1981 Family Letter -Oct.4

 

Sunday, October 4, 1981

Dear Family:

This has been a BIG telephone week in talking with all the family plus a really long distance call from Kim and that he hopes to get to NV sometime in October.  On the home front we are leaving for Oregon on Wednesday for one week.  Joe Horton called this afternoon and will be here over the weekend and know they will all have a big time with the junior set here along with Carol and John.

Last Wednesday we made the annual 300 mile trip to Charleston, WV and back to see the accounts for 1982.  Coming back we stopped near Portsmouth to view the new utility installation for making electricity from the river current, which is a gigantic installation . . . something like 700 million project.  My math is outdated when the government starts talking about the trillion dollar indebtedness.  In Chillicothe we bought our first half bushel of apples -- grimes golden.

Tuesday and Thursday nights were square dance times -- with the third go around on lessons (on Tuesdays) we are starting to learn some of the basics.  Anyway we are glad that we got involved.

All week the girls have been working in the evening on their Senior Class Float for the Homecoming game, which was Friday.  The Band Boosters had a Chili Supper before hand . . . so that was a full evening.

There have been a lot of rumors around the County that some people have been contacted about buying their farm for a hazardous waste site.  Saturday the anti-waste site group had a rally at the Court House and protocol (?) or you name it calls for the County Commissioners to be present.  The rest of the family went on up to Fairborn to hear our School band participate in a contest.

Last Monday was open house at the local school.  One of the parents of a child for whom your Mother tells library stories said, "She makes the listener feel like they are part of the action."  A quip from our Church bulletin today read . . . "Maybe a dog has more friends than people because he wags his tail rather than his tongue."

Congratulations to Serena for swimming 1½ miles the other day -- that's a good many laps -- doubt if I could even do 1½ laps.  Keep up the good work -- swimming seems the least painful exercise I know next to the famous square dancing.

It was nice talking to John on the morning of his 24th birthday.  Doesn't seem like it could be that long.  He seems to be enjoying his work in the trust department -- has his own desk and the head trust officer is seeing that he has plenty of work to keep him busy.  Have you had any more luck finding cars that are to be repossessed?  Hope you had no repercussions from the one you happened to recognize the last time we saw you.

Roberta is really busy and will continue to be so til after she and Marion have moved to 3521 West Vogel, Phoenix.  Through a friend she has bought a '73 Dodge Swinger in excellent condition and a brand new 5-speed diesel truck (pickup) which will be helpful in moving and other big jobs needed in her work.  Too bad Dad wasn't close enough to take advantage of buying the Vespa she quickly sold.

As we have mentioned before we will miss seeing Joe -- and John and Carol -- but have been looking forward to seeing the Morgans.  Should arrive there Thursday afternoon after Dad and the Portland salesman have a get-together that morning.

Roberta's car is a '74 and only has 40,000 miles on it -- owned by an 83-year-old man who used to go to the Senior Center.

With much love to each one of you . . . .

1981 HH clippings with Clinton County Commissioners -Sep.

 

Sunday evening

September 13, 1981

Dearest Family --

It has been a beautiful week and lovely weekend for Clinton County's Annual Corn Festival.  It has developed into quite an occasion -- three days of activities with displays of apple butter, sorghum (in the making), all kinds of antiques -- gr???iles, trucks, farm equipment as well as household articles.  Of course, with that are food booths -- many specializing in corn -- on the cob, fried, chowder, fritters, dogs, etc.  We went over last night to help with the square dancing and back today to work at the chicken barbecue sponsored by the Historical Society.  That was sufficient to last for another year but each year sees many improvements.  Glad that East Clinton didn't have a booth this year though.

Do hope all the travelers had a good trip and anxious to hear some about both -- the one to Alaska and also the one to Florida.  Hope no news is good news from Grandma and Roberta -- received a letter written in Mesa and mailed in Los Angeles.  Also one from John and Carol with a picture of the famous Breakers and glad to hear that Hortons and Mr. Garnett had time available for entertaining them.  Know they they appreciated the hospitality.

Mary Virginia did a good job singing for the Christian Woman's Club last Thursday.  She had been invited to sing the month before but we wouldn't have been back from New Orleans until that day so they postponed it for a month.  Of course she had to get out of school and Mr. Wilson, the band director was unhappy that she wasn't there for practice before the first home game but it all went well with the band show Friday evening.  The football game was a disaster -- East Clinton lost to Amelia [? -- this is a poor carbon copy and hard to read]  41-6 and three of the players were injured -- two rather badly --  we think they had a rough team (the opponents that is) -- they were AAA and our small team is just A.

Catherine and Roberta just called to report that they had arrived at the Morgans and had a safe and good trip and spoke glowingly about the cruise.  Grandma was the oldest passenger so given preferential treatment.  If they timed it right they could have 7 meals a day -- and Grandma could have her salt-free diet.  She especially enjoyed the fish.  The weather wasn't too good to get off the ship but she had disembarked in Juneau so had gotten to see the capital city.

