History along the Way: Stories beyond the Texas Roadside Markers

Chapter 17. Here I Am in Palestine

271 here I am in Palestine In the fall of 1944, during World War II, two mothers of US servicemen sent heartfelt letters of thanks to residents of Palestine in East Texas.The two women—one from the Midwest and the other from New England—acted independently but with shared appreciation for the hospitality shown their sons, whose troop trains had stopped briefly in the Anderson County seat.The mothers wrote to people they had never met and whose names they did not know, but to whom they were indebted for comforting their sons on their lonely trips away from home. One of the young men was en route to a training center in San Antonio, the other headed home following extended time overseas. The two soldiers were among thousands of military personnel who passed through Palestine during the war years, and they were also among those who came to revere Palestine with great fondness for the unselfish and unparalleled kindness of its citizens. Addressing her letter to the chamberof commerce, Mrs. Alfred O. Peterson of Methuen, Massachusetts, wrote: Gentlemen— Recently my son, who is in the service, went thru your town on the way to San Antonio. He stopped at your USO and mailed me your circular letter from there—and written in the blank space—a little note from himself. I am writing to tell you how much joy that letter gave me. He had not been feeling well and had to make a three day trip from Methuen, Mass., so when he wrote me of the kindness of your ladies—the drink of cold milk, the dainty sandwiches and cookies, I was so pleased. 17 272 CHapter 17 Thank your ladies for their good wishes and tell them that their efforts are not in vain.1 From her home in Kalamazoo, Michigan, Mrs. Frank (Leona) Vorce addressed the following note to the “Ladies of Service Men’s Club”: To one and all who made our son’s stay in Palestine so enjoyable: Our son P.F.C. Douglas A. Vorce USM.C. was on his way home from 27 months spent in the South Pacific. He is a veteran of many battles while being with the 1st Marine Div. Having time while in Palestine he visited your Service Men’s Club. You can imagine how pleased he was when he found how welcome the boys were, also the good food, and pleasant talks, gave him a wonderful feeling of being home. He told me, “Mom, be sure and write to those Ladies, they know just what to do to make a fellow feel at home.” “Also they can sure make good coffee.” P.F.C. Douglas is now in the Naval Hospital in Philadelphia. He came down with a Malaria Fever contracted while overseas. However, he expects to recover soon and be back on duty.2 The Peterson and Vorce letters are only two examples of many receivedinpraiseofthegoodworkofthePalestineServiceMen ’sClub, which operated from 1942 to 1946. The original letters are now archived with photos and other mementos in the offices of the Anderson County Historical Commission, which makes its headquarters in the restored 1907 Federal Building in downtown Palestine only a couple of blocks from where the club operated. Today, the site of the O’Neill Hotel, which housed the club, is a vacant lot, save for the remains of one brick wall, painted years ago with a mural depicting in commemorative fashion the story of Anderson County’s many contributions to military efforts through the years. Across busy Spring Street from the empty lot are still active rail lines that provide a strong visual reference for the countless troop trains that stopped at the Palestine passenger depot during the war years. By the time of World War II, Palestine was a vital railroad center in East Texas through the significant role it played in the devel- Here i am in paLestine 273 opment and administration of the International–Great Northern Railroad, whose lines reached the area in the 1870s. With regard to the deployment of troops in wartime, it was a logical place for refueling and switching operations. When the trains stopped downtown , porters from the O’Neill Hotel made their way to the cars and personally invited the servicemen to the nearby club for refreshments , entertainment, or just quiet conversation and a chance to unwind. Many openly welcomed the invitation, but even those who...