1980 Harold Uible batting 100 -Jan.28

Clipping from the front page of the Blanchester (Ohio) Star-Republican, Monday, January 28, 1980

"TOYS"

by ROSE COOPER

Thirty years ago one of the most treasured possessions of a little girl was her set of Jacks.  She and her little friends spent hours playing first the 'ones', then 'twos', and going right on down the line through the 'sixes'.

Next came the paddle ball which took a special kanck to do well.  In many households the paddle ball proved two purposes.  First it was a game which was good for the child's coordination.  And secondly, after the rubber which attached the ball to the paddle had broken several times and couldn't be tied back together anymore, the 'paddle' became just that -- a source of education by many mothers for the 'seat' of learning.

Today, both remain popular items, but have taken a back seat to more expensive toys in this day of plenty.

For at least one toy factory both remain a popular item and have not taken a back seat to the fancier and more expensive toys.

Both are produced by the millions by the Wells Manufacturing Company in nearby New Vienna, and are sold wholesale to dealers throughout the United States and are exported to other countries.

Numerous games have been set up to play Jacks, and Harold Uible, vice-president of the company, offers the rules to his customers.  He receives many replies both here and abroad.  By mailing the Wells Jack ball card back to the company, along with 20¢, a youngster will receive an instruciton sheet for 20 different games. 

Through the years the company has added numerous other toys to its line, including jump ropes, yo yos, soap bubbles, mini footballs, plastic balls and bats, several types of sponge balls and pinwheels to name a few.

Uible took over the operaton from his father, Cecil Uible, who operated a grocery store in Westboro from 1912 to the 30's.  Cecil Uible then went to work in the construction trade until he retired.  A stockholder in the Wells Manufacturing Company, Cecil purchased the remainder of the stock when the owners went broke.  He came out of retirement and took over the operation of the toy factory in 1945.

At that time the toy factory occupied one large building. Today the factory has expanded to several buildings and 100,000 square feet of floor space and has 60 factory employees.

Daily the company produces over one quarter million of its 1¼" rubber balls which are used in Jack sets and for paddle balls.  "Many of these we sell to our competitors," Uible explained

In order to turn out that many of the small balls, the company operates two eight-hour shifts.  One piece of equipment turns out 720 balls every 20 minutes.  "A total of 16,000 balls are produced in an hour," Uible said.

Inflation has taken its toll at the toy factory as well as with everyone else.  But Harold Uible believes the only way his factory can operate is by remaining competitive.  Jacks and balls which the company sold for 5¢ in 1945, now sell for 39¢.  Soap bubbles which formerly sold for 10¢ a bottle now sell for 29¢.

"Our selling price has not kept up with inflation, but we have to remain competitive.  Our top retail price is $1.98.  Retailers want to make a dollar, they don't want to sell an item for a dollar."

The company vice president feels his greatest problem is the imports, where "they pay low wages and have low overhead."

Speaking highly of his employees, Uible pointed out they are "good, dependable area people."

Smiling, the factory head stated proudly: "Several of our people, along with myself, ride our bikes to work."

How far does he ride to work?  "Only about a half a mile," he replies.  "It keeps my waistline down."

For many of its products, the company buys raw rubber in 75 pound pieces.  The chemicals and water are mixed in to make a compound.  "Raw rubber is a tacky, solid mass, sort of like hard bubble gum," he explained.

Wells Manufacturing makes three different size sponge balls.  Some are imprinted with a religious phrase, such as 'be kind to one another'.

For the three different size jump ropes the company sells, the rope is braided together at the New Vienna plant.  For its chalk boards, the company purchases the boards, then decorates and paints them.

Though many area residents are surprised to learn Wells Manufacturing is a toy factory, it is no surprise to many New Vienna youngsters.  "Sometimes when we throw sponge balls in the trash the kids will come along and get them out, or the garbage men will drop them out of the trash and the kids will pick them up.  We don't encourage this, but we don't stop them.

Harold Uible is a very unique person.  Especially so since he combines another busy job with his already busy schedule and makes it work.  He is a practicing attorney.

Before graduating from law school at Cleveland Western Reserve, the busy man had no plans to come back to New Vienna to his father's toy factory.  Nevertheless, this is what he did.  For the last 31 years, his business office has also served as his law office.

His reply when questioned about being busy?  "It keeps me out of mischief."

In addition to his law practice and overseeing the production of toys, the company head has 20 factory representatives or salesmen across the country and has 800 accounts or wholesale buyers.  "I try to keep up with New York and Dallas by way of a computer in the office," Uible said.

Plans for the future don't include an expansion or any added toy lines.  Nor does the company head have any plans to retire.  "I feel younger now than I did 20 years ago," the busy man laughs.  "I enjoy life."

1980 Catherine's Letter -Jan.26

January 26, 1980

Dear Mother, Dad, & Mary,

Hi!  Here it is 3:45 and the mailman has not come yet - it's doubtful though that I will finish this before he does come.  We had about 3-4 inches of snow last night so that has probably slowed him down.  It also meant we got some extra hours in today clearing off the sidewalks.  It is also a blessing because it had been so warm that I was getting behind in my outside work - pulling weeds, raking wood chips, etc. so the snow will cover it all up for awhile.  Sandi is coming tomorrow (Sunday) for the monthly inspection.  She says that January is such a busy month for her at work that she can't afford to take a day off to come over on a work day.

Tonight we are going to celebrate my birthday by going to a seafood dinner at the Elks and the dance afterwards.  They always have good seafood and in such quantities.  We are looking forward to a good dinner.

Wendy is feeling much better today.  The Dr. said that her throat was very inflamed and her tonsils were swollen.  He prescribed some liquid penicillin so we have been giving her that.  I'm glad I took her to the Dr. though because she probably wouldn't have gotten better so quickly without the medicine.

It's now Monday and we just got back from the Pediatrician's in Bend.  Wendy checked out just fine.  The Dr. said the hives weren't anything to worry about unless they really bother her (which they haven't) and she hasn't even had any for over a week.

We got two Guideposts last week.  The February issue came on Wednesday and then on Saturday the January issue arrive.  Thank you for the subscription.

Since it snowed on Saturday it has been very cold.  Last night it got down to -16º and is staying around 0º today.  Fortunately I don't have any work that has to be done outside for a few days, or until it clears up.

We got our reprints back so will be sending you some pictures soon.  I think I'll send them to Roberta first and let her send them on to you.

Your letter and the birthday card arrived on Saturday.  Thanks for the money.  I haven't really decided what I'm going to spend it on but I'll let you know.  I have some books I've been thinking about buying so I may do that.  I also appreciate those papers you sent on the microwave.  There were some good ideas on there.  Gerry has reordered it for the 3rd time now so if it is in stock yet it should arrive next week.  Otherwise we'll just have to keep trying. 

Oh, I meant to tell you Wendy weighed in at 29 lbs. and 35½ inches which the Dr. said put her in the 75% for children her age.  That means she is a little above average in both.

Love,

Catherine,

Gerry, & Wendy

1970 Catherine's Letter -Jan.22

January 22, 1970

Dear Mother, Dad, (Roberta), Serena, John, and Mary,

To add a little interest to my letter I'l give you a variation on both color and format.  Your letter of the 16th arrived today.  It does seem as if the mail is moving slower -- but maybe not, I just noticed it is postmarked in New Vienna on the 19th.  Since this is the eve of another trip it may be awhile before you hear from me again. I got a letter from Sue [currently known as Susie, some of you have met her], who is now Frau Steven Durham, so I'm taking the train to Erlangen tomorrow to visit her and her husband.  I don't think any of her family came to the wedding but I'm not too well informed.  I'm looking forward to meeting him and talking to her.  I saw her last in January last year at Kalamazoo.  Sunday night I'll be on the train to Hannover where I fly to Berlin.   After that I only know that I fly back to Berlin on Friday.  It will probably be the only 21st birthday I spend in Moscow.

