1987 MV's Graduation from Wilmington College -May 8,9

1967 Roberta's Letter -May 7

[May 7, 1967]

Sunday night

Dear Family,

Hi – Friday morning about 10:30 they (the teachers) announced that we would have spring outing – a yearly affair.  Well the boys went one way and we went another place owned by this man and his wife.  It was really neat – swimming, boating, canoeing and horse-back riding.  This place was about six and a half miles from the school.  You could either walk or ride bikes, I rode my bike.  We got there Friday afternoon and alot of kids went swimming or hiking.  In order to ride the horses you had to have permission from your parents which I didn't have – so I went swimming instead.  I didn't have my swim suit so I had to go in shorts and blouse.  About midnight it started raining – and hard!  So we were all back at school by eight the next morning.  Usually they always stay until after supper on Saturday.  I'll tell you more this summer.

After lunch on Saturday I was doing dish crew and Bertha came over and said there were people who wanted to see me.  Well, guess who it was?  Doctor and Mrs. Bruce!  That sure surprised me!  They had been to Williamsburg and a bunch of other places and were on their way back to Dayton.  They stayed about an hour or so,  Dave Byjeck asked me after they had left if they were my grandparents!

Included with this letter is the write-up of Mr. Cooper which was in News Week.  I paid 40¢ for the magazine so I could get it!  I bought it at Binns yesterday afternoon.  If you want to keep it – but if you don't its ok.

Got letter from Dad yesterday but no package.  I'm curious as to what else is in the package.

About summer school?  The more I think about it I could just take Drivers ed here next fall.  That way transportation would be no problem. Since it starts June 15 I'll be gone the first couple of days unless I don't go to Lakeside.  I want to go to Lakeside, so!

I got a letter yesterday from Mrs. Schamaun.  The latest news from their family is that Greg now has a motorcycle, instead of his car and that next fall he will be going to Embry-Riddle Aeronautical Institute in Daytona Beach Florida.  Ever heard of it?  Me neither!

Well, suppose I better go – I'll see if I got any mail today and then I'll start on my home-work.  Will you all be up next weekend?  I got twenty cents from telephone company in mail yesterday – it had on my address – New Vienna – and then it was changed to here.

Love, Roberta

P.S. No mail today at all.  They never picked it up!

1947 Marian Plum -May 4

Marian Plum – The woman we're glad Dad didn't marry!

1967 Roberta's Postcard -May 4

[Postmarked May 4, 1967]

Thursday morning

Dear Family,

Hi!  Suzzanne's dad's picture is in this weeks issue of News week.  Please make it a point to see it.  The picture is a good one & they compare him to George Fox.

Have you gotten duplicates made of the negatives I sent home with you Parents day?  Please send the negatives back as soon as possible.  They are Helens.

Having big English test tomorrow over Julius Caesar.

Meeting wasn't very productive yesterday – only two people spoke.  We only have 30 days of school left!

Love, Roberta

P.S. I HATE GEOGRAPHY

1977 Catherine's Letter -May 3

May 3, 1977

Tuesday

Dear Mom, Dad, Roberta & Mary,

Hi!  Thanks for your letter.  That was a real quick response.  Roberta must really be anxious to get to Calif. if she is going to fly.  Maybe she's just getting used to spending money.

We did get all moved over the weekend.  It's a relief to get that done.  The extra space is really nice although we're not too well organized yet.  Gerry has been working on the furniture.  He is putting polyurethane on the table and chairs and the end tables.  The table is gong to take quite a few coats.  He put a grey stain on the rocking chair and then a coat of polyurethane over that.  It looks really nice.

Gerry is to go to the Dr. this afternoon about his knee so I don't know too much yet.  He quit smoking about 2 1/2 weeks ago and now he is concerned about gaining weight.  I seem to be gaining weight too.  According to our scales I've gained 3 pounds since I went to the Doctor last (7 pounds altogether) and I don't go back until May 20.  Hope I don't gain any more before then.

The Reds seem to be getting started.  We went a Padres game last night and they ended an 8 game losing streak by beating Philadelphia a real exciting game 4-3.

What a surprise about the blouses.  I'll be looking forward to seeing them after all the suspense.  I wore my maternity clothes to work yesterday for the first time.  Two of the girls said – "But you don't look pregnant."  So today I'm back to regular clothes.  I still have two outfits I can wear.  My waistline is definitely expanding though – they get tighter every week.

Well my lunch hour is about over so I better close.  Happy Mother's Day!

Love, Catherine & Gerry

1967 Roberta's Letter -May 3

[Postmarked May 3, 1967]

Dear Family,

Hi  Things are almost back to normal now!  We got back in school at 1:45 – just in time for shop class.  We enjoyed our lunch very much and the cake, everything else, too!  Helen asked about the bus ticket – what do you suggest?  Helen said she was going to send a "thank-you letter" to you but I said I would thank you for her.  Save her some money that way!

