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<> Remembering a Swedish Augustana Lutheran Synod Legacy Home <>
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<> Remembering a Swedish Augustana Lutheran Synod Legacy Home <>
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2022
"Bethany Home to Bethany+Village"
~ A History of Caring
~ A Presentation to the Smoky Valley Historical Association
by
Mr. Kris Erikson
Chief Executive Officer
and
Mrs. Andrea Johnson
Director of Human Resources
of
"Bethany + Village"
--------------------------------------
"Bethany Home to Bethany+Village"
~ A History of Caring
~ A Presentation to the Smoky Valley Historical Association
by
Mr. Kris Erikson
Chief Executive Officer
and
Mrs. Andrea Johnson
Director of Human Resources
of
"Bethany + Village"
--------------------------------------
Mr. Kris Erickson, a Kansas native, is a fourth generation American Swede, born to generations of farmers and teachers being raised in the sparsely beautiful northwestern plains. He received his Bachelors, Masters, and Education Specialist degrees from Fort Hays State University. After working three years as a School Psychologist, he became licensed as a Long Term Care Administrator. He worked 22 years in a variety of Kansas communities before moving to Lindsborg with his wife Farah, son Christian and daughter Anna to become the Chief Executive Officer at Bethany Home in 2014.
It is with great appreciation that Mr. Erickson has given SWEDES permission to document this historical information on Bethany Home which was founded in 1907, in the format of his timeline presentation to the Smoky Valley Historical Association on July 12, 2022, at 7:30 PM at Messiah Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall. Here is the story of Bethany Home becoming Bethany Village from the early 1900s to 2022 by Mr. Erickson, including a presentation on the changes of Senior Care by Mrs. Andrea Johnson, Director of Human Resources.
It is with great appreciation that Mr. Erickson has given SWEDES permission to document this historical information on Bethany Home which was founded in 1907, in the format of his timeline presentation to the Smoky Valley Historical Association on July 12, 2022, at 7:30 PM at Messiah Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall. Here is the story of Bethany Home becoming Bethany Village from the early 1900s to 2022 by Mr. Erickson, including a presentation on the changes of Senior Care by Mrs. Andrea Johnson, Director of Human Resources.
Mr. Kris Erikson
Chief Executive Officer
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"Bethany Home to Bethany+Village
- A History of Caring -
"Bethany Home to Bethany+Village
- A History of Caring -
For over 112 years, Bethany Home has provided care for the seniors in the Smoky Valley region. Rooted in faith, the mission began under the Augustana Synod and is now a mission of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America. While the structure and mission are often seen as unchanging, history tells a different story. Adaptation, change, and growth have always been a part of the Bethany Home story. The Bethany Home story continues as the latest generation of caregivers continue to dedicate their work to the care of our region’s seniors.
1904 or 1905
In 1904 or 1905, Oscar Anderson of New Gottland informed Mr. Francis Johnson of Lindsborg that he would donate $1,000 for an Orphan’s Home. Mr. Johnson consulted Pastor Engstrand on the matter, and it was suggested that the funds be used for a home for the aged. Mr. Anderson approved the suggestion and later donated another $1,000 to the project. When the final construction costs were considered, Mr. Oscar Anderson’s donation of $2,000 is equivalent to 20% of the total construction cost. Using today’s cost of building and regulations, it’s the equivalent of a modern $1,200,000 donation!
1907
The Kansas Conference of the Augustana Synod met in Marquette in 1907 and endorsed the idea of building a home for the aged, and a steering committee was created. In the summer 1907, the Steering Committee purchased 80 acres of land where the home currently sits.
1909
Rev. John Holcomb of Topeka was named Project Superintendent in 1909. Rev. Holcomb was instrumental in the building of Bethany College’s “Old Main” in 1886, and retired to Lindsborg in 1910.
