BRITISH HOME CHILDREN IN CANADA
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The Children's Trunks & Bibles

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Often, the children in the homes would make these boxes. Some Barnardo boxes were made at the The Barnardo Technical School in England. Most children who immigrated to Canada received a box, others were provided with sacks.

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A girls trunk packed up and ready to go

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Boys at the Waif and Strays Society Home, Caversham, near Reading packing for Canada c1911

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From the 1907 Narrative of Facts - Quarriers in Scotland, Girls boxes en route to Canada

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The 1905 Cecil Bennett Dr. Barnardo Trunk
Cecil was killed in the First World War
Typical size of these trunks: ​12 inches high, 14 inches deep and 27.5 inches wide
This trunk is owned by Home Children Canada

BHC Registry ID #: 87

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An unnamed Dr. Barnardo trunk
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A girls trunk with the list of contents still attached to the lid.

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Staff members of Hazelbrae unpacking the girls trunks - 1911

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Undated photo of Barnardo Boy's having their trunks inspected before leaving for Canada

The smaller suitcases on the trunks would likely be smaller cases the boys carried for onboard the ships.
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Dr. Barnardo girls boarding the train in England. Mrs. Barnardo is believed to be the lady in the middle. These girls are carrying smaller bags for on board the ship as well as the larger trunks. Photo is undated.
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Contents of the Trunks

The contents of the trunks varied from organization to organization. This list found in a letter written by Government Inspector Mr.  G. Bogue Smart, c1925, lists the contents of the trunks for the  Marchmont House of Annie MacPherson. (published by Marj Kohli - RootsWeb). Most, but not all, supplies trunks for the children to bring these belongings to Canada. The Cumberland Industrial School provided sacks. (The Golden Bridge- page 391) as did the Catholic Immigration Association.

The publications included also varied, but were generally: The Travelers Guide, Holy Bible, New Testament, and Pilgrim's Progress. 

Cost of the Maria Rye trunks in 1873 was £8 with the outfit costing £2:10s, with free delivery at Liverpool. In 1894 the cost of the contents was £3.10s (Gail Collins)


G. Bogue Smart list - 1925 Marchmont:
Girls Outfit

1 winter coat
2 hats (1 straw, 1 felt)
1 cap
3 service frocks
1 working frock
1 winter best frock
1 woollen house coat
Aprons
2 sets underwear langerie
2 print dresses
4 print aprons
3 white aprons
5 pair stockings
2 pair boots
1 pair slippers>Handkerchiefs
1 hair bursh and comb
1 housewife and other necessary perquisites
1 Bible
Writing material 



Younger boys: 

1 cap
1 overcoat, muffler, gloves
1 Sunday suit (knickers)
1 second best suit
1 working suit
2 overalls
2 suits underwear
a pair braces
3 shirts, 4 collars, 2 ties
Handkerchiefs
1 jersey
3 pairs stockings (golf)
2 pair boots
1 pair running shoes
1 pair rubbers
1 hair brush and comb
1 housewife [a sewing kit]
1 Bible
Writing material

Older Boys

1 Overcoat, Scharfe
Hat & cap, gloves
3 suits
4 shirts, collar buttons
4 soft collars, 2 ties
Handkerchiefs
1 jersey
1 overalls
1 pair braces, belt
2 pairs boots
1 shoes
3 pair socks
2 sets woollen underwear
1 hair brush and comb
1 housewife (sewing kit)
1 Bible
Writing material  

Content in the Quarriers trunks - list from Quarriers - "for the girls, a nicely trimmed dress and hat, for Sabbath wear, two print dresses for summer, a dark hat and warm dress for winter, in addition to the one she travels in, a liberal supply of underclothing both for summer and winter, three pairs boots, four pairs stockings,ties, gloves, colllars, aprons, pinafores, warm ulster ( A loose, long overcoat ) for board ship, jacket, hood and scarf, a Bible, "Pilgrim's Progess", writing desk with materials, brush and comb in bag, and a work-bag with needles, pins, thread, worsted for darning, etc. All is packed in a good strong box with each girl's name on her own." - posted on RootsWeb

