Mayor on the lookout for local centenarians
Clayton’s Centenarian Club: As mayor, one of my missions is to meet and greet as many people as possible. When I moved to Clayton in 1974, it had a population of about 2,800. Today’s population is 11,288. Though Clayton is still considered a small city, the diversity of our residents is vast. We have become a hamlet to many who found our paradise.
The other day as I walked by the Grove Park with one of my new bandleaders, I noticed a woman taking care of an elderly senior. Engaging them in conversation enlightened me that Clayton is the home of Wilbur Daily, who just celebrated his 103rd birthday. Wilbur was alert and articulate without the need for hearing aids or a walker. He told me his wife recently passed away at 101 years old. Wilbur thought he had about 25 more good years in him to enjoy the views of Mt. Diablo, our parks and trails.
This chance meeting got me thinking, “How many other centenarians might live in Clayton?” I am spearheading an initiative to establish a Clayton Centenarian Club and then honor Wilbur and each of our Clayton centenarians with a proclamation at a City Council meeting and with a day named in their honor. If you know of a centenarian living in Clayton, please email me their contact information.
Relay For Life/Clayton Round Up: For Clayton “old timers,” the Clayton Round-Up was an annual event that ended about 20 years ago. Clayton’s Relay for Life Team resurrected this event several weeks ago. There were 500 eager “cowboys and cowgirls” at the Easley Ranch, home to past Round-Ups. The Relay For Life team had one goal: to raise as much money as possible for cancer research and the needs of those fighting for their lives. And they did. The generosity of team members alone raised more than $30,000. Sales of entry tickets, silent auctions and raffles raised approximately another $40,000. When all was said and done, Clayton’s Relay for Life Team raised more than $74,000. That’s a significant gift in the ongoing fight to corral cancer.
A huge “thank you” to all the dedicated team members and businesses who donated funds and/or services and to the Diablo Valley Ranch volunteers for making this an event we will all remember. I am looking forward to next year’s even bigger event already in the making.
Mt. Diablo Elementary School: Recently, we learned that principal Irene Keenan of Mt. Diablo Elementary School retired at the close of this school session. We are grateful for her support of our “Do the Right Thing” program and for her partnership with the city on numerous community issues. Irene will be missed at our local school. However, she will now have more time to be involved with Clayton activities.
Clayton History: Did you know that Clayton had two hotels? The Clayton Hotel was located in the building we know as the Pioneer Inn, currently owned by the Clayton Community Church. The Rhine Hotel was directly across the street. There was a cash store where Skipolini’s is. Farmers could buy on credit until their crops came in. The U.S. Post Office and Clayton Cafe were located where the Clayton Club now is. The local blacksmith was where the bocce courts now exist.
Stay tuned for next month’s history tidbits.
Direct comments to Howard Geller, mayor of Clayton, at Hgeller@ci.clayton.ca.us.