1994 Louise Robinson postcard -Mar14

Louise Robinson, friend of Jean's at WVU, traveled the world for pleasure and possibly for work as an employee of National Geographic.  When she writes "Finally made it here" we have to guess whether she means it was a place she had not visited before, or if the journey to get there was an adventure.  Transcription follows.

Marrakech postcard - mailed 1994.  Captioned in French: Maroc Infini - La Koutoubia domine la ville de Marrakech tel un phare protecteur - Le minarte termine au Xleeme siecle a une hauteur de 69 m (comme les tours de Notre-Dame de Paris).  Google translates this as: Morocco Infinity - The Koutoubia overlooks the city of Marrakech as a protective Lighthouse - The minarte Xleeme century ends at a height of 69 m (as the towers of Notre-Dame de Paris).

1994 Marrakech Postcard from Louise Robinson -March 14

Mon. 3/14 [1994]
Hi,
Finally made it here – weather unseasonably chilly.

Have been to Casablanca, Rabat, Meknes, Fez, Agadir, & here – many fresh fruits/veg. due to irrigation from Atlas Mts.

Roses are cultivated for export – Toured a processing area –

Food is FritMaroc [??] ––  LAR

March 21, 1954 Europe Trip

Our travelers, Harold and Jean, are now enjoying a trip across the North Atlantic, having left NYC on Friday, March 19 for a two week trip to Naples.  The fare to Italy was $200.  The postcard below was written on March 21 but is postmarked March 27 in Lisbon. Transcription follows.

Saturnia and Vulcania were cruise ships of the Italian Line used as Hospital Ships during WW2 – here's a picture of them with their [red?] crosses from Shipspotting.com:

Vulcania in foreground and Saturnia in background

History from George Glazer Gallery which had paintings of the ships -- sorry, no longer available for purchase, but you can view them here:
The Saturnia and the Vulcania were built by Cantiere Navale Triestino in Monfalcone, Italy, and entered service in 1927 and 1928 respectively for the Cosulich Line. They sailed the North and South Atlantic. In 1932, Cosulich was merged with two other lines to form The Italian Line. Both ships survived World War II, and were returned to Italian service around 1946-47. They continued to sail into the mid 1960s, when two new ships replaced them. The Saturnia was scrapped and the Vulcania was renamed the Caribia and sailed for another line for several years, until it too was scrapped, in 1974.

Saturnia/Vulcania Cruise Ship c1950

Postcard to Catherine & Roberta from Daddy & Mommie

Postmarked Lisboa [Lisbon] March 27, 1954

Sunday, March 21, 1954
We are rocking back & forth like we are in a huge cradle Y we can see the rough sea thru the portholes. Daddy loves to go up on deck & watch the big waves wash over the ship.  The tables are anchored to the floor & some times you really have to hold on to keep from falling.  All our love, Daddy & Mommie

* * * * *

HH adds that the fare from NYC to Naples was $200. An ocean voyage in the 1950s was not a "cruise," just a ship to get there.

1984 Mary Virginia letter -Mar20

pm 3/20/84

Dear folks –

Greetings from Ohio!  When I left Newark this morning, it was beautiful - high 50's and sunny but by 11:00 it was raining and has continued to do so all day – Now they say down in the 30's tonight and tomorrow and a possibility of flurries tomorrow!

John & X were fine.  I went to a Bible Study with them and Monday night they hosted a Chinese Dinner at their house for about 12 people.  Everything went well.

Friday, Mie Young went out with friends while I held the fort down and on Saturday we both went to Hannah's for the evening.  It was a nice surprise to have Roberta & Serena call on Saturday morning.

Saturday after I had a special choir practice at Port William, so that petty well took care of the day.

Friday the fruit trees arrived, so I planted them late Friday afternoon.  The ground was so wet – I would dig the holes, and they would fill up before I had a chance to get the tree in the hole and covered up.  I heeled in the rose bushes as it was much to early to plant them.

I am finally just about over my severe cold – It was really bad last Wednesday and Thursday – I kept stuffing myself with Orange Juice, Vitamin C, and aspirin.

Leslie Fansler (the girl with Quaker missions from California) is supposed to be here Thurs. – Fri. – and Saturday, but as far as getting together I'm in the dark!

I stopped by Herm Oliver's again today, and he fed me this line about how he would have the car done Thursday or Friday.  It has been sitting in the same spot for nearly two weeks.

