Old age homes in Philadelphia, 1870--1929: Creating, promoting, and negotiating middle class community.

Format:

Book

Thesis/Dissertation

Author/Creator:

Snyder, Theresa R., 1960-

Contributor:

University of Pennsylvania.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Gerontology.

Research.

United States--History.

United States.

History.

United States--Research.

0323.

0337.

0351.

Local Subjects:

0323.

0337.

0351.

Physical Description:

379 pages

Contained In:

Dissertation Abstracts International 63-02A.

System Details:

Mode of access: World Wide Web.

text file

Summary:

By 1900 Philadelphia had established a significantly higher number of old age homes, 62, than other cities and therefore served as the best opportunity for understanding the history of the elderly with particular regard to such facilities. The dissertation examines the creation, governance, negotiation, and material culture of old age homes in Philadelphia and surrounding areas from 1870 to 1929. Through a careful study of previously unavailable archival material, this study will offer new ideas about old age homes.

In response to a fear and stigma of the almshouse, managers created a corporate and staffing structure that underscored middle and upper middle class values. Admissions committees evaluated the applicant's suitability for the homes based on a range of criteria that helped identify ideal candidates for their middle class home. Vignettes of everyday life not only outlined how life was lived but in what ways the staff and residents developed courses of action that protected their individual needs and autonomy while simultaneously supporting the vision of the managers. The interiors, exteriors, and gardens of these homes conveyed to the public that the residents had realized a sense of belonging and permanence. Living in a dignified home in a healthy country setting, with spacious and well-tended grounds, all bespoke the comforts of the middle and upper middle class. Managers, staff, and residents formed a community offering residents a middle class respectability and credibility, a life style, and a sense of home that their diminishing resources would not sustain on their own.

Notes:

Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 63-02, Section: A, page: 0636.

Supervisor: Murray G. Murphey.

Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Pennsylvania, 2002.

Local Notes:

School code: 0175.

ISBN:

9780493578538

Access Restriction:

Restricted for use by site license.