School is unbelievably boring.  I've even begun reading my German dictionary in history class and I used to do that only in German class.  Everyone seems to have lost interest entirely.  Hopefully we can make it through the four weeks after Moscow.  I'm still working on my German.  It seems as my listening and reading comprehension has gone up,  my speaking abilities have deteriorated.  Probably to any use I would put German in the states the latter is less important, but it is rather frustrating at the moment.

Butterbrot is a stable of the German diet.  Literally translated it is butter-bread.  We have it every night for supper.  It all starts with the bread, usually thin brown, but it also comes in white, black and roll form.  The next stage is the butter (margarine) and then a slice of bologna, cheese, liver-paste or other things of that order.  For supper it doesn't have a top and is eaten with a knife and a fork.  I can now eat as well with my left hand as with my right.  When we go away Mütti always fixes us a bag with butter brots (only with tops so they are more similar to sandwiches) and fruit.

I'm glad Roberta likes her job.  How about Vanessa?  As for boots, I still have the ones I brought over and they are going so strong they will probably be good for another five years.  Actually, I'm thinking of moving somewhere that I never need boots.  Why should I live somewhere cold when are so many warm places?  I may be at Kalamazoo next winter.  If I become a German major (I'm not committing myself until I've had some more courses) I might have to stay on campus to make sure I get all the courses I need.  But maybe I could take come classes at another school.

I'm not working at the library this quarter as I'm trying to put in as much time as possible reading -- usually alternating between the German Readers Digest and books.  I've gone through a couple novels but I've found I can't get involved in any book I pick up like I can in English.  The story has to be pretty fast moving or I get lost in the vocabulary.  Hopefully as I get more used to reading German and my vocabulary improves it will get easier to read about anything.

It's after I get back that I may need to be advanced some funds.  I'm not sure whether I'll be able to and/or if I want to work for Saga.  And if I got a part time job somewhere else I might be tied down during vacations.  I'm giving the matter some thought.

I went to church Sunday and even took part in Communion service.  Instead of having the juice in individual cups like in N.V. there is a big gold container which the ministers holds and  kind of pours it down you.

Assuming I return (or don't freeze) from Moscow, I'll send you all the details.

Love,
Catherine

P.S.  Could you please send my bathing suit?  Vatti always appreciates the stamps.

1980 Roberta's Letter -Jan.21-24

1/21 -24 /80

Monday P.M.

Dear Family,

Was good to talk to you all last night . . . wish you could be here to see the daily changes on the house.  Seems like we are helping them build it . . . bet we are over there more than anyone else!!!  As of today they are locking up the house.  It is suppose to be finished inside as of this Friday . . . and outside as of next Friday.

Jeanne Sanker called me tonight.  I had invited Lowell over Friday night for supper.  Turned out he couldn't come . . . some friend from Ohio had car trouble and he went to their rescue.  But he made the effort to come over and leave a note here at the house.  Guess his mother was afraid I hadn't been told or something.

Thought it was really interesting to read the enclosed article in the Phoenix paper.  Especially after we had done our investigative work in Wickenburg.  Marion looked at the article . . . and her comment was surely H.H. had not paid those kind of prices.  I keep telling her about the good cookies . . . and all.

It rained again today.  We have a full house at work every day that it rains.  Marion stayed home from school to blow her nose -- what a cold she has -- so I used the truck for work.  It worked out fine . . . because I was out last week and some poor lady kept saying that she really wanted a TV . . . so after just four telephone calls located her a used one . . . it works and was for free.

-- Now Tuesday pm - 9:00 PM --

Have just got done doing some reading for my one course -- is is pretty darn technical -- life span development -- life crisis.  Only 10 people in the class --

I had to make 2 calls today -- trying to get these 2 people into Foster Homes -- one a 93-year-old lady who just got out of the hospital -- doesn't (hasn't) eaten right -- or taken medication. -- etc.  but not even willing to consider foster home idea -- Right now living in a one room rental from an old couple -- very interesting.

THANKS!

Love, 

Roberta

1990 MV's Thank You -Jan.19

1-19 / 90

Dear Mom & Dad,

I'm enjoying my new apartment - the peace, quiet, privacy.  But it is crowded.  The worst is the kitchen -- there's barely enough room for one to work.  We (Don & I and Cathy & her boyfriend) have been taking turns cooking and splitting the cost.  I'd rather cook for 4 than 1.  I'm anxious for you to visit -- I only wish there was room to put you up here in the apt.

I'm applying for a job at an Assembly of God -- it is part time but the job has the unique possibility of building the music program from scratch, which would look very good to a future employer!

I'm helping Ginny (my voice teacher) with the music on the Spring Walk in Lexington; I believe it is May 3-6.

Will you be stopping thru here on your way to Fla?

I just wanted to say thank you for all that you did at Christmas -- my goodness . . . the car, the plane ticket, all the meals and entertainment . . . I'm overwhelmed!  Your generosity has to us us has only been exceeded by your love and faithfulness.  Thank you for the gifts, but especially for being the best Mom & Dad.

Love,

Mary Virginia

1980 Catherine's Letter -Jan.19

January 19, 1980

Dear Mother, Dad, and Mary,

Hi!  Nice talking to you again yesterday, Mother.  Hope you are over your cold by now and feeling better.  There is quite a bit of flu going around here but we haven't caught it since we've been home.  Hope our luck holds out for awhile longer.

This has been our first week back in the routine of Gerry going to work every day.  We did OK with all of us getting an earlier start on the day.  We stayed up too late on Thursday night when Gerry went to Elks and I went to a Bunco party but we got caught up on our sleep last night.  And tomorrow we'll have a day to rest up.  At least by Gerry starting on Tuesday he only had a five day work week this week and the same for next week.

Our second stay in Portland for the night was interesting since we stayed in a hotel downtown.  We arrived a little after 6:00 p.m. and called a hotel that was in the Mobil Guide but it was filled up so we stayed in a hotel right next door.  It was easy to see why it wasn't in the Mobil book.  But it was a room.  We had supper at the Old Spaghetti Factory which was only a 15 minute walk away.  On Monday Gerry's appointment was at 1:30 so we had the morning to look around downtown Portland which we had never done before and then we took the local transit to Milwaukie which was only a 20 minute ride from downtown.  We were impressed with the transit system in Portland - it is alot more sophisticated than San Diego's which is the only other one we are really familiar with.  After the appointment we went to the Library and then had supper before catching the 6:30 bus back to Madras.

Tuesday morning I had a meeting to plan a five-year program guide for the Jefferson County Extension Service.  I am on the consumerism sub-committee.  We decided that most people are still interested in the same type of things as the last five years with more emphasis on changing lifestyles due to inflation and new appliances like microwaves!

Tomorrow after church there is going to be a coffee hour to honor two of the oldest members who have birthdays this month.  One is 95 and other 92.  Both of them women.

Wednesday night our Sunshine Friends, Oma & Millard (the people across the street) had us over for supper.  They were real pleased that Wendy was alot friendlier toward them than the last time we had been there.

Well it is about time for Gerry to be home for lunch so I better close.  Wendy and I are going to walk back to work with him and do some errands including going to the library to get her some new books to read - she doesn't get tired of the old ones but I do!

I forgot to mention to Gerry your offer about the car.  But we will discuss it and I'll let you know.

