1961 Family Letter -Dec.9

 

Dearest Catherine, Mother & Daddy Uible, & all the Hortons,

This has been another busy week.  Tuesday night was School Board Meeting for Daddy and I had Enright Circle meeting at Mrs. Struppers [or Struffers?] Roberta stayed the short time (about ½ hour) that no one was here to look after them.  All went well.

Wednesday I did some shopping in Wilmington as well as did some errands -- John and Wilma Croghan went along.  Daddy went over to the auction Banyas [?] Buick was having.  That evening the Womans Club held their Guest Night program at Snow Hill and the Wilmington College [Indecipherable] Choir gave a most interesting recital.  Frances Terrell sings with the group and so does one of Mr. Robinson's son (of Buckeye Molding).  The Rudisills invited the Lockrau's [?] -- he is a nephew of Mr. Robinson.

When I was at school Thursday I heard Cheryl Cluxton calling her mother about some of the 7th graders wanting to buy a gift for Mr. Perry.  Some were willing & others didn't want to.  Sounded as if they had $8.50 to buy him a briefcase.

Friday night New Vienna played Woodrow Wilson (Soldier & Sailor's Home of Xenia) here and Roberta invited six to stay overnight -- Nancy, Jennifer, Linda Shaffer, Mary Pat Clear, Sue McKenzie, and Kathy Cornelius.  They had a treasure hunt gift exchange and talked most of the night.  The last of them went home after lunch yesterday -- then we all went to bed.

Serena was invited out to Betty Ann Walkers so had plenty of empty beds as we had seven sleeping bags across the living room floor.

I've got most of the Christmas cards out but thought I'd never get started.  We got one from Kim's father, one from the New Zealand Hiestands but will save them for you to see.

John had the 24 hour virus last night complaining of a terrible tummy ache and the heaves.  He's better today but didn't go to Sunday School for he seems to have some fever.  Serena thought she had a terrible sore throat so she stayed home too but is much better this afternoon.

There was a big fire out at the barn across from the Country Club where Williamses live -- Daddy said you could see it from downtown.  It burned down completely but they were able to save the other buildings.

There was a fire yesterday afternoon out at Marilyn & Carolyn Van Zants but hear they got it out before the fire truck arrived.

Tuesday night there is another band show between the basketball games.  Wednesday night is the Cantata at the church so doubt if we write again before we leave.  Looking forward to seeing all of you & hope Catherine will be ready to go home with us --

[From HH]
Got your letter this morning.  Have we asked you about how much piano practice that you are getting in?  B & O just called and 21 of the 25 baskets of fruit arrived.  Glad to hear that your MYF is going out next Saturday night.  We will see you before that

Watch the sun burn.  --Daddy

1981 Family Letter -Dec.13

 

Sunday, December 13, 1981

Dear Family:

The Winter Co. Commissioners meeting has gone and we are back in routine again.  We can see after a few years that going to these meetings is like going to a reunion with folks that you can recall faces but not names.

Wednesday evening was pretty with the first snow on the ground, the girls thought there would be no school, but they did survive another "normal" day.  Thursday evening we were guests at the Clinton County Fair Board Dinner which was quite nice.  One of the different things was that they passed out cards, such as "Candles" which had a message on that subject and was Christmas related.  Anyway, when they called out your title, you read what was on that page.  Gifts were handed out with matching numbers to your card.  It was a big joke as our gift was a "Hot Shot" and being from the "city" we found out that it is an item used to control cattle and stock as it is an electrical charged stick to use on cattle.  The chairman told us afterwards that they could use that gift next year and gave us a nice fruit package.  We have had lots of fruit lately as our basket of fruit came in that we had ordered thru the Future Farmers School Group.

Friday your Mother had an appointment in Wilmington with the Dentist then we went out for lunch (to the tune of something like $2.80 for both of us).  In the afternoon the Law Library had open house on which they go overboard on the goodies.

M.V. baked a cake for the birthday celebration on Friday and also put up our "reusable" Christmas tree.  We finally bought an artificial one which looks surprisingly real -- short pine needles which have everything but the good smell of real pine.  It should pay for itself in a few years.  Thanks to everyone for all the cards and telephone calls.  It is good to hear from you anytime but especially on this occasion.  The square dance newsletter listed my birthday as Dec. 13 and I got a surprise call this morning -- a special message -- Harriett TErrell sent greetings in song.

Yesterday we took the Explorers (7th & 8th graders) Sunday School Class plus a few parents to La Comedia to see a musical version of Dickens Christmas Carol.  It was a show only (no food) so afterwards we went to a Wendy's to get something to eat.  There were 20 of us altogether.  At the last minute (Yesterday morning) we had four cancellations so took Ruth Shoemaker, Eloise Simkins and Joanne Rankin.

We got home about 7:30 and changed clothes and went to the special Square Dance but didn't stay til the end.  It was especially for the beginners class so didn't make too many mistakes.  We will miss the special next Thursday for the more advanced group but are supposed to help with the New Years Eve Special.

We did enjoy our visit with John and Carol Tuesday evening.  John gave us a tour of the trust department and then had supper with them before heading back to Columbus.  Carol had real good chicken and vegetable soup, tossed salad, home-made rolls and delicious apple pie.  We hope to see them for a short time Thursday (Christmas eve) when we go to Columbus to meet Serena as she plans to ride the bus to there leaving late Wednesday so it will probably be at lunch.  If that is a bad time being the day of many Christmas parties, etc. we could just have a quick lunch at Wendy's so hope they will let us know if early or late might be more convenient.  It would be easy to arrange our schedule to fit in with their plans.

Today has been a beautiful day (better than last Sunday, Mother).  Did go down to the house and all the water has been turned off.  Someone from John Hughes Insurance had left a calendar at your door which is now on the kitchen table.

Yesterday morning was the auction of the Noble Drug Store building which brought $13,600.  In fact, the sale "stalled" at $13,000 and I overheard one of the salesman ask these people to put in a bid  for "another $100 might buy it."  They replied that they did not come to buy a building and had no money with them.  The salesman replied "we will follow you home to get the money."  Interesting these are the people that ended up buying the building.  Didn't know them myself, so will wait for developments.  It seemed like there were "zillions" of old bottles, etc. etc. which appealed to me even less than the building.  The upstairs architecture was interesting for the only light in the middle room came from 3rd floor dormer.  Hopefully a viable business will occupy the premises.

