OVER 2 MILLION SERVED

As the History of World War II is written, millions of Uncle Sam's soldiers, sailors, marines, WACS, WAVES and SPARS will mentally include a paragraph of praise for the Clinton, Iowa, depot canteen which closes this week.

Above is a group of the members of the Clinton chapter, Sustaining Wings of Iowa, sponsors of the famed canteen. Reading from left to right, standing: Miss Lois Fenn, Mrs. Walter Hansen, Mrs. Florence Rolinis, Mrs. Martin Andresen, Mrs. Charlotte Wall, Mrs. Lottie Lueck, Mrs. Henry C. Ruedy, Mrs. Leonard Dose, Mrs. William Vovos, Mrs. George Rosst, Mrs. Mary Barber, Mrs. Arthur G. Suter, Mrs. Sara Fergusen, Mrs. M. A. Dege, Mrs. Dorothy M. Simons, Mrs. Cecil Sheller, Mrs. Harry A. Moeszinger, Mrs. Otto Johannsen, Mrs. John Hudson and Mrs. P. C. Andresen, president.

Left to right, seated: Mrs. Charles Mohr, Mrs. Iral Van Horn, Mrs. Peter Nelson, Mrs. Albert L. Larsen, Mrs. M. L. Faverty, Mrs. William W. Bentley, Mrs. Elsie T. Osborne, Mrs. Samuel W. Williams, Mrs. Louis Dellitt, Mrs. Lawrence C. Van Epps, Mrs. Floyd C. Dannatt, Mrs. L. E. Proud and Miss Catherine Wohlwend, R.N., canteen first aid house nurse.

Clinton Herald, March 25, 1946

CLINTON'S FAMOUS DEPOT CANTEEN CLOSES

If all the cups of coffee served at Clinton's famous depot canteen since 1943 could be laid rim to rim they would stretch in an unbroken line past Chicago.

This is one of the many interesting facts revealed today in the final report of the canteen which was officially closed yesterday by Clinton chapter, Sustaining Wings of Iowa, sponsors of the service center.

The report shows that a total of 2,138,006 servicemen and women enjoyed the hospitality of the canteen. Clinton area organizations and individuals donated $27,550.79 to help finance the work while disbursements totaled $27,764.23.

The $213.44 difference will be paid by The Herald from Golden Gloves tournament proceeds.In addition to all donations of food from organizations and individuals, the following food also was purchased:

29,832 pounds of meat
116,870 loaves of bread
35,600 pounds of coffee (2,250,00 cups)
147,840 cans (pint size) of milk
3,539 gallons of salad dressing
9,306 pounds of butter

Began in 1943

The Wings chapter began its project in August of 1943 by meeting trains with lunch baskets packed with food. With the railroads unable to furnish adequate dining car facilities, the local plan met with instant approval by hungry troops. Volunteer workers from Clinton and surrounding territory arranged to used express handtrucks as serving tables. Soon the program was expanded so that help was provided by Clinton business men, civic, church, patriotic and fraternal groups.

With the advent of cold weather, the Curtis club erected a shelter house on the depot platform. Later a first aid station was built adjoining the shelter. Only recently the North Western Railroad turned a diner over to the canteen to augment kitchen facilities.

Special benefits were held in the area to raise money to finance the ambitious undertaking. Most recent contribution was receipts from The Herald's Golden Gloves tournament.

Traveled 65 miles

Groups traveled distances ranging up to 65 miles to bring food and serve at least once each month.

All trains between 7 a.m. and midnight were met each day and the service passenger provided with coffee, cold beverages and other foods.

Officers of the Wings chapter are: Mrs. P. C. Andresen, president; Mrs. Walter S. Hansen, vice president; Mrs. Albert L. Larsen, secretary and treasurer. Directors include these officers plus Mrs. A. W. Higgins, Mrs. Eleanor Ireland, Mrs. Grace Boekeloo, Mrs. William Bentley, Miss Catherine Wohlwend and Miss Lois Fenn. Mrs. Dorothy M. Simons was canteen organization financial secretary and Mrs. Milton A. Dege, canteen publicity chairman.

Clinton Herald, March 30, 1946

Servicemen enjoying the hospitality of the Sustaining Wings of Iowa, Clinton, Iowa