[Name of Series], Star of the Sea/Harbor House Materials. Ade Bethune Collection, St. Catherine University Library, St. Paul, MN 55105.
Marie Adélaïde de Bethune (1914-2002), known as Ade Bethune, was born in Brussels, Belgium. Bethune’s mother was a major influence throughout her life. Ade Bethune’s Catholic faith, political activism, and her interest in helping others, especially children and the elderly, were all shaped by her mother. The family immigrated to the United States and settled in New York in 1928. Bethune attended Cathedral High School in New York and later the National Academy of Design and Cooper Union. Her early years as a young artist in New York were spent with Dorothy Day and the Catholic Worker Movement, and her designs of Biblical scenes and common, working class individuals were often published in the Catholic Worker. This early work launched a life-long career in liturgical art and architecture. Ade Bethune’s artistic gifts and desire to serve others would form a life of creativity and social service rooted in the Catholic faith.
Bethune moved to Newport, Rhode Island in 1938. She purchased her first home there in 1940 and a larger home in 1953. Homeownership fulfilled her need for being a part of society in community, with shared respect and responsibility. Bethune wanted others to realize that ideal as well. With this philosophy, she and a group of concerned citizens created Church Community Corporation in 1969 (later the Church Community Housing Corporation or CCHC). The CCHC, through renovation or new construction of single and multi-family residences, was responsible for more than 30 low-income Newport County families finding new homes.
In the late 1980s Ade Bethune identified a new housing need in Newport. Caring for her aging parents had awakened her to the need for elder housing that encouraged independence yet recognized the need for community. Bethune founded Star of the Sea in 1991 with key members of the CCHC with the mission to develop Harbor House as the embodiment of that vision. Bethune’s mission was fulfilled and she was one of the first tenants when Harbor House opened February 4, 2002. Ade Bethune died shortly thereafter on May 1, 2002.
Church Community Housing Corporation (CCHC) was successful in providing new or renovated housing to low income individuals, families and seniors in the Newport, RI area. Beginning in the late 1980’s Ade Bethune began to explore the option of developing an "intentional community" for active seniors. A large plat of land with buildings suffering from “deferred maintenance” at Washington and Battery Streets in Newport seemed an ideal location for such a project.
In the 1840s the property had been purchased by John Auchincloss, a New York businessman, who built a summer home for his family overlooking the sea. In 1907 the Auchincloss Estate and two other parcels were joined and deeded to the St. Regis Corporation of France and New York. At this time, the property included the estate house, barn, carriage house, and other buildings. The St. Regis Corporation, or the Religious of the Cenacle, established a small convent and retreat center there. In 1914 the Cenacle undertook a building project adding the St. Francis Guest House, Nuns’ Annex, the Cenacle Chapel, and Chaplain’s Cottage to the property. The Corpus Christi Carmel Sisters from Trinidad purchased the property from St. Regis in 1955 and also used the sprawling site as an educational retreat center. After several years the property was abandoned to the City of Newport, who in 1986 designated it as John Martins Park. In 1996 the property was purchased by Rhode Island Housing and Mortgage Finance Corporation.
Ade Bethune and several board members from CCHC incorporated as a non-profit named Star of the Sea in 1991, with the goal of developing Bethune's intentional community. The Cenacle property was for sale from 1989 until it was purchased by Rhode Island Housing Mortgage and Finance Corporation in 1996. Although there were a few parties interested in purchasing the site during this time, it was not suitable for many projects. With the property sitting idle, Star of the Sea with Ade Bethune as President first developed a cooperative building plan, but was unable to secure a mortgage for the project. A rental concept was then pursued by the board and for a few years the addition of assisted living services was considered. The assisted living plan was eventually dropped and the project moved forward as a rental property. Funds from loans, grants, and personal donations were obtained in order to purchase the land and renovate the existing buildings including the chapel.
During this lengthy fundraising and development phase, Bethune and the board members registered the property, chapel, and other buildings as national historic sites. They also needed to gain zoning and project plan approval from the city of Newport, RI and gain support from neighbors and the community for the Harbor House project. Bethune worked closely with Newport Collaborative Architects, Inc. and Mike Abbott, the lead architect on the project, to design a senior housing community that preserved the heritage of the Auchincloss estate and Cenacle-by-the-Sea convent and retreat center, yet provided a safe and secure home for seniors.
