New York Poorhouse
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Mary Evans Picture Library
New York Poorhouse
New York : men waiting for admission to the poor-house on Blackwells Island
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 581108
© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10026317
1875 Admission Charity Community Lodging Poor Poor House Waiting
EDITORS COMMENTS
This evocative image captures a moment in time from New York City's history, as men wait in somber silence for admission to the New York Poorhouse on Blackwell's Island in 1875. The Poorhouse, also known as the Almshouse or the House of Refuge, was a charitable institution established to provide shelter, food, and care for the city's indigent, the elderly, and the disabled. The scene portrayed in this photograph is a poignant reminder of the community's collective responsibility towards its most vulnerable members during a time when poverty and hardship were rampant. The men, dressed in ragged clothing and bearing weary expressions, appear to be a microcosm of the societal challenges of the era. Blackwell's Island, located in the East River between Manhattan and Queens, served as the site for several institutions, including the Poorhouse, the Insane Asylum, and the Penitentiary. The island's isolation from the bustling city provided a degree of privacy and security for its residents, who were often stigmatized and shunned by society. The Poorhouse, which opened in 1854, was designed to accommodate up to 2,000 residents. In addition to lodging, the institution offered workshops where residents could learn trades and skills, enabling them to become self-sufficient upon leaving. Despite these efforts, the Poorhouse remained a last resort for those who had no other means of support. This photograph offers a glimpse into the past, providing valuable insights into the historical context of charity and community support in New York City during the late 19th century. It serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring human spirit and the importance of compassion and empathy towards those in need.
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