CARSON CITY – When the American Expeditionary Force deployed to France during World War I, so did the Salvation Army.
A Salvation Army Doughnut girl serves an American GI during World War I in France. Photo courtesy of Nevada State Museum
They ran canteens, or huts, where the American troops could get some of the comforts of home during the hardships of war. This often took the form of music entertainment, dancing and treats, such as doughnuts, pies, hot chocolate, coffee and lemonade.
The Nevada State Museum in Carson City is teaming with the Salvation Army and Yaples Ballroom Dance to give patrons an opportunity to step back in time.
Just don’t forget your dancing shoes.
The August Frances Humphrey Lecture Series gets interactive with the presentation of “Dances, Doughnuts and Doughboys.” The event includes a short presentation by Capt. Leslie Cyr of the Salvation Army and includes beginner dance lessons featuring the popular dances of the World War I era, including the waltz, foxtrot and tango, by Yaples Ballroom Dance.
The event is from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., on Thursday, Aug. 23 at the Nevada State Museum, 600 N. Carson St., Carson City. Admission is $8 for adults; free for museum members and children 17 and younger.
Capt. Leslie Cyr, along with her husband, Capt. Mark Cyr, are Salvation Army officers commissioned to the Carson City Corps by the Salvation Army in 2011. She loves sharing the history of the Salvation Army and its influence on American culture – especially the example of the Doughnut Girls of WWI.
The dance instructor is Tiffany Alm, owner and operator of Yaples Ballroom Dance.
Doughnuts for the event will be provided by Zucker Mini Doughnuts, a woman-owned small business that makes and sells mini donuts at farmers markets, craft fairs and events throughout Northern Nevada.
Seating is limited and reservations are required. Please reserve your seat by going to http://nvculture.org/nevadastatemuseumcarsoncity/events/
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Photo caption: A Salvation Army Doughnut girl serves an American GI during World War I in France. Photo courtesy of Nevada State Museum
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