The Johnson County Historical Society's

Asylum and Poor Farm

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location and land | future and projects | threats and opposition

Threats and Opposition

The largest threat to the Poor Farm is development. The land value is very attractive to area developers, which is a reason why funds need to be appropriated to maintain and save the land. Without preservation of the asylum wing, barn, and land, there will be no historical value, which makes it easier for developers to carry out their plans.

The opposition is another issue concerning the protection of the farm. Some citizens believe that the county’s priorities are out of sort. The county should spend their budget on something more important to the community. The needs of the citizens should come before an old farm, like improving public transportation or building more houses. Although these are fair arguments, the heritage and memory of the way Johnson County cared for its citizens in need over one hundred and fifty years ago is also valuable for the citizens in a historical aspect.

 

The restored asylum

 

Information courtesy of an article written by Linda Hartmann.

Information courtesy of an article written for interpretation by the
Johnson County Historical Society.