Glad to hear that Grandma arrived first class in Florida.  How did the pears arrive, Mother?  We hope that Mrs. Moore's return trip will go smoothly for her.  Everett Penn told me they are going to be staying in the Clewiston area this winter and would get over to see the Hortons.  Mother, Donna Sears went upstairs this morning for church services.  Teaching our Sunday School class the past two Sundays has "forced" me to do some homework, especially when the subject is "Genesis", but then who doesn't need a better foundation in Bible study.

[Love to all, etc.]

1961 Family Letter -Dec.11

December 11, 1961

Dearest Catherine, Mother & Daddy Uible & all the Hortons,

Thanks so much for the nice cards, money and the earring holder -- all of which I appreciated very much and will put all to good use.

We just got back from the program at the school -- the Christmas operetta with all the grades and the High School Glee Club participating.  They had a huge crowd -- we sat on the bleachers so we could see as well as hear better.  They brought Bobby Curtis up in an ambulance and elevated a stretcher so he could see the program.

We visited the rooms afterwards and they are all decorated for Christmas and look real nice.  Roberta's room have new desks with laminated tops and they are so proud of them -- want a new one for Mrs. King, their teacher now.

Shirley & her mother were in Mrs. Laughlin's room with Barbara and Shirley says she plans to write to you tomorrow.

Last night was the Redeemer's meeting -- potluck supper with the families.  There were 23 adults there and about 30 children.  The Garrisons and the Williamses were there for the first time.  The Intermediate MYF Christmas party was at 7:00 at the parsonage so just as soon as we had eaten Helen & I left to be on hand for their meeting.  Laura Hughes was also there.

They read the story of many of the Christmas carols, showed a film concerning same, had some games and the gift exchange and refreshments (punch and Christmas cookies).  Peggy Fawley said she had received some stationery so now she could write to Catherine (I overheard this) so you might send her at least a card when you have a little free time.  (Maybe when it's not your turn to shuffle or deal).  Do keep up your studies and not be the cause of Joe or Marianne not getting on the honor roll.

This morning the Home Ec classes invited some to see a demonstration given on Christmas cooking and decorations by the Dayton Power and Light demonstrator from Washington Court House.  They had neglected to mention that refreshments would be served so at 9AM we were served punch, cookies, candy and caramel cake with very few of us with appetites for such at that hour.  John stayed with Serena's class til they had to go practice for the operetta.  

Wasn't that a good picture of someone you know in last Friday night's paper?  I was real surprised although Daddy had said that a photographer had been there -- he had said it in such a joking manner we thought he was just kidding.

We are to meet tomorrow morning to pick out gifts for the Kuntzmans and Wilsons from the church -- have an idea it will be a waffle iron - sandwich grill for the parsonage but no idea what will be chosen for the Wilsons.

We had quite a large snow Saturday morning but turned to sleet and rain toward afternoon and was all gone by Sunday except for a few patches that the sun finally melted today.  But a very cold spell is in the offing and is to arrive by tomorrow night.

I am now the proud owner of a real pretty watch -- a Gruen which I received today and had been wanting for ever so long.  Daddy had a time shortening the strap -- really needed jeweler's tools but its just right now.

Don't forget to send us the detailed route of the shortcut around Knoxville if you have not already sent it.  I'd like to go down by way of the West Virginia Turnpike to break the monotony of Maysville, etc., but will probably go the same way.  They are not having the luncheon like they had last year inviting the school board the last day so will probably take off as soon as the girls get home from their school Christmas parties.  Lets hope it isn't quite as cold as last year.

We've been reading with interest the temperature readings for Florida.  Our heavy snow that was expected has been diverted so we'll think of you enjoying your new suit.  Anxious to see it.  Have you bought any gym shoes yet?

Hope to do some Christmas shopping tomorrow and haven't written a Christmas card yet so have plenty to do in the next week.

Glad to hear you are being a help to the Hortons -- it is certainly wonderful of them to take you into their fold and look after you so well.

Thanks again for the cards with such pretty messages.  I'm anxious to put my earrings on the new holder -- the other one was such a nuisance.

Love to all --

[The following is on the back]

Received your Friday's letter this morning.  Wonder if you are getting in any piano practice yourself.  Brought John's bed down to the shop this morning for he has stretched out beyond it.  Sounds like you are having a busy time.  Are you ready to move to Lake Worth?

Daddy

P.S.  John is getting ready to go to see you, for let him out this morning and he got a haircut.

1961 Family Letter -Nov.

 [Undated but most likely end of November 1961]

Dearest Catherine, Grandma & Granddaddy,

There were nine 7th grade girls in the choir this morning and we missed seeing you there.  Nancy Henderson's cousin was visiting and she was there with eight of your pals.  The choir had a special number and sounded real good.  There were 192 in Sunday School with a collection a little less than $50.00.  It was erroneously reported that we had gone to Florida too.

Everyone asked if you got off alright.  Roberta said many asked her why she didn't go or if she missed Catherine.  (She does but will only admit it when I get her to help with the dishes).

Linda Shaffer just left.  She went to MYF with Roberta and Mr. Shaffer picked her up here after seeing her saxophone.

Mrs. Schamaun was here yesterday.  She had come down to get a permanent and the boys were at the Fawleys.  Their present home is quite small and at the opposite end of West Jefferson from Darby-Crest. [?]

Greg has been riding a horse belonging to a neighbor and is saving money to buy one of his own -- long slow process.

Queenie had four puppies -- they sold one -- the only male, plan to keep one and hope to sell the other two.  Of course their pedigree is registered with the American Kennel Club, etc.  I offered to take one if they would care to give any away but not interested in paying $75 for one.

Appreciated your card mailed at Berea and hope to hear from you if only a card every few days.

Hope you all arrived safely as well as the cabbage & the cello.  Anxious to hear how everything is with the Hortons and we're counting the days til Christmas.

Study hard, read some but enjoy the sunshine - we'd sure like to have some up here.

Glad to get your two cards this morning, Lenoir City & Valdosta.  Noticed the "X" marks on your hotel room.

Love to you and all,
Mother

1981 Family Letter -Nov.29

 

Sunday evening --

November 29, 1981

Dearest Family -- 

It has been a while since we have written our carbonated letter.  We do hope you all had a nice Thanksgiving -- we did enjoy having John and Carol with us -- sorry that they couldn't be here longer but glad to get to see them -- it had been a long time since they had been here except briefly on their way back from Florida.

