ORPHAN TRAINS - Revision history

Randylyon at 17:05, 22 March 2024

2024-03-22T17:05:40Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:05, 22 March 2024
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	1. "Orphan Train Riders to Iowa," IaGenWeb Project, Online: http://iagenweb.org/dubuque/orphans/05Sept1886.htm		1. "Orphan Train Riders to Iowa," IaGenWeb Project, Online: http://iagenweb.org/dubuque/orphans/05Sept1886.htm

	2. "Caught on the Fly," The Daily Herald, November 23, 1877, p. 4		2. "Caught on the Fly," ''The Daily Herald'', November 23, 1877, p. 4

	3. "Orphan Train Riders...		3. "Orphan Train Riders...

Randylyon at 00:55, 20 November 2021

2021-11-20T00:55:53Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:55, 20 November 2021
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	will find homes with families between Dubuque and Charles City		will find homes with families between Dubuque and Charles City
	on the Milwaukee and St. Paul road. (1)		on the Milwaukee and St. Paul road. (1)

			The Daily Herald reported that:

			A carload of boys from the Children's Aid Society, New York, passed
			through the city yesterday, in charge of an agent, who is seeking
			hoes for them among western farmers. (2)


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	Friday Morning, 25 Jun 1888		Friday Morning, 25 Jun 1888

	Handsome Children (2)		Handsome Children (3)

	Fifty Three Orphan Children Arrive in the City From New York And Are Speedily Taken by Charge by Foster Parents		Fifty Three Orphan Children Arrive in the City From New York And Are Speedily Taken by Charge by Foster Parents
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	with their foster parents on their way to their homes.		with their foster parents on their way to their homes.

	Between 1858 and 1929 an estimated twenty-five homeless children from the streets of New York or the Children's Village (then known as the New York Juvenile Asylum and later the New York Foundling Hospital}, and the former Orphan Asylum Society of the City of New York (later called the Graham-Windham Home for Children) found a new home in Dubuque. (3) They came by way of the "Orphan Train," a pioneering initiative which led to child welfare reforms, including child labor laws, adoption and the establishment of foster care services, public education, the provision of health care and nutrition and vocational training. (4)		Between 1858 and 1929 an estimated twenty-five homeless children from the streets of New York or the Children's Village (then known as the New York Juvenile Asylum and later the New York Foundling Hospital}, and the former Orphan Asylum Society of the City of New York (later called the Graham-Windham Home for Children) found a new home in Dubuque. (4) They came by way of the "Orphan Train," a pioneering initiative which led to child welfare reforms, including child labor laws, adoption and the establishment of foster care services, public education, the provision of health care and nutrition and vocational training. (5)

	In the 1850s, an estimated 30,000 children known as "street Arabs" were homeless in New York City. (5) Ranging in age from about six to eighteen, they lived on New York City's streets and in slums with little or no hope of a successful future. Charles Loring Brace, the founder of The Children's Aid Society, believed by removing youngsters from the poverty and crime of the city streets and placing them in morally upright farm families they would have a chance of escaping a lifetime of suffering. (6)		In the 1850s, an estimated 30,000 children known as "street Arabs" were homeless in New York City. (6) Ranging in age from about six to eighteen, they lived on New York City's streets and in slums with little or no hope of a successful future. Charles Loring Brace, the founder of The Children's Aid Society, believed by removing youngsters from the poverty and crime of the city streets and placing them in morally upright farm families they would have a chance of escaping a lifetime of suffering. (7)

	[[File:orphan2.jpg\|250px\|thumb\|left\|]]Rev. Brace proposed that homeless children could be sent by train to live and work on farms. They would be placed in homes for free, but they would serve as an extra pair of hands to help with chores. They would not be indentured. Older children were to be paid for their labors. (7) In 1853, Rev. Brace founded the Children's Aid Society to arrange the trips, raise the money, and obtain the legal permissions needed for relocation. (8)		[[File:orphan2.jpg\|250px\|thumb\|left\|]]Rev. Brace proposed that homeless children could be sent by train to live and work on farms. They would be placed in homes for free, but they would serve as an extra pair of hands to help with chores. They would not be indentured. Older children were to be paid for their labors. (8) In 1853, Rev. Brace founded the Children's Aid Society to arrange the trips, raise the money, and obtain the legal permissions needed for relocation. (9)

