In 1947, a campaign was heavily promoted by newspaper columnist Drew Pearson. This resulted in a total of 700 boxcars filled with badly needed goods for the people of war-torn France. This was all donated; our government was not involved in any way. In 1949, the French people, who were so appreciative for what we did for them, both in the war itself and for the aid we sent to them, sent 49 40&8 boxcars (one for each of the 48 states and one to be shared by Hawaii and Washington, D.C.) to the American people to express their gratitude. Each of those cars was filled, by the French people themselves, with whatever they could give. This included dishes, clothes, toys, all sorts of different items. One such item is said to be a French flag flown on the Eiffel Tower when Gen. Patton entered the city. They gave what they could. (For a good description, refer to “This Place in History: Merci Train” on YouTube. This is a well-done description of the Vermont car.)

The Utah Merci car was displayed for many years in Memory Grove in Salt Lake City. Following the tornado that hit in 1999, the car was moved and stored at a Salt Lake City Parks Department facility. Here it sat and deteriorated. In 2002, the car was brought to Ogden by the 40 & 8, a former part of the American Legion, at their own expense, with the hope and intent that it would receive the care and respect it deserved. Unfortunately, despite their best intentions, they lack the means to make this happen. The Union Station Foundation spent $2,000 on really nice plastic replicas of the plaques representing the provinces of France but, due to exposure to the sun, they are ruined.

The contract drawn between Salt Lake City and Ogden City specifically holds Ogden City responsible to “restore it, maintain and protect it” (quote from contract). A further quote: “Ogden shall furnish materials, skilled workers and supervision to restore boxcar.” Not the Ogden Union Station, not the Utah State Railroad Museum — Ogden City! They seem to have plenty of money for other things but none for this.

The state of Utah has been remiss as well. While they seem to have been able to come up with millions on several occasions for the Treehouse Museum and the Hill Air Force Museum, there never seems to be any for their own Utah State Railroad Museum. These may well be good causes but do they really need to have it all? I would bet my last dollar that if there were some historical LDS artifact in danger, they would take care of it in a heartbeat and rightly so. Personally, I would move it back to the state Capitol grounds and respectfully display it in a sheltered structure. It was, after all, given to the state of Utah. I think that is where it really belongs (just my opinion) but I doubt that will happen.

This neglect is, in my opinion, very disrespectful of both the veterans who fought and died in France and of the French people who were so appreciative for what we did for them, both in the war itself and for the aid we sent to them after the war. These cars, filled with personal items, were sent to the American people by the French people to express their appreciation!

For a number of years, I have attempted to find someone with means to give this historic piece its due respect. In this I have failed.

I have contacted several prominent construction companies but none showed any interest.

I have contacted people at the Ogden Union Station and just got “kick the can down the road” responses.

I have sent information to Mayor Caldwell’s office; no response.

I have sent information to the head (at the time) of the Ogden City Council; no interest.

I have recently emailed the Utah Historical Society; no reply.

I am told that there are “big plans” in store for the Union Station and the surrounding area. Even if it ever really happens, it is years down the road. Meanwhile, this car just deteriorates even more. “Someday” is just not going to work! Millions for “other things” but not even a few thousand to restore and protect this valuable artifact! Shame on the city of Ogden and the state of Utah!

Dave Rusch has worked many years as a volunteer at the Ogden Union Station and is a member of Voiture 2000 of the 40&8.

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