From past centuries through present day, many military people have passed through the streets of Williamsburg, Virginia. From pre-revolutionary redcoats to modern day camo-clad soldiers, each one made many sacrifices for their country, sacrifices that often went unrecognized. In 2015, a prominent new resident decided that The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation (CWF) needed to change that unfortunate reality.
Elisabeth Reiss, wife of CWF’s then newly arrived President Mitchell Reiss, is herself the proud daughter of a former Royal Air Force officer. She made it her goal to establish a practical way in which CWF could recognize military personnel and express gratitude for their service. Thanks to her efforts, all active duty and retired people, from the exalted echelons of generals and admirals to the lowest ranking spud-peeler of any nation, are now honored in a special place of refuge set aside for just that purpose.
During the conception phase of Liberty Lounge, Reiss researched the last time a military-specific service organization graced the downtown area. John D. Rockefeller, Jr. supported the United Service Organization (USO) here during World War II, but Liberty Lounge would be the first facility in Williamsburg dedicated to serving the military since that time.
From May of 1943 to August of 1946, the USO operated here to support troops in need of diversion, sustenance, and shelter. To honor that tradition, Reiss proposed a small-scale enterprise convenient for ticketed visitors which would offer those things to not just our own military families but members from around the world. This iteration would not be hobbled (as was sadly the case in the past) by any consideration of race, creed, and color. Everyone would be equally welcome and celebrated.
A costumed African-American woman and children speak with American servicemen visiting a historic area kitchen, c. 1965.
By Memorial Day of 2016, the concept had achieved reality and Liberty Lounge opened its doors. Located in the heart of the restored area, it occupies the first floor of the Margaret Hunter Workshop, a red building tucked directly behind the millinery on Duke of Gloucester Street. It is accessible from the street by passing through a marked gate just to the left of that shop’s entrance. The lounge is formally overseen by Colonial Williamsburg Foundation employee Joe Garcia, supervisor for its Department of Historical Interpretation. “There’s really not that much for me to do here since the lounge is capably staffed for day-to-day operation by a large roster of dedicated and capable volunteers,” Garcia says. “Volunteers are almost always connected to the military in some way, either veterans or spouses, but it’s not a strict requirement.”
Groups of sailors and soldiers enjoy the new Merchants Square USO after its official opening, which occurred on May 6, 1943.
Since opening day more than a quarter of a million service members and their families have been provided hot and cold beverages along with wireless internet access, a dedicated children’s area, and handicapped accessible restroom facilities, all in a quiet, private oasis. It is truly a place to relax and recharge and perhaps enjoy fellowship with other military personnel. It is a vibrant melting pot of branches of service and countries of origin, and you never know who is going to walk through the door.
One story goes that a guest was enjoying a leisurely cup of coffee when another recognized the family crest on his signet ring. It turned out they were related but had never met before. Meeting places like this point out how small our world has become, and more than one volunteer at the lounge has run into an old friend with whom they served.
“Sea stories” (as they’re known in some circles) abound here, and glory days are regularly revisited. Longtime volunteer Rod Bubeck, 84, was particularly intrigued by anecdotes of a group of Israeli tank officers. “They were females,” he remembers, “and they had some really good ones to tell!”
Bubeck has been one of the many faithful workers who have been there since the beginning, at least twice a month and often more. His navy career included study at the Naval Academy, class of 1961. “Ten days after graduation, my wife and I got married in Pennsylvania where our whole small town turned out to see a military wedding! We honeymooned back at the academy where I served as a small craft sailing instructor while waiting for my pilot training.” After many years of service, including as a test pilot, Bubeck retired in 1984.
During his shift, he greets ticketed visitors as they enter the door. “Welcome to Liberty Lounge! You’re military, right? Good, good. Sign the book here for you and the family. We can offer you the cleanest bathroom in Colonial Williamsburg, plus your choice of cold water, coffee, tea, or hot chocolate. My friend Mike Mahler here and I are the baristas and will be happy to serve you.”
Mahler takes over to usher the guests into the beverage area, complete with professional grade equipment generously donated by Royal Cup Coffee (part of the Mars Company), as is the ongoing supply of coffee, tea, and hot chocolate pods. In this room they will also find the designated children’s nook, stocked with activities such as books and a large chalkboard. “The kids can stay busy and happy as their parents relax and recharge before venturing back out again,” Mahler says. “Children are particularly taken with the coloring sheets and crayons which they’re encouraged to take with them when they leave.”
Especially in a city that is famous for its history, it is important to recognize that World War II and even Korean Conflict veterans are dwindling down to an increasingly rare few. Sadly, in all too many cases, their unique stories are dying with them. When this older generation visits and are engaged in conversation about their military service, the years often fall away as they speak, and their eyes regain the lively spark of the young men and women in uniform they once were.
Volunteers began compiling thick scrapbooks that tell the story of Liberty Lounge, the press coverage it has received, and also highlight some of the guests who have been entertained. They are prominently displayed on tables in the front room, waiting for those who are interested to sit and peruse them. Pages protected by neat plastic sleeves contain stories like that of submarine diesel mechanic John Donnelly, who had at one time been a congressional page assigned to President Franklin D. Roosevelt. When you shook hands with him, he was always delighted to reveal that “you just shook the hand that shook the hands of both President Roosevelt and Vice President Harry Truman.” That is history, too.
The walls are adorned with vintage pictures of Churchill and his wife Clementine on a carriage ride with Eisenhower in his trim general’s uniform with Mamie by his side, as well as snapshots of a young Queen Elizabeth II’s first visit to CW. The largest wall of the main lounge is devoted to a colorful cased display of challenge coins, which are uniquely designed coins from more recent decades that represent military units, bases, or locations. Guests come in with their own personal coins and want to add it to the collection or exchange it for a Colonial Williamsburg-Liberty Lounge coin as a tangible reminder of their visit.
From March 12, 2020 until April 1, 2022, Liberty Lounge’s support for CW’s military guests looked very different. Former navy spouse, Maureen Doyle, another devoted volunteer and supporter since the lounge opened, describes the special challenges of that time.
“Colonial Williamsburg still had guests during the COVID-19 shutdown, but Liberty Lounge was closed. We still wanted to serve our military, so every day when weather permitted volunteers arrived mid-morning to place chairs and two or three tables in the garden behind us. There was some shade there, and we were at least able to provide them with cool water bottles and some simple packaged snacks,” she remembers. “It was a lot of extra work, but I think we all felt better to be doing something positive for our guests.”
Twice a year, on both Memorial Day and Veteran’s Day weekends, CW offers complimentary admissions (once annually) for military personnel with proper identification and up to three of their direct dependents. At all other times, a 25% discount is available for single-day tickets and annual passes. Currently, Liberty Lounge is open 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. daily.
“Thanks for stopping by; come again!” Rod Bubeck says today with a sincere smile and parting salute for a three-generation military family. “Thank you for your service!”
For more information about Liberty Lounge, including how to make donations for its support, please visit their website:https://www.colonialwilliamsburg.org/locations/liberty-lounge