Have you checked into summer school yet?  If I take Geometry this summer and do bad then I will have already some insight into it.  But if I do good I would be able to take advanced geometry next year or maybe not at all.  I would also like to take drivers ed. of course.

I do not want to join J.R. Swim Club!  I would rather go and give my money to the Republican Central Committee!

Would there be room for me to take a guest to Lakeside???  If there isn't it's ok but I just wondered if I could take someone.

Will be home in 32 more days.  See you all then.

Love,
Roberta

P.S. I HATE GEOGRAPHY !

P.S.S.  Did you all get my grade card.

P.S.S.S. – Got extra big letter from Aunt Mary – Wow!  Was it ever long!

I found my stamps – in my desk, like Helen said – Now I have lost my stationery!  Found this envelope in suitcase.

1987 Family Letter -May 2

Saturday –

May 2, 1987

Dearest Family --

Seems like a long time since we have written and I am sure it is for me as Dad has done most of it lately.  Things are quiet around New Vienna except the Arts and Crafts show which is  to be downtown today blocking off the street from the park to the traffic light.  Since Jim Curtis was the main instigator of it and he passed away about a month ago it hasn't had as much push.

It has been warm during the day but the nights have been in the 40s – a little cool.  We have had rhubarb and asparagus.  There are alot of blooms on the strawberries so hopefully we will have more than last year.  Dad has been busy moving chips from the trees that were cut down & then disintegrated into little bits.  He always has some projects going.

We are anxious to hear how Catherine likes her new position at the Glendale Library which is to begin May 4th.  She has been busy finishing up the things she started for the Maricopa County library position, and I am sure they are sorry to see that she didn't stay but you can't blame her for taking the higher paying position.

Roberta and Dad are busy getting things in shape for the RAGBRAI Trip.  There are many things to get coordinated not to mention just the actual exercise.  With all the wind this week it has been difficult to pump but perhaps Dad is becoming convinced he might be able to use a fancier bike, for the uninitiated RAGBRAI stands for Register's (Des Moines newspaper) Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa).  It is over 435 mile trip.

Serena got another letter out this past week which I think we have all received – if not do let us know & we'll send you a copy.  As you can see she is super busy so doubt if she is making much use of the car but we really don't need it badly here so glad she has it.  Had hoped she might make it home for Easter but she had too much homework needing to be finished up.

We were happy to have John, Carol and Piper down for the afternoon Easter.  It is the first they have been down on Easter for quite awhile – in fact we never get to see too much of them – not as much or as often as we would like, that is.

Grandma is getting along fine – we ate out last Sunday at Ponderosa, then took her to the foot doctor on Monday.  She always enjoys getting mail.

Wells is sponsoring a softball team this summer . . last night was the first game.  Kay Dick (the atty) is the pitcher.  Oh yes, it is an all gals team.  We got home about 11 P.M.  Vanessa Brown is still playing.

Next Saturday is M.V.'s graduation.  She is to sing at the Baccalaureate (sorry on that spelling) on Friday evening.  On 2nd thought did look up the word in the dictionary.  M.V. is doing great at the News Journal – they get a bonus when the amount of advertising exceeds the amount of the year before, which makes the staff happy.

[love, etc.]

1977 Catherine's Letter to John -May 2

May 2, 1977

Monday

Dear John,

Thanks for your card.  We are anxious to see the rest of the rooms in the Hayes house.  Do you have one of the kitchen or the bathroom?

I hear Roberta is getting a new car.  Are you going to get the Buick?  She will be out here in about 3 weeks so if there is anything you'd like to send us you can give it to her.

We're going to the baseball game tonight.  Padres vs. Philadelphia.  The Padres were 8-8 and then they lost 8 in a row so now they are 8-16 in last place in the western division.  Hopefully they will win tonight.  We have really good seats – right behind home plate about 5 rows back.  It is half price night so we got the tickets for $2.50 each.

We got all moved over the weekend.  It sure is nice to have the extra space.  W haven't got it too organized yet though.  Gerry started staining our new table and chairs.  The table needs a couple more coats yet.  The rocking chair he is staining sort of a grey color.  They look really nice.

We are planning right now on my working through August 1.  And then having DeeDee stay with us during August.  She really likes the swimming pool.  She went swimming twice over the past weekend and it really wasn't all that hot.  We bought an air mattress at a garage sale for 50¢ so she floats around on that.

Write again soon!

Love, Cathy & Gerry

1987 Catherine's Letter -Mar.18

[Mailed to Ouro Preto, Brazil c/o of Elderhostel]

Wed. March 18, 1987

Dear Mother & Dad,

Hi!  I have a job!  I just had an hour discussion with Kamala Stillwell the [Maricopa County] Library Director about the system and the position which is tentatively called Children's/Youth Librarian.  The county has 6 branch libraries (including Cave Creek) and 14 affiliate libraries (these being located in incorporated areas). I'm sure I'll know more about these details soon.  I start on Monday, March 23.

