The Orphan Train

[PaulineMi]

I'm reading a novel, "The Orphan Train" by Christina Baker Kline.  I never knew there was  a period in U.S. history where orphans were "rehomed" as described in this book. I wondered if anyone on the forum ever heard of this.

Here's an overview of what was done with the children existing on New York's streets:

http://www.kancoll.org/articles/orphans/or_hist.htm

[Mugwump]

I'm reading a novel, "The Orphan Train" by Christina Baker Kline.  I never knew there was  a period in U.S. history where orphans were "rehomed" as described in this book. I wondered if anyone on the forum ever heard of this.

Here's an overview of what was done with the children existing on New York's streets:

http://www.kancoll.org/articles/orphans/or_hist.htm

Nice read, Pauline....I was aware of the early orphan indentured servant programs through reading about the settlement of the west. That worked for most pre-teen and teen children because the newly claimed homesteads were in need of help working the land, and farms. It got ugly when the 'well to do' used it for blatant servitude. The original concept was for the children to work and learn trades and crafts, then join the communities as 'free' citizens....but in too many cases, it evolved into a life of servitude.
Thanks for the post....a good one.

[ghonk]

Don't forget your receipt.