AARP Online Community: BookTalk - Shared Journals & Blogs

PREVIEW OF SILENCE IN THE SOUND

On March 24, 1989, a little after midnight, the Exxon Valdez ran aground on Bligh Reef, located in Prince William Sound, Alaska. The oil tanker was carrying over one million barrels of crude oil when disaster struck. More than one fourth of the crude oil escaped through the ripped hull of the tanker contaminating the pristine waters of the Alaskan Paradise. This catastrophe grossly invaded a habitat lavished with an abundance of natural resources and many valuable species of wildlife.

“Silence in the Sound” was written from my experiences while employed during the pretentious cleanup, it blends incredible personal conflicts with emotional distinction, resulting in a real-life adventure story. My position as General Foreman on the berthing Barges, which included a five hundred person Derrick Barge, enabled me to have a working relationship with supervisors, beach crews and the entire cleanup operation. My story sheds light on questionable circumstances that transpired during the working conditions between supervisors and their crews.

The entire summer was a challenge of strength and determination for everyone involved who were in demanding positions. The precarious expectations from some supervisors toward the female workers, who were in their command, were outrageous and offensive. Adding to the dilemma was the death of a man, with questionable details, that occurred on one of the procured small boats.

The public was unaware of the situations that jeopardized the safety of working personnel during the cleanup effort. “Silence in the Sound”, describes in detail many of the human endurances of some of the 10,000 workers employed in the largest oil spill cleanup attempt in American waters.

SHOCKING MEDIA COVERAGE

A stunned and horrified nation watched as the black crude oil continued to flow into the unspoiled territory of the “Last Frontier”. For the first three days after the oil spill, the weather continued to be ideal for oil recovery within the calm seas. However, the lack of equipment on hand to remove the oil from the surface of the Sound and the absence of a plan of recovery, allowed the black crude to continue spreading relentlessly, casting a shadow of impending doom across the span of virgin water.

Valdez, Alaska is where the terminus of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline and transporting facilities are, which load the North Slope crude oil onto large tankers. The oil tanker’s journey is through PWS, carrying enormous amounts of oil on board to the refineries outside the state.

In Valdez heated and conflicting debates erupted between federal, state and oil company officials regarding the best possible action to implement concerning the oil recovery. The constant and on going arguments turned the small town into a corporate verbal battlefield. Officials from corporations set up headquarters in the immediate area to survey the damage and hopefully devise a method to recover the oil from the water. The media kept a foothold within the boundaries of Valdez, reporting to the world their views on the progress of every meeting and event concerning oil recovery strategy.

Finally, on day four following the spill, the weather made a drastic change which put the cleanup process in high gear. The weather had been patiently obliging, waiting for man to retrieve his toxic waste from the unspoiled sanctuary; and then the tide turned.

Strong northeasterly winds lashing at 50 mph blasted across open water churning the crude oil into a frothy, sticky, brown mousse. This putrid, brown goop claimed the beaches of the sheltered PWS as its final resting place. After the storm, the oil took on a more dangerous form of toxic globs with the intense, disgusting smell of petroleum and seaweed. Thirty-five miles southwest of Bligh Reef, a smelly sheet of tar and mousse, up to an inch thick, contaminated the beaches and everything within its path of silent destruction.

Officials continued to point fingers and place blame in every direction concerning the spill. They complained of the lack and need for more operative recovery equipment. The constant complaining was all in vain and accomplished nothing. In the deadly silence within PWS, the bureaucrats continued to debate while the consuming brown mass forged ahead to obliterate life and pollute the land. A battalion of governmental and corporate delegates continued disputing environmental issues, and cringed from the awesome responsibility of generating a practical plan to retrieve the oil.

In an attempt to save their precious Alaskan shores, many townspeople and groups of fishermen desperately took matters into their own hands which caused even more conflict on the battle scene in Valdez. Volunteers rallied together making hastily prepared homemade booms to float in the water, and hopefully keep the crude from washing ashore and reaching vulnerable coastal salmon hatcheries.

