History of The Old Poor Farm
In 1872, ground was broken on 245 acres north of Fremont, Nebraska for what would soon be the Dodge County Poor Farm. This was to be a sanctuary for anyone in need. This included the poor, sick, injured, handicapped, homeless and orphaned. If someone needed assistance, they would have to appear before the Poor Farm Board and be approved. Coming to the Farm with only the clothes on their backs, 'inmates', as they were called, would receive food and shelter for as long as they needed. Inmates were free to leave at any time but could only gain re-admittance through the County Board. The County hired a husband/wife team (steward and stewardess) to oversee operations. The steward took care of livestock and farming business while the stewardess ran the household activities, including caring for the sick. The Farm's purpose was to be mostly self-sufficient with everyone participating in the everyday operations.
Every county in every state had such a facility to help the needy. In highly populated areas, the county Poor House would be more institutionalized than Dodge County's farm, but in this rural area, the large farmhouse served just fine. After the Great Depression in the 30's, a new system was born. The more populated areas of the country were unable to accommodate the large numbers of those in need, so the Federal Government was enlisted to help. Inside relief was replaced with outside relief when such programs as Old Age Assistance, Assistance for the Blind, and others came into being. With new programs in place, the Poor House, Poor Farm, and Almshouse were no longer needed.
In January 1955, the Dodge County Poor Farm was sold at public auction. It was prosperous additional farming acres to the owner until the neglected homestead became a burden. The large house and outdated buildings fell victim to nearby Fremont's youth who saw the homestead only as a 'playground' and vandalism facilitated the need to remove the house. The liability was too great. In 1970, the house was tore down. The owner sold the 4 acre homestead in 1989 and the abandoned Farm was reborn.
In 2001, the land became home to The Old Poor Farm Animal Sanctuary. It is a non-profit organization dedicated to the care of neglected, abused, handicapped and disfigured creatures. After 142 years, the original outbuildings are again housing animals. Careful consideration is given to the historical value of this farm as none of the buildings have lost their original architectural design. The Farm is once again a sanctuary.
Historical tours are given by appointment. Please contact us for prices and set a tour date. This interactive walking tour takes approximately 2 hours and can be specifically structured for all ages.
Every county in every state had such a facility to help the needy. In highly populated areas, the county Poor House would be more institutionalized than Dodge County's farm, but in this rural area, the large farmhouse served just fine. After the Great Depression in the 30's, a new system was born. The more populated areas of the country were unable to accommodate the large numbers of those in need, so the Federal Government was enlisted to help. Inside relief was replaced with outside relief when such programs as Old Age Assistance, Assistance for the Blind, and others came into being. With new programs in place, the Poor House, Poor Farm, and Almshouse were no longer needed.
In January 1955, the Dodge County Poor Farm was sold at public auction. It was prosperous additional farming acres to the owner until the neglected homestead became a burden. The large house and outdated buildings fell victim to nearby Fremont's youth who saw the homestead only as a 'playground' and vandalism facilitated the need to remove the house. The liability was too great. In 1970, the house was tore down. The owner sold the 4 acre homestead in 1989 and the abandoned Farm was reborn.
In 2001, the land became home to The Old Poor Farm Animal Sanctuary. It is a non-profit organization dedicated to the care of neglected, abused, handicapped and disfigured creatures. After 142 years, the original outbuildings are again housing animals. Careful consideration is given to the historical value of this farm as none of the buildings have lost their original architectural design. The Farm is once again a sanctuary.
Historical tours are given by appointment. Please contact us for prices and set a tour date. This interactive walking tour takes approximately 2 hours and can be specifically structured for all ages.