	Many agencies nationwide placed children on trains to go to foster homes. The orphans were scrubbed, dressed in new clothes and put aboard westbound trains at Grand Central Station. The children were not told where they were going or why. They had no idea that they were on an ''orphan train'' or that they had become participants in the largest children’s migration in history. (9)		Many agencies nationwide placed children on trains to go to foster homes. The orphans were scrubbed, dressed in new clothes and put aboard westbound trains at Grand Central Station. The children were not told where they were going or why. They had no idea that they were on an ''orphan train'' or that they had become participants in the largest children’s migration in history. (10)

	Orphan trains stopped at more than forty-five states across the country as well as Canada and Mexico. During the early years, Indiana received the largest number of children. (10) From 1854 until 1929 an estimated 250,000 children were placed in new homes. (11) Between 1858 and 1910, a total of 6,675 children found new homes in Iowa. (12) Generally smaller towns were chosen for the children, but cities like Cedar Rapids and Dubuque are believed to each have become the homes of as many as twenty-five. (13)		Orphan trains stopped at more than forty-five states across the country as well as Canada and Mexico. During the early years, Indiana received the largest number of children. (11) From 1854 until 1929 an estimated 250,000 children were placed in new homes. (12) Between 1858 and 1910, a total of 6,675 children found new homes in Iowa. (13) Generally smaller towns were chosen for the children, but cities like Cedar Rapids and Dubuque are believed to each have become the homes of as many as twenty-five. (14)

	Over many years, a compiled list of people coming to Dubuque was developed by Madonna Harm. (14) The following lists the orphan's actual name (or * adopted name), date of arrival, and person who took the child.		Over many years, a compiled list of people coming to Dubuque was developed by Madonna Harm. (15) The following lists the orphan's actual name (or * adopted name), date of arrival, and person who took the child.

	George J. Augmeier June 13, 1872 James Rea		George J. Augmeier June 13, 1872 James Rea
Line 158:		Line 164:
	James Paul Wilson Unknown		James Paul Wilson Unknown

	[[File:orphan3.jpg\|250px\|thumb\|left\|]]Placement into new families was casual at best. Handbills announced the arrival of the needy children. As the trains pulled into towns, the youngsters were cleaned up and paraded before crowds of "prospective parents." (15) In later years, "parents" wrote to the New York agencies requesting a certain sex, age, hair and eye color. (16) Some of the children struggled in their new surroundings. Children could live with a family for several months and then be sent back to the orphanage. (17) Others went on to lead normal lives. Although records were not always well kept, some of the children placed in the West went on to great successes. Records indicate that among the relocated children the future found: two governors, one congressman, one sheriff, two district attorneys, three county commissioners as well as numerous bankers, lawyers, physicians, journalists, ministers, teachers and businessmen. (18)		[[File:orphan3.jpg\|250px\|thumb\|left\|]]Placement into new families was casual at best. Handbills announced the arrival of the needy children. As the trains pulled into towns, the youngsters were cleaned up and paraded before crowds of "prospective parents." (16) In later years, "parents" wrote to the New York agencies requesting a certain sex, age, hair and eye color. (17) Some of the children struggled in their new surroundings. Children could live with a family for several months and then be sent back to the orphanage. (18) Others went on to lead normal lives. Although records were not always well kept, some of the children placed in the West went on to great successes. Records indicate that among the relocated children the future found: two governors, one congressman, one sheriff, two district attorneys, three county commissioners as well as numerous bankers, lawyers, physicians, journalists, ministers, teachers and businessmen. (19)

