TALES of the ORPHAN TRAIN RIDERS
Synopsis
The time is 1853, and the cities of the east coast—New York, Boston, Philadelphia and others—were teeming with children—poor children living in foundling homes and urchins wandering the streets—orphans and runaways, some abandoned by parents who had no way of caring for them and some choosing the street over abusive homes. This is the story of how they survived, how they were rescued and the journey that took them west—on the Orphan Trains. (Children Of The Rail) We are introduced to some of the children that live on the streets—(Street Life) Savannah, Fidget, Hattie, Irma, Klink and Montana. (My Name Is Jimmy Brown–Street Song) Savannah tells her story. (Stranger in the City) Charles Loring Brace a young minister is horrified by what he has seen on the streets and decides that he must do something. (Who Will Care) He arranges for trains to carry these children to states out west where they can find homes with families that want them and will care for them. The street urchins decide to take the chance. (I Hear There's A Train) Savannah and Montana get ready for the journey. (Get Ready) One poor mother, knowing that this might be the only chance for her child, leaves the sleeping urchin at the Children's Aid Office. (Sleep My Child)
The journey begins (I Hear There's A Train—rep) and the children head out, seeing sights they had never seen before; cows in the fields and apples on trees. When the train is heard coming down the tracks, the towns people get excited for the arrival. (Ring The Bell) The children are brought into the church where everyone can get a good look at them and have a chance to talk with each of them. (Observation Dance) One by one, the children are selected and head off with their new families. Some go well and others don't. (Take Root And It Will Grow) One of the younger children goes to school with his/her new brothers and sisters. (Mary, Mary)
Noah, the young boy left by his mother at the Children's Aid Office, tries to make sense of what happened. His new caretaker tries to explain what love can do. (How Deep Is The Ocean) Montana runs away to catch the train to see what is further down the track, and returns to his new family to give it a try. The finale brings it full circle, with the children turning into adults and telling their stories—some painful and some joyous—but all true stories from the Children Of The Rail.