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| 2008 Nebraska Reunion |
Action began on Friday, April 25, 2008 evening with one-on-one time and relaxation at Wilderness Lodge with
Nebraska author, Charlotte and Sarah Endorf after an afternoon tour of Joslyn Castle in Omaha.
Evening entertainment included constructing a dozen “Scrapbook Type Greeting Cards” to send wishes to the
living Orphan Train riders from Nebraska and surrounding states who couldn’t attend due to age and distance.
All day Saturday attendees, Fremont residents and motel guests enjoyed the Nebraska Model Railroads huge
Vintage Model Railroad Display complete with a Scavenger Hunt. They also enjoyed the Endorf’s Traveling
Museum of posterboards complete with another Scavenger Hunt and unveiling/book signing of brand new By
Train They Came – Volume 2. John and Dale of Columbus entertained with rhythm guitar and pedal steel.
All ages enjoyed a Quilt Show featuring a quilt put together by Fred Swedenburg at age 9 as well as Sarah
Endorf with quilt blocks purchased at the 2007 Nebraska Orphan Train Celebration made by Lois Gillett. The
Orphan Writing Contest and Coloring Contest “Wall of Fame” were big hits with a very hard to judge contest!
Sarah, Kevin, Charlotte and Spencer Endorf entertained the crowd with their “all new” program called Fragile
Excess Baggage. It included a Premier of their new DVD Ordinary Orphan Train Riders Who Became
Extraordinary Friends complete with a fun Orphan Train Trivia Quiz. Professional photos were taken by Michael’
s Photography that included a short history of Lela and Lois making a wonderful keepsake.
LaRue’s Pony Rides offered many happy children pony rides with part of the proceeds going back to the
museum.
Randel Anderson, Illustrator of By Train They Came, Volume 1 and 2 made paper come to life while meeting the
crowd.
Authentic rides aboard the FEVR train took place on both Saturday and Sunday. Nearly 40 excited passengers
enjoyed the ride and stories of the riders and descendants as we rode. Auctions took place each day as well
too with volunteer professional auctioneers.
Keene Memorial Library patrons enjoyed a presentation made up of professional speaker and author, Charlotte
Endorf and her family as well as Orphan Train riders, Lela and Lois. Sherri Raftery of Boston told her story of
being bounced from foster home to foster home. She then explained her success story with the Home for Little
Wanderers and what they are about today.
Marilyn Coffey, author of Mail-Order Kid: An Orphan Train Story read Teresa Finds Her Relatives. Charlotte
Endorf gave a National Orphan Train Complex update using a DVD sent by Stephanie. Three winners were
excited to win door prizes from the Complex entering them into the Complex on their next trip to Kansas.
We shared stories of the North Platte Canteen “A Nebraska Miracle” while sharing our favorite cookies followed
by Orphan Train “4 Corner BINGO”.
Sunday morning began bright and early at 7am with Mass at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church. A candle was lit in
memory of Sylvia Wemhoff who is featured in By Train They Came – Volume 1. A tour of the church was
enjoyed followed by a pancake breakfast sponsored by the Knights of Columbus.
“Memories” – A Tribute to Orphan Train Rider Florence Demuth as remembered by her Columbus friends.
Presentation of Orphan Train plaque honoring living Orphan Train riders, Lela Newcombe and Lois Gillett and
George Panzer of Fremont to the depot to keep this history alive throughout the year.
The next Nebraska Orphan Train Celebration will be a one day museum event at the Madison and Columbus
museums on Saturday, June 6, 2009.
Submitted by Charlotte Endorf
Nebraska author, Charlotte and Sarah Endorf after an afternoon tour of Joslyn Castle in Omaha.
Evening entertainment included constructing a dozen “Scrapbook Type Greeting Cards” to send wishes to the
living Orphan Train riders from Nebraska and surrounding states who couldn’t attend due to age and distance.
All day Saturday attendees, Fremont residents and motel guests enjoyed the Nebraska Model Railroads huge
Vintage Model Railroad Display complete with a Scavenger Hunt. They also enjoyed the Endorf’s Traveling
Museum of posterboards complete with another Scavenger Hunt and unveiling/book signing of brand new By
Train They Came – Volume 2. John and Dale of Columbus entertained with rhythm guitar and pedal steel.
All ages enjoyed a Quilt Show featuring a quilt put together by Fred Swedenburg at age 9 as well as Sarah
Endorf with quilt blocks purchased at the 2007 Nebraska Orphan Train Celebration made by Lois Gillett. The
Orphan Writing Contest and Coloring Contest “Wall of Fame” were big hits with a very hard to judge contest!
Sarah, Kevin, Charlotte and Spencer Endorf entertained the crowd with their “all new” program called Fragile
Excess Baggage. It included a Premier of their new DVD Ordinary Orphan Train Riders Who Became
Extraordinary Friends complete with a fun Orphan Train Trivia Quiz. Professional photos were taken by Michael’
s Photography that included a short history of Lela and Lois making a wonderful keepsake.
LaRue’s Pony Rides offered many happy children pony rides with part of the proceeds going back to the
museum.
Randel Anderson, Illustrator of By Train They Came, Volume 1 and 2 made paper come to life while meeting the
crowd.
Authentic rides aboard the FEVR train took place on both Saturday and Sunday. Nearly 40 excited passengers
enjoyed the ride and stories of the riders and descendants as we rode. Auctions took place each day as well
too with volunteer professional auctioneers.
Keene Memorial Library patrons enjoyed a presentation made up of professional speaker and author, Charlotte
Endorf and her family as well as Orphan Train riders, Lela and Lois. Sherri Raftery of Boston told her story of
being bounced from foster home to foster home. She then explained her success story with the Home for Little
Wanderers and what they are about today.
Marilyn Coffey, author of Mail-Order Kid: An Orphan Train Story read Teresa Finds Her Relatives. Charlotte
Endorf gave a National Orphan Train Complex update using a DVD sent by Stephanie. Three winners were
excited to win door prizes from the Complex entering them into the Complex on their next trip to Kansas.
We shared stories of the North Platte Canteen “A Nebraska Miracle” while sharing our favorite cookies followed
by Orphan Train “4 Corner BINGO”.
Sunday morning began bright and early at 7am with Mass at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church. A candle was lit in
memory of Sylvia Wemhoff who is featured in By Train They Came – Volume 1. A tour of the church was
enjoyed followed by a pancake breakfast sponsored by the Knights of Columbus.
“Memories” – A Tribute to Orphan Train Rider Florence Demuth as remembered by her Columbus friends.
Presentation of Orphan Train plaque honoring living Orphan Train riders, Lela Newcombe and Lois Gillett and
George Panzer of Fremont to the depot to keep this history alive throughout the year.
The next Nebraska Orphan Train Celebration will be a one day museum event at the Madison and Columbus
museums on Saturday, June 6, 2009.
Submitted by Charlotte Endorf
Photos by Michael's Photography, NE