HOLYROOD — A 70-plus year-old Holyrood landmark that has been the venue for countless polka dances, weddings, public gatherings, American Legion meetings and senior citizen meals — the Holyrood American Legion building — has been rendered unusable by Mother Nature.

According to Holyrood American Legion Commander Gary Wilkens, strong winds began damaging the metal building the Monday after Memorial Day. It was then he noticed several ceiling tiles had fallen down on the inside of the building. In subsequent days, he noticed several broken boards in the roof.

That’s when the decision was made for safety reasons to move the noon senior citizens meals program to the basement of Holyrood’s United Church of Christ.

Flags and other important documents and collectibles belonging to the Holyrood American Legion were also removed from the building.

Tables and chairs remained behind.

This past Saturday night, the roof collapsed when another strong wind gust came through the area.

Wilkens said a building engineer was called and has examined the 1940’s era structure. However, no report has been received yet.

“He is working with the insurance adjuster,” Wilkens said, noting it is undetermined whether the Holyrood American Legion’s insurance policy on the building will cover the loss.

“The building is totally unusable and is going to have to be taken down,” Wilkens added.

Noting the Holyrood American Legion was widely known as the place for the popular Barefoot Becky polka dances, Wilkens said those dances “are history for now, anyway.”

“We’re just in a wait-andsee mode,” Wilkens said.