Readers across Carroll County are checking out the book The Orphan Train as part of a county wide reading initiative: “Everybody on the Same Page.” The reading project includes special events and this Thursday and Friday the libraries in Carroll, Manning, and Glidden will welcome Humanities of Iowa Speaker Rudy Daniels who will offer a more in depth look into the history behind the orphan trains.
His program will also touch upon the history of the railroads and the trains which ran across America. As a boy, Daniels grew up near a train station which he says sparked a lifelong interest.
In the 1990’s Daniels went on to serve as the Department Head of Railroad Operations Technology at Western Iowa Tech Community College. There he taught conductor training classes and the “train calls” which students learn have been incorporated into his presentation along with other fun activities.
The event, he says, is fun and informative, but the real highlight for him are the questions and comments from those in attendance. Daniels has been part of the Humanities Iowa Speaker’s Bureau since the mid-1980’s and has also written two books: “Trains Across the Continent” and “Sioux City Railroads.” He’s currently working on a third book which focuses on the United States Railroads during World War I.
Presentations: Thursday, March 31
2:00 pm at the Carroll Public Library
5:30 pm at the Manning Public Library
Presentation: Friday, April 1
6:00 pm at the Glidden Public Library
