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Published on 10/06/1999 All articles from this issue

Pilgrim Haven celebrates 50th anniversary with look back

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By Clyde Noel

Special to the Town Crier

Pilgrim Haven retirement community in Los Altos celebrated its 50th anniversary Sept. 30 with historic displays and entertainment featuring its founding year of 1949.

Festivities included a seven-piece jazz band, an expansive buffet and greetings by Los Altos Mayor Lou Becker. Becker recalled different events that occurred in the world during 1949. In Los Altos, he said, the biggest event in 1949 was the beginning of Pilgrim Haven.

"We're celebrating a step back in time," said Tara McGuinness, executive administrator for Pilgrim Haven. "It takes a village to put this village together."

According to McGuinness, the property, home to a 250-year-old oak tree, was purchased for $25,000 and included a convalescent home. Started in 1949 as a haven for ministers, missionaries and the Baptist laity, Pilgrim Haven is one of 11 continuing-care retirement communities owned and managed by Oakland-based American Baptist Homes of the West (ABHOW).

Pilgrim Haven was the start of a national trend toward "active retirement" communities where elder Americans can live out their remaining years with dignity and the security of unconditional health care. It acknowledges its lead in the field - and its oak tree - with its motto: "The little acorn has fostered many trees."

Today, Pilgrim Haven offers three levels of care for seniors. The first is residential living for seniors who are able to live in their own apartments on the campus. The second level is assisted living, where residents can receive help when they need it. The third level provides 24-hour licensed, skilled nursing care at the Health Center.

"Although we are the smallest of the ABHOW family, Pilgrim Haven is the standard by which all other facilities are judged," said James Farthing, chairman of the Pilgrim Haven advisory board.

Waiting lists to become a Pilgrim Haven resident vary from three months to more than five years, depending upon the level of care required. Betsy and Bob Rockett have been on the waiting list five years.

Residents applaud the available facilities, and seniors' activities go beyond sitting in the shade and watching the birds.

Mariella Unnevehr, a widow and resident for a year, loves living at Pilgrim Haven. "There are lots of things to do here. I love it and I even met a nice 90-year-old man who makes it even more interesting," she said.

"It's been exciting to celebrate with Pilgrim Haven's neighbors, city officials, residents and staff," McGuinness said. "We have done a lot for Los Altos and Los Altos has done a lot for us."