Evening journal., 1918-10-23
HAPPY DAYS AT
SERVICE CANTEEN
Soldiers and Sailors in City
Are Well Cared For by
Patriotic Women
PRINCESS PAT, MAN
AMONG VISITORS


Among the happy and attractive cen
ters TO be found any place in VII
mington is the Red Cross Canteen Head.
quarters, No. 9O6 Market street. Here
from 9 O'Clock in the morning until Il
o'clock in the evening can be founC
many enlisted men OF the army anc
navy. This is home to many of Uncle
Sans boys and home-like spirit pre-
walls IN every comfort that is giver
them, which spirit remains with the
men for many days after they have
visited the house. Just at present as
long as Wilmington mas no hostess
house. the Canteen Headquarters is
serving as one. At all times the men
are welcomed, and there is a committee
always present to receive them and Ia
look after their needs.
Through the kindness Of the official
board OF First Presbyterian Church II
was possible 10 establish the head
quarters in the Sunday school rooms OF
that church. 10 has been greatly ap-
preciated and being centrally located a
great amount of good work isas been ac-
compllshed
Here are found. indeed. coy, attrac-
tive hOme-like rooms, where both mill
tary and naval men can read, write let
ters. have music and spend many happy
hours. With piano and victrola, and
many games, the boys feel that they
have all the comforts OF home.
A number Of good friends in this city
have given yictrola records, and II any
one else has any TO donate they would
be appreciated. Games, as checkers or
cut-up puzzles or a crokinole board
would also be accepted. Many Kind and
benevolent citizens Of Wilmington have
donated and help wonderfully with the
hospitality Of the men.
One happy old gentleman stops at
Headquarters every Saturday night and
leaves his contribution and is mighty
proud in doing HIS bit" for the boys,
for he at one time in his life had been
a sailor Contributions OF fruit and
goodies" and eats" OF all kinds have
been received and have meant much to
the soldiers and sailors.
The canteen not only cares for the
men that are stationed in this city and
in the vicinity, but for the many army
trains that pass through Wilmington.
The truck irains always make the head
quarters their main place for stopping,
and the friendships that have been made
are most pleasing.
It was said by one OF the officers that
was in charge OF a truck train going
south that he asked his men whether
they would rather stay in Trenton. n.
j.. or Wilmington all night. Tie reply
was that they preferred Wilmington,
for the people here knew how TO treat
a fellow.
There Is now In this city a member
OF the famous Princess Pat regiment.
This soldier was unfortunate enough
70 have lost his right arm while doing
his bit over there He Is a frequent
visitor at the Canteen Headquarters and
through their efforts has been well
cared for and has been given employ
ment and is happy TO be with such /
good friends
All the troop trains that have passed
through this city have been well looked
after. ana have been supplied with
stamps and stationery, fruits, sand
wiches. soft drinks and coffee by the
csnteen service. Many times the COM
mittees have little time TO prepare for
a train, but they do 1t, and are only too
happy that they can be Of such great
assistance.
The army truck trains that pass
through the city are well cared for.
and II they have but a short time 10
spend here are given sandwiches and |
coffee at the headquarters. II they are /
10 remain longer provision is made for /
them to stay all night at the Y NJ. &. |
A.. and their meals are provided.
II one should drop In. at First Pres
byterlan Church some evening and see
some Of the many happy boys in the
service it would do one good. As many
as fifty men can be found Of an even
ing here. It is expected that as winter
progresses that the number will exceed
this.
During the influenza epidemic in this
city the canteen service has supplied
all the emergency hospitals with stamps
and stationery. II also supplied to the
Barracks at the front Of French street,
and at pigeon Point, oranges. lemons,
ielIies. eggs and Ice cream. Many mem
bers Of the canteen committee volun-
teered as aides to do various kinds OF
work at the Century Club and Country
Club
This canteen service IS in charge Of
md directed by Mrs. Henderson Weir.
rhe captain OF the various committees
1f this work are Mrs. lrenee dupont,
1frs. William H. Thomson, Mrs. William
:. Murgatroyd, Mrs. Walter L. Butler, I
Hiss Mary A. LaA1otte and Mrs. John /
R. Hudson. Every day Mrs. Howard L.
pyle is in charge, and Is at headquar-
.ers from Q until o'clock.