I’m visiting North Platte for a week to do research on the Canteen and life during World War II in the area; I’m writing a book about the Canteen and the circumstances of life on the home front during the war for children and young adults.

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The Canteen is a truly fantastic story featuring the best of America!

I'm a professor in the College of Education at Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina. I will be in North Platte May 5-10.

I would love your help.

I am looking for specific items relating to World War II in the North Platte area such as, ration books, war bonds, gas ration stickers (for the windshield), World War II posters, train tickets, Union Pacific advertisements from 1941-1945, pictures of troop trains coming through North Platte, photographs of victory gardens, Bailey Yard, the depot, etc.

Also, I am looking for items related to the Canteen such as documents from the Canteen (work schedules, food totals, recipes, etc.), any related photographs such as pictures of volunteers traveling to North Platte, serving food, any fund raising activities for the Canteen (scrap metal drives, dances, etc.), any ribbon worn by the volunteers, and any other memento or photograph documenting the Canteen.

I realize the historical and sentimental value of the items and I am working with Research Librarian Kaycee Anderson at the North Platte Public Library to preserve your items. She has agreed to digitally scan your items so they may be shared with future generations -- and then you can take it back home.

Also, if you have a story to share concerning life in North Platte during the war (especially about the Canteen), I would love to visit with you when I am in town. Please e-mail me at: groceec@appstate.edu or give your name and phone number to Kaycee Anderson at the library (535-8036) and I will contact you soon.

Thank you in advance.

By Eric Groce, Boone, North Carolina