HOLLAND, MI (WHTC) – Inspired by the success of the recent Poor Farm Sesquicentennial Celebration in October, a documentary film on the facility was created and will premiere this spring in Holland and Grand Haven.
The Poor Farm, a documentary made in association with the Ottawa County Park Foundation and Ferris State University, is focused on the history of the Polkton Township facility now known as Eastmanville Farm Park.
The property is located in Coopersville at 7151 Leonard Road. The Poor Farm was a haven for indigent people who, due to the happenstance of birth, misfortune, or poverty, were in dire straits and needed a place to call home. It became a sanctuary staffed with people who could nurse them to better health says Jessica Van GinHoven communications specialist with Ottawa County Parks.
“1866 was a time when there were no pensions, 401k’s or social security. People went to the farm and finished out their life there and lived there. The Historians that have been working so hard did tons of historical research on the people who lived there. Some of my favorite stories are the ones that are the most surprising which is what makes the movie really really cool.”
Marjie Viveen, a local historian says she is impressed with how the film turned out. “I entrusted the life stories of Poor Farm residents to Ferris State University film-maker Joshua Pardon. The resulting documentary is respectful, honest, heartfelt, and masterfully produced – a testimony to the professionalism of Joshua and his dedicated students. Every life is a story and a lesson. These will not be forgotten” Viveen says that the phrase ‘Poor Farm’ conjures up negative images, but she hopes that with the documentary, a better understanding on the facility will come about.
The movie premieres in Holland on May 24 from 6-8 pm at the Park Theatre, 248 S. River Ave. The Grand Haven Community Center on 421 Columbus Ave. will also be showing the film on May 31 from 6-8. Light snacks and a beer and wine cash bar will be available. There will also be small silent auction and live music at the event.
Tickets for the premiere events are now on sale ($10) on the Ottawa County Parks website. All proceeds benefit the Ottawa County Parks Foundation
– Mary Ellen Murphy contributed to this story.
