Hi - one source of information might be the WPA Life Histories collection
(http://www.lva.lib.va.us - Digital Library Program/History and Culture)

There are narratives describing the lives of many poor families which
may shed some light on your question.

Also, check out the Virginia Historical Inventory under the same
heading - do a keyword search on "poor" and you will get a number
of hits - with some specifically describing poor houses (also
called almshouses).

Elizabeth

>
> Thank you all for your info on beer and blue laws. Now I am wondering
> how I can find out info on government programs to help the poor in
> Virginia from the settlement of Jamestown up through the depression.  I
> am also interested if Virginia's laws were typical or atypical of
> Colonial laws and programs.
>     I know I am asking a lot of questions, however, not being a
> historian or teacher, my curiosity well exceeds my knowledge.
>
> To subscribe, change options, or unsubscribe, please see the instructions
> at http://listlva.lib.va.us/archives/va-hist.html
>


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Elizabeth Roderick                              email ([log in to unmask])
Director, Digital Library Program               email ([log in to unmask])
The Library of Virginia                         phone  (804) 692-3761
800 E. Broad Street                             fax    (804) 692-3771
Richmond, VA  23219

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