Will probably move back to school Saturday in order to save going home after church Sunday.  Hope everyone is enjoying the Florida sun.

Love, M.V.

Grandma – Have you decided where you'd like to go this summer?!

March 17, 1954 Europe Trip

Spending a few days in New York City before crossing the ocean to Europe, Harold and Jean visit relatives but pass up the chance to be TV stars.  Transcription follows.

Captioned: Close-Up view of Statue of Liberty, New York City

The Statue of Liberty, Hostess to the World, in a striking view.  The Statue, designed by August Bartholdi, a gift of the French People to the USA, stands on Bedloe's Island* in New York Harbor.

Postmarked March 18, 1954, New York, NY

to Catherine & Roberta c/o Oscar Johnson

Weds. Mar. 17
Mommy and Daddy almost got on "Double or Nothing" today if we had been staying over thru Friday would have.  Went out to Cousin Luna and Bob Herron's for dinner tonite.  Also with their 3 children.  Real windy here and our winter coats feel extra good.  Getting things in order to sail in the big ship on Friday.  Love & Kisses, M&D
-----
Double or Nothing was a TV game show which aired 1952-1954, and was hosted by Bert Parks.

In 1956 an act of Congress changed the name of Bedloe's Island to Liberty Island.

1954 Letter from NYC -Mar18

Jean's Letter to Elizabeth, Oscar, Catherine and Roberta

from New York City - March 18, 1954

Thursday

Mar. 18, 1954

Dear Elizabeth, Oscar, Catherine and Roberta,

We just received your letter & glad to hear from you.  We knew everything would be going along fine.  We got quite a kick out of the remark about you taking care of us when she is 16 & they go on their trip.

As to their meals – that's usually the case – Catherine eats enough at breakfast to last til the next [breakfast] so I try to "load her down then" – maybe if vegetables would seem more enticing then but I've never gone that far.  Roberta (seems to) tries to see how little she can eat then but does better at other meals.

Before or lest I forget – do as you please about the television set.  We told Charles that if you were interested in it you would contact him & he'd be glad to help you fix it up.  He's very good at things that way.

Harold found a pair of gloves (Roberta's) in his pocket and we have some other odd & curious things to send home – some we packed & decided now we can do without for our baggage is quite weighty.  I haven't decided the best way to get  it home so if you should receive a package its liable to be two pairs of shoes and a couple of hats, etc.

Mr. thorn told Harold he'd need a cap for on board ship as is too windy for a hat & on the continent – a beret.  The salesman at Macy's said berets are the only thing to wear either place so you should see him now.  He hasn't made a public appearance in it yet but doesn't want to lug his old hat all over Europe so probably will send it home.

We've been fine ever since we let home.  Dr. Fullerton's medicine seemed to do the trick.  I've been doing so much walking the muscles ache in my legs but guess they aren't used to so much exercise.

We may embark between 9-11 AM tomorrow & the boat sail at noon.  Our next address: –

(mailed by Mar. 21)
c/o The Saturnia
Due Mar 26, 1954
E. Pinto Basto Co., LTD.
1, Avenida 24 Julho
Lisbon, Portugal

Trip to Europe in 1954 begins

[This post was originally published to the blog in March 2011.  During the next six weeks the postcards from that trip will be reposted, with a few additional items added to the mix.  Items previously posted will be (hopefully) published at 12:01am EDT and items found since then will be posted in the 5pm slot.]

Harold and Jean left New Vienna on the first leg of their 1954 Europe trip - vacation - second honeymoon on Monday, March 15, 1954.  Catherine, age 5, and Roberta, almost 3, were taken to enjoy farm life with Oscar and Elizabeth Johnson the day before.

During the next two months we will be retracing their steps through post cards and memory as they travel by plane to NYC, ocean liner to Portugal, Spain, and Italy and various means of transportation until they re-board an ocean liner in England for the trip back to the US in mid May.

On the first day they mailed [at least] two post cards with the same picture.  One to Catherine and Roberta from Pittsburgh and the second mailed from NYC to Jean's mother, Mrs. N.W. Ballantyne.  [They may have written more cards but can only report on the ones in my possession.]

Transcription follows.

