Goldsboro, N.C., USO Club-- Part 2: Activities and Volunteerism

For four and a half years the USO was a round-the-clock haven for thousands of service men with time on their hands.  It was often their last stop before shipping off overseas.  Alterations to the building's structure became necessary.  Then, as today, the exterior resembled that of "an old southern mansion," which was how the soldiers referred to it.

Attendance reached as high as 12,000 a month.

Dances were held, picnics organized, crafts and and wives had a club of their own.   In the music room, a snack bar was provided and a comfortable furnished lounge with an open fireplace was available when needed.

My grandmother chaperoned many dances and my mom, then 12-15 during the war years, often danced with the soldiers (under "close" supervision of my grandmother, of course.

Woman's Club members acted as volunteer hostesses, chaperons, and even sewed on chevrons as well many other acts of kindness.

Special mention is made for Mrs. Henry Bartholomew, who gave over 6,000 hours of volunteer service time to the USO work and at the Traveler's Aid Housing Desk.  This is thought to be a record for any USO across the nation.

--GreGen