French Gift to America after WWII
Nov 12, 2018 12:30:18 #
29 Nov 17 - French J54716 40 / 8 Merci Boxcar sent to the people of KS by the French after WWII located at the Veterans Memorial Park in Hays, KS. Sadly, many of these no longer exist for one reason or another as each state at that time received one of these.
Nov 13, 2018 07:45:07 #
Nov 13, 2018 08:38:28 #
OlinBost
Loc: Marietta, Ga.
This one is in Kennesaw Georgia (I tried to copy the image, but)
https://www.southernmuseum.org/exhibits/current/merci-boxcar/
The Georgia Merci Boxcar - Gift from the People of France
The Merci Boxcar - Gifts from the People of France
The Merci Boxcar is an integral, yet often overlooked bit of Georgia history that has finally found a permanent home at the Southern Museum's Jolley Education Center.
Known as the “40 & 8” for being able to carry 40 men or eight horses during World Wars I and II, this Merci Boxcar was part of the "Gratitude Train" that the people of France sent over upon completion of World War II to thank the United States for aid provided to the battered country.
The boxcar comes to the Museum from the Fulton County branch of “La Societe Des 40 Hommes et 8 Chevaux,” an honor society which began following World War I for American Legion members who went above and beyond their services to the legion. The organization had been named after the boxcars as so many veterans were transported through Europe in them.
The “40 & 8” (as it is known in English) carefully preserved the boxcar until members selected the Southern Museum as its new home.
There are quite a few items on display that were included in the boxcar:
An intricately carved conch shell.
A needlework portrait of George Washington.
A bracelet made entirely out of French coins, with the clasp shaped like a “V” for victory.
War medals and decorations.
The boxcar is now safe within the walls of the Jolley Education Center at the Southern Museum, not only preserved from harm of outside elements but on display for all to enjoy and learn about its history.
https://www.southernmuseum.org/exhibits/current/merci-boxcar/
The Georgia Merci Boxcar - Gift from the People of France
The Merci Boxcar - Gifts from the People of France
The Merci Boxcar is an integral, yet often overlooked bit of Georgia history that has finally found a permanent home at the Southern Museum's Jolley Education Center.
Known as the “40 & 8” for being able to carry 40 men or eight horses during World Wars I and II, this Merci Boxcar was part of the "Gratitude Train" that the people of France sent over upon completion of World War II to thank the United States for aid provided to the battered country.
The boxcar comes to the Museum from the Fulton County branch of “La Societe Des 40 Hommes et 8 Chevaux,” an honor society which began following World War I for American Legion members who went above and beyond their services to the legion. The organization had been named after the boxcars as so many veterans were transported through Europe in them.
The “40 & 8” (as it is known in English) carefully preserved the boxcar until members selected the Southern Museum as its new home.
There are quite a few items on display that were included in the boxcar:
An intricately carved conch shell.
A needlework portrait of George Washington.
A bracelet made entirely out of French coins, with the clasp shaped like a “V” for victory.
War medals and decorations.
The boxcar is now safe within the walls of the Jolley Education Center at the Southern Museum, not only preserved from harm of outside elements but on display for all to enjoy and learn about its history.
Nov 13, 2018 09:05:52 #
More can be found @ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Merci_Train . Shame that WE (America) do not have all of these still. Yes, once upon a time France and America were best of "buddies" but as the wheel turns..... Figured that as a tribute to those of WWII the knowledge of this gift to American efforts should be known.
Nov 13, 2018 09:14:08 #
More info on Kansas 40 & 8 @ https://www.kshs.org/kansapedia/merci-train-gifts/10226. Think a trip to Norman, OK & Sedelia, MO is in the future to photograph at least those two presents.
Nov 13, 2018 11:20:17 #
The one the French sent to Nevada is at the State Railroad Museum in Carson City but not on display. It can be seen when the museum is open but it's in one of the repair facilities and has a lot of stuff around it. Difficult to get a decent photo of it. They're supposed to put it on display some day.
Nov 13, 2018 11:27:37 #
Wyoming's is supposed to be in Cheyenne at the depot, I just read. They exist but would say 95% of America is unknowing about them; especially the past 2 generations (those born in the 80's & 90's and will not even bother with those born since the turn of the century.....are they all a lost cause or is there hope for them.....only time will tell & history will judge. Have a great day & stay warm.
Nov 13, 2018 15:52:41 #
badapple
Loc: Twin Lake, Michigan
As a railroad modeler I was unaware of this. Fascinating history. Discovered that Michigan's is located in Lansing, our capital.
Nov 13, 2018 17:53:18 #
A rather neat piece of trivia in all aspects. Wish I had room to put up my American & German HO trains.....oh well pictures can never be taken from me <G><G> Plus being the history nut that I am..........try to learn 1 new thing each day
Nov 14, 2018 13:30:32 #
Thanks for the info on this French gift. Never have seen one. Idaho State Penitentiary in Boise houses our Merci car; it's painted a grey color.
Nov 14, 2018 15:11:40 #
Interesting. Thanks for that information. Seems a strange place for the public to view it but then who knows. Have a great day. 73
walt
walt
Nov 15, 2018 00:02:47 #
Oops, sorry. Left out an important word: Idaho State Penitentiary museum. Obviously with this name, the pen was a former location for bad guys. Now it's a museum.
Nov 15, 2018 09:05:43 #
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