1911
The first building of Bethany Home was completed in 1911 and had capacity for 20 residents. Records were kept in Swedish, and early translations referred to the residents as “inmates” and, later, “guests”. It was also referred to as “a home for needy old people.” The written record remained in Swedish for the first 22 years of Bethany Home’s history. Thankfully the language we use for our guests has also been updated.
Early residents were accepted under both weekly and lifetime contracts. The original home was a two story structure, and had a basement with ground level windows. Because the basement was less desirable, room rates were more affordable. Room and board were provided, doctors expenses were not included. Early lifetime contracts ranged from $800 to $2,000. This is equivalent to $24,000 to $60,000. Weekly rates were $4-$5, or $120-$150/week. While this paid for the room and meals, residents were expected to help tend livestock and work in the gardens to provide food. Records also show that Bethany College students would sometimes help tend the livestock and gardens. In the early years, Bethany Home was supported by the Synod churches. Care was an affordable proposition at the time, but of course this is before the government arrived to “help.” We’ll speak more on that later.
1924
By 1924, it became apparent that more room was needed. In 1928, the old Bethany Church parsonage near the band shell was purchased and added to Bethany Home by way of an enclosed passageway. The parsonage was placed on a new basement and was renovated to create 10 rooms, a kitchen and dining room.
Although these original buildings were made of wood and had no fire sprinklers, they served the community into the 1970s when the Fire Marshall expressed concerns about the safety of the residents.
1943
As the original buildings aged and more needs became apparent, there was once again talk of building more rooms at Bethany Home. It was in April of 1943 that the board of directors resolved to create a building fund with an initial investment of $1,000 in war bonds. By 1944, that amount grew to $9,000. The old buildings were still noted when maintenance was needed, but the board began to seriously address a need for a “Home for Invalids”. While many people were applying to live at Bethany Home, many were rejected because they were not able to climb the stairs. One of those rejections would have long reaching consequences when the son of a rejected resident left millions of dollars to the college and hospital, but $100 to Bethany Home. We chose to be grateful for the smaller gift, but his message was heard.
1947
In 1947, Lindsborg native Roy Carlson returned from the war and began working for the Lindgren & Son Construction Company. They were contracted to construct the Pioneer Memorial addition to Bethany Home. Roy managed to get his little brother William a job as a general laborer. They worked side by side for $0.80 an hour laying brick and framing the new two-story building. Although William would grow up and pursue a career in education, in 1974 he returned to the Bethany Home as the Administrator. He’d left his fingerprints in the mortar, and his legacy in our operations. In 2009, I happened to move into his neighborhood, and he presented me with a copy of his book, “From Socks and Jocks to Maalox”. Bill Carlson was well known in the senior care field, and little did I know at that time, I’d be following in his footsteps just 5 years later.
Back to 1947: Work on Pioneer Memorial, the existing 2 story building, advanced faster than anticipated. Lutheran churches across the state responded to the fundraising brochures with the headline “Invalids Are To Receive Care,” and 22 applications for residency were received by November. In that same month, incoming donations were deemed sufficient to complete construction of a second floor of the building. Construction also included an elevator shaft, although an elevator wasn’t installed until two years later in 1949.
The front steps of Pioneer Memorial were much shorter than the original Bethany Home, but there were large stairs connecting Pioneer to the older buildings. Of course, this was all pre-ADA [Americans with Disabilities Act], and architecture had not yet specialized for senior living.
When Pioneer Memorial was dedicated in May of 1948, thirty-three residents had made application to enter the home. By October 12th of the same year, the entire cost of construction had been paid off. Pioneer Memorial is the oldest portion of Bethany Home standing today. It is the only two story structure on our campus that still serves residents.
1950-1959
Board minutes from 1950 show a renewed interest in building. From this point on, little was accomplished with building, but significant strides were made in fundraising. Much of the fundraising was done through the purchase of government bonds, but it is at this time we see the 80 acres of Bethany Home dwindling. In 1942, land was sold to the Joint Rural High School District for a new building. Bethany Home sold 22 building lots adjacent to the home. The funds from the property sales were invested in “K” and “H” bonds.
From 1953-1960, board records show that an architect by the name of Emil O. Bayerl advised the board multiple times each year. Estimates for new construction were much higher than the board expected and plans for expansions were revised many times. In 1954, the President of the Kansas Conference invited an administrator from the Iowa Lutheran Home in Madrid, Iowa, to advise Bethany Home’s board. Loans for construction were sought through government programs and private institutions to no avail. Bethany College was also fundraising for a new boys dormitory (Deere Hall), and it was noted that competitive fundraising would be a difficult proposition. A final answer arrived in 1959 in loans from the Lutheran Welfare Services and Smoky Valley Savings and Loan. Combined with the invested funds, construction of 26 rooms, a kitchen, and a dining hall were approved for construction. The new building was completed in 1961, the 50th anniversary of the original construction. Since it was the Golden Anniversary, the new addition was named the Golden Annex. Golden Annex is located in the center of the Bethany Home block and continues to offer large rooms that can accommodate ceiling mounted patient lifts.
1960-1969
On January 9, 1962, a board motion requested that a study be made for future expansion. With the building fund exhausted and construction debt still being paid, the issue was approached with caution. By March of 1964, the board passed a motion to add another wing with construction not to exceed $100,000. It was a favorable market for construction and the lowest bid came in at $103,250! Seventeen new rooms were added on the northwest corner of the block. Each room was large enough to easily accommodate two people. They were dedicated on October 9, 1966, and the hallway was named Pleasant View.
Less than a year after the Pleasant View unit was dedicated, plans were being made to add a dedicated chapel space. In 1968, records show that Bethany Home began paying off existing debts. Whether the revenue was good or donations were great, funds for a new chapel were accumulating.
1970-79
In 1971, with a chapel still being considered, plans were made for a hallway containing only single occupancy rooms. Bids were sought and obtained in 1972, and residents were moved from the old parsonage into the latest addition. It was decided to name the new wing “Elin Manor” in honor of Elin Enberg who had served as Matron (Director of Nursing) from July, 1925 to December 1956.
By 1973, plans were also in motion to add “stair towers” to Pioneer Memorial. Plans to sell and demolish the old wooden parsonage building were enacted. The old parsonage was sold to Dr. Ted Von Fange who claimed the wood to build a new home. It wasn’t until 1974 that the basement from the old parsonage was filled in.
Recognizing that farming was relatively prosperous at the time, capital campaigns and fundraising continued in full swing.
In 1975, Mr. Eldon Swensson, the architect who had designed Elin Manor, was again contracted to build a new addition. Hoglund Manor connected the south end of Golden Annex to Pioneer Memorial. Bethany Home had over $150,000 in cash and pledges, and donations were still arriving. The longstanding desire for a dedicated chapel was once again revisited and construction on a place of worship was begun in December of 1975. The first service was held in the chapel in November 1976, and the chapel continues to serve our residents, staff, and neighbors.
As a part of the building projects, the original Bethany Home was demolished in 1976. It had served our community for 65 years, but the old wood framing could not meet modern fire codes. A “copper box was taken from the cornerstone. It contained…interesting mementos from the era of 1910 and 1911.” These items were donated to the Old Mill Museum. A new copper box was then made and inserted into “an appropriate place” on the north end of the Pioneer Memorial building.
Although the records aren’t as detailed, the construction of a hallway connecting Golden Annex to Pioneer Memorial proceeded. Secretary Delores Attleson suggested it be named in honor of the Hoglund family, a major supporter of the mission. Hoglund Manor, located on the southeast corner of the block was dedicated in 1977, and continues to serve our community.
Although Bethany Home was always intended as a care home, there was discussion of creating apartments for independent seniors. At one time, it was proposed that the second floor of Pioneer Memorial be converted into 6 apartments, but the idea never gained traction. It was in 1977 that the Bethany Home Cottage Complex Association was formed. It was a 25 member corporation with a six person board whose sole purpose was to qualify for the new Farmers Home Administration (FHA) loan for housing the elderly. As soon as the first cottages were completed in 1979, it was apparent that there was a huge demand. It wasn’t long until, Phase II and Phase III were completed. Realizing that operating the cottages under a government program was more cumbersome than it was worth, Bethany Home eventually bought out the contract and operated the cottages independently. The Cottages remain one of our most sought after residences. Today, the Independent Living branch of Bethany Home Association owns an additional three duplexes and two triplexes, bringing the total number of rental units up to 51.
1980-1989
In 1980, more plans were made to expand the kitchen and laundry area. In the summer of 1980, all meals were prepared in the kitchens at Soderstrom Elementary School and transported to Bethany Home in the back of a pick-up truck.
Additional plans were being made for an Activities Center. Most care homes hosted activities in the dining room, but dedicated space was needed for large group activities. In January 1984, bids were selected to create an activity center, administrative offices, a meeting room, a chaplain’s office, a remodel of the dining room, public bathroom renovations, the addition of an office connected to the main office, a beauty salon, and the remodeling of the office for the Director of Nursing. The new construction was completed, and the Activities Center was dedicated in 1985.
It was also in the 1980’s that the face of senior care was drastically changed. To share more about the people and events at Bethany Home, I’d like to introduce Andrea Johnson. Andrea arrived at Bethany Home in 1976 and has witnessed some of the most transformative years. She has held many positions at Bethany Home, and today serves as the Director of Human Resources.
Mrs. Andrea Johnson
Human Resources Director
- The 1970s to 2000s -
Human Resources Director
- The 1970s to 2000s -
I arrived at Bethany Home in January of 1976. I have worked as a CNA, CMA, an Activities staff member and, since 2001, as the HR Director. There have been many changes during that length of time. I still would not want to work anywhere else. Bethany Home is a big part of who I am. It is my second home and my second family.
When I came in 1976, Bill Carlson was the Administrator. He became the Administrator in 1974. He served until 1994. Bill had been a coach in Salina before this.
Bethany Home was very different in the 1970s. All residents were required to walk into the building. There were several wheelchairs, but these residents walked in initially. The atmosphere was very different than other nursing homes. The residents were more joyful. This truly was their home. The staff had close relationships with the residents. Residents would at times go to employees’ homes to share a meal. There was truly a family feeling. The residents and staff shared many joys and sorrows together.
There were a few residents that survived the 1918 influenza. As Covid came around, I wished I had asked many more questions.
One resident would go through the home before every meal and ring an old school bell. This let everyone know it was time to eat. She thought of it as her job.
The chapel was built in 1976. During the construction of the chapel, there was a problem with bats coming into the Home. This caused some concern for the employees and residents. Before the chapel was built, worship was in the dining room. Various pastors would fill in as they were able. When the chapel was completed, there was a grand opening, and all the residents and many towns’ people came to see the beautiful addition, with the gorgeous stain glass windows.
Bill Carlson had the vision of having a full-time chaplain to serve the residents of Bethany Home. In 1982, Don Hawk became the first full-time chaplain. He was the chaplain from 1982 to 2006 when he retired. Bill Bushbaum came on board as our second full-time chaplain. He served from 2008 until he retired in 2018. Phil Hett became the third full-time chaplain. He served from 2018 until 2021. Phil and his daughter were unfortunately killed in a vehicle accident in 2021. Mandy Todd is the current full-time pastor. She came in 2022.
In 1994, Marlin Johnson became the Bethany Home Administrator. He was here from 1994-2014. Kris Erickson came in 2014 and is the current Administrator.
Over the years many things have changed at Bethany Home. Residents wait longer to come in. The acuity of care has gotten much higher.