Construction began almost ten years after Star of the Sea incorporated. During this time the project went by several names including: Washington House, Cenacle-by-the-Sea, Stella Maris, and Harbor House. The legal entity behind the project also changed to accommodate new investors and corporate changes, but Ade Bethune remained a key part of the project until its completion. Harbor House opened as a senior housing community in February 2002.
For more about the Church Community Housing Corporation, see the
The collection is organized into two groupings: Star of the Sea Non-profit Corporation and Harbor House Project Development. Each of these has been arranged into several series and subseries.
Star of the Sea Non-profit Corporation
Harbor House Project Development
Many materials in this collection were in a disorganized state upon Ade Bethune's death, therefore the bulk of the arrangement was imposed at the time of processing.
Folders created and maintained by Bethune have been placed in alphabetical or chronological order within an appropriate series and subseries. Loose materials were grouped in file folders before being placed in a series or subseries, and given a folder name that best represents the content of the items within the context of the rest of the collection.
The collection contains information about the Star of the Sea Corporation and development of the Harbor House project. These materials cover the incorporation of Star of the Sea as a non-profit entity including corporate changes, as well as fundraising activities, and design and development of Harbor House. Materials related to the purchase, design, and renovation of the Auchincloss Estate/Cenacle-by-the-Sea Convent are also included in the collection.
It contains business and administrative records, correspondence, catalogs, publicity materials, and architectural plans and drawings. Materials span the years between 1985 and 2002, with the bulk of the collection from 1991-2001.
Ade Bethune donated her collection of personal and business papers, sketches, artwork, books, and artifacts to the College of St Catherine (now St. Catherine University) over a period of time from 1984-2002.
The collection was processed and the finding aid written by Melissa A. Smith, March 2010-November 2010.
The Star of the Sea materials includes documentation produced by the corporation, its board members and partners in the course of various corporate functions: administration, correspondence, finances, and publicity. There are also research and other background materials collected by Ade Bethune.
This grouping is organized into 5 series, and further divided into subseries where necessary.
Star of the Sea administrative documents related to incorporation, the IRS, registrations, professional services and corporate purpose and business.
Alphabetically by file title
Correspondence between board members, adjoining property owners, and officials related to zoning issues and Star of the Sea plans.
General board business information, including: Campaign for the Cenacle documents, employment seekers resumes and project summaries.
Star of the Sea Board of Directors listings.
Correspondence regarding Star of the Sea-Harbor House Board Members and Advisors/Friends. Lists of names and contact information for potential Board Members & Friends.
Correspondance related to Board Member resignations.
Reports and documentation regarding SOS Board business.
Board correspondence and meeting information. Includes legal documentation and reports.
Also supplemental documentation including: Service and design information.
A variety of meeting agendas/minutes and other documents outlining the need for the SOS Board to reevaluate the Harbor House project and renew outreach efforts.
Board of Director's reports: 1994 Feasibility Study/Analysis, Evaluation of Survey for 1995 White House Conference on Aging, 1997 market study, TPA/NA plan from US Dept of Housing and Urban Development.
Board minutes, reports, articles and other working documents kept by Ade Bethune related to Star of the Sea and Harbor House development.
Meeting minutes/agendas, correspondence and background information on aging, developing a community, and other topics. Star of the Sea Steering Committee Notes.
Draft plans for Cenacle property including: floor plans, comments on feasibility study and resident care/financial scenarios. Other documents include: brochures, Abbey of Saint Walburga correspondence and financial statements.
Documentation and acknowledgement of donations, architect and design notes, applicant lists and site history. Harbor House Development Costs reports and requests for neighborhood support of project.
Board correspondence, Harbor House organizational chart and purchase offer information from JER Hudson - TCB Community Revitalization Fund.
Personal handwritten notes referencing SOS board meetings, presentations etc.
Includes documents outlining the purpose of SOS: mission statement, business plans and proposals.
Preliminary Proposal for The Cenacle-by-the-Sea cooperative senior center and independent living community project
Draft Business and Marketing plans for The Cenacle-by-the-Sea
Brochures outlining mission and plans of SOS
Materials related to the incorporation and organizational structure of SOS.
Certificate of Amendment to Articles of Incorporation of Star of the Sea.
Limited partnership agreement for Harbor House Housing. HH Corporation Articles of Incorporation.
