Bunton Nursing & Convalescent Home

In 1949, Harry M. Bunton moved to Marceline, and from the small original four-room house purchased at that time, now exists a twenty-two room modern nursing home located at 519 North Spruce Street. The Nursing Home interest began when he saw a need for care for old folks. In the years from 1950 through 1954, three new additions were added to complete a “U” shaped design nursing home with garages attached. Each room has an outside window.The home was first licensed in 1951 by the State Board of Health. The home is now a member of the American Nursing Home Association and the Missouri Association of Licensed Nursing Homes (which was chartered in Kansas City, Missouri, August 19, 1949). It is also a present member of District 6, organized August 28, 1960. Through the past years the home has accommodated many residents from Macon, Linn, and Chariton Counties, and we take this means to thank all the doctors, nurses, friends, churches, and organizations for their help and support which has made the home the success it has been. Our aim is to make our residents feel they are wanted and that someone still cares for them.

King Rest Home

In 1955 Mrs. Thelma Braley purchased the rest home which she now operates as the King Rest Home at 215 West Walker in Marceline. At that time the home supported six guests and was largely lacking in the modern facilities now required for the procurement of a State license. In the past eight years Mrs. Braley has expanded and modernized her facility adding modern service facilities and an approved fire alarm system. Now fully licensed, the home presently cares for 14 guests and additional expansion is in the planning stage. Mrs. Braley takes pride in the personal interest and attention accorded to each of her guests.

Florence Rest Home

In block 85 of Marceline stands one of the landmarks of 75 years ago – The Florence Rest Home. The first owner of the property was Julia A. Taylor who acquired it in 1888. In that year only three houses stood on the street that is now named Booker Street. Many people lived in tents surrounded by scrub oak trees and hazel bush. In 1896, this property was sold to George Freeman and he remodeled it and added a dome room. In June of 1955, Mrs. Bunton purchased the property and began the intense job of repairing the building. It was in the fall before the home was ready for its first patient, Martha A. Carmony, a retired R. N. It became established as a rest home. At the beginning of the home the capacity was nine, and with some remodeling on the second floor, was soon able to accommodate 15. In 1960, another remodeling project was started in order to enable more residents to be cared for, and now the home can take care of 20. The last 10 years have seen many changes and requirements that had to be met in order to comply with the State’s standards. Today the home has an electric fire alarm system, air conditioning, and many other conveniences that were not enjoyed 75 years ago. The Florence Rest Home, as it was called, was one of the first in Marceline to receive a state license after the rigid state regulations were passed. The home is under R. N. supervision and retains a reliable staff. It has been a member of the State Nursing Home Association for the past several years.