Elmer Smith: The long, lucid, purposeful life of Sam Evans

Philadelphia Daily News, June, 2008

SAM EVANS had just turned 90. I figured I'd better interview him while he was still lucid.

Ten years later he turned 100. I figured I'd better interview him while he was still lucid.

A few years ago I spotted him across a crowded room on election night. He was 102.

I figured I'd better interview him while  I was  still lucid.

He died last week, 105 years into a life of service. I wonder if this town has any idea what we just lost.

A gangling, reed-thin boy from Florida, he came to town 88 years ago with no education or expectations.

He got here in time to see Ellis Gimbel lead 50 employees and 15 decorated cars through Center City in Gimbel's first Thanksgiving parade. The League of Nations was formed that year. Women won the right to...