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,

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,

1981 Family Letter-Mar.1

  

Sunday evening --

March 1, 1981

Dearest Family,

Doesn't seem so long since we last wrote but another week has gone by and if we don't get this out soon the Morgans will be on their way east and we have no Maine address for them.

Glad to talk to you girls on the phone this past weekend -- Mary Virginia appreciated your cards and calls  -- sorry that she missed you calling her, Roberta, but she got the message asking whether it was her 15th or16th birthday.  She did have a full day yesterday.  She gave the Earnhart girls their piano lessons and then her group came to practice as they were singing for the senior citizens luncheon at the Lions Club at noon.  That group plus a couple of others came for a birthday bash here -- she had fixed lasagna and a big salad which they had with birthday cake and then most of them left and she and some others went over to the church to sing for the Community Church program held at our church last night.  Mary Virginia sang accompanied by Tim Larrick.  The same two had gone to entertain the February Birthday Party at Prairie View apartments in Wilmington Thursday night so she is getting plenty of exposure singing.

MV did get one of the things she had on her Christmas list -- her hope chest.  (The other thing she wanted but will wait a much longer time to get is a baby grand piano.)  She seemed really pleased with it.  She also got a sweat suit as she is going out for track this spring -- in fact she starts tomorrow.  Dr. Nathan Hale had recommended it some time ago and so she will be busy every afternoon after school for a couple of months at least.

Dad went to Columbus and stayed at the new Hyatt there where the Commissioners were having a meeting especially for the new ones.  He seemed to enjoy it -- went up Wednesday evening and back Thursday -- he came back early as he was having problems with a tooth.  Dr. Hause was able to fix it so he is feeling much better now.  I had thought about going but had several complications.  (Dave Bailey took his family).  We had people coming to lay the carpet in the living room - dining room & hall.  They were to be here early Wed. AM but that is another LONG story.  They did finish by dinner time Wed. night but there were a lot of things to put back -- especially in the dining room cupboards, buffet, etc.

East Clinton held their annual open house on Thursday evening and we rushed to get to both MV and Mie Young's classes -- thank goodness two were the same and MY had two study halls but MV has something every period.  (We were to go through their daily schedule.  Also got to pick up their report cards.)  Mie Young has done real well in her subjects and all the teachers had good things to say about her as well as Mary Virginia.  Her English course in Short Story and American History give her more anxiety as she feels her reading comprehension isn't too fast -- hate to think what mine would be like there in Korea.

Fredia Mahanes passed away Wednesday -- they found she had cancer just after Christmas.  She had spent so many years taking care of their son and he passed away about 5 years ago -- she was only 58.

We stopped at the funeral home to see Mrs. Henry Kibler tonight -- she used to live caddy-corner from us where the Davisons live now.  We saw her nephew who is a little older than John -- remember he used to take the News Journals out of the special box we kept in front of the house for customers that picked up their papers there.  He is 24 just married last summer and is in the Navy located just south of Norfolk.

I went to a luncheon Friday at Jeanne Sankers -- all those invited had the first name of Jean or Jeanne so it wasn't too hard to remember the first names.  The invitations and whole theme she carried out was real clever.  She did have three geniuses of song there to entertain us with songs including "Jean, Jean" from Brigadoon.  Jeanne Sanker accompanied one who had a lovely voice and two played a number of duets.  There were thirteen Jean(ne)s, the geniuses of music were 2 Judys and an Amy.  As we left for home she handed each one of us a gift which turned out to be a bottle of Jean Nate something or other -- at least mine was body freshener.

I stopped at Velva Sheen and they were having a half price sale on any printed articles -- MV wanted a sweat suit but of course they didn't have any of those with a name.  Since I hadn't had any requests from any one I didn't buy much but wish I had and was tempted to go back on Saturday but of course didn't.

We were invited to our square dance caller's wedding on Saturday -- they were too be married in the Aley Methodist Church in Beavercreek followed by a square dance -- a number of our club went including the Harners who invited us to go with them but Dad already had some appointments so am anxious to hear more about it.  (I don't want to wait until April 4th before beginning to think about tax returns).

Today we went over to the Golden Lamb for dinner at 2 P.M. as we had a gift certificate (some of my clients really surprise me the right way) there and with the two girls birthday it was a special occasion. Came back thru Wilmington and went to a movie "special" that one of the Churches was having and also made a stop at the hospital, Extended Care and oh yes, at United Dairy for an ice cream cone (special at 29¢ a dip).

Last Monday night was our Clinton Co. Lincoln Day Dinner -- 270 were there and we even made a little money.  Ashbrook told me the Bank wanted to get that promising John Uible on their staff.  (For the rest of the family that is the 2nd Bd. member of the bank that I have talked with in unusual circumstances).  CCNB has sent out notices that they will no longer have any special checking accounts.  Its either at least $200 balance or $2.00 a month service charge.  Carol, how is your Great Dane dog, or was it John's idea to get the dog?  Isn't the reason that a dog is one's best friend is because they can not talk back???

Serena, we were surprised to hear about your going back to work for the employment services, tho while you are young is certainly the time to have a variety of jobs and experiences.  That is one of the joys of the law practice is that there is plenty of variety.  In the toy business customers always want to buy things for less, while the costs of things keep going UP.  It doesn't make sense that one can make more by investing money in money market certificates than one can in business and take the risks beside of losing everything.  

Mother, if it fits your plans we will leave NV on 4/16 , arrive in Statesville on 4/17 (with a night in TN.) and return back to N.V. on 4/18.  If the earlier weekend is more convenient with the Hortons do let us know, and we would stay overnight on 4/11.  Yes, the two girls will be coming with us.  Roberta "talked" about flying over to N.C but the cost was the anti clincher.

Friday noon Dave Bailey and I drove down to Blanchester to have lunch with the Sr. Citizens there . . . it's amazing that the gov't isn't worse off subsidizing the so called 60¢ lunch  -- lunch, plus everything from A to Z.  This county job is an experience and fortunately a congenial group.  Bert, being here in person makes me appreciate your "opportunities" more.  This week is both the dog pound and the infirmary on the schedule.

Maple syrup crop is low this year as it has warmed up and few freezes since the middle of February.  Hope to get some peas planted soon.

[Love, etc.]

