Train to Bethlehem

By JoEllyne Ann Catherine Howerton

Train to Bethlehem follows 9 orphans in 1935 on their way to locate their new families in a small town at the foothills of The White Mountains in Bethlehem New Hampshire. A train trip normally taking one day turns into a week as the children and Head Conductor Henry find courage, faith, and joyful laughter in the midst of blizzards, below zero temperatures, and the relentless force of Miss Crankle a social worker determined to take the children away from Henry back to the Boston Orphanage.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Tablo Publishing
• Release date: Jul 23, 2021
• ISBN: 9781649698667

Book preview

Chapter 1

Saying Goodbye

Colleen shifted baby Alice in her arms. Wrapping her cloak around the little one to keep her warm. Three-year-old Sean asked, Where’s Momma?

Colleen leaned down and whispered; Remember Momma went to heaven. he curled up his lower lip. Tears filled his big green eyes falling over his face and he wiped them away with his coat sleeve.

Is she with Papa? Sean asked.

Yes. Colleen placed a finger over her lips to quiet him.

When will they come home? Sean persisted.

They are in Heaven. They can’t come back Sean. Colleen’s voice cracked and she stooped down to whisper in his ear. She stayed that way patting his back for a moment. He clung to her cloak.

Joseph saw what was happening and he leaned over and whispered, I’ll take him Sis. He took Sean in his arms, comforting him.

Joseph is so much like Papa. Even his unruly dark brown hair and deep blue eyes are like Papa’s Colleen thought. With a look of solemn resolve on their faces they watched as Fr. Brandon O’Leary sprinkled holy water over their mother’s pine casket. Marianna who would be  five soon, bobbed her head of golden red curls up and down wiping silent tears from her big green eyes. She slipped her tiny hand into Danny’s, who put his arm around her shoulders pulling her close. Danny stood straight and silent. Not a single curly red hair out of place. He was the one who looked the most like his mother, with her tiny round face, clear blue eyes, and freckles over his nose. He shivered not so much from the cold, as from sadness.

Out of the corner of her eye, Colleen saw a few neighbors and some policemen their Papa had worked with before he was shot and killed by a robber. Now their Mother Catherine had passed away only two weeks after giving birth to Baby Alice. Dr. Wilson said it was cancer that took their Momma, but Colleen knew it was a broken heart. Momma had never stopped grieving after Papa died even though she had a fierce love for each of her children. Catherine Kelly was a strong woman, always gentle in manner with a generous heart that reached out to family and neighbor alike. Always share what you have with others. We are all God’s children. She often reminded them.

Colleen was grateful for the neighbors, many whom Momma had shared food and shelter with, who came to Momma’s funeral. Patrick Keegan Papa’s former partner winked at Sean and nodded at Colleen. She was so thankful they’d all come.

It was the women from social services and the Boston orphanage that made her cringe. From their hiding place behind a parlor drape she and Joseph had over-heard them talking that dreadful night when they lost their momma. Such a pity Mrs Pincinse the kinder lady with the long skinny nose from social services said.

Yes, yes, but don’t be deceived by those sweet innocent looking faces, they can be conniving as a cat! The short very round one from the orphanage snapped coldly. We’ll let them all stay together for now. That older girl seems to have everything under control. But right after the funeral we’ll take them into custody, before they realize what is happening.

Into Custody? The children aren’t prisoners! Jane! They are orphans through no fault of their own. Mrs. Pincinse went on. It is our job to protect them and to find homes for them.

Little Irish hoodlums is what they are if you ask me. Jane Crankle growled. Even the neighbors say, they’ve been running wild, out late at night wandering around the graveyard. What they need is plain old discipline; a few good whippings will straighten them out. That’s what they’ll get at Boston Orphanage, discipline with a strap. Colleen saw Mrs. Pincinse shudder; yet she remained silent with a look of resignation on her face.

