It Happened in Crawford County: Winnie Sand celebrates a birthday milestone of 100 years
Bucyrus native Winnie Sand was honored March 5 on NBC’s "Today Show" as a “Smucker Girl” celebrating her 100th birthday.
Winnie was born March 5, 1924, to Russell and Mayme Williams Beattie. She also had two brothers, Robert and James.
You may have a mental image of celebrating “100” − but it would be prior to meeting Winnie. The writer was greeted by a smiling gal wearing white shorts, a classy blouse, complete with a necklace and earrings. She has fond memories of her childhood and the love and respect shared for each other in their home.
She has one regret, “How could my parents name me Winifred?”
They lived at 562 Poplar St. when Winnie started school at Norton Elementary. They moved to 532 Prospect St. mid-school year to a large home with a big front porch. Over the years, the porch could have been a setting for a play, it was "the gathering place."
Winnie’s dad worked at W. A. Riddell as a machinist. He served in WWI stationed in Paris.
Winnie went to the Central School after they moved. She liked everyone but thought she should have tried harder. She graduated in 1942.
Her brother, Bob, and his friend, Richard “Dick” Sand, went to Toledo and enlisted in the Army Air Force during WWII hoping they would be sent to the same place. They were sent to Townsand, Australia, and later, Dick was stationed in the jungles of the Philippines and New Guinea while dodging bombs on his ship.
When WWII ended, Bob Beattie and Dick Sand headed for home in 1945.
Back to the front porch − and a visit from Dick with his friend, Bob Beattie. Winnie didn’t know him. He was rather quiet, but he turned to her and said, “I’m going out, do you want to go along?” She said “yes, it’s better than sitting at home on our front porch.”
A relationship begins
Winnie was working at Schine’s Theatre in the ticket booth that stood outside the building where she could also see movies at no charge. Winnie reflected on it being a "low time" in her life, and Dick’s life, too. He needed a job, money was scarce, but he had saved $2,000 because of his service in the war.
Back to “the” front porch. They were discussing what to do next. She thought that was about as far as her life was going. Besides, all her friends were getting married. Dick couldn’t move back home with his parents, Milton and Garnet Smith Sand, and the large family of 10, he being the oldest.
Winnie remarked it was a "dull life" until they decided to get married. She doesn’t remember exactly the details; no big proposal, it just happened. With no money, she wore the dress her sister-in-law Vivien, her brother’s wife from Australia, wore. It was beautiful, with five layers of lace.
Winnie was anxious about what married life would hold for her. She was working at GE for a year or more by then and didn’t like the job. She found a job in Galion and took the bus to work at the North Electric working on machines, and it was good. Dick was working at the American Legion and they found a furnished apartment and married in 1946.
Winnie, with her very distinct personality, made it known the furniture was just plain ugly. It’s a distinct memory for her. Dick took a job at Timken and, between babies, Winnie also worked there. They had a son Dr. Neil, deceased, and his son Mark, and daughter Paula (Steve) Iler, a teacher for 36 years. They have two children Nathan and Audra.
Dick and Winnie built a new home at 1710 Marion Road on a two-acre plot where she lived until a few years ago when walking became hard. Dick passed away in 2016 after battling cancer for 27 years. Dick was part owner and vice president of Crawford Construction Galion for 34 years.
Winnie eventually moved to Orchard Park and enjoys good health, her family and sharing the family grouping of pictures on the wall. Winnie remembers when they were bowlers and also being sixth generation members of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church. She said it’s the prettiest church in town; she loves it so much.
The story wouldn’t be complete without Winnie’s recognition in the Telegraph-Forum’s front page story Sept. 17, 2023. She was honored for a "lifetime of service" − a member of the American Legion Post 181 Women’s Auxiliary for 85 years now. They presented her with a framed plaque with many award metals inside. She started by selling poppies for the Legion, especially at the post office, and many readers will remember her as the "poppy girl."
Winnie may have found herself at a low point early in her life, but with her outgoing personality and loving spirit, it didn’t last long. The writer is honored to tell her story and help this amazing, spirited lady celebrate 100 years!
Go online for more of Mary Fox’s stories and photos on bucyrustelegraphforum.com. If you are interested in sharing a story, write Mary Fox, 931 Marion Road, Bucyrus, OH 44820 or email littlefoxfactory@columbus.rr.com.
This article originally appeared on Bucyrus Telegraph-Forum: Winnie Sands celebrates 100 years and shares her life story
