The Daily Alaska empire., 1945-02-05
BIRTHDAY
 OF U50 I5
 OBSERVED


 Over 100 guests attended the ban quet in the Gold Room of the Bar anof Hotel last Saturday evening at the fourth birthday anniversary of the USO United Service Organiza- ticn). It proved to be an evening of good entertainment. fast moving sparkling repartee, clever quips. It also had its serious moments.
 Jack Fletcher was toastmaseer and from the moment he took over the evening, it was of to a good start and moved merrily along to the grand finale when all stood and sang Auld Lang Syne. There was not a dull moment, Fletcher saw to that.
 The GSO, the Girls Service Or ganization, came in for much praise in recognition of the wonderful work they are performing at the local USO. This work was explained briefly by one of the co-presidents, Miss Margaret Clark.
 Miss Clark gave a clever little talk on the work of the younger set in making the USO honey and cheerful for the servicemen. That this was appreciated was shown in letters from the boys who have been located here and who have gone on to other areas, declaring the hospit- ality of the GSO was extended by the "snappiest and prettiest girls in Alaska"
 Hi ShumWay of the Coast Guard, and Leslie Swanson for the other branches of the armed service, gave their unstinted praise to the USO in deep appreciation showing that men of the air, sea and land forces were made to feel at home here as mo- where else in this Northern field of action.
 Mrs. R. E. Robertson, one of the mothers who have sons at the front, and who is head of the Patronesses organization, which has done and is doing so much to make the USO the complete success it is in pfovid- ing little comforts and giving advice, spoke feelingly of the time when she hoped the great world conflict would end and all our boys could return to their homes and normalcy.
 One of the high points of the ev- ening was the quizzing given by USO Director Zach Gordon to Cor poral Donald G. Williams, of the Marine Corps. veteran of the Tar ava, Tinian and Saipan campaigns, home on flirlough. Before the quiz zing, Mrs. J. P. Williams mother of the Juneau young man, was intro duo, Corp. Williams was able to give intimate details of life at the front, in combat, etc, without di- vulging any military secrets, and this proved highly interesting.
 The musical part. of the affair was a solo by Lois Hared, in fine voice; a solo by Sgt. William Weav- valist in Juneau; also a duet by Miss Hared and Sgt. Weaver, which was excellently given and appreciated. Accompanist was Cpl George She'll.
 Lieut.. Warren M. Caro entertained with ga < pianologue,, professionally given and demonstrating his com- plete mastery of the worries. At various times during the evening Director Zach Gordon spoke of the many salient features of the USO, it's history, etc.. and Miss Aida Ma theson, his efficient Assistant Dir ector of the USO, was introduced. Capt. William Day of the Juneau Support was introduced by Toast master Fletcher during the evening, as was also Elmer A. Friend, Chair man of the Committee of Manage ment, and Miss Emma Nelson, CO., President of the GSO.
 The finale of the banquet came, when in a hushed moment, Richard Peter read the list of Juneau boys who went into the world conflict and will not return, having paid the supreme sacrifice.
 With Corporal George Shell at the piano, the banqueters sang Auld Lang Syne. The tables were quick ly cleared from the Gold Room and the Servicemen's band tuned up and dancing was enjoyed until long after midnight.
 The evening was success due to the excellent arrangements made by Director Gordon, his charming assistant, Miss Matheson, Toastmas ter Jack Fletcher and those taking part. An Alaskan atmosphere was given the setting with Alaska cotton and totem poles around the Gold Room and on the tables, donated by Dr. and Mrs. Ro1ert Simpson of the Nllpppt ShOn