The American Red Cross Canteen Services Collection
Title
The American Red Cross Canteen Services Collection
Description
An American Red Cross Canteen was maintained at Lynchburg's train terminalthroughout World War I, providing meals for train troops who were being transportedfrom bases in Texas to embarkation points on the East Coast. As a result, Lynchburgbecame known as "Lunchburg". The Lynchburg Canteen also served hospital trainssending home soldiers injured in France.Papers in the collection give information about numbers of people and quantities offood and drink served. The collection also includes photographs of Red Cross andCanteen volunteers, clippings and letters about the Canteen, and regulations forconducting the Canteen. Also included are Red Cross banners, camp magazines andcopies of German propaganda proclamations posted in France and Belgium.
Report on Canteen Services dated 04 January 1919 for the American Red Cross Bureau of Canteen Service for the canteen at Lynchburg, Virginia. The report indicates that during the month of December 1918 more than 23,000 soldiers were served and 15 men were aided, including one man with pneumonia who was taken to Lynchburg hospital.
American Red Cross Canteen Services Collection. The Canteen Provided Melas For Train Troops Being Transported From Texas To The East Coast Throughout World War I. The Canteen Was The Impetus For The "Lunchberg" Nickname For Lynchburg.
Letter from Southern Railway Company to Lucile McWane of the Lynchburg Red Cross dated 07 September 1918. The letter notes an increase in the meal allowance per soldier from 60 cents to 75 cents.
