Middle Township Woman Turns 104

COURT HOUSE – Over 70 people came to the township’s senior center to both laud and love one of Middle Township’s oldest residents – 104-year-old Hilda Pike.
Pike, who will officially celebrate the fourth anniversary of her 100th year on Nov. 30, was feted with balloons, cake, lunch and a hearty rendition of “Happy Birthday” as part of Middle Township AARP’s Nov. 14 meeting. According to AARP President Burgess (Butch) Hamer, Pike and her husband were founding members of that organization.
Born in 1908, Pike emigrated from Germany when she was 26 years old.
“I met my husband after I got here,” said Pike when asked if her marriage brought her to the United States. She and her husband, Harold, married in 1928.
She said upon moving to this country, she and her husband, a mechanical engineer, found themselves living in Chicago and New York City before finally settling down in Middle Township 40 years ago.
The mother of two sons, Stanley and Kenneth, and grandmother of four, Pike did not work outside the home, opting, instead to make tending to her family her full time career.
“I’ve been a housewife my whole life,” she said.
Pike lives independently and is in good health. The only nod she gives to age is the thin cane uses to assist her with walking and a pair of glasses that she sometimes wears to help her read.
“I don’t usually wear glasses,” she said as she removed them for a photograph. “I’ve just worn them off and on for the last few years.”
When asked what she thought was the best invention in the past 104 years, Pike replied it was impossible to tell.
“Things have changed so much.”
While she does not use a computer, she does use a microwave.
“I couldn’t do without it,” she said with a smile.
Pike said she attributes her longevity to clean living. She giggled when asked if she ever has a drink.
“Oh sure,” she replied. “Every once in a while.”
Being a centenarian, plus four, does not phase Pike.
“I’m very happy to be here,” she said. “I’ve been blessed.”