The canteen miracle
World War II yielded stories and miracles, one in particular standout is the free canteen in North Platte, Neb., that was provided to the troop trains. Consider this: the people in a small, rural town of fewer than 12,000 residents in 1941, took it upon themselves to encourage soldiers as they passed through on the way to war.
The effort was made by over 125 communities near and far from North Platte. These were all rural folks, under restraints of severe rationing, who dug deep into their hearts to serve the boys, as they were mostly young men. Gasoline was one item that was rationed and that proved to be an additional challenge for transporting the needed supplies. Along with that, tires, sugar, and other necessities were restricted. To figure out how to do the job under that guise alone showed gumption. To me, that is the first miracle. It reminds me of the parable of the loaves and the fishes. Where did these volunteers come up with the items needed? Rural citizens are resourceful. The ones who had chickens supplied meat and eggs. During pheasant hunting season, pheasant sandwiches were on the menu.
This information was found in the canteen records, quoting from Once Upon a Town, by Bob Greene, “Contributions from the Moorefield group yesterday were 25 birthday cakes, 39½ dozen cup cakes, 149 dozen cookies, 87 fried chickens, 70 dozen eggs, 17½ quarts of salad dressing, 40½ dozen doughnuts, 20 pounds of coffee, 22 quarts of pickles, 22 pounds of butter and 13½ quarts of cream.”
The idea that people would just show up to help is a rural custom that is not unusual. But for over four years, every single day?
From December 25, 1941 — Christmas Day — until it closed April 1, 1946, the canteen had people preparing food with serving, starting at 5 a.m. daily and all day until the final troop train about midnight. This went on seven days a week. Over the years, 6.5 million service men and women were served.
The actual canteen was demolished by Union Pacific in 1973, yet the memories live on in the wonderful Lincoln County Historical Museum, 2403 N. Buffalo Bill Ave. in North Platte. The museum is located near the Buffalo Bill Ranch. In the museum are volumes of guest books where soldiers were urged to sign their names and give their hometowns. The inspiring photos and additional canteen exhibits make a superlative display. (There is also an Old West Town, along with railroad, agricultural and pioneer histories.) I was deeply touched by the stories when I visited a few years ago.
For armchair travelers, the book Once Upon a Town, by Bob Greene, is a detailed testament to the endeavor, as it fills in many of the history blanks. I would highly recommend reading the book, whether you can go to the museum in person or not.
The North Platte Canteen is a story of common people being heroes, just for volunteering, providing sustenance, and friendly smiles to the military.
Sanders is a national award-winning columnist whose internet latchstring is always out, peggy@peggysanders.com.
