The Camp Dix Hostess House
The Camp Dix Hostess House. Camp Dix, Described and Photographed by Roger Batchelder, 1918, p. 29. GGA Image ID # 1ce37339af
The Hostess House may aptly be termed "the filler of a long-felt want," for its value to the soldiers and their friends is incalculable. In the early days of the draft army, feminine visitors at the cantonments presented a most complex problem.
It was impracticable for them to go to the soldiers' barracks and wait until the men were relieved from duty. The YMCA and K. of C. huts were not particularly suitable for long hours of waiting.
As a rule, the women wandered about the camp until their friends were free.
Camp Dix Hostess House Sun Parlor. Camp Dix Pictorial Review, 20 March 1918, p. 4. GGA Image ID # 1ce56dbb76
The YWCA, realizing the gravity of the situation, shortly decided to construct a Hostess House for the wives and sweethearts of the soldiers at each cantonment.
This plan's object was to furnish a pleasant meeting place, where the visitors might wait comfortably until their friends' arrival. Now any ladies who arrive at the camp go direct to the Hostess House. Their friends are apprised of their coming, by telephone, and the time of appointment is made.
As soon as the soldier can leave his quarters, he goes directly to the Hostess House, thus avoiding the loss of time that would ordinarily occur if the rendezvous were not more definitely agreed upon.
Interior View of the YWCA Hostess House at Camp Dix, NJ, on 3 October 1918. Camp Dix Pictorial Review, 20 April 1918, p. 11. GGA Image ID # 1ce899ad87
Meanwhile, the visitors have the privileges of the house. There are files of magazines, books, musical instruments, and if a long wait is necessary, the guest may obtain meals at the cafeteria.
And when the soldiers arrive, they can remain undisturbed with their friends in a quiet, home-like place. This picture shows the Hostess House at Camp Dix.
Some of the Camp Dix Hostess House Staff. Miss Grace Shepard is Shown Third from the Left. Camp Dix Pictorial Review, 20 June 1918, p. 7. GGA Image ID # 1ce8ea07d8
The African-American Hostess House at Camp Dix. Camp Dix Pictorial Review, 20 June 1918, p. 13. GGA Image ID # 1ce8eb89ff
One of the most beautiful structures in Camp Dix is the new Hostess House for the lady friends of the African-American men composing the two black artillery regiments in Camp Dix.
This Hostess House, now receiving the finishing touches, was built by the War Work Council of the YWCA, with funds set aside to promote African-American boys' welfare.
A feature of this meeting place for African-American men and their lady friends is a large cafeteria, lunch counter, and a thoroughly equipped kitchen. A spacious reception room is provided and two guest rooms for emergencies.
A black executive, business secretary, and cafeteria director will be in charge of the Hostess House.
Note: During World War I, the Military of the United States was not integrated, so while they trained at the exact location, the National Army built separate barracks and other structures for African-American troops.