Finally, on the 13th day, Exxon announced they would assume the responsibility for the oil spill cleanup, and initiated a cleanup plan attached to an unlimited expense account, while concerned government and environmental officials kept close watch over the oil companies’ movements to insure the protection of the environment.

Exxon’s plan was to hire crews to wash over a thousand miles of shoreline, with one third of the miles in PWS. This washing was to be accomplished by flushing the beaches with cold seawater in some areas, while other shores required high-pressure hot water washing with huge fire hoses. This was to be accomplished with beach crews operating the hose procedure and hand washing rocks on the beach.

Exxon contracted Veco, a sub-contractor, for the personnel hiring, a procedure to be implemented in Cordova, Whittier, Valdez, Anchorage and Kodiak Island. During the cleanup, over 4,000 employees were hired to work within Task Forces located in different areas throughout the Sound with a wage of $16.67+ per hour. They were trained and labeled as Oil-spill Recovery Technicians (ORTs), then sent to the battle lines. Beach crews armed with all the recovery gear that money could buy lived on and worked from huge sea vessels that had been turned into berthing Barges (floatels). Veco’s contract included the purchasing of equipment from arm sleeves to Zodiac boats; and leasing private boats for $1,000.00+ per day.

There was an overwhelming need to execute the cleaning process as soon as possible. The consuming oil floating on the water and washing up on the beaches was terminating wildlife. Mammals swimming in the sound were coated with the oily mess, which was unfortunately ingested as they attempted to clean themselves during their grooming efforts. On shore, birds of prey were dining on the oily dead carcasses of marine life and the death toll was escalating at an alarming rate. Various salmon hatcheries were threatened as the oil slick continued to move out of control, in its destructive pattern. To worsen matters, within two weeks the seals were due to migrate to their birthing beaches, and there they would encounter the toxic killer.

Alaskans united with other Americans in the battle to clean the oil from the once tranquil Alaskan coast. Some witnessed the devastating condition and departed with sadness in their heart, that would not allow them to continue the job. The sight of dying wildlife was too great for them to overcome. Others tried to complete their assigned tasks, but were defeated by cold, foul weather, certain family situations or health conditions. It was a dirty, hard, thankless task, completed by a rotating work force who kept the job sites occupied all summer.

Exxon offices broke new ground by communicating with all parts of the world searching for immediate answers concerning oil spill recovery techniques. Beach workers wore unfamiliar, bulky gear, balanced their oily boots on slippery rocks and were up to their necks in crude oil. They draped large hoses across their shoulders and cold water gushed from the ends onto the rocks below. Working 10-16 hours a day; there was only enough time at the end of the day to take a quick shower, eat and sleep until the 4:00 a.m. wake up call, and then they would face another day on the rocks. A deadly enemy never before encountered in this magnitude anywhere in the States had attacked PWS, and somehow an inexperienced army with inadequate weapons, was expected to rectify the inescapable invasion.

Sequal to Orphan Train Trilogy

Due to Popular Demand Robert Noonan’s Orphan Train Trilogy will have a Sequel

Robert Noonan, author of the Five Star Orphan Train Trilogy; Wildflowers , Bridie’s Daughter and Secrets has started writing a sequel. Followers of this popular trilogy have been requesting a continuation since the trilogy became available. The first three books shares the lives of orphans living during the 1800's when child welfare activities were in their infancy. Readers have taken the "orphan" characters into their hearts and want to read more about their lives.

Mr. Noonan is well into chapter two of Paper Flowers. To those familiar with this trilogy, that meaningful title will immediately bring readers back into the trilogy. Hillary, who was a continuing primary character in all three books, may have her own personal secret shared.

Readers are encouraged to read the Trilogy in the near future! While you will often see Robert online at Authors Den, and other social sites, talking about his published novels, he's also enjoying getting back to writing and in sharing Hillary's story!

Man's Search For Meaning.

The one book that I have read and re-read the most often in my life is: Man’s Search for Meaning by Victor Frankl. While in the concentration camps, he observed so many of his fellow prisoners finding meaning in their lives despite horrendous circumstances. I have re-read the book at least a dozen times, and each time I feel a deep sense of wonder in the selflessness of the indomitable human spirit.

