Rating: 
Summary: A wonderful book
Review: This book brought back so many memories. I had never heard about this Canteen before, but I grew up near Boone, IA, where those Union Pacific trains went through. The servicemen must have had more time there because you would see them walking down the street to the pool hall and restaurant. Boone would have been one or two stops east of North Platte. It's where we went shopping on Saturday nights and watched the news reels about the war at the movies. Those newsreels and LIFE magazine brought WWII to us. This is a great story. You wonder how these people managed to produce all of the food. What a sight it must have been for the fellows when they got off the train and saw the tables piled high. I liked the details such as china cups being washed and sent back from the next station, etc. And how they just packed food in baskets and nothing spoiled. The idea of putting names on a piece of paper in a popcorn ball was great. I've driven across Nebraska to and from Denver several times and also have ridden on the train. This book brought it all back to me. This a book everyone should read. It shows the real America and how everyone pulled together during WWII.
Rating:
Summary: A Winner
Review: A wonderfully heart-warming story of a by-gone era and a lovely far-away small town in North Platte, Nebraska, which did its dead level best to help frightened young men with acts of kindness as they left on their way to war. Beautifully crafted by gifted writer Bob Greene, it is a can't-put-down, sentimental journey into the hearts of so many people...the pop-corn-ball girls, the teen-age girl who, with a single thoughtful act, picks up a newspaper for an old lady and in so doing achieves forty-five years of happiness, the sailor who played "I Left My Heart At The Stage Door Canteen" on the piano at the railroad station with all of his heart and who then had to run and jump to catch his troop train as it was pulling out....dozens of vignettes that will make you cry and feel good doing it. First, Laura Hillenbrand with "Seabiscuit: An American Legend" and now Bob Greene with "Once Upon A Town" have written prize winning books during the past year similar in that each deals deeply with the emotions of ordinary people you come to care about and love. Read "Once Upon A Town." You owe it to yourself, but more importantly, you owe it to the people of North Platte, Nebraska.
Rating:
Summary: Pride from an area native
Review: I have to say I probably would not have picked this book had my grandmother not been one of the featured interviews. I am, however, very happy that I read the book. I am extremely proud, not only of her, but of the entire part of the state which participated in such a selfless, heroic act. I only wish that all who went there today, including myself, could feel as welcome. I agree with Bob Greene that the sentiment of the days of the canteen is sadly absent from today's world. This comparison of past and present provides an excellent framework for this story and helps to make the deeds of those World War II era Nebraskans even more remarkable. I challenge anyone to read this without shedding a tear.
Rating:
Summary: Once Upon a Town: The Miracle of the North Platte Canteen
Review: Briefly: A truly outstanding book that is unforgettable. Perhaps sentimental, but thrilling as well. Five stars; no doubt about it. Many years ago, I was a young enlisted Marine riding a train on a miserable three-day journey home to take leave. Hot, tired, disheveled and thoroughly miserable, I was delighted to come across a USO counter in a railroad station where I had to change trains. The free lemonade, cookies and conversation, "where ya' goin', Marine?" refreshed me and lifted my morale. I was very grateful at the kindness of the volunteers at that USO counter. Bob Greene has written a book about an astonishing project during WW II that took place along those lines. At North Platte, NE, the local communities established such a hospitality site for the huge troop trains passing through North Platte on their way from one coast to another. They met every train during WW II, day after day until the war ended, a continuing kindness of magnificent dedication. The troops, many on their way overseas, were not allowed to disembark at North Platte and the trains paused for only a few minutes. The men were doubtless bored, lonely, homesick, tired and thoroughly miserable on their crowded and spartan four or five-day train rides. Their pleasure at seeing the townspeople coming aboard with food, beverages, conversation and affection is easy to imagine. The subject of the book may seem to be a commonplace and unheroic, if patriotic, kindness. Yet for me, it is hard to even think of this book without getting teary. I was very affected, and am not an emotional person. Imagine all those trains stopping in the darkness and all of those lonely and frightened troops. Imagine the local citizens quietly leaving their homes at all hours to meet the trains, bringing their offering of comfort and kindness. The unselfish love of those Nebraska patriots gives me a lump in the throat and you may very well feel likewise if you read this book. I notice that every reader review of this book gives it five stars, an incredible average, although well deserved. My compliments to Bob Greene. He has written a real winner, a unique tribute to human kindness, a subject few books can address these days. I concur with that five-star rating, and predict that you will, too.
