1981 Catherine's Letter -July 27

Monday, July 27, 1981

Dear Mother, Dad, and Mary,

Hi!  Sorry I didn't get to talk to you over the weekend.  I tried to call Friday morning but no one was home.  We were busy both Saturday and Sunday so I didn't have a chance to try again.

Saturday we played golf, worked at the Elks, and then went to a dance at the Elks Saturday night.  The Madras class of 71 was having a reunion and had about 150 people there plus Elks who came for the dance -- there was quite a crowd.  We were amazed at how many people we knew.  Several people told me they hadn't realized I was in the class.  We decided it is alot easier to go to reunions here than to travel across the country to our own reunions.  Plus we probably know more people here!  These reunions are a real plus for the Elks as they furnish the music.  The Elks provide dinner and drinks for them and make a good profit on both.

Sunday we went to Black Butte (the other side of Sisters) with Bob & Emily (our friends who moved to Wyoming but came back for her reunion) and played golf.  We rented a golf cart as we had Wendy and did not want her delaying everyone behind us.  The four of us played nine holes and then Gerry and Bob played another nine.  The golf and the cart cost us $38 which is $15 more than we pay for a whole month of golf in Madras.  However, Black Butte is a really beautiful course while Madras isn't that terrific.  Also Madras is not the middle of a resort!  Afterwards we had pizza at our favorite pizza place in central Oregon -- Papandreas in Sisters.  When we got home DeeDee was here.  She had called Saturday night while the babysitter was here to say that she would be here between 5 & 8 p.m. Sunday.  Since we didn't have a chance to talk to her and we didn't want to change our plans of going to Black Butte we arranged for the babysitter to come at 4:30 and stay until DeeDee got here so that she would be able to get in.  It worked out good because DeeDee got here around 5:00 and we didn't get home until 6:30.

So Wendy gets to stay home with DeeDee now instead of going to Day Care everyday.  That will give her a break from her normal routine.  The library is having a puppet show on Thursday to celebrate the end of the six week reading program so I am in hopes that DeeDee will be able to take Wendy to that.

The lady who was going to take my job at Dr. W's and who I had already trained decided she didn't want the job.  But then Dr. W was able to talk to Teresa who had the job before me into coming back.  She won't need trained although she is going to come in and work for a few days before I leave.  So things worked out better than they looked like they were going to.  Also his new assistant will be starting next Monday.  She is from LaGrande.  And I'm down to three more weeks.  Only 13 more working days!

Well, I better close and finish getting ready for work.

Love,

Catherine, Gerry & Wendy

1991 Roberta's Letter -July 26

7-26-91
Written to Denali (Mt. McKinley)

Dear Folks, 

Hi!  How are the Alaska Travellers?  We will be anxious to hear the details -- are you sorry not to have driven a BIG R.V. all the way there? (HA, HA -- as "Mares" or Aunt Mary would say!)

The Uibles are doing their best to help At&T.  I had a phone call from Mary V. & John this week & also I finally reached Serena at her new #.  Hard to believe all the Uibles listed in Cincy when I called info.  John sure sounded excited about upcoming event.  Mary Va. has put herself in charge of collecting for J&J gift -- no cost of living raise for the amount we are giving.

We now have new carpet in 3 of our houses -- it's been a MAJOR disruption of our lives!  All houses but ours & the one we re-did about 5 years ago will get it done.

MOZART is doing great -- Tho his Mom did not train him when & where to use the finer things in life -- i.e. the litter box.  Big cousin Beethoven is not all that helpful so Sid & I have been busy on the clean-up / training detail.  I will (of course) enclose a photo.  Sorry -- but I did send the best to Grandma.  I've called & only get great reports -- she is continuing to enjoy going outside, etc.

I give the nursing home details of Mozart & Beethoven to tell her.  Even the details of his using the couch.

Sid leaves Monday -- Cynthia has had a fantastic (now I sound like C.W. Horton) mission in Jamaica.

Hope you all have had a safe & fun trip.  Know the Bernards were good travelling buddies.  They sure went 1st class in AZ -- Camelback Inn (but at summer rates!)

Love, Roberta, et.al.

1971 Roberta's Letters -July 26-27

 

July 26, 1971

Dear Family --

Hi!  I just found out from Elroy that I will be able to leave early.  He called up Bill Lottis last night so it is final.  And I wrote Bill Lottis last night -- fast reply -- huh?

I should be leaving here the morning of the 13th for Vancouver -- by bus.  I should get there about 5:00 p.m.  Then I'll get to the airport and ???

Do you think I should have a reservation on a flight to Chicago?  Or perhaps just trust to luck???  I don't know myself.  If you think I should get a reservation please let me know as soon as possible.

I really want to get some pretty Indian material & have someone here help me make it.  I do need some money to buy the material.

Please do check on arrangements from Chicago to Kalamazoo if at all possible.  If not I'll be able to do my own checking when the time comes.

If you haven't said anything about me coming home to people back home -- DON'T.  If you have that's fine.  As I would enjoy surprising people when I do come home early.

What do you all plan to do after the wedding?  Will you spend a few days in Michigan or go directly back home?  When will I be able to start work at the shop???

Do tell Grandma "Hi" for me.  Who from New Vienna will be going to the wedding?

Everything is fine.  Do let me know soon about reservation or stand-by & what you think best.  Elroy will mail this in Merritt for me -- Got to go.  

Love in Christ, Bert

P.S. What about flying into Detroit?  And then going to Kalamazoo from there.  Would you all be able to pick me up there?  (In Detroit!)  How far is Kalamazoo from Chicago?  Detroit?

When you write closer to the time please let me know Dick's last name -- address & phone number.  Also if possible yours in Kalamazoo if it would be different.

Well -- got to go -- Again!

Dad -- Could you check on flights from Vancouver to either Chicago or Detroit????

* * * * *

July 27, 1971

Dear Grandma,

Hi!  Thanks so much for your letter and also for the pictures.  Catherine sure did get her hair-cut didn't she?  Rob's hair looked long -- but good looking!

Gee -- Grandma I don't know if I would be home long enough to make a cake or pie on a wooden stove.  But I have tried cookies & they were all eaten!!

We are lucky about cutting fire wood because we do have a good supply & we often just use the hot plate we have.

This morning a little boy asked me if my father was an Indian.  Then he asked about my mother.  Gee -- I really wonder what they think I am.  I think they have us in a special group.

We only have one more day of Bible School.  Then we'll have more time for home visits, etc.

Tomorrow night we are having a program to cover what we did in Bible School for the parents.  It should be interesting as these kids are really something.

Thanks again for the pictures & your letter.

Hope you are fine.

Love in Christ,

Bert

1981 Family Letter -July 26

 

Sunday evening --

July 26, 1981

Dearest Family --

This is the quietest Sunday we have had for some time or foresee in the next few weeks.  Dad and Mie Young are fixing their lunches for tomorrow and after falling asleep watching TV where they were discussing the future of Social Security I decided I better do something a little more productive.  We (Dad and I) took the minister over to Wilmington this afternoon to meet some of the church's senior citizens.  We went to see Mrs. Matthews, Mrs. Howard Penn, Dorothy Bernard, Kizzie Custis and Mrs. Mae Peele.  Dad and I also called on Mrs. McCoy and a couple of others at Extended Care (or Wilmington Health Center as they are now called).

