Cedar Crest Residential history

Through the years Dot and Clemmie assembled a team of dedicated nurses, physicians and therapists, some of whom became employees and many of whom volunteered their expertise. It was not until late 1951 that Dorothy Sawyer and Eleanor Clement hired any staff to assist them in their work – the first paid employee was a high school student who took on some administrative support tasks and other odd jobs.

With the assistance of attorney Earl Brennan, Cedarcrest was incorporated on June 28, 1952.

In 1960, Doctor Charles McMurphy, a pediatrician, began providing that care, making “house calls” at Cedarcrest virtually every morning for the next 35 years.

In 1961, Cedar Crest was incorporated, and a five-member board was named: Helen S. Taylor, Marshall C. Brown, George S. Geffs, Pearl Dawson Graham, and Joseph Lustig.

In 1966, Cedar Crest had 70 residents and began transforming into a full-service retirement community.

In 1969 Sharon Kaiser came to Cedarcrest as a part-time nurse at Dot Sawyer’s suggestion.

After a challenging time for Cedarcrest, Sharon Kaiser became the administrator in 1970 and served as Cedarcrest’s first Executive Director for 26 years afterward.

In 1985, Jerry and Charlotte Johnson donated a nearby farm house and land for the development of the Cedar Crest Board of Directors’ adult day care initiative.

The Cedar Acres Adult Day Center opened its doors in 1987.

The Board of Trustees wrestled with their options – renovation or new construction – and in 1988 opted for the latter, purchasing five acres of land on Maple Avenue in Keene and commissioning an architect to design a building tailor-made for the care of the children at Cedarcrest.

To meet the needs of a growing population, Dot and Clemmie bought some additional buildings and moved the children down the road to a larger farmhouse where Cedarcrest remained until 1990.

In 1995, after navigating these transitions and completing 27 years of service, Sharon Kaiser stepped down as Cedarcrest’s administrator.

In 1998, the health care center was expanded, and a 44-bed assisted living area was added.

In the fall of 2000, the trustees endorsed an expansion plan that would alleviate space concerns and enable Cedarcrest to move forward with important initiatives.

In 2010, three residential-type kitchens in the health center were completed.

In 2013, Cedar Crest celebrates its 50th anniversary of providing outstanding care and services to senior adults in the area.

2016 The Garden Cafe was opened in order to provide a second dining option for residents.