Parke County Poor Asylum
| Parke County Poor Asylum | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Established | 1856 |
| Opened | 1930 (Second Location) |
| Closed | 2010 |
| Current Status | Closed |
| Building Style | Single Building |
| Architect(s) | Carroll O. Beeson |
| Location | Rockville, IN |
| Architecture Style | Neoclassical |
| Alternate Names |
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History[edit]
The Parke County Poor Asylum is a former county "poor farm" located in the small town of Rockville, Indiana. The asylum was established in 1830 to house the county's most vulnerable people, including the poor, widowed, orphaned, and those with physical and mental disabilities. The original asylum burned down the same year and was rebuilt in 1856.
A third facility was constructed in 1930 under the guidance of Hoosier architect Carroll O. Beeson. The 25,000 square feet Neoclassical structure would be among one of the final few "poor homes" to be built, as the Social Security Act of 1935 would pave the way for our modern welfare system.
By the 1950's, there was no need for a poor asylum, and the facility was converted into an assisted living facility, originally called Parke County Nursing Home and later Parke County Residential Care Center. The facility closed its doors for good in 2010, and Mother Nature and vandals had their way with the facility, leaving it in shambles.
In March 2020, the facility was purchased by a private party and the facility is now in the early stages of being restored into a private residence.
Facility Details[edit]
- 25,000 square feet residence building.
- Cell house out back to house the occasional "insane" resident.
- Brick barn and two poll barns used for storage.
- County Poor Farm Cemetery is located next to the brick barn to the rear of the facility.
Images of Parke County Poor Asylum[edit]
Main Image Gallery: Parke County Poor Asylum
