Age is mind over matter, if you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter! I recently paid a visit to local resident Helen Henry at her apartment at Shepherd of Grace in Becker. Helen greeted me at her door cheerfully, with a spring in her step. You would never suspect she will celebrate her 100th birthday in early March!
Helen is full of vim and vigor; spry and upbeat. I’m certain her positive attitude has played a major role in how well she’s aged. She is the picture of health and truly an inspiration. She has always lived an active lifestyle.
Helen was born in St. Cloud March 5, 1915 to George and Mary Kiffmeyer. Her family moved to the Clear Lake area in 1918. She grew up working on the farm and enjoying the simple things in life. For entertainment, she enjoyed going to see outdoor movies in Clearwater occasionally. They had to take the ferry to get to Clearwater since there was no bridge. She said outdoor movies were much more affordable.
Because money was tight, Helen got a job with her cousins (Bergers and Eilers) at the age of 14 working at St. Mary’s Hospital in Minneapolis. Helen said: “They were recruiting farm girls because they knew how to work.” The girls earned $30 per month and sent $20 of it home to help their parents with expenses. Helen recalled: “If we got off our shift early we would run as fast as we could 7 blocks to 7 Corners. If we got there before 7, we could get in for a dime. If it was after 7, it was 20 cents and we had to turn around because we couldn’t afford to pay that.” The girls got to go home for the weekend every 6-8 weeks.
Other jobs Helen had over the years included keeping house for her brother Ernie until he got married; home health care; a stint at Fingerhut and an insurance company.
After Helen and Newell got married and moved north of Becker, they had a small hobby farm and raised four children - Alan, Jim, Colleen and Kathy. The Henrys raised chickens, Hereford cattle, pigs, rabbits and lambs-only a couple of each. Helen recalled how the kids were very happy growing up that they always had an animal to pet.
They had a large garden with corn, melons, beets, carrots, onions and lettuce. They did a lot of canning. Helen told me: “We really enjoyed living off the land.”
Helen and Newell lived near my family growing up and were highly regarded by my parents. My sisters and I recently reminisced how when we’d drive by their place we would be sure to stop and look because their yard was so neatly manicured and delightful.
In retirement, Helen and Newell participated in many parades with their 1932 Model A. They also were active volunteers for Meals on Wheels. They also enjoyed traveling - visiting places such as Alaska, New York, California and Arizona several times. They also went on a Caribbean cruise.
Helen has a very positive outlook, despite having experienced her share of heartbreak. Newell passed away in 2004 and she also suffered the loss of two of her children - Kathy and Alan. Helen has also lost many friends of relatives as a result of living to the age of 100.
Although Helen isn’t living in the country anymore, she was able to garden at Shepherd of Grace for several years after she first moved to Becker. She was active in the gardening club until the club was discontinued due to declining membership.
Helen participates in almost every activity at Shepherd of Grace, which includes listening to music performed and playing a variety of card games and bingo. She would attend church there except her children want her to attend with them at her lifelong parish of St. Marcus Catholic Church - where she has been an active member for an astounding 97 years!
She really enjoys playing cards and is part of a group of widowed and single ladies (Overteen Solos) that play cards twice a month in Palmer. The day I visited Helen I found her working on a word find and a crossword puzzle. No wonder she’s so sharp!
Helen really enjoys living at Shepherd of Grace, but confided in me: “If I had known I’d stay this healthy and live this long, I would have stayed on the farm longer! There’s nothing like your own home.” She’s so healthy she doesn’t take a single pill. Helen told me: “Living to 100 is fun - try it!”
When I think of the changes she’s seen in her lifetime, it intrigues me. Woodrow Wilson was in the White House. According to some research I did, the average annual wage was $687 (half of that if you were a woman). A new Model T would set you back around $490 and gas averaged 15 cents per gallon. A loaf of bread cost seven cents and a quart of milk was nine cents. A new house averaged $3,200.
When I asked Helen the secret to aging so gracefully, she replied: “I’m keeping the recipe until I get old. Then I’ll sell it!” Obviously, she’s got a great sense of humor, as well.
Helen is humble about her life’s accomplishments but she is an inspiration to many. If you would like to celebrate Helen’s 100th birthday, join Helen and her family at St. Marcus Catholic Church in Clear Lake Sunday, March 8 from 1-3pm
