From 1850 to 1930 America witnessed a unique emigration and resettlement of at least 200;000 children and several thousand adults; primarily from the East Coast to the West. This 'placing out;' an attempt to find homes for the urban poor; was best known by the 'orphan trains' that carried the children. Holt carefully analyzes the system; initially instituted by the New York Children's Aid Society in 1853; tracking its imitators as well as the reasons for its creation and demise. She captures the children's perspective with the judicious use of oral histories; institutional records; and newspaper accounts. This well-written volume sheds new light on the multifaceted experience of children's immigration; changing concepts of welfare; and Western expansion. It is good; scholarly social history. - "Library Journal". "Soon there will be no memories of the 'little companies;' as they were called; of children setting out with an adult leader for a new life. This little book is kind of a preservation movement; and a contribution to our understanding of how the West was won." - David Shribman; "Wall Street Journal". "As a portrait of the time's charitable networks; "The Orphan Trains" succeeds...[Holt's] work brings to light a meaningful concept: the idea that charity; then and now; is sometimes tinged with greed; indifference; hostility; self-promotion and is an institution that can serve the giver more than the receiver." - David James Rose; "Washington Times". Marilyn Irvin Holt; former director of publications at the Kansas State Historical Society; is a freelance editor; writer; and researcher and teaches historical editing at the University of Kansas.
#252722 in Books Hyperion EA 2010-02-22Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 7.50 x .66 x 5.00l; .70 #File Name: 0802864953256 pages
Review
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. Emotional; personal and compelling account by the step sister of Anne FrankBy JeansJetsCompelling story of a young girl who witnesses the indescribable and yet has the fortitude to maintain her integrity and love for others. The author tells of an episode that took place upon liberation where Russian soldiers mercilessly beat a Nazi and she then attempts to stop them! Eva's story is raw; personal; moving and incredibly inspirational.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Excellent book I loved itBy StephExcellent book I loved it. Was fun to read about Eva Schloss and her experience coming from a survivor of the holocaust. I recommend!0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Haunting true storyBy DianeI was able to meet Eva Schloss after I read this book when it was first published. It haunted me and I was privileged to get to know Eva on trips that she made to Michigan. The whole experience made this book very special to me. In times like these we can not give up hope and we need to learn from our history.
