1981 Family Letter -Feb.18

 

Wednesday --

Feb. 18, 1981

Dearest Family --

We got back from Washington and New York last night and things are gradually getting back to routine today since we got a good night's sleep in our own little beds.  But we did enjoy getting away again for a few days and were real lucky with the good weather.

We picked Harold up at the Commissioner's office Friday morning (no school for MV or MY because of a teacher's conference in Blanchester) -- in fact there had been no school on Thursday as the weather had been so bad Wednesday -- they had to let out early to get the buses safely on their way and since it was -7º with so much freezing and thawing of the icy roads it was foolish to have a couple of hours delay to heat up the buildings for the few hours they would be in session.

But back to Friday we got on our way around 11 AM and reached Washington about 8:30 PM that night.  Saturday was a big day for we had to be at the White House for their special tour at 8:15 AM.  The Reagans weren't on hand to greet us as they had gone to Camp David to relax and brush up on his special speech he's to give later this week.  The girls then took off on a self-conducted tour of Washington with transportation furnished by buses at various pick up points when they were ready to travel on.  They got quite a bit in -- Arlington Cemetery, Kennedy Center, and the capitol including senate and house office buildings and ended up at the Visitors center (old Union Station).

Dad and I took off for Gaithersburg for Joe and Barbara's wedding and I was glad to get to see Virginia and all her family.  The wedding was just the immediate family and then we all went to another place for the reception and luncheon. There were more activities Saturday evening and Sunday but we decided that had been plenty as we had gotten to see and talk to most all of them.

After picking up the girls we went to see Louise Robinson and her beautiful apartment on Mass. Ave. and then decided to all go to a Korean restaurant not too far -- the food was very good and we all shared the different foods.  Mie Young was most helpful here.  MV had spotted a Swanson Ice Cream Factory so went there for dessert bringing back memories of our past visits to the Mesa, AZ area.  Louise pointed out various places of interest that the ordinary person would never find or get to see on most sight-seeing trips in and around Washington.

The next morning we were up early and went to a small Methodist Church in N.J. en route to NYC, where we arrived around 2 P.M.  Traffic was unbelievable in the city -- someone told us later that the weather was so nice that everyone decided to take a drive.  Did go to the Toy Show that afternoon and then for supper went to a new place in SoHo district of NYC.  Dad really drove us all around the various sections of Manhattan to give Mie Young an idea about NYC.  She didn't prefer it to Seoul -- even thought N.V. looked better and thought she liked Dayton for a city better.

The next morning (Monday) Dad had an appointment with one of the salesmen for breakfast so we walked up to 60th and 3rd Ave. visiting various little and big stores along the way and also watched them ice-skating in Rockefeller Plaza.  Both days were beautiful -- so nice after the below zero weather we had just a few days before (didn't need my long johns I had paced to keep the chilly air away).

That evening we met Dad and went to a highly recommended Korean restaurant quite close to the hotel where again we four all tried different things and shared.  We had a hibachi on the table where we were able to grill our own meat to suit our own tastes.  We are learning to do much better with chop sticks and didn't even have forks.  The cold vegetable salads (especially the cooked spinach) were good but find the kimchee (pickled cabbage) still a bit too hot for our tastes.  The girls can always manage to save room for Ice Cream especially from Howard Johnson -- Mie Young's favorite place to get Swiss chocolate almond.  This was Patriots Day and they had had a very short parade on 5th Ave. and many people shopping for Geo. Washington Birthday bargains.  We didn't find any but enjoyed looking at dresses for 1275 and a little less just on the rack.

I love the Barnes and Noble book stores which they now have all over the city but didn't get down to the one that is the first and largest at 16th St.  The girls went back to the hotel early to rest up but I browsed a little longer there -- found a restaurant guide to NYC by Myra Waldo whose other books we have often found useful (South America being the first).  That is one of the ways we decided on the Korean restaurant we went to Monday night.  It was also favorably reviewed previously in the New York Times but it always pays to have two agree on the merits.

MV, Mie Young and I had gone to a new pizza place at noon Monday recommended by some strangers we met trying to find a restaurant open -- so many were closed because of the holiday.  MV had calzone Stromboli (egg, cheese and ham in a pizza doubled over and baked which I thought the better of the two we ordered and I enjoyed the minestrone soup.  Many people were watching them being made and baked just inside the window.

Tuesday we left New York a little after seven stopping at Chock Full of Nuts for my usual nutted cheese on raisin bread.  The girls had tuna fish salad but thought it tasted more like chicken salad instead.  We had rain most of the way home but that's easier to drive in than glaring sunshine.  We had supper at the Blue Drummer in Washington Court House -- would like to have stopped in Newark but girls had missed one day of school and we wanted them awake for today so got home at a real reasonable time and were in bed shortly after nine last night.

The weather is still damp but on the mild side and hopefully we won't get much more winter.  Heard this morning we had something similar to last year and then had below zero weather in March, soooo.

Found everything in good shape here and real pleased to find Mother Uible's African violet with so many blossoms and blooms -- just hope they are still producing when the plant is returned to her.

By the way, noticed on the Good Morning America show that there is an afternoon special coming up on March 4th about two young people in wheel chairs which sounded real good.  They usually have good things on the afternoon specials.

Also heard that they are having a week long special feature on Amtrak on the evening news -- not the one we usually watch but will try to catch it -- I keep thinking this is Monday so may have already missed some of them or perhaps its next week on ABC.

Larry Penn and his girlfriend Rae McGraw were married at our church Saturday -- MV was asked to sing and think she would have like to stay home but did come with us this time without too much prodding.  Dad had breakfast down at the Gramercy Park but couldn't think of the name Rosario to ask about him (father of friends from Hudson Guild).  Don't think she (MV) called anyone but the Thompsons are in the West Indies at this time of year.

We would still love to go to North Carolina to pick you up, Mother Uible, but the girl's vacation is April 16-21 and they are trying to not miss any more school than absolutely necessary.  We might be able to leave here as soon as they get out of the 15th (Wed.) if that would help.

Looking forward to seeing the Morgans at this time next month -- wish they had longer but thankful for as much as they do have.  Missed Catherine's call last Friday but hopefully will get to talk to her this week.  Please tell Wendy how much I appreciated the Valentine with a little girl talking on the phone -- she does a good job and must take after her Aunts Roberta or MV.

Hope that you are able to get that Friday off when the Morgans will be in Chicago (Mar. 20th), Serena.  Wish that John and Carol might have more time but not knowing when Amtrak gets to Cleveland we will be seeing them at lunch (or if is it is late, then at dinner) - At least they will be able to get together for a short time.  Thanks for your offer to drive up to Cleveland, Carol, but guess Dad has cancelled out on his Toy luncheon that day as it is too indefinite.  In case something should come up, I'll definitely keep you in mind and you can either bring Brooke or make arrangements if that's your preference.

Just took some time out to put some yogurt in the oven for Dad as he hasn't had any homemade in quite a while.  Guess I'm near the bottom so will close

With much, much love to all of you --

1981 Family Letter -Jan.20

 

Tuesday --

January 20, 1981

Dearest Family --

Just talked to Serena this morning to wish her a happy birthday -- had tried to get her last night but didn't get through and was afraid we'd get her up this morning but she was up and about to leave for work (thought she didn't go in until noon on Tuesdays).  Not only is it her birthday but Inauguration Day for Ronald Reagan our 40th president but hopefully also the day the hostages are released from Iran.  Any one of these are worthy of celebration!!

