History

Over a century ago, members of Chicago's Norwegian-American community, inspired by the dream and determination of one man, Dr. Niles T. Quales, founded the Norwegian Old People's Home Society. In the words of Dr. Quales, "The object of our Society was the establishment of a Home for the worthy elderly men and women, who in full measure have borne life's heat and burden. A home where their last days might be spent in peace and quiet, exempted from worry and sorrow, a Christian Home where they can enjoy, not only physical care, but also spiritual care, solace and consolation." In 1896, the Society purchased the Norwood Park Hotel on the corners of Avondale and Nina Avenues, and the surrounding four acres for $20,000. The three-story building with basement contained between 25 and 30 rooms and established the new Norwegian Old People's Home that we know today as Norwood Crossing.

Also, in 1896 a Ladies Auxiliary Board was organized. Their duties included looking after the domestic affairs of the Home, arranging for festivals, entertainment and hosting fundraising events. These events included the first picnic held on the grounds of the Home on August 26, 1896, an annual event that continues to this very day. From its humble beginnings, the Society actively raised funds to keep pace with housing needs of the elderly. A plea that went out to the Norwegian-American community was so successful that by 1898 there were 411 members of the Society.

By 1909, there were 52 residents and a list of applicants waiting to enter the Home. The board decided it was time to expand, and the first building fund campaign was organized with subscription pledges collected to help pay for the expansion. But, two weeks before the dedication, a fire destroyed the building.

Fortunately, no lives were lost in the tragedy. Dr. Quales wrote, “…as the years roll by our burdens become heavier, our responsibility greater, our work more laborious and the future outlook often dark and discouraging, but we must take heart, hope and work.” And they did, with the help of donations and a $28,000 insurance payment; the Society was able to rebuild the gutted structure, which was opened in November 1910.

Over succeeding decades, the Home’s place in the community evolved. The Norwegian Old People's Home became synonymous with Norwood Park as the community began to refer to the Home as Norwood Crossing. Even the post office identified the Norwegian Old People’s Home in this way and would deliver mail addressed to Norwood Crossing to our door. In 1956, the name Norwood Crossing was officially adopted to reflect the community’s acceptance and to emphasize the broader ethnic diversity of our residents. Today, more than 175 elderly men and women reside in the positive caring environment that is Norwood Crossing; only 7 percent are of Norwegian descent.

Today, the Society (now known as Norwood Life Care Foundation) continues its mission to provide for the needs of the elderly and to maintain governance over the Norwood Crossing, the Norwood Life Care Foundation and the Norwood Seniors Network.

In 1995, the Norwood Seniors Network (NSN) was established to expand our mission of service to older adults living in their own homes. In 2004, NPSN delivered over 9,000 hot, nutritious meals; provided 760 seniors with door-to-door transportation for important appointments; provided social outings, and weekly shopping trips, and arranged for home maintenance and personal care services, all in response to the needs of independent seniors looking to lead a fuller life-style.

The Norwood Life Care Foundation continues the work of raising awareness, friends and funds to support the mission of service to the elderly established by the Society more than a century ago.

Dr. Quales would be proud that the dream he dared to dream continues to grow and respond to the changing needs of the elderly. And today, the words spoken by Dr. Quales, more than a century ago, continue to hold true, “Much we have done, but much remains yet to be done.” And, in this new century, we as part of Norwood Life Care Foundation, will work together with our community of friends and supporters to get done what needs to be done to enhance the independence and well-being of older adults.