In 1987, the OBRA regulations went into effect. These are the rules and regulations all nursing homes must satisfy. These regulations were put in place to protect nursing home residents. These regulations also come with a cost to all facilities. This increases the cost to the residents.
So many things have changed in the last fifty years, but one thing is constant. Bethany Home, Bethany Village, is still like a big family. The residents and staff have a bond. Even though many things have changed over the years, it is a wonderful place to live and work.
When I came in 1976, Bill Carlson was the Administrator. He became the Administrator in 1974. He served until 1994. Bill had been a coach in Salina before this.
Bethany Home was very different in the 1970s. All residents were required to walk into the building. There were several wheelchairs, but these residents walked in initially. The atmosphere was very different than other nursing homes. The residents were more joyful. This truly was their home. The staff had close relationships with the residents. Residents would at times go to employees’ homes to share a meal. There was truly a family feeling. The residents and staff shared many joys and sorrows together.
There were a few residents that survived the 1918 influenza. As Covid came around, I wished I had asked many more questions.
One resident would go through the home before every meal and ring an old school bell. This let everyone know it was time to eat. She thought of it as her job.
The chapel was built in 1976. During the construction of the chapel, there was a problem with bats coming into the Home. This caused some concern for the employees and residents. Before the chapel was built, worship was in the dining room. Various pastors would fill in as they were able. When the chapel was completed, there was a grand opening, and all the residents and many towns’ people came to see the beautiful addition, with the gorgeous stain glass windows.
Bill Carlson had the vision of having a full-time chaplain to serve the residents of Bethany Home. In 1982, Don Hawk became the first full-time chaplain. He was the chaplain from 1982 to 2006 when he retired. Bill Bushbaum came on board as our second full-time chaplain. He served from 2008 until he retired in 2018. Phil Hett became the third full-time chaplain. He served from 2018 until 2021. Phil and his daughter were unfortunately killed in a vehicle accident in 2021. Mandy Todd is the current full-time pastor. She came in 2022.
In 1994, Marlin Johnson became the Bethany Home Administrator. He was here from 1994-2014. Kris Erickson came in 2014 and is the current Administrator.
Over the years many things have changed at Bethany Home. Residents wait longer to come in. The acuity of care has gotten much higher.
In 1987, the OBRA regulations went into effect. These are the rules and regulations all nursing homes must satisfy. These regulations were put in place to protect nursing home residents. These regulations also come with a cost to all facilities. This increases the cost to the residents.
So many things have changed in the last fifty years, but one thing is constant. Bethany Home, Bethany Village, is still like a big family. The residents and staff have a bond. Even though many things have changed over the years, it is a wonderful place to live and work.
Mr. Erikson Continues
It was in the early 2000s that the board and staff at Bethany Home began considering the construction of an Assisted Living. Although there were earlier pioneers in the Assisted Living field, it remained a relatively new concept to many. While deliberation on the final product lasted for years, Altman Charter was selected as a building contractor. This proved to be a mixed blessing. The construction process was troubled and experienced many substitutions and delays. By the time it was completed in 2014, everyone was relieved that the business partnership was over. However, being late to the Assisted Living market provided us with the most modern Assisted Living in the region.
In the Fall of 2014, I arrived at Bethany Home. The newly opened Assisted Living had three residents, and a great deal of promise. After a few years of operation, it became apparent that even when at full capacity, more rooms were needed to support the Assisted Living’s operations. The board of directors and managers carefully selected the next construction partner, and by 2021 the new Ekdahl addition had been added. Ken Ekdahl was a former long time board member of Bethany Home, and he and his wife Lenore recognized the need to provide for seniors. Upon Lenore’s passing, their estate left a significant donation that started the expansion process. The original name of the Assisted Living was Vardshus Ostergarten. Unfortunately, nobody could pronounce the name, and marketing consultants were brought in. After much deliberation, it was decided that the new name should be the much more pronounceable Sunflower Terrace.