It was good talking to you, Roberta and Catherine and briefly to Wendy.  We did try to get in touch with you, Serena, but weren't able to reach you.  Wonder if you went to Kansas City or stayed in Chicago.  We had hopes that you might surprise us and come home possibly but definitely looking forward to seeing you at Christmas time.

New Vienna has had several deaths in the last two weeks.  JoEllen Streber passed away two weeks ago tomorrow and Charles Thompson died very unexpectedly Friday evening of a heart attack.  We just got back from the funeral home.  Betty told Dad that Charles had planned to retire this spring and do repair work on his own.  Too bad that he wasn't able to do that.  He was certainly the best one to fix anything at Daye Hardware and will really be missed.

They had calling hours for Jo Streber at the Church of Christ from 2-7 and then her funeral was the same evening.  She wasn't embalmed but was to be cremated afterwards.

Charlotte Hauses's mother, Mrs. Pugsley died last Monday and we went to Sabina where they had calling hours there.  We went from there to Extended Care where Dad had some papers to be signed.  We put on our full slips (Melba not Dad) and then with the Harners went to a square dance in Xenia.

I wasn't at all unhappy that the United Methodist Women voted not to have their annual Thanksgiving bake sale but the Senior Citizens had one in the Mayor's Office so was able to get some things for our dinner on Thursday.  I bought pumpkin pies and yeast rolls plus some other things.

Thursday we had just eight for dinner -- Grandma, Mrs. Matthews, John and Carol plus the regular four of us.  With a 22 pound turkey we had plenty left over which we froze after making soup.  We should have several meals much later on not to mention the soup we had Friday and leftovers yesterday.

Today the district superintendent spoke during the regular church services and Dr. Armintrout did a very good job.  Not too many stayed for salad and sandwiches and the quarterly conference which followed but it was all over by a little after 1:00 PM.  Mary Virginia takes piano lessons from Mrs. Armintrout but she didn't come -- she had to get her son ready to go back to West Virginia Wesleyan where he attends college.

There was an Open House for Helen Storer who is retiring as home economics extension agent.  Before that she taught at East Clinton and has devoted more than 30 years to the two professions.  They were also having open houses at a number of business places in Wilmington.  We did go to the two florists -- Swindlers and Brewers.  We did buy the makings for a deer wreath -- everything except the greenery which we plan to get in our front yard.

Grandma is all set (except the last minute packing) to go to Florida next Sunday afternoon.  Mrs. Fanny Moore is going to go down with her and plans to come back in about two weeks.  Her sister lives at West Palm Beach.

We did tell some of you but for the others -- Roberta called to tell us that Buffie passed away.  They buried his body on the grounds near the cabin at Payson and the next day got another dog -- an airedale (spelling?) Prince Charles ("Charlie") who is still just a puppy and into everything.   Poor Buffie had complications after eating a bird and getting into someone's medicine and swallowing about 18 pills.  Roberta also told us about some couple she had known at the Mesa Senior Center who had just gotten married and asked to spend their honeymoon in one of her apartments.  Both the husband and wife are confined to wheelchairs and so were accompanied by an aide.  They had to be back at the place where they lived by 7AM the next morning!

Mary Virginia has been planting trees in the . . . .  M.V. must have planted 25 trees -- all little ones that had come up in our garden this past year.  Thanksgiving was a beautiful day here -- mowed the front yard for the last time for 1961 and put the mower away till next April.

Last night we attended the annual singing program that the Messengers have at the Church.  They really go all out on putting on a professional program plus refreshments afterwards.  Guess peoples different interests make the world go around.  It is amazing to us how they seem to enjoy putting on programs in a 100 mile radius of here and yet really have full schedules during their daylight hours.

Friday was a slow day in the Commissioner's Office, so I had an extra opportunity of catching up on some of my legal work.  We are expecting a lot of traffic as the new rates are now available on the real estate reappraisal . . . which means higher taxes for everyone.  The local farmers are having a tough row this season as their grain yield is down and the price is also down.

Political activity seems to be in high gear already in Ohio for 1982.  Believe there have been five announced candidates for Governor on the Republican side, including Bud Brown, who used to live in Blanchester.  The most likely Democrat opponent is another Brown.  The other day a fellow was in the office inquiring as to how one becomes a county commissioner -- we told him how plus saying that we would vote for him.  Another party was in and said that "since he voted to put us fellow in office, we should take care of his problems" even tho we had no jurisdiction in the matter.  Being an office holder is a practical course in political science.  It is too bad that more us do not take an active interest in the office holder.

I have been been watching "Of Mice and Men" tonight but Dad has gone to bed so I'll be the one that is tired tomorrow.  With December coming Tuesday the round of Christmas celebrations begins and it seems that every group wants to have a dinner or some special celebration.  The commissioners (and usually wives) are invited to many things.  I should say too many things.

This has turned into a LONG letter.  We think of you all often and always look forward to hearing from you.  Don't get too harried during the next weeks.  I am guilty of putting too much emphasis on the wrong meaning of celebrating Christ's birth.  The church Christmas bazaar isn't helping my attitude either.  The sale day is this coming Saturday -- Dad is in charge of ticket sales for the lunch and me -- books.  Hope you people don't miss any that have been around the house for ?? years.

We do love you all and love to hear from you.

With much love,

1981 Family Letter -Nov.8

 

Sunday --

Nov. 8, 1981

Dearest Family --

I started to write October instead of November -- the weather has been so nice that it doesn't seem like it will soon be time for Thanksgiving in a little over two weeks.  We are counting on having John and Carol here and wish the rest of you might be here -- just know that you are always welcome.

Roberta got moved in with most of their things and the rest of the furniture to arrive a day or so after Thanksgiving.  The first group have moved in and are cooking for themselves until they have the number required to have their meals delivered.  They seem to be happy to be living more on their own and hope that all works out well.  Now if someone just buys their home on 61st Place before too long.

Catherine and Gerry have had solar panels installed on their roof and an alternate water heater so anxious to hear how that energy saving deal works out.  They are also busy with Elks bookkeeping and newsletters.  Sounds like they have had quite a job getting things caught up from the previous record keepers but it is in good hands now.  Wendy enjoyed trick or treating.

We have tried and tried to reach Serena by phone but keep getting a recorded message that the phone is temporarily disconnected.  We called information and they gave various reasons what this could mean but hope that she is fine and we are soon able to communicate.  As Dad says "No news is good news" -- the eternal optimist.

