Estates celebrating Rouse’s 200th birthday with open days | News, sports, work

Henry Rouse

Rouse Estates is a well-known municipal property that most people believe has something to do with the family name.

Fewer people know that the namesake did not live on these estates. In fact, he never even set foot on the property.

The story of a man who left a legacy and fortune to fulfill his dream of helping people experiencing poverty is intriguing.

Henry R. Rouse was born on October 9, 1823 in Westfield, New York to a poor family, his father was a vagabond and left the family when he was young, he was raised by his mother.

With little financial resources, it remains a mystery how Rouse was able to attend Westfield Academy. It was there that he discovered his talent for speaking, being an orator and participating in debates. His talents earned him recognition from wealthy people, who then financed his further education.

Rouse left Westfield with $1 in his pocket and headed south across the Pennsylvania state line to Warren. He resided in Warren for a short time, and interrupted his journey at Tidioute, where in 1840 he became a country teacher.

Receiving payment from locals in the form of boards and shingles, Rouse began shipping them downriver to Pittsburgh to sell and eventually used the money to open a general store between the towns of Tidioute and Titusville.

The Rouse estate, located on nearly 600 acres of the Brokenstraw Valley near Youngsville, is a tribute to him, a little-known hero of the commonwealth’s oil boom. Henry Rouse was a self-made man, and by the age of 37 he was a teacher, entrepreneur and successful merchant.

He became involved in the fledgling industry after drilling the world’s first oil well in Titusville. Unfortunately, there was an explosion that killed several people and left Henry Rouse with severe burns over most of his body.

Despite his injuries, in the last five hours of his life he dictated a detailed will, bequeathing part of his estate to the founding of the estate now known as the Rouse estate.

The Rouse Estate was built during a period of growth and opportunity, initially as a hospital and later as a poor farm supporting the less well-off. As social needs changed, the estate became a nursing home for the elderly and disadvantaged. Over the years, it has expanded its services, including: built a new building and established a children’s center in 2004, a new management structure was implemented and outdated regulations were repealed in order to modernize operations.

Today, Rouse Estate continues to provide services from skilled nursing to childcare, embodying its core values ​​of resilience, compassion and community service.

This property is a tribute to a man who was described by those who worked for him and with him as a man of integrity, kindness and kindness to all.

According to the website, Rouse’s motto today is: “Improving the quality of life of those who are unable to fully care for themselves, regardless of age and economic status. We do this by continually expanding our knowledge, expanding the continuum of care and improving our services. The motto is a testament to Henry Rouse’s vision and concern for those underprivileged who have selflessly given life and death.

The Rouse Estates will celebrate Henry Rouse’s 200th birthday with an open house and birthday party at the Suites at Rouse, 615 Rouse Ave., Youngsville, on Wednesday from 2 to 5 p.m.

There will be refreshments, tours, resident-produced art, a Henry Rouse art competition, local nonprofit fairs, and artifacts from the Rouse Estate.

“We are thrilled to have the opportunity to honor Henry Rouse for what he gave to our community through his charitable work.” said Reyd Martin, director of CORE services at Rouse. “He left a legacy that continues to benefit those in our community who need it.”