Celebrating Everton ‘Daddy’ Hall Hundredth birthday

By Walter Edey

On August 12, 2020, Janice Smith, at the end of the 72nd wedding anniversary party of her parents, Linda and Everton Hall, said: “We look forward to the three score and forty upcoming milestones – and we hope that God spares their lives.”

On September 29, 2022, one on her wishes was realised. Later, when asked how she feels now that her dad is a centenarian, she paused, smiled, and said: “I am elated. I am happy for, and proud of my dad. I know he had the support of Mummy – I love them both, but I am blown away. It is hard to explain.  I still can’t believe it. Honestly, he does not look it.”

The milestone celebration officially began on September 29, 2022, when the Hall family and friends from Barbados, Canada, England and USA assembled via a 3 p.m. zoom link.

These were two of the exchanges.

“Congratulations Daddy Hall, you made it,” said a family member from England.

“I thank you.  Yes, I made it. With the help of God, I made it,” replied centenarian Hall.

“How are you doing?” enquired a friend.

“Every Sunday I listen to the morning service of St George Parish Church (Barbados) via zoom. They put my picture up on the screen last Sunday. I was happy for that,” Hall said.

Later that Thursday evening, toasts and picture-taking at the family home on Linden Boulevard Road, in Brooklyn, New York completed the event.

On Saturday, October 1, 2022, a luncheon was held at the elegant Glen Terrace Catering Hall, in Brooklyn.  At this fabulous event, Hall was presented with several proclamations: By The Consul General of Barbados in New York, Mackie Holder, on behalf of the Government and people of Barbados; by USA Congresswoman Yvette Clarke, a longtime friend of the Barbados community in New York; and by the Mayor of New York, Eric Adams.

Family and friends gathered for the special occasion.

Poems were read by some of his children and grandchildren. And at the request of the guest of honour, his daughter Waveny sang one of his favourite songs [from the 1965 film The Sound of Music], which he often sang. The song says in part: “For here you are standing there, loving me, whether or not you should. So somewhere in my youth or childhood I must have done something good. Nothing comes from nothing, nothing ever could.”

On a Facebook thread many Barbadians congratulated Everton Hall. Two of the commendations were: “Mr. Hall has been blessed with long life and good health. What a beautiful family – Daddy Everton Hall has been a model head of household. A role he has shared equally with his wife Linda Hall,” David D Cutting, Honorary Consul General of Barbados, in Atlanta, Georgia.

“My earliest recollection of this gentleman was seeing him commuting to work at the Advocate News on his trusty Raleigh bicycle. That was in the late 50s when no one drove to work. His disposition was one of humility. He projected the image of a man without a care in the world, always smiling. From his birthday photo I can see that his demeanour hasn’t changed. Could be the secret to his longevity. Bless his heart!” Enrico Downer, Author.

However, when Hall was asked what is his secret by the videographer at the luncheon, he responded: “I have the love of my family and I eat good food. I don’t smoke or drink.”

On the other hand, 92-year-old Linda, “Mummy” Hall believes that it was love at first sight, 74 years ago.

Originally, Everton Hall is from Bank Hall, St Michael and Linda Hall is from Glebe Land, St. George. The Hall family lived in the Ivy, St Michael, before moving to the United States in 1974.

According to a Lottie digital marketplace study percentage wise, the most centenarians in the world come from Guadeloupe with 299 centenarians – or 75 per 100,000 people and Barbados with 71 centenarians per 100,000.