Kelly Grooms gave us some material last Sunday from John that had to do with the bank for which Dan and CCNB&T were most grateful.  By the way, Kelly left the next day for some base near Saginaw where he will be stationed for about the next year.

I was so surprised and pleased to see Martha Haines at a meeting last week.  She was wearing a very attractive wig which looked most natural.  She speaks very slowly and distinctly and seems to be getting along fine.  She told me that Debbie is coming at Thanksgiving and that they are all planning to go up to Boston to be with David and three nieces -- Cooper girls who are living in that area.  Marcia is also thinking about transferring to Earlham so that she will graduate from there as the rest of the Haines have.

We saw Tom Guard [?] at the football game Friday night and guess that Ella was there too but didn't see her.  Tom has slimmed down -- lost 21 pounds with 7 or 8 more to go.  He and Ella live in Sabina -- have moved from where they have been living there though.  He works in Columbus and will be in Panama for the next 15 days.

Dad was on the Lions Club dinner and program committee last Wed. -- had our Sheriff speak, also John Hughes showed a few slides that he had rec'd from a fellow Lion member in Zimbabwe and interesting enough there is an article in the current Nov. issue of the National Geographic on "After Rhodesia, Zimbabwe".  

Yesterday we got into gear on getting the house winterized and doing a little garden work for next Spring.  Buried some carrots and cabbage for later eating.

Last Tuesday from 8 to 10 P.M. we had a phone answering service at the Co. Commissioner's office.  It was interesting to get the first sheet from the computer and to "project" the trends.  M.V. and M.Y. gave a musical program for N.V. Mother's Club at Mrs. Carl West's home.

1981 Family Letter -Nov.2

 

November 2, 1981

Dear Family:

Halloween has come and gone -- with something like 190 visitors at our front door.  Had a few soaped windows so it was really a peaceful evening.  Unfortunately, Wells had a bigger "boom" as one of the boilers exploded, knocking the wall in the basement down, but most fortunately no one was in that area.  Ironically the boiler had been checked about a month before.

Saturday we drove down to the Cincinnati area to hear our local band participate in a band contest and they came in fourth out of nine schools.  It was a beautiful day for being out of doors and on the practical side did get the eaves cleaned out for winter.   We had supper at Ponderosa and took advantage of their sirloin special.

Yesterday the Goodings were here for the day.  Bob is "thinking" of changing jobs for as he says he is working 80 hours now and getting paid for 40.  In fact he had to work yesterday morning in an effort to get some machine ready for production this morning.  We wonder if he is sorry that he left Univ. of Dayton position.

Grandma has reservations to fly to WPB on Dec. 6th from Columbus, which date coincides with a meeting that we have in Columbus that week.  Fannie Moore is also going with her, tho far as travelling that is a mixed blessing.

Dad is on the nominating committee for the new church officers.  It was sort of a soap opera drama on one incident for the person had told him the night before that he would take the job and then called up the next morning (in fact, woke us up) and said that after thinking all night on it, he had better not.

Had a surprise visitor last week -- Nickie Wallen stopped by -- he hoped to get up to see John and Carol too.  Heard afterwards that his wife is expecting.  Marriage seems to agree with Nick tho the doctor says he needs to lose some weight.  They were here for about two weeks, visiting his family.  His father-in-law has quite a large farm operation including a potato plant.

Jeanne Sanker came up one day last week and we went out to lunch and tried to look up an old friend from our high school days.  Lowell is to graduate from Arizona State next December (next month).  He has been interviewed for various jobs but hasn't made any decisions as yet.

Mie Young was chosen as Student of the Month at East Clinton and her senior picture was in The Wilmington News Journal.  She did a lot of volunteer work for the Student Council.  Both she and MV plan to take a college English course that is given at East Clinton twice a week for five weeks through Wilmington College, starting next week.  MV is busy getting ready for the play which East Clinton is putting on the second weekend of November.  That same Saturday the band is playing for Wilmington College's last football game.  

Hope that Roberta and Marion get moved okay this week and are soon able to sell their house on 61st Place.  Think that I sent the rest of you her new address.  They have been busy getting all the inspections, etc. before they could move in.  She wrote a beautiful memorial for one of her senior friends who recently passed away.  This woman had been confined to a wheelchair for quite a long time.  She is the one who lived with her ex-husband and his second wife.  As she told me it is a "crazy arrangement but worked out fine for them".  

With much love,

1971 Roberta - Clipping about Canadian Indian program -Sep.

 

1971 MV & GHU letters -Apr.7

 [These letters, sent to HH & Jean on their trip to Africa, mistakenly got filed in the August folder instead of April.  Fifty years later, a few months late seems minor considering the quality of the content.]

MV's letter:

April 7, 1971 4:30

Dear Mom and Dad,

How are both of you?  What are both of you doing?  John is good.  Thank you for the card.  We are having a good time.  TV is great.

Love,

Mary Virginia Uible

GHU's letter:

Fri. evening.

Dear Harold, Jean & Joe,

People are trying to think it is spring time the way they dress but it is still cold.  We did have a little shower this evening.  John was about finished with his papers.  Last evening Jennalou Noble passed away.  A bad cold had been with her for over a week.  She died on the way to the hospital.  [She was the second wife of "Doc" Noble, New Vienna druggist from the mid 1920s until the 1960s.  They were divorced in 1959.  She was the mother of Eugene Engel who married Faye McCune.]

Wed. Serena & I went to Hillsboro to see Aunt Mary [Hiestand] I wonder that she is able to get up for she certainly looks frail.  [Mary (1883-Oct.1971) was the second wife of Uncle Harry (1872-1967), GHU's brother.  Mary was also the mother of Helen Carr (1916-2007).]

Mary V. is with us to-night.  Mrs. T. [Thornburg] brought her in about 12:45 as she went to the 1 o'clock service.  So will stay until to-morrow sometime.  Mrs. T. has a hair appointment at 10 & then was going to Hillsboro on an errand.  Mrs. Lynd called & wanted a pyrex oblong pan of yours Jean to make some kind of bread for Tues. meeting.  Mary V. has a nice letter for you.  Enjoyed the cards.  

Had 30 jack letters to-day.  Phyllis said everything seems to be all right.  John meets her at the P.O. at 8 to get the letters.  Hope you are all enjoying every minute & try not to get lost.  I am sure Joe will enjoy having company for a change.

Should have had a letter from Fla. to-day but didn't.

