Forgotten History? The 1949 Merci Train - Haven't Seen It Yet
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- Опубликовано: 18 фев 2020
- Have you ever heard of the Merci Train from 1949? Chances are you have not. In fact, unless you're part of the WW2 generation, very few people are aware of this small but fascinating piece of American history. It's an interesting story of humanity and gratitute. Stick around, we'd like to tell you about it.
While visiting Arizona a few years back, we stumbled onto this unique piece of history. Located at the McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park in Scottsdale is one of the boxcars from something called the Merci Train or Gratitude Train. So what's the story behind these train cars?
France has been America's oldest ally, going back to 1776 during our battle for independence against Great Britain. Fairly or unfairly, we American's have a tendency to critize the French, but there have been numerous times when the French have shown their thankfulness to America.
In 1949, the people of France were especially grateful to America, saying "We did wish to send you remembrances which would last forever.” They showed their gratitude by sending 49 boxcars to America filled with thank you gifts donated by the citizens of France. Thus the Merci Train, otherwise known as the train of gratitude, came to be.
So why did the French want to thank us? For that story, we have to back up to 1947.
The story starts after WW2, as France, Italy and the rest of Europe were struggling with hunger in their war devistated countries. In October 1947, Drew Pearson, a Washington newspaper columnist sindicated in more than 700 newspapers, asked Americans to donate. His plan included the organization of a train to travel from Los Angels to New York City, picking up cars of relief supplies from citizens all across the nation. Five weeks later the Friendship Train left Los Angeles. While the train only passed through 11 states, all 48 states donated food and supplies by sending their own boxcars to the junction stops to add to the Friendship Train. By the time the train reached the East Coast in early December, there were more than 700 boxcars full of food, other relief supplies valued at over $40 million (or $467 million in today's value). This was the humanitarian giving of the American people. In all aspects of the train's travel, no money was ever spent. The food, transportation, loading and unloading by rail, truck and ship were all donated.
Every package had this label: "All races and creeds make up the vast melting pot of America, and in a democratic and Christian spirit of good will toward men, we, the American people, have worked together to bring this food to your doorsteps, hoping that it will tide you over until your own fields are again rich and abundant with crops."
It was in gratitude for the American's generosity in sending the Friendship Train that in turn France sent the Merci Train. Merci means 'thank you' in French.
The French sent their gifts in the standardized French military boxcars called a "40&8". The cars got this name because one car could hold 40 men or eight horses. American soldiers became familiar with these boxcars during both world wars, thankful for the opportunity to ride to the next battlefront versus walk.
While every state received a car, unfortunately not all cars have survived to present day. Four cars have been lost or scrapped -- those from Colorado, Massachusetts, Illinois and Nebraska. And two cars were destroyed by fire -- those from Connecticut and New Jersey. You can find information on the location of each state's train car at Mercitrain.org
Thirteen minutes west of Fort Wayne Indiana is the National Veteran's Memorial Shrine which is home to Indiana's train car. We met Paul Allen who was more than happy to show us the train car and tell us all about the history. Because of weather and neglect, this car is in the process of being refurbished to it's 1949 condition, and their veterans organization is currently raising money for the $40,000 renovation.
Kentucky's car is located at the Kentucky Railway Museum in New Haven and has been fully restored. The museum was closed the day we visited, however because the car is located in an open-air pavilion it can be viewed at any time.
Michigan's car is located at the Forty & Eight Society in Lansing Michigan.
Over 6 million French citizens donated gifts that were included in the Merci Train. On reaching their destinations, the cars were greeted by dignitaries at special ceremonies. Their contents, after being displayed for a time, were distributed in a variety of ways. Many were sold at auction, with the proceeds going to charity, while some especially significant items went to public institutions. Most states have archives or museums housing some of the gifts.
Have you visited your state's Merci Train boxcar? Leave your comments below.
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What a great video! Thank you!
Glad you enjoyed it!
As Chaplain of the 40&8 Frederick/Carroll County,Maryland. thank you for this video.
Thank you for watching!
Great video! We live in the Phoenix area and were there yesterday. it has been moved to the area near the southwest entrance to the model railroad building. Like you, we were disappointed that the memorabilia was not on display. The building was locked. BTW, the Arizona train is the only one that is still fully intact. The rest of the railroad park is also very well done. Happy Travels and happy 4th of July.
Thanks for watching!
I see the S.D. car every year when I go to the state fair.
Nice!
Thanks for watching.
I’ve visited the Arizona and North Dakota cars. Unfortunately the AZ gifts were not on display. Replaced with their local basketball team display, Disappointing.