Joseph’s fists were clenched and just as he took a step towards them, Colleen quickly placed a hand over his mouth and one on his shoulder to hold him back. She whispered in his ear, Momma left a plan in place. We won’t be split up or go to an orphanage. You and I are in charge now, but you’ll have to help me, OK? He nodded in agreement, his mop of dark hair flipping forward and back, his large deep blue eyes oh so serious. Colleen felt his shoulder relax and as she smiled at him saw the eagerness and determination in his eyes. They slipped away to the kitchen without being noticed. Except for a small creek in the kitchen floor.

Sh, Sh, what’s that. Did you hear that?

Hear what? I think you are imagining things, Jane.

I tell you I heard something… probably those hoodlums running around. They should be in bed. I’m going to see what they are up to.

Well I’m going to bed myself. It’s going to be a busy day tomorrow. Mrs. Pincinse headed for the bathroom with her satchel of clothes.

Suit yourself. I’m going to look and see what they are up to.

Colleen was in the kitchen heating up a bottle for Baby Alice when Miss Crankle entered.

So here you are. And just where are your brothers and sister? Up to something devious no doubt. Miss Crankle snapped.

Miss Crankle, my brothers and sister are in bed. I am heating up a bottle for my baby sister Alice. It came out as calm but perhaps a little bold. Colleen knew she had to stand up for her brothers and sisters.

Listen little Missy, you may be in charge now, but tomorrow right after the funeral we’ll be in charge, and you will have nothing to say about it. You hear me? Well do you? Miss Crankle was yelling as she ended and her face was almost touching Colleen’s.

Simultaneously, Baby Alice began to cry and Marianna came running in. You leave my sister alone. She ran to Colleen.

It’s OK Mari. Marianna was crying and rubbing her eyes. Colleen took a clean cloth and wiped her face.

Mrs. Pincinse, hurried in. Jane stop this nonsense. You are frightening the little ones.

I just want them to know where they stand. Miss Crankle defended herself as she followed Mrs. Pincinse out of the room.

In just three days the children had set everything up to flee and to cover their tracks. Colleen got out clothes for all, wrapping them inside newspapers, placing them in paper bags, and covering the bags with piles of fallen leaves to hide them in the yard. Late at night Joseph and Danny set them out in a large hole at the base of the old elm tree in the graveyard across the street where Momma was to be buried. The old elm couldn’t be seen from their house, nor could Papa’s gravesite. The last of it was moved in the dark of night when they placed the clothes and supplies in the knapsacks, except for Colleen’s. They had to be quiet as mice so Mrs. Pincinse and Jane Crankle, wouldn’t catch them. One night as they snuck through the parlor and out the door, Danny and Joseph heard Miss Crankle snoring loudly. They jumped as she let out a loud snort. It was hard to keep from laughing out loud, which they knew would give them away, so they covered their mouths.

They kept only a few items of clothing to wear and a change to wear to Momma’s funeral. Colleen gathered diapers, baby gowns, their own hand knit socks and booties momma had so carefully made months earlier, and many blankets and quilts but kept them near. So what do you think you are doing with all those clothes. You won’t need them in the Orphanage. Jane Crankle sneered at Colleen. None of you will. In the orphanage you’ll all dress alike.

I’m setting them out for neighbors. Colleen wished Miss Crankle would leave her alone to care for her family. Now if you’ll excuse me. I’ll get breakfast for everyone. Colleen said dismissing Jane Crankle, but remaining very polite. Jane seemed at a loss for words, at least for the moment and exited mumbling something about insolence.

After breakfast while Miss. Crankle and Mrs. Pincinse were in town, Colleen and Joseph put bottles and powdered milk in paper sacks along with canned food and crackers for all of them and Danny and Joe put them in the base of the tree with their clothes, placing them carefully in the knapsacks Momma and Colleen had sewn for them, then covered the knapsacks over with old dead leaves that had fallen from the trees.

The morning of Catherine’s funeral, Colleen took the money, Momma had hidden in the little jewelry box in her dresser draw and placed it in the secret pocket inside her cloak. As she turned around there stood Miss Crankle, with a smirk on her face. Just what are you trying to hide?

