Nearly six decades of serving the elderly residents of Henryetta and the area were noted Wednesday.
An open house was held at Fountain View Manor replete with refreshments and holiday music.
Fountain View has its roots started when founder Bessie Molet-Gavras saw a need for such a facility.
She worked at the Henryetta Hospital as a nurse then bought a house on Broadway to serve as a long term care facility.
When it filled up with a big waiting list, the realization came that there was a real need in the hear for a larger facility.
In 1967 the first stage of Fountain View Manor was built on Barclay Street and Lake road. Because she felt the sound of water splashing in a fountain was soothing, a nearly-eight-foot wide fountain was placed in the center lobby.
Over the years the facility has grown to add nearly 100 beds as well as an Alzheimer’s care center.
Fountain View has been something of a family project. Bessie started her daughter Sylvia as a candy-striper in the hospital then sent her to school to become an LPN. She worked in just about every position and, when Bessie died in 2005, Sylvia handled the business and has been followed by her daughter, Jennifer.
“Most of our family grew up and worked there,” Jennifer said at the open house. “Grandma had her children Pat Molet, Johnny Molet, & Sylvia there to support her in anything she needed.”
She went on to say some 75 people work at Fountain View providing the best possible care to the residents. “My family loves Henryetta & will always support our community in any way we can”