66-637: The North Platte Canteen (also known as the Service Men's Canteen in the Union Pacific Railroad station at North Platte ) was a railroad stop served by local citizens of North Platte, Nebraska , United States , that operated from Christmas Day 1941 to April 1, 1946. Located along the tracks of the Union Pacific Railroad , its purpose was to provide refreshments and hospitality to soldiers who were traveling through
132-428: A low of 0 °F (−17.8 °C) or below. The average window for freezing temperatures is September 30 thru May 13, allowing a growing season of 139 days. Extreme temperatures officially range from −35 °F (−37.2 °C) on January 15, 1888, and February 12, 1899 , up to 112 °F (44.4 °C) on July 11, 1954; the record cold daily maximum is −15 °F (−26.1 °C) on January 14, 1888, while, conversely,
198-427: A margin of error of +/- $ 5,357) and the median family income $ 67,702 (+/- $ 5,175). Males had a median income of $ 39,363 (+/- $ 4,731) versus $ 25,799 (+/- $ 1,263) for females. The median income for those above 16 years old was $ 31,772 (+/- $ 1,712). Approximately, 6.7% of families and 11.9% of the population were below the poverty line , including 11.8% of those under the age of 18 and 15.3% of those ages 65 or over. As of
264-427: A margin of error of +/- $ 5,357) and the median family income $ 67,702 (+/- $ 5,175). Males had a median income of $ 39,363 (+/- $ 4,731) versus $ 25,799 (+/- $ 1,263) for females. The median income for those above 16 years old was $ 31,772 (+/- $ 1,712). Approximately, 6.7% of families and 11.9% of the population were below the poverty line , including 11.8% of those under the age of 18 and 15.3% of those ages 65 or over. As of
330-528: A mob. This led to the formation of white mobs combing the city, and ordering black residents to leave North Platte. Fearing mob violence, most of North Platte's black residents fled . The North Platte Canteen was one of the largest volunteer efforts of World War II, originating in 1941. Tens of thousands of volunteers from North Platte and surrounding towns met the troop trains passing through North Platte, offering coffee, sandwiches, dessert, and hospitality to nearly seven million servicemen. According to
396-413: A permanent occurrence. She also wrote a letter to The Daily Bulletin : Editor, The Daily Bulletin: -Rae Wilson The next day she began work on the canteen. Calls to merchants came with requests for cigarettes and tobacco, while housewives were asked to contribute cake and cookies, with attempts to get the younger women to hand out the gifts and keep conversation up with the soldiers. The first meeting
462-458: A service member would call home and confuse the operator because of the hurry that they were in, a woman would help step in and clear up the confusion. Women also were working on the platform, distributing the basics of fruit, matches, and candy bars for those who were unable to go inside. One of their most important jobs was to answer questions, including those surrounding the canteen and the basics of North Platte and Nebraska. Another important job
528-711: Is November 1 thru April 12, with May and October snow being rare. See or edit raw graph data . The 2020 United States census counted 23,390 people, 10,188 households, and 6,061 families in North Platte. The population density was 1,730.0 per square mile (667.9/km ). There were 11,409 housing units at an average density of 843.9 per square mile (325.8/km ). The racial makeup was 86.54% (20,242) white , 1.64% (384) black or African-American , 0.79% (184) Native American , 1.15% (268) Asian , 0.03% (6) Pacific Islander , 3.1% (725) from other races , and 6.76% (1,581) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race
594-431: Is September 30 thru May 13, allowing a growing season of 139 days. Extreme temperatures officially range from −35 °F (−37.2 °C) on January 15, 1888, and February 12, 1899 , up to 112 °F (44.4 °C) on July 11, 1954; the record cold daily maximum is −15 °F (−26.1 °C) on January 14, 1888, while, conversely, the record warm daily minimum is 80 °F (26.7 °C) on July 25, 1940. Precipitation
660-596: Is a city in and the county seat of Lincoln County, Nebraska , United States. It is located in the west-central part of the state, along Interstate 80 , at the confluence of the North and South Platte Rivers forming the Platte River . The population was 23,390 at the 2020 census , making it the 11th most populous city in Nebraska . North Platte is a railroad town; Union Pacific Railroad 's large Bailey Yard
