Once Upon a Town

The Miracle of the North Platte Canteen

By: Bob Greene

Narrated by: Fritz Weaver

During World War II, American soldiers from every city and walk of life rolled through North Platte, Nebraska on troop trains, en route to Europe and the Pacific. The tiny town transformed its modest railroad depot into the North Platte Canteen -- a place where soldiers could enjoy coffee, music, home-cooked food, magazines, and friendly conversation during a stopover that lasted only a few minutes. It provided homesick military personnel with the encouragement they needed to help them through the difficult times ahead. Every day of the war, the Canteen -- staffed and funded entirely by local volunteers from the community of twelve thousand -- was open from 5 a.m. until the last troop train of the day pulled away after midnight. By war's end they provided welcoming words, friendship, and baskets of food to more than six million GIs.

Based on interviews with North Platte residents and the GIs who once passed through, Bob Greene unearths and reveals a classic, lost-in-the-mists-of-time American story of a grateful country honoring its brave and dedicated sons.

©2002 John Deadline Enterprises, Inc.; (P)2002 HarperCollins Publishers

Excellent narration of a wonderful, touching the story exclamation point

There was nothing to dislike about this book. Not to take away from this book, but the wonderful narration and the story kind of reminded me of Charles Kuralt’s America. I would recommend that anyone read this book. I think there will be watery eyes and a stinging nose in every chapter.

The BEST of America unveiled!

An enthralling, nostalgic recounting of previously little known sacrifices, made by unrecognized people in the HEARTland of America that has become known as "the greatest generation". The unearthing and extolling of people and values that made our Country great will challenge you to rethink your life and perhaps even move you to invest it by serving others, while leaving you with a sense of gratitude!

Veterans must read.

As a veteran, I am proud of North Platte. I had family that lived near here, but were not aware of the history. I wish they did so they could have shared with us.

How a small town helped win the war

Where does Once Upon a Town rank among all the audiobooks you???ve listened to so far?

It is a wonderful story.

What did you like best about this story?

I love the concept of how this town turned a mistake into an event that touched the souls of so many of the men going off into an uncertain future

Amazing act of love!

A friend recommended this book. She was a small girl during WW II but my dad was a navigator (human GPS) in the Army Air Corps. This beautiful story puts so much into perspective about what was behind the home front scene when caring Americans were at their very best during the war. The unspoken question hanging in the air is “Could we ever rise to the challenge like this again?” I don’t know but this story could teach us how.
Fine narration as well-expressive, weighty, but not too sentimental. I HIGHLY recommend!