Archives 2006
Thursday 01/18/2007 2:12:45pm
Name:
Kimberly Hurt
E-Mail:
blondie_2207@msn.com
Homepage Title:
Homepage URL:
Where are you from:
Boelus, NE
Referred By:
Just Surfed In
Comments:
I really liked this site. Our teacher gave us topics to research about WW2 and I decided to do it on the Canteen instead.
Tuesday 12/19/2006 11:29:22am
Name:
Jami Lessert
E-Mail:
fashionbling@hotmail.com
Homepage Title:
North Platte Canteen
Homepage URL:
Where are you from:
Alliance, NE
Referred By:
Just Surfed In
Comments:
I think its great what the people did for the troops!
Friday 12/15/2006 9:57:59am
Name:
Susan Santos
E-Mail:
susan@java2000.com
Homepage Title:
Homepage URL:
Where are you from:
Arkansas
Referred By:
Search Engine
Comments:
The story of the North Platte Canteen is overwhelming, a reminder of the power of humanity to unite in adversity and bring a touch of kindness in a world of madness. Your website is a fitting tribute to that unprecedented event.
Wednesday 12/13/2006 2:35:53pm
Name:
Kerriann Jensen
E-Mail:
Jensen_1545@hotmail.com
Homepage Title:
Homepage URL:
Where are you from:
Nebraska
Referred By:
Family/Friend
Comments:
I think that it is a very cool site. I also think it is very cool that it happen in Nebraska because not a lot of cool thing happen in Nebraska and i'm happy that this did.
Wednesday 12/13/2006 10:41:53am
Name:
Hope
E-Mail:
Homepage Title:
Homepage URL:
Where are you from:
Nebraska
Referred By:
Family/Friend
Comments:
This site is awesome!!!
Tuesday 12/12/2006 0:29:03am
Name:
Richard Taylor
E-Mail:
rpapat@earthlink.net
Homepage Title:
Homepage URL:
Where are you from:
Hillsboro, Or
Referred By:
Family/Friend
Comments:
I originally saw just a portion of the PBS special on the Canteen, and tried to get a copy from Oregon Public Broadcast, but they never responded to my e-mail. My cousin told me about the book and the web site.
I was born in North Platte in 1942 and lived there through 1943 when we moved to Beloit, Kansas. My dad Edward Taylor worked at the Gamble Store a hardware chain store. He married my mother, Marian Calhoon (North Platte High School Class of 1936), who was a clerk at the Montgomery Wards store in 1938.
My grandfather, Russel Charles Calhoon was a mechanic in North Platte for the Ford dealership and later opened his own repair business - Cal's Automotive. Carl Griesen, who later became my step grandfather worked for the U.P. from the time he was a small boy (Call boy for the train crews) until he retired in the 40's as the Yard Master. He and my grandfather (Master - 1936)were both active in the Masonic Lodge #32. Carl after retireing from the railroad continued his work with the Masonic order as the Grand Secretary - Nebraska through the 60's.
I have not read the book or seen the complete documentary, but have it on order through Santa Clause.
I remember my parents talking about the Canteen. I remember the Depot and was sorry to see it torn down.
Thank you for the trip down memory lane. I wish that my parents could have read the book and watched the video tape as I am sure they would have enjoyed it.
Friday 12/01/2006 12:57:34am
Name:
Virginia Ross
E-Mail:
vahross2003@yahoo.com
Homepage Title:
Homepage URL:
Where are you from:
STronghurst, Illinois
Referred By:
Search Engine
Comments:
Our County, Henderson County Reads One Book hopes to feature "Once Upon a Town" by Bob Greene as our countywide read for 2007. We are looking for resources, information, and anything which will help us showcase North Platte and the work of the Canteen. We absolutely were enthralled by the book and want to tell the canteen's story in our county. Any help you may give us or maybe point in the right direction will be invaluable. What committment; what respect shown--unbelievable.
Sincerely,
Virginia Ross 309 924-1879
If you can send the name of a contact person and telephone number, that would help so much.
