Swing Dance the Night Away at Rippon Lodge’s WWII Canteen

During World War II, canteens were more than just used for transporting water.

The term was used in various buildings across the U.S. and in the European Theatre that served as entertainment locals for service men (and women) to go and listen to great music, get home cooked food, non-alcoholic beverages, and perhaps rub shoulders with famous motion picture and theater stars, musicians and even former presidents.

In America, there were many canteens, including one in Washington D.C. However, the two most recognized were the Stage Door Canteen in New York City, and the Hollywood Canteen in Los Angeles, Calif. 

The Stage Door Canteen opened on March 2, 1942. Operated and managed by the American Theatre Wing, the canteen was located in a theater basement on 44th Street, and could hold 500 people. After a successful opening, the canteen was constantly occupied by servicemen and women dancing or listening to live band music, playing card games, pool, or getting served sandwiches from actors like Helen Hayes and Walter Pidgeon. 

Because of the success of the canteen in New York, Hollywood decided to make a film about it starring such recognizable actors like Katherine Hepburn, Katharine Hepburn, Jane Cowl, Katherine Cornell, Tallulah Bankhead, Helen Hayes, Cornelia Otis Skinner, Sam Jaffe and Paul Muni.

On the west coast, the Hollywood Canteen opened up in October 1943, and was located on Cahuenga Boulevard in Hollywood. Again, it offered food, dancing and entertainment for servicemen, usually on their way overseas, and was even open to Allies Forces. 

All it required to be admitted was a military uniform. Everything inside was free of charge. This canteen had Hollywood involved from the beginning. Betty Davis was the driving force, and volunteered a great deal of time and money toward the project, serving as president of the canteen. 

Along with John Garfield and Jules Stiles, the building where the canteen was going to be housed received a complete overhaul. It was run completely by volunteers, largely from the entertainment industry, a total of 3,000. Stars like Rita Hayworth, Buster Keaton, Marline Dietrich, Joan Crawford, Frank Sinatra, and band leaders like Bennie Goodman could be serving food, speaking with soldiers, or even dancing or playing cards. 

By September of 1943, it had seen its millionth serviceman walk through its doors. The luck fellow got a kiss from Betty Grable and was escorted all night by Marline Dietrich. By the time it closed, it had seen over three million servicemen.

On September 10, from 7 to 10 p.m., Rippon Lodge Historic Site honors this wonderful history by hosting its own Canteen for one night. In commemoration of the 75th anniversary of Pearl Harbor, this is the second of three events this year recognizing the importance of and sacrifices our service men and women gave during World War II. 

Food and non-alcoholic beverages will be provided, live music by the Saint Thom Cats, appearances by WWII soldiers, military vehicles, the Americans During Wartime Museum, and much more. Come dressed up in your active military uniform or your best 1940s inspired outfit and dance in front of the historic lodge under the stars. 

There is no need to know how to swing dance! Let your feet move to the beat. 

Tickets are $30, with discounts for active military. Call (703) 499-9812 to purchase tickets before Saturday, September 10, or at the door with a major credit card (Visa/MasterCard accepted).