Gladys Williams (right), 104 years old Friday, celebrated with family — including daughter Mary Beth Harper of Santa Paula (left) first time at her Ventura Townehouse residence and later at the Glen Tavern Inn, which like Gladys was “born” in 1911.

‘Always’: Gladys celebrates 104th
birthday with special celebration

June 10, 2015
Santa Paula News

When Gladys Williams celebrated her birthday Friday she was enjoying a unique venue with which she has much in common — both Gladys and the Glen Tavern Inn are now 104 years old!

Gladys, family and friends started the day with a party at the Ventura Townehouse where she has resided since 1999.

“It was their regular wine and cheese party,” said Mary Beth Harper of Santa Paula, Gladys’ daughter. 

The pianist sang “Happy Birthday” for Gladys the two others celebrating their special day and then something just for the oldest.

“He played Mom’s favorite song,” written by famed songwriter Irving Berlin; the tune “Always” was a wedding gift for his wife.

The song was written in 1925 and Gladys, born in 1911, would have been about 14 when she heard the tune that became one of Berlin’s biggest hits. 

Following the Townehouse celebration, family and friends “had a wonderful dinner at Enzo’s,” the perfect setting for Gladys’ 104th birthday, especially because said Harper, “The Glen Tavern Inn opened in 1911 so they are the same age!”

Gladys was born in Adams Township, Michigan, and Harper said her mother credits her good health and longevity to growing up on a farm.

“She said they always ate what they grew, no preservatives in the food, everything fresh and homegrown.”

Gladys has two distinctions where she now lives: not only is she the longest continuous resident of the Ventura Townehouse, but she is also the oldest.

A Santa Paula resident for 22 years, Harper sees here mother about three days a week and they recently attended the St. Paul’s/Emmanuel Church Tea.

Otherwise Gladys prefers to stay at the Townehouse: “She’s not much of a shopper,” Harper laughed.

The family tree does not include centenarians. 

“To my knowledge she is the first to reach 100 although her parents lived to be in their 80s,” considered very elderly in those days before younger thinking and advanced medicine.

Gladys is “Doing remarkably well,” and is her physician’s oldest patient.

And, people are often startled to learn her age as “She doesn’t really look 104!” said Harper.

Coincidentally, Irving Berlin, the writer of Gladys’ favorite song, also was a centenarian, passing when he was 101. 

Longevity might just have something to do with that famed tune of his: “Always”…





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