Facing horrendous confinement and extreme torture, the inmates nonetheless rejoice in the beauty of nature; their hearts are lifted by a single pure note from a bird, or the compassion of a fellow prisoner who shares his last crust of bread with someone more emaciated than he is. Being aware of the smallest positive moments sustains them through the misery of their daily lives and reminds them that although the Germans may wrack their bodies, they will never control their minds or their spirits. Each of us has the power to create our own existence within the external circumstances where we find ourselves. How often do we moan and complain about some minor inconvenience, forgetting to feel gratitude for the miracle of life itself? How we see the our daily lives, the world at large, and how we relate with others defines not only define who we are but what our lives are and will become.

Whenever I am going through a difficult time or simply feeling sorry for myself, I am inspired by another reading of this book. I mention it here hoping, that it will help someone else as it has transformed me over the years

Frankl in Man’s Search for Meaning:

"It did not really matter what we expected from life, but rather what life expected from us. We needed to stop asking about the meaning of life, and instead to think of ourselves as those who were being questioned by life—daily and hourly. Our answer must consist, not in talk and meditation, but in right action and in right conduct. Life ultimately means taking the responsibility to find the right answer to its problems and to fulfill the tasks which it constantly sets for each individual."

"Man is capable of changing the world for the better if possible, and of changing himself for the better if necessary."

This book continues to change my life every time I read it

Journal of the Orphan Train Trilogy

Journal of the Orphan Train Trilogy

Children believed not one person in the whole world loved them or wanted them

From 1854 to 1929 over 200,000 homeless children traveled from New York City to the West and Southwest to find new homes. Towns were notified in advance when an orphan train was coming so those who wanted to adopt or be Foster Parents could see if there was a child that suited them. Some wanted a child to love while others wanted laborers. Where the children ended up was a matter of luck … or misfortune.

The history of the orphan trains isn’t complex, but each child has their own story. The Orphan Train Trilogy is an emotional story revealing what happened to some of these children, for better or worse. It also reveals how the lives of the adults were changed by the adoptions.

In the Journal you will find book reviews, book descriptions and excerpts.

To read the Orphan Train Journal click on the link below.

http://orphantraintrilogyauthor.blogspot.com/

Author: Robert Noonan

National Best Books 2008 Awards

The National
Best Books

2008 Awards

I have a bit of news I would like to share with my chat room friends. In other words, BRAG. Today I was notified that my Orphan Train Trilogy; Wildflowers, Bridie’s Daughter and Secrets are among ten “Finalists” in The National Best Books 2008 Awards. Overcoming stiff opposition from many qualified authors of Historical Fiction has validated the many hours of work and deprivation.

Earlier this year my three novels were awarded “Finalist” in the 2008 Indie Book Awards-an International Competition. I have one competition remaining and if I do as well you will hear about it.

Robert Noonan

Noonan's Orphan Train Trilogy -Historically Significant

Secrets

Third of A Trilogy

You won't want to miss the final book in the orphan train trilogy by Robert Noonan!

Haunted by the Secrets of their past, Kate, John and Hillary Hanley had joined together as a family and established their home in Newberry, Illinois. Each of them had secrets from their past that continued to plague them even as their happiness and love grew each day.

For John who had been accused of a murder he did not commit, he knew the law could arrest him because the victim's brother was a wealthy influential man. The real murderer had manufactured evidence against him, but revenge could be satisfied whether guilt was real. John had left Alton, Delaware, to move west and hopefully outrun his accusers. Kate loved him and would follow him anywhere to be his bride.

But Kate had a secret, known only to her, that also caused her to leave Alton. Having her own revenge against her former boss, who had caused so much pain to her beloved Hillary, she had found Frank Dragus guilty and punishable by death. Would they some day come for her as well as John?

Hillary had a secret as well.