Mie Young is making a very good adjustment and Mary Virginia as well.  Because there was no school yesterday (Martin Luther King Day) Mie Young and I had some errands to run in Dayton but she wanted to be back in time to see the girls basketball game (MV had to play in jazz band or rather pep band for it).  Mie Young is taking 2 home ec courses -- foods and family living, two history (with MV) and Feb. 1st begins driver's training.  Her command of English is very good and only hesitates when she reads out loud.

The Brumleys have a girl with them for two months from Chile and she is to start at East Clinton today but from the little information we have had she doesn't speak too much English -- as much as Tom speaks Spanish -- which we aren't sure but Deanna has had two years of Spanish if not three so will be able to help her.  This is through the Open Door exchange program.

News isn't good about Jeff Streber or his mother, Joellen -- the have really had more than their share of trouble this year.  They had planned to operate on Jo but gave it up and someone reported that Jeff will not have any use of his legs from waist down.

The Inauguration is now over and the parade about to begin -- as you can guess I haven't gotten much done but keep my eyes glued to TV.  I did make a sick call but felt I was interrupting their watching.  Mildred Terrell just stopped in to tell me we had more Guidepost subscriptions confused -- among them Agnes Williams and Joseph Horton so would appreciate your passing on the word in case they are wondering who Mrs. J. Warren Terrell is who has given them a subscription.  I had already had one inquiry from a friend in Cleveland.  She had gone through her church directory and other things trying to find out about the "Mrs. Terrell".

I enjoyed Linda Lavin in the Tuesday night program, Roberta, and wondered if you and the rest might get to see it -- something about A Matter of Life, a Matter of Death or something similar.  I had heard about the person she portrayed being on Sixty Minutes too -- a real compassionate person.

Victor Pratt was or is marching in the Naval Academy Marching Band unit but wonder if any of us will really recognize him if we do see the group.  His picture was in last night's paper concerning this.  Cooper Snyder told Dad that he is going to Washington for the Big Day.  Bet we can see the events better than the people there.  Do you remember 4 years ago, John, when you were in Washington and got off to see the big events.  Serena was there too but didn't hear her mention taking off for the great occasion.

We are talking about going to see John and Carol this weekend but as usual Mary Virginia has a conflict -- has to go to Delaware to sing (and possibly play) with the East Clinton group at something at Ohio Wesleyan so haven't decided how we will work it all out.

Time is getting shorter for the Morgans trip East and we are anxiously looking forward to seeing them.  Dad thinks we may plan to take them back to Chicago rather than up to Cleveland but it is still a matter of conjecture at this point.  That way they could see a little more of Serena too and she says if she knew ahead of time she could ask for that Friday off (we'd leave here Thursday the 19th).

We did get an invitation to Joe Dailey's wedding Feb. 14 in Gaithersburg, MD and hope we might combine that with the Toy Show in New York City.  Realize the girls can't take off too much school but they do have the 13th and 16th both.  And we can be back the 17th.  So more plans are up in the air.

[Love, etc]

1924 Jean & 1975 HH - pictures

Jean & her sister, Virginia - May 25, 1924
Jean, age 17 months, Virginia would turn 10 on Aug. 22

 

Fifty one years later, at the age of 50, HH & Jean went to New Zealand, visited the Hiestand relatives and enjoyed some hiking in the mountains in Oct. 1975

1980 Family Letter -Apr.29

Tuesday --      

April 29, 1980

Dearest Family -

After our brief spell of beautiful warm weather it is much cooler and doesn't feel too springlike but it is to improve this weekend.  As soon as I took the last letter out of the typewriter, mail from the family began to appear so guess the best way to get mail is to write more often.   The same day Grandma sent up the prints from Joe's 79 collection of lithographs and cards which were greatly appreciated and I'll be glad to share with the rest of you in order that we might all have some.  It was too bad that the Hortons weren't able to get to Saudi Arabia to be with Joe during his last exhibition but with the unrest all through that area no doubt it was for the best.

John's most recent letter reported that the tandem is now in workable condition and he and Carol have been riding it since Steve Weiss worked on it following their taking it back to Newark with them Easter Sunday.  I had had my doubts whether it was worth taking but glad that it is back in use again.  I've been trying to remember when it was that Catherine and Roberta worked to save their money to buy it.  I think the Schamauns took it in their trailer to Lakeside so that we all might be able to enjoy it up there.  Has it been about 15 years?  or more?  Thanks too for the articles on Newark.

I was sorry not to be home when Serena called again last Saturday morning but glad that Mary Virginia was here to relay some messages.  Sorry that you had to miss any work but trust that you are feeling much better by now.  We'd be glad to come to Chicago that Labor Day Weekend but think that you might enjoy getting away from the area.  We are hoping to get to see you the weekend of May 31-June 1 - perhaps leaving here late Friday afternoon and Dad wants to make some calls that Monday so would have a couple of days to see you.  (Haven't heard anything about Pam Fisher as yet.)

Roberta, we were sorry not to be more aware of Marion's birthday.   Wish that you had given us some little reminder before the date.  I kept thinking that it was Ruth's or someones but didn't dawn on me whose until your last letter.  Thanks for your Fast-Food Calorie Counter which was most interesting to compare the various sizes of hamburgers at the different chains.  Do hope that your aerobics classes are going well.  Was good talking to you Saturday and get some of our questions answered and your thought on various things.

Always enjoy Catherine's calls and appreciate her taking the time out of her busy schedule - especially so early in the morning for her.  We are so looking forward to seeing their new home, the changes in Wendy as well as Madras in warm weather.  Hope all works out for the new position open in the assessor's office including a substantial raise.  Bet both you and Gerry are most happy to have some time to call your own after giving up the managers' jobs.  Would love to have pictures of both your place and Roberta and Marion's too.

Sunday was a full day and we were sorry to have to eliminate some of the things that were also scheduled.  One was the open house for the new Sabina Library but as Dad says we can see it anytime.  The Sankers had been invited up for the day but decided to postpone their visit as we felt we should go to the memorial services for Mr. Arthur McCoy at Fairview.  There were no calling hours at Smith Reynolds Funeral Home as he was buried the day after he passed away.  (They also had the funeral of Maynard Davids who passed away the same day -- sorry that we didn't get over to pay our respects there)

That same evening we had been asked to help serve the Senior Citizens Banquet at the church - there were about 45 honored there and Mrs. Matthews was brought over by Mary Virginia.  She had had  a most interesting letter from her granddaughter Diane who now lives in England.  She had attended a Christian Woman's Club luncheon and happened to sit beside Pat Bain's mother.  In the course of the conversation Mrs. Bains mentioned that she had just gotten a letter from her son and daughter-in-law in New Vienna, Ohio . . . [these few lines on the bottom of page 1 of the letter are typed over each other so not sure of the exact wording] . . . (Diane is Dr. Matthews - Charles' oldest daughter.)  Ann Wolfrom and her mother are leaving Sunday for a month in England and hope to get in touch with the Baines.

I have really enjoyed the meetings of the Christian Woman's Club and wonder if they are in your areas too.  The April meeting was guest night and so I took Dad and Mary Virginia and think they were surprised how interesting, enthusiastic and well run they are.  The speakers are outstanding and no minutes are wasted as happens in so many meetings.  Our UMW meetings could take note as Catherine and I have commiserated about lately.

I talked to Aunt Virginia a week or so ago and she told me that Sarah is back in training to be an airline stewardess again and will be moving her children wherever she will be based.  Joe plans to be married next year.  I hope to get her (Aunt Virginia) over for a visit in late June - talked to Maureen and she says that she could bring her part way as she doesn't think she'd fly here.  She says that her mother is better physically but about the same otherwise.

