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History
 In
1906, John Kazmaier built "Villa Kazmaier" on 18 acres
of rolling hillside in Hollidaysburg. Forty years later, the 15-room
mansion was sold to James Drenning who renovated it and renamed
it "Drenwood."
In 1950, the Sisters of the Holy Name of Nazareth purchased the
home and acreage for use as a convalescent and rest home for the
Sisters of the Order. In 1963, Bishop J. Carroll McCormick conceived
the idea of building a Catholic long-term care facility to serve
the elderly of the region. The property was purchased by the Diocese
along with additional adjacent acreage. Ground was broken for a
nursing home that would be staffed by the Carmelite Sisters for
the Aged and Infirm and named Garvey Manor in honor of the first
bishop of the Altoona-Johnstown Diocese, Eugene A. Garvey.
"Old age is not a calamity. The value of every human person,
whether young or old, healthy or sick, is a basic claim in Christian
teaching. Since each day of life comes from God, old age must be
a sign of God's blessing," stated Bishop J. Carroll McCormick
at the dedication of Garvey Manor June 24, 1965. His thoughts brought
together the tenets of Mother M. Angeline Teresa, Foundress of the
Carmelite Sisters for the Aged & Infirm and Bishop Eugene Garvey.
Garvey Manor became a second home for the elderly, and the Carmelite
Sisters and their lay staff became the loving and caring family
of that home.
Over the years, changes, both large and small, occurred at Garvey
Manor. By the year 2000, it became evident that the current building,
built on a medical model for short-term nursing care, was aging
and was inadequate to meet the needs of the elderly requiring long-term
skilled nursing care. The desire to add the personal care/assisted
living component to the campus in order to provide for those elderly
persons who needed a supportive environment but not nursing care
spurred the Board of Directors to pursue plans for an expansive
development project.
Plans were finalized and, on May 21, 2001, ground was broken for
a new Garvey Manor Nursing Home and Our Lady of the Alleghenies
Assisted Living Residence. On February 18, 2003, our residents moved
from the old facility to their new home. With its spacious bedrooms
and common areas, the detail of personalized curio cabinets at the
entrance of every resident's room, and the warm, inviting colors
and furnishings, this facility truly feels like home. Skilled care
and services are provided by the dedicated staff in a residential
environment.
Another chapter in Garvey Manor history began on July 28, 2003,
as we welcomed our first residents to Our Lady of the Alleghenies
Residence. This new dimension of care provides individuals or couples
the amenities, independence, and security of assisted living. Our
Lady of the Alleghenies serves those residents who desire the companionship
of their peers in an environment which meets their needs.
The presence of the Carmelite Sisters for the Aged and Infirm in
the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown brings Garvey Manor a strong Catholic
identity. The warm and compassionate dedication of the staff has
enhanced the quality of life for hundreds of residents since the
home opened in 1965. Garvey Manor's positive presence in the local
community, our Catholic identity, and our history are the strengths
that support us as we move to the future.
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