The Home for Widows and Single Women

For over a century, the Home for Widows and Single Women stood as a symbol of compassion and care in Reading, providing a safe haven for elderly women in need. Established in 1875, the home was founded by a group of concerned citizens dedicated to serving widowed or single women over 60 who were in good health.

The home officially opened on May 26, 1877, at a rented house located at 120 South Ninth Street. In 1880, a property at 139 South Eighth Street was purchased for $7,000, with a generous $3,000 donation from Miss Mary Eckert, making her the first major benefactor and, in many ways, the founder of the home.

By 1885, demand for accommodations had outgrown the space. Initially, plans were made to expand the Eighth Street location, but during an April 1885 meeting of the Board of Managers, Mr. John D. Mishler met with the board alongside Mr. William A. Fink, who presented plans for a new building. At a special meeting on April 14, 1885, held in the parlors of the Presbyterian Church, the decision was made to purchase a new lot at the northwest corner of Sixteenth and Haak Streets rather than expand the existing structure. The 352-foot by 121-foot lot was purchased for $2,800, fully funded through subscriptions of $100 each.

On September 17, 1885, the cornerstone of the new home was laid, and by July 7, 1886, the building was officially dedicated.

After a devastating fire in 1905, the building was rebuilt and expanded, continuing its mission for decades.

Below: Home for Widows and Single Women, Northwest corner of 16th and Haak Streets, circa 1891.

In 1975, the home merged with the Lutheran Home at Topton, leading to its closure the following year. Residents were relocated to the Caum Memorial Home in Reading or the Henry Infirmary in Topton. The property remained unoccupied until 1978, when it was purchased for $78,000 by Emmanuel Fellowship Church, led by Rev. Sergio Valori. The congregation, previously meeting in Shillington, looked forward to using the building as both a worship center and a training school for ministerial candidates.

Today, the building has taken on a new role, now serving as Stabon Manor Personal Care Home, an assisted living and nursing care facility. Located at 1555 Haak Street, Stabon Manor provides care for seniors, including nursing services, medication management, daily meals, and personal assistance.

Below: Stabon Manor.