Timeline

Living with Purpose for 125 years

“Home for the aged and infirmed”

November 30, 1894

“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.”

Two Residents

April 25, 1895

J. J. Hill Donation

March 28, 1896

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.

Church Home moves to 527 John St. in Saint Paul.

April 25, 1896

Episcopal Affiliation

March 28, 1897

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.

Church Home moves to 509 Lafayette Ave.

April 25, 1899

Church Home moves to Hoffman Ave.

April 25, 1901

Board members are asked to raise $5 for the coal bill.

April 25, 1901

A book party was held to establish a library for the Home.

April 25, 1901

State Fair Fundraiser

April 3, 1902

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

November 25, 1902

230 Hoffman Avenue

The St. Paul Globe reported that the P. H. Kelly residence was “fitted up” to accommodate more inmates.

587 Fuller Avenue

March 29, 1905

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.”

September 22 designated as the Diocesan annual contribution date for the Home.

September 22, 1907

Board voted to remove all kerosene lanterns and stoves from the Home.

April 25, 1908

Sister Annette becomes Resident

March 29, 1909

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.

Schubert Club of St. Paul gave a musical to raise funds of $4.60.

April 25, 1909

Lindeke Mills donates sacks of flour to the Home.

April 25, 1909

Lindeke Mills donates sacks of flour to the Home.

Resident Mrs. Berry moves her piano from her room into the parlor.

April 25, 1911

The Sunshine Society sends cards, flowers, and curtains along with a donation of $4 in honor of “Annual Old Ladies Day.”

April 25, 1911

The Sunshine Society sends cards, flowers, and curtains along with a donation of $4 in honor of “Annual Old Ladies Day.”

Neighbors deliver vegetables from their summer gardens for the women of the Home.

April 25, 1911

Chemical fire extinguishers were placed on all floors.

April 25, 1911

The Schubert Club begins providing concerts at the Home.

April 25, 1913

An entertainment program was sponsored by St. Clement’s and raised $51.35.

April 25, 1914

Sister Annette passes

February 16, 1915

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.”

A new piano was purchased from Bowyer Piano Company and they agreed to tune the piano free of charge for five years.

April 25, 1915

St. John’s of Mankato donated a barrel of fruit.

April 26, 1917

The November annual reception was cancelled due to the flu epidemic.

April 26, 1918

The November annual reception was cancelled due to the flu epidemic.

Photo from St. Paul Pioneer Press, 1918.

The Matron, Mrs. Stephenson, received a salary increase to $40 per month with two months vacation!

April 26, 1918

$40,000 for Hinkle Mansion

March 29, 1920

$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.

Due to war, certain supplies were difficult to get, especially sugar.

April 26, 1920

St. Mark’s Church donated 100 pounds of sugar.

April 26, 1920

In the summer, St. John’s Church sent cars every Wednesday for rides for the residents.

April 26, 1921

Ascension Church of Stillwater donated fresh vegetables, fresh and canned fruit, and jellies.

April 26, 1921

Schubert Club Involvement

April 8, 1922

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.

April 26, 1922

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 Sunday School Girl Choir of St. Mary’s Church sang several hymns at the home followed by serving cake and ice cream.

April 26, 1922

The Young Men’s Club

April 26, 1922

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.”

Three telephones were installed to help eliminate so much running up the stairs.

April 26, 1923

“No cleaner no better place”

April 3, 1924

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.

Mrs. Louise Oehler working in the position of Matron secures a beautiful rug for the front hall from Luger Wholesale Store at a third off.

April 26, 1924

Mrs. Donaldson was requested to remove her revolver from her nightstand and put it in a locked trunk.

May 1, 1924

Regular worship services began by a variety of priests and ministers.

April 26, 1925

Reverend Frank Zoubek

April 3, 1926

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.

A new Sagamore radio console was purchased and placed in the living room.

April 26, 1927

Mrs. Forepaugh donates 85 books to create a full library.

