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Crenshaw with her granddaughter Nakeshia Brown

Hitting the century mark

By Michael Butler

In 1916, 7 cents would purchase you a ticket to the picture show. 100 years later, the cost has escalated more than 100 times that amount.

Two Tallasseeans turned 100 last week; Mary Crenshaw and Rose Grady. Both ladies are members at the Tallassee Senior Center. The Community Center held a ceremony to honor them both on Friday.

Family and friends gathered. Grady was unable to attend, but Crenshaw was on hand to take it all in.

When asked if she recalled much about the year she was born she replied, "No, I don't."

Hooks displaying the birthday card from Mrs. Crain's class at Tallassee Elementary School
Blalock and Payne presenting the proclamation with Crenshaw, Brown and great-granddaughter Niya Davis

The Chicago Cubs played their first game at Wrigley Field in 1916. A new home cost about $6,000. A brand new car was $440 on average. A loaf of bread was just a nickel.

In addition to a city proclamation presented by mayor Bobby Payne and a certificate of recognition sent from the governor's office, Mrs. Jennifer Crain's Tallassee Elementary School class made her a birthday card.

Crenshaw and her minister Mike McElroy

Crenshaw worked for years at Community Hospital. She was born in Greenville, Ala. She has one son, four grandchildren and four more great-grandchildren.

"She has never looked her age," said city councilman and friend Charles Blalock.

Tallassee Senior/Community Center director Jahazel Hooks spoke about Crenshaw.

"Ms. Crenshaw is a faithful member of our society. She's here every day," she said. "Our theme song is "Happy." She dances to the song."

Willard Scott would be proud.

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