The Origins of the Wheel Chair Home - 1950 to 1959

On September 5, 1950, the Superintendent of the Wheel Chair Home Mildred Wiley Flagg, RN, reports to the Junior Board that the census of the Home is 77. From May to September 1950, she reports four admissions, two deaths, one transfer and one discharge.

"Many of our ladies are showing various degrees of helplessness over the period of a year. When you consider the story the following figures tell, it will be easier to see why visiting hours have to be kept more rigidly than before."

She outlines the following: 77 patients - 55 of whom are between 75 and 95 years of age, 10 patients between 65 and 75, 8 patients between 50 and 65, and 4 patients from 45 to 50.

Mrs. Flagg lays out the future prospects in her report "This picture is pretty clear cut, as to the work in the future... More deaths per annum - than previously; more incapacitated people on the 1st and 3rd Floors."

In 1951, Hobby and Recreation Day takes place at the Home every Tuesday from 1:30 to 4:00 p.m. under the direction of the American Red Cross Gray Ladies. The Gray Ladies provide cupcakes on the last Tuesday of the month for the "Birthday celebration." They also play "Bingo" and give small prizes.

The tradition of the Annual Gift Day continues as a Tea and Reception.

As in previous decades, many community groups enrich the lives of the Wheel Chair Home patients. In the 1957-1958 Board Calendar, a list of organizations that help with parties included the Kenmore Culture Club, Kenmore Round Table, Grandmother's Club, Women's Association of Kenmore Presbyterian Church, Kenmore Women's Club. The Lion's Club of Kenmore provided glasses for patients.

The North Delaware Methodist Church sponsored Hymn Sings on the last Wednesday of every month, and Rev. Douglas Stoll of the Church of the Advent provided communion service on the first Tuesday of each month.

Throughout the 1950's the women of the Wheel Chair Home were still a popular subject for the "Red Feather" drives.

By the end of the 1950's more staff is on the payroll, including a Director, Supervisor of Nurses, Assistant Supervisor and an office secretary.