1990 Catherine's Letter -Aug.24

Friday, Aug. 24, 1990

Dear Mother & Dad,

Here it is my last full day in Fort Collins and I haven't even sent a post card.  I've been keeping busy during the day playing golf, going on long bike rides and of course visiting the Public and Colorado State Univ. libraries.

The bike trails here are really impressive.  It takes me almost two hours to follow the loop that goes by the Poudre River and Spring Creek.  Not only is it inaccessible by motorized vehicles but it goes under all the major streets.

We talked to Wendy last night.  She called us from Roberta's so evidently she and Roberta both made it back OK.  The next big event for Wendy is the start of Junior High on Monday.  Sid was to have picked up her schedule on Monday (the designated time for 7th graders whose last name begins with M) but due to a computer glitch her's was not ready.  So I guess they are going to try again today.

You are welcome to use the Buick while you are in Phoenix.  You could also stay at our house if you want.  Gerry will be returning to Fort Collins on the 4th so you probably will miss him if I remember your schedule correctly.

It's about time to go partake of the continental breakfast: donuts, juice, milk, tea/coffee.

See you soon!

Love,

Catherine, Gerry & Wendy

1970 Serena's postcard to GHU -July 28

Caption: THE WALL OF WINDOWS.  Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah Horseback trail party passing the spectacular "Wall of Windows".  Grotesquely beautiful ep??? and flaming colors combine at Bryce for an unforgettable scenic experience.

[postmarked Grand Junction CO, July 28, 1970]

Hi!

It was awfully cold about 40º.  This western climate does not agree with me it's either too hot or too cold.  This summer I've read 16 books, only two on this trip.  Thanks again for the money.

Love,

Serena

1990 Catherine's Letter -July 15

[Fort Collins, Colorado, Jerry's RV]

Saturday, July 14, 1990

Dear Mother & Dad,

Hi!  I have several newsworthy items to report as we end our first week in Fort Collins.  Gerry is working today, Wendy is at the Motel watching TV and I'm at the Laundromat -- now, to get to the "newsworthy" items:

1.  Jerry's RV has decided to close their store in Glendale
2. Gerry and Jim (former service mgr. at Robert Crist and then Jerry's) have decided to open an RV parts & service business in Glendale.
3.  We need $20,000 additional capital.

Both Robert Crist and Jerry's closed because of lack of RV sales.  Although the parts and service departments were doing well they couldn't support the flooring of unsold units.  Gerry and Jim feel that they can make a go of this since they have a customer base, a good location (they'll take over Jerry's lease on August 1), and they have worked together long enough that they can handle this as equal partners.

Gerry is going to continue working for Jerry's RV on a consultant type basis in Fort Collins for the next couple months.  This is the busy season here and the parts dept. is a total mess.  Jerry will pay expenses plus salary so this will help our cash flow until the Glendale business picks up.

As soon as we get back to Arizona we plan to call our tenants in Oregon and put our house there on the market.  This would give us the additional capital, the only problem being we can't count on it selling immediately.

Would you consider loaning us the money until the house sells?  We could pay interest in the meanwhile and if the house doesn't sell within 6 months we could make payments after that.  Our hope is to price it attractively enough that it would sell fairly quickly.

Wendy and I have been doing vacation type stuff this week -- horseback riding, miniature golf, shopping (she bought some nice summer clothes on clearance that she'll be able to wear to school) and of course visiting the library.  On Monday we're going to take a tour of Colorado State University.

The clothes are almost dry so I better get ready to fold.  I'll call when we get back home.

Love,

Catherine, Gerry & Wendy

1990 Wendy's Letter -July 9

July 9, 1990

Dear Grandma & Granpa,

How are you?  I'm great.  Camp was fun.  Right now I'm on a plane going to Colorado.  The place we are actually going to Fort Collins is 50 miles north of Denver.

