Card of Thanks From Gladys Fletcher's Children

This Card of Thanks was published in this weeks
Powder River Examiner, dated Thursday Oct.30,2008

CARD OF THANKS

Two hundred plus friends and family gathered together
on October 18, 2008, to celebrate the 100th birthday of
Gladys Fletcher, at the Ashland Public School Multi-
Purpose Room. Food, visiting and stories abounded, as
all shared in this comfortable relaxed atmosphere.
Friends and relatives traveled from Wyoming, Alaska,
Hawaii, Washington, California, Michigan, Wisconsin,
Utah and of course, Montana to partake of this memorable
event.

Our thanks to all who brought in food items and gifts
as well as those wonderful cards that our mother truly
enjoys reading over and over. Thanks to Ashland Public School
for the use of the multi-purpose room, and also St. Labre
for furnishing extra tables and chairs. Special
acknowledgements to Jeanette Lei and Dulcie Wright for their assistance.

The Children of Gladys Fletcher:

Ted & Peggy Fletcher
Jane & Augustine Lopez
Dick Fletcher

Moving at the Speed of 100 - Afternoons

Afternoons are lazy times at Gladys'.

Cup of coffee and dessert with a couple of hands
of cards follow lunch. Gladys wins at cards, of course.
Sometimes she calls Sam Lei or Ted & Peggy to
see how their day is going. She likes to stay
in touch with family, friends and neighbors.

Mid afternoon is time for a cat nap. Friends start
dropping by around 4. Schedule varies a bit from
day to day.

Yesterday Brace Jorgensen and his mother, Jamie,
showed up with the neighbors. The Jorgensens
recently moved from Otter Creek to Birney and are missed.
Duke Blankenship showed Brace the toy box while
Deb and Jamie caught up on news in the neighborhood
with Gladys and Dick.

Moving at the Speed of 100 - Mornings

Gladys is still catching up on her rest.
Some mornings lately she has stayed in bed
until almost 8am.

The Birthday Celebration continues with cards,
letters and candy arriving daily.

Saturday a huge gold box of candy showed up.

Gladys is up for breakfast before 7 am. She enjoys
oatmeal with blueberries or poached egg on toast with
bacon with a hot cup of coffee or tea.

This morning Gladys washed vegetables for tonights dinner.
She gave the potatoes a good scrub behind their ears.
She cleaned and cut up celery and carrots into sticks.

Her goal is to have played cards, be bathed and dressed
by 11:00 in time to open the mail. Diana Goodwin, the
Mail Carrier, usually arrives at the mailbox just before
11:00. My goal is to get the mail before Dick does...

Lunch starts just before noon, the menu varies. A
nap follows.

Guests are due to arrive this afternoon. They are hunters
from Wausau/Mosinee, Wisconsin. These fellows have been
showing up every fall for 30 years to hunt for mule deer.

Gladys Interviewed on "Jailed for Their Words"- PBS Special - Tonight @ 7pm

Gladys Fletcher is interviewed on this documentary that will be shown on Montana PBS
tonight at 7pm MST.

We're popping corn getting ready to sit down and watch it.

For more information:
http://news.umt.edu/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=4797&Itemid=9

http://www.seditionproject.net/jailed.html

Gladys Makes Front Page of Powder River Examiner

The Thursday October 23rd, 2007 Issue of the Powder River Examiner
features a picture of Gladys Fletcher on its front page. June Persons
took the picture of Gladys and of her family gathering at her 100th Birthday
Celebration last Saturday. Our thanks to June for her wonderful photography.
For more photos of the gathering check out this link:http://www2.snapfish.com/share/p=105201224502477674/l=436108368/g=97953383/otsc=SYE/otsi=SALB

Gladys Sings "Barnacle Bill the Sailor"

The most requested song in Gladys' repetoire is
Barancle Bill the Sailor.

Jane and Angela breakfasted with Dick and Gladys
this morning. After the dishes were cleared,
Angela made her request:
"Grandma, sing Barnacle Bill the Sailor,
please."

Gladys obliged. Angela asked for the words
and after an internet search, it was decided
that the versions on the internet were just a
bit too salty for the grandchildren.

Here are the words to Gladys' version:

Barnacle Bill the Sailor

Who's that knocking at my door?
Who's that knocking at my door?
Who's that knocking at my door?
Cried the fair young maiden.

Its only me from over the Sea
says Barnacle Bill the Sailor.
I'm all lit up like a Christmas tree
says Barnacle Bill the Sailor.

