OUR HISTORY
A legacy of care, community, and commitment.
Beverly Farm was founded in 1897 by Dr. William H.C. Smith and his wife, Elizabeth. They had been searching for a suitable tract of land where they could establish a unique approach in caring for children and adults with developmental disabilities. They believed in a radical concept for the time: Offer a caring home, socialization, attentive health supports, healthy diet, physical exercise, education, recreation, and meaningful work to the people who would live here.
They found their perfect place in Godfrey, IL and named it Beverly Farm in honor of Dr. Smith’s birthplace in Beverly, MA. While residents and team members no longer do farm chores, the original vision of exceptional, innovative care in a peaceful setting still drives the mission of Beverly Farm today.
Over the decades, Beverly Farm has evolved to reflect modern best practices, changing standards, and the growing understanding of how to support each person. Our focus changed in 1979 to providing services for adults only, and programs have expanded beyond basic residential services to include enrichment opportunities, therapeutic supports, recreation, vocational experiences, and community engagement.
That evolution has been made possible by generations of dedicated stakeholders who have shaped Beverly Farm’s story — strengthening facilities, expanding programs, and ensuring long-term sustainability. The Beverly Farm Endowment Fund stands as a lasting example of that commitment. Established in 1994 when a group of families led by Warren Golden, David and Rochelle Swain, and others pooled approximately $450,000, the Endowment has grown remarkably through generous gifts and wise investments. The fund has contributed more than $12,000,000 to Beverly Farm since 2019 alone, while maintaining a growing investment portfolio that exceeds $23,700,000.
Today, Beverly Farm continues to build on its strong foundation while looking ahead, investing in quality care, professional excellence, innovative programming, and community partnerships that support the people who call this wonderful place home.
We measure our history not only in years, but in lives supported, relationships built, and community created.
Former Board Chair and Team Member Stories Related to Our History
Former Board Chair and Team Member Stories Related to Our History
Brian B.
FPO
FPO
The Beverly Farm Timeline
1897
On September 1, 1897, Dr. William H.C. Smith and his wife Elizabeth Ellen Blake Smith officially opened Beverly Farm.
1904
Dr. Smith received recognition at the 1904 World’s Fair in St. Louis for his pioneering concepts in the care of people who live with intellectual and developmental disabilities, winning a gold medal.
1919
Blake Cottage was the first building on the Beverly Farm campus to receive electricity.
1957
Beverly Farm Foundation acquired title to Beverly Farm for $150,000, which included 217 acres of land together with various buildings and important equipment.
1979
Beverly Farm’s focus changed from providing services for children and adults to providing services for adults only.
1983
Hillier Hall, named in honor of former Chairman of the Board and President of Beverly Farm Foundation Willian H. Hillier, was dedicated. The building cost approximately $1.2 million.
1989
Hardin Apartments and our Community Day Services center opened. At the time, CDS was known as Day Training or DT.
1990
The Shoppes at Beverly Farm was built to house a resale shop and an ice cream shop.
1990
Raboteau was opened as part of the Day Training program for our medically fragile residents.
1991-1994
Group Homes 1 through 6 were built and opened. The Groves B. Smith Multi-Purpose Building was opened, enabling year-round activities with its gym and indoor swimming pool.
1998
200 trees on our campus suffered storm damage.
2010
Beverly Farm sold land for the I-255 highway expansion.
2012-2018
2017
Beverly Farm received the Governor’s Hometown Award.
2022
For our 125th Anniversary, the cities of Alton and Godfrey proclaimed it Beverly Farm Day. A time capsule was buried and a tree planted as part of the celebration.
TODAY
Today, Beverly Farm is a safe and comfortable home for adults who live with intellectual or developmental disabilities.
