Friday Video: Once Upon a Town

Bog GreeneMr. Greene discussed his book Once Upon a Town: The Miracle of the North Platte Canteen. The book recounts the story of North Platte, Nebraska, during World War II. In 1941, a North Platte resident wrote a letter to the local newspaper suggesting that the railroad depot be converted into the North Platte Canteen — a place where homesick soldiers could enjoy coffee, home-cooked food and friendly conversation during the ten minute stopover of the troop trains. From Christmas Day 1941 to the end of World War II, the community of 12,000 people provided this service to more than six million GIs. The book is based on interviews with residents of North Platte, Nebraska, and soldiers who passed through the town. After his presentation, Mr. Green answered questions from members of the audience.

Posted in 1

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *