Franciscan Makeover: Motherhouse North Parlor

Paul Keggington

March 28, 2012

Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity’s are blesed to have a home that is over 100 years old. Sister Paula Vanden Hogen writes about the North Parlor’s recent renovation.

As we delve into our archives we find pictures that tell the story of the many varied uses of the rooms of our Motherhouse.  One such room is the North Parlor.  It was the site of our Community’s first Chapel.

Over the years renovations have been made.  However, it has been about 30 years since attention was given to it.  So, beginning in January, two of our Maintenance Men worked for about a month to give it a “face-lift.”  Wood paneling was removed, cracks plastered, walls painted and windows and woodwork refurbished.  The large oval rug and window dressings were laundered.  The center floor linoleum was removed and a laminate flooring laid to restore the floor to its original wooden look. 

Some of the antiques that remain in the room are the ceiling lights and some of the chairs that, at one time, were in one of St. Rita Health Center’s parlor.  The book case is from our early library and later from the oratory.  The side benches are from the original Chapel.  The oval crocheted rug was made by Sister Annellus and Sister Ida.  The drapes were designed and made by Sister Nathanael and Sister Bernadone.

Our Maintenance Men, who considered it a privilege to work in a room with such history, are to be commended for “a job well done!”

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