Rating: 
Summary: Whats Wrong with America
Review: Whats so wrong about America - The world's greatest terrorist state, Examples include Nicaragua, El Salvador, Vietnam, Cuba, Phillipines, among others. An Imperialist Country: Cuba, Hawaii, Phillipines, Southwestern United States. A country drenched in hypocrisy for standing for Democracy only when it suits their interest, condemning dictatorships that dont, and purporting dictatorship when it does. This is the main reason of why it is hated throughout the world. Osama hates us largely because of the dictatorship in Saudi Arabia, one of the most repressive in the world, largely supported by US government and at the same time we tell Castro to have elections and uphold Democracy! Do you know why neither Nixon or Reagan or any President before Shrub Bush-Lite was able to demand that Castro have elections? Because the US was supporting and in some cases overthrowing Democracy to prop up dictatorships for its own interests, mainly business interests and profits. Examples include the overthrow of Democracy in Guatemala, Nicaragua, Chile, Columbia, Grenada, among others. Speaking of Cuba, Batista, the American supported Dictator, overthrew the Cuban Republic when it was apparent that he would lose his election and instead set up a military dictatorship, however, since this was helpful to US business interests and likely, interests of Organized crime, the US happily supported him. Recent examples include Hugo Chavez and Venezuela and looking more likely, Yasir Arafat and Palestine. Two Democratically elected leaders, elected by overwhelming majorities and in Arafat's case, validated by international observers, being told by the US gov. that they should either change what told the people that elected them they wanted to do or be labeled insignificant. You read the papers, talk to the typical idiot American, they rarely will talk about how arrogant and imperialist it is to demand a Democratically elected leader , overhwhelmingly elected with a strong mandate, to back a coup against that leader, tell that leader to change, and then to ignore the will of the people. Colin Powell will not even say that if the New Elections in Palestine occur and Arafat is elected as, thanks to Bush making him look to Palestineans as a victim, he is expected to be, Powell refuses to say what would happen next. Condaleeza Rice tells Chavez to right his own ship which has clearly been going in the wrong direction. And this from an administration that was controversially elected and lost the popular vote telling leaders elected with 60% and 80% majorities to shape up or get out! How Arrogant! How Stupid! How better to anger people to attack you! How American. Now Most Americans don't know a thing about this. This is only scratching the surface, men , patriots, like Noam Chomsky, have write dozens of books on the subject, mainly because the corporate, "free" press won't touch it. Thats why when Americans are confronted with foreigners that hate their country, they are completely set offguard about it! The ones that do realize it blame envy and the United Nations. You know, the UN is very ironic, when it was in its early days, the US could completely control it and thus it was shed in a good light in the US press and was popular with the public. Now, since it has included many more countries, particularly those in the third world, the US is often find isolated and out of touch with the rest of the world. Examples: Cuban Embargo, Israel. So therefore, it is increasingly unpopular with the US gov. as it fails to do what it wants, and thus, mysteriously, unpopular with Americans , especially Conservatives. The recent detaining of people , including US citizens , without charging them of any crime and holding them in solitude indefinitely. The fact that we still have Imperialist bases in Cuba, Puerto Rico, etc. The suspension of the Freedom of Information act, one of the few ways people found a way to know whats going on in their gov, and Bush uses 9 11 as an excuse to do so. This is shameful and typical American Fascism. Notice of course, I did not even get into racism, slavery, civil rights, discrimination, the struggle of unions and workers rights, immigrant rights, sexism, etc. Notice I did not even touch on a insane military budget, still based on Cold War levels, 15 times higher than its nearest competitor. The greed and corruption of big corporations, examples include Enron and WorldCom. Many more examples, however these are the two that are on TV so I would think most Americans would know about it. I am American. I am ashamed to be one. I am ashamed to call myself American.
