1957 Roberta, Catherine, Debbie Herron, Serena, Jean, Luna & Gladys –July

1957 Roberta, Catherine, Debbie Herron, Serena, Jean, Aunt Luna & Gladys –July.  Spotty in background.  Jean pregnant with John.  Front porch, 66 College Street, New Vienna.

1967 Catherine's Letter -June 28

June 28, 1967

Dear Mother, Daddy, Roberta, Serena, John, Mary,

Hi!  Today was my day off.  I "amused" myself by tying 29,000 Lakeside bulletins into packages to be mailed.  Out of that many  2  came to New Vienna –– John P. Joy [or Jay?] and Ernest Cochran.

Last night I went to Hoover to see a movie with Jenna.  It wasn't worth seeing.  I think the name of it was "Nobody Waved Goodbye."  Afterwards I went to Port Clinton with a boy named Steve who works at Hoover.

I have eaten dinner twice now at Mrs. Ackerman's.  I had almost forgotten what real food tasted like – especially honest-to-goodness vegetables.  I use half of my meal ticket on milk.  20¢ a carton adds up pretty quickly.  If it wasn't for the milk and the cottage cheese and peach salad I would probably starve to death.

Now that I work in the kitchen I can wear whatever I want to.  Jenna usually wears shorts but I stick to the black and white since that is what I have the most of.  Those two blouses you got fit fine but they aren't too perma-press.

Working 7 days of the week is really confusing me.  There is no set pattern to determine what day it is.

Would it be best to send my money home in a check?  All I've gotten so far are tips which I've used to pay for the room and also to buy my pass.

I requested 3 books from the state library yesterday.  I hope I get them soon.

Love,
Catherine

1977 Catherine's letter -June 27

June 27, 1977

Dear Mom, Dad, & Mary Virginia,

Hi!  Thanks for your letter which arrived Saturday.  We went to the Southern Calif. Expo (S.D. county's fair) on Saturday and we were gone from about 11 A.M. until 9:00 P.M. and we had wondered if Serena might arrive while we were gone but we found your letter when we returned.  The fair is really big and there were lots of people there – over 50,000.  We got pretty tired.  Gerry and I went to our favorite pizza restaurant after we took DeeDee home.

Yesterday Gerry played golf and I walked along in my usual capacity as scorekeeper.  One of the guys he plays with is moving to Bakersfield, CA this week so they won't be able to play.  We took our bikes and rode around the area of the golf course – it was really nice to be able to ride in the country instead of on city street.  (The golf course where they played is about 18 miles out of S.D.)

I bought an old bike for $10 and Gerry fixed it up on the exerciser stand.  It works real well.  He is going to try to put some sort of drag on the rear wheel so it will be a little harder to pedal.  So now I have an inside bike and an outside bike.

Marianne must have gained some weight if she has 30+ pounds to lose.  Hearing that makes me all the more determined not to gain too much.  It's alot easier not to gain than it is to lose it.  The Dr. says he "allows" 3 pounds/month gain.  I didn't ask what happens if you go over 3 pounds.  Maybe he issues a special diet or something.  After my next appt. (July 15) I have to go every 2 weeks.

Write soon!

Love, Catherine & Gerry

1967 Catherine's letter -June 26

June 26, 1967

Dear Mother, Daddy, Roberta, Serena, John and Mary,

Hi!  Got note from Daddy and Alice's card in today's mail.  Thanks.

The bulletin from Kalamazoo essentially said to enjoy the summer and not worry excessively about next fall.  They also enclosed a book list and suggest we read at least 5 by fall.  They recommend one or more books for each subject.

Jenna and I walked to Marblehead last night.  Mrs. Ackerman and I are trying to get Jenna to lose weight – more by example than pressure.  Last night for supper while I had a salad she had hot cakes and donuts.  I may lose weight but I doubt if she will.

Every other week at the Patio we shift.  This week I work 6:00-3:00 and next week it will be 3:00-11:30 or 12:00.  I guess that is so we won't get too set in our ways.

I guess I was lucky to be put out of the hotel when I was.  They have narrowed the number of waitresses down to 12 and Mr. Underwood says there are still too many.

I went down to the Women's Club library this afternoon but they were closed.  It costs $1.50 for membership or 35¢ per book.

I am now reading The Nun's Story.  I borrowed the book from Treva.

