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ONE FAMILY’S HERITAGE, ANOTHER FAMILY’S HOPE
His political, economic and social successes led him from serving in the Pennsylvania State House to working in the White House, then to the United Nations and the boardrooms of more than 20 corporations. In retirement, Gov. William Warren and Mary Scranton focused anew on what they could do to benefit the people he served as Governor in the early 1960s.
On a hill in northeastern Pennsylvania sits a beautiful property, part of a rich family history of sharing and giving. Through unusual philanthropy, and from impressive philanthropists, the home is now a part of both the health and heritage of families across the United States. From its founding more than 75 years ago, the estate now known as “Marworth*” served several generations of the Margery and Worthington Scranton family. For some, the massive stone estate offered welcome shelter during unsettled years of war. During summers, the couple’s many grandchildren transformed its rolling 37 acres into imaginary kingdoms and enchanted forests.
FAMILY TOGETHERNESS
“During WWII, all of the grandchildren lived and played there together all summer, every summer,” says Gov. Scranton. “It turned out to be a really wonderful experience, and they are tightly bonded today because of their time at Marworth.”
After living there for almost two decades, beginning with his tenure as governor, the Scrantons envisioned a new purpose for the property. Following strong family tradition as well as lifetimes of personal service to community, state and nation, they offered a gift purchase of the Marworth estate to Geisinger Health System. “My mother and father cared very much for people, and they had donated homes [to other non-profits],” Gov. Scranton says. “I knew that using their home to help people was exactly the type of outcome they’d like to have happen for Marworth.”
CONTINUING A LIFE’S WORK
During his tenure, Gov. Scranton championed many innovative programs, including those related to mental health programs and healthcare access in Pennsylvania. He has also served as a Trustee of Geisinger Health System. So it is fitting that today, Marworth is home to one of the most successful alcohol and chemical addiction treatment centers in the country.
“The extreme generosity of people like the Scrantons is actually one of the hallmarks of Geisinger,” says Larry Stetler, Chairman of the Marworth Advisory Board and former member of the Geisinger Foundation board of directors. “I know they must be proud to see what’s happened to Marworth.”
From the child whose parent abuses alcohol or drugs to the child who is himself dependant on chemicals, the services of Geisinger’s Marworth Treatment Center reach entire families. Innovative programs also address the specific, complex challenges of people in high-stress professions, such as those in healthcare or serving in the military, police and firefighting forces.
“Those associated with Bill Scranton do indeed walk on higher ground because of [their] relationship with him,” one political official said long ago.
Because of the Scrantons’ gift, people of all ages, families and individuals are elevated above their addictions. By turning to Marworth, a former family home, they are able for themselves to create powerful legacies of health and wellness for their own families.
*Marworth derives its moniker from the first names of Margery and Worthington Scranton.
