SYLACAUGA, Ala. – It was 1919.
Woodrow Wilson was the president. Women gained the right to vote with the 19th Amendment. Prohibition had just gone into effect. The Boston Red Sox sold Babe Ruth to the New York Yankees signaling the beginning of the 86-year World Series drought known as the Curse of the Bambino. Half a gallon of milk costed 31 cents.
It was also in 1919 that Tommie Louise Caudle was born. A resident of Sylacauga Health and Rehab, Caudle had her 100th birthday on Wednesday, June 5. When asked about the secret to living to 100 years old, she said she didn’t have one, but, while smiling, she said she liked her age.
“I kinda like being this old,” Caudle said. “Because nobody else is.”
Her caretaker, Jean Persons, cited Caudle’s strong faith in God as a reason for her 100-year milestone. Caudle is the longest member of First Baptist Church of Sylacauga.
“This is something that most people don’t get to celebrate,” Persons said. “I’m just honored that I get the opportunity to celebrate it with her. She’s special to me. She’s special.”
Persons said she never thought she would get to celebrate Caudle’s 100th birthday. Persons said Caudle is a die-hard Alabama fan. She attended the University of Alabama and Judson College.
Caudle is having her birthday party on Saturday, June 8.