Well, I'm going to have to rush this letter to the mail box now.

Love,
Catherine

P.S.  Has anyone seen about the composites (Alices's and mine) at the high school?  You might also check with Mr. Short on SAT achievement test scores.

1937 Constance Cutter Morrow wedding announcement -June 22

Constance Cutter Morrow (1913-1995), second cousin of Jean, or second cousin once removed of the Ballantyne-Dailey-Uible cousins, was the youngest child of Dwight Whitney Morrow (1873-1931)  and Elizabeth Reeve Cutter Morrow (1873-1955).  Her siblings were Anne Morrow Lindbergh (1906-2001), Elizabeth Reeve Morrow Morgan (1904-1934), and Dwight Whitney Morrow Jr. (1908-1976)  This wedding announcement indicates Constance was marrying Aubrey Niel Morgan (1904-1985), who had previously been married to Constance's sister Elizabeth, who died three years prior.

1967 Catherine's letter to John -June 25

Sun. June 25, 1967

Dear John,

Hi!  Thanks for your letter.  What you did type looks pretty good.

I didn't think I was to start working until tomorrow at the Patio but instead I started yesterday.  Right now I am on the day shift and I work from 6:00 A.M. until 3:00 P.M. with no real break.  I work in the kitchen – right beside Jenna.

We get a weekly meal ticket of $15.40.  Only bad thing is that everything is fried and they have no vegetables at all.

How is your baseball coming?  I bet Little League is fun.  From what I've seen of the Reds they haven't been doing too hot.

Did your Bible School class go all week with perfect attendance?  I hope the program went all right.

I'm glad the News-Journal is going so well.

I had to pay $5 to get a ticket so I can go in and out of Lakeside.  I think that is about 3/4 off from regular price because I am employed here.

I haven't played golf yet so I may bring those tickets back home with me.  Then you could use them next year.

Last night at the movie I saw "Those Magnificent Men in their Flying Machines" in Hoover.  Do you remember when we saw it last fall in Gettysburg?

Say hi to everybody and write soon!

Love,
Catherine

1967 Catherine's letter -June 23

June 23, 1967 [Friday]

Dear Mother, Daddy, Roberta, Serena, John and Mary,

Hi!  Got a letter from Mother today so I decided I might write some to you - all.  I didn't get any mail at all yesterday but the day before I got a letter from Marianne.  (I had sent her my address on Sat. so it was pretty good service!)  Today I got letters also from Dave, Patty and Al.

Today noon was the end of my job at the hotel.  After scouring the town myself for a new job I got lots of help.  I've been here less than a week and it is amazing how helpful everyone is.  The lady next door, Shirley, works at the hotel desk and she gave Mr. Killion a big talking to about how I deserved a job, etc.  The housemother, Treva, went to see Mrs. Killion.  Mrs. Gibbs talked to Mr. Underwood about finding me another job.  In the mean time I visited Richard's House, Abigails, Dock Shop, Patio and they all told me the same thing – maybe in July or August.

Treva said I could stay on for a week or more in case anything turned up.  However, today when I went to lunch, Mrs. Gibbs informed me someone at the Patio had been fired and I had a job!  I am to go back later today to find out when I start and what I will be doing.  I hope I work the same shift as Jenna.

I go over to Ackerman's usually in the morning before Jenna goes to work and then in the evening to read the newspaper.  I should have never left N.V. – the Reds have been slipping ever since!

I will probably get one day a week off – which isn't too much to come home on.  Besides that the bus fare costs money!

I have been to Port Clinton a couple of times.  We go over there to eat.

I went to the open house at "The Place" and have been several times since.  For some reason though the boys who work here in Lakeside congregate at the Girls dorm and we all play cards or something.

I think I am going to go to Toledo tomorrow with Treva.  She has an apartment there.

EVERYBODY WRITE!

Love, Catherine

1977 Catherine's letter -June 20

June 20, 1977

Dear Mom, Dad & Mary,

Hi!  Thanks for the check which we received along with the note from Dad.  We are planning to go out for dinner at Bali Hai which is a fancy Polynesia place on the harbor.  And we're going to get a bedspread and some new pillows.  [Celebration of 1st Wedding Anniversary.]