Maria Rye 1894 "Little Girls Outfit for Canada" - 3 pairs of drawers, 3 night gowns,  chemises, 2 cotton petticoats with tops,2 flannel petticoats with tops, 3 pairs cotton stockings, 3 pairs warm stockings,2 cotton frocks,2 Lindsey (?) frocks,2 warm petticoats,1 warm brown Ulster (coat), 3 pinafores or aprons, 1 straw hat for Sunday, 1 straw hat for travel in, 2 pairs of boots, 3 pocket handkerchiefs, 1 brush & comb & bag, 1 bible & prayer book, 1 box - addressed, Canvas bag  - Transcribed by Chris Sanham 

Content in a Barnardo's Trunk - From Barnardo offices in England -  1 peaked cap,  2 pocket handkerchiefs,  1 Suit, 1 Pair of braces (suspenders),& one belt,  1 pair of rubber soled shoes, 1 ball of wool for sock repairs,  1 pair of slippers needle, thread & boot brush,  2 long night shirts,  1 Bible, 2 pairs of woolen socks, 1 marked New Testament, 1 pair overalls, 1 Travelers Guide, 1 set of light underwear, 1 Pilgrims Progress,  2 shirts. RootsWeb   Note by Brian Rolfe: " I have seen more than one report that Barnardo's, for example, did not allow any personal possessions such as toys, dolls or letters, to emigrate with the child."
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Children's carvings on the lid of Earnest Geo. Newman's trunk - dated August 10 1893

Niagara Historical Society and Museum - the Lavinia Holness 1893 Maria Rye Trunk
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Niagara-on-the-Lake Museum - the 1870 Maria Rye - Caroline Newbold Trunk
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The 1873 Eliza Morris Maria Rye Trunk  -  
Niagara-on-the-Lake Museum

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 The 1889 Maria Rye trunk of Sarah McGuigan
note wrong spelling of her name on the trunk 

Funds to purchase donated by Diane McGregor, Home Children Canada, and John Heymans.
She immigrated in Apr 1889 to SS Sardinian, Quebec City from Liverpool. 
​This trunk is owned by Home Children Canada  ​BHC Registry ID #: 73038


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The 1892 Alexander Cavanagh Quarrier Home Trunk
Alexander died in the First World War
His trunk is owned by Home Children Canada. They also hold his full Quarrier Home files. The trunk measures 26x16x15 inches high

BHC Registry ID #: 23521

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A Quarrier trunk with initials M.H.G 
This trunk could have belonged to Mary George who came through Quarriers in 1890, however we are not certain. 

​This trunk is owned by Home Children Canada
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A Quarrier's trunk housed in Scotland at the Quarrier Homes, undated image
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Ethel (Beecher) Betts 1913 trunk - Barnardo's
BHC Registry ID #: 30529

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The 1912 Grace Fox Dr. Barnardo Trunk
This trunk was donated to Home Children Canada by Grace's Granddaughter.

Please note: This box has been painted blue on the exterior and was originally brown as the trunk shown above

BHC Registry ID #: 50373

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A trunk brought to Canada by the Catholic Emmigration Association

Photos by Judy Neville 2016

National Children's Home trunks - undated photo from "New Lives for Old"
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The 1908 A. (Arthur) Olley Annie Macpherson Trunk
GTR (Grand Trunk Railway), No. 21, Miss MacPherson Stratford Ontario Canada 1908
BHC Registry ID #: 12653
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Below: St Nicholas Industrial school Manor Park 1898
notice the bags and not trunks

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Above the trunk of Ernest Geo Newman
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Walter Camp trunk - he arrived in Canada  1887-03-28 aboard the  Parisian with the Dr Barnardo Homes
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BHC Ada Somerfield holding her bible - her hands are the cover shot on this page. 
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Home Child Florence Holtby with a Barnardo trunk
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A Fegan Home Child trunk which belonged  to Irene Fry's father

