJs are being booked for the upcoming year.

“We are here for the veterans and their families. Without them we don’t exist”, says Forshey.

To become a member, stop in and fill out either a veteran membership, an auxiliary membership or regular membership form.