Orphan Train Tragedy

by Rachel Wesson

  “Papa, you didn’t tell us. Can we go for a ride now?” Laurie hopped from one foot to the other with excitement. Teddy just stared at his father.

  “Come on, everyone pile in. Kathleen, you too if you want to risk it. Tie your hat onto your head with a scarf or the wind will blow your hair into your eyes.”

  Lily and Kathleen grabbed their hats and scarves and sat in the back along with the boys. Grace, Evie and their baby sister stayed behind with Cook. Lily couldn’t blame them. She liked to think little scared her, but these machines did. She much preferred a horse and carriage, but she knew automobiles were the way of the future. In time, Charlie would insist she try out the new subway to travel from one side of New York to the other. She shivered, thinking nothing could be worse than voluntarily going underground to sit on a train and traveling so far beneath the earth’s surface. She couldn’t bear to think of the human cost of making the subway. Less than two years ago, the New York Central Railroad cave in had cost fifteen men their lives and injured dozens of others. The sanctuary had helped where it could by taking in the children until the men recovered and providing food baskets, clothes and medications to the families in need.

  The tragedy had particularly affected Charlie. His bosses were still trying to seek compensation for those affected. Her husband had rescued one of his bosses from a train back in the Great Blizzard of 1888. As if reading her mind, Charlie glanced behind him.

  “Lily take that look off your face. It’s safe. I’ve had lessons.”

  She couldn’t believe her husband had turned to look at her. “Stop looking at me and keep your eyes on the road.”

  Kathleen grasped her hand and Lily kept it close, telling herself she was protecting her friend and not the other way around.

  Laurie pointed out various sites to them. “Mother, that’s the tallest skyscraper at the moment but not for long. According to the newspapers, they will build another one soon with a hundred floors. Maybe even two hundred.”

  Lily didn’t look up as it made her dizzy. Instead, she looked around her as they moved through the streets. New York was changing so quickly and not just because they had finally brought all the little villages under one name. People were making money in this new age of construction. Unfortunately, the gap between those making money and those who lived in constant fear of becoming homeless was only getting wider. She closed her eyes firmly to get rid of the morbid thoughts. She would deal with those issues on Monday when she went to work at the sanctuary. This weekend was all about her family.

  “Go faster, Charlie.”

  “Yes, ma’am,” he replied, touching his cap and making the boys laugh. They drove to a soda fountain shop where they all indulged in cream sodas. Then it was off to have a drive along the river. In the distance they saw the various steamboats making their way up and down the river.

  “That reminds me darling,” Charlie said. “We have an invitation to cruise up the East River. One of our new partners, a German Jewish lawyer by the name of Cohen, invited us. You could make some useful contacts for the sanctuary. You should join us Kathleen, Richard and Patrick too if they are free.”

  “What’s the occasion?” Lily asked. They didn’t normally get invited to lawyer functions. Not the whole family. Charlie glanced at her.

  “St. Mark’s Lutheran church has an annual celebration. This year they have hired a steamboat called the General Slocum.”

  “After the hero of Gettysburg and Georgia?” a little voice piped up.

  “Yes, Laurie, well done. See studying pays off, Teddy.”

  Teddy didn’t reply. Lily hastened to change the subject. She didn’t want Charlie and Teddy falling out today. Not on Teddy's birthday. Nora, Charlie's sister, had told her Charlie had no interest in books when he was younger, yet he was adamant his children would get a decent education to secure their future. Poor Teddy couldn’t be less interested in books if he tried, while Laurie would read through the whole day and into the night if he was allowed.

  “The reverend would like to invite some of the orphans going on the next orphan train. He said it would give them something to remember New York. I agree, but I said I would have to give you the final say.”

  Lily acknowledged her husband’s remark with a smile. She knew Charlie was a good man when she married him, but she had never imagined how much he would support her with the sanctuary. He never interfered and only offered his opinion when asked. He regularly told her how proud he was of what she and the others had achieved. And he didn’t just tell her. The partners in the law firm had become donors to the sanctuary because of Charlie praising her efforts.

