OFHP 1-2 - Oak Forest Hospital & Poor Farm
The Vision of the County, 1907-1910
Reading the proceedings of the Cook County Board from 1907-1910, the spirit of the planners is evident. Their commitment to excellence in the design, construction, and management of the facility is clear, as is their desire to set new standards for the care of tuberculosis patients and the treatment of Poor Farm residents. The architectural history of the facility is a rich one in itself. It sheds light on the spirit, innovation, and care that went into its design and operation and can be illustrated by a discussion of some of the unique architectural features of the facility and what motivated the planners and designers to include them.
The decision to locate a poor farm in the area was made in 1907 in response to the overcrowded conditions at the County Poor Farm in Dunning on the Northwest Side of Chicago. The facility was completed in 1910 as the Oak Forest Infirmary, and accommodated close to 2,000 persons who were destitute because of poverty, mental illness, alcoholism, and other problems. Residents helped maintain farmland around the facility. By 1932, there were more than 4,000 patients, including over 500 with tuberculosis.
Evolution of the Health Center 1910-Present
From the Health Center inception in 1910 as a poorhouse and poor farm; a home for the aged, impaired and destitute; a hospital for the chronically ill; and a tuberculosis sanitarium, the Oak Forest Hospital has served many roles over a long history.
In 1911, an agreement was reached between the State of Illinois and Cook County in which the County surrendered all assets and liabilities associated with the Dunning facility and at the same time, the County was leaving all residents deemed to be insane at the Dunning facility while transferring the remaining residents to what was to become the Oak Forest Hospital facility by July 1, 1911, which would remain under the supervision of Cook County officials and employees.
The Oak Forest Hospital has been known by many names:
- Cook County Poorhouse
- Cook County Poor Farm
- Oak Forest Infirmary
- Oak Forest Tuberculosis Hospital
- Oak Forest Hospital
- Oak Forest Health Center
The Cache:
This is an 7 stage multi-cache all within short walking distance and each stage will have the coordinates for the next. Except for the first stage, each stage will have a hint on the inside if you are having troubles. Route is approximately .3 miles on and around Lake Circle with many different hiding styles to enjoy.
There is room in the container for trackables and items for trade.
* Congratulations to Valeriemamoo for the FTF! *
Parking:
Closest parking is available through the security booth at the main entrance (just mention that you are visiting the Heritage Preserve) then you can park right by the lake off of Lake Circle. There is also parking at the parking lot on Fieldcrest Drive just off of Pulaski or at the Fieldcrest Park parking lot.
Notes:
- Bring your camera! This is a beautiful preserve with a lot of wildlife, history, and many informative signs.
- This is a forest preserve and I suggest bug repellent and long pants. Watch for poison ivy, although I tried to place all caches away from it, you may run into it. There are also ticks in the area.
- This series can be done walking, running, or biking.
- Dogs are allowed, but must be leashed at all times.
- Do not place the following items in the Geocache: Food items, inappropriate, offensive, or hazardous materials.
- Hours are sunrise until sunset. Preserve users must not be in the preserves after hours.
- Please remember, it’s not an official find until you log it online.