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The 1885 Annie kennet dr. barnardo trunk 
This trunk was donated to Home Children Canada by her grandaughter Carol Anne Copeland
BHC Registry ID #: 71033

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This was Annie's immigration photo, however we do not know which child she is

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The 1889 Richard Williams Dr. Barnardo Trunk
This trunk is owned by Home Children Canada

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The 1889 Dr. Barnardo trunk of Albert J Evenden

Photos published courtesy of ​Al Fewster
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To read this contract visit: 
Directions for Lads on leaving for situations
Directions for lad on leaving for situations
Typical size of these wooden trunks: ​15 inches high, 15.5 deep and 26 inches wide

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The 1880 Walter Patterson Annie Macpherson Trunk
The trunk measures  42" wide, 22" high, 21" deep. A newspaper glued to the lid is dated 1899 which places the trunk in the decade of 1880. Simple stenciled name of the front of the trunk. Simple handles on the side. Fair to good condition considering the age of the trunk. This trunk is owned by Home Children Canada, donated by ​Marg Trottman-Graham  in memory of her Grandmother Mary Mortimer

BHC Registry ID #: 7640
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The 1886 Dr. Barnardo Trunk of William O'Mara

Image used by permission of Chris & MB Koester
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​The 1891 John Sones Dr. Barnardo Trunk
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​15 inches high, 15.5 deep and 26 inches wide
​This trunk is owned by Home Children Canada

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​The 1887 Joseph Gale Isle of Man Trunk 
Joseph immigrated to Canada by the Isle of Man Home for Orphan and Destitute Children, escorting agency was Quarriers. This trunk was made by Quarriers. Joseph taken to Marchmont in Bellville before being placed out for work. This trunk is owned by Home Children Canada

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Mary Kinsley’s Quarrier Trunk – going to Brockville, Ontario 1894 trunk

 the huge sticker on her trunk that said NOT WANTED in red letters. Mary was sent to Canada, along with her sister Janet, arriving in Brockville in 1894
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A Quarrier trunk c1930
​Photo courtesy of the late John reeves

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Violet Graham’s  1906 trunk -
Annie Macpherson

​addressed to Stratford, Ontario

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Church of england, waifs and stays -
​Islington Technical Home for Boys.
Preparing to Emigrate, Image dated 7th June 1907

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BELCHER Reginald 12 VICTORIAN 1907, DEAN Alfred 14 VICTORIAN 1907 DOOLEY Walter 13 VICTORIAN 1907
HARVEY John 12 VICTORIAN 1907 HICKS James 60 VICTORIAN 1907 HILL Ernest 15 VICTORIAN 1907
SMITH Cyril 15 VICTORIAN 1907 STEVENSON John 17 VICTORIAN 1907 TOWNSEND Arthur 14 VICTORIAN 1907
TRAFFORD Percy 12 VICTORIAN 1907 WAIT Clifford 12 VICTORIAN 1907 WILLIAMS Harold 16 VICTORIAN 1907
WILSON James 15 VICTORIAN 1907 WINSON Stanley 13 VICTORIAN 1907 HOPE Frederick 17 VICTORIAN 1907
LEWRY Charles 17 VICTORIAN 1907 MORGAN Mostyn 16 VICTORIAN 1907 OAKLEY George. There is one extra boy in the photos who doesn't appear to have made it aboard the ship - for whatever reason. 

1910 Henrietta Wrenn Trunk - Annie MacPherson

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Henretta Wrenn's 1910 Annie MacPherson Trunk
She arrived in Canada with her sister Georgina. Photo credit: Lori Oschefski
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Mary Ann Ada Long's Maria Rye Trunk
 (October 9, 1883 - January 13, 1933) arrived in Canada on the SS Sardinian in 1893 

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Edwin Baker Trunk
Gibbs Home, Church of England Waifs & Strays - 1928
Photo credit: Lori Oschefski

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The Sydney Johnston
Church of England Waifs and Strays Trunk - 1911 Arrival

Sydney was killed in the First World War
​The trunk is part of Home Children Canada Collections. 
Donated by ​Sarah McConnachie of Quebec
BHC Registry ID #: 70274

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From Operation Picture Me

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Used with permission of his daughter Evelyn Best

The David Young Quarriers Trunk - 1906 -
measurements 32” x 15 1/4” x 15”
​
photo credit: Lori Oschefski

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The James Douglas Cunningham Trunk

James arrived in Canada in 1890 through the Quarrier Homes

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The 1923 trunk of James Patterson, Quarriers

Born in Ayr,  Scotland in June 1908, James Paterson was sent to Canada by the Orphan Homes of Scotland (Quarrier’s) in 1923 at the age of thirteen.

