Elmhurst: The House of Friendship Elmurst Legacy
Elmhurst: The House of Friendship

Elmhurst: A Legacy of Friendship and Philanthropy in Wheeling

Nestled in the scenic Pleasant Valley of Wheeling, West Virginia, Elmhurst: The House of Friendship is more than just an assisted living home—it’s a timeless treasure, rich in history, philanthropy, and community spirit. Originally built in 1891 by Samuel S. Bloch of the Bloch Brothers Tobacco Company, Elmhurst stands today as a vibrant hub where residents not only live, but truly thrive in an atmosphere that gracefully bridges the past with the present.

Entryway Chair, original to the Bloch HomeElmhurst Legacy
This beautiful gentleman’s chair from the late 19th century welcomes you as you enter Elmhurst.

A Gift Rooted in Love and Community

When Samuel S. Bloch and his wife, Bertha, built Elmhurst in 1891, it wasn’t just a family home—it was a love letter to Wheeling. Surrounded by stately elm trees, the mansion was a symbol of elegance and charm, and the Bloch legacy extended far beyond their business success. Their philanthropic spirit was evident in every brick, every room, and every detail of the estate.

In 1940, the Bloch children made a remarkable decision that would forever change the course of Elmhurst’s story: they donated the mansion to the West Virginia Home for Aged Women. What had been a family home became a sanctuary for elderly women in the community. The mansion was rechristened “The House of Friendship,” and its mission expanded to welcome both women and men, with couples occasionally calling Elmhurst home. With its rich history and continued dedication to its mission, Elmhurst has become a cornerstone of Wheeling—offering not just a place to live, but a true community for generations of residents.

A Place to Age Gracefully: Where Residents Thrive

Elmhurst is more than just an assisted living facility—it’s a sanctuary where residents truly live out their best years. The mansion itself is a Victorian masterpiece, adorned with era-appropriate furniture and decor that transports both visitors and residents to a bygone time. At the heart of Elmhurst’s continued success is Jamie Crow, who has served as the Executive Director for the past 19 years. Her leadership, vision, and deep commitment to creating a warm and thriving community have been pivotal in preserving the charm and character of Elmhurst while ensuring it meets the needs of today’s residents.

Jamie is a true champion of Elmhurst’s legacy. “This isn’t just a place to live—it’s a place where life truly flourishes,” she says with a warm smile. One of her favorite spots at Elmhurst is Millie’s room, which was formerly the fur closet of Mrs. Bloch. “The Bloch family created this beautiful space with so much love, and the residents really understand how lucky they are to live here,” Jamie shares.

Mrs. Bloch's Fur Coat ClosetElmhurst Legacy
The interior window view of Mrs. Bloch’s fur coat closet, converted to a resident’s room.

Enhancing Care and Community at Elmhurst

Jamie’s passion for preserving the mansion’s historic charm while meeting the needs of today’s residents is evident in every corner of Elmhurst. From the lush outdoor gardens where residents plant flowers and connect with nature, to the wide array of amenities such as meals prepared by Chef Travis and on-site occupational and physical therapy through Blue Sky Therapy, Elmhurst provides everything needed for a fulfilling life.

Elmhurst has also expanded its ability to administer medications more efficiently and effectively, ensuring that residents’ medical needs are met with the utmost attention. “We’re proud to meet the needs of our residents,” Jamie says. “It’s a joy to see them staying healthy, active, and engaged.”

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Another new addition that residents truly enjoy is the on-site salon, where they can go weekly to have their hair done. “It’s a little touch of luxury, and the ladies absolutely love it!” Jamie says. Whether it’s a fresh cut or just a relaxing shampoo, the salon has become a favorite spot for the residents, adding to their sense of well-being and community.

And keeping life exciting is a top priority. Elmhurst regularly introduces new activities that bring energy and joy to the community. Cardio drumming, for example, was a recent addition that has taken off like wildfire among the residents. “You never know if they’re going to love it or hate it when it comes to something new, but this one was a complete success!” Jamie says with a laugh.

  • Relaxing Resident Elmhurst Legacy
    Waiting for dinner in this late 19th century chair.

Jamie Crow: A Champion of the Elmhurst Legacy

Jamie Crow, Executive DirectorElmhurst Legacy
Jamie Crow, Executive Director of Elmhurst, smiles on the front porch.

For nearly two decades, Jamie Crow has been the heart and soul of Elmhurst, guiding it with unwavering passion and dedication. Her commitment to the residents and the mission of Elmhurst shines through in every project, every initiative, and every interaction. Whether it’s preserving the mansion’s intricate glass panels, carefully restored by Belmont preservation students, or transforming the former billiard room into a modern, elegant boardroom through the support of the Elizabeth Stifel Kline Foundation, Jamie ensures Elmhurst honors its past while embracing the future.

One of Jamie’s proudest accomplishments is reviving Elmhurst’s fundraising efforts to ensure the legacy continues for years to come. Through initiatives like the “Friendship Wall,” where donors who contribute $1,000 or more are honored with their names on a commemorative plaque, Elmhurst is not only preserving its rich history, but also building a future. “We want Elmhurst to be here for another 100 years, continuing its mission and honoring the Bloch family’s legacy,” Jamie says.

Friendship WallElmhurst Legacy
The House of Friendship, Friendship Wall, recognizes those who are helping to support the Elmhurst Legacy for years to come.

For Jamie and her team, Elmhurst is about more than providing care—it’s about creating a home where residents feel valued and connected. The community here is one of love, laughter, and friendship, where everyone truly feels like family. “What happens at Elmhurst stays at Elmhurst—it truly feels like one big family,” Jamie says with a smile.

Music, too, is an integral part of life at Elmhurst. Whether it’s a performance by the Wheeling Park Young Patriots or a piano session led by Dr. Lee from West Liberty University, music brings joy, nostalgia, and connection to residents. “It connects them to a time in their past, maybe when they attended dances at the Elks or evenings out places like the Fort Henry Club or Ernie’s Esquire,” Jamie says. “Music has a magical way of bringing people together and unlocking archived memories.”

A Lasting Impact

For 135 years, Elmhurst has stood as a cornerstone of the Wheeling community, offering more than just a place to live, but a home where residents are celebrated, cared for, and encouraged to thrive. The dedication of the staff, the beauty of the historic mansion, and the deep sense of community fostered at Elmhurst make it a truly unique and special place. As Elmhurst celebrates its 135th anniversary, Wheeling has every reason to be proud of the gift that is Elmhurst: a legacy of love, friendship, and care that reminds us of the power of community and the beauty of aging gracefully. As Jamie puts it, “It’s not just about living here—it’s about loving life here.”

  • Riley Carpenter is a Wheeling local, born and raised. She grew up in Warwood, attended West Liberty University, lived in Oglebay for a short while and now lives in Clearview with her husband, two children and fur babies. Riley loves everything Wheeling related and never has thought of moving away. She taught in Ohio County Schools for nearly ten years, and recently has joined the Wheeling Heritage team as their Director of Programming! Riley is also a photographer, and officially opened her own photography business, Riley Lynn Photography LLC, in 2020. She loves capturing the emotion of joy most of all, no matter what the occasion! 

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