The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-12-07
CANTEEN COMMITTEE REPORT

IatneT than make lHlS report QTy WItH figures will mention only the approx innate number of soldiers served by the 1 canteen workers during the past six months. In June we gave service of vari- ous kinds to, as near as we could esti- mate, 21,660 men in uniforms, including | soldiers, sailors, marines, aviators and officers in all branches. In July, 13,S94; | in August, S844; In September, 15,0G0; in l October, 155G0, and up to November 25, | H. ,00O
 Tt was very soon after the canteen was organized by the Red Cross in the latter part of May, 1918, that we saw the necessity for the hut, and cast about for a suitable place. Owing to the untiring efforts of the committee in charge of which were Mrs. Algernon Nelson and Mrs. Fred Levert and to the interest and generosity of the officials of the Terminal station, and Of MT. Marshall, who operates the Terminal cafe, large and commodious room adjoining the cafe and wonderfully suited to our needs, was put at our disposal, and fitted up for use. Generous citizens gave us what was needed, and the Red Cross was put to very little expense in getting the place ready to welcome our boys and make them comfortable. Lockers were installed in which to keep each days supplies and our buyers. Mrs. Ross C. Smith and Mrs. W. w. Crawford, showed not only wonderful efficiency in buying but were possessed apparently, with a spirit of divination, and were invariably prepared for all comers whether it was tl,n ,l,-.. H.. unexpected and suddenly reported trains bringing their thousands. The supplies were always there. and the canteen
 workers were always on hand when called, whether for a. m. or for belated train at II D. m.
 "A committee of colored women were willing and ready to meet any coored troop trains, but frequently there would not be time to notify them and have them there, and on those occasions our canteen workers met and served the coi- ored troops with true loyalty to their canteen and to their government.
 During the summer months the sol- diers were given iced drinks, cigarettes matches, stamped postcards, and occa- sionally ice-cream cones and fruit. Lat er when the weather became cooler, iced drinks gave way to hot coffee and cakes and candy were added when we founu how eager the boys were for them. When serving the troop trains the coffee iA carried hot in large covered pots, anN served in their own cups, but for those who come to enjoy the home-like privi- leges of the hut, home service is giv- en them, a hot cup of coffee with a sand wich or cakes and candy, fruit. and sometimes a saucer of ice-cream.
 "At the hut the boys find magazines, books writing materials. cigarettes, comfortable chairs, sofas and cot in far corner screened. for any who may had barrels of apples sent us. and we were able to keep baskets of delicious fruit on the table for the boys.
 "The shower baths installed in the sta- tion by Mrs. John Tillman are a great source of pleasure and comfort to those who take advantage of them. When troop trains stop with us long enough the boys are sent to the Young Mems Chris tian association for their baths. The Vigilantes, who assist us in many ways arrange for the men on such occasions.
 During the influenza epidemic the can teeners did good work. The hut was never closed, and it>was during this time that we really felt the enormous amount of good the canteen was doing Many sick soldiers day were taken from the trains and cared for in the nut t1ll tnoy cOulu De tdhcH to HoSPi- tai. Two of our sick soldiers developed pneumonia and died at St. Vincents.
 we kept in constant communication with their families by wire and letter, and every kindness and consideration was shown them. must not lose this oppor- tunity of making special mention of the loyalty and generosity of St. vincent's hospital They took in all our influenza and pneumonia cases, and refused all offers of remuneration. The hospital was never too crowded to take them in, and care for them. Doctors. dentists and ambulance service were all at our dis posal free of charge, and the motor serv- ice has co-operated with us at any time when needed.
 Tn concluding this report would like to say. that whatever success our canteen has had, and we feel that great amount of good has been done. the credit is due primarily of course, to the hearty CO., operation of our membership of 200, but above and beyond this to the unfailing. sympathy and efficient leadership of our chief, the chairman of military relief, Mr. Hugh Latimer. Respectfully sub- I.iitted,
 KATHERINE W. KIRKPATRICK.
 "Commandant of canteen service. REPORT OF COLORED CANTEEN '"The colored canteen committee was organized in June. 1918, with a member .t.t. -R \