I went over to the school Saturday morning to catch up with some work that is hard to do with classes coming in - rode my bicycle but when I came home found it missing.  Thought that Dad or Mary Virginia had borrowed it but they knew nothing about it so have reported it missing.  Guess we have really been lucky in not losing any more than we have in the many years we have been riding.  I almost had ridden MV's but glad I didn't now.

Dad took Grandma and Elizabeth Johnson to see the movie "Jesus" at the Murphy last night.  I had seen it earlier at a preview and both Dad and I thought I could use the time to better advantage studying for the Spanish test we are to have this Wednesday night.  At least it is scheduled again.

Saturday Mary Virginia and I went over to Sweetwater Farm near Hillsboro where they were having an open house.  They sell western clothes, Amish baked goods, cheese, etc.  Mary Virginia bought a western hat with a fancy band made out of feathers.  She wanted to wear it to church Sunday but I sure didn't encourage that and then she wouldn't wear it to school for fear it would be taken there.

Your Mother has covered about all the areas, tho while they were shopping Saturday afternoon I did put out some more garden, which was lucky timing as it turned wet on Sunday.  The things that I put out the week before are now coming up and we enjoy seeing the change each day as the plants grow.  Helped our neighbor across the street put out two trees, so hope they live as they will give us a better view also.  Carolyn [Frump] F. &    ?    [Paul] Spurlock have bought [the house?]

It is Wells insurance time again and plan to switch companies as we can get $133M more coverage for some 15% less premium.  With inflation one never has enough insurance, but then there is the other extreme where you can be insurance poor.  Inflation hits home so often, as just yesterday we ordered some 16M for roofing replacement . . . vicious cycle.  Anyway, I feel that Wells is better off buying things than just sitting watching the value of the dollar go down hill.  [Reminder that M is the roman number for thousand.]

Dad and I both got some shoes for square dancing -- Dad's are low cowboy boots and real pretty back, shiny.

Dad brought home your letter, Roberta and glad to hear so quickly -- Also card from Catherine came yesterday.  Don't be concerned about not having any kind of transportation while we're in Arizona.  Dad is looking forward to riding the new cycle.  If two can ride on one, there's no problem.

Running out of space and time

Much love to all of you.

1948 Jean's Letter -Jan.21

 Wednesday –

January 21, 1948

Dearest Mother and Daddy,

I received your long letter yesterday and so sorry you were so long in receiving mine.

The oranges also arrived yesterday and every one is perfect shape and how tasty!  They're a real treat after the measly ones you have to buy here.  I guess they were brought by the Railway Express Friday but no one was here so they mailed a card asking I call them or pick them up so I called Monday as soon as I read the card so they brought them yesterday.  They are very good.

I know you are anxious about Bob too since everything seems twice as serious if you can't be on hand to help.  Just to make sure I called Virginia just a few minutes ago and she said Bob was out of the hospital Saturday and feeling fine – and she'd talked to him from the office today – Wed. so there is very little to worry about.  The doctor thought everything had been cured but this happened so he gave him a double dose of the radium seeds to really make sure this time.  Bob is certainly able to be up and about and is talking of going to New York soon.

I had a letter from Harriette last week explaining why they hadn't made it and understood they would be over as soon as Bob had taken another treatment at the hospital but your letter alarmed me so that I wanted to find out more for all our sakes.  So please don't get all upset as the doctor says he's coming along fine now.

I had a very nice letter (airmail) from Gretchen [presumably Gretchen Kessel Malloy, granddaughter of Charles Alexander Ballantyne (1875-1957, brother of Nat Ballantyne), Gretchen would have been 17 in 1948] today and she wants full particulars of all my plans – It was very sweet of her to write to me.  I've been talking to Miss Strombors and she seems to think that April would be a much better time – for things aren't so busy as the first week in June – with school ending the summer reading clubs, etc.  Had you planned on coming up very soon? – before April 1st, that is.  Harold has a week's spring vacation – Apr.3-Apr.12.  So it really could be arranged providing it would suit you.  You'll be having to spring house clean anyway and so you might as well get some special use of having everything spic & span.  Do you see any objections in having it earlier.  Please let me know as soon as possible for I haven't given her a "yes" or "no" yet on April.

Harold will be having his heaviest classes Friday and Saturday next semester – 4 on Fri. and 4 on Saturday.  Perhaps the Monday following would be best – that's Apr. 5.  But the day and hour can be arranged after we decide the approximate date.  I had no idea things would be stepped up so but Harold will have no time off between semesters next fall – unless all his exams are the first part of the week – his next vacation is at Christmas.

Another advantage in April is the fact that in June, Harold has his exams.  If we have to go apartment hunting and then moving in and fixing up before June 5 – it would greatly conflict with his exams – This way we can be in & beginning to get settled by that time.

Just let me know as soon as you have given this a little thought as to the advantages & disadvantages of April.  Harold's parents are usually back by that time so I doubt if we have much conflict there.

I bet Freeman is so proud of himself, for winning that Esterbrooks pencil & being 4th in the class.  That's grand.

I've been doing a little more cooking each week so I'm not near as frightened.  Friday night we went to Miss Stromfors for a pot luck dinner – very good it was – but also very rich.  Tuna fish loaf fixed with potato chips and cream of mushroom soup and baked.  Sweet potatoes in a delicious syrup, a salad mold made out of gelatin, cottage cheese, tomato juice, mayonnaise, onion, cucumber, cream, etc.  Then for dessert we had apple pie a la mode.  I've never felt so uncomfortable in all my life.  Miss S. then showed us her collection of dolls – about 70 brought from countries all over the world.

Sunday we had a delicious roast veal which lasted for cold cuts & sandwiches thru last night.

I'm swinging [working late?] today so I must get ready to get back to work.

Let me know as soon as possible please.

All my love,
Jean

Hope Mr. Forgey [?] is feeling much better & able to be about.

1948 Jean & HH's Wedding -April 3

Jean Wallace Ballantyne & Harold Hiestand Uible Wedding -April 3, 1948Back Row: Nathaniel Wallace Ballantyne, Lucie Sarah Brown Ballantyne, Harold Hiestand Uible, Jean Wallace Ballantyne Uible, Irene Virginia Ballantyne Dailey, James Francis Dailey, Harriett Cochran Ballantyne, Robert Brown Ballantyne.  Front Row: James Freeman Dailey, Sarah Dailey Helm, Mary Ellen Dailey Walkley, Robert Morrow Ballantyne, Nathaniel Blaine Ballantyne, Roger Cochran Ballantyne

1918 Nat, Lucie, Robert & Virginia Ballantyne -March

1918 Nat, Lucie, Robert & Virginia Ballantyne -March "Taken at the [Clarendon] station the morning Nat went away. March 1918"

Nathaniel Wallace Ballantyne - age 49 (1868-1949)
Lucie Sarah Brown Ballantyne - age 37 (1880-1957)
Robert Brown Ballantyne - age 8 (1910-1956)
Irene Virginia Ballantyne Dailey - age 3 (1914-1983)

1926 Ballantyne photos

1926 - Virginia Ballantyne Dailey (age 12) & Jean Ballantyne Uible (almost 4) 

1926 Ballantynes & friends - Back Row: Robert Ballantyne second from right, Scott Brown furthest right. Front row: Virginia Ballantyne Dailey, first on left, Jean Wallace Ballantyne Uible, the youngest, front center.

Back of 1926 Photo - Ballantynes & friends.