April 26, 1928

30 Residents

April 26, 1929

Eliza May

April 3, 1930

Eliza May

Eliza May is elected first female President of the Board. The photo of Eliza May is from 1880.

Women Leadership

April 3, 1930

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.

Certificate of Amendment to original incorporation changed to “Home For Aged or Homeless Persons.” No longer women only.

April 26, 1930

Board develops memorial fund to assist residents with financial need.

April 26, 1934

474 Lynnhurst

April 3, 1935

Property at 474 Lynnhurst is purchased for $35,000.

Isabella T. Cooke

April 3, 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.

West Point Academy donated $100 from the Army-Navy football game.

April 26, 1935

The J.R. VanDerlip Estate left an endowment to yield an income for the Home that would continue for decades.

April 26, 1935

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 federal government granted exception from taxes to the Home.

April 26, 1935

Social Security Act provides old age assistance, so many residents now have a source of income.

April 26, 1935

Mrs. Louis Hill sponsored a lecture by Mrs. William Hibbard of Chicago on “The Hill Towns of France” raising $330.

April 26, 1936

The Como Park Flower Show sent cut flowers to the Home.

April 26, 1936

The Como Park Flower Show sent cut flowers to the Home.

Photo is of the park’s flower gardens in 1905.

The Christmas program featured carols by the Schubert Club.

December 25, 1936

O’Leary Property

April 3, 1937

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

April 3, 1939

Emily King Hall dedication

The dedication included the presence of Judith Relf, great grandniece of Sister Annette.  

54 Residents

April 26, 1940

Noted one of the “most beautiful” Schubert Club events– Miss Gould brought her choir pupils who did caroling throughout the Home for Christmas.

December 25, 1941

The Sister Annette portrait was unveiled on December 30, a gift given by Mrs. C. A. Fuller of Minneapolis, a lifelong friend of Sister Annette.

April 26, 1942

Stained glass windows for the chapel were put on hold until after the war due to shortage of lead.

April 26, 1942

The Board noted it was difficult finding nurses and to keep staff due to inflated salaries during the war.

April 26, 1942

Victory Garden

April 3, 1943

A victory garden was planted with all red, white, and blue flowers.

Mrs. Bremer invited the Board to a picnic at her home in Stillwater, but they could not accept due to no gas available.

April 26, 1943

Nurses were requested to work 56-hour work weeks due to shortage of personnel.

April 26, 1943

The Masonic Women held a Valentine party for the women and “trimmed little baskets were presented to each resident.”

April 26, 1944

The Home was hit by the flu epidemic.

April 26, 1944

Eisenmenger’s Market provided free chickens for Christmas.

December 25, 1944

Eisenmenger’s Market provided free chickens for Christmas.

Photo is from the Minnesota State Historical Society.

An appeal is made for “corporate memberships” at $3 per year. The appeal is for the construction of a building to serve as a Nursing Home.

April 26, 1945

For the first time since the war, residents were again going for auto rides.

April 26, 1947

Mrs. Eliza Leigh

April 3, 1949

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.

Tuberculosis tests were added to the pre-entrance medical examinations.

April 26, 1950

The Board voted to purchase a television set for $305.

April 26, 1951

St. Paul Pioneer Press coverage

April 3, 1952

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.”

70 Residents

April 26, 1952

Each Board member donates $1 to purchase a television antenna.

April 26, 1952

Purchased “a moving picture machine and project” at a cost of $367.

April 26, 1953

The Board considers a list of conscientious objectors recommended by L. E. Lilygren of the Selective Service System for the position of janitor.

April 26, 1953

James Falconer dies and leave a large gift for the Home of which Falconer Lounge is named after him.

April 26, 1954

A fan for every room purchased along with two fire gongs for basement and lounge.

April 26, 1957

The board turned down a large donation offered from a Milwaukee man who requested the Home only be open to Episcopalians.

April 26, 1959

63 Residents

April 26, 1962

Groundbreaking

April 3, 1963

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.”  

The Chapel is vacated for construction. Chaplain Zoubek alternates services between the sunroom and the lounge.

