ABOUT MT. VERNON HOUSE
Mt. Vernon House is an extraordinary testament to the character of the citizens
of Winchester.
The story of the founding and development of the Home for Aged People in
Winchester (now known as Winchester Mt. Vernon House) bears repeating. Mr.
Philip Waldmyer, owner of a large tannery, stipulated in his will that $2,000 of
his estate would go to, either a hospital, or a home for aged people, if such existed
within two years of his death. In January of 1894, as the expiration of the two year
limit drew near, there was a "large gathering at the Town House of ladies and
gentlemen interested in the establishment of a home for aged people".
A committee appointed by the Selectmen advised against establishment of a hospital, and
favored a home for aged people. The committee decided to buy a property; corporators were chosen, and contributions solicited.
A charter was granted by the State on February 2, 1894, and a Constitution
and by-laws adopted on the following day at the first meeting of the corporators.
The Lunt house at 2 Kendall Street was purchased with Mr. Waldmyer's legacy,
and additional funds contributed by townspeople. The house was completely
furnished with gifts from "169 persons and societies": carpets, stoves, furniture,
groceries, one dozen silver spoons, lamps, table linen, bedding, and even a "tin
dipper from a willing young girl in modest circumstances".
Mrs. Lynthia Pierce and Mrs. Lucinda Mason found several worthy women who
needed a home, and the night before the expiration date "four ladies took tea in
the house", and the Home was founded. Dedication exercises were held at the Home
on April 8, 1894.
From the beginning community support has been the keystone of the success
of this organization, dedicated to "furnish aid and comfort and a home for aged
people". The intention has always been to avoid a cold, institutional atmosphere,
and to ensure a comfortable, happy home.
When the Home was founded, there were accommodations for four people. In
1913 the house was renovated and enlarged so that twelve persons could be
efficiently cared for, and in 1923 the adjacent Catherine Sheehan estate was
purchased. Two years later the connection of 2 Kendall Street and 110 Mt. Vernon
Street was completed, doubling the capacity of the house. In the 1940's further
property was purchased and a Building Fund established, with the hope of
constructing a new, modern home.
The plan was eventually abandoned as being
too expensive, and was replaced with further renovation. This most recently
purchased property has been rented out ever since.
Financial support has come from contributions, monetary results of benefits, and
from bequests. As early as 1901 a Permanent Fund for the investment of gifts and
legacies was established. In 1944 the corporation became a member of the
Community Chest, and solicitation of the public ceased. The 1964 Annual Meeting
reported that the Home was now self-sufficient; while still a member of Red Feather,
no assistance had been requested since 1957. The Board of Directors has through the years made
appropriate changes in policy to keep the Home financially viable, while at the same
time remaining able to care for residents who are accepted into the Home, whether
or not their entrance fee is adequate to cover expenses.
From the early years, townspeople have also helped in many other ways. For
nearly twenty years two uncooked dinners were given each week. Milk was sent
daily. In 1897 "a lady gave several tons of coal and a quantity of wood when leaving town". In 1951 the Rotary built a Hobby and Recreation room in the
basement, and in 1971 renovated a lavatory. Newspapers have been provided, and
free tickets to the theater.
Indeed, the residents of the Home have been well entertained from the very
beginning. In 1895, its second year, Mr. E. S. Barker gave a concert. The same
gentleman sent a carriage on Sundays to convey the residents to and from church.
Through the years Garden Clubs have helped with holiday decorations and
courtyard flowers. Many individuals and organizations have provided music; friends
have shown slides and movies of their trips; other friends have taken the residents
on foliage drives, and to lunch at summer homes by the ocean. There is now, also,
the Senior Center, only two blocks away.
The En Ka Society has been very generous with both time and money; birthday cakes
arrive for each resident on the appropriate day. The bird bath in the courtyard
was given by En Ka as a memorial to a particularly beloved Matron, Mrs. McWha.
The churches have always been very supportive financially and in other caring
ways. Tremendous credit must also be given to the physicians of Winchester who
have cared for the residents, and have given freely of their time on the Board of
Directors.
In the 1980's, a major renovation added a private bathroom for every resident, as well as fresh paint, wallpaper and carpeting throughout.
Included in the renovation were new heating and hot water systems, modernization
of the kitchen, and structural improvements. The house now accommodates 16
residents.
The residents enjoy the homey surroundings of a large living room with sofas
and easy chairs, and a piano. Here they can read or chat, and
have a cup of tea. Care is provided by a friendly and helpful staff twenty-four hours a day.
The Mt. Vernon House corporation continues to fulfill
its mission which has from the beginning been "to furnish aid and comfort and
a home for aged people in Winchester" in a non-institutional setting.
SUMMARY OF WINCHESTER
MOUNT VERNON HOUSE
BYLAWS
Winchester Mount Vernon House (the Corporation) is a not-for-profit corporation
formed under the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and further governed
by its Articles of Organization and Bylaws.
The members of the Corporation are its officers, directors and Investment Trustees
then in office plus those persons so elected as members of the Corporation for a five-year term. The annual meeting of the members is held on the
first Wednesday in April in each year.
The Board of Directors is composed of the officers elected annually, plus three Investment Trustees and twelve
other persons elected as directors by the members for a three-year term. The Board of
Directors has and may exercise all the powers of the Corporation except those reserved
to the members. The Board meets on the first Wednesday of January, March, April,
June, October and November. The officers include a president, three vice presidents, a secretary, a treasurer and an
assistant treasurer.
The Board of Directors makes all rules and regulations for the governance of the
Corporation, not inconsistent with the Bylaws, and for the conduct of the affairs of
the Administrator, the staff and the care of the residents.
The Board of Directors conducts the affairs of the Corporation through an
Administrator, hired by the Board, and through several standing committees.
Admission to Winchester Mount Vernon House is within the exclusive province of
the Board of Directors. The Board may accept or reject the application of any person
to become a resident based on the criteria for admission contained in the Bylaws. The
Board of Directors may also, by appropriate vote, elect to waive any one or
more of those criteria.
