The Harned photograph collection

Phebe Harned was born October 12, 1841, and died May 3, 1927, and her sister, Katherine S. Harned, was born December 17, 1848, and died November 16, 1931. The Harned sisters were Orthodox Friends and lived in Springfield Township, Delaware County, PA.

The Harned, a non-profit boarding home for elderly men and women, was established through bequests from Katherine S. and Phebe Harned. A trust fund was initiated upon the death of Katherine Harned in 1931. In their wills, the Harned sister called for the appointment of a committee under the oversight of Chester (later Media) Monthly Meeting. They intended for the Home to be established in their home in Springfield, PA, but allowed for the Committee to have full authority to build or change locations. In February 1938, the Harned Committee, or Board of Directors, was appointed by Chester Monthly Meeting. In April 1940, subcommittees were established, including Advisory and Finance Committee, Admission Committee, and House and Grounds Committee. The first residents moved in during the fall of 1940. It was decided in 1943 that the Committee would buy the “Stellwagen property” in Moylan, PA, and the move was made in 1944.

The Harned was a very small, home-like facility with only eleven residents at full capacity. It was closed in June 1994 due to financial difficulties. The Harned Trust was continued, with income going to three established Quaker retirement homes: Barclay/Friends Hall, Stapeley Hall, and the Estaugh group in New Jersey (Medford Leas, etc.).