Love, 

Catherine

Gerry

Wendy

1970 Catherine's Letter -Jan.17

January 17, 1970

7:30 AM

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

Hi!  Your letter of January 11-12 arrived yesterday.  Thanks too for sending the letter from Grandma, the clippings and the stamps for Vati.  I am enclosing the stamp from Grandma's letter.  I don't envy you the weather.  Ugh!  It sounds awful.  Maybe I will get to come home on one of those big planes.

I have seen no National Geographics over here.  The public library gets "Life" but they are always about two months behind.  Ann and I usually buy a "Time" so we can keep up with what is going on in the United States.  An article for you all to read is in the January issue of "Psychology Today".  It is on affluence and is written by Jean Mayer, a nutritionist.

How does Roberta like NCR?  Are they commuting from Sabina?  Now that Mary is learning to print I will be expecting a letter from her, too.  John, I'd be interested in reading your theme on Americanism.  In our history course we've been discussing the differences between nationalism, patriotism and whether historians distort history to fit their purposes.  Serena have you joined Candy Stripers yet?  Is my uniform still around or did I give it away?  You all will probably know more about German geography than I do.

Is Weegie engaged to Wayne?  Really, Mother you shouldn't neglect such an important detail.  I can kind of understand how Patty feels.  Alot of kids over here are depressed too.  As for me, I have put in too much work now to think of quitting.  Besides, I'm almost through, with this phase anyway.  I'm not sure what the future holds but I would rather face it with the education behind me.

I am really loaded with German marks right now.  I changed a bunch of money yesterday as we have to pay for Moscow on Monday.  it costs 339 DM and that includes transportation (air) from East Berlin to Moscow & back, room & meals there, and guided tours in Moscow.  I don't think it is too unreasonable but I certainly couldn't afford to go every week!

Vati got a slide projector for Christmas so we saw slides last night of the Völker's '69 vacation in Yugoslavia.  Also saw some that Rosie took of our trip.  Rosie and I signed up to room together next quarter in DeWaters.  It's funny how Rosie and I get along really well and also Alan and I do.  But Rosie and Alan together is constant clash.  Of course, traveling together the way we did provided lots of opportunity for clash.  Alan is very logical and everything he does has its plan and purpose while Rosie tends to lean in the other direction.

I got a Christmas card yesterday from Carol Tapella.  She was my best friend at SIU -- remember?  She mailed it December 20 but it didn't have enough postage to come air mail.  She is still going to U of I.  Other than that, a letter from Mike, and the one from you I hadn't gotten any other mail.  Last quarter the mail was about the most important part of my life.  It's still nice but I found that I can live without it.  Maybe that is a sign of better adaption to my environment.  I've been trying to write one or two letters every morning to get caught up on all the people I owe letters too.

My regards to all --

Love,

Catherine

1990 Roberta's Letter -Jan.16

1-16-90

Hi!  Thanks for your letter -- it came along w/ 3 WNJ's Dad's note & N.V. Methodist Newsletter!  Banner Day!

I called up John this AM -- I thought maybe he had fallen asleep at the Rest area coming back from IL.  HA, HA! (as Aunt Mary or Marianne would say!)

Did you watch 911 tonight -- I had G'ma very involved w/ it -- excellent program!

I got G'ma a new garter belt -- by the time she leaves she should be completely outfitted.  Baby Beethoven is hard on her hose!

Her medicine did come today -- but the bottle came open & only 12 pills (out of 30) arrived unbroken.  I'll call Josey's [?] -- at $25 for 30 they could have sent them better.  (Joe Horton method)  About 10 more were broken in half -- so actually only 8 were completely crushed!

Grandma might want to come back to AZ -- at least for the rest of the winter after Florida.  We have taken out some of our family room furniture so it's easy for her to get around & "die out" our lights!

Gotta go -- check the heat next door!

Love, Roberta et al

I wasn't able to be w/Baby Beethoven after his surgery today -- G'ma sure missed him tonight --

1980 Roberta's Letter -Jan.16

January 16, 1980

8:00 PM --

Dear Family,

I've got a letter downstairs in the typewriter started -- that was on Sunday & it just has the date on it -- hopefully I'll get further on tonight's.

Marian is downstairs -- Board meeting of the homeowners Assoc. -- main topic seems to be about delinquent monthly charges -- now over 4 thous!!! 

I did register today for  2  classes at ASU.  It was a pleasant surprise to be able to go through the whole process in about 45 minutes!  I'll be going 2 nights a week -- starting tomorrow night.  Thursday will be from 6:40 to 9:30 PM.  I bought the book for the class today -- $20.50 -- I'm keeping all receipts for tax purposes!!  First chapter is titled something like -- is death a life crisis?

My other class is Recreational Facilities -- meets on Wednesdays from 4:40 to 7:30.  I talked to the prof. last semester and the course will be mostly visiting various sites -- and then picking a place & really do a details "study" on it.

I'll be having to leave work early on Wednesday -- which is no problem.

Work is going OK.  Though I've sure had my share of headaches w/ it.  It makes me glad I had the 4 years of -- summer -- experience at Hudson Guild Farm.

First of all I'm at the East Mesa Center -- it's at 73rd Street - just off University.  It is the Masonic Lodge -- they lease it out to us for $50 per month.  We (staff) are not to be out there past 5:00 PM -- which is fine w/ me.  As to the participants -- they have to be out of the building by 2:00 PM.  Alot of afternoons Eastern Star ladies or whoever are in the building.

We have a small office -- looks like it should be a storage area.  Instead it has 2 desks, 2 chairs & 1 stool & 1 telephone line for 3 people.  What a riot!

We serve 65 meals -- but as of tomorrow up to 80!!  The meals are not cooked there -- thank goodness!  Though we have lots of problems 2/ the caterer -- shortages -- temperatures of food -- etc. About 20 of these meals we have delivered meals -- these people are ones that I will be paying visits soon to check out if they real need the home delivered meals -- and to see if it would be possible for them to come into the center say -- 1 day a week.

I've been busy on the phone calling up people who have been to the center -- inviting them back.

The East Center has been run -- until January 1st by the County.  It's a long story but the county placed a manger out there & she got sick -- so a couple who had done lots of volunteer work -- got put in charge for the month of December.  They are also Pres. & Secretary of the Site Council for the center.  By name -- Marvin & Emmabelle J-------.

They have decided not to make life easy for us out there.  Oh!  Emmabelle applied for the job out there - I met her in the waiting room when waiting to be interviewed.

The story behind the J------'s is a long one -- but they have really mis-used the center -- stealing supplies -- food, etc.  Trouble of it is they have quite a "following" of people at the center.  I ws told about these J------'s my 1st day by the Director before I got out to the center.  Your really have to meet these J------'s to believe them.

But -- Wayne & I are making lots of progress out there.  It's taking time but we are trying to get programs started -- luckily I'm not afraid of the phone.

What really gets me is that there are 2 of us out at the East Center -- and 12 people at the new Mesa Center -- and it serves about 10 people more!  Now does that make sense?

Actually there are 3 of us -- 1 a van driver -- tho the main center also has 1 driver.

Still have more big news -- #140 sold -- last Saturday.  People put down $500 -- original offer wsa $200 down + $40,000.  Final deal was $41,900 w/the $500 down.

It's a young couple -- want to close escrow 13th February.  So then we hope to close escrow same day.

On Tuesday of this week we had in all of our papers -- thanks Dad for sending the letter.  It sure impressed them.  I think they even liked the stationery!

All that paper work had to be sent into Los Angeles -- they said that would take about 2 weeks to be given the official ok.  I asked about that pre-payment deal -- they said fine.  Then I looked at insurance this & that cost -- $54 total extra - above payments.  But we have decided to each pay $25 extra per month.  (toward P&I -- I'm learning these words!)