Yesterday, Dad was in Columbus for the semi-annual meeting of the Ohio Bar Committee which was held at the new Marriott.  Near there is a new shopping area called the "French Quarter" . . . all the buildings are built to resemble a street in France, you know the atmosphere idea deluxe.  I wandered in one men's store out of curiousity and the cheapest suit was $220.00, so there was no temptation.  Thursday afternoon was a trip to Cincinnati to call upon Super X for next year's business.  The old story the buyer wants a bigger advertising allowance, so we are going to raise the price enough so we can give him the "discount".  It must help his bonus with the company to get increased advertising allowances.

We haven't heard anymore about Joe Horton's schedule since our last letter, but we do plan to be in NYC Oct. 18-22 for the Spring Toy Show.   This year will soon be gone.

Donald Kerrick, about 39, was killed in a motorcycle accident this past week.  There are so many chuck holes in the roadways that it is a BIG wonder there are not more accidents.

Kelly Greene is home on furlough but said he was keeping phone off hook so he wouldn't get called back so quickly.  He now has a mustache.  Dad says he is to go back to Texas.  Keith Rankin is no longer singing with the Messengers but they have someone also taking his place.

[Much love to all . . . .]

1981 HH Clipping w/County Commissioners -Aug.3

 

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.]

1981 HH & Clinton County Commissioners -Apr. 1981

 

Clinton County Commissioners: Harold Uible, left; David Bailey, center; D.M. Fife, right.  Standing is Bill Liermann, county chairman.

Wilmington News-Journal
April 1981 Clipping

1980 - More clippings of HH -Dec.22

More clippings of HH's new position as Clinton County Commissioner

1980 Harold Uible appointed commissioner -Dec.11

 

WILMINGTON NEWS-JOURNAL
December 11, 1980

Harold Uible appointed commissioner

The Clinton County Central Republican Committee appointed Harold Uible, 55, of 66 College St., New Vienna, as Clinton County Commissioner Thursday evening at the county courthouse.

Uible was named on the second ballot from a field of seven potential candidates who each gave a brief presentation to the committee prior to the voting.  He was named commissioner following a 45-minute discussion by the committee.

Uible will complete this year's term of long-time commissioner Oscar Hackney who died on Thanksgiving Day following a long illness.  Hackney had won a strong victory in the November 4 election.  Beginning January 1, Uible will fill two years of Hackney's term before coming up for election to the office at the next general election.

In his presentation, Uible emphasized his professional and business experience, community projects, and strong desire to be a county commissioner.

A Clinton County native, Uible graduated from Case Western Reserve Law School in 1949.  He is a member of the Clinton County and American Bar Associations.

Uible has 30 years of business experience with Wells Manufacturing, a Uible family-operated toy company in New Vienna.

Uible has been a member of the New Vienna School Board, the Clinton County School Board, Clinton Memorial Hospital Board, and the Clinton County National Bank, New Vienna Branch Advisory Board.

He described himself as a conservative optimist, and added that he was anxious to work with current commissioners DM Fife and David Bailey.  "I've had a strong desire to be a commissioner and I'm confident I can work well as a team with the present commissioners," he said to the committee.  "I want to hear from all of you."

Six other candidates seeking the post were Eugene Cramer, Sabina Road, Max Hewitt, Lewis Road, Wilson Penquite, Blanchester, Don Stewart of US 22, Harry Perkins of SR 73, and J.R. Williams of Williams Road.

In other business, Mrs. William Hampton was appointed to a Blanchester seat on the Central Committee.  Rev. Larry Harris was appointed to fill a Wilmington seat.

1980 Family Letter -Dec.13

 

[More about HH becoming a County Commissioner in a few days.]

Saturday, Dec. 13, 1980

Dear Family:

We will get a head start on this week's letter as there is really something new this week to write about.

Thursday was a quick observance of your Mother's birthday, with M.V. making a cake (chocolate, of course) and then M.V. rushed off to Sabina for the school Christmas program and Dad to Wilmington for the called meeting of the Clinton Co. Republican Executive meeting to fill the vacancy of County Commissioner,  Three of the hopeful were on the Republican committee.  To me the job is a challenge with lots of potential for learning and hopefully help the taxpayers get more for their money.  Yesterday afternoon we went to the law library Christmas open house, then a brief business stop in Washington C.H. and the next step was at the Election Board to get the required papers before being sworn in on this Monday.  Your Mother went on to Lazarus and I went to the Ethics Commission as all county, etc. officials must file a form listing your interests in anything that amounts to over $500.00 . . . . guess the theory is to try to prevent people from being too crooked.  Its the old story that no matter what one does, someone naturally has different thoughts.

In contacting the committee members did have interesting experiences -- like the one who said "yes, I sold you folks that car at Blanchester."  (That was at least 10 years ago.)  Or another "I'm going to vote for you, even tho I'm going to nominate so and so because he ask me and I'm his cousin. " Dayton TV station man was down and the interview on the screen did run for about a minute -- it was good publicity for Wells as [there was] a picture of our display and also of my coming out of the door and going across the street to the other bldg.  

Now Sunday:  Last night we went to Sabina as MV was in a musical with 6 other high school students for the Sabina Sr. Citizen Benefit.  It was a Christmas theme and the hour went quickly.  Bert you will have to go up and visit them as MV was telling the Sabina group how active you are.  Someone mentioned that in Highland Co. they are so well organized that they don't require gov't help.  They serve meals for 50¢ to the regulars and $1.00 for guests.  Mrs. Morgan (MV's friend Cathy's mother) and I think we may go over and visit some time.  Haven't heard how much money they made but it was primarily senior citizens who get in free and parents and friends of the participants.