April 26, 1964

The St. Paul Library begins services to the Church Home.

April 26, 1964

Leigh Chapel begins services on Thanksgiving Day.

April 26, 1964

Leigh Chapel begins services on Thanksgiving Day.

101 Residents

April 26, 1965

Isabella House Donation

April 3, 1966

Isabella House Donation

Mrs. Isabella House provides over $500,000 in her will to the Church home.

The Activities Director placed an “ailment jar” in the dining room. Residents spending time discussing ailments were to put a dime in the the jar.

April 26, 1968

The Corps of Engineers designated the Home as a “fallout shelter” and requested permission to store 88 drums of water, biscuits, and carbohydrates in the crawlway under the building.

April 26, 1968

Name Change

April 3, 1970

The Church Home officially changes its name to The Episcopal Church Home of Minnesota.

93 Residents

April 26, 1970

Rev. Zoubek celebrates his 1,000th service at the Home.

April 3, 1971

The first Occupational Therapist is employed to expand the activities program to meet social, recreational, and physical needs of all residents.

April 26, 1973

Katy Relf Carlsen

April 3, 1976

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.

House Committee recommends to go forth with installation of air conditioning for the kitchen, chapel, and first floor of May Hall at a cost of $30,000.

April 26, 1976

484 E. Lynnhurst

April 3, 1977

Property purchased at 484 E. Lynnhurst for $69,900.

First marriage of residents in ECH history– Rev. Carter Butts and Lillian Winterer.

April 26, 1977

Mrs. Fitzpatrick of the Church Home Auxiliary donated a TV antenna worth $5,752 and made purchases for kitchen and dining room items with trading stamps.

April 26, 1978

WCCO-TV films a communion service in Leigh Chapel celebrated by Bishop Philip McNair to be presented on Easter Sunday.

April 26, 1979

498 Lynnhurst

April 3, 1980

House purchased at 498 Lynnhurst for $66,500.

Becketwood Planning

April 3, 1982

Becketwood Planning

Planning for Becketwood Cooperative begins with a land purchase from Sheltering Arms in Minneapolis for $950,000.

ECH Foundation

April 3, 1982

The ECH Foundation is set up and bylaws prepared.

First Owners move into Becketwood Cooperative

April 3, 1986

A live-in pet, Trixie the Golden Retriever, moved into the Home

June 26, 1987

A live-in pet, Trixie the Golden Retriever, moved into the Home

Photo is of Trixie and Rev. Dick Smith from 1988.

Scholarships

April 3, 1990

Scholarship funds become available for staff to continue education.

First Iris Park Commons Residents

April 5, 1992

First Iris Park Commons Residents

ECH Foundation Chair John Relf, descendant of founder Sister Annette Relf, provides an extensive report on plans for a fundraising campaign for the 100th anniversary.

April 29, 1992

100 Years!

April 3, 1994

100 Years!

Episcopal Homes celebrates 100 years!  

Rev. Irma Wyman Dresses Up

April 3, 1994

Rev. Irma Wyman Dresses Up

Reverend Irma Wyman dresses up as Sister Annette to give the homily in the Chapel. Photo is of Jenny Rice (left) and Irma (right).  

Survey of residents shows 29% are Episcopalians

April 29, 1994

A new computer network system was installed at the cost of $80,000.

April 29, 1996

A new chapel organ was donated by Mrs. Margaret Schroeder.

April 29, 1997

New security system is installed for $8,915.

April 29, 1997

Marvin Plakut

April 3, 1999

Marvin Plakut

Marvin Plakut becomes the new CEO and remains so today.

Sister Annette Relf Legacy Society

April 8, 1999

The Sister Annette Relf Legacy Society is announced to honor those who bequeath gifts through their will or estate for Episcopal Homes.    

Installation of a new telephone/communication system at a cost of $82,000.

April 29, 1999

Purchased old Midway Ford (Slawik) property for $980,000

April 29, 1999

Purchased old Midway Ford (Slawik) property for $980,000

HUD Dollars

April 8, 2000

Applied for HUD dollars and received 4.1 million dollars to be used to build subsidized housing units for seniors.