	In later years, children who thought the adults they had grown up with were their biological parents often found themselves with nothing after their "parents" had died. Many had no idea where they were born or their original names. Children in the 1800s in New York could be left at a church with no questions being asked. In other instances, a child might have only their first name pinned to their blanket.		In later years, children who thought the adults they had grown up with were their biological parents often found themselves with nothing after their "parents" had died. Many had no idea where they were born or their original names. Children in the 1800s in New York could be left at a church with no questions being asked. In other instances, a child might have only their first name pinned to their blanket.
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	1. "Orphan Train Riders to Iowa," IaGenWeb Project, Online: http://iagenweb.org/dubuque/orphans/05Sept1886.htm		1. "Orphan Train Riders to Iowa," IaGenWeb Project, Online: http://iagenweb.org/dubuque/orphans/05Sept1886.htm

	2. ~~Ibid~~.		2. "Caught on the Fly," The Daily Herald, November 23, 1877, p. 4

			3. "Orphan Train Riders...

	3. Kidder, Clark and Krantz, Colleen Bradford. "West By Orphan Train," Iowa Public Television presentation, December 1, 2014		4. Kidder, Clark and Krantz, Colleen Bradford. "West By Orphan Train," Iowa Public Television presentation, December 1, 2014

	4. "The Orphan Trains," The Children's Aid Society," Online: http://www.childrensaidsociety.org/about/history/orphan-trains		5. "The Orphan Trains," The Children's Aid Society," Online: http://www.childrensaidsociety.org/about/history/orphan-trains

	5. "The Orphan Trains," An American Experience, Online: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/orphan/		6. "The Orphan Trains," An American Experience, Online: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/orphan/

	6. Children's Aid Society.		7. Children's Aid Society.

	7. Ibid.		8. Ibid.

	8. An American Experience		9. An American Experience

	9. Warren, Andrea. "The Orphan Train," Washingtonpost.com Online: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/national/horizon/nov98/orphan.htm		10. Warren, Andrea. "The Orphan Train," Washingtonpost.com Online: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/national/horizon/nov98/orphan.htm

	10. Children's Aid Society		11. Children's Aid Society

	11. Moore, Alison. '''Riders on the Orphan Train'''. The Official Outreach Program of the National Orphan Train Complex. Online: http://www.ridersontheorphantrain.org/		12. Moore, Alison. '''Riders on the Orphan Train'''. The Official Outreach Program of the National Orphan Train Complex. Online: http://www.ridersontheorphantrain.org/

	12. Kidder et al.		13. Kidder et al.

	13. Ibid.		14. Ibid.

	14. "Orphan Train Riders to Iowa," Cyndi's List. Online: http://www.cyndislist.com/railroads/orphan-trains/		15. "Orphan Train Riders to Iowa," Cyndi's List. Online: http://www.cyndislist.com/railroads/orphan-trains/

	15. An American Experience		16. An American Experience

	16. Kidder, et al.		17. Kidder, et al.

	17. Ibid.		18. Ibid.

	18. Children's Aid Society		19. Children's Aid Society

	[[Category: Events]]		[[Category: Events]]
	[[Category: Humanitarian]]		[[Category: Humanitarian]]

Randylyon at 05:03, 5 March 2018

2018-03-05T05:03:53Z

Show changes

Randylyon at 14:17, 30 May 2017

2017-05-30T14:17:33Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:17, 30 May 2017
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	Between 1858 and 1929 an estimated twenty-five homeless children from the streets of New York or the Children's Village (then known as the New York Juvenile Asylum~~), what is now~~ the New York Foundling Hospital, and the former Orphan Asylum Society of the City of New York~~, which is now~~ the Graham-Windham Home for Children found a new home in Dubuque. (2) They came by way of the "Orphan Train," a pioneering initiative which led to child welfare reforms, including child labor laws, adoption and the establishment of foster care services, public education, the provision of health care and nutrition and vocational training. (3)		Between 1858 and 1929 an estimated twenty-five homeless children from the streets of New York or the Children's Village (then known as the New York Juvenile Asylum and later the New York Foundling Hospital}, and the former Orphan Asylum Society of the City of New York (later called the Graham-Windham Home for Children) found a new home in Dubuque. (2) They came by way of the "Orphan Train," a pioneering initiative which led to child welfare reforms, including child labor laws, adoption and the establishment of foster care services, public education, the provision of health care and nutrition and vocational training. (3)