We had kind of a busy weekend.  Gerry had to work until 1:00 on Saturday.  Then he played golf with a friend and I went along for the fresh air and exercise.  Sunday we took DeeDee bowling and then we all went swimming as it was fairly warm.

Tonight we're going to the bargain baseball night.  I got two free tickets for a game on July 24 as a consolation prize in the home-run for the money contest – but not until I reread the rules and then complained about the fact that I hadn't received anything.

We've been here in San Diego almost a year now – actually it seems like even longer.  I think we both hope we won't have to spend too many more years here.

I imagine we'll be seeing Serena before too long.  We got a small box and several letters which you sent her.

Love,
Catherine & Gerry

1967 Catherine to Serena letter -June 20

June 20, 1967

Dear Serena,

Hi!  How are things going in New Vienna?

First of all I will answer your questions.  The job is all right only the hours are terrible.  This morning I worked from 6:30 to 9:15 and then 11:00-3:15 and I go back to work at 4:45 and will probably stay until 8:00.

The room is extremely cramped – mainly because my roommate hasn't unpacked and her stuff is laying all over the floor.  All the kids are very nice.

The food we serve the customers looks delicious but I don't know how it tastes.  The food we eat is indescribable.  We never have vegetables – only meat and potatoes.  Oh, last night we had hot dogs and kidney beans.

I couldn't believe your letter.  I never expected to hear from you so soon.  I got the package with aprons & blouses yesterday, a letter from Mother & Daddy and one from Dave today.

Mrs. Gibbs told Rhonda (another new girl) and I yesterday that they wouldn't need us at the hotel after Friday.  So they are trying to find another place to stick us.

Don't work too hard on your illegible signature, it is already bad enough.

Love from your

talented, charming sister,

Catherine

1967 Catherine's Letter -June 18

239 Maple Avenue

Lakeside, Ohio

June 18, 1967

Dear Mother, Daddy, Roberta, Serena, John, Mary,

Hi!  Well, I have been here almost 24 hours now and I am almost settled.  My roommate, Juanita Obee, just got here last night so I am not the newest girl.  Juanita will be a sophomore at Mount Union.  Her father is a minister.

There are bunk beds, a dresser, a chest, a lot of open shelves and some closet space.  The room is about 15' x8' and there is hardly room to move around.  The floor also slopes down which makes the whole room seem lopsided.

I just got through serving breakfast (it is 10:15 A.M.) which was my second meal.  The conference hasn't started yet so there aren't too many people  This week we have to work about every meal but next week and thereafter we will be on 3 meals and then off 3 meals.  We eat at 6:30, 11:00 and 4:30.  What hours!  This place is as bad as a hospital.

I forgot to mention that my room is downstairs.  A nice breeze comes in the window and this morning it was downright FRIGID!

The lake is really up high.  The first extension of the dock off to the left is almost submerged.

Have to go to lunch now – I'm starved.  Tips are pretty good.

Love, Catherine

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY – DADDY & GRANDDADDY

1967 Jean with Catherine in background -June

1977 Tatt Ballantyne Fisher letter -June 17

Mrs. Fred B. Fisher

Box 213, 705 2nd Avenue

New Cumberland, WV 26407

Sunday, June 19

Dear Jean,

Sure was glad to hear from you when I was in California.  I was just there for the month of March.  Ruth Stevens went with me.  She enjoyed Jean's two boys.  I hated to come home.  I have your letter in front of me so I'm here to tell you we didn't miss any of the bad, bad winter.  Wasn't it terrible.  I about froze in this house.  I just kept the thermostat on 68 for I couldn't stand it any lower.  Never took so many aspirins but I got by with no colds, etc.  Believe everyone felt better even though it was so cold.  One morning it was 20 below and I had to look at thermometer again to really believe it.  Seemed like the olden days.