1936 Ballantyne Party -Sept.10

1936 Ballantyne Party Invitation -Sept.10

1936 Ballantyne Party News Clipping -Sept.

Two Hundred and Fifty Guests at Ballantyne Home for Supper Dance

––––––––––––––––––––

A SUPPER DANCE for two hundred and fifty guests was given by Mr. and Mrs. Nathaniel Wallace Ballantyne at their home on Ridge avenue in New Cumberland Thursday night in honor of a group of young people among them their daughter and two nieces, all three recent brides.

In the receiving line with the Ballantynes were Mr. and Mrs. James S. Dailey (Virginia Irene Ballantyne) of Steubenville; Mr and Mrs. Frederick Fisher (Elizabeth Ballantyne) of New Cumberland; Mr. and Mrs. Norman Parsons (Natalie Ballantyne), of New Cumberland; Mr. and Mrs. John Cupp (Elizabeth Dupka) Pittsburgh; Eleanor Mentzer, Steubenville, and her fiance, Gerald K. McGeorge of Cincinnati (they will be married in October): Dr. and Mrs. T.E. Cato, New Cumberland.

[Elizabeth "Tatt"  Ballantyne Fisher, 1906-1993, and Natalie Virginia Ballantyne Kessel Parsons, 1909-2000 were sisters, daughters of Charles Alexander "C.A." and Mary Conley Ballantyne.  A third sister, Anna Irene Ballantyne Cline, 1904-1981, was married in 1926.]

Mrs. Dailey is Mr. and Mrs. Ballantyne's daughter.  Mrs. Fisher and Mrs. Parsons are their nieces.  Both were June brides.  Mrs. Cupp is a former classmate of Mrs. Dailey's at Ellis school for girls.  She was also a June bride.  Dr. Cato is Hancock county coroner and health supervisor and is leaving with Mrs. Cato for Baltimore where he will enroll for a nine months post graduate course at John Hopkins.  Mr. and Mrs. George Renner, the fourth, of Youngstown (Mrs. Renner is the former Betty Davidson of Hollidays Cove), were also on the honored guest list, but Mr. Renner's illness prevented him from attending.

The guests were welcomed in the reception hall.  Mrs. Ballantyne wore cream lace; her daughter, Mrs. Dailey, wore pale blue georgette with long cape; Mrs. Fisher and Mrs. Parson wore black velvet; Miss Mentzer, red lace; Mrs. Cato, pink lace; Mrs. Cupp, black and white lace.  All had corsages of gardenias.   Fall flowers were lavishly used through the house, snapdragons and delphinium offset by lighted tapers, centering the buffet supper table.

Dancing was enjoyed until one o'clock to the music of Paul Campbell's orchestra.  Lanterns decorated the garden and veranda, where many of the guests danced and enjoyed refreshments.

Steubenville guests included Mrs. W.E. Dailey and family, Eleanor Zink, Edward Ekey, Mr. and Mrs. F. Howard Pierce, Attorney Joseph Stern, Marjorie Lee, George W. Cochran, Jr., Mr. and Mrs. E. M. Mentzer, Thomas J. Welsh, Dr. and Mrs. F.B. Harrington, Dr. and Mrs. S.A. Harris, Fred Fagen, Dorothy Morgan, Betty Anglin, Mr. and Mrs. W.E. Foringer, W.A. Ward, Mr. and Mrs. Howard Wickersham, Robert Anglin.

Clara Virginia Nichols, William Curn, Virginia Little, Ruth Hennings. Mr. Becker, Helene Grismore, Nate Cohen, Fredericka Clark, Herbert Clark, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Rudolf, Everett Ferguson, Jr., Betty Bargar, Robert Overmyer, William Robinson, Ethel Dailey.

Other guests were present from Pittsburgh, Niles, Mansfield and many surrounding communities.

1966 Jean's Letter to Catherine -Aug.7

 August 7, 1966

Dearest Catherine,

It is now Sunday and we got home from the wedding yesterday.  We drove up Friday stopping at Glendale, W. Va. to see Sarah and Chauncey Hinerman for lunch that day.  Then on to Pittsburgh where we met Virginia & the bridal party outside the church at 7PM and on to Fox Chapel Golf Club where Tom Walkley (groom)'s parents were holding the rehearsal dinner.  It was WAY on the other side of the city – so we didn't eat til about 9:00 by the time everyone got there.  It was a delicious dinner – will tell you more about it when we see you.  We stayed at a motel not too far from Virginia's and the church.

The wedding was at 10:00 Sat. morning so didn't have time to do much of anything – didn't even want any breakfast after the huge meal of the night before – including turtle soup, no less.

It was a beautiful but very small wedding in St. Bernard's Catholic Church in Mt. Lebanon.  Maureen was a junior bridesmaid and Sarah the matron of honor.  – the only feminine attendants.  Tom's brother, Buzz, was his best man and Joe and Tom Dailey were the ushers.

Mary Ellen looked beautiful in long white gown with big train and all.  It was the first Catholic wedding I ever really remember attending and sorry the rest of the family couldn't be there too.  Maureen and Sarah both wore long blue gowns – Virginia wore a pale pink and white suit and Mrs. Walkley a pale green – both very pretty.  I felt real bad though for couldn't help thinking how much Mary Ellen's father would have enjoyed everything.  Bill (Freeman) walked down the aisle with her, shook hands with the groom and that ended his part of the ceremony – unlike the Protestant where the minister asks who is giving the bride away.

The ceremony lasted almost an hour so then we went down town to the Duquesne Club – another exclusive place for another big meal.  And that all lasted until 2:00 P.M. by the time Mary Ellen and Tom left (no one is supposed to leave until the bride and groom have let).  They were going to Cape Cod but would only drive as far as Hershey that evening.  Do you remember that big Hotel Hershey up on the hill – Spanish architecture.

We brought Joe and Tommy back with us – we picked up their suitcase before the wedding so we could leave from the Duquesne Club but Tommy hadn't put in half of his things so we had to go back to Morrison Drive after all and finally got home about 8:30 last night.  Wilma and Kevin stayed with the family here.

They hadn't gotten any mail so found your card and letter today at the shop as well as a letter from Mrs. Kuntzman.  – Very welcome pleasure for Sunday afternoon.  We are sorry Dave will not be coming back with us for we had been looking forward to have him visit here for a couple days if he could.  And Carol won't be coming either – we wouldn't have minded taking her home even if it wasn't right on our way.  Haven't heard anymore about the Horton's arrival but if they don't get in until Friday evening won't plan it at all.

I am writing this with the typewriter on my lap and find that it begins to get both warm and heavy after a while.

We went to Blanchester this afternoon with plans of going in their pool for it was open house there today and next Sunday but only members are allowed in the pool.  Mr. and Mrs. Roy Myers were both  there along with David and said we could go in on their membership but it was $1 for over 12 and 50¢ under so would have cost us $5 – Roberta stayed home with Mary Virginia as she was still taking her nap.  We ended up over at the J-R.  There were quite a few when we got there but had really thinned out by 5:45 when we were leaving.

Daddy says to tell you that we will call you between 4:30 and 5:00 Friday afternoon depending on what time we get in – or earlier we will just take a chance on finding you near your room.  Don't wait around if you have other plans and we will definitely call by 5:00.  The dinner is at 5:30 isn't it?  Serena has been invited to go back to Pittsburgh with Joe and Tommy but we don't know whether she will go for sure.  She hates to miss the trip to Carbondale and seeing you and all but time will tell.  I think the boys will go back Wednesday as I have to work at the Producer's Livestock Sale the next day.  There is a bus they can take from Wilmington at 6:40 AM that goes to Pittsburgh without changing but there is a layover of over an hour in Columbus (for breakfast and freshing up no doubt).  Neither of them have been on a train and they are hoping to take a train home.