Are you young and handsome, Sir?
Are you young and handsome, Sir?
Are you young and handsome, Sir?
Cried the fair young maiden.

I'm old and rough & dirty and tough,
says Barnacle Bill the Sailor.
And I never have been drunk enough,
says Barnacle Bill the Sailor.

I'm coming down to let you in,
I'm coming down to let you in,
I'm coming down to let you in,
Cried the fair young maiden.

Well, hurry afore I break the door,
says Barnacle Bill the Sailor.
I'll rare, and tear & rant and roar,
says Barnacle Bill the Sailor.

I'm coming down to let you in,
I'm coming down to let you in,
I'm coming down to let you in,
Cried the fair young maiden.

Oh, When will I see you again,
When will I see you again,
When will I see you again,
Cried the fair young maiden.

Never afore I come no more,
Tonight I'm sailing from this shore.
I got me a gal in every port,
says Barnacle Bill the Sailor.

Gladys Sits in Grandma Ort's Rocker for the Afternoon

The multipurpose room at Ashland Public School in Ashland, Montana
was transformed into a place of wonder and delight for Gladys.
She saw friends that she hadn't seen for years. Her favorite
music was playing, handsome men young and old were showering her
with attention, her family gathered around her and the flowers, oh the
flowers kept arriving by the armloads. Gladys glowed, looking lovely in
her print jacket wearing a favorite turquoise necklace.
The walls were covered with the story of her life and wonderful pictures of
her family and friends.
There was a feast set out by Jane and Wayne. The tables were filled with well
wishers.
When the family photograph was taken it took half the room to fit everyone
in and they were squeezed tight.

Gladys

Gladys

We are on our way!!!

The car is leaving to the birthday party!!!
Gladys is excited and looks lovely.

Diamond in the Rough

This poem arrived last night by email

Diamond In The Rough
It takes time to make a diamond.
They are rare, symbolize value, sought after, and no one ever has the right amount.
October 15th, 1908 began a trek for a special gal born on an island named Diamond.
How fitting, now 100 years young, matriarch of loved ones too many to count.

Gladys, you are the diamond in the rough.
Rough times you endured, emerging glowing, shining and tough.

Like a diamond you set an everlasting glow for those you have touched.
Our love and feelings for you will never be too much.


Love The Dahlins

Trick or Treaters at Gladys'

There was a knock at the door, giggling and ....
in come Gladys' Great Grandchildren
wearing Halloween masks and shouting
"Trick or Treat."

Gladys was prepared;
she already had the big candy jar out
and was sporting her "Halloween glasses with
the big nose and mustache".

Soon the kitchen was full of Jane's lovely daughters
and their children. Jane and the girls serenaded
Gladys with "Barnacle Bill the Sailor". Gladys joined
in singing the medly of old favorites.

Izzy Fletcher and her son Dennis, from
Oregon, arrived at just about the same time as Ike,
Mick and Carol Fletcher from Alaska.
Augie, Clark and Otter watched.

Gladys' table was covered with cards, presents,
boxes of candy, honey, jam, blackberry brandy,
an avacado and some pineapple guavas from
California and lots of festive wrapping paper
and ribbons.

Gladys opened cards and presents. She was delighted
with each and every gift. She was showered with
lots of hugs and kisses. Soon the Trick or Treaters
left, the kitchen cleared out leaving Ike and Izzy
sitting at the table with Gladys telling stories
and reciting poetry.

Another knock at the door,
more handsome boys march in.
Its Anthony, Derek and Michael come
round in Ted's old red ranch pick up
to wish Gladys Happy Birthday.

At noon the crowd leaves and Gladys
has lunch and then heads for a well
deserved nap.

The Family Gathers

Last night, family gathered at Jane's house across the road from Gladys'.

Ted and Peggy arrived with their son, Wayne, and his family.
Jane made Gladys' favorite fried chicken , mashed potatoes and gravy.
Peggy made a coconut creme pie.

Jane's husband, Augie, is arriving this evening. Jane had gone to
Billings to pick up two of her daughters coming in from Hawaii and
California.
The Lopez house will be full up by this evening with the grandchildren
and great grandchildren's arrival.

Ike Fletcher showed up from Alaska this morning. He was opening up
gates for Ted, Wayne, and Jordon while they moved cattle from the
Ross place down to the home place.


"There are people coming in from all directions," Gladys said this afternoon.

