Jane Brooks, 87, left, and Patricia Brown, 69, rest together. Photograph by Erin Kirkland Story Summary: As 93-year-old Norma Precht says, "This house is old, but it's our home." King's Daughters is the oldest, single-owner nursing home in Missouri — and it's only for women. Founded in 1905, the halls are filled with residents' golden glamour shots from what seems like a different life. Although these women are in their winter stages, there's still life within, along with a sense of sisterhood and community. Like many Midwestern towns, Mexico, Missouri (pop. 11,500) is a company town built around an industry that no longer exists. When brick manufacturing left, so did the economic stability. As a lifelong Michigander with deep family roots in Detroit, I’ve heard and seen this story before. Industry comes, industry leaves, and entire communities are written off.