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Where did
you grow up, Milton?
Well, I like to think I never grew up. Maybe at age 75 I might consider it, but not yet. I’m from the Gentilly section of New Orleans, went to Warren Easton and Tulane, and began working as a lineman for the phone company in 1947 after serving in the Navy in World War II.
What brought
you to Mandeville in the first place?
The phone company – South Central Bell, then – transferred me to the Covington district in 1969. I had been promoted to district manager in the business office. Helen and I fell in love with the Mandeville area and moved to New Golden Shores with our three children. It was a great place to raise kids then, and still is today.
What notable
changes have you seen on the northshore?
When we moved our family here, Mandeville had – I think – about 2,300 people. Now the secret’s out and I believe we’ve grown to about six times that number! We had a police chief and one full-time policeman. The biggest stores were the TG&Y and Winn Dixie southeast of the four-way stop signs at Highway 22 and Causeway (190). Highway 190 was two lanes between here and Covington, with no stoplights. Yet traffic sure wasn’t like the parking lot it’s become!
How long did
you work prior to retirement?
40 years and 9 months.
You do more
work on a volunteer basis than most people put into their full-time jobs.
What groups do you volunteer for?
For the past 35 years, I’ve been with the Telephone Pioneers of America. We do projects like shelving or other carpentry and wiring for video connections for schools, and such. Since I volunteered for the Covington Food Bank some 12 years ago, the Samaritan Center opened here in Mandeville. I stuck with the Food Bank, and still do any carpentry or building tasks – in addition to my main job, which is getting food, boxing food, and distributing it to the area’s needy. For Habitat, we do mostly finishing work in our group, hanging doors, cabinets, putting down baseboards, and installing plumbing and electrical fixtures. We also do work for the Home Store, which helps finance Habitat by getting donated furniture and goods from individuals and selling them to the public at a reduced cost. The money helps us pay for Habitat materials.
What’s
your motivation?
In my life, I’ve been blessed in so many ways – I’ve always been fortunate to have a good job, a fine marriage, a strong family and good health. When you retire, I believe it’s important to give back to the community and help those who really need help.
What advice
do you have for folks planning to retire?
The secret to a happy retirement is simple: stay busy. Don’t let yourself become a couch potato. Not having to work for a living gives you a lot of time for work that helps other people.
Would you
ever consider moving back to Gentilly?
No. We’re very happy on the northshore, and I feel very fortunate that my job took us here in the first place. As much as I still love New Orleans and still feel a part of it, I don’t think I’d want to live there again. It’s gotten too hectic – too big. I prefer the country atmosphere and friendliness of the people here. We move at a bit slower pace, and I find that a lot more appealing.
What’s
the best thing about retirement?
To be able to do what you want to do when you want to do it. And to be able to travel, which we’ve done a lot. Helen and I have traveled all over, and especially like Switzerland and Alaska. Switzerland’s so very beautiful, and Alaska’s like another planet!
The worst
thing?
I don’t think I’ve found anything that’s bad about retirement – it’s all good. But staying busy and active keeps it that way. It’s the most fulfilling life insurance – and it’s free.
What words
of wisdom can you share with us?
Stay healthy. Good health enables you to do most anything. And always keep in mind those that are less fortunate – help them whenever you can. Especially those who want help – and are trying – but need that little extra boost.
How long have
you and Helen been married? Any secrets?
52 1/2 years and counting. (Hearty laughter.) It’s a give and take situation. You can’t just be in love – you’ve got to like each other and you must try to make each other happy by doing things that please your partner. You’ve got to be a good friend besides a lover.