Centenarian Gladys Fletcher

In todays mail Gladys recieved a letter from Willard Scott:


Willard Scott
Today Show

4001 Nebraska Avenue N W
Washington, DC 20016
202 885 5018

October 2008


Dear Gladys,

In recognition of your 100th birthday, I am
pleased and privileged to send warm and special
greetings for so memorable an event in your long
life of treasured memories.

It is with delight that I offer best wishes to you
for such a lovely and remarkable milestone, my
friend. Happy Birthday, Gladys and may God
bless you.

Affectionately,



Willard Scott

Happy 100th Birthday Gladys!!!

The festivities started early this morning at Gladys'.

Mike, Mark and Mike from Washington and Idaho arrived at Gladys' doorstep with
two big bouquets of flowers. Jane was fixing her mother breakfast and Dick was
working on posters for the party on Saturday.

Dick had been up since 5am and had 3 large pots of coffee brewed for the 3M's
as Mike, Mark and Mike are known as. They are out here hunting antelope.

Gladys is delighted with the big bouquet of roses and bunch of rubrum lilies, chyrsanthemums
and gerbera daisys that the 3M's brought her. Jane brought her Mom a new suit
to wear on Saturday. The phone kept ringing with birthday wishes from around the
country. Tonight Jane is fixing birthday dinner for her Mother.

Dixie, Charlie, Augie, Ted, Mary Jane, and Jeanette are just a few of the folks that have
called to wish Gladys Happy Birthday Tidings. The presents and cards are coming in
and Gladys is just tickled with all the attention.

Jozzy Rose, accompanied by her mother, Ann De Simone, dropped by to share a cookie
with Gladys this morning. Jozzy couldn't wait to get to the toy box after she showed
Gladys her pink cowboy boots.

Celebrating Begins & Gems from Gladys' Memories

The Birthday Cards, Calls and Callers are showing up in earnest now.

This afternoon, Mike Caspers, the Schwans Man, showed up on the doorstep
wishing Gladys a big Happy Birthday. He had a box of her favorite, Strawberry
Sundae, ice cream cups. Gladys was just delighted. Mike had been out the last time
he's been out.

GEMS from GLADYS' MEMORIES

When living at Lambert near Sydney, Montana, as small children, often Emily, Elma, Hi, Alice and Gladys were sent out to gather dried cow chips. Their father, Edward, ran a sand pit, was a carpenter, did cattle work, machinery repair and sharpened tools for neighbors. The cow chips were used for fuel in the cooking stove since there was no other fuel in the area. Gladys
remembers the hills being covered with agates.

Edward and his friend, Bill Burling had read about there being free land for homesteading and made a trip out to Indian Creek to look at the land. They filed on Homestead land with Mr Britton, Land Commissioner

The family moved to Indian Creek with three wagons in 1917. They were headed out to their homestead. Emily drove the wagon with the furniture and household goods. Jenny Mae drove the covered wagon with the bedding, where she and the girls slept. There was a white mare with a blue roan shoulder, foal at heel, that was tied to Jenny's wagon. Gladys remembers her pulling back in the night and rocking the wagon back and forth. Ed and his son, slept under that wagon too. Ed drove an open wagon loaded with farm equipment, the forge and charcoal. During the trip from Sydney to Miles City in 1917, Gladys' brother Hi, decided that he would chop the firewood for the evening's campfire. He nearly chopped off a toe. Due to his wound, he rode on the reech at the back of the wagon. For entertainment, Alice and Gladys would gather bottles found alongside the road. When they saw a car coming in their direction they would alert Hi. He would throw a bottle underneath the wagon wheel breaking it. Shortly after that the car would come to a screeching halt; passengers would jump out to look at the flat tire, swearing, shouting and arm waving would commence.

Soon After their arrival in Miles City, the sheriff showed up and took her father and brother
down to the police station. Gladys' father was fined for the flat tires and his children's
deeds. The Undersheriff was one of the victims, it turns out.

When Hi and his father returned to camp, Alice and Gladys were ready to tease their
brother, until they recieved a stern warning from their father.


JENNIE ORT DIARY ENTRY

Arrived at the Indian Creek Homestead on November 13, 1917.

Amount of improvements 1st year there.
Put in 2 milesof fence.
Broke and put into corn and beans - 6 acres.
Broke and put into garden and potatoes - 3 acres.
Built a cave (cellar) 18 ft. x 30ft
Built a log house.
Built a barn.

Gladys' Young Friends

Gladys
enjoys
visits
from
her young
friends.











Here's Gladys visiting with her young friend Duke.

Duke is telling Gladys about the lift kit on his 4X4.
He says he'll take her for a ride when he gets his
liscence.

