Description
A Memoir by Dorothy Jenner Gardiner and Other Materials for an Historical Study
A publication of the Mansfield Historical Society 1985
60 pages
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Origins of the Mansfield Poor House
- Newspaper clippings from the family scrapbook
- My own memories by Dorothy J. Gardiner
- The Inventory
- Appendix- annual reports of the selectman and treasurer of the town of Mansfield from 1867-1923
An insider’s view of the Mansfield poor house (almshouse) as it existed in the early part of the 20th century. The poor house operated for about 60 years under the direction of the Barrows – Gardiner families. Established in 1861 the poorhouse served at least 96 persons of which are listed in the historical records of the Mansfield Historical Society. Robert A. Barrows and his wife became the first official contracted caretakers of the poor in 1861 on their farm on Maple Rd. Their daughter Emma Barrows and her husband William H. Gardiner became the caretakers of the poorhouse after the death of Emma’s father in 1876. With the death of Emma’s husband William in 1903 care passed to Emma until 1918 when she was forced to retire due to illness. The Gardiner poorhouse was closed in 1922- 23.
The Mansfield Historical Society history workshop edited and arranged the publication of Dorothy Gardiner’s manuscript adding material from Mansfield Town records which throws light on the overall treatment of the poor and mentally ill during the period from about 1880 to 1920. Dorothy’s manuscript is based on the memories of Emma Barrows Gardiner.
