Bell Tower Residence Assisted Living resident Elaine Hinke will celebrate her 101st birthday on Friday, Jan. 24.
According to a press release from Bell Tower, Elaine was born in Ironwood, Michigan, just 15 miles from Lake Superior in 1919. She grew up in the Southern location where the area was very cold and treacherous. Elaine had one brother and three sisters. Her Dad was a plumber and Mom was a loving homemaker and wife. Sadly, they lost her Dad in a car accident when he was in his early 40’s.
Elaine met the love of her life at a dance in the Memorial Building when she was just 16. Elmer had a blue suit on and she didn’t know he was from the CCC Camp in Manitowish Waters. He asked her to dance and she said she didn’t dance. Elmer said he would meet her at the bus station next week. From then on he came to see her every Sunday afternoon.
The following spring, Elaine was turning 19. She and Elmer married in February and honeymooned at the Wausau Hotel for two weeks. They were married 67 years and had five beautiful children. Elaine was a loving wife and mother and loves to cook. Elaine wishes she could make her favorite-pork roast, Sauerkraut with gravy and potato dumplings.
When asked what were some of the biggest events in her life and Elaine said, “When I graduated from high school, when I got married and when my children were born.”
Elaine has many wonderful memories and has started writing her memoirs.