Nothing, She had to think of something quick. I was just looking at my momma’s little box. Papa made it for her.

Oh no dearie, I saw you put something inside your cloak. Jane stepped towards her. Now give it to me, or you’ll be going to jail after the funeral you little thief.

Here Colleen took the money from her pocket and pushed it at Jane. I didn’t steal it. Momma gave it to me. Sh...She said I could have it. Colleen’s voice trembled.

What is going on in here. Mrs. Pincinse came in.

Look at this. She’s trying to steal, the little thief. Jane shoved it in front of Mrs. Pincinse, who looked and began to laugh. Jane look at what the little thief was stealing. You are really something  Jane.

What are you talking about. Jane looked and her face turned bright red.

Holy cards, Her momma gave her holy cards with pictures of Jesus and his mother Mary, and even one with St. Patrick. Jane she is only taking what is hers. Shame on you. You need to apologize.

I certainly will not apologize. I have done nothing wrong. Jane huffed and walked away. Colleen put the holy cards back in her pocket. She thought she’d given the money to Miss Crankle. She’d forgotten about the holy cards in her pocket.

Thank you for protecting me. She prayed silently.

She hated having to leave the jewelry box behind. Papa had made it for Momma when as he put it Colleen you were just a wee one. Papa had always called her Wee One, even after her brothers and sisters arrived. Colleen had placed a new long dark green knit scarf of Momma’s over her left shoulder and around her back and placed Baby Alice dressed in her bunting, in the front of it tying her snugly in place to keep her close. She followed Momma’s instructions never letting go of Baby Alice or allowing the others out of her sight. Momma had given all these instructions, and had even written some in Gaelic placing tiny slips of paper in the old family Bible, which Joseph placed in his napsack. Besides Momma only Colleen and Joseph could read them. Momma had begun giving Colleen instructions in her fourth month of carrying Baby Alice, after Papa was killed and right after Dr. Wilson told her she was dying.

Catherine I know these are hard times for you. You may carry this baby to term or you might not. I will help you all I can, Dr. Wilson said kindly patting her hand. Catherine you need to start making plans for your other children. If you don’t have family to take them in, I suggest you call social services. If your baby is healthy, it won’t be a problem adopting him or her out to some wealthy family, but the others, well... He shook his head and reflected for a moment as if trying to think of someone to take in five children. Almost impossible during these hard times of the depression in 1935 when most families were barely scraping by and some even dying of disease and starvation.

Dr. Wilson was a kind man who had delivered all of them at home as Momma and Papa wished. Colleen liked Dr. Wilson and she knew it was his care of Momma and Momma’s prayers with her will to give birth to baby Alice that made it so. Colleen didn’t fault him even though she knew he called social services the night Momma died. After all he just wanted them cared for.

Momma had cautioned Colleen, Now don’t talk to anyone about our plans, not even Dr. Wilson, only Joseph, Daniel, and Fr. O’Leary. After the Good Lord takes me home. Joseph and Daniel can help with the wee ones and with the packing. Joseph’s a strong one he is. He’s a good boy. And Daniel loves to entertain Sean and Little Marianna. You my lovely first born, my dear child, it is you Colleen who must be little mother to this baby. Catherine placed a hand on her bulging abdomen was silent for a moment, than went on. Colleen from the moment I go home to your Father keep your brothers and sisters close to you. You must stay together. Do you understand? Colleen shook her head as tears rolled down her cheeks. Catherine placed her hand on Colleen’s cheek. Now, now don’t be afraid. Remember what Jesus said to his disciples just before He rose up to Heaven? I will be with you always, even to the end of time. Colleen gave a wane smile. I will show you how to care for this new child when he or she is born. I thank The Lord for each of you every day. Catherine spoke softly with just a slight Irish lilt.

When you are ready to travel, promise me you’ll not tell the little ones until you all are well on your way. You be promising me now Colleen? And only tell the Wee Ones you’re going on a great adventure so they won’t be frightened.

