USO in Indianapolis
Civilian Defense | USO in Indianapolis | Rationing in Indiana | Schools at War |
Goodwin Photos | Atterbury Photos | WWII Links
USO in Indianapolis
On May 22, 1941 the first center for uniformed men was opened on Wabash Street in Indianapolis. It was called The Army, Navy, and Marine Service Club and was located in a converted freight house under the auspices of the Indianapolis Parks Board. The Works Project Administration supplied the labor to convert the building, and the community donated the furnishings. Mrs. Dorothy F. Buschmann became the first full time director for the Center on September 1, 1941.
By November 1, 1941 an average of 2,000 men a week visited the Club. The Club included: game rooms, a library, and a writing room. The Club was staffed with young women called "Cadettes" three days a week. Also, a "pantry shelf" served dinner on Sunday and snacks seven days a week.
Soon it was obvious that one center would not be enough. The Union Station Canteen was opened on December 22, 1941 followed by the Illinois Street Center on July 8, 1942. The facilities were incorporated into the Indianapolis Service Men's Centers in late July 1942. Subsequent to this incorporation the Senate Avenue Center was opened. The Robert Park Center was added last in the spring of 1943.
By December 31, 1947 all United Service Organizations clubs and facilities were closed, and the organization was given an honorable discharge by President Harry S. Truman.
 USO Bulletin Dec. 1941 |  USO Policy on prices to servicemen, p.1 2 June 1942 |  USO Policy on prices to servicemen, p.2 2 June 1942 |  Dorothy F. Buschmann |
 Yank, the Army Weekly 17 Sept. 1943 |  USO memorandum 1947 |  USO booklet |  Wabash St. Center, Dec. 1943 |
 USO luncheon program 1943 |  Navy Day Program 27 Oct. 1944 |  Gov. Henry Schricker, et al. |  Cadettes Regiment 1 |
 USO Memorandum |  USO Pamphlet |  Pages 8 and 9 from the USO Pamphlet |  Last pages of the USO pamphlet |
 Pantry Shelf Staff |  Advertisement |  USO flyer |  SMC in the Victory Parade |
 Interior of the Wabash St. Center |  Radio script, p.1 11 June 1942 |  Radio script, p. 2 11 June 1942 |  Wabash St. Center, 1941 |
 Union Station Canteen |  Illinois St. Center |  Senate Ave. Center |  Robert Parks Branch |
All images are provided for the personal use of patrons and researchers and may not be incorporated into publications, websites, or exhibits without written permission of the Indiana State Library or other appropriate copyright holder.
Text Sources:
All information came from L470, Indianapolis U.S.O Council Records, Box 3, Folder 7, and S37, Katherine Watson Collection. This collection is available in the Manuscript Section of the Indiana State Library.