I thought John would write a line but he has been busy with "Uncle Tom" for book review.  We had dinner at Polly's to-day.  Sheffields sandwich for supper & a drink.  I [could be "2" instead of I  -- hard to picture Grandma having a soda!] had a soda.  Catherine sent a card to Mary V. for Easter.  Said she was studying hard.

Love, Mother & Grandma

1981 Family Letter -July 26

 

Sunday evening --

July 26, 1981

Dearest Family --

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[Love, etc.]

1981 Family Letter -July 19

 

Sunday afternoon,
July 19, 1981

Dearest Family --

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[Love, etc.]

1981 Family Letter -July 6

Monday morning

July 6, 1981

Dearest family,

Hope you all had a nice holiday weekend.  New Vienna had its 7th annual celebration.  Mary Virginia and Mie Young were busy both Friday and Saturday there.  The girls' softball team had a booth to make money for their group -- sold donuts and coffee in the morning and chili and ice tea and Kool-aid later in the day.  That and the drill team's funnel cake booth kept Mie Young busy.  The church softball team also made a float (which took 1st in its category) for the parade and Mie Young rode on it and Mary Virginia marched with the East Clinton band.  All day long they had gospel singing groups -- each were given a half hour.  Some you could have listened to longer as others were much too long.  Mary Virginia played for the Sears sisters group and the Rankins (sang one number with Jody) and sang with her own choral group organized from the high school chorus.  Mie Young sang with Judy Henderson and Jerri Mahanes and did real well in a solo number.  They stopped for an hour or so during the parade and then rain came which delayed them pushing all the groups an hour later so MV was late in getting to the square dance held in the street in front of the gazebo.  We danced for about two hours there.  They had about six squares and people seemed to enjoy watching altho I felt awfully conspicuous, especially when our square broke down which wasn't too often but so many people said they didn't know we danced.

The drill team is trying to make money to buy new uniforms so Mie Young was also looking for sponsors -- each uniform is about $110 and she got over $150 in pledges and checks.  And she still had some other people she plans to ask.  Today they are being paid to move books out of the library at the high school while it is being re-carpeted.  Actually they are working for several days but Mie Young has to be back at her summer job at Wells tomorrow.  She and MV are going to be working in the rubber room this week til vacationers are back in the rest of the factory.

It seems like such a long time ago now since last Tuesday when we went up to see John and Carol and Piper.  Mary Virginia also went but Mie Young wasn't able to go as the drill team practiced each day last week working on new routines etc.  We got up there about 1PM and had a delicious lunch with them.  Dad and John took off for the courthouse and other places downtown.  Later all of us got a grand tour of the Park National Bank's remodeling and talked with the vice president and head trust officer who would like to have John in his department.  We had dinner at the Golden Wok (?) where we ate when the Morgans stopped there last March.  Had a real nice day getting back home about 11 PM so was a full one.

Dad has been busy keeping up with the raspberry patch and he picked our first green beans of the year and also peas on Saturday.  I forgot to mention that John and Carol have a real nice garden and gave us some bib lettuce to take home with us which we have been enjoying.  They have so many pretty flowers too all around their house and garage.

Enjoyed all the letters, cards and phone calls this past week -- G'ma got three from Roberta in one day, the same day as we got one which included another letter for her from the East Mesa seniors at the center.  She really had a rough day (Roberta) when she had two teeth pulled, three people a the center fainted from the air conditioner failing to work, another having to be taken to the hospital with a heart attack, losing the air out of one of her tires completely and breaking her backpack on the way home.  Just one of those things is bad enough.  Hope the teeth are ones that you will not miss too much -- you didn't say which ones they were.

Grandma had rather upsetting news when Judy informed her that Sid Clay has accepted a church in Circleville so they will be moving in a couple weeks.  Kim (Susie) Ertel is helping her temporarily but she isn't ideal.  She wants to go ahead on her own which would be good but not always what she wants done like winding G'ma's clock -- she had to move it out of her living-bedroom area as she wound the chimes part too.

Aunt Mary and Uncle Bill are to arrive sometime this evening for a few days on their way to Uncle Bill's East Springfield reunion Saturday.  Joe is coming to New York to attend art school there for a couple of weeks and he arrives around the 23rd of July.

Yesterday the Sankers came up -- had said they'd get here in time for church and finally arrived at 1PM.  I was rather tired after a full day Saturday that I would liked to have cancelled them out -- was so tempted to call them.  It turned out that Bill had an ad in the paper (Sunday's) to sell a couple of cars so he felt that they ought to be getting back earlier than usual.  Bill said he is quitting the car repair business.  He had just returned from a business trip to Cairo, Geneva and some other places.  We enjoyed talking about the places he had visited and some of the experiences -- like the $5.00 ice cream soda that he enjoyed before he found out the price.

Last Thursday night we went to our regular square dance club meeting, which was special in that it was an all singing/dance calls . . . they are easier for us to follow.

Serena we read in the papers where the bus etc. fare is going UP in Chicago.  NYC is also having their problems in public transportation.  How is the bike riding going?  We would like to get up some weekend but right now it seems impossible to get a weekend that does not have some problems, also thinking about the possibility of combining a Chicago visit with going to Oregon.  So, time will tell.

Finally got our tree pile across the street cleaned up.  Had Pug drag the two BIG logs away and Wayne Davidson came and chopped up the other pieces as our wood pile will rot away before we get it used up at the rate we are using wood.  Wayne really waxes ecstatic over his wood-burning stove he has.  Says if he uses it just this coming winter will have it paid for in the amount of fuel he used in previous years.

We had a damp weekend here and wonder how the campers got along -- there was a steady stream headed for Rocky Fork when we went toward Wilmington on Thursday evening.  Did the Morgans go camping?  With their other activities it is hard to work it in (and have a good place to camp on such a holiday weekend).  The days weren't too wet but seemed like it rained most all the nights.  How are things at Payson, Roberta?  Do hope that all goes well for Marion with her up-coming operation.  We will be thinking about all of you.  Always interested in the temperature outlook for all over the country.

Dad has gone to Wilmington to the Commissioners meeting MY to East Clinton so hope I have talked MV into going to the school to help me with the inventory which I haven't done for quite a few years and needs to be done badly.  She had her breakfast and I an early lunch so should hold us over for a few hours.

