Ione Carlson has lived in same house 71 years

MARYSVILLE Its people like Ione Carlson who could put movers and realtors out of business.

MARYSVILLE Its people like Ione Carlson who could put movers and realtors out of business.
The 96-year-old Marysville woman has lived in the same house on Beach Street for 71 years and is still alive and kicking.
She and her husband Chester moved to the city in 1936 and raised six children on the chicken ranch they called home. Chester was a mechanic at an Everett Chevrolet dealer and passed away in 1968.
Carlson worked for many years in the Marysville School District as a cook until she was 65 years old and after her retirement she volunteered in the local library and in classrooms.
She was witness to many historical events, including the first world war, the rise and fall of the Berlin Wall, the Apollo moon landings and many others. But she just shrugs at the great conflicts and technical wonders of mankind; what really changed her world was when the state built the highway to Everett.
Before that a place called Cavaliers Corner at the end of the trestle was the quickest route to the county seat, and the new route brought much trade and many people to the burgeoning timber town of Marysville. Decades later the same thing is happening, and the usually cheerful Carlson takes pause to collect her thoughts.
I dont like it, she said bluntly. Its getting too populated. I liked it the way it used to be. You cant stop progress but I like it the way it used to be.
She takes most of the other changes in stride, including parceling out the family estate as land got more expensive and she needed less room as the kids grew up and moved out. It was largely rural land back in 1936 and she never envisioned creations such as the interstate highway system, now a few blocks away.
One good memory has always been the Strawberry Festival, and her granddaughter was royalty one year. Carlson said she has had a good life, including her childhood, marriage, and raising her brood.
I just dont let things bother me too much, I just kind of go with the flow, Carlson said.
Her one big worry is catching Alzheimers disease but as the century mark approaches she should be OK, although she admits to getting a little off balance sometimes but that goes with her age, she laughed.
Im hoping to last until 100.
Her neighbors Ken and Ethel Cage are spring chickens by comparison, at 20 years younger. The president of the Marysville Historical Society has lived across the street from Carlson for 45 years, making them virtually newcomers. Back then the city held about 3,800 souls and now its bursting with about 36,000, Cage noted. Carlson is one of the best neighbors a body could have, he said.
Shes a delightful lady, Cage said. She just takes life as it comes. She doesnt get too excited about anything. We consider her an excellent neighbor.
The Historical Society recently filmed Carlson for a project, where she recalled the former times and memories for the camera. Anyone with a similar treasure of memories is urged to call the society and talk to Lyle Schadee at 360-659-0143.
Were trying to interview folks like her, Cage said. She was a hard worker and minded her own business and did what she had to do.