The Waterbury Democrat., 1946-05-09
By BETTY BLANCHARD

A smiling, grey-haired lady, en
 dowed with a rich, buoyant philoso.
 phy gained through four-scor
 years of keen observation of Ameri.
 can manners and methods, told thi Democrat reporter this morning
 that the best advice she can offel
 to her confused countrymen, wht
 are trying to find the sure pathway.
 to a better world. is to Hook around
 mark well what is happening, anc
 try to govern the trends which leac to the future"
 Miss Helen Sperry, member oi
 one of Waterbury's oldest families
 surrounded with floral bouquets ant
 scores of birthday cards receivet
 yesterday in observance of her 93rc
 birthday, said slowly, with mis- chievouS twinkle in her eye, "it, k
 always well to remember, I've
 learned, that the angels rejoice
 when a mere one per cent arrive. J Sensing that the remark was not wholly comprehensible, she ex- plained graciously, while the twinkle frightened in intensity, you'll re- call what the Bible said, I say unto you, that likewise, more joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth. than ninety and nine Just persons, who need no repent aIlce."
 Though Miss sperry believes America and the world, are now on the threshold of the most interest," ing era in world history, she de- clared that happiness is achieved by living in the present, particular " In this most uncertain times. T have never looked too much to- ward the far-distant future. I've always taken the best of the present. Too many things are likely to hap- pen, particularly in this fast moving age. You see, I believe in discard- Ing an old refrigerator and getting 3 new one, although 1t may not be perfect, s M
 Women Happier Today
 The emancipation of women and the strides made by the distaff side Il achieving financial independence, Miss Sperry believes to comprise he most remarkable revolutionary :hange which has come to America. She was not quite sure that women oday are happier, but. recalling her | lays as librarian at the Bronson | ibrary when she earned a salary f $45 monthly. she asserted with nuch emphasis, "but they ought to 'e."
 Although she became assistant esk clerk at the library, then lo- ated at the corner of West Main nd Leavenworth Streets, in 1883, he denied that she was one of Vaterbury's first professional wom- n. "Ill tell you why" she said 'ith a chuckle There were no rofessions for women in those ays- A teacher or a librarian was lerely woman who was fortunate nough to obtain good education. !"
 Let. me point out how much our orld has advanced in the years Women were always 1oken of as females, and they ere sent off to schools for fe- lales' where they were taught foreign languages, and ow to be polite. They married in ! leir teens, bore nine to twelve : ,ildren, and died at 40. then con- dered an old age.'
 Proud of Achievements r There was no question the non- yenarian was duly proud of the I ivancement made by her sex. omen are stronger, healthier, and E we proved their innate intelli- nee. That" she said with Y aphasis, Ifs a great achievement to ' ose who can look backward toI Z c mid-nineteenth century" IF Asked if she. thought that Amer 2 would eventually become a ma ' \ larchal nation, she said with a 5, dnkle in her eye. ITO tell you Wx' e truth, l hope so-yery much. Y It I, don't think SO, You see na- < < re will always endow men with " c physical powers that are need- <,
 for the long trek" The answer |, 1icated the speaker thought Na- x, rc quite perverse. And besides < there are, and always will be too \, my interruptions in woman,s life. H lough she may be fine career bI