100th Birthday Congratulations Letter from C. Virginia Fields

The Marie Stapler Gladden Collection

Original paper letter

2004-03-13

New York, New York, United States of America.

A congratulatory letter dated March 13, 2004, issued on official City of New York letterhead and signed by Manhattan Borough President C. Virginia Fields. Written to honor Mrs. Gladden's 100th birthday, it was addressed to her in Apopka, Florida, care of Ms. Betty Baker. The letter includes a detailed account of her life's achievements, referencing her teaching career, her late husband Michael's Florida businesses, her church leadership, and the many civic organizations she was affiliated with, including the Marie Stapler Gladden Scholarship Fund bearing her name.

Marie Vista Stapler Gladden (March 13th, 2004 - May 14th, 2004) was the retired principal of the historic Black school, Phyllis Wheatley High School. Marie Stapler Gladden attained a Master's in Early Childhood Education and Certification in Administration and Supervision from Teachers College, Columbia University, New York City, NY. Marie married Michael Gladden Jr. on June 16, 1935. She became the co-owner of M. Gladden Staple and Fancy Groceries and later, Gladden's Coin Laundry and Dry Cleaning. Marie began her teaching career at the Hopper Academy elementary school in Seminole County, later teaching in Orange County for thirty-six years, including at schools in Oakland and Clarcona. Marie was a member of the Orange County Teachers Association, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Delta Omicron Omega Chapter, the Apopka Chamber of Commerce, the Apopka Historical Society, and the Apopka Senior Citizen Center. She lived to be 100 years old.

C. Virginia Fields

Marie Vista Stapler Gladden; Marie Stapler Gladden; Marie Stapler; Marie Gladden