why I, who believed conditions in Nebraska sut- tle [likely “subtle”] to my race, was so overcome when I stopped at the North Platte Canteen that I had to write. I’ll tell you again that all of the fellows, and only a small proportion were colored, marveled long about the ‘most American spirit’ shown them at North Platte, by its mothers, housewives and other ladies.” The letter was signed by Private James C. Auston, Fresno, Calif. U.S. and British leaders were laying plans for the eventual cross-Channel invasion of Nazi- occupied France. With Guadalcanal finally cleared in the Pacific, Gen. Douglas MacArthur and Adm. Chester Nimitz were poised for their long “island-hopping” campaign to drive Japan back toward its home islands. Once again, troop trains through North Platte were swelling in num- bers and passengers. Daily Bulletin | Feb. 19, 1943 North Platte residents are proud of their Canteen. A large number of citizens are giving it their loyal support. Such support is going to be needed even more than it is now, with the army taking 12,000 men [in the draft] a day. Few people not directly connected with the Canteen realize that it costs approximately be- tween $800 and $1,000 a month to keep this busy business organization going, and this amount is on top of the donations received.
there is still money in the treasury [about $1,000 at month’s end], although not a large amount. “Thanks to some splendid support on the part of a majority of citizens in North Platte and the surrounding towns, who are not only taking turns working but are liberal in their donations, the Canteen has been able to carry on, but with [so many] being put into the army daily the job is go- ing to get tougher and expenses will be increased,” Mr. Self explained. For this reason an appeal is being made at this time for additional donations. A person does not necessarily have to make a cash donation — food of all kinds is very acceptable. Such items as cook- ies, popcorn balls, fruit, candy, smoking tobacco and cigarettes are always in demand.
Once again, a national magazine took note of the Canteen and its workers.
Helen Christ serves coffee, circa 1943.
Telegraph | March 31, 1943 In this week’s [April 10] issue of the Liberty, which went on the news stands Wednesday, is an article headed “North Platte: A Little Town With A Big Heart,” giving in some detail a story on the origin of the North Platte Canteen and its pro- gram up-to-date. Appearing with the articles is a picture taken at one of the serving tables in the Canteen, showing Mrs. Adam [Helen] Christ, present chairman of the board of directors, [and] Mrs. R.C. [Mayme]
Many troop trains pull thru here on the Union Pacific with as many as 700 men [apiece], and it is not unusual for the Canteen to feed as high as 3,600 soldiers in 24 hours. The other day, an order went in for milk — 700 bottles. Last Sunday the Canteen used 26 pounds of coffee. As many as eight bushels of apples are distributed on one day. All this means a lot of work and many headaches trying to make both ends meet to Ralph Self, Union Pacific conductor, who is treasurer of the Canteen. Books are balanced weekly by Mr. Self, and so far
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