In a world where medicine is far superior to that of generations past, living into the hundreds is still a somewhat rare feat.
On Dec. 11, surrounded by a few family members, black-and-white family photos, and the staff of State Farm Insurance in Waterford Township, Al Beebe took a step into the triple-digits, even if it was three days early.
Beebe, who moved to the township nearly 70 years ago, has been with the insurance company for more than 60 years. There is a possibility Beebe has been using the company longer than that time span, but record keeping stops at 60 years.
Over that time, Beebe has outlasted multiple agents.
Larry Luckovich, Beebe’s fourth agent, has known him since 1994.
‘It’s enjoyable to have him come in the office,? Luckovich said.
‘He’s one of the nicest guys you’ll ever meet.?
On a recent trip to northern Michigan, Luckovich ended up meeting family members of Beebe’s by surprise on a business trip, and they informed him that Beebe’s 100th birthday was approaching.
After discussing with other employees and family members, the party was planned and executed.
‘I think we owe our older generation a thank you for the things they have done for us,? Luckovich said.
Beebe sat with Luckovich and talked about old memories, both good and bad. Beebe recalled a Friday trip in 1929 to his bank to deposit his two-week paycheck, for a salary he estimated at 25 cents per hour. The bank teller asked Beebe if he was positive he wanted to put money into the account, as if to warn him of impending financial troubles, but he approved the transaction. The following Monday, the bank, which was heavily invested in stocks, crashed along with the rest of the stock market.
Beebe, however, was one of the lucky few who got their money back, Luckovich remembered.
Beebe moved from Pontiac after marrying his late wife, Hallie, in 1934.
‘When I moved out here in 1937, it was like being in the woods,? Beebe said.
‘Now it’s all built up.?
Beebe worked for General Motors for 44 years and retired as a supervisor of material control in 1971.
Several of Beebe’s old pictures were on display, one of which was Beebe as a young man perched upon the running boards of his first new automobile, a 1926 Chevrolet he bought for $600.
‘It’s just amazing some of the cars he had back then,? said Staff Representative Cathy Peters.