1991 Christmas Photo -Dec.25

Don & Mary, John & Julie, Serena, and Grandma - Christmas 1991

 

1951 & 1959 (or'60?) Christmas pictures of siblings

 

Catherine & Roberta, Christmas 1951

Serena & John, Christmas 1959 or 1960

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

1961 Family Letter -Dec.3

 

 

December 3, 1961

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

We have read with great interest all your cards and letters and hope you keep them coming for the time goes a little quicker that way and Christmas will soon be here.

I guess you have heard by this time that Mr. Donohoo came back Thursday morning for a few minutes but unable to do much yet for he's still weak from the grippe so told him to come back after the first of the year or I never would get things straightened up in time for Mother's Club meeting (this Tuesday nite) nor enjoy any other pre-Christmas festivities.

We put up our tree this afternoon and even have a wreath on the door but it was so warm out seemed more like a spring day.  We went out to Streber's farm to pick out a tree for they aren't at the store yet -- got a real pretty one -- not too tall but mounted it on a box so it hits the ceiling -- May put icicles on it but otherwise through decorating it.

The test you took in science was real good considering all the longer you had been down there -- I'm sure I couldn't answer near that many myself.  Was going to tell Mr. Hughes but none of them were in Sunday School except Karen.

John has moved on to Mrs. Rudisill's Sunday School class so he is much happier -- all the 3½ and 4 year olds seemed to move on this morning or I would have thought John's complaining made Mrs. Wilkinson suggest something.

Mrs. Strupper had so many last Sunday because those 5th grade girls finally were promoted.  They didn't have near enough books (quarterlies) and wondered if she might have yours.  We finally found it and she was pleased to have an extra one today.  She said she certainly missed you in her class these past two Sundays.

Thanks for sending on the names for the Christmas exchange.  Serena is having such a time trying to keep her secret.  If you hear of anything mentioned that would make a possible gift we'd appreciate any suggestions up this way.  Wilma Croghan's list in her kitchen always intrigued me and wish everyone would put out such helpful ideas.

Roberta went to Redeemer's meeting with us out at Gano's and had a wonderful time with Jennifer.  Peggy Fawley also was there but Jennifer especially invited Roberta and had a different game set up in every room upstairs -- Monopoly, etc.

How was the skating party?  Tell Aunt Mary and Uncle Bill to practice up and maybe we'll all go skating while we are down -- providing the weather good for other things especially.

We are also trying to get ready for the Lions Club Dinner Dance and the elves we are making for place favors are about to drive me crazy.  Harold says that they look more like members of the Klu Klux Klan.  Most everyone has accepted so hope it will be a real nice affair.

Wondered if you saw "Victoria Regina" on television Thursday night.  It was excellent but thought you might be studying for exams.  Some parts could have been a little closer to the truth and other elaborated on but considering the time it covered in one hour was very well done.

Today was Tommy Kuntzman's birthday and he celebrated in his Sunday school class (good day for John to be promoted).  He gave out little miniature manger scenes with characters that glow in the dark.

Forgot to tell you that we got out the set you made in Bible School last summer and everytime I look at it John has all the figures up in the box and Baby Jesus outside in front.  Also put the Swedish angel set out and Serena insisted we light the candles and listen to the bells with all the lights out.

Speaking of lights out -- it is time for bed so may add a little more in the morning.

Until then -- goodnight.

Here it is lunch time and will say "high"

Have you been to the Public Library yet, Catherine and how about the school library.  Roberta hopes to have a party in two weeks and she gets to invite one person for each 100 she gets in school this week.  Serena was real pleased to get an "E" in preparation of work and S in everything else on her first report card.

Enjoy your letters. 

1961 Family Letter -Nov.

 

[Nov. 1961 -- Catherine spent the rest of November and December in Florida]

Dearest Catherine, Grandma & Granddaddy,

Seems like you've been gone a long time already and its just a little over 24 hours.  Hope you had a pleasant trip down and know you are glad to see the Hortons.  Wish we could have all gone too.

Serena was so disappointed that she didn't get to see you all off.  Her cold is much better and she had Barbara [Bernard]  in for the afternoon instead of all night which suited everyone better.

Roberta went to Wilmington with Daddy and walked out to the library and did a bit of shopping.  They did purchase one of those black tropical fish with the goggle eyes and it really made our long goldfish look tiny not to mention frightening it to death so finally separated them.  Guess we need a bigger bowl now and some protection for little Goldie.

We took Barbara home after supper last night.  Shirley was anxious to know if you got off alright.  She had gotten a permanent at the Snow Hill Beauty Shop -- her first professional one and it looked real nice. 

