Reaching a milestone: At right, Russell Koerwer kicks off the 125th Anniversary Campaign during a celebration at the Philadelphia Protestant Home. MARIA POUCHNIKOVA / TIMES PHOTO
What a difference more than 100 years make — actually, a lot more than 100 years.
In 1899, the Philadelphia German Protestant Home for the Aged was in its new building on 12.5 acres in Lawndale. The institution we now know as the Philadelphia Protestant Home was almost a decade old when 60 residents moved in that year.
Last week, the home celebrated its 125th anniversary to a packed crowd of residents in its social hall off Tabor Avenue
Anthony Manzo, the home’s CEO, and other staffers talked about the facility’s “treasured past” on Wednesday, March 4.
In 1889, some German ministers from several Philadelphia churches were concerned about the growing number of older members within their congregations who couldn’t care for themselves. The churches pooled their resources to provide housing.
On March 4, 1890, when the home was incorporated, its charter was granted and Maria Magdalena Seitz became the first resident of the home’s building on North 5th Street. A larger property with a house and two smaller cottages became the home’s home on 549 York Ave. in 1892. The home’s board realized a bigger parcel was needed.
In 1898, the board purchased its Lawndale property. To say that the area is much changed since then is an understatement. The home’s country-like acres for many years included a farm.
More and more residents came, and more buildings went up. A dining hall, a chapel and a nursery facility were added.
Now, the farm is long gone and so are the city streets that once cut through the property. The Philadelphia German Protestant Home for the Aged became the Philadelphia Protestant Home in the 1980s. Residents and staff are from many faiths.
The number of residents has grown to 600. They are a fully accredited continuing care retirement community with 267 independent living apartments, 175 personal care accommodations and a 126-bed skilled nursing and rehabilitation center.
The March 4 anniversary celebration included “reminiscences” of the many people who served residents, for decades.
Matron Adele Schimek’s long days from 1942–1957 were recalled as were the days of cook Maria Ahl. Those days often stretched to 14–18 hours. Dr. Henry Webb took care of the home’s residents for more than 40 years.
Long-time friends, volunteers and employees were remembered. There was applause and cheers.
But W. Russell Koerwer got the best laugh. Called upon to talk about the three generations of his family members who were long associated with the home, Koerwer told the crowd he had a brief speech. He then produced four or five feet of pages of remarks.
He was just kidding. ••
Time to celebrate: Last week, Philadelphia Protestant Home celebrated its 125th anniversary to a packed crowd of residents in its social hall off Tabor Avenue. MARIA POUCHNIKOVA / TIMES PHOTO
