Not many people can say they have lived 100 years and even fewer can say they have their own day. Thelma Ruth Masey is the exception as she celebrated her 100th birthday last Saturday and had Jan. 14 declared as her day.
NHC resident Masey was surrounded by friends and family while she celebrated her 100 years of life on Saturday. When asked how it feels to turn 100 she said, “It feels really pretty good.”
At her 100th Birthday party, McMinnville Mayor Ryle Chastain honored Masey with a proclamation proclaiming Jan. 14, 2023 as “Thelma Ruth Masey Day.”
The proclamation states, “Whereas Thelma Ruth Masey will be turning 100 years old on this day and she is a native of Warren County and a resident of McMinnville with the exception of five years which she spent between Cookeville and Nashville. Whereas she has been a dedicated citizen and loyal supporter of the city of McMinnville. Whereas she has held a variety of jobs throughout the city during her lifetime, having retired from Spar-Gas at the age of 83, and whereas she has been a faithful and active member of the First United Methodist Church and, whereas she is a loving mother and grandmother, and a kind and loyal friend to all she meets, and whereas she is currently a resident of NHC Healthcare McMinnville and although she is wheelchair-bound, she continues to impress the staff and visitors with her sharp memory and quick wit.”
Displayed at the party was a list of how things were back in 1923 along with pictures of Masey throughout the years. The list stated that a Chevrolet Roadster cost $570, a woman’s dress cost $2.50, eggs were 13 cents a dozen, bacon cost 25 cents per pound, a refrigerator was $50, a movie ticket was 33 cents and a six-room house cost $4,000.
World events happening in 1923 include: King Tut’s tomb opened, Yankee Stadium opened, Time Magazine began, Insulin was developed, Warner Brothers was established and the Great Kanto Earthquake shook Japan. Born in 1923 were: Rocky Marciano, Bob Barker, Hank Williams, Charlton Heston, Ed McMahon and Estelle Getty.
“Thelma Ruth Masey Day” was a very special day for Masey and her friends and family.
