About Us

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About the Lathrop Home

In 1884, a group of women from churches in Northampton and Florence opened a “home for the sick” on the corner of South and Olive Streets in Northampton. This was before there was a hospital in town. It was Northampton’s first charitable organization. Once Cooley Dickinson Hospital opened in 1886, Clara Lathrop led the move to have the house become a residence for women in their later years who either could not or did not want to live on their own. Initially named the “Home for Aged and Invalid Women in Northampton”, The home was renamed The Lathrop Home in 1920, to honor all of Clara Lathrop’s efforts to make the home a success.

In 1921, the Lathrop Home moved to its current location at 215 South Street in Northampton. The land and building were gifts from Mrs. Frank Look in honor and memory of her mother Sarah Burr. The dedication in the entrance reads: “Here in the evening of life, may peace be found”.  

The rich history of this remarkable place includes many renovations to the building, and changes in the residents (men have lived here since the mid 1980’s for example), but one thing that has remained consistent is the warm and gracious feel of Lathrop Home. It is not a home like environment, it is actually home for the people who live here and this is truly a community within the community. 

Today, The Lathrop Home continues to be a vibrant part of Northampton’s identity. We are home for 39 people whose ages currently range from the 50’s to the late 90’s! The Lathrop Home offers a safe and welcoming space for our residents, recognizing and honoring the individuality of each person in our community. We provide support and encouragement for residents to achieve the quality of life that is meaningful for them. It truly is a special place!