This trunk is on display at the 
Athens Museum in Athens, Ontario

The Owen McCarthy Trunk

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In 1881 Owen McCarthy is found living with his parents Owen and Anna McCarthy.  He was sent to Canada by the Dr. Barnardo Homes in 1886. In 1901 he is found in the census as an Inmate of Hamilton Asylum. In 1904 Owen died in the Hamilton Asylum.
​Owen died  of tuberculosis:


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​Home Children (1869-1930) Immigration Records
Name:     Owen McCarthy
Age:  18
Sex:  Male
Ship:  Lake Superior
Year of Arrival:     1886
Arrival Port:  Montreal via Portland
Arrival Date:  25 June 1886
Party:  Dr. Barnardo's
Destination:  Toronto
Comments:  192 boys
Source:     Library and Archives Canada


Edward J. Foster Trunk

Edward arrived on June 20 1901 with the Church of England Waifs & Strays. He was taken to Niagara-on-the-Lake.  His trunk was on display in  Wainfleet. Photo credit: Lori Oschefski
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​1903 Eva Cruttenden Barnardo Trunk
Trunk owned by home children canada 

BHC Registry ID #: 46699

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This Barnardo Trunk appears to have belonged to a Lily Richardson. The writing on the front is the same style as the above 1903 trunk of Eva's. There was a Lily Richardson who arrived in 1904. 
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The John Vallance Barnardo Home Trunk - 1939
Click here for John's story and more photos - photo credit: Lori Oschefski
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George A Brewer Gibbs Home Trunk

George arrived in Canada on June 28 1913. Photo credit: Lori Oschefski
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Housed at the 
Compton County Museum
Eaton Corner, Quebec
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This box was owned by George A. Brewer, in which he carried all his worldy possessions. George arrived in Canada aboard the SS Victorian on June 28, 1913. He was sent to the Gibbs Home in Sherbrooke, Quebec where he was sent to his first placement on the Coates Farm in Bulwer or Cookshire Quebec.

George left the Coates fram to enlist in the 117th Regiment and transferred to the 5th Canadian Mounted Rifles.

After the war, George worked for the CNR out of Detroit and Chicago. He married but had no children.

The book "The Pilgrims Progress" was presented to George by Vicar J. Norris of the Liscard Sunday School in 1908.

Miss Esther Farnsworth of the WAles Home, Richmond Quebec, a friend of George Brewer donated the box and the book to the Bampton collection of Home Children memorabilia. 

The Fred Forman Gibbs Home Trunk
photos by Lori Oschefski

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Fred W Foreman 
B July 24, 1910
D: c1980
Arrived May 17 1925, Gibbs Home Sherbrook Quebec

Worked for John Jenkins Farm Minton Quebec. Went out west for harvest, marrie out there. A son Jacob.

Now housed at the
Compton County Museum
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The Gibbs Home Trunk of Frederick Williams


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The 1888 Barnardo Home Trunk of Samuel Corbett

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​Name: Corbett, Samuel
Age: 14
Ship: Polynesian
Departure Port/Date: Liverpool - 29 March 1888
Arrival Port/Date: Halifax - 10 April 1888
Party: Dr. Barnardo's
Destination: Halifax, NS
Comments: Party of 205 males to Halifax.
Source: Library and Archives Canada
Reference: RG76 C 1 b, microfilm C-4513
Type of Record: Passenger Lists
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Samuel's name inside the lid - his indenture contract was also attached.

