Saginaw County Farm
(AKA: County Poor Farm)
The header photo on this PAGE of the Saginaw County Poor Farm, (as it was locally known- circa 1950's) was donated to the Saginaw Genealogical Society by a former County Farm Superintendents daughter, Joyce Marti Richter, who now lives in Florida. When the photo was brought back to Michigan, it became part of the Castle Museum's permanent collection and it is by courtesy of the museum that it appears on our site.
The County Home for the Poor
These buildings are often referred to by the general public, as the Poor Farm. However, when looked at through the eyes of those who used to live there, it was never called that.
At a recent visit by SGS board member Betty Coleman, and while on her various travels as she globe-trots, she met up with Joyce Marti, the daughter of the last manager of the Saginaw Community Farm, Walter Marti. Joyce gave us a photo of the county farm, it shows the farm and some of the cottages.
Joyce related some of her memories of the Farm. “Dad designed and invented a patient lift to get residents in and out of the bath tub. He didn’t patent his idea ~ it was very similar to what they use today in nursing homes. Of course the one he designed was manual, and not powered.” Joyce was sure her dad would have made a lot of money if he had put a patent on his design. But instead the purpose it was created for, was not to make money but to help those in the home. Joyce talked about how the farm was where homeless people would go to. The purpose of the home was to offer shelter and help to those out who were either temporarily or permanently without a home, due to illness, loss of work, or the incapacity to provide for themselves.
Joyce would rather call the farm, the Infirmary or the County Home. She said, “Mommy and Daddy made it so nice for all the residents. When people came there to live, it was their HOME. They found their niche there and I think those who had to remain for a long time were very happy being there!”
She has very fond memories living there as a child and as a young woman. She said, “I live liked a little rich girl. We had our meals cooked by the staff, cleaning done, and very nice private living quarters ~ it all came with my parents and grandparents being employed at the County Farm.” She has never talked about her parents being on call 24 hours a day. This seems like this could have been very stressful.
“The home was so beautiful and Daddy kept the grounds in exquisite condition. We had flower and vegetables gardens. There was a peacock that walked the grounds. It was just beautiful! In my mind I can just see it today~ I can walk the rooms and halls. George, my brother, and I shared a bathroom (yes we had our very own bathroom) it was beautiful. I have always loved that bathroom! The County Home was so well known and respected I can’t imagine that the history is gone.”
In January 1892 the County Farm opened. In 1978 the 'Infirmary' was torn down and the residents were moved to the new 'Community Village' across the street. The County Farm served the county for 86 years. Joyce’s grandparent and parents were in charge of the Saginaw county home for 44 of those years.
These buildings are often referred to by the general public, as the Poor Farm. However, when looked at through the eyes of those who used to live there, it was never called that.
At a recent visit by SGS board member Betty Coleman, and while on her various travels as she globe-trots, she met up with Joyce Marti, the daughter of the last manager of the Saginaw Community Farm, Walter Marti. Joyce gave us a photo of the county farm, it shows the farm and some of the cottages.
Joyce related some of her memories of the Farm. “Dad designed and invented a patient lift to get residents in and out of the bath tub. He didn’t patent his idea ~ it was very similar to what they use today in nursing homes. Of course the one he designed was manual, and not powered.” Joyce was sure her dad would have made a lot of money if he had put a patent on his design. But instead the purpose it was created for, was not to make money but to help those in the home. Joyce talked about how the farm was where homeless people would go to. The purpose of the home was to offer shelter and help to those out who were either temporarily or permanently without a home, due to illness, loss of work, or the incapacity to provide for themselves.
Joyce would rather call the farm, the Infirmary or the County Home. She said, “Mommy and Daddy made it so nice for all the residents. When people came there to live, it was their HOME. They found their niche there and I think those who had to remain for a long time were very happy being there!”
She has very fond memories living there as a child and as a young woman. She said, “I live liked a little rich girl. We had our meals cooked by the staff, cleaning done, and very nice private living quarters ~ it all came with my parents and grandparents being employed at the County Farm.” She has never talked about her parents being on call 24 hours a day. This seems like this could have been very stressful.
“The home was so beautiful and Daddy kept the grounds in exquisite condition. We had flower and vegetables gardens. There was a peacock that walked the grounds. It was just beautiful! In my mind I can just see it today~ I can walk the rooms and halls. George, my brother, and I shared a bathroom (yes we had our very own bathroom) it was beautiful. I have always loved that bathroom! The County Home was so well known and respected I can’t imagine that the history is gone.”
In January 1892 the County Farm opened. In 1978 the 'Infirmary' was torn down and the residents were moved to the new 'Community Village' across the street. The County Farm served the county for 86 years. Joyce’s grandparent and parents were in charge of the Saginaw county home for 44 of those years.
Saginaw County
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POOR FARM DEATH RECORDS
(click PHOTO below to access) 
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