History
Our Legacy
Pickering Manor is a non-profit senior living community that is owned and operated by a Board of Directors made up of local community members (called the Community Welfare Council of Newtown). Pickering was started through the generosity of Newtown resident Henry Russell Pickering, a humble and modest man who loved the people of Newtown. It was his wish that care be provided for the senior citizens of Newtown.
With the generosity of the community and the late Welfare Council Member, Sidney T. Yates, Pickering Manor has grown significantly since opening its doors in 1963. From a small nursing home, Pickering Manor has grown into a Life Plan / Continuing Care Retirement Community offering all levels of care – independent living, personal care, rehabilitation, skilled nursing, and memory care.
Even as it has grown, Pickering Manor continues to take pride in its small size and home-like environment where everyone knows your name.
Henry Russell Pickering
It all started with Henry Russell Pickering – a generous man who loved Newtown and its people.
Mr. Pickering was born in Titusville, PA, on October 15, 1862. His father was a Captain in Company K 104th Regimental Pennsylvania Volunteers during the Civil War. His father also founded the Acme Oil Co. and Keystone Refining Co., which were eventually taken over by Standard Oil of New Jersey.
Mr. Pickering’s mother Anna Barnsley was from Newtown and it was she who purchased the home that was to become Pickering Manor. She lived in the home with her son until her death on January 3, 1908. After his mother’s death, Mr. Pickering continued to live in this home until he died in 1955. He never married nor had any children.
Mr. Pickering is remembered as a quiet, gentle, and modest man. He was well read and could discuss many subjects at length. He was an active member of St. Luke’s Church, loved his town, and supported many groups, including the Youth Center and the Council Rock High School football team.
As he aged, Mr. Pickering suffered from failing eyesight and in 1954 he fell and broke his hip. He was taken to Abington Hospital and then to Langhorne Manor Nursing Home where he died on December 7, 1955 at the age of 93.
Russell Pickering is buried in St. Luke’s cemetery. He was survived by his niece Beatrix Lockhart and his cousins Miss Elizabeth Chambers and Edward Barnsley, a well known local historian.
Mr. Pickering was generous to the town he loved. He left money to all the churches, to the library, the Fire Company, the Friends Home, George School, Newtown Branch of the Red Cross. He also left the ball field to the Newtown Borough.
While the bulk of his estate went to his niece Mrs. Lockhart, his residence and a trust fund of $200,000 was left to the community for a Nursing Home. It was his wish that senior citizens of Newtown be taken care of.
Sidney T. Yates
Sidney T. Yates and his bond with Pickering Manor and the Newtown Community go far beyond simple description. He was so much to so many; yet was forever humble in receiving the accolades he richly deserved.
He was a product of our community; born and raised in the Newtown area. After receiving his Law Degree from the University of Pennsylvania and serving time in the Military, Sid joined the law firm of William R. Stuckert and became managing partner of Stuckert & Yates. He served in that capacity for over 50 years.
During that time he oversaw many community projects, but his oversight during the building and opening of Pickering Manor is, by far, one of his greatest achievements. His stewardship during this process, along with his work with the Community Welfare Council of Newtown guided the process to allow the vision of Mr. Henry Russell Pickering to become a reality. He not only served on the Board of the Community Welfare Council of Newtown but acted as Chairman of the Board for many years.
His allegiance to Pickering Manor remained evident long past his retirement. He continued to remain interested and involved in the evolution of the healthcare community and the relationships that he had nurtured during his tenure.
Sidney Yates continued his dedication to Pickering Manor far past his passing with a donation that would allow for the expansion of Pickering Manor, enabling the Senior Living Community to keep up with the changing times and make sure the residents needs are met. On September 29, 2020 Pickering Manor’s Yates Pavilion opened its doors.