A Proud Legacy

And, her legacy still lives on.

Over one hundred years ago, Charlotte Clark, an aging widow who had lost her only son to tuberculosis was faced with the same concerns many elderly women face today. Where will I live when I can't be alone and take care of myself?

Her spacious home which was located at 616 N. Limestone St. became the vision which today is Clark Memorial Home. After much effort to find management, Mrs. Clark approached the YWCA, then the most progressive benevolent organization in Springfield. And, in 1899, the Association accepted Mrs. Clark's gift of her home along with $5000 to be used for its renovation. The home was to have rooms for 14 older ladies and was to the named in memory of L. Glenn Clark, her only son.

In November 1899, after much renovation, Clark Memorial Home opened for business with its 14 rooms all occupied. At the time, women 60 years of age or older were eligible to live here if they could bring $200 upon entering. Fifty dollars was set aside for their eventual burial expenses and the remaining $150 went into an endowment fund. Only women who had no living relatives who could care for them were admitted. Mrs. Clark continued to live in the home until her death in June, 1908.

In 1960 the property at 616 N Limestone St was sold and demolished. A more modern facility designed specifically for the elderly residents who called it home was rebuilt at its present location, 106 Kewbury Rd. in a quiet residential neighborhood on the north end of town. The present home, a one-floor brick building is situated among stately trees and lovely landscaped yards and provides comfortable and inviting accommodations for 20 ladies.

And, so for all the ladies who have and will call Clark Memorial Home their own, Springfield owes a debt of gratitude to Mrs. Charlotte Clark whose legacy does indeed live on...

Clark Memorial Home is accredited for your peace of mind.