The 1895 Barnardo Home Trunk of Elizabeth A. Hayter

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​Name:  Hayter, Eliza A.
Age:  12
Ship:  Sardinian
Departure Port/Date:  Liverpool - 05 September 1895
Arrival Port/Date:  Quebec - 15 September 1895
Party:  Dr. Barnado's party
Destination:  Toronto, Ontario
Comments:  Mr Owens in charge. 298 children
Source:  Library and Archives Canada    Reference:  RG76 C 1 a; microfilm #C-4540

The 1899 Bristol Emmigration Society Trunk of William Thorne

William and Henry came to Canada on the Montrose, arriving in Montreal on July 10, 1899. William was 10 and Henry was 13. They were both sent to New Brunswick. Their sister Alice was sent to New Brunswick in 1898
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The 1902 Trunk of Thomas Eveleigh

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Thomas EVELEIGHGiven Name(s): Thomas Surname:
EVELEIGH Age: 17 New England, Barnardo's

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Display made by Judy Nevill , Thomas was trained as a brushmaker in England


The Stephen Duckhouse Barnardo Home Trunk - 1910
came with brother Alfred Duckhouse

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 Private
Stephen Duckhouse
87th Bn. Canadian Infantry
(Quebec Regiment)
14/08/1917, aged 20.

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http://ww1cemeteries.com/ww1frenchextension/vimy_memorial.htm

http://www.flamboroughreview.com/community/history-resonates-at-freelton-farm/

Two examples of the sheet metal trunk used by Barnardo's - owners unknown
Left one - Canadian Museum of Civilization
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Trunk & Bible of James Phillips

James 9, Florence 11 and Henry 14 came over in June of 1913 with the Middlemore's. They were from the Union workhouse system of Worcester, England.
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1908 middlemore duffel back of william toft

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William Norman Toft
Middlemore duffle bag

BHC Registry ID #: 81929
​Photo is of William and his mother
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Arthur Coates's Trunk
A Barnardo Boy

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James Patterson's trunk
 a Quarrier boy

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P. Graham Quarrier's Trunk

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This trunk is now in the possession of the Merseyside Maritime Museum.
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A child from the Church of England, Waifs and Strays off to Canada with his trunk beside him. 

The Golden Bridge web site provides excellent pictures and details of the children's trunks and Bibles from Quarriers
http://content.iriss.org.uk/goldenbridge/migration/trunk.html

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William Kelly Trunk - Liverpool Sheltering Home, Mrs. Birt, 1925 arrival

William's story can be found at:  http://www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/maritime/collections/emigration/childmigration/william-kelly.aspx


The William Hilliard Gibb's Home trunk. This trunk was recovered in May of 2014. 
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The 1907 trunk of  George McDowell - Smyle Home


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First group of boys headed to the Dakeyne Boy's Farm, Nova Scotia

Alfred T Roberts, Ernest E Litchfield, Fred H Hutchinson, George W. Cadman, Haltim H Smith, Harold Smith, Harry May, Hy A Walker, James Weatherbed, Lawrence Walker, Percy Bailey, William G Cook

Photo courtesy of "Dakeyne Boy's Farm" facebook page 

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Fegan boys with their trunks
photo from: ​http://www.tunbridgewellsmuseum.org/home




Bibles and Books


Bibles of
 Albert Kingsley Thwaites 

Albert came to Canada in 1920 through the Dr. Barnardo Homes. Three of his children attended a meeting in Wainfleet in  early 2012 bring these bibles along with them. Photo credit: Lori Oschefski
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The Lucy Wright Bible
the leave and clover leaf were inside the Bible

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Inside the cover of the Fred Dayes Bible

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The New Testament and a Hymn Book from a Trunk
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The Percy Chilton Bennett Bible 

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www.britishhomechildrenregistry.com/Person/bhcInfo/27541​The 1908 Robert W COOKE Dr. Barnardo Prayer Book
The Prayer book is owned by Home Children Canada
BHC Registry ID #: 27541


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We have found a Robert W COOKE born about 1898 who travelled from Liverpool on 11 Oct 1906 to Quebec with Barnardo’s and was living with John McKin and family in Middleton, Norfolk, Ontario in 1911, (listed as Cook, rather than Cooke) 

Robert W Cook, married in 1922 to Winnifred Victoria Fines, neither bride nor groom knew the names of their parents.


