Frank W. Wade - First White Child Born in Douglas

The Commercial Record of Jan. 12, 1940 featured an article about nine octogenarian snow birds who had assembled in the park near Braden Castle, Bradenton, Florida, for a picture taking.

Frank W. Wade, 87, of Douglas was among this number, which totaled 104 seasons in Florida and 752 years of age. He was the third oldest of the group and one of four Michiganders.

Mr. Wade (1853-1947) was the first white child born in Douglas. He served as village president for 5 years and as a member of the village board for 21 years. He served six terms as master of the Dutcher lodge, and was a past patron and charter member of the Douglas O.E.S. He was a member of the Douglas Congregational Church. His wife Nettie Hutchinson predeceased him in 1939. They had no children.

In 1940, Mrs. Josephine Rockwell, 84 of Ludington, MI arose after the photographer had finished his work and entertained her compatriots with the following philosophy:

The horse and mule live 40 years

And never taste of wine or beers

The goat and sheep at 20 die

Without the aid of scotch or rye.

The cow drinks water by the ton

And at 18 is mostly done.

The dog at 15 cashes in

And nothing knows of rum or gin.

The cat in milk and water soaks

And then at 12 short years it croaks.

The sober, modest bone-dry hen

Lays eggs for noggs

Then dies at ten.

All animals are strictly dry,

They sinless live and shortly die.

But sinful, ginful, rum-soaked men

Survive to three score years and ten;

And some of us, the mighty few,

Stay pickled till we are 92.