cheer to millions of service personnel passing thru the city. Here was the best cheer for herself imaginable. She was seated at the reception desk at the center and was telling this writer about the events of the day and informing us of his possible home- coming soon. The first section of train number 8 was easing into the depot. Hundreds of uniform- clothed people filed in, and amid that sea of faces was her son, MoMM 1-c Clifford Hutchens. She was nearly overcome with emotion as she started toward the edge of the desk. His eyes moistened as he embraced her and the business of the entire Canteen paused. Most of the work- ers yesterday knew his mother was expecting him home soon, but none expected his appearance in this surrounding. The first greeting over, the women surrounded him and told of their joy at his arrival. Cliff simply stood there and recalled many of the faces but had to call on “mom” twice to identify two of them. His thoughts came immediately to North Platte. He was ready to start hiking across the tracks imme- diately and knew nothing of the fence around the depot limits now. “The one thing I want is a coconut cream pie,” he exploded. His mother replied there wasn’t any coconut, but a friend rallied to the appeal almost immediately and Cliff promised to call for it this morning, so if he doesn’t get it, it will be his own fault. There were hundreds of questions, all in a few
minutes, but uppermost was news of former friends and their present whereabouts. Cliff assert- ed he still had not changed his status as a single man and [had] no prospects at the present time. “I’ll catch one, though,” he told them. Twenty minutes later, Mrs. Hutchens remained excited and even forgot if she had worn a hat and coat. Her face flushed with pleasure, she and her son left the Canteen for their real celebration at home. Daily Bulletin | Jan. 6, 1945 A sailor, returning to his home in Boston, Mass., observed his birthday yesterday and the Canteen gave him his proverbial birthday cake. But the story came from the doctor in attendance. The day marked what will probably be his last birthday, as he is not expected to live much longer. In fact, some doubt was expressed if he would complete the trip home. So the Canteen helped make it a real day for the bed-ridden man. He was conscious, and his eyes more than told his story of appreciation. Telegraph | Jan. 18, 1945 North Platte business men and their employees are to have a regular day at the North Platte Canteen, on which day they will take over the operation and financing of the Canteen. The new plan will go into effect in February on the last Sunday of the month, and the business men and employees will serve on the fourth Sunday of each succeeding month.
Unexpected reunions were commonplace at the Canteen, whether between friends or relatives outside on the platform or parents and children inside the depot. Though Canteen founder Rae Wilson never did greet brother Denver there, long- time Canteen Secretary Jessie Hutchens surely never forgot the following experience. Elevated view of a military transport train stopping at the Canteen. Like North Platte’s Union Pacific Depot itself, several buildings along Front Street at upper right were demolished during the 1970s.
Daily Bulletin | Jan. 6, 1945 By Larry Hayes
“I’m looking for Clifford to arrive home some time next week,” said Mrs. Charles [Jessie] Hutchens, “we haven’t seen him for nearly four years and his last letter said he was in California on his way home for a 30-day leave. … OH, there’s Clifford!” Imagine, if you can, the picture. Mrs. Hutchens has worked day after day at the North Platte Canteen for the past three years and helped spread
88 CANTEEN: AS IT HAPPENED
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