Title
Lawrence Home for Aged People
Title (generic)
Manuscript
History of the Lawrence Home for Aged People. Seventy people formed a Corporation in 1895 with a charter from the Commonwealth to provide a suitable home for aged persons in Lawrence. In 1896 the estate of the late James M. Wood offered money if the communities ( Lawrence, Methuen, Andover, North Andover) raised $10,000. A Committee called Life Members was formed and each pledged one hundred dollars. At that time Andover withdrew to build their own facility.
Mary A. Wood, the widow of James Wood offered to convey her house and land to the Trustees, provided she could live there until death, and pay her $100.00 dollars per year plus room and board. This was located at corner of Bailey and Blanchard Streets. The house was renovated and officially opened in 1890, called " the Wood Home for Aged People" with nine residents.
In 1908-09 a new home was being erected on Berkeley Street, land and buildings donated by Edward Searles. A chapel is connected to the home. It was dedicated on June 25, 1911 in memory of Lydia, the mother of Edward Searles.
notes: See photograph 2006.033.045
admin: Rose Dunlap lived at the “home" in 1977 and researched the history of the facility due to her residence there.
Papers came from Yadira Betances to the LHC>
paper, photocopied