1980 Family Letter -Dec.10

 

Tuesday evening --

December 9, 1980

Dearest Family -- 

It's getting nearer and nearer Christmas and still have much to do to get ready but do have the spirit, I hope.  Certainly did appreciate the beautiful strawberries and macrame Christmas hangings which you sent, Roberta.   I had seen some strawberries a couple of years ago but these were much more elaborate!  The others just had a felt leaf on top and a gold string by which to hang it.  The walnut shells had been painted red but just had dots of white paint on them instead of the white beads.  Had planned to send money in the last letter to pay for these things but forgot.

The church bazaar was a big success as far as money-wise - they made about $1800, but as Dad says if you'd count your time (all concerned) they didn't make so much but then people aren't willing to contribute much but time.  Hope that yours did as well, Roberta, in comparison.  Kay Carey had made some macrame similar with the blocks spelling J O Y but weren't near as pretty as the ones you sent.

We went square dancing in Hillsboro that night with the Harners and someone noticed Dad's name-tag and asked about Mary Uible -- said she used to live near G'ma's mother -- her name was Signa Hopewell and is now Dixon.  She is very attractive.  Her husband is now retired from the post office and they would like to get to Florida.

We had hoped to have 200 in Sunday School but didn't quite make it.  There were alot of people there but some others obvious for their absence.   Wendell Mahanes sister's husband had been killed in a truck accident.  so they (and his parents) weren't there.  That was Diane Mahanes who was just a year ahead of you, Catherine?  She had two children 10 and 9.  We did have 123 at Sunday School and put on a little program about the history of Sunday School and some of the people reminisced -- Helen Drake, Everett Penn and Mrs. Thornburg.

Sunday noon we had the three Cedarville College Students along with Elizabeth Johnson, who had come over for Sunday School, etc.  We had been invited down earlier to the Sankers for the afternoon as they had tickets for a bi-annual homes tour in their area.  Some of the places seem so unlivable, that makes wonder about the pre planning thought.  Bill Sanker's employer, GE, had recently sent him to Europe on business and they took an additional two weeks for sightseeing on their own, so we saw a few (yes, that is right) pictures of their trip.

Monday was the monthly library day in Dayton and took two of the librarians from Wilmington also.  Dad went along as he had to have another blood test as part of the annual physical and he had no trouble putting in the rest of the day between the County Law Library and the Public Library.  We can take books out of the library for four weeks, which is great for our schedule.

This past weekend was great weather-wise -- washed and waxed the car, cleaned the roof eaves and some general yard work.  Our broccoli is still growing.  Saturday was the first day for the new banking hours at the local bank.  They changed the Friday closing from 3 PM. to 5:30 PM and the Sat. closing from 3 PM to noon.  The personnel seem to like it.

Our dishwasher went on the blink . . . as the water is not coming in.  Did check the fuse and that is not the problem.  Guess perhaps we are lucky that we have not had a problem earlier than this in the 12 years of operation.  Dayes are coming tomorrow.  We got two bushels of Florida fruit from the FFA this past week, which we have been enjoying.

I tried to correct the amount taken in for the bazaar -- they announce tonight that it was $1864 and will be selling more Friday and Saturday at the bank so it should got o $2000.  We had UMW meeting out at Marietta Penn's.  Also heard there that Joanne Gruber is going to teach cosmetology at Laurel Oaks so will only be in her shop on Saturdays.  She should be very good though with the teaching.  I sure don't want to go to Mildred.

Have enjoyed all the telephone conversations and letter.  That was a good picture of you with the group, Roberta, and really a nice letter concerning you that someone had written and hpe something good comes out of her request for a larger senior center.

[Love, Mom & Dad]

1980 Family Letter -Nov.11

 

Tuesday --

November 11, 1980

Dearest Family --

Today is Veterans Day but did't affect us much here as there was school and work at the Wells Mfg. in spite of what they were doing elsewhere.  Was glad to get Roberta's call this morning and surprised that she and Marion didn't have to work but glad for them too.  Sorry that she didn't get to talk to Mary Virginia and Dad but both were on the job at their respective places.  Guess that John and Carol had a long weekend as they had taken off yesterday and gone to visit Carol's family.  We are looking forward to visiting them the last weekend in November after seeing Grandma and Mrs. Simkins (Pauline) off to Florida that Saturday, Nov. 29th.  Hope that this works in with their plans as we have been so wanting to get up to see them as MV and I haven't been there since they moved.

MV, Carol Wise and I went to a retreat for women of all denominations this past weekend up at Huron, Ohio at a very beautiful resort called Sawmill Creek.  Had no idea what it would be like but Georgialia Hannah had recommended it as she had gone last year.  There were 1004 of us there so had the whole place plus a number of the women had to stay at a nearby Holiday Inn.  Next year they plan to hold it at the Hyatt in Columbus.  This hotel just has opened and they can accommodate up to 3000 and make use of the convention center nearby.  (The Ohio Bar is holding their meeting there in May so hope to see it then.)  It will be a week earlier so MV isn't sure she'll be able to make it on account of the football season still being on. They did have a very good program -- about 8 mini-sessions from which to choose and two speakers who each spoke twice.  The music was so good too.  MV also made use of the swimming pool and whirlpool and became acquainted with a sophomore girl from Wilmington College from Washington Court House.

Dad and Grandma went out to dinner Sunday in Hillsboro at the Wooden Spoon and then visited some of the Hiestands.  I know they saw Joe Hiestands and also Miriam (Paul's wife) and son Richard.

Yesterday was the meeting in Dayton of the children's librarians so drove to Wilmington where Jeanne Liggett drove Janet Esmail and me the rest of the way.  Nina Bawden, the English author of both adult and children's books spoke so we had to rush to get through the booklist and so didn't have as much time as usual but she was interesting.

We have had an evangelist and song leader from Cedarville College this week -- both of which are very good.  Dad and Mary Virginia went to the square dance lessons.  Tim Larrick is in Kansas City for the FFA convention so that means there was one less fellow to take part so knew they wouldn't want any more females there so stayed home and went to church.

Had forgotten you had a recipe to make yogurt in the microwave, Catherine but glad it came out well.  Know you enjoy having some time off like yesterday to get things like that done.  Roberta and Marion seem to like theirs although it takes some getting used to.  I finally got the fourth leg for my oven rack so have made use of it and will more like on Sundays or when we have company and want to do so many things at once.

