Pete and El: 1944

Celebrated at February 13th, according to the Washington Post? Or did they celebrate it on the nearby Sunday in those days?

[Are all Christmas parties on December 25? - Dave]

Washington Post, Feb 12 1944

"The Labor Canteen, sponsored by the United Federal Workers of America, CIO, will be opened at 8 p.m. tomorrow at 1212 18th st. nw. Mrs. Roosevelt is expected to attend at 8:30 p.m."

I'm adding this canteen to my list of places to visit when I get my time machine. As a longtime labor activist, it makes me proud to see the progressive values this organization espoused at a time when many social clubs were segregated. To go there and hear the incomparable Pete Seeger would be a dream come true.

One of our greatest Americans. A courageous, compassionate man and an incredible songwriter.

This is a fascinating picture because during WW2 everything was still segregated -- so having Colored soldiers and sailors mixed in socially must have been because of Eleanor.

[Not so. - Dave]

This was before he started using the longer-necked banjo capo'd up. To me, you say "Pete Seeger" and one of the things that comes to mind is that long-neck banjo, seven frets to the fifth peg. Amazing to see him so young -- he was nearly 20 years older than this by the time I was born. And I'm sure many don't realize he was in the Army.