When Kathryn Geyer taught second grade, she didn't have smart boards, laptops or other electronic tools to aid her students' learning.
Geyer, who turned 108 on Thursday, began her teaching career in a one-room schoolhouse and later taught mostly second grade in what were Scottdale Public Schools throughout her 35-year tenure.
Barb Flock, of the Westmoreland County Association of School Retirees, said Geyer is the second-oldest retired teacher in Pennsylvania, bested only by a former teacher in Butler County who is two months older.
Geyer said her schoolroom housed eight grades all together. She remembers bringing coal to school to keep the fire burning overnight and said the room had just one tin cup for all the students to share.
Flock, others from the retirees association, and a few friends and family members brought a pale pink cake, vanilla ice cream and coffee to Geyer's apartment at Woodcrest Senior Living in Scottdale to celebrate the occasion.
Friends said Geyer decorated her apartment herself -- when she was more than 100 years old -- in shades of rose and hunter green. Hanging on her walls and perched on shelves are dozens of decoupage plates she made, many with pictures of mothers holding babies.
Nancy Barclay, Geyer's great-niece, said her aunt has always been artistic, making her own jewelry and greeting cards and crocheting. She said Geyer loved to travel in the summers with other fellow teachers. Geyer was married for about 10 years but had no children, Barclay said.
Geyer was born in Alverton, the youngest of nine children. Barclay, of Scottdale, said that when she was young, her aunt lived next door in a small house and used to help her and her brother with homework, especially math. Even though she was retired, Geyer helped Barclay's children and, later, grandchildren with their schoolwork.
"She just likes to be a teacher," Barclay said.
Geyer took a fall in April and broke her hip and shoulder. Up until that point, she took no medication and would wear a pedometer and walk at least a mile each day around the halls of Woodcrest, Barclay said.
Geyer uses a walker and has to stop and think at times when she tells a story, but Barclay jokes that Geyer's memory is still better than her own.
Being 108 years old doesn't always feel good, though.
"Old age takes your dignity away from you," and it's hard being the last living member of your family, she said. "I think I've been healthy. I've never smoked, never drank."
Her advice for longevity?
"Stay away from doctors."
