Lila and Helen proudly show their “Centenarian Badge” presented to those members of the Matamoras Area Historical Society who reached the grand age of 100. (Photo Provided)

It appears we have good cultivation in Matamoras. Another lady who grew up in town has turned 100 and the celebration fit her accomplishment.

Only one week ago today, Helen Virginia Goodwin Hubbard hit a true milestone in her life. And there to help her make the day grander was her best friend from the Matamoras area who grew up with her and earlier this year also turned 100. That is Lila Doan Hill, and they still share their close bond.

Both ladies have earlier been the subject of this column and, of course, it is proper that this event is to be marked with today’s article.

Helen was born on September 17, 1922, to Reymann and Nelle McCracken Goodwin in Shirley, WV. Before her second birthday, the family moved to Matamoras when her father, who was a stationary engineer for the Valvoline Oil Company, was transferred to the town.

Helen and Lila were playmates from the beginning. Throughout their school years, they clung close to each other. Helen’s graduation was with the Stover School’s Class of 1940. Helen and Lila, along with a circle of friends, including Gerry Miller, Mary Ann Simpson, Chloe Ellen Fulmer, Elsie Dickson, and Julia Marsh, had become a familiar clique.

Although she didn’t know it at the time, she met her future husband as a small child. William Hubbard was reared on Miller’s Run in Monroe County just north of Fly, Ohio, and lived near acquaintances of Helen’s parents. They became interested in each other as more than childhood friends as time passed and by their early adulthood had fallen in love.

Helen quit her job at the Peoples Savings Bank on December 31, 1948, and wed William on January 1, 1949. There were two sons born to the couple, William on December 30, 1949, and Daniel on June 8, 1954..

William was a veteran of World War II and had been a flight instructor in the Army Air Corps. He graduated from Ohio State University after the war and taught in public schools. He later joined the faculty of OSU as a flight instructor. He passed away in 1996.

Lila and she are now working toward their birthdays for next year.

John Miller is president of the Matamoras Area Historical Society. Membership dues are $15 per year for single/couples. Life membership is $150. Contact the society at P.O. Box 1846, New Matamoras, Ohio 45767. Much of this column is built on the work of Matamoras’ historian, the late Diana McMahan.