These Secrets carried into the final book in Noonan's trilogy are woven into the lives of other orphans that rode the trains to the west. And the trains also carried the families for visits from one home to another. Bridie's daughter becomes a close friend to Hillary, but Bridie has also found a reason to visit the homestead because Biff, Hillary's adopted Uncle had caught Birdie's attention. But before she could ever consider entering into a loving relationship, she was forced to deal with the secret from her past--and He was there at her home every day to remind her!!

There is just enough drama and suspense to move this heartwarming story forward. Noonan takes the time to "create" the period into which we may fall, enjoying fairs, home-made cider, dressing up as squaws to get pictures taken . . .

By now, each of Noonan's characters had become familiar and I wanted to be sure that all would be well with each of them. Thankfully, that did happen! I've likened The Orphan Train Trilogy to the television series and books, Little House on the Prairie. I think you will agree. Robert Noonan wanted to bring out a long-forgotten part of our heritage and he has indeed handled that responsibility well. His books are meticulously presented; his writing sensitive and understanding as he shares the plight of the children who were orphaned, oftentimes by tragedy or pain.

Many of you may realize that Robert Noonan came to our site for a review of his books. He and I later worked to proofread, edit and finalize the books prior to publishing. I was honored to have this little part in bringing these Americana stories to readers. My only wish? That the trilogy had really had one more book--Hillary, so we would know that Hillary had indeed had a wonderful life and had successfully dealt with her own tragic secret. How about it Mr. Noonan? I've added it to my "wish list" at all the online bookstores! Will I get my wish? Hillary is a must-must read for me because I consider the first three books as Must-Reads!

Bridie's Daughter - Second in Trilogy!

Robert Noonan's second book in his trilogy has just been released! Bridie's Daughter follows Wildflowers and if you haven't yet read it, I highly recommend it to you. These books are a taste of Americana that you don't want to miss!

The "orphan trains" moved across the country from 1854 to 1929. Reverend Charles Loring Brace was shocked in 1850 when he learned of and saw 10,000 homeless children prowling the streets of New York City. He founded a Society through which many of these desperate children were sent west to begin new lives.

And so another trip was planned; the orphan train would carry 37 children under the age of 15. They were optimistic that all of the children might find homes this time since other trips had carried as many as 150 orphans. The children came from many different places but they were able to meet and make new friends during the train trip. They would ride two days to their first destination in Illinois. Two of the older children were immediately attracted to each other; Catherine and Brian easily found a way to meet and shared many hours together during their trip. Monica and Jason were their respective friends and they all speculated about what kind of homes they might find. Brian and Jason had been living on the streets, but Brian shared that he had dreams of becoming an engineer if he ever had a chance to go to school. In each seat on the train, whispers and dreams and fears were shared as children turned to others who could share their feelings.

Bridie McDonald was already waiting at the Newberry, Illinois train station as it rolled in. Her dear friends, Margaret and Tom Holmgren, who were hoping to find a boy to call their son, soon joined her. Bridie wanted a daughter and she would know her when she saw her. Indeed, that is exactly what happened and she moved quickly toward the young girl, Catherine, who was already deep in conversation with a couple. Deciding it was only fair to let the young girl choose, the couple and then Bridie quickly shared with Catherine why they would like to have her come lives with them. But Birdie had inside information--she had noticed the apparent relationship between Catherine and Brian and quickly highlighted that her good friends had asked Brian to come to live with them and that they lived only two streets away. How could Catherine fail to choose Bridie as she stood there with twinkling eyes?

The heartwarming stories of these new families will pull readers into each life--those of the children and those of the new parents. However, there in Newberry, one of the orphans, Monica, Catherine's friend, did not find the happiness found by others. Her story is one that also occasionally happened to those riding the trains. She was finally forced to leave the family that had adopted her, but she was smart enough and brave enough to find another life for herself; her story just might be the most gripping tale you'll read! You'll also meet Pina, a young girl who had worked in the Alton Mill and had been a friend of Hillary in Wildflowers. Finally, you'll also find out what has happened to Hillary during the last year!

