Venerable New Mexicans ponder a century

ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) - They've lived through the depression and hot and cold wars and the cold war, seen the birth of television, and talked on cell phones. Now they and New Mexico are celebrating their 100th birthdays.

They are among more than 20 centenarians living in Bernalillo County and all have been invited to a 100th birthday party for the state and for them.

Rose Zamora and Margaret Garcia will share another milestone. Both attended Albuquerque high school and both became teachers.

Don't dare call them old classmates. These two young ladies are still full of life.

"I've got my license," Rose said.

Her first cars: a Ford Model T and a 1945 dodge. She started driving in 1951 and would still be behind the wheel if she could just convince her daughter.

"She won't let me drive it, and I know I feel I can drive," Rose said.

She still remembers walking down Central Avenue--Route 66--when street cars were the norm and remembers when the first bus route was still a pretty penny.

"Everybody walked in those days," Zamora said. "The bus was only five or six cents."

But you didn't skimp on attire. Margaret said dressing up and heels were a must, which brings up one change she questions.

"When I see people the way they're dressed going to school, and they tell me she's a teacher...Oh heavenly days, what has the world come to," she said.

While they've seen many changes, they've also changed history.

"I found some rare historical items there at the museum," centenarian and historian Tony Garcia said. "Some are the museum here."

Their stories, soon to be submitted to the State Archives, will be around for another 100 years and then some.

"I was flattered," Tony said.

The birthday party is scheduled for Wednesday.