Renovations prepare historic Fuller House for future resident
Published on March 22nd, 2000
STONEHAM, MA - Renovation work is underway on the buildings of The Fuller House located at 32 Franklin Street in Stoneham. Since the removal of buildings along Franklin and Fuller Streets and the creation of the new Stoneham Parking Lot, a view of The Fuller House has become more apparent from Stoneham square. Many folks in town are suddenly aware of its presence and of its beauty and are showing increased curiosity as to the purpose of these buildings. The Fuller House of Stoneham is a private, independent, non-profit retirement home that has been in operation at its current location since 1930. Originally called "The Home for Aged People in Stoneham" it was organized and incorporated in 1898 under laws of the Commonwealth by a group of concerned citizens and church people who sensed the need to provide a home and to "assist respectable aged people" of Stoneham. These foresighted folks worked diligently for many years to raise funds for this purpose through private subscriptions, food and rummage sales, legacies and other means to reach their goal.
However, many years passed and it was not until 1928 that a home was finally established following the death of Miss Georgianna Fuller who generously bequeathed the original building to the Corporation. This lovely home on Franklin Street was the original Fuller home built in 1850 by her father William G. Fuller, at that time an active citizen of Stoneham prominent in the leather business. The Fuller family occupied this home until the death of his daughter. In January 1930, 32 years after its organization, The Home for Aged People in Stoneham was formally opened. A few years later in 1938 a generous gift was received from Miss Dora Carbee, and a lovely new addition of five rooms, baths and a connecting sun porch was opened. It followed that other legacies and gifts were received. Much credit is due to the careful management through the years by many dedicated Stoneham people voluntarily serving on the Board of Directors of the Corporation that its resources have increased. In 1984 the name was changed to The Fuller House of Stoneham. It is also listed in the State Register of Historic Places.
The Fuller House currently provides a homelike atmosphere for its residents as well as a private room, home cooked meals and personal laundry services. Meals are planned under the direction of a Certified Dietitian, and a Registered Nurse makes scheduled visits. Privacy in their single rooms is cherished by the residents where they can display their favorite family pictures or souvenirs, lend their own touches to the decoration, and still visit the communal dining room, activities room and general living quarters for sociability when desired. The home is supervised by an active Board of Directors of 12 members who individually serve in many capacities. It is capably managed by a qualified administrator, and an activities director each day offers opportunities for residents to engage in games, music, crafts, films, etc. Many local organizations from time to time provide entertainment for the residents, and for many years during the holiday season the Stoneham Women's Club traditionally has tendered a Christmas party for them and their families with music, entertainment and refreshments. Churches in the community provide services as requested.
In recent years the Board of Directors of The Fuller House of Stoneham has recognized the need to make improvements to the facilities and has made plans for the renovation of the buildings to provide modern up-to-date living space. When completion is reached The Fuller House will be equipped to accommodate twelve residents. The addition of an essential elevator, a second story sitting room, more bathrooms and improvements to the kitchen and dining areas are planned. Redecoration of the rooms and new carpeting will be added throughout. A deck accessible from the dining room and kitchen will be added in the rear where improvements to the parking area and landscaping will also be made. Modernization of the plant will include a new heating/air conditioning system, new windows, modern call and security systems, as well as improvements to the lighting and electrical systems. The Fuller House has been able to finance these improvements with a private endowment independent of outside funding.
It seems most appropriate that these facilities are being modernized along with the completion of the adjacent town parking lot and the Stoneham Town Common, adding to the enhancement of this central part of Stoneham. It is planned that when our renovation of The Fuller House is complete an open house will be observed that will allow an opportunity for neighbors and friends to visit and view first-hand our new modern facilities.
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