Ann's husband, Clarence Cline, died on June 9th.  I wasn't able to go over.  Couldn't make it my myself and when I called John he was sick in bed with flu.  I talked to Ann several times and she is doing fine but later I'm afraid for her.  She only weighs 114 pounds and that is bad for Ann.  Natalie and Norman were there and they said Ann is just skin over bones.  I don't think she will be with us long.  Page took her out to his home in Sacramento Calif. on Friday, so the rest with them will be good for her.  Clarence was sick for about four years and real bad the past eight months.  He had a malignant growth on his colon when operated upon and it then went to his liver.  Its a blessing he's gone but he suffered so much and it was hard on Ann.  Two of her boys lived there near them in Moorestoen [Moorestown?], New Jersey.  They moved them to Moorestoen from Camden several years ago.  Hawley lives in Spokane, Wash. and he was the only one who didn't come.  You know he is fifty-one years old.  Ann had eight children and they have all done real well.  Hawley is out of Marines now (after 30 years) and Bill, who lives in Orlando, Fla is out of Air Force after 30 years.  They had twenty grandchildren and six great grandchildren.

Lois and Tom Bruce were at church several weeks ago.  They sat with me.  I hadn't seen them since they left here.  Both looking good.

The 4-H director bought Margaret's home.  They had an auction and got rid of everything.  Jack Evans bought your Uncle Bert's home.  That was some place to rid out.  I felt sorry for Bob & Cindy.  Bob had no idea what belonged to who!!  They are at the cottage now.  Bob is looking for work closer to here.  Indiana is too far away.  Let me hear from you .

Love, Tatt

* * * * *
From note added to 1972 Tatt Ballantyne Fisher letter -Oct.23 (published in the blog on Oct. 23, 2012):  Tatt, born 1906, was the middle daughter of Charles Alexander "Alex" and Mary Conley Ballantyne.  She lived in New Cumberland most (if not all) of her life.  She married Fred Bradley Fisher (1900-1964) also from New Cumberland.  Three of her four children are still living and I am in contact with her daughter Natalie.  The nickname "Tatt" carried over from her childhood when her younger sister Natalie could not pronounce Elizabeth.

Alex – Tatt and Natalie's father – was a younger brother of Nathaniel Wallace Ballantyne.  Nathaniel was the grandfather of the Ballantyne-Dailey-Uible cousins.  The common ancestors would be Alex and Nathaniel's parents, our great-grandparents, Alexander Bell and Irene Freeman Ballantyne.  Read more about Alexander Bell Ballantyne here: http://uible.blogspot.com/2012/01/alexander-bell-ballantyne-1842-1885.html

Tatt's sister, Natalie Virginia Ballantyne Kessel Parsons (1909-2000), is mentioned in the letter as having recently lost her daughter.  Natalie is also the mother of a second cousin most of us have met, Kenneth "Pat" Kessel, though he is a child from Natalie's first marriage and the Mary Jo mentioned was the daughter of Natalie and Norman Parsons.  Natalie had two children with Kenneth Kessell: Pat and Gretchen, both survive.  With Norman Parsons she had four children: Mary Jo, Dickson, Robert & Thomas, only Thomas survives.

Tatt and Natalie had an older sister, Anna Irene (1904-1981).  Anna married Charles Cline and had eight children including a set of twins.  Their daughter Mary Frances Pizella Gavey, is the one who organized several family reunions in the late 1990s and produced several booklets about family history.  She now lives in New Jersey and I am also in contact with her.  [Last I heard in 2016, she was not doing well. She died on November 18, 2016, at the age of 88]

Mary Elizabeth "Tatt" Ballantyne Fisher died in 1993, at the age of 87, after falling and breaking her hip. 

* * * * *

Other relevant blog posts include:

1936 Ballantyne Party -Sept.10
1964 Fred B. Fisher Obituary -Apr.20 (with pictures)
1966 HH NYC Public Library postcard -Mar.7
1972 Tatt Ballantyne Fisher letter - Oct. 23
1993 Natalie Fisher letter - May 18
William E. Cline (1931-2012) - 2nd Cousin
Alexander Bell Ballantyne 1841-1885

1987 Catherine's Letter -June 16

Tues. June 16, 1987

Dear Mother & Dad,

Hi!  Thought I'd send this letter off "air mail" with Wendy.  Hope all went well with the multiple arrivals at the airport.

I've had a semi-long weekend, having Sunday, Monday off and today I don't have to be in until noon.  Then at 2:30 this afternoon 6 of us "new" librarians – 3 reference & 3 youth – have to go downtown Phoenix to become Deputy Registrar's so we can register people to vote.  'Then I have my storytime group tonight at 7:00.

We don't have plans to do anything particular while Wendy is gone – this past weekend it got up to 115º which is a little warm for golf!  Early in the morning is about the only time it's comfortable to be outside.  It'll be quieter around our house for the next few weeks, that's for sure.

