The Dollop with Dave Anthony and Gareth Reynolds 197 - The Orphans of New York City
Aug 8, 2016
The podcast dives into the plight of orphans in mid-1800s New York City. It explores the unsanitary conditions of Five Points, highlighting how many children became homeless due to industrial changes and immigrant influx. The discussion touches on the rise of juvenile crime and the harsh realities street kids faced. A significant focus is on Charles Loring Brace’s efforts to rescue children through the Children’s Aid Society, culminating in the controversial orphan trains that transported kids to new homes across America. The legacy of this system and its modern implications are also examined.
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Industrial Change Destroyed Youth Career Paths
- Apprenticeships declined as factories replaced skilled craftsmen, removing paths for youth to learn trades.
- That economic shift helped push children into street economies and criminal networks.
Brace's Mission Sparked By Five Points Work
- Charles Loring Brace volunteered in Five Points and wrote for the New York Times about street children.
- His exposure convinced him the best rescue was placing children into family settings, inspiring his later work.
Origin Of The Orphan Train Program
- Brace founded the Children's Aid Society and launched the orphan train idea after seeing European foster systems.
- The first orphan train left New York on September 28, 1854, carrying 46 children to the Midwest.
