When you've lived in the same town for 100 years, you have an opportunity to make a lot of friends.
Edith B. Nettleton has made the most of that opportunity. That was clear at a birthday party thrown for her recently, in the Edith B. Nettleton Community Room at the Guilford Free library.
Nettleton was the town's first librarian and she remains active, not only at the library, but in the community. She has lived in the same house for 100 years and has relatives who live nearby, along with her many friends. Cindy Chasney, Nettleton's caretaker, who attended the birthday party at the library, said that support and those friendships are a large part of what sustains Nettleton.
"She's amazing," said Chasney, who attended the party with her own mother-in-law. "She has lots of friends. She takes good care of herself. Her vices are chocolate and coffee ice cream."
She looked over at Nettleton, sitting in the corner of the room named after her, as one group of friends and fans after another approached her to wish her well on the occasion of her 105th. There were people there who had been friends for years, for decades, or even more. And there were people who were there because they were inspired by Nettleton, her good work, and her longevity. They just wanted to meet this wonder of a woman.
Chasney turned to talk with her mother-in-law, sitting next to her on the window seat nearby Nettleton.
"Just look at her," Chasney said, then turning towards Nettleton in her corner chair surrounded by friends. "No children. No husband. No wrinkles."
She and her mother-in-law looked at each other and laughed.
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