Don was sorting out the slides from their Western trip they took with the little trailer so we stayed to see those.  They were real good.  And also saw some they had taken the night of the dinner with the Eatons and Uibles when they showed the pictures they took in New York.

Serena wants to tell you:

I cried because I wanted to say goodbye to you when you left but I just woke up when Mother and Daddy got back home.  Barbara didn't want to stay overnight  (her mother says she is too much of a mother's girl).  I took a good nap before she came so was ready to play when she came.

We saw Barbara's kitchen set in Doug's room and Barbara's bed there too.  She has moved out of Shirley's room since Doug is now at Ohio State.  They painted Shirley's room and she has a room of her own now.

The day (yesterday morning) Barbara was to come I stayed on the couch to get over my cold quicker.  Barbara held the light while I rode my bicycle last night in the dark.  Father is going to put my light on today.

We haven't found Pongo [?] yet.

Barbara and I took turns when she was here -- reading "We work and Play".  Daddy and Roberta brought a first grade reading circle book from the library "I Know a Farm".  Roberta helped us with the words we didn't know. 

 Johnny wants to tell you:

Roberta slept with me last night and we just woke up.  We went out to the Bernards.  We got a black fish and we have to keep them in two separate dishes and still the big one tries to get at the little one.

Good luck in getting started in school and do the best you can, help Grandma and Granddaddy and we'll see you about a month from today.

 Love from all of us

 

 

1981 Family Letter -Oct.4

 

Sunday, October 4, 1981

Dear Family:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

1961 Letter to HH from Catherine, Roberta & Jean -Oct.

 

[Unknown date but refers to John getting a Halloween costume.  Creative spelling is included and is open to interpretation.]

Part from Catherine:

Dear Daddy,

I am selling raffle tickets on a capon for the band.  How many do you want to buy?

I took my piano lesson tonite while everybody else went to Hillsboro.  Then we ate at Shef's.

Yesterday I tryed to open the post office box.  I couldn't get it open so Mother went down.  She couldn't get it open so she asked Grandma & Granddaddy.  They couldn't open it either so they asked Bill Flint.  He couldn't either so they had to fix the box.

In Science we had to trace are ancestors back 4 generations.  I traced it back to David Uibel.  My Great-great-grandfather.

Mother bought two bedroom lamps and John got a haloween  costume.

Love,

Catherine

Roberta's part:

Derr Daddy,

Today we got prizes for sailing mayazines.  I got a corah, jsinde, phiny, swimming mask and a nail rifer and a CANDY BAR.

Love,

Bert

Jean's part:  

John and I visited Serena's class this morning.  She is the "Hostess of the week" so came to the door and let us in.  John sat real quietly and enjoyed it all immensely.  Serena and Roberta came home for lunch.

Mother Uible went to Hillsboro this AM -- Johnny Scarborough [husband of "Mugs"  and daughter of Uncle Dorsey Hiestand] is in the hospital in an oxygen tent.  Aunt Marjory [Mother of Mugs 1881-1969, Mugs 1905-1996, Dorsey 1876-1959, Johnny 1901-1962] came home sick and isn't over a cold yet.

John & I delivered pecans to Mrs. Southerland and Mrs. Gene Williams (across from Snow Hill) -- Also called on Mrs. Ronnie Flint, Mrs. Laughran (sp?) and Mr. and Mrs. E. L. Pierce.  Stopped to see Mrs. Robinson but she wasn't home.

Daye's called & said bicycle tire was in so took it over to Hillsboro & man said he would try to have it ready by Saturday.  He is a character.

Read your letter addressed to Wells & then gave it to your father.

[Love from all, etc.]

1981 Family Letter -Sep.20

 

Sunday, Sept. 20, 1981

We have just returned from Columbus and getting Mother [GHU] at the airport where everything went according to schedule.  She "weathered" the trip in great style.  Roberta starts her new job tomorrow . . . as we understand this is the first program of its type in the U.S. as the County has bought seven homes, with Roberta and Marion living in the middle home (they are all in a row) and the other six homes will each have six adults who are now in nursing homes, but who can take care of their basic needs.  Roberta is to be on duty to keep things running smoothly.  It will be an interesting experiment.

This afternoon was our Sunday School picnic at Lake Cowan.  The weather was great and we all had a great time eating, playing volleyball and watching umpteen sail boats.  Part of the entertainment was each family putting on a TV commercial and tying it into Sunday School.  We used the E.F. Hutton one and changed the words to . . . "When God talks everyone listens, etc."

Last night the East Clinton band participated in the Xenia parade and band contest, which we all enjoyed, particularly since we took our blankets for that insulation.  The football team has yet to click this season but naturally the band show is our main interest.  They hope to be in their new school building in January.