I promise Momma. I won’t tell the Wee Ones until we’re gone. Colleen’s eyes were full of tears. Too weak to hug her, Momma squeezed her hand and closed her eyes to sleep.

Fr. O’Leary had promised Momma that he’d do her funeral. A few months later he’d been transferred to another Parrish a little farther away. They were all very sad. They enjoyed his visits. Colleen knew that Fr. O’Leary was a part of Momma’s plan for them and she did not trust the new Pastor, nor did Joseph or Danny. They went to St Mary’s School and loved it until Fr. Mc Dougan came. Since then the school children had often felt the sting of his strap for even minor infractions. Colleen stayed home to take care of Momma, Sean, and Marianna, so she was spared. A few weeks after his transfer, Fr. O’Leary discovered that the Kelly family home was on the line between St. Mary’s and his new Parrish Sacred Heart. That meant the children could attend either Parrish. He brought the news to Catherine after obtaining permission from the Bishop.

Catherine, the children can transfer to Sacred Heart and attend our school and Holy Mass on Sunday with us. I would love to have them if they want to come and if you approve, of course? He knelt down next to her bed, gently holding her hand.

Let’s see what the children say. Her voice was weak, yet hopeful. That new pastor has already given both Joseph and Danny a severe strapping. Her eyes full of tears she looked into his eyes. The boys are rambunctious but now to be treating them so harshly. It broke my heart when I heard. Michael never raised a hand to our little ones." Colleen had a lump in her throat.

She wondered, How did Momma find out? She would have to remind the boys to watch what they told others, so they didn’t give away information that may cause suspicion. Of course Joseph and Danny were happy to transfer to Sacred Heart where their friend Fr. O’Leary was pastor. Danny, and Joseph walked four miles to catch a bus that took them to school every day. Fr. O’Leary gave the boys a ride home each day, when he visited their Momma. Momma was able to fill him in on the details of her plan for the children during these visits. Fr. O’Leary spent time at Momma’s bedside praying with her, and listening to her. He promised to help. He diligently looked up distant kin Momma said may have moved from Ireland to New Hampshire.

Colleen always got dinner for her family and Fr. O’Leary. He had dinner there at least twice a week, captivating them with stories of his boyhood in Ireland, just like Papa had done. At times the stories made Colleen a little sad as she recalled happier times before Papa was shot and before Momma got sick.

Momma and Papa were so much in love. Their house was full of laughter and love. Papa would sneak up on Momma as she washed dishes at the kitchen sink and kiss her neck. Momma would laugh and he’d twirl her around in his arms kissing her gently on her lips. She’d scold him, Michael, not in front of the wee ones.

Catherine, Catherine he’d retort, It be doin them good to know their Papa loves their Momma. Momma would only laugh again, her cheeks turning pink. Then they would all giggle and Momma would send all of them but Colleen off to the parlor with Papa. Colleen would help Momma prepare supper and set the table. They would talk about many things.

They discussed Momma’s visit to help Mrs. Grogan with her five girls. Mrs. Grogan was expecting again and had lots of morning sickness. Sure hope they have a boy this time. Momma said. But they’ll be happy to have which ever boy or girl God sends them, no matter. So Colleen how’d your day go dear?

OK I guess, but Paul Giovanni doesn’t even seem to know I’m around Momma. You know the boy who sits next to me in school? Momma how can I get him to notice me?

Well let’s see. Momma paused thoughtfully. Colleen Valentines Day is coming up. You could give him a card you made special just for him.

Momma that’s a wonderful idea. You always know what to do. You know what Momma, Marilyn Newman handed out invitations to her birthday party. She gave one to almost all of the 8th grade class. Paul got one but I didn’t.

I know such things are hurtful Colleen, but don’t let it make you bitter. Does Sister Mary Immaculate know about it?

Yes, and she told Marilyn she couldn’t give out invitations in class again, unless she had one for all the students.

That’s good. Momma smiled

Oh Momma I have something to show you. Colleen ran to her room and came back with her arithmetic test. Look Momma. She proudly handed it to Momma.

