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100 Years Of Reminiscing
On Saturday, August 14, 2021 La Harpe's two oldest citizens, Elsie Magin and Gladys Eppley got together for a little bit of reminiscing.
Elsie will be 101 November 11th and Gladys turned 100 on July 2nd.
Topics discussed were, when they remembered getting electricity, La Harpe in the 30s and 40s, what they had in common in the past, how their pasts differed, how they met their husbands, and what was the biggest thing for them.
Getting electricity was a big thing back in their early years. Gladys said probably around 1948. Elsie said she remembered getting it in 1937.
La Harpe, in the past, had a skating rink, and both ladies remembered going skating. Another activity they both enjoyed, was bowling.
Gladys remembered going to the movies at the ‘Amuse u' theater, which was owned by Elsie and her husband Howard Magin.
Elsie and Howard had owned the theater and then the bowling alley, both in La Harpe.
Elsie eventually went to work at Sylvania in Burlington, Iowa.
Gladys and her husband George had always been farmers in the Durham area. After retiring from farming, they moved to La Harpe, into the home where Gladys' mother had lived.
When asked how they met their husbands, Gladys said she and George both went to Durham Church and met there.
Elsie said she met Howard when she was in high school, Howard was visiting his brother in Ferris for the July 4th festivities, but did not have a date. A friend of Elsie's thought Elsie should be Howard's date for the day.
They then started dating, getting married in 1940.
When asked "what was the biggest thing you have seen in your 100 years?", Gladys was quick to reply, "The Space Age!"
The two ladies have so many interesting stories from their past 100 years.
Yes, the stories are interesting but, it is the way these ladies tell them that make them so interesting.
These are two remarkable ladies who have lived through some very interesting times.
wo 100-year-old happy ladies, Gladys Eppley and Elsie Magin of La Harpe, met up this past week for a long overdue visit and had a good time sharing some great stories that went back to the days of bringing electricity into their homes.