Thursday evening we attended the annual township trustees meeting, which featured an excellent roast beef dinner with the usual political oratory with Cooper Snyder talking (should say State Senator) and Joe Haines our state representative.  We took the Vergnes with us . . . Joh is the twp. clerk.  We had forgotten that they had driven school buses to Alaska on three occasions.

Backing up further in the week to Wednesday Carol and John with another couple were here on their way back to Newark from Florida, where they had a great time.  We wonder if John is more (or less?) enthused about banking after talking with Mr. Garnett in Lake Worth.  John is starting to work in the trust dept. of the Newark bank this week.  

Still earlier in the week, we were glad to hear that Serena has gotten a promotion in her work.  Her employer is labeled as the "largest association management firm" in the U.S.  As Serena said they have a lot more chance of promotion and variety than working for Loyola.  She is taking Polish at Loyola now, which gives her pool privileges as a plus.

Back to our Columbus trip today, for in addition to our usual array of luggage with Mother we also had a bike that Roberta had as an extra which came wrapped in a LARGE plastic bag on the same flight.  It arrived OK.  And we really thank you -- the baskets look extremely helpful.  Dad is the one who needs a new bike for he rides the most but . . . .

Serena called last week to say that the doctor thinks it is arthritis that she has but won't know for sure until he reads the x-rays.  It is degenerative which doesn't sound too good but better than rheumatoid.  Perhaps you will want to look to look it up at the library, Serena.  Congratulations again on your job promotion.  In case you all weren't aware she is in charge of membership for three organizations plus the other work she has been doing for Smith Bucklin who manage trade organizations.

Hope all goes well for you in your new work too Roberta and we will be anxious to hear more about it.  We know you are all capable.  Seems strange that you are all embarking on new fields including John in the trust department although he has been doing some of that.  We are hoping and praying that all goes well for all of you.  Sorry too that we didn't have longer with you, John and Carol.  Appreciate Roberta using her vacation to take Grandma on her trip.  She really seemed to enjoy the trip and has already talked of the possibility of going to the Caribbean some time.  The weather should be warmer than Sept. in Alaska.  Sorry you had so much rain and cool weather but evidently the ship made up for some of the inconveniences.  

Hope you had a real nice birthday, Wendy and looking forward to celebrating with your friends this Saturday!  We'll be thinking about you then too!

With much love --

1981 Family Letter -Aug.

Monday Evening, August 31, 1981

Dear Family:

This time last week we were in Chicago with Serena.  We appreciated Serena taking the day (Tuesday) off from her work to be with your Mother while I made some business contacts.  Did enjoy some new restaurants while there and took in a play and from my viewpoint the least said about the play the better.  (Serena and I enjoyed seeing Shelly Winters in "Gingerbread Lady" in the round - Mother)  Wednesday noon we had lunch at Howard Johnson in Indpls and on the last lap to NY visited the new library in Miamisburg, Ohio . . . guite mod architecture . . . and then supper at "Joe's is a Fish Restaurant" in Dayton, which was a good stop.

The new car gave us about 30 MPG, but for a trip the larger car is much more comfortable and the use of cruise control makes freeway driving so much easier.

Saturday morning we were off for Pittsburgh, PA and had lunch at the Ohio Valley Mall near Wheeling.  It was a super Mall with two steak places, plus several fast food places and we ended up at Wendys.  There were also two tour buses which had let people out for a lunch stop.  After getting Aunt Virginia in PGH we drove back to New Cumberland to Miss Marshall's house (one of your Mother's former teachers who is still QUITE active at 83 after having taught in N.C. for 40 years) where we were staying.  The 70th school reunion was in Toronto, Ohio, across the river for the crow, but 20 miles by car.  There were nearly 500 people there, including two from the class of 1913.  One of them sat across from us -- he is still active in the real estate business and had driven down from northern PA.  The other '13 Grad was also staying with Miss Marshall and was to leave for Florida the next day.  We left the "party" about 11 to take Virginia back to PGH, but got into HEAVY rain on the way back and we were more than ready for bed at 2 A.M.  We were lucky for we stopped for a few minutes for the rain to quit and in less than a mile had to stop; a pick-up headed toward us in our lane, but who couldn't get under a big tree that had fallen across the highway . . . U.S. 30.  Luckily we squeezed under the tree . . . that's an experience that we will remember for a while.

Yesterday morning we went to the Presbyterian Church, but short service since the minister had had a heart attack, but your Mother did see people that she knew there years ago.  The Sankers were also staying with Miss Marshall and Jean S. was a Methodist in N.C. so we went to her Church at 11 A.M.  Then in the afternoon the school reunion group had a picnic at 2, with the meal at 4 another big turnout.  For recognition the person who came the farthest was from Argentina, with six folks from Calif.

