History of Friends Home
Come experience life among friends...

For more than 100 years The Friends Home in Kennett has been serving the needs of older adults with moderate incomes. This tradition of hospitality and caring began in 1898, when a group of Quakers living in southern Chester County recognized the need for a residence for the elderly members of their communities. The Home began in a rented house on West Linden Street in Kennett Square. Two years later, in July 1900, the Eaton Academy property (our current location) was purchased and remodeled; it opened in 1902.

Over the past 102 years the Friends Home has been renovated and expanded to meet the changing needs of our residents. The west wing was built in 1912, thanks to support from the Jeanes Fund, and the J. Warren Marshall wing was constructed in 1952. To accommodate residents who preferred apartment living, two adjacent houses were purchased and remodeled into seven comfortable apartments.

In 1980, Linden Hall, our skilled nursing center, was built to serve 16 residents who need skilled nursing care during times of temporary illness and recuperation, or for long-term care. Linden Hall was subsequently enlarged to 20 beds.

In 2001 the Home's Board of Directors launched a three-year, $1.3 million capital campaign to raise funds to further renovate the Home by installing a new heating and cooling system, adding private bathrooms to resident rooms, and redecorating public areas.

Since 1898 the Board of Directors and staff of The Friends Home have sought to provide a caring environment where residents live in comfort, security, and peace. Today the Home is a leader in providing affordable, quality care for older adults.