The new house is coming right along -- now throughout (even the garage) is about this color -- Yellow!  The cabinets are in-- and the stove & dishwasher are sitting in the garage,  The fence behind the house is about half done.  The units went up $3,000 January 1st -- even the unsold units in our area.  They have just started laying the foundations for the next phase.

I'm happy to report Buffy is doing fine -- his bald spots just look a little funny.

Called up Lowell Sanker & invited him over tomorrow night -- then w/mu class starting called him back tonight & asked him for Friday.

We've really been looking for a couch -- sleeper.  They sure do vary in price!!  A final decision won't be made till we have a sample of the carpet.  Maybe the carpet will go in next week.

I've decided to put the Christmas money you all gave me toward a dresser.  Perhaps a tall upright one like Marian has.  We plan to sell the couch downstairs that will be one less big item to move.

I've been riding the bike to work -- takes 5 minutes more than the car.  It can make 2 round trips -- then needs more gas.  It's just 13 miles one way.  We have a meeting everyday in town at 4:00 -- that way counts that as mileage I'll be paid for -- also means I travel the way back on their time.

Last week it rained 3 days -- We went to Sporting-Goods Store -- check out about buying "we suite" -- but very expensive $20 & up.  Marian stopped at Army Surplus tonight & got one for $3.97 -- really a nice one too.  Clear pants & top -- also hood.  Now weather report says clear & sunny weather -- but Knowing January in Arizona -- we will have some rainy days left !!  Right - Mary Virginia?!?

OK - gotta go --

Love,

Roberta

1980 Family Letter -Jan.15

January 15, 1980

Dearest Family --

It seems like years since we have written a letter and guess that it has been a long time - way back in last month anyway.  We just got back from Chicago yesterday, after spending a couple of days with Serena which we really enjoyed.  We didn't get to the John Hancock apartment as both of them were spoken for but did get to stay at a different place - called Seven Seven Seven (North Michigan Avenue) which was much handier and not as complicated to reach as the other two.  We could see Loyola (Water Tower Campus) from our 37th floor apartment facing Michigan for Loyola was just across the street and up a little way (midway between the John Hancock and 777)  Serena hadn't gotten our card which we had written saying that we would be in sometime Friday evening but we finally reached her at her apt. and she came down and stayed with us.  Mary Virginia has stayed home as she would have had to miss a basketball game for which her grade would have been docked.  Saturday we took off for O'Hare airport area where the Variety show was being held and then Serena and I went on to a huge enclosed mall near there.  That night we went to see "Life with Father" at McCormick Place theater.  It was a theater in the round and we were on the 2nd row so had real good seats (all same price).  I don't suppose any of you have heard of the actors but Don Ameche was the father and Arlene Dahl the mother so interesting just to see them too.

Sunday we went to Moody Bible Church for a couple of reasons -- John and Carol had given us a subscription to Moody Monthly for Christmas and we had always heard of the Institute and interested in seeing it.  The church is right across from the Museum of the City of Chicago (which we visited afterwards) as well as the Conservatory just down the street a little piece.  We tried to go see Hull House but found it closed again as it is only open weekdays which we seem to forget.  We did some other things and then eventually drove up to Winnetka to a 4* restaurant which was mentioned in the RoadFood book.  It was very good.

The weather on the whole was very good in Chicago except for the gusty winds we had the night we got there.  The window of the drug store near the apt. had been blown out as quite a few others had about the city and several people had been injured from glass and winds.  (-12º chill factor).  But the next three days wee unusually warm - and I had on my long johns!!  But better too warm than too cold.

We left Chicago Monday morning and stopped in Lima to see the Schamauns but had no luck in finding anyone at home or the church but at least got to see both places and noted that the church is to celebrate their 100th Anniversary next Sunday according to the bulletin board.

Got home about 6:30 and so surprised to learn that John and Carol and Steve and a friend had been here for the weekend and so sorry to miss them but guess Ruth and Mary Virginia had managed things real well.  Mary Virginia woke up this morning not feeling very well so stayed home from school.  I talked to Wilma and she said that New Vienna has 91 absent today - and four staff members (75 yesterday) so they are setting records - people with flue symptoms, nausea, etc.  Dad still has the cold he was trying to throw off in Arizona and I finally managed to catch it so we are some combination.

We did enjoy our western trip and getting to see Roberta and Catherine and family - almost seems like a dream now.  Looking forward to seeing the pictures that were taken there at the ranch as well as others.  Haven't gotten any from the Flying E yet either.  That was quite an experience which will be long in our memories!

Do hope that Wendy is feeling much better and not bothered by hives any more.  Will be thinking about Gerry and his first day back at work tomorrow (Wed - the 16th).  Found her play money in our things so will try to remember to enclose it if I remember in time.

Backing up on our trip home from Arizona we enjoyed seeing Carlsbad Caverns - quite impressive and hard to realize that once there was one an island sea in that area.  Our last night out was in Nashville, and from where we drove down to Bell Buckle to see the Webb [?] that MV is interested in attending.  It is in a small town of 350 people and having lunch there in the local restaurant made us feel that we were in NV school.  We also visited the Burnett family in Nashville where MV had visited this past summer.

On the way thru Kentucky we had lunch in Bardstown and saw "My Old Kentucky Home".  Got home that evening in time for the band's spaghetti supper at Ginny's Restaurant on which they cleared around $600 which at least is start toward getting the band financed for their March trip to Washington.  They are going by train from Chillicothe, leaving Wed. P.M. and returning Sunday A.M.

Took advantage of the mild weather today to pour concrete for a truck dock and ramp at the old Farm Bureau Bldg. so that we can use the lift truck in getting things in and out.

We did go square dancing last Tuesday night and had to refamiliarize ourselves with a lot of the basic calls for the Christmas holidays had pushed our limited knowledge back in the corner.  Graduation from the course will be in March.

Last Wednesday night was a Republican meeting, time for all the candidates to get geared up for the Spring primary.  We are curious to see how the Iowa primary goes this next week.  Locally I am circulating a petition for the county commissioner.  I would make a poor politician as I can hardly stand these smoke filled rooms.

Next Sunday is my bride's turn to teach the Sunday School class, on which the basis is James I.  I know she would appreciate your prayers in making the 45 minutes go fast.  We saw a saying, the gist of is "Don't do anything in the dark that you would not do in the daylight."  That in itself could make the basis of a lecture.

Last Friday morning at Lees Creek the rest of the family helped put on the monthly prayer breakfast at Lees Creek and they had a record turnout of some 50 people.  M.V. is a big help in calling up people about going to things.  For a particular reason she is counting the days until her 16th birthday, i.e. driving.  That will help a lot in transportation.

[love, etc.]

1990 HH Letter -Jan.13

[There are two letters from HH on this same date, very similar but one has about 1½ more paragraphs.  In addition to the letter shown above I'll add the 1½ paragraphs from the other letter so we don't miss anything.]

January 13, 1990

Dear Family:

Back into the N.V. routine, tho some what out of balance with your Mother in Illinois with Serena.  Fortunately getting along fine and I hope to go out this next weekend.  Today was a nice day, cleaned up the yard and chopped some stumps out.

Our month in Arizona is now like a dream.  After living in an apartment, our house seems like a palace.  Slowly getting back into the NV routine, tho I definitely miss your Mother, but am glad she can help Serena, who will get out of the hospital tomorrow.  We are indebted to the Kings and the Morgans for all their hospitality and tender loving care.  After going to Wendy's spelling bee I must be careful in my own spelling.

