History of The Glens Falls Home, Inc.
A Glimpse Back
This material was adapted from A Century of Caring, a history of the Home written for our Centennial celebration in 1999 by local historians Joseph & Sara Cutshall-King.
[view complete program booklet (PDF) »]
The Glens Falls Home's first annual report for 1899–1900 stated that the idea for a home for "aged, indigent and infirm women" had been "apparent for a long time." In 1897 a group of concerned citizens — men and women representing five of the major local churches — began a series of meetings leading to the founding of the Home. The group, comprising many community leaders, established two boards. The all-male "board of directors" was to oversee the Home's finances and investments while the "board of lady managers" was to oversee the Home's management and to raise money.
The Home received an unexpected gift in February 1899 when Mary Conkling offered her family home on the comer of Warren and McDonald Streets (including its property, which extended to Prospect St.). In 1901, when it became clearly apparent that the Conkling home was too small, William McEchron, a leading businessman and husband of one of the founders, offered to donate the cost of a new building designed specifically to meet the needs of the Home.
A New Home
Ephraim B. Potter, a prominent local architect, was selected to design the new building, which was completed in 1903 (see video below). From its specially made exterior brick to its beautifully appointed interiors, the second Glens Falls Home was exquisite. Cherry wood was used throughout the neo-colonial style home. Large fireplaces, elegant staircases, and bright, well-appointed rooms awaited the residents. The windows were large and the rooms comfortable. Among its various amenities, the Home featured a spacious dining room and a separate library. An outpouring of gifts of money, furniture, ice, food items, and the like helped the Home begin operations.
The Home had 13 residents in 1903. By the 1920s, that number had grown to 22. Using land loaned by Mrs. Helen Foulds, the Home created its own greenhouse and garden, which provided all of the residents' vegetables, "not only for the table use in season, but sufficient for canning purposes." The sense of community giving that began with donations of everything from money, milk and fruit to tables and chairs continued through the following decades, leaving a lasting and inspiring legacy for our community.
A New Century of Caring
Many changes have taken place over the years. There is now only one board of directors, which includes women as well as men. The original residential facility was closed (and subsequently sold in 2002), and the Board has incorporated the organization as a private, not-for-profit foundation, with ties to many other organizations throughout the greater Glens Falls area dedicated to serving the needs of our elderly population.
The spirit of the Home remains unchanged, however. Community support remains strong. Financial support continues and our endowment has grown considerably. With the programs and activities that we support, the Glens Falls Home, Inc. continues to operate in the forefront of care for the aged, ready to serve with over a century of experience — and always improving upon that tradition.
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This video, produced on the occasion of the 1999 Centennial of the founding of the Glens Falls Home, provides an overview of its past accomplishments — and a glimpse forward to its future activities on behalf of our senior population in the greater Glens Falls area. |