1871The Women's Christian Association of Toledo resolved to establish a home for 'friendless' women. At that time, Mrs. Harriet May Barlowe, the group's first president and founder, led a group of women from such prominent Toledo families as Secor, Devilbiss, Waite, Swayne, Scott, Reynolds and Douglas, in finding homes for Toledo women in need of housing. This was the start of Sunset Retirement Communities and its rich history of serving the greater Toledo community. The group's mission began in earnest only a few years after the end of the Civil War, when three homeless women were housed in a boarding house as the first wards of the organization. Soon there were five ladies in their care, and a matron needed to be hired. By the end of the first year, 52 women had been cared for and larger quarters were necessary.
1873After a successful fund drive, the Home for Friendless Women was officially incorporated and a large house on Woodruff Avenue near Lagrange Street was purchased.
1888In constant need of repair, this property proved to be unsatisfactory. The problem was resolved, when Mr. W.J. Finlay, a local brewer, made a gift of a large home at Collingwood and Central Avenues, where the Kent Branch Library currently stands. The home moved and became known as the Old Ladies Home of Toledo that same year.
1928Eventually, the home outgrew the Collingwood Avenue address, and after a successful $250,000 fund raising drive, ten acres of land along Indian Road, "way out in the country", were purchased, and a Tudor style Victorian mansion was erected.
1965As the organization flourished, more room was needed, and a one story annex was built with twelve nursing care rooms. The years following saw a number of changes including the official change of the organization's name to Sunset House.
1985With Sunset House's continued growth and success in meeting its mission, the need for additional nursing beds and upgrading of the Home became evident again. A master plan for improvement and expansion was established and a 48-bed nursing wing was built and the four-story manor building was renovated.
1994In addition to the the expansion of the kitchen and laundry area, Sunset Hall's nursing area, with the addition of fifteen nursing care rooms and support spaces, was completed. Later, the organization focused on stabilizing operations in the newly opened second floor nursing unit, and in planning for the future of Sunset House.
1999With a continued focus on the future, the acquisition of land for a second campus in Sylvania, Ohio and plans for a second building on our Indian Road campus was completed.
2000The organization held ground breaking ceremonies for new buildings on the Indian Road campus and on the new Sylvania campus.
2001Construction of the new buildings was completed and Sunset House became officially known as Sunset Retirement Communities.
2005In a continuing effort to create better social and physical environments for its residents, Sunset Village subscribes to the Eden Alternative philosophy. Through this commitment, the organization will create a vibrant atmosphere that eliminates the plagues of loneliness, helplessness and boredom.
