Mercer Island’s VFW Hall, the Keewaydin Clubhouse, has been named one of 25 historic places selected to participate in the Seattle-Puget Sound area Partners in Preservation initiative by The National Trust for Historic Preservation. The community is invited to vote on which building or place they believe should be awarded a grant.

As the longest serving owners of the Keewaydin Clubhouse, the members of VFW Post 5760 have given much to keep the original club members’ spirit of unity and friendship alive. Saying “as in the past we’ve fought our nation’s battles, in the present we strive to preserve our community’s history,” the veterans of VFW Post 5760 see the clubhouse as the embodiment of their bond both with each other and with the past. Replacing the original roof and siding will protect that bond and allow the clubhouse to function as the heart of the community for years to come.

To celebrate this distinction and show the public the recent efforts to upgrade and maintain the building, two days of celebration and tours are planned.

• May 1: Welcoming and flag raising at 10 a.m.; “Keewaydin Clubhouse: Mercer Island Landmark” lecture at noon; “Service in World War II & the Korean War” lecture at 2 p.m.; showings of documentaries throughout the day.

• May 2: “Reminisces of Keewaydin” ceremony at 1 p.m.; “Service in the Vietnam War & Current Conflicts” lecture at 2 p.m.; showings of documentaries throughout the day.

For information, call (206) 232-6390. The clubhouse is located at 1836 72nd Ave. S.E., Mercer Island.

Open House at Shore Club is Sunday

The Mercerwood Shore Club is holding an open house between 1 and 4 p.m., May 2, at 4150 East Mercer Way. Come for a swim, visit the beach, play some tennis and enjoy hot dogs and drinks. Admission is free. For more information, call Paul at 232-1622.

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