Elsie Risedorf Turns 90
submitted by Paul Bouchey
Celebrants from New England, New Jersey, and as far away as Florida and Texas gathered with about sixty local friends and family at the Senior Center on Saturday, February 4 to observe the 90th birthday of Elsie Johanson Risedorf.[private] Almost everyone in town knows who “Elsie” is.
Born in Boston on February 5, 1927, the eldest daughter of Swedish immigrants, she lived most of her life in New Jersey, before she and her late husband Ken, after many visits to their daughter Susan Harris and family in Petersburgh, purchased the historic Grafton Inn in 1986.
Since then she has hosted countless travelers and community and private events.
Friends will tell you that Elsie’s gregarious nature and down to earth humor have made her a perfect innkeeper, confidant, and a treasured friend. She has been an active member of the historical society and an avid supporter of the library.
The Inn is for sale as Elsie prepares to retire and move to Dallas to live with her youngest daughter Holly Gafner and husband Don. But she has often said that her heart will always reside in Grafton. And she will always be held high in the esteem and affection of those who live here.
A Letter To The Editor From Elsie:
To reach the age of 90 and still be able to function is indeed an accomplishment and I have done it. God has smiled down on me every day along with all of my family. I am blessed with wonderful children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. My husband Ken and I moved to Grafton in 1986. This Boston girl knew she was “home”when we arrived here. 30+ years of great friends, neighbors and a slew of “strangers” who stayed at our B&B became our friends. The scenery, magnificent springs, summers and falls are beautiful here in Grafton.
I want to thank everyone for coming to the senior center to celebrate a birthday I will never forget. Thanks to the newspaper for delivering the Petersburgh ‘Poop” —whoops sorry — The Eastwick Press, which has kept me aware of all the local news for so many years
With sincere thanks,
Elsie Risedorf
Grafton Inn
[/private]