We just finished a complimentary snack which was a small bag of M&M's, cheese crackers, pumpernickel bread, and to top it off cheese spread with ground up vegetables in it.  Now we are sharing a bag of Lay's barbecue potato chips that I bought in the airport.  One ounce of chips is 150 calories. 

Aunt Roberta took us to the Airport.  Mother is reading a book called memory by Margaret Mahy.  We are going to land soon so I have to go.

Love, Wendy

P.S. Write soon

[Note:  Gerry worked that summer in Fort Collins for an RV dealer that had previously had a store in Glendale.  Shortly after that Best West RV opened and Gerry returned to Glendale.]

1939 Nat's Letter to Lucie's brother Bert -Aug.14

Monday 8/14/39

Dear Bert & all

What a trip.  Here are we now in Denver and this is one of the finest modernist Hotel we have stopped on our trip.  James has been attentive as are everyone we come in contact with.

We drove 150 miles on Friday to Cody after about 500 miles in the Yellowstone with such changing and interesting scenery during the whole 4 days & we were there [?].  Will have to be seen to be appreciated. 

Arrived at Cody after the days ride through the Canyon and passing the Shoshone Dam [renamed Buffalo Bill Dam in 1946] and many dude ranches and here is [where] we take our train for Denver.  Jennie's letter was there and it was the first news we had during the week.  Also the Independent and all the other letters mailed here.  James had package of them he had held for us.

We were shocked to hear of Mrs. Runfords accident and death.  Also Mr. L.O. ??? had stopped to see him only a week before we left and thought he would not last long as his condition was such looked as though he might go any time.  Too bad about Moss for he seemed to be in good shape or better than when he called last winter carrying a cane.  We saw him only a week before we left.  Jennie did not give any particulars, something physically must have happened.

Jim has just called.  Says we are to go to Pikes Peak, Colorado Springs, Garden of the Gods and Manitou Springs.  Complimentary of the Country of the ???.  This is a two day trip not in our itinerary so this will be a wonderful trip and he says we must accept.

Have arranged our reservations to leave Denver on the 4 o'clock train Burlington and Chicago line popular train.  Arrive in Chicago 8:30 AM Friday morning.  If the Penn. RR agent can arrange we will leave on the 11:10 train Pan Handle through Columbus and arrive Sherwin's about 12:30  3:12 PM Friday.  If we have to change by reaching Chicago we'll wire you.

Bert we have had most wonderful weather.  Only a few drops of rain for a few minutes after leaving Seattle.  A little cool while we have been in the Rockies as we have been from 1 mile to over 3 miles above sea level now for over two weeks.  You see the weather at no time interferes with sight seeing etc --

And how Mr. Palen is known all along the line & can arrange a tour.  Not once has there been a hitch and not once have we had to wait 10 minutes for communications.  The trains are so well managed.  Some or most all have 2 diners, Club car and Observation and Each Road Santa Fe, Burlington, southern and Northern Pacific & ??? all running 1, 2 & 3 sections almost continuously and so well managed practically on time always.

You probably have read about the ["City of San Francisco"] Streamliner wreck near Reno was caused by vandals who had pulled the spikes on several rails.  It was the SP Track streamline.

Your letters and paper state Centennial was a grand success.  We all regret we couldn't get back in time.  Lucie & Jean are anxious to hear all about it.

They have been out all morning looking the shops over.  Jean has become quite a shopper.  She surely has taken in everything and will have a lot to talk about for sometime to come.

1979 Roberta's letter & 1969 postcard -Aug.10

Thought this letter and card from Roberta were both from 1979, but in looking more closely at the postmark of the postcard think it was mailed in 1969.  Maybe Roberta can enlighten us . . . .

[Ft. Dodge, Iowa 8/10/79]

Friday 5:00 AM

Hi! 

Bet you all were sure surprised when Serena & I called the other night.  Ft. Dodge is really a nice town -- I'm staying in Serena's room -- $2.50 per night for cot.  Can't complain.

