Martha Wait: Recollections from a Bygone Era

       My own grandmothers were born in 1880 and 1890 and lived to the years 1981 and 1990 respectively.

       In the case of my father’s mother, Sophie Keller Hauprich, this meant living to celebrate 101 years of life while my mother’s mother, Catherine Tiernan Bopp, passed away just a few days shy of her 100th birthday milestone.

      While both often shared tales of their ancestors and of their girlhoods in Albany with me during my youth, it wasn’t until it was too late that I realized I had listened with only half an ear to stories that were, in fact, more precious than gold.

     If I could turn back the clock and spend but a few hours in the company of these incredible ladies, you can be sure I would give each my undivided attention – treasuring the sound of their voices as I carefully jotted down each word, each memory, each pearl of wisdom, for posterity. That way, I could sincerely promise each that the sands of time would not erode her legacy. Their distinctly personal recollections of and insights into the century that unfolded following their births would be recorded for future generations to read about, to reflect upon, perchance to pass on to others for enlightenment and inspiration.

     While no amount of regret or wishful thinking can bring my dear grandmothers back to me, I recently had an opportunity to sit down with another truly grand lady who has lived life to the fullest for more than 100 years.

      Being invited to spend time in the presence of Martha Wait, who was born to Faye and Edward DeCora in Ballston Spa on August 2, 1902, was the best of presents I could have received as I began work on this second book about the village at the dawn of 2008. Keenly aware that she would be celebrating her 106th birthday a few months hence, Martha had a twinkle in her eyes as she shared memories of a bygone era in the presence of her good friend Lillian Bills at Maplewood Manor.

(End of chapter excerpt.)

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