	In the 1850s, an estimated 30,000 children known as "street Arabs" were homeless in New York City. (4) Ranging in age from about six to eighteen, they lived in New York City's streets and slums with little or no hope of a successful future. Charles Loring Brace, the founder of The Children's Aid Society, believed ~~that there was a way to change the futures of these children. By~~ removing youngsters from the poverty and crime of the city streets and placing them in morally upright farm families~~, he thought~~ they would have a chance of escaping a lifetime of suffering. (5)		In the 1850s, an estimated 30,000 children known as "street Arabs" were homeless in New York City. (4) Ranging in age from about six to eighteen, they lived on New York City's streets and in slums with little or no hope of a successful future. Charles Loring Brace, the founder of The Children's Aid Society, believed by removing youngsters from the poverty and crime of the city streets and placing them in morally upright farm families they would have a chance of escaping a lifetime of suffering. (5)

	[[File:orphan2.jpg\|250px\|thumb\|left\|]]Rev. ~~Loring~~ Brace proposed that homeless children could be sent by train to live and work on farms. They would be placed in homes for free, but they would serve as an extra pair of hands to help with chores. They would not be indentured. Older children were to be paid for their labors. (6) In 1853, Rev. Brace founded the Children's Aid Society to arrange the trips, raise the money, and obtain the legal permissions needed for relocation. (7)		[[File:orphan2.jpg\|250px\|thumb\|left\|]]Rev. Brace proposed that homeless children could be sent by train to live and work on farms. They would be placed in homes for free, but they would serve as an extra pair of hands to help with chores. They would not be indentured. Older children were to be paid for their labors. (6) In 1853, Rev. Brace founded the Children's Aid Society to arrange the trips, raise the money, and obtain the legal permissions needed for relocation. (7)

	Many agencies nationwide placed children on trains to go to foster homes. The orphans were scrubbed, dressed in new clothes and put aboard a westbound ~~train~~ at Grand Central Station. The children were not told where they were going or why. They had no idea that they were on an ''orphan train'' or that they had become participants in the largest children’s migration in history. (8)		Many agencies nationwide placed children on trains to go to foster homes. The orphans were scrubbed, dressed in new clothes and put aboard westbound trains at Grand Central Station. The children were not told where they were going or why. They had no idea that they were on an ''orphan train'' or that they had become participants in the largest children’s migration in history. (8)

	Orphan trains stopped at more than forty-five states across the country as well as Canada and Mexico. During the early years, Indiana received the largest number of children. (9) From 1854 until 1929 an estimated ~~more than~~ 250,000 children were placed. (10) Between 1858 and 1910, a total of 6,675 children found new homes in Iowa. (11) Generally smaller towns were chosen for the children, but cities like Cedar Rapids and Dubuque are believed to each have become the homes of as many as twenty-five. (12)		Orphan trains stopped at more than forty-five states across the country as well as Canada and Mexico. During the early years, Indiana received the largest number of children. (9) From 1854 until 1929 an estimated 250,000 children were placed in new homes. (10) Between 1858 and 1910, a total of 6,675 children found new homes in Iowa. (11) Generally smaller towns were chosen for the children, but cities like Cedar Rapids and Dubuque are believed to each have become the homes of as many as twenty-five. (12)

	A compiled list of people coming to Dubuque was developed by Madonna Harm ~~over many years~~. (13) The following lists the orphan's actual name (or * adopted name), date of arrival, and person who took the child.		Over many years, a compiled list of people coming to Dubuque was developed by Madonna Harm. (13) The following lists the orphan's actual name (or * adopted name), date of arrival, and person who took the child.

