 |
The Lincoln Highway National Museum & Archives 102 Old Lincoln Way West Galion, Ohio 44833 (202) 536-5329
|
|
1947--The
Freedom Train--1949
Donald
Hardisty
1,500,000th Visitor
Butte, Montana
From The Desk of Don Hardisty
Last week I was elated to
receive a phone call from Craig
Harmon,
Director of the Lincoln National Museum & Archives.
I was pleased to again be recognized as
"The 1,500,000 Visitor"
to have seen the Freedom
Train when it stopped
in
After talking with Mr Harmon,
and hearing the enthusiasm and interest
that he expressed
in finding another of the original
“One in a Million,”
I began to search through
years of memorabilia.
Fortunately,
I found the original newspaper clippings
that appeared in the local
Butte Daily Post
April 17, 1948
and
The
Montana
Standard
the following morning.
The article shows the
officers presenting
an autographed copy of the
Heritage of Freedom
hardbound book.
Over the years,
I had affixed the first
page of the book
to the newspaper clippings containing the signatures of
The Train Director, Walter H. S. O’Brien of
and Marine Lt. Col Robert F. Scott,
commanding officer of the train.
This
collage can be seen below.
I found a copy of the
1948
where
many fellow students and teachers
had taken the opportunity to recognize
"That I
had, indeed, been singled out"
from the group of anxious citizens waiting in
line
to view the wonders to be found in the Freedom Train.
Here is one quote
inscribed in the book:
“May our 1,500, 000 citizen be ever a worthy citizen of
our great country in everyway.”
(Signed Anna J. English, my English Teacher at
The excitement that was
recorded in the local news release
has lived to this day.
I believe an historical understanding and pictorial
perspective of the founding
of
Freedom and love of country are often taken for granted.
When I viewed these
original documents of American Liberty in the Freedom Train,
I began to
envision the basis on which the founders built this great nation.
Their
aspirations and dreams came alive.
Freedom can be lost,
thus, we must search for knowledge
and be vigilant
in protecting our heritage.
The Freedom Train
traveled to every one of the 48 states.
This Butte, Montana high
school sophomore’s
understanding of liberty was greatly influenced.
I know that same patriotic fervor continues to impact my life.
Dr. Donald M Hardisty
3020 Majestic Ridge
Las Cruces, New Mexico 88011
October 12, 2008
http://www.donsbossons.com/story.HTML
| April 16, 1948 Butte, MT |
1947--The
Freedom Train--1949 Donald Hardisty 1,500,000 Visitor |
April 16, 1948 Butte, MT |
   |
 Butte, MT - April 16, 1948 The 1,500,000th Visitor to the Freedom Train Exhibit is being presented "Heritage of Freedom" by Lt Col. Robert F. Scott, USMC, CO of the Marine Detachment. L to R: Lt Col R.F Scott, USMC, Don Hardisty (1,500,000 Millionth Visitor) Mr. Walter H.S. O'brien, & Captain John Skorich, USMC. |
|
 |
| Don's Memoribilia |
1948--The
Freedom Train-1948 Don Hardisty The 1,500,000th Visitor |
Don's Memoribila |
 Heritage of
Freedom Click to View |
 Letter From
General Scott Click to View |
 News
Feature On General Scott Click to View |
| Click
on Hyperlink to View Image |
| Press Coverage |
1948--The
Freedom Train-1948 Don Hardisty The 1,500,000th Visitor |
Press Coverage |
| # | DATE | NEWSPAPER | HEAD LINE | PAGE | COL | SIZE | PHOTO | VIEW |
| 1 | Arpril 16, 1948 | Butte Daily Post | Butte Youth, 15, 1,500,000 On Freedom Train | ?? | ?? | 24" | 1 | Click |
| 2 | April 17, 1948 | Montana Standard | ?? | ?? | ?? | ?? | ?? | Click |
| Click
on Hyperlink to View Image |
| Press Coverage | 1948--Then & Now--2008 | Press Coverage |
| # | DATE | MAGAZINE | HEAD LINE | PAGE | COL | SIZE | PHOTO | VIEW |
| 1 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | Click |
| Click
on Hyperlink to View Image |
Home |
Designed By: The Starman
You are Visitor #Since October 12, 2008