Organizational charts outlining structure of Star of the Sea and The Cenacle. Board member responsibilities outlined.
Chart depicting relationship between the following: Washington House Associates, L.P.; Tax Credit Fund; Washington House Corp. and Star of the Sea Nonprofit Corp
"Community Real Estate Development Charts" and Cenacle of the Sea Floor Plans
Agreements and other documentation related to entities providing consultative services to SOS.
Star of the Sea contract with Martha Marie Grogan for consultant services, includes handwritten and revised drafts, also Board and financial papers and correspondence.
Information about 4 project scenarios
Proposal for fundraising campaign
Materials related to applications for HUD, Zoning and Historical Registries.
Papers related to National Park Service Historic Preservation Certification for the property
This series includes Bethune's correspondence to friends and acquaintances, sharing information regarding her Star of the Sea venture. These letters rarely requested donations or other action as found in funding letter requests or official SOS board communications. This series also includes lists of individuals interested in living at Harbor House. These waitlists often correlated with donor lists.
Alphabetically by correspondent, with general correspondence at the beginning and applicant lists at the end
Architectural renderings of site. Correspondence related to Stella Maris/Star of the Sea.
Invoice for consulting services for Martha Marie Grtogan and general correspondence regarding Star Of the Sea and Harbor House.
Drafts of three letters from Bethune to: van Beuren Charitable Foundations, Mrs. John R. Drexel III and Mrs. Haward F. Manice. Also includes general letter drafts.
Letter to Donna regarding Rose O'Dell letter of interest
Correspondence regarding Star Of the Sea and senior housing
Single letter to Peter updating him on SOS project.
Copy of letter from Bethune to Mr. Casimir Kolaski-HUD-Boston Regional Office regarding SOS and new venture.
Correspondence to Michael McLaughlin related to a sale of Stella Maris and plans for the land.
Correspondence to and from Ade Bethune and Frank Ober regarding the Star of the Sea project.
Single handwritten note from Ellen & Dave Wixted regarding their attendance at a meeting in the old chapel and their support.
Letters written to Ade Bethune in response to her articles in Commonweal and other publications. Letters to/from Bethune relating the vision and progress of Star of the Sea and Harbor House.
Applicant letters and forms. Completed forms indicate interest in Independent Living, Senior Center & Prayer group. Other miscellaneous documents and correspondence included in folders by Bethune.
Company financial reports and transactions.
Materials related to fund raising.
Articles and flyers related to fundraising.
Correspondence and donor request letter
Brochures related to events for non-profit groups
Donor records.
Includes Six Year financial summaries and handwritten notes detailing solicitation efforts
Grant applications and responses.
Contains files holding multiple copies of supporting documentation used in grant applications. Files were labeled in sequence denoting the order in which the documents were included in each application.
Documents in these folders include the following information: Star of the Sea corporate documents, Board of Directors bios, project objectives, project plans, costs, justification, and support for project.
Folders remain in the original order used to create grant application packets.
Administrative records detailing Star of the Sea financial partners.
Applications and correspondence regarding non-profit/tax status.
Files include SOS publicity, marketing materials and activities.
Correspondence and donations in responses to October 22 notice in America and other publicity regarding project.
Front page of the Newport Daily News from Tuesday, August 17, 1993 imprinted upon a piece of sheet metal. Page features a photo of Bethune and an accompanying article entitled "Birth of a Notion."
Newspaper articles supporting and opposing Star of the Sea's proposed Harbor House project.
Color photos of flea market items at Cenacle site.
Plans, articles, flyers, bills and guest sign in for Garden Party. Also photo album entitled "A Garden Party" -- An Informative and Inspirational Sharing Hosted By "Star Of The Sea"
Manila folder with Harbor House lease and welcome packet for Ade Bethune.
Correspondence and information related to the Fellowship of Intentional Communities
Star of the Sea Informal Survey-My Interests and Abilities.
'Friends of the Cenacle' Newsletter. Includes FoC newsletters 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10 and 11 with dates beginning May 1992 and concluding January 1996. Three Green Light (1997, 1999 and 2000) articles are also included in folder.
Copies of e-mails related to a Star of the Sea article. Star of the Sea update article for Green Light newsletter.