Tuesday 11/21/2006 9:24:46am
Name:
Charles F. Haist
E-Mail:
gjhaist@netscape.net
Homepage Title:
Homepage URL:
Where are you from:
Hershey, Nebraska-a long time ago
Referred By:
Search Engine
Comments:
I was born and raised in Hershey, I now live in Shore Acres, TX.
My mother and (then) teenage sisters worked in the North Platte Canteen. I believe once a month the women from the Methodist Church in Hershey provided food and were part of the serving ladies in the Canteen. All the little towns around North Platte supported the Canteen in one way or another. I was too little to serve, but I can remember the trains pulling in and out of the station. I also remember clearly one incident that happened regularly at the Canteen. A soldier whose name I do not know got off the train and was escorted to a particular table serving coffee and cakes. He was presented with a birthday cake with his name on it. How the ladies at the Canteen found out about birthdays of the thousands of soldiers and sailors on board those trains I will never know. I remember this incident so well, because that was the table my mother was serving, and the soldier cried like a baby when his buddies marched him up to the table with HIS cake on it.
Thursday 11/09/2006 8:07:52am
Name:
Larry Hickman
E-Mail:
Larry.Hickman@fcc.gov
Homepage Title:
Homepage URL:
Where are you from:
Hastings, Nebraska
Referred By:
Search Engine
Comments:
I was not aware of the North Platte Canteen until today. I am not surprised though, having grown up in Nebraska and knowing the hospitality and kindness of the people of Nebraska. My Dad was with the 29th Marines fighting in the islands of the South Pacific, and later became part of the 6th Marine's for the invasion of Okinawa. Prior to that, He was stationed at the Naval Ammo Plant at Hastings (NE) where he met my mother. I joined the Navy in 1965 (because I liked the uniform) and spent some time on the rivers of Vietnam (1968 & 1969). Guess wars are kind of a family tradition for us, My Grandfather was in WWI, My Dad in WWII, Two uncle's in Korea, Myself & a brother in Nam. Sure would have been nice to have a canteen like the one in North Platte during my time. God Bless those men and women of North Platte.
Friday 10/27/2006 2:34:07pm
Name:
John Baker
E-Mail:
jbakerusa@yahoo.com
Homepage Title:
Homepage URL:
Where are you from:
Denver, CO
Referred By:
Search Engine
Comments:
Saw a copy of "Once Upon a Town" by Bob Greene while on a trip to Illinois recently and vowed to get it from my library when I arrived home. On that Illinois trip, my wife and passed through North Platte on our way back to Denver. Too bad we had not already read the book -- which tells the wonderful, feel-good story about the Canteen -- because we certainly would have spent more time in your fine city. However, we'll be back! We grew up in a small farming community, so it is not surprising to us hear what ordinary people are capable of doing for fellow humans.
Monday 10/16/2006 3:05:07pm
Name:
Bethany Manley
E-Mail:
Homepage Title:
Homepage URL:
Where are you from:
Oregon
Referred By:
Search Engine
Comments:
i had the honor of being in a play called north platte canteen, i played the young patsy loncar. im only 18 so it was no surprise that ive never heard of this, but ever since i have, i am amazed at the stregnth and courage at the women who sacrificed so much. i was even more honored when on teh closing night of our play, a woman introduced herself as having served as a child in teh canteen. my only wish is that today we would show the same passion for our country. i hope that the spirit of the canteen lives on so others can be as inspired as i have been.
Tuesday 10/10/2006 2:22:46pm
Name:
Chuck Sepers Sr
E-Mail:
sepers@yahoo.com
Homepage Title:
Homepage URL:
Where are you from:
McCook
Referred By:
Search Engine
Comments:
Just saw the show that was on Nebraska Public Television about the Canteen. It was fantastic, very moving. I wish the Depot was never torn down, would be a terriffic historic site. Keep up the good work.