The Harners wrote glowingly of their trip west -- went to Marvin Fawley's wedding in San Francisco and on to Seattle for the National Square Dance Convention where they hope to set a Guinness record of 2200 squares for there were about 26000 people there for it.  They are traveling with the Campbells from Dayton -- Stan, Sr.'s sister and husband.

Roberta would you have any brochure or anything to tell about the itinerary of your trip to Alaska?  Grandma didn't even think she would see any more than the Alaska shoreline if that much -- I thought you are scheduled to make several stops.  It doesn't have to be elaborate but she would like to know a little more about it -- not that she doesn't trust you but she has begun to tell people that she is going or planning to go.

With much love to each one of you -- our next letter may be ??? as next weekend -- Sunday we leave for Louisville to attend the National Commissioners Meeting there for a couple of days.  The girls are going to stay by themselves this time.  With their having to be at work at 7 AM I doubt if they feel like too much mischief and Ruth might be more in the way than a help except for having dinner ready for them and clean up the house.

Love again to all of you,

1954 Jean's Letter -July 4

Sunday

July 4, 1954

Dearest Mother,

Just got in from a picnic with the Rudisills, Penns, Geo. Shaffers at the Wilmington park.  The children especially like it there because there are so many slides, swings, etc.  It was rather a late gotten-up affair -- the Rudisills inviting us after church so didn't have too much on hand.  We took a gallon of home made ice cream which made quite a hit.  It was very creamy & good.

Last night we had our chicken dinner at the church & served about 254 plates including help.  We took in $294 ?? or so hope to make close to $275.00 for there's still money to come in.  Everything went off well.  We served creamed chicken in patty shells, glazed sweet potatoes, frozen peas, cole slaw, rolls, butter, cake & iced tea or coffee.

Mary & Bill & family are due to arrive here tomorrow with their family.  They'll stay til Wednesday when they plan to take off for East Springfield to see Bill's mother,  They'll be back over the weekend to leave the children & take off for Utah where Bill will take some special training.  Mother Uible has a woman coming in the mornings to look after the children & help with the work & also a young girl but still I bet her hands will be plenty full.

It's a relief to have the dinner over -- next is the Lions Club Installation and Ladies Night this coming Wednesday.  We had hoped you'd be here.  Harold is preparing his talk for the evening and plans to show slides too.

Harold went to Chicago last Monday on the train -- we drove him to Xenia to take it.  He attended a toy show there & made a number of calls.  He also saw a girl we met on the way over & they talked to a girl in Peoria that had accompanied her and they spoke of coming here this weekend but evidently their plans didn't go thru for they never got here.  I was sorry they didn't come but guess it was for the best for we were awfully tired after last night.

Harold is talking about a trip to Canada on business so we may accompany him.  Right now he plans to leave about July 13 so we may stop enroute if you plan to be home -- That's on a Wednesday & he has a meeting her at 10:00 so we wouldn't leave New Vienna til after lunch -- if so -- or we might not leave til that week-end -- will let you know more when the time time draws nearer.

We went out to the Fairview Friends Church ice cream supper last Thursday nite & then went to Jean & Joe Eaton's after that to eat watermelon & the girls never got to bed til about 11:30 that night.  I was awakened by Catherine going out the door fully dressed at 6:45 the next morning.  She sure doesn't believe in sleeping in [still true] -- in the morning & it's hectic to try to get her caught up on her sleep.  Roberta will sleep til 8:30 or 9:00 any time unless some one rouses her earlier.

We like our new car real well and especially the power glide (Dynaflow in the Buick).  I got considerable use out of while H. was in Chicago -- them went up after hi,m Wed. nite at 9:30 in Xenia.  You'll have to come down & try it out.

Sorry not to get to see Virginia & Bob & their families.  Know Bob & them will have a nice trip.

Come down & see us.  

All our very best love, Harold, Jean, Catherine & Roberta

1991 Family Letter (John's copy) -June 30

 

Sunday, June 30, 1991

Dearest Family,

The last day of June is here and the beginning of the end of summer.  It was nice having the Morgans here and getting to see John and Julie and Serena but the time went all too quickly.  In fact almost 22 hours have passed since I started this but do want to get a letter off to all of you.  We missed two telephone calls from John and would call him but right now it is too early.

There isn't much new in New Vienna -- the town is getting geared up for the Fourth of July Celebration and our church is having the Chicken Barbecue as usual.  No one wanted to chair it so Dad and I got the honors (?) this year but guess we all should take our turns.  Most everyone is willing to help which makes it easier.  We are planning on serving 250 people.  We have been doing this for 18 years.

Grandma is doing well, has a pretty good appetite and is very rational, even for someone half her age.  She definitely has her own opinions.

Looking out our front window, Jim (the neighbor across the street) is decorating his car.  He buys these old cars for a song (?), patches them up and paints them with shoe polish in odd patterns.

Our lawn mower is getting a rest, it is so dry AND hot.  We will be heading north to Alaska July 19 to Anchorage with the Donald Bernards so should get cooled off while there.

[The handwritten personal to John part follows.]
Glad Dad got your call this AM.  Sorry you have to pick Joe up at that late hour -- if all goes well.

We think of you often.  You both are in our prayers -- Hope you have something jelled for your honeymoon.  Let us know if we can help -- mail you the AAA tour book or card to get what you want yourself.

Much, much love --

Dad & Mother

1981 Family Letter -June 21

Father's Day 

Sunday evening --

June 21, 1981

Dearest Family --

Today marked the first Sunday with the new minister -- Homer Thompson at our church.  He is older and more sedate than Jim Wise.  He had a good sermon which we could follow easily but didn't wear a robe and all the accouterments which I won't miss too much.  His wife Roma as Dad says reminds us of Helen Kuntzman -- friendly and outgoing though a bit younger.  The only similarity that I have seen between Rev. T. and Rev. K is the lengthy prayer.  They came for lunch today -- had thought we might have more of their family but the others didn't come.  They have a son and married daughter in Columbus and her mother lives with them most of the time but during the period of their moving is visiting another sister.

The Wises are moving most of their heavy things on Tuesday (June 23) and the Thompsons the following Monday so they won't coincide too much.  The Wises have taken 2 U-Hauls and a Wells big truck full up to her mothers so they won't have too many things except the heavy furniture.  The conference recommends that they move as much as they can themselves, especially books, etc. to cut down on the moving expenses.

