I remember visiting this old guy as a pre-teen youth. He was a relative in some way or another. Interestingly, he was the namesake for my middle name! The following photo was scanned from a yellowed newspaper clipping. The weekly Argus-Champion was printed in Newport, New Hampshire. I know the article was printed in the 1960's but, unfortunately, the exact year is unknown. My nana did not clip that portion of the page. It must have been an important event due to the fact that fewer folks became centurians in that decade. The photo is credited to Whitney Studio and the caption reads:
"SHARP-EYED SYLVESTER KIGGINS grins at his friends as he prepared to blow out the candles at his 100th birthday party at his home, 110 North Main St., Monday afternoon. Highlight of his birthday was a congratulatory message from President Johnson."
LBJ congratulates Kiggins on his 100th
Vesty Kiggins made it.
He started his 101st year Monday.
Meanwhile he was the star of his own celebration, outshining Congressmen, Mayors, Senators, Selectmen, and other dignitaries.
He was the star, not only because he completed his first 100 years, but because he entertained his guests with some rare humor.
The celebration began Friday night when the Knights of Pythias arranged a star-studded party at their club rooms on Belknap Ave.
Carl Bugbee had arranged it, and when Mrs. Bugbee played stirring martial piano music and Sylvester Kiggins marched down the aisle to take his seat of honor on the platform, every one in the hall rose in applause.
The dignitaries brought him honor. Mayor Quinn of Concord, Mr. Kiggins' birthplace came all the way from Concord over icy highways to present a scroll.
Sen Harry Spanos brought greetings from Gov. John W. King, and himself noted that Mr. Kiggins had been born during the administration of President Johnson and here he was celebrating his 100th birthday in the administration of President Johnson.
CONGRESSMAN James C. Cleveland congratulated Mr. Kiggins and presented him an illustrated book depicting the historical attractions of Washington.
Selectmen James Maley recalled with humor, some of Mr. Kiggins adventures in his 80s and 90;s and wished him well on behalf of the town.
He received a life membership pin in the Knights of Pythias.
Then came Louis Willett, who read telegrams and messages from Sen. Tom McIntyre, Sen. Norris Cotton, and Congressman Louis Wyman.
WITH APPROPRIATE dramatic pause, he then lifted a message and read it. It contained greetings from President Lyndon Baines Johnson.
Surrounded by close friends and dignitaries from far and wide, Mr. Kiggins, proudly grasping his gold-headed Boston Post cane, stood up and regaled the crowd with his recitation of the "Deacon Slocum" and the off-ox. He piled on recitation upon another, each time winning more applause.
There were more gifts. Then Mr. Willett brought in a large birthday cake with candles outlining the figures "100". And he lit all of them.
Mr. Kiggins came down from his place on the platform, took a deep breath, and blew. When he had finished all but three of the candles were out.
GUESTS AT a 'family' party for Mr. Kiggins Monday afternoon in his home at 110 No. Main St. were Gilbert Farmer, Clarence Colson, Fred Fraser, Curtis Olney, Leonard Sargent, Mrs. Harold Aiken, Mrs. Ellen ...
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I have nothing further.