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Centenarian George Peterson recalls proud life while neighbors celebrate
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| Good memory: Tearful at times, George Peterson has plenty to talk about, discussing his life that spans 101 years. (Thelma Grimes/photo.) |
Thelma Grimes/San Pedro Valley News-Sun
Spinning around the dance floor with the ladies, Benson's George Peterson celebrated turning 101 in style recently with neighbors and friends.
Arlene Holcomb said neighbors and friends threw Peterson the party on Oct. 24.
Sitting on the front porch of his house in the San Pedro Resort Community off State Route 80, Peterson talked about his life, sometimes with tears and sometimes with a smile, especially when it came to his learning to dance.
Peterson said he was happy that all the women wanted to dance with him at his party, noting that "I never had lessons; I just learned to dance by listening to the music by myself."
In his long life, Peterson has seen and done it all. The soft-spoken gentleman has lived through the swearing in of 19 different U.S. Presidents. Teddy Roosevelt was in the White House when Peterson was born.
Peterson was born in what many historians refer to as the Progressive Era, a time when democracy, women's rights and economic depression were the major themes in society.
Peterson was a young teenager when women got the right to vote in 1920. He has been around for many historic moments, including two world wars, the Vietnam War, the Kennedy assassination
He was around to see the country change presidents, and has seen the U.S. in good times and bad. Recalling the days before computers, in a tough labor climate, Peterson said he remembers changes brought forth under President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, and recalled how excited he was when he received a $2 raise.
"I just always excelled at whatever I was doing," he said. "I guess I just liked to work."
His working days started when he quit school around age 14 and worked as an office boy. He worked many trades throughout his life, and served in the U.S. Navy.
Peterson described how tough it was to serve on a naval ship in those days. Being at sea could drive a man crazy. In service, Peterson was able to see other parts on the world, including Japan, where he was stationed for a short time.
In his later years, Peterson found his way to Los Angeles where he drove a bus.
When asked about the secret to a long, healthy life, Peterson said, "Life is tough, but I would say do a lot of exercise, and watch what you eat. Anyone that keeps their weight down has it real good. Don't wait until you are 80 years old and then expect to be slim and trim. You have to work at it."
Peterson seemed happy about the life he has led, and talked a little about how it began. With a tear, Peterson said his father left when he was six, leaving his mom to care for him and his younger sisters. Peterson talked fondly about his mother and sisters
Residents of the San Pedro Community said they love Peterson. Holcomb said he tells wonderful stories, and each week joins them for dinner at the VFW.
Peterson said while everyone around him seems to want to celebrate his turning 101, he just appreciates all they have done, and was especially proud of the party and good time he had with friends and neighbors.
Spinning around the dance floor with the ladies, Benson's George Peterson celebrated turning 101 in style recently with neighbors and friends.
Arlene Holcomb said neighbors and friends threw Peterson the party on Oct. 24.
Sitting on the front porch of his house in the San Pedro Resort Community off State Route 80, Peterson talked about his life, sometimes with tears and sometimes with a smile, especially when it came to his learning to dance.
Peterson said he was happy that all the women wanted to dance with him at his party, noting that "I never had lessons; I just learned to dance by listening to the music by myself."
In his long life, Peterson has seen and done it all. The soft-spoken gentleman has lived through the swearing in of 19 different U.S. Presidents. Teddy Roosevelt was in the White House when Peterson was born.
Peterson was born in what many historians refer to as the Progressive Era, a time when democracy, women's rights and economic depression were the major themes in society.
Peterson was a young teenager when women got the right to vote in 1920. He has been around for many historic moments, including two world wars, the Vietnam War, the Kennedy assassination
He was around to see the country change presidents, and has seen the U.S. in good times and bad. Recalling the days before computers, in a tough labor climate, Peterson said he remembers changes brought forth under President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, and recalled how excited he was when he received a $2 raise.
"I just always excelled at whatever I was doing," he said. "I guess I just liked to work."
His working days started when he quit school around age 14 and worked as an office boy. He worked many trades throughout his life, and served in the U.S. Navy.
Peterson described how tough it was to serve on a naval ship in those days. Being at sea could drive a man crazy. In service, Peterson was able to see other parts on the world, including Japan, where he was stationed for a short time.
In his later years, Peterson found his way to Los Angeles where he drove a bus.
When asked about the secret to a long, healthy life, Peterson said, "Life is tough, but I would say do a lot of exercise, and watch what you eat. Anyone that keeps their weight down has it real good. Don't wait until you are 80 years old and then expect to be slim and trim. You have to work at it."
Peterson seemed happy about the life he has led, and talked a little about how it began. With a tear, Peterson said his father left when he was six, leaving his mom to care for him and his younger sisters. Peterson talked fondly about his mother and sisters
Residents of the San Pedro Community said they love Peterson. Holcomb said he tells wonderful stories, and each week joins them for dinner at the VFW.
Peterson said while everyone around him seems to want to celebrate his turning 101, he just appreciates all they have done, and was especially proud of the party and good time he had with friends and neighbors.
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