A Community Responds - The WWII Aberdeen Railway Station Canteen

PLEASE READ THE ENTIRE DESCRIPTION...During the height of World War II, Aberdeen, South Dakota responded to the war effort by supplying free food to American Troops passing through our community at a newly opened Canteen in the Milwaukee Depot, downtown Aberdeen. The community responded with tons of donated items, including a huge amount of pheasants. The innovative USO and Red Cross ladies invented the "Pheasant Sandwich" and served them to the hungry troops. They quickly became an international sensation and service men and women raved about them all over the world. The legacy of this community outpouring has been preserved in this historic footage, edited into a short story by McQuillen Creative Group. Thanks to the World War II Pheasant Canteen Team for keeping the spirit of Aberdeen's generosity, innovation, and hospitality alive for all of us to see. If you've never seen color movie footage of Aberdeen in the 1940s, you'll absolutely be blown away at the trains, the people, the diversity and the smiles of people helping. This footage was shot by William Taylor, converted to video by Dr. Robert Webb. We're still trying to hunt down the actual film to get it professional scanned.

Aberdeen is booming now. Nearly 1,000 jobs available TODAY. Move back if you're from here. Your mom and dad will appreciate it!

Here's a bunch of photos
http://www.facebook.com/Aberdeen.DayTrippers#!/Aberdeen.DayTrippers?sk=photos

And here's some dialogue about moving back
http://www.facebook.com/Aberdeen.DayTrippers#!/groups/271096652281/

Category:

Education

Tags:

• video production
• mcquillen creative group
• Pheasant Sandwiches
• Milwaukee Railroad
• Aberdeen South Dakota
• Troy McQuillen
• Bill Frietag
• Mark Comstock
• World War 2
• World War II
• WWII
• WWII Pheasant Canteen Team
• Patsy
• Weigel

[McQCG]

We here at McQuillen Creative Group are very happy you all are enjoying this little video. The volunteer committee that sponsored this is trying to raise money so we can make a full blown documentary, complete with their stories/memories of this incredibly cool saga. Contact me if you'd like more information. 605-226-3481. – Troy McQuillen

[majary12]

The Pheasant Sandwich lives on. On October 16th, 2009, Honor Flight South Dakota flew 110 WWII Veterans to Washington DC from the Aberdeen Airport. During the departure ceremony, the people of Aberdeen once again stepped up and served these great American Veterans the famous Pheasant Sandwich as they boarded the plane. GREAT JOB ABERDEEN!!!!! 

[FERSWIZLE]

I am from the Aberdeen Area. My late Grandfather also a resident is a WWII Vet, Purple Heart recipient and Battle of the Bulge Survivor, he no Doubt enjoyed one of these Pheasant Sandwiches on his way around. My Grandmother also from the area used to pack these same sandwiches in my fathers lunches and later my lunches on our pheasant hunts which made us hunt that much harder. Hope everyone knows how important that bird is to SD.

[johnannehegwer1]

My Navy V-12 roommate in Pioneer Hall was Harrison Hanson from South Dakota. Does anyone know of him or about him. Write John Hegwer, 1140 South Spruce St., Escondido, CA 92025

[mpinky1]

This video brings back many memories. I was in Kindergarten when my Dad returned to Aberdeen. I remember all the people there rushing around. I was born and raised in Aberdeen, Attended CHS and NSTC and I have lots of wonderful memories of the wonderful people there.

[nuke19491]

I was born and raised there. I've seen some of that film before, at the state museum at the Cultural Heritage Center in Pierre. Maybe they know where some of the original film can be found

[ChristsDanimal777]

My grandparents Gloria and Kenneth "Lucky" Lager raised my father Thomas Lager there in Aberdeen, SD...my grandfather was the original creator and owner of "Lager's Inn" there in Aberdeen and I can't thank you enough for upload this video!!!!

[jvranch92]

I was born here and many of my relatives still live there. How cool....was looking for maybe an aunt or two of mine,,,maybe my mom even.. COOL

[eckp1]

I would have liked to been one of the guys "harvesting" the pheasants.

[LCBH3445]

Also my hometown, and my dad and 2 uncles worked on the railroad... Very cool!