A Brief History of Crown Colony
Condensed from A History of Crown Colony 1976-2000 by Barbara Lee Collins
In the 1960s, concerned residents of Lamoni, Iowa, began discussing the need for more adequate housing for the elderly. The Lamoni community and leaders of Community of Christ (formerly Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints - RLDS) began working toward this goal but were not met with success in decoding interest and federal government requirements funding this type of housing.
Finally in the 1970s, Iowa designated regional housing authorities and processes were put in place so communities could apply for federal funds to build housing for the elderly.
Colony Housing Authority was incorporated in September 1976, and on November 19, 1976, citizens in Lamoni were notified that Colony Housing Authority would make application with the federal government for retirement housing units. To apply, Colony Housing Authority had to have $10,000 of its own funds. $13,624 was raised by three methods: membership in the Authority of $10 a year; for those interested in living there, a deposit fee of $250 was collected; and loans were secured.
The name Crown Colony was chosen to symbolize a development of a colony, a community of people firmly rooted in the life of the area that enabled seniors to live out their crowning years fulfilled.
Construction on the Congregate (Main) building began in 1980, and also on the community building to house mailboxes, laundry machines, rest rooms, and a small kitchen and gathering area.
The first residents moved in on November 1, 1979, a director was hired for the complex, and garden areas were made available. On August 8, 1979, the Lamoni Chronicle weekly newspaper announced that Lamoni had been selected for the Congregate Housing Model Project for the Elderly. Congregate housing was identified at that time to afford an assisted independent living environment that offers senior citizens or people with disabilities who are in good health residential accommodations with supporting services. Funding was made available by the federal government with the hope that this combination would prevent premature or unnecessary institutionalization as people grow older. Construction of the 48-unit congregate building began in April 1980. Central dining facilities, funded and operated by the Area Agency on Aging, and an activity room were part of the congregate building.
The Lamoni Meal Site, funded and operated by the Area Agency on Aging, moved to this site from a community location and Lamoni residents as well as Crown Colony residents could eat at the new location. On December 1, 1980, residents moved into this building and the first meal was served. In 2017, the Area Agency on Aging closed the Lamoni Meal Site.
Over the years, many activities have taken place at Crown Colony for the entire community. These include classes in poetry and creative writing, ceramics, charcoal and pencil drawing, and stained glass. A Kitchen Band of 20 members was formed, fitness classes were held, games like bingo and pitch, and monthly blood pressure checks.
Pictured: Bob Bruch, long-time Lamoni resident and key supporter of Crown Colony's development, breaks ground for Crown Colony.