THE HICKMAN MAJOR HISTORICAL MILESTONES

October 10, 1890 Lydia H. Hall brings concern for the care of older adults to Concord Quarterly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends. Committee of women appointed to carry the idea forward.
November 8, 1890 Committee meets for the first time to consider how to move forward.
February, 1891 The name Friends Boarding Home of Concord Quarter is selected. Lydia C. Biddle is appointed Board Chairwoman.
April 1, 1891 Temporary accommodations secured at 445 North Walnut Street, first boarder, Mary M. Taylor moves in.
January 21, 1892 Charter granted by Chester County Court of Common Pleas. Lydia H. Hall elected Board of Managers President.
1892 West Chester Meeting provides a lot at 444 Walnut Street for construction of a building. Board raises $8,000 for construction and hires Alfred D. Sharpless as architect and builder.
March 28, 1893 New building “Old Main” opened. It is quickly filled and West Chester Meeting provides a lot on Walnut Street, adjacent to the first, for construction of a second building.
March 29, 1898 Second building completed and opened. It becomes known as “The Annex”.
1928 Upon the death of Nathaniel G. Hickman, West Chester Meeting receives a bequest for construction of an addition to the Home.
1935 – 1938 Two significant events delayed the use of the bequest to enlarge the Home: the will was contested by Mr. Hickman’s nephew and the stock market crash in 1929 followed by the Great Depression.
1935 In spite of financial losses due to the depression, the Board begins construction of “The Hickman” in 1935. The building was completed and opened in 1936.
1950 Annex renamed the Lydia Hall building to honor her memory.
June 1, 1980 The Home receives Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Personal Care certification.
1985 The Board modifies the staff structure replacing the Matron/Superintendent with a professional administrator.
2001 Hickman Board appoints an Expansion Task Force to assess and study viable options for expanding The Hickman to serve more people and add additional resident programs.
September 2003 The Hickman signs an agreement of sale with the County of Chester for the Hazlett property on Biddle and Walnut Streets.
December 2009 The Hickman makes settlement for the Hazlett property. Construction for the “Mary Taylor House” named after the Hickman’s first resident set to begin early 2010 with opening planned for early 2011. In keeping with The Hickman’s mission and tradition, the 60-unit independent apartment building is to serve older adults of low to moderate incomes, a population underserved in Chester County. Services will be available to its residents, allowing them to age in place.

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