This text was obtained via automated optical character recognition.
It has not been edited and may therefore contain several errors.

---

Orphan Train Heritage Society
Natalie Hanson Rode To Chicago
The following information has been excerpted from the correspondence OTHSA has received from Natalie Perrino. Natalie’s home, presently, is Michigan. She has agreed to share her story.
“I was bom at the New York Foundling Hospital and one of about 20 more that were brought to Chicago. I understand I came from the New York orphanage. My adoption papers state my mother left me at the foundling hospital and never made any inquiries. I was baptized Catholic and remain very devout in my religion.
“The only thing I know is my mother’s name was Edith Hanson and she was 21 when I was born. She would be over 95 if still living. She
ORPHAN STORY
came from Connecticut. I don’t know where in Connecticut. My father’s name was Joseph Crowe, also from Conn. I have this information from when I inquired about a birth certificate a few years ago and learned of his name. He was 28 at the time of my birth. I was my mother’s first child.
“I don’t remember the train-ride; I was only 18 months old, but my mother told me she wanted a dark haired, dark-eyed child. I was the direct opposite with red hair and green eyes and fair skin. My mother said the child she was to have taken, the one with the corresponding number, would not leave the nun’s side. A policeman happened to walk by and pick me up, and I looked over at my mother and [said] ‘ma-ma’. That was it for my mother, she knew she’d made the right choice when she picked me.
“My foster parents were German-Poles. I assume I’m Swedish and English. I was adopted by Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Murzyn. They separated when I was nine years old, and when I married in 1936, my mother lived with me until she passed away February 14,1976 at age 92. She was a wonderful mother to me and a wonderful grandmother to my four children. She had always been there for me. She never remarried.
“I know that somewhere I have half brothers or sisters whom I’d like to know. Hopefully, some relative can be found.”
Natalie Perrino, 1987, at Southwestern Michigan Museum.
First Annual OTHSA Reunion
A “pre-reunion” trip to Eureka Springs, Arkansas, began at noon on Friday, October 7th, with those registering for the trip boarding two rented vans driven by Leroy and Ben Johnson. An hour-long drive through the Ozarks gave passengers a chance to become better acquainted.
Highlights of Saturday’s Reunion began with Phil Sutton’s welcome followed by panel discus sions among the 19 Orphan Train Riders present, who in groups of four or five told about their lives.
Ken Woodward surprised Mary Ellen Johnson, executive director of OTHSA, with the gift of his painting “A New Start.” Mary Anna Jones’ painting “Orphan Train Revisited” was unveiled after lunch. (See photos in this issue.)
A cake decorated with the OTHSA logo served some 130 people during the afternoon break.
A camera copy-stand was set up for copying old photos brought to the reunion to share. A group photo of the 19 Riders attending was taken by Phil Sutton.
The day was rounded out by a visit to Shiloh Museum in Springdale where an Orphan Train exhibit was displayed.
Sunday’s “post-reunion” day began after church with a cook-in at the Johnson Community Building. Chef L’Roy prepared his hamburgers over the grill set up on the lawn as Sherrie Curry toted them inside to the waiting hungry diners.
Lingering goodbyes, hugs and promises of returning in 1989 dosed a memorable weekend of fellowship among a very special group of people sharing a common bond. All were gathered because an Orphan Train touched their lives and hearts.
10