Marvin Beam has called Dad a number of times -- once in regard to congratulating him about being selected a commissioner.  Bruce Beam also called.  Marvin teased him about wanting to get his Stone Road fixed (repaired) and then decided it might be better to have pot holes to slow down the speedsters.  I am sure this is just the beginning of requests -- even the law librarian hinted to me she'd like a buzzer to know when people were coming in the law library.

[Love, etc]

1979 Family Letter -Sep.23

Sunday afternoon -

September 23, 1979

Dearest Family -

I am typing down in the patio where the weather is cool but sunny and every time I think that this will be the last time to write down here for awhile - sorry that I triple-spaced instead of single as I intended.  Much room for improvement.  Mary Virginia is becoming quite adept at typing - has even done some work for Dad in his legal business.  She'll be doing all kinds of things by the time she finished Typing I this year.

It was nice talking to Serena TWICE on the phone this past week and looking forward to seeing her home this coming weekend before she moves into her new apartment October 1st.  Don't know how it may work out but Dad will perhaps take her back to Chicago with a load of things to fill her unfurnished place.

Thanks to John and Carol for the big wedding picture which we mailed over to the News Journal along with the article and it finally got in last night's paper - have received many nice compliments on the attractiveness of John's bride, Beans (Marvin) wished they could also see John's pictures as they haven't seen him since he was just a mid-sized boy.  Frank Youngs asked if we didn't attend as our names weren't listed among the guests.  Anyway thanks that it finally got published - will send you a xerox copy as you already have the picture and write-up from the Ravenna paper and if we're able to get extras will save one for whomever might prefer it from the paper direct.

Always glad to get Roberta's many letters and to hear how the studying and gas money (from metal can collection) is coming plus other items of interest.  Too bad about Fred not feeling so good after his fall.  Its pathetic that they would be in separate place (from his wife).

Catherine we did get a letter from you early last week but the one about Wendy's fall never has come but glad to get details on the phone Friday evening.  Do hope that she is feeling much better - sorry to hear that she had to have stitches in her chin (additional trouble with them) and then a sprained wrist besides all just before her birthday.  No doubt it didn't spoil her appetite too much.  Thinking about you today and your mini-holiday in Bend.  Do let us know how you like the water bed you try in the motel there.  Hope it provides Gerry some relief to his back and leg problems.

This past week has been busy but last night was the big wedding - Kevin Croghan and Connie Trivett.  Connie wore a long white gown with train and had he 4 yr old little girl as flower girl and son (2nd grader) as ring bearer.  She seems like a real sweet person and we wish them the best.  They had one attendant each but did it up as if the first marriage for her.  They have bought a home out in the Lions Club addition on Dorothy Lane.  Kevin shaved off his beard and only had a neat mustache much to the pleasure of his mother and grandmother Thornburg.  Keith Rittenhouse was about the only one of Kevin's class that I know that was there.

Dad and I went square-dancing Tuesday night and they hope to get enough out each Tuesday night from now on at Laurel Oaks to have a class.  We had invited Joellen Uhl to go with us and Mary Virginia came too at the last minute and they both seemed to enjoy it too.  Volunteers were there to help and be partners for those without.  Don't know whether we will make it back or not.  Orville Harner was most instrumental in getting us there as well as quite a few others - including his daughter and son-in-law Elaine and Tom Biehl but Elaine couldn't take all the dancing but Tom seemed to enjoy it.

The 2nd Annual Corn Festival was at the fairgrounds and except for the very rainy weather was going strong yesterday when we were there.  We were amazed at how many activities they had going - crafts, etc that took in much of the grounds.  Ate at the Pork Barbecue last night & then made a quick dash home to get ready for the wedding.  Took Elizabeth Johnson with us - she had gone before when it was the antique farm machinery, etc. put on by the Historical Society.  She told us how much she appreciated Roberta thinking of her on her birthday (Sept. 12).

Thanks for all the pictures that we have been receiving from Catherine by way of Roberta (They were real good) and also Grandma appreciated getting the ones you sent to her, John and Carol.  We are looking forward to getting the others you had developed and also seeing the ones that were taken at the wedding by the other photographers.  Wish that we had one of both Carol and John to put in the Leesburg paper for they will include the groom's picture.  Are there any suitable?

We finally got the pictorial directory that Olan Mills has gotten out.  It has only been 10 months in the making - many people were getting upset for taking so long.  On the whole it is very good.  Surprising to see some of the names that are still listed as members.  Only those whose pictures are included are given a free one.  The Hauses are omitted for they got upset about the first setting that was cancelled.

By the way they just got back from Houston where they visited Jane Ann and her husband as well as Doc's sister and family.  They got into terrible rain storm there where they had something like 14 inches in a couple of days.  I don't ever remember having so much rain this summer and being bothered by things getting mildew-spots, etc.

Sandy Hazelbaker stopped in at the shop the day they happened to be having the party for Donna and I saw her.  She was asking about all our family especially Roberta as she probably knew her better working with her so told her I'd write and tell you about seeing her.  She has a little girl now about 2 and also a boy 12, I think she said.  We also saw Pam Fisher's father and step-mother at the barbecue and she had just seen the write-up about the wedding and asked about Serena.

