SOURCE: Jones, Mary E. Doody. “The Exceptional Orphan Anne: Child Care, Orphan Asylums, Farming Out, Indenturing, and Adoption.” In The Annotated Anne of Green Gables, by L. M. Montgomery, edited by Wendy E. Barry, Margaret Anne Doody, and Mary E. Doody Jones, pp. 422-29. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1997.

In the following essay, Jones examines the care and treatment of orphans in the late nineteenth century and the ways this is reflected in Anne of Green Gables.

R.M.D., Route 3

Scotsburn Sta.,

Pictou Co.,

N.S.

Aug. 21st/17 [1917]

To Mayor Martin Halifax City Halifax Co., N.S. 

Dear Sir,—

Kindly tell me the names of the Homes for boys in your city. I am desirous in getting a good boy (with decent parents) from ages 8-11 yrs inclusive, to bring up and of protestant religion preferably [sic] methodist. Let me know please by return mail. Find enclosed postage...