VFW Post 76

I've been to a few VFW Posts in my day. Some of my favorites include an off-the-books, cigarette-smoke-filled operation in Chicago, located on the 2nd floor of a residential building where art school kids would come to sing karaoke and go turbo time on cheap drinks. There's also an excellent VFW in Minneapolis (James Ballentine “Uptown” VFW Post 246) that has a separate room in the back where vets knock back Grain Belt beers and go through pull tabs faster than leftover taco bell through a sick dog.

However, VFW Post 76 (@oldest_post_in_texas) in San Antonio takes the cake in terms of sheer size, history, and wow factor. Founded in 1917 by veterans of the Spanish American War, it's the oldest and largest post in Texas. The current building, known as the Petty House, was sold to the post in June 1947. The post's website adds:

"This property is significant because it is the only remaining house of the pre-1900 neighborhood previously known as the Milam Bend. The home represents a period in the late 19th and early 20th centuries when San Antonio was becoming a modern city. The Petty House is a San Antonio Historical landmark and as of 2017, a Texas State Historical landmark."

You can stop in, grab a cold beverage, and walk around this spacious house. There are some pretty cool murals and war memorabilia you can look at, and the space also seems to host events somewhat regularly. There's a nice wraparound porch too if you want to enjoy a nice, hot San Antanio breeze. One of my favorite spots in town, don’t miss it.

God bless America 🇺🇸