	George J. Augmeier June 13, 1872 James Rea		George J. Augmeier June 13, 1872 James Rea
Line 82:		Line 82:
	James Paul Wilson Unknown		James Paul Wilson Unknown

	[[File:orphan3.jpg\|250px\|thumb\|left\|]]Placement into new families was casual at best. Handbills announced the arrival of the needy children. As the trains pulled into towns, the youngsters were cleaned up and paraded before crowds of "prospective parents." (14) In later years, "parents" wrote to the New York agencies requesting a certain sex, age, hair and eye color. (15) Some of the children struggled in their new surroundings. Children could live with a family for several months and then be sent back to the orphanage. (16) Others went on to lead normal lives. Although records were not always well kept, some of the children placed in the West went on to great successes. ~~There were~~ two governors, one congressman, one sheriff, two district attorneys, three county commissioners as well as numerous bankers, lawyers, physicians, journalists, ministers, teachers and businessmen. (17)		[[File:orphan3.jpg\|250px\|thumb\|left\|]]Placement into new families was casual at best. Handbills announced the arrival of the needy children. As the trains pulled into towns, the youngsters were cleaned up and paraded before crowds of "prospective parents." (14) In later years, "parents" wrote to the New York agencies requesting a certain sex, age, hair and eye color. (15) Some of the children struggled in their new surroundings. Children could live with a family for several months and then be sent back to the orphanage. (16) Others went on to lead normal lives. Although records were not always well kept, some of the children placed in the West went on to great successes. Records indicate that among the relocated children the future found: two governors, one congressman, one sheriff, two district attorneys, three county commissioners as well as numerous bankers, lawyers, physicians, journalists, ministers, teachers and businessmen. (17)

	In later years, children who thought ~~their "parents"~~ were their biological parents often found themselves with nothing after their "parents" had died. ~~These and others often~~ had no idea where they were born or their names. Children in the 1800s in New York could be left at a church with no questions being asked. In other instances, a child might have only their first name pinned to their blanket.		In later years, children who thought the adults they had grown up with were their biological parents often found themselves with nothing after their "parents" had died. Many had no idea where they were born or their original names. Children in the 1800s in New York could be left at a church with no questions being asked. In other instances, a child might have only their first name pinned to their blanket.

	Few of the actual orphans who were involved in the train remained alive in 2014. Their descendants, however, could number in the millions. For them the internet has proven a useful tool to find their heritage. Among other sites useful have been The National Orphan Train Complex: http://orphantraindepot.org/ and the Louisiana Orphan Train Museum: http://www.laorphantrain.com/		Few of the actual orphans who were involved in the train remained alive in 2014. Their descendants, however, could number in the millions. For them the internet has proven a useful tool to find their heritage. Among other sites useful have been The National Orphan Train Complex: http://orphantraindepot.org/ and the Louisiana Orphan Train Museum: http://www.laorphantrain.com/

Randylyon at 14:08, 30 May 2017

2017-05-30T14:08:20Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:08, 30 May 2017
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	[[File:orphan1.gif\|250px\|thumb\|left\|]]ORPHAN TRAINS.		[[File:orphan1.gif\|250px\|thumb\|left\|]]ORPHAN TRAINS.

	Dubuque Sunday Herald		Dubuque Sunday Herald
	Dubuque, Iowa		Dubuque, Iowa
	05 September 1886		05 September 1886

	More Little Ones Coming		More Little Ones Coming

	Agent Curren, of the New York Foundling and Orphan Asylum, to Arrive Here		Agent Curren, of the New York Foundling and
	with Fifty Children for People in this Vicinity.		Orphan Asylum, to Arrive Here with Fifty Children
			for People in this Vicinity.