I guess Joe is getting to the US about Oct. 17th and will be coming up to Ohio about a week later so hope he will be able to see as many as possible.  We talked to Aunt Mary and Uncle Bill that perhaps Joe might like to do something else on his short vacations here which they agreed but looks it will be the same route again.  He has certainly seen more of the rest of the world than the US except for one trip he made with Aunt Mary and Rob a couple of years ago.  Thru the shop we have ordered some plastic display boxes for his note cards that he has printed in the Miami area that are scenes of S. Arabia.

We had signed up for a conversational Spanish course at Laurel Oakes, but they cancelled because there were seven who were interested and they need 12.  We are also enrolled in two retirement planning programs this fall . . . perhaps they will tell me how to draft a will . . . after thirty years I am less certain now than before.

Tomorrow the IBM fellow is coming to get us started on another program and also a demonstration on a word processor unit, which would be nice -- your typing all comes up on the screen and one can correct and/or move phrases around at will before you print the page.  Anyway, I do want to buy a mag card typewriter type unit for there is so much repeat work that it would take care of.

This corn festival is cosponsored by the Clinton County Historical Society, of which Donald Bernard is president.  The Friends of the Library had an exhibit there.  Elizabeth Johnson told us that yesterday was the first time she had ever been in the Wilmington Library.  She is planning to move to Wilmington in the next few weeks.  Also keep her farm.

Friday night we went to the football game, EC won it's 4th straight game and the band got a standing ovation for their half time show.  MV now rides with Craig Davidson - about 50 yards away - for the practice and the other band commitments . . . that we really appreciate.  Next Saturday they are to be in Xenia, which might work out with meeting Serena in Dayton.  MV has also been lining up sponsors for the St. Jude bike ride here next Saturday morning.  She has signed up to take the SSAT (?) test on Dec. 8 in Gahanna, at the Columbus Day School -- have the Newark Uibles heard of the place?  The Bains were asking us today how you honeymooners were getting along.

[Love, etc.]

1984 Family Letter -Nov.26

Monday

November 26, 1984

Dearest Family,

Hope that you all had a nice Thanksgiving.  We would have enjoyed having you all with us and certainly thought of each of you often.  We did have many things for which to be thankful: continued good health and much happiness and many, many other good things.  Just wish that we could get together more often and all together - those times don't come often enough -- as far as we are concerned anyway.

Mary Virginia brought home an Austrian girl who goes to the college and Mie Young was here for a couple of days.  The Culbreaths (new minister and his family) were here and Eloise Simkins so we had 13.  Mary V had also invited a mother and her son who weren't able to come at the last minute.

It has been nice having MV home -- she left this AM at 6:00 to go on bus to Philadelphia and Washington singing various places as well as getting to do some sightseeing.  Both MV and Mie Young have jobs when they get back from tour.  MV is working at the Y at the college and Mie Young got a job in a dress shop in the Factory Outlet  Mall near Kings Island.  Some girl from Adams County stayed all night with us last night so she wouldn't have so far to drive this morning.  [The estimated date on the postcard, posted here a few days ago, must have been incorrect.]

The Christmas Bazaar is this Saturday and everything is geared up for that and most of us will be glad when it is over.  That is all some think of all year long.  I wish sometimes that I were more artistic and into crafts.  Thanks to Roberta who made a number of notebook covers.

Dad is counting the days left on the Commissioners schedule.  There are seven at most including a trip to Columbus for a couple of days the second week in December.  One of the commissioner's of the  county (D.M. Fife) is president of the state group and the other commissioner is president of the district so Dad feels he really should support them at those levels.  There are so many special Christmas parties coming up in the next few weeks.  Each group thinks they have to have something special then and invite the county commissioners. (and their spouses).  Most of them are really nice but too many at one time.  David Stewart and his wife are welcome to that part of it.

Did get some mundane things done over the weekend . . like changing the oil in the cars and planting trees and shrubs in the yard.  M.V. had started them in her "nursery" and are now plenty large to move.  Last night we went to the "movies?" at the church and saw Martin Luther ('83 was the 500th anniversary of his birth).  Grandma joined us, plus had pop corn and lemonade.  After seeing the movie was motivated to re-read the article in the Natl Geographic on him.  He too had started out to e a lawyer, but had a greater calling.

Catherine sent us one of Wendy's spelling papers.  She is doing quite well in school.  Dad has more appreciation for teachers as he participated recently in "Back to School for a day in Wilmington".  About 50 adults were involved and it was an experience being on the "line" and conducting (?) a class.

[love, etc.]

1972 - Serena does CROP walk - Nov. 27

Serena participates in a worthwhile event as reported in the Wilmington News-Journal, November 27, 1972. Transcription follows.

1972 - Students (including Serena) take CROP Hunger Walk - Nov. 27

Students Take CROP Hunger Walk

Seventy-three people in Clinton County suffered from tired feet this past weekend.  Their common activity was walking, not in itself an unusual form of exercise.  However, walking 10 miles is unusual in this day of the automobile, and 146 feet can testify.

