BROOKVILLE — On Tuesday, Sept. 14, 1943, every citizen in the Brookville area had an opportunity to help make Christmas a little more cheerful for the men and women who were serving in the armed forces of the United States during World War II.

“Si” James, owner of the James Theatre in Brookville secured the picture, “When Johnny Comes Marching Home,” with Allen Ladd and Jane Frazee. The movie was shown in the morning, afternoon and twice in the evening.

The whole community helped in this worthy cause. Tickets were on sale at all business places in Brookville. A person could pay the regular price for a ticket or give as much more as they wished to support this cause. People were encouraged to purchase tickets even if they couldn’t attend.

The money was used for Christmas packages, whether people attended or not. The film and operating costs were donated by Si James. The entire receipts from this day were given for the purchase of Christmas packages for all the men and women from the community of Brookville who were serving in the various branches of the military.

Those that helped promote this cause stated that “We, at home, are able to celebrate Christmas in peace and security because these men and women serving our country are protecting us, and the least that we can do is to show them that the community has not forgotten what they are doing for us.”

The benefit show was well attended with 246 school tickets taken in at the morning show and 274 for the afternoon performance. This showed that 520 out of an enrollment of 602 students attended.

The total receipts for the Benefit Show was $420 and the committee in charge thanked everybody for the splendid support. Mailing started the following few day so that the packages would reach those serving overseas by Christmas, Those going to home camps were scheduled to be mailed at a later date.

An overseas correspondent published a list of what the overseas servicemen wanted in their Christmas package. They appreciated “newsy” cheerful letters from home and recent photographs of the family and friends, not larger than pocket size and encased in a waterproof folder.

Cigarette lighters that would light in a strong wind with extra flints and wicks ran a close second on the wanted list, followed by items such as: waterproof, shockproof wrist watches; hunting or Bo Scout knives; and small inexpensive cameras with an ample supply of film.

They also wanted fountain pens and pencil sets with extra lead; subscriptions to pocket-size magazines; small size books; flashlights; compact writing portfolios, rigid enough to be used as writing boards; billfolds; identification bracelets; dog tag-chains; small steel mirrors; fine tempered, rust proof razor blades; and fingernail clippers.

Committee members stated: “Let’s show our appreciation and do our part to help them during the most trying days of their lives.

All information and the photo for this Look at Brookville article were supplied by the Brookville Historical Society. Do you have a photo or historical information to share or add? Please contact the Brookville Historical Society at 937-833-0285 or email to [email protected].