2024 is the 100^th anniversary of the Dunwoody Home, and the 50^th anniversary for Dunwoody Village, writes Phil Gianficato for Suburban Life Magazine.

Dunwoody Village in Newtown Square is built on the foundation of William Hood Dunwoody’s legacy. 

The humble man had a deep respect for life and appreciation for all humankind, ideals that remained at Dunwoody after his death at age 72.

Norma Winther, now 95, came to Dunwoody in 2009, and became interested in the community’s history. ‘She worked with other residents to uncover material about its founder.

William Dunwoody was hired at age 28 by the company that later became General Mills. He went on to become a partner there.

When he died in 1914, left a $1 million bequest honoring his parents to build and maintain a convalescent home on the Dunwoody Farm at Newtown Square.

The Dunwoody Home remained until 1992 even as Dunwoody Village opened in 1974 as the area’s first continuing care retirement communities.

The Village started with 50 residents and has grown to 400, including many second-generation residents.

The Dunwoody team is using the anniversary to reflect on its history, even as it adapts to the modern world with “significant focus and capital” into its infrastructure, community spaces, residences and healthcare, said Maureen Casey, president and CEO of Dunwoody Village.

“Although we made some changes, we continue to be true to the vision of William Hood Dunwoody,” Casey said.

Read more about Dunwoody Village’s 100-year history in Suburban Life Magazine.