Now it is back to the "farm" . . . wish we could share some of our abundant garden produce with you folks.  Grandma is all set for her trip on Wednesday to Phoenix . . . she is a great inspiration for all of us.  Sorry that we missed your call last night, Roberta but glad that MV was near enough to hear the phone -- the airlines had called here no doubt due to your suggestion.

We enjoyed both trips but would rather spread them out a little more -- further apart that is but glad that we were able to do them both.

 [Love to all etc.]

1961 Serena & John -Memorial Day

 

Written on back by HH:
Memorial Day 1961 - Serena & John on Mother's Porch

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]

1981 Family Letter -May10

Sunday --

May 10, 1981 

Dearest Family --

Had a real surprise for Mothers Day when we got home from Columbus after attending the Ohio Bar Association Meeting there -- found Serena here.  Mary Virginia had met her in Dayton early Saturday morning.  If we had only known that she might be coming we could have picked her up in Columbus but didn't think she wanted to home so soon.  Also glad to get a letter from Catherine on Thursday and two in one envelope from Roberta yesterday.

We were happy to see John and Carol Friday evening while we were in Columbus.

I am sure that Mother had more to add to that paragraph, but I thought that I would add a short note.  (This part following from Serena)

For those of you have not heard, I am planning on moving to Kansas City, MO in September.  So if anybody wants to see me in Chicago they had better come soon.

I miss my typewriter at work with the correction ribbon -- spoiled!  I like where I am working pretty well -- I have been there for three months and will be going back there when I leave New Vienna -- after Memorial Day.

I was over at Debbie Haines' last night.  Her mother does definitely have a brain tumor, but it does not appear to be cancerous and it is in a place that is easiest to operate on.  She is in Christ hospital in Cincy and is to be operated on tomorrow.  David who is to get his PhD in Chemistry in July is going to be teaching at Wellesley in the fall.  Alan had two pictures, that he took, published for some contest in the Ohio Magazine -- he showed them to me -- I was quite impressed.

Back to me again.  Good to talk to Catherine and Wendy last Wednesday and if we had been able to get through to Roberta today would have talked to all the family recently but had no luck in getting through.  Earlier in the day no one answered at either number -- old or new and then lines were busy later on account of Mothers Day calls.  So do hope to get through at least by next Thursday -- hate to call too early in the morning (3 hours difference and never able to find her in later).  Realize that she was working yesterday and today for her old friend Harry the florist so if we don't get through before the 14th may call you at 5AM then !!!???

Grandma had a call from the Hortons this morning and they plan to come here next Tuesday and guess will stay through the 23rd anyway for it is Aunt Mary's 50th anniversary of her graduating class here at New Vienna.  The Alumni is that evening.  I'm sorry that we planned to be away then but you just have to miss something or stay home all the time.  We are looking forward to going to see Roberta.

Ruth stayed with Mie Young and Mary Virginia the two nights we were gone and we hadn't gotten back home before someone said they heard we had been away -- traceable to ??? but it was easy to  see the connection.

Thursday we got up there soon after lunch -- barely checked in before spouses were invited to have tea at the governor's mansion with a talk by a Presbyterian minister who is also a family counselor by profession as well.  The gist was to let your parents and children make their own decisions instead of trying to run their lives as well as your own.

That evening we went to the Country Dinner Theater at Reynoldsburg where we saw Hugh O'Brien in "A Thousand Clowns".  He came out afterwards and talked to the audience -- our own private party and found him very interesting.  He must be at least 60 but played part of much younger man.  Said that he had gone to UCincinnati and planned to go into law.

I vaguely remember him in the Wyatt Earp series and that's been a long time ago.  He had been on Bob Braun's show talking about his play and interest in youth but I only listened slightly as didn't think I'd be seeing him.  He had gone to Africa to spend some time with Albert Schweitzer and came back fired up to hep with youth and has seminars all over the country with a national seminar each year.

Friday morning I joined Dad for the complimentary breakfast with graduates of Western Reserve law school and it was a feast.  There were quite a few of the wives there but mainly men.

The spouses then took buses to what is now called Dennison Park Place to see six homes that had been scheduled to be demolished but because of their beautiful woodwork and possibilities were moved to a central courtyard and completely restored and decorated and are now up for sale -- we easily spent two hours there and then boarded buses again and each bus went to a home of different Columbus attorneys.  One went to Upper Arlington and the home was really fabulous.  It was a gorgeous split level with an indoor pool on one end -- I had the feeling that they might also use it for an ice rink in the winter for the wife had all kinds of posters, magazine, etc. on ice skating.  They must have four children -- at least I saw four children's bedrooms that were obviously lived in -- one even had a homemade sign on the door "Disaster area -- enter at your own risk".  We had a lovely salad (fresh fruit -- big pieces) with banana chips and coconut and salad dressing optional and little tea sandwiches and dessert.  I forgot to mention that they served wine before hand with mammoth strawberries as we entered.  The same meal was served at all the houses as I guess it was catered.