The fair opened this evening with the annual 4-H barbecue and church services.  Joe is planning to work tomorrow for Tom McMillan.  Daddy is getting Dick Terrell to take his place and also Granddaddy's.

Tom thought we had plenty of church today for he went to mass with Joe and then came up to our church for services plus the hour mass yesterday.  We had told him we would go tonite but hadn't really planed on it.

The reason I addressed your letter to Susan B. Anthony was your return address of your last letter had that name in the corner c/o C. Uible.  Did you not write that?

Glad you got to see some of St. Louis on your own plus the conducted tour by John Paul.  I'm wondering about your trip with five boys plus your solo walk around the arch area.  I had thought there was to be another couple going with you.

I am enclosing a clipping about John Hiestand which was in the Hillsboro paper but please save it as I am sure the Hortons would be interested in seeing it.

They had a Sr. MYF planning meeting the other night – I guess without Mr. Perry but they are going to have a picnic down at Pike Lake for members and family on Aug. 21.  Greg Linkhart called about you attending the meeting of the officers and Roberta told him you were at College so he wanted your telephone number there thinking you were at Wilmington, I guess.  He was surprised to learn you were clear out in Illinois.

No doubt this will be the last letter to you at SIU unless you decide to use the scholarship there that you just might receive but we are rooting for Carol if she wants to go there.

And now it is only six more days till we see you.  Daddy says to tell you that there was an article on St. Louis in the Oct. (or Nov.) 1965 issue of the National Geographic.  We do have it here in case you are too busy this week to look it up.  Hope you finished your paper ok – I'd enjoy reading it if you made a carbon copy or get it back.

All our very best love and XXXXXXXXXXX

Mother and 

Daddy & all

P.S.  We also forgot to tell you that you are one of the 2 captains of the Rally Day Attendance Contest which runs during Sept.  Greg L. is other one.

1966 Jean's Letter to Catherine -July 27

Thursday –

July 27, 1966

Dearest Catherine,

The weather here is HOT again so sure you must be having more of the same.  We have been swimming everyday since Sunday (Roberta has only gone twice).  John has become quite adept at learning to swim this summer and has a surprise for you to see.  Roberta said you had a bad sunburn so hope you are feeling more comfortable by now.

Aunt Virginia called yesterday and we (Daddy & I) are invited to the rehearsal dinner Friday evening º Aug. 5 so probably Wilma will stay here with Kevin and the rest of our family – they had planned on going but didn't seem to mind if the Croghans stayed here instead.  Perhaps we will bring back one of the children with us – Dailey children that is.

Did Daddy tell you that Rev. Kuntzman fell and knocked his arm out of the socket.  He has to wear it in a sling for a month but came close to breaking his neck – fell down the stairway, we think.  They went to Camp Cartwright but guess Al (alias Rennie) would have to help his father with the boys.  He (Al) was to have gone to Boy Scout camp but lost interest when found the Lloyd boys weren't going plus his father's misfortune.

Daddy said that Mr. Demas is in serious condition at Kettering Hospital – blacked out while driving home from his daughter's.

Aleda Purtee's mother passed away yesterday.  So Aleda is left all by herself now.  Too bad but she had devoted her life to her parents so now – if it isn't too late – she needs to enjoy life herself.

Rev. Beers was called back for a funeral today for a Mr. Richardson of the Auburn community.  He (Mr. R.) is to be buried in Dayton so he won't have too far to return to Camp Cartwright (Rev. B that is).

We went to the lamb barbecue at the fairgrounds last Tuesday – it made a real full day for Daddy for he had been to Wilmington on business, came home with the papers and as soon as they were delivered we went swimming and on to the barbecue and after he brought us home he had to return for the county school board meeting.  The worst part of it was the the barbecue began at 6:30 and they were late in starting to serve.  It was delicious though – the rest of the meal was catered by the Moffats – wish you could have been here to enjoy it too.

I've been working over at the school a couple of hours each day this week as there are about 10  big boxes to get ready for circulation.  After getting a good start on one of the boxes realized that it was labed for Holly, Michigan school so don't know what they will want to do about it now.  Wilma and I worked together yesterday afternoon.  See what you might be doing if you were home.  We really do miss you VERY MUCH and counting the days until you return.  Not just to help with the books either.

Mary Virginia, when asked where you are, says:  "College" and what you are doing "Studying."  She told someone Roberta went out on her "bike" to see you.  She has a wonderful memory and though she doesn't talk in sentences yet does say alot more.  "Gracious" and "Special" are a few of her favorite expressions.

I found the article enclosed perhaps a little late to do you any good but thought I would include it anyway.  Looking forward to seeing you a week from tomorrow – sooner by the time you get this.

All our very best love & XXXXXXXX

Mother & Daddy

1966 Jean's Postcard to Catherine -July 11

7-11-66
Dearest Catherine –

Received your letter written Saturday and you must be having a scorcher of a summer - you may be glad to get back to Ohio if just to cool off.

First day of VBS went real well – no rain til afternoon & then it poured.  Serena went to Wilm PL while Daddy was in Wilmington.  He is 5th in line for the best seller "How to avoid probate" – 1 of the books of the week this week.

Aunt Virginia called this evening and invited Daddy and I to Mary Ellen's wedding on Aug. 6th.  I held my breath for I was afraid it might be a week later.  It is to be a very small one – Sarah is matron of honor and Maureen is jr. bridesmaid.  Bill and Jan are moving to Bristol, Connecticut.  The boys are too busy to come down to N.V.

G'ma & G'dad had a letter from Joe & he seems to be enjoying his job as elevator boy. [at hotel in Chautauqua] HH Humphries [sic] is to be staying there soon among other notables.  He's looking forward to the tips that he's been told sometimes amount to $100 per day & one person even tipped $100 last year.

Roberta's arm is still in a sling.  Patty said you have never written her or answered her long letter she wrote you at Lakeside.  Called Nancy Henderson to see of she would help at VBS rest of the week & she's got a piano lesson tomorrow morning but may (?) come afterwards & B. Rudisill is coming.  Roberta & Linda had their hands full with Chad & Kirk Carey, Mark Beers & MV.  Miss you.  Do write ofen & keep well.  Love & XXX Ma & Pa & ALL

1965 Jean's postcard to Roberta & Catherine -Aug.18

The following postcard should have been published in August along with postcards from Roberta and Catherine who were visiting New York City with a New Vienna group, sightseeing and going to the World's Fair.  Another related correspondence was a letter from Serena while visiting the Daileys.

• 1965 Catherine's Postcard -Aug. 17
• 1965 Roberta's Postcard -Aug. 18
• 1965 Catherine's Postcard -Aug. 19
• 1965 Roberta's Postcard -Aug.19
• 1965 Serena's letter -Aug. 21

1965 Postcard written by Jean, sent to Roberta and Catherine
in New York City, Paramount Hotel - Aug. 18

Wed. 8/18/65

Dearest Girls,

The boys pained the go-cart today – gold and Elbert wants to buy it for $9 – very plain but they've already had alot of fun with it.  Now John is begging for a motor for it.

We went out to Bernards last nite & got eggs – saw Barbara just as we were leaving but didn't talk to her.  On to Johnsons & watched them gather cows & milk.  Tommy says he wouldn't be a farmer – too many bugs.

Aunt Va. called last nite & Serena is to go home with Tommy & Maureen on the bus tomorrow.  Haven't decided how she'll get back.  Roberta & Mary Va. are invited up there [too].

Then will only have John & Mary V here from Thurs. til Sunday.

