Strafford County purchased two farms totaling 290 acres (120 ha), on which it established facilities to care and provide work for these groups.

Able-bodied individuals housed there were expected to work in the farm's facilities, and eventually provided as much as 90% of its labor.

The almshouse that stands today was built in 1881, along with laundry and boiler houses that also survive nearby.

The almshouse is a large three-story brick structure originally designed to house up to 300 individuals.

This building's once-impressive facade is somewhat obscured by the presence of the 1970 nursing home which stands in front of it, and to which it is now connected.