As we were preparing for the grand opening of the Sunflower Terrace addition, we decided to act on a longstanding request from our Cottage residents. For generations our mission was always referred to as “Bethany Home”, but it was felt that the name didn’t recognize the significance of our Independent Living and Assisted Living residents. Knowing that we were becoming a community with three distinct parts, the name Bethany Village was chosen.
While we had locked in very favorable loan terms and contracted with an excellent construction company, nobody could have predicted the impact of COVID-19. The “Grand Opening” party for the expanded and remodeled Sunflower Terrace was cancelled, but word still got out. Just one year after the expansion was completed, Sunflower Terrace is well over half full and new inquiries are arriving regularly.
Although we continue to work through what we hope is the tail end of the pandemic, it is an exciting time to be with Bethany Village. We face many challenges, but we have the most amazing staff to work with. The Assisted Living is also located on 60 acres of undeveloped potential. The need for senior living options is rapidly increasing, and it is my hope to position Bethany Village for the next 100 years of operation.
In the Fall of 2014, I arrived at Bethany Home. The newly opened Assisted Living had three residents, and a great deal of promise. After a few years of operation, it became apparent that even when at full capacity, more rooms were needed to support the Assisted Living’s operations. The board of directors and managers carefully selected the next construction partner, and by 2021 the new Ekdahl addition had been added. Ken Ekdahl was a former long time board member of Bethany Home, and he and his wife Lenore recognized the need to provide for seniors. Upon Lenore’s passing, their estate left a significant donation that started the expansion process. The original name of the Assisted Living was Vardshus Ostergarten. Unfortunately, nobody could pronounce the name, and marketing consultants were brought in. After much deliberation, it was decided that the new name should be the much more pronounceable Sunflower Terrace.
As we were preparing for the grand opening of the Sunflower Terrace addition, we decided to act on a longstanding request from our Cottage residents. For generations our mission was always referred to as “Bethany Home”, but it was felt that the name didn’t recognize the significance of our Independent Living and Assisted Living residents. Knowing that we were becoming a community with three distinct parts, the name Bethany Village was chosen.
While we had locked in very favorable loan terms and contracted with an excellent construction company, nobody could have predicted the impact of COVID-19. The “Grand Opening” party for the expanded and remodeled Sunflower Terrace was cancelled, but word still got out. Just one year after the expansion was completed, Sunflower Terrace is well over half full and new inquiries are arriving regularly.
Although we continue to work through what we hope is the tail end of the pandemic, it is an exciting time to be with Bethany Village. We face many challenges, but we have the most amazing staff to work with. The Assisted Living is also located on 60 acres of undeveloped potential. The need for senior living options is rapidly increasing, and it is my hope to position Bethany Village for the next 100 years of operation.
- PHOTOGRAPHS -
"Courtesy of Bethany Village"
"Courtesy of Bethany Village"
IN SUNROOM OF BETHANY HOME
THE COTTAGES
SUNFLOWER TERRACE
RESIDENT IN DINING ROOM
RESIDENT IN DINING ROOM
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For more information about Bethany Village, visit BethanyVillageKS.com.
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For more information about Bethany Village, visit BethanyVillageKS.com.
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* * *
"Let Us Remember Them"
* * *
Swedes: TheWayTheyWere
~ restoring lost local histories ~
reconnecting past to present
* * *
All color photography throughout Swedes: The Way They Were is by Fran Cochran unless otherwise indicated, or obviously concluded it is not.
Copyright © from October 8, 2015 to 2023 www.swedesthewaytheywere.org. All rights reserved.
"Let Us Remember Them"
* * *
Swedes: TheWayTheyWere
~ restoring lost local histories ~
reconnecting past to present
* * *
All color photography throughout Swedes: The Way They Were is by Fran Cochran unless otherwise indicated, or obviously concluded it is not.
Copyright © from October 8, 2015 to 2023 www.swedesthewaytheywere.org. All rights reserved.