The occasion for this phenomenon was the Hunger Walk sponsored by CROP, Christian Rural Overseas Program, now in the final stages of a campaign in Clinton County.  Seventy-three walkers began their 10 miles treks from five locations in the county: Clinton Massie High School, Port William, Reesville, Snow Hill, and Cuba.  A surprising amount of litter was collected by walkers along mile stretches; the filled trash bags were removed by a county Highway Department truck.

Some three hours after take-off at 1 p.m., all these hardy souls met at the County Courthouse in Wilmington for a very brief rally.  Then they walked about two miles to the youth building at the fairgrounds, where they were thawed by hot cocoa, ingredients donated by A&P and Farquhar's groceries.

The purpose of the Hunger Walk was the expression of concern for those in the world who are unable to feed themselves due to circumstance beyond their immediate control.  Also, it is hoped that the Walk was good campaign publicity.

Until Dec. 8, workers for CROP will ask for contributions.  Persons who wish to contribute, but who are not contacted, should send their checks, made out to CROP, to CROP, care of Maynard Davids at the Clinton County National Bank.

Farmers with crops coming out of the field are urged to make a contribution of grain at the Clinton County Landmark grain terminal, where the grain's value will be transferred to CROP.

To all who walked on Friday afternoon, CROP as a whole extends thanks.  Most important, however is the gratitude of the people whom you have and are helping.  Citizens of Clinton County are asked to carry on the spirit by giving generously in the next two weeks.

Walkers on Friday afternoon were Richard Probasco, Kathryn Hagedorn, Maribeth Chaney, Amy Armstrong, Kevin George, Chip Ellison, Cindy Garrison, Regina Ahouse, David Ingram, Kieth Moore, Wesley Moranda, Lorilla Bevan, Patty Bevan, Mary Hodson, Robert Bevan Jr., Cynthia Faux, Donna Cough, Susan Cody, Peggy Hoffer, Jennifer Haines, Ruthanna Haines, Don Ingram, Gayle Schoenherr, Terry Stephens, Lisa Stephens, Pam Beam, Sylvia Hadley, Sylvia Ehlerding, Delbert Tanner, Rhea Jean Tanner, Lisa Sprowle, Scott Sprowle, Randy Stephens, Shelley Stephens, Dan Miller, Tim Abt and Dale Cochran.

Also, Gene Cunningham, Mitch Ostermeier, Carl Berwanger, Lisa Loftin, Pam Penquite, Elaine Reynolds, Irene Taylor, Sue Tedrick, Lisa Simpson, Kim Wilson, Rebecca Haines, Phil Cluxton Donna Dalton, Vivian Peery, Robin Peery, Doug Haag, Jean Haag, Tina Curry, Sherry Shiveley, Jim Brady, Dan Brady, John Inlow, Brenda Fisher, Cynthia Hamilton, Serena Uible, Caroline Fisher, Debbie Haines, David Haines, Marsha Haines, Dennis Perry, Cynthia Bean, Brenda Olds, Kris Hamilton, Robyn Flint, Debbie Lambcke, Claudia Bean.

1982 HH and flood control - Nov. 1

The Clinton County Commissioners have more responsibilities than one might think.  Wilmington News-Journal clipping from Monday, November 1, 1982 transcribed below.

1982 HH's varied duties as Clinton County Commissioner included flood control inspection

Flood control inspection

State, county and city officials spent most of this morning making their semi-annual inspection of the Fisher Flood Control Project, which was completed in 1976.  They are shown checking out a diversion ditch just off Prairie Avenue at the city's corporation limit.  Also to be inspected were the project's two dams, one of which is located just northeast of this ditch and the other which is located near the end of Nunn Avenue.  Taking part in the second inspection of the project this year were County Commissioners DM Fife, David Bailey and Harold Uible, County Engineer Jim Nimz, City Service Director Robert Holmes, Steve Evans of the county engineer's office, Bob Coblentz of Soil Conservation Services, Guy Ashmore of Clinton Soil and Water Conservation, Dennis Pipkin, City Service Department Engineer, and Ed Everman of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR).  The project was funded in part by the city, county and ODNR.  Contacted shortly after the inspection, Fife reported that the project seems to be doing the job for which it was intended, "It just gets better every time – there were no serious problems," he said.  (Staff photo by Dana Dunn)

* * * * * *

I would guess that HH might be the one peering into the diversion pipe on the right.

NV/Clinton/Highland County related websites

Updated 4/26/12

Digitalized [Hillsboro] News-Herald searchable local paper from 1886-1914.

A variety of websites exist pertinent to those interested in the history of New Vienna, Clinton and Highland Counties.  Here are a few I have found especially interesting and/or useful:

Clinton County Biographies, Ohio Genealogy Express most from History of Clinton County, Ohio, pub. 1915

Clinton County Ohio Obituary Collection

Historical Maps of Clinton County (County Engineer's GIS office)

Clinton County Resource Guide, especially the history section (WNJ)

History of Clinton County by Pliny Durant, published in 1870s, partly scanned.