Sunday 10/01/2006 10:16:25pm
Name:
Richard York
E-Mail:
richardyork48@comcast.net
Homepage Title:
Homepage URL:
Where are you from:
Mesquite, Texas
Referred By:
Search Engine
Comments:
I just finished reading a book about the North Platt Canteen and I never knew that these type of people existed. So I would like to take this opportunity to say “Thank You” to all the people that helped our service men in World War II. I know that I am too late to give everybody that deserves praise so I would like to pass along the praise to their descendents. . While my father did serve in World War II, he never had a chance to experience the wonderful work of the people in the Canteen. He joined while in California and so he was sent by bus about 10 miles to the Navy training base. Thanks again to all those who made the North Platt Canteen possible.
Saturday 09/16/2006 8:54:01am
Name:
Paul M. Morgan
E-Mail:
thymorgans@aol.com
Homepage Title:
Homepage URL:
Where are you from:
Sesser,Illinois
Referred By:
Search Engine
Comments:
Before my second or third trip thru North Platte I told about a dozen sailors, "Wait till we get to North Platte,You will not believe it" They were impressed.
Sunday 09/03/2006 7:58:55pm
Name:
Kenneth Henkemeyer
E-Mail:
mayken77@msn.com
Homepage Title:
Homepage URL:
Where are you from:
Tucson AZ
Referred By:
Just Surfed In
Comments:
Went thru in 1950 on way to korea. Left from st paul Mn and had the company of a young lady named Nancy Pease 521 Elm St..She wrote to me and I returned In Aug 1951..I stoped and visited with her and her parents and then left for home in Mn..I was 17 in 1950 and i believe she was 16 then.I belive she went into the air foce but not certain..I just wonder if there could be a way to locate her??Maybe you may have some ideas..Sincerly Ken Henkemeyer 4885 N R iver Vista Dr Tucson Az 85705 520 408 9676
Tuesday 08/29/2006 2:23:39pm
Name:
Jim Lynch
E-Mail:
jimlynch@tconl.com
Homepage Title:
NP Conico ripoff
Homepage URL:
Where are you from:
Omaha
Referred By:
Search Engine
Comments:
Sunday, I was driving east on I-80 from trip in AZ & southern UT. I pulled into a Conoco Station off the South Main Exit in North Platte, NE. The flashing $2.87 sign was a welcome sight over high CO prices in Vail. At pump #6 I see lowest price is $3.17 Thus I went ahead purchasing 10 gal w credit card at the pump figuring after fueling I could point out discrepancy to attendant. With his gottcha grin he stated that this price only available at Pumps 1 & 2 (out of 24 available). Looking at sign again I see that there is a quick bleep indicating his claim followed by E-10. As I am leaving site, I notice an Independent station just to the south also is up to the same trickery. Then looking further south I see a Shell sign Flashing $2.87 followed by "available at all pumps". The competition is obviously aware of the rip off stunt that must be in practice there for some time now. I am well aware that E-10 is a blend of 10% Ethanol for which blender receives a credit of 5.1 cent (10% x $.51)
I couldn't help thinking as I left "how such tactics could give our state a bad name in the eyes of travelers who see no signs of the good life!"
Friday 07/07/2006 4:11:47pm
Name:
Erika Hudson
E-Mail:
erikah81@yahoo.com
Homepage Title:
My Great Grandma was Food Supply Orderer
Homepage URL:
Where are you from:
Lewellen, NE
Referred By:
Family/Friend
Comments:
My Great Grandmother did tons of speeches on the Canteen. She organized the food preparation & ordering and worked it everyday. You can see many pictures of her on this website. Edna Neid. It was very honorable that I see her picture and acknowlegment of her dedication and hard work on this website! Thanks to whomever is responsible for all the hard work! Nice to see my Grandma again!