Thurs. 3-19

Good to talk to you last night.  I am now at a County Health Dept. for a chest x-ray.  Roberta & Sid dropped me off at the County Building earlier this morning where I filled out a bunch of paperwork & then walked here (1825 E. Roosevelt) since the next place I have to be is as the Occupational Medical Center (800 N. 1st) at 2:30 for a physical.  At least I'm getting a health check in the process of getting employed.  After that I plan to take the bus home.  Next Friday I have to return to the Personnel Office for a group meeting about the insurance.  Roberta & Sid were on their way to a luncheon meeting (NAARF?) in Mesa.

Wendy seems to be enjoying the Arizona life.  She loves being able to ride her bike to school.
(3-20-87) That certainly motivates her to get ready to go in the a.m.  A couple of mornings we've had to make her wait before leaving.  School starts at 8:05 but they can get in at 7:45.  K-3rd grade get out at 2:10 which Wendy says makes the day seem very short since she's used to going until 3:15.  4-6th graders go until 3:10 so next year sh'll be back to a longer day.

I passed all my medical tests yesterday and also visited the Phoenix Public Library while I was downtown.  Introduced myself to one of their children's librarians and got an extended tour of their children's department.  Also pumped her for info about county/statewide library service to children.

Tonight Roberta, Wendy, Jade (Beverly the cook's 8-yr-old daughter) and I are going to the county fair.  Gerry and I are playing golf later this a.m. since this is my last "vacation" day.

Thursday 3/26
Hello, again!  Your letter from Florida arrived yesterday so thought I'd finish this off and Roberta has offered to mail it tomorrow as there doesn't seem to be any post office within walking distance of the library.

My first four days on the job have gone fairly well.  It seems strange to be working in a library that is so heavily administrative and has such limited public usage.  I think my visits to the branches for programs will make me feel more publicly oriented though.  The library receives children's books from publishers to "preview" – they are available to area librarians (and myself) for 6-9 months and then they become property of the library.  It's neat to see so many new books.

I talked to a lady who is a liaison between the State Dept. of Education and the school libraries and we are hoping to get a group of children's librarians to meet monthly to review the new books -- sort of like what you have gone to in Dayton.  Can you send me any details on that when you get home?  You can let me know who the contact person is perhaps?

Gerry has an interview tomorrow for a parts manager job with an RV dealer that is located near Dunlap & Black Canyon.  And on Monday he has an appointment with Auto Shack which sounds like a possibility also.  I'm sure something will come through for him before too long.

Wendy has signed up to take a "Pom & Cheer" class after school on Tues. & Thurs. from April 21 to the end of May.  She seems to be interested in cheerleading lately.  She has also been enjoying her Pioneer girls (meets Wed. nights) at Bethany Bible.  Roberta got her an odometer/speedometer for her bicycle today which Sid installed for her so now Wendy can keep track of the miles she puts on her bicycle.  She is still thrilled about riding her bike to school and has really improved at getting herself moving in the mornings.

I have enjoyed riding the bus to/from work so far.  I'm able to get alot of reading done in the 35-45 minutes that it takes.

Hope your Elderhostel is going well.  We'll be looking forward to postcards (Wendy got one from Florida today) and further info!

Love,

Catherine, Gerry & Wendy

[from Roberta]
Hi – got caught in snow last weekend on bike ride.  I quit after 65 miles & was afraid I'd have frozen toes – but no damage done!  Quite an experience & hilly!  3,000 foot elevation change!

This weekend should be in 80's for 100 mile bike ride.  Anxious to hear more about your trip!

1977 MV's Church Membership -Apr.10

1967 Roberta's Postcard -Apr.27

[postmarked April 27?, 1967]

Bobby returned Sunday from Cleveland.  She really needed to get away and relax and take it easy.

Got your post-card today in mail.  Hope all is fine with Grandma and Granddaddy.  Too bad about Serena's leg but time will heal it.

It is hard to believe in just a little more than 2 weeks I'll be 16.  What I really need is a small alarm clock.  I just want a small inexpensive one.

Don't plan more than the play for next weekend.  Helen and I want to take it easy – drink coke and listen to the radio!  No, not that well off but we would like to relax.

Love,
Roberta

P.S. I HATE GEOGRAPHY

1967 Roberta's Postcard -Apr.26

[postmarked April 26, 1967]

Dear Family,

Got letter and permission in mail Monday so it was pretty fast.

Since you are going to be busy this week-end we will come home next weekend.  It really doesn't matter to us.

The play at the college sounds pretty good so if you can get two tickets for Helen and me plus how many ever you need for the family.

