Resident Comments: "Life is really great since I moved in with Sarah."

History of Sarah Harding

"Sarah Harding" was created to fulfill the dream of the actual person, Sarah Harding. Learning more about the history of the people involved will help tell the complete story.

Henry and Sarah Harding came to this area from Cleveland, Ohio following their marriage in 1854. After several stops along their route, they settled in the small community of Lyons, A Stone Mason by trade, Henry soon was in the general contracting business, building some of the largest build­ings in Lyons.

Years later, they moved to the newly established City of Clinton. In Clinton, Henry and Sarah raised a family of four boys and one girl. Henry built a fine brick home for his family on the corner of 10th Avenue North and Second Street, now the current site of the Unicorn. It was at that time that Sarah began making frequent comments that ultimately, she'd like to have their stately house become a home for retired people.

Two of the sons, Albert and Edward, left Clinton eventually and settled in Washington D.C where they opened a paper box firm in 1908, Through careful and frugal management, along with en­couraging business firms to use their boxes as gift containers, the business became a financial success.

When it came time for Albert & Edward's retirement, the two brothers provided a living trust for their close relatives. Then, remembering their deceased mother's often expressed wishes, they decided to establish and endow a home for retired people and name it after their mother.

They visited Clinton looking for an appropriate site for the new facility and ultimately purchased an estate known as the Frank J. Iten home. They also purchased a 78 acre farm on the outskirts of Clinton. A board of trustees of local people were designated to conduct the affairs of the retirement home. They arranged and supervised the extensive remodeling of the Iten home to convert it into retirement living quarters.

Albert Harding died in 1953. His will stipulated that a trust fund be established for Sarah Harding. Income from the trust was to be used to maintain the home, keeping costs to the residents at a minimum and providing a base for future building programs. In 1957, Edward Harding also gave a large monetary gift to the home. These dollars were used to build a new addition to the house for additional residents. When Edward died in 1967, be left one million dollars to be used for expansion purposes. After much planning and discussion, it was decided to construct a new five story building which provided apartments as well additional rooms. That is the structure of Sarah Harding you see now, as you drive by on Bluff Boulevard.

In the meantime, the farm property the brothers had purchased earlier was sold to the Clinton Park Board and the Clinton Commu­nity School district. Today this is the site of the Ericksen Center and the former Harding School.

The entire complex of Sarah Harding has been provided to the citizens of Clinton through the private funds and generosity of the Harding brothers. It was the first institution of its kind in Clinton and was dedicated to the well being and comfort of seniors.

That dedication continues today as Sarah Harding serves the housing needs of area senior citizens. It is a beautiful, independent living community where seniors can live their life a little easier, knowing they are living in a safe and friendly atmosphere. Following are just a few of the advantages Sarah Harding provides: Laundry and housekeeping services, garages for personal vehicles, van transportation, daily activities, chapel services, delicious meals, beauty shop, flower gardens, and reasonable, affordable rates due to the Sarah Harding endowment.

As more and more senior living options become available, it is important to consider the differences. Sarah Harding is not a nursing home. No medical services are provided. It is an independent living facility where people can enjoy life without the burdens of lawn care, house cleaning, food preparation and safety concerns. The property features single rooms, double rooms and apartments. Most residents say what they enjoy most is the camaraderie with other residents and staff along with delicious, restaurant quality food.

For More Information Contact:

Sarah Harding Independent Living
308 S Bluff Blvd, Clinton, IA 52732
Tel: 563-243-1341
Internet: jrduhr@aol.com

Last modified: 07/03/06