“Home for the aged and infirmed”
Sister Annette starts a “home for the aged and infirmed” at 710 Martin Street in St. Paul, MN. She was born in Kentucky in 1840, and in 1856 she left home to enroll at the Monticello Female Seminary in Godfrey, Illinois. Fifteen years later, Sister Annette came to Minnesota to teach in Faribault. In 1874, Bishop Whipple consecrated her as a sister for the Episcopal Church. For further reading, see Dave Kenney’s book on the history of Episcopal Homes, called “At Home in the City.”
J. J. Hill Donation
J. J. Hill donated $100 that kept the Home open and operating. An excerpt from “At Home in the City” by Dave Kenney, details this donation. “In 1896, during its first few months on John Street, [the home’s] financial picture grew so dire that Bishop Gilbert told the matron, Harriet Godfrey, to close is doors and send the residents to the poorhouse. But as word of the home’s imminent demise spread, Reverend William C. Pope of the Church of the Good Shepherd in St. Paul intervened. He went to the city’s richest man, railroad magnate James J. Hill, and asked for help. Hill responded with a $100 check.” Photo is of Hill in 1902, via Photo MNopedia.
Episcopal Affiliation
Articles of Incorporation adopted as Home becomes part of the Episcopal diocese. Membership in this new corporation cost a 25-cent annual fee. With this, a board of trustees and a board of managers oversaw policy and financial decisions, and the home’s day-to-day operations, respectfully. Information from Dave Kenney’s “At Home in the City” book about the history of Episcopal Homes.
State Fair Fundraiser
A State Fair fundraiser serving lunch earned $247 for the Home. Based on inflation for 2019, that $247 would be worth $7,259.26! Photo is from the 1902 Minnesota State Fair, courtesy of the Minnesota State Fair Archives.
230 Hoffman Avenue
The St. Paul Globe reported that the P. H. Kelly residence was “fitted up” to accommodate more inmates.
587 Fuller Avenue
The Church Home moves to 587 Fuller Avenue, sharing space with the Episcopal Deaconess Home. However, the home could only house 14 residents. The building was threatened to be condemned by city inspectors if everything wasn’t brought up to code. With a growing waitlist, something had to be done. Information from Dave Kenney’s “At Home in the City.”
Sister Annette becomes Resident
In 1909, Sister Annette becomes a resident of the Church Home. In the same year, House rules included “inmates are strictly forbidden to make complaints.” Sister Annette was reprimanded for voicing concerns and speaking up regarding the Home’s state of affairs. In 1910, the suggestion was raised to change “inmates” to “residents” of the Home.
Sister Annette passes
Sister Annette dies at The Church Home and is praised for “years of service, undaunted courage and persistent hopefulness in all times of trial, and her large faith in the ultimate success of The Home.”
The November annual reception was cancelled due to the flu epidemic.
Photo from St. Paul Pioneer Press, 1918.
$40,000 for Hinkle Mansion
The board voted to purchase the Hinkel Mansion at 1879 Feronia Avenue for $40,000. Residents are temporarily moved to 534 Ashland Avenue until the mansion is equipped and furnished. The same year electric lights will be installed. This etching was done in 1886 of the J. G. Hinkel Mansion.
Schubert Club Involvement
The second Thursday of each month featured musicals by the Philanthropic branch of the Schubert Club. Community churches rotated as hostess. Photo is of the Schubert Club, unknown year.
A fundraising movie at the Oxford Theater raised $168 from half of the price of each 25 cent ticket.
The Uptown Theater in St. Paul was once the Oxford Theater which opened in 1921. The name was changed to Uptown Theater in 1929. It has since been demolished. 1053 Grand Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55105
The Young Men’s Club
The Young Men’s Club from St. Mary’s Church refused to allow any organization of that church to outdo them in social activities. They went to the Home one evening and “…gave a very unique program, as only those young men can give. Our ladies had a wonderful time.”
“No cleaner no better place”
The State Inspector stated to the board there was no cleaner no better place in the city: “It is as good now as it was bad.” This was referring to the conditions of the Home when it had been on Fuller Street–which had had limitations and incidents. During this year in St. Paul, hundreds will die from a Smallpox epidemic.
Reverend Frank Zoubek
The Reverend Frank Zoubek was nominated to be Chaplain of the Home where he would remain for 46 years. The photo is from 1947, which shows Rev. Zoubek giving communion.
Eliza May
Eliza May is elected first female President of the Board. The photo of Eliza May is from 1880.
Women Leadership
Women take over the complete operation of the Home with five men to “assist” as an Advisory Board. Women officially took over in May, 1930, at the annual meeting. This photo is of the board from 1935.
Isabella T. Cooke
Isabella T. Cooke donates $50,000 to build an addition to the Home. Image is of the (later) Emily B. King Hall and the Isabella T. Cooke Hall.
The J.R. VanDerlip Estate left an endowment to yield an income for the Home that would continue for decades.
Photo is from 1919, Lee Brothers Portrait Collection, Minnesota Historical Society.
The Como Park Flower Show sent cut flowers to the Home.
Photo is of the park’s flower gardens in 1905.
O’Leary Property
The Board votes to purchase the adjoining O’Leary property. The O’Leary house was remodeled and renamed after Mrs. Eliza May.
Emily King Hall dedication
The dedication included the presence of Judith Relf, great grandniece of Sister Annette.
Eisenmenger’s Market provided free chickens for Christmas.
Photo is from the Minnesota State Historical Society.
Mrs. Eliza Leigh
Mrs. Eliza Leigh provided direction and funding to renovate the Chapel. Photo is of Eliza, from The Minneapolis Star, 5/4/1935.
St. Paul Pioneer Press coverage
A 1952 St. Paul Pioneer Press article describes the Church Home: “Behind the hedge at the bend of brief Feronia Avenue stands a dynamo of human industry powered by some 70 silver-haired ladies in retirement. No one glaring at the sedate facade of the Church Home of Minnesota would suspect the hilarious year-round activity that goes on within its orderly, high-ceilinged rooms.”
Groundbreaking
Groundbreaking for a new Church Home building began with architect George Entrikin’s design aligned with the Board’s wishes for a place with “home-like characteristics.” To give space for this new building, King Hall (the original home of 1879 Feronia Ave.) was razed along with May Hall. On this new space, a two-story brick building was made. In 1965, a dedication ceremony was held. Information supplemented from Dave Kenney’s “At Home in the City.”
Isabella House Donation
Mrs. Isabella House provides over $500,000 in her will to the Church home.
Name Change
The Church Home officially changes its name to The Episcopal Church Home of Minnesota.
Katy Relf Carlsen
Great great grandniece of founder Sister Annette, Katy Relf Carlsen, joins the board. This photo is from 1994, when Katy served on the planning committee for the 100th anniversary of Episcopal Church Homes in 1994.