Do you think I could go to summer school?  I would like to take Geometry and Drivers education.

Love,

Roberta

1977 East Clinton Band Spring Concert

1967 Roberta's Letter -Apr.24

Sunday

[postmarked ~4/24/67]

Dear Family,

Hi – I hope by now you have written a letter to me or the school giving me and Helen permission to come this week-end with J.N.  I'll write more later, when I know more.

Included is the program of last night, this morning's pre-meeting program and the picture which we couldn't find last night.

Please take good care of the pictures (2) for they mean a good deal to me.  I also found a little round black thing – I guess it is a "coater" for the camera.  Will bring it home this week-end.

Thanks for all the food!  Most of the stuff is already gone.  "Smiley Eyes" says to tell you "thank you" for the cheese.  It didn't last very long with both of us eating it.  Be sure to tell Grandma that I enjoyed the oranges and the candy very much.

Well, better go and do my English so Helen and I will be able to ride bikes this afternoon about 4:00 or so.

Love,

Roberta

1987 Catherine's Letter -Apr.24

April 24, 1987

Dear Mother & Dad,

Hi!  We got your last post card from Brazil a few days ago.  Glad our letter got there in time.  Wendy & a friend have gone to movies & dinner with Roberta.  Gerry and I have been watching our new cable TV channels – just got hooked up yesterday.  We had promised Wendy we'd get Disney channel if i got the Glendale job so she's happy!

The workshop on Weds. for the juvenile detention teachers was interesting but they didn't like a lot of our suggestions – they didn't want anything violent or occult/supernatural which eliminated a lot of the books which are popular!  Today I went to a workshop in Tempe (at the CommunityCenter right next to the library – it brought back memories of a day in January when my farsighted mother said Glendale was a better place).  This one was on books & toys for birth - 4 yrs. in AM and on Summer Reading Programs in PM. Met several more (3) children's librarians from Glendale.

Tomorrow morning Wendy & I are going to a "Partners in Education" conference that the school district is putting on.  Gerry has to work.

We don't have any firm plans for Wendy's summer yet.  How does the Iowa bike ride (Congrats!) affect your plans?

I got this stationery at a new Pik & Save near here – cheap!

How's Grandma doing?  We haven't gotten an announcement form MV yet.  Are we on her list?

Love, Catherine, Gerry & WEndy

1987 Catherine's James Stevenson postcard -Apr.16

4-16-87
Hi!  Hope you are both recovered from jet lag by now [trip to Brazil].  It was good talking to you on the phone.  Is Grandma all settled back in Ohio?  We had our first 100º today – didn't seem too hot though.  Maybe we are getting acclimated!  We have to leave the air conditioner on about 80-85º or the house feels like an oven when we get home.  Wendy got her first report card (here) last week and did well – especially well in spelling.

I'm helping to do a workshop next week on choosing books for juvenile detention libraries.  I'll be doing reviews / book talks on "series."   These places have 80% boys so the focus is on high interest/low reading level for teenage boys.  I'm doing this as a "county" employees along with a H.S. librarian & a YA librarian from Glendale.

Lots of love,
Catherine, Gerry & Wendy

1977 Catherine's Letter -Apr.21

April 21, 1977

Thursday

Dear Mom, Dad, Roberta & Mary,

It's been over a week since we heard from you so I thought I'd get a head start on answering the letter which we should be getting from you.  Last Friday we got letters from Roberta, Mary Virginia, John and a friend in Sanford and then we haven't gotten any mail since.  Saw in the paper where the postal service might eliminate Saturday deliveries to save money.

Tonight we are going to the concert – Ronnie Milsap, Tammy Wynette & The Statler Brothers.  Should be good – especially the Statler Brothers.

April 25, 1977

Monday

Well, still no letter from you.  So perhaps I should go ahead with this.

We will be moving this weekend.  Both the phone co. and the gas & electric co. are coming on Friday the 29th to change the service over from "Y" to "A".  And Frank is going to help Gerry move the furniture on Saturday afternoon.

Daylight savings time began over the weekend as I'm sure it did in Ohio.  It seemed funny that it was light until 7:30 last night.  It'll give us a chance to ride our bicycles in the evening.  Tonight we plan to go to the library.

Tomorrow night we are going to DeeDee's as her uncle is going to help Gerry change the exhaust manifold (?) on the car.  Speaking of cars – I drove in San Diego for the first time on Saturday.  Tell Roberta I drove all the way to Adams Avenue and back.  (It's about 10 blocks.)  I had to go to the bank and it was almost closing time so didn't have time to ride my bike.  Plus the furniture was about to be delivered so Gerry had to wait at home for that.

