This is the latest installment in an occasional series, Spirit of a Century, profiling centenarians in Connecticut. We profile Thurston Couser, of Hartford.
Thurston Couser has no regrets. At 100, he is satisfied with his life and wouldn’t change a thing.
“If I had a second time to go around I’d want everything the same — same family, same job, and I’d still leave school at 15,” he said. “I had two weeks of high school and said ‘that’s enough.’”
Couser was born on Aug. 18, 1911, on a small farm in Walden, N.Y. His family moved around a lot during his early years, settling in Newburgh when he was 5. His dad worked in shipbuilding; his mom raised Couser and his older sister and younger brother.
He quit school against the advice of his father, who warned him, “Don’t do it. You’ll have to work common labor all your life like I have.”
Couser followed his heart and went to work in a carpet factory. After working a series of jobs, making about $9 a week, he ultimately landed a job for $20 a week working in a dye house, considered good money in those days.
When Couser was 18, he moved to Connecticut after an uncle who lived in Wethersfield told him about job openings at Pratt & Whitney. The Great Depression would soon follow.
He landed a job in the company’s gear department.
“I worked for chicken feed,” he said, “but at least I had a job.”
He entered a machinists apprenticeship program at Pratt & Whitney, and graduated six years later, eventually taking a position as a quality control inspector. He recalls being paid 40 cents an hour when he started, reduced to 30 cents an hour during the Depression. He held the job for 48 years until retiring in 1977.
While attending a Congregational Church in Newington, he met Cleora Stebbins. She had a boyfriend with a fancy car at the time, but Couser eventually won her over, marrying her in 1940. He bought a 1923 Overland touring car for $10 when gas was 12 1/2 cents a gallon. He could fill the tank for a dollar. He sold the car three years later for $15, making a $5 profit.
Nine years later, while Thurston and Cleora were living in a three-room apartment in Newington, their daughter, Lois, was born. In a few years, they had saved enough for a five-room home in the Elmwood section of West Hartford where they settled for 36 years.
The Cousers moved to Avery Heights in 1987. Cleora died of cancer in 2003.
With his daughter living in Florida and a grandson in the Boston area, Couser spends most of his time by himself in his three-room cottage at Avery Heights. He cooks his own meals and takes care of the place, and lives a peaceful, quiet life. He takes walks along the pathways that wind around the cottages at the Heights, sometimes stopping to chat with neighbors. He takes the bus to medical appointments and errands, using a walker. “My legs give out sometimes,” he said, “but at my age, that’s to be expected.”
Blessed with good health, Couser is grateful for his long life. Having a close-knit family has been the the most meaningful aspect of his life. “Family life and being close together is so important,” he said.
“I’m not afraid of dying,” he said. “It’s the only thing we can be sure of. I thank the Lord for each day and always pray for one more.”
You should be doing a piece on Dorothy Nicholls of Killingworth, Ct. 47 Ironworks Rd. She’s 91 and has been the special ed childrens bus driver for many years. Last year she was taken off driving and is now riding “shotgun” with other drivers . She’s the most active and strongest 91 year old you’ll ever see. She was born on Dec 25th Christmas and so she has never really had a real birthday. She’s seen it all depression, and all the wars between Afghanistan and then. She was the Valedictorium of Thomaston High School in 1939 but never achieved the potential she was god given. She married early, milked cows, delivered bottled milk, cleaned and bottled the bottles fed the horse and cows then went off to work at Seth Thomas Clock works where she worked for 45 years. Like many people her age, she has known more work than pleasure
Frank, unfortunately I’m focusing on people 100 and older, so Ms. Nicholls is just a little shy of that. She sounds awesome though. I appreciate your suggestion.
Cloe
What a fabulous story about Mr. Couser. He was a wonderful husband and dad. I was a friend of Lois their daughter who we formed a friendship at Elmwood Elementary School back in the 1950′s. I remeber being a visitor in their home and it was a wonderful time.
It was a grand time in Elmwood and special friendships that lasted a lifetime.In 1970 their daughter was a bridesmaid in our wedding in DeLand,Florida!
Seeing the picture of Mr. and Mrs. Couser is a special treat as I remember seeing their picture and the special girlhood picture of their daughter hanging on the wall.
He is a remarkable man and we send our special love and thoughts to him on this special milestone in life. Thank you for featuring this story in your newspaper. Our journey of life settled us in Richmond Virginia.
Donna (Reed maiden name) and John
Hi Donna – thanks so much for sharing your memories of Mr. Couser and his family. I shared your comments with him and he was touched. He was a wonderful subject!
Cloe
Are there programs or studies available for the oldest adults in CT? I have found that my very “oldest” friends have the most difficult times when they feel isolated and alone.. I have heard of studies and programs in or major hospitals that recruit folks who have passed health “milestones” and remain in good health. Does anyone know of any?
Jason – you could contact the Connecticut Commission on Aging at coa@cga.ct.gov and see if they can answer your question. Also, the Agency on Aging of South Central Connecticut might be of help. Their number is 203-785-8533. Good luck, and thanks for your comment.
Cloe
I was Betty Rowley, daughter of Harry Rowley. I remember you well from my days in Newington.
Thanks, Betty. I passed your message on to Mr. Couser. He remembers you well.
Cloe
We at the crestfield and fenwood rehab center in Manchester have two patients over 100. One is a male 103 and a lady 107
Thanks Brendan. I’ll give them a call.
Cloe
My mother-in- law, Ruth Schwarz, is one hundred and one years old and currently has her own apartment at Elim Park in Cheshire, CT. She is planning to move to an assisted living facility in North Carolina so as to be near her daughter. With her grandaughter and a friend, she will be flying to North Carolina in late June. She is an amazing woman who has lived in Connecticut all of her life. My wife and I are both 76, have been married for 53 years, and Ruth still thinks of us as young people. I sort of look at her as the prototype for the “Rayovac Bunny”. I have some excellent photographs of her at her 100th birthday party as well as historical photograohs of her dating back to 1928
Thanks, Eugene. I’ll look her up.
Cloe
I love reading these stories about our CT citizens who have reached the century mark. It is so refreshing to read about an older person who is still active and sharp – they give us younger folks something to look forward to. And by the way Mr.Couser – I think your are fabulous! My husband and I looked at your pictrue and both thought you were fibbing about your age – you sure don’t look 100!
Robyn – I shared your comment with Mr. Couser and he was delighted. Thanks so much for commenting.
Cloe