	The Herald is in receipt of a letter form Mr. Robert Curren, agent of the New York Foundling		The Herald is in receipt of a letter form Mr. Robert Curren,
	and Orphan Asylum, stating that he will pass through this city on next Thursday, Sept. 9th,		agent of the New York Foundling and Orphan Asylum, stating
	with fifty more little children to be given to families at Epworth, Farley, Dyersville, New		that he will pass through this city on next Thursday, Sept.
	Vienna and Luxemburg and a few will also be given to families in Fort Dodge. He adds that		9th, with fifty more little children to be given to families
	fifty more will be brought to Iowa the 1st of October and will find homes with families		at Epworth, Farley, Dyersville, New Vienna and Luxemburg and
	between Dubuque and Charles City on the Milwaukee and St. Paul road. (1)		a few will also be given to families in Fort Dodge. He adds
			that fifty more will be brought to Iowa the 1st of October and
			will find homes with families between Dubuque and Charles City
			on the Milwaukee and St. Paul road. (1)

Randylyon at 18:11, 20 January 2017

2017-01-20T18:11:24Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:11, 20 January 2017
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	More Little Ones Coming		More Little Ones Coming

	Agent Curren, of the New York Foundling and Orphan Asylum, to Arrive Here		Agent Curren, of the New York Foundling and Orphan Asylum, to Arrive Here
	with Fifty Children for People in this Vicinity.		with Fifty Children for People in this Vicinity.

	The Herald is in receipt of a letter form Mr. Robert Curren, agent of the New York Foundling		The Herald is in receipt of a letter form Mr. Robert Curren, agent of the New York Foundling
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	Frances Bauer(*) John Bauer		Frances Bauer(*) John Bauer

	Arnold Beckett Chapman		Arnold Beckett Chapman

	Henry Begley John Plaburne		Henry Begley John Plaburne
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	Mary Broklin Adam Behringer		Mary Broklin Adam Behringer

	Rita A. Burnham Schumacher		Rita A. Burnham Schumacher

	Rita A. Byrne(*) Schumacher		Rita A. Byrne(*) Schumacher

	Alice Crannan Rev. D. J. Slattery		Alice Crannan Rev. D. J. Slattery
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	Amy Reichert (*) George Reichel		Amy Reichert (*) George Reichel

	Frank Reigler (*) Reigler		Frank Reigler (*) Reigler

	Elizabeth Roche Wichman		Elizabeth Roche Wichman

	Alma Rousseau Anna M. Bartholomew		Alma Rousseau Anna M. Bartholomew
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	Clara Von Nostrand George Banworth, Sr.		Clara Von Nostrand George Banworth, Sr.

	George Frank Wichman (*) Wichman		George Frank Wichman (*) Wichman

	Alice Wilson Anthony Digman		Alice Wilson Anthony Digman

Randylyon at 18:09, 20 January 2017

2017-01-20T18:09:15Z

Show changes

Randylyon at 18:03, 20 January 2017

2017-01-20T18:03:41Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:03, 20 January 2017
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	[[File:orphan1.gif\|250px\|thumb\|left\|]]ORPHAN TRAINS. Between 1858 and 1929 an estimated twenty-five homeless children from the streets of New York or the Children's Village (then known as the New York Juvenile Asylum), what is now the New York Foundling Hospital, and the former Orphan Asylum Society of the City of New York, which is now the Graham-Windham Home for Children found a new home in Dubuque. (1) They came by way of the "Orphan Train," a pioneering initiative which led to child welfare reforms, including child labor laws, adoption and the establishment of foster care services, public education, the provision of health care and nutrition and vocational training. (2)		[[File:orphan1.gif\|250px\|thumb\|left\|]]ORPHAN TRAINS.

			Dubuque Sunday Herald

			Dubuque, Iowa

			05 September 1886

			More Little Ones Coming


			Agent Curren, of the New York Foundling and Orphan Asylum, to Arrive Here
			with Fifty Children for People in this Vicinity.


			The Herald is in receipt of a letter form Mr. Robert Curren, agent of the New York foundling
			and orphan asylum, stating that he will pass through this city on next Thursday, Sept. 9th,
			with fifty more little children to be given to families at Epworth, Farley, Dyersville, New
			Vienna and Luxemburg and a few will also be given to families in Fort Dodge. He adds that
			fifty more will be brought to Iowa the 1st of October and will find homes with families
			between Dubuque and Charles City on the Milwaukee and St. Paul road.




