As Salemtowne Retirement Community celebrates its first 40 years of service to older adults, we reflect on its heritage of compassion and care, and how two Single Sisters, Maria Vogler and Mary Anne Fogle, made a lasting difference.
Moravians have historically been progressive in caring for others. In fact, the origins of what is today’s Salemtowne community draw from the very strength of Moravian women.
In 1887, two Single Sisters first realized the need for a home to welcome and care for society’s forgotten. They then took action. The Sisters met with a group of women from Salem, Winston, and surrounding areas to form an interdenominational circle, comprised of only 12 women at the start, They were dedicated to the vision of a home to shelter the destitute, the sick, the aged, and the neglected, no matter what their age, as well as orphaned children.
This group of women pledged a mere $2.00 per month to support The Salem Home, which opened in 1887. By 1889, a permanent house on the northeast corner of Main and Walnut streets in Salem had been purchased. It operated there for 80 years.
Unfortunately in 1967, its doors closed due to increased governmental regulations. The home was sold, and the $125,000 in proceeds was put aside for a future “home for the aged.”
In December, 1972, a mere five years later, and on land that had once been part of die Wachau tract, The Moravian Home, Inc., known today as Salemtowne, received its first residents in a single building that could minister to 50 individuals in need.
Over the years the community has grown in acreage as well as in residents. In 1990, Salemtowne became licensed as a Continuing Care Retirement Community. Since that time the campus has expanded with three villages of cottages, apartment complexes, a new health care center, a community center and a fitness center with pool. A gift of 58 adjacent acres, The Babcock House and estate, has added to its recent growth. Today, Salemtowne is home to more than 300 residents.
It is incredible to imagine how the vision of a group of 12 women over a century ago could create a home that has developed into a community as vibrant as Salemtowne today. Looking back at its rich and poignant history over the first four decades, we look forward to carrying on the mission of those visionary women by continuing to provide competent, compassionate and committed care to older adults.
The ancient art of basket-weaving continues to be practiced today by Salemtowne residents (l-r) Ethel Armstrong, Roma Welch, Becky Day, and Julia Gilliam, just as the residents did 40 years ago (shown at left). Baskets are sold in the Resident Gift Shop.