1975 Roberta's Letter -June 28

Jun 28, 1975

Dear Family –

Hi!  It's another cold & rainy day – I'll be glad when summer decides to get here.  Just finished breakfast – had a small crowd – 38 – today a Japanese American group are coming in.  They are suppose to be a "breeze" – have been here in past years - very clean & orderly – so their reputation goes!

The food here is amazingly good (at least to start w/).  We had lamb (leg of Lamb) night before last.  We had roast beef a couple of times – also alot of chicken, etc.

We have alot of fresh strawberries – blueberries – etc.  Also good grapefruit – but the senior citizens go in for the prunes.

Last night one of the counselors had his antenna ripped off his car.  That makes me think twice about wanting the Buick here.  I would enjoy a car on my days off – also for the feeling of transportation.

Last night I went to the senior citizen "sing along" – it was alot of fun.  Mostly I talked to Irene – the woman who has been travelling since her husband died.  She is most interesting – hope you all get to meet her – she will be here most of the summer.

Another woman (senior citizen ) – Louise help me after every meal.  There is so much clean up work – I wouldn't know where to start describing it.

OH – I need some 10¢ stamps – they sell 8¢ ones here – but not 10¢ ones.  [According to Wikipedia the postcard rate was 8¢ during the summer of 1975, went to 7¢ in September, then raised to 9¢ in December 1975, when all mail was sent by airmail instead of surface rate. The letter rate went from 8¢ to 10¢ on March 2, 1974.]

What do you hear from Serena – is she having a good summer?  When are Cathy & X going to be moving?  J.B. – are you working down at the shop?  Even if you couldn't do it now – would you want to bring the Buick up closer to the end of the summer – then I could drive to Maine to meet you?  That way you could spend some time there if you want to.

Thanks for your CC. and article concerning Denver.  I'd like to live there – an winter in Florida.  (HA, HA!)  I got a CC yesterday from Aunt Mary – Rob did really good this last semester in school.  Aunt Mary said she had forwarded my diploma to New Vienna – just keep it there.  Have you had the pictures developed yet on all of us trying on the cap & gown.  I'm anxious to see Grandma in it!

Grandma – you would enjoy yourself here – everything is cooked salt-free!!!  And would you believe I have to refill the salt shakers on the tables about every other day!?

The senior citizens generally are easy to please.  It's the staff that never quit complaining.  Like when we had lamb – we had to get out peanut butter for them!

Back to the senior citizens – there are arts & crafts for them to do – also games – cards, scrabble, etc.  Alot of them just like to sit around and talk about their grandchildren, great grandchildren, etc.

Got to go – I need to write some other letters.  Hope all is well ––

Love,

Berta

1985 MV's Letter -June 26

6-26 [85] 8am

Good Morning -

Yesterday turned out to be a rather long day – I worked / had class until 5:00 and then helped with the triathlon (Battle of the Businesses) until 8:00.  By the time I finished my speech for today it was rather late.  There have also been lots of kids here with the USTA tennis tourney – none of them are exactly poor.

Classes are going well.  Only two more weeks.  That's what's nice about summer session – you get the same amount of work, but they only last five weeks.

The warm weather finally got to me and I bought a fan for my room yesterday.  It made sleeping a whole lot more comfortable.

Well, I should get busy and finish making a graph for my speech.  Will see you Saturday.  Robin might come.

Love, 

M.V.

1975 Roberta's Letter -June 25

June 25, 1975

Hi!

This is supposed to be my day off but Mr. Ream wanted me to make sure this & that were done – since I wasn't going to go anywhere.  

For this reason & just for the sake of knowing I would have a way someplace should I want to go – I would really like to have my car here.  A bike would be ok for enjoyment – but as far as being useful transportation  – NO – it's too far to ride a bike around here to actually get anywhere.

