History of Willson House Residential Care Facility
Someone once asked, “What is the real good? And of course everyone had a different answer…”Order,” said the court; “Knowledge,” said the school; “Truth,” said the wise man; “Pleasure,” said the fool; “Love,” said the maiden; “Beauty,” said the page; “Fame,” said the dreamer; “Home,” said the sage.
What a great word, HOME, and what wonderful memories it conjures up as Willson House celebrates over a century of service to seniors in Salem, Oregon. It has been a real home to many during its lifetime.
What a great word, HOME, and what wonderful memories it conjures up as Willson House celebrates over a century of service to seniors in Salem, Oregon. It has been a real home to many during its lifetime.
From Humble Beginnings...
It all began in 1909 when a group of special women decided to organize and develop a retirement home for those who were without family. These women felt those who had reached old age had paid their dues to society and deserved the opportunity to have compassionate care in a warm and friendly environment so they could live their remaining years in comfort and dignity.
These women secured a home on 12th and Ferry Streets in Salem, Oregon, that had been donated to the Methodist-Episcopal Church by Mr. and Mrs. W.B. Ware. Under normal circumstances, a financial agent would have been hired to solicit funds for renovating and furnishing the building, but these women were from the Women’s Home Missionary Society and they did nothing of the kind. Instead they gathered their scrubbing brushes, mops, soap and brooms, rolled up their sleeves and went to work. After cleaning and fixing up the home, they called on friends for furnishings. They got a bed here, a dresser there and a table someplace else. Some women sewed rags for carpets, while others tied comforters. Bit by bit the donated house took on the trappings of a comfortable home.
When opened, it was able to house 19 people and was full immediately. The rooms were comfortable, the care good, the camaraderie satisfying and the food tasty and simple. Anyone could be admitted to the home who was 65 years or older, free from infectious disease, and who could pay a minimum of $500 admissions fee. Any shortfalls in admission costs were met with donations from the women’s group. They carried on events and sales year round and accepted in-kind donations that filled the pantry and root cellar.
There was a great demand for this type of housing and so an additional home was purchased nearby. It too filled immediately. By 1922, it became obvious that a new site was needed, one which could accommodate growth over the years. An Eastern Oregon rancher, William W. Brown, agreed to donate $10,000 towards construction of a new home if the women would match that amount. Once again they arose to the challenge, raised the money and began construction on a new site on Center Street. Its doors opened in 1923.
This beautiful brick structure was home to more than 400 people during its lifetime. Known as the Methodist Home, it set a standard of care that won supporters all over the Pacific Northwest.
These women secured a home on 12th and Ferry Streets in Salem, Oregon, that had been donated to the Methodist-Episcopal Church by Mr. and Mrs. W.B. Ware. Under normal circumstances, a financial agent would have been hired to solicit funds for renovating and furnishing the building, but these women were from the Women’s Home Missionary Society and they did nothing of the kind. Instead they gathered their scrubbing brushes, mops, soap and brooms, rolled up their sleeves and went to work. After cleaning and fixing up the home, they called on friends for furnishings. They got a bed here, a dresser there and a table someplace else. Some women sewed rags for carpets, while others tied comforters. Bit by bit the donated house took on the trappings of a comfortable home.
When opened, it was able to house 19 people and was full immediately. The rooms were comfortable, the care good, the camaraderie satisfying and the food tasty and simple. Anyone could be admitted to the home who was 65 years or older, free from infectious disease, and who could pay a minimum of $500 admissions fee. Any shortfalls in admission costs were met with donations from the women’s group. They carried on events and sales year round and accepted in-kind donations that filled the pantry and root cellar.
There was a great demand for this type of housing and so an additional home was purchased nearby. It too filled immediately. By 1922, it became obvious that a new site was needed, one which could accommodate growth over the years. An Eastern Oregon rancher, William W. Brown, agreed to donate $10,000 towards construction of a new home if the women would match that amount. Once again they arose to the challenge, raised the money and began construction on a new site on Center Street. Its doors opened in 1923.
This beautiful brick structure was home to more than 400 people during its lifetime. Known as the Methodist Home, it set a standard of care that won supporters all over the Pacific Northwest.
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Years later Mr. Brown declared it was the most satisfying investment he had ever made and hoped that in his declining years he too might find shelter under its homey roof.
By the late 1970’s, the home needed major structural repair and modernization. The Board of Directors met to decide what must be done. Because of the commitment to Life Care residents and the cost estimates to repair the structure, the Board faced a serious financial crisis. Theirs was a difficult task, for they had to weigh their affection for the home, against the community’s need for housing for the elderly on limited incomes, and the need to remain financially stable. Uppermost in their minds was the mission developed by the founders in 1909 “to provide an environment in which the elderly can live out their lives in comfort and dignity.” The result was that in 1980, residents from the old home moved into the three-story building known as Jason Lee Manor. Those who needed special care lovingly and carefully moved to facilities better suited to their needs.
Today Jason Lee Manor is a warm, loving community, which offers social interaction, worship and a sense of belonging to the 75 people who make it their home. A HUD 202/Section 8 program, Jason Lee Manor offers these programs on a sliding fee scale, according to income.
By the late 1970’s, the home needed major structural repair and modernization. The Board of Directors met to decide what must be done. Because of the commitment to Life Care residents and the cost estimates to repair the structure, the Board faced a serious financial crisis. Theirs was a difficult task, for they had to weigh their affection for the home, against the community’s need for housing for the elderly on limited incomes, and the need to remain financially stable. Uppermost in their minds was the mission developed by the founders in 1909 “to provide an environment in which the elderly can live out their lives in comfort and dignity.” The result was that in 1980, residents from the old home moved into the three-story building known as Jason Lee Manor. Those who needed special care lovingly and carefully moved to facilities better suited to their needs.
Today Jason Lee Manor is a warm, loving community, which offers social interaction, worship and a sense of belonging to the 75 people who make it their home. A HUD 202/Section 8 program, Jason Lee Manor offers these programs on a sliding fee scale, according to income.
...To Thinking "Outside the Box" Today!
In the early to mid 1980’s the Board of Directors of the now named United Methodist Retirement Center were faced with the dilemma of how to provide a caring living environment for those who could no longer live independently. After much deliberation and consulting with experts, the decision was made to build the Willson House Residential Care Facility. Residential Care is similar to Assisted Living, and provides assistance to those who may need help with dressing, bathing, medication management, reminders, or general assistance, but who want to remain independent and of out nursing care. Willson House is committed to insuring that every effort is made to honor resident preference and choice throughout all of its programs. Unique programs such as restaurant style dining, with an extensive menu and open hours, have been in place for decades. Pets are welcome and nursing staff provide that extra care needed to stay as independent as possible. Brain wellness, music, exercise, chapel and frequent entertainers are just a few of the activities that Willson House’s provides as part of a complete living environment to those it serves.
After more than 100 years of providing a home, a real home, to our older friends, our thanks go to all of the people — friends, family members, supporters and staff — who have helped create the warm atmosphere and caring conditions that make Willson House so very special.
After more than 100 years of providing a home, a real home, to our older friends, our thanks go to all of the people — friends, family members, supporters and staff — who have helped create the warm atmosphere and caring conditions that make Willson House so very special.