Alms House

Every county in Illinois maintained a poor farm. The first poor farm in Greene County was just over 92 acres and located west of Carrollton. The deed to this property was put on record in 1842 but by the year 1869, need for a larger facility led the county to sell the farm and purchase 160 acres northeast of Carrollton. The existing poor farm structure was constructed in 1870.

The large home is an asymmetrical brick Italianate building with a low pitched roof and two two-story porches, (both open and enclosed). It consists of two stories and a full basement. Other identifying features include a three story tower located at the rear and segmented arched windows that look across the farm ground. Large overhanging eaves feature dentils and modillions. Quoins set at the corners also add a distinctive touch.

The Greene County Poor Farm typically housed less than 30 residents at one time but that number would fluctuate based on need during its use. Residents would have included the elderly, physically and mentally ill, orphans and the homeless.

The county would have provided some of the necessities required for the care of its residents but the 160 acres of land was utilized for the growing of crops and the raising of livestock that helped sustain the “paupers” of the poor farm. In 1908, an additional 200 acres was purchased for the purpose of raising more crops.

The State Board of Charities was expected to review the care received from these care facilities on a regular basis and the Almshouse was always considered a “model building” through the turn of the century. Upon visiting the farm, you could see the fertile farmland growing an abundance of crops including corn, hay and oats. An orchard was also planted and boasted apple, cherry, plum, pear and peach trees. Bushes bearing currants, blackberries and even raspberries were also present. Grapevines were added at a later date.

The farming operations at the Almshouse also included the raising of cattle. Horses, cows, pigs and chickens could be seen meandering through the barns and stables.

Overall, the caretakers at the poor farm were praised for the well-worked lands, the abundance of fruits and vegetables and the general care that was taken for the tenants. Even the mentally insane were not kept in seclusion and the operation continued to thrive for some time.

Shortly after the turn of the century, the elderly became the predominate population on the farm. By 1910, 50% of the population was over the age of 61 and by 1928, this number ballooned to 90%. The physically and mentally ill began to be relocated to other more specialized care facilities and the role of the Greene County Almshouse had changed. Being unable to care for themselves in their old age, the Farm had become a repository for the old.

In 1932, Greene County became eligible to participate in the Illinois Emergency Relief Aid Program. County Board members estimated the cash amounts needed and dispersed payments directly to welfare recipients. State assistance became the dominate system for welfare and subsequently Almshouse care became obsolete.

The Almshouse is one of several poor farms across the state that are owned by their respective counties. The farmland is currently being leased out to recoup some of the costs incurred by the county. This property was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1991 and on the Top Ten Most Endangered Buildings List in 1996. However, it currently stands abandoned and dilapidated.