Whenever children come by, Gladys is sure to point out the cookie jar.

Dick has put together a toy box full of balls, trucks, dolls, blocks and all things
interesting to little ones.

The Good News

FIRST 100th BIRTHDAY CARD

Gladys recieved her first 100 Birthday Card yesterday from Hunters in Mossinee, Wisconsin.

She was just tickled when she opened the card and a 100 dollar bill fell out.

"Oh, goodie I wasn't expecting this", she grinned broadly.

The Bad News

Not so bad...

The Powder River Examiner from Broadus, MT published
the Invitation for the Celebration of Gladys' 100th Birthday
in todays edition.

However, they published the wrong date!

The gathering will be on Saturday October 18th from 12 to 5pm
in the Multipurpose Room at Ashland Public School. Gladys will be
there ready to see all her friends and family.

Woe, Oh Woe, Gladys Quotes Edgar Allan Poe

Quothe the Raven, "Nevermore"


Today is a cold day in Otter. The thermometer read 22 degrees when Dick came
over to the house at 5 am to get things rolling and to turn the heaters on to warm things up before Gladys wakes..
9 inches of snow is forecast for the next 24 hours. The water in the rain barrel outside
the house is frozen.

Gladys is optimistic.
"Ain't that a fine prospect having it snow, a fellow could get cold if
it keeps going like this," she says.

Gladys loves to say her pieces and she just adores Edgar Allan Poe.

"He's a bit of a depressing fellow but he sure can write good stuff,"
she says launching into the reciting of "The Raven". Her face gets
very animated and her voice deepens. The room gets quiet as we
listen to her recite the lines...

Gladys Is Looking Forwards to Her Party

Gladys said this morning that she's looking forwards to her party.

"I don't want people to make a big deal about me being 100, I just want them
to come and visit and have a good time visiting with me. I just want to see my
friends, tell some stories and remember the good times. They don't have to
always be right on me, they can visit among themselves," said Gladys.

"I'm doing pretty good these days. I exercise every day, eat good and get
around with my walker"

She was sitting at the kitchen table when she remembered the lines from
The Village Blacksmith by Henry Wadsorth Longfellow.

THE VILLAGE BLACKSMITH

Under the spreading chestnut-tree
The village smithy stands;
The smith, a mighty man is he.
With large and sinewy hands;
And the muscles of his brawny arms
Are strong as iron bands.

His hair is crisp, and black, and long,
His face is like the tan;
His brow is wet with honest sweat,
He earns whate'er ha can,
And looks the whole world in the face,
For he owes not any man.

Week in, week out, from morn til night,
You can hear his bellows blow;
You can hear him swing his heavy sledge,
With measured beat and slow,
Like a sexton ringing the village bell,
When the evening sun is low.

And children coming home from school
Look in the open door;
They love to see the flaming forge,
And hear the bellows roar,
And catch the burning sparks that fly
Like chaff from the threashing-floor.

He goes to church on sunday to the church,
And sits among his boys;
He hears the parson pray and preach,
He hears his daughter's voice,
Singing in the church choir,
And it makes his heart rejoice.

It sounds to him like her mother's voice,
Singing in Paradise!
He thinks of her once more,
How in the grave she lies;
And with his heard , rough hand he wipes
A tear out of his eyes.

Toiling, - rejoicing, - sorrowing,
Onward through life he goes;
Each morning sees some task begin,
Each evening sees it close;
Something attempted, something done,
Has earned a night's repose.

Thanks, thanks to thee, my worthy friend,
For the lesson thou hast taught!
Thus at the flaming forge of life
Our fortunes must be wrought;
Thus on its sounding anvil shaped
Each burning deed and thought.

Rattle Your Hocks and Pull Up Your Socks...

"Rattle your Hocks and Pull Up Your Socks and all join hands and circle around" was
one of Merle's square dance calls.
"Sayle Hall used to really jump", says Gladys with her eyes sparkling.
Oh how Gladys loved to dance. She won The Charleston Contest in Broadus Montana
when she was 15 or 16.
The family used to go to dances all over the area. Merle would call the square dances,
Joyce, Dick and Jane would play the piano and accordian along with the band
and Gladys would dance.
Jack and Ted couldn't carry a tune so they'd kick up their heels with the rest of the crowd.

Yesterday Jane called and reminded Gladys of a song that she used to play on the
piano called "Whispering, Shifting Sands".
Heres the link: http//www.deetunes.homestead.com/shifting.html