Joan Powers Turns 90 Today!

MARIETTA, OH — Joan Powers and her family are celebrating her 90th birthday today. She's spent all 90 of those years in Marietta. Her roots run deep in this community too.

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She went to Harmar Elementary School. Not the one that just closed down. That's the new old Harmar Elementary School, she went to the old old Harmar Elementary School. She also went to Marietta High School, but she's concerned about some of the changes happening in the school system. "I sure hope they know what they're doing. Cause they're changing some, closing some."

She said that Marietta is a lot different these days than when she was a little girl. The schools and the hospitals have all changed and look different. She says the stores downtown are all different too.

Powers used to be a small business owner in Marietta. She owned a doll shop on Third Street, it was called Jo's House of Miniatures and Dolls. "For 27 years. I still have a bunch of Barbie dolls, but I didn't sell the ones from my shop. I collected those." She said she really enjoyed the work she did there. "I also made dollhouses." Many of those are now over in Harmar at the Children's Toy and Doll Museum. "I think they have 4 or 5 of those dollhouses I made."

Powers is pleased with the direction of Marietta, but she doesn't get out much these days. The fact that things are quiet on Washington Street makes her happy. "Things aren't bothering me so I don't much care what they do."

There is a big sign on Powers' lawn wishing her a happy 90th birthday, her daughter put that up for her this morning. "I haven't seen it yet. She wants me to wait until she comes so she can walk out with me."

Joan Powers lives a quiet life here in town, and she likes it. She feels most comfortable at home watching whatever TV shows she feels like, and taking care of her little dog, Annie. But it won't be quiet today, there's a big party in the works to celebrate this special lady. "My daughter has one [party] planned, at about dinnertime. She's got about 30 people coming I think."

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