2008 National Orphan Train Celebration
Concordia, Kansas
The 2008 National Orphan Train Celebration was held in Concordia, Kansas September
19-20.  The festivities were kicked off with a tour of the Meridian Way Wind Farm located
just outside of Concordia.  After an inside picnic lunch, attendees were welcomed by NOTC
President Susan Sutton, Concordia City Mayor Dr. Greg Hattan, and Kansas State
Representative Elaine Bowers.  
Next, the audience was treated to a panel
discussion with Orphan Train Rider Anne
Harrison and Orphan Train Rider
Descendants.  Moderated by Judy Hill,
each participant shared his or her
memories and stories of the Orphan
Trains.  
NOTC President, Susan Sutton
Discussion Panel - Leland Hill, Anne Harrison, Shirley Andrews,
Marjorie Roush, Margaret Webb, & Francis Shippers
Following this was a tree dedication for Orphan Train
Descendant and NOTC board member Darrell Dowell, who
passed away in 2005.  Three trees have been planted at the
Complex site in honor of his hard work and dedication to
preserve the history of the Orphan Trains and create a
museum and research center in Concordia.  Board members, family, and friends each shared a memory of
Darrell and helped the tree take root by watering it with a ceremonial watering can.
Francis Shippers & Linda Houser @
tree dedication
Next on the schedule were various optional activities, including tours of the
Orphan Train Museum, the Brown Grand Theatre, the Cloud County
Historical Museum, and the Nazareth Motherhouse Convent.  

To end the day's festivities, there was a Fred Harvey Dinner served by
"Fred Harvey Girls" in period uniforms.  Following the dinner was a
presentation by Dr. Bill Worley titled "Fred Harvey: Railroad Restaurant
Entrepreneur".  Dr. Worley dressed as Fred Harvey himself and
addressed the crowd as if they were a group of new recruits, training to
work in a Harvey restaurant.  
Dr. Bill Worley as Fred Harvey
Saturday morning two more Orphan Train Riders arrived to share
their stories with the attendees during a morning social hour.  
Following this the "Harvey Girls" movie, staring Judy Garland, was
shown at Cloud County Community College.

In the afternoon, the Orphan Train Museum was open for tours.  
NOTC Curator, Stephanie Haiar presented a program of "Getting in
Touch with your Orphan Train Relative", a workshop on genealogy
research.  Next was a presentation by author Charlotte Endorf from
Nebraska on a project she has been working on with Orphan Train
Rider Lela Newcombe called "Pay It Forward".
Orphan Train Riders Lois Gillett, Lela Newcombe &
Anne Harrison
That evening the first Friends of NOTC reception was held at the Orphan Train
Museum.  Refreshments were served to current members and all those who were
interested in joining the Friends of NOTC organization.  

Immediately following the reception was the President's Award Banquet and
Silent Auction.  Awards were presented that evening to Brenton Phillips,
Volunteer of the Year Award; Shirley Andrews and MItzi Linsenbardt, Sister Irene
Fitzgibbons Award; Vic Remer, Charles Loring Brace Award; Bruce Ayler,
Volunteer Lifetime Award; Nick Jones, Special Recognition Award; and Linda
Houser, President's Award.  Each one of these individuals has contributed
significantly to preserving the history of the Orphan Trains and aiding the
National Orphan Train Complex in its mission.
Brenton Phillips & Ledona Dowell
The 2008 Celebration was a huge success with
attendees from all over the United States and our
Friends of NOTC Reception
local community.  We would like to thank everyone who helped make this year's
event possible and we look forward to seeing everyone again next year.
Shirley Andrews, Mitzi Linsenbardt &
Stephanie Haiar
Susan Sutton & Linda Houser
NOTE: All photographs taken by
Jessica LeDuc.