Dallas Center is proud of its Senior Citizens and the many contributions made by them in the life of the community.  There are quite a number who are in their upper eighties who have lived here many of those years.  We will list only those who have attained the age of 90 or more as of 1969, Dallas Center's centennial year.

          Johnnie Anderson was born April 11, 1872, in Vemerbee, Sweden.  He came to America to the state of Indiana in 1892.  In 1903, he came to Dallas Center with a group of men to work for the Sullivan Brothers at ditching and tiling.  This was a new but very necessary trade at that time and played a great part in converting swampland areas into good farming land.  Johnnie evidently liked Dallas Center as he had stayed here since that time, living in the same home 66 years.  Johnnie Anderson, Dallas Center's eldest citizen at the beginning of the centennial year, passed away February 5, 1969, at the age of 96 years.

          Mrs. Frank gift, the former Ruth Anna Barmore, was born February 25, 1873, in Illinois.  She was married to Frank Gift and they came to Dallas Center in 1908, remaining until 1936.  Following the death of her husband, she returned in 1962, and made her home with her daughter, Lois Elliott.  Mrs. Gift was 96 on February 25, 1969.  Mrs. Gift passed away May 23, 1969.

          Joseph B. Flora was born near Roanoke, VA., November 30, 1874.  After having lived in Kansas, the family moved to Dallas Center in 1944, residing here since that time.  Mr. and Mrs. Flora are the parents of 12 children, one deceased.  In April., 1968, they observed their seventieth wedding anniversary and all 11 of their remaining children were in attendance.  Mr. Flora will be 95 November 30, 1969.

          Kathryn Neff was born April 12, 1876, at Clive, Iowa.  She moved with her parents to Dallas Center in 1886, at the age of 10 years.  She was taught in both country and town schools and served a number of years as city librarian.  She has been a resident of Dallas Center 83 years and was 93 years of age April 12, 1969.

          Mrs. Harry Neff, the former Bertha Coons of Adel, was born there April 14, 1876.  She was a teacher in country schools in the Adel area.  She was married to Harry Neff in 1900 and moved to the farm home south of Dallas Center, where she still lives.  This "house of seven gables" which Mrs. Neff has called home for the past 69 years, was built by John White, Stanley White's grandfather, in 1869, making it as old as the town of Dallas Center.  Mrs. Neff was 93 April 14, 1969.

          Grace Cramer Miller, daughter of the John W. Cramer's, was born in Dallas Center July 28, 1877.  Her father operated a livery barn here for a number of years.  Grace attended the Dallas Center schools and worked in Brenton Brother's Bank before her marriage in 1916 to Harry Miller, local undertaker and furniture store owner.  Grace has lived her entire 92 years in Dallas Center, making her the Senior Citizen of 1969, who has been a resident of Dallas Center the greatest number of years.

          Mrs. John Keller, the former Katie Schock, was born October 2, 1879, in Washington Boro, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.  She was married to John Keller in 1910, and came to the Dallas Center community early in 1911, where she has since resided.

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          Senior Citizens are not only products of this community; they are and have been builders of the community.  Dallas Center acknowledges its indebtedness to them and their generation.  It is proud of them.  It, with the cooperation of the Church of the Brethren, is in the process of building a home and infirmary for them and their increasing number.  This home is named Spurgeon Manor.  Toward this project, more than $125,000 was contributed during the initial financial campaign by numerous donors.  In addition to this, the pioneer Brenton family is contributing the land for the facility.  Much credit in the initiation of this project is deserved by Rev. George W. Harvey, former pastor of the Church of the Brethren, and first president of the board of this corporation.

          The present members of the general committee, board and officers of the home are the following:  Ray A. Emmert, president;  C. Robert Brenton, vice-president and chairman, building committee;  Geraldine Collins, secretary;  Thomas N. Scott, treasurer;  John C. McDonald, counsel;  Burton Burnett, chairman, finance committee;  Fred Battles, chairman, administration committee;  Dr. Wm. A. Castles;  Harley Erb;  Roger Herr;  Lowell Marshall;  Hazel Moeckly;  William Stine;  Darlene Garwick;  Martin Stine.

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