Lee Lawyer was born when Roosevelt was around.
No, not FDR. The other one, Teddy.
Mr. Lawyer was born just a few months after Teddy left the White House, and this Thursday he’ll celebrate his 100th birthday.
Mr. Lawyer is slowed a bit and uses a walker, but his mind remains sharp. He and his wife, Alfreda, live on Maple Road in Cobleskill.
He was born in Carlisle and worked on the family farm there before moving to Cobleskill. After being in several retail jobs, Mr. Lawyer worked at the SUNY Cobleskill heating plant, retiring in 1978.
So what does he attribute his longevity to?
”I just live a normal life. . .and eat a lot of sweets,” Mr. Lawyer said, laughing.
Another secret is that he drinks a combination of honey and vinegar.
“About half and half each, as much as you want,” he said.
But Mrs. Lawyer had another theory. They’ve been married 18 years, and she’s his third wife.
“I wanted to say women kept him going,” she laughed.
Being active helps, too. Mr. Lawyer still drives, enjoys time with Mrs. Lawyer’s family, and bowled until he was 97.
“I hit my knee with a bowling ball, so I had to give it up,” he said.
Mr. Lawyer’s also been active in the First Baptist Church in Cobleskill, where he’s been a member since 1947. He retired as head usher two years ago.
The changes Mr. Lawyer’s seen––from the horse-and-buggy days on dirt roads to a man on the moon––still amaze him.
“I thought that one day we’d have telephones and we could see who was calling,” he said. “And now we can do that.”
First Baptist is planning a celebration later, and on Thursday, Willard Scott is expected to announce Mr. Lawyer’s birthday on the Today Show.
Also on tap for Thursday are family and a birthday cake.
“We’ll have a quiet day,” Mr. Lawyer said.