History of Clinton County, [Not Working, will try to find a new link] published by W.H. Beers and Co. 1916 via Heritage Pursuit, only partially available -- 11/13/11 no longer a valid website

History of Clinton County, Green Township 1882 by C.C. Bowers

New Vienna History by Olive S. Brown and Gretchen Huffman (VanPratt website)

Clinton County Bicentennial 1810-2010 Home Page
Clinton County Bicentennial Timeline
Clinton County Bicentennial Township Histories

Clinton County Board of Elections - current elected officials and historical election results (but only back to 1999)

1916 property ownership map of Highland County on ancestry.com

Highland County, Ohio - Maps and Gazetteers

Highland County -Careytown, Penn Township

Highland County Business History Appalachian info includes famous residents, major employers, bit of history

History of the Early Settlement of Highland County (digital book)

Genealogy Sites
Rootsweb.ancestry.com (Hiestand)

Highway/early roads
Pioneer Migration Routes through Ohio
Kanawha Trace

Highland Pioneer Sketches & Family Genealogies by Elsie Johnson Ayres partially transcribed at Rootsweb.ancestry.com

OhioPix Picturing Ohio's History: Selections from the Ohio Historical Society's Collection (no entries for New Vienna, but you can search "Clinton County," "Highland County," Wilmington, Hillsboro, etc.)

May 1, 1989-99

May 1, 1989-99 May Day

HH's Diary 1989-1999 [lightly edited]

Monday 1989 - [Cross-country bike ride San Diego to Jacksonville continues through May 5]

Tuesday 1990 - April water = 425 cubic feet, $10.62 + $3.64

Wednesday 1991 - Adrian Roberts spoke at Lions Club on the history of Green Township, how we were once part of Rock. County, Virgina [possibly Rockingham, although I can't find any confirmation of this, see Virginia Historical Counties for historical maps or Ohio Historical Counties to zone in on Clinton/Highland County.  Change the year in the upper right corner to see the changes through the years], then Hamilton County, etc.  First house was near Snow Hill (named after Snow Hill, MD) and nearest place was was about 5 miles away, on what is now Rt. 72 and Carl's West's current home.

Friday 1992 - Water = 617 cubic feet, total $43.91, trash $6.50, sewage $18.32.  Took Larry Lyons to 12th District Court of Appeals meeting in Middletown.  Planted flowers at GHU's and at Wells.  Put Christmas poinsettia out, wonder if they will do any good.  Called Liggetts about going on the trip to the Far East on 10/6/92.   (The Liggetts were connected with Wilmington College through whom we met Kim.  They retired to WA and were killed crossing the street.)

Saturday 1993 - [Cleveland]  Made a visit to the library at noon, they gave me gloves to look at the old pictures.  We had lunch in the Arcade.  After the day's [Family Life Conference] session we drove over to W. 25th, the flats (government housing where we lived in the spring of 1949), around the Western Reserve and East Cleveland.  Had supper at That Place on Bellflower [closed], then went out Mayfield Road to I-271 to Marc's, they closed at 9PM.  Came back through Shaker Heights and ended up on Woodland Ave., hardly the ideal place.

Sunday 1994 -  Open Houses in Hillsboro, one was the Historical house where GHU was born.  Had a board where Ira H. had written "This House is occupied by my wife and I and 3 children, Harry, Luna and Dorsa, 1886, age 13, 11, and 9.  Cost $2500.  The traction line [Electric Railway] in front of their house lasted 14 years.  [GHU mentioned going to Cincinnati by traction in her postcard of September 2, 1910 -- see Grandma takes Traction for more information]

Monday 1995 - Water = $3.67 + $9.18, sewer $16.95 and trash $6.50, total = $34.30.  DPL bill was $72.09, used 751 kwh.  (Late pay was $73.17, on water late pay was $37.74.)  Went to CMH for Power of Attorney execution of Lowell Cowman and he passed away 12 hours later.

Wednesday 1996 - Dale Hertlein of the Clinton County Farm Service Agency spoke at Lions Club program, he went on the Philmont trip in 1972.  The prayer group met here, G. Hannah really excited about the Emmaus experience this past weekend.  Still wet and cool.  Catherine called (each Wednesday), Wendy had to go to the hospital -- gall stones.

Thursday 1997 - [Williamsburg to Washington VA] Up Route 3 to T[?] Inn, a nice place -- Catherine is in charge of the reservations.  [What???]  Oh yes we had breakfast buffet in main dining room, [still at Kingsmill Resort, I think] $11.95 each.  Just had yogurt for lunch and got to Washington VA about 5:30, staying at Heritage Bed and Breakfast, $105/night.  We are in Amish room, had reservation for a dinner at 6:30 at the Inn at Little Washington, what a 20 year rise they have had.  5 stars for both Inn and meals.  We were there two hours, they "gave" us a little bowl of sweets in leaving.  Meal was $88 each and the rooms start at $260.

Friday 1998 - [To Newark] To Newark for Kate's birthday.  They had 4 large pizzas.  [Julie's sister] Cathy has 3 children and an indifferent (?) husband.

Saturday 1999 - Hard to get to mowing [moving?] from Wells.  Jean made granola, took 6 packages of rhubarb at 3# each to church market.  Visited Ruth Shoemaker at CMH.  Had sandwich at Burger King and then to Sabina for Bernard auction sale, house built in 1912, sold for $70,000.

Snow Hill Pictures and Future Posts

Snow Hill Country Club, Wilmington Ohio [New Vienna] Aerial view 1924 - Image Courtesy of Mike Whited

Sunday, November 9, 1924 – Snow Hill Country Club, Wilmington, Ohio.  This picture was taken during the opening exercises, attended by 1,500 residents of Wilmington and vicinity.  Snow Hill, the early home of Mrs. George Dent Crabbs, Cincinnati, was built by her great-grandfather in 1820.  She had the homestead restored and gave it to the club.  – Captain John W. Pattison* and Lieutenant Wright Vermilya*. 