Perhaps I could also take the opportunity to say "Happy Father's Day"! Dad.  I appreciate all the "fathering" you've done for the past 38 plus years!  Sorry we can't be there to celebrate Father's Day & Grandma's birthday but we'll be thinking of you all.

Wendy is supposed to call us at 9:00 p.m. (your time) on Friday so we'll talk to you then probably.

Love,
Catherine & Gerry
& Wendy – in person

1987 Serena's Letter -June 15

June 15, 1987

Dear Grandma,

The weather here in Bloomington has been hot and humid lately, but at least I can take heart that I'm in the Midwest rather than Phoenix where it is hotter than this almost all of the time.

My big news here is that I am moving, yet again.  I am moving to graduate student apartment housing.  My efficiency is about the size of my old apartment in Chicago, but it seems huge, especially after living here in the dorm.  I will once again be cooking (probably cheese and fruit type meals – that and Budget Gourmet frozen dinners).

Life is rather up in the air here in the dorm – many people are moving in and some of my friends are moving out – some to other places in Bloomington, some to the "outside" world.  A few lucky ones even have jobs!

I have decided to take an incomplete in Social Sciences as trying to finish the major paper and move at the same time just seemed too, too much.

My team oral presentation on adult learning in the public library was over last week, so that class is basically over – the final shouldn't be too bad.

Next term I am taking Library Automation and Management.  The new term begins on Friday, but I am lucky in that I only have classes on Tuesday and Thursday.  Of course on those days I will be in class from 3 until 9:30.

The Thursday evening dinner that I've been working on seems to be working out ok – somewhere between seven and forty people will probably be there.  Fortunately we are eating out as planning otherwise would be crazy.  I've been telling people five o'clock as I figure that way if people want to go do something else afterwards they can and also, the restaurant should be able to accommodate all of us at that time, particularly on a week night.

I have plenty of room for guests in my new place. Hint! Hint!

My mail has dropped off, so obviously subtle hints don't work with most of the people I write. WRITE!!!  Those few of you who have written can take that in the subtle sense and add "please".

My newest address – effective IMMEDIATELY is 132 Evermann Apartments, Bloomington, Indiana 47406.  I do not have a phone yet, and indeed have not definitely decided whether to get one or not.

Love,



Serena
cc: u, lw, hp, gb, rsuk, cgwm, gma, dfh, slr, rh, ruaa, ej, lc, rejm

1967 Catherine's Letter -June 13

June 13, 1967

Dear Mother, Daddy, Roberta, Serena, John, Mary, etc.

Hi!  Greetings from the home front where days are filled with watering flowers, hunting hamsters, picking strawberries, cherries, and delivering and redelivering papers.

That darn hamster is about to give me a nervous breakdown.  I went to feed him last night and there was no hamster in the cage.  The last time I had seen him was Saturday night.  I hunted under beds, chairs, in corners, and every place I could think of.  I finally cornered him under John's desk and got him back into the cage.  In the process I spilled some hamster food on the rug in John's room.  I was awfully tired last night so I decided it could wait until this morning to be cleaned up, but alas when I came with the sweeper there was no food in sight.  The hamster was loose again.  Once more I go through rooms hunting and crawling around on the floor.  But as of now I haven't found him.

Yesterday afternoon and evening I scoured the strawberry patch.  I sold 14 quarts to Mrs. Thornburg and Carolyn for 40¢ a quart.  I also put three plastic quart containers full in the freezer.  In a little bit I will go out and pick some more.

Grandma showed me how to fix the bags of mothballs for the cherry trees.  I fixed up 10 bags and put five in our tree and five in Beers.  The cherries are turning red now and will be ready to be picked probably tomorrow or the next day.

Something happened to Vicky Baker and she couldn't deliver papers yesterday.  Instead Debbie and Jerry and Kim Murphy did Serena's route.  I had to tell them where half of the people lived and they still goofed up a few.  For instance they delivered to the wrong Faris house and I had to straighten that one out.  Also I forgot to write Garrison on the list they took so they didn't do them.  Phyllis got missed somehow, too.  The only thing I know that Kevin did wrong was to leave Irwin's at the wrong house.  I hope things go better tonight.

