Join us for our next Heritage Happy Hour on September 18th, 2025, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the American Legion Post 33, 1320 Pennsylvania Ave, Beaumont, TX 77701. This special two – for – one Heritage Happy Hour will also feature the Temple to the Brave at Pipkin Park! Enjoy wine and craft beer showcased by Giglio Distributing Co., and tour this piece of Beaumont’s past, present, and future!
Admission:
-Free for all Beaumont Heritage Society members
-$10 for all non-BHS members 21+
Short, informational talks will be given upon entry to the American Legion and the Temple to the Brave before guests tour the buildings.
ABOUT AMERICAN LEGION POST 33
The American Legion was founded in March 1919 in Paris, France by returning members of WWI American Expeditionary Forces and subsequently chartered by the 66th U.S. Congress on September 16, 1919. The organization is based on four pillars: Veteran Affairs and Rehabilitation, National Security, Americanism, and Children and Youth. Beaumont’s American Legion Post 33 was granted its temporary charter on September 5, 1919 as the 25th American Legion post in the State of Texas and received its permanent charter in 1933. It has since welcomed Veterans from all branches of the Armed Forces. On August 9, 1948, American Legion Post 33 purchased the property located at 1320 Pennsylvania Avenue (then known as Riverside Drive) from J. H. Phelan for the sum of $20,000.00 as their permanent home. Legion members constructed their post themselves. The dedication of the new facility took place on Armistice Day, Friday, November 11, 1949. An interesting feature of the post is a series of large ceramic murals created between 1957 – early 1960s by Post 33 member/renowned Texas muralist Clyde E. Gray, perhaps best recognized as the founder and operator of Heritage Garden Village and the Pickett House in Woodville. Due to prior water intrusion issues, the murals are now covered with protective paneling pending restoration.
ABOUT TEMPLE TO THE BRAVE
Located at 1350 Pennsylvania Avenue in Pipkin Patriots Park, the Temple to the Brave is a memorial chapel built in 1931-32 by the Col. George Moffett Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution whose original intent was to honor those who died in World War I. The Temple to the Brave was later consecrated to Texas military of all wars, past and future, and the hope for world peace upon its opening on October 19, 1932. Following a restoration of the Temple in 2006-2007, the memorial was rededicated to
American military of all wars. The memorial was recently designated as a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark by the Texas Historical Commission and its nomination to the National Register of Historic Places has also been approved. Filled with war-related artifacts, the Temple to the Brave is open on patriotic holidays on Memorial Day (Last Monday in May), Flag Day (June 14), Patriot Day (September 11), Veterans Day (November 11) and Pearl Harbor Anniversary (December 7); Museum Madness weekend (October, annually); and for private tours.
Heritage Happy Hour is an ongoing outreach program typically held every other month, with each event highlighting a historical landmark, time, exhibit, or organization, featuring complimentary craft beer provided by Giglio Distributing Co. (wine and non-alcoholic beverages also available). We believe that by promoting and sharing our local history and its historical significance in a fun and social way, we can also share and promote the efforts to preserve Beaumont’s historical landscape. Join the Beaumont Heritage Society today at beaumontheritage.org/membership and be a part of making a difference!
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