Over Half a Century of Independent Living

Early days of the Alstone Lodge - Move in day was June 1, 1969

Same view on a windy afternoon in November 2021

Sitting along 5th Street in Reston, Manitoba between 2nd and 3rd Avenues sits a building with an important place in our community for over 52 years. Independent living suites for singles and couples aged 55+ have created a well loved home for many of our community’s seniors.  A safe and affordable place with friends, family and community nearby also allows independence in self contained suites. 

It would need forward looking citizens to have a vision for the project and detemination to see it through. Mr. Lorne Watt was first to present the idea of such a place to the RM of Pipestone council in 1960. Talk and wishing continued over the next few years. Society was changing and seniors were looking for an alternative to their family homes to lessen yard work and upkeep. Social norms previous to this had often seen aging parents move in with their children but changes in the 1960’s meant more women working outside the home and less able to be elder caregivers and companions.

The Reston Lions Club formed in 1963 and in 1967 they championed the cause of creating a Lodge. A delegation of local men visited various government agencies and were able to secure grants as well as a $69 000 long term loan from through Central Mortgage and Housing Corporation.  Varied community fundraisers took place like a Walk-a-Thon from Reston to Sinclair and back a distance of 35 km!  A board was formed in February of 1968 and the name Alstone was chosen to combine the municipalities of Albert and Pipestone. A total of $128 000 was spent on the building and common room furnishing with strong community support making it possible.

A lot was purchased from Mr. Peterson, one from Keith Clark, and two were donated by Leo Curtis.  Leo's mother Nettie Curtis and his brother Lawrence were two of the first residents a few short months later.  

The suites were complete by June 1, 1969 with 2 double suites and 12 singles. Miss Elizabeth Guthrie moved into Suite #1 first and after a night alone she was soon joined by many more happy renters.  The official opening took place on October 21, 1970.  Suites were all filled and a waiting list established. In 1973 the board approved an addition of 6 more suites and 4 single suites were renovated and made into 2 larger ones. (Fun fact -that explains why there is no suite #2 or #13 in the building now.) In the spring of 2008, three more double suites were added to the north end of the building.

An engraved plaque in the dining room recognizes the Founding Alstone Board members as being John Williamson, Art Smith, Wilbur Thompson, Frank Patmore, George Fotheringham, Wilson Skelton and Doug Watt.  Other men and women of the community who took their turn volunteering time for the betterment of others are also recognized.  

 The Reston Collegiate yearbook for 1972-1973 was the source of the group photo below and tells the rates in 1972 were $58.50 a month for a single room and $73 for a double. Maybe someone can help me with the lady in the back row in the middle, her name seems to be missing. 

** Update - A few short hours after the post went online, the answer came from Helen B. from Winnipeg.  Miss Elizabeth "Lizzie" Guthrie previously mentioned as moving in first is the lady in the back row with the light coloured dress.  Thanks so much, Helen!  

Social activities including group meals have played an important part for the residents and today Congregate Meals are available to eat in or take out 5 days a week. This service started with one day a week but has grown due to its success and value.  The Alstone Notes in the Reston Recorder in the past kept the community in the know about the comings and goings at The Lodge. Seniors Helping Hands organize activities and musical entertainment. The residents themselves gather to socialize, a benefit of living in the Lodge that Covid has made so difficult. 

The solarium at the west entrance and kitchen upgrades as well as regular suite renovations keep the building fresh.The piano in the lounge bears this engraved plaque.

The trees show the passage of time over 50 years. We hope it is home for  men and women in our community for another 50.