In the interest of sharing more pictures sooner (and getting ahead of my self-appointed deadlines), I'm sharing pictures without much historical research to go with them.  I love the research part (or I wouldn't be doing it) but it can be a big drain of time; fascinating, but time consuming.

Snow HIll Country Club, October 13, 1924, New Vienna Ohio - Image Courtesy of Mike Whited

Therefore, some subjects for which I have not yet even started research, I'll go ahead and post some pictures in and around our current ongoing stories – Pictures and family memorabilia from the 1950s and prior, Europe 1954 Tour, etc...  In case you are interested and/or have something you would like to share – pictures, stories, memorabilia, information, anything would be welcome.  Here's a list of what is currently in progress:

Coming up but still being researched:

• Blacksmiths of New Vienna (soon)
• Bill Holmes (sooner)
• Young Ho Kim (where are the pictures?) (late April?)
• New Vienna (Ohio) Methodist Church History (May)
• Wells Article from 1952 (mid-May)
• History of New Vienna in the 1920s - (late May)
• Report Cards? - boring, but of historical interest? (late May) 
• CJU & GHU's 99th Anniversary (June) -- still have postcards from them not yet posted
• Auburn (Careytown), Highland, and West Chapel Churches possibly included in an article on other New Vienna (and area) Churches
• Friends (Quakers) in New Vienna Area, National Headquarters of Pacifist Movement post-Civil War
• New Vienna Bank (next year with the 1960s?)
• New Vienna Flour Mill, Bodens
• New Vienna Business District - pre 1960
• Early Citizens of New Vienna
• Hiestands
• Browns
• Westboro

Snow Hill Country Club, Wilmington, Ohio [New Vienna] c1925 - Image Courtesy of Mike Whited

Snow Hill Country Club, from the Golf Course, New Vienna, Ohio c1950? - Image Courtesy of Mike Whited

*And because I can't resist doing some research, Captain John W. Pattison (1884-1957) was a WW1 Air Force Veteran, and was active as an aerial photographer and a leader in civil aviation who lived in the Milford area. He was also the son of Ohio's 43rd Governor, John M. Pattison.

**Lieutenant Wright Vermilya was the pilot of a Spartan C4-300 according to the first United States aircraft registry in 1927.

According to the 1916 History of Clinton County, [in 1820] "Charles Harris built the "Snow Hill house," and opened a tavern there, probably the first opened in the county. Mr. Harris's brother-in-law, Samuel Wasson, built a house about the same time and near the Snow Hill house and commenced to entertain travelers."

Charles Harris is the father of Elisha Harris (b. 1808) who in the 1850s and 1860s lived and worked in New Vienna as an "Innkeeper," possibly running the Harris Hotel at the intersection of what later became SR-73 and SR-28.

Clinton County Seat Calendar - March

From the 1985 [Clinton] County Seat Calendar


March 2, 1751 – Christopher Gist* [1706-1759] leaves the first written record of what will one day become Clinton County.  Commissioned by the Ohio Company, an English real estate firm, Mr. Gist pronounces the prairie land splendid.  "Very fertile land with beautiful meadows, streams full of fishes, wild turkey, and hardly a bush in sight," he wrote in his detailed diary.  The forest grows up when the last buffalo leave at the end of the 18th century.


A book, Christopher Gist: Colonial Frontiersman, Explorer and Indian Agent by Kenneth Bailey is available at ASU.  I'll check it out, but not right this minute.

March, 1984 – Damaine Vonada, an Ohio writer [author of Amazing Ohio among other titles, published by Wilmington's Orange Frazer Press] transplanted to Washington, DC, notices a 5x7 pothole in the Woodrow Wilson Bridge, then writes an essay suggesting that the nation's capital be moved somewhere more manageable, like Wilmington Ohio. She notes that both cities begin with a "W," both have ten letters, the architecture of the Wilmington courthouse is similar to that of the capital, and relocating to the cornfields of Clinton County would ensure that only the most dedicated individuals would seek office.

Early Roads in Clinton County (Part 1)

From the 1985 County Seat Calendar page 7

February 16, 1850 – A meeting is held to build a turnpike from Wilmington to Waynesville.  Road is finished in 1852, with seven miles planed over low area.  Blue laws frown on Sunday commercial travel.  West of town, on a Sunday morning, a young horseman meets a deacon.  "Are you on an errand to visit the sick?" asks deacon.  "My mother is lying dead," answers rider solemnly.  Deacon waves horseman through toll gate, at which moment horseman shouts, "She has been lying dead for ten years!"

The low areas which would be planked were most likely in the Caesar Creek area which is now Caesar Creek State Park.


On the Touring Ohio Magazine Website is this picture of a former Toll House, now located in Pioneer Village at the Park.  The description reads as follows:

Unlike today, early roads were usually developed and maintained by private citizens.  To help pay for these endeavors, tolls were collected at various points along the road at toll houses.  The toll house not only collected the tolls, but they also provided food and drink, plus they sometimes provided lodging for travelers.  This toll house was located along the Waynesville-Wilmington Pike at the Massie-Wayne [Warren County] Township line.  Later it was moved across Route 73 where it became a farm granary around 1900.