Mary Virginia played for the Rankins when they sang at Lees Creek United Church of Christ.  Mie Young took her place playing the piano between Sunday School and Church.  MV has dropped out of one singing group so isn't quite as involved as she had been.  They would be breaking up soon with two entering college and guess there was a difference of opinion about what outfit the girls would wear.  The boys had gotten shirts alike but the girls were disagreeing over type and money to be invested in their garb.  They were to sing at the county fair and also the state fair but don't know whether the others will continue or not -- without any altos.

Going backwards, we invited the Marvin Beams to go to dinner and the play at Wilmington College.  They were presenting "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum" which is the best thing they did this summer.  They had a dinner theater there at Pyle Center but Madge Ann thought it was a bit too much walking for Marvin so we went to the Wine Shop instead.  Dad and I had steaks -- very good and Marvin had a sandwich and MA a salad -- Dad and I also had tomato-zucchini soup which was real good.  MV and MY met us at the theater and sat with us there.  When we took the Beams home afterwards Davis and his girlfriend were swimming in their pool -- a really beautiful one situated right behind their house -- sunken with lights -- measuring about 12 x 30 feet surrounded by trees on two sides -- driveway and house on the others.  His girl is buyer in the junior department of Rikes but is taking off next (this) week to help her father show Angus cattle at the Fayette County Fair.  Bruce works nights -- driving to Cincinnati to work on the Southern RailRoad.  They asked about all of you.  Marvin gets around real well on his artificial leg -- and doesn't seem to keep him from doing many things.  His hair is beginning to come back in after his chemotherapy treatments.  Dad had seen him and didn't recognize him minus hair and eyebrows.  There must have been eight vehicles parked in their back yard -- it was a real test of maneuverability to get in and out of their drive.

Speaking of maneuverability -- Mie Young passed her driver's test Friday with flying colors.  So many had told her of their failures that she was prepared for the worst but had a most kind patrolman.  They had set up posts in the parking area near the old Bob and Carl's near where Roberta used to live (formerly Eavey's) so it is much roomier than in the driveway around the State Patrol Barracks.

Wednesday night we went to La Comedia to see "Grease" as the drill team was selling tickets at reduced prices.  It was good but I was too tired to enjoy it as much as I might have.  The girls were able to keep awake better than I and they had been working ten hour days from Monday on and had to be at work at 7AM the next morning.  At least they had Friday off to recuperate.  

Thursday Dad went to a State Experimental Farm near Ripley on the river as it was the Annual Commissioner's Day as guests of the Ag. Dept.  We sold the Mercury with 106M miles and have a "burnt orange Chevette" which makes our garage seem twice the size.  Looks like we are going to get 30+ MPG.

I liked the inside of the old Mercury but the outside was rusting out and new tires were needed.  Dad sold it to a young fellow who is going to Wilmington College who lives behind Grandma in Hutchins old house (formerly Phillips).  We bought the new one down at Blanchester Oil where we had gotten the other Chevrolet.  It is an automatic - hatchback.

While we were looking down there I also ordered some meat (¼ front) from Wilsons Locker just across the street so picked up the new car and the meat the same morning.  Also did a little shopping there in Blanchester.  I had ridden down with Tom and Flo Brumley -- she works part time in the new Hallmark store which took the place of the 5&10¢ store on the corner of the main intersection of town.  It is a real nice store -- far roomier than the two in Wilmington that are also owned by the Brandehoffs.  I looked around in it and then also went to see the Clinton County Bank Blanchester Branch which is where Tom is.  He had someone show me all around there so I literally spent the morning in Blanchester.  Also found out that Deborah's son is ten years old -- they were both there at the house when Dad took me out to get the ride.  I asked Deborah where she is working and she told me Washington Court House -- turned out she is working in one of Lee's business enterprises -- Burke Monument Co.  That must be a real switch after being a Playboy Bunny in Cincinnati.  Several years ago she was a runner-up in one of the beauty contests sponsored by Playboy.  She is very attractive.  Don't know when the wedding is to be but they said that Mike, her son would be going to 5th grade in Sabina.  She had just gotten her engagement ring the night before.  Just five years ago we were in Greece with them on the Woman's Club's trip.

We leave Sunday for Cincinnati to attend the Ohio Commissioner's meeting which lasts through Wednesday.  Friday we are due in New Orleans (that is Aug. 7th) and MV and MY are planning to go with us there.

Dad had his turn of teaching Sunday School this morning -- our class is having a quick three month review of the entire old testament.  Always wish that I had learned more about the Bible on the earlier studies.

The New Vienna Sr. Citizens met Saturday in their new home -- Grandma said she was too busy to go, which was probably good as they had around 125 -- record turn out and understand that there was not room to move around.

In our Square Dance Group we were good friends with this couple from Blanchester and lo and behold they have accepted an assignment with the Peace Corps and are now in the Philippines.  He had worked with the Blanchester Water System and am sure they would be a BIG asset where ever they went.  Anyway, it took us by surprise when people our age take off like that.

Picked several tomatoes out of the garden and will soon have some cabbage to eat.  The raspberries are ripening again for their second round.  We have been enjoying the fresh peaches.

Glad that Roberta is on the mend from her teeth problems.  Always think of the old adage that we never appreciate good health until we have lost it.  (temporarily)

The old building to the east of Marathon gas station is now a big heap -- the picture even made the front page of the Wilmington News Journal last week.  They were lucky as they pulled the building down and they kept it pretty much within the lot which is much better than hitting either the station or the house on each side.

Space is running out and we do think of you all often and always glad to hear from you -- directly and indirectly.  Wish we could all get together when the Horton clan is meeting in Lancaster -- at least part of them.  Joe I suppose arrived or will soon be in NYC.

[Love, etc.]

1971 Roberta's Letter -July 25

 

July 25, 1971

Dear Family,

Hi!  Great to talk to you all last night.  I imagine that either the phone call or the letters you got from me after the phone call were a BIT on the confusing side!

Since what I said was the opposite over the phone about registration at U.C. than what I wrote.  Also since I am now planning on making the wedding I've got to get a hold of Bill Lothis.  In fact, I might call him because I don't know where to write him and they seem to have a habit of letting the mail wait & I do need to be making arrangements.

I'm really happy about my credits transferring -- every single one of them -- the way I've got it figured.  I'm going to write Portland Community College tonight about the class I took there.

It will be interesting to see what I can sign up for (classes) this fall.  Do you think Cris might have trouble transferring this late anywhere?

I just got done writing the Hortons -- got a letter from them yesterday.  I did tell them I might be at the wedding -- maybe nothing definite should be said since I'm not sure yet.

I think it would be better if I would fly into Chicago.  Then from there I could take a bus or train to Kalamazoo.  Or what do you all think?  Maybe you could ask Catherine what would be the best way to Kalamazoo from Chicago.

I will probably take a bus from Merritt to Vancouver -- then fly out of Vancouver.  I could fly out of Kamloops but the route from Merritt to Vancouver is sure a pretty one.  Also I could save some green stuff by taking the bus.

I have NO IDEA how much it will cost -- I would make a guess that $150.00 should do it -- with extra money for emergency already included (in the $150).  As I might have to take a taxi in Vancouver & Chicago and might have to spend a night in Vancouver.  I'll have to get some schedules before I can say anything for sure.  Dad -- what do you think about the overall cost??

Mary Virginia -- Monia says hello.  She was here this afternoon.  While she was here she tried on my wig -- all the Indian girls get a big kick out of wearing it -- trying it on each other.

OH -- what kind of dress should I have for the wedding?  All I have with me are A-line shifts.  I was thinking I would like to buy some material & get one of the Indian ladies help me make it.  Was thinking about a long dress.  If so -- I need about $5.00 for material.

