HUSKEY, BOLLINGER COUNTY NATIVE, CELEBRATES 108TH BIRTHDAY

Nola Murry Huskey recently celebrated her 108th Christmas. Born on Nov. 29, 1887, she observed her 108th birthday quietly with family members on hand for the occasion. Even at her advanced age the Bollinger County native still has days when she is alert. Her eyes sparkle and a smile comes forth when places like Trace Creek, Moore's Chapel, Marble Hill, Hog Creek and Laflin are mentioned. She is the last surviving member of the 18-member Will Mayfield graduating class of 1912. The mere mention of the school which closed many years ago conjures an array of memories and some comments from Nola.

Nola is now a resident of Rest Haven Central in Palos Heights, Ill., a suburb of Chicago. Her two surviving children, Violet Rowe and Herbert Huskey along with Herbert's wife, Sandy, visit with Nola daily and make life as pleasant as possible for their mother who has become a favorite of many of the staff and residents at the nursing home. She requires assistance with her meals and other daily activities but remains alert enough to talk with family members on various occasions.

With 108 years of living, events are easily confused but there are certain events and people that stand out in her mind and are never forgotten. Family members often reminisce with her about Christmas night of 1959 when the whole family gathered at the Huskey home where she and her late husband, Thomas, were living. During the evening, heavy fog made it impossible for any of the family to leave forcing all 18 of them to spend the night under one roof. Before leaving her Marble Hill farm home in 1987, Nola was an avid gardener and cook. Although she is no longer able to conduct these activities, she seems pleased when cooking, gardening, crocheting and other hobbies are discussed with her. She is still able to enjoy the beauty of flowers and was presented a plant by her daughter-in-law, Freda, for her birthday.

Nola's longevity has set a record for the Huskey family and the family would be interested in knowing if there are others from Bollinger County who may have equaled or exceeded her age.

As a former teacher, Nola has an interest in education and for many years kept up with her former students. Only a few of her students are still living with even the youngest ones now in their late 80s or early 90s. When serving as a teacher and a parent she offered words of wisdom for her students as well as her own children. Much of her advice still rings true today. The late Lester and Ora Fee Hahn found a notation that Nola had written in Ora Lee's memory book with a date of June 30, 1926. At that time Nola and Ora Lee were students at Will Mayfield College. The context which would appear to be good advice for today's generation reads as follows:

6/30/26

Dear Ora Lee:

When in the course of human life five things observe with care: Of whom you speak, to whom you speak and how and when and where.

Your friend, Nola Huskey.

The family appreciated the cards and letters Nola received during her birthday celebration.