  Chapter 7

  They drove along the river and then back to their home. Once there, the rest of their friends had arrived for the twin’s birthday party. Lily greeted Mini Mike and Tommy with affection but couldn’t bring herself to do anything but smile at Granny Belbin. If she had a moment, she would tell the old lady what she could do with her tea leaves.

  Inspector Griffin arrived without his wife. Lily wasn’t surprised, she had only once met the woman and got the impression she didn’t enjoy being in public. The inspector didn’t seem to mind though, he was surrounded by friends and almost part of the family. Richard was waiting for them with Patrick.

  “Wow, that’s some car, can I drive it?” Patrick asked.

  “Maybe wait until you are older, son,” Richard told him. “Let Charlie get used to his new motor. Once it is less shiny and new looking, he might be more open to lending it out.”

  Patrick looked glum but when Charlie promised to take him for a drive around the block, his mood brightened. Before Lily could stop them, the men disappeared, leaving her with two fed up looking ten-year-olds. Teddy’s lip jutted out, his eyes sparkling.

  “It’s our party. Why does Papa have to be the center of attention?”

  “Teddy, I don’t think it's your papa as much as his new toy. Come on inside and see your presents. I think you’ve waited long enough.” Lily led the boys into the house, the rest of the guests following in their wake.

  Teddy was overjoyed with his baseball bat, ball and cap. He was so excited that at first, he missed the tickets Richard and Kathleen had hidden inside the glove.

  “Richard will take you, Laurie and Patrick to the game next weekend if you like.”

  “Thanks Aunty Kathleen. Look Laurie.”

  But Laurie was caught up in his own presents. Richard had bought him several books on different scientific subjects. But it was the newspaper Richard had included that grabbed his full attention. He was sprawled across the floor, one of the papers open on the floor as he read through it.

  “Richard, you’re the best. I can’t wait to fly. Do you think if I wrote to the Wright brothers, they would let me up on the plane?”

  Richard didn’t have a chance to respond as Lily took over.

  “I hope not Laurie. Some things are too dangerous for children.”

  Granny Belbin spoke up. “Never mind children, if God wanted us to fly, he would have given us wings.”

  For once Lily agreed with the old woman, not that she was about to admit it. She saw the look of disappointment on her son's face. She didn’t have it in her to destroy his hopes and dreams. “Maybe when you are a little older, Laurie, and they have done more tests. You have plenty of time yet. Who knows what the next year will bring, never mind ten years?”

  Granny Belbin gave her a significant look, but Lily ignored the old woman. She could keep her prophesies for disaster to herself. Thankfully, just at that moment, her husband and his friends arrived back to announce they were starving.

  “Cook has outdone herself once more. Come and get it while it is hot. There is plenty.” Lily moved around her friends to make sure everyone had a plate. When she got to inspector Griffin, she told him Cook had a basket prepared for his wife.

  “That’s so good of you Miss Lily. I wish she would come to your house, but she won’t leave our home now. She is convinced the boys might find t
heir way back home when we are out of the house. She can’t accept they are long gone.”

  Lily rubbed his shoulder sympathetically. After the meal, Granny Belbin wanted to go home. Lily didn’t try to persuade her to stay. She was sick of the woman giving her funny looks all evening but Lily wasn’t prepared to ask Granny if she had seen something horrible in the future. Lily didn’t believe in that rubbish. Mike and Tommy left with Granny, they would make sure the old lady got home safe and sound. Lily gave Tommy five dollars to buy some coal and food for Granny. The woman may not be in her good books but she was a part of Lily’s community and they looked after their own.

  Chapter 8

  Richard stood up after the meal and tapped his spoon on his glass to gather everyone’s attention.

  “Thank you for hosting this gathering, Lily. Happy birthday to both Teddy and Laurie. Becoming ten years old is quite a big occasion, at least Kathleen and I think so. It should be marked accordingly. So, we would like to take the boys to Coney Island. There is a new adventure park open, it is big and scary enough to intrigue both boys. So, what do you think?”

