(The following information was provided by Erin Trout at Elm Terrace Gardens.)
The management team at Elm Terrace Gardens will be holding a 105th birthday celebration for Harry Newman, who was born on Jan. 19, 1917, and has been a beloved resident of Elm Terrace Gardens for nine-and-a-half years!
Due to the uptick in covid cases, we decided to err on the side of caution and just invite his family in for a luncheon. His friends will also be creating a video montage for him, which will be played at the event. Also participating in the celebration will be Lansdale Borough Mayor Garry Herbert, Lansdale Police and Fairmount Fire Company, who will be doing a drive by to celebrate 12:15 p.m.
Residents are encouraged to drive by and honk for Harry’s celebration at that time, as well!
Harry Newman moved from Harleysville to Elm Terrace Gardens on Oct. 27, 2012, after his wife Florence had passed away at Elm Terrace on Aug. 20, 2012, following a short illness. Harry grew up in Philadelphia, and after he and his wife, Florence, were married, they moved to Mount Airy, Willow Grove and lastly, Walnut Meadows in Harleysville. They raised two children, Carole and Garry. There are four grandchildren and three great grandchildren.
Harry was employed by ITE Electrical in Philadelphia after finishing school. He served in the Army in the Pacific theater near the end of WWII. He tells stories about his service in the Army, about a time when his unit was working hand in hand with a Marine contingent. When the war ended, he was sent to Hawaii – with the Marines – and enjoyed a brief time being entertained by society families before returning to Philadelphia.
On his return, he met his future wife at a Geiger Memorial Church outing. Florence was a member of the church choir. The couple met in March and married in November. They enjoyed traveling, from Nova Scotia to Florida, from New Jersey to California, by car and by air.
Harry is a member of Sanctuary Methodist Church in North Wales. He also holds membership in the American Legion Post in Philadelphia and the Masonic Lodge in Jenkintown — now known as the Friendship Williams Lodge.
Harry enjoys reading about history and people and could write many a tale about his own experiences before moving here to Elm Terrace Gardens.
See also:
Rep. Malagari Announces $1 Million Grant for Elm Terrace Gardens
Photos: Elm Terrace, First Responders Celebrate Hazel Rowles 105th Birthday
Photos: Lansdale’s Margaret ‘Peg’ Leichthammer Celebrates 105th Birthday
Lansdale to Honor Long-Term Care Residents, Healthcare Workers with Parade This Evening
