The Holland-Springfield-Spencer Historical Society would like to wish a Happy Birthday to a special Holland resident.
Gladys (nee Gill) Caulkins was born January 27, 1923, at Kelley’s Island, Ohio to Ross Gill and Freda Kurtz. She is the oldest of six daughters. By the 1940 U.S. census, the family was living on Holloway Road in Holland next to the former Mayberry Wrecker Service.
According to Karla Miller, historical society president, Gladys told the story that when they first moved to Holland from Whitehouse, the family did not have a place to live. “If anyone remembers the old white gym on Madison Street, most of us went to school there in grade school. Just behind the basketball court there was a stage. She and her family lived on that stage area for awhile this being her first home in Holland,” Mrs. Miller explained.
Gladys graduated in 1941 from Holland High School. She married Harry Caulkins August 2, 1941 in Indiana. They had two sons and a daughter. Gladys became a household name in Holland becoming the first woman to serve on Holland Village Council.
She worked for Ohio Citizens Bank on Clarion Avenue across from Strawberry Acres Park, now the Holland Community Building. Gladys served as the recording secretary for the Holland-Springfield-Spencer Historical Society for many years, retiring in 2015.
She also was involved with the Strawberry Festival and too many other activities to mention, as Gladys never stopped moving. “We nicknamed her the Energizer Bunny, and she is still going strong,” Mrs. Miller said.
She is our own “Betty White,” and a very special lady. Happy 99th, and congratulations Gladys, from all of Holland!
