The Palmer Home was founded in the early 1900’s by a group of women who were members of the King’s Daughters. This group of women raised funds to build the Palmer Home on American Avenue in Dover, DE. The home was established as a residence to care for aging people in Kent County, DE who did not have the means to support themselves. The facility was able to house approximately 26 residents (men, women, singles and couples) and provided a housekeeping staff to support their care. Farmers and others in the community also offered assistance in various ways.
The Palmer Home was founded in the early 1900’s by a group of women who were members of the King’s Daughters. This group of women raised funds to build the Palmer Home on American Avenue in Dover, DE. The home was established as a residence to care for aging people in Kent County, DE who did not have the means to support themselves. The facility was able to house approximately 26 residents (men, women, singles and couples) and provided a housekeeping staff to support their care. Farmers and others in the community also offered assistance in various ways.
New residents paid a minimal amount of money along with what goods they had, and in return they had housing and care for the remainder of their lives. A nurse was always on staff and doctors made home visits as needed. The Board of Managers was composed of members of the original group of women who funded the home and they supervised the home’s operation. Great pride was taken in this community service and in the fact that the house was paid off in a very short time by the efforts of this group. The last resident was moved to a nursing home in the mid 1980’s and the Palmer Home was subsequently sold. All resident records, minutes from Board meetings and other items of importance are stored in the State Archives.
888New residents paid a minimal amount of money along with what goods they had, and in return they had housing and care for the remainder of their lives. A nurse was always on staff and doctors made home visits as needed. The Board of Managers was composed of members of the original group of women who funded the home and they supervised the home’s operation. Great pride was taken in this community service and in the fact that the house was paid off in a very short time by the efforts of this group. The last resident was moved to a nursing home in the mid 1980’s and the Palmer Home was subsequently sold. All resident records, minutes from Board meetings and other items of importance are stored in the State Archives. 🙂
The wise investments and management of the original Board led to the formation of the Palmer Home Foundation as it exists today. The focus of the foundation continues to be the benefit and welfare of seniors in Kent County, DE. Through a grant application and funding process, the foundation provides financial assistance to local non-profit organizations who support critical needs of seniors. The Palmer Home Foundation is committed to the philanthropic mission established by its founders and Board members are grateful to be able to continue their work.