Bible has been returned to his family.

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The Traveller's Guide 

The Traveller's Guide was included in many trunks. Please click on thumb nail to see larger view.
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The 1920 Barnardo Bible of Thomas Cathcart 

Item: Thomas CATHCARTGiven Name(s):
Thomas
Surname:
CATHCART
Age:
12
Gender:
M
Ship:
SCOTIAN
Port of Departure:
London
Date of Departure:
1920-06-15
Port of Arrival:
Quebec
Date of Arrival:
1920-06-29
Year of Arrival:
1920
Party:
Barnardo Homes
Destination:
50-52 Peter Street, Toronto, Ontario


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This is the cover picture of Roy Parker's book UPROOTED and shows boys before their departure to Canada in 1908. They are from the St. Nicholas Industrial School at Manor Park in London, organized by the Catholic Immigration Association. They are holding what appears to be large duffle bags instead of trunks.


1912 Shipping Agent's Booklet,

In this booklet, in contrast to the contents of the children's trunks, this is what was recommended potential farmers bring to Canada with them:

(posted on RootsWeb by Gail Smith)

"One Good Heavy Winter Suit, made from indigo-dyed
and wool Army Tweed, lined flannel, (pound sign)2 15s 6d;
or from Heavy navy Serge, wool, and indigo-dyed
lined flannel. (pound sign) 2 5c 6d
One Heavy Moleskin Working Suit, with sleeved vest,
(pound sign) 25/-
(The above may be dispensed with if plenty of good, heavy,
warm suits of old clothes are taken.)
One Army Wool Tweed Reefer Jacket, lined with serge, 37/6; or
One Frieze Overcoat, lined tweed, 30/-
One Waterproof Coat (see special list), 16/6; or
One Oilskin Coat 8/6 (we export large quantities of Oil Coats to Canadian
merchants),
One Pair Heavy Cord Riding Pants, either Army quality (clearing line), 10/6
per pair; or
One Pair Corduroy Knickers, 10/6
One Good, Warm Cap, with ear flaps, 2/6.
One Felt Slouch Hat, 2/11.
One Straw Slouch Hat, 2/6
Six Grey Army Flannel Shirts, pure wool, 4/6 each; or with turn-down
collar,
5/- each.
Three Suits Natural Llama Underclothing (singlets and pants), 6/6 per suit.
Six Cotton shirts, striped, for steamer wear; 1/11 each.
Two Suits Pyjamas, strong, 8/6 per suit.
One Cardigan Jacket or Wool Jersey 6/6
Twelve Pairs Strong Socks, 8/6 per doz. pairs
Three Pairs Strong Stockings, 1/6 per pair
Twelve Handkerchiefs, red or blue spot, 3/6 per doz.
Two All-Wool Brown Army Blankets (clearing line) 2/11 each
One Warm Travelling Rug 7/6 each
Two Good, Strong Wooden Trunks, cabin pattern, 12/6 each
Two Pairs Brown Undressed Calf Boots, copper quilted soles, 14/6 per pair
One Pair Army Bluchers Boots, hand sewn, real rejects 8/6 per pair
(Both these lines of Boots have been sold by us to Canadian merchants,,
and are readily bought by settlers, with duty, freight, and merchants'
profits added, in preference to any others.)
One Good Strong Leather Waist Belt 1/11 each
One Pair Leather Slippers, 2/6 or Canvas Shoes 3/9 per pair
One Pair Army Web Braces 1/- per pair
One Pair Puttees, blue or khaki 2/11 per pair
Two Pairs Mittens, one pair moleskin 2/6; one pair knitted 9d per pair
One Jack Knife with Marlinspike 1/- 

Information and Sources

Grey Roots

On their own - Britain's Child Migrants

Canadian Museum of Civilization 

Children First - by Bill Bowder

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