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Robert Noonan, click here
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This is the third of four letters written by orphan train riders that I will be submitting. No homeless child knew in advance what kind of life they would find out West. Most children found permanent homes, while others bounced around to different homes doing menial work. The children, who were able, could be on their own once they reached the age of eighteen.
The girl who wrote this letter seemed to have a difficult time fitting in. Was she incompetent, or did she feel inferior because of constant browbeating?
The fourth and final letter will be posted next Wednesday. Again, these letters were as the children wrote them.
April 3, 1878
Mr. Tracy
I received your kind letter almost a week ago but have neglected to answer it until now. I have not lived at Mollars for two years. I was not satisfied and they were not satisfied with me. I have live(ed) only three places since I left. Where I am living now I have been a year and went to school last winter and worked for my board and home.
Started this Spring on the same condition. I am living with a couple of old people. The woman is partially blind and most of the work is dependant on me. But I can't suit her. I have tried my best. I will never suit any one. I am eighteen and when any one eighteen is told they are so careless they worry them to death I think they are almost worthless and that is just what I am. I am entirely discouraged and only wish I had parents as relations where I had some rights to stay bother or no bother. I wish you would tell me where I was found when I was taken to the home. I do want to know my history so bad. I have no one here who cares whether I live or die.
I feel so bad I can't write, so please excuse this nonsense. I have written very poor. Your writing is commented on a great deal by everyone who has seen it. It is so pretty. Please answer soon and oblige one in trouble.
Ellen
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Orphan Train Trilogy
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"Orphan Train: Letter-3" |
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| Reviewed by Charlie |
8/7/2008 |
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This one breaks my heart. My sister adopted 7 children from Haiti-- that wasn't the original plan. But when a little black-eyed orphan looks up into your eyes and says, "Please, Ma'm. I'll do all your ironing if you just take me in... ...I'll sweep all your floors..." well, your heart just melts, and you bring them in under your wing.
It also reminds me a bit of Anne --before Green Gables. Heart-rending. --Charlie |
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| Reviewed by Glenda Bixler |
7/17/2008 |
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| This is such a sad letter! This certainly shows that not all of this was a good thing, which even today is true. However, when they took the children so far away from what they knew, there was no way to get "back home." Makes me wonder if that is what the good Reverend wanted...or that he didn't think about the possible negative ramifications. I hope there was some followup to help this one! |
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