Features

100 not out

By FRANCINE BLACK, Staff Reporter

Nathaniel Fox - francine black

NATHANIEL FOX, A 100-year-old resident from Mount Airy in rural St. Andrew, has played the game of life and made his century but is still not out.

"Tek time wid life and mek it serve yuh long," is the centenarian's philosophy, which he constantly shares with other residents in the community.

Born on June 16, 1905 in Mount Olive, in rural St. Andrew, Fox attended Mount James All Age School, however, he did not complete school although he lived a few metres away from it. He said his first job was working at Up Park Camp as a gardener for three years.

Fox said he then went to work at Mount Cressy Great House in Mount Airy. While at the Great House, he opened a shop in the community which he still operates to date. He now resides in Mount Airy and has lived there since the 1920s.

He said World War I, between 1914 - 1918, was a memorable period in his life. He explained that planes frequently flew over the island during the war and at nights they could not show any light in the houses as this placed your life in danger. "You caan mek di light show out dere, suh wi haffi dig hole inna di ground and put di light in it and try nuh mek it show or mek it out suh wi caan have light inna di house," he said.

Changes

He noted, however, that the war brought several changes to the community. "After 1914 war, mi know tram car," he said.

Fox said when the tram came to his community he had to walk about six miles to Golden Spring to catch a glimpse of the new transport. "Wi see di car dem just a run up an down," he said, describing the first time he saw the car.

He said following the war, he saw zinc and shoes for the first time. He noted that prior to these things residents use to walk barefooted and houses had thatch roofing. He said the technological advancements have changed his life drastically. "In the early days nobody couldn't go nuh weh cause no light neva deh," he said.

Fox said in the early days, they only heard about doctors, nurses and prison but never actually met one nor went there. He said he is the only member of his family to live to 100. Although he did not marry, he said he had four children, one died at birth while the other three reside overseas.

Recently, his children held a party for him which was attended by residents. In honour of his long life, he was presented with a plaque by the Member of Parliament.