Adele Dunlap, 113, is visited by U.S. Rep. Leonard Lance and state Assemblyman Erik Peterson.
UNION TWP. -- Adele Dunlap, at 113 the oldest person in the United States, got a surprise visit on Wednesday from U.S. Rep. Leonard Lance and state Assemblyman Erik Peterson.
Lance brought along a U.S. flag that was flown over the Capitol, and he and Peterson spoke to a large gathering at Country Arch Care Center, where Dunlap has been living since she was 99.
A group named To The Limit was performing for a birthday party gathering as the lawmakers arrived, and the room was festive, with tables decorated with balloons. Lance accepted a microphone from the performers and spoke of how impressed he was with Dunlap's longevity.
"My own father lived to just short of 99," said Lance, "and he was a mere youth compared to Adele Dunlap." He'd ordered a flag flown over the U.S. Capitol in Dunlap's honor, and presented it to her. Asked if she had any words of wisdom to share, Dunlap said, "Everyone is important."
Meet the oldest person in the U.S.
Peterson said he was pleased to acknowledge Dunlap as the oldest person in the U.S., particularly since she's his neighbor. "I live on the other side of that beautiful field over there," he said, pointing out the window of the day room.
"I'm enthralled with her ability to remember. Think of how much the world has changed in the matter of just 40 years."
He had his staff look up some facts of what life was like when Dunlap was born, and read from a list: "Teddy Roosevelt was president. Only 14 percent of households had bathtubs. Only 8 percent had a telephone. Now, just about everyone down to a 6-year-old has a phone."
There were 8,000 cars in the U.S. when Dunlap was born, and 144 miles of road, Peterson said. "I suspect just in Franklin Township there are probably 8,000 cars alone," he said.
"In a lifetime a lot can change," Peterson said. "It's important you take what you have left and make a positive change."
Dunlap, who will turn 114 in December, told Peterson she stopped counting her age at 104. She is among seven centenarians living at Country Arch, according to the staff.
"We take pride in serving our patients and residents with the highest quality of nursing and rehabilitation care, with respect and dignity," said Kamelia Kameli, vice president of business development at the center.
Dunlap was born in the Clinton Hill section of Newark on Dec. 12, 1902, the youngest of four children, with three older brothers. She taught third grade for five years, during which time she met her husband, Earl "Lynn" Dunlap, with whom she had three children, two boys and a girl.
Dunlap lived in Clinton with her son and his wife, Earl and Barbara Dunlap, for 12 years before moving to Country Arch Care Center.
Sallie Graziano may be reached at sgraziano@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @SallieGraziano. Find NJ.com on Facebook.