Rating:
Summary: A warm story of a town during World War II
Review: Bob Greene's Once Upon a Town charmed me with its portrait of Americans who loved their country and their soldiers. It's a story of goodness, generosity, kindness, and patriotism. For almost five years the residents of North Platte, NE gave six million traveling soldiers a taste of home. Sandwiches were made, coffee brewed, candy donated, popcorn balls rolled, eggs boiled, chickens fried, and cakes baked just for passing troops spending ten minutes at the depot while their train was being loaded with coal. It wasn't just food that was offered: Songs were sung, peopled danced, hugs and kissed were exchanged. The soldiers couldn't believe or understand the generosity, but they welcomed it and never forgot it. Whether they were on the front lines in Europe or island-hopping in the Pacific, those soldiers looked back to North Platte as a common memory. For many, this train took them farther than ever from home. Many were young and lonely. The sight of women bearing baskets of fruit warmed their hearts. During a few of Green's interviews with veterans, the men had to stop because tears came to their eyes. The people of North Platte gave unconditional love to men they wouldn't see again. Those beautiful hearts brought up tears in veterans' eyes. The depot that hosted the canteen is gone; torn down in the 1970s. All that's left are railroad tracks and bums drinking booze. Could a town ever be that generous again? Since we're at war now, the question's quite pertinent. If there is crisis and we feel it around us, then Americans display the same generosity that was shown at North Platte. Americans gave freely to the many 9.11 victims funds. New Yorkers pulled together after the attack despite their brash reputation. If sacrifices are needed, Americans are willing to do their part. Since this is a different kind of war, huge displays of generosity like that of North Platte aren't happening. The economy hasn't been massively reorganized for the war effort. There has been no call for rationing, victory gardens, or buying war bonds. In fact, taxes have actually been cut with many in Washington pushing for them to be permanent. No one's been drafted. Unlike World War II the country isn't focused on fighting the war. There is a general sense of complacency. Deep down, we know we will win. Unlike the citizens of North Platte we're not in fear of invasion if we lose. President Bush even wants us to live as we normally would. We're at war even if it doesn't feel like it. North Platte isn't an aberration anymore than New York City post-9.11. Human nature hasn't changed between those times. If Americans feel threatened they'll pull together in ways that bring tears to people's eyes. American's save their goodness for when it's most needed.
Rating:
Summary: A wonderful memoir
Review: Bob Greene's done it again with Once Upon a Town, a very moving tribute to a canteen for soldiers going to and returning from WWII. While the North Platte Nebraska canteen is the backdrop, the real story here is the people who volunteered their time to make the soldier's time here as close to home as possible. Greene interviewed a number of both volunteers and the soldiers who came through there and all remember the canteen as one of the fondest memories of a very difficult period in their lives. Once Upon a Town is a very quick and enjoyable read and if you like any of Bob Greene's previous works, don't miss this. I highly recommend it.
Rating:
Summary: Giving out of deprivation
Review: I picked up a copy of this book a day ago and am nearly through it. In a word, it is amazing. Greene has caught a picture of a quickly fading vision. On one page of the book he makes the needed observation that the selflessness of the giving folks of North Platte was remarkable, but greater still was the giving they did out of their own deprivation. The resourcefulness they were driven to in order to continue the Canteen is awe inspiring, yet simple. Turkey eggs instead of chicken eggs for cake? A great and timely read for our nation.