The piano is an adjustment after using the keyboard . . . miss the keys being marked.  As the quote goes "Life is like a piano, what you get out of it depends on how you play it."

Walked over to the new 31 apartment complex and it looks like they have rented 3 apartments.  Also looked in the old lumber yard building and they have it very attractively furnished as a Church.

Yes, the Pontiac started right off for me.  One of my bike friends wrote me that their bike mileage in 1989 was twice what their car mileage for 1989 was.  Spring is around the corner for the garden catalogs AND information on the summer bike rides is here.

The E. Penns are coming home - hear they are both poorly.

Love, Dad

1970 Catherine's Letter -Jan.11

5:30 PM January 11, 1970

Münster, Germany

Dear Mother, Dad, Serena, John and Mary,

Hi!  Right now I wish you were here or I was there or we had some better means of communication as everything just wants to come spurting out and in no logical or coherent order.  I think maybe I'll try chronological order from when I last wrote you, and if I recall correctly that was from Ibiza somewhere around the second or third of January.

Funeral services were not held for my BIC pen which was discarded after giving forth a final spurt of ink.  We stayed in Ibiza a total of about six days and I really liked it.  Alan and I may go back there in March but we've made no definite plans yet.  There are all sorts of neat places where the rocks just drop off into the Mediterranean, the Spanish women still wear the long floor length black dresses, and really surprising was that I remember enough Spanish to be able to communicate a little.  At least I had a vague feeling for the pronunciation and I could read phrases from a German-Spanish phrase book I'd brought along to ask things like "Where is the post office?"  Serena, how is your Spanish coming?  If nothing else I got to be a master of saying "no comprendo".  I decided I would definitely like to go to Mexico and South America but first I'm going to learn alot more language.  One day we took the bus over to San Antonio, the tourist center of the island on the north side.  The town Ibiza, where the boat landed and we stayed is on the south side.  There were alot more high class appearing hotels but being off season they were all closed.  There also wasn't as much garbage (orange peels, bottles, etc.) on the streets and along the shore as in Ibiza.

We got the boat back to Alicante Monday night.  It's an overnight trip and we managed fairly well in our second class cabin.  They also have1st & 3rd class cabins and 4th class chairs.  From Alicante we caught the train to Madrid.  It was an all day trip with the train averaging 30 miles an hour.  Rosie stayed in Madrid and Alan and I after 1½ hours in that lovely city -- we did see a fountain that really turned Alan on, it had a revolving base with the water spurting out of it creating an interesting affect.  Anyway, because we spent so long in Ibiza, Alan and I were forced to sacrifice Madrid for the sake of Lisbon.

So after an all day train ride we jumped back on the train for an all nighter.  We both slept fairly well as we were the only ones in the compartment and we arrived in "Sunny" Portugal about 9:30 AM.  It was raining.  The stations always seem to be crowded with friendly little men asking if you need a room.  After we did so well in Rome we tried again in Lisbon and found a place where the rates suited our tastes.  No one spoke English at all.  There was one guy whose total English vocabulary was "Ima sorry Madame."   It sounded kind of funny when he said it to Alan.  We even ate a couple of meals there and Portuguese food isn't bad.  Of course after Butterbrot and more Butterbrots anything different tastes good.  I'm sure every place we went would have been better if we had heat.  We did alot of walking in Lisbon and got wet, even though Alan has a large blue and white striped golf umbrella which always attracts alot of attention.  It didn't rain the whole time we were there; only an average of five out of every six minutes.  We didn't see as much as we could have as we both lacked the motivation, energy and desire to spend too much time out of the room.  It wasn't any warmer there but at least it was only damp instead of wet.

With a fresh supply of Butterbrot and oranges we left Lisbon at 2:45 Friday afternoon headed for Paris a short 26 hour train ride.  Our compartment wasn't completely full -- there was one empty seat.  There was a French couple with a really cute baby and that livened up the prospect of our long journey a little.  Unfortunately after a few hours it got dark and also cold as there was no heat.  It has to rate as one of the longest nights of my life.  Alan and the French man stretched out as best they could on one side, the wife and the baby and I shared the other side.  I lasted about 5 minutes in the seat and then I stretched out on the floor which I had all to myself.  That was good except it was cold and drafty and my coat just wasn't big enough or warm enough.  What I needed was about 10 wool blankets.  The night finally ended and we met Rosie again whose train had been hooked on to ours during the night.  I was exhausted but I decided to wait until we got to Paris and I had a bed to lay my poor body down.  I even tried to choke some Butterbrot down but by this time my system was rebelling and although I still felt OK everything I ate just went right through me so it was kind of a waste of effort and energy to eat.  At 4:30 we arrived in Paris, a city I am sure I will never forget.

We took the METRO to some place where they recommend cheap hotels in an area where you want to stay.  We had to be near the North train station (Paris only has 7 station) as our train for Münster left at 7:30 this morning.  We were standing in front of this place, that is Alan and I were, while Rosie made the arrangements.  I remember telling Alan that my stomach was sending violent hunger signals and then my head got all foggy, everything got all whirly, there was a tremendous noise of Niagara Falls in my ears and I could no longer see or hear Alan.  It was the worst experience of my life.  Here I was blind and deaf in Paris.  I remember trying to step in the direction that I remembered Alan was in and I felt my knees give out beneath me.  The next thing I can remember is sitting on the bed in our hotel with a sandwich in my hand.  Yes, it was a good old repulsive Butterbrot that brought me through.  While I was out of it -- Alan had caught me when my knees gave out -- Rosie got us a hotel, they dragged me into the taxi and somehow we got to the hotel.  I was a little surprised to find us there and I felt really bad for having let them down.  The whole trip until then I had been the specimen of health.  I'll never forget Paris and I hope nothing like that ever happens to me again.

It was a short 7 hour zip trip from Paris to Münster and what a joy to be home again.  Home, where I can understand what is said to me, and to be able to take a bath with hot water, a bed, a heater, and meals -- the kind you eat at a table with a knife and a fork.  Wow, am I ever thankful to be here.

It was nice to find mail and your package.  Dad, I was hoping you would send a diary as the old one ran out about 11 days ago for some strange reason.  I'm already making good use of the pen.  Mother, the pants-skirt fits perfectly and goes right with my entire wardrobe.  Thank you both.  The Völker's also said for me to give you there heartfelt thanks for the placemats.  The Germans don't seem to have an equivalent so it was quite original on your part to send them.

Coming back here has also brought its responsibilities.  It wasn't all idyllic and utopia.  After three weeks of traveling with Rosie and Alan I realized how little I know Mike.  And what am I doing getting serious about someone I don't know?  Also, I'm afraid he sees me floating around in the clouds like an Angel which I'm obviously not.  Especially since I usually do my best to be a more logical down-to-earth person.  Anyway I have to write to him in the very near future and attempt to get things straightened out.

I was feeling pretty confident of my German after telling Mütti and Vatti about my trip but then Max (the German army guy I've gone out with a few times) called and babbled to me on the telephone for about 15 minutes about what he had done for the last three weeks.  At least I assume that was what he said as I finally gave up trying to understand.  The telephone is an instrument I'm better off without.

Alan has been encouraging me to go into nutrition so I have been considering that again.  I think I would like to finish at K first though.  Alan is a chemistry major and one of the most intelligent people I have ever known.  He makes me feel pretty uninformed in about any area.  He is very attached to his family and quite anxious to get back to Michigan.

Which brings me to the subject of my returning in March.  I can fly to New York on March 22, 23, 24 (Sunday-Tuesday).  Shall I plan to fly from there to Columbus?