Plan to leave here tomorrow AM -- spend tomorrow night in Sigourney [Iowa] (Mary Greene's family -- she is in Cal!) then Sunday Magills will meet me in Keokuk  -- where they always eat Sunday dinner at Kentucky Fried Chicken.  They took me to Keokuk on Wednesday AM -- took bus via Iowa City, Des Moines -- sure saw the state of Iowa.

Serena really seems to like her job.  Today she is in Des Moines -- defending statistic forms she organized 1st part of summer.  Ate lunch yesterday w/Serena & new law clerk.

Hope you all are enjoying Texas -- staying cool -- now remember pick up as much free stuff as possible -- just a bit of advice.

Love,

Berta

Long's Peak (14,255 FT)
From Trail Ridge Road
Colorado's Rocky Mountain National Park. 
Lofty and rugged Long's Peak rises through the
clouds in this view from about 20 miles away.

[Postmarked 11 Aug 1969]

We were here yesterday.  Where we rode a ski life.  Mary's brother gave us all a big tour of Rocky Mount. National Park.

Love, Roberta

1978 Roberta's Letter -Sep.11

[9/11/78]

Sunday Morning

11:45 AM

Hi!

We all made connection in Denver w/ no problem – my flight was even 15 minutes early so met Serena & A. Mary at G'ma's gate.  Serena had gotten us 2 rooms at YM – very adequate – we were up on 6th floor – no air c – warm – but w/ windows open very comfortable.

Had dinner last night w/ Pat – her husband works for Col. Public Service – rotates shifts every 9 days – now on 11pm-7am shift – so he was sleeping – but we saw lots of pictures –

Called up I.T. yesterday – met her this AM for b'fast – then went out & picked up a few more antiques for Marion – like a corn planter, oil can, wooden soda case and shears – for scrubs [shrubs?].  Then I dropped Serena, G'ma, A. Mary here for church – I went back to YM w/ I.T. – got back here so late hated to go upstairs – service started at 10:55 – they have loud speaker in here –

Serena's car runs good – I'm thinking about going out 70 West then cutting up North – we went I-25 last year –

Mom – I'll be seeing you in California – will plan for G'ma to fly back 1st October –

With wheelchair, walker – 2 suitcases – my overnight bag – we just have a full trunk – I brought small thermos and orange/yellow cooler that I had in New Vienna – so maybe will do some picnicking.

Love,

Berta

1968 Catherine's postcard to Roberta -Sep.11

Holiday Inn Oak Ridge TN postcard -mailed 1968

9/11/68

Hi!  I'm meeting Dad in Omaha tomorrow.  The weather here has been beautiful.  Yesterday we sold old newspapers in the airport.  How's school?

Love, Catherine

1968 Catherine's postcard -Sep.6

9/6/68
Hi!  How's everybody doing in school?  I will be coming home with Dad and Grandma next Saturday.  Tomorrow we leave for Delta [Colorado].  There has been snow up in the mountains.  Thanks for sending the mail.  We got $45 to spend on Sarah's gift – got her lots of nice stuff.  I bought a new dress! 

Love, Catherine

1968 Catherine's Letter -Sept.3

September 3, 1968

Dear Mom, Dad, Roberta, Serena, John, Mary,

Hi!  I was glad to get your letter and the clipping today.  Sorry I didn't call – Sue and I were both pretty tired that night.  It took me awhile to get used to the time change.

As I hope you noticed, Saga can use me during Orientation.  Can you all take me up on Wednesday?  Did you remember to change my dentist appointment?

Sue showed me all around Colorado Univ. (where she goes) in Boulder.  It's a beautiful school with quite a large campus.  This fall she will be on the 11th floor of a new dormitory which is about two miles form the main campus.

We went to the Golden Public Library and got some books.  You all are going to have to find a copy of The Overweight Society by Peter Wyden at the library.  It's quite an enlightening (?) book – you've got to read it!