Rebrand

April 8, 2001

Episcopal Homes unites and rebrands as Episcopal Homes of Minnesota.

Seabury Groundbreaking

April 8, 2001

Seabury Groundbreaking

Groundbreaking for Seabury addition begins.

Episcopal Homes receives the 2002 Business of the Year Award from the Midway Chamber of Commerce for business success, innovation, leadership in the business community and commitment to the Midway area of St. Paul.

April 29, 2002

Stone soup nights began during the winter where residents got together to chop, slice, dice and simmer savory kettles of “stone soup” to share.

April 29, 2003

Planting of our “Prairie Restoration Project” was initiated by residents Verna Beaver and Lorraine Grunke and the wedding of residents Mark Maykoski and Anita Lake.

April 29, 2003

Six million dollar capital campaign to expand senior housing to include affordable housing options.

April 29, 2004

Cornelia House

April 8, 2005

Cornelia House

The first residents move into Cornelia House, a new 47-unit independent senior housing facility. Cornelia House is named after Cornelia Whipple, the wife of Minnesota’s first Episcopal Bishop, Henry Whipple.    

Received the Walter & Lydia Deubener Award from the St. Paul Chamber of Commerce for outstanding achievement in growth, excellence, risk, diversity and innovation.

April 29, 2006

Received the Walter & Lydia Deubener Award from the St. Paul Chamber of Commerce for outstanding achievement in growth, excellence, risk, diversity and innovation.

Photo of Jean Probst , Marvin and Fran with 2006 Deubener award.

Metropolitan Council recognizes Episcopal Church Home as a project that “encompasses a continuum of senior housing options with a sense of community” as part of a Transit-Oriented Designed space that allows area seniors to stay in their community.

April 29, 2006

Carty Heights Opens

April 8, 2007

Carty Heights Opens

Named after Father Denzil Carty, Carty Heights opened with another HUD grant, serving low-income seniors. This new location is in Ward 1 of St. Paul, a different setting than Episcopal Homes’ main campus.

Episcopal Homes’ Creative Ventures programming designed to engage and enrich lives through a range of creative outlets such as professionally-led pottery and painting courses to educational series and theater outings begins.

April 29, 2009

King’s Crossing

April 8, 2011

King’s Crossing

King’s Crossing opens in Frogtown to the praise of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. It’s recognized as a model for innovative community planning and neighborhood revitalization.

Purchased site of Porky’s Drive-In restaurant

April 29, 2011

Community Impact Award

April 3, 2012

Community Impact Award

Episcopal Homes is awarded the 2012 Community Impact Award for Kings Crossing by the Aging Services of Minnesota.

Carter Family Concert

April 8, 2012

Carter Family Concert

Melvin Carter Sr, a resident at Episcopal Homes, hosts a spirit-filled jazz and gospel concert performed by three generations of his family, including current St. Paul Mayor, Melvin Carter III.

Campus expansion includes turning Porky’s restaurant property into 170 unit building.

April 29, 2012

Walter Otto, a lifetime member of Gethsemane Episcopal church and church organist, leaves ECH a gift of $6,000,000.

April 29, 2012

Episcopal Home residents donate more than 400 holiday gifts and $2,000 for children served at the Hallie Q. Brown center.

April 29, 2013

Episcopal Home residents donate more than 400 holiday gifts and $2,000 for children served at the Hallie Q. Brown center.

Photo is from an issue of At Home from Spring 2011, when the Episcopal Homes community distributed toys for children of food shelf recipients.

Midway Pointe houses 50 additional units of HUD affordable housing.

April 29, 2013

ECH becomes the first nursing home in Minnesota to implement the Green House model of skilled nursing care.

April 29, 2015

Best Nursing Home Award

April 8, 2019

Best Nursing Home Award

U.S. News & World Report awards Episcopal Church Homes and the Gardens building with a Best Nursing Home Award.  

1,400 Residents

April 29, 2019

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