Frank Lester by Mary H. McLauglin, Social Security Representative

Deford- Have small boys changed much in a century? Ask Frank Lester, of Deford, who is a member of Tuscola County’s unique fraternity of centenarians and 101 years old on August 1.

Mr. Lester brags that he was a "champion all through school’ at fighting and wrestling. "I was ugly, he says. He still is a Champion "finger puller" which is a tug of war with one finger. He was beaten in "finger pulling " only once, and says the fellow pulled so hard that his rheumatism acted up in his finger ad he had to quit the game. However, even at 101 its not advisable to challenge him – he’ll win!

Although affected by failing eyesight and hearing, Mr. Lester is still fairly robust. He retired only eleven years ago, at age 90. His first job began after school when he went to Pennsylvania to work in the oil fields. "I worked a 16 hour day for 50 cents" he recalled, "but I also could buy a bushel of potatoes for a dime."

Mr. Lester returned to Michigan and began farming near Kingston. On January 4, 1893 he married Elizabeth Butler. They had six children, five of whom are still living, and he now has 11 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren. When he reached 80 years old, he retired from farming and began a new career, working for the Village of Kingston for the next 10 years.

He and his wife kept their own home until her death at 92 in 1965. Since then he has lived with his children.

Although he never worked under Social Security, since October 1966 Mr. Lester has been receiving a special payment for people age 72 and over who have little or no work under Social Security, and are not eligible for regular Social Security. He also has both Hospital & Medical Parts of Medicare.

In recognition of his special birthday, Mr. Lester received greetings from Robert M. Ball Commissioner of Social Security, wishing him continued joy in his rich store of memories.

Harold S. Soper – Harold S. Soper, son of the late Frank Soper and Mrs. Ethel Annin of Kingston passed away August 3, 1968 at the Herman Keifer Hospital in Detroit following a two week illness.

Harold Soper was born March 22, 1916 and was a graduate of Kingston High School in 1934. He moved to Detroit in 1950. He was a mason and carpenter.

He leaves to mourn his passing his mother, Mrs. Ethel Annin, 1 daughter, Mrs. Barbara Parker of Kingston; 1 son James Soper of Marlette; 1 sister Mrs Francis Dunsford, Marlette; 1 brother Charles Soper of Kingston and four grandchildren.

Mr. George Dusenbury and Mr. and Mrs. Harold Coltson of Pontiac were Thursday callers of James Coan.

Mr. and Mrs. Basil Noble of Bay City were Sunday callers here.

Wm. Tong of Detroit and Miss Linda Tong of Ferndale called on relatives her Monday.

Bonnie Coan of Pontiac spent Tuesday with her father James Coan.

Sunday dinner guests of Mrs. Etta Stoner were Mr and Mrs. James Stoner and son Richard and friend of Clawson and Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Emch of Cleveland, Ohio. In the afternoon all called on Doc Stoner at the Medical Center in Caro.

Miss Lois Walls left Monday by plane to spend a month with her grandparents Mr. and Mrs. George E. Walls of Freeland, Washington.

Mrs. Andrew Birthelmer of Florida is visiting friends here.

Sunday dinner guests of Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Allen were Mrs. Hazel Wilmot and Mr. and Mrs. Stanley Bass of Oxford.

Mr. and Mrs. Fred Neal spend Friday with their sister Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Warden of Lapeer.

Mr. and Mrs. James Caswell called on Mr. and Mrs. Marvin Howell at Reese Sunday.

Mr. and Mrs. Henry McLeod and Timmie of Silverwood spent Sunday with Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Ensign and family. Timmie is spending a few days with the Ensign children.

Mrs. Blends Fulford of Berkley is spending a few weeks with her sister-in-law Mrs. Etta Stoner.

Mr. and Mrs. Norman Ruggles are enjoying a trip through the Canadian Northwest and the Western United States.

Mr. and Mrs. Robert Nimergood, Roberta and Ralph of Bay City, Valerie Magyar, her sister and brother of Lansing were recent visitors at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Peter Magyar.

Mr. and Mrs. Rex Boomer of Pontiac called on Mrs. Minnie Stewart and Mr. and Mrs. Leo Legg Sunday.

Mr. and Mrs. Marvin Kramer left Friday for Florida to visit their son Wm. Kramer and family. Bill who was injured seriously in a fall some time ago is at home now but is recovering very slowly. Mr. and Mrs. Ven Stark and family are staying at the Kramer home in their absence.

Mrs. Mary Legg called on Mrs. Dorothy Lee at the Fisher Convalescent Home in Mayville. Mrs. Lee had fallen and injured herself.

Mrs. Harland Legg and Curt left Sunday morning for Jefferson City, MO. to visit her mother Mrs. John Horak and other relatives.

Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Steele, Tammy , Jim Froede and Art Steele spent last week at the Ensign and Caswell cabins.

Mrs. Etta Stoner spent a few house with Doc Stoner at the Medical Center in Caro August 3 to help him celebrate his 86^th birthday.

On Sunday Mr. and Mrs. Donald Gould of Caro entertained Mr. and Mrs. Glen Van Wagoner, Mr. and Mrs. J. M. Burmeister, Mr. and Mrs. George Jacoby of Deford and Mr. George Beech in honor of the following birthdays: Glenna, Leonard, John, Don, and Grandpa Beech.