I'm glad you all had a good trip to Florida and back.  I was also glad to find a Christmas card from Roberta.  Please convey my thanks and I will try to answer all correspondence in about 5 years when I recuperate form my present state of exhaustion.

I got your letters in Rome and Nice but not in Paris Madrid.  Rosie checked and said there was nothing for me so it evidently hadn't arrived.  Even if it had she wouldn't have been able to get it as one must present his passport in person in order to obtain mail.  It should be forwarded here after 30 days.  I also managed to miss letters from Mike in Nice and Lisbon.

I saw the play "Oliver" in New York at one time.  Was that with you?  I didn't like it because it didn't match the book which has a sad ending.

Good night, dear family, I am now about to collapse into bed.

Love,

Catherine

1980 Catherine's Letter -Jan.10

Thursday
January 10, 1980

Dear Mother, Dad, and Mary,

Hi!  Have you been pretty busy since you got home?  It seems like we have had something going on every day.  It makes vacation time seem like it was a long time ago but we still remember what a good time we had.  We got two rolls of film back today but the third roll had not come back yet.  We just got one print of each to start with so we could pick the ones you might want prints of or ones we might want to send to DeeDee.

Saturday Gerry helped with the hoop shoot that the Elks put on.  That is sort of a basketball contest (free throw) for 7 to 12-year-olds.  The winners go on to a regional contest in Klamath Falls this weekend.  I had a UMW exec. meeting.  The president is moving away in March so we have to do something about finding a new one.  There are 3 vice-presidents: one of them was president last, one is Caren, the preacher's wife, and the 3rd one just had twin boys and also has a son Wendy's age so I think she has her hands full already.

Then one of our tenants moved out Saturday night so we spent about 2 hours before church and two hours after church cleaning the apartment as the next tenant was anxious to move in and we were anxious to get to Portland before it got dark.  We stayed in a motel Sunday night and had dinner at an excellent Chinese dinner. 

Gerry's Dr. appointment was at 8:30 with an orthopedic consultants firm.  About three doctors checked him over for things like nerve damage, muscles, etc.  After that we had breakfast (I had some delicious pecan pancakes - I'll have to try making some with the pecans you gave us) and then went to an  unfinished furniture store and ordered at etage [the correct word would be eterage -- one of the few pieces of furniture I still have 40 years later].  It has a shelf in the middle that opens up into a desk.  We are going to stain it a dark color.  It is supposed to arrive in 4-6 weeks so we'll see what kind of service we get.  It was just beginning to snow when we left Portland and the truck was acting up so we decided to come back through Hood River and The Dalles.  It is about 50 miles further but much safer than going over the mountain in a snowstorm.

On Tuesday we left Wendy with a sitter (she didn't cry when we left which was a first) and took about a five mile hike up under the railroad bridge and around the golf course.  We picked a bad day as it was cold and windy with a little snow in the air but we had our warm clothes on so it wasn't too bad.

Wednesday morning I went bowling with my new bowling ball!  It is heavier than the one I am used to but I think after a few more times it will seem like "Mine".  My average is 92 and in the three games I got a 82, 126, and 78 so I still stayed around my average.

Gerry went to the eye doctor on Wednesday morning to have his eyes checked and see about the contacts.  They will be ready for him next Wednesday.  He is getting the soft kind.  Then Wednesday afternoon Joe took us down to Bend because we are getting the truck fixed.  It needs new points.  Joe lives across the street and is the one we left in charge of the apartments while we were gone.  We took him out to lunch at a chuck wagon place we knew he liked.  It wasn't as good as the buffet we went to in Mesa but it did have two things that Mesa didn't:  liver (which was good) & onions (which were too greasy) and soft serve ice cream machine that you could help yourself too.  The Dr. said Gerry could go back to work as long as he took it easy and continued with his walking and exercises.  Gerry said the Dr. was most interested in our train trip as he is thinking of taking his family on the train.  Some other people we know from church have also decided to take the train to L.A. after talking to us.

I got a new permanent on Thursday.  It is still real frizzy but will probably look better after it gets calmed down some.

Yesterday there was a salad potluck at the church sponsored by the UMW and the Mission Committee.  Some former missionaries from New Hebrides gave a very interesting program and showed slides.  They were agricultural workers in a rural area of the country and talked about introducing wheat and rice which hadn't been gown there before.  Also talked about a flour that they made out of tapioca, taro (both of which are abundant there) and soybeans which they also introduced.  Gerry went with me as it was open to anyone.

Also nice talking to you on the phone yesterday, Mother.  Hope that you had a good trip to Chicago.  It is raining here today so wonder how your weather is.  Our love to you all.

Love,

Catherine, Gerry &

Wendy

1980 Roberta's Letter -Jan.5

Saturday A.M.

1/5/80

Dear Family,

Thanks for your cards on your trip home.  And a letter from Mary Virginia!!!  Hope that you weren't sick Mother after the first day.  I'm sure it was a matter of missing Buffy.  I should have had a nice 8 by 10 picture of him for you all to take home.

I thought that life would really calm down after all the departures . . . but I've really had my hands full.  In fact, this week has really gone by fast.  Lots of action.

Buffy -- who I think has always thought he was some sort of fighter -- really got in a fight with a big dog on Tuesday night.  I had him out walking . . . leash and the whole bit.  All of a sudden there was a bark or two from this strange dog and then the two got into it.  Buffy came out with three bad cuts.  One was bleeding alot -- and he could hardly walk.  It was very exciting.  Oh, the dog also went for my knee -- tore the pants a little, but didn't even break the skin.  I called up the Stubbs and they looked at him and said that he would live.  That their farm dogs always fought and would heal up on their own.  But of course Buffy is not a farm dog, so I didn't know exactly what I should do.  Called up Sally . . . who like Marion is dog crazy.  She came over . . . and told me to call up the Vet right away.  The one cut was pretty deep and he was having trouble walking.

So out to the Vet about 8:00 P.M. and the Vet said he needed stitches in all three places.  I tried to call up Marion from the Vet's but no answer . . . now she will find out when she gets back tomorrow night.

Figured there wasn't much use to call her after I had already made the decision to have the stitches put in.  Poor Buffy had to be put out completely and also a local.  The vet kept him that night and also part of the next day.

Now he is doing fine.  He has no trouble walking . . . just one large bald spot on the top of his head and a larger bald spot where the stitches went in.  I took him yesterday for a check-up and then the stitches will come out on Tuesday.

Oh, Marion did call on Wednesday morning . . . just as I was going out the door for my interview. (details on that later . . . first the important stuff!!!)  She had found her plane ticket -- I didn't mention anything about Buffy.  Marion won't be too happy about the whole deal when she gets back but there wasn't much use for her to know about it in Ill.  and not be able to do anything about it.

I had one interview on Wednesday that went pretty good.  Then came home and cleaned out the whole pantry area -- it looks so good now.  Also did the closet downstairs and the storage area outside.  I'd take pictures but like on the horse need a movie camera!!!

The interview on Wednesday led to another one on Thursday . . . same place, but on Thursday had a board to face . . . interview board.  And on Thursday afternoon I got the call saying I got the job and could I start to work on Monday.  Still can't hardly believe it!!!  I've got a job with the almost to open up MESA SENIOR CENTER -- located on Center just North of Main.  Just past the Post Office.  I'll be the OUTREACH SPECIALIST!!!  My primary responsibilities: To interview / brief low-income elderly and handicapped.  So these perspective clients may become participants at the Senior Center, thus delaying/ presenting the need for institutionalization.  To learn to interview for purposes for Title XX, SSA, eligibility determination. (direct from my job description).  Next week I'll be working out of the DES office downtown Mesa on Main -- where the Senior Center has their temporary offices.  The center is to open up on the 14th of January.  Wednesday was the closing day for the job.  I'll be working Monday-Friday 8 AM to 5 PM -- perhaps some evenings.  In that case I'm to adjust my schedule so that I don't work over 40 hours . . . thus no overtime pay on their part.  I'll be paid mileage -- should make money on that using the bike.  It's half decent money -- and a foot in the door.  With my degree (down the road) finished and some experience behind me I'll be qualified for Director's job in a few years.