  Teddy jumped off his seat. “Please Mom, can we go? I want to see the fire exhibits. Laurie wants to see how the planets work. Can we, please?”

  Lily glanced at Father Nelson. She wasn’t sure how to react. Coney Island had a deservedly bad reputation during the last years of the 19th century, but most people believed that the governor had made great strides in cleaning it up. Still, she didn’t want to cause any offense. Particularly when she and Father Nelson worked so closely on the sanctuary and orphan trains.

  “I feel rather left out,” Father Nelson surprised her by saying. “I would love to see the park too. Is there room for an old man?”

  Lily stared at the priest who winked back at her.

  “Father, we would love to have you. In fact, why don’t we make it a sanctuary outing for next Friday? Perhaps we can close the sanctuary for the day.” Richard glanced at Lily. “Well, maybe not close it fully, but leave someone in charge in case the sanctuary’s services are needed. But the rest of us can all go. My treat.”

  Charlie protested. “Richard you can’t bring everyone.”

  “I absolutely can. I have so much to be grateful for, most of all my wife Kathleen and son Patrick, neither of whom I would have met but for the sanctuary. Your friendship, all of you who supported us through everything. This is the least I can do. So, when shall we go? Lily, are the girls allowed to come with us?”

  Lily glanced at her daughters. Neither seemed interested, Evie looked scared.

  “Coleen is too young. Grace can go if she wants but Evie may prefer to stay home and help me watch Colleen.” The look of relief on Evie’s face told her she’d done the right thing.

  “Oh no, Mom you have to go,” Teddy insisted. “Leave Evie and Coleen with Cook.”

  “Theodore Doherty, that is not nice. Cook may want to come too.”

  “Oh no Miss Lily, you go right ahead. I’ve no time for that Coney Island business. I know what they says about that place and it’s not fit for…” Cook trailed off as if realizing her next words could offend those present.

  “Cook, if you are sure you don’t mind. I’d love to go. Charlie and I had some dealings on the waterfront there years ago. It would be nice to see what has changed.”

  “You can tell us, Lily. I better not go, the Bishop might hear of my trip. Inspector, are you going?”

  “No Father Nelson, I won’t be going.”

  The children jumped up and down in excitement. Sarah, a girl from the sanctuary who helped her when the twins and Grace were babies, stood up. “Come on children, it’s bedtime. Who will be first changed and washed up? You get to pick the story.”

  The boys muttered about it being babyish, but it didn’t stop them racing out the door. Soon it was just the adults remaining. Lily suggested they adjourn to the sitting room where it was more comfortable. Cook stayed behind to clear up.

  “Cook, come sit with us,” Lily implored her. “We can clear away in the morning.”

  “Oh, no Miss Lily. You go ahead. I prefer to get my kitchen tip top before I go to bed. Off you go now, you are getting under my feet.”

  Lily didn’t argue. Despite it being her house, the kitchen had and always would belong to Cook.

  Chapter 9

  As the adults made themselves comfortable, Lily coughed to attract their attention.

  “While you are all here, I think it’s a good idea to discuss our plans for the next orphan train. We have one hundred and twenty orphans ready to move. The first train of twenty will leave next week for Riverside Springs.”

  Father Nelson spoke first, “But where are we going to send the rest of them? Since the law changed in Missouri and other states, we can’t afford to send that many at once. We have to ensure they won’t be a burden on the state. That requires levels of funding we have yet to master.”

  Lily felt Father Nelson’s frustration. Why did every decision come down to a lack of funds? “Riverside Springs can take five now. In time they will take more. Bridget and Carl have been working hard, spreading news around the local neighborhoods. The local people have helped a lot in building the orphanage.”

  Inspector Griffin sat forward. “The police fundraiser went well. We raised about twenty-five dollars. I thought we would send that to Bridget to help her with the orphanage?”

  Lily wanted to hug the Inspector, but Father Nelson spoke first.

