MIFFLINTOWN RD MAN STILL ACTIVE IN HIS 82ND YEAR.

Retirement --- that is just a word in the dictionary to J. Roy Alexander of Mifflintown R.D.1, who is in his 82nd year, still enjoying life and looking forward to Spring and getting to work on his almost half acre garden which is his principle hobby. He was born near McAlisterville on Oct. 5, 1890. He is one of 11 children of the late Samuel Hale and Emma Singer Alexander, nine of whom are living with five in Juniata County.

Roy began his working days as a thresherman. He had his own rig and went from farm to farm, from Oakland mills to Van Wert, and did at least one threshing on Bell's Island near Mifflintown. He was a machine operator at the Standard Steel Works in Burnham for 34 years. He also farmed for six years on the Wilson farms, near Walnut. During these years he did many small carpenter jobs among his neighbors and friends, repairing chairs, building dressers and small items for the house. He also worked on township roads and in the county courthouse. About 38 years ago he build the house where he and his family now reside along the Lost Creek road. He has been the kind of a workman who never heard of a 'coffee break' and he believes in giving a full eight hours labor.

He is married to the former Emma Clark. They are the parents of four children; Robert and Mary at home; Mrs. Geraldine Orris of Ickesburg, and Mrs. Anne Swartz of Waterloo. Roy is a faithful member of the Westminster United Presbyterian Church and Sunday school in Mifflintown where he can be seen almost every Sunday in his accustomed place.

When asked what he particularly enjoyed these winter days he smilingly said, "eating his meals".

He is an avid reader of Organic Farming magazines and Geographic. He also watches his favorite shows on television. He drives his car to town and does some visiting when the roads are clear.

Mr. Alexander is a living reminder of the axiom that age is a matter of the spirit.