Why Colleen tis wonderful. You got an A. See I knew you could do it.

Colleen loved these times with Momma, as much as Joseph and Danny liked rough housing with Papa. And the younger ones loved playing piggy back with papa.

After supper they all finished chores, then they had family time together.

Papa told stories, or played his fiddle while Joe played his harmonica, and Danny played an old xylophone, he’d found in the trash and he and Papa patched up. Colleen and Momma did some Irish step dancing. Momma sometimes played an old piano they’d found in the house when they moved in and the older ones sang, while the little ones danced twirling and making up their own steps.

After this Papa and Momma would pray with them, letting each one lead at least one prayer even the youngest ones as soon as they were old enough to talk. They would mention people they wanted a blessing for, a problem they wanted Jesus to help them with, or a Blessing they’d received. Whenever Momma was expecting this was the time she announced it, as a blessing to come for all of them. Sometimes they could delay bedtime a little by asking Momma to tell the story about the day he or she was born. Momma would tell the story of one or the other’s birth with Papa cutting in to add some important news of his own.

The younger ones would then be put to bed while the older ones finished homework or played checkers.

Momma and Papa went to each bedside, gave a hug and kiss to each one, making a comment or two, good luck with that math test tomorrow Danny. Joe don’t get into a fight with Timothy Vendetti, now ya hear? Pay no mind to his comments. Make us proud. Colleen, wee one, sing out in choir, learn your part well. We’ll all be listenen to your golden voice on Sunday Mornin. Colleen loved the attention Momma and Papa showered on each of them.

Now Papa and Momma were gone and the family was Joseph’s and hers to guard and protect. Colleen knew that Jesus was their protection now and that He would be with them every step of their journey. Momma had said so. Even as she thought about it, her eyes filled up with tears, and she silently cried for her Momma.

As Catherine got weaker and she was close to dying, Colleen sobbed one day kneeling at her Momma’s bedside while the new baby slept in a cradle close by and Sean and Marianna were taking a nap. Momma, don’t leave us. We need you. I love you. I don’t want you to die.

Catherine reached out patting Colleen’s head and cupping her chin in her hand, There, there, Wee One. You won’t be alone. Our Lord Jesus is always with you. Put your hand in His and let Him take you all the way.

Colleen did exactly that kneeling at her Momma’s bedside. And that last night when Momma closed her eyes and took her last breath, Colleen prayed with tears streaming down her cheeks, Jesus please show us the way, and lead us to the earthly Mother you have planned for us. Mary Our Blessed Mother, please be a mother to my brothers and sisters and me because we have no one else now.

And now we commend Catherine Kelly unto God, in nomine, et patris, et fillis, et spiritus sanctus. Amen. Fr. O’Leary interrupted her thoughts as he concluded the graveside part of the funeral.

Thank you for honoring Catherine and helping her family during this very difficult time. Fr. O’Leary addressed all attending. Now the children would like time to say their final good-by, so if you would all go up to the house, there’s food and even music. Colleen could see in Mrs. Pincinse’s eyes a look of alarm, yet she remained silent. Miss Crankle however, loudly voiced her objections. Listen here Reverend O’Leary, these kids are in our custody now."

Fr. O’Leary opened his mouth to speak, but Mrs. Pincinse cut in. Please Jane, the children deserve time to say their final good-by. Others present turned glaring at Miss Crankle, and nodding in agreement to Mrs. Pincinse.

OK, but they better get up to that house quick, or we’ll hunt them down. Miss Crankle snapped. Colleen shuddered, thinking, if she only knew what we have planned.

Fr. O’Leary spread out his arms as if gathering in all present and herded them toward the cemetery exit. When all of them were out of earshot he stooped to the younger ones, Sean and Marianna. Now children you are all going on a great adventure he spoke softly. Colleen and Joseph will take you part way now and I will meet you at the Boston Commons by the great oak tree. Glancing up at Colleen, Joseph, and Daniel, he went on, I have some good news. I was able to locate the great aunt your mother asked me to. I found papers on your family. You have a great aunt Margaret Daley who lives in New Hampshire near the White Mountains. She owns a bakery and lives alone. I know she wants all of you to live with her. Fr. Sullivan at St. Monica’s Parrish there said she loves children and is always feeding the town’s poor, especially the children. She sent train tickets for all of you to be with her. I will meet you at Boston Commons and will drive you to the North Station to take the train."

