East Bethany, New York facts for kids

East Bethany is a small community called a hamlet in Bethany, New York, United States. It's located in Genesee County. This community is known for being the home of the historic Rolling Hills Asylum. East Bethany also has its own post office.

What is a Hamlet?

A hamlet is a small settlement, often even smaller than a village. It usually doesn't have its own local government. Hamlets are common in New York State. They are part of a larger town or county. East Bethany is a good example of a hamlet.

The Story of Rolling Hills Asylum

Rolling Hills Asylum is a very old building in East Bethany. It was first opened in the winter of 1826. Back then, it was called the Genesee County Poor Farm. Before it became a poor farm, the building was a place where stagecoaches would stop. The Genesee County board of supervisors bought the property. They officially opened the poor farm on December 4, 1826.

What Was a Poor Farm?

A poor farm, sometimes called a poor house, was a special place. It was built by the government or by groups that helped people. Its purpose was to give a home to people who needed help. This included children who had lost their parents. It also helped women who had lost their husbands and their children. People with disabilities or those who needed extra care also lived there. Sometimes, people who had made small mistakes and needed a fresh start found a home there too. The people who lived at the poor farm were called residents.

Life at the Poor Farm

The Genesee County Poor Farm was designed to be self-sufficient. This means it could mostly take care of itself. The residents helped out by working on the farm. They tended to the crops and cared for the animals. This work was part of their daily chores.

There were also small shops on the property. Residents made things like jams and pastries there. They even had a shop where they made coffins. These items were sometimes sold to earn money for the farm. Records show there was also a cemetery on the grounds. However, its exact location has not been found yet.

Bethany Post Office

East Bethany is also home to the Bethany Post Office. This post office serves the local community. It helps residents send and receive mail.