I've called the bus station about going from here to Ohio – but was told it would be best to go via NYC.  I was thinking if J.B. would drive the car up – I would pay his way back.  OR do you all need 2 cars this summer at home?  I'll give you all time to think about this – then I'll call you.  Maybe if Vanessa still isn't working she could drive it up – between ball games.  Another idea would be that JB could go from here to Maine ––

Think about it – Camp Director got here yesterday – Biology teacher from New Hope – PA.  Group of Japanese-Americans to arrive this afternoon.

Weather humid – Love, Berta

1975 Roberta's Letter -June 24

June 24, 1975

Dear Family –

Hi!  Nice talking to you all last night – though this Insurance stuff has really got me messed up.  That letter I got was really official looking.

I'm really getting a work out here – we are responsible for setting the tables – getting the food out – also for the desert & 1st course. (which is either soup or juice)  Can you imagine (inserted) last night at supper making melon balls – for 100 people.  Believe me it's a job.  Every morning O.J. has to me made – grapefruit has to be cut.  Also the senior citizens really go in for prunes so they have to be cooked the night before & dished out in the morning.

The counselors here are from all over – though the majority of them are from "the Guild" in NYC.  One of the boys is from Nashville, Tenn.

Surprisingly alot of the people that come here are pretty well-to-do.  Two women came in one of those big black limousines (sp?).  I was talking to a woman last night who has been overseas every year since 1963 – when her husband died.  She was the one that said that the Indian people are the friendliest people she has ever met.  She is going to give me some addresses of Indian people over there.  she too has eaten at Gaylord's in NYC.  By the way Gaylord's is written up in both Fodor's & India on $5 & $10 dollars a day – as a place to go if you feel like a splurge.

I've been doing alot of reading – so far Southern India sounds the most interesting to me.  Also the weather there would agree w/me the most.

Got to go –

Love,

Berta

1965 Postcard to Serena from Girl Scouts -June 22

Serena receives an impersonal but efficient response to her 19 June 1965 letter, from the Girl Scouts, postmarked 22 June 1965, referring her request to the Buckeye Trails Girl Scout Council in Dayton.

GHU Prayer

No clue as to the date of this prayer, other than it followed a revival, but seems appropriate to post it in honor of Grandma's birthday, June 22, 1892.

Our Father who art in heaven –

We are thankful for the privilege of coming together this day to study thy word.  Forgive us for our short comings which often keep us from fulfilling your/thy will.

We know we have a friend in whom we can trust who is with us where ever we live or go.  May the special services of last week renew within a longing for a new hope of fulfilling thy work among all people.  Our Father help us to give encouragement to our pastor & teachers by helping in any way we can.

We ask for your guidance from day to day. – Amen.

1975 Roberta's Letter -June 21

June 21, 1975

Dear Family,

Hi!  Hope you all had a good return trip back to New Vienna – hope I wasn't needed to referee between John & Mary V.  Where did you all stay Thursday night?

Everything is slowly getting close to normal here.  The 2 girls got in from Arizona – one is in her 40's – the other one closer to 50.  The older one is a Catholic Nun.  Both are very nice –

They moved into another room – across the hall & towards the drive-way in the front – right near the smaller set of stairs.  SO I moved today into the room that had been picked out for them.  It's a little nicer room – for instance in my old room I only had 1 electric outlet – which was also connected to the only working light in the place.  So I could have my choice of light or clock/radio.  Now I have _4_ electric outlets – also a nicer view – can see the flowers there at the side of the house.  I have the room to myself – and Mr. Ream told me that the 3 of us ª2 from Arizona & myself) will be the only ones on the 2nd floor for the summer.  That surprised me.  He also told me that anything I valued – i.e. $, camera, hair-dryer, etc. – should be taken to a safe-deposit box in the bank.  So I took care of all that . . . . .

So far 2 large groups of [have?] come – the senior citizens & a group of about 75 head start kids w/ their mothers.  In the older group there are _6_ who are Spanish – that speak very little Spanish.  Very few white in the head start group – lot of blacks, Puerto Ricans, etc. –––

Everyone working here is very nice – except Peggy – the woman you all met.  She is another "Hildie" – always complaining & bragging about how much she does – etc. etc.