726-656: Is greatest in May and June and has ranged from 10.01 inches (254.3 mm) in 1931 to 33.44 inches (849.4 mm) in 1951. Snowfall averages 29.6 inches (0.75 m) per season, and has historically ranged from 3.0 inches (0.08 m) in 1903–04 to 66.3 inches (1.68 m) in 1979–80; the average window for measurable (≥0.1 inches or 0.0025 metres) snowfall is November 1 thru April 12, with May and October snow being rare. See or edit raw graph data . The 2020 United States census counted 23,390 people, 10,188 households, and 6,061 families in North Platte. The population density
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#1732771761839792-910: Is land and 0.19 square miles (0.49 km ) is water. North Platte experiences a dry continental climate similar to that of the Nebraska High Plains , classified as hot-summer humid continental ( Köppen Dwa ), and, with an annual average precipitation of 21.08 inches (535 mm), barely avoids semi-arid classification; it is part of USDA Hardiness zone 5a. The normal monthly mean temperature ranges from 26.3 °F (−3.2 °C) in January to 75.6 °F (24.2 °C) in July. On an average year, there are 3.8 afternoons that reach 100 °F (37.8 °C) or higher, 39 afternoons that reach 90 °F (32.2 °C) or higher, 31.4 afternoons that do not climb above freezing, and 12.2 mornings with
858-595: Is located within the city. Today, North Platte is served only by freight trains, but during World War II the city was known for the North Platte Canteen , a volunteer organization serving food to millions of traveling soldiers. North Platte is the principal city of the North Platte Micropolitan Statistical Area , which includes Lincoln, Logan , and McPherson counties. North Platte was established in 1866 when
924-401: Is now a National Historic Landmark . On July 13, 1929, a black man shot and killed a white police officer. The black man reportedly took his own life, being trapped by a mob. This led to the formation of white mobs combing the city, and ordering black residents to leave North Platte. Fearing mob violence, most of North Platte's black residents fled . The North Platte Canteen was one of
990-485: Is part of USDA Hardiness zone 5a. The normal monthly mean temperature ranges from 26.3 °F (−3.2 °C) in January to 75.6 °F (24.2 °C) in July. On an average year, there are 3.8 afternoons that reach 100 °F (37.8 °C) or higher, 39 afternoons that reach 90 °F (32.2 °C) or higher, 31.4 afternoons that do not climb above freezing, and 12.2 mornings with a low of 0 °F (−17.8 °C) or below. The average window for freezing temperatures
1056-468: Is served by 2 major cross country US Highways and Interstate 80 . I-80 runs south of the South Platte River through the outer edge of town. Much of the town's commercial area has moved to the intersection of I-80 and U.S. Route 83 , which runs north to downtown, and continues to points as far north as Canada or south to Mexico. US 30 intersects with US 83 downtown and follows the north side of
1122-399: Is served by 2 major cross country US Highways and Interstate 80 . I-80 runs south of the South Platte River through the outer edge of town. Much of the town's commercial area has moved to the intersection of I-80 and U.S. Route 83 , which runs north to downtown, and continues to points as far north as Canada or south to Mexico. US 30 intersects with US 83 downtown and follows the north side of
1188-495: Is two miles west of U.S. Highway 83 along U.S. Highway 30 . Every June, North Platte hosts the annual "Nebraskaland Days". The event includes parades, art shows, rodeos, concerts, and food events. It draws over 100,000 attendees every year. North Platte is host to the annual Miss Nebraska pageant, an official preliminary for the Miss America Organization. A independent professional baseball team,
1254-416: Is two miles west of U.S. Highway 83 along U.S. Highway 30 . Every June, North Platte hosts the annual "Nebraskaland Days". The event includes parades, art shows, rodeos, concerts, and food events. It draws over 100,000 attendees every year. North Platte is host to the annual Miss Nebraska pageant, an official preliminary for the Miss America Organization. A independent professional baseball team,
1320-399: The 11th most populous city in Nebraska . North Platte is a railroad town; Union Pacific Railroad 's large Bailey Yard is located within the city. Today, North Platte is served only by freight trains, but during World War II the city was known for the North Platte Canteen , a volunteer organization serving food to millions of traveling soldiers. North Platte is the principal city of
1386-634: The North Platte 80s , began play in 2024 in the Pecos League . North Platte was also the prior home the minor league baseball North Platte Indians of the Nebraska State League . North Platte is home to the world's largest rail yard, Bailey Yard . The Golden Spike Tower and Visitor Center is an eight-story building which overlooks the expansive classification yard and engine facilities. The tower and visitor center are open to
