Poverty in Rural America

Poverty in Rural America: The Story of Yates County Home and Farm from 1830 to 1950 describes the development of poorhouses in New York State, providing an analysis of poverty and an impression of the societal attitudes toward those who were impoverished in the early nineteenth century. The reader is provided with an understanding of the workings and management of the Yates County Home and Farm as well as comparing it to the general issues of poverty and the solutions employed by the state. Throughout the book, the author has provided insights and discussion questions at the end of each chapter to prompt discussion and further analysis to provide insight into the impact upon the people involved. The book highlights the changes in philosophy of poverty and its solutions over the time of the operation of this poorhouse and the development of other social-service programs. This work would appeal to readers of history and of social change over time.