History of Lutheran Home
A Bit of History About the Lutheran Home
by Patti LaMancuso, Sal-Lee Holland, and Sandra Sandy
Lutheran Retirement Home
In the late 1920's and early 1930's it became apparent there was a need for a residential setting for the elderly. The trends were changing from three generations living in one family, to a single family unit of parents and children.
In 1924 a $500 legacy was left to the Lutheran Home for the Aged, but since no such home existed, the money could not be delivered.
Therefore at the annual meeting of the First Lutheran Church in 1924 it was decided to incorporate, so that the money could be received. Purpose of the group was "The particular objects for which the corporation is to be formed are to provide a Christian home for the worthy and responsible aged and indigent men and women." The incorporators were: Reverend Daniel Nystrom, Karl Peterson, Ernest J. Seaberg, Adolf F. Johnson, Carl Lindquist, and Richard Johnson.
It was felt that the First Lutheran could not support the home alone, so a meeting of the five Lutheran Churches of Jamestown and Falconer was called. It was decided to present a petition at the New York Conference meeting in Brooklyn in 1927. They recommended a committee of representatives from each district meet and consider the petition.
The committee met in November of 1927 to discuss and debate the petition. It was felt a home for the aged was indeed needed. In fact there was already a list of 25 potential residents submitted by various pastors on the committee.
It was noted there was plenty of room to build on the land owned by the Conference, where the Children's Home was located. The committee also decided it was time for the Conference to extend its charitable institutions. It was moved therefore that the recommendation be - the New York Conference erect, maintain, and manage a Lutheran Home for the Aged in or near the city of Jamestown providing:
- The home be erected in Jamestown.
- The Conference gratefully accept the offer of $30,000 made by the churches of Jamestown and Falconer
- Proceed with building the home when the $30,000 was available.
During the spring of 1929, using the slogan "Onward Christian Soldiers", $34,770 was raised locally.
On March 28, 1930 Mrs. Judith Erickson was chosen first matron at a salary of $65 per month.
Miss Amanda Berg, Mrs. Sophia Soderling, Mrs. Ida Herman, John E. Carlson, Martin Nelson, and Josephine Eleanora Lindquist were the first accepted guests. The home's capacity was 19 and filled up quickly.
The bedrooms were furnished by individuals at the cost of $125 per room. The rest of the rooms were furnished by different organizations of churches in the area.
June 15, 1930 the Home was dedicated and officially accepted by the New York Conference.
When the building struggle had been overcome, the struggle for maintenance began. There was some financial difficulty at first and the treasury was usually empty or nearly so. On February 2, 1931 the Reverend Carl Jacobson became manager of the two Homes for a short period of time. In 1936 the weekly rate for residence was $10.
October 1, 1942 Sister Marie Nelson became Matron for five years, replaced by Mrs. Ruth Lindstrom on October 1, 1947.
Paul S. Bergeson was engaged as Publicity Director of both homes on July 1, 1947 and served until 1966. On February 5, 1952 the homes began, consolidated under the name of "Lutheran Social Services of New York Conference of the Augustana Evangelical Lutheran Church". Mr. Bergstrom was appointed manager of the Home and continued in that capacity until July 1, 1954.
It was obvious that the Home was too small and plans were formulated for an addition. February 3, 1952 a beautiful up-to-date addition was officially dedicated. The new building contained 18 new resident units, a chapel in the basement, an infirmary, elevator, and sitting room. It was built at a cost of $195,738.28. Total residents now was 37.
July 1, 1954, Mrs. Lindstrom became the first Superintendent instead of the Matron.
The position changed to that of Administrator with the following pastors filling the position:
Rev. Ernest G. Anderson 1963-1970
Rev. Gerald C. Daniels 1970-1976
Dr. Clyde J. Christmas 1976-1980
Rev. Floyd Addison 1980-1986
Rev. Thomas Mason 1986-1997
Charles Rice 1998-2010
Daniel O'Neill 2010-present day
The need for long term care for an older population who gradually became less independent was fulfilled by a gift from Mrs. Marguerite Hultquist as a memorial to her husband Earle O. Hultquist. Her gift allowed for the building of a 28 bed infirmary to be used as a skilled nursing facility. It was dedicated September 25, 1966 with a 16 bed addition opened in June of 1972.
Lutheran Social Services has continued to grow and provide an answer for the needs of the community.
The Lutheran Home as it looks today