Serena & Maureen are ironing to go on their trip!

Sure miss both of you & hope to hear from you by tomorrow.   Keep Wilma straight!  Love & XXX Daddy & Mother

1965 Serena's letter -Aug. 21

A cryptic letter from Serena with the return address of the Dailey family on Morrison Dr. in Pittsburgh.  

[postmarked Pittsburgh PA 21 Aug 1965]

Dear Everybody,

I ate 1 hot sandwich the other fell on the floor so I did not eat it.  I got a cold glass of milk I had 15 min for we saw Joey's bus pass us.  We got at the the bus staion [sic] Well have to say good-by.

You daughter

Serena Uible

_________

________

_______

______

_____

____

___

__

_

.

1984 Family Letter -Oct.14

Sunday -             

October 14, 1984

Dearest Family-

Dad is taking a nap, Joe and Barbara Dailey who are visiting are watching the football game on TV so thought I'd try to get a letter started since we haven't been too good at writing lately and others are doing extremely well.

Joe and Barbara arrived Friday early afternoon - luckily I had worked that morning but didn't need to go back in the afternoon.  Mary Virginia stopped by with a girl friend that evening just as we were ready to go visit Grandma so was glad to get to visit with her - the first we had seen her in quite awhile.  She is looking real good - it really shows in her hips.  Roberta, I think she is trying to meet your deadline of Thanksgiving.  I don't know what the incentive was but it sure must have been a good one.

We went to an auction yesterday morning at a private home near Lake Cowan - the house and car went for less than I thought but the personal items which took forever to sell were mixed.  I wished that I had bid on a pressure cooker that looked like new that went for $3.  Joe bought a sturdy typing table and Dad a bookcase which were both reasonable.  The '73 Cadillac which needed quite a few things done to it - radiator and battery to name a few went for $1300 - the house for $36,000.  The worst part of it is the fact that you can't get out when the weather gets bad.  It is at the end of a private road.

We saw a little of the Wilmington College Homecoming Parade and then went to Duffs' - first time we had been there in years but Joe said that he likes smorgasbords.  We did have plenty to eat and then went to see Wilmington play Bluffton College in football.  It was a beautiful afternoon and we sat on the sunny side so got some sunburn.  Wilmington College does have new bleachers which we hadn't seen.  Went out to see the beaver pond behind Auburn Methodist Church but no sign of life there at all - no people or beavers - water level was down about 2 or 2½ so perhaps they have deserted the place - at least there was no sign of life there.

We had planned to go to Kings Island either yesterday or today but called and found that they had closed it til Thanksgiving when they open for Winterfest.  Mary Virginia was selling tickets at the game so did get to see her again - looked over Hermann Court while at the college too.

This morning Joe and Barbara went to the Catholic Church in New Vienna and then came to the Methodist Church.  Joe remembers so much about being here the last time was 17 years ago and said he and Tom went to mass there and then to our church.  They plan to leave here tomorrow though Hoe is trying to talk Barbara into staying until Tuesday.  The mornings are so foggy so hard to encourage them that way.

Real sorry we missed your calls Catherine, Wendy and Roberta but glad to have you leave a message on the recorder - thanks to Serena's still having it there.  We will miss it and may replace it when she wants it back.  We did get to talk to Wendy and Catherine early for them (6:20 AM) Saturday.  We had a message to call Serena when we got back from Michigan and glad to hear she is in her apartment and getting settled.  Her new address is Apt.610, 9xx West Winona, Chicago, IL 60640 and her phone number is 312-334-5569.  We couldn't believe that we had 23 calls on record though some people hadn't left a message & a couple of people had called twice trying to reach us.

Before I forget to tell you, Linda Hughes Wilson passed away a week ago.  She was 43 and leaves two little girls.  It is sad for she was so talented.  She and her husband lived in Williamstown, Ky below Cincinnati I believe.  Laura and John were at church this morning but I just spoke to her very briefly.  I suppose all the family including Weegie got here for the funeral.

We had a nice letter from John this past week, and he wanted us to thank each of you for remembering his birthday.  Since Park National Bank bought the Fairfield Nat. Bank in Lancaster he may be driving down there a day or two a week to develop some trust business there.  He has mixed feelings about that - and I imagine even more so when the weather is not too good.  I can't think of anyone we know there but perhaps someone will come to mind - especially since Dad knows many of the commissioners now.  We can almost count the days he has left going to the courthouse for the Mondays and Thursdays.  The last social fling and business for the commissioners too is in Columbus the 2nd week of December.  If D.M. Fife weren't the illustrious president of the state group, Dad would probably not go at all.  (D.M. is one of the Clinton Co. Com.)

Ruth Shoemaker is moving to Prairie View Apartments in Wilmington as soon as there is a vacancy as the doctor wants here to be someplace there are no steps and she will have running water.  It is hard to believe she lived out by the Colliers all those years without that convenience.  Dad says the Colliers told him this morning it would be this coming week or next.  I think she will enjoy it there.

Serena, Luther Warren was married there or at the church Sept. 30.  Luther is the grandfather of friends of hers.  He is 93 and married a woman 78 and it really gives the residents there something to talk about.  Dad told some of them that they were just jealous which stirred them up even more.

Joe and Barbara were so excited that they could get to see their favorite team the Washington Redskins play the Dallas Cowboys on TV this afternoon.  It turned out really pretty but don't think they could be dragged away til its too late to do much.

Your Mother has done well in covering activities.  Yes, we got along fine with the Goodings on our trip into Ontario, including the 300 mils of train ride from S. St. Marie, Canada...it was 8º above zero there.  The trees were gorgeous and the civilization of Mackinac Island looked even better.  The Grand Hotel there was very grand (it will be 100 years old in 1987) with a four poster canopy bed AND modern plumbing.  There are no cars on the island.

The Hortons are now in Mexico . . . next week will be in a private home in Mexico City and we hope that they really do enjoy it, and not have any experiences like John did.

Betty Thompson is retiring from the bank at the end of 1984, so then it will be all new faces here in N.V.  Tom Brumley is now selling monuments in Wilmington (the old Miller's Bakery location) for his son-in-law, Lee Carey . . . so no job is really secure.  That's one plus for the law business in having such a wide spectre of clients . . . we are not getting all the "boilerplate" on memory in the computer which will make it easier.  The rubber ball business at Wells remains bright, but imports have hurt the other items.  Phyllis and her husband have gone to California for two weeks to visit his brother there.  Think this is their first trip west of Ohio.

Grandma is getting ready to host her Sunday School class for their annual meeting.  She has been an avid follower of the TV political debates tho we will all be glad when the election is past tense.

Roberta, ask us if she should start saving her $ for your goal?  We had 1 of your pizzas for suppers.  How was Russellville?

Love, Mother & Dad

1974 Catherine's letter -July 14

July 14, 1974
Dear Mom, Dad, Roberta, John, and Mary

Hi!  We were really overwhelmed to receive two letters yesterday.  Appreciated your sending those from Aunt Mary and the clipping was very interesting.  Too bad we don't have more space we could do something like that.  We have built more shelves in the attic of the library in an attempt to make three years growth space for the magazines.  Even with the new shelves we have still been found it necessary to discard some things which we would keep if there were more room.  The preliminary plans for the [building] addition are still in progress.  The architect (a member of the board) seems to be the busiest man in town.  He says he'll have something done by a certain date and then we're lucky if it's done a month later.

