Serviceman's Canteen, Chicago Train Station

USO in Manila, the Philippines

USO Indoor Activities

USO Club Columbia, South Carolina

Service Men's Lounge, Grand Central Station, New York

Pacific Seas Cafeteria Los Angeles

Times Square Service Men's Center New York City

USO Club Fredericksburg, Virginia

Breakfast in Hollywood Serviceman's Party

American Theatre Wing Stage Door Canteen

Introduction

My name is Richard Weaver and I'm a some-time writer who enjoys the occasional freelance assignment. In 2000 and 2001, I went along on three USO trips overseas with groups of celebrities visiting U.S. troops in Germany, Bosnia, Kosovo, Italy, Hungary, and Korea. The USO is a wonderful organization dedicated to bettering the everyday life of service men and women stationed away from their families. Much has been written about the legendary visits from Bob Hope, Wayne Newton, Ann-Margret, and many others since the USO was founded in 1941. Since my trips, I've become interested in the less-publicized part of the USO: its clubs, canteens, and other facilities in the United States during World War II. I have been collecting antique postcards and other images of these clubs. Please enjoy these color-tinted glimpses into the off-hours of the Greatest Generation. I welcome your comments and stories with the hope that gathering the information here will educate new generations on this under-documented facet of life in wartime America.