The Treasure in the Little Trunk

by Helen Fuller Orton

In the adventurous 1820's, when a boy or a girl's father and mother decided to sell their farm in New England, pack the family belongings in a covered wagon, tie the cow on behind and go West to build a new home--that boy or girl knew thrills and adventure and courage daily.

That is what the Armstrong family does in this splendid pioneering story. Every detail of twelve-year-old Kanah's and ten-year-old Patty's journey from Vermont, over the Mohawk Turnpike to the new farm in western New York State, is alive with truth, color and interest, and the treasure in the little leather trunk, hidden away in the covered wagon, plays a large part in the wonderful year.

199 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1932

About the author

Orton began writing at 48 when her children had grown up and her love of history and historical research informed many of her books. Her goal was to include history in the lives of ordinary people so her books often featured historical mysteries. She lived much of her life in the New York City area.

Reviews

[Tirzah · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great historical fiction for young and old. If I had learned about the Erie Canal in my youth, I'd forgotten and it was interesting to learn (or relearn) its construction. I read further into it and am amazed how the canal was built by self-taught engineers as there were no official enigneer schools at that time. Reading this also rekindled my admiration of the many families who endured paving the Western frontier. The only critique I have of this finely written book is its lack of map. It would have helped me and probably other readers if we could have visually followed Patty's journey and had a better concept of the places described. Of course, if one is from New York, they would have no difficulty, but this Midwesterner did!

[Kristi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I remember reading this a child and really liking it.
While this story takes place near the building of the Eerie Canal, there's a lot of detailed narrative in here that is similar to a Little House story. For example, the making of candles or building of a cabin takes an entire chapter to explain. The characters and plot are kept very simple for a younger audience. Overall, it didn't really hold the interest of my younger children.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I use this book in class when I teach about pioneers. It is a book about the travel of a family from Vermont through New York State in their covered wagon. The family settles in a little town that is near the opening of the Erie Canal (Lockport). The town the family settles in is actually called Pekin NY now. Very good reference for WNY teachers.

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book reminded me of the Laura Ingalls Wilder books. Not only did they travel by wagon train to unsettled country, but it describes how to build a log cabin etc., though not in as much detail. A nice little book!

[Suzanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a sweet story that I will save for my granddaughter to read some day.