Delaware Run’s Homesteaders

Imagine attending a meeting at the Willow Brook Christian Village in 2004 or 2005.  You’re there to select the building site for your retirement home. Imagine riding the Village Bus to tour the location of the new Willow Brook community. Imagine watching the construction progression of your new home and moving into the emerging Delaware Run community.

These “homesteaders”, mostly strangers to one another, bonded quickly as twin singles were being completed around a great pit that would become the beautiful pond and the main building. Twin single #25 became the Delaware Run Office. The little bridge behind it provided access to the lower level which would house an amazing variety of community activities. Larger events, like programs and town meetings were held in the neighboring Evangelical Friends Church.

The small band of “homesteaders” continued to “build” their sense of community.

• During Paul H.’s six-month hospitalization, there was always some resident to take Paul’s wife to the hospital to visit him.
• Genevieve P.’s prayer shawl ministry blessed one of the first residents struggling with cancer. Genevieve made certain every resident added at least one stitch. Through the participation of many women, this ministry was extended to others.
• Without a “program staff” at Delaware Run, residents sponsored their own social events. There were potluck dinners held at the Friends Church. Cookouts were held in Dick and Dee S.’s backyard. The Willow Brook bus was enrolled for “field trips.” (Dick notes, mischievously, “And we went unsupervised, maybe even exceeding the 40-mile distance limit.”)
• Hospitality was extended to Bill & Judy M. when their move-in date was delayed, they were included in events anyway.

There were challenging times as well. Dianne A. remembers how the 2008 recession impacted housing prices, delaying some arrivals. There was even concern for Willow Brook’s viability – as another new retirement community closed its doors before it even opened. With Larry Harris’s leadership, we survived.

As twin singles continued to be filled with more neighbors, a Residents Council was born to manage community needs, projects, and activities. A significant accomplishment was a Resident Photo Directory developed by Ken P.

Five original Homesteaders remain in their twin singles. They are Nancy H., Johnnie H., Bill M., Dick S., and Jo W. Many Homesteaders remain in Delaware Run but reside in our main building. They are Dianne A., Carol C., Don D., John & Ruth H., Paul H., Grace L., Judy M., Genevieve P., Jo R., Frank & Bev R., Joan Y., and Duane Y.

These Homesteaders created for us a legacy of hospitality, acceptance, warm friendships, and an eagerness to invite all new residents into the fellowship of friends at Delaware Run. They’ve taught us that there are no strangers, just friends we haven’t yet met. Next time you meet one of these early settlers, ask them to share a memory of their beginnings at Delaware Run. You may be entertained at the creativity this group found to stay in touch.

May you all have a safe, healthy, and happy New Year! Check back for more Babbling Brook content in January!