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#17327717618391452-442: The North Platte 80s , began play in 2024 in the Pecos League . North Platte was also the prior home the minor league baseball North Platte Indians of the Nebraska State League . North Platte is home to the world's largest rail yard, Bailey Yard . The Golden Spike Tower and Visitor Center is an eight-story building which overlooks the expansive classification yard and engine facilities. The tower and visitor center are open to
1518-541: The North Platte Micropolitan Statistical Area , which includes Lincoln, Logan , and McPherson counties. North Platte was established in 1866 when the Union Pacific Railroad was extended to that point. It derives its name from the North Platte River . North Platte was the western terminus of the Union Pacific Railway from December 1866 until the next section to Ogallala was opened
1584-499: The Union Pacific Railroad was extended to that point. It derives its name from the North Platte River . North Platte was the western terminus of the Union Pacific Railway from December 1866 until the next section to Ogallala was opened the following year. Even though Congress had authorized the building of the Transcontinental Railroad in 1862, it had been extended only as far as Fremont, Nebraska by
1650-563: The United States Census Bureau , the city has a total area of 13.39 square miles (34.68 km ), of which 13.20 square miles (34.19 km ) is land and 0.19 square miles (0.49 km ) is water. North Platte experiences a dry continental climate similar to that of the Nebraska High Plains , classified as hot-summer humid continental ( Köppen Dwa ), and, with an annual average precipitation of 21.08 inches (535 mm), barely avoids semi-arid classification; it
1716-496: The census of 2010, there were 24,733 people, 10,560 households, and 6,290 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,873.7 inhabitants per square mile (723.4/km ). There were 11,450 housing units at an average density of 867.4 per square mile (334.9/km ). The racial makeup of the city was 93.1% White , 1.0% African American , 0.7% Native American , 0.7% Asian , 2.8% from other races , and 1.7% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 8.8% of
1782-496: The census of 2010, there were 24,733 people, 10,560 households, and 6,290 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,873.7 inhabitants per square mile (723.4/km ). There were 11,450 housing units at an average density of 867.4 per square mile (334.9/km ). The racial makeup of the city was 93.1% White , 1.0% African American , 0.7% Native American , 0.7% Asian , 2.8% from other races , and 1.7% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 8.8% of
1848-479: The Platte/South Platte River from east to west. North Platte, Nebraska North Platte is a city in and the county seat of Lincoln County, Nebraska , United States. It is located in the west-central part of the state, along Interstate 80 , at the confluence of the North and South Platte Rivers forming the Platte River . The population was 23,390 at the 2020 census , making it
1914-701: The area on the way to war during their ten- to fifteen-minute stopovers. During its run, nearly 55,000 Nebraska women served almost seven million soldiers on their way to fight in World War II . The history of the canteen can first be traced back to December 17, 1941. Just ten days after the Attack on Pearl Harbor , men of the 134th Infantry Regiment of the Nebraska National Guard were on their way from Camp Joseph T. Robinson , near Little Rock, Arkansas to an unknown destination. Rumor had it that
1980-405: The average family size was 2.97. In the city, the population was spread out, with 26.0% under the age of 18, 9.5% from 18 to 24, 26.8% from 25 to 44, 21.9% from 45 to 64, and 15.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 94.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 90.0 males. As of 2000 the median income for a household in
2046-405: The average family size was 2.97. In the city, the population was spread out, with 26.0% under the age of 18, 9.5% from 18 to 24, 26.8% from 25 to 44, 21.9% from 45 to 64, and 15.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 94.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 90.0 males. As of 2000 the median income for a household in
North Platte Canteen - Misplaced Pages Continue
2112-409: The canteen. Donations include a coffee importer who sent a twenty five pound can of coffee, a woman who consumed food and later sent a check for two hundred dollars, and others. A fall scrap drive donated two thirds of its income to the canteen. Even the priest of the local Roman Catholic church, after donating twelve turkeys and hearing that they were consumed, personally transported his turkey over to
