The USO began in 1941 as a  place to "offer comfort and home" to the millions of servicemen going off to war.  At its peak more than 700 USO shows were being put on daily around the world at some 6,000 USO centers.  Each center, no matter how large or small, was known as a friendly place to unwind and relax, play a hand of cards, shoot a game of pool, flirt with the pretty cigarette girl behind the counter or watch a movie.

Hollywood, of course, threw its weight behind the effort.  Virtually every star of stage, screen, radio and recordings did multiple entertainment shows around the world for our troops.  Bob Hope's shows would become immortal.  One can only imagine the relief and joy the G.I.s must have felt when they heard "a camp show is coming!"

I love this little home movie (below).  Not the biggest, splashiest USO show with major stars.  Just a few singers and dancers and musicians out in the middle of an air strip in Germany doing what ever they can to life the spirits of soldiers far from home.  I love this little clip.

What I would like to find is any information about USO clubs in our area.  Did we have them?  Where were they?  Maybe you worked them or attended them.  I am interested!
Did we have USO clubs in Norwich, Oneonta, Cooperstown, Walton, Sidney.

I look forward to your responses.

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