KAUFMAN -- Ever wonder what life was like in Texas back in the pioneer days before modern conveniences became the norm? That's what will be on display at Kaufman County's Poor Farm on Saturday, Nov. 10, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Kaufman County Historical Commission is hosting its annual Living History Day and Children's Fair at the Poor Farm, which was established by the county in 1883 to provide housing and food for people living in poverty in exchange for farm work. The event will include an appearance by the Terrell Chapter of the Sons of Confederate Veterans who will be dressed in uniforms of the period. There will be games, music, dancing, food, wagon rides, storytelling, arts and crafts, demonstrations, tours and a petting zoo. The Kaufman County Poor Farm is believed to be the only such remaining historical site in Texas, and the only one in the United States that is still owned by a county, according to the Kaufman County Historical Commission's website. A former member of the commission, Kathy Kelley Hunt, wrote a history of the farm, "Kaufman County Poor Farm." The concept of poor farms originated after the Civil War in Texas when the number of people without employment and other resources rose to unprecedented numbers. The Texas Constitution was revised in 1869 to make indigent people the responsibility of the state's counties. People who qualified as paupers were allowed to live on the Poor Farm, which consisted of 408 acres with buildings and livestock, until they were able to provide for themselves. A cemetery was also established for residents who died on the farm. The Poor Farm had various uses over the years, and it was used as an epidemic quarantine camp in 1900 during the smallpox plague. In 1931 the acreage was used in the Farm Demonstration Program Project of the County Agent until the 1960s. From 1954 until 1973 it was the site of the County Jail. The acreage now consists of 27 acres that includes 19th Century buildings, a stock pond and vintage farm equipment. In March 2012 the Poor Farm was listed as one of Texas' Most Endangered Historic Places. The Poor Farm is at 3948 S. Houston St. Admission to the event is $3. Call 469-376-4121 or visit www.friendsofkchc.org for information.