2178-423: The canteen. Expenses for the canteen averaged about two hundred and twenty five dollars a week. Over one hundred and twenty five communities donated their time to work at the canteen. Some people travelled as far as two hundred miles to take turns on regularly appointed days. The groups also took responsibility in supplying food for the day. If a group was too small, multiple ones would band together and help fulfill
2244-402: The city was $ 34,181, and the median income for a family was $ 42,753. Males had a median income of $ 36,445 versus $ 20,157 for females. The per capita income for the city was $ 18,306. About 7.8% of families and 10.5% of the population were below the poverty line , including 13.2% of those under age 18 and 9.8% of those age 65 or over. Lincoln County Historical Museum contains a display detailing
2310-402: The city was $ 34,181, and the median income for a family was $ 42,753. Males had a median income of $ 36,445 versus $ 20,157 for females. The per capita income for the city was $ 18,306. About 7.8% of families and 10.5% of the population were below the poverty line , including 13.2% of those under age 18 and 9.8% of those age 65 or over. Lincoln County Historical Museum contains a display detailing
2376-425: The city. The population density was 2,281.5 people per square mile (880.9 people/km ). There were 10,718 housing units at an average density of 1,024.1 per square mile (395.4/km ). The racial makeup of the city was 93.47% White, 0.71% African American, 0.64% Native American, 0.39% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander , 3.30% from other races , and 1.45% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 6.68% of
2442-425: The city. The population density was 2,281.5 people per square mile (880.9 people/km ). There were 10,718 housing units at an average density of 1,024.1 per square mile (395.4/km ). The racial makeup of the city was 93.47% White, 0.71% African American, 0.64% Native American, 0.39% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander , 3.30% from other races , and 1.45% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 6.68% of
2508-431: The daily requirements. Benefit dances, pie socials, and other activities were held to also help raise money for the canteen. The youth also contributed to the workload, cleaning floors and raising money in all ways possible to support the troops. One girl remembers writing their addresses onto the packaging of popcorn balls so that the troops would have someone to write to. One twelve-year-old boy even sold his pets, toys, and
2574-417: The depot on the seventeenth, twenty-six-year-old Rae Wilson, a drugstore saleswoman, witnessed the hospitality. Her brother supposedly was to be on the troop train as a company commander. As she walked away from the train that evening, she had an idea to meet all the trains that went through North Platte and give the soldiers the same type of sendoff. The next day she suggested that the meeting of soldiers become
2640-414: The end of the 1865 construction season. The 275-mile (443 km) section from Fremont to North Platte was completed in 1866. In the 1880s, Buffalo Bill Cody established his ranch, known as Scout's Rest Ranch , just north of town. It is now a National Historic Landmark . On July 13, 1929, a black man shot and killed a white police officer. The black man reportedly took his own life, being trapped by
2706-414: The following year. Even though Congress had authorized the building of the Transcontinental Railroad in 1862, it had been extended only as far as Fremont, Nebraska by the end of the 1865 construction season. The 275-mile (443 km) section from Fremont to North Platte was completed in 1866. In the 1880s, Buffalo Bill Cody established his ranch, known as Scout's Rest Ranch , just north of town. It
North Platte Canteen - Misplaced Pages Continue
2772-404: The ground to the windows. At the end of the war, the canteen continued to operate as men were returning home. Eventually it closed on April 1, 1946, having served over six million servicemen and women. Sixteen trains were scheduled on the final day and regular Monday workers were in charge along with Lutheran Church women from North Platte , and Gothenburg, Nebraska . They would work from five in
2838-476: The history of the North Platte Canteen. It also contains a Prairie Village with local landmark homes and other buildings, including a Pony Express station and pioneer church among many others. Buffalo Bill Ranch State Historical Park is located near North Platte, a Nebraska living history park about " Buffalo Bill " Cody. The park includes his actual house known as Scout's Rest Ranch. The park
