Celebrating 99 Years

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Celebrating birthdays is always a joyous occasion, but some are definitely more noteworthy than others. Rebecca (aka Becky, Mom, Grandma, GG) celebrated her 99th birthday the other day. We made it back from the East Coast just in time to celebrate with her. She was still in Rehab when we arrived, but she got “sprung” mid-morning on her birthday ... another cause for celebration. rebecca

She was happy to be back in her own digs with her family and friends. She arrived in time to get settled and then head to lunch. A cake, flowers, cards, gifts, beaucoup well wishes and a grand party ensued. She agreed it was fine birthday celebration, but she's already looking forward to the big 100th next year.

birthday cake

Even the First Couple sent their greetings for her 99th!

greetings from the white house

So … what else happened in 1917?

Well, lots of other famous people were born in 1917 including President John F. Kennedy, actress Zsa Zsa Gabor, singer Ella Fitzgerald, Indian Prime Minister Indira Ghandi, jazz musician Thelonius Monk and artist Andrew Wyeth among others.

The world was in a turmoil. The USA declared war against Germany on April 6, 1917 and thus began America's involvement in WWI. The Selective Service Act passed the US Congress giving President Woodrow Wilson the power of conscription. The draft began in June 1917.

In the musical world, “Livery Stable Blues” became the first jazz recording commercially released.

Other “hits” of the year included:

Dark Town Strutter's Ball

For Me & My Gal

Bring Back My Daddy to Me

Hail, Hail The Gang's All Here

Over There (George M. Cohan)

Other happenings …

  • JRR Tolkien, author of The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings trilogy, began writing the first tales of Middle-Earth.

  • The first Pulitzer prizes were awarded.

  • Marshmallow creme, better known as “Marshmallow Fluff" in the USA, is a New England creation invented in 1917 by Archibald Query of Somerville, Massachusetts.

  • The electrified kitchen cabinet was also invented. Regrettably, this one never took off!

    electrified kitchen cabinet invented in 1917

Like Rebecca, we're pleased she had a good time, glad we were part of it and look forward to next year's centenary celebration. Let's start planning!