Ups and Downs

Between 1869 and the 1930s more than 100,000 youngsters came to Canada from Britain through programs operated by various charitable organizations. These were kids who had been in some kind of distressed situation and came to Canada to be settled under the care of a host family. Collectively they are known as Home Children in Canada.

The best known agency, responsible for about a third of these young immigrants, was Barnardo's, founded by Thomas John Barnardo . His organization in Canada, with headquarters in Toronto, published an occasional newsletter for the children they brought over. The earliest edition was for 1895, the last for 1949. The most complete collection is likely at Library and Archives Canada, but unfortunately issues from about 1906 to 1919 are missing and cannot be located elsewhere. Likely 200 or so copies were printed, so it seems likely copies survive, perhaps in someone's attic. Please keep and eye open for copies and let me know if you come across any. They are part of Canada's history.