The Retiring Kind

by Erin Doane, Senior Curator

Our newest exhibit, Marking Life’s Milestones: Celebrations, Commemorations, and Cake (on display through May 2026), explores the big events in peoples’ lives from birth to death and the notable happenings in between. To celebrate the opening of the exhibit, I want to share one of those milestones here – Retirement. The concept of retirement is relatively new. In the early 1800s, the average lifespan of someone who had survived childhood was around 50 to 60 years. People simply worked until the end of their lives. As lifespans have increased, people have had to figure out what they would do when they could no longer work and how they would finance their later years.

Residents of the Elmira Home for the Aged, c. 1910s

In 19^th century America, multigenerational homes were common. As parents aged, their children and grandchildren could care for them. Those without families were on their own. In 1880, the Home for the Aged opened at 1526 Grand Central Avenue in Elmira as a home for widows of Civil War soldiers. Its mission later expanded to include other elderly people without families. It operated for 109 years, housing more than 500 residents. In 1989, the building was sold and became the Lindenwald Haus bed and breakfast. 

Whether one lived with family, on their own, or in a group residence after retirement, it all cost money. Private pension plans first started in 1875 with the American Express Company. The Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Company established the first employee contribution plan for retirement in 1880. Other railroad companies soon followed. By the 1920s, 84% of railroad workers were covered by pension plans.

Retirement certificate given to Eli L. McNebb after 36 1/12 years of service in the Elmira Division of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company, January 1, 1927

In 1935, Social Security was enacted to provide federal benefits to those over the official retirement age of 65. The Revenue Act of 1978 established 401(k) plans for individual retirement investment. These sources of post-work income allowed more people to enjoy a comfortable retirement.

Individual Retirement Account checkbook cover from Marine Midland Bank

Healthcare was, and still is, a major concern for retirees. The National Retired Teachers Association was established in 1947 to assist former teachers with health insurance. AARP, which was founded in 1958, evolved from the National Retired Teachers Association. Its mission is to enhance the quality of life for all as they age, to lead positive social change, and to deliver value to members through advocacy, service, and information. Medicare, a federal health insurance program, was signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1965.

Mug Commemorating the 50th Anniversary of Elmira Chapter 276 AARP, April 16, 2014

Even with housing, post-work financing, and healthcare all taken care of, some people just want to keep working. In most jobs that’s not a problem, but some professions have enforced retirement ages. Commercial pilots, for example, are required to retire at the age of 65. Other careers with mandatory retirement include air traffic controllers at 56, FBI agents, national park law enforcement rangers, and federal firefighters at 57, and foreign service officers at 65.

Trophy awarded to Glenn S. Banfield by the Chemung County board of supervisors upon his retirement as airport manager in 1970

Retirement is a celebratory milestone in people’s lives. It became a tradition in the mid-20^th century to recognize longtime employees at annual banquets or parties. Local companies like Bendix, Howell, Hygeia, Hilliard, and Conrail gave employees pins commemorating their years of service. They also honored retirees with gifts and cake.

Pins for 25, 30, and 35 years of service with the Star Gazette awarded to Betty Schneck

Betty Schneck, seen here on March 8, 1962, retired from the Star Gazette in 1985 after nearly 40 years of employment.

Eddie Hart received a watch upon his retirement from the Chemung County Building Department in 1977.

Learn how people marked life’s other milestones throughout history and see how things have changed over time in Marking Life’s Milestones: Celebrations, Commemorations, and Cake on display at the Chemung Valley History Museum through May 2026.