The iconic art deco William W. Doud Post No. 98 building, which was opened by the American Legion in 1940, will be preserved for future generations when it becomes part of Doud Apartment Homes, a new housing development by Vincent DiRaimo and Michael Nuccitelli.
A groundbreaking ceremony was held on Thursday, September 1, on the property at 898 Buffalo Road, Gates. Among the guest speakers was Robert J. Duffy, president and chief executive officer of the Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce.
“The preservation of the Doud Post building and the opportunity to have a new housing development come to the Town of Gates is the result of the collaboration between town government and private business,” said Gates Supervisor Cosmo A. Giunta. “Working together, our Town Historian Bill Gillette described the rich history of Doud Post, and the veterans it has served for more than 80 years, to Mr. DiRaimo and Mr. Nuccitelli. They enthusiastically supported the effort to preserve the Doud Post structure and include it in their new apartment project.”
Town efforts to preserve the legacy of Doud Post began shortly after the veterans sold the property. Three years ago, Commander John Rath and Post members Don Dohr, John Noto, and Paul Schneider worked with Town Historian Gillette to relocate and rededicate the veterans’ monument, which was on the front lawn of the Post home, to Gates Memorial Park, off Spencerport Road. The Post flagpole was then relocated to the front lawn of the Hinchey Homestead which is owned by the Town of Gates and operated by the Gates Historical Society on Hinchey Road.
“The preservation of the Doud Post building , as well as the monument and flagpole, will assure that Doud Post and its member veterans will never be forgotten in Gates,” said Mr. Gillette.
Located on the former Doud Post property along the Erie Canal in the eastern portion of the town, Doud Apartment Homes will consist of five buildings and a total of 166 units in floor plans of one-, two- and three-bedroom layouts. Each unit will include stainless steel energy-related appliances and front-loading washer/dryer units.
The Doud Post structure itself will be repurposed as the apartment offices and will include a fitness center and an internet café for the community to enjoy. An outdoor swimming pool is also planned.
In addition to Mr. Duffy, the speakers at Thursday’s groundbreaking ceremony included World War II veteran and Doud Post member Paul Schneider, who will turn 101 years of age this October, and who sang God Bless America; John Rath, American Legion Post No. 98 Commander; U.S. Marine Corps veteran Nick Stefanovic, Director of Monroe County Veteran’s Service Agency; and developers Vincent DiRaimo and Michael Nuccitelli.
Monroe County Legislator and U.S. Army veteran Frank Allkofer, a member of the Post, led the Pledge of Allegiance. Retired Gates Police Chief James Vanbrederode provided closing music on behalf of the Gates Keystone Club Police Pipes and Drums. A reception followed the ceremony on the property.
Doud Post No. 98, American Legion, was named for William W. Doud, who was killed in action during World War I near Grand-Pre, France, on November 1, 1918. The son of Frank and Margaret Doud of Rochester, he was a member of the 309th Heavy Field Artillery.
In June 1919, a group of former members of the 309th, headed by James P. O’Connor, Major of the 78th Division, met to discuss the formation of an American Legion Post. The charter was granted on July 8, 1919. William J. Bell was elected commander; Patrick H. Ryan, first vice commander; Leon Metzger, adjutant; and Louis J. Glazer, treasurer.
From 1919 to 1930, members met at Hickatoo Hall on State Street in Rochester. In 1930, they purchased a farm on Buffalo Road in Gates known as the Steve West Estate and met in the farmhouse until it was destroyed by fire in February 1937.
Following a number of fund-raising events, ground was broken for a new structure by Frank Doud, the father of William Doud, on October 27, 1939.
Participating in the groundbreaking ceremonies, which were held in alternating snow flurries and sunshine, were Commander Albert Siebold, and members of the building committee headed by Frank B. Schmidt; Helen Stevens, auxiliary president; Flora Hamilton, past president of the auxiliary; Charles Pioch, post member and architect; and members Herman Stevens, Raymond Welter, Frank Loewenguth, and Victor Ayette.
The cornerstone of the new building was set by Mr. Doud on November 11, 1939 – 21 years after the Armistice of World War I.
The post home was built on a knoll 150 feet from Buffalo Road, just west of what was then known as the Barge Canal. The foundation from the grade up was glass brick and was illuminated at night. An auditorium was located on the main floor. Meeting rooms, a rathskeller, and a kitchen were located on the lower level. The interior was finished in knotty pine.
Following groundbreaking, a drive began for 500 members.
The building was formally opened on May 22, 1940.
Following its sale by the veterans, it became the location of Rick’s Prime Rib House in the late 1990s. The restaurant closed in 2019.
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