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McCook Canteen -- Volunteers served 700,000 soldiers on way to war
McCOOK, Nebraska -- Melvin Miller of Boston, Massachusetts, was one of 700,000 service men who met the people of McCook, Nebraska, when their troop trains stopped at the "McCook Canteen" during World War II.
The Canteen was the home folks' heart-felt way of supporting the cause of freedom while their fellow Americans fought overseas to preserve the American way of life.
The McCook Canteen was located in the Burlington Northern train station depot, and its volunteers, not only from McCook but from communities throughout Southwest Nebraska, greeted servicemen on the troop trains that stopped in McCook at all hours of the day and night.
A scrapbook, kept by Canteen volunteers, is housed in the DAR Museum Department of the Museum of the High Plains in downtown McCook, four blocks north of the depot.
The McCook Canteen opened June 4, 1942, and closed March 18, 1946, serving 700,000 servicemen. Letters of appreciation from soldiers and sailors -- some injured and returning home -- are preserved within the scrapbook.
"Jim" wrote from Alameda, California, "Thanks for the way we got treated. I wish I could visit the town some time. It was the best town we stopped in."
Private William P. Nichols wrote from Camp Carson, Colorado, "We had been on the train almost two days, and the (many good things) were certainly appreciated."
William Ward wrote from Aberdeen Proving Grounds, Maryland, "The welcome we received will be one of the highlights of our trip across the country and I am sure will be remembered by all of us."
Pvt. Ben B. Polisky of Camp Kahler, California, wrote: "I don't know how one inconspicuous soldier can thank you enough. Your hospitality and delicacies just hit the spot for boys who, having just left fine homes and their loved ones, are first beginning to feel a little lonely."
Claude Lee Neese of Port Huenerve (spelling?), California, thanked the women for magazines, newspapers, cookies, cigarettes and matches, and closed with a P.S. "If any of the ladies have daughters who wish to correspond with a sailor, I would gladly write them if they would do the same. I love to correspond with people all over the county. Thanks again -- Just a sailor"
An unidentified soldier wrote: "I don't know how you knew our train would be passing through your lovely town on Wednesday afternoon. I do know, however, that I and my buddies can't thank you enough for your gracious reception."
Another soldier who didn't sign his name wrote, "I can't begin to tell you what the popcorn ball you gave me at the station did for me. I have heard more compliments on you people than any other place we stopped."
John H. Williamson wrote: "Thanks a lot for the swell treat of apples, candy and soap which you gave us Saturday when our train came through. That kindness will always make me remember McCook, Nebraska, as one of the nicest places that I stopped at while I was a soldier."
PFC Curtis Moore and Francis Freeman shared a note: "We sure want to thank you all for the swell cookies, smokes and everything. I was very, very sweet of you. Wishing you a Merry Christmas and happy new year."
The men of Normoyle Quartermaster Motor Base, San Antonio, Texas, wrote: "For bringing us a pleasant interlude and supplying us with articles that made the balance of our journey more pleasant, we sincerely thank you."
Brigadier Gen. William A. Campbell of Camp Pickett, Virginia, wrote: "Your generosity was a subject of conversation for many miles."
Mrs. Violet Finlinson of Richwood, West Virginia, wrote: "My husband passed through your city en route to California with a Naval Unit. He wrote to me ... that due to your kindness and graciousness, he had a birthday cake after all. How delighted I was when I learned that you had given him a birthday cake. It meant so much to him .... and he and some of his mates had a birthday party on the train and enjoyed the cake immensely. Thank you, and may God bless your work."
J.P. Schrading wrote: "I shall never forget McCook, Nebraska, and by all means, shall advertise its praiseworthy work." J.P. also added a P.S. "I hope McCook won the football game Friday night."
Pvt. Sigrid (spelling?) A. Hanson wrote, "We had been in these pullmans since Friday without a break, did not know where we were going, so, believe me when I say that the visit with your community was one of the pleasant moments all of us will long remember."