The relatively few able-bodied persons on relief in 1929
and previous years usually received the same treatment as the
rest. In the early period of American history when the poor
law systems took shape, economic insecurity arising from un-
employment was an insignificant problem. Although industrial
unemployment had been a significant factor for decades prior
to 1929 the poor law systems of that date were still operating
on the old assumption that worthy persons who sought private
employment would have no difficulty in securing jobs. Thus
in only a few instances prior to 1929 had attempts been made
to provide useful work projects for destitute persons capable
of performing work. ⁸

The administration of public outdoor relief under the poor
laws was a function of counties, municipalities, townships,
towns and special districts, the county being the unit most often
utilized. ⁹ This situation remained practically unchanged
throughout the early 1930's and poor relief was administered
by counties in thirty-four states in 1934. In twenty-one of
these states, relief was handled by the central board of the
county; in thirteen states a county agency distinct from the
central board was responsible for its administration. ¹⁰

Although outdoor relief clearly had become the major method
of extending poor relief by the turn of the century, the public
institution, variously known as the poorhouse, almshouse, wel-
fare house, home or infirmary, remained an important part of
the poor relief system. ¹¹ These institutions were originally sup-
posed to care for the homeless indigent, but they tended to

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