Rooted in Legacy: Founders Day at Cornwall Manor
Cornwall Manor Retirement Community hosted its annual Founders Day event on Tuesday, October 14, 2025. The event recognized friends who play an important role in the retirement community’s founding as well as those who have supported the Cornwall Manor community through its 76 years of ministry to older adults.
The 2025 Founders Day Award was presented to the Cornwall Manor Society’s Manor Shoppe and Treasure Trove by Cornwall Manor President & CEO, Harry A. McConnell. This prestigious award recognizes individuals or groups “whose extraordinary commitment to Cornwall Manor has had a significant impact on our ministry.”
Founded in 1950 as the Golden Cross Society, the Cornwall Manor Society has grown into a dynamic auxiliary of more than 400 volunteers. Over the past 75 years, they have generously contributed more than $3.5 million to support Cornwall Manor’s mission, enriching the lives of residents and strengthening the community.
The Manor Shoppe and Treasure Trove are two shining examples of the Society’s enduring legacy. Operated entirely by volunteers, these year-round shops provide valuable services and delightful shopping experiences for residents, team members and visitors alike.
The Manor Shoppe began humbly in 1953 with a few card tables in the Buckingham Mansion, offering groceries, gifts and essentials at affordable prices. Today, it remains a charming and convenient destination for everyday needs in the Freeman Community Center.
The Treasure Trove, originally known as the Curiosity Shoppe and later Campus Collectibles, found its current home in 2018 at the rear of the Buckingham Mansion. It offers clothing, furniture, and household items—especially for healthcare residents in need—and has become a favorite among bargain hunters from surrounding communities. Donated items not sold in the shop are passed along to other organizations serving those in need, extending the Society’s impact even further.
As Cornwall Manor celebrates the Society’s 75 years of dedicated service, the Founders Day Award serves as a heartfelt tribute to the volunteers whose time, talent and generosity continue to shape our community.
The featured speaker for the Founders Day event included Gregg Scott, FAIA, a fellow of the American Institute of Architects, partner emeritus and co-founder of RLPS Architects. He was the lead architect for Cornwall Manor’s Gatehouse Lane exterior renovation project. This beautiful neighborhood of 20 duplex homes is nestled in a wooded setting adjacent to the Cornwall Post Office and connects to the Lebanon Valley Rail Trail. The exterior renovation, that began in fall 2024, included replacement of the siding, roofs, trim, soffit, windows, doors, garage doors, hardware trim, outdoor light and new front porch railings.
Scott is a graduate of Penn State University and oversees the monthly architectural column for LNP | Lancaster Online and is an architectural correspondent for NBC affiliate WGAL. He is a three-time recipient of the C. Emlen Urban Award from the Historic Preservation Trust of Lancaster County and the award-winning author of Urban Legend: The Life & Legacy of Cassius Emlen Urban and Urban Alphabet: The Work of C. Emlen Urban A-Z.
Several people were inducted into “The Buckingham Society,” which is named for Mrs. Margaret Coleman Freeman Buckingham, who is considered Cornwall Manor’s first philanthropist. Members of the Buckingham Society provide the highest levels of support for Cornwall Manor’s mission. Vicki Deitzler, Cornwall Manor Vice President for Advancement, inducted David and Nancy Mills, Judith Brown*, Thomas Maurer and Louise Rynd, along with one anonymous donor.
“Legacy Circle” donors, who are acknowledged for naming Cornwall Manor in their will or estate plan. New Legacy Circle donors are Thomas Maurer and Louise Rynd, Harry and Marianne McConnell and David and Nancy Mills.
“GEM” donors were also recognized. We are grateful for these supporters who “Give Every Month” (GEM) as every gift makes an impact. New GEM Donors include James and Teresa Cowhey, Ruth Kale, David and Marcella Orledge, Robert and Shirley Peiffer and Richard Schappell.
Cornwall Manor is extremely grateful to this year’s Founders Day Event Sponsors – Funk Construction, RKL Advisors, Pyramid Construction, Mill Creek Capital Advisors, Benchmark Construction, Weik Capital Management, RLPS Architects, Prelude Services, Henry & Beaver Attorneys at Law, TLC Ladies, Beers + Hoffman Architects, Allwein Carpet One and JKJ Advisors.
Proceeds from the Founders Day event are used to support benevolent care for residents with limited resources – which has been at the heart of Cornwall Manor’s ministry for 76 years. In 2024, Cornwall Manor provided more than $2.5 million in benevolent care for residents.
