Centennial honours two local centenarians
Two of Swift Current’s centenarians were honoured on Sunday with a short ceremony and tea at the Swift Current museum.
Ida Brekken and Ann Robins were each presented with a special certificate by Mayor Jerrod Schafer honouring their achievements.
“I tell you, a feel like a queen,” Robins joked afterwards. “My name is Ann, so I’m calling myself Queen Ann.”
“It feels pretty good,” Brekken said after receiving her certificate. “It’s really wonderful.”
The Swift Current Centennial Committee was behind the idea to honour the area’s centenarians. Committee co-chair Dave Spencer said it seemed like a natural way to recognize the city’s history.
“When you start to think of 100 years, you know you have 100 years as a community, but then you start to think ‘are there individuals in this community who are 100 years (old),” Spencer said after the ceremony.
“The city
staff who
Centenarians Ida Brekken (left) and Ann Robins (right) pose for a photo during a reception at the Swift Current Museum. worked on this were able to identify a number of (them).”
While both ladies are from the area they had never me before today, although they did take different paths to get where they are. Brekken has lived in the Swift Current area for most of her life, while Robins, who grew up near Ponteix, left the area with her husband during the Great Depression. She returned a few years ago.
Unsurprisingly however, they’ve both seen similar changes over the last 100 years.
“You can press a button now and do things we had to work hard for,” Brekken said. “There was a lot of work (to do) when we were born.”
“There’s no comparison from 100 years ago to today,” Robins agreed. “It’s hard to imagine that it ever happened, (considering) the things that can be done today. When my dad started to farm they farmed with four oxen, and now they farm with a huge tractor.”
As the years continue to roll by, each centenarian maintains a positive outlook about life. They enjoy living in the area, and, when asked if they had any advice, were quick to encourage young people to work hard and be thankful for what they have.
It’s an unsurprising but important reminder from two people who came of age during the height of the Depression.
“I’d just say appreciate what you’ve got,” Robins said. “Be kind to people and be thankful for everything you get.”
“I too think you should be kind to people,” Brekken agreed. “Try to help all you can.”
Organizers say they are unsure about the number of centenarians in the area, but know there are at least six who are already 100 or over. They say two more local residents will turn 100 before the year ends.
Organizers invited several centenarians to the event, but only two accepted.