Hi -- it's now Monay -- about 1:00 p.m.  I've got lunch fixed but can't find Dixie.  Having salmon that people on the reserve gave us.

Today in Bible School a girl eight years old wanted to know if I liked WHITE people?  I wonder now what she thinks I am . . . .

A family came back to the reserve from the states -- been in Wash. picking cherries -- that has 14 kids.  Wow -- it's a long story but the family is against every other family here.  Each one of these kids are real fighters.

I wrote Bill Lothis last night so I should hear for sure about going home in about a week.  I figure if it is God's will for me to be there I'll be there but if it isn't then I'll be home the 23rd for registration.

I better be closing.  Again -- was great to talk to you all.

Love in Christ,

Bert

1961 Jean and Catherine's Letter to/from camp -July 25

 

Tuesday 7/25 10:55 pm [sent to Sabina Methodist Camp ℅ Junior Camp 1961] 

Dearest Catherine,

Got back from Cincinnati this evening about 5:30 -- rather tired but had gotten alot done. 

Glad today was a dry day for you at camp for I was afraid you were in for a rainy week the way yesterday started.  

Haven't received any word from you but hope to by tomorrow at least

I'll be glad when the program on [Baptist Minister, orator, philanthropist, lawyer and writer] Russell Conwell is over so I can enjoy some other things without feeling guilty that I should be working on it.  I have enjoyed doing it nevertheless -- scarcely having heard of him before then.

The girls got horns for their bikes and we bought John a "Lawn Sweeper" -- will gather up grass or leaves -- in a container on the back of a sort of lawn mower.  You'll have to see it for it's hard to explain.

Looking forward to seeing you Friday --

Love and XXXX -- Daddy & Mother

P.S. [at top of first page]  Dick Tracy [my then favorite comic strip] is really getting exciting & poor Chipper is in for a disappointment, huh?  Hope you can stand the suspense for this may be the last comics we send.

* * * * *

[postmarked Sabina 7/26/61]

Dear Family,

I am having a wonderful time.  Last night we had a pool party and we were in the water about 2 min. when it started lightning so we had to get out.  For lunch we had Spinach!  I spilled Grape Jelly on my white blouse.  Our Counselor (Miss Lewis) said it would probably come out.  5 out of 11 rooms on our floor are filled.  I had my choice of taking arts & crafts, drama, nature, newspaper, or choir.  I didn't know what to do so I ended up in the choir.  The nurse has 3 children with her, Jimmy, 7; Dee-Dee, 5; & Peter, 3.

1991 Wendy & Catherine's letters -July 23

 Dear Grandma & Grandpa

Hi!  How are you?  I'm great.  Audrey, Karen & Linda [Gerry's sister Linda and her daughters] are leaving tomorrow.  We went to Tucson last week.  We also went to Mexico for part of a day.

I'm going to San Francisco for eight days in August.  

School starts on the 26.  My birthday is only 2 months from today!  I will be driving two years from now.  I gotta run!

Love, Wendy

P.S. I hope you're having fun in Alaska.

* * * * *

July 23, 1971

Dear Mother & Dad,

Hi!  Thanks for the list of your addresses.  I'll try this one and see if it has a chance to get there.

I have off until 5 today and Gerry has the day off so we're headed for Scottsdale and other secenic spots in between.  Linda, Karen & Audrey leave tomorrow morning.

We had a good time in Tucson.  Gerry & I played golf early Thursday morning at a real nice course and then after lunch we drove down to Nogales and walked into Mexico.  On Friday we went to the Sonoran Desert Museum / Zoo and then to old Tucson.

We had trouble with the car (Elizabeth Johnson's Buick) vibrating badly at freeway speed on the way home.  It may be the drive line.  It's making us think more seriously about getting a new car.

I ate the first nectarine off our tree on Sunday.  They are small but quite tasty.  I've picked maybe 30 so far but there are still plenty still on the tree.  In a few days I'll have to start giving them away.

Hope you're having a great time and not freezing or staying up with the sun all night!

Love,

Catherine, Gerry & Wendy

* * * * *

July 23, 1991

Dear Mother & Dad,

Hi!  I just finished the letter to you in Fairbanks but since I don't know how long it takes a letter to get to Denali National Park I don't want to wait too long.

7-24
We had a good day in Scottsdale yesterday and also stopped at the Phoenician to see if we wanted to spend a few nights there.  No sign of the Keatings.  Downtown Scottsdale was pretty much deserted and some of the stores were closed with "Gone Fishing" signs up.  They are doing alot of work on the streets in the downtown area with barricades and piles of dirt everywhere.

We are leaving for the airport in a few minutes (it's 6:20 and their plane leaves at 8:15).

Hope you're having a great time.  We're waiting for a postcard!

Love,

Catherine, Gerry & Wendy

1971 Roberta's Letter -July 23

 

July 23, 1971

Dear Family,

Hi!  Thanks for your letter today also for the $5.00 and article about Oregon's fearless leader McCall.  I don't know if you knew it -- if I ever told you all -- but one of his sons went to G.F.C. year before I did, but, was kicked out because of drinking.

The mail must be faster coming out here than going from here to Ohio.  As most of my mail gets here in about three days.  We are lucky because we are on the main road going to Kamloops.

Mary Virginia -- I'll give Ramana your letter tomorrow.  I know she will really be happy to get it as she asks me about you every time I see her.

About Catherine's wedding -- gee -- I really don't know.  Sure I would like to be there but I don't think I should leave the program 10 days early.  Also it would be hectic because I left my tote bag with Pam's parents -- they would bring it to Vancouver the 22nd when they pick up Pam.  Also my C.P.O. jacket is at Thetis Island.  A girl is using it that didn't have a heavy jacket of any kind.

Are you really serious about flying in for the weekend?  Seems to me that it would cost alot and that the money could go for something -- um -- more worthwhile.  Now -- not that I don't want to go.

I had a brain wave today that could possibly work out.  That would be that I fly out for the wedding and then we -- the family or just Mom and/or Dad could drive out here in say about three days.  That way I would be able to finish the program and you all could see Quilchena, etc. etc.

Then we could drive home in less than a hurry.  Now that is just an idea.

I am going to talk to Elroy tomorrow and then I will let you know.  It would not be worth it -- as I think about it -- for me to come back just to gather up my stuff.  I could pay the different people money to send my stuff instead.

I just talked to Dixie about it and she said the mission would no doubt understand if I wanted to leave early.

Last night I was asked & did babysit for a family that has given us a bad time -- at least the father.  He had not let one of his kids come to Bible School or bible studies.  It has really been rough because a couple of time the kids came and we had to tell them that they have to obey their father even if it meant not coming to Bible School, etc.

It was really shocking that he asked me -- after all of that -- to baby-sit.

More I think about it -- it would not be worth it to come back here -- if I would go to Catherine's wedding.  Wouldn't be worth it to fly or drive either because by the time I got back the program would be over.

Got a nice note today from Mrs. Penn.  She said Vicky Hughes is getting married -- who to?

I think I'll wait on getting my license renewed but thanks for the information concerning it.

I'll let you know about coming home early.  Maybe even call you all.

Better close for now -- Thanks again for everything.

Love in Christ,

Bert

1971 Catherine's Postcard & Clipping -July 22-23

 

Caption: SOUTH BRANCH PONDS.  

In Baxter State Park, Maine, shelters are available.  Beyond these ponds the Pogy Notch Trail leads to Russell Pond.  The Russell Pond Trail continues south between Russell Mtn. and Turner Mtn., center, to Roaring Brook Campground.

1971 Roberta's Letter -July 22

July 22, 1971

(6:45 A.M.!)