I did some errands when I got back to the hotel -- got the cello to a violin shop to be repaired for Mie Young.  Mrs. Liggett had used it and offered to loan it to her during her stay in this country.  Hadn't been back in the room too long before John and Carol arrived.  We had tried to make reservations at several nice places in the vicinity but no luck at any place except for 9:30 PM but luckily got into the Hotel Dining room on the spur of the moment, where their speciality is Duck, a salad bar buffet and unlimited chocolate desserts . . . we would have felt better if we had quit eating earlier in the evening.  Anyway it was fun to try out this deluxe restaurant.  This Hyatt Hotel just opened last October.

On the way home had lunch at Frischs in Washington C.H. (more our speed as the bill for the two of us came to $3.00) and saw Patty Walker    ?    there, also another friend who use to live in NV.  Then to Laurel Oaks where industry was having its first "Industry Day" and Wells was one of the 28 exhibitors.  Esther and Howard had done a bang-up job on the booth -- people could guess how many jacks were in the jar . .. there were 3414 pieces and a lady from Wilmington guessed within 9 pieces so she won the $10 prize.  Some guess were in the 40,000 range.  Had over 500 people who made guesses.

Mie Young fixed dinner today, will not try to spell the dish we had, but it was very tasty Korean food and Mother enjoyed having the day off.  It was called something like bee bim bop -- very tasty with hamburger, egg, rice, zucchini, green pepper, onion, eggplant, and cucumber, all cooked on the table in separate dishes.  Had hot fudge and caramel sundaes for dessert.

Dad and I were in charge of the Mothers Day program at Sunday School -- got Carolyn Thornburg and Jeannette Layman's class to have some recitations, piano solos, etc. and then we presented flowers to the mother with the most children there, youngest mother and mother who had come the farthest.  The rest got their choice of either petunias or ageratum and we ran out -- so many came and want to take some home for their mothers and sisters, etc. so had enough to cover the mothers there anyway.  

[Love, etc.]

1981 Family Letter -May 19

  Tuesday --   

May 19, 1981

Dearest Family,

This is late in getting off for things were hectic Sunday and the typewriter wasn't exactly in any shape to be used without a ribbon.  Hope that you are able to read these copies better.  The original was the worst copy before we made the change.  But ran into difficulty for had gotten the wrong size and no wonder it wouldn't fit though it said it was for all Underwoods, the ribbon that is.

Today is the day we take off for Arizona to see Roberta and really looking forward to going and seeing their new abode as well as them.  The weather reported a cold spell for the southwest so guess that is not unusual for us to bring different weather.  Too bad about the dry dry weather of Florida. They could really use some of the abundant rain that we have been having.

Yesterday Serena and the Hortons went up to see John and Carol and also the Hortons were able to meet Valerie and get to know her a little before she goes to Florida to stay with them while visiting Rob.  She goes the 6th of June.  They were very impressed with her.  Valerie works in the same bank as John and did live in the duplex over them before they moved to their present house.  John you gave them a nice tour of the bank and they think your house is so nice and enjoyed seeing you and Carol and having tea and brownies there.  Too bad the weather wasn't more cooperative but good that Grandma didn't have to get out in all the rain.  They stopped at Eastland or whatever the name of the shopping center is on the east side of Columbus -- made some phone calls to friends and did some shopping there.  Had supper at McDonalds near freeway (71) toward Washington CH -- It's only been open about a year.

Maybe I could backtrack for when I wrote the last letter the Hortons hadn't yet arrived.  They got in late Tuesday afternoon.  Bill and Everett tried to play golf between showers Thursday while G'Ma, Aunt Mary, Serena and I went to the Christian Womens Club Luncheon at the Elks Club.  Serena also made the day extra useful by picking up her packet and taking her permit test the same afternoon.  She wasn't able to get an appointment til next week to take the test.  Had thought she could take the test in Hillsboro but that didn't work out due to the holiday next Monday so hopes to get it (driver's test) this Friday.

Sunday Mie Young fixed Bie Bim Bop -- a Korean dish -- a variety of stir-fried vegetables served separately and also hamburger.  She had fixed something similar for Mother's Day and it had been very popular.  Grandma had planned to take us to Lytles but because of the MYF dinner theater Sunday evening we took Mie Young's offer.  Plus this Serena had a first course of broccoli soup which was also very good and also some home-made (Serena's) cracked wheat bread.

Hello!  Mother is on the phone with Wilma so I thought  would add a quick note.  