Going backwards we had a nice trip up to Ada to pick up Mary Virginia and get to hear the concert of the Ohio Northern Band Camp.  She was chosen to sing with the Madrigals (about 25 select singers) and played in the concert band.  Besides practicing for these groups and a regular chorus, she took music appreciation and she and Bill Kincaid were given a special class all by themselves -- Vocal Techniques.  The leader of the chorus did this in one of his free periods which was real nice of him.

Dad appreciated all the letters and cards which he received from you all -- and I especially liked the telephone calls Friday.  The long ones from Roberta and Catherine and the TWO from Serena PLUS a third letter within a month.  In talking to John this afternoon guess she was able to call all of you but missed reaching Roberta for some reason.  Wish the WATTS LINE was in effect all the time but she was able to take advantage of it while it was available.  We were happy to hear that she is now a full-time permanent employee at Smith Bucklin and her official title is administrative secretary.  She works on accounts primarily Health Care Industry Foundation's promotions.  One of the people she works with lives just 3 short blocks from her and she is going to be feeding her cats and watering her plants while she is on vacation this week.  (Hopes that nothing dies while she is gone.)

John and Carol had two foster children last week -- 2½ and 7 months so know that she (Carol) had her hands full with Brooke there too.  We are planning to go up a week from Tuesday to visit (while Wells is on vacation) as there seems to be something every weekend that the girls have to be here.

Roberta is finalizing plans for the trip to Alaska with Grandma.  They leave Phoenix the 5th of September, are gone on a cruise for a week and then visit Catherine, Gerry and Wendy for a few days and back to Phoenix to go to Payson for the weekend and then Grandma gets home something like Sept. 19.  Sounds like a real nice trip -- wish that all of us could go along.

They honored the fathers in Sunday School this morning -- oldest, one with the most children at home (Bob Sears and Bob Carey tied so went to the eldest -- bottle of Anacin) and one with the biggest hole in his socks.  Frank Young is the only one who would admit he had one so got a new pair of socks.

Dad has picked quite a few pints of raspberries this past week and they are still coming strong.  Can't believe July is coming so soon and all the corn isn't planted in the area yet.  It has been a poor summer for gardens.  Our strawberries are gone but Catherine says theirs are just coming on with Wendy picking them as soon as they show pink -- she is getting to be quite a talker on the phone.

Yesterday the County had an auction to clean out the store room in the Court House -- old office equipment and things from the Sheriff's Dept. -- ranged from bikes (remember the auction we went to in Chicago, Serena?) to a bag of some 600 pennies, which brought $22.00  We are going to have a party tomorrow night for Grandma for her 89th birthday.  She has been busy "pitting" cherries . . . .

[Love, etc.]

1981 Family Letter -June 14

Sunday evening --

June 14, 1981

Dearest Family --

We are getting this letter started a little earlier than usual so hope that you get them before the end of the week.  Mary Virginia left this morning right after she sang with her singing group at our church for Band Camp at Ohio Northern this coming week.  Mr. Larry Wilson, the band director drove our car taking the two East Clinton students (MV and Bill Kincaid) and two from Wilmington.  She had originally planned to drive the group herself but ended up with Mr. W. taking the group.  He was back here by 5:30 so made good time!  They didn't get to leave Wilmington til after one of the girls saw her sister get her diploma at the college graduation.  Wouldn't have minded going to Commencement there myself for Jessamyn West was speaking.

We might have driven them up ourselves but today was the Wises last Sunday and they were holding open house at the parsonage and we had half promised to attend another open house in Wilmington.

Mie Young has gone to the Anything Goes Olympics they were holding out at Mahanes for the young people.  So the house is extra quiet for a change.  We had hoped to help the Wises when we got back from Wilmington but it was all over there.  We had ridden over with Mrs. Thornburg and Wilma and were at their mercy as to the time of return.  We did stop to visit Mrs. Matthews for a minute and saw Louise Waldron there too.

The girls have had a busy week folding jump ropes -- both regular and Chinese (the latter their preference).  They aren't used to such routine work and standing on their feet so long but are getting in shape.  MV will have to warm up again next week after getting this week off.

It was nice hearing from everybody this week by mail -- even Serena.  The shock was almost too much for me but have recuperated and looking forward to another letter before long.  Thanks to John and Carol for the information about the new facilities at Deer Creek State Park between Washington Court House and Circleville.  We'll have to meet there some time for hear they have a beautiful lodge -- we could either have a picnic or try a meal at the lodge.  One of the other commissioners who works with Dad plans to go there tomorrow so interested in hearing his report too.

Good talking to you and Wendy, Catherine but realized afterward how long we must have talked when I looked at at the clock.  May have to put a timer in the phone booth yet for do get carried away.

Bet you are enjoying the Payson weekends Roberta after hearing the high temperatures at Phoenix.  We meant to leave the stamps but realized later that I must have left the white sandals there.  I got some moleskin and put in the white Famolare sandals and they feel so much better.  I do like the black ones too for they don't feel near so bulky.

Tried to reach you Saturday by phone, Serena but you were out.  I have been looking and looking for some fish I thought was in the freezer.  Glad if you were able to use it but hope it wasn't what MV said Ruth found and had to throw out.  It was supposed to be super fancy fish stuffed flounder frozen -- four pieces for about $17.00.  It should have been good.

This week is the annual supper at the Mt. Olive church so guess we will try to go as Grandma looks forward to going.  It was originally scheduled for last week but conflicted with their Bible School so they postponed it for a week.

Dad with the help of MV and MY (Mie Young) cut the shrubbery between the parsonage and the big brick on the corner.  he'd been wanting to get at it but hesitated as long as the Wises were here.  But with their ok they did it a week ago last Friday night and found alot of poison ivy in the midst of it.  Dad was the first to find those ugly little blisters but we all have some and Mary Virginia has it the worst.  She was to stop at the doctor's on the way back from Xenia Saturday where she and MY took the ACT test but was too late so is still doctoring it herself so may have to go to the Health Center at Ohio Northern.

We did have a surprise visit from Dr. and Mrs. Otterland late last Wed. night.  They are now living in Acapulco (near Monica) and have a guest house which they are very willing to rent for $100 a month that has a BEE-YOO-TEE-FUL view of the Pacific.  He is teaching there and told Elizabeth that they plan to go back to Sweden this summer to make plans to retire there in five years.  They asked about all of you.

Dad wants to thank you Roberta for the 46¢ you sent for his recycling work -- we will put that toward our next trip to the Phoenix area.

With much love to all of you . . . .

