About

The American Legion was founded March 15-17, 1919, by members of the American Expeditionary Forces still stationed in Europe awaiting passage home from World War I 

The building currently known as Dexter Legion Post 557 is one of the oldest buildings in Dexter (even older than Gordon Hall) and is referred to as the Vinkle-Steinbach house. The home was built in 1840 by local cabinet and coffin maker Henry Vinkle. He is said to have built his casket and napped in it every day until he died and was buried in it. The Vinkle-Steinbach house was built in the Greek revival style, including the three pillars in front of the house—which Vinkle always found rather pretentious. Still, it was an outstanding structure as far as the people going by were concerned. The year after Vinkle built his house. Judge Dexter built a very similar house not far away—with six pillars. 

Dexter war veterans organized a chapter of the American Legion in 1948 and bought the Vinkle-Steinbach house for their headquarters the next year. They filled in a pool and tore down a barn, replacing it with a picnic pavilion. Two additions to the house were built: a meeting room to the east in 1957 and an enlargement of the lounge on the west in 1984. The additions are placed far enough from the front house line so as not to obscure the pillars nor alter the majestic look of the house. The inside, however, has been completely remodeled with an open room plan, wood paneling, a fireplace, a bar, ceiling fans, and televisions.

Today, Dexter Legion members and members of the public enjoy relaxing in the lounge, attending meetings in the hall, and working on various service projects for the community and other veterans. The old Vinkle-Steinbach House serves all their needs and is much more homey and cozy than a new building would have been. 

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