Sunday we rode around in the mountains.  If you care to consult a map we went to Idaho Springs, Georgetown, and then took a back road from Idaho Springs to Central City.  Wow!  We stopped along the way, built a fire and had a picnic.

Last night, Cal and Mike (a friend of his) took us to see "Rosemary's Baby."  We also saw quite a bit of downtown Denver, Temple Buell College, and some other places.  Mike (who I went with) is going to be a junior at Colorado College in Colorado Springs.  Cal is getting pretty anxious to go back to K.

It has beeen raining toay and it's still very overcast – also very cold!  It snowed in the mountains Saturday.

I will probably be home toward the end of next week. (Don't know how yet.)  See you then.

Love,

Catherine

P.S.  How was Labor Day?  Picnic with K's?  Does Marianne have a new address?

1968 Catherine to Serena postcard -Sept.3

Berthoud Pass postcard -mailed 1968.  Caption: Switchbacks on western slope of Berthoud Pass, Hwy. U.S. 40, as seen from the summit of the Pass.

[postmarked Sept. 3, 1968]

Hi!  How's school?  We went up in the mountains for a picnic on Sunday – the backroads are unbelievable & so are the mountains!  Sue showed me all around her school in Boulder – very pretty but awfully big!  Last night Sue, Cal, and Mike ( a friend of Cal's and I went to see "Rosemary's Baby."  Sarah called Saturday (she & her fiancé were on way to Delta) but Sue & I weren't here.  We're leaving Saturday to cross mountains for the wedding.

Love, Catherine

1968 Catherine's postcard -Aug.30

General Electric Lighting Institute postcard -mailed 1968.  

August 30, 1968

Hi!  I made all my connections just fine and we arrived in Denver about 5:00 (MDT).  Cal and a friend met us at the airport.  Sue's boyfriend's father died while she was there – quite a tragic experience.  The Steusloffs are very nice.  We're going up to Boulder today to see Sue's school.  Love, Catherine

1978 Serena's Acceptance at University of Denver -Aug.1

1977 GHU postcard to John -Sep.19

Western Hills Motel - Denver Colorado postcard -mailed 1977. Caption: 5035 West Colfax, Denver Colorado 80204.  On Highway U.S. 40 West.  New Luxurious Units - Air-Conditioned . . . 3 Minutes from Down Town.

Postcard from Gladys Hiestand Uible "Grandma" to John at Denison

Mon. Sept. 19 – [1977]

Hi – Here we are this far on our way.  Having a good trip.  Arr. here Sat afternoon.  Have seen Pat & I.T.  Attended Meth. C yesterday had supper last eve – at I.T. house.  going to sight see around Denver today.  Tomorrow we are having breakfast with Pat & will visit her home & dogs as she leaves for school at noon & then we will leave for northern highways.  R doing laundry this morning – Love, Grandma

[Mom, Roberta, and Grandma started out on a trip west, but Mom flew to San Diego (from St. Louis?) after the Dr. said Wendy could be born within 24 hours on Sept. 16.  Maybe Roberta can enlighten us on Pat & I.T. and the trip through Denver.]

1994 Roberta's letter -July 24

A two page letter from Roberta following a family reunion to Estes Park, Colorado.  Roberta writes movingly about families and our good fortune in being part of the family we have.  The first page is written on the back of a budget spreadsheet from Senior Village and the second page on the back of what appears to be a quarterly report from Senior Village about the residents, staff and facilities.  The paragraph Roberta mentions about Grandma and Heartland is transcribed after the rest of the letter.  Transcription follows.

7/24/94

Dear Dad & Mom,

First of all I want to put it down on paper how much we (Sid & I) – as a part of the bigger We (Uibles/Hortons) & the "fringe" [?] enjoyed greatly the E.P. Experience!  Your generosity in making it possible – the Uible et al family reunions – is appreciated beyond words!  As I grow older I appreciate all the more connecting w/ the family more & more.  You both put Focus on the family on a very real/personal level.  We will always treasure the memories – (& pictures!) of our 1994 Colorado [indecipherable].

