Iowa Files: Over the Hill to the Poor Farm

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.

You may also like the following events from West Des Moines Historical Society:

• Next Tuesday, 5th August, 10:30 am, Schoolhouse Storytime in West Des Moines
• Next month, 11th August, 09:00 am, Hands on History Camp in West Des Moines
• Next month, 19th August, 10:30 am, Schoolhouse Storytime: Party Time! in West Des Moines