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Westward Ho! All Aboard the Orphan Train

© Meg Greene Malvasi

"The girls had on new dresses, all alike, with white pinafores over them. We boys also had new clothes: knickers that buttoned below the knee, white dress shirts and neckties, and suit coats. I'd never had anything new before. All I'd ever worn was hand-me-downs from my older brothers or used clothes given to the orphanage. All of us felt real special. We wondered if we were going to meet the governor or something. We still had no idea what was actually happening." ---Lee Nailling, Orphan train rider, on waiting for the train

Three times a month they would arrive at the New York City train station. Standing in small groups, up to thirty orphans waited on the train platform to begin their journey west. Some fingered the new clothing they had just received. Others gripped tightly the small suitcases that held the few belongings they owned. Were they frightened? Some no doubt were. Others viewed the trip as an adventure and a new beginning.

Escorted by placing agents (men and women who worked for the Children's Aid Society), the children boarded the train. The agent had few idle moments in the days ahead. Not only did they make sure the children were fed, but helped those who became ill and, in general, made sure the children were as comfortable as possible. To pass the time during the long trip, the placing agent might also teach the children Bible lessons, give tips on good manners, or lead a sing-along to relieve the children's anxiety.

The train journeys lasted between three and four days. The children were not allowed to leave the train at any time unless it was to change to another train or perhaps spend time in the station during layovers. Their meals were simple: sandwiches of jelly or mustard and fruit. Along with a change of clothes, and a good dress outfit, each child's suitcase or box held wash cloths and soap. No toys or books were permitted. Often they spent the night sleeping in their seats.

Upon arrival at their destination, the children changed their clothes and washed their faces. They were then taken to the local meeting hall where townspeople awaited them. As the children marched up on the stage, the placing agent briefly described each one. Then the rules were explained: placements were on a trial basis, the children did not have to be legally adopted, and they were to be treated as members of the family. This not only meant the family was responsible for their education and welfare, but that the child was expected, if necessary, to contribute to the welfare of the household as well.

The copyright of the article Westward Ho! All Aboard the Orphan Train in History For Children is owned by Mary M. Alward. Permission to republish Westward Ho! All Aboard the Orphan Train in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.