Dear Family,

Hi!  Got your letter mailed the 13th yesterday.  Air mail is a couple of days faster since I got the air mail letter written the 17th two days ago.

Dixie and I both appreciate all the 'research' you all did on the Indian people.  The Indians here are OKANAGAN.  Do let me know if you find anything on them.

Quilchena and Douglas Lake Reserves make up what is called Upper Nicola Band.  The 'band' would be similar to our town councils.  Just thought I would stick that in -- in case you run into any really detailed information.

About the registration at U.C.  Um -- I really don't know.  You know I'll be out of Re-cap and back in Vancouver the 22nd of August.  I could fly home and that way I would be home by the 23rd.  But -- I have had it in my brain to take the train home -- through Canada -- and if I do that it will take more than one day.

I hate to miss it by just a few days and then because I took the train home.  But -- if I can get "practically the same things done" a day earlier in Sept. . . I really don't know what I should do.  Let me know what you all think.

Thanks so much for sending my shoes.  I wore them all day yesterday!!  Three people noticed my "new shoes".  People are VERY observant around here.

About my clothes from school.  They should all be clean or fairly clean.  Perhaps it would be a good idea to wash the bed spreads.  One of them has a small rip-like tear [small diagram of the rip] on one end of it.  You may want to sew it before getting it washed.

Yesterday was another big day.  I had Bible School all by myself.  Two girls -- one nine years old and the other 8 got in a fight!!  Wow -- it was um -- exciting.  Later after I got them separated and calmed down they couldn't tell me how it started.  In fact, about ten minutes later they were both working together again on a craft project.

We've been having some pretty good craft projects.  At least we think so!!  We are now letting the kids make mosaics out of colored cracked egg shells.  The frame is made out of popsicle sticks.

Yesterday we had the lesson on creation -- today we are going on a hike with them -- so I thought the two would tie in together.

After the lesson I handed out paper & we had a contest of things God has given us.  Not to include 'things' like cars that man has put together.   Some of the kids really did good.  One girl wrote down 'dust'.  I can see how she got it -- really dusty roads, etc.

Yesterday afternoon we were invited to a baby shower.  It was for an Indian mother up there that had twin girls.  One was named Roberta so I heard my name quite a bit.  The shower was at Douglas Lake but most of the women from here went.

We (Dixie & I) felt kind of cheap there as there were some really nice gifts.  We each bought 2 pairs of rubber panties -- 82¢ apiece.  Then we didn't have any wrapping paper so we melted crayons on wax paper.  Everyone wanted to know where we got the 'fancy' wrapping paper.

Then last night we went to Schlus for a Bible Study with the Nicola Valley Indian Fellowship.  They are the ones that were in charge of the meeting at Douglas Lake a few days ago.

Wow -- you would not believe the um -- insight that the natives have with the Bible.  Also -- get this -- it started at 8:00 and we left at 11:30 and we left early!!!  Dan & Ed -- the boys at Douglas Lake in SMI wanted to get back because they had to throw bales for someone today.

At the Bible Study I talked to Sunny -- another SMI'er -- who by the way is from Canton, Ohio.  Anyway she told me about these totem poles that she & Rob (another SMI'er) bought.  They bought about 10 of them and were able to get a real good deal.  Anyway -- there is a beautiful $15.00 one -- that she said was $25.00.  She said it was really a good deal.  Would you all like it?  She said it would be a good deal -- sight unseen.  If you would like it I need $15.00.  Also there is a smaller one for $5.00 that I would like to buy to give the Browns.  So $5.00 + $15.00 makes $20.00.  (Um -- see what a year of college did for me!!)  So I would appreciate $20.00 very much.  You can consider your totem pole a gift -- I am planning on working at the shop.  If you don't want the totem poles or don't think you want to pay that is OK.  

But do let me know so I can let Sunny know.  Also the money goes to the mission.  If you do send money it might be a good idea to sent it in care of Elroy Pankratz, Box 1356, Merritt, B.C.  If you want to make it out in care of North American Indian Mission -- then Elroy could cash it for me & also it would be tax deductible.

I can cash a check in the banks in Merritt.  They charge me a quarter (25¢) a check.  You are paid 1.75% exchange.  But usually -- on the two checks I've had the check charge takes it.

I'll be checking & figuring about the money I need to buy my ticket home.  If you all are near an airport you might check it out there.  I'll try to find out myself about the train.  If I did fly it would be from Vancouver to um - Dayton or Cincinnati.

Well, I better go -- now 8:00 and I've got to get ready for our hike today.

Let me know about the totem poles -- but I do think it is a good deal.

Be sure & tell everyone hello for me.  Especially Grandma & Mrs. Penn -- have been meaning to write the Lynds but -- do tell them hello.

Please tell Mary Virginia that Maria would really be happy with a note of some kind.

Hope John is doing ok --

Love in Christ,

Bert

P.S. Totem poles are carved by someone around here.

1981 Burnt Orange Chevette -July 21

 Can't say that I remember ever seeing this car -- but I didn't get to New Vienna very frequently in the 1980's.

1971 Roberta's Letter -July 21

 

July 21, 1971 
(6:15A.M.!)

Dear Family,

Hi!  thanks so much for the letter & also my gym shoes got here yesterday.  Sure am glad to have those gym shoes for swimming!  OH -- and also thanks for the $2.00 and six cent stamp!  I'll tell more about the "money problem" later.

Last night we went to a testimony meeting at Douglas Lake.  The Christian Indian group was in charge of it.  There was the film "Something to die For" which was pretty good.  Then afterwards about ten Indians got up & gave their testimonies.  I just love their use of plain words when they talk -- even in front of a group.

OH -- what have you heard about registration at U.C.?  You mentioned if I could make the 'date' -- but no mention of the date.  Before I can register I've got to find about about my credits transferring.

Gee -- seems to me that Cris would want to be making up his mind before too long about next year.

I hope John gets along fine in the hospital.  Is he in Wilmington hospital?

OH -- about the 'money problem' -- Dixie & I have both had money taken twice.  I finally have learned my lesson -- not going to put any more in my billfold.  I wouldn't really (!) mind it if I thought the money was going for a good or worthwhile cause but I'm afraid it's going for a jug of wine or whiskey which these (some of) adults sure don't need any more!!

I really wonder at times if a few of these adults ever both to get sober.  A verse I keep applying to 'things' like this are "Love takes everything that comes without giving up.  Love believes all things.  Love hopes for all things.  Love keeps on in all things." (Corinthians 13:7)  New Life Testament

I got a letter yesterday from Janice Carroll who lives in Morrow -- she is very happy as she has been given a job in the Morrow School helping with the kindergarten.

Also heard from Aunt Mary -- got a carbon of Joe's letter after Melissa arrived.  Sounded like everything was fine.

How were the Kuntzmans?  Does Rev. Kuntzman still have a church?  I find it hard to believe that Rennie -- um Al, is married!

We are about 4 miles from the store, hotel, and post office.  They are all three right together.  Store & P.O. in one building and then hotel right next door.  The prices are REALLY high there.  Paid 37¢ for a quarter pound of saltine crackers.  The store does have old type barrel containers.

There are alot of gardens here but it isn't easy to have one because of the dryness here.

Well, I better be closing.  I like Proverbs 3:5-6 especially.

Love in Christ,

Bert

Hi to Grandma!!