Even Prior to 1850 there is a state road from Wilmington to Waynesville, however, as The History of Warren County by Josiah Morrow (1882) states that Warren County received $1000 from the state for roads in 1820 and $50 was allotted to the road from Wilmington to Waynesville.  The biggest chunk, $145, went to the road from Cincinnati to Chillicothe by John Hopkins's tavern on the east side of the Little Miami.  Col. John Hopkins, born November 5, 1786 moved to Warren County in 1804 and served in the War of 1812.

Most of the following information is from The Townships History section of the Wilmington and Clinton County's Bicentennial 1810-2010 Wilmington and Clinton County's Bicentennial 1810-2010 web page and from Pioneer Migration Routes through Ohio website.

Adams Township (Currently I-71, SR3-3C Hwy, SR380).  The Wilmington-Lebanon Road was built in 1812 as a toll road.  George Road was first named the Bull Skin Trace as early as 1687.  This Native American Trail connected the Bull Skin Trace which ran partly along Caesar Creek, at Clarksville with the Kanawha Trace (SR73).

Bull Skin Trace is now a hiking trail in the Caesar Creek State Park.  Also known as the Bullskin Road, this was the first State Road in Ohio, receiving official recognition of the state in 1807 as the Xenia State Road, traveling from the British Fort Detroit to Bullskin Landing above Cincinnati in Clermont County on the Ohio River.

The Kanawha Trace is named for the river in WV and this website shows an early 1800s mile by mile progress a settler could follow from North Carolina to Richmond Indiana, passing through Leesburg and Highland, then to Wilmington via Morgantown, a village in Green Township where College Township Road crossed Simon Kenton Trace -- south of Snow Hill.  Morgantown, settled in 1816 was abandoned in 1829 due to a cholera epidemic.

In the 1930s there was a Civilian Conservation Camp on Clarksville Rd as part of the WPA program.

Marion Township (Blanchester) in SW Clinton County had the Tar Pike, connecting Kansas/Pansy with Midland.  Other information about the history/transportation modes of Marion Township according to the Clinton County Bicentennial History website includes the 1860 location of the village of Kansas where Tar Pike mets SR730.  It had a grist mill and general store.  After building the post office, the name was changed to Pansy.

SR123 was a Native American Trail used by the Adena people 5000 years ago and connected various mounds.

In 1905 Marion Township was the only location in the county with an Interurban Traction Railroad* which went from Blanchester to Cincinnati and was built by Barney Kroger (1860-1938), who opened his first grocery, the Great Western Tea Co. in 1883.  He renamed the company Kroger Grocery and Baking in 1902 and opened 5500 stores by the end of the 1920s.

*GHU had a Traction RR almost in her front yard as a teenager.  See September 2, 1910 Grandma Takes Traction blog post for more information.

Lonely Truck

From "A County Seat Calendar   The talk of the town of Wilmington, Ohio, day by day, through one hundred and seventy-five years – Three hundred and sixty-five short tales of triumph and disaster, crime and detection, great expectations, sober practices, extravagant follies, coincidence, passion, thrift, politics, hogs, patriotism, sentimentality, heroism, and love.  



January 1, 1824 – Jeremiah Reynolds, a Chester Township schoolboy who grew up to be called the Father of American Exploration, publishes the "Wilmington Spectator."  It lasts only a year because Reynolds prefers making news to writing it.  A convert to Symmes' Hollow Earth Theory, he sails for the south pole to prove it, missing by eight degrees when ice blocks his way.


January 2, 1830 – Fire department comes cursorily into being with ordinance appointing two men to examine fireplaces.  One of these is Warren Sabin, whose tavern is a common resting place for survey hunters.  [Surveyors and hunters?] Sabin adds four or five log cabins to his tavern whereupon it is described as "a strange looking hotel," and one of Wilmington's first.  Mr. Sabin will later be summed up as a man who "had the organ of hope very largely developed."

The picture below from the first January page (it's a weekly calendar) is captioned: Colossus of Roads: This lonely item said to be first truck in Clinton County.  Other items from that week include:

January 3, 1883 – Jacob Spicer Leaming, the Clinton Countian who was the first real corn breeder in America, publishes his delightful narrative, "Corn and its Culture, by a Pioneer Corn Raiser with 60 Years Experience in the Cornfield."  

1935 Clinton County Law Information

Clinton County – Wilmington – (County Seat) – Pop. 5,329 (1935)

Judge of Common Pleas Frank M. Clevenger
Probate Judge Hugh J. Wright
Prosecuting Attorney G.L. Schilling
Sheriff Frank Setty
Police Ben South
Pres. Clinton Co. Bar Assoc. Judge Geo. Barns

List of Attorneys
Barnes & Barnes
Bran, J.M.
Clevenger & Cartwright
Halan, Jno. H.
Hayes & Hayes
Hempstead, David K.
Huls, Saml. W.
Jordan, I.Q.
Kirk, Chas. R.
Smith, Rogers & Smith
Stewart, W.I.
Swaim, C. Luther

[From (Ohio State Bar?) page pasted into HH Diary 1/9/89-99, on back side is some of the information from Clark County.]