This series contains records related to the residence of the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph located at 485 Windermere Road, London, Ont. The main topics are the design, and construction of the new building, its stained glass and metal artwork, public education efforts concerning the environmental features of the residence, the Sisters’ planning to move into the building, and the on-going administrative and community work of the Sisters.
A large collection of photographs shows the demolition of the old Medaille Retreat House and all phases of the construction of the new building. Information about the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design features of the residence are outlined in pamphlets, photographs, magazine and newspaper articles, event programs, and a CD-ROM Power-Point presentation. Brochures, flyers, and the scripts used by facility tour guides as part of the public education program provide detailed insight into the green features of the new building.
The series contains a copy of the Spring, 2013 issue of Stained Glass, journal of the Stained Glass Association of America which has photographs and information about the stained glass mural commissioned for the Chapel entitled Life Itself -That All May Be One created by Ted Goodden. There are also various preliminary sketches and paintings done by Ted Goodden. In addition, there is a sketchbook of drawings by Ron Milton used in the creation of the metalwork panels depicting fauna of the area which adorns the main foyer, and a magazine article profiling the artist are included in this series. A short description of the reconstruction of, and the features of the Casavant organ at 485 Windermere is also contained in the series. Event programs and speaking notes prepared for the sod turning, land and building blessing ceremonies and the grand opening are included. There are also floor plans for each floor of 485 Windermere Road created by Cornerstone Architects.
The series contains records related to the Sisters activities at and use of this residence. There is a 2010 study prepared for the Sisters by Deloitte, detailing demographic and financial projections, and recommendations to sustain financial support for the operation of the residence and the provision of needs-based care, assisted living, and hospice services to the Sisters. Minutes, email correspondence, and records of the Suites committee, deal with recommendations for facility uses, room allocation, the rental of surplus suites, and the need for additional staff to oversee administrative matters related to the suites. There are a few issues of a 2013 bulletin London Neighbourhood Update. The bulletin provides information about administrative issues of concern to the Sisters, news from the Congregational Leadership Circle, special events, and accounts of the activities of individual Sisters. The bulletin refers to progress on the hospice project which resulted in the establishment of a hospice administered by a separate entity on the north and east wings of the third floor of the residence some time after the Sisters moved into the residence. There is a collection of photographs of children engaged in planting trees at 485 Windermere as part of an Upper Thames Conservation initiative. A brochure advertising the cost of room and board at the residence for retreats is included.
There are also records not directly related to the residence. There are ancillary administrative matters related to the sale of the old Mount St. Joseph facility, its conversion to a retirement residence, and the granting of an exemption from taxation for municipal and school purposes are outlined in news clippings present. The records also include a news release announcing educational bursaries for sole support mothers attending Brescia University College and Fanshawe College. A press release sets out details of the Sisters of St. Joseph educational scholarship program, and news clippings report on the concerts performed by the Intergenerational Choir comprised of Sisters and local high-school students. Event brochures detail staff service award celebrations and an anniversary dinner celebrating the founding of the Sisters of St. Joseph. There is a collection of photographs of Sisters during taken during the 140th anniversary dinner of the Sisters in 2008. News clippings present also report on the end of the Sisters’ involvement in the governance of St. Joseph’s Health Care after 120 years, and the release of a commemorative book entitled Sister: The History of the Sisters of St. Joseph of London published by St. Joseph’s Health Care.