1981 Family Letter -June 9

 

Tuesday --

June 9, 1981

Dearest Family --

The weather is again rainy -- something we certainly don't need for have had so few days that have been dry -- don't believe it rained Sunday -- the first one since Easter.  It is warm and muggy.  The farmers just can't get out in the fields and most have alot of planting yet to do.

The strawberries are needing picked -- we did pick six quarts in just a little while last night but again the rain stopped us from getting all round the patch.  Wish that we had you all here to help us eat them.  Mie Young does pick but gets so many mosquito bites whenever she picks in the evening.

The big news is that she and Mary Virginia started working down at the shop yesterday and are finding out how dull routine work is.  They both were folding Chinese jump ropes most of the day.  I had a meeting in Dayton and Dad had his Commissioners meeting in Wilmington so neither of us were here at lunchtime.  They rushed home on their bikes, heated up some leftovers, gulped them down and raced back with about a minute to spare -- the 30 minute lunch period doesn't give them much time.  This morning they took sandwiches and strawberries and were looking forward to a more leisurely lunch period.

Can't believe the Morgans are about to celebrate their 5th anniversary -- and sorry that we didn't get best wishes off sooner but hope that you know we are thinking of you and wish you at least 55 more years of wedded bliss.  [Didn't make it to the 60th, but did get to #40]

Bible School was last week and kept us hopping each morning.  All three of us helped.  Mary Virginia and Mie Young had the 4 and 5 years olds and handled them very well.  We started out with 65 children and had 100 the last day -- with many others coming one day or so in between so we had more than 100 involved at one time or another.  The closing program was Sunday evening.

The girls went down to Rock Fork for a picnic with Tim Larrick and ate on the pontoon boat that his grandparents have down there.  Dad, Grandma and I went to New Vienna's finest [restaurant] -- Ginny's and keep wishing that they would upgrade the Sunday dinners a little.  They have for the Lions Club and the Mothers Club but evidently they don't think it worth it or would get as many customers or some reason.

Glad to hear that you are enjoying the cabin and coolness near Payson, Roberta.  Its nice that you take the senior citizens up there too.  Hear that Phoenix is to get way up there temperature-wise today.  Its amazing how much cooler it is in East Mesa than down where you used to live.

Saw in the paper where Martha Haines from Sabina is now at Clinton Memorial Hospital so take it she has been moved there from Cincinnati.  Haven't heard from anyone though about her.  Have you heard any more, Serena?  It's good that Debbie is home this summer -- really work out for the best.

Would love to see you rafting down the Metolius, Morgans with your new boat.  Watch those rapids.  The streams here should be fun with all the rain that we have had -- not like skirting all the wrecks we did one time on the Little Miami.

 The birds here are interesting to watch but not as much as the covey of quails that we'd see near your house, Roberta.  That was really something.  There is a strange bird in our front yard now with a coral neck -- one that I'd never sen before here.  I need my bird book to recognize it.  

Always enjoy hearing from you all either through the mail or by phone and of course the best way is in person.  Perhaps we'll get to see the Hortons if they get to eastern Ohio in July and looking forward to seeing Aunt Virginia the end of August and hopefully Maureen too.

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

1981 MV's Family Letter -May 23

 

May 23, 1981

Dear Family --

We received a postcard from Mom and Dad today . . . glad to hear that they arrived in Mesa okay.  Mie Young and I have been busy trying to keep the homefires burning.  Serena passed her drivers license test with flying colors, and caught the bus to Columbus this morning.  The Hortons, Mie Young, and I all went to see "Company" last nite.  We had dinner at Frisch's before hand, with Uncle Bill paying for dinner, then I paid for the tickets, so it worked out pretty evenly.  Grandma and Serena didn't go (Grandma had a bad cold, Serena didn't want to), so I game Wilma's tickets to Bruce Stauffer and Cherie Cooper.  Everyone seemed to enjoy the musical . . . alot of New Vienna teachers were there, due to the student teachers from Wilmington College giving tickets, instead of paying them.  I get this information from Eileen Cline, who was there with her little boy, who is really cute . . . blonde hair, blue eyes.  Also the Wilson's (Band Director & wife) were there.

I called the college to see if I had to get an application for Summer School, and they said yes.  So I stopped this morning, but College Hall was locked up tight.

Kay Wolfrom was up tonight to borrow lawn chairs for their graduation reception/dinner . . . .  We stopped at Hannah's on the way home from Wilmington today . . . .  Mie Young and I had never seen their house look so clean.

I did weed the flowers out front, and took a few pictures of the nice ones.  The phlox are really pretty and one of the snapdragons have bloomed.  The marigolds are so-so, while the petunias aren't making much progress at all.  The seeds that I planted last weekend don't show any shines [signs] of progress yet.

Tonite was the big New Vienna Alumni blow-out . . . Gail (Caplinger) Hutchins was going to go with her father.  So I said that we'd (Mie Young and I) watch Michael . . . and then they could stay all nite and go to church in the morning.  She is trying to potty-train Michael . . . what a headache . . . and a MESS!!!!  Luckily we only had one accident . . . but unfortunately, it was major . . . I was glad that Ruth had had more experience at babysitting than Mie Young and I . . . so Michael is now sound asleep on the couch in the Recreation room.

We went down to see the tennis courts tonite, but didn't play at all.  Our neighbors, the Davidsons were making good use of one, then Kara Dodd and Amy Cooper took the other one, so it's good to see that they are in good use.

Graduation practice went well on Friday . . . we really didn't do anything, but get some sun . . . I think everybody was using suntan lotion . . . except me . .  I did get a little burned, but not badly.

We saw a light on down at Wells last nite after the play so Uncle Bill and I investigated from the outside, since I didn't have a key.  It looked like someone had just left the light on, and forgotten, so I went back down with the key and looked around a little . . . I didn't find anything.

The UMW had their bake sale this morning for Memorial Day, but we didn't have time to go in, as we had to get Serena to the Bus Station.  We pulled up just as the bus did, so it was timed well . . . too well for me.

That's about all the news . . . hope Mom and Dad are having a good time in Arizona, soaking up the sun and riding around on Roberta's motorcycle.  It is nice here since the rain has stopped . . . up in the 70's.

Until next week . . . .

[Love, etc. from MV]

1961 Roberta's Birthday Train Trip -May

 The 10th Birthday tradition of a train ride continued . . . .

Left to right: Roberta, Linda Shaffer, Mary Pat Clear, Serena, Nancy Walker, Jean & John