A variety of brochures, flyers and other public relations materials created and distributed by Star of the Sea. Folder includes three PR packets prepared for mailing. Includes Harbor House Grand Opening flyer and a handwritten draft notice to HH residents to meet to establish a resident council, develop a mission etc.
File includes handwritten list of 'Newspaper Stories' with notations from articles dating 5/21/91 to 6/16/95. Folder also contains clipping of article announcing opening of Harbor House.
Research and other materials collected or created by Ade Bethune in the course of working on the Harbor House project. Includes published articles and brochures as well as correspondence and planning documents.
Senior Housing brochures, newsletters and articles.
Long Term Care insurance articles.
Book excerpts and articles on aging.
Articles related to living well in old age. Miscellaneous information including senior community and services brochures.
Letters outlining plans for the Harbor House project by Star of Sea, photocopies of site renderings, requests for assistance in forming a board and fund raising help.
Correspondence regarding Stella Maris/Star of the Sea.
Brochures from Whytebrook Terrace independent senior living community.
Church Community Housing Corporation (CCHC) was successful in providing new or renovated housing to low income individuals, families and seniors in the Newport, RI area. Beginning in the late 1980’s Adé Bethune began to explore the option of developing an ‘intentional community’ for active seniors. A large plat of land with buildings suffering from “deferred maintenance” at Washington and Battery Streets seemed an ideal location for such a project. In the 1840’s the property was purchased by John Auchincloss, a New York businessman. He built a summer home for his family overlooking the sea. In 1907 the Auchincloss Estate and two other parcels combined earlier and known as the “Bay Bank” are joined by Agnes C. Storer and Marie Cisneros and deeded to the St. Regis Corporation of France and New York. At this time, the property included the estate house, barn, carriage and other buildings. The St. Regis Corporation or the Religious of the Cenacle established a small convent and retreat center at the address of 21 Battery Street, Newport, RI. In 1914 the Cenacle undertook a building project and added the St. Francis Guest House, Nuns’ Annex, the Cenacle Chapel and Chaplain’s Cottage to the property. Under the auspices of the Works Progress Administration (WPA) in 1935-1939 the seafront portion of the property is taken by eminent domain and used to build a waterfront Esplanade to extend Washington Street to the Naval Hospital. In 1955 the Corpus Christi Carmel Sisters from Trinidad purchase the property from St. Regis. The Carmel Sisters still used the site as an educational retreat center. After several years the property is abandoned to the City of Newport. In 1986 the City of Newport designates the property as John Martins Park. In 1996 the property was purchased by Rhode Island Housing and Mortgage Finance Corporation.
Materials in this grouping are related to the Harbor House project building site, design, and construction.
The Harbor House Project Development subgroup is arranged into three series.
Research and information related to the Auchincloss/Cenacle/Harbor House property and site, including historical summaries of ownership and use of the property, maps, plats, and photographs of the site.
Notes and corrections for submission to RI Historical Preservation & Heritage Commission Project Evaluation.
Several copies and transcripts of Providence RI Journal article and other documents related to the War Memorial/Thanksgiving Statue installed at the Cenacle in 1919.
Historical summaries regarding the Auchincloss/Cenacle property. The summaries outline ownership and use of the land and buildings throughout its history.
Proposal, correspondence and plans for the Shake-A-Leg Rehab Program to build an assisted living and rehabilitative program for the elderly at the Cenacle.
News articles related to the proposal to sell Stella Maris to a private developer. Also Bethune's correspondence to the editor, Bishop, and Diocese in response to plans.
This series documents the design and project planning specifics for Harbor House. Materials include architectural recommendations, design and construction notes, correspondence, floor plans, and photographs.
The first section contains files that Ade Bethune created and maintained in alphabetical order. The remaining files were either maintained separately by Bethune, or created out of loose materials during processing.
Executed contract between Star of the Sea and Newport Collaborative Architects, Inc.
Site plans. Document outlining Cenacle/Corpus Christi Carmel facilities and occupancies with the new plans for Star of the Sea/The Cenacle.
Elevations and floor plans for project. Includes photocopies, drawings and notes regarding construction. Copies of the New England Construction News.
Site plans.
Harbor House floor plans.
Harbor House floor plans.
Architect recommendations for design and construction, notes, and RI Housing correspondence
Design and construction notes from Ade Bethune to Mike Abbott
Kitchen design and construction plans and notes including appliances, cabinets and other equipment options.
