Ashland ends decades-old Legion agreement, clarifies ownership and future use of historic community building

By Julia Sommer for Ashland.news

Pioneer Hall, which closed in 2019 for structural upgrades and refurbishment, will finally reopen for community use Friday, Jan. 2, according to Rachel Dials, deputy director of Ashland Parks & Recreation.

The historic log cabin, built in 1921, did open briefly in 2022 as an emergency winter shelter.

American Legion Guy T. Applewhite Post 14 and Ashland Scout Troop 112 have used Pioneer Hall for free for decades, but that is about to change, according to Carmel Zahran, deputy city attorney.

She provided the following statement to Ashland.news:

“The City of Ashland has confirmed that it is the sole owner of Pioneer Hall and has ended the (1986) “exclusive use” agreement with American Legion Post No. 14. …

“In (1986), the City entered into an agreement granting American Legion Post No. 14 exclusive use of Pioneer Hall for 20 years. Over time, some community members came to believe this long-term arrangement gave the Legion ownership rights to the building. The Scouts’ use of Pioneer Hall grew out of their longstanding relationship with the Legion.

“During the recent renovation and structural upgrade of Pioneer Hall, the City conducted a detailed public-records review to confirm ownership and clarify responsibility for maintenance costs. That review found no deeds, recordings, or other documents showing any ownership interest in Pioneer Hall by any entity other than the City and confirmed that the 1983 agreement was the last lease on the property.

“To remove ongoing confusion and ensure consistent, equitable use of City facilities, the City has formally terminated the 1983 agreement. Because neither the local Legion post nor the local Scout troop is organized as a legal entity with a registered agent, the City delivered the termination notice to two local advocates for these groups.

“The City recognizes the important historical relationship between the Legion and Pioneer Hall and values the Legion’s support of local Scouts. This clarification does not prevent the Legion, the Scouts, or related groups from using Pioneer Hall; instead, it aligns their access with current City policies for building reservations and use.

“Going forward, the Legion, the Scouts, and any local organization are encouraged to work directly with the Parks Department to schedule use of Pioneer Hall and discuss their future needs. The Parks Department looks forward to collaborating with these groups to support their continued activities in the community.”

Paula Hyatt, an assistant scoutmaster, provided the following statement to Ashland.news: “Scout Troop 112 and the American Legion Post 14 have received notice from the City of Ashland terminating our lease. The Ashland Parks Department and city administration are working with both organizations on solutions moving forward. Details are not final and conversations continue.”

Hyatt left the City Council in 2024 before starting work with Troup 112 in March 2025.

A new fee schedule is in place for facility rental. Online bookings can be made starting Jan. 2 on the city’s website, ashlandoregon.gov. The Parks & Recreation department can be reached for more information at 541-488-5340, or email parksinfo@ashlandoregon.gov.

The Community Center, next to Pioneer Hall on Winburn Way, is slated to re-open by March 1.

Email freelance writer Julia Sommer of Ashland at juliamsommer@gmail.com.

Related stories:

Parks & Recreation Commission recommends new rental rates for Pioneer Hall and Ashland Community Center (Aug. 14, 2025)

Refurbishment and structural upgrade work complete at Pioneer Hall (Aug. 1, 2025)

Full plate: Council to discuss Pioneer Hall and Community Center on Monday, water treatment plant funding Tuesday (Oct. 12, 2024)

Contract approved for Pioneer Hall and Community Center rehabilitation (June 5, 2024)

Pioneer Hall too hazardous for use now, says acting city manager (Dec. 12, 2023)

Parks moves to drop Pioneer Hall lease, share communications officer with city (July 14, 2022)