We had dinner last night at Tom & Mary Ellen's.  It was the first time we had been to their house and wow is it big.  They have 3 bedrooms plus the master bedroom and the "guest suite," a formal living room, a gigantic family room, an office and the basement.  I'd get tired thinking about cleaning a place like that.  We didn't see their youngest son, Jimmy, as he was already in bed.  Mike, the 4-year-old, reminded me of Tommy – blond hair.  Tom seems to be working hard at the printing business.  Mary Ellen sends out the bills.

On our own house we're coming very slowly.  We poured the second half of the foundation last Tuesday and almost had a disaster.  One of the sections of plywood wasn't braced very well and when the cement went in it bowed out at the bottom and in at the top.  And because the cement was there we couldn't straighten it out again.  So we poured the rest in very slowly and fortunately it didn't give altogether.  However it turned out to be only 10 inches wide at the top and we were planning to put a 12" wall on top of it.  On that side now the wall will be only 10" thick.  We have more or less decided that we won't go all the way up with stone, but perhaps 8 feet and then frame in the rest so that we can have it enclosed by fall winter.  Right now we're about two weeks behind our projected schedule as the foundation took longer than we had anticipated.  Yesterday we put the coating on to keep it from leaking.  Today we're going to level the basement floor so we can pour a cement floor, and we'll start setting up the forms for our stone work.

"Hello" to Grandma.  Hope you all write again soon!  Love, Catherine & X

1974 Catherine's letters -Apr.22-24

April 22, 1974

Dear Mom, Dad, John and Mary,

Hi!  Well, it's been a year today since we came to Sanford.  Kind of hard to believe.  The weather is very similar -- it's 80º and humid, the hottest day yet this year.

April 23, (same year)

I didn't get too far yesterday, but I suppose it's just as well.  Your letter and one from Mary came yesterday afternoon.  We've been very busy as we finally have the land.  Saturday and Sunday we spent all day clearing the house site and the driveway.  Mike Gallo came over with his chain saw and cut down the bigger stuff for us.  Somebody was supposed to bulldoze the basement/foundation this morning but he never showed up.  X has gone up tox the land now to see if he was there this afternoon.  He just got back.  Evidently the guy's machinery broke down this morning so he's going to do it tomorrow.

I was amazed that Wilmington didn't have ASeparate [sic] Peace.  [A novel about WW2 set at Exeter Academy in NH]  I'd consider that almost a must for a public library and even a high school library since it deals with that age group.  Did you try the college library?

April 24

Today it's 30º and snowing, quite a difference from two days ago.  Tom (Walkley) came over for lunch yesterday.  He started working at the printing place last week.  Evidently Mary Ellen and their two boys will be coming up the first week in June.  They have bought a house in a new subdivision in Kennebunk.  He says it's more like the house they have in Pittsburg [sic].  They are selling there the end of May.  He says he is working much harder now than he did as a stockbroker.  His hours have increased since he used to work 9-4 and now it's 7-5 and until noon on Saturday.  But the difference is that he is now working for himself.

It's National Library Week so we've been having special films and story hours for the children.  They were well publicized but the turn out has been very poor.  Next week X has organized a "public information forum" between Gibbs Oil Co and FOIL (a group opposed to an oil refinery in Sanford).  It's going to be on Cable TV and there may be radio coverage although that is uncertain since the local radio station, WSME goes off the air at sundown.  At any rate we're trying to get as much coverage as possible since we figure the library can hold a absolute maximum of about 150 people.

This week Gibbs Oil Co. is taking about 25 local people out to Puget Sound to see a "clean, modern refinery operating in a community similar to Sanford."  I think right now most of Sanford is pro-refinery for economical reasons but there are some quite vocal articulate opponents.  The tax evaluation on the refinery would be four times higher than all of Sanford together at the present time.

I'll save the news on the puppies for a letter to Mary Virginia.

[Love, Catherine]

April 24, 1974

Dear Mary Virginia,

Thanks for your latest letter.  It's always nice to hear your personal version of the latest news.

We decided not to keep any of the puppies.  The next time we hope to breed her with another Irish Setter and then we might keep one of those puppies.  All our puppies have now been given away, the last two to go, "Mary" and "Virginia" (guess who we named them after?) left the day before yesterday.  They sure made a mess out of the basement.  It will take me a couple of days to finish cleaning it up again.  

In your letter that your wrote on Easter you said we might be getting a package pretty soon.  Well, we haven't gotten one.  Did whoever was going to send it change their mind?

Tell Grandma hello for me since she will probably be in New Vienna by the time you get this.

How many more days of school do you have?  Are you going to go to Lakeside? What else are you going to do this summer?  Have you been swimming yet?  When are you going to come visit us?

Do you ever hear from Serena?  She never write to us.  I supsose she suppose she's real busy in college.

I hope everything went allright [sic] when you had Mrs. Hildebrant for supper.

Write again soon!

[Love, Catherine]

1974 Catherine's letter -Mar.27

Wednesday morning

March 27, 1974

Dear Mom, Dad, John and Mary,

I hope you don't wait forever to enlighten us about where John will be going to school next year.  Also, John, we are still counting on your spending the month of July with us.  We don't want to disrupt whatever the other plans you may have for the summer, however you're [sic] presence here would be much appreciated.

Yes, the Ballantyne clan does seem to be settling in this area.  Evidently the prime factor in the Walkley's move is that he was tired (after 12 years) of stockbroking.  He was also interested in a business of his own.  I guess he investigated several possibilities including a lumber yard.  The printing business here seems to be thriving and has been located here for about 25 years so it is fairly well established.  He knows nothing about printing but I guess he will learn.  We saw the house in Kennebunkport (built in 1792) that they put an offer on but we don't know if the offer was accepted.  Tom's only brother moved to Claremont, New Hampshire a few months ago.  He bought a furniture store there.

I'm glad to hear that the floral people are on the ball.  Also glad that Grandma is home again.  Does she have any plans to return to New Vienna?  I had already heard the news about Marianne directly from her, last week sometime.  I'm glad you're not "upset or jealous".  I'm sure Marianne will buy much nicer maternity clothes and baby stuff than I ever would so this way maybe I can just borrow her stuff later.

I'm sorry I missed the bargain on water chestnuts and bamboo shoots.  Here they are 50¢ a can.  How about bean sprouts does Strebers carry them?

X is at Kiwanis now.  I'm going to have to rush to get ready for work as it is so I better be signing off.

Nothing new on the land situation.

The puppies are going strong.  They are tottering now instead of crawling.

Love, Catherine & X

1974 Catherine's letter -Mar19

Tuesday morning

March 19, 1974

Dear Mom, Dad, John and Mary,

Hi!  Glad to get your letter of 3/13 yesterday.  Hope Grandma is better, I sent her a card today.  We'll be anxious to hear where John decides to go.

I suppose the big news here is about Mary Ellen and Tom.  She called us again on Sunday (3/10) and said that Tom was coming to Sanford the next day to look at a printing business that was for sale in Sanford.  So come he did, spent the night with us and we showed him our "general tour" of Sanford.  He didn't seem to be real impressed with the housing available in Sanford.  He was looking for something in the above $60,000 range.  He also looked at housing in Kennebunkport (which has had such notorieties as Booth Tarkington and Kenneth Roberts as residents) and found more things to his liking there.  At any rate he left on Tuesday not having decided to buy the business.  But the very next day he and Mary Ellen (who had flown to Boston in the meantime) arrived.  They finalized the agreement to buy Lincoln Press (the actual transaction will be on April 14) and they made an offer on a house in Kennebunkport.  So within a month they should be all moved up here.

Kuman ended up having 12 puppies.  Four of them didn't exactly thrive so we now have 8 puppies.  They are growing very rapidly although they don't have their eyes open yet.