2904-404: The history of the North Platte Canteen. It also contains a Prairie Village with local landmark homes and other buildings, including a Pony Express station and pioneer church among many others. Buffalo Bill Ranch State Historical Park is located near North Platte, a Nebraska living history park about " Buffalo Bill " Cody. The park includes his actual house known as Scout's Rest Ranch. The park
2970-445: The largest volunteer efforts of World War II, originating in 1941. Tens of thousands of volunteers from North Platte and surrounding towns met the troop trains passing through North Platte, offering coffee, sandwiches, dessert, and hospitality to nearly seven million servicemen. According to the United States Census Bureau , the city has a total area of 13.39 square miles (34.68 km ), of which 13.20 square miles (34.19 km )
3036-426: The morning until midnight, as they did not know when the troop trains would come through because their movements were secret. Food was also donated during a time of rationing so that the soldiers could experience a taste of home of sorts. Finances raised over the four and a half years: $ 137,884.72 1942: $ 10,429.83 1943: $ 23,417.45 1944: $ 42,931.20 1945: $ 51,565.35 North Platte, Nebraska North Platte
3102-449: The movement grew and people from multiple organizations in surrounding communities began to contribute. After a while, the women began to serve a thousand men a day, with those who were celebrating a birthday getting their own cake and a singing of " Happy Birthday ". Once, a serviceman lied about his birthday, but gave his cake to a boy suffering from polio after becoming grief-stricken. The goodness of random strangers helped to keep up
3168-413: The population was under the age of 18, 7.9% from 18 to 24, 25.2% from 25 to 44, 26.1% from 45 to 64, and 17.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38.9 years. For every 100 females, the population had 97.2 males. For every 100 females ages 18 and older, there were 95.7 males. The 2016-2020 5-year American Community Survey estimates show that the median household income was $ 52,653 (with
3234-413: The population was under the age of 18, 7.9% from 18 to 24, 25.2% from 25 to 44, 26.1% from 45 to 64, and 17.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38.9 years. For every 100 females, the population had 97.2 males. For every 100 females ages 18 and older, there were 95.7 males. The 2016-2020 5-year American Community Survey estimates show that the median household income was $ 52,653 (with
3300-443: The population. There were 10,560 households, of which 30.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 44.5% were married couples living together, 10.7% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.3% had a male householder with no wife present, and 40.4% were non-families. 34.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size
3366-443: The population. There were 10,560 households, of which 30.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 44.5% were married couples living together, 10.7% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.3% had a male householder with no wife present, and 40.4% were non-families. 34.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size
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#17327717618393432-406: The population. There were 9,944 households, out of which 31.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 49.8% were married couples living together, 9.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 37.4% were non-families. 31.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.34 and
3498-406: The population. There were 9,944 households, out of which 31.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 49.8% were married couples living together, 9.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 37.4% were non-families. 31.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.34 and
3564-419: The public year-round. Passenger train service was discontinued in 1971. North Platte is home to North Platte Regional Airport . United Express serves the airport with twice-daily service to Denver International Airport . There is also a door-to-door bus system available for residents of the town. Intercity bus service to the city is provided by Burlington Trailways and Express Arrow . North Platte
3630-419: The public year-round. Passenger train service was discontinued in 1971. North Platte is home to North Platte Regional Airport . United Express serves the airport with twice-daily service to Denver International Airport . There is also a door-to-door bus system available for residents of the town. Intercity bus service to the city is provided by Burlington Trailways and Express Arrow . North Platte
