The Poor Farm House Traditional Cache

The Poor Farm House - Though the farm itself was located to the north a Poor Farm House occupied this area.

Like the founding philosophy of the Poor Farm and

Infirmary (and later the Hospital and Health Center),

the county’s approach to the housing and treatment of

the poor at this facility appears to have been exemplary.
 

As evidenced in part by the Burial Records, many of

the residents at the Poor Farm were recent immigrants

to America and Chicago and many arrived with old

world skills.

The philosophy and business plan of the

Poor Farm included work. There were a variety of shops

producing a range of products from brooms to shoes

and there was an active farm program which included

the raising of livestock.

The products of these workshops,

fields, and animal pens were consumed by the resident

population of the Poor Farm and Infirmary and excess

products and produce were sold outside of the facility.