More Old Age Homes Are Built

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.

Photo of Oakes Home in Denver.

Oakes Home, Denver, CO, 1904
Built 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

Photo of Odd Fellows Home

Odd Fellows Home, Greensburg, IN, 1906
Library of Congress: Taking the Long View: Panoramic Photographs, 1851-1991

Photo of Elk's Home in Savannah GA

Elk's Home, Savannah, GA, 1910-1920
Library of Congress: Touring Turn-of-the-Century America
Photographs from the Detroit Publishing Company, 1880-1920

Photo of Masonic Home in Utica NY

Masonic Home, Utica, NY, 1905
Library of Congress: Touring Turn-of-the-Century America
Photographs from the Detroit Publishing Company, 1880-1920

Photo of Old Ladies Home in Denver

Old Ladies Home, West 38th Avenue, Denver, CO, 1900-1910
Built 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