Historical Marker Officially Unveiled at Elizabeth Brewster House in Homer

Late yesterday morning, September 15th, local elected officials, members of the Homer Community, and those at the Elizabeth Brewster House joined together for the official unveiling of a new historical marker outside the Brewster House at 41 South Main Street in Homer. Some of those in attendance included New York State Senator Lea Webb, Assemblymember Jeff Gallahan, Jon Lipe of Congressman John Mannion’s Office and Village & Town of Homer Historian, Martin Sweeney.

According to Mr. Sweeney, the Elizabeth Brewster House was founded “on the compassion, ingenuity and generosity of Elizabeth Atwater Brewster.” The land where the house stands today was purchased by Elizabeth Brewster in 1886 after she returned to Homer, as a widow, after more than 50 years away.

On September 4th, 1891, a certificate of incorporation was signed where the Cortland County Home for Aging Women began. In 1909, the home was in need of additional space, Sweeney said. Deacon and wealthy local farmer and philanthropist, Ebenezer and his wife Carrie Ranney, were responsible for the brick building that now stands at 41 South Main Street today.

In 1967, the Cortland County Home for Aging Women changed its name to the Elizabeth Brewster House and officially accepted men to the facility due to a change in state law.

Sweeney gave his thanks for assistance with the grant work and ensuring the wording on the historical marker was correct to Director of the Cortland County Historical Society, Tabitha Scoville, and also Collections and Research Assistant, Sophie Clough.

“We’ve been in existence since 1891. We’ve been a pillar in the community and a bedrock to the foundation of what we serve here.” Michael Kilmer, Executive Director of the Elizabeth Brewster House. “We’ve really touched the lives of thousands and thousands of seniors of our community and given them a place to live that is quality of care and really is something special.”

The new marker reads: Senior Living: Elizabeth Brewster House Est. 1891 as the Cortland County home for aged women. Built & donated by Ebenezer G. & Carrie Barker Ranney. 1910.

The marker was installed with the assistance of the William G. Pomeroy Foundation. The foundation is a not-for-profit dedicated to supporting the celebration and preservation of community history. The marker can be seen between South Main Street and the sidewalk in front of the Brewster House.