Children of the Orphan
Train
by Harley Berger, Vice-President
During the antebellum years, millions
of immigrants streamed into New York City, where many ended up in
dangerous and low-paying jobs. If a husband or wife died, the children
commonly took to the streets to help feed the family. Often, these
children became delinquents and street urchins. At one point New York had
6,000 children in jail or reformatories and the problem only promised to
get worse. What to do?
Enter the era of the "Orphan Train." Between 1854 and 1927 at least
250,000 mostly homeless, abandoned, and neglected children were loaded on
trains heading West, to places like the towns of rural Michigan. Upon
arrival they were taken to a village hall or church for a "selection"
process. If the children were lucky, they were placed in a nurturing home
environment. If not, their status was no more than that of an indentured
servant. Those not selected rode on the next town. In the process the
children could be separated from siblings, and/or almost certainly
permanently lose touch with any remaining family.
Join us on Saturday, September 20, when our guest speaker
Al Eicher
will share the complete story of this little known yet fascinating chapter
of history-- How it worked and why Michigan figured in so prominently. Mr.
Eicher is founder of Program Source International, a Bloomfield Hills
video production company that specializes in historical profiles of small
towns around Michigan. There will be a brief video presentation
accompanying Mr. Eicher's address. |