Tuesday 4-26

Other big news – Home Federal Bank sponsors a deal where at every ball game the radio people pick a person's name (if you have filled out the entry blank at the bank) and an inning number.  If the Padres get a home run during the inning the person wins $100.  Well, Saturday we were listening to the game – they were playing a double header in Houston – and during the second game they drew my name.  It sure surprised me – hearing it on the radio.  I thought it was probably somebody with the same name but then they announced the address and it was me!  Only the Padres didn't hit a home run during that inning.  At least they won the game.  Supposedly I get a consolation prize – we'll see.

Gerry has been having alot of trouble with his knee.  I finally made an appointment for him with an orthopedist (?) for next week as he kept putting it off – hoping it would get better.

I just finished reading, Random Harvest by James Hilton of Goodbye Mr. Chips fame.  It was really good.  Best book I've read in awhile.  So last night I got Time & Time Again also by Hilton.

Well, I hope we hear from you soon.  I sent the post office a notice changing our Apt. as of May 1.

Love,
Catherine & Gerry

P.S.  The music box you sent DeeDee is real cute.  She has quite a bit of jewelry and like items to keep in it.

1977 Catherine's Letter to John -April 18

Monday

4-18-77

Dear John,

Hi!  Thanks for the post card.  We appreciate any mail we get.

We went to a Padres vs. Reds game Saturday night.  The Padres won it 5-4 in the ninth inning.  But Cin. won two out of the three games in the series.

Roberta says she may be out in June.  I suppose that will be during the time you are at Seton Hall.

We're still not sure exactly when we will be moving.  We're hoping to have some of the furniture we just bought (table & chairs & rocking chair) delivered this Saturday.  It all has to be finished off so we were hoping we could do that before we moved.

I got a letter Mary V.  She seems thrilled that she will be able to go to Hudson Guild for at least part of the summer.  Is Serena going too?

How much time do you put in on Y.A.F.?  How much money do you take in?  Are you going to continue during the summer?

Drop us another card if you have a minute!

Love, Cathy & Gerry

1967 Roberta's Letter -Apr.16

[postmarked April 16, 1967]
We will be allowed to wear shorts for Industrial Arts!!!

Please being me some real thread!

My navy blue shorts split, I tried sewing them up with jiffy sew but really goofed bad and made it even worse!

I'm sorry this is so messy!!!

Love, Roberta

(over)
Forget all about bringing Vanessa.  She is not the social type and I fear she would feel out of place here on Parents's Day.

Tell Grandma & Granddad and the Hortons (if they are still there) that I send them my best.

Love, Roberta – for the second time!!

1967 Roberta's Letter -Apr. 17

Sunday 

afternoon

[Postmarked April 17, 1967]

DearFamily,

Was so glad to hear from you today.  I hope Grandma and Grandaddy arrived all right and everything is A-OK!

Today was monthly meeting, they discussed all these unimportant things like the up-keep of the meeting house, and other stuff on that order. (ugh)

This week-end was both the "German social" and the movie "The Loneliness of the Long Distant Runner."  The movie was really good – it is about this boy who is sent to a reform school and all the reasons behind it.  Friends Service Committee sent it to the school

The German Social was really nice, too.  First we had a German cooked meal and then we played all these German games and songs.  Everybody went around speaking German – it was quite confusing at least for me!  They printed a German paper too.  On the first page it is in German and then on the second the same stuff is written in English.  You will [find] it included with this letter.  Please save it, OK? [And yes, it was saved along with this letter, but is not included in the blog post.]

I'm so glad you all can come for Parents' Day.  If it is not to much trouble could you bring a camera?  I would appreciate it very much.  I don't want to keep it but would like to have some pictures of my friends and other things.  See you then.

Love, 

Roberta

[written on the back of envelope]

I do not want to have to open the letter since I would have to break the seal.  Please bring up Girl Scout cookies with you.  Money arrangements will be made.  Is this OK?  I sure want to get my money's worth on this since I am paying 10¢ (in postage). [Double the regular postage rate of 5¢, perhaps because of the included newsletter.  The Postal Service though interpreted the extra postage as a desire for AIR MAIL service which is stamped on the front of the envelope.  Air Mail does not make a lot of sense though from Barnesville to New Vienna, where would the plane fly exactly.]

1987 MV's Letter -Apr. 17

April 17, 1987

Psalm 119:32
     I will run the way of Thy commandments, when Thou shalt enlarge my heart.

"Are you thinking something is impossible to do?  Perhaps you don't see why it should be done at all.

"There are two possible reasons for this.  One is a kind of smallness of heart that the devil delights to encourage.  The other is a dullness of sight that comes only too easily if we look at ourselves and not 'away unto' our Lord Jesus.

"The one certain way of escape from these two conditions is: Look at Calvary.  Look till your dull eyes clear and you see love that poured forth all, counting nothing too precious to give for love of you.  Don't hurry away.  Look, and as you look a change will pass over you.  You will see that what previously looked impossible is really the only possible thing for a follower of the Crucified to do.  It will be as if scales fell from your eyes (as they did from Paul's), and you will see clearly again.