The orphans' saga leading to new lives with new families is one that you will always remember. I've found the stories very similar to the series "Little House on the Prairie," based on the books by Laura Ingalls Wilder that were set in the 1870-80s. So if you've enjoyed this family-oriented program centered on the Ingalls children or Wilder's books, you will indeed agree with me that Noonan's Trilogy is a Must-Read!

Wildflowers First in Trilogy by AARP Member Robert Noonan

Wildflowers: First in A Trilogy

By Robert Noonan

Wildflowers by Robert Noonan is a novel I have come to love. It is the first book in a historical trilogy and carries an underlying story about the "orphan trains" that moved across the country from 1854 to 1929. Reverend Charles Loring Brace was shocked in 1850 when he learned of and saw 10,000 homeless children prowling the streets of New York City. He founded a Society through which many of these desperate children were sent west to begin new lives.

In a small mill town there are no laughing children playing and running. Those that are of the right age are already called upon to work to help support their families. Many of them work at Alton Mill, where they stand for long hours at machines that can maim, to create the different garments that are on order at any given time.

Noonan begins his story on Friday, September 16, 1898, as Hillary Cook, whose story will flow through all three books, walked to work at Alton Mill. She is eleven years old. Her mother is widowed and both must work to have food and shelter. Kate Moran, best friend of her mother and one of the friendly faces at the mill, smiled as Hillary hurried to her workstation. Work began at six a.m. Kate had come to love Hillary as her own and, indeed, had already promised her mother, Laura, that she would take Hillary as her child if something should happen to her mother. The mill was open for long hours Monday through Saturday and there was school on Sunday afternoons, so the only time for play and just being children was very short and much valued. Hillary and her girlfriends would roam the countryside, searching for flowers, seeking places to play pretend, to be just a little bit silly or to try some new brave adventure?and that is how they came to call themselves the Wildflowers. For those few precious hours, they were able to run wild and feel the joy and freedom of being just what they were--children. Often, they would run and watch and wave at the children going by on an orphan train. They prayed they would never have to be loaded and shipped away like they had seen happen to one of the little girls at the Mill.

But just as in the fairy tales of our youth, here too lived a wolf, who watched all of the flowers, the children he saw every day but who played in the woods so rarely. He was the owner of Alton Mill. Whenever he chose, he picked a young girl from behind the large machines and had them sent to his office. They were there for whatever he pleased, and he took the most precious thing they owned. Even now, though she was only eleven, he watched and waited for the young, pretty Hillary.

And then in the midst of their daily lives, a stranger came to town. But he wasn't a stranger to Kate Moran's fiancé, John, who had secretly been hiding because he had once been falsely accused of killing a man. The stranger was the dead man's brother! John was forced to once again run since there was no hope of proving his innocence. But John was now financially able to relocate west and find the place where he and Kate would later settle. So they planned and looked forward to that time.

And then Hillary's secret fear came true. Her mother became gravely ill. Hillary stayed by her side day and night but she was getting no better. And that was the time that Frank Dragus, her boss, moved to take his advantage. In exchange for financial support for food, lodging and doctors, he bargained for what he wanted from Hillary. Hillary gave her all but there was no cure for her mother's illness. She became the orphan, as she had always feared. In Kate's arms, though, she found that she would not be alone, that she would be leaving town with her. And Kate had already made her first maternal commitment as she repaid Dragus for what he had forced upon Hillary.

Noonan's has placed us back into the late 1890's with a tale that is well written and historically significant. When I received the manuscript for review, I was told by the author, "Follow the Children." Indeed, you not only will follow them, but you will become involved and concerned about their lives. Robert Noonan, as a first-time author, has presented us with a gift. We may not enjoy reading about some of the challenges they faced, but it is important that we learn of them. We should also be reminded that there are always good people who move in to assist and love those in need.

Look for this must-read as a keeper for your historical fiction library!

Robert Noonan Trilogy Named as Historical Fiction Finalists

Orphan Train Trilogy Snags Three Finalist Slots in Indie Awards!