			Between 1858 and 1929 an estimated twenty-five homeless children from the streets of New York or the Children's Village (then known as the New York Juvenile Asylum), what is now the New York Foundling Hospital, and the former Orphan Asylum Society of the City of New York, which is now the Graham-Windham Home for Children found a new home in Dubuque. (1) They came by way of the "Orphan Train," a pioneering initiative which led to child welfare reforms, including child labor laws, adoption and the establishment of foster care services, public education, the provision of health care and nutrition and vocational training. (2)

	In the 1850s, an estimated 30,000 children known as "street Arabs" were homeless in New York City. (3) Ranging in age from about six to eighteen, they lived in New York City's streets and slums with little or no hope of a successful future. Charles Loring Brace, the founder of The Children's Aid Society, believed that there was a way to change the futures of these children. By removing youngsters from the poverty and crime of the city streets and placing them in morally upright farm families, he thought they would have a chance of escaping a lifetime of suffering. (4)		In the 1850s, an estimated 30,000 children known as "street Arabs" were homeless in New York City. (3) Ranging in age from about six to eighteen, they lived in New York City's streets and slums with little or no hope of a successful future. Charles Loring Brace, the founder of The Children's Aid Society, believed that there was a way to change the futures of these children. By removing youngsters from the poverty and crime of the city streets and placing them in morally upright farm families, he thought they would have a chance of escaping a lifetime of suffering. (4)

Randylyon at 06:12, 1 February 2016

2016-02-01T06:12:50Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 06:12, 1 February 2016
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	In later years, children who thought their "parents" were their biological parents often found themselves with nothing after their "parents" had died. These and others often had no idea where they were born or their names. Children in the 1800s in New York could be left at a church with no questions being asked. In other instances, a child might have only their first name pinned to their blanket.		In later years, children who thought their "parents" were their biological parents often found themselves with nothing after their "parents" had died. These and others often had no idea where they were born or their names. Children in the 1800s in New York could be left at a church with no questions being asked. In other instances, a child might have only their first name pinned to their blanket.

	Few of the actual orphans who were involved in the train remained alive in 2014. Their descendants, however, could number in the millions. For them the internet proven a useful tool to find their heritage. Among other sites useful have been The National Orphan Train Complex: http://orphantraindepot.org/ and the Louisiana Orphan Train Museum: http://www.laorphantrain.com/		Few of the actual orphans who were involved in the train remained alive in 2014. Their descendants, however, could number in the millions. For them the internet has proven a useful tool to find their heritage. Among other sites useful have been The National Orphan Train Complex: http://orphantraindepot.org/ and the Louisiana Orphan Train Museum: http://www.laorphantrain.com/

	See: '''Riders on the Orphan Train'''		See: '''Riders on the Orphan Train'''

Randylyon at 06:12, 2 December 2014

2014-12-02T06:12:54Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 06:12, 2 December 2014
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	ORPHAN TRAINS. Between 1858 and 1929 an estimated twenty-five homeless children from the streets of New York or the Children's Village (then known as the New York Juvenile Asylum), what is now the New York Foundling Hospital, and the former Orphan Asylum Society of the City of New York, which is now the Graham-Windham Home for Children found a new home in Dubuque. (1) They came by way of the "Orphan Train," a pioneering initiative which led to child welfare reforms, including child labor laws, adoption and the establishment of foster care services, public education, the provision of health care and nutrition and vocational training. (2)		[[File:orphan1.gif\|250px\|thumb\|left\|]]ORPHAN TRAINS. Between 1858 and 1929 an estimated twenty-five homeless children from the streets of New York or the Children's Village (then known as the New York Juvenile Asylum), what is now the New York Foundling Hospital, and the former Orphan Asylum Society of the City of New York, which is now the Graham-Windham Home for Children found a new home in Dubuque. (1) They came by way of the "Orphan Train," a pioneering initiative which led to child welfare reforms, including child labor laws, adoption and the establishment of foster care services, public education, the provision of health care and nutrition and vocational training. (2)