Tuesday 07/04/2006 4:27:09pm
Name:
Bob Dekker
E-Mail:
TheDekkers@aol.com
Homepage Title:
Homepage URL:
Where are you from:
Chicago,Illinois
Referred By:
Search Engine
Comments:
My wife and I were suprised by the welcome and food at the canteen in April 1945 on our way to Chicago from NAS Alameda, CA on a ten day leave. My wife was in the station ladies restroom when our train suddenly began to move east. I was ready to go in there and pull her off the pot when she came out. We ran full speed to catch the train and the GI's on the platform of the last coach pulled us in. We both have enjoyed Bob Greene's book on the canteen.
Saturday 07/01/2006 9:49:46am
Name:
Francesca Amari
E-Mail:
boogiewoogiebabies@comcast.net
Homepage Title:
The Boogie Woogie Babies
Homepage URL:
http://www.boogiewoogiebabies.com
Where are you from:
Grand Rapids, MI
Referred By:
Search Engine
Comments:
I belong to a vocal trio that does a 1940s musical revue with music of the Andrews Sisters, etc. We do a salute to the North Platte Canteen in our show and audiences love it! Thanks for such a wonderful service to our country during WWII.
Wednesday 06/28/2006 9:23:59pm
Name:
Jody Lehn
E-Mail:
bensonbunny77@yahoo.com
Homepage Title:
Homepage URL:
Where are you from:
Boelus, NE via Omaha, NE
Referred By:
Just Surfed In
Comments:
I was looking for things to do in North Platte while attending my neice's softball tournament next week when I came upon your website. Since I had seen the documentary about the N.P. Canteen, I clicked on the link. I'm glad I did.
I've read just about every page on your site and am surprised that there is no mention of the Nebraska Public Television documentary about the N.P. Canteen. It was such a good program. I must say, however, your site has quite a bit more information.
I really enjoyed reading all the articles, but my favorite parts are the photos. I'm (only) 47, but seeing the photos helps me to feel what it might have been like to be alive then.
I am terribly upset that the old train station has been torn down, and that only a memorial marker exists in it's place. I would have loved to be able to walk in the footsteps of these remarkable people, both troops and volunteers. I love architecture and history and it's a shame what some people do in the name of modernization.
However, I still hope to visit the Lincoln County Historical Museum where it appears that there are some displays regarding the N.P. Canteen.
In regards to the website itself, the only suggestion I can offer is that you might include a link to the homepage on each page, since some people may want to return there before completing the total "virtual" journey. As for me, I had the time and patience and interest to complete the journey....and so glad I did!!
Keep up the good work. I sure hope some of that "friendly spirit" will greet my family when we visit your city next weekend.
Sunday 05/28/2006 11:47:12pm
Name:
Norman L. Kellison
E-Mail:
normanlk99@gmail.com
Homepage Title:
Say It Ain't So
Homepage URL:
http://cutndry.blogspot.com
Where are you from:
Omaha, NE
Referred By:
Just Surfed In
Comments:
On Sunday, May 28, 2006, I was watching Nebraska Public Television, and surfing the channels, when I saw the broadcast documenting The Canteen. How wonderful! I am so glad to know that North Platte, NE, is known for this! To whom it may concern, is The Canteen, or similar organization, still in operation? I have bookmarked this site and will refer as many people as I can to it, so North Platte's efforts are not forgotten. Thank you for The Canteen. It inspires me and makes me feel good to know that people did this much work without the purpose of personal financial gain. God bless.
Saturday 04/22/2006 7:50:06pm
Name:
Karen Felber
E-Mail:
kfelber@centurytel.net
Homepage Title:
Homepage URL:
Where are you from:
Maysville, Mo.
Referred By:
Search Engine
Comments:
I would like to send you an E-mail, explaning Why I was searching the web, for what I found on your web-site. I was born In North Platte, Ne. My father was born an raised In North Platte, Ne. My mother Lived there. My father was kia in the European war. World WarII. I never Knew him. I am trying to put his military records back togeather. His records were lost in a fire in the St. Louis, Mo. In 1975. My youngest son Is In the Navy.
