Lynbrook resident celebrates 105 years

The year that Helen Gebhard was born, the United States began construction on the Panama Canal. The New York City subway system opened on October 27, and the first New Year’s Eve celebration was held in Times Square, then known as Longacre Square, in New York.

On December 26, 2009, Gebhard celebrated her 105th birthday among friends and family at Sunrise of North Lynbrook on December 26, 2009. “I am crying, but I think they’re tears of joy,” she said.
Gebhard was born and grew up in the Bedford -Stuyvesant section of Brooklyn, one of eight children of immigrant parents. Her father, John, came from Germany, and her mother, Ann McCormick, was from Ireland. They met in America.
At an early age, Gebhard and her three sisters Veronica, Winifred and Helen made a pact that they would never marry, but rather take care of their parents. According to Gebhard’s nephew, Paul Gebhard, the girls bought a house in Forest Hills Gardens, and they lived there with their parents and one brother, Lawrence.
“She was the workhorse of the family,” said her nephew, Paul. “Even though the chores were split, she took care of her brothers and sisters for all of their lives.” Paul said that Helen was the cook of the family. She is the last surviving sibling.
Gebhard was a school teacher, a school board member and a guidance counselor, retiring from the Queens public school system over 40 years ago at the age of 65. “She has a sense of humor,” said Paul, “but she is also very realistic.” He said that his aunt enjoyed traveling, and was a frequent visitor to Florida, quite often to play a round of golf.
“I’ve known Helen for five years,” said Rona Siaca, director of community relations at Sunrise of North Lynbrook. “She’s a very elegant lady with some great stories to tell.” Siaca said that everyone there is fond of Helen, and that she’s well respected and loved by everyone. “She loves to dance, and always has a smile of her face. She is quite a lady.”

What was life like in 1904?
The average life expectancy in the US was 47.

The average wage was 22 cents an hour.

Eggs were 14 cents a dozen, coffee 15 cents a pound.