Elaine came in last night and we exchanged clothes again.  She forgot and also sent the cookie box back with Bill and Al so I hope you didn't want it too badly.  It was little and round and kind of orangish.

I was thinking that while you all were gone I would get all kinds of things done like reading my books and doing math.  But so far I haven't even had time to look at the books.

Mrs. Davis (Mabel O.) called this morning and said that from now on she wants her paper left at the Funeral Home so that makes one less paper for John.  Mrs. Creed also called this morning and asked if we would start leaving her one.  That makes an addition of two on my route.

I got your post card last night and Grandma also got a postcard and a letter from Roberta.  I think Grandma is planning to send you some News-Journals this evening.  I gave Phyllis the telephone number.

Love,
Catherine

P.S.  Wilma was just here and said to tell you she survived her surgery but is still puffy.  She said in another ten years she may have them all out.

Note added on separate paper (obviously I am related to Roberta):
P.S. I want that job at Lakeside EXTRA BAD!
Sorry about the English but I hope you get the point.  I don't care if the job is sweeping the streets as long as I get a day off occasionally.  ––Cath

1967 Jean's Lakeside Postcard to Catherine -June 13

Lakeside, Ohio postcard - mailed 1967. Captioned: Enjoying the sun on the rocky shore of Lake Erie.

[postmarked June 13, 1967]

Thanks for sending all those cookies & the things we forgot.

Quite a crowd here but getting along fine.  Mark [Beers, age about 3] takes off – often & just at noon he really disappeared & Rev. K gave him a good spank when he found him.  Weather so far is delightful – just wish you were with us too.

Love, Mother
XXXXXX

1967 Catherine's Letter -June 12

June 12, 1967
1:00 P.M.

Dear Mother, Daddy, Roberta, Serena, John, Mary, etc.

Hi!  I hardly know where to start so much has happened since you all left.  First of all I am enclosing a letter to Roberta which I was planning to forward on but I opened it by mistake.  (Honest!)

We had a great time at Coney Island on Saturday.  Alice, Tom Mitchell, and I waited in line 40 minutes to ride the Shooting Star four times.  It was rather crowded with three in the seat but none of us fell out.  We got enough free tickets for eight rides and took about all afternoon.  I got home about 8:00 and left almost immediately to babysit.

Considering I made the brownies at 3 in the morning they tasted pretty good.

Yesterday was really a long and full day.  Elaine, Bill, and Al came after church.  You would hardly believe all the places we went yesterday.  We started out at Fort Hill where we ate lunch and climbed to the top, of course.  From there we went to Pike Lake were we hoped to rent a boat, but they were already all out.  John, do you remember that grapevine that we swung on when we were there?  We looked for it yesterday, but we never found it.  After Pike Lake we drove over to the seven caves but when we found it was going to cost $5 we left quite abruptly.  I was letting Elaine guide us back to New Vienna, but she got confused in Hillsboro and has us headed toward Ripley.  Luckily, Al started driving then and he knew the correct way.

We ate dinner (and I mean dinner) at the Harners.  I then put on one of Elaine's dresses and we all went to the show in Wilmington.  We saw some cowboy and indian show and then "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying."  It was just as good the second time as it was the first, if not better.

I don't know what time the boys got home because they didn't leave here until late.  Mother, I hope you don't have any immediate use for the half-gallon thermos (the ichy feeling one) because Elaine and I made some coffee for them to take with them.  Bill had a polaroid swinger which he had gotten for graduation so I do have a picture of Al and me.  Maybe the thermos will serve as an extra incentive for them to come down again.  Mother, it just must be that new toothpaste!

As soon as they had gotten out the door practically I left for Alices's  I got there just in time for the pizza which was yummy.  Nancy and Donna were also there.  I guess Nancy's Aunt Byrd (sp?)  is awfully sick.  Alice leaves tomorrow for New York.  I got all her addresses so I thought I might write her a letter or two.

This morning I got my stock certificate for Upjohn.  I also got a letter and a picture from Denise in Australia.  In addition I got a letter from you all know who in NJ.

Right now I better get to work.  There is a pile of dishes (part of which are yours) waiting to be washed, not to mention the strawberries which haven't been touched for the last two days.

I hope you all are having fun.  If the weather is like it is here the water should certainly be nice.  I hope you haven't put the golf course out of business yet.