Did ask about taking a course at ASU one evening a week -- and they said no problem.  In fact, if I needed a morning or afternoon class I could arrange my schedule.  So yesterday I went over to ASU to change my registration.  Found that I either needed to register as was: paying full time tuition or wait till the 15th of January and go through registration again.  I chose the second.  Went over to see if my advisor was in . . . and he was.  He had just looked at a computer print-out of my grades and so I got to see my grades.  Four A's and one B!!!!  So then I told him that I had decided to drop out since I didn't get all A's.  He had a funny look and then knew I was kidding.  Then I told him about my job and he suggested that I only take the one course, instead of two.  At 33 dollars per hour one course might be enough for the time being!!!!  Stopped by the Registrar's office and asked about my grades -- that I had not gotten them in the mail -- and they said they would be mailed out this coming Monday.  I can't figure out what their hurry is!!!

I'm most anxious to see Dr. Greey and see what he thinks about my getting practicum credit for this job -- 12 hours -- probably this summer.  Means full-time tuition, but can't beat the way to get credits.

Went over to the new house yesterday.  Now have a front door . . . along with all the other doors inside the house.  Looks like the "icing" will go on Monday.  Hard to believe those boards, chicken wire, and "icing" make up the walls of a house.

Three different parties have been through this place this week.  One time I was here and the lady commented about the yellow.  whoever buys it will have to like the color yellow.

Grandma's letter came on Wednesday -- or maybe Thursday.  I can just hear Rob (Robbie-Dob) explaining all about the ranch . . . and his horse Stinger.  That was a lot of fun at the ranch.  And having you all here.  Just that time went by too fast.

Oh, I didn't qualify for a CETA job because I had worked at the florist job!!!  Crazy rules . . . penalize you for being able to work !!!! -- or rather for working!!!

Mary Virginia you sure have had the mail -- I've forwarded it all back to you.  (of course after I open them up with the steam method -- ha!)  By the way, haven't found a thing yet that Rob or the Morgans left here.

Have you all heard the ads for the Publishing Clearing House contest . . . where you can win $125 thousand but the super prize is $250 thous???  I sent in my card this morning -- now juts sitting back and waiting till I get the news.  I'd really settle for the third prize -- $75 thou!!!  Needless to say -- I'm not holding my breath -- and glad that I got a job -- just in case I don't win!!!

What is new in New Vienna??? WE (Buffy and I) have really enjoyed all the food you all left here.  He especially like the ham . . . .  Funny lat night I went to Stubbs for supper and can you guess what they had???  Yes -- Ham!

Had a note today from Mrs. Sanker about Lowell being out here now.  Tried to call him this afternoon but no luck . . . will have to have him over for supper sometime.

Love,

Berta

1980 Catherine's Letter -Jan.3

Thursday

1-3-80

Dear Mother, Dad & Mary,

Hi!  Just wanted to write you a quick note to let you know we arrived home OK.

We took a taxi to the train on Tuesday morning and although we were about 15 minutes late arriving in L.A. the other train was right across the platform.  We were able to get one of those carts to put our luggage in as our compartment was in the very last car on the train.  We took a nap in the afternoon and slept as late as we could Wed. morning before we got off the train.   It was about 40 min. late.  We had breakfast with Denny & Pat (our friends there in K.F. [Klamath Falls]) before we drove home.  The drive was the worst part of the trip.  We got home about 1:00.

Within the first hour we were home we had about 6 people at the door and 5 phone calls.  So we got right back into the swing of things.

Gerry's Dr. appointment for today was postponed until next Wednesday so he didn't have to go to Bend today.  Sandi came over from Eugene for the inspection this morning which went fine so we have that over with.

Hopefully things will calm down for us by next week and we can relax a little.  The two apartments that were empty when we left I got rented yesterday and one that became vacant yesterday I am renting out later this afternoon.

I'll try to write again soon.  Hope you had a good trip home.  It sure was nice to see you and again, thanks for everything.

Love,

Catherine, Gerry & Wendy

P.S.  Wendy is all better.  She broke out with hives again this morning though.

1980 Roberta honored -Jan/Feb 1980

Roberta is honored as a volunteer in this inaugural newsletter from the Mealtime Assistance Program (MAP) of the Mesa Community Council.

VOLUNTEER HIGHLIGHT: ROBERT [sic] UIBLE

Roberta Uible has been volunteering with MAP since 1977.  She fed a patient twice a week for over two years at Royal Nursing Home.  Since her patient's death last Thanksgiving, Roberta has not worked regularly with one one person but still goes to Royal and feeds others and occasionally takes residents shopping.

Her involvement in MAP has increased her interest in working with the elderly so much that she is currently studying for her Masters' Degree at ASU in Therapeutic Recreation with older people.  She also works in Outreach at the East Mesa Senior Center.  MAP thanks you, Roberta!

1950 January

As we begin new decades in every "0" year, here is a 1950 January calendar to lead the way.  I like this calendar for both the quotations and the markings of the moon phases.  Dad would have especially liked "The worst place in the world to live is just beyond your income."

Back of the calendar is stamped: Calvary Methodist Church, Lake Worth, Florida.

1969 Joe's Postcard -Dec.31

Caption: Hiver a Blatten (Valais) [English: Winter in Blatten, Valais, Switzerland] 

12-31-69
Hi!  Here I am in Switzerland after having seen Catherine in Nice, France.  She's having a wonderful [time] seeing Europe.  I like Switzerland but it's too cold.  The temperature is 10 degrees below zero!  I'm going to Holland tomorrow.  Happy New Year!  --Joe

1969 Catherine's postcard to John -Dec.28

Hi, John!  Here it is our 10th day on the road (Dec. 28) and soon I will be seeing the leaning tower of Pisa.  Saw all sorts of interesting things in Rome -- Colosseum, Roman Forum, catacombs, lots of fountains and churches . . . .  Have you seen any pictures of Rome?  Yesterday the highlight in Florence was that we splurged and bought our first meal.  After 9 days of sandwiches it tasted good (I had lasagna and roasted chicken) but I think I get fuller faster on our bread & meat.  I tried to call home on Christmas but the operators in Rome were on strike.  If I meet Joe in France, he will have to find me because I didn't know we were getting together.  (Please pass the hint that I could use a ew BIC pen, this one has its ons a & offs.) It is strange to think I will be soon starting my 4th decade.  Northern Italy appears to be very poor -- mountains, soil not growing much, run down houses.  I can see why they had trouble fighting the war here.

Love, Catherine

1969 Catherine's Postcard to MV -Dec.24

Caption: Frohe Weihnachten und Viel Glück im Neuen Jahr
[English: Merry Christmas and Good Luck in the New Year]

December 24, 1969

Hi!  I thought of you all yesterday when we left Vienna as the temperature was about -10º F.  It was so freezing I didn't see much of Vienna.  But now I am in sunny Italy and today the skies were blue!   Rome is very dirty but it is nice to be here where it is warm.  We walked around alot and also saw the Vatican today -- is it ever gigantic.  Only the "chapel" is open but it is big enough to hold about 3 or 4 football fields.  I wish I knew Italian.  I keep being tempted to use my German.  We have a fairly nice room here in a pension -- sort of a cheap hotel -- so we have a home for Christmas.  We had a good time going in all the little grocery stores and trying to get across what we wanted and how much but it was fun and we managed somehow.  I appreciated finding a letter in the American Embassy from home.  Have fun swimming!

