COUNTY POORHOUSE

Source:  Dwight H. Bruce (ed.), Onondaga's Centennial.  Boston History Co., 1896, Vol. I, pp. 541-542.

In caring for the poor and unfortunate Syracuse has always occupied an advanced position. Her citizens may not be more generous, liberal, or sympathetic than those of other cities, but they have at least realized that, outside of the dictates of humanity, the proper protection and support of the poor is one of the elements of prosperity in any community. The numerous and ever-increasing calls upon the charity of the well-to-do have been always promptly and generously met, and the most cordial support given to the establishment of the various institutions having for their object the amelioration of the condition of the poor.

Previous to the incorporation of the city the care of the poor had been provided for through the common channels of the Board of Supervisors and the overseer of the poor (see earlier account of the County Poorhouse) and no institution had then been founded in Syracuse, outside of the Orphan Asylum for this purpose. In 1852, after some agitation, a City Poor and Workhouse was established, and $16,000 were appropriated by the Common Council for the erection of a proper building. This action resulted in the erection of the structure now used by the House of Providence, on Split Rock Road. It was used for its intended purpose only about ten years, when it was ordered sold to the Catholics in 1867. The principal reason for its abandonment appears to have been the expense of maintaining it as a separate institution. The immediate care of the poor of the city is now under charge of the overseer of the poor, whose task is much lightened by various philanthropic and charitable organizations.