The House of Refuge was an early ancestor to modern-day Long-Term Care Homes and took in the destitute, elderly and infirm, as well as single women from homes, jails and hospitals. As time moved forward, the House of Refuge evolved to caring for mostly senior citizens in poor health. The Lambton County House of Refuge was a large, four-story white brick building located on 60 acres of land on Sarnia’s eastern edge and included a farm and orchard. It was built by the County of Lambton in 1889 and opened in 1896.
Although it was also known as the “Poor House”, it was one of the best homes in Ontario and contained a sitting room, smoking rooms, dining rooms, kitchen with two Doherty electric ranges, laundry, and a storeroom with a walk-in refrigerator with accommodation for 50 men and 12 women. In exchange for lodging, residents were expected to cook, clean, and work on the farm. Residents tended the vegetable garden and orchard, or looked after livestock such as chickens, cows, pigs, and horses. Residents could also create dairy products such as milk, cream, and butter for their consumption or for generating revenue.
In 1954 The House of Refuge was demolished, and the land transformed into what is now Germain Park. That same year, construction for Twilight Haven, later named Meadowview Villa, commenced on County Road 4 in Enniskillen Township, near Petrolia.
This ledger details the original residents who lived at the House of Refuge during its formative years until 1924.
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