There are 5 or 6 (1 part time) in the kitchen & dining room.  2 cooks, the dish-washer, who is Mr. Ream's son – myself & a boy about my age from the Chelsea part of N.Y.C.  He knows an awful lot of the campers.  The part-time boy is also from the same part of N.Y.C. – both are extremely nice & very good workers.  (thus far) I'm the only girl in the area.

The food is surprisingly very decent – I'm glad I didn't buy the grapefruit – as we have grapefruit to serve every morning.  Today for lunch we had melons for dessert.  (Both cantaloupe & watermelon)  Also for lunch we had baked fish, spinach, cole slaw, soup & the melon.  There is soup every lunch & supper.

Right now it's between lunch & supper – I'm out sunning by the other pond.  The Head Starters are really giving the life-guard a work-out.

I had a letter from Aunt Mary – I'll enclose the 2 articles concerning F.A.U.'s graduation.

So far the days have been warm – but it gets cool at night.

Mother how is your hair=cut – a week after?

Well, got to go – thanks again for bringing me here – and everything else in-between.

Love,

Berta

PS – Grandma – you should be up here – you would really get a kick out of these senior citizens – always arguing over where & who they are seated by at the table.

1965 Serena's letter to Girl Scouts -June 19

The letter scanned below is most likely a draft of the letter which Serena sent to the Girl Scouts.  Their response, though less personal, was very efficient and will be appearing in a few days.  Apologies for the poor quality of the scan – the original is quite faded and the "retouching" makes the whole page darker.

New Vienna, O.

June 19, 1965

Girl Scouts of the U.S.A.

830 3rd Ave. [inserted]

New York, New York

830 3rd Ave.

Dear  Sirs:

I need help!  We don't have Girl Scouts in our community because 4-H has cooking, sewing, etc. for town and country girls.  But for boys in 4-H they have electronics, wood-burning, etc. for country boys.  But they also have baseball & Boy Scouts.  Which is unfair to girls.  But please don't tell me to just start Girl Scouts.  That is impossible!  Please help me plus other girls of my community.  I was 10 Jan. 20th & going in the 5th grade.  So I also have all requirements.  

Your hope to be Girl Scout

Serena Uible                      

P.S.  My address is:

Serena Uible

Box 50

New Vienna, O.

1985 Roberta's Father's Day Card

[6/17/85 written in Jean's handwriting on back]

Much love – on Fathers Day & every day of the year!  –Roberta

[On the back] Hi!  Bought this card in England – someplace between Bath & Salisbury.  We sure did have a great time – I'm anxious to see our pictures!  And when will you all be able to come out & see the pictures & us!?!

I've been home a week now & finally back on Arizona time!  Next will be Sid having to get used to the time change!

Happy Father's Day – you deserve it – every day!

1965 GHU Postcard -June 15

Grandma sent this postcard to Lakeside and reports Granddad doing well after their traffic accident and hospital stay on the way home from Florida.  Reading the food description is reminiscent of having supper at their house.  Evidently MV stayed with Wilma instead of going to Lakeside.  Interesting that the card could be sent c/o Methodist Conference – wonder how they sorted the mail?

[postmarked Jun 15, 1965]  Hi - Tues. noon.  Looks like rain.  Mrs. Wilson is picking cherries up high, she has a tall step ladder which belongs at the church.  Put several packages of cherries in freezer yesterday.  Now it really is full.  Had a letter from Mary this morning & Cris is due to arrive in Wilmg Sun. 8:44 A.M.  How do you like the weather.  It sure is cool in N.V.  Dad is enjoying his morning visit to the shop.  Mr. Wilson comes at exactly 6:30 & Charles at 9:45.  Dad is eating better, for dinner he had the first full piece fried chicken for some time.  He ate the thigh, 1 sweet potato, ⅓ slice of brd with gravy on pos & brd 5 onions, some lettuce a dish of cherries & ½ cookie full glass of milk.

Also did well with breakf–

Received Roberta's nice card, sorry the car is not doing well. Have a good week.  Love, Mother

Called Wilma & she said Mary V. is fine.

