LASR.net Homepage




Menu

KS Merci Boxcar Museum & Veterans Memorial Park


category : Museums
KS Merci Boxcar Museum & Veterans Memorial Park Kansas Merci Boxcar Museum & Veterans Memorial Park
At the close of World War II the French nation was devastated. Reconstruction was a slow process. Farmlands had been ravished. War-damaged factories had to be rebuilt and retooled before industry could begin the production of civilian goods. By 1947, two years after the war ended, France had not yet sufficiently recovered to provide food and other necessities for her people.

Drew Pearson, a well known radio commentator and Washington Post columnist, suggested the American people do something to help ease the hunger. That was on October 11, 1947. Mr. Pearson suggested we send a boxcar filled with donated food to their former ally. Immediately the American people began to act; donations began pouring in from every state. Just three short weeks later an engine pulling 11 filled boxcars left L.A. bound for New York. Trains were added along the way, by the time it arrived in New York, 700 cars filled with tons of food, clothing, and medical supplies were lined up to be loaded on the S.S. American Leader.

To express their gratitude, the French people collected over 50,000 gifts ranging from Sevres pottery, Limoges porcelains, Baccaret crystal, engraved woodwork, church bells, bonnets, peasant costumes, and simple drawings from the children of France. The gifts were delivered using France's infamous boxcars.

These boxcars were built in France between 1852-1885 for use of shipping freight, horses, cattle and other domestic animals and troops during the two wars. Forty-nine of these cars were located, one for each state and the District of Columbia. The boxcars were repaired, painted and then filled with the gifts and called the "Gratitude Train."

The boxcars arrived in the United States early February, 1949. The Kansas Merci Boxcar was accepted by "MERCI GIFTS FOR KANSAS, INC." After being on display in Topeka, the car made a 140 day tour of Kansas visiting 120 towns. Ending on Armistice Day, November 11, 1949, the boxcar was placed next to the library on the campus of the then Fort Hays State College.

The restored Kansas Merci Boxcar Museum and the Veterans Memorial Park can be seen at the Hays American Legion Hall.

Admission: Free Admission
Hours: Guided tours available by appointment.
Address: 1305 Canterbury
Phone: 785-625-9681
Website: www.haysusa.net



Admission: Free- donations accepted
Hours: By Appointment
Address: 13th & Canterbury
Phone: 785-628-8202
Our Website:www.ksfortyandeight.org/index_files/Page4955.htm

Come visit us in Hays, Kansas

Attractions and Upcoming Events

Historic Downtown Chestnut Street District

The road in downtown Hays City that is now known as Main Street was originally called Chestnut Street in the late 1800s and early 1900s. The word "City" was officially dropped from the name Hays City in 1885 and by 1930

Hays, KS Historic Districts

Bickle/Schmidt Sports Complex

Bickle/Schmidt Sports Complex 1376 Hwy 40 Hays, KS 67601 785-623-2650 Fax: 785-623-2650 Construction of the Bickle/Schmidt Sports Complex began in 2010 and completed in the fall of 2011. This brand new facility sits on 120

Hays, KS Sports Complexes

Historic Fort Hays

Fort Hays was an important US Army post which was active from 1865 until 1889

Hays, KS Forts

The Battle of the Saline River

The survey party was unprepared for the attack and the men were mowed down like grass before a scythe. P.S. Ashley and his crew of six men were careless that day, August , 1867

Hays, KS Battlesites

Thomas More Prep-Marian

"Give us four years and we'll give you a lifetime!" Fully accredited Catholic High School that offers both a boarder and day program. Small student-teacher ratio and family atmosphere. Excellent educational and extra-curricular opportunities. 86% of our graduates receive college scholarships.

Hays, KS Education Centers

Things to do Museums near Hays, KS

Drug Store Museum

The Drug Store Museum focuses on pharmacy primarily between the years 1880 and 1920. The museum's exhibits include a colle...