Iowa Files: Over the Hill to the Poor Farm

Schedule

Sun, 16 Nov, 2025 at 03:00 pm

UTC-06:00

Location

West Des Moines Public Library | West Des Moines, IA

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Iowa's "poor farms," or county homes, were institutions established in the 1800s to care for the indigent, including orphans, the elderly, and those with disabilities. These farms were a way for counties to manage the care of the poor, often with residents expected to contribute through farm labor and housework.
Gayla Hawkins was an administrator at the Boone County Poor Farm, and will share stories of this safety net that encouraged the community to take care of their neighbors.

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Where is it happening?

West Des Moines Public Library, 4000 Mills Civic Pkwy,West Des Moines, Iowa, United States

Event Location & Nearby Stays:

Host or Publisher West Des Moines Historical Society

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