A visit with Florine and John Galen — both 100 years old!

A visit with long time Menlo Park residents Florine and John Galen reveals some remarkable milestones. Married for 76 years, they are both 100 years old!

The visit also brought up the names of many Menlo Park establishments we hadn’t thought of for quite some time, including Children’s Bootery and Jerry’s Store for Men.

John went to Stanford, and they said over the years they enjoyed going to Frost Amphitheater, although they live a quieter life now.

“We watch TV more than we used to,” says Florine (who is known to her good friends as Cookie). “Game shows like Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune.”

“I do enjoy reading the [San Francisco] Chronicle,” says John.

They both agreed that they were very lucky to have wonderful children nearby and good caregivers.

A highlight: Going on drives with their youngest son Doug.

Photos by Robb Most (c) 2025