Rebecca Residence

Believe it or not, Wilkinsburg boasts two retirement homes founded by two women of the same name, Jane Holmes. The two Janes were cousins and were dedicated to philanthropic undertakings in the area. This particular site was founded in part by Jane Holmes in 1871 around the same time as her cousin Jane Holmes opened her site at Swissvale Ave (point 6).

It was originally known as the Protestant Home for Aged Women. The home was built for $2,500 on land donated by James Kelly. In 1881 a 32-room annex was added. Residents assigned their income and assets to the home in exchange for "life care." They also had a vegetable garden behind the building which can be seen in picture #7.

The campus later became the 3 Rivers Center for Independent Livng (TRCIL), but closed in 2016 to relocate their operation. It was sold in late 2016 and is now a nursing home.

From History of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania

"At a meeting of the Women's Christian Association of Pittsburgh, in 1869, Miss Jane B. Holmes...suggested the establishment of the [Protestant Home for Aged Women]. The proposition was favorably considered, and measures were at once instituted for the accomplishment of this benevolent object. A bazar was held from which the sum of eight thousand dollars was realized, and Miss Jane Holmes and others procured subscriptions to a large amount."

More info in our digital archives!