On the western edge of Iowa City, Johnson County uses 160 acres of historic agricultural land housing the Johnson County Historic Poor Farm.
As the Historic Poor Farm 10-year plan comes to a close, county officials reflect on the programs that have been part of it and look forward to projects nearing the end of construction.
The poor farm’s commercial kitchen is finishing its inspections and will soon be open for use. Watkins said it can be used by farmers, food entrepreneurs, caterers, and more. The farm also offers its land for use by local nonprofits to provide people with a space to grow local produce and crops.
The farm is home to a healing trail where community members can enjoy a day full of adventure, nature, and historic buildings to learn about the complex history of the farm, as a space for a variety of local organizations to promote the production of locally grown crops.
What has been revived in a little under ten years as a community hub of engagement started in 1855 as a poor farm. Poor farms existed throughout the U.S. before federal welfare; housing the elderly, people with disabilities, and the impoverished.
The care provided was not always positive, and visitors c...