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This powerpoint presentation was created with material from the Orphan Train Heritage Society of America. It covers a little known and oft overlooked program in the history of our nation. This movement led to the implementation of child labor laws, as well as other important developments in the protection of our youngest citizens.
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The Orphan Trains and Their Riders
History at a Glance
In 1852, the NY Chief of Police reported that 10,000 dependent and delinquent children lived in the city.
Children’s Aid Society was formed in 1853 In 1854, the first group of children were sent to
Michigan The “Free Home Placing Out” continued until 1929 Between 1854 and 1929 an estimated 250,000
orphaned, abandoned, homeless children and poor families were placed in homes
Beginning of the Children’s Aid Society
Formed by Charles Loring Brace – first secretary of CAS
He developed the “Placing Out” system Philosophy of the Society
Idea of self-help Gospel of work Importance of education
Orphanages
In 1834, the American Female Guardian Society and Home for the Friendless was established
In 1853, the New York Juvenile Asylum was opened
From 1865 to 1903 the New England Home for Little Wonderers in Boston sent children out west
In 1869 to 1912, the New York Foundling Hospital was founded
Distribution of Children
Children’s Aid Society Agents
Western Agents would visit the towns to scout out good locations to place children
They then traveled with the children & supervised the placing out process.
They were required to followed up on the children at least once a year.
Two Agents: Anna Laura Hill – mainly brought children
to Kansas Reverend Clark – mainly brought children
to Iowa.
CAS Advertisement
Placing Out Process
A “screening committee” was formed
They would usually receive a bath, a new set of clothes, and a bible
Children would travel by train or other means with an agent
The children would go to a town meeting hall or other “neutral” building
The placing agent would give a talk on the procedures and a short sermon
Placing Out Process (continued)
The children would line on a stage or platform.
The interested townspeople would fill out an application for the child they wanted
The children would usually go home with the adult(s) for lunch
They would return and the committee would announce who received which child
Those children not chosen would stay with the agent or move on to the next city
Placement Terms
Two Orphan’s Story
Nellie S. and Nettie M. Crook
Nettie Crook
Orphan Train Heritage Society of America (OTHSA)
Founded by Mary Ellen Johnson in Springdale, Arkansas in 1986.
Goals Preserving the history of the orphan trains Help with research Host various seminars and annual meetings Publish orphan train riders stories Assist teachers and students
Consists of the restored Union Pacific Depot and the new Morgan-Dowell Research Center
Contains the archives and artifacts of the orphan train riders.
Will have exhibits and information on display about the orphan trains and local railroad history.
Continue to educate the public about the orphan trains
Restored Train Depot
Questions?
