Members of American Legion Post 63 and American Legion Auxiliary Unit 63 from L-R: Charlie Schmidt, Lynnette Gadbury, Jim Litscher, Robert Hornbeck, Richard Duke, Duane (Hutch) Hutchins, David Allen, Fred Dory, and Ron Copeland.

On Monday, June 14 (Flag Day), American Legion Post 63 and American Legion Auxiliary Unit 63 dedicated a flag pole on the Arrowhead Plaza to the citizens of Harney County.

The Post 63 Color Guard kicked off the dedication ceremony by rising an American flag on the pole. Chaplain Jim Litscher led a prayer, and Commander Robert Hornbeck provided the opening remarks and recognized members of the American Legion, American Legion Auxiliary, and Harney County Opportunity Team (HCOT).

Afterward, 1st Vice Commander David W. Allen provided the history of the Arrowhead Plaza.

History of the Arrowhead Plaza

The Arrowhead Hotel, originally known as the Levens Hotel, was built by Henry (Hank) Levens in 1914. 

Three stories high and built entirely from native cut stone, the Levens Hotel housed a variety of shops, such as the Welcome Drug store, a tailor shop, a Chinese restaurant, and a theatre.

In 1934, Grover Jameson and Daniel C. Jordan bought out Levens and renamed the hotel the Arrowhead Hotel. This name honored the large collection of arrowheads that Jameson had acquired through the years.

In 1945, Don Casey purchased the building. Many of Burns’ citizens and visitors consider the Arrowhead to be a beautiful example of early 20th century stone architecture.

Unfortunately, a devastating fire struck in 1973. Fifty-nine years after its construction, the Arrowhead’s iconic stone structure disappeared, and the citizens of Burns lost a historic site. The massive amount of damage done to the building led to its demolition.

Bill and Ulaberl Allen owned the property where the Senior Center is located today. In the fall of 1973, they gave the property to the county so that the Senior Center could be built. In return, the county deeded the Arrowhead Plaza to them.

In 2000, the Allens deeded the Arrowhead Plaza to HCOT.

Dedication

Following Allen’s presentation, Hornbeck, American Legion Auxiliary Unit 63 President Shirley Torry, and HCOT President Bill Wilber unveiled the stone at the base of the flag pole.

“In the name of the American Legion Post 63 and the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 63 Department of Oregon, I now dedicate this flag pole to the citizens of Harney County,” Hornbeck said. “May this flag pole fly perpetually as the emblem of the cause for which we fought and which we now gladly serve.”

The event also featured guest speeches by Wilber and Adjutant Charlie Schmidt.