SPECIAL TRAIN: Dick Marcott of Bradford writes to us about the
parade train we had mentioned in Round the Square noting it was,
indeed, the 40 & 8 train.

He adds, “It belonged to the Bradford American Legion and was
always filled with kids throwing candy to those lining the parade
route. It was stored at the old Star Garage on Barbour Street. I
spent a good bit of time climbing around it on nights when I went
to work with my Dad.”

“It was a pretty good size and always a parade favorite. The
attached background tells you it was marked for World War I
transportation. Either 40 men or 8 horses would fit in the cars for
transfer to the front. The 40 & 8 was an honorary organization
that was part of the American Legion at the time.”

Given our patriotic holiday, we tell you more about this “La
Societe des Quarante Hommes et Huit Chevaux,” an independent, by
invitation, honor organization of male and female U.S. veterans,
more commonly known as the Forty & Eight.

Per the attachment Dick included, “The Forty & Eight is
committed to charitable and patriotic aims. Our purpose is to
uphold and defend the United States Constitution, to promote the
well being of veterans and their widows and orphans, and to
actively participate in selected charitable endeavors, which
include programs that promote child welfare and nurse’s
training.”

“The titles and symbols of the Forty & Eight reflect its
First World War origins.

“Americans were transported to the battle front on French trains
within boxcars stenciled with a ’40/8,’ denoting its capacity to
hold either 40 men or eight horses. This uncomfortable mode of
transportation was familiar to all who fought in the trenches; a
common small misery among American soldiers who thereafter found
’40/8′ a lighthearted symbol of the deeper service, sacrifice and
unspoken horrors of war that bind all who have borne the
battle.

“The Forty & Eight was founded in 1920 by American veterans
returning from France.

“Originally an arm of the American Legion, the Forty & Eight
became an independent and separately incorporated veteran’s
organization in 1960. Membership is by invitation and is currently
restricted to members of the American Legion. A resolution is
pending that will allow the nomination of unassociated honorably
discharged veterans and honorably serving members of the United
States Armed Forces.”