Had a note from the Sankers and they got back from their trip in good shape and want us to come down for Terrace Park's annual House Tour sponsored by the Garden Club.  We went a couple of years ago and really enjoyed it then.  Two out of the five houses are on the same street that the Sankers live on -- Princeton Drive.  She says that they are really unusual especially the two on their street.  Serena, the Wolfrums are still talking about their trip to Chicago and all the tall buildings.  They put their van in the garage for the whole time and either walked or took the bus everywhere.  The weather was cooperative for them.  It was their first trip to Chicago.

We have been listening to TV about the pictures from Saturn -- makes one realize how BIG this world is and also how small our own problems are.

[Love, etc.  -- Mom & Dad]

1990 Family Letter -Nov.4

 

Nov. 4, 1990

Dearest Family --

Dad thought we ought to really surprise you and write a letter before the year is out -- it is coming fast but the weather has been marvelous.  I'm sure the cold is coming but ever since the day Roberta left it has been especially beautiful -- so sorry that she couldn't have had it warmer.

We went to Ponderosa after church today -- G'ma went to Sunday School then home for a nap.  She eats very well and still had some to take home with her.

Mary Virginia called and they plan to move the 16-17th.  They have a three bedroom house in town and plan to get a U-Haul truck as the church will pay for it.  Then just a few days later they will be coming up here for Thanksgiving -- they go back Thursday as they have to be in Macon, GS for Cathy's wedding rehearsal Friday evening.  I think Serena, John and possibly Julie will be here for Thanksgiving too.  Wish that you all could be here.

I talked briefly to Wendy on the phone the other day to tell here that Oprah Winfrey's guests were New Kids on the Block with some of the parents so don't know whether she was in time to see it or not.  She was to have no school on Friday due to a teachers meeting.

We had a nice visit with Serena last Tuesday when we took Roberta later to the airport.  She was getting new furniture for her office plus some other things so it was a busy day for her but at least Roberta got to see where she works and lives.  Greenville is a real nice city and has a nice library.

Dad is busy trying to get the field across the street leveled and rocks out to plant grass.  It has been torn out for so long when they put the sewer lines through.  It will look much better and be more to mow.

Mrs. Thornburg celebrated her 90th birthday last Sunday and had a fall on Monday which has slowed her up some.  No broken bones found when she went to the emergency room but Wilma is doing quite a bit for her, going after her and she did ride the chair lift.  She is still good for her age.

Dad planted so much cabbage and broccoli in the garden and we have been giving it away but we still have some -- broccoli keeps growing til almost Christmas if we have decent weather.  Our asparagus prospects look great . . . for next Spring.

The Hortons left last Wednesday morning for LW, we miss their great help with Grandma.  Things seem to be running smoother with the four helpers vs. the earlier six helpers.

Friday evening we were guests of the Sankers at their Church's monthly social, where the speaker (ran) across the U.S. but he is confined to crutches, very inspirational talk.

Do you think out typewriter needs a new ribbon, cleaning (or Dad says) to be replaced?  So do expect an improvement in our next letter.

John, we are anxious to hear you & Julie's next experience in Chicago.  Connie Croghan has been working in Chicago -- as PRI (Buckeye successor [?]) are closing out their N.V. office & she is helping them to train people in the new office.

Love,

Mother & Dad

1950 Sanker Wedding picture -July 22

Jean Uible, Jeanne Sanker, Shirley Sanker Fleming

July 22, 1950

Epworth Euclid UMC in Cleveland

1980 Family Letter -July 17

Thursday --

July 17, 1980

Dearest Family --

We got back from New York last night and are gradually getting back into the swing of things again.  We did have a nice 5 days.  The party at Lynn Sanker's in-laws was a feast and the setting for the wedding celebration was beautiful.  Turned out they had had the actual ceremony the morning before in the judge's chamber of the courthouse but went through another one of sorts with the parents of David marching with him into a wooded grove followed by the attendants and lastly Lynn accompanied by her parents.  Each (David and Lynn) spoke their vows to each other -- David you could barely hear but Lynn really hammed it up in a dramatic voice that all could hear. 

A reception was held following this and then about a seven course meal -- which reminded us much of Cris's wedding reception and dinner.  They also had a band and at least we got some exercise between the many courses.  We took Bruce to La Guardia airport to get a plane for Cincinnati as he had to be back by 8 AM Monday to take a phys ed course.  He was only allowed one cut and had taken that on Friday when they had driven over.  Bruce wasn't in the wedding but Lowell was -- they each had two attendants. 

Both David and his sister graduated from Harvard and were Phi Beta Kappas.  His mother teaches English but has alot of scientific background and has had articles published in the Journal of (teaching of English).  His father is in the box making business and also sculpts with any number of his things around plus many others -- All the wedding and reception plans seemed to be in their hands.  Mrs. Garvin sang and recited original songs and poetry that she had composed about every group at the Saturday evening party.  The best man gave a toast at the wedding reception followed by a LONG toast that David's sister had composed for her toast.

They had made reservations for all the wedding guests at the Howard Johnson Motel in Paramus and it took us country people a while to get used to the CITY traffic.  John's former roommate Steve Weiss's home was just a few blocks from the Garvin's home.

Tried a different hotel in NYC -- the Seymour which really had a good deal on the garage at just $5.30, about half the going rate.  We splurged Monday evening in eating out at an Italian Restaurant, Roma di Grotto, which did have a lot of atmosphere, etc. etc.  Tuesday morning we took a tour of the J.C. Penney Hdqs. and was especially interested in their testing lab.  They didn't include toys in the regular toy group (there were about 8 of us -- one from South Africa -- but we asked about seeing the toys and they took us two back up.  We had lunch at the Beansprout Restaurant, you can guess that is a health food type place, which was good.  We drove to about 9 that evening to Clarion, Pa. and stayed at Holiday Inn, who had a family plan.  The next noon we were in Columbus where we went to a Mexican Restaurant.  MV said they never got much Mexican food in Mexico as their teacher was afraid they would all get sick.  Wednesday was a HOT day here -- close to a 100º and in the News-Journal the next night they had a picture of part of I-71 that had buckled from the heat.

Libby Milburn, one of the foreman at Wells was burning some trash at home last night and threw some gasoline on the fire, and unfortunately she rec'd severe burns over her body and will be hospitalized for at least a week.  Her husband [Ralph?] has the Pizza place on the corner where we used to live.

