HAROLD THAYER JR.

Harold Thayer Jr. was born in the Town of Russia December 12, 1917, son of Harold Sr. and Violet Wells Thayer. Better known as June he has lived all his life here. He has been married to M. Phyllis Patrick for 45 years, has two children, Lisa Perry and Robert, and three grandchildren.

After graduating from Holland Patent in 1936 he earned $30.00 a month working on Gorham’s farm. When he was paid $18.00 a week at Burdick Monuments he saved $12.00 of it. When June had a milk route in the 1940’s he picked up at 26 farms from Prospect to Poland via Russia Corners. In the 1950’s he worked for the Town. The sand truck had no spreader so the men had to throw the sand off with a shovel. He and his wife owned and operated Gravesville Store for over 20 years in the 1950’s and 1960’s. From 1975 to 1981 when he was Superintendent of Highways for the Town his goal was to be frugal and save money for the taxpayers. He was Codes Enforcer from 1990 to 2000 and is presently Sanitary Codes Inspector.

A 40 year member of Russia Grange he was Master for several years.

He has always enjoyed living in the Town but life was much better in the 1950’s and 1960’s. Even during the Depression when a man would work all day for $1.00 and a lot of people didn’t have electricity or water people were happier than now when most everyone owns too many material things. People are under much more strain and stress today than they were 60 years ago when times were tough.

Politics have changed a lot too, not necessarily for the better according to June. When his father was a Justice, Town Board meetings were simple affairs held around Supervisor Wes Newman’s kitchen table. "There is way too much government today-too many rules and regulations." He remembers when you could burn your papers without a permit. He’s glad to be alive now-not 100 years from now when there will just be more rules. Even though some of the newer residents have some good ideas he thinks the Town has changed too much. "There is a need for some restrictions today but people don’t know how lucky they are and aren’t appreciative enough. Unions were a good idea when they were first started but they’re too strong today."

"People were happier years ago and got along better with each other even though they could do what they wanted. Most people had enough to eat and neighbors helped each other. Taxes were minimal." June bought a new car in 1936 for $640.00. FDR was the best president because he created Social Security.

His advice is to plan ahead and save a little money for later in life. He has reached his Golden Years but realizes they’re not that Golden-too many doctor’s appointments. But all this new medical technology is probably one reason more people reach the Golden Years.

Harold “June” Thayer is an avid outdoorsman who has always enjoyed hunting, fishing, and chopping wood. He is an esteemed individual who is proud to be a native of the Town and is still willing to help where needed at the age of 83.