Site of Palestine Service Men's Club, World War II
Palestine, Anderson County, Texas
Marker Inscription
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)
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
During World War II the railroad town of Palestine sat more than a hundred miles from any base, yet trainloads of soldiers rolled through daily. In June 1942 local residents — led by Zula Hanks and staffed by scores of women — opened a service club in the O'Neil Hotel offering refreshments, music, dancing, and letter-writing, and carried sandwiches out to troops who could not leave the trains. The group also helped fund a separate Negro Service Club for the African American soldiers who often rode farther down the line.
Why it matters
Palestine's club shows the home front in miniature — women organizing hospitality for passing troops, within the segregation that shaped even acts of wartime kindness.
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Related people
- · Zula Hanks
Related events
- · World War II
Themes & tags
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