Ströndin Internet Radio Pgm. 8

Remembering the Höfn Care Homes

L-R: Helga Howardson, Kristjana M. Clark, Thordís Wilson, Sylvia Wetten.
Four Sólskin gals remember the Icelandic Care Homes and what they meant to the "Ladies of Sólskin" and to the Icelandic community in Vancouver.
.

Photography: John Sherlock Studio, Vancouver - as showcased in Western Living magazine, Oct. 1986.

The first project by the "Icelandic Old Folks Home Society, Höfn" in 1947 was the acquisition of a stately mansion on Osler Street in the Shaughnessy district of Vancouver. The society later changed its name to the Icelandic Care Home, Höfn Society - a more politically correct name in keeping with current times.
.

Purchased for $36,000 at the time, the residence has since been sold several times and has now been renovated back to its original stately splendor.

The growing resident population and their needs necessitated the eventual sale of the Osler Street Home to help pay for the larger Home on Harrison Drive. Höfn residents stayed in the Osler Street residence until the Harrison Drive facility was ready for occupancy.
.

Front Row, (L-R): Mrs. A. LeMessurier, Sólskin Rep.; Dr. P. B. Guttormsson, Treasurer; G. F. Gislason, President; Mrs. Thora Orr, Secretary.
Back Row, (L-R): A. Bjornson, Ströndin Rep.; H. J. Halldorson, Vice-President; G. Gudmundson, Director; O. W. Jonsson, Director; E. F. Hall, Director; E. Haralds, Lutheran Congregation of Vancouver. Representative.
.

This photo, circa 1948, shows 24 elderly residents, all of Icelandic background. This group photo is thought to be of the first residents of the Osler Street Höfn.

The black & white images on this page are courtesy of the Icelandic Archives of B.C. Color photos are courtesy of the John Sherlock Studio of Vancouver.