Chuck Barber
CNMA Moosehaven Committee Chair
Upchuckgs15@gmail.com
(650) 279-5310
From time to time, it is good to refresh our memories on the history of our City of Contentment, so we do not forget just how important a resource it is. It also provides us with information we can share with new members. So here is a short history from the Moosehaven website which can be accessed through the Moose International website.
Moosehaven History – Moosehaven, a beautiful 63 acre campus located on the St. Johns River in northeast Florida, has been home to members of the Loyal Order of Moose and Women of the Moose since 1922.
During Mooseheart’s first five years, a small number of independent Moose seniors were provided residence at Mooseheart, “The Child City” on a somewhat experimental basis. However, providing a home for both children and seniors on the northern Illinois campus proved impractical. In 1918, Director General James J. Davis proposed at that year’s International Moose Convention to find “a home in a warmer climate for the aged members and their spouses.”
Supreme Secretary Rodney H. Brandon purchased the historic four-story Hotel Marion and its eight acres, located on the St. Johns River in Orange Park, Florida. He named the property “Moosehaven,” and the new residents renamed the hotel, “Brandon Hall.” The original concept of Moosehaven was to “organize the residents so that they might help each other and help themselves and provide from their own energy a major part of the cost of their keep.”
Moosehaven was dedicated on October 3, 1922, and the first twenty (20) residents arrived (mostly from Mooseheart) on November 1. During the first six months of operation, over fifty (50) residents were admitted. By 1926, there were 144 residents. Known initially as the “City of Endeavor,” Moosehaven residents performed all their own work and operated a successful dairy and farm. At various times, as many as 500 Moose members resided at Moosehaven.
Upcoming Moosehaven event: July 4th, American Pride Fourth of July celebration. Visit the Moosehaven website for further information.
Moosehaven offers several options for residency:
Moosehaven offers several options for residency: The Moose Life Program or the The New Life Program.
Both plans require an applicant to be at least 65 years of age (at least one member of a spousal unit must be 65) and be able to live independently without assistance. He or she must also be or become a member of The Moose.
Amenities
· Aquatic Center · 4-Lane Bowling Alley · Billiards · Indoor Shuffleboard · Game/Card Room · Full Service Hair Salon · Modern Fitness Center/Gym · Walking Paths · Woodworking Shop · Arts and Crafts Room · Ceramics · Country Store · Lounge/Pub · Pharmacy · Physical Therapy · Speech Therapy · Occupational Therapy · Chapel · Multi-Media Library · Computer Shop · 400’ Pier on the St Johns River
The Ever Changing Face Of Moosehaven Now Offers More For Members!
Brandon Place at Moosehaven has become a reality. Now members will have additional choices for their retirement years. Check out the next step at Moosehaven.
ADMISSIONS
Moosehaven now offers Moose members two choices for admission: The Traditional Retirement Plan and the Fee-For-Service Plan, referred to as Brandon Place at Moosehaven. The choices are designed to help meet the various financial needs of Moose members. Under both plans, applicants must be at least 65 years of age. For those who wish to enter into the Traditional Retirement Program, members should have at least 15 years of membership and be in good standing. For Brandon Place applicants, a minimum of six months of membership is required.
Residents under the Traditional Retirement Plan will have their Social Security, Pensions, and any other real or tangible property deposited into their own Retirement Account, managed by Moosehaven. Admission is not based on how much, or how little a resident has to fund their account. In the meantime, Moosehaven provides all of their housing needs, clothing, toiletries, campus activities and events, entertainment, transportation, and all levels of medical care.
Brandon Place residents move into independent homes, that are well-appointed with all appliances, blinds, fans, tile and carpet. Homes come with a security system and are maintenance free to the resident. Residents must financially qualify to live at Brandon Place, demonstrating they have enough in their financial investments to support them through out their expected lifetime. Brandon Place residents will continue to manage their own investments. As their health care needs increase, they will transition to the Moosehaven LifeCare Center. In the meantime, they enjoy all of the services, amenities, and entertainment that the Moosehaven campus provides.
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