Thanks for the corporate sponsorship of all of us Uibles & for the generous transportation check too.  I'm saving my $ now for China – would like to do it in 1995!

Thanks again – I see such tragic family situations here at SV – people who don't know where their own children are / if their brothers /sisters are still alive.  Also brothers & sisters who do not get along & want different course of action for their parent – etc.  Makes me realize how very important family unity within family is!

I'm using up scrap paper – we have enough to last us the rest of our lives.  Speaking of family this paper must be from 2 or 3 summers ago when Grandma was at Heartland (see 3rd paragraph other side).

I'll enclose some postals I got at or local Walmart – the new touted bookmark/postal – perhaps you have someone you would like to mail 1 to – or keep for yourself.  I'll enclose 2 – 18¢ – cheaper than in Colorado!

Thanks again for your making the trip possible for all of us – it was a great present that we will never lose!  We enjoyed it & will enjoy talking about it for a long, long time!

Will close soon to find out about Uncle Bill. [Uncle Bill died about two weeks later, on August 6, 1994.]  Wish we could stop in just to visit!

Love, Roberta & Sid

* * * * *
Paragraph from Senior Village report mentioning Grandma in this letter:

I am enclosing a letter that was written by Audrey, daughter of one of our newer residents, who had visited her mother at the Village in June from out-of-state.  I can personally identify with her feelings of appreciation of where her Mom is since it has become necessary for my Grandma to live in a "care" facility.  I know the pain of having a family member out-of-state, and yet the peace of mind knowing that the member is content and receiving the best of care.

Love, Roberta & Sid

1994 Catherine's Colorado postcard -July 9

 Colorado postcard mailed 1994. Captioned: Colorful Colorado Eagles' Nest Wilderness, Central Colorado, Photo: Ken Fucik

Catherine's postcard written after the 1994 Estes Park Reunion

7/8/94
Today we head back to Phx. Thanks for a wonderful vacation/reunion.  We had a great time – definitely a trip to remember and what a great place for a family get together.

7/9 - Now back to work – we had an uneventful trip home and Roberta picked us up at the airport.  Not much new here.  Thanks again for all the expense you went to in order to make the trip to Colorado a "go" for all of us – and thanks for providing such a great family!

Love, Catherine, Gerry & Wendy

1994 Estes Park Family Reunion -July 2-7

1994 Estes Park Adventure Reunion -July 2-7

1994 Roberta's Letter -Jun6

6/6/94

Hi!
Here's some reading material & details of he October hike!
The checks are beginning to arrive for Estes – Marianne & Ashcrafts today –

Estes YMCA program office open 7AM to 11PM – they suggest we wait till arrival to schedule bike riding, rafting, etc.  Tennis rackets available – $10 deposit – fully refundable!  Got crib ordered for Miss Kate.

Check in time is at 3PM – that might change your schedule for that day!

Our dining room/office is being painted –– next week the houses – including ours!  Got new Air conditioner last week for all houses. Spending over $60,000 on MAJOR REPAIRS.

All hope A-1 ––– we are all looking forward to Colorado adventures!  Thanks for making it possible for all us us!

Love, Roberta

June 26, 1989-99

Ginny to be born on 6/29

HH's Diary 1989-1999 [lightly edited]

Monday 1989 - [Wendy visiting] Another 90°+ day.  Trimmed back the bushes between our house and the parsonage.

Tuesday 1990 - Finished up last year's carrots.

Wednesday 1991 - Duke, our Chicago rep. came to Wells.  He started in 1972.  Got a load of top soil.  NV school is converting the old gym into a library area.  Jean picked peas.

