This was known as the "Poor Farm." It was the basic solution to homeless people. Later, the "County Farm" was home for people who were physically or mentally challenged covering the basic needs of those who now days end up in nursing homes. This kind of living allowed residents to earn their keep working with farm animals and doing various chores. Later, it housed inmates/trustees from the Ottawa County jail system. All that remains are some of the barns. It is now a equine park for horsemen as well as hiking trails. The graveyard for former tenants has been located and remains an interesting spot to visit.

I went with my Grandmother, Hazel Waldie, to visit the very kind caretakers, Doris and Tom Modderman many times as a child in the early 60's. They sold fresh farm eggs. We used to play on the fire escape that was located on the west side of the building. At that time it was a grand old building.