1981 Catherine's Letter -July 20

 

Monday, July 20, 1981

Dear Mother, Dad, and Mary,

Hi!  Now I'm down to four weeks before beginning at the library!  Today will be different than an ordinary Monday as I have the day off from work.  At 3:15 this afternoon I have my annual gynecologist appointment in Bend.  Gerry is taking the afternoon off from work so we will all be in Bend.  It will be the first time we have been to Bend together (I went with the library board for lunch in April & to the Inn of the 7th Mountain for that dental program fiasco) since February.  We plan to stop at the Canned Food store in Redmond and pick up some bargains and then also do some shopping in Bend as I need a few new clothes to wear at the library.  And Wendy is always in need of new clothes.  Then we plan to have dinner at the Riverhouse -- our long delayed anniversary dinner.  that is where I went to lunch with the Library board and I was quite impressed with the menu and the service.  Hopefully we won't be disappointed tonight.  At least when we do go to Bend we make the most of it!

This morning I have to go to the Courthouse and do some work for the Elks.  They (the Elks) have an old, old addressograph machine which they inherited from the Courthouse when the County got a new one.  The addressograph runs off the mailing list from little metal plates but the Elks don't have a machine to make new plates or to change addresses on so that is what I am going to the Courthouse to do this morning.  Hopefully we will be able to print the addresses on the August Elks Bulletin by the end of this week so I am trying to get all the addresses up to date before then.  I have about 75 to either make or change this morning.  I will take Wendy with me and that way she won't have to go to Day Care at all today.

Yesterday we were really industrious and rented a steam cleaner from the grocery and shampooed the entire carpet.  We moved the furniture out into the driveway so we wouldn't have to clean around it.  It was a really hot day so the carpet dried quickly and it looks super good.  Before we did it the hallway and around the table looked pretty hopeless but it perked right up.  When I went to the store to get it they also sold me a large bottle of shampoo ($6.19) and after we had done about half the house we noticed the bottle said "de-foamer" which is what you are supposed to put in the receiving tank if the carpet has been shampooed recently.  We didn't need the defoamer so I took it back to the store and talked to the manager who had sold it to me as "shampoo".  He apologized for his error and our inconvenience and gave me an even larger bottle of shampoo ($8.99) in exchange.  So we started over.  The defoamer had done a good job but the shampoo was much better at getting up the spots.  And now we have enough shampoo left to do it again.

Saturday night we got a babysitter and went to a western dance at the Elks.  We had a really good time but there weren't very many people there.  They had advertised it quite a bit but either there was something else going on or people just weren't interested.  This Saturday night the class of '71 is having their reunion at the Elks.  The reunion furnishes their own music and pays to rent the facility but members can still come to the dance.  Our friend Emily who moved to Wyoming last year when her husband re-enlisted in the Air Force is coming back for the reunion so we are planning to go so we'll have a chance to see them.

I have two loads of clothes to hang out so better close and get started.

Love,

Catherine, Gerry & Wendy

1981 Family Letter -July 19

 

Sunday afternoon,
July 19, 1981

Dearest Family --

Last Sunday seems like a long time ago when we last wrote -- so much has happened since then.  We drove to Louisville for the NACO - National Association of County Official - convention.  We stayed at the Galt House right on the Ohio where we could see the boats come and go by.  The Ohio delegation were primarily there so it was the center of the activities and not far from the Convention Center -- two short blocks.  They kept us busy with the many meetings and doings for the spouses.  Wouldn't have had to eat any meals out as there was so much free food -- in the hospitality rooms and picnics, etc.  Sunday evening was the President's reception.  Monday Dad got a box lunch and about 1000 of us took the Belle of Louisville (paddle steamer which rivals the Delta Queen) and had a box lunch brought on for each of us.  Monday evening there was a picnic sponsored by Col. Sanders Kentucky Fried Chicken + others with entertainment including Cloggers that were the national champions and the McLain Family Blue Grass singers group.  The Cincinnati Symphony has them (latter group) as part of their concert series but somehow we had never heard them.  Tuesday joined the spouses' group that went to the University of Louisville to hear someone who has written a book and holds seminars on how to cope with stress in success.  Very good.  That night we went to visit a square dancing group as nothing special was planned except racing at Louisville Downs.  We enjoyed meeting them and found they weren't too advanced (not as much as the Mesa group, Roberta).  There are 58 different groups that meet there and we had borrowed the Harners book to see which ones were meeting when and the level of dancing.

Wednesday we went on a tour of the plant where they make the Louisville Sluggers baseball bat and the Power Bilt golf clubs.  Both tours there were very interesting and Pee Wee Reese was there to autograph whatever -- I had heard of him but didn't know that much about him.  Bought his pamphlet on how to play better baseball for the girls along with a couple of bats -- one wooden which they make there and an aluminum which is made in California, I think.  The latter was a "second" so much cheaper than one MV had wanted so badly a few years ago.

We got home in time to go to the Ice Cream Social at the Lees Creek United Church of Christ -- except due to the threatening rain was held in Marvin Bonds barn.  We took the Thompsons -- new pastor and his wife (Homer & Rema).  MV's singing group sang every other half hour for that long from 5:30 to 9:00 PM.  They had a big crowd of people (and flies) but it never did actually rain.

Saturday we took a group of young people canoeing on the Little Miami at Fort Ancient -- went up to Waynesville and paddled down to Fort Ancient.  Had a nice picnic at the I-71 bridge where the crowd enjoyed swimming in the river where there is quite a bit of current.  The Wolfroms, Rankins and Stan Hannah accompanied the group as well as Al Wolfrom's mother, Violet Kacho.  We had thought we'd get back in time to go to a Young Republicans picnic at the Wilmington fairgrounds where Bud Brown was the featured speaker among other dignitaries.  We stopped on the way back but things were already under way and only Dad felt much inclined to get out.

After Sunday School and Church this morning Grandma treated us to dinner at the Golden Lamb so we don't feel too inclined to eat very soon.  It was a very good dinner -- their prices have gone up again -- they do have three things listed on their brunch menu -- one of which G'ma had -- which included appetizer but no dessert.  The rest of us indulged in the complete meal.

MV is playing for the Rankins who are singing at Marathon UMC tonight -- Tim Larrick is singing with them in place of Rob, Randy and Kelly.  Jody is still the lead singer in the group.  MV and Jody sing a couple of songs.  Mie Young and another girl are going down with them.

Tomorrow the girls start their 10 hour work day -- four days a week.  Do wonder how peppy they will feel at 5:30 PM.  Imagine by Thursday they will be glad to be through -- especially after going to La Comedia to see and hear "Grease".  Dad and I have tickets but haven't decided whether to go to that or . . . [bottom line of page 1 is partially cut off] . . . Friends of the Library that night.  Dad has to go to a meeting in Ripley with the commissioners and others the next morning so . . . .

We are finally getting some much  needed rain this afternoon -- first we can remember for a long time.  Hard on the picnics that are scheduled today like the Historical Society which we hadn't planned to attend.

Glad to hear from all of you -- sorry that Roberta is still having trouble with her teeth and the infection that settled in her ear(s).  Dad can sympathize for he has been having trouble with a couple of teeth and hopes to get into Dr. Hause this next week.  He has already been told that he needs a root canal job on one of them but according to Catherine it is better to have that done than have an extraction.  Wish that we lived close enough to Dr. W. where Catherine is working but hardly worth commuting.

Your Mother has hit all the "High Spots" of the past week.  Did buy 38# of peaches yesterday for $10.00 which one of the Wells employees spouses had bought down in GA . . . he had picked up a whole load of peaches.  Had our first tomato out of the garden and possibly some 10# of potatoes from our garden, which seems good since we planted only those that were getting soft last spring.

