As featured in the Star-Telegram, residents Lucy Johnson and Margaret Cornell from The Fountains at Millbrook have forged an inspiring friendship, one built on shared passion, deep curiosity, and a commitment to preserving the past.
The two women met shortly after moving into the community in 2024 and quickly discovered a shared love for history. When a fellow resident asked about a mysterious old chapel on campus, Lucy, a retired archaeological anthropologist, volunteered to look into it. Margaret, a former archivist, eagerly offered to help. From that moment on, the two began uncovering the chapel’s storied past together.
Built in 1914 and originally known as the Chapel of the Child, the stone building was part of a campus founded by Episcopal Bishop David Greer to serve disadvantaged Protestant children. Designed by renowned architects William Adams Delano and Chester Holmes Aldrich, the chapel features original stained glass, intricate pews, and a bell cast in 1896. Though time has taken a toll on the structure, Johnson and Cornell’s research reveals it remains in remarkably good condition.
Their work has already sparked excitement within the community. After sharing their findings at an event at The Fountains at Millbrook, the pair will present to the public at the Millbrook Library on June 18. They are hoping to rally local support for the chapel’s restoration and recognition on the National Register of Historic Places.
More than a research project, this journey has created a meaningful bond between the two women. Now close friends, they dine together, trade books, take art classes, and cheer each other on. As Margaret puts it, “We kind of bounce off each other, and it’s just a fun relationship.”
Their story is a beautiful reminder that purpose and connection can flourish at any stage of life.
Read the full article in the Star-Telegram here.
About The Fountains at Millbrook
Located in New York’s scenic Hudson Valley, The Fountains at Millbrook offers Independent Living and Assisted Living in a warm, vibrant setting. Residents enjoy charming residences, enriching programs, and opportunities to explore their passions while surrounded by natural beauty and a strong sense of community.
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