This Article is From Sep 14, 2009

97-year-old bartender

Chicago: Age does not seem to be an issue for Lee Martin, a 97-year-old bartender, who says he will not quit work till the bar itself closes.

"I have worked here 40 years and seen three different owners. I will be here till the place closes," a report in Chicago Sun Times quoted Martin as saying.

Martin, who works at the Richard's Bar, turned 97 last week. He said the one drawback of being a bartender at 97 is that "lot of my customers have died". He recalls that he never applied for the job, but the job found him instead.

"Two old ladies owned the place, and I came in and one day and one of them said, 'Why don't you work here this afternoon so my daughter can go to the store?' and I have been here ever since".

He has also worked as a banker in the city and for the War Food Administration during World War II.

The bar's manager also joked that Martin is part of the bar, "just like its old jukebox".

Quitting smoking, staying active and eating a bowl of oatmeal every morning could be the secret to Martin's long life, he said, adding "I am just thankful every morning when I wake up".

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