McKnight’s: A History of Honoring Centenarians at St. John’s
“Mrs. Halsey Irwin of St. John’s Home will celebrate her 100th birthday on Saturday, April 8.”
The St. John’s press release dated April 5, 1978 continues on with details of a planned celebration for her upcoming milestone birthday: “Mrs. Irwin is affectionately known as ‘Aunt Christine’ to her many friends at the (St. John’s) Home. There will be a party in her honor.”
“St. John’s has a rich history of celebrating some of its oldest residents.”
An oversized hardcover journal chronicles Irwin’s time living at St. John’s Home throughout the 1970s. The well-preserved book features a poem she wrote on her 92nd birthday in 1970 as well as some of the correspondence she received after reaching the 100- year milestone in 1978. That includes a postcard from then-President of the United States and future centenarian Jimmy Carter and his wife Rosalyn. Enclosed in the book are also notes of congratulations from other politicians, friends, and a St. John’s evening nurse who shared the name Christine.
When it comes to longevity, a lot has changed since Aunt Christine lived at St. John’s Home a half century ago (actually, she first came to live at St. John’s in 1967 prior to her 90th birthday). According to 1980 census data there were 14,200 centenarians in the United States, a number that will rise to 120,000 Americans in 2025, according to estimates.
Still, St. John’s has been steadfast in helping residents and their families celebrate important moments in their lives– particularly milestone birthdays and anniversaries.
McKnight’s Long-Term Care drew upon Irwin’s experience in the 1970s to help frame the annual Centenarian Celebration at St. John’s Home, which celebrated eight residents who have turned 100 years old or older last month.
Read Table for 8, please: Centenarian Celebration features oldest nursing home residents sharing keys to longevity by Zee Johnson.