SHELBYVILLE, Indiana (April 21, 2007) - Governor Mitch Daniels today participated in a historic meeting of the country's two oldest people, both Hoosiers, and celebrated Edna Parker's 114th birthday by honoring her with a Sagamore of the Wabash.
The governor and Mrs. Parker, whose birthday was Friday, visited with Bertha Fry, 113, who traveled from her home in Muncie to the Heritage House Convalescent Center in Shelbyville. Members of both families also marked the occasion.
"I bring you birthday greetings from everyone in the state. We're all so proud of you," said Daniels while presenting the Sagamore to Mrs. Parker. "I've come to say happy birthday, and I thought I might learn from you."
Mrs. Parker responded that she thought she still needed some training.
"I've been telling young people all over the state that we live in an era of lifelong learning, and Edna just told us she's still looking for training at 114," said Daniels.
According to the Gerontology Research Group, Mrs. Parker is the country's oldest person and Mrs. Fry, who was born December 1, 1893, is the second oldest person in the country. Both supercentenarians are among the top five oldest people in the world.
A representative from Guinness World Records presented the pair with a certificate for the "Oldest Combined Age of Two People Meeting." Together, they represented 227 years, 142 days as of today, breaking the previous record of 219 years. Mrs. Parker also received the Guinness World Record as "Oldest Living Woman (USA)
Mrs. Parker, formerly Edna Scott, was born on April 20, 1893 in Morgan County, graduated from Franklin College with a teaching certificate and taught for several years in a one room school house. She stopped teaching after marrying Earl Parker and reared two sons on the family farm. Though her husband died in the 1930s, she continued to live independently on the family farm until she was 98.
Mrs. Fry has resided at Westminster Village in Muncie since 1979. She, too, is a former teacher, earning her certificate from Hanover College. She lived in southern Indiana for much of her life. The governor has previously met with and presented Mrs. Fry with a Sagamore. Today, during her meeting with Mrs. Parker, he referred to her as "the youngster."
The Sagamore of the Wabash was created during the term of Governor Ralph Gates, who served from 1945 to 1949. It recognizes Hoosiers who have endeared themselves to the citizens of Indiana through humanity, loyalty, wisdom and inspiration.
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