Alice Bernard, Louisiana's last known living Orphan Train rider, dies at 98

NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune ^ | 1/19/15 | Benjamin Alexander-Bloch

[Harmless Teddy Bear]

Before the age of three? You can't get a three year old to pick up his toys, much less dust the statues.

Obviously they were given duties that fit their ages but even babies were taken on as indentured servants. They were "bound" until age 21 but were to be provided with food, clothes, shelter and instruction. There was some payment generally known as a "freedom due" that was paid to them on reaching their majority.

[BBell]

I had not thought about it before But the book “Anne of Green Gables” was about an Orphan train girl.

[BBell]

I don’t know if this is of relevance to you but it is a part of our history I did not know about until now.

[Rainbow Rising]

“Orphan Train” by Christina Baker Kline is a fictional story about an old woman who had several placements in this program.

The author spoke to my book club a couple of years ago. She gave a great presentation. And I second the recommendation: it is a fascinating book.