Mary Va. seemed to have enjoyed her stay at Hudson Guild.  There is no canteen, but Mrs. Thompson said they were having a good program over last year, but not up to the type program in the "old days" that some of you were active.  Their office mgr. is from Roseburg, Or.  -- Mrs. Reem said "he didn't catch on as quick as John".

[Love, Etc.]

1980 Family Letter -Feb.5

Tuesday -

Feb. 5, 1980

Dearest Family -

The weeks pass by so quickly - seems like we just mailed a letter to you and we're overdue again.  Afraid the groundhog saw his shadow last Saturday so we are in for six more weeks of winter - but hasn't been all that bad yet.  There is snow on the ground and we've had cold weather but not near as bad as the winter before.  (So I hear.)  Had a full week with square dancing on three nights - one was our regular lesson and two dances where they encouraged us to use some of our hard-earned knowledge from the practice sessions.  All were fun but they sure do dress up with the extra full slips, matching outfits for husband and wife, etc.  We were definitely in the minority without all the frills but had a good time anyway.

Sunday morning we left here about 8 A.M. as the Sankers had invited us down for the day.  MV stayed home as her MYF were going to the nursing home in Sabina that afternoon.  We attended the 9:30 A.M. service at the Hyde Park Methodist Church, which is one of the larger churches in the West Ohio Conference with close to 3,000 members.  They had had this same minister for a good 20 years and he is still good (naturally).  There was time for refreshments at 10:30, then a class meeting and then the Prime Singles (those over 45, etc.) had a program at 12:30 on investments and they had a big turnout for that, so it was after two before we got back to the Sankers.  The Sankers are going out to Phoenix next week to see their son and hopefully Roberta also.  The Howard Uibles also live in this Hyde Park area.

Friday we had a little party for Fred Hughes, who is going to take time off at least until it warms up and he then is going to work on making the old mill building more usable.  Howard Wolfrum has taken over, who I think has a lot of potential as he has both ability and interest.  Fred had been there for 22 years and can't recall his taking off for more than a week in all those years.  He did tell me they plan to go to Florida eventually.

Mary Virginia started the classwork for her driver's license this week - two hours a night for four nights and then after her birthday comes the driving part.  I understand that the parallel parking is no longer required.  The East Clinton Band is having different projects to raise money for the Washington D.C. trip - such as a rockathon, auction and a 1% of sales at different business places.  The trip is at the end of March.

Saturday morning I went to the Republican meeting, or rather a brunch with the candidates and the Committee present . . . about 40 of us there, including our congressional aspirant, Bob McEwen and two incumbent state Senators.  We will be in NYC when they are having the Lincoln Day Dinner, but then the pancake supper the following weekend is more our speed.

It is now Wednesday - and I (Mama) had planned to go to Columbus with Mrs. Howard the librarian in Sabina today but a number of complications have come up and we aren't going until later.  We have had more snow and East Clinton is the only school again to be operating on regular schedule - the other county systems are on one hour delay and Wilmington is out for the day.  It is beautiful, the snow that is!!

Serena, I found another part of your sweeper which we somehow missed when we took the rest over to you - sorry about that.  If you can't use the rest without it we will send it to you - just let us know.  Also thought you might be interested that we got tickets for THE ELEPHANT MAN but for some reason I was under the impression it was a musical which it certainly isn't and wonder how appealing it may be after reading more about it.  Also got tickets to Oklahoma - Mary Virginia wanted to see ANNIE again but since she had seen it in Columbus decided against it.  There is a special matinee that Monday we are in NYC as it is a holiday.

(Dad is going to have the check this typewriter as it seems to be on stencil and no matter what I move I can't change the lightness.)

Va. Walker was to go back to school today for a half day - also is her birthday.  She is on insulin now and doing better.  Jacalyn finally got a job (teaching) and is most happy about that.

Sorry this is hard to read.

[Love, etc.]

1979 Roberta's Letter -Aug.27

[8/27/79]

Wednesday Am – 7:00

Dear Family,

Gee!  Things must really be happening in New Vienna – too much activity going on to write!  Did get a letter yesterday from Catherine -- she had Miss Wendy's help in spacing -- Catherine was typing & Miss Wendy kept pressing on the space bar.  Did make for interesting spaces -- Catherine wonders when & where we will all meet again.

Marian had teachers meeting yesterday -- today 1st day of classes -- w/all new administration & they seem to mean business -- she is looking forward to the new year.

I spent most of yesterday at the library -- did take the tour -- it was very good.  I now have my name in for a study Carol (sp>) -- but in the meantime I am to get a semi-private (8 people) locked study room.  I'll be able to leave books, etc, -- there.  I'm finding that I have lots of reading to do -- alot of that in the reserve section of the library.

For 1 class had to pick group & do -- plan out activities -- for 1 math.  I'm still undecided whether I'll pick -- nursing home setting or senior center for my group.  That's due Nov. 19th.

Yesterday afternoon we took out 1st collection of Aluminum cans -- thought the price was 23¢ per pound but was only 16¢ per pound.  Had 3 big boxes -- plus 2 bags (also big) & got $4.97 == not bad for 1 week of work -- I always come to school w/ bag for picking up -- also when Buffie gets walked.  Plus garbage cans & 7/11 & other quick food marts get quick look if I go by them on bike.  At this rate -- from $ we can at least keep gas in both bikes.

I just got a letter off yesterday to the Sankers -- did I tell you that Lowell will be out here for school after Christmas?  something about his old roommate got married & he didn't know that many people out here -- so he decided to go to U.C. this fall & then out here later.  It is Lowell -- not Bruce -- that came out here -- isn't it?  I wanted to write them & thank them for delivery to airport.

Any articles -- esp. in NYT or WSJ -- about nursing homes -- or senior citizen centers -- esp. relating to activities -- could you please send them my way?

OK -- gotta go ---

Love,

Berta

PS 110º today -- but hear Ohio is getting heat wave too.

1949 Jean's Letter -July 17

Sunday

July 17, 1949

Dearest Mother,

Your cards & letters have been coming in regularly and we do appreciate hearing.  [Either the cards & letters from "Mother" aka Dear, were not saved, which doesn't seem likely considering everything else that was saved OR they are yet to be found.]

Mary & Bill & the children were over for dinner & just left.  They are to go to a picnic & afterwards play bridge but the weather is not at all good for a picnic.