Rating:
Summary: A Sweet, Sentimental Tale of Patriotism
Review: It all happened because of a mistake. It was 1941, ten days after the bombing of Pearl Harbor, and the people of North Platte, a small town in Nebraska, had heard that a train carrying Nebraska National Guard's Company D would be passing through, carrying soldiers to the West Coast and to war. It would be their very own sweethearts, sons, and buddies, and the town showed up at the station with food to give to the boys. But it turned out that this was the Company D of _Kansas's_ National Guard. The citizens of North Platte may have been chagrinned about their mistake, but they made sure those Kansas boys were sent away as well appreciated as their own sons would have been. After all, they were going to war for them as surely as if they had been home town boys. The idea struck some of them that sending the soldiers off this way was just the sort of appreciation the little town ought to be showing. And so the North Platte Canteen was born, serving soldiers crossing the nation during ten minute refueling stops in a little town of people they didn't know. Serving millions of soldiers and sailors, train by train, day by day, until after the war ended. Bob Greene says he was on a hunt for the "best America there ever was," and if there are other nominations in the category, I bet he has them beat. His _Once Upon a Town: The Miracle of the North Platte Canteen_ (Morrow) is the story of his visit to North Platte, research into the history of the Canteen, and interviews with the now quite elderly people who took part, both as donors and recipients of the town's hospitality. Twelve thousand people lived in the little town, and six million soldiers got a sincere greeting on their way through. The members of the town paid for it all themselves, used their rationing coupons, made do somehow, and made sure that the tables set up in a room of the station house were full of fried chicken, cakes, pheasant sandwiches, hot coffee, and chewing gum. They made an unforgettable impression on the young soldiers and sailors, many of whom did not even know, for security's sake, where they were eventually headed and many who would never get American hospitality ever again. One remembered, "Those people spent all that time and donated all that money - to get the sugar and all that stuff. They gave up their own ration stamps. They were using their ration stamps for us. We all knew what that meant. I wrote home about it." And their mothers wrote to the town, having read their sons' stories of how well they had been treated at North Platte. "Heaven bless you for what you did for my boy and every other mother's boy." The town still gets letters of thanks from the servicemen who came through, but Greene's fine book must be the best thank you written. He has told about the current North Platte, too, and of course it isn't anything like the one of sixty years ago, though his visit to an abortive Bikini Contest is hilarious. His last book, _Duty_, was about patriotism writ large in the crew of the Enola Gay, and this one is about the smaller, home-grown version. It is sweet, and if he gets schmaltzy now and then, that's the right tone exactly, and thank goodness he got some of these old folks to tell this story before it was too late. There are other fine stories of Americans doing the right thing, stories that are current; but the North Platte Canteen was inspiring, and sentimentally fulfilling, and unique, and gone forever.
Rating:
Summary: Filled with true American spirit!
Review: The American spirit is still alive and well as demonstrated by the outpouring of love, support and donations that followed in the aftermath of September 11th. We have always been there for each other in times of need and I suspect we always will. However, for the people of North Platte Nebraska, that spirit was a little more determined than most. They truly performed a miracle. I first found out about the North Platte Canteen while reading a history of the Union Pacific RR passenger service. It intrigued me enough so that on our next car trip west, I insisted that we stop in North Platte and find the old station that had served as the canteen. Like Bob Greene, I was deeply troubled when I found that there was nothing left to show for it but a few red paving bricks along side of the tracks. After questioning a few people, I discovered that a small mock up of the canteen could be seen at the Lincoln Country Historical Society Museum on the west side of town. Not only can you see pictures and read stories about the canteen, but you might be lucky enough to find someone to talk to who had personal experiences with the canteen. The morning we visited, I spoke with a woman whose mother had been active in the canteen. She shared with me one of the methods by which they knew a troup train was coming through. Out in the countryside, the engineer of the train would display a colored ribbon flying from the cab. The person watching for the train would then start the phone tree alerting the volunteers of the day "to put the coffee on." The wonderful work done in that Nebraska town now has been memorialized for the coming generations thanks to the amazing story told in the book. It should be an inspiration to all of us for the future, which these days seems somewhat clouded. My hat is off to Bob Greene and his painstakingly accurate research, the devoted mothers and daughters who served and cooked food, the reliable husbands and fathers who frequently acted as drivers, and to the remarkable service men and women who sent along their notes of thanks to North Platte while they were also occupied with fighting a war. North Platte is still a special place. The spirit of our country is alive and well there in the quiet town along the UP tracks where a century and a half ago another generation of equally determined Americans made their way west on the Oregon Trail. For those of you interested in even more information on the North Platte Canteen, there is a wonderful website...
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