Retired teachers learn of Orphan Train in Texas
The retired teachers stepped back in time today with a presentation from Gail Garmon, who is a former teacher from Travis Primary and Early Childhood Learning Center (ECLC) who now lives in Miller Grove.
Mrs. Garmon, stepped into the shoes of Marietta Bass, and told of her travels and experience with the orphan train movement, which she worked with from 1918-1929.
Mrs. Bass was the Southwestern field agent for the Children’s Aide Society, whose goal it was “to provide homes for children living in overcrowded and understaffed orphanages in New York.” The first orphan train ran in 1854 with 47 boys on board to Michigan.
The orphan train started in New York and brought orphans all across the Midwest to new homes where they were placed. “Many regarded the children as hired hands who they don’t pay. Some were removed and placed in better homes.”
Over the time of the orphan train from 1854-1929 it is estimated the 150,000 – 200,000 children were placed in homes across the United States. Of those number around 1500-3000 were placed in Texas.
The last ride for Mrs. Bass in 1929 brought 4 children to Sulphur Springs. One girl, who ended up being placed into a loving home and staying in the area to live and raise her family, and 3 boys who grew up in the surrounding area with families willing to adopt or care for another child. The boys had a different experience and almost all moved back to New York.
In 1929 the Orphan Train movement ended for multiple reason, states passed laws to prevent out of state placement, the Children’s Aide Society created of a foster home, the Great Depression, and the cost to transfer children are just to name a few.
Mrs. Bass did not stop working for the Society once the train stopped. She continued to help check in on the placements she made and to ensure the wellbeing of the children, until her death in 1933.
There are multiple books about the Orphan Train and firsthand experiences of a few of the children who rode the train that can be checked out from the library. Other information can be found in the Hopkins County Genealogical Society library.
