A million-mark gift. That’s how the Rose-Livingston-/Nellinistift began. Right here stands a testament to Rose Livingston a remarkable woman. She wasn’t born in Frankfurt. Rose Livingston was born in San Francisco. Her family later returned to Germany. She became a philanthropist. Rose Livingston left a lasting legacy.
Rose Livingston was the youngest daughter of wealthy German-Jewish immigrants. They changed their name to Livingston. After her father’s death she converted to Christianity. This happened in Frankfurt’s Paulskirche. Her lifelong friend Minna Noll played a key role in this decision. Minna Noll was her governess. They shared a close bond.
Rose Livingston was a patron of the arts. She especially supported the artist Wilhelm Steinhausen. He painted her many times. She also commissioned him to paint murals for the Lukaskirche. Unfortunately these were destroyed during World War II. Rose Livingston also supported social causes. She donated generously to the Verein für Volkskindergärten. This was a society for community kindergartens.
In 1909 tragedy struck. Both Rose Livingston’s mother and her beloved Minna Noll passed away. Overwhelmed by grief Rose Livingston channeled her sorrow into action. She established the Rose-Livingston-Stiftung. This foundation funded a home for unmarried women of refined backgrounds. It was a pioneering project for its time.
The Nellinistift named in honor of Minna Noll opened in 1913. Architect Bruno Paul designed this neoclassical building. It is a beautiful structure. It resembles a stately country house. The building still stands. It serves as housing for the deaconesses of the Frankfurt Diakonissenhaus. A new care home was built in the courtyard. This replaced the original nursing home in 2009. A bust of Rose Livingston sculpted by Wilhelm Steinhausen graces the old building’s vestibule.
Rose Livingston’s generosity shaped Frankfurt. The Nellinistift remains a symbol of her compassion and vision. Her story is one of remarkable transformation. It is a story of lasting impact. This grand building is a permanent reminder of her life and her legacy. The Nellinistift is more than just bricks and mortar. It is a tribute to a woman who changed lives.