Elks National Home, Historic retirement home in Bedford, United States.
The Elks National Home is a historic compound with over 20 buildings designed in Colonial Revival style, spreading across a large property. The complex includes various structures and objects arranged to support the needs of elderly residents.
The facility started in 1903 using an existing hotel building before moving to a newly designed complex created by prominent Chicago architects. This shift from hotel to retirement home marked a major change in how the property was used.
Interior murals in the Administration Building were created by an artist with a circus background, bringing creative character to the space. These artistic touches show how the facility aimed to enhance the experience of those living there.
The property covers a large area with multiple zones spread across the grounds, making it helpful to plan time for exploration. Keep in mind that the compound operates as a residence for its inhabitants, so respect the living spaces.
A tragic event in 1923 resulted in multiple deaths linked to contaminated food served at the facility, becoming a grim reminder of food safety challenges in early community settings. This incident serves as a historical marker of how institutional food handling practices have evolved since then.
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