Friday night we went over & played with them and 2 other couples & had a real good time.  Harold did well considering that this was only his 3rd time -- & the last being before we were married -- Nov. 1947, I believe.  I did very poorly until the very last hand when my partner bid clubs.  I had Ace, King, Jack & 10 so I kept bidding 'til it ended up with six clubs doubled.  Ed Kelly my partner really felt like killing me when I kept on bidding for he only had 7 with the queen high but I had wonderful help & we made it.  There was only 1 diamond & 2 hearts between us so we also had that sewed up.  That gave us 1850 or thereabouts & just cleared me 90 above the next score on the women's side so Ed & I both went home with a dollar.  (Everyone chips in 25¢.)  I sure was lucky with my partner for I still can't count nor remember what's been played.

Harold is interested (& me too) how your tomato plants are coming.  We hope to be up before they are all eaten so let us know how they are.

So glad you found my blue shoes -- felt they were downstairs but never took too much time to look for them.  When I did think of it I was in a hurry & when I had time, I never thought of them. 

Did Mrs. Reynolds find the diaper pail lid?  I meant to mention that I won't need the blue shoes so will get them on our first trip up.

I stayed home this morning & Harold went to church.  The arrangement is that I'm to go next Sunday.  Perhaps we will be able to take Catherine before long but Dr. Fullerton said it is best not to take her out as long as she hasn't had her 3rd shot & there are some cases of whooping cough in town.

We had a long letter from Jeanne Campbell & she says Mrs. Trimble is carrying idle rumors.  By the way we've never received an Independent since we've been here so would appreciate receiving it or do you think they'd appreciate a donation?

Also had a letter from Ruth Krickbaum who has gone to Yellowstone Park for the summer & has a job in a cafeteria there.  She seems to like it real well -- has time to paint which she loves to do.  Jeanne named about six friends of theirs who plan to stop to see her on their way out west (Three sets -- 4 fellow & 2 girls).  Marie Parker & a friend plan to fly to Cody, Wyoming and then bicycle through the park & so stop to see Ruth.

We put Catherine & Marianne together this afternoon & they looked real cute.  Catherine was trying to take Marianne's bottle off so while I was leaning over M would pull her hair.  I know they're going to have fun later on!  C's back is getting stronger by the minute & won't be much longer before she'll sit up by herself.

I put the quilt over the side of C's bed to keep out the light.  When I went to see her later she was having a grand time.  After she saw me she pulled the quilt over her face & went on cooing as if she were hiding & I wouldn't be able to stop her.  The way she looks up then smiles would soften anyone's heart.

During the hot spell they decided to start work an hour earlier so it keeps us moving to get him there at 7:00.  Since the weather has become cooler again nearly everyone would like to change back.

Some friend stopped us & for some reason Catherine didn't take to her -- would smile but whenever Thelma would get too close she'd scream.  She has an unusual laugh & that my have frightened C but it's the first time C ever acted strange with anyone.

Marianne's sunsuit (Medium  like C's pink one) is getting too snug so I'm afraid C won't be able to wear hers at all.  I've been meaning to try it on her but never get around to it.  I still have the bill (sales slip) so do you think it might be exchanged?

All of our love --

Jean, Harold & Catherine

1949 Jean's Letter to HH -June 22

Wednesday --

June 22, 1949

Dearest Snicklefritz,

Today has been cool compared to the last few days and we have often been wondering where "our wandering boy is tonight."  No doubt you got back to Columbus in better time than your previous departure from here.

Catherine has been put to bed for the 3rd time tonight.  I don't know what her trouble is.  The sight of her crib seems to give her renewed energy but after she's up she's soon tired.

Mr. & Mrs. R.N. Cochran (Jane's mother & father) stopped tonight and so ended my letter writing for Wednesday.

Again I'm attempting to write -- after receiving your postal this morning.  Today has been a steady stream of company.  Right after I gave Katie her bath & put her to bed for the morning, Bob Walmer arrived -- from Camp Lee -- he had deposited his family up at Grahams for bed (they drove all night -- too hot to sleep in Washington).  He stayed til noon and just after he pulled out, Bob drove in with Roger and Blaine & Dick Cochran.  They hadn't eaten so prepared lunch for them (4 hungry males)!  As soon as Mother came I rushed upstairs to dress as 2 girls I was in high school with came at 1:00.  Before they left Mary Margaret Graham Walmer & her niece arrived.  Catherine became fussy before they left (about 4:00) so I took her for a ride in her carriage & ran an errand for Mother at the same time.  By that time, everyone wanted dinner -- so now Bob's gone back to PGH with Roger.  Dick & Blaine are staying here tonight.

Mr. Ranney only stayed Tuesday night as Mrs. Peckenstein [?] called yesterday to say her roomer never came so I moved him up last night.

Faye Fickes Rosso gave me a surprise yesterday when she said, "I hear Jeanne Campbell is getting married!"  Later when I took Mrs. Ranney up I stopped in to see her (Mrs. Campbell) & she just laughed at the idea.  Faye said Mrs. Trimble had told her so I took it for so much gossip coming from that source.

Sharon, who lives next door to Cousin Maude came over to see Catherine when I had her on her parket [walk?] yesterday.  She (Sharon) told her mother she wanted to take her home.  I insisted on something in exchange so at last an idea came to her.  She jumped down & picked up a little gray baby kitten that was still nursing & dumped it in my lap.  Think you'd be interested in making a trade with her?

Am sending Mary & Bill an anniversary card -- hope you won't mind too much.

Everyone & me especially is confident that you'll just buzz right through the Bar and make a very successful attorney.  Catherine & I are anxiously awaiting your return from the strenuous tasks ahead.  Be assured we have the utmost confidence in our great big handsome hunk of Honeybunch (the honey-est bunch of handsomeness on earth!)

All of our very best love,

Jean and Catherine

xxx ---- Katy

P.S,  Doc Fisher has added burden now -- the support of a grandson coming to David & Myrtle -- wed last Apr.
P.P.S.  Cousin Maude passes & says "hello"

1949 Jean's Letter -Feb.20

Sunday

Feb. 20, 1949

Dearest Mother & Daddy,

It was so nice having you surprise us last Wednesday and we only regret you didn't stay longer.  We have wondered if you got home all right and if you went to Pittsburgh the next day.  We said tonight we ought to send you some postal cards so you would inform us as we have received cards for such purposes so often.

