Aboard was forty-nine French railroad box cars filled with tens of thousands of gifts donated by French citizens.
Being a staunch anti-communist, the great fanfare celebrating these meager gifts rankled Pearson.
He believed that the United States could surpass the communists in sending food to the desperate, hungry Europeans.
The West Virginia Merci Train Boxcar, located in Welch at Veteran’s Park.
Photo credit:www.themetrains.com
At his initiative, a country-wide effort was launched starting from Los Angles.
The response was overwhelming.
Food, clothing, fuel and other supplies began to pour in from all states.
A boxcar from the Friendship Train.
Much of 1948 was spent collecting gifts from individual citizens.
All in all, over 52,000 gifts were collected.
Each was about 20.5 feet long and 8.5 feet wide, and could hold forty men or eight horses.
Hence the boxcars were also called forty and eight.
There were no seats, no windows, no toilets, and no sleeping or dining accommodations.
The journeys were up to a week long.
The ship Magellan that brought the Merci Train.
The nation’s railroads charged no fees for their distribution and the Congress waived off duties.
Each state had a reception waiting for their boxcar.
Several states sent their boxcars on tours of the state so everyone could see the car and its contents.
The gifts were distributed to museums, hospitals, schools, churches, and other institutions.
Some of these could still be seen at museums.
Some were sold at auction, with the proceeds going to charity.
Out of the 49 boxcars, 43 survive to this day.
They are exhibited in various municipal parks, railroad museums, fairgrounds and Veterans Posts across the country.
Thiswebpagelist the current location of each boxcar.
A boxcar from the French “Merci train” being received during a ceremony.
Photo credit:Abbie Rowe/Wikimedia
The crowd greets Nevadas Merci Train boxcar.
Photo credit:aroundcarson.com
Ohio’s Gratitude Train touring the state on a flatbed truck.
Photo credit:ohiohistory.wordpress.com
Woman viewing doll display inside Ohio’s Gratitude Train.
Photo credit:ohiohistory.wordpress.com
The Kentucky boxcar is in New Haven at the Kentucky Railway Museum.
Photo credit:www.themetrains.com
An old photo of the Illinois boxcar, which didnt survive.
It is presumed to be scrapped.
According toChristian Vinaa, however, Hawaii did get some of the gifts.
Photo credit:www.themetrains.com
The Louisiana boxcar is at the Old State Capitol Museum in Baton Rouge.
Photo credit:www.themetrains.com
Sources:Wikipedia/www.mercitrain.org/www.themetrains.com/www.skylighters.org/www.thefriendshiptrain1947.org
