Allegheny City Poor Farm
In the days before welfare and many of the other public programs that allow those less than financially capable to survive on thier own, if you had no means of support, you may have found your self as an "inmate" in the Poor Farm. The Poor Farm system in the US, run by local governments, was a way to take care of less fortunate citizens who found themselves on hard times. The residents were predominately older citizens, beyond thier working prime, and others capable but otherwise not able to support themselves. The residents lived in dormitory style housing, usually on a working farm where they could perform whatever work they were able to help provide for thier own subsistence.
In 1844 the City Of Allegheny purchased 164 acres in Millvale at a price of $12,000.00 for the establishment of its Poor Farm. The farm was in opeartion for 24 years before it outgrew its confines and a new facility was constructed up river in Ohara near Blawnox. The acerage was was divided into lots which were sold for $300,000.00 to help finance the new facility. The current picture below is of one of the original buildings, just around the corner from GZ.
The poor farm system remained in operation in the US until about 1950, with thier need declining after the the full effects of the Social Security Act were realized after its enactment in 1935.
Read an article HERE from 1868 about a Thanksgiving visit to this facility