Community Retirement Home
Port Arthur, Jefferson County, Texas
Marker Inscription
In 1944, a group of citizens discussed establishment of a retirement home in Port Arthur. Federated Mission Society members from several churches served on the board of directors. Incorporated as the Community Retirement Home on August 28, 1944, the board purchased the model apartment building on Procter Street for residents. Work began in 1970 to replace the main service building and add a kitchen, dining and administrative facilities and living areas. In December 1988, Dr. John White donated his former office building on the adjacent lot. The Community Retirement Home is a nonprofit residence, receiving no state or federal funding but operating by resident fees, donations, memorials and fund drives. (2012)
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
In 1944, citizens of Port Arthur — many of them Federated Mission Society members from several churches — came together to found the Community Retirement Home. Incorporated that August, the nonprofit bought a former model apartment building for its first residents and expanded over the decades with donated buildings and new facilities. It has operated without state or federal funding, sustained by fees, gifts, and community fund drives.
Why it matters
The home reflects a mid-century American impulse — and a long women's mission-society tradition — of caring for the aging through voluntary, faith-based community effort rather than government programs.
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Related people
- · John White
Themes & tags
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