Call the bugler: USO dance at Geer

NORTH CANAAN — Even before reaching the door, those heading for the USO-style dance at Geer Village Saturday night were transported back to the 1940s: Two restored World War II jeeps were parked out front, and live Big Band music floated out from open windows.

A 13-piece band with a singer, performing all the standards from that era, was set up just inside the lobby doors. Completing the transformation: party-goers in period dress, including vintage military uniforms.  

Veteran and Geer Village resident Charlie Schnurr danced, enjoyed the food and admired a professional dancer and his student as they swirled across the floor to songs like “In the Mood� and “Tangerine.�This was his first “USO swing dance.�

“I was stationed in the Pacific, I never got a chance to go to one before this,� he said with a shrug, while taking a break for shrimp cocktail.

Jim Bartholomew of Litchfield served in Europe from 1944 to 1946, with the 42nd Rainbow Division. He remembers going to two or three USO dances, back in the day. He heard about this swing dance from friends in the VFW and came, he said, mostly out of curiosity.

“I’m glad I did. The band is great and the music takes me back.�

He didn’t know, but was pleased to hear, that proceeds were going to the USO’s care package program for overseas troops.

Among the delicious hors d’oeuvres, Director of Dining Sam Yasmer arranged a special presentation of Spam, corn dogs, Rice Krispies treats, M&Ms and Coca-Cola. All were introduced, or gained fame, during World War II. In 1941, GIs were the first to get the new M&M candies as part of their rations. They were all brown, were years from gaining their stamped Ms, and they came in a cardboard tube.

Spam actually got its start in 1937, but the spiced and canned and virtually unspoilable pork mixture became a culinary hero during the war. It inspired interesting descriptions by soldiers, such as “the ham that didn’t pass its physical,� but was credited with keeping troops alive, particularly the Russians. It wasn’t rationed, like beef, and so became a staple of the American diet back home. However, at this particular USO dance, the Spam was not exactly the most popular item at the buffet.

Yasmer wasn’t sure why corn dogs and the Rice Krispies treats were considered “period food,� but said he figured that it had to do with what was available during the years of war rationing.

And the dancers Saturday seemed to appreciate the energy boost of the M&M-studded treats that were served.

Geer Administrator John Horstman, who came in Army dress uniform, said it has already been decided that this needs to be an annual event.