Taken from a full history by Plymouth Village Resident James A. Fallows, M.D.

Plymouth Village of Redlands was a "child" of Pilgrim Place of Claremont, Calif., an eminently successful retirement community that had more applications than it could take care of in any reasonable time. Its leaders conceived of the idea of opening another area, getting more land, and enlarging its services.

An orange grove consisting of 16 and more acres, belonging to the Edwards family in Redlands, was identified as a potential site. On January 27, 1959, the Pilgrim Place board voted "to select Redlands as a suitable site for a new retirement community."

As lots were sold and an infrastructure established, Plymouth Village grew into a pleasant and secure retirement community providing housing, health care and supportive services. In 1959, the name "Plymouth Village" came into use. The location along Cajon Street comprised a total of about 16 ½ acres. The plan at this point was to accommodate 230 people in a series of houses, bungalows and apartments. No single floor plan was imposed for any of the dwellings; on the contrary, no two dwellings were alike.

The health of the residents was a concern from the beginning. Visiting nurse service was available, and membership in a health assurance plan was open to all residents. As early as 1964, the Administration made arrangements with a nursing home in Redlands to admit Plymouth Village residents. This was the beginning of the continuing care contract at Plymouth Village!

A groundbreaking ceremony for Plymouth Village took place on June 11, 1961. Then Mayor Charles C. Parker was present and said in part, "Plymouth Village will bring added prestige and dignity to our community, and this approach to retirement living will bring added prestige and dignity to the lives of the residents." It soon became evident that Plymouth Village would set high standards for others to follow. In 1973, Plymouth Village was included in the Redlands Horticultural and Improvement Society's annual tour of outstanding gardens.

1964 saw the birth of another very useful organization: the Plymouth Village Auxiliary. In 1972, it numbered 12 women and, in spite of its few members, made itself felt in many ways vital to the life of Plymouth Village. The first project of the Auxiliary was a strawberry festival. The festival was held on June 19, 1964. This festival became an annual event, and has made itself and Plymouth Village known in the community.

In 1976, Mayor Charles DeMirjyn proclaimed October 9 "Plymouth Village Festival Day" and urged the citizens of Redlands to support this celebration. Greetings were sent by President Ford and Governors Reagan and Carter, Congresswoman Pettis and Jerry Lewis.

The long-talked-about 'big building' was started in 1978. The building would house 30 people; it would also provide a dining area, assembly hall, library, activity rooms, and space for storage and maintenance equipment.

In 1980, the executive committee of the board of directors selected ABHOW to own and manage Plymouth Village in such a way that the basic purposes of the Village could be realized.

In August, 1981, the Village bought 6.13 adjacent acres of land. It was proposed to build 46 new living units on it. In August, 1984, ABHOW bought Kendall Place, a Redlands Heritage House adjacent to the northern end of Salem Drive. With it they also bought an adjoining property of 1.5 acres to the east.

On July 30, 1996, The Grove was dedicated for residents with dementia, at a ceremony that included friends and about 50 donors.

Today, Plymouth Village continues to be a thriving and cherished retirement community that makes the most of its resources and beautiful surroundings. Our local board of advisors is composed of Redlands citizens. Issues of Plymouth Village pass through this group of interested people, and their reflection is of utmost importance.