Love, Catherine

1969 Catherine's Letter -Dec.19

Friday, Dec. 19, 1969

11:30 AM

Dear Mother, Dad, Serena, John, Mary, Grandma, Aunt Mary, Uncle Bill, Marianne, Cris, and Rob,

Hi!  This is the last letter I'm going to write until January 12 so don't throw it away.  Save it and reread it every 3 days or so whenever you're wondering where I am or what I'm doing.  I'll probably be riding on a train somewhere between leaving Münster and arriving back.  My Rucksack is all packed -- in addition to what I'm wearing (a pair of slacks and a sweater) I'm taking another sweater, another slacks, a skirt, sleeping sack for hostels, pajamas, towel, washcloth, assorted soap & shampoo, and a book to read Die Sterne Blicken Herab [The Stars Look Down] by A.J. Cronin.  I also have a bag of food to take but I doubt seriously if there will be enough to last 3 weeks. . . .  The train leaves in a little over two hours, so all I have to do is eat lunch and catch the bus to the station.

We had a really nice Christmas celebration the other night.  We had fondue (?) for dinner.  I'm not sure if that is the correct name but it was little chunks of meat which we put on sticks and cooked over the little fire right on the table.  There were all sorts of relishes and sauces to go on them along with bread, cheese, and pickles.  It was really yummy.  The dessert alone would have been enough to satisfy me, for it was fresh fruit with whipped cream.

Mütti then stuck Ann and I in the kitchen to dry the dishes and when she called us out again it was if Santa Claus himself had found us.  She had made us both dresses -- identical except mine is a little longer since I'm 4 inches taller, and we got matching baby-doll pajamas, dressy purses (mine silver, Ann's black), handkerchiefs (we're always using Mutti's paper towels or toilet paper for kleenex), beer mugs, candy, cookies, and I got a little umbrella that opens up pretty big, and a heavy blue sweater which I'm wearing today.  I also got to open the package from Mike which was a beautiful book full of poems and photographs, Tender Bough.  It was a really nice Christmas, I suffered my little bit of homesickness, and now I'm just raring to cover Europe.  It'l probably be up to me to keep our group spirits up on the actual Christmas day as Rosie and Alan are already getting down in the dumps about it.

My time here is half up but I think the second half is going to go flying past about twice as fast as the first which has gone fast enough.  Dr. Spaltmann, the director, is already making arrangements for the arrival of the spring group on Good Friday.  I told Mutti she wouldn't need to take anybody from the new group, I would stay here.  Much as I would like to, I'm also anxious to get back to Kalamazoo and it might be difficult to do both.  It seems a pity that we have to be here while it is so freezing cold and then leave as Spring begins.

It's time to eat.  I hope you all have good holidays and that you, too, enjoy the next decade!

Love,

Catherine

1989 Pictures at Christmas Time in AZ

1989 Sid's Christmas Letter

[No offense to Sid, but only excerpts of this two page letter are being transcribed.  Beginning in the last paragraph of the first page.]

 . . . .

The respective families continue hale and hearty.  Roberta's grandmother, Mrs. Gladys Uible, continues to take an active interest in life and alternates between her home in Ohio and Florida.  As noted above, she will be spending a month in Arizona later in the year. 

Roberta's mother, Jean Uible, this year retired from her position as librarian at the elementary school in New Vienna, Ohio.  In June, Jean, with her granddaughter, Wendy, attended an Elderhostel in the Great Smoky Mountains in Tennessee. 

A month earlier, Harold, Roberta's father, had spent an impressive five weeks riding a bicycle across the U.S.A. -- from San Diego, CA to Jacksonville, FL - WOW!  He and Jean continue to travel, including a trip to Hawaii this last summer for a meeting of the American Bar Association.

Roberta's oldest sister, Catherine, remains as Director of the Children's Section of the Glendale, AZ, Public Library.  Catherine's husband, Gerry, helps out the RV world as Parts Manager at a RV dealer and daughter, Wendy, is well on her way to becoming a teenager.  Wendy's interest encompass such items as rock music, clothes, food, and walking with her favorite Arizona aunt, Roberta, not necessarily in that order.

Next younger sister, Serena, is the Public Service Librarian at the Alpha Park Public Library in Illinois near Peoria.  During the past year, she has traveled extensively throughout the U.S., partially for pleasure; partially to attend library conferences.

Brother John counsels those with money at the Trust Department of Park National Bank in Newark, Ohio.  This last summer he made an extended trip with International Teams to the Eastern Bloc countries of Europe, distributing Bibles and Christian material.

Youngest sister, Mary Virginia, will shortly obtain her Master's Degree in Church Music at Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, Kentucky.  The entire Uible family recently attended her Master's recital at Asbury and all proclaimed that Mary Virginia was in fine voice.  She surprised the family with an announcement of her forthcoming marriage to Don Clowson [sic], also a student at Asbury, in August, 1990. 

Although not part of the immediate family, Roberta's cousin, Joe Horton of Santa Fe, a well-known and accomplished artist, is staying in the King trailer in Tucson, at the time of this writing.  He expects to complete over 20 paintings of the area during his stay which he will offer for sale at a gallery in Santa Fe.

1979 Horton Christmas Letter

"It wouldn't seem like Christmas

If we couldn't get in touch

And extend the Season's Greetings

To those we like so much!"

We are on the threshold of the '80's!!  Has '79 been good to you?  My the years are flying by . . . may we make every minute count!!

Bill and I seem to have a set pattern for living -- year in and year out.  So the same Xmas letter could be sent every year!  Ha!  (Hope you burnt last years).   We visit our "kids" two or three times a year -- keep up with our church activities -- Bill is on the golf course every week-end and other days when he can slip out of the office.  For fun we go to Bert Reynolds Dinner Theatre and Lake Worth Playhouse, Civic Music Series and play some Bridge (a lot of improvement needed).  How do you feel about the "Soaps"?  Ha!  When I'm home I "flip" the channels . . . but my favorite is "Young and Restless" and tune in "Days of Our Lives" occasionally, primarily because I got "hooked" years ago  -- the drawing card being they were ALL HORTONS!  HA!

Highlight of the year was our trip in May to England, Wales and Scotland.  We went with another couple and travelled on our own.  We went by train and auto.  The country-side was beautiful -- so green and many lambs on the hillside.  I loved Warwick and Stratford-on-Avon (only warm days we had -- 5 out of 23), also Bath, Chester and Coventry, all in England, were most interesting.  As Bill's parents came from Staffordshire area we looked up one of his cousins and spent a pleasant PM with her.  Amazingly, she looked like his Mother.  Edinburg is a unique town with the old castle on top of the hill.  From there Bill and I went to St. Andrews on a one-day trip . . . the home of Golf.  A historical, old, college town.  We stayed in "B & B's" and enjoyed meeting the hosts and other guests.  Those bkfs really fortifies you for the day!!!  Some of the Spring flowers were in blossom and the parks lovely in London and South England.  Quite cool to us Floridians and the thermal underwear sure felt good!  Ha!

We wish you a HAPPY and HEALTHY 1980!!

'Gettin' close to Christmas

With its message ever new.

Here's my hope -- that Christmas joy

thrills you through and through."

Love, 

Bill & Mary

[Personal Note:]
Just sent Jean a Birthday Note - No News to add!  Nothing new here in this paper but I've plenty of copies!  Ha!  (It's a xerox world)  In way it would be good to get away for Xmas!  How do you plan so well?