	In the 1850s, an estimated 30,000 children known as "street Arabs" were homeless in New York City. (3) Ranging in age from about six to eighteen, they lived in New York City's streets and slums with little or no hope of a successful future. Charles Loring Brace, the founder of The Children's Aid Society, believed that there was a way to change the futures of these children. By removing youngsters from the poverty and crime of the city streets and placing them in morally upright farm families, he thought they would have a chance of escaping a lifetime of suffering. (4)		In the 1850s, an estimated 30,000 children known as "street Arabs" were homeless in New York City. (3) Ranging in age from about six to eighteen, they lived in New York City's streets and slums with little or no hope of a successful future. Charles Loring Brace, the founder of The Children's Aid Society, believed that there was a way to change the futures of these children. By removing youngsters from the poverty and crime of the city streets and placing them in morally upright farm families, he thought they would have a chance of escaping a lifetime of suffering. (4)

	Rev. Loring Brace proposed that homeless children could be sent by train to live and work on farms. They would be placed in homes for free, but they would serve as an extra pair of hands to help with chores. They would not be indentured. Older children were to be paid for their labors. (5) In 1853, Rev. Brace founded the Children's Aid Society to arrange the trips, raise the money, and obtain the legal permissions needed for relocation. (6)		[[File:orphan2.jpg\|250px\|thumb\|left\|]]Rev. Loring Brace proposed that homeless children could be sent by train to live and work on farms. They would be placed in homes for free, but they would serve as an extra pair of hands to help with chores. They would not be indentured. Older children were to be paid for their labors. (5) In 1853, Rev. Brace founded the Children's Aid Society to arrange the trips, raise the money, and obtain the legal permissions needed for relocation. (6)

	Many agencies nationwide placed children on trains to go to foster homes. The orphans were scrubbed, dressed in new clothes and put aboard a westbound train at Grand Central Station. The children were not told where they were going or why. They had no idea that they were on an ''orphan train'' or that they had become participants in the largest children’s migration in history. (7)		Many agencies nationwide placed children on trains to go to foster homes. The orphans were scrubbed, dressed in new clothes and put aboard a westbound train at Grand Central Station. The children were not told where they were going or why. They had no idea that they were on an ''orphan train'' or that they had become participants in the largest children’s migration in history. (7)
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	Placement into new families was casual at best. Handbills announced the arrival of the needy children. As the trains pulled into towns, the youngsters were cleaned up and paraded before crowds of "prospective parents." (13) In later years, "parents" wrote to the New York agencies requesting a certain sex, age, hair and eye color. (14) Some of the children struggled in their new surroundings. Children could live with a family for several months and then be sent back to the orphanage. (15) Others went on to lead normal lives. Although records were not always well kept, some of the children placed in the West went on to great successes. There were two governors, one congressman, one sheriff, two district attorneys, three county commissioners as well as numerous bankers, lawyers, physicians, journalists, ministers, teachers and businessmen. (16)		[[File:orphan3.jpg\|250px\|thumb\|left\|]]Placement into new families was casual at best. Handbills announced the arrival of the needy children. As the trains pulled into towns, the youngsters were cleaned up and paraded before crowds of "prospective parents." (13) In later years, "parents" wrote to the New York agencies requesting a certain sex, age, hair and eye color. (14) Some of the children struggled in their new surroundings. Children could live with a family for several months and then be sent back to the orphanage. (15) Others went on to lead normal lives. Although records were not always well kept, some of the children placed in the West went on to great successes. There were two governors, one congressman, one sheriff, two district attorneys, three county commissioners as well as numerous bankers, lawyers, physicians, journalists, ministers, teachers and businessmen. (16)

	In later years, children who thought their "parents" were their biological parents often found themselves with nothing after their "parents" had died. These and others often had no idea where they were born or their names. Children in the 1800s in New York could be left at a church with no questions being asked. In other instances, a child might have only their first name pinned to their blanket.		In later years, children who thought their "parents" were their biological parents often found themselves with nothing after their "parents" had died. These and others often had no idea where they were born or their names. Children in the 1800s in New York could be left at a church with no questions being asked. In other instances, a child might have only their first name pinned to their blanket.