Friday 1992 - MV called, had been to the M.D. and she will have a "C-Section" on 6/29 at 7:30.  Everett Roush passed away.  [He was born in 1919]

Saturday 1993 - [Ginny visiting] First sign of green beans in the garden.

Sunday 1994 - [Leadville Colorado with Aunt Mary] Took train ride out of Leadville, where the Arkansas River starts.  Visited the Tabor Opera House, quite an interesting [tour guide], she is 81 and got her Mother to buy the place for her inheritance.  We invited her out to dinner, to a Chinese Restaurant and then she showed us her house, just north of the Chamber of Commerce, quite ornate, many colors and with a Maytag name in the front window.

Monday 1995 - [Elderhostel Marine Expeditions program through 6/27]

Wednesday 1996 - Bible Study at Hannahs.  Item in WNJ about new motel going up NW of Walmart in Wilmington.  Got new tires on my bikes, takes 110# air pressure.

Thursday 1997 - [Roberta and Sid visiting]

Friday 1998 - [Sweden, Lapland and Finland trip w/ Hinshaws]

Saturday 1999 - [Indianapolis to Urbana IL to St. Louis, with Serena] Serena left early for a swim and to get goggles.  We had OJ and muffins at Mrs. Fields in the Mall.  On to Urbana where we met the Blairs, [Jean went to library school and/or worked with her] he is quite hard of hearing.  Took them to Silvercreek for lunch, very nice.  He took us on a tour of U.I. campus and she prepared orange sherbet and cookies for us.  Had reservations at Hampton Inn at 22nd and Market [St. Louis], Suite 103, plenty of signs about taking all things out of the car.  Ordered a pizza and ended up getting 2.

Feb. 3, 1989-99

Notes from Dad's Diary 1987-1999

Tuesday 1987 - [Phoenix to home] Left Phoenix, flight 8:55AM-2PM.

Saturday 1990 - John called, thinking of leaving the Bank and joining Campus Crusade.

Sunday 1991 - Had SS lesson, Matthew 26.  Open House for Fannie Moore's 95th birthday.  Mother seemed better tonight.  Daniel 5-6 at Bible Study.

Monday 1992 - [Home from Newark]  Left Newark, spent an hour at Lithopolis Library where they are building a large addition.  Lunch at Terrace Lounge in WCH [2011: John reports they went out of busines about 8-10 years ago, building is still there on Rt. 62, north side of WCH], soup and salad bar $3.50.

Wednesday 1993 - Lions Club, gal from Southern State spoke re displaced homemakers.  Betty Terrell called re gal that worked for her and stole things.  She's hard to get off the line.

Friday 1995 - [Leaving CO Elderhostel] Left the Y and drove around Kremmling and Breckenridge, what a small public library.  Lunch in Frisco at Claim Jumper [not part of the chain].  Toured the Coors Brewery in Golden.  They passed out different labels of their brand to separate the tour groups.  A big place.  Room 716P at Loew's Georgian Hotel [now Loew's Denver Hotel], a 4-star hotel @$89.  Very nice, covers on toilet paper rolls, goodnight chocolate kiss on our bed, terry cloth robe.  (Two robes at Brown Palace.)  Ate in their restaurant "Tuscany" 3-stars, $41.  Servings were more than we could eat.

Saturday 1996 - Wilmington City budget in the newspaper.

Tuesday 1998 - George & Imogene Shaffer in Phoenix, saw Roberta and Catherine.

Wednesday 1999 - Great night at Lions Club, had 15 guests.  I took Duane Terwilliger, he is Asst. Manager at a heavy equipment place in Mason OH, has the big brick house on the corner.  Talked to Charlie Ely who starts work at 2:30AM.  Got international driver's license, $17 in Hillsboro.  On our recent visit to Columbus PL they were advertising how they were #3 in US as far as Public Libraries.  #1 was Naperville IL PL and #2 Johnson County Library in Shawnee, KS.