A home with a heart, built and shaped by Waynesboro since the 1850s.
Hearthstone began as the vision of Waynesboro philanthropist John Neal Jr., who left funds and instructions to establish a memorial home for his son George — a young man who died unexpectedly at age 17. The home that bears the family's name today is the result of generations of local care.
John Neal Jr. is born. A blacksmith by trade who worked for George McGinley, he later married McGinley's daughter, Eliza Jane, and built his fortune through prudent investments in local industry.
John and Eliza Jane's son George is born. He died unexpectedly in 1900, at age 17 — the loss that would later inspire the home that bears his name.
Anna Landis Sollenberger and her father Frank Landis (co-founder of Landis Tool Company) built the house at the corner of Potomac and Second Street. Frank designed the patterns used on the concrete blocks — some of which are still there today. Anna's husband, Dr. Aaron Sollenberger, ran his medical practice from the home until his death in 1932.
John Neal died, leaving funds and instructions for his second wife Ida's care, as well as for the establishment of a memorial home for his son George. Mr. Neal's wish was that residents would receive excellent care.
A contest held by the Record Herald Newspaper sought a shorter, easier-to-remember name for the home. The winning entry — "Hearthstone Retirement Home" — was submitted by Hazel S. Thomas of Waynesboro. The home's legal name remains "George H. Neal Memorial Home for the Aged."
Anna Landis Sollenberger donated her home at 102 South Potomac Street for Hearthstone. A 22-room wing was added, and Hearthstone welcomed its first guests in July of that year. Anna's daughter — Anna Hershey Sollenberger, a Waynesboro Hospital lab technician and longtime Red Cross volunteer — lived at Hearthstone from April 1982 until her death in January 1984.
A century-old home, lovingly cared for. We'd be glad to show you around.
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