Love from your

beautiful, talented, and

charming daughter

and sister, (Ha!)

Catherine

1967 Jean's Lakeside Postcard to Catherine -June 11

Wesley Lodge, Lakeside Ohio Postcard -mailed 1967. Captioned: Wesley Lodge, Lakeside, Ohio, has two large rooms used for meetings by schools, institutes, workshops and conventions and also for dining.  Methodist Youth Fellowship groups from districts in the Ohio Area of the Methodist Church use its facilities.

Good to talk to you this AM.  Thought of some other things but will do without them.  Daddy wants you to tell Phyllis our tel. number.

Jenna Noble is working in the Patio [Restaurant] here this summer.  Saw them all briefly before dinner today at Lakeside Hotel.  Real splurge before Beers, Kuntzmans & Fawleys arrive.

Love and XXXXXXXX, Mother

1997 Roger Ballantyne Letter -June 9

Roger C. Ballantyne

Vice-President

Senior Human Resources Manager

Citizens Bank

Laconia, New Hampshire

June 9, 1997

Dear Aunt Jean and Uncle Harold,

Summer weather has finally arrived.  We have had a lousy spring with cold and wet weather.  The temperature is about 82 degrees today with higher temps projected for later in the week.  This is the annual motorcycle week with approximately 200,000 bikers expected over the seven days event.

We have a house full arriving for the event.  Elizabeth's brother and his friends from Maine come every year.  Matt and Andrea have friends coming from college to join in the fun.

We are all well on this end.  Lisa is home for a few weeks to attend Janel Mill's wedding.  Helen [first wife] will be returning home for the wedding.  The latest word from Helen is that husband # 3 will be history as soon as they sell their home currently on the market.  She plans on returning to New Hampshire to find work and settle down.

Lou will join Lisa in New York for the wedding and a brief trip to visit with us.  They are due at Luke Air Force Base by the end of the month.

Blaine and Jill are doing okay.  Jill is scheduled to graduate in December with her BS in psychology.  Blaine is attending school this summer as part of his union license requirement for his construction job.  He also has two weeks of summer camp for the Army reserves.

My weekly hospital trips have been cut back to every other week starting this month.  I feel fine except for my on-going need to watch my weight.  I would like to think that overeating is my only bad habit.

The enclosed newspaper clipping is when I appeared on stage for the hospital auxiliary.  My bump and grind did raise an additional $52 that the women in the audience stuffed into my leather chaps.  The show was a sell out.  Someone in the audience thought that the fake scar across my mid section was a nice touch ! ! !

Hope all is well on your end.

Love, Roger

P.S.  Thanks for the info from your trip.

1967 Jean & Jeff? Beers at Lakeside -June 8

Jean & Jeff (?) Beers - June 1967 at Lakeside, Ohio

1957 Lakeside Walnut Ave. Postcard -June 8

Lakeside, Ohio postcard - mailed 1957.  Captioned: 528 -View looking north on Walnut Avenue, Lakeside, Ohio.  the Lakeside Association's Administration building at the left.

[postmarked June 6, 1957]

Weather here has been best we've ever had.  Went into Sandusky yesterday to see friends – girls are looking forward to picnic and swimming this afternoon

Saw the Heyers [?]  last night – Harold, Wilma, Libby & Stephen.  Hope to see baby Paul before we leave.  Have just seen Mrs. asters one (at communion.)

Love, Harold, Jean, Catherine & Roberta

1957 Lakeside Cabin Receipt -June 2

Receipt for 2nd Floor, 337 Cedar Street, Lakeside, Ohio -1957

1987 Wendy's Postcards from Prescott -June 7

Wendy saved money by mailing both of these postcards to New Vienna in the same envelope.

Prescott Arizona postcard -written 1987.  Captioned: Prescott (A) One of Prescott;s famous landmarks, the newly remodeled Hassayampa Inn. (B) Yavapai County Courthouse on the square, with the statue of Bucky O'Neill in the foreground. (C) The St. Michael's Hotel and a view of Whiskey Row.  (D) Bucky O'Neill statute at night, one of the original Rough Riders. 

[postmarked June 7, 1987]

Dear Grandma & Grandpa.

Thank you for the letter it was quite nice.  How are you?  I am fine.  I'm in Prescott with Roberta & Sid.  We're going rock climbing now, call for more details.

