70th anniversary of the Friendship Train, Nov. 7

[JDL56]

Today, Nov. 7, is the 70th anniversary of the day the Friendship Train left Los Angeles bound for New York City with relief supplies for post-war Europe. Ultimately, 270 cars of donated food and other items for France and Italy arrived at port; each car had the name of the community that donated the goods on the side. In response, the French created the Merci Train, which toured the U.S. in 1949.

I've posted about the Train on my blog, together with photos and links, including to a video of the Train, and examples of Freedom Train-inspired rolling stock. Find it at http://cprailmmsub.blogspot.ca/2017/11/70th-anniversary-of-americas-friendship.html 

John Longhurst, Winnipeg

 

 

[Miningman]

Very nice posting...great information.  Have that Mennonite car in N Scale and never really understood what it was about. Was told once, about 30 years ago but not the whole story. 

Terrific photos. Love the historical aspects all around. 

[wanswheel]

[samfp1943]

wanswheel

 

Thanks, Mike (wanswheel) for that 'Post'!   The story of the Fredom Train (postWWII) and its contributions to post War Europe is one I hope this country does not loose as historical periods are re-written in this country.. JDL56, you, and maybe some others might enjoy a Thread that was from this Forum, in 2011:

    " 40 hommes et 8 chevaux- French Boxcars to USA"

linked @ http://cs.trains.com/trn/f/111/t/193887.aspx.  

It is a story of the recriprocal train sent back in response to the American Train that was forwarded to Europe. And explains the appearances around America of the European Boxcars, on display at locations manitaine to this day by some American Legion Posts.

 

 

[Deggesty]

Yes, I well remember seeing one of the "Forty and Eight" cars on the grounds of the old capitol in Baton Rouge when I was there in 1951 and 1953; I am not sure that it is still there (I seldom went downtown during my later visits to see my brother and his family).

[wanswheel]

 

http://www.gettyimages.com/license/105217325

http://www.gettyimages.com/license/104401998

Film Bulletin, March 29, 1948: Saturday, March 20th, was a great day for Harry M. Warner as the bread he cast upon the waters when he was chairman of the Friendship Food Train returned in the form of honors and heartfelt gratitude from representatives of the countries mercifully aided by the 500 boxcars filled with more than 45 million pounds of food. Italian Ambassador Alberto Tarchiani presented Warner with the highest decoration of the new Italian Republic, the Order of Solidarity. Ambassador Henri Bonnet, of France, formally expressed his country's thanks at the French Embassy in another impressive ceremony. The memorable day was climaxed with a dinner tendered by Drew Pearson, originator of the Friendship Train, and official Washington was there in all its glory. Cabinet members, distinguished Senators, Congressmen, the judiciary and the diplomatic corps were guests with Warner and were visibly moved during the screening of the film made by the Italian people, "Thanks, America," and the Warner Bros, film record of the Train. The honor that was Harry Warner's that day reflects on the entire industry for a humane task superbly accomplished.”