1908 began with the dropping of the first New Year's Eve ball in New York City. On May 10 of that year, the first Mother's Day was celebrated, and on June 21st Ada Bleam (nee Hixson) was born. 106 years later all three are still going strong.

In spite of minor infirmities, Bleam resides in her own home and, with the support of family members and a part time caretaker, maintains her independence. Her long life has been, and remains, grounded in her strong Mennonite faith.

Born in Quakertown to Earl and Florence Hixson, Bleam grew up on a farm. She recalls, "I enjoyed the animals and got used to playing with them." Her older sister Mildred was her close friend and when they became adults, her neighbor. Their parents owned a cow from which they obtained dairy products for the family. They also raised chickens and sold eggs. At the age of twelve, Bleam took on the role of butter sales girl. Her father purchased butter from a creamery in Spinnerstown which Bleam sold door to door in Quakertown. She soon knew nearly every Quakertown family.

For much of Bleam's childhood, a horse and buggy served to transport the family. However, by the time she was to graduate from grade school, her father had purchased an automobile. She remembers that they were en route to the grange hall for the ceremony when the car ran out of fuel. Bleam was scheduled to recite a poem, and the clock was ticking. A local farmer and his gas can came to the rescue; the family arrived just in time. The poem recitation went off without a hitch. Amazingly, she can still recite a portion of "The House by the Side of the Road."

In addition to a deep commitment to the church, Bleam's family valued education. As well as raising wheat, hay, and corn on the farm, her father taught in a one room schoolhouse. At a time when many did not value the education of women, Bleam completed twelfth grade and graduated from Quakertown High School.

She later met her future husband, Samuel, at a Christian Endeavor social event. They married in 1935. Samuel worked as a mechanic at the Bethlehem Steel Company, ran a seventy-two acre farm, served on the Quakertown School Board, and taught classes in the church. Ada also taught Sunday School. The Bleams considered religious teaching essential. They passed their beliefs and their respect for education on to their four children: Marjorie, Mary, James, and Richard. All four have taught in some capacity.

Sadly, approximately 44 years ago, the township invoked eminent domain and took Bleam's farm in order to build a library. The family relocated to the Lehigh Valley. This July 4 Bleam and her caretaker returned to her former land and joined many others to watch the Quakertown fireworks. Bleam appreciated "the excitement of the whole thing" and seeing families united to watch the display.

Ada Bleam has seen 20 Presidents come and go, passed through two world wars, and adapted to countless lifestyle changes. Her family has expanded to include eight grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren. She still enjoys a good roast or a scallop dinner. When asked what advice she would offer a younger person, Bleam was clear. "Do what your talents are." Hers is the gift of cherishing each day, and she uses it well.