A Force of Nature at 100
9 Fun Facts on Alice Telford
By Sarah Shebek
When we think about adding more life to our years and years to our life, it’s hard not to think of Alice Telford. She’s a force of nature in the Salt Lake City community who recently celebrated her 100th birthday. After becoming acquainted with the University of Utah in the 1990s, she’s spent the following decades supporting health education, including the College of Health. Alice’s life and adventures could span several books, but here are a few of the highlights:
1.
She credits the Moran Eye Center for saving her eyesight from macular degeneration. Mano Swartz, PhD, encouraged specific diet changes and Telford started packing in antioxidants throughout her day. Every morning, she eats a big bowl of fruit with kiwis, melons, berries, and yogurt. She also microwaves a sweet potato to snack on throughout the day. In the evening, she eats a salad that includes a Power Greens mix, beets, and other mixed vegetables. With the help of this diet, Telford now has almost perfect vision.
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2.
At 5 years old, she received her first horse (a Thoroughbred) and became an expert rider. She’d race down the streets of her Kaysville neighborhood on bareback, and assisted her family as the only woman in cattle roundups.
3.
She’s also an expert bike rider who co-founded the Little Red Riding Hood Bike Ride in 1999. It’s a fully supported, non-competitive, women-only cycling event that draws thousands from around the country each year. Telford rode every year until she broke her neck after a car accident at age 90, but still participates in the non-riding portions of the event. The ride raises money for the fight against cancer. The Huntsman Cancer Institute even has a “Little Red” room.
4.
As a young woman during World War II, Telford attempted the typing test to serve in the military. But she couldn’t pass the test, so instead she took the mechanics test, and knew enough mechanics that she passed. She spent a year repairing bullet holes on war planes.
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5.
Growing up, Telford fantasized about owning her own cattle ranch with a job that would support this lifestyle. Although she lost interest in ranching as an adult, she became a successful entrepreneur who worked in real estate, using her bike to catch potential clients.
6.
Although Telford sadly lost both her husband and son at early ages—her son John gave his life for his country in Vietnam—she’s spent her life surrounded by friends. That was evident at her 100th birthday party at the Natural History Museum, where close to 150 people packed the room to share their well wishes.
7.
Speaking of friends, Telford befriended the famous conservationist Jane Goodall on one of her initial speaking tours in Salt Lake City in 1976. On Goodall’s next visit to the area, she remembered Telford, and invited her to sit at the head table at a hosted banquet. Telford’s connection helped her secure a seat for Goodall’s last sold-out talk in at the University in 2015.
8.
Telford’s uncle, LeConte Stewart is a well-known painter of Utah landscapes. She collected many of his works over her lifetime. Thanks to her generous nature, Telford has sold most of her collection to raise money for University of Utah scholarships.
9.
If it seems like Telford has a connection with almost everyone in the Salt Lake City area, that’s probably because she does. She’s traveled the world from Siberia to Mexico, but she’s spent all 100 years of her life as a resident of the Beehive State.