3696-461: The record warm daily minimum is 80 °F (26.7 °C) on July 25, 1940. Precipitation is greatest in May and June and has ranged from 10.01 inches (254.3 mm) in 1931 to 33.44 inches (849.4 mm) in 1951. Snowfall averages 29.6 inches (0.75 m) per season, and has historically ranged from 3.0 inches (0.08 m) in 1903–04 to 66.3 inches (1.68 m) in 1979–80; the average window for measurable (≥0.1 inches or 0.0025 metres) snowfall
3762-424: The shirt off his back and donated the money to the cause. The railroad company got into the giving by donating a dishwasher and coffee urns. The women at the canteen went to great lengths for the servicemen. Those who worked at the desk would write cards and letters as well as send telegrams for servicemen who would not otherwise have time to do so. They even wired for flowers and sent gifts on special occasions. When
3828-412: The train stopped in North Platte was because the town was a designated tender point for steam trains. Stopping the train allowed for the train crews to relubricate the wheels, top off the water levels in the tanks, and other tasks for the maintenance of the locomotive. This practice continued until the Union Pacific Railroad switched to diesel locomotives. Of the group of people that were originally at
3894-429: The train would arrive at 11:00, but by noon it had not shown up. After another false alarm, the train finally rolled in around 16:30. By this time, at least five hundred relatives and friends of local servicemen had shown up at the depot. The crowd cheered, but the soldiers were not members of the 134th. The crowd gave them the gifts and food that was originally meant for their own sons and wished them off. The reason that
3960-410: Was 1,730.0 per square mile (667.9/km ). There were 11,409 housing units at an average density of 843.9 per square mile (325.8/km ). The racial makeup was 86.54% (20,242) white , 1.64% (384) black or African-American , 0.79% (184) Native American , 1.15% (268) Asian , 0.03% (6) Pacific Islander , 3.1% (725) from other races , and 6.76% (1,581) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race
4026-401: Was 10.0% (2,558) of the population. Of the 10,188 households, 27.6% had children under the age of 18; 43.7% were married couples living together; 25.2% had a female householder with no husband present. 34.7% of households consisted of individuals and 14.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.3 and the average family size was 2.9. 24.6% of
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#17327717618394092-401: Was 10.0% (2,558) of the population. Of the 10,188 households, 27.6% had children under the age of 18; 43.7% were married couples living together; 25.2% had a female householder with no husband present. 34.7% of households consisted of individuals and 14.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.3 and the average family size was 2.9. 24.6% of
4158-432: Was 2.29 and the average family size was 2.95. The median age in the city was 37.1 years. 24.9% of residents were under the age of 18; 9% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 25% were from 25 to 44; 25.6% were from 45 to 64; and 15.5% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 48.8% male and 51.2% female. As of the census of 2000, there were 23,878 people, 9,944 households, and 6,224 families residing in
4224-432: Was 2.29 and the average family size was 2.95. The median age in the city was 37.1 years. 24.9% of residents were under the age of 18; 9% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 25% were from 25 to 44; 25.6% were from 45 to 64; and 15.5% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 48.8% male and 51.2% female. As of the census of 2000, there were 23,878 people, 9,944 households, and 6,224 families residing in
4290-492: Was held on December 22 for the canteen committee. Three days later, on Christmas day, the next train pulled into the city, surprising the young men who were expecting just another boring stop. At first, the women worked out of the nearby Cody Hotel. They were later allowed to move into a shack by the side of the tracks by the railroad company when a woman became friendly with the president of the Union Pacific . Eventually
4356-402: Was to tend to those on the hospital trains who were unable to enter the building. The men on the trains were naturally treated the same as those who went inside. Magazines, religious literature, and decks of cards were also distributed to the servicemen on the trains. If they were unable to disembark from the cars, women would walk up and down the aisles distributing goods or hand up materials from
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