The Thelma Boltin Center, 516 NE 2nd Ave. in Gainesville, was known as the Serviceman’s Center when it was built in 1942-43 for WWII soldiers to socialize, rest and relax before being sent to Europe the Pacific theater. It is the only known building in the State of Florida built as a home away from home for servicemen during WWII by a City.
Volunteer architects designed the building with two sections, the east wing and the auditorium. The 1942 City Commission insisted on building both parts of the building. The City did not want the building proposed by Federal government. The City Commissioners won and the building that you see today was constructed with two parts.
Continue reading