M.V. has been ambitious this summer with the flowers in front of the house and also planted two maple trees that had sprouted in our garden across the street.  Rereading that sentence makes me realize that I should get my mind and typing at the same speed.

Saw a news item in the paper recently about a person who found in their attic a municipal bond of the original value of $100 at 10% interest that was issued about 1880 and compounded the interest th epresent value came to 3.5 million, which sum appears to be uncollectible.

Visited Bill Marine Ford Agency briefly yesterday as we thought they were having a pork roast BUT we were one day early.  He has new cars from $5600 to $18000, with agencies in Springfield, Ohio and Corbin, KY.  He has also taken over the small Chrysler line of cars.

Dad went down to the shop to work some this evening so I decided I might as well go in the car with the young people to Marathon.  I did enjoy it -- Mie Young and Diane had solos too as well as the rest of them singing duet, trios, etc.  They left me in charge of the tape player so hope it came off ok.

Roberta, we enjoyed the pictures of the cabin that you sent and will send them on to one of the others and hopefully you will get them back eventually.  Catherine told me that they caught some Oregon criminals in Payson recently.

Enjoyed talking to Wendy, Catherine and Roberta on the phone Thursday and Friday.  Glad that Marion came through her operation in good shape and will continue to improve.  Hope the boat (raft) trip went well for the Morgans.

MV told us that she had heard that Lee Carey is going to marry Debra Brumley soon which was news to us as we didn't even know either was interested.  Debra has a little boy -- perhaps six or 7 by now.  

The Hortons seemed to enjoy the reunions (class and family) and are now visiting Marianne and family and will see Joe there later.  He is to get to Florida July 23 and then go to NYC to art school around the 26th and plans to spend a weekend in Lancaster.

[Love, etc.]

1971 Roberta's Letter -July 19

 

July 19, 1971

Dear Family,

Hi There!!  Seems like I haven't written for awhile -- not really sure where to start.  But believe you me -- I have been busy!!

Tomorrow starts our third week of Bible School.  I've got to admit -- I'm glad we only have it on Mondays, Tuesdays & Wednesdays.  Tomorrow I've got the lesson -- um -- it should be interesting!!  I'm using the 'story' of Zacchaeus and then changing it quite a bit so that these kids might be able to relate it to themselves.

OH!  It's 1:00 A.M. -- so it is just barely the 19th.  I'm already (!) getting sleepy so I might not get much written tonight.

Boy!  This last week has really been warm!!  I've been swimming twice.  But I sure want to buy me a pair of gym shoes -- the beach is so rocky!!

Thursday we are planning a hike & combination swim for the kids here.  That should be fun.  We are only (!) going to walk about a mile & a half -- one-way -- so it won't be much of a hike.

Hi -- it is now Monday morning and Bible School will be starting in about 15 minutes.

Today is going to be another hot day -- which I'm thankful for.  After Bible School we are going to wash our clothes.  We are so lucky to be able to have a washer for the summer.  Patsy's washer is one of those wringer type.  This way you feel like you have a bigger part in doing the wash.  And believe me -- you do!!

When I went to the doctor Friday she (woman doctor!) told me that I should start using insect repellent on one arm and see what happens.  So far nothing has happened -- and hopefully nothing will.

I don't have to go back to the doctor anymore -- which I'm also glad about because going into Merritt usually creates quite a big ordeal.

After my doctors appointment Dixie & I went to Schullus where we were invited to a birthday party.

We originally planned to have the ground-hog Friday before we left for Merritt.  But we took so long in 'preparing' the thing that it didn't get in the oven soon enough.

Ground-hog tastes an awful lot like pork -- very greasy!!!  I think (!)  it has a sharper taste than pork.

We saved the grease so we've even been having potatoes & ground-hog gravy.  Real luxury living, huh?

It's now Monday night -- hope I get a chance to mail this tomorrow -- I hate to write letters and then have them sit around!!

Mary Virginia -- I do hope you write Maria a letter.  At least a note -- OK?  I know she would sure appreciate it -- has asked me at least ten times if I have heard from you.

Tonight we sat down & planned our menus for the rest of the summer -- oh -- what a job!!  But then we did not want to run out --

Had a busy day today as usual.  Baby-sat for a two year old girl for about 2½  hours.  Got the wash done, then after that mopped the kitchen floor.  I always mop after I wash -- know why?  Cause I 'spill' so much water in running those clothes through the rollers.

Mom -- I was wondering about my washing my sleeping bag.  It is sorta getting that run-down dirty feeling.  But then since it will be my bed for another month I don't want it to fall apart.  What do you think if I would wash it?

I got a long & nice letter from Betty Waite about 3 days ago.  Still haven't answered it.  I bet some people must really think I'm failing in my correspondence!  But then -- get this -- I've already used 100 stamps since I've been here!!  I'm a real boost to the Canadian Postage sales!!

Well, it is getting late -- and I want to get two more letters done tonight so I better close.

I hope you all are fine.  Always glad to hear from you.  Hello to Grandma -- Wish I had more time to write -- so much to say -- Well -- I'll be seeing you all in about a month!!

Um -- got to go!

Love in Christ,

Bert

P.S. Please tell Mrs. Penn hello & also everyone else. 

I just checked in the envelope & found the Bible School lesson instead of this letter -- found letter in Bible!!!  Gee --

1971 Catherine's Postcard -July 19

Caption: BULL MOOSE may be seen thru the summer in many of Maine's ponds.  Bulbs of the Cow Lily is their favorite dish.

 7/19/71

We've been sticking in pretty wilderness type areas so hope that explains scarcity of mail.  Stayed at Long Pond (near Jackman) four days, then over to 1st Roach Pond for 5 days where a moose walked within 10 ft. of me.  I got off the road so he could go by.  We just came from Ripogenus Dam.  We've caught some fish -- about 5-6 meals worth total.  Hope everything is O.K.

Love,

Catherine

1981 Roberta's Letter -July 18

 

Saturday AM
[7/18/81]

Dear Family,

Thanks for your letter & enclosed check -- glad Grandma got the tour book -- I didn't realize that she hadn't had one before!!

I'm at the hospital now -- Marion plans to get out this AM -- she is able to walk -- tho very slowly -- but cannot stand in one place very long!!  I've worked ¾ days since Wednesday -- spending alot of time at the hospital --

My mouth/nose/ear are so much better -- I've still got some more work to be done -- teeth -- but sure am not anxious to get back in that dentist chair!  Haven't been able to swim for almost a month now -- hopefully by the end of this coming week will be able to get in the pool!!

I've ben SO COLD in the hospital -- they keep the place SO COLD -- I use a sweater here -- then go outside in that 112º stuff -- what a difference!!

Grandma & I will be leaving in just over 6 weeks -- it all sounds so exciting!!  I'm wondering as to what clothes to take -- both weather wise & style wise!!

Now Monday AM -- Marion doing fine -- just afraid she is over doing.

I read the best book while visiting in the hospital "A Woman of Independent Means" -- really suggest you all to read it.

We turned off the Hot Water heater -- surprisingly don't miss it much -- showers still warm & water in kitchen comes through copper pipe so it is pretty warm.  I'm working to have an elec. bill under $100.00!!  I'm feeling real good now -- & I appreciate that.

I love you all --

Roberta 

1991 Jean & HH letter to John & Julie -July 17

 

 June 17, 1991

Dearest John -- and Julie too --

Just in case you feel inclined to write -- we have a list of our addresses while we're gone [to Alaska].  If you feel inclined to write it would be fine -- we know you are busy.

Roberta now plans to come in at 4:00 on Wednesday 8/7 & will leave the same day 8/13 approx. time as Joe 6 days later.

