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Tucsonan Helen Musselman turns 102

Posted at 2:37 AM, Jun 20, 2019
and last updated 2019-06-20 10:58:45-04

You may have driven by Musselman Honda on Stone Avenue. You can see the new bikes on the outside of the building, but inside is a slice of history.

There's a museum in one corner of the building holding just a few memories from Helen Musselman's life. There are vintage motorcycles, photos and newspaper clippings.

"Just about all the people that have bike shops here in town have worked for us," said Helen.

She is turning 102 on June 20, 2019. If you go to the dealership Monday through Friday, you better believe you'll find her there. Helen enjoys working five days a week.

"I just like to come in and talk to the different people that we've sold bikes to," Helen said. "Cause I have somebody that comes in about every other day."

Helen and her husband, who was known as "Pappy," opened up shop in the 1940's. Back then Stone was just a two-way street in Tucson.

"It's grown enormous," Helen said. "Because when we first came here it was probably, 45,000 or 50,000 was all it was. It was a little small town."

Not only does she sell bikes, but years ago Helen raced cars with her husband. One of them is on display at the museum.

"I raced the car and he raced the car," Helen said. "And then we had to do the time trails and I set the fastest time. Faster than any man or woman."

Racing aside Helen and Pappy also loved to go boating all across Arizona, including at Lake Havasu.

The business is now a family affair. Helen's grandson and great-granddaughter work with her.

For her 100th birthday Helen says she had a big party. To celebrate 102 she plans on going out to dinner with her family.