The occasion was Mrs. Hoare’s 90th birthday, and it was further celebrated by the arrival of many relatives and friends to present personally their good wishes.

Calling on Monday, an “Echo and Argus” representative found members of the family discussing the likelihood of Mrs. Hoare being the oldest lady in Rushden. The nonagenarian herself was a little tired after the excitement of the previous day, but chatted brightly about the celebrations and pointed with pride to the gifts of choice flowers which beautified every corner of her room.

Mrs. Hoare is a slight, sweet-faced lady of gentle manner, and in appearance quite the youngest lady that ever acknowledged the attainment of four-score years and ten.

“I have led a very active life,” she said, “and I still go out as often as possible, because it is good for me. I also busy myself, you see, in keeping my room tidy.”

Then Mrs. Hoare drew attention to the pictures on the walls—excellent oil and water colour paintings, pen drawings, and crayon sketches—all done for her by an artist son. Over her bed hung a beautiful crucifix, fashioned by a son who is skilled in wood carving. “But I am not a Roman Catholic,” she made haste to explain; “I am Church of England.”

Mrs. Hoare is a widow, and hails from Maidstone in Kent. She has four sons and four daughters living, and resides with her daughter, Mrs. Leach. Her health is comparatively good and faculties are remarkably well preserved.