Nancy Marie Payne, Storyteller: Orphan Trains Stories

The 1800's were a time of increased immigration, overpopulation in the cities and abandoned children. Each of these stories tell of the adventures of New York City children, victims of their era, who took a hand in their own destinies.

How I Came to Dowagiac

In 1854 ten year old Elsie Dowdel finds herself living on the streets of New York City. She and an orphan girl who helped her, are taken in by the Children's Aid Society. Their adventures continue as they travel by boat to Albany and by train across the state to, hopefully, find a new life.

(See book top left)

The O'Shawnesseys and Their Trains

Five immigrant children, separated by tragedy, find their lives changed by trains. The story is told by the girls and introduces the listener to life in the 1880's and 1890's.

Suitable for all audiences and flexible in length.

Orphan Train Story Now in Book Form and on CD

In 1854, the first group of orphans left New York City to be placed with families in the Mid West. This practice, started at the Children's Aid Society, was adopted by other orphanages and continued for 75 years. The story is a fictional account of that trip, as told by one of the children. The book is written for middle grade students, but will appeal to anyone interested in this little know piece of our history.

Book $10.00 plus $2.00 shipping and handling, address below. May also be purchased directly from the printer: http://tbmbooks.corecommerce.com

CD $12.00 + $2.00 shipping & handling, address below

"While the story has some sad elements, the overall tone is one of hope and determination. Payne paints a believable picture of the time in history, plus the behaviors, expectations and experiences a child on the Orphan Train may have had. Thanks for opening this chapter of history to me, Nancy!"
Cathy Bolling, Craig, Alaska

"With the skill of a professional storyteller, Nancy tells this story with the written word as a young girl might keep a personal journal. We are transported to another era. One of struggling, amid unexpected crises, meager resources and uncertain futures. One shaped by a cast of colorful characters. A piece of history worth reading by any adult and to any child."
Dahl Quarray, children's book writer

"Nancy Marie Payne brings to life an important, yet little known part of our history. Elsie’s story is a beautifully crafted journey of the heart, celebrating a young girl’s indomitable spirit and triumph over loss; a book to treasure."
Dee and Frank Wind, Professional Storytellers

CD for Families

Ten modern fables

Listen to the voices of the animals, who can be silly, or selfish, wise or profound, but who all have a story to share.

$12.00 plus $2.00 shipping and handling, address below.

Suitable for all ages.

For more information on the book these fables came from, and their author, Norman Cohen, visit: Fablesbyjambbal.com

"Your telling of my fables adds definite and dramatic value to the words. Your improvisational skills remind me of the great jazz musicians who elevate music from the flat page into heights well beyond the written melody. I am rekindled each time you tell one of my fables and I thank you for the inspiration."

Noman Cohen, aka jambbal

Bio

With over 40 years teaching experience and over 12 years as a professional storyteller, Nancy Marie Payne specializes in researching and creating commissioned historical pieces. She also enjoys sharing stories from life, fairy tales, stories of strong women, legends and humorous stories.

Nancy has performed and led workshops in schools, libraries, historical societies, museums and storytelling and writing conferences including Albany's First Night, Story Sundays at the Glen Sanders Mansion, Word Plays at Proctors, the Clearwater Festival, and Underground Railroad conferences. Here is a newspaper article about one of her performances. She has been involved in both the production and performance sides of Riverway Storytelling Festival and Tellabrations, yearly venues for storytellers in Albany, NY.

Nancy is a member of the League for Advancement of New England Storytellers (LANES), Story Circle of the Capital District, and the Interfaith Story Circle of the Tri-City Area. She is listed with BOCES Arts and Enrichment.

Contact

Please feel free to contact Nancy:
(518) 505-0619
NMPMountainTop@juno.com

Reviews

"Thank you, Thank you, Thank you, Thank you, Thank you for coming in and telling about the Orphan Train. I like your story better than the book."
Student
Boy's Academy

"Nancy Marie Payne charms her audiences with her love of stories and wows them with her storytelling skills. In her historical stories, she transports her listeners into the past where they learn much about the era and its people. She is at times playful, at others thoughtful, but always full of energy and delight. Don't miss a chance to hear Nancy tell!"
Kate Dudding, Producer
Word Plays at Proctors

"What you do in terms of content... memory use, voice inflection, eye contact, fluency and oral communication are GREAT! These are skill we work on in my classroom."
M.E. Stewart, Teacher
Berne, Knox, Westerlo 5th grade

"...(this) program presented a historical theme in a most memorable and entertaining way. Nancy's scholarly research coupled with her acting talents left a positive impression on the many people in attendance."
K. M. Jones, President
Esperance Historical Society and Museum

"The program was entirely involving and the realism of it drew the children along. They and I were captivated."
Teacher
Lynnwood Elementary