The Past
On 4 August 1917, The War Department purchased land which was to eventually become the 29,610 acre Fort Ord. Initially Camp Ord, a maneuver field and artillery range for troops stationed at the Presidio of Monterey, the fort was destined to play pivotal roles in World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam confllict and Desert Storm. Some 2 million soldiers passed through Fort Ord, many of whom gave their lives to preserve our freedom and to liberate others in the world from tyranny.
Fort Ord was named for famed frontier fighter, Civil War general and personal friend of President Abraham Linclon, Major General Edward Ortho Cresap Ord (1818 - 1883), who in 1847 as commander of F Company, 3rd Artillery, established the fortification on Monterey Bay known as the Presidio of Monterey.
On 1 July 1940 the 7th Division was activated at what was then known as Camp Ord with General Joseph W. Stilwell (1883 - 1946) in command. Also known as "Vinegar Joe" or "Uncle Joe", depending upon oneÈs station in life, General Stilwell conceived a place where those who were rigorously training to put their lives on the line for our country could find respite. A man of action, General Stilwell bull-dogged this project through. He picked the site and assigned the architects: 1st Lieutenant Savo Stoshitch of the 13th Engineer Division and 2nd Lieutenant Orville Pierce, 74th Field Artillery Regiment, with San Francisco architect Henry Rowe consulting. The building was constructed by the U.S. Army Quartermaster Corps, WPA workmen and artists.
The building style is Spanish Mission Revival with a strong Greek Revival influence emanating from Colton Hall (significant as the location of the California Constitutional Convention in September, 1849) and contains approximately 52,000 square feet. The building is divided into a large main ballroom with a balcony above, an adjacent tap room with a bar reputed to be the longest in California, and several smaller meeting rooms. There are magnificent chandeliers, significant murals, some of which were painted by General Stilwell's daughter Alison, sculpture and 4 huge fireplaces.
The estimated project cost was $500,000, 80% of which was born by contributions from Post Headquarters, Corps Area Headquarters and the WPA. The remaining 20% came from soldiers "voluntary sponsorships". The "suggested schedule of payments" was: Privates, 25 cents per month; Corporals, 50 cents per month; Sergeants, 75 cents per month; First Three Grades, 1 dollar per month. The "voluntary donations" were collected each pay day in cash at the end of the pay line by the First Sergeant. Needless to say, participation was high.
Construction began in November, 1940 and was completed on 24 September 1943. There were numerous delays due to wartime material shortages and a cost overrun of $100,000.
The building was dedicated on 24 September 1943 by Mrs. Stilwell who read a message from General Stilwell, who at the time was in China.
To celebrate the opening, approximately 1,000 local girls were invited to the first dance. Over 250 kegs of beer were on hand and sold at 5 cents a glass. It was a howling success.
Over the ensuing years soldiers were entertained by Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Bing Crosby, Bob Hope, Jack Benny, Edgar Bergan, Lou Costello and the Dorsey Brothers.
Stilwell Hall has served as a Soldier's Club, (1943 - 1959), an NCO Club (1962 - 1965), a skating rink (1965 - 1966) an Enlisted Men and Women's Club (1971 - 1973) and a Recreation Services Offices and Community Center (1974 - 1994).
General Stilwell played a pivotal role in the U.S. relationship with China from 1911 to 1946. He led Chinese and American forces in Burma fighting the Japanese as well as acting as the American military liaison to Generalissimo Chaing-Kai Sheck's government. He also played a pivotal role in the U.S. Army's relationship with the citizens of Monterey County. However, his most memorable achievement may well be his devotion to the commn soldier. This building epitomizes the role of Fort Ord in our Country's major wars and is a symbol and living memorial to the 2 milllion men and women soldiers who passed thrugh Fort Ord in their pursuit of protecting our freedom.
The Present
Stilwell Hall is in peril. Built 300 feet from the beach front, it is now 11 inches from the beach front. One more winter, even a mild one, will see the building begin to collapse into Monterey Bay. This will not happen, of course, because the Unites States Army will implement its plan to raze the building . The demolition plan is in place and funded. (Estimated cost: $3,000,000).
A prominent architectural and historic building in Monterey County, the major land mark for the former Fort Ord, a place where over 2 million American soldiers served, is about to wind up as land fill. This is unacceptable in the United States of America and the State of California, a Country and State that have been blessed with a rich military history.
A group of prominent, dedicated citizens acting under the banner of the Stilwell Hall Preservation Society, (an organization strongly supported by the Fort Ord Alumni Association), in conjunction with the senior military leadership at the Presidio of Monterey, and the senior leadership of California State Parks, are working together to implement a plan to move the building to a new location, 700 feet from the shoreline. Engineering studies and studies by contractors with experience with projects of this type and magnitude have determined feasibility.
The Future
The 882 acres of land upon which Stilwell Hall sits is being given by the U.S. Army to California State Parks and will be known as Fort Ord Dunes State Park. The State Parks Service and community leaders agree that a relocated and rehabilitated Stilwell Hall would be an important and valuable addition to the park and the community.
Proposed uses include a Fort Ord history museum, a visitors center, a gift shop, a restaurant, and a major events center. This facility will also provide a convenient venue for events and conferences sponsored by California State University, Monterey Bay.
The Monterey Peninsula is well known for the many and diverse types of public activities that regularly occur and the significant attendance support they enjoy. It is a fact that there is a dearth of space suitable for large cultural gatherings, trade shows, regional meetings, etc. Because of its prominence, central location, ease of access and plentiful parking, Stilwell Hall is the perfect venue for major events.
The proper destiny for Stilwell Hall is to become a major Monterey County resource for visitor information, a Fort Ord history museum, and major events center. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to fill this need and preserve an important part of National and State history at the same time, maximizing the effectiveness of the money invested.
Progress to Date and Required Action
The United States Army has done it's part by contributing the land for a major beach park, a building of great historic significance and $3 million towards moving the building away from the perils of the ocean.
The State of California is doing its part by contributing $3 million for the preservation of Stilwell Hall and dedicating land for the relocation.
It is now time for us to do our part by funding the $9 million need to complete the task.
Funded to date by its Trustees and interested citizens, the Stilwell Hall Preservation Society is pursuing major grants from private foundations interested in the memorialization of major historical events, preservation of significant buildings, and restoration of the coast.
All of the foundations have expressed initial interest. To further the cause, it is necessary to have a strong and broad based show of interest. This is why we need your help. A gift of at least $10.00 from those whose lives have benefited by the Military will go a long way toward achieving success in this worthy undertaking.
How to Participate
Send Money
Make checks payable to: Stilwell Hall Preservation Society
Mailing address:
P.O. Box 5688
Presidio of Monterey, CA 93944
Share Fort Ord and/or Stilwell Hall Related Experiences
E-Mail: foaa@monterey.edu
Mail:
FOAA
100 Campus Center
Seaside, CA 93933-8001
For further information, call Bob Schaffer at (831) 333-1984.