Bye

Love, Wendy

P.S. Write Back

Prescott Arizona postcard -written 1987.  Captioned: Victorian Prescott.  Victorian style homes in downtown Prescott add a special charm in this lovely area. 

[postmarked June 7, 1987]

Dear Mary-Virginia,

I'm up in Prescott right now with Roberta and Sid.  It's quite nice up here. It's getting dark outside.  And it's almost time for dinner.  How's you voice coming along?  Mine's fine.

Love,
Wendy

XOXOXOXO

1957 Lakeside Park Postcard -June 6

Lakeside Ohio postcard, mailed 1957 – Captioned: Central Park, Lakeside Ohio.  Portions of Lakeside's largest park, fronting on beautiful Lake Erie.  Here, recreation and rest can be found for the visitor, among its spacious grounds and shade trees.

Jean's postcard to CJU & GHU

337 Cedar
[postmarked Jun 5, 1957]

Girls are now out on the pier trying their luck fishing but aren't getting any bites.  They are enjoying it here – Took communion this AM had the Schamauns for lunch & played at the Playground this aft. til Daddy got in.

Yesterday had a big afternoon with friends in Toledo (They have 4 girls 7 - 5 - 3 - 3 mos.) [Nobles].

We miss Serena.

Love to all – H, J, C & R

1987 Catherine's Letter -June 8

Dear Mother & Dad,

Hi!  Gerry received the shirts from Velva Sheen on Friday.  Thanks!

We had a good time in Prescott over the weekend.  They were celebrating "territorial days" so had lots of special events going on.  Roberta, Sid & Wendy are due home around 1:00 today.

Before we left Phoenix on Saturday we visited the Phoenix Museum of Science & Technology – a far cry from Chicago but Wendy enjoyed the displays.

Why don't you folks consider coming to visit us at Christmas time?  That would be a better time weather wise to stay awhile than August!

Soon I'll be writing to Wendy at your address!

Love,

Catherine, Gerry

& Wendy

1957 Foster Mumps Telegram -June 6

 My recollection is that we went despite the mumps warning, the feeling being better to be exposed and sick with mumps in the summer time than during the school year.  These are the Fosters, Kate and Milt, who now live in Arizona.  She was originally from New Cumberland.

1967 Roberta's Barnesville group photo -June 1967

Roberta in back row, eighth from right

1967 Catherine's Graduation Party -May 29

Another invitation states the party will be at 9:30 p.m.  In other words, after the graduation, which was evidently longer than expected as after the graduation, which was held at Wilmington College, Dad went too fast on the way home.

1967 Roberta's Letter -May31

[5/31/67?]

Dear family,

Hi!  Just got done taking my Bible exam – it was a really good exam.  The questions were like "What does Jesus say about prayer", "about heaven" , or from what Jesus said "What were the most important things we need".  There were also parts about "queries", "programmed meetings" and that sort of stuff.  I'm going to see teacher Bill about keeping the copy of the exam cause there is stuff that maybe Dad could use in Sunday School or something.

I wrote Grandma and Grandad a letter this morning, I can't even remember the last time I wrote them so I decided it was about time.

I only have one exam left to take – ENGLISH!  I know it will be hard, his tests are always hard but you sure can learn alot form them.  On the Algebra exam I spent too much time on sone of the problems so was unable to finish it as I should have!  that sorta makes me mad but I guess that's just life!

Oh yes  I have a "thing" I want you to read.  I found it in the Quaker magazine that Suzzane gets.

"It's not so much how far you go as what you see.  It's not so much how much you see as what you learn from what you see.  It's not so much how much you learn as what you do with what you learn from what you see as you go, wherever you plan to go."  – Mel Wheatley

It takes a couple of readings to be able to understand, at least it did for me!

I got a letter from Betty Smith today and she was telling me about that "Rewards Day" they had at school.  She said Catherine would get up and get one award just to sit down again, then a few minutes later she would get another!  What all did Catherine get?  Betty sure was impressed!

My big toe on my left foot is all swelled up again – OUCH!  Sylvia bandaged it up for me – she did it too tight for my toe turned this terrible color, it almost stopped my blood circulation!

Well, got to go!  See you all Saturday! (Less than 4 days!)

1967 East Clinton Graduation -May 30