Robert Noonan’s Orphan Train Trilogy ¾ Wildflowers , Bridie’s Daughter and Secrets ¾ were all named finalists for the 2008 Indie Book Awards, taking three of the ten slots in the Historical Fiction Category.

The Indie Awards are given to authors published by small presses, mid-size independent publishers, university presses, e-book publishers, and self-published authors. http://indiebookawards.com/2008_winners_and_finalists.php Noonan is a first-time author! Considered the most exciting and rewarding book awards program open to independent publishers and authors worldwide, they are awarded annually and traveled in the Indie Awards Catalog to the Book Expo America in Los Angeles.

Noonan’s Trilogy shares a little-known but haunting segment of United States history about the parentless children who traveled from New York City to find homes in the West and Southwest. The “orphan trains” relocated over 200,000 children between 1854-1929. Some children found loving homes; others experienced horrendous physical and mental abuse. Noonan’s trilogy is not only about how the lives of the children were changed, but also the lives of the adults who took these children into their homes. Love and tears flowed both ways.

The eye-opening stories follow teen-aged children who are filled with hope, concern and uncertainty as they ride the rails to an unknown future. Citizens of the western towns befriend the children, while others were not so welcoming, believing all the orphans from New York City were bastards. Despite harboring secrets from a past filled with physical abuse, shame, murder and prostitution, most of the children and their new parents begin a fresh and exciting life.

Robert Noonan, a Chicago native moved to Hatfield, Wisconsin, where he completed his highly acclaimed Orphan Train Trilogy. As a member of the National Orphan Train Complex of America, he eagerly highlighted this extraordinary history about a desperate time for children of our past. Though he was not an orphan train rider, his interest and study of inspired him to write his trilogy. These heart-warming novels are based upon well documented, but little-known, facts. Filled with vivid historical detail and heartfelt emotion, Noonan delivers a compelling look at the beginnings of what is now our nation’s children’s service.

# # #

Press Release Created by G. A. Bixler, Author’s Representative

Letters Written By Orphan Train Riders

Orphan Trains: Letter-4

By Robert Noonan

I am presenting two letters today. These boys appear content with life on a farm. Many children ended up on farms and their treatment varied greatly. They bided their time until they were eighteen, then decided if they wanted to remain or move on, if they had that option.

These boys don’t appear to have had much schooling, as their letters reveal. They are presented to you as they were written.

May 22, 1878

Mr. Tracy

Dear Sir. I received a letter some time ago and hasten to reply it is raining today so I have time to write we are pretty busy now in getting the land ready for corn we intend planting in about two days we had a temperance revival here last week there was 200 signed the pledge we will have another meeting tomorrow night it is a blue ribbon movement I am wearing the ribbon that cut and left a big scar on my hand I received the book you sent me and was pleased with it how are times in New York by this time hope they are better will you ask Mr. Trott what became of that young man that was working for him when I worked for him I guess he would know me times are awful hard out here now there is scarcely any money out here I expect you are doing good work now I have no more to say at present so I will close wishing you good success in your work I remain

Yours Respectfully

James

May 26 1878

Dear Sir

i was pleased to get your letter i was looking for a letter from you every day i was pleased to get it from you i was sorry that you could not help me but I think that time is very hard for you

i expect that we are having very whet weather it is very hard to get a place I have no place to work yet wish I could get a place to work I would like to get a place of my own but I cannot

I wish I could get work sum place I have poor health in this country if I could get back to the old country I would like it but I have not the money so I mustent think of it now so I must be contented at present

This is all from your frend thomas

I wish I had more letters to post, but these have given you some insight as to what happened to those children. There were instances where 2-5 siblings were on an Orphan Train and only one was adopted at a given town, never to see their brothers or sisters again. In my Orphan Train Trilogy I did not dwell on the hardships children faced, though there is some. My novels also show how the lives of the adults were changed by taking in children they knew nothing about or how they would react to decisions made for them. Love and tears flowed both ways. It is a story of family love and friendship, tragedy, romance, murder and intrigue and an abundance of humor.

Thank you for your interest in this little corner of our history.

Robert Noonan

Group Journals (15)