ATHOL — “Minding my own business,” 104-year-old Thomas Gilgut Sr. said, when asked the secret to his longevity.
Born on the first day of 1912, Gilgut has lived in Athol since and is now the town’s oldest resident. As such, selectmen and state legislators Rep. Susannah M. Whipps Lee and Sen. Anne Gobi presented Gilgut with a replica of the town’s Boston Post Cane Monday. The original cane — a New England traditional honor for a town’s eldest resident, established as a publicity gimmick for the now defunct newspaper — is kept by the Athol Historical Society.
Despite Gilgut’s assertion, family members said longevity runs in the family. At 76, Thomas Gilgut Jr. said his generation is shooting for 100 after his uncles and aunts made it into their 90s.
The elder Gilgut is the son of Lithuanian immigrants, and worked as an inspector for Union Twist Drill.
He may be better remembered for his part in founding the Athol Hospital. The younger Gilgut said his father and others fought to create a hospital, and he remained on the board for many years.
He remembers his father spending his not overly ample free time during World War II tending a “victory garden” after work, growing food for the cause.
Children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were in attendance.
You can reach Chris Curtis at: ccurtis@recorder.com