In the bustling industrial city of Philadelphia in the early 20th century, Sister Maria Roeck saw beyond the smog and noise to the hidden struggles of the city's most vulnerable residents. Working tirelessly at the Kensington Dispensary, providing medical care for the sick and needy, she encountered countless families grappling with tuberculosis. This devastating disease spared no one, but it was the children, innocent and fragile, who captured her heart and fueled her determination to make a difference.
As the dispensary work continued, Sister Maria noticed a heartbreaking trend. Many children in tuberculosis-afflicted families were becoming sicker despite not having the disease themselves. These children, though not directly infected, had been exposed to the disease and lived in poorly nourished and unhealthy surroundings. Yet, in the face of such adversity, they showed remarkable resilience. They were the most susceptible to illness, their tiny bodies unable to fend off infections.
By the 1920s, health officials across the United States were sounding the alarm on the high rates of malnourishment among school-aged children. Reports from pediatricians and school medical inspectors painted a grim picture: malnourishment was rampant, leading to stunted growth, disability, and a host of other health issues. Malnutrition reduces resistance to infectious diseases, hinders recovery, and causes chronic ailments and permanent disabilities. The affected children displayed behavioral problems, apathy, and lethargy, a stark contrast to the vibrant, energetic lives they deserved.
A Vision of Hope: "A Place in the Sun"
Moved by the dire circumstances and inspired by a physician at the Kensington Dispensary who emphasized the importance of the welfare of children, Sister Maria knew she had to act. So, she devised the plan for “A Place in the Sun.” She began looking for a farm in Montgomery County that would provide safety for these children and get them away from the industrial city and into the fresh air.
A 140-acre farm near Mont Clare, known as "Cornish Farm," caught her eye. Nestled along the Schuylkill River, the farm featured a charming old farmhouse on a hill, surrounded by a picturesque glen. Sister Maria and Mrs. Adolph Woll, the President of the Board of Managers of the Dispensary, visited the farm and saw its potential. They dreamed of turning the farmhouse into a dormitory for children, providing a haven for tired and sick kids.
Determined to make their dream a reality, Sister Maria and her supporters formed a farm committee to explore and acquire the property. Despite the financial challenges—they had a limited budget of $14,768, and the Kensington building still carried a $10,000 mortgage—they were undeterred. The Advisory Board members rallied together, with Mr. Braun leading the way by contributing $1,000. A month later, the sale of the farm was finalized.
Breathing New Life into River Crest
The next step after the farm was acquired was refurbishing the old structures. Carl Berger, an architect on the committee, developed plans to transform the farmhouse into an administration building. Initially referred to as the "Country Branch," the farm soon earned a name that would be etched in history: River Crest. The River Crest Committee, composed of board members and local individuals, officially consecrated the site on June 26, 1913, and welcomed its first group of 53 children that August.
River Crest quickly proved to be a beacon of hope and healing. The children who stayed there experienced remarkable transformations, gaining an average of 2 to 10 pounds as their health and nutrition returned. Sister Maria's vision had become a reality—a place where children could thrive, free from the shadows of tuberculosis and malnourishment.
For many years, River Crest was a sanctuary for children, leaving an indelible mark on countless lives. In 2001, the property was sold and transformed into what is now the Rivercrest Golf Club and Preserve in Phoenixville. Although the farm has taken on a new purpose, the legacy of Sister Maria Roeck's vision endures.
Stay tuned for more stories as we celebrate KenCrest's 120-year history. Join us on June 4th for our "Taste the Possibilities" event to commemorate this incredible journey together. Let’s celebrate the past, present, and future of KenCrest!