Greene resident Elmer Fairbanks received birthday hugs from his grandchildren as he celebrated his 100th birthday at Cook Park. Friends and family members traveled across the states to attend. (Photo by Candy Ali)

GREENE — Elmer Fairbanks celebrated his 100th birthday last weekend in Cook Park with friends and family members joining him from across the states. Two of his sons and granddaughter traveled from as far away Colorado, Texas, and New Mexico.

Fairbanks was born June 21, 1923 in Whitney Point. At the age of 17, he worked with patients at the State Hospital in Binghamton; sometimes having to contain them when they became disorderly.

He then volunteered to join the Army Air Force at the start of World War II.

Daughter Candy Ali said, “He had many jobs after he volunteered for the Army Air Force and was honorably discharged as a Corporal.”

After the war, Fairbanks was roofing a two story building and fell, smashing his elbow. The injury changed his career choice but with the help of the disability agency, he was guided toward a barbering career.

Ali said her dad bought the Howe and Cox barber shop at the Sherwood Hotel and also owned a small barber shop in Brisben. He worked at Red Rosen's barber shop in Norwich, which years later became Garf’s. He later became a corporate barber at the Norwich Pharmaceutical Company.

As time moved on, Fairbanks wanted to travel and experience other states, so he became a flatbed truck driver, long hauling across the United States. After years of driving he retired and continued staying busy with camera repair, working on small motors, and woodworking.

“He takes pride in his woodworking and has produced high quality gun stocks, furniture, and jewelry boxes,” said Ali.

Two of his most told stories are when he and his twin brother Elwin roller skated from Whitney Point to Greene for the Labor Day Picnic and one of his hunts in the west brought a world record listing in the Boone and Crocket records.

Fairbanks is known as a kind-hearted, humble soul who loves people, especially youngsters and dogs. He loves to chat and play cards with neighbors and still golfs every weekend in Cincinnatus. He attends church every Sunday and believes it’s the love of many that keeps him going and has helped him live to be 100 years old.