Music is an important part of Milton Watson’s life, and instead of being dazzled by someone else’s performance, he dazzled everyone with his.
For those who know Watson, what he did during his 100th birthday party is no surprise, but for most, the fact someone turning 100 performed the trombone, sang two songs and even played the harmonica to a masterful level was nothing short of amazing.
Watson has played musical instruments for around 90 years, he said.
At the age of 99, Watson decided to relearn the trombone by ear, as he has limited eyesight, with the goal of playing in front of his birthday crowd.
“His unwavering optimism, perseverance and unrelenting spirit are a constant source of inspiration," the family stated in his birthday party program.
For Watson, well, he said his 100th birthday party felt like any other day.
Watson’s birthday bash was attended by dozens upon dozens of family and friends in Woodland on Saturday, Oct. 11. Five generations of the Watsons were represented.
Watson was born on Oct. 10, 1925. He had nine siblings and grew up through the Great Depression, though his parents hid it well on their farm, Watson said while recalling stories from his life.
Watson served the nation in World War II in the Pacific Theater in the Philippines and the occupation of Japan. He was honored with a flag folding ceremony from the Veterans of Foreign Wars Woodland Post.
Watson and his wife, Veva, were married for 70 years before she died in 2014. Together they raised four children: Melvin, Stanley, David and Frieda. Stanley was killed in action in the Vietnam War.
In Watson’s 100 years of life, a lot in the United States and the world has changed. In 1925, Calvin Coolidge was president. The world population hit 2 billion. Now, as of 2024, over 8 billion inhabit Earth.
In sports news, the Pottsville Maroons were suspended from the National Football League resulting in the Chicago Cardinals being named champions. A local team in the National Hockey League, the extinct Victoria Cougars, took down the still existing Montreal Canadiens for the Stanley Cup.
A new house cost $6,000 in 1935. A new car? Just $260. A gallon of gas was less than a quarter, and a postage stamp was just two cents.
When reflecting on the century mark, Watson questioned exactly why he was gifted the chance to live to 100 when many people he knows have passed a couple of decades before him. For Watson’s family, the fact he celebrated his birthday in the style he did meant the world, especially for his sons and daughters.
