Sustaining Wings Closes

From the Clinton Herald March 30, 1946.  There are photos of men at the Canteen, Wings' President Mrs. P. C. Andresen and Canteen Treasurer Mrs. Dorothy M. Simmons.  They did not photo copy well, sorry. 
Under the photo of the servicemen: This was a familiar scene a few short months ago at the depot canteen.  
Under the photo of Mrs. Andresen: Directing the Clinton depot canteen activities for the past three years was Mrs. Peter C. Andresen, president of the Clinton chapter of the Sustaining Wings of Iowa, sponsors of the famed service center.
Under the photo of Mrs. Simons: To Mrs. Dorothy Simmons was entrusted the task of handling finances of the depot canteen.  Its financial existence depended on contributions of patriotic citizens of Clinton and the surrounding territory.

Clinton's Famous Depot Canteen Closes:
Over 2,000,000 Men and Women Served

If all the cops 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 organization 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:

29,823 pounds of meat
116,870 loaves of bread
35,600 pounds of coffee (2,250,000 cups)
147,840 cans (pint size) of milks
3,539 gallons of salad dressing
9,366 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 use 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 Feen.  Mrs. Dorothy M. Simons was canteen organization financial secretary and Mrs. Milton A. Dege, canteen publicity chairman.

Thank you cards have been sent to all individuals and groups who donated cookies, cakes, pies, candy and food.  Six hundred citation awards in recognition  of service rendered the canteen have been presented.  Purchase of the certificates was financed from the Wings chapter treasury and not from donated funds.

Following is a list of the firms and various organizations donating to the depot canteen:  

I will not list them all, the list spans 3 columns!  Suffice it to say everyone from the Grand Mound Birthday Club to the United Association of Journeymen and Plumbers and Fitters of the USA and Canada are listed from most of the communities of the surrounding area.

While this article answers a few questions we had, we still don't know What the Clinton chapter, Sustaining Wings of Iowa was!!  Were there other chapters?  If you have any information at all, we'd love it if you'd share it with us.

I wonder if any of the members or directors are still living or if any of the notes the secretary book might be hidden away in someone's attic.  Go take a look and email me right away if you find anything!  <grin>

 The Clinton Advertiser, Saturday, Jan. 3, 1920, Page 1

MOVING CANTEEN FROM ITS SCENE OF WAR SERVICE

The building used as a Red Cross Canteen in Clinton during the period of the World war is now being removed to it's former location on Sixth avenue. The structure was the property of Frank Ellis and was donated to the Clinton chapter of the Red Cross as a building to be used for canteen service. Then it was moved from the Ellis property to the vacant lot south of the Northwestern depot, where it served many thousands of soldiers passing through Clinton.
Since the closing of the canteen, which was the last Red Cross canteen to be closed in the United States after the termination of the war arrangements were made for the removal of the building back to its former site on the Ellis property and this is now being done.