Our local American Legion re-formed the 40 & 8 Voiture No. 1121 at a reorganization meeting, Feb 17, 1948, of the La Societe de 40 Hommes et 8 Chevaux of Green County, translated to the Society of 40 men and 8 horses.
The title “40 & 8’ comes from the box cars that were used to transport WWI troops to the front in France. Each car had an emblem 40/8 stenciled on the side, which meant it could carry 40 men or 8 horses. The cars were known as forty and eights. There were seen by the troops as a miserable way to travel, and the new organization was thus called the 40 & 8 in an attempt to make some light of the common misery they had all shared. In 1929, it was described as the “fun-making organization of the American Legion.”
The first 40 & 8 group, formed here in Monroe on Nov. 19, 1933, became inactive at the start of WWII. Retaining the same Voiture number, 1121, the second group of 75 members received its charter at the 1948 meeting held at the Monroe Hotel on 16th Av. Originally founded by Joseph Breen, and 15 other members of the American Legion who were veterans of WWI.
In 1959 the 40 & 8 became independent of the American Legion when the legions National Commander discontinued the 40 & 8 as an organization within the Amer Leg for having racially discriminatory membership requirements. In 1973, the 40 & 8 modified their membership rules to prohibit racial discrimination. The society required its members to also be members of the Amer Leg until 2008.
Membership by invitation and open to all Honorably Discharged Veterans and all Military Personnel currently serving the US armed forces. Only men until 2006 when women were allowed into the ranks.
Three programs are carried out by the organization: Americanism, Child Welfare and Nurses training. Each year a different community is selected for carrying out the Americanism program.
The unit has donated books “Flags of America” to the schools.
For child welfare, designed to provide care and scholarships for the children of servicemen not returning home after WWI. Today the group presently helps any family with children under 18 devastated by a disaster. Supplies coloring books and colors to St Clare Hospital for each child entering the hospital.
The nurses training program provided scholarships to any prospective nurse needs not be a military veteran. Started in 1954, with 26 nurses receiving scholarships from the 40 & 8.
Membership now at 60, with wives and guests invited to dinners preceding the meetings.
Members acquired an old “Locomotive” and have used it in many area parades including Monroe’s Cheese Days. It was a 1958 Buick with a special locomotive hood, purchased from the Ozaukee County 40 & 8 in 1969. In this parade, the locomotive carried World War I veterans. This picture is taken on 11th Street on the south side of the Eugene Hotel. Notice the “Legion Bar” sign for the basement gathering place.
According to activities and programs carried out, awards were given at the yearly national conventions. Green County was awarded in 1973 the Barney Cohen Voiture efficiency trophy.
About 150 visitors came to Monroe on Nov. 19, 1933, to help initiate and install the first Green County Voiture at the National Guard Armor. The initiation or “wreck” of 25 charter members, “voyagers,” took place at the meeting, or “promenade” with the candidates referred to as “poor goofs”. Initiating a new member is know as a PG or Poor Goof or Prisoner de Gare.
Helps finance sports programs for disadvantaged children, through mental or physical challenges or lack of money. Need not be a military veteran.
Continues support of the publication “The Carville Star” which disseminates information regarding research into Hansen’s Disease (Leprosy). Researching a vaccine. An honor society organization of US Veterans for the American Legion.
Upcoming events
Upcoming events sponsored by the Historical Society are: June 18, 1-4 p.m. the annual meeting of the Historical Society at Lincoln Park with entry to the water tower; August 13, Quilt show at the museum at 1617 9th Street; September open on Cheese Days Friday and Saturday; October 1, from 1-4 p.m. is Local Authors Day at the museum. We welcome you to attend any or all of these events.
