Telegraph Editorial | Feb. 17, 1946 Anyone who goes near the depot does not have to be told that service men and women are still crowding the trains through North Platte. Many days there is as much of a load upon the workers as ever. But with the ending of the war, there has been a tendency to let down in the support of the Canteen on the part of some groups. Others are just as strong and loyal in their work as ever. The average person on the street seems to be in favor of keeping the Canteen open … But if the Canteen is to remain open until around June 1st it cannot be done by wishful thinking. There must be continued support in workers, donations and cash. As February ended, it was clear the April 1 closing date would stick. North Platte, the western half of Nebraska and northeast Colorado turned to savor- ing what they had done while they still could. For some 55,000 women, men and children, the war was about to end in a uniquely glorious home- front triumph. Telegraph | March 1, 1946 The men have not and will not forget the North Platte Canteen. Letters of appreciation are still be- ing received. The following two letters, from New London, Conn., and Milford, Mass., were received by Mayor [Sidney] McFarland today. “Dear Sir, “I wish to express my appreciation at this time for the hospitality shown the U.S. navy draft with
The Canteen’s faithful cadre of North Platte volunteers gathered in the U.P. Depot dining room one last time for a potluck dinner on April 2, 1946, the day after the Canteen closed. Shown are (front row, from left) audit committee member Ira L. Bare, Secretary Jessie Hutchens, Grace Traub, board member Edna Neid, Commander Helen Christ, board member Mayme Wyman, Canteen originator Rae Wilson, Annie Kramph, Albert Grabowski and Robert Getty; (middle row, from left) Mae Eshom, Verda Payne, Elaine Wright, Aubrey Hosford, Dorothy Hosford, Edna Harvey, Mabel Moore, Laura Barnell, Ella Batie, Edith Carroll and Anna Grabowski; (back row, from left) Louella Murdock, Celia Groves, Rose Stephenson, Lydia Jensen, Lucille Doebke, Margaret Barraclough, Mabel Sagesser, Eulalia Danks, Harriet LeMaire, Mary Ellen Land, board member Rose Loncar, Daisy Belzer, Belle Murdock and Maude Mischke.
communities and organizations who have been supporting the Canteen. “If you run short of funds,” Sgt. Bailock told her, “let me know. I will try to start a campaign over the country, through my American Legion post, to ask every ex-serviceman who has ever been served here to send 50 cents or a dollar to your Canteen.” Mrs. Land thanked the veteran, she said, but add- ed that she didn’t believe this would be necessary.
“This is all volunteer support and work,” she said, “and the people in our communities have always responded. You’ve done your bit, and we want to do our bit for all of you who have served overseas.” The Telegraph fully endorsed soliciting regional opinion on when the Canteen should close — but also gently suggested an earlier closing was un- derstandable if regrettable.
120 CANTEEN: AS IT HAPPENED
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