Please e-mail me
Thank you very much
kfelber@centurytel.net
karen felber
p.o.box 345
Maysville, Mo. 64469
Thursday 04/06/2006 12:15:22am
Name:
Mark Waggoner
E-Mail:
mhwagg@aol.com
Homepage Title:
Homepage URL:
Where are you from:
Midlothian, VA
Referred By:
Search Engine
Comments:
Read Mar 13, 2006 Washington Post article on Greeters in Bangor Maine and searched for similar stories. It's nice to know that deeds of this type have been going on for a long time in our history - and are continuing.
Sunday 03/19/2006 1:21:16am
Name:
Anne
E-Mail:
Homepage Title:
Homepage URL:
Where are you from:
San Diego, CA
Referred By:
Search Engine
Comments:
My husband and I watched the PBS show recently - 3 times!- and there wasn't a dry eye in the house! I've recently been researching my Dad's WW2 years and couldn't help but wonder if he'd passed through on his way to basic training in Wyoming in 1943? He died 10 years ago, so I guess I'll never know for sure, but I'll bet he did! I heard on the show, there was a "guestbook". I know it would be a enormous task, but has anyone ever transcribed it? I would love to see my Dad's name there. Thank you to the volunteers of the North Platte Canteen!!!! And thank you for keeping their memories alive - it was a truly amazing place!
Thursday 03/16/2006 5:18:52pm
Name:
Robert W. Moore
E-Mail:
corrmoor@warwick.net
Homepage Title:
Homepage URL:
Where are you from:
Stockholm, New Jersey
Referred By:
Search Engine
Comments:
I am a retired history teacher and
I visited North Platte in 2003 on the way to the Lions International Convention in Denver. I specifically stopped to look for the spot where the canteen was and found the memorial plaque. I am now on the International Board of Directors of Lions International and I will be addressing the District 38-N Lions this weekend in North Platte and I will be alluding to the tremendous volunteer spirit that
was exhibited by those who worked at the North Platte Canteen. It was truly one of the great hallmarks of volunteerism, not just in United States but in World History!
Monday 03/06/2006 9:53:18pm
Name:
Carol Bishop
E-Mail:
carol.bishop@gmail.com
Homepage Title:
Soldiers Angels
Homepage URL:
http://www.soldiersangelsfoundation.org
Where are you from:
South Carolina
Referred By:
Family/Friend
Comments:
This is very similar to what we the Angel volunteers are doing now in 2006. We support our military! God bless these original Soldiers Angels and the love they provided and the suport they gave to our Military.
God Bless America and God Bless Our Troops
With Love from SC,
Carol Bishop and family
www.soldiersangelsfoundation.org
Saturday 02/25/2006 0:48:40am
Name:
Paul M. Morgan
E-Mail:
thymorgans@aol.com
Homepage Title:
Homepage URL:
Where are you from:
Sesser, Illinois and Jupiter, Florida
Referred By:
Search Engine
Comments:
OH MY GOD,OH MY GOD, They demolished the station, if I had known I would have moved it brick by brick to Jupiter. Went thru North Platte two or three times in 1945 and 1946.....fond memories.
Seaman First Class, Ships Cook. I look back and now I wish that I had returned to North Platte.
Wednesday 02/22/2006 4:34:51pm
Name:
Arlene Germain
E-Mail:
Homepage Title:
Homepage URL:
Where are you from:
St. Paul, MN
Referred By:
Search Engine
Comments:
This letter is in regard to the showing of "Canteen Spirit" on my local public television station on Sat Feb 4th. I had no idea what the program was about. Soon found it very interesting. What a wonderful thing for all of the people in North Platte did. All the people involved and worked so hard and long.
I believe my sister-in-law Blanche married name Mrs. Leonard Germain grew up in North Platte. Sorry she is deceased so I can't ask anyone as to whether she was involved at the Canteen. Sorry I don't know her maiden name. She possibly was married once before her marriage to Leonard Germain. She had a son Merton that still lives in Arizona but I have no address. I really think she met Leonard through the Canteen. He was in the Marines and did receive the purple heart. My husband Malcolm Germain (deceased) was also a Marine but never mentioned going through North Platte.
