News

Forgotten Part of History on Display at Southern Museum

11/3/08

As the Southern Museum's new Jolley Education Center opened its doors recently, an integral yet often overlooked piece of Georgia history has finally found a permanent home. The "Merci Boxcar," part of a thank you gift to the United States from France following World War II, is now prominently on display inside the center, and the Museum has also attained some of the items inside on loan from the Georgia Capitol Museum.

"The boxcar had a rich history before ever being used as part of the gratitude train," said Ava Wilkey, registrar and assistant curator at the Southern Museum. Wilkey explained how the boxcars were constructed in the late 1800s for commerce, but were then called into action when World War I broke out. "Following World War I, the cars went back to what they were intended to do, but were once again called into service when World War II began."

Known as the '40 and 8' for technically being able to carry 40 men or 8 horses during World Wars I and II, the 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 the aid provided to the battered country. "Drew Pearson, who was a journalist for The Washington Post, traveled to Europe following the war and was taken aback by the devastation," said Wilkey. The American Friendship Train was born out of Pearson's concern, and traveled across the United States picking up gifts of food, clothing and other necessities for the French people. When the French people received the gift, they immediately wanted to do something to thank Americans, and in 1949 sent over 49 boxcars full of personal items and gifts to be distributed across the United States.

The Southern Museum will be presenting some of the items that were in the boxcar designated for Georgia, on loan from the Georgia Capitol Museum. "We have around 12 items," Wilkey explained. Included in the collection is an intricately designed carved conch shell, a few war medals and decorations and needlework of George Washington. "One of my favorite pieces is a bracelet made entirely out of French coins, with the clasp being a ‘V' for victory," said Wilkey. "Wearing that bracelet in France during German occupation was a form of silent protest. It's an absolutely extraordinary piece."

The boxcar is now safe within the walls of the Museum's Jolley Education Center, not only preserved from the harm of the outside elements but on display for all to enjoy and learn of the history behind it. The exhibit is also available for viewing, and Wilkey explained that the Museum will continue to research where other items from the car in order to bring more pieces of the collection together for public viewing. "It's slow going. We have a an inventory list from 1949, but when we find and contact the people, very few have even heard of the Merci boxcar, much less of the item we're searching for." But Wilkey remains optimistic that the search, though it may be long, will be fruitful.

"What's sad about this story is that it lost its nostalgia very quickly," Wilkey summed up. "Once the boxcar was taken off display and the items dispersed, people very quickly forgot about it. That's why we at the Southern Museum are so thrilled to be able to help bring this important part of history back to life."

A Smithsonian Institution affiliate, the Southern Museum features collections of rare Civil War weapons, uniforms, and other personal items; an exciting exhibit about The Great Locomotive Chase, including a short movie; and a full-scale replica of a locomotive factory that helped rebuild the South after the war. On December 13 beginning at 5 PM, the Museum will present "A Polar Express Adventure," inspired by the popular book and movie.

The Southern Museum is located 20 miles north of Atlanta, off I-75 at exit 273. Admission is $7.50 for adults, $6.50 for seniors, $5,50 for children ages 4-12, and is free for children 3 and under. For more information and for money-saving coupons, visit www.southernmuseum.org.