"Then your narrow heart will become enlarged and you will run to do what you could not even crawl towards doing before."

–Amy Carmichael

I feel as if I've only begun to look at Calvary -- and at times I wonder if I'm even crawling!  Hopefully by now you've discovered that this isn't merely a xeroxed insert for a graduation announcement, but a vehicle to share some of the things the Lord has been doing since I might have communicated with you last.

First of all, God has opened the door at Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore Kentucky (just south of Lexington -- or is it Louisville?!) . I'm so excited about this new phase and to be starting in the Church Music program there in September, which will take two years to complete and will result in a Masters of Arts in Religion degree.  Asbury is a small, fundamental seminary which is closely tied with the evangelical wing of the Methodist church.

In the meantime, God opened yet another door in the way of a job opening.  I had asked originally that He would give me a part-time job at minimum wage, just so I could have some income.  Beyond my wildest imagination, God blessed me with a salaried, 8-5 job as an advertising representative at the local daily newspaper.  It's a very challenging job to meet deadlines and try to please picky clients, but God is teaching me through it and I get to get out of the office to go visit my clients . . . . I couldn't have asked for a better job or more chances to witness!!

I am in the process of planning a trip West this summer with my parents.  As of this moment, all plans are tentative, no details definite.  I hope to be able to see many of you, and will let you know if the Uible-mobile (name of our van) will be in the area.  (Check this same station for further details)

Seriously, I sincerely apologize for the xerox, but I PROMISE a personal reply to anyone inclined toward communication.  Keep looking toward Calvary . . .

[Love, Mary Va.]

1977 Catherine's Letter -Apr.14

4-14-77

Dear Mom, Dad, Mary & Roberta,

Thanks for your letter.  Your birthday card to DeeDee and the one from Grandma both arrived last Saturday, the day of her party, so we took them to her.  The package arrived on Tuesday – her birthday – but we haven't gotten it to her yet.  We've both been under the weather but I think we're sufficiently recovered to go see her tonight.  Some kind of flu/cold bug hit us both.  We couldn't find the Baby Alive deal she wanted so we got her a dart game and some other odds and ends.

Did I tell you we bought a bassinette from the people moving out of Apt. "A".  We gave them $12.50 for it.  It is white wicker and the legs fold up under it.  It has king of an ugly white skirt but I think we may skip it.  They moved out yesterday so now we just have to wait for Mr. Roemmich to get it fixed up.  I guess he's going to paint.

We still need more lamps (we only have one) and a dresser.  The kitchen has an overhead light but all of the other rooms will need some light.  One bedroom is larger than the one we have now and the other is about the same size.  All in all twice as much space as we have now.  Maybe we can keep the bicycles and other misc. items in the second bedroom.

Say hello to Grandma for us.  I'll try to write to her soon.

Love,                    

Catherine & Gerry

1967 Roberta's Letter -Apr.14

[4/14/67]

Thursday

Dear Family,

Thanks for the letter, it is the first I have gotten since last Saturday!  Was glad to hear too that you can come up for parents day.  Do bring John, Serena, and Mary Virginia.  I was also wondering if you would have room for somebody else.  I thought maybe Vanessa Brown could come up but of course arrangements would have to be made.  Alot of kids are having friends come up.

I haven't done anything yet about calling Aunt Virginia or anything.  In fact I'm not really sure if I want to take a week-end off.

I haven't heard anything yet from New Zealand.  I should be hearing something soon.  What part of New Zealand do our relatives live in?

The clipping from the paper sure was interesting.  The German boy at the table when you Serena and John were here was there.  Also Kit – the girl you sat by when you heard the Viet Nam discussion by Teacher Jane.

The school is going to have a Peace Vigil maybe.  It will be held somewhere in Belmont County with others from the area taking a part in it too.  We are also planning on having very small meals in the place of large ones (Sunday noon) and then send to the children of Viet Nam the money.  We are working on all kids of projects for the children over there.

Well – better go – and finish reading "The Devil and Daniel Webster."  plays are really good – at least some of them are!

Love,     

Roberta

1967 Letter to and from Roberta -April 4,11

[Left side from HH to Roberta]

[at top of page]   The carbon here is [???] carbon, really a thin coat.

April 4, 1967

Dear Roberta:

Here is the form that we had talked about earlier.  This way the person you write to has less excuse not to answer you for all they need is a pencil, etc. to send a reply.  Yesterday we wrote a person in Akron on this form and they called this morning about the shipment, so it got pretty fast service.

How was your bus trip back?  Did the bag hold up?  Harold Thornburg told me at Church last night that there was a lot more traffic past his house since they have closed Route #28 off.  Wonder how long it will be before they get I 70 that you take out of Columbus finished?  Did you read about your MYF write up in last night News-Journal?  That is pretty fast service.