After you left, we found the "candy" you left in the dish, Daddy & it was really sweet of you but you shouldn't have done it.  We are entirely too spoiled by such wonderful and generous parents.

Catherine was quite awake until about 11:00 after you left & kept wanting attention all the next day.  Too bad her grandparents don't come more often.  Right now she's hoping to be picked up but I just fed her (7:00 PM) and hope it will last her until 10:00 & that one for the night.

She sleeps through pretty well from about 11:00 to 4:30 or 5:00 but she is extra hungry about 7:30 or 8:00 in the morning then.  Also before she goes to bed we nearly always have to give her a bottle plus breast feeding.

Friday we received a very pretty pink plastic quilted bottle holder with zipper opening in it to keep bottle warm – from Mrs. Blaine Cochran and a Utility Bag - Red Koroseal [?] trimmed in Black with should strap from Bob & Harriette.

We got a very clever birth announcement from Hester and Henry "Hawk" [?] Thrasher – They had a 7 lbs. 7 oz. boy – John Allen born at 1:57 PM, Friday, Feb. 4.  It was a picture on one side of Hester holding the baby obviously taken in the hospital when only three days old.  Then on the back was all the vital statistics.

Harold went up to the Placement Service last week to see about job possibilities for lawyers in & around Ohio.  They have four firms who want to take on graduates and there are over 60 in the class – doesn't look too bright for all.

Saturday was a real nice day & Harold painted the stool which you so kindly brought over – and plans to put another coat on it tomorrow.  He also scrubbed the bathroom cleaned the whole apartment and made oatmeal cookies.  After Catherine was fed at 4:00 we bundled her up in her pretty pink sweater, bonnet, booties, bunting & drove up to the Market.  Katie and I waited in the car while Harold did the weekly shopping.

We finished up the cake & found it very good to the last bit and still are using the cream – we feel quite like plutocrats for its so seldom we have it on hand.  I'm sorry we didn't realize that the other half pint was in the market bag until after you left.

Jeanne Campbell is coming over Thursday for dinner.  She was to come over on Monday but then we called & cancelled that as that is are only night to wash.

Mrs. McGonagle called the next morning (Thursday); it was a coincidence for I had planned to call her & tell her you had been here.  She was very understanding about your not getting in touch with her.

We had a nice card & note from Marie & George Walmer.  If you recall, she told us that we had been married on their 30th wedding anniversary.  In the note she said we were keeping pretty close to their dates  as their first was born on Jan. 28.  (Is George, Jr or Dot the oldest in their family?)

It's hard to believe Catherine is already three weeks old.  I don't have too much time while she's on a three hour schedule as I just put her to bed when its time to get her up again.  (She's really beginning to cry now so it look I'll have to end this.)

This morning I made formula – thinking two bottles would be plenty – one for tonight & one for tomorrow morning but she was quite dissatisfied with the little I gave her at the 11:00 feeding that I had to give her a bottle then – and after I put her to bed 1:30 – made up three more bottles – hoping to run her through tomorrow morning.  I don't know whether to ask the doctor to change her to bottle feeding entirely or not.  She nurses for quite a long time & then never seems too full.

I've got to go now for she's not kidding about the crying now.

Love, Harold, Jean and Catherine

Tried to measure Catherine & it look like shes 22 inches long now – 2 1/4 increase!

1948 Jean's Letter -Oct.30

Saturday –

Oct. 30, 1948

Dearest Mother & Daddy,

I am writing this in the library on library time as we are not at all busy right now.  We were so glad to hear you had decided to go to Morgantown for the Homecoming celebration.  I am sure you'll have a good time and not regret going.

We received your letters Thursday and took them to the Application Office right away to be sure they got there in a hurry.  I still am working too many hours to get in but we are to talk to the supervisor Monday afternoon and decide for I will quit working entirely if one hour will prevent me from getting in.  Everything else seems to be satisfactory with them.

I went to the doctor's on Friday – my appointment had originally been for Thursday but he had to cancel it due to some patient in surgery.  He seems very pleased all is well – urine, blood pressure, position, etc.  I thought I had gained a good bit for I'm getting to look heavier although I don't feel it but I just weigh 129.

We're planning on going to New Vienna this coming week end as it is Sunday, the 7th. that Harold is to be usher for Melvin Long's wedding.  We haven't decided whether it would be better to leave Friday afternoon or Saturday morning and haven't heard from Melvin the time of the rehearsal Saturday afternoon.  We sent them a 3 quart double boiler in Revere ware – like ours only 1 qt. larger.

Please don't open any packages that come from Cleveland addressed to us as Santa Claus is coming and there are only 45 (or something like that) more shopping days left.

I talked to Jeanne last night on the telephone and she is going to Maumee to see Ruth this weekend.  She has a ride over and back with Bill Sanker who is going to his old Alma Mater – Perdue.  We made arrangements for next Thursday as she plans to come down to see us after her singing lesson.

Next Thursday is also the day that I begin with my Pre-Natal classes.  They run for 10 weeks or double classes for five weeks.  As the time is getting shorter I decided to take the double classes.  They are given all over the city but the best one for me starts Nov. 4 here at the Main East Cleveland Library 10-12:30 and 1-3:30 with a lecture the first part of the hour and craft work the last.  The first three lessons are on care of the mother and the last seven on care of the child all given by a registered nurse and sponsored by the Visiting Nurse Association.  They also have classes for Expectant Fathers but all are filled up until Dec. 8.  Their classes run only five weeks and are only given at the Health Museum on 89th & Euclid which is just up the street from us.  The classes beginning on the 8th of Dec. would run two weeks during Harold's Christmas vacation and the next class after that would be too close to his final exams for this semester so perhaps I'll have to train him myself.  He has read more in the books that I have gotten, than I have so I'm sure he's already somewhat of an authority – all he needs now is a little practical experience.  By the way – my course costs $3.50 and his $3.00.

I would like to say that – I haven't any idea what I started to write for I was called into tea and now its past seven and I can't remember what on earth it was.  We have pumpkins lighted and the children's room looks quite spooky for I haven't got enough lights on in here but no one is here now.