Many thanks for the hospitality, John and Carol.  Valerie got the life histories of all the Hortons form Uncle Bill yesterday.  Hope she still wants to go to Florida.

Haven't been doing too much here in Clinton County, especially with the weather so messy.  I have done a lot of running around, particularly with Elizabeth Johnson.  (Mother is back now).  Without Serena's driver's license really limited her going.  A week ago Monday I dropped her off at Elizabeth's on way to library meeting in Dayton and thought she'd just visit a little bit and then go on but she and Elizabeth spent the day together -- visiting other people and shopping.  Serena has been baking bread and sharing it with many others including Elizabeth.

The dinner and theater the MYF put on last Sunday evening was very good -- had choice of lasagna or chicken and noodles, tossed salad, rolls or garlic bread and sort of a cake fruit cobbler for dessert.

The dinner was followed by L Hysteria -- a play and a number of acts which were really funny -- all done by the MYF and few members of the church.  There were around 130 guests so had a really good turn out.  The cost was purely voluntary donation and they took in around $300 but haven't heard yet how much they actually made but much was given.  The year has really gone quickly and without too much bad weather (ice and cold, thank goodness).

They are making appointments to have their senior pictures taken at Allen Studio the first week of June -- same time as Bible School.  So things won't be slowing down too quickly.

Hi. . . This is your charming baby sister . . . .  Bout all my news has already been told . . . . I can't wait for school to be out.  Next week on Wed., Thurs., and Friday we have exams, but we only have to be at school for the exams . . . so I get to sleep in a little, and leave early . . .  My schedule for next year will be fairly easy . . . Spanish IV, Government, Psychology, Band, stage band, and chorus, plus a study hall.  One last year of Freedom before college.

The bedroom in the basement isn't too bad . . . . Now that the monsoon season has hit, we have Lake St. Mary's covering half the floor, but a mop took care of most of it.  After a couple more weeks it should look pretty lived in.

I have the front flowerbed almost full of flowers, with probably another 60 plants coming, if all the seeds sprout.  This cold, wet weather is worrisome.

The Jazz Band and Chorus concert is tomorrow nite . . . I have a ride [?] (on my trombone) and vocal scat with the Jazz Band.

Gotta go and get this in the mail.

Love, 

Mom, Dad,

Serena, M.Y. and M.V.

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

1981 Family Letter -May 3

 

Sunday --  

May 3, 1981

Dearest Family --

We have had a beautiful day today -- in fact most of this week has been real springlike -- some days rainy but on the whole a nice week.  Doesn't seem like we are already three days into May -- the spring is going quickly by.  Last Monday and Tuesday were in the 70's and 80's.

I had something every night last week and finally collapsed on Thursday night.  Friday night we went to Washington Court House to dance to a national square dance caller from Hot Springs, Ark.  We had talked about doing something Saturday night as Mie Young and Mary Virginia were going to Xenia but we ended up going to bed a little after 9PM so felt fairly rested up today.

The big news is that Bob Johnson's clothing store was sold at auction yesterday and Bob Streber bought it for $8750.  There wasn't much left in the way of clothing to be auctioned.  Had heard that he could sell his old cash register for $1000 as it was about 1915 vintage.

Ethel King is retiring at the end of this school year so they are to have an end-of-the-year party honoring her May 13 at the Snow Hill Country Club.

Grandma treated us to dinner at Ginny's Restaurant today which wasn't too bad -- nice to be treated -- the food especially the vegetables were really overcooked.  They were doing a big business.  Even had fresh flowers on the table.  Prices are hard to beat --$2.95 for meat and two vegetables or salads with rolls $3.25 for three of us.

Dad took Mie Young out driving for 20-30 minutes and then we drove over to Wilmington to see Mrs. Matthews and took her out for a brief walk (she rode in her wheelchair) before the weekly church service at 4PM.  From there we went to the hospital, made the rounds and over to see Mrs. Howard Penn.  Had something to eat at Frisch'es and then stopped to see Martha Ann and Donald Bernard.  He has been in the hospital -- got home Easter Sunday.  She told us that Shirley went back to teaching after Easter.  Barbara and her husband are expecting and will be moving to Fostoria where her husband will be working in a co-op called Ohio Farmer so neither will be teaching this next year.

They also said that Martha and Richard Haines were in church today -- Martha walking with help and the Bernards hadn't heard anything about her problem(s).  They felt badly after they asked so do hope it isn't too bad.  Her speech has been affected but certainly hope and pray it isn't a brain tumor.  It is good that Debbie will be able to be home as well as Marcia.