Hope Teacher Tom had a good vacation along with the rest of the staff.  The next time you are in Binns see if they still have our competitors ropes and jacks, Roberta.

- - - - - - - - - -
[Right side from Roberta]

[at top of page]   The carbon never worked!

[postmarked April 11, 1967]

Dear family,

Hi!  Today we started reading plays in English.  I am reading "The Importance of Being Ernest."  It sure is funny!  As soon as I get done with that I'll read "The Devil of Daniel Webster."  It is suppose to be good too!

Are Grandma and Granddaddy home yet?  Tell them all I said "Hi"!

Do you think you will be up for Parent's Day?  I guess most parents come about 10:00 in the morning and then leave after the special program that night.  The original play-writer's are putting on the program that night.

If you all can't come for Parents Day or don't want to come that day maybe it would be better for you to come some Sunday (maybe my birthday) and bring Grandma up and stay for the afternoon!

Parent's day isn't going to mean that much to me and I think I would rather you just come some Sunday.

Don't get me wrong I would love to have you up for Parents Day!

Well got to go only ten more minutes till study hall starts!

Love,        

Roberta

1967 Roberta's Letter -Apr.10

[Postmarked April 10, 1967]

Dear Family,

Hi – got a post-card from Dad yesterday saying that John, Serena, and himself were planning on going camping.  Did everything work out?  The weather here is terrible today!  It has been raining but fairly warm.

This morning was the last of the "Viet Nam" sessions.  I will write later about the people that spoke cause I'm not sure how you spell their names.  Most of the sessions were pretty interesting, but, one was completely unbearable!  The one that was unbearable was when this guy spoke for almost two hours on the monsoons, how much it rains, and about all these winds coming over Viet Nam!

We even had a Viet-Nam meal – Wow!  Was it ever different!  It had Rice, a whole gob of spice and I don't know what all in it!  I have the recipe for it and will bring it home this summer!

Yesterday Helen and I went to town, I bought a shaver (not electric) and a couple of other things.  All together – I spent – No, maybe I better not tell you!

We also changed our room around yesterday and bought a new mirror and a new chair.  The mirror cost $2.00 and the chair $5.00.  The chair is a Persian design and is really cushioned!

I have my name tags on most of my stuff by now, it doesn't take very much time when I use Jiffy Sew!

Is everything settled about going to Lakeside?  Is the house the one the Kuntzmans talked about?  Is the whole Beers family going?

Well – better go and do my algebra!

   Love,        

Roberta

P.S. We aren't going to have any regular English class this week cause Teacher Tom will be in Phil. for a meeting of the Quaker schools principals.  So instead of having English we will be reading plays out of all these books he has gathered for us.

1967 Roberta's Letter to CJU/GHU -Apr.10

[postmarked Apr 10, 1967.  Addressed to North "K" Street, Lake Worth]

Dear Grandma and Granddaddy,

Hi – How is everything?  Thanks so much for the letter!  I'm sorry I haven't written back before this.

This week-end has been "Viet-Nam" week-end.  The school had several guests to come in and speak to us.  One man lived over in Viet Nam for four years so he sure had the facts.  There was another man to represent the military and to tell about the military importance over there.  We even had one Viet-Namese meal – Wow – Was it ever different.  He gave us the recipe for it so I'll love to make it sometime this summer for everybody!

I only have two more weeks of home-ec and then the girls take "shop" and the Boys Home Ec!  I'm excited and scared both about taking it, but I'm sure I will live through past it!  We won't be graded in it, the teacher will just give a comment

We are allowed to have a weekend away from the school a semester, since we only get from Friday night till Sunday night I'm planning on going to see Aunt Virginia and her family my week-end.  I think I will take the first week-end in May off.

Well, better go and iron some clothes or I won't have anything to wear this week!

Love, Roberta

P.S. Hope your trip to New Vienna goes fine and all of the Hortons are fine.

1897 A.W. Brown Letter -Apr.9

National Hotel

Largest Hotel in Washington. 350 Rooms

All Modern Improvements

Opposite Pennsylvania Depot

Six Stairways to Ground Floor & Fire Escapes on all sides.

O.G. Staples, Proprietor

Walter Burton Manager

[This letter written a month after the beginning of William McKinley's first term as U.S. President.  McKinley, the 25th President took office on March 4, 1897 and was assassinated in September 1901 at the beginning of his second term.]

April 9, 1897

Dear Old Bert & Lucie:

Reached Washington all O.K., this morning.  Met E.D. Marshall and Col Taylor here.  This afternoon Col Taylor took us to the White House, and we were shown through the entire house by  a messenger who has been there since Abraham Lincoln's time.  We were shown all the private parts of the House where the President & family live, something that is not often done with visitors.  We were in the private dining room, state dining room, the private parlors, the Cabinet Room and in President McKinley's office and talked with the clerks.  He receives an average from ten to fifteen thousand letters every day.  The President is out of town on the Dolphin, taking a trip and will not return until Monday.  I looked into the White House kitchen as the door was open as we passed by.  We were shown many ornaments, selected by Arthur, Mrs. Harrison, Mrs. Hayes and others.

