Richard Crouthers turns 101
Goat milk drinker turns 101
"The fourth of July is a double celebration for Richard Crouthers, left, shown as he received special greetings for his 101st birthday from Jack R. Reres, district manager of the Social Security Administration. Mrs. Crouthers looks on as Reres presents a greeting from Victor Christgau, executive director of the Social Security Administration at Baltimore, at the Crouthers’ home near Elkland.
‘Mr. Crouthers is the only centenarian beneficiary in the 18-county area served by the Springfield Social Security office,’ Reres said. Crouthers was born on July 4, 1862, at Everts, Ky.
"The card congratulated Crouthers on completion of his first year in the second century of his life, and wished him many more happy years.
"Crouthers has one secret for longevity. ‘You can go through the Bible, and in only one place does it tell you what to drink,’ he said. ‘And that’s goat’s milk.’ He said he has been drinking about one-half gallon a day for the past 75 years.
"Crouthers cuts his own firewood with a chain saw. When asked why he continued this chore, he said, ‘There’s no use in being a deadhead, ‘till I am one.’"
Leader-Press July 4, 1963
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