If I can ever come up with Blanche's maiden name I'll write again.
Please give thanks to any person may still be alive how much it must have meant to the service men. I enjoyed the program so very much.
I got your name through our television office.
Blanche and Leonard lived in New Richmond, Wisconsin, Encino California and Maui Hawaii. Both Blanche and are buried on Maui at Military Cemetery.
I am 78 years old and some vision loss. So please excuse my penmanship.
I so wished I could have asked Blance more about her life in North Platte.
Wishing you the best,
Sincerely,
Arlene M. Germain
Monday 02/20/2006 6:51:17am
Name:
Henry Vince Hall
E-Mail:
hmhalls@adelphia.net
Homepage Title:
Homepage URL:
Where are you from:
New Hampshire
Referred By:
Family/Friend
Comments:
It is a great and moving story, very well done. Hope you keep it as I want to come back to it later and read it more in detail. H. Hall
Friday 02/17/2006 11:55:49am
Name:
Gordon Thompson
E-Mail:
Lizzymar@aol.com
Homepage Title:
Homepage URL:
Where are you from:
Lewisburg, PA
Referred By:
Search Engine
Comments:
I have just seen a documentary of the North Platte Canteen.
I must confess it brought back many memories, in August of 1943 after a tour of duty in the South Pacific, the train stopped at your town. I couldn't imagine the pouring of kindness that was shown to all us GIs, Navy, Aircorp, and me who was in the Merchant Marine, the impression of there kindness was imbedded into my Twenty year old mind, I have never forgot it.
Over the last Sixty odd years I have told that story to many, even a guy who worked at our company who came from Omaha, couldn't believe the stories I told.
Whatever your role is in relationship to the canteen, just tell them there are still a few of us around who still remember, and to them I say thank you again.
Gordon Thompson Lewisburg Pa.
Tuesday 02/14/2006 2:48:01pm
Name:
Paul Metro
E-Mail:
Paulie78@aol.com
Homepage Title:
Homepage URL:
Where are you from:
Edison, NJ
Referred By:
Search Engine
Comments:
Good to see that people appreciate what the People of North Platte region did for us so many years ago. I still do!
Saturday 02/11/2006 1:58:42pm
Name:
Dean Anderson
E-Mail:
imports@andersonbutik.com
Homepage Title:
Homepage URL:
Where are you from:
Lindsborg, Kansas
Referred By:
Just Surfed In
Comments:
My father Charlie R. Anderson visited the North Platte Canteen at 11:00 p.m. on October 13, 1944. He was a sergeant in the Army and was returning home to Linn Grove, Iowa from the Pacific Theater by way of Ft. Leavenworth, Kansas. I read about the canteen in a journal he wrote about his WWII experiences. He said he would never forget the meal that had been prepared for them that late in the evening. Unfortunately my dad passed away on March 6, 2000 so I am writing this for him. A friend went by the museum to see if she could find his name in the guestbook but that book for that day in October was missing from the museum. Hope someone returns it someday. By the way the website is great! Sincerely, Dean Anderson
Saturday 02/11/2006 12:55:53am
Name:
Warren Tibbitts
E-Mail:
bwnorthwoods@charter.net
Homepage Title:
Homepage URL:
Where are you from:
Born and lived in Maine -now Michigan
Referred By:
Family/Friend
Comments:
I never realized the canteen exsited till now..my service time..1943-46 never took me beyond New York..spent two years with the Marines in the so.Pacific..Seeing the film really brought a few tears to my eyes seeing how your town took time and love for our guys and girls in the War. I thank you from the bottom of my heart...
Friday 02/10/2006 12:49:05am
Name:
Dellene Austerman
E-Mail:
austerman@ruraltel.net
Homepage Title:
Homepage URL:
Where are you from:
Clayton, KS
Referred By:
Search Engine
Comments:
I first heard about the Platform Girls on a Public Television program, through the Ks. KOOD station.
I can't believe that I grew up in Nebraska and had never
Archives 2006