By Jim Beers, Contributing Writer
CHESTER – On Saturday August 6, 2022 Three Springs Lodge in Chester celebrated its 50th Anniversary with a community-wide reception at the Lodge. The event was a very nice affair complete with a light luncheon, attendance prizes, live music, cake, beverages, a nostalgia room, speeches and a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Virginia and Kenny Rowold, owners of 3 Springs Lodge in Chester, cut a 50th Anniversary cake in celebration of the completion of 50 years of owning and operating the 3 Springs Lodge in Chester. Jim Beers Photo
Three Springs Lodge was originally founded in 1946 by Anna R. Brown. Brown initially operated the Cabanna Nursing Home in St. Louis, but wanted to move back to her native home in Chester, so she closed the Cabanna location and moved it and its 14 clients to Chester.
The Chester facility was actually a renovated barn, which eventually was modified to accommodate 60 residents. “Aunt Annie”, as she was fondly known, operated that location until her death in 1961. Nora Brown Welge, Anna’s sister, managed the home at that time.
Chester Mayor Tom Page presents a plaque to Kenny and Virgina Rowold, owners of 3 Springs Lodge commemorating the 50 Year Anniversary of 3 Springs Lodge in Chester. The plaque was a special gift from the employees in celebration of the occasion. Jim Beers Photo
According to current owner, Virginia Rowold, the name, “Three Springs Lodge” was derived from the three natural springs that are located on the property. Those springs feed the six-acre lake located on the property.
The original Three Springs Lodge served clients until 1972 when the passage of time and natural wear-and-tear took its toll on the structure. It was at that time that William O. Welge, the nephew of Aunt Anna Brown, build the current Three Springs Lodge on property overlooking the lake.
Ken and Virginia Rowold cut a ribbon commemorating the 50th Anniversary of Three Springs Lodge. Jim Beers Photo
The new Lodge opened August 5, 1972 and the skilled nursing care facility can house up to 83 residents and offers the most advanced care to the community of Chester and surrounding towns.
Since its opening in 1972, Ken Rowold has been the Administrator of Three Springs Lodge. He and his wife, Virginia, have employed as many as 61 employees and is well known in the community for its excellent care provided to residents.
The August 6, 2022 event was a fitting celebration of 50 years of existence and provision of excellent services to clients/residents of the Lodge.
Throughout the afternoon of the celebration there was an ongoing luncheon. Preparing the meal was Three Springs Lodge Certified Dietary Manager Sharon Juenger (center). Her helpers for the day included (Left to right) Maddie Tretter, Emma Batson, and Caitlyn Appel. Jim Beers Photo
The afternoon began at 2:00 p.m. as guests and residents were welcomed to the event in the front lobby. As guests entered the Lodge they were greeted by Robin Bixby, an LPN with 20 years of service to the facility. Bixby gave everyone an attendance prize ticket and directed guests to the dining room where music was being performed and guests were gathering.
Special music was provided by professional performer, Joe Powell, who opened the afternoon by singing, “God Bless America” as everyone stood and sang along.
Throughout the facility there were numerous displays of memorabilia which documented the 50 years of activities and changes at Three Springs Lodge.
Three Springs Owners Ken Rowold and Virginia Rowold pose for a photo in front of one of the 50th Anniversary banners that proudly hung in the event area. Jim Beers Photo
Activities Director, Rachel Volle, and Assistant Activities Director, Barbara Baughman, opened the formal portion of the event with a warm welcome and information regarding what to expect throughout the afternoon. Both kept everyone notified of upcoming activities and maintained a nice flow of various happenings and events.
An ongoing light luncheon, created by Sharon Juenger, Certified Dietary Manager, was served throughout the afternoon by Juenger and her helpers for the day, Maddie Tretter, Caitlyn Appel and Emma Batson.
The menu consisted of dollar sandwiches, chips, fresh fruit cocktail, iced tea, cake and cupcakes. Throughout the event Juenger and her staff kept the food tables well stocked and encouraged everyone to return for seconds and thirds!
Most all staff members at Three Springs Lodge attended the 50th Anniversary party on Saturday August 6 to commemorate the 50 Year Anniversary of the current facility. Picured are Cassie Bargman, Rachel Volle, Sheila Braun, Christina Rickenberg, Lisa Hill, Jaydee Apple, Virgina Rowold, Kenny Rowold, Lori Hepp, Steve Childs, Kara Carter, Robin Bixby, Barbara Baughman, Olivia Moore, Sharon Juenger, Heather McCartney, Briahna Gillison, Connie Gaertner, Crystal Tucker, Liberty McCormick, Kimmy Marshel, Bailey Wahl, Sherry Holley, and Tom Page, Chester Mayor. Jim Beers Photo
Mayor Tom Page was on hand and presented the owners, Ken and Virginia Rowold with a plaque commemorating the occasion. Page noted that the plaque was a gift from all of the staff members of the Lodge in appreciation for the great job that Ken and Virginia do in managing the Lodge.
Ken and Virginia were the featured celebrities throughout the day. Both Ken and Virginia gave brief speeches thanking everyone for attending the event and Virginia gave a historical overview of Three Springs Lodge and its transformation from early beginnings to the current state-of-the-art facility that it is today!
A symbolic ribbon-cutting ceremony then took place with Virginia cutting a ribbon, perhaps signifying the start of the next 50 years of Three Springs Lodge and Ken and Virginia then cut a very delicious Anniversary cake as a final gesture to commemorate the 50 Year Anniversary of Three Springs Lodge.