Please use the check for anything(s) that you don't receive otherwise -- book cases or whatever.  We'd rather you choose what you'd like.

The Sankers have already sent their acceptances & Ruth called to say she'd gotten the invitation & appreciated it but won't be able to come.  We put our invitation to the wedding at the church & you might send one to Wells for them.  Walkers are planning to be in Spain.  Didn't ask Wilma.

Much, much love,

Dad & Mother

1971 Roberta's postcards - July 17

 

Caption: Quilchena, B.C., Canada
Riders from the Quilchena Hotel enjoying the magnificent scenery near Nicola Lake.

Caption: Quilchena Hotel
Quilchena, B.C., Canada
A landmark in B.C. since 1908.  Riding -- Golf -- Water Skiing

July 17, 1971

Hi!  Had a Good day today -- fixed & ate ground-hog -- not bad, but didn't get all the hair burned off before roasting it.  UGH!  

Went to Dr. -- I'm (rash) is so much better -- getting all dried up! YEAH!

Tomorrow plan to go swimming -- oh -- big forest fire about 20-30 miles from here.  Quilchena filled with smoke because of it.  Only about a month left on the Reserve --so little time!!

Love, in Christ, Bert

July 17, 1971

(please keep picture (Postcard)

Grandma, Hi! & thanks for the card.  Since I last wrote it has really gotten HOT here -- 102º today but doesn't feel that hot at all.

Had ground-hog today -- TO EAT!  I helped fix it -- new experience!!  Was really a lot like pork -- hi to family.  Hope you all are fine.

Love in Christ,

Bert

1991 MV's postcard -July 15

Caption: BOE Memorial Chapel
Boe Memorial Chapel at the center of the St. Olaf College campus in Northfield, Minnesota, glistens in the hoarfrost which decorates the campus several times each winter.  The chapel, built in 1953, houses the department of religion and is a focal point of worship for the St. Olaf Student Congregation, organized in 1951.

[postmarked St. Paul, MN -- 15 Jul 1991] 

Arrived fine on Saturday night.  Called Methodist Church Sunday AM and they had a lady pick me up who gave me a tour of the town after church.  I walked back downtown for lunch and to look around.  It's a beautiful town -- and I  think St. Olaf is prettier than Carlton!  Conference starts at 2PM today.  Enjoy your trip and I'll see you 8/9/91.  

Love -- MUC -- 7/15/91

1971 Roberta's Letter -July 14

 

July 14, 1971

Dear Family,

Hi!  How's everything in New Vienna?  Right now I'm sitting in the Merritt doctors clinic.  It's 1:30 now and my appointment isn't till app 3:20 so I should be able to get alot of letter writing caught up on!!

My rash doesn't seem to be any better -- in fact it has gotten on my lips which isn't real pleasant.  I hope the doctor can say more about it today.

Yesterday I went to Kamloops with an Indian Family.  We were gone from about 9:30 A.M. till about 5:00 P.M.  Kamloops is a pretty big town about 50 miles from Quilchena.  I had a good time -- even tho I spent the afternoon waiting in the Indian Affairs Office for them.

The family bought 40 pounds of cherries [or possibly cheerios] at $7.50 per 10 pounds.  I drove on the way back because Joyce was so sleepy.  I really wonder if I should be driving on my expired license.

Our "fun night" last night really went over good.  We had gobs of kids & about eight adults.  About 9:00 the electricity went out in the school house so we ended up having the slides at Marianne's house.  It worked out fine about each family bringing a plate of cookies or something.  One woman brought two BIG cakes!!

Since I've had this rash all the people on the reserve have been busy playing "Doctor" telling me about when so & so broke out with a rash & what did the trick for them.  All of them are really interesting -- though I don't think I'd like to try all of them!!

Right before I left to come to Merritt today, Patsy came home.  Patsy is the woman who owns the house we've been staying.  She just came back for the day and then is going back to the states.  She still wants us to live in her house.

OH - I checked at the Quilchena store where they have gas pumps and regular gas is 53.9 & the ethyl a better gas is 57.9  Wow!!!  Kind of high, huh???

The other day we bought some ivory liquid for dishes and paid $1.11 for the bottle.  I thought that was really terrible!!

Hey -- you all did get the keys to the suitcases didn't you?

Well, I better be closing.  I've got so many people to write -- sure miss my typewriter -- would make everything alot faster.  Will appreciate it more in September.

OK -- by the way -- open up any mail from G.F.C. or U.C. that is addressed to me.  I'm curious as to my credits transferring.

Will add more later after I see the doctor.

Hello -- now Thursday morning about 7:00.  Ron & Emily will be coming through soon so I'll try & get this done so they can mail.

The doctor thinks I'm (or might be) allergic to bug repellent.  She gave me another prescription & I've got to go back Friday afternoon (tomorrow) to see Her (woman doctor).  Said prescription she gave me should really clear it up fast.  Sure hope so!!

Last night went to a tupperware party held by an Indian woman on the reserve.  It was something else!!  I won -- the team I was on won -- each of us we got a tupperware salad fork.  We won while playing the game where you put straws in your mouth then you have to pass a thimble.  It was fun --

Well I better go.

Love in Christ,

Bert

P.S.  -- Got letter from Nancy Walker yesterday -- if you see her soon tell her I'll write soon as possible and also thanks for her letter!

1981 Catherine's Letter -July 13

Monday, July 13, 1981

Dear Mother, Dad, and Mary,

Hi!  sorry I didn't get to talk to you this past week.  I had intended to call on Friday morning but got busy and didn't notice the time until 8:01.  On Saturday we were busy and then I didn't know what time you were leaving on Sunday.  'll try again for this Friday morning.  I should have an easy time work-wise as Dr. W's wife had her baby yesterday -- a girl, so they now have two girls.  The office is going to be closed until Thursday.  I have to work today and get the appointments we scheduled for today, tomorrow, and Wednesday rescheduled.  Then the other two girls will be working tomorrow and the next day so someone will be there to write up receipts and answer the telephone.  Thursday and Friday we will be seeing patients both days and then I will have next Monday off.

These days off will help right now to give me a chance to get things caught up (hopefully) at the Elks.  The previous secretary had let things slide for at least the last six months and it makes it doubly hard for us to try to figure out what has been done and where to start with the catching up.  At least the bookkeeping part (his wife did that) is fairly up to date.  Not all of June is done but we are in the process of getting that done and then I can start on the posting for July.  Besides working every night last week for a few hours we spent all day Saturday there.  Wendy was able to stay with us for part of the day and then she went to her friend Darcy's house to play.  I am going to take Wendy to work with me today since there won't be any patients there.  She has spent the afternoon with me before but not the whole day so hope she does OK.  We will take a bag of her books and a doll probably.  The people who run the ice cream parlor down the street have two little girls (5 & 3) who are there alot of the time and Wendy likes to play with them so that will also offer some diversion.

My starting date at the library is now five weeks from today.  It seemed even closer last week when I was training my replacement at Dr. W's office.  She had a week and a half trial run far enough in advance so that if she didn't want the job or if they didn't like her there would still be time enough to hire someone else.  She has worked as a secretary before and handled all the paperwork with ease but had more difficulty with the telephone and the patients in the office.  Dealing with the people should improve with practice though hopefully.  She decided she would like the job.   Debbie, the assistant, who started in March, is quitting the end of July so I am giving mini-interviews for a new assistant.  I have a list of questions I have to ask that include "do you like people?"  "describe your ideal boss."  It makes me feel better about leaving since she hasn't been there as long as I have.  Her husband was working for Jefferson County Sheriff's Dept. but got a job with Deschutes County Sheriff's Dept. and is now stationed in LaPine which is about 18 miles south of Bend (below Sun River) so they will have to move.

