IT was the year America entered the First World War and Buster Keaton became a star of Hollywood’s silent screen.

And it was also the year that Mary Walker, one of nine children, was born in Napier Street, Linwood.

Now, a century later, Mary’s family and friends have gathered to help her celebrate her 100th birthday.

The bash took place at Cochrane Care Home, in Johnstone, where Mary is a much-loved resident.

Among those sharing her special milestone were her four children, 11 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren and six great-great-grandchildren, who travelled from all over the country to be present.

Also on the guest list was the Reverend Alan Birss, Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Renfrewshire, who read a letter of congratulations from the Queen.

And Mary’s son Robert Caulfield said his mum was delighted with all the fuss, especially the letter and card from Buckingham Palace.

“Mum joked that she thought the Queen might have delivered them herself but she understands she is in bed with a bad cold,” smiled 76-year-old Robert.

“We had a wonderful day, with all the family in one place to share mum’s very happy birthday.

“There was a lovely lunch, a large cake and mum’s favourite Frank Sinatra records.”

After Mary was born in January 1917, the family moved to Elderslie and then Johnstone.

Robert added: “Mum is a Renfrewshire girl born and bred. She met our dad, also Robert, at a dance hall in Bridge of Weir and they were married on Boxing Day in 1935.

“After the ceremony at St Margaret’s Church in Johnstone, they went home. People in those days couldn’t afford expensive honeymoons.”

Mary was married for 50 years before Robert sadly passed away in 1985.

The couple’s other children, Mary, 81, Hugh 73, and Elizabeth, 64, were also at the party.

As well as raising a family, Mary worked at a number of places across Renfrewshire, including the famous Coats Mill, in Paisley.

And, when it comes to the secret of a long life, Robert explained that his mum’s advice is simple.

“She says everything in moderation,” he revealed. “Mum keeps well and had been living on her own until late last year when she lost her mobility. However, she is a strong and independent woman.

“Mum loves Cochrane Care Home because the staff are wonderful and she has made some great friends there.”

Other noteable events in 1917 saw Albert Einstein publish his first paper on cosmology, the abdication of Czar Nicholas II of Russia and the Battle of Arras, on the Western Front.

It was also the year that saw the birth of future US President John F Kennedy, actor Robert Mitchum and jazz singer Ella Fitzgerald.