2010 News
June 23, 2010
“Today Is In Honor of the County of Bucks”
Neshaminy Manor Celebrates “200 Years of Caring”
During an early afternoon ceremony that included exhibits, speeches, proclamations from the U.S. Congress, Pennsylvania State Legislature and the Board of Bucks County Commissioners, Neshaminy Manor formally recognized its Bicentennial. From its humble beginnings as the “almshouse” in 1810 to today’s status as a nationally-recognized senior care facility, Neshaminy Manor represents a unique part of Bucks County lore.
The cornerstone of the first “almshouse” building, site of the present county Planning Commission, was laid on May 4, 1809. The cost of erecting, furnishing and stocking the facility was $19,029.13 – and the project was completed and ready for use in 1810. On March 6, 1810, Dr. Charles Meredith was appointed to attend to the poor at the almshouse, at a salary of $1 per week with additional pay for “certain extra services. The current Neshaminy Manor was opened on an adjacent site in Warrington during 2000.
“This facility might be 10 years old, but it looks like it’s 10 months old,” Commissioner Chairman Charles H. Martin told an outdoor assemblage that included dignitaries, residents, administration, volunteers and county row officers. “Of the things we do at the county, this [Neshaminy Manor] is one of the things we can be most proud of.”
Commissioner Diane M. Ellis-Marseglia, LCSW read the official county proclamation, declaring June 23, 2010 “Neshaminy Manor 200th Anniversary Celebration” throughout the County of Bucks. During her remarks, Commissioner Marseglia spoke of the Quaker influence on the “human treatment of people” that has been a tradition at the almshouse and now Neshaminy Manor. “Most of the calls I get in my office are people trying to get out of something,” Commissioner Marseglia remarked. “With Neshaminy Manor, it is about people trying to get in.” She also excerpted a line from the proclamation that was read into Congressional record by U.S. Representative Patrick Murphy, noting the “remarkable impact” Neshaminy Manor has had on Bucks County culture.
Neshaminy Manor Administrator Evelyn Kozlowski opened the ceremony by welcoming “quite a few honored guests,” thanking her staff for a “great deal of coordination that led up to the event. “We always seem to be celebrating at the Manor, but this is unique,” Mrs. Kozlowski added. “Today is in honor of the County of Bucks.”
Assistant Administrator J. C. Bailey quoted Ernest Hemingway’s 1940 novel as a bell tolled in the background. The bell dates back to the 19th century, when it was used at the almshouse to summon farmers from the field for meals. In 1849, a plague known as Asiatic cholera killed 80 of the 154 residents in the almshouse. According to Bailey, this epidemic led to medical advances and heightened infection control.
Bailey also shared the story that renowned Bucks County author and historian James Michener lived in the almshouse during the second decade of the 1900’s. His years there helped shape his life and his perspective on the community he called home.
The ceremony included the commissioners’ transfer of historic medical record files to the Bucks County Historical Society. The files, which date back to 1838, are a critical link to genealogy and medical-care research. “The Bucks County Historical Society is delighted to be a repository,” noted Cory Amsler of the BCHS.
Concluding the event was the groundbreaking for the planting of an oak tree near the entrance to Neshaminy Manor. The oak tree was chosen for its longevity as a sustaining symbol of life.
Inside Neshaminy Manor, a series of exhibits detailed the history of the almshouse and its subsequent sites. Featured exhibitors included the county Register of Wills, Area Agency on Aging, Children & Youth Social Services, as well as all aspects of Neshaminy Manor. To view a PowerPoint presentation about the Manor’s bicentennial, please visit www.BucksCounty.org.
