Sandpoint's matriarch turns 95 today

There is a good chance that nobody will see Hazel Hall today on her 95th birthday.

There are some who are betting that once she picks up her Daily Bee this morning, sees the big headline and realizes her family and friends have conspired to make today “Hazel Hall Day,” she may just go inside and lock the front door.

Let's hope not. As most people in and around Sandpoint know, Hazel Hall has touched more lives by opening doors than closing them.

Sandpoint Mayor Gretchen Hellar will join Hazel Hall and a merry band of Mrs. Hall's dedicated and admiring friends to present her with a proclamation at City Hall at 11:30 a.m. The public is encouraged to attend.

Mrs. Hall has always recognized Sandpoint's community spirit and some, including Janelle Shields, feels she should be an honorary ambassador for Sandpoint.

“No one represents the sprit of Sandpoint better than Hazel,” Shields said. “To meet her is to love her and when you meet her you are greeted by an unconditional showering of love and affection.”

For many years the Ross Hall Studio was the official photo studio of the region. Whether it was studio, portrait shots, promotional photos or capturing the natural beauty of this region, Ross Hall was there and his love for life, Hazel, was right there beside him.

They both skied Schweitzer on its opening day in 1942. On her 80th birthday Hazel skied Schweitzer again and she could still wear the same ski outfit she had worn 50 years prior, according to friend Bobbie Huguenin.

“After Mass on Sundays, our family, prompted by my Dad, an amateur photographer, to stop by the Ross Hall Studios for a couple of hours,” Huguenin said. “Perhaps we had already been to The Brunswick Cafe to have breakfast and to play the slot machines. It was so fascinating. I remember all of the lights and studio set-ups.

“My walls are lined with everything from beautiful baby photos to my wedding photos, all portrait art taken by Hazel Hall. While I don't remember this, Hazel tells me she was at my home in the summer of 1942, where my parents, Jim and Jean Brown, brought me home from the hospital,” she said.

“Hazel has been consistently gracious, upbeat, generous, warm and an overall lovely friend to me for 65 plus years.”

Susan Bowman has also had some adventures with Mrs. Hall.

“When introduced to Hazel Hall, her typical response will be, ‘That's my name. Hazel Hall, that's all'” Bowman said.

Mrs. Hall has lived in Sandpoint for 76 years. When she arrived by train in Sandpoint, she was greeted at the depot by friends with flowers and presents. She was 19 when she married Ross and 23 when she moved to Sandpoint. (They had met and fallen in love while picking apples as a summer job in Colorado.)

Her civic commitment is legendary and it should be noted she was on the first committee to discuss a Sandpoint bypass in 1942.

“Everyone who knows Hazel feels like they have an angel on their shoulder,” Bowman said. “People who know her all have something in common - they feel honored and proud.”

Bowman listed a couple of things people may not know about Mrs. Hall: Favorite color is blue; favorite flower is a peachy-pink rose; she loves to dance and find an excuse to get out the good China; her favorite wine is white zinfandel; she loves to read, her favorite book is the Bible and her real name is Dorothy.

“We in Sandpoint are the lucky ones,” Bowman said. “It's an honor to know and to celebrate her life.”

Kaylee Keller knows Hazel's secret for success.

“I believe Hazel considers all women to be her dear friend - some she simply has not met yet. She does not think advancing age is a reason to stop doing everything you love,” she said.

“She is clearly a supreme model for our women of all ages,” Keller said. “I love the way she lives life so courageously and with so much zest and fun. I want to be just like her when I grow up.”

“Hazel Hall is a walking encyclopedia of Sandpoint history,” said Curt Hagan. “When I played music at the Methodist Church, Hazel told me she wanted me to play at her funeral and she knew what tune she wanted. It was an upbeat Dixie version of “Just a closer walk with thee.” I will be available and I hope that request occurs a long time from now.”

Barbara Merritt: “ I have never spent time with Hazel that I didn't come away from our meeting having learned a bit more about the wonderful treasure that she is and feeling more inspired to appreciate the day that God has given me.”

Jennifer Leedy: “About 10 years ago my friends gave me an afternoon of parasailing for my birthday. Imagine my surprise to have Hazel on the boat with us! She wanted to be the first to go up and on the return to the boat I asked her what she thought (I was nervous.) She replied that she was mad Š mad that it didn't last longer and she couldn't go any higher!

“I want to be just like her, flying high and enjoying all that life brings!”

Pamela Bird: “Hazel touches the heart of everyone she meets. There are no strangers with Hazel as she loves freely with her heart, soul and spirit. To be around her, to continually learn from her at the beautiful age of 95 is truly a blessing. Hazel teaches the lessons of life. To know her, to be considered her friend is a great honor.”

Forrest Bird: “Through the years, Hazel, you have been the one I could always look to and admire. It has been a privilege and an opportunity to know you for the last 60 years.”

Jerry and Patti Clemons: “This is one of many cute things Hazel has said to us over the years Š in one of the greeting cards she's sent us over the years, she wrote: “I like you; you are both silly.”

Sue Brooks: “Hazel Hall is an angel on earth. I have saved every card or note that she has ever sent to me. All of my fondest memories living here include Hazel and her wonderful limericks for every occasion. She lives her life with dignity and grace and God.

“Hazel's mantra is “attitude and gratitude.” I repeat that to myself every day and think of her and what a blessing she is in my life and the life of so many others. Happy Birthday, Hazie!”

Marsha Ogilvie: “Hazel Hall is a gift from God. I treasure every moment we are together and have saved every card she has given me.

“Whenever I am organizing or going through files looking for something, I'll run across a card. What a pleasant surprise. I will stop, open the envelope and read it all over again. You have touched the lives of all of us.”