The Volunteers
Women from the North Platte V.F.W. Auxiliary prepare treats atop one of the canteen’s serving tables. Union Pacific later replaced the saw horses with solid wooden counters.
The canteen, while initially comprised only of North Platte volunteers, eventually grew to include volunteers from 125 surrounding communities as area residents sought to add their expression of appreciation to those headed for confrontations with the Axis powers. They came as individuals and as groups, including church circles, schools, lodges, auxiliaries and employee clubs. More than 300 organizations became involved.An inestimable amount of food items freely provided by businesses and individuals made for a virtual cornucopia. Among snacks most regularly provided were sandwiches, fried chicken, hard boiled eggs, pickles, fresh fruit, cookies, doughnuts, pie, coffee, milk and iced tea.
The canteen was usually open each day from 5 a.m. to until the last anticipated troop movement that day had departed. The center operated in all weather conditions and was never closed one day during its existence.
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