On a quiet rise along East Bacon Street in Waterville, New York, a grand home once stood as a symbol of service, charity, and sisterhood. From 1908 to 1916, this property operated as the Eastern Star Hall and Home of the State of New York, offering dignified care to elderly women connected to the Order of the Eastern Star.

Its origin story isn’t just local lore—it’s documented, debated, and ultimately realized through over a decade of proposals, perseverance, and purpose.

The Seed Is Planted: 1896–1907

The idea for a Home first emerged in 1896, when Mrs. Josephine M. Fitch of Rochester proposed that the Grand Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star establish a residence for aged and infirm members. While the idea was met with praise, no formal steps were taken.

By 1897, a Home Committee had been appointed, with Mrs. Fitch serving as Chair. Yet, between 1897 and 1903, no progress was made beyond annual reports. The concept stalled due to organizational hesitation and lack of funding mechanisms.

Things shifted in 1907 when a new Home Committee began actively exploring property options in Central New York. The members of the Grand Chapter resolved to move forward with purchasing a permanent site, paid for directly by the corporation rather than relying on chapter-by-chapter donations.

Acquisition of the William Osborne Homestead: February 27, 1908

On February 27, 1908, a formal deed transferred ownership of the William Osborne Homestead from Miss Lucia M. Osborne, a local resident, to the trustees of the Eastern Star Hall and Home of the State of New York.

“Miss Lucia M. Osborne, an unmarried person of the village of Waterville, sold to the trustees... the property known as the William Osborne Homestead for the sum of $6,000.”
— Report to the Grand Chapter, 1908

This historic transaction marked the Order’s first permanent home. The property was located on a slight hill overlooking Waterville and included a large residence in the Second Empire style.

💰 Historical context: That $6,000 purchase is equivalent to approximately $200,000 in 2025, adjusted for inflation (U.S. Inflation Calculator).

Opening the Home: November 1908

The residence was put in order, and both a heating plant and plumbing system were installed in preparation for occupancy. The home officially opened to residents in November 1908, according to reports made to the Grand Chapter the following year.

The records note:

“The Home was opened in November, and has had five inmates most of the time since.”
— Annual Report, 1909

Though specific names of those early residents are not listed in the document, the Committee emphasized that each woman was selected not only based on need, but character and commitment to the values of the Order.

Life at the Home

The Home was not designed as a hospital but as a place for aging members to find peace, purpose, and community. A salaried matron managed daily affairs, while residents were encouraged to participate in communal life through light chores, gardening, and handwork.

The goal was clear: provide support while preserving the independence and dignity of each woman.

Closure and Transition: Sold in May 1916

After eight years of service, the Eastern Star Home was formally closed. On May 18, 1916, the property was sold to Mrs. Anna Cleveland Belknap of Syracuse for $10,000.

The document provides no specific reason for the closure. However, such decisions were often due to financial sustainability, logistical limitations, or broader organizational shifts.

💰 Inflation adjusted: $10,000 in 1916 would be approximately $295,000 in 2025.

Legacy Lives On

Though its time as a care facility was brief, the Eastern Star Home left behind a legacy of action grounded in values. Built on determination and the generosity of members across New York State, it stood as a place of comfort for those who had served others.

Today, the property is undergoing thoughtful restoration as Star Manor—not to erase its history, but to preserve and celebrate it. The story of the Home reminds us that even small towns can hold chapters of great importance—especially when they’re written by women determined to care for their own.

Historical Citation Section

Primary Source

“Summary of the Eastern Star Hall and Home of the State of New York” — PDF provided by current property owner. Includes direct references to the 1896 proposal, the 1908 deed, property conditions, early resident policy, and the 1916 sale.

Currency Adjustment Source

U.S. Inflation Calculator (2025): www.usinflationcalculator.com

The Founding of the Eastern Star Home in Waterville, NY.