Gibson Center History & Story
1973
The Beginning
- The Gibson Center emerged from seeds planted in 1973. At that time, an ambitious group of volunteers, local churches, and the Memorial Hospital began the first senior nutrition program in the Mount Washington Valley area.
- It started with 12-15 seniors receiving daily meals in their homes, and eventually led to congregate meals served at churches on a rotating basis.
- Through the tireless efforts of Glenna Mori, the former summer home of financier and philanthropist Harvey Dow Gibson was leased from the Roman Catholic Diocese of Manchester. The Tri-County Community Action Program was instrumental in funding kitchen and dining room construction.
1979
Board of Directors
- In 1979, a board of directors was created, by-laws were drawn up and Glenna Mori became the Center’s first Executive Director.
2000
New Building
- In 2000, a successful capital campaign enabled us to purchase our building from the Diocese of Manchester and construct a 2400 square foot addition with a new dining room and kitchen.
2003
Serving 62000 Meals per Year
- More than thirty years later, the Gibson Center now serves over 62,000 meals per year.
- The Center is thriving from dawn to dusk with activities and community events, and we have two vans for transportation services.
2005
Silver Lake Landing
- In July of 2005, the Gibson Center assumed ownership of Silver Lake Landing- a gorgeous facility on the shores of Silver Lake with 19 independent living apartments.
2006
One Millionth Meal Served
- Our ONE MILLIONTH MEAL was served on April 7, 2006 and was marked with a gala celebration.
We continue to pay tribute to those who laid the foundation for the Gibson Center. We carry on their vision of helping seniors in our community to be welcomed, nourished and respected. The Glenna Mori Activity Room hosts our exercise, social, and educational programs. The Kay Reed and Carroll Reed rooms provide counseling services for Veterans, computer tutoring, Medicare, Advanced Directives, and our Internet Cafe.
The Sprague Dining Room honors Charlie Sprague, an enthusiastic long time supporter of the Gibson Center and a prime example of thoughtful philanthropy in the 21st Century.
