United Service Organizations, Portland, Or. photographs collection, 1951-1974

The United Service Organizations (USO) was formed in 1941 under President Franklin D. Roosevelt to handle the on-leave recreation of the United States armed forces. It comprised six private civilian organizations, including the Salvation Army, Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA), the Young Women's Christian Association (YWCA), National Catholic Community Services, the National Aid Association, and the National Jewish Welfare Board. USO centers became a destination for many servicemen searching for rest and relaxation. The centers also provided an opportunity for community groups to assist in keeping up the morale and well-being of young servicemen. During the 1940s, there were as many as 3,000 USO clubs around the world, and servicemen could enjoy activities such as dances, movies, coffee, and talk.

The USO in Portland, Oregon, was started in 1941 agencies including the YMCA, the YWCA, and the Red Cross. The YMCA and YWCA hosted dances and socials every weekend for servicemen on leave. Junior Hostess volunteers entertained the troops through holiday formals, theme parties, luncheons, and "Girl of the Month" contests. Senior Hostesses attended to USO business matters through meetings and community socials, as well as acting as chaperones for the younger hostesses and servicemen. In 1950, USO agencies in Portland briefly closed; however, in September 1951, an official USO office opened on 941 SW Broadway, thanks to the efforts of Mira Ehrman, the vice chair of the Oregon State USO and member of the USO national board. (She would be later honored Oregon's "Mrs. USO.") The Broadway location was generally used as an information center, and the Portland USO also combined efforts with the Special Services Sector of the Air Force base of Portland. Dances were held at the YMCA or YWCA, and volunteers worked at Union Station and the examining center in order to acquaint servicemen with the USO.