Color photos of living room furniture options.
Design and construction notes and correspondence related to work.
Photocopies of postcards and photos of buildings, statues and area etc.
Site maps.
Documents related to resident and common area square footages.
Notes to architect and general project construction notes.
Color photos of buildings, shrubbery and interior rooms/furniture.
Notes related to design and signage for apartment numbers.
Estimates related to Cenacle Chapel Stained Glass restoration and structural repairs.
Floor 1 unit plans.
Floor 2 unit plans.
Floor 3 unit plans.
Information on the Intimist system--converting a toilet to bidet.
Notes related to resident kitchen plans.
Living-Dining-Kitchen floor plans.
Correspondence with Mike and brochure re: stair lifts.
Design and construction notes.
Office plans.
HH Eligibility Document and correspondence.
1994 Pocket Manual of Elder Services. Articles and sample activities list.
Notes and product information related to radiant heat.
Computer printed signs for construction
Plans and notes to Mike from Ade about Harbor House construction and design.
Design and construction notes.
Correspondence and bids for trees on the Cenacle property.
Notes and plan related to second wheel chair accessible unit-109.
Rhode Island Housing Architectural meeting minutes and Site Construction Meeting minutes.
Plans for landscaping, chapel stain glass and war memorial statue. Includes construction photos.
Notes regarding square footage, room numbers and fixtures.
Initial suggestions and plans for services to be offered by Harbor House to residents.
Detailed building plan notes.
Architectural drawings of the Harbor House site and buildings.
Drawings are grouped by project name, then arranged chronologically by group. Site and landscaping plans, zoning board drawings, and working drawings are at the end.
Single page plan. It lays out a birds eye view of the Cenacle rooflines. One copy in blue ink and one with black ink.
Includes site plan and 'as-built' plans for the first, second and third floors. Three pages.
Cenacle of the Sea--Proposed Plans with original date and hand corrected new date. Cenacle of the Sea--The Newport Collaborative includes: site plans, First, Second, Third and Basement floor plans. Five pages each set. Final set dated 6/1/1994 and is eleven pages.
Hand-drawn building plans. Six pages.
One page-two sided with drawings of Cenacle. Side two includes label: Schematic Rehab.
Hand-drawn and paste up copies of Basement, First, Second and Third floors of Cenacle. Basic floor layouts. Sixteen pages with multiple copies of each floor.
Floor plans/layouts for the First, Second and Third floors.
Includes site and two elevations of "As-Built" plans. Seven pages.
Proposed Cenacle plans. Includes: Site and each level. Five pages.
Basement layouts. Seven pages.
First floor layouts. Five pages.
Second floor layouts. Five pages.
Third floor layouts. Four pages.
Floor layouts/plans mounted on foam board. First set includes First, Second and Third floors and is colored. (24" x 36") Second set includes only the Second and Third floors. (30" x 40")
Two copies of first floor on paper and on tissue paper. One copy of second floor on tissue paper.
Washington House plans. Preliminary. Not for construction. Two copies. 1/16" = 1' 0" Five pages each. Washington House-Star of the Sea--Preliminary Plans not for construction includes demolition plans, elevations and plumbing/HVAC/electrical. Twenty-five pages.
Harbor Point-Star of the Sea 1/16-1' 0" scale plans. Demolition and section detail plans. Forty-nine pages.
Harbor Point-Star of the Sea 1/16-1' 0" scale plans. Includes: structural revisions, electrical, fire, safety, mechanical, floor plans and elevations. Eighty-five pages.
Harbor House-Star of the Sea plans include multiple drawings of floors by building and finish schedules and electrical, fire and plumbing plans. Ninety-one pages Harbor House architectural plans-includes site plans, First, Second, Third and Basement floor plans.
Floor plans. Two and four pages.
SP1 or site plans used to plan landscaping and other site details. Five copies of single page. One copy has handwritten notes.
SP1 or site plans used to plan landscaping and site use. Three copies of single page. Copies have handwritten notes.
Harbor House-Star of the Sea site and floor plans. Each drawing includes a sticker with handwritten drawing id number from the City of Newport Zoning Board of Review. Five pages.
Washington House floor plans with notes and drawings by Bethune. Includes smaller working copies of layouts. Thirty-nine pages.
Harbor House floor plans various sizes with notes. Nine pages.