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Restore Palm Springs American Legion Post 519

Owen Coffman Memorial Building Restoration Foundation.

Our mission:

Restore, maintain and update our 1948 Mid-Century building for current and future generations of veterans, our community and preservationists. This is the only building in Palm Springs that honors our veterans.

Restoring their home is the least we can do.

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Our History

A part of our community since 1934, Post 519 was founded by Earl Coffman, a Veteran of WWI, and co-manager of the famous Desert Inn, owned by his mother, Palm Springs matriarch Nellie Coffman. In April 1944, it was named in honor of his son, 2nd Lt. Owen B. Coffman, a B-17 Pilot, who was killed in action. Nellie Coffman & Pearl McManus donated the land and it was dedicated January 3, 1948. In 1999, it was designated a Class One Historic Site (HSPB-36).

The contractor was Ryland Pinkard and the architects were John Porter Clark and Albert Frey. The building incorporates many mid-century features including a unique “Lamella” ceiling that is now considered rare for Southern California. Also, from 1948 to 1953, Hollywood greats performed live on the Legion’s stage to nationally broadcast audiences.

Our goal is to restore our post to its glory with modern amenities and a 1940s USO theme.