I stopped to see Jo Streber about ten days ago and she was down at the store yesterday and was really promoting the buying of Johnson's.  She wore a scarf which covers her head but underneath nothing but a patch on her head as she isn't allowed to wear the wigs which she had purchased.  Jeff is finally home from the hospital and though confined to a wheel chair gives her something else to think (as well as worry) about.  He has a nurse with him -- one who he had met while in Cincinnati who developed quite a liking for him.

MV is painting away on the downstairs bedroom, so there will be plenty of room here for you Serena, tho you will not have your Chicago privacy, nor the choice of jobs that the Chicago area has.

Roberta is there any of your items that you want us to bring out to you on the 19th?  With Serena going back to KC we will have an intermediate stop en route to the SW and the NW parts of the U.S.  The Harners are going to the Squ. Dance Convention in Seattle, but that trip was just too much for us.  Last Wed. Evening they had an Eastman Kodak movie at the Murphy Theater at $1.00 a piece on Britain and Ireland -- great pictures.  Afterwards the Cunninghams (Mrs. C. was on the trip with us to Ireland) invited a group to stop at their house for snacks and "travel talk".

Catherine, how is your rhubarb plant doing?  We have had too much rain this past week to make any progress in the garden.  Then this week we are going to Columbus for two days for the Ohio Bar Mtgs . . . we are going to meet Carol & John for dinner on Friday evening.  Happy May to each of you.

Love,

1981 Family Letter -Apr.12

 

Sunday --
April 12, 1981

Dearest Family,

Another week has passed so quickly since we last wrote and it is really getting pretty with the trees budding and grass greening up -- Jim Wise has already cut his backyard to try out his mower but cut it so short we can wait a week before our mower would be even with what's cut.

Dad and Mary Virginia met the new minister who will be coming to New Vienna in June.  Guess he is older (around 50) with grown children -- or at least college age.  He and his wife came here tonight at church for the Pastor-Parish Relations Committee meeting Monday night.  They now serve a church which is a suburb or quite near Dayton on the West side called Liberty.

Tuesday night Laura Hughes and I entertained the Mothers Club down at Ginny's Restaurant -- had dinner there, election of officers and then played some games including the Ungame (had three sets of it so there were five at two tables and six at another.  Mary Virginia had track relays at Blanchester and got home just before I did about 10:20 and hadn't had any dinner.  She told us the next morning that she was quitting track -- she hadn't really enjoyed throwing the disc and the shot put.  And hadn't felt like studying when she got home that late so that was it.  We thought we had talked her out of it at least temporarily but she did go to practice that day and then game them the word.

Enjoyed talking to Wendy and Catherine on the phone Tuesday morning -- hadn't been expecting their call and it took me a few seconds to realize it was Wendy on the phone.  She tried to show me how her chicken pox was coming along -- she had gone back to school the previous day and I'm sure she shared with them about it too.

Wednesday afternoon I entertained the Womans Club here -- thought for a while I might have to take them down to Ginnys for had a terrible cold but felt better by then so did have them.  Had a good sized group as four of the associate members came plus about 20 of the regular members.  

That night we went to Wilmington to see Richard Blake on the stage of the Murphy Theater who has over an hour's monologue on Lincoln and really gives you the feeling of Abe himself and his times.

Thursday the four of us plus the sr. Wises went to the Christian Womans Club Guest night and had a real nice evening.  Stanley Tam of Lima, Ohio spoke who owns a plastic business near I-75 and the bldg has a huge sign, "Christ is the Answer".  We bought a paper back book "God Owns My Business", that he has written.  He struck a chord with Mie Young as the Tam's had recently been on an around the world speaking trip, including a couple of weeks in Korea.  The CWC have a well organized group and program, including a monthly theme and even suggested questions to get your conversation underway.  This months question to someone -- How did you and your wife meet?

Last night we were on the committee for the "All Nighter" Square Dance which did end by 2 A.M.  Had a huge crowd so had no trouble in getting in a new square each time.  MV spent the day at Ohio Northern as their Jazz Band performed there.

Mie Young took her initial driving test Friday and passed, so she drove us home from Wilmington.  In the morning the girls had prayer breakfast at 7 A.M. in Lees Creek.  There is an article in the April 9th issue of the Christian Science Monitor, byline of New Vienna, about a local farmer's schedule.  Serena's alertness caught that item.  She would make a good lawyer with her love for books AND attention to detail.  Guess Roberta is getting a lot of practical experiences in their real estate transactions.  Had a nice letter from Joe Horton and his thoughts on changing jobs . . . ten years ago we were in Dakar.

[Love, etc.]

1981 Family Letter -Mar.22

 

Sunday Evening, March 22nd [1981]

Dear Family:

Hope that all of you have been thinking that no news is good news as we just did not get into gear this past week in writing.  First was the overnight trip to Cleveland in which Elizabeth Johnson went with your Mother to get the Morgans and who enjoyed the John Uibles hospitality on the way home.

