MEDICINE HAT, AB – The year is 1919.
Robert Borden is the eighth Prime Minister in Canadian history and gasoline is a mere $0.25 per gallon.
This is also the year Evelyn Stall was brought into the world.
Fast forward to 2019 and we’re here in Medicine Hat celebrating Stall’s momentous occasion.
Her 100th birthday!
“It feels rather new, I haven’t been 100 before,” she laughed.” Consequently, this honor is a bit much in my mind.”
Stall was all smiles on Saturday afternoon, as she was surrounded by friends and family who traveled from near and far.
Born in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, Stall says she’s always been a curious person, wanting to seek out the joys of life.
“I lived near Spring Valley until I was three. Basically, moved into the City and started school at 4.5 and became a student, which is a very valuable title in your life because a student never stops learning. Just because I’m 100 doesn’t mean I’m going to sit around, eat an apple and get wise. No sirree, not me kiddo!”
From there, Stall grew up and had several careers in the writing-industry.
“I became the editor of the technical schools magazine in Moose Jaw. Later on, I became the editor of the 30-page gazette at the hospital. I gave 25,000 volunteer hours to the hospital. Basically, my career was being involved with other people, planning things for them. I’m not stopping because I’m on an age limit. I’m not on a road where it says ‘only 50-miles an hour’. All it says is ‘go, don’t stop’.”
She then moved to Medicine Hat at the age of 62 and has lived here ever since.
Over her time, Stall says one of her key contributions to society was her countless hours as a volunteer.
“Volunteer is a part of my life, always has been, always will be.”
Over her 100-years, Stall says she has seen a lot.
But, her most memorable moment was meeting Queen Elizabeth II.
“I did work with her when she came to open the 75th anniversary of Moose Jaw. I had the opportunity of meeting with her and just nodded my head. I loved her. She was kind and now, she’s an elderly lady like myself. I still keep in touch. I have two-medals and I have a portrait she signed on my behalf.”
Now, if you’re looking for a tip to make it to 100, Stall put it very simply.
“Eat carefully. Don’t believe all the good things in the paper that say they’ll cure you. Don’t get sick. Eat with health in mind.”
Stall added she never imagined she would be celebrating her 100th birthday.
“At a very young age, I thought 60 would be my limit. Now, I’m going for one-hundred-and-a-half.”
