It was on this day, March 14th, 1917, that a petition for an “Old Lady’s Home” in Skagway was mailed to the Territorial Legislature in Juneau after gaining 354 signatures.

While there was great enthusiasm from the people of Skagway for the home, that enthusiasm was not duplicated in the capitol and the petition was denied. It would be another 32 years before it became a reality, when in 1949, an old church next to the men-only Pioneers Home in Sitka was purchased for that purpose.

While this would be a boon to the elderly female pioneers of the territory, it would prove inadequate. In 1956, a new north wing would be constructed on the existing Pioneers Home for those female pioneers. 

Initially, it would house only females and married couples, but eventually would be occupied by single men and women as well.

Through time, the home would undergo remodeling and renovations to provide care for elderly residents with Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementia as well.

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