Plains Bound: Fragile Cargo

Revealing Orphan Train Reality

by Charlotte M. Endorf, illustration by Sarah M. Endorf

 

Book Details

Travel through History with Orphan Train Riders

Many poor immigrants coming to America in the late 19th and early 20th centuries left poverty and oppression only to discover that conditions were not much better in the new world Orphanages could not hold all the homeless children. Beginning in 1854, charitable organizations in New York City began sending orphans on trains to the west to find new families. As the train made its stops the children were lined up on courthouse lawns to be examined by prospective families. In a series of interviews with orphan train riders and their descendants Charlotte Endorf shares their touching stories. The last generation of Orphan Train riders is still living in towns across the United States. This book was written so that this very important segment of American History would not be lost.

 

About the Author

Charlotte M. Endorf, illustration by Sarah M. Endorf

In July 2005 Charlotte M. Endorf and her 15-year-old daughter, Sarah, co-authored a motivational book entitled After the Rain, Oh the Beautiful Rainbow! The author inspires and educates audiences with her professional talks designed to complement each book. See www.orphantrainriders.com for more information on her orphan train talks under "Information Requests and then click on Tellers of the Story"! A member of Toastmasters International for over a decade, she has worked her way to the top coveted award of "Distinguished Toastmaster" twice! She has given dozens of speeches at her club, to civic groups, and has participated in many speech competitions. In 2003, she earned the award of "Toastmaster of the Decade" for the District. Charlotte has a love for children and marvels at watching their eyes light up as they discover how exciting American History lessons can be by listening to her talks.

Also by Charlotte M. Endorf, illustration by Sarah M. Endorf

After the Rain, Oh the Beautiful Rainbow!
By Train They Came
By Train They Came
Unsung Neighbors
They Call Me Teddy
Trains of Promise
My Wooden Spoon
Bless Your Hearts
 

Multi-Media

Press the play () button to listen to the author's audio file