Switzerland County Poor Farm

Switzerland County Poor Farm
Opened	1832
Closed	1940
Current Status	Closed
Building Style	Single Building
Location	Vevay, IN
Architecture Style	Federal
Alternate Names

History

This is an old stone building, lacking all conveniences. The institution is clean. It is lighted by kerosene and heated by stoves. The ventilation comes from the windows. The water is supplied by means of a hand pump and there is also a cistern. There is no fire protection. One bath tub is located in the wash house. The closets are out of doors. The furniture consists of beds, chairs, stands, pictures. The bedding is clean.

Management. The superintendent receives $500 per year and the matron $200 per year. A physician comes on call. Supplies are not purchased by competitive bids. The records are satisfactory. There are no rules. Inmates are received on a written order from the township trustee. The commissioners visit the poor asylum occasionally.

Inmates. Population: 3 men, 3 women. There is good sex separation. The inmates are clean. They bathe once a week and change their clothing weekly. The general health is good. Three meals a day are served, prepared by the matron with the assistance of the inmates. Religious services are not held.

Recent Improvements. A new tin roof has been put on, a horse and eleven swine have been purchased.

Recommendations. The county should have a new poor asylum on good land.

The Indiana Bulletin. March 31, December 1922 Published quarterly by the Board of State Charities of Indiana, Room 404 State House.