  “Congratulations on your efforts, Inspector, but I’m afraid of attracting bad press coverage if we move children from New York into orphanages. People want these kids to go to real homes.”

  Lily couldn’t bite her tongue. “Those same people who refuse to give money to our fundraisers and would never welcome a child under their roof. They have a lot to say when they don’t suffer hardship.”

  “True, Lily, but it’s always been that way. Some things will never change. We just have to find a way around them. Now, if we were to maintain that Bridget’s orphanage was a placing out home, i.e. one that would only house the children for a limited time until suitable homes were found for them, that might work.”

  “Father Nelson, are you suggesting we lie to your parishioners?” Lily pretended to be shocked.

  “It’s not a lie, my dear Lily. Our aim in time is for every orphan to find a suitable home. But for some, it may take a considerable amount of time. That time is best spent in the open fresh air of Riverside Springs rather than in the filthy disease-ridden tenements of our city.”

  Lily and Kathleen exchanged a grin. It wouldn’t be the first-time Father Nelson had used fancy words to get around his wealthier parishioners’ issues. But neither she nor Kathleen cared what it took for the rich to open their wallets.

  The priest looked grave.

  “What’s wrong, Father Nelson?” Lily asked. “You have that look on your face.”

  “What look? Oh, never mind. I might as well tell you. We are very short staffed. I may have to delay sending the next group of orphans.” Lily stared at him. The priest held up his hands. “I know we agreed next week but then Lucas Reynolds ended up in the hospital and will take a few weeks to recover. May Darcy is in Chicago and the men Lucas was training up are busy checking up on orphans placed over the last twelve months. We need more people, but few want to volunteer to escort groups of children for miles across the country.”

  Kathleen spoke up. “I will go with the next group of orphans. I miss Bridget and the others so much. Richard is busy at work, Patrick doesn’t need me around all the time and Lily can handle the sanctuary with the help of other staff. It makes sense for me to go.”

  Richard turned to Kathleen. “Are you sure, darling? It’s a very emotional experience.”

  “I’ll be fine. I need to see my sister.”

  Father Nelson folded his arms. “Thank you, Kathleen. I am sure Jane will go with you, if we can tear her away from Gregory.”

  “Ah young love. Isn’t Gregory
the first man Jane has walked out with?” Lily asked.

  “Yes, I believe so. Still he is a nice boy from a good family. I know his mother.” Father Nelson sipped his tea.

  “Jane doesn’t need to come with me. If it’s a small group. I can manage on my own.”

  “Kathleen, I know you are capable, but it is better if there are two of you,” Lily said. She wished she could go with Kathleen but that was impossible. “It’s a lot to take on. If Jane doesn’t wish to go, maybe Richard could go with you?”

  “I would love to, but I am busy at the hospital. What about Patrick?” Richard suggested.

  “Our son is studying for his exams. I will be fine. Jane won’t let us down. And I am sure there will be a couple of older children who can help with the younger ones. We can make sure to travel when George is working as conductor. He will help us. He is such a kind man.”

  Father Nelson nodded, a broad smile on his face.

  “Kathleen, thank you. Lily, can you organize one of cook’s baskets for George. Not that he needs to be bribed into helping us, but I know he appreciates her fine cooking.”

  Everyone smiled at Father Nelson. George wasn’t the only man who liked Cook’s baking.

  “Are you sure, you won’t come with us to Coney Island? I bought a couple of extra tickets for the train.” Charlie focused his gaze on Father Nelson. The priest smiled but shook his head.

  “Sorry Charlie but I think some of my parishioners would report me to the Bishop. I can’t risk getting on his wrong side, he isn’t too keen on me at the moment.”

  Lily couldn’t believe it. Why would the Bishop have an issue with Father Nelson? The man went out of his way to help as many as he could. Before she could ask, Kathleen beat her to it.

  “What have you done to upset the Bishop, Father Nelson?”

  “What I have not done, Kathleen, would be the better question. The recent press coverage of the Orphan Trains has caused the Bishop some issues. He says he is fending off more charges of the Catholic Church condoning slavery.”