We had some nice weather there for awhile but it is now snowing and has been cold for several days.  I've really been noticing the lengthening of the days lately.  I guess spring will be here tomorrow.

X had the perc test taken on the land last week and it failed.  They think it might have been because the ground was too frozen so they are going to try again.

We're getting all hepped up at the library for National Library Week in April.  We're going to have adult forums on local issues and films and story hours for the children.  The Portland Press Herald is aldo [also] going to do a special Sunday supplement on libraries in the area.  Somebody from Massachusetts gave us a nice gift of about 300 good hard back books both fiction and general nonfiction.  I am also trying to get alot of previous gifts processed or discarded.  Some of them date back to 1967 and they had just been collecting dust in the basement.

Well, I've got to get the house cleaned up as we're having some friends over after work tonight.

Love, Catherine & X

1983 Family Letter Aug. 15

A letter written three days after the funeral services for Jean's sister, Virginia Ballantyne Dailey, "Aunt Virginia," who passed away on August 10, 1983, making Jean the matriarch of the Nathaniel Wallace Ballantyne family line, a position she then held for 28 years until her death in 2011.

A two-page letter was an oddity, but this is an interesting description of Aunt Virginia's funeral and the relatives who were there as well as the more ordinary family and New Vienna news.  Paragraph breaks have been added and typos and misspellings have been corrected in an effort to make the family news more readable.

Monday -
August 15, 1983

Dearest Family -

Guess you have all heard by now that Aunt Virginia had a stroke Wednesday and passed away that evening.  Dad, MV and I drove up Friday.  The girls and Tom said that she had just lived for Maureen's wedding and really enjoyed all the activities pertaining to that.  She was having nutritional problems plus - was down to about 90 pounds.  The last time I talked to her - about two weeks ago I noticed that her speech was slightly slurred but before the conversation was over had seemed to be about normal.  It was good to see the family.

Bill and his wife,  Mary Pat, came Saturday morning so didn't get to see as much of them (& their or rather his two sons, Scott and Health, 10 & 13) Tom & Leslie have bought a home in Naperville, IL  west of Chicago & have already sold their Laurel, MD home & will be moving in September & are looking forward to living and working in that area - Leslie is a medical technician & hopes to get a position in that area.  Hope that we and Serena can get together with them on a future trip to Chicago.  Sarah has moved to Pittsburgh (from Oil City) & we didn't recognize her husband, Jim at first - he has really gotten gray.  Sarah, two children, Gretchen, 20 and Danny, about 15 were both there.  MV referred to Gretchen as a typical teenager!  She will be a junior at W.V.U.  Mary Ellen flew up from Charleston, S.C. but Tom and their two boys didn't come.  They had been in the midst of entertaining house guests from Maine.  She is still selling real estate but not conducting tours as it takes away too much time from the family.  Joe and Barbara drove from Gaithersburg, MD.  They are talking about coming to see us a year from this fall.  Joe works for the Bureau of Wts. and Measurements and even able to go home at lunchtime to walk their dog - Barbara works in the Pentagon.

I forgot to mention that Tom Dailey works for Crisco & shouldn't have to do as much traveling coast to coast as he was doing.  Both Sarah and Maureen are selling some kind of cosmetics - Nutri _____.  Bill is back working for the Dept. of Agriculture - something to do with people who give their stamp of approval on meat, poultry, etc.  He didn't find private practice of law the best way to make a living.  The boys weren't too happy to have to be wearing "real shoes".  Sneakers have gotten so acceptable any place I doubt if many people would have lifted many eyebrows.  Bill did tell Dad that the Catholic service was the instigation of the girls & not his idea nor likely his mothers.  None of the other Ballantynes got to viewing or service as they are either gone or too far away though they did send flowers.  Not many of Jim's family are around either - a sister-in law and a close cousin & a nephew & his wife.  All the visitors were either from the nursing home or the in-laws relatives.

We had planned to go see Aunt Virginia this Friday on our way back from northern Ohio where Dad has a meeting in connection with the commissioners and the extension services.  August 22 she would have been 69.

HH, JB & MVU 8/12/83 Before seeing Daileys for visitation for Virginia

Her funeral was at 9:00 AM so we went back to the motel and swam & then had lunch in a new shopping development transformed from the freight yards of the Pennsylvania and Lake Erie Rail Road.  It was really a bustling place.  The restaurant was rated as Extra Value and ** stars.  Enjoyed looking around afterwards.  Picked up a couple of gifts and other items.  There is a Dansk outlet (thought about you Serena but didn't know what you had in mind but they had alot of seconds as well as first quality merchandise).  Got a gift for Tim Schamaun and his bride to be.  Their wedding is to be August 28 in Westerville.  (Don't know anyone around here that might be invited except the Stan Fawleys (Jr.)  Think Marvin is at Oxford, Ohio but not sure.  At least the Marvin Schamauns and Greg & his family should be there. [Schamaun details follow.]

I thought that Dansk was made in Denmark but found things made in Japan primarily.  They did have some real nice things.  There was also an FAO Schwartz store there where we picked up a couple of things for Wendy's birthday.  Wondered later if they might be too advanced, especially one of them but they could be put away til later if so.

We enjoyed the trip in the van - really have plenty of room to spread out and even take a good nap if the road isn't too rough.  We specially like the cruise control on it.  It may have looked rather out-of-place in a funeral procession but we didn't have too much choice.

Mie Young stayed out at Hannah's while we were gone.  Her father has called several times from Los Angeles where her sister In Young is visiting.  It looks now like she will be going to school this fall in the LA area and staying with friends of her mother's.  They do have two children about her age.  Hope that Kim is able to make arrangements to move to the US soon.

Last night was the annual Sunday School picnic.  It was held at the church outside - beautiful evening.  We just had home made ice creams and desserts, which was a change from our usual after church picnic someplace in the area.  The Messengers sang afterwards in the sanctuary.

I went to school today and things are shaping up for the start with the teachers meeting next Monday and students' arrival on Tuesday.  This is the first year in ? years that there is to be only one first grade so Roseanna Wills Curtis will be teaching reading this year instead of 1st. unless there is a big influx of first graders before long.  Last year there was only morning kindergarten and Miss Shirley taught reading in the afternoon.

Hope that the Morgans enjoyed the rafting at least one day.  It was good talking to them on the phone yesterday.  Also Roberta and Serena on Thursday, and John & X on Friday.  Was surprised to hear that Steve Weiss is getting married in January to a girl that went to Cedarville College.  Is she from Ohio or the New Jersey area or where?

Mary Virginia showed roses, etc. at the county fair . . . the judge was quite talkative so M.V. got a number of points for next year.  The county fair had a good turn out with some 20M attendance.  The News Journal must love that activity for they had plenty to write and have pictures about.

Clyde Irwin [1918-1987] came to our rescue again as we were having some drainage problems in our back yard, found some roots in the line plus several broken clay tile, which Clyde replaced with plastic tile, so hopefully that will be trouble free for some time.  The Commissioners are involved in a drainage problem in Blanchester so last Monday we stayed over in Wilmington with your Mother and I eating at the new Chinese restaurant there and then going to Blanchester.  Had time to visit the library and then Jean went to visit some squ dance friends, while I dreamed for a breath of fresh air during the smoke filled meeting.  I am a poor politician.

After a three week dry period we finally got an inch of rain, which has greened up our yard and put some life back into our garden.  The raspberries are starting to yield again.  Our new patch across the street look great.

[Love, etc.]

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Marvin Schamuan 1924-1998, Marvin remarried in 1977.

Joanne Wester Schamaun 1926-1976