It's now 8:00 and Wendy isn't even up yet so I better get her moving so she can have something to eat before we go to work.

Love,

Catherine, Gerry & Wendy

1971 Roberta's Letter -July 12

 July 12, 1971

Dear Family,

Hi!  How are you all?  Just now got your letter that was mailed the 8th and was sent to Quilchena.  We've got "mail delivery" now.  A woman named Sara who lives on the reserve has a son working at the store so she always checks on it for us.  So that is really nice for us, and she seems to enjoy playing "postman".

Well.  I've got news for you all.  I went to the hospital yesterday -- as a patient -- not a visitor.  Exciting, huh?  Well -- I guess I told you all about having some type of rash all over me.  I was really hot & itchy with it.  Nancy -- Elroy's wife who is also a nurse -- took me to the hospital.  The doctor doesn't know what it could be but told me to come back Tuesday if it's the same.  He said it isn't taking the usual form of poison oak or ivy.  Said I had eaten or ran into something that I must be allergic to.  He gave me a prescription to help the itching.  It does seem to help alot.

I was only in the hospital about fifteen minutes so you see it was a SHORT visit.

The insurance with N.A.I.M. paid for the visit -- in fact everything but the pills.  So that was good.

I'm not sure about the price of gasoline but it is no doubt quite high.  Every thing is so much higer here than in the states.

No, we don't have an allowance to buy fruit, vegetables, etc, with.  This is a summer of cans & in some cases boxes.

Bible School today went fine.  I had the lesson.  I still find vocabulary to be a little bit of a problem.

We were in Merritt all day yesterday plus we were in there all day Saturday.  It was pretty nice to get back to Quilchena last night.

Tomorrow night we are having a "fun night".  Actually we are having it to encourage kids to go to camp -- at Thetis Island.  Sappy is going to show slides, etc.  We have asked that each family bring a plate of cookies, or something like that for refreshments.  That idea seemed to go over really good.

Be sure & tell Grandma Hello for me.

I better be going -- I've got a couple people I want to visit today.  Hope you all are fine.  Thanks again for the letter & also news paper clipping!!

Love in Christ,

Bert

1981 Family Letter -July 12

 

Sunday morning --

July 12, 1981

Dearest Family --

Couldn't sleep so got up to get letter started as won't be able to have use of a typewriter this evening.  We plan to leave for Louisville after dinner today -- the National Commissioner's meetings and activities don't begin until tomorrow morning at 7:30 AM.  The girls are going to stay by themselves this time -- not that they haven't been capable before but we are to just be gone for three days.  With them working they will be plenty busy.  They have been working in the rubber room this past week.  They were glad to get away from the monotony of the folding of jump-ropes but after about three hours of 325º over the rubber presses their old jobs look welcoming.  They developed several burns -- not large ones but I was glad to hear that they won't be back there next week.

The weather here has been quite sultry -- in the 90's -- not high compared to Phoenix-Mesa area but the humidity made it seem worse.  I've made good use of the sun dresses I got in Arizona -- Mary Virginia hasn't worn hers -- guess our taste doesn't suit her, Roberta.

Sure sorry to hear about all the problems that you have had with your teeth that you had pulled -- guess it isn't the teeth now but the infection that set in afterwards in your gums, ear and nose as a result of the extraction, Roberta.  Hope by the time you receive this your problems will be in the past in regard to this.  Do keep us informed -- wondered if you were feeling well enough to go to Payson this past weekend.

Enjoyed your letters, Serena, Catherine and John and also the enclosures in each.  You are really surprising us, Serena, and we have come to expect something each week now.  Don't envy you in the Chicago heat and your climb to your 4th floor apartment.  Hope you have been able to make some arrangements about your bike or do you take it up and down each time you ride it?  Chicago is or has been in the news about their raising of bus fares.

We enjoyed the article about the Newark clock in the court house, John.  That was timely right after our visit.  We passed on your letter to the Hortons and they are looking forward to having you visit in September.  Aunt Mary says she has two meetings scheduled about that time so she is sure to be home and says that it won't interfere with them.

We also shared the rest of the family letters with the Hortons and sent the Juniper Bank's report on to John as we thought he would be most interested.  We didn't remember that being the name of the bank -- has it changed or is it our imagination?  Interesting about your golf game, Catherine -- sorry that I made you late in meeting your partner that day.  How is your new minister?  The Thompsons next door have been busy working out in the parsonage yard -- he uses a grass catcher on the mower so it does look very nice.  Burned some trash across the street to clean up some of the stumps and have been amazed that the fire has been smoldering for the third day now -- be nice to think that we had struck an oil well.

Thursday evening we went to Wilmington college Theater "Summertree", which we especially enjoyed as one of our square dance friends (and the wife of a Wilmington . . . . [indecipherable] 

. . . Uncle Bill is going to high school class reunion on the weekend.  They they are going to Mares.  Nothing like discovering the hard way that this typewriter is in the interim has been put on double spacing.  Grandma remarked on Wendy's picture that "she looks like a 6 year old".  Now it is hard to recall when our own children were at the preschool age.

[Love to all, etc.]

1971 Roberta's Letter -July 10

 

July 10, 1971

Dear Family,

Hi!  Got your letter today in Merritt written July 4th.  Sure was Good news that my luggage got home safely.  If you do do any unpacking you are welcome to use, wear, etc. anything you find.

Today we were in Merritt all day.  We went in about 9:00 A.M. Pam & Wendy (both from Fox) were already there.  We were able to be with a bunch of people we all knew all day.  At two of the ballgames we had to take care of the gate.  Each game cost 60¢ apiece.

Then tonight we went to a wedding that was in Merritt.  It was a little different than ours.  It was a small wedding -- about 50 people.  I made some peanut butter cookies yesterday to take to the reception.  We ate about 10 of them last night but this morning decided we would take all of the ones that were left -- which was plenty.

The wedding was performed by Elroy -- a missionary with N.A.I.M.  At the end of the wedding there was a time of open prayer -- led by the groom.  I thought that was pretty neat.

Pam is staying in Quilchena tonight -- along with about 8 other girls.  She was really happy because she brought her grades up to a 3.00 the last term.

Well.  I've got a combination of poison [ivy?] of some kind, mosquito bites & a reaction to the two all over me.  It's really pitiful!!  I might be going to a doctor in Merritt sometime this week.  It's just gotten really BAD the last couple of days.  Annette -- a missionary's wife in Chase said I should go to a doctor, see what can be done.

Thanks for sending that Sears check.  I bought you all something with it -- (um -- part of it).  Should be getting it before too long.  It's not a whole lot -- so don't get too excited!!

If you do see Sandy Wiget & any & all of them do tell them I say hello.  I'll try & write them a note but I'm so far behind now in my letter writing.

Monday I'm in charge of the lesson in Bible School  Still aren't sure yet exactly what I'll do.  Dixie got some Bible School material from her church but it doesn't seem to fit in for these kids.  It is Scripture Press.  You know has the mother driving the family station wagon to the modern grocery & father off to work carrying his brief case, etc.  Just don't think it would work with the way things are around here.

Well, let me know when you want me to make reservations for you all at the Quilchena Hotel.  Believe me -- it would be a total experienced!!!

Hope you all are fine.  Be sure & tell Grandma "Hi" for me.  Also everyone else.

Got to go --

Love in Christ

Bert