1985 Roberta's Letter -June 17

6/17/85

Dear Folks,

It's 9:15 pm & I've got a whole stack of ironing – that I can put off – for one more day!

Thanks for your most recent letter & the plane ticket.  I appreciate the ticket very much – I'll put the $ toward a trip to Florida in January 1986!  Maybe Sid will make the trip too!

I called the Shadow Motel & gave them one of my plastic card #'s – so they will save the room past 6"00.  I'll have time on the 13th to go to the Motel & then back to the airport to p/u Serena & Grandma.

Have made a few calls as to the rent-a-car right now have definite reservations w/ Econo Rent A Car – for a Ford Escort station wagon.  The guy at the end of the 800# said Uible sounded familiar – did you all rent Econo?  Thanks for the list – sure saved me lots of time!  It gets me how these car rental places always try to rent you a Lincoln Town Car – or some such luxury liner!

We have had our 4th Air Conditioner go out at Sr. Village since I got back!  It's always a challenge to see how bad you can make it sound – every time – so that you get fast service!  This is great sun tanning weather & I've taken advantage!  While in England I got a little pale!

Wish you all could see the England slides – we really did have a grand time.  Sid enjoyed it much more than he ever thought he would!  Actually I think he was a little uneasy about making the trip.  He is much more at home 2/ the truck & trailer than with switching airplanes.  In fact this was the 1st plane he had been on since 1972!!  I've flown enough the last 1 & ½ years for both of us!

Mother you are welcome to give Grandma the leg warmers.  I'm sorry I didn't have more time to shop in England  I could have spent a full day in Herrod's – would have loved to have had tea in their tea room!  I'll enclose an article I've found on Herrod's.

Finally got my fingernails cut way back.  They were so long I could hardly use a push button phone – unless I went straight down w/ my nail – not my finger or my nail would hit another button!  Can you believe that?  It's true – be sure & tell Grandma that!

Just this last week I saw the wedding video – April 7th – while Wendy was here.  The "photographer" must have thought Miss Wendy Jean was family of the bride or groom – she is in it quite alot!  I've ordered a copy of it – will send it to the Morgans & hope someday you all get to see it!

Talked w/ Serena a few days ago – Said you all were coming to Chicago soon – & she was looking forward to that!  I never ever have to worry about my phone bill being under the $25.00 minimum – even when I'm gone 2 weeks out of the month!

I've got a big day planned for Tuesday (6/18)  Will be at the East Mesa Sr. Center to hear Anne Hamilton speak on nutrition at 11:00 AM – lunch there – then will make some visits – Vera – etc.  Supper with the Stubbs & then off to the airport by 8:00 pm to pick up Sid.


George Ketchum ª my boss) went to Albany, NY the day I got back (6/4).  His ticket was on United – it took him 27 hours to get there – PHX to Chicago – then to Atlanta – to Pittsburgh & on to Albany.  Like he says – for the price he was in alot of planes!

Wish I could be in NYC to help Sid go thru customs – change planes – etc. – but I know he is quite capable!

Actually I don't know how he finds time to do all he does here.  I was so busy one night that all of a sudden about 10:00 pm, as I was dragging the hose to hit all the hard to get spots in the yard it hit me – I had not eaten!

O went w/ Sr. Village residents last week to see the movie – Purple Rose of Cairo – it was strange!  This week we are going to see Just one of the Guys.  It was filmed in Phoenix!  The resident do enjoy seeing the movies – especially since they are FREE!

I'm watching Schuller – young Schuller is preaching.  Taped it tonight – now 10:00 pm.  It's on Saturday pm 6-7 & then Sunday 8:00 pm.  I enjoy having the VCR ––

Hope you all can read this – thanks again for the plane ticket!

Love –– Roberta

1985 Catherine's Letter -June 11

6-11-85

Hi!  Thanks for the anniversary card and the $$.  We still plan to invest the money in some new cooking ware.