Now I remember – I started to write that we would like to get home before Thanksgiving but I'm not sure for unless we make it two weeks from this weekend, the 13-14, the next week end is only three or four days before Thanksgiving.  And then we had thought it might be best to go to the Uibles for Thanksgiving for they may start for Florida and besides I won't be able to do too much long traveling at Christmas – or do you think that you might go down before the Christmas holidays.  If you have that is perfectly all right.  If not, we might be seeing you then and if the Uibles are still in New Vienna, Harold could go down to see them during that time for a few days.  Okay?  Okay.  Let us know if you are planning and what, etc.  Confidentially we had thought about running down to see you this weekend but decided perhaps not best and then we received your letter saying you would be in Morgantown which is very nice for you.  I hope you are having as nice weather as we have had here today.  I certainly regretted having to come to work when it was so beautiful  If it just doesn't rain tomorrow it will be a grand day to go for a drive.

So glad to hear Virginia and Jim are definitely going to Florida and would be nice if Bob and Harriette could go too but if Bob would be and Harriette could go too but if Bob and Harriette could go too but if Bob would feeler safer up here, it might be best.

Love,

Jean & Harold

1948 Jean's Letter -Sept.

[September 1948?]

Tuesday

Dearest Mother and Daddy,

We certainly thought about you this weekend and would have liked to have been with you but the Labor Day traffic isn't too enticing.  Thank goodness it wasn't too hot.

We went to Linn Zook's father's church last Sunday.  Rev. Zook was preaching but his family is in Columbus this week.  Afterwards we went for a drive looking for corn and a nice place to eat.  We decided not to buy the corn until after we ate in order that the corn wouldn't have to roast in the hot car.  But after seeing a nice place we asked some girl about it, she said she knew she shouldn't run down her home town but she wouldn't eat there – suggested another place nearer to Cleveland – which was closed for the weekend.  We finally ended up at a place Virginia and Jim had been to this spring when they were over – Settler's Tavern.  They serve American and Hungarian food being in the center of the Hungarian part of the city.  Harold had Hungarian goulash which looked very good – I was afraid to order it – so struggled with chicken-in-a-basket.  Next time I'll know better.  I'd really like to go there again & try something else.  I couldn't remember what Virginia said was so good.

We didn't do much of anything yesterday.  Harold has exam tomorrow.  Last night we went for a walk up to 105th & had a soda.

Wednesday I started back to work again.  That night we had Jeanne, Ruth & Mary Krickbaum & Ellen down.  Ruth left Saturday for Maumee (near Toledo) where she has accepted a teaching position.  We had ice box cake.  I couldn't remember your recipe but just put lady fingers and chocolate in ice tray & served it with whipped cream & coffee.  Quite good although it could have been more chocolatey.

I finished up at the dentist's last Tuesday.  He put in a gold filling & cleaned my teeth $16.50 – ($4.00 + $12.50 for gold work).  He told me to come back in about 4-5 months for another check-up on my teeth.  He also said to use Milk of Magnesia for a mouth wash every night and buy either Squibbs or Phillips Milk of Magnesia tooth paste.  I've only used the mouth wash twice – it's terrible.  Jeanne was down Saturday morning on her way to the Air Races with a group from the Explorers Club.  She wanted to borrow some dance records as afterwards they all were going on a Retreat someplace for the weekend – beyond Newton[?]-on-the-Lake.  I believe.

I bought a brunch coat when I was down town Tuesday.  Its seersucker and so big I'll be able to wear it for months and months.  In fact I've hardly had it off since I bought it.  When we were in New Vienna, Mary brought over all her baby books, etc. and among them was the Better Homes and Gardens' Baby Book which seemed extremely useful so I also got a copy of that while I was down town.  It covers everything from prenatal through 6 years.

The other night, Wed. when the girls were here – Harold & I were fixing the ice box cake & I happened to have a full jar of chocolate in the refrigerator which we decided we might pour over the ice box cake to give it more of a chocolate effect.  Harold asks if I wanted it heated which I decided would be good to do & not paying any attention – went on what I was doing & Harold took the jar from refrig. & proceeded to heat it in some container over gas flame.  In a moment there was a qt. of choc. all over the stove for the bottom broke from the jar.  I'm still finding chocolate everyplace in the stove.  I guess he was just hinting that the stove needed a good cleaning – which it did.

We do wish you might get over and see our apartment if only come for the day – anytime but I'd try to be off from the library if you could arrange it.  It's not always in the best of shape but know you'd understand that.

All our love,

Jean & Harold

1988 Family Letter -April 10

Sunday, April 10, 1988

Dear Family:

Yes, we survived our 40th anniversary and the video tape of our "earlier" days was most appropriate.  It brought back many memories.  Recently, Elizabeth Johnson's sister gave us a SCRAP book that Elizabeth had made of our trip with them in 1957 to NYC and Boston . . . she had copies of hotel bills (like $7.50 a night) and "detail" descriptions of all the things that we did.

Thursday we went to Cincinnati to get Grandma, she seems better than last fall.  As they say in Sunday School that if everyone had as much grit as she had the Church would be overflowing.

Yesterday was a full day, making a living in the morning and at 12:30 we were at Wilmington College for the International Student Day . . . the foreign students fix foods of their nationality, which also serves as a fund raiser.  The Liggetts, with whom we are going with next month are in charge of the program.  They are responsible for bringing a number of students here from Malaysia and to them the trip to Malaysia will be like going home.  We leave May 11th.

Next stop was the Crisis Pregnancy Center (MV was "hep" on this) People to People Auction at Roberts Arena.  They had some 170 items donated, such as free dental check up to such things as "color coordination for you" which we bid in.  Dad admits he needs help in this area.

Last night was our square dance club annual "All Nighter" which is a virtual literal translation for a long night.  We do have a great club group tho we shouldn't have said yes to be the president, tho it is an experience.  This morning came very quickly.

Our street looks like the A Bomb went off there as a result of the sewer line being laid up the middle.  It is worse than a gravel road.  With the new garage door openers it is no effort to keep the doors closed.  We really do appreciate the family getting us started on these door openers.  The other was installed this past week.

It has been too wet to make garden, tho am anxious to try our new garden cultivator.  We will have to mow the grass for the first time this next week, so Spring is here.

Serena went to Bloomington last Wednesday and expects to back this week and hopes to get some job interviews.  It will be interesting to see where.

