It’s a friendly and convenient care facility for senior adults for more than a century.  The Mohawk Homestead in the Herkimer County Village of Mohawk is celebrating its 120th anniversary this year.  Brad Vivacqua found out the tenants stay there because they enjoy the hospitality.

MOHAWK, N.Y. --   Ellen Dagenkolb is one of about 30 tenants who reside at the Mohawk Homestead.  When Ellen wakes up every day she knows she'll get the medication, meals, and support she needs to get her through the day. The Homestead means a lot to Ellen and Ellen means a lot to the Homestead.

"The ladies that take care of me are very helpful. They seem to be wanting to be helpful and make us feel at home.  And, trying to feel at home is important," said Mohawk Homestead tenant Ellen Dagenkolb, 91.

The idea for a senior home first came to light in 1895.  That's when Mrs. Helen C. Marshall expressed the need for a home where women could spend the latter portion of their lives. A committee formed, funds were raised, and a house was purchased on Mohawk's Main Street to care for about 10 women.

"The homes name was the "Old Ladies Home," said Mohawk Homestead Administrator Clint Farber.

Farber now oversees the facility which is open to as many as about 40 women and men.

"It's extremely beneficial for the individuals that reside here. Whether it's the assistance that they get now, that they weren't getting at home, or whether its the social aspect of things, that they benefit tremendously from, " said Farber.

In the last one hundred years, the Homestead has received at least a few renovations and has increased in size.  Today it's known as an excellent senior living facility in the Mohawk Valley.

It's simply a great living venue with strong historic value. 

"One that has got so much history.  One that is a Victorian setting that's absolutely beautiful.  When you walk through the doors, it's more like a home like feel more than anything,” said Farber.

The Homestead is encouraging you to visit its 120th anniversary open house next Saturday, June 13.  It takes place from 1-3 p.m at the home at 62 East Main Street in Mohawk.