Historic American Legion Post 168
Commander Moulton and the Historic American Legion Post 168
The Grand Re-Opening in February 2020 with over a dozen Key West musicians – just before the world shut down.
Located at 803 Emma Street in Bahama Village, the American Legion Post 168 was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2012. Commander Nancy Moulton, a self- proclaimed “fix-it” person, is trying the promote the site. It has been termed by the long-time Bahama Village residents as the “Black Town Hall” and the hub of every important community event.
Clayton Lopez, Cliff Sawyer, Skipper Kripitz, Robert Albury, unamed Bass, Larry Smith helped re-open the historic Post 168
Moulton has been a life-long project manager and Bahama Village resident. She worked mostly for the Army and Pentagon and is using her skills and experience to support this beloved community project. She feels a strong bond with the community and the struggles of the veterans and their families. She admires the drive and determination that built Post 168.
The rich history of American Legion Post 168 starts with its namesake William Weech, a black Key Wester who perished aboard the USCGC Tampa which sunk off the coast of Wales during WWI. Key West had paid a high price for a small community during WWI and would later pay an even higher price in WWII.
The American Legion was in its infancy and a very segregated society. The black veterans formed the “Colored Veterans of World War I.” It wasn’t until after WWII that the American Legion granted them a charter for American Legion Post 168. Following the end of WWII, Post 168 saw membership triple and initially rented space at Thomas and Angela.
American Legion Post 168 at 803 Emma Street, in Bahama Village
Back then, its members consisted of masons, carpenters, plumbers, and such. Many worked for the Navy at the submarine base during the day and later would work on the new Post 168 at night. The Post was eventually moved to its current location on Emma St. and work was completed on December 11, 1952 – a little over 34 years after William Weech had been killed.
Segregation was still alive and well in the 1950s Key West. The ties between veterans would often transcend these cultural barriers. It became the home of both American Legion Post 168 and VFW Post 6021. Support often came from the white only VFW Post in Key West.
The Grand Re-Opening in February 2020.
During the segregated times, the Chitlin’ Circuit would quite often bring famous Black entertainers to Key West who would perform to black audiences that were not allowed in the all-white only theaters. Robert Albury and Coffee Butler both confirmed that Louis Armstrong performed at the VFW (a name that was often used for the American Legion Post 168). Many other famous performers would venture to Key West and find themselves in the “Bahama Village Post 168”.
Forty-nine-year member and former Post Commander, Glenwood Lopez (yes, Clayton’s brother) kept a list of many of the stars that graced the stage of this famous venue. According to Glenwood, B.B. King, James Brown (several visits), Otis Redding, Debbie Wright, Della Humphrey, Ben E. King (“Stand by Me”), Sam and Dave (“Hold On, I’m Comin’”), Millie Jackson, and the great Etta James (“At Last”) all performed inside Post 168. Glenwood has been a member of the Post since 1976, long after the Chitlin’ Circuits, but remembers peeking in the window to watch these entertainers when he was too young to enter.
In the early years, Bahama Village was the center of music in Key West. There are probably many other famous entertainers like Louis Armstrong from the 50s that performed at Post 168. I heard rumors Duke Ellington fit a portion of his band on that stage. In any case, the American Legion Post 168 has a very storied history.
Post 168 was located next to the former Lincoln Theater that would show movies in Bahama Village (now John Martini’s famous art studio). John purchased his property in 1983 and would hang out with mostly WWII Vets at the Post who would usually show up in their old military garb. John said they were great neighbors.
Post 168 has fallen on hard times and it’s been difficult to keep the doors open. Commander Moulton has asked the community for suggestions. One was a Movie Night which they tried for several weeks without success. Several private parties have been scheduled. The Bahama Village Redevelopment Advisory Committee (BVRAC) and the City of Key West provided enough support to renovate and reopen the Post.
After renovations, Post 168 was reopened by Coffee Butler along with over a dozen other musicians, on February 22, 2020, just before COVID shut the world down. It was a great night of music and fun with reopening to a packed house. Post 168 can boast the largest and probably best dance floor of any venue in Key West. They have installed new stage lighting and a very good sound system.
Larry Baeder and Terri White have scheduled music performances every Thursday night throughout March. They are great fun with, of course, tremendous vocals. 
Terri White has performed on Broadway, the Kennedy Center, and the Hollywood Bowl to thousands and is now a Bahama Village resident and can perform all your favorite tunes.
American Legion Post 168 is available for rent for birthday parties or other special occasions at a very reasonable price. For info, contact Commander Nancy Moulton at 703-626-0600. Nancy is also working on the kitchen to be able to cater food for the Post. Make a point to stop by on Thursday during March for music and fun. This author and veteran is their newest member and hope some other Vets will join American Legion Post 168 with me.
Broadway star Terri White and Larry Baeder are scheduled for the next two Thursdays. More music scheduled Saturday nights.
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