The next map to feature the Westchester County Almshouse was published in 1872: the Beers Atlas of Westchester. I feel like this map is a lot more detailed than the 1867 one, or perhaps there has just been a lot of change in five years. For instance, Tarrytown Heights is mapped out, likely showing a recent subdivision that would be parceled out in lots in later years. Despite the encroachment of the subdivided areas on the countryside surrounding East Tarrytown, most of the houses and house owners remain the same.
Furthermore the almshouse itself appears to be virtually unchanged, with the same four buildings arranged next to the river; though it's now labeled as "County Alms House" instead of "County House Hospital."
Here's the full map for some context:
I'm curious to know whether an Almshouse was the same as what we in Britain called a Workhouse. I expect it will all be revealed in due course.
ReplyDelete"Are there no prisons? Are there no workhouses?"
ReplyDeleteI believe they are pretty much the same thing. There is also the distinction between "poorhouse" and "almshouse," the latter being reserved for the "worthy" poor, but sometimes they were used interchangeably.
I've heard that term 'worthy poor' before. I'm generally a fan of charity without judgement.
ReplyDeleteI am too. Was a pretty common way of viewing things in the 19th century, and to be honest, it is still today (see mandatory drug screening for welfare recipients in the US).
ReplyDelete