Sally Gordon enters a crowded room and heads turn. A captivating figure, she's regal in dress, elegant in manner, poised and upbeat in conversation.
By all appearances, she's simply remarkable.
And that's before you learn she's 102.
But the story gets better. Gordon's a fixture at the State Capitol, where she's an assistant sergeant-at-arms during sessions of the Nebraska Legislature. She's been at it since 1984 when, at age 75, she donned the distinctive blazer and became the state's first female “red coat.” She delivers messages to senators from lobbyists during floor debate and helps maintain order during sessions and committee hearings.
Gordon — recognized nationally in 2010 as America's Outstanding Oldest Worker by Experience Works —has served three Nebraska governors and met President Lyndon B. Johnson, Sen. Robert F. Kennedy and actors Charlton Heston and Shirley MacLaine. She's received national attention from People magazine and The Today Show.
I made her acquaintance at the Statehood Day Dinner last month in the rotunda of the Capitol. She was the grand dame of the black-tie event presented by the NEBRASKAland Foundation. Gordon, though not among the distinguished Nebraskans honored that night, was recognized from the podium as a special guest.
When she stood, applause swelled in the rotunda. Whispers swirled around our table, “She's lovely. Who is she?”
After the dinner, I introduced myself. Her eyes lit up when I asked if we could chat about her sense of style.
Q. You have amazing skin. What's your secret?
A. Power and paint makes us look like we ain't.
Q. Do you exercise?
A. I walk everywhere. I haven't had a car since 1969. (She walks to work from her home near the Capitol — regardless of the weather — and reportedly passes up offers of rides to and from the grocery store and pharmacy.)
Q. I've read that you're an early riser. Just how early?
A. 4:45 a.m.
Q. You're known for your lovely head scarves and wide-brim hats. Is there a story behind the black-and-white hat you're wearing?
A. I love hats. They cover a multitude of sins, including bad hair days. This hat is from Von Maur; I wear it a lot. I also have a silver scarf that's a favorite.
Q. And your chandelier earrings?
A. They belonged to Zsa Zsa Gabor's mother. My daughter bought them for me.
Q. Favorite wardrobe pieces?
A. I prefer to wear black. I like simple clothes and have worn some items for years. The oldest piece in my closet is a dress I wore when I started modeling for Hovland Swanson at age 56.
Q. How long did you model?
A. Up until a few years ago.
Q. Do you have a cell phone?
A. I'm a dinosaur. No cell phone, no computer. But I do use a typewriter.
Q. You've spent a lot of years roaming the Capitol. What's your oldest memory?
A. I watched the craftsmen lay the tiles in the rotunda (construction of the building was completed in 1932 when Gordon was 23).
Gordon raised four children with her late husband, Merle, who died in 1969. She has seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
In a 2010 interview, she told World-Herald reporter Paul Hammel, “It's a good life. I can't believe all the things that have happened to me. It kind of puts me in awe ... Life is very precious. You have to use every moment.”
How long will she continue to work? As long as she can do her job, she says with a grand smile and a toss of her head.
Note to readers: Shortly after publication of this story, Sally Gordon announced that she would be retiring April 26. She told the newspaper, "Some things came up. I just decided it is time to do it." Those "things," Gordon said, were personal but not health-related. She'll have logged 84 years in the working world.
Contact the writer: 402-444-1094, chris.christen@owh.com
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