The Clinton County Parkview Home celebrated a milestone on Saturday as staff, residents and county officials all joined in for a party and open house to mark the 100th year of the facility at 1501 Burlington Avenue in Frankfort.
“This is a once in a lifetime historic event for us,” said Parkview Administrator Chris Overman.
The open house and party featured a free picnic with hot dogs, hamburgers and chips along with country, bluegrass and Gospel music from the Nullberries. Guests were welcome to take self-guided tours throughout the historic facility.
Parkview was built back in 1863 as the Clinton County Asylum for the Poor. However, that building was destroyed by fire with the only things remaining are a couple of heavy ledgers which have handwritten accounting entries The current Parkview Home was built in 1918 and sits on a 200-acre parcel that includes land leased to a cattle farmer, crop farmer and a cell tower. A cemetery that goes with the home is located at Frankfort Commons Golf Course.
Parkview, which can hold as many as 44 occupants, currently has about 30 residents. It is one of only 10 county homes still in operation today.
Overman was asked what this day means to everyone affiliated with Parkview.
“If I had to say it would be the significance of this facility here, how it has served Clinton county and the residents who live here, the dedicated staff we have and just the support we get from the entire community and county,” said Overman.
There have been times in the recent past when the facility came close to closing.
“I’ve been here four-and-a-half years and I’ve watched three facilities similar to this close (around the state),” said Overman. “It does concern me because you have a large population who are served here. This is their home. It is a necessary thing to have and it’s just a phenomenal thing to have in the community.”
The homes that have closed in the last five years were in Boone, Pulaski and LaPorte counties.
Despite that possibility, Parkview has remained open and is experiencing sort of a rebirth.
“I’ve had great continued support from the Commissioners and the councilmen,” said Overman. “Everybody is 110 percent behind it and the outpouring of the community into this place with donations, visits and activities is just unbelievable.”
Overman was asked if thought Parkview, or a facility like it, will still be around in another 100 years.
“It could be needed,” said Overman. “Times change. People run into situations where they are not ready for a nursing home or higher level care. A place like this would fit the need.”