Hundreds of huge voluntary and non-profit old-age homes were built in the late 1800's and early 1900's, many set on large pieces of property with farms or gardens to help support the residents of the home. As their populations grew, they added additional buildings, like hospitals, barns, and homes for some of the staff. Some became small cities in themselves.
Oakes Home, Denver, CO, 1904Built 1895 as institution for the elderly. Library of Congress: History of the American West, 1860-1920 Photographs from the Collection of the Denver Public Library
Odd Fellows Home, Greensburg, IN, 1906Library of Congress: Taking the Long View: Panoramic Photographs, 1851-1991
Elk's Home, Savannah, GA, 1910-1920Library of Congress: Touring Turn-of-the-Century America Photographs from the Detroit Publishing Company, 1880-1920
Masonic Home, Utica, NY, 1905Library of Congress: Touring Turn-of-the-Century America Photographs from the Detroit Publishing Company, 1880-1920
Old Ladies Home, West 38th Avenue, Denver, CO, 1900-1910Built by Ladies' Relief Society in 1900. Later renamed Argyle Nursing Home. Library of Congress: History of the American West, 1860-1920 Photographs from the Collection of the Denver Public Library