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The History of Penn Home
Penn Home was founded in 1848 when four Christian women
from the area, Mmes. Van Dusen, Lee, Creamer and Keen, opened
the home for single and widowed women who were in reduced circumstances.
At that time, a meager fee of $30 was requested upon which each
woman was ensured a "home during life, abundant food, comfortable
clothing and kind attendance" for the remainder of her life.
For most of our history, Penn Home has accommodated only women.
In fact, for many years the Home's tagline was: "Plead for
the Widow." 1991 our Charter was changed to include male
residents.
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In 1890 -
The Home spent $66.67 on soap, starch and blue. They also
spent $8 on salt and spices, $31.85 on ice, and $20 on "coaches
to the park."
In 1890 -
Mr. John Wanamaker gave the Home a piece of gingham.
Mr. Weigand gave
two beef tongues.
Mr. Fluck gave a large bunch of celery.
An anonymous donor gave some lace.
Things got better in 1905 –
Mr. Wills gave 20 pounds of cough drops – it
must have been a bad cold season!
Dr. Warner gave a gallon of whisky, definitely for medicinal
purposes!
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<click
on a photo below
to see a larger version>
The Penn
Home welcomes residents regardless of religious affiliation, race,
ethnic background or handicap.
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