I have been superbusy at the library.  As of today there are 715 registered for summer reading.  Tomorrow is the first of my Wednesday programs featuring KUBA the Clown.  I'm expecting big crowds.  Next week is a puppet show.  Programs are scheduled for 9:30, 10:30, 1:30.

Wendy's last day of school is Thursday.  Then next week she has two days of dance rehearsal before the recital which is on Wed. evening.  We have also registered her for day camp the week of July 8-12.

Happy Father's Day!

Love,
Catherine, Gerry & Wendy

P.S. Garden is doing extremely well.  I planted green beans and corn and put cages on the tomatoes.

1975 Catherine's Letter -June 11

June 11, 1975

Dear Mom, Dad, Roberta (?), John and Mary,

Thanks for your latest letter and the check came as a real shock.  Needless to say we can make good use of it.  We ordered a Litton microwave unit similar to yours only with the regular electric burners in the stove, and a refrigerator (Frigidaire - 21 cu.ft.) - both in gold.  We were going to hold off on the dishwasher but now I think we'll go ahead and order it – probably a Maytag.  The stove is to be delivered Friday, the refrigerator next week.

X has been working on the cabinets and as soon as they are well enough along we'll have the carpeting and linoleum put down.  Next week I start working just two days a week at Stop & GO so I intend to put that time toward finishing packing everything up so that the week after next I can start hauling it out to the new house.

We had a new driveway put in (on a much gentler slope) and yesterday when the excavating guy was spreading gravel around on it the top of his truck got caught in the power line and pulled the line out of the pole causing the whole neighborhood to lose power. I guess they got it fixed without too much delay but now the power company is going to make us put another pole between the pole that is now at the road and the house.  We were lucky though that the wire pulled out of the pole instead of pulling the side of the house out where it is attached to the house.

We are really looking forward to being in the house and having more time to spend with each other - that should really be the test as to whether we can make it or not.

Did I mention on the phone that Bruce Morgan was here for a few days the end of May.  He has just finished up his Masters Degree in English and is now looking for a job teaching in a junior college.  He also said that David Stone who finally got his degree in chemistry, and is now completing a degree in French has decided to get a degree in Spanish which will take him a couple more years.

I'm thinking of only working part time at the library starting later this summer, although it may not get any farther than just thinking about it.  I don't know if I would then try to pick up more hours at Stop & Go or get another part time job elsewhere.  At any rate it does give me something to think about in my idle moments.

Well, I think I'll finish this off and take a walk to the post office and mail it as it is a really nice evening.  Thanks again for the check - we weren't expecting anything so we are still rather flabbergasted!

Love,

Catherine & X

1965? Letter to Serena

I assume this letter is from Mrs. Harold (Carolyn) Thornburg, 1930-2011.  The only clue as to the date is the mention of catechism class, which may have been for those about 10 years-old.

Hi, Serena,

Certainly missed you yesterday!  Sorry to hear you had a bad cold and your Mother too.

We had  3  left in our class after 4 went to catechism class.  So, Aarron [sic], Wayne and John C and I had a good discussion on "unfinished tasks."  You remember we are still talking about the life of Paul and his great "task" – imagine what would have happened to the spread of Christianity if Paul had not completed what God called him to do!

Hope you are lots better and see you Sunday.

Sincerely,

Mrs. Thornburg

1965 Serena's Bible School Certificate -June 4

1975 Freedom Train -June 4

The "Freedom Train" visited toured 75 cities in 1975 and 1976, stopping for public display in each of the 48 contiguous states, as part of the U.S. Bicentennial celebration.  There was also a Freedom Train in1947-48 to "reawaken Americans to their taken-for-granted principles of liberty in the post-war years."

In June 1975 the train visited Cincinnati, coinciding with Roberta's return to Ohio from Florida.

1945 Uible Photo

Written on back: about 1945, Harold, Mother (Gladys Hiestand Uible), Lucille (Lucile Reynolds), Keith (Pugh Jr.), Aunt Serena (Uible Reynolds), Dad (C.J. Uible)