Published: July 06, 2009 12:40 am      

LOCKPORT: Presbyterian Home celebrates 50 years strong

Since it was built in the late 1800s, the old stone house at High and Washburn streets has been through a lot of changes.

Now, it’s celebrating a special anniversary — its 50th year as the Presbyterian Home.

Presbyterian Homes of Western New York Inc. purchased the home from the Keep family in 1968 and converted it into an adult care facility.

Activity Director Toni Parada has been with the home for 20 of its 50 years. Things have changed a lot for the home since she got there, she said.

“In today’s climate, businesses have such a difficult time surviving at all,” she said. “To survive in such a competitive world, with older buildings, adding newer buildings ... changing constantly with the times, I think we’ve been fortunate enough to stay viable as a not-for-profit.”

The facility’s capacity allows for 60 residents, with 52 rooms, including studios and suites. Eight of the rooms are large enough for a couple.

The facility will only put two residents in a room if they are a couple, Parada said.

“Many times people have to share rooms, and if you’re 90 and you’ve never shared a room, you don’t want to do that,” she said.

That dedication to “family” is a big part of daily life at the home.

Because the Presbyterian Home is not-for-profit, staff members don’t earn as much as at other facilities, she said — meaning those who work at the Presbyterian Home are there “because they love it.”

“Most of our staff, at one time or another, you’ll hear them say, ‘Well, we’re family,’ ” Parada said. “That makes it special ... (the residents) are a part of your family, as well as you’re a part of their family.”

The 50th anniversary celebration Sunday will include a dedication of National Historical Society plaques on the facility’s two oldest buildings, the Keep home and the Williams home.

The celebration, which is open to the public, will also include a trolley ride, 1950s music, antique cars, walks around the property and gardens and displays about the home’s history.

Ice cream, hot dogs, popcorn and other food will be available.

Parada said two quilts that were made by residents will be unveiled.

The public is welcome to the celebration, she added.

“The more, the merrier,” she said.

Contact reporter April Amadon at 439-9222, ext. 6251.