Banks-Miller Post 255 raising funds to renovate building built in early 1950s
Members of Banks-Miller American Legion Post 255 are shown participating in a flag raising ceremony in May 2022. {Sherraine Lockhart/Contributed photo}
The Banks-Miller American Legion Post 255 is a staple in the Black community. Often referred to as “The Hut,” the location has served as the setting for meetings, weddings, family reunions, birthday parties, service projects and concerts. As a stop along the famed “Chitlin’ Circuit,” the building welcomed the music of James Brown, Etta James, Gladys Knight and the Pips and others.
Chartered in 1946, Banks-Miller is the first and only Black American Legion post in Davidson County. Founded during the time of segregation, it served as place where Black people could gather, and do so safely.
The chapter’s name is an ode to the service of two men: Richard Banks, a Lexington native, and Dorie Miller. According to Post Commander Alvin Hoover, Banks, a medal recipient, was killed in The Vietnam War. Miller, a cook, was at Pearl Harbor when it was bombed. After soldiers were wounded, he manned one of the guns on the ship and shot down multiple Japanese planes.
Originally, the post was located uptown and relocated to the Lincoln Park neighborhood in the 1950s, where it remains. The current structure was remodeled in 1971 after a fire. Over the decades, updates and changes have been made. However, as with most buildings that are over 50 years old, they began to experience their share of deterioration. Banks-Miller Post 255 is no exception.
“We’re trying to preserve and renovate the building,” said Hoover. “Our vision is to have a place where everyone can feel safe. We’re very particular about who we rent to.”
Within the past 15 years, the organization’s stellar reputation within the community has taken a hit as situations have occurred in and around the building prompting safety concerns.
“We’re trying to do away with ‘the hut’ nickname. It’s not a party place. We’re a veterans’ organization. This is Banks-Miller Post 255. We could be like a country club.”
While the members of the organization have encountered many who have a stigma about their purpose, Hoover is prompt to remind residents what they’ve accomplished.
“We’ve hosted functions, fish fries, safe Halloween nights, given out boxes at Thanksgiving and Christmas and military ceremonies honoring the late Junior Anderson [a Buffalo Soldier] and the late LM Lockhart [a Montford Point Marine]. Giving back to the community is our main goal.”
To be able to continue moving forward with their desires, Banks-Miller Post 255 will need help from the citizens it serves through the form of donations, grants and gifts. Earlier this year, the furnace, which had been used for over 35 years, ceased operation. Along with needing a new heating system, the veterans desire to be able to renovate the kitchen and bathrooms, paint the building and upgrade equipment.
“We just need a little help from the community to make all of this happen.”
With such a daunting task ahead, Hoover, as the leader of the organization, is committed to doing all he can to ensure these changes occur. “This really means a lot to me. When those men organized Banks-Miller, it was rough times. I believe they did it because white people didn’t want them in their building. I don’t want to let what they did and their great impact be forgotten. They were positive role models for us.”
*Banks-Miller American Legion Post 255 will have a Port-A-Pit Chicken Dinner Fundraiser on Saturday, June 3. The meal includes 1/2 port-a-pit chicken, slaw, beans, bread and dessert. Tickets are $12 and can be purchased from a member of the organization.
*Donations can be sent to: Banks-Miller Post 255 PO Box 339 Lexington, NC 27293. If you know of resources that may be beneficial or are knowledgeable about grant opportunities for the post, contact Adjutant Bruce Cross (336)239-1301.
The Davidson County Historical Museum featured Banks-Miller Post 255 in it’s virtual Black History Tour. To view, the portion about the post fast forward to 6:37.
