Jane Barfoot-Hodde at left, with Irene O’Neill and Tom Welch
Saturday, July 13 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Olga
By Tom Welch
Many important events occurred in 1913. Woodrow Wilson was President of the United States. Mexico had a revolution, and the Uruguayan Air Force was founded. The 16th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was ratified, instituting income tax for all Americans. Ford introduced the assembly line, the Woolworth Building was the tallest building in the world, the first prize was inserted in a Cracker Jack box, and Charlie Chaplin began his film career. The Lincoln Highway, the first paved automobile road across the U.S., was dedicated. R.J.Reynolds introduced a new cigarette brand – Camels.
Those born in 1913 included actors and actresses (Loretta Young, John Garfield, Red Skelton, Burt Lancaster, Vivien Leigh, Lloyd Bridges, Danny Kaye, Tyrone Power), politicians (Richard Nixon, Gerald Ford), athletes (Jesse Owens, Vince Lombardi), and American heroines (Rosa Parks). To this stellar assemblage one small voice was added on December 8, 1913, at Woodside Farm, Orcas Island, Washington: Jane Willis. Of all those listed above, only one remains: Jane Willis Barfoot-Hodde.
Jane was born on the farm her grandparents homesteaded in 1887, attended school at the Olga Schoolhouse through the Eighth Grade, and graduated in the first graduating class from Orcas Island High School in 1931. Jane married Jack Barfoot, and with him had three children: Irene, Frances, and Harold. Some years after Jack passed away, Jane married Charles Hodde and moved to Olympia. After Charles Hodde passed away, Jane returned to Olga, where she still lives in the house across the road from the Energetics Club.
Come join Jane’s friends, neighbors, and relations at a celebration of Jane’s life for her 100th Birthday. On July 13th from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at her home in Olga there will be fun, food, warm reminiscences, and a chance to say hello to a wonderful Centenarian. Everyone is welcome.
Directions: follow the Olga Road to Downtown Olga, mind the people dancing in the streets, park and join the festivities!
Happy Birthday Jane, we will be there…. great memories at Nellie S. Milton and OHS…She always gave me two servings at lunch with smile….
What a wonderful party Jane! It was great like the Old Island Parties and Weddings were! (the Whole Island Invited) It was a blessing to celebrate with you today.
Spirit Eagle and Domenic Verbano
My parents,were Rod and Dorothy Willis.Happy Birthday Jane.
I hope someone can get this message to Jane for me:
I came across the article above during a search to find my former landlord from Olympia, Charles Hodde. I was saddened to find his obituary, but thought Jane might appreciate knowing I was thankful to her husband for being kind, helpful and honest during the couple of years I rented his house on Yelm Hwy–I loved living on the lake there. He always impressed me as being a gentleman with great common sense and a quick wit. He felt like a grandfather to me and it was an honor to have known him. Best wishes to you.