[remainder is personalized to Roberta]

Appreciate your calling us this afternoon & it was nice talking to you, Joe, Wendy and Catherine.  As I told Catherine we had planned to call you but Jeanne Sanker was here.  Bill was to come but was snowed under with work as he has taken over another employee's position who got upset & quit recently.  Lowell is to be married May 28 – a 1st grade schoolteacher – they are going on a delayed (2 weeks later) honeymoon to Hawaii when her school is out.  Bruce is to be honored at Purdue next weekend where he graduates in June – studying electronics.  May try for space job.

[in HH's writing]
Roberta, do let us know about the L.A.-PHX plane fares & the need for advance reservations, etc.

John & I are going bike riding next weekend.  The Dr. told me last week that if I could ride across Iowa on bike I didn't need any advice on exercise.

Love, 

Mother & Dad

1936 New Cumberland High School Grade 9 -Oct.20

Jean Ballantyne Uible, 3rd from left seated in front row.  Jeanne Campbell Sanker, 4th from left top row.

1986 Family Letter -May 20

Tuesday, May 20, 1986

Dear Family:

The Hortons arrived in New Vienna this evening, spending one night en route in Georgia.  Aunt Mary is to be the spokesman for her class of 1931 at the NVHS Alumni this Saturday evening.  They plan to be here two weeks.

Last Wednesday afternoon we left for Cincinnati . . . had a dinner invitation with a lady who use to live in Wilmington and now lives in a fancy retirement home in Cincinnati, with a dignified title "New England Club."  The next night we ate with the Sankers at a new restaurant and came home Friday evening.

We had meetings all day Thursday (including a tour of the IRS headquarters) and Friday on various legal matters.  We have reservations to go to NY for the ABA . . . some of you will recall our staying at the Waldorf Astoria at the last ABA meeting in NYC.

Two weeks ago Sunday the Goodings invited us up for dinner and a hike.  Lisa continues to have serious health problems.  Oh yes, while in Cincinnati we looked up Jim Gooding who is restoring an old house in an old neighborhood . . . he has lots to be proud of.

Last Sunday evening was Recognition Night at Wilmington College – both MV and MY were recipients of awards . . . and special recognition.  MV is all enthused about her upcoming trip and the support for the cause . . . which includes a $1,000 from the Port William Church.  (Wish New Vienna would give but it is most doubtful for they are not mission-minded enough).  Prof. Haskins really praised MV for her musical ability – being able to sing tenor, alto and soprano as well and all very well.  She had him put in jail last week (benefit of the American Cancer Society) and raised $300 I think to have him bailed out – charges were crazy conducting.  He also referred to this and said that was the only way such a group could be conducted.  To our surprise he announced that she would be conducting an orchestral group to music that she had composed at a Sunday evening concert June 8 – wish you could all be here for that.  She was also recognized for being chosen for Who's Who Among College & University Students.  Mie Young was the recipient of several awards including the Leadership Award as was Bill Kincaid – both announced for the first time that night.  Four other East Clinton students were recognized so our school was well represented.

[Love, etc.]

1935 Jean's 7th Grade class picture - New Cumberland WV

1935 Jean Wallace Ballantyne (Uible) in 7th Grade Class Picture, New Cumberland, WV.  

Others pictured include: Front Row left to right, Jean Turley (Clark), --, --, Dean  McAtee, Mary Smith, --, Helen Kralovic, --.  Middle Row: Becky Cullen, Mary Margaret Graham, Laura Biparovich, Betty Ward (Miller), Jeanne Campbell (Sanker), Margaret Young, Catherine Smith (Foster), Jean Ballantyne (Uible), Madeline Cullen.  Third Row: only one identified is second from left Dean Stentz.  Teacher (in rear), Melvin "Bill" Thayer.

Back of 1935 7th Grade Class Photo

1954 Jean's Letter -Aug 1

1954 Jean's Letter to her mother - Aug. 1
First and last pages scanned.

Sunday

August 1, 1954

Dearest Mother,

We should have sooner [written] to tell you we arrived home safely about 8:00 last Sunday night.  We stopped on the way to eat, see Melvin & Helen Long (they weren't home but saw their little girl & Helen's family who were baby-sitting) and later Aunt Vertie and then at Mother & Daddy Uibles to see them & the Horton children.

Tuesday afternoon Bill Sanker called from Cleveland to say he was leaving then for Cincinnati & so he arrived at 12:30 that night (we had left everything ready for him) but didn't hear him come in.  He left after breakfast (around 6:30) & stopped on his way back Thursday night – stayed for supper & all night & left about 4:00 AM for Cleveland – when we again didn't hear him.

They are tearing down the house behind the filling station across the street where Arlene & Dick Curtis used to live.  They plan to put up a super-modern station there.

We stopped tonight to see the McElwee's newly-moved-in-to house.  They certainly have the rooms now.  Three bedrooms, huge attic, basement (with big billiard table & fixed up like a recreation room).  I'd think they'd really get lost in the house after their former one.

Mother & Daddy Uible & the 3 little Horton's were down for supper tonight.  They brought a watermelon & I doctored up a bought Angel food with strawberries & whipped cream and we had some cold roast beef & turkey sandwiches (the latter thanks to Thanksgiving – the last package).

Catherine didn't feel very good this past week but is fine now.  Wednesday she had a fever of 102º & complained of sore throat.  We had Dr. Fullerton Thursday morning & he gave her a penicillin shot, sulphea medicine & some other pills & she soon snapped out of it.  He said its primarily her tonsils & wants to see them this fall & see that they're taken out if need be.

Mary & Bill are due back about a week from tomorrow & I'll bet G'Ma & G'Dad are counting the days.  The children don't seem to be a bit homesick.

I'm to get a permanent Tuesday.  The Lions Club picnic is Wednesday night – Thursday is the WSCS picnic & that night the Firemen [?] are giving a minstrel.  Tomorrow night is Church Board Meeting and I have a Hospital Twig meeting too.

The Fenwicks have gone to Florida for a little vacation.  His sister lives there (in Miami).  John didn't go.  I guess he has to work.

No doubt Bob & Harriette & family are home or almost so by now.  Do hope they had a nice vacation.

Would you ask Virginia if she might have packed the belt to my navy dotted nylon or perhaps it will turn up some old place at home – anyway I hope.

We're counting on you coming down soon so please plan on it.  Harold is planning to go to New York in about 3 weeks.

All our very best love,

Harold, Jean, Catherine, Roberta & ? [expected baby Serena] (We haven't told M.&D. Uible yet so shhhhhh please)