"True compassion is more than flinging a coin at a beggar; 
      it comes to see that an edifice which produces  beggars needs restructuring."-- Martin Luther King, Jr.

Here's a story those of you who know me or who have heard my poorhouse presentations may appreciate.  Dan Gunderson, the producer of the wonderful poorhouse radio documentary described below, was gracious enough to ask, "And would you be interested in writing a commentary of 200-300 words that could be posted on our web site? I'm thinking of something re: why you think Poorhouse history is important." 

Would I ?! Ha!  My son nearly rolled on the floor laughing when I told him about the request. He said he only hoped Dan had a lot of red pencils. (Meaning, of course, that once I get started on that topic I can't stop.) I hate it when he laughs at me -- and he's right. The first draft was 800 words!  

Well, Dan didn't have to do too much editing after I finished gnashing my teeth (and my own red pencils) to distill my passion for poorhouse history down to a few choice words.  So I will let the article serve as my "Reflections" for this issue of the newsletter. (Hey!  I'm going on vacation next week.  I deserve a rest.  And I need to take shortcuts to get ready.) 

Have a great Labor Day weekend!

Linda 

REFLECTIONS
(Ooops -- Actually, we do have one item to reflect upon.)
It's another: SOME THINGS NEVER CHANGE!

METROPOLITAN DESK | August 12, 2002, Monday
Jail Reopens As a Shelter For Families
By MICHAEL COOPER

The doors of the former jail, the Bronx House of Detention for Men, just south of Yankee Stadium on River Avenue, were thrown open last night to homeless families who had gone to seek shelter at the city's only homeless intake center, the Emergency Assistance Unit, which is a few blocks away on 151st Street.   ...  "

Read about 

HOUSING OF THE POOR in New York City POLICE STATIONS EXCERPT FROM:   In the Shadow of the Poorhouse: A Social History of Welfare in America

Well, the MPR radio documentary has come and gone 
...   and a great time was had by all !!!

But WAIT!  It's not entirely gone!
You can still see and/or hear a lot of  it. 

RealPlayer is required to hear the audio tape.

Note: The tape link on the documentary website does not include the Q & A
(in which Mary Bakeman & the PHL
responded to the questions)

To hear the documentary 
plus the Q & A
click here on the archived Midday show
and click on that audio link

Click here to go to the excellent webpage   
published by Minnesota Public Radio
to accompany the documentary
which aired on July 29, 2002

             Be sure to check out all the sidebars and links!

• interviews

• songs & poems

• photos

• commentary

We find clues about:  community health problems (
epidemics of smallpox, etc.), 
economic conditions (panics & depressions), 
natural disasters (fires, floods, etc.)
 -- and even the weather!

From the CLERK'S BOOK

Reimbursement received from the State Board of Charities for a non-resident (born in Nova Scotia) -- who had lived in Salem for 12 years but was never naturalized and had paid no taxes -- who is ill.
Refusal of outdoor relief (requiring almshouse residence instead) [This is a poor quality scan, but we have provided transcription.]
Tax Dispute to determine qualification for "legal residence" in order to know which town is responsible for relief.
[And we thought "red tape" & paperwork were something new!]
Medical Claim denial appealed
[And we though the hassles of  "managed health care" were also something recent!]

And much much more!

Especially if you love those old-timey photos!

Submitted by:  Guess who!

Remember Corine's Christmas Letter ?

This is where it all started for me.  And I will be visiting there next week and hope to get an autographed copy of the book which should be hot off the presses then!  PHL

DEATHS AT THE WASHINGTON
COUNTY POORHOUSE

COMPILED AND EDITED BY
RICHARD M. WILSON

On the New York State page we have posted something new.
It is a survey for those people who have requested microfilms from the NY State Archives
to provide feedback for us to share with them in their attempts to continue providing this
service.

            ...  and so it began     >>>>>>>

Return to ARCHIVED NEWSLETTERS                       HOME