Oh Father O’Leary tis such good news. Such a blessing indeed. Colleen cried out. Should we go to the house and let Mrs. Pincinse and Miss Crankle know?

No, no, Fr. O’Leary sounded very urgent, even alarmed, Don’t go to the house or let anyone know about this. When he noticed the children looking frightened, he softened his voice. "Your travel plans must remain the same as your Momma wanted, except now we have a place for you, a new home for your family. Sean cocked his head sideways like he always did when he didn’t understand. His lips were tight, and ringlets of red hair were sticking out from his knit cap.

No. I wanna stay with Momma Sean burst out stamping his foot stubbornly while tears filled his big green eyes.

It will be OK Sean, Colleen stooped down, We’re going on a great adventure and even with Momma in Heaven now, she can see us and she’ll watch over us, and Papa to. Colleen stroked Sean’s back while holding tightly to Baby Alice’s sling with her other hand.

Fr. O’ Leary lifted Sean up in his arms and wiped the tears away with a handkerchief, then handed him to Joseph who placed Sean on his back.

Sean O, Papa’s name for Sean. There’s mountains there and lots of trees to swing on and play hide and seek. You might even see some deer, and raccoon. Swallowing the lump in his throat, Joseph tried to sound exciting,

Weally, (really) will I? Sean’s eyes got big OK I…I… I go. He sighed. He reluctantly stopped crying. Colleen and Joseph looked at each other with a sigh of relief. They had stopped a crisis, probably the first of many to come. It wouldn’t have worked to try quietly leaving, with Sean crying out for Momma and running towards the house.

Fr. O’Leary gave further instructions, Give me time to go up to the house. I will get their attention and get them to think about something else. Wait till no one is looking out the window or door at you. Then get those napsacks and go. Keep to the river for a ways. Don’t stop to play. Then go to Boston Park the way your Momma and Papa took you on holidays.

Sean and Marianna you are going to play a game. Look for Ducks and when you see one say red duck. Colleen or Joseph will say red duck back. But if they say Leprechaun, then you stop and be very quiet, until they say red duck again. Do you think you can do that? They both nodded.

You can only start up when Joe or Colleen tell you it’s OK. Do you understand how to play? All of them nodded yes. Colleen was glad Fr. O’Leary started the game which was designed as a way to get the young ones to stop talking if danger was near, as well as to take their minds off their hardships, like how cold it was or how hungry they were. Colleen keep that little one fed and warm. Here’s a bottle. It’s hot now but should be just right when she’s ready for it." Colleen placed the bottle in her napsack.

Thank you Father. She said shyly.

God go with you, all of you. Give me a few minutes now. As he turned to leave, the children all gazed at their Mother’s pine casket and waited a few moments until they saw Miss Crankle reluctantly follow Fr. O’Leary from the sidewalk across the street up to the house. Colleen then checked sleeping Baby Alice’s diaper through her bunting.

The baby is dry. She nodded to Joseph.

Ok everyone come with us, Joseph nodded to Daniel.

Yeah, we have a surprise Daniel said proudly. The boys brought out the knapsacks Colleen had sewn with Momma’s help, the older ones helped Sean and Marianna into theirs and then put-on their own. They had to quiet Sean and Marianna down as their excitement exploded into squeals of happy shouting, unexpected under the circumstances. Colleen had taken her knapsack to Church for the funeral Mass, and then to the cemetery as it had supplies for herself and Baby Alice. The Parishioners had greeted them warmly at the church, smiling at Joseph, Daniel, and Sean, nodding compassionately at Colleen while trying to peek at Baby Alice. Some curious on lookers watched sympathetically as Marianna hung tightly