Celebrating 125 Years
Celebrating 125 Years
PAXSON HALL
“Paxson Hall is a gem and unique. It felt like home immediately.”
-Christine (4-yr resident)
A Call to Action.
In 1895, at Philadelphia Yearly Meeting, a tall Friend wearing a plain bonnet rose in the gallery and, with quiet conviction, voiced a heartfelt concern: older Friends of limited means needed safe, caring homes where they could live with dignity in their later years. This call to action stirred the Meeting deeply, inspiring a commitment to create boarding homes for the aged and infirm. From that moment, the seeds were planted that would soon grow into Friends Boarding Home of Bucks Quarterly Meeting.
An Enduring Gift.
In 1897, Friends Boarding Home of Bucks Quarterly Meeting opened its doors in the home of Dr. Lettie A. Smith. As the need for a larger, more permanent home quickly became evident, retired Pennsylvania Supreme Court Justice, Edward M. Paxson stepped forward. Deeply committed to ensuring that older adults would always have a safe and welcoming place to live, he personally funded and oversaw the construction of Paxson Hall. In 1900, he gifted the building to Friends Boarding Home of Bucks Quarterly Meeting, providing a legacy of care and community that has lasted for 125 years.
“It can be lonely living alone. It is nice to get up in the morning and have someone to talk to.”
-Mary, Paxson Hall Resident
A Milestone Worth Celebrating.
Step back in time and join us for an unforgettable evening honoring the rich legacy of Friends Village and Paxson Hall.
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Friends For All Time.
Share your stories, old photos, or help us identify the people and events captured in our historic pictures. Please send your stories, photos, or thoughts to Melissa Victor at mvictor@friends-village.org—we’d love to hear your memories of Paxson Hall!
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History & Fun Facts
At 125 years old, the walls of Paxson Hall have witnessed a rich tapestry of stories, conversations, and community life. In this section, you’ll discover the fascinating origins of Paxson Hall and enjoy some fun facts that highlight its unique history.
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Photographs
We have decades of photographic memories that capture the rich history of life at Paxson Hall. As we scan and share these images online, we invite you to take a look and relive some of these special moments.
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Memories
We invite you to share your memories of Paxson Hall with us! Whether it's a cherished moment, a meaningful experience, or a special story, your reflections help bring the spirit and history of Paxson Hall to life. These memories connect past and present, honoring the legacy of those who have called it home.
The Next 125 Years.
For over a century, Paxson Hall has stood as a place of community, care, and continuity. As we look to the future, we are seeking generous support to ensure that this historic building continues to serve our residents with dignity and comfort for generations to come.
Your donation will help us preserve Paxson Hall’s legacy while making much-needed improvements to enhance the living experience of those who call it home.
Together, we can honor the past and invest in a stronger, more sustainable future.
