The Fort Lauderdale Service Men's Center, 1944. Photo courtesy of the Ft. Lauderdale Historical Society archives.
In 1942, the City's Chamber of Commerce recognized the need to entertain the servicemen and early efforts to enlist the aid of the USO were unsuccessful. This led to the creation of the Fort Lauderdale Service Men's Center on Las Olas Boulevard on SE 1st Avenue (building no longer exists). The large unfinished building was donated by Robert H. Gore, owner of the Fort Lauderdale News. Local businesses and citizens donated all materials and labor to complete what has been described as "the busiest and happiest place in South Florida" and "the most beautiful Service Center in the United States." More than two million servicemen and women were served here.
The embrace of the community had much to do with Broward County's growth into a major metropolitan area since many of the servicemen married local girls or returned to settle here with their new families.
Servicemen posing by the "Armed Service Honor Roll Roster" 1943. Photo: Naval Air Station Fort Lauderdale Museum archives.