“Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see.” —Mark Twain
Jennings Terrace operates as an independent organization at 275 S. LaSalle Street in Aurora. It received its charter as a non-profit corporation March 16, 1943. On July 5, 1943 the home opened after extensive remodeling and redecorating. Sixty-four residents began to live at this historic landmark.
It is interesting to note that a grandson of Benjamin Hackney, one of the first trustees and a founder for the Burlington Railroad, was one of the first residents of Jennings Terrace in 1943. Miss Grace Paris was appointed superintendent of Jennings Terrace. She had a staff of 10 individuals with an operating budget of $60,000 in 1949.
At that time the building was heated with 100 stoves, one for each room. Tragedy visited on March 13, 1959 in the form of a disastrous fire which totally destroyed the building. The 98 residents were temporarily housed at the Aurora YWCA. The newly-formed Ladies Auxiliary gave tremendous assistance with clothing and other necessities. Four men residents lost their lives that day.
My dear friend Ruth Dieterich Wagner, was a president of the Women’s Auxiliary and served all her life by buying tickets to every event for her friends and staff members. She lived there temporarily when she broke her hip. Ruth died June 26, 2015 just shy of age 103.
A ground-breaking ceremony was held March 13, 1960 on the site of the present Jennings Terrace. The cost was over a half-million dollars and contained 103 rooms sharing a powder room. Room sizes are about 13 feet by 16 feet each. The dining room seats 115 persons and the chapel seats 60. On June 18, 1961 a service of consecration and sealing of the corner stone was held. The cornerstone contains historical documents pertaining to the location and its use since 1855. A social hour and open house followed. More than 3,500 were in attendance.
In 1984 a permit to construct 60 nursing care beds was approved by State and County officials. The project was estimated to cost $1,315,000. In the end the cost was more than $2 Million. Dedication and an open house were held August 11, 1985.The building is constructed of brick, steel, and glass and has a pitched roof.
A former president of Jennings Terrace Board of Trustees, James E. Cheatham, said that one of the highest priorities “was to provide our residents the best care possible in a homelike non-institutionalized environment.”
Jennings Terrace has become synonymous with comfort, happiness, and caring for those individuals during their sunset years of life. Wise men and women have set the policy and philosophy which has guided the Terrace to its successful history and its new beginnings.
I interviewed Esther Allen, MSW, community relations coordinator, by phone due to COVID-19. She responded by saying that Jennings Terrace has, “always been a loving home for our seniors and continues to be so even through the pandemic. We have such a significant history here in Aurora! We are lucky that we can serve our people and provide careers for those in our neighborhood. I hope to be a part of this place for a long time going forward. We have a great mission and a great staff and our families are really like one, big family.”
The current Board president Duanne Kleckner, has said that Jennings Terrace is “a hidden gem on the southeast side of Aurora. Like an old friend from my childhood. I recall singing Christmas carols with Bardwell Grade School and scouts. That old friend is now taking care of our father. Our staff takes great pride in taking care of our residents and the warm and friendly home environment is best for our residents. It’s been a labor of love over the years working together with our dedicated board members and staff.”