Thursday morning we left Mary Virginia and Mie Young with Ruth Shoemaker (or perhaps we should say the other way around) for Chicago.  Our first stop was in Cincinnati, where the Morgans got some things at Velva Sheen (always a popular stop).  Then the Hamilton County Court House where I had some papers to file (they won't take them by mail). (Have another estate in Youngstown and fortunately they do accept papers by mail.)  We stopped in Greeensburg IN for lunch at Bonanza and right across the street was one of our customers so spent a few minutes talking with them.

We got into Chicago about 5:30 and met Serena and Greg for supper.  We were lucky each night in parking on the street for garage parking is in the $6 and up range.  Friday we took in some of the high lights of Chicago including the Museum of Science & Industry, Aquarium and the Natural History Museum and Wendy kept right up with us.

The Morgans train left at 6:50 P.M. and had no trouble in getting to see their "compartment" on the train, which was a treat for us.  They [are due] to get home this afternoon.  Like all grandchildren Wendy is growing up so rapidly and always seems ready to go.

Yesterday we did some shopping around, including a stop at the Library.  Last night we went to a movie at the Chicago Art Institute on Alger Hiss, which was interesting in seeing the old interviews of FDR, Hoover, Nixon, etc.

Serena came with us as far as Lafayette, Ind. today so that we could have a longer visit, a look around Purdue Univ. and lunch at a good place there that we had been some years ago.  We missed out on Church with the change of time from CST to EST.  She would get back into Chicago around 6 P.M.

Roberta, we were interested in seeing the ads on the various houses in the Phoenix area and even more so in seeing you folks and your new home(s) this Mary

     Dad has written so much in capsule form -- we so enjoying having the Morgans even if our visit wasn't as long as we would have liked but glad they got to see John and Carol (me too) and also Serena so if Roberta has lived a little further north and G'ma and the Hortons they would have been able to take in the whole family.  Wendy saw so many relatives and did so much going -- it will be difficult for her to come back to reality.  But she was also looking forward to seeing her friends and teachers at the day care school too and would have alot to talk about -- wonder how much she will remember of the train trip in years to come.

[Personal note, Love, etc.]

1991 Letter to Serena -Mar.7

 

3/7/91

[Dear Serena,]

Thought you might be interested in seeing this clipping from the Wilmington News Journal last Monday night.  Quite a few people have commented they saw it; I'm not sure that the New Vienna Girl Scouts are active now although someone was around selling cookies the latter part of January so I hope so.

We met the Goodings last Sunday and went down to Murphin Ridge for dinner.  The weather turned very icy that afternoon and super slick that night.  There was no school on Monday.  I talked to Beverly this morning and she had worried about getting to work on Monday but said from Wilmington on the roads were clear.

The Goodings are talking about getting tickets for themselves and Lisa for a play to be given at the Murphy on Friday and Saturday, Apr. 5th and 6th.  It is written by Gary Kersey, a Wilmington teacher and a great Lincoln scholar.  He spoke at Gettysburg recently on some phase of Lincoln's life.

I do hope that you are planning to come home for Easter or the following weekend.  I am sure that the Crowsons won't be able to come that busy weekend.  We are planning to go see them this Saturday and Sunday.  We hadn't heard when you might be going but also want to see you soon too.  We haven't seen Mary Virginia and Don since the Saturday after Christmas.  Roberta is coming into Columbus on March 20 and John may meet us then so whatever you can work out about coming here or us going there would be fine.  Roberta will be here Palm Sunday.

Things are quiet in New Vienna (unusual?).  We do have flags up downtown and trees draped with orange ribbons.  They had a special service one night while we were gone and heard it was very nice -- Ed Johnson spoke.

I am gradually getting used to this typewriter but still have a few things to work out yet, like margins and what causes the skipping of spaces when I don't want to.

Dad went to the school today to speak to the third and fourth graders about his bike trip.  Josephine Harner talked to the first and second graders.  I would have like to attend to hear them both.  Dad said the fourth graders' geography was much better than the 3rd.  He even asked them the state capitols (back to his old tricks).

We saw the Richard Haines at the Hillsboro play, "The Belle of Amherst" which was an excellent one-woman cast.  They are looking for Debbie and her family down soon.

Grandma is holding her own, tho she sleeps a lot, but her appetite is excellent.  They told us at the nursing home that they have a wait list of 75 people.  The real advantage of having her there is that the doctor does make calls.

[Love, etc.]

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.]

1981 Family Letter -Jan.20

 

Tuesday --

January 20, 1981

Dearest Family --

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[Love, etc]