BUCYRUS—Maplecrest Assisted Living Community in Bucyrus, under the direction of the King’s Daughters And Sons, has closed its doors after more than 100 years of service.
In 1917 it was decided that the Bucyrus branch of King’s Daughters needed a year-round service project. As a result of their decision, the property at 717 Rogers St. was purchased. There was a need in Ohio for a home for normal, dependent girls. In other words, a home for girls who did not need to be placed with mentally ill girls in county homes.
The In-As-Much Circle in Bucyrus offered a donation of $3000.00 to start the home, and it was accepted at the convention.
On August 11, 1919, the Monnett property on Rogers St. (a prominent location in Bucyrus) was purchased for $19,000.00.
On October 6, 1920, The Maplecrest Home for Normal Girls was dedicated. The name Maplecrest was chosen because of the beautiful maple trees that grew in the crest of the property that runs through Ohio.
In October of 1921, the home opened with one little girl, and more followed.
The girls were given every advantage spiritually, socially, and educationally. They attended the Bucyrus Public Schools and attended the Church and Sunday school of their choice.
Each girl was “adopted” by a Circle member who would provide her with clothing and other necessary things.
The Welfare department decided to place all dependent children in foster care homes. So in 1961, the home was closed and torn down. In 1962 it was decided to build a home in the same location for older women. The current Maplecrest Home was dedicated on October 8, 1965. In 1998, the name changed to Assisted Living with the admission of men into the home. Since that time, Maplecrest has provided affordable assisted living options for residents of Crawford County.
While the decision to close Maplecrest was a difficult one, circumstances of employee theft and embezzlement, as well as the COVID 19 Pandemic, sealed its fate.
Angela Mathys, the Administrator, recently concluded the placement of the last resident left at Maplecrest. Mathys, whose background is in Missions, met with a friend who is a member of the International Order of the Kings Daughters and Sons. She came to Bucyrus to help Maplecrest after the indictment of its former director Regina Tucker. Tucker pleaded guilty in 2019 to two counts of theft. She owes more than $56,000.00 in restitution to the board. After the Pandemic, it became too difficult to recruit new residents, and the sad decision was made to close the doors.
Mathys told Crawford County Now, “I have seen many come through the doors struggling with the idea of no longer living in their own homes. Then to see those same people only days later laughing and joking with the staff was beautiful.” Mathys said.
According to Mathys, the residents had nicknames for the staff. During the Pandemic, many staffers never left the facility in order to provide safe and continued care for the residents. As a result of employee dedication, they had no COVID cases at Maplecrest, something Mathys is rightfully very proud of.
“It didn’t take long to realize that this was not just a facility of staff and residents. Maplecrest was 8a home with family taking care of family. I will never regret all the prayers that were prayed or all the hands that were held through the years. We were and will remain family.” Mathys said.
Further plans for the site are uncertain, although the board would like to see charitable work continue there.
Mathys herself is completing the necessary tasks to completely close the facility.
