Since 1872, the railroad has been a defining aspect of Palestine. During World War II, with the town more than a hundred miles from the nearest military installation, the railroad gave local citizens the opportunity to show their support to trainloads of soldiers passing through the city. In June 1942, area residents organized a service group inspired by, but independent from, the United Service Organizations (USO). Zula Hanks oversaw the fundraising, chaperoning and management of the club, operated by scores of local women. Volunteers offered refreshments, letter-writing materials, music, dancing and conservation in the club's room at the O'Neil Hotel at this site across Spring Street from the railroad tracks. The women also took sandwiches and cookies to distribute to the soldiers unable to leave the trains. Additionally, the Palestine group financially supported a separate Negro Service Club that served African American troops who often rode at the back of the trains farther down the line from this point. Military service people from around the country voiced their gratitude for Palestine's hospitality through recorded messages on "Recordgrams" and in countless letters. The volunteers continued their outpouring of support through the final days of the war, and the last troop train came through town on January 1, 1946. Today, the story of the Palestine club demonstrated the community's commitment to World War II service on the home front. (2006)
Site of Palestine Service Men's Club, World War II
The roadside stories worth pulling over for.
Site of Palestine Service Men's Club, World War II is a historical marker in Palestine, Anderson County, dedicated in 2006. It is one of 115 historical markers documented in Anderson County in the Texas Historical Commission Atlas, among 229 historic sites cataloged across the county.
The site sits at 31.7617, -95.6343 near Palestine. The nearest cataloged historic site is Dilley, G. E., Building (historic place), about under a tenth of a mile away. Others within a short drive include Sacred Heart Church, Redlands Hotel, and Robinson Bank Building.
This record corresponds to Texas Historical Commission Atlas #5507013656. Use the map below for its exact position and turn-by-turn directions.
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