World War II veterans wanted: National Landmark Gala coming to Performing Arts Center
By Ann Swinderman
August 2, 2011
372
History is made every day across the world, but it is not everyday that the local efforts of our neighbors and friends is recognized as historic in the eyes of the national government. An upcoming event will honor both Dreamsville, USA canteen workers and World War II veterans.
The Dennison Railroad Depot Museum, after many long years and hard work from its supporters, has been awarded a national honor – the designation of a national landmark. In fact, the Depot will be Tuscarawas Countys first National Historic Landmark. The Dennison landmark will be Ohios 70th historic site and the first World War II canteen landmark.
A Landmark Gala will take place August 11, at 6 p.m., to mark this remarkable achievement. The gala will be held at the Performing Arts Center at Kent State Tuscarawas.
The evenings events include a memorable Landmark Production on the stage, hors doeuvres by Trax Diner, champagne toast, music and cash bar. Gala tickets are $35 per person.
In recognizing that the Depot would not be considered for such a historical honor without the efforts of canteen workers and soldiers during World War II, all Dreamsville, USA canteen workers and World War II veterans will be special guests the night of the gala and receive free admittance to the event. Spouses of these special guests will also be admitted free of charge.
It will be a wonderful evening to honor our local WWII veterans and canteen workers. I look forward to seeing many of them at the event and taking advantage of this free opportunity, Debbie Cook, Tuscarawas County Veteran Services director.
According to the history books, the Dennison Depot Servicemens Canteen aided soldiers from March 19, 1942 to April 8, 1946. The Depots location was a common stopping point as soldiers were traveling east en route to be sent overseas. It is estimated that a million and a half GIs were served free food and coffee, along with fellowship during their brief stop in Dennison. Canteen workers number nearly 4,000 and came from eight counties to work at the Depot, which operated 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Due to the fellowship provided and morale boost to the home front effort during the war, Dennison earned the nickname, Dreamsville, USA.
If you are a canteen worker or WWII veteran and plan on attending, contact Debbie Cook at the Tuscarawas County Veteran Services office at 330-339-1163 to place a reservation.
For general information about the event, call the Dennison Depot Railroad Museum at 740-922-6776.
