Decorative Plate
A decorative, earthenware plate (“China”) from Westford’s Town Farm. The plate was made by John Hall’s company in Staffordshire, England, around c1825. Elaborate motifs, such as the one presented here, were not uncommon. This plate is part of the Town Farm collection that features decorative dinnerware with motifs ranging from parts of Africa, historical figures, and to simple floral designs. This dinnerware was used for special occasions, like hosting town government representatives.
The Westford Town Farm was built in 1837, after purchasing the 170 acre Read Farm in 1824. It functioned as the local form of welfare before Social Security was established nationally in the 1930s. It functioned as both an asylum and infirmary, as well as the town jail. The goal for many of the indigent residents was to have them develop professional skills, such as farming, so that they do not become permanent residents. However, it was not uncommon for some to become permanent. By the early twentieth-century, the Town Farm was officially known as the Westford Infirmary, as part of the town Welfare Department. Operations began to wind down after a fire in 1952. In 1959, the last patients were transferred to the still operating Tewksbury Hospital. The Welfare Department closed the next the year.
After, the property was used as town offices. It was placed on the Nation Register of Historic Places in 2008. Today, approved plans for the future of the property involve a partial shift back to its welfare use. The main building will be renovated into apartments, much of which low income housing, and a food pantry. Further affordable housing is also planned for the property. For more information see 35 Town Farm Road Task Force.
W.1999.18i