I am feeling well, and we have had a delightful time so far.  We expect to call on Senator Elkins and others.  He is in N.Y., and will not be back until to-morrow or Monday.  If you write me and I hope you will do so on Tuesday direct care National Hotel.  Col. Taylor certainly stands in at the White House as all the clerks and door-keepers know him and he seems to have all the privileges.  He told the head man he wanted to show some friends through, and he delegated the oldest & best man to take us into all of the apartments & explain us everything.

I must close with much love to all the dear ones at home.

Lovingly

           A.W.B.

  * * * * * * *
Other letters referenced or of related interest:

• 1902 A.W. Brown's birthday letter to daughter Lucie - May 22

• 1905 A.W. Brown letters - Jan.17

• 1905 A.W.Brown Letter -Feb. 10

1967 Roberta's Postcard -Apr.9

[postmarked April 9, 1967]

Hi! – Was so glad to hear from both you and Grandma today.  Please tell Grandma that I'm sorry but I'll have to write later – only three tests tomorrow!

Yesterday we had Algebra test, I did pretty good. At least I understood it alot better than I would have last year.

I'm so happy you all can come up – I really would like Vanessa to come but I don't want to make car too crowded or too much trouble on your part.  Will make reservations at the place you said.  Food would be welcomed!  Please bring detergent (All, Tide – I really don't care what kind.)
Love, Roberta

1977 Catherine's Letter to John -Apr.8

April 8, 1977

Dear John,

Thanks for your letter.  We wondered why we hadn't heard from you for so long.

So do you have the Buick now or have you taken it back to New Vienna?

I hear Serena may go to Hudson Guild this summer too.  Are you going to go to school besides working?  When does Denison let out?

DeeDee is celebrating her 9th birthday tomorrow with a party at Farrell's.  Should be a real humdinger.  Mostly adults which will probably make it wilder than if it were more children.

Have you heard we are moving to Apartment A.  It is the first apartment downstairs on the right side.  The only one that is a two bedroom.  We will probably be moving around May 1st.  The new owner wants to fix it up some.

We have tickets to go to a Padres vs Cincinnati Reds game on the 16th.  Padres should have a pretty good team this year – not as good as the Red though.

I have to start work now so I'll sign off.  Write again soon!

Love,

Cathy & Gerry

1967 Roberta's Letter -Apr.7

Thursday 

[postmarked April 7, 1967]

Dear Family,

Last night and today both we have these people, about 8 of them from a Quaker school in Mass.  There program is alot different from ours.  They have no dorms, they live in a "family unit" of 8 kids at the house of a teacher and his family.

Tomorrow starts "Viet Nam" week-end.  Since these people are not coming till Friday night we are going to change our schedule all around so that we have free time all tomorrow and Saturday all night and all day we will be hearing about Viet Nam.  We will be able to go to town and everything tomorrow just as if it was Saturday!

This morning Teacher Tom announced that no week-ends should be taken after May 7th.  Except for special reasons – funerals, weddings, that type of stuff.  Should I write Aunt Virginia a letter asking if it would be OK for me to come and spend a week-end with her?

We are now studying "The tragedy of Julius Caseur (sp?)" in English.  It is the second time I have studied it now so I hope I do pretty good.  We all got the paper back edition of it (cost 50¢).

I am done with "The Robe" and tonight I want to write the report so I can type it Sunday.  They aren't due until the first of May!

Did I tell you all about wanting to go to New Zealand to school my last year or maybe even the last two years?

Since I won't be taking German next year there is no chance of me being able to go to Germany.  But, in New Zealand the main language spoken is English  I want to take Spanish 1 next year and then continue it if I go to New Zealand.  I sent off for some literature in these three schools over there.  One was pretty near Wellington (the capitol) and the other two are both in the Southern Island near the bottom.  One is real close to a town called Gore and the other one is in the mountains somewhere.  I'll tell you more when I hear from them.

The 14th of this month (I think) we are going to see the movie "The Loneliness of the Long Track Runner."  I think that is the title of it.  Have you ever heard of it?

Today in the mail I got a letter from dad, post-card from mom and a letter from Grandma.  I think I will just wait until they get to New Vienna to write them back.

Well, I suppose I had better go and do my English – be sure and write and tell me what to do about my week-end off – what should I do – write Aunt Virginia and ask her?

Love, 

Roberta

P.S. Thanks again for such a GREAT VACATION!

Daddy, I got another bag in Lazarus!  cost 25¢