To Catherine & Roberta from Daddy & Mommie, postmarked March 15, 1954 Bridgeville PA

We missed having our little girls with us this morning.  Right now we're flying toward Pittsburgh and hope to see Dear at the airport.  Be good girls for the Johnsons.  We think of you always.  Love, Daddy and Mommie

Bridgeville is a suburb of Pittsburgh, SE of the airport, SW of Pittsburgh, five miles from Mt. Lebanon.  They either gave this card to someone to mail for them, or the airport mail was picked up by the Bridgeville Postal Service.  The Pittsburgh Airport was expanded from a military airport beginning in 1946 and opened to passengers in May 1952 so would have been "new" in 1954.   This same location has been modified and expanded in the years since and is now the Pittsburgh International Airport.

"We aren't here yet but hope to be in Italy in about 3 weeks."

Postcard with same picture sent both to Catherine & Roberta as well as Mrs. N. W. Ballantyne

Captioned: The Parthenon is the most ornamental temple atop the Acropolis.  At the foot of the Acropolis is modern Athens, a stop on the route of Trans World Airlines.  Greece was not a place visited on this trip, however.  Assume these cards were provided free by TWA.

To Mrs. N.W. Ballantyne from Harold & Jean, postmarked March 15, 1954 NYC

Dearest Mother, Flying toward New York now.  Bob was at airport when we arrived in Pgh.  The weather was miserable there, glad you weren't out in it but sorry not to see you.  We have our winter coats and both have rain coats.  I got very pretty one with hat at Thornes.  Sort of faille* - navy & light blue.  All our very best.  Love, Harold & Jean


*faille is described in the dictionary as "a somewhat shiny closely woven silk, rayon, or cotton fabric characterized by slight ribs in the weft."

2004 HH & Jean in Australia

2004 Harold, Jean and Gene Story in Australia - February

This picture is accompanied by a note from Phyllis Barrett:

It was a delight to travel with you this past month – I do hope if you come this way, you will stop by – I have a big house & would love to put you up!

I think this picture had to be Ayers Rock [Uluru] Sunset viewing. –– Phyllis

1994 John's letter -Mar13

Sun. 3-13-94

Dear Dad,

Thanks for your call Saturday afternoon.  It is always good to hear form you + Mom.

Have you heard of Promise Keepers?  They sponsor gatherings of Christian men all over the country.  Enclosed is some information on a get-together in Indianapolis on June 3rd + 4th.  Would you have interest in going?  I plan to go and would love to have you join me.

When we see you in April, we'll have to play some tennis.  Next time you come up, please bring your rackets as we can play at O.S.U.-Newark campus or the high school.

Tuesday morning, we kickoff a fundraising campaign for the Licking District of the Boy Scouts.  Hope to raise $26,000 by April 18.

We are looking forward to Estes Park in July!

Love, John

1964 MV's diet -Mar16

Mary Virginia makes her two week visit to the doctor where she gets a "recipe" for formula, consisting of:

1. 8 ounces of water
2. 1T-1tsp Karo dissolved in the water 
3. 2 16 ounce cans of Carnation Evaporated Milk
4. divide into 6 bottles of 3 ounces each
5. Feed when hungry

No special instructions were listed on the reverse side which is blank.  The hospital bill is dated March 4, most likely the day Jean and Mary were released from the hospital, a five day stay; less than her siblings who spent a week in the hospital.  The billed amount: $121.40.  Ms. (or Mr.) Danford got the spelling of Dad's name incorrect.

1964 MV's Formula -March 16

1964 CMH receipt birth Howard [sic] Uible MVU -March 4

1964 Jean prior to MV's birth -Feb

Ready to go to the hospital – or more likely church or a meeting.  This top got a lot of use in the winter of 1963-64.  Love this picture of Mom!

1964 - Jean in maternity dress prior to MV's birth

1984 Roberta's Tonto postcards -Mar

Tonto National Monument postcard - mailed 1984. Captioned: View of lower ruins trail and visitor center.  Photo courtesy of Tonto National Monument.  Published by Impact, "Life Like Photo Art"

1984 Roberta's postcard of Tonto National Monument lower ruins

Hi!  We did the hike up to the ruins – 3 mile trip.  Have really enjoyed our 'camping' trip.  Tried to watch T.V. Friday nite - but couldn't get picture – too far away from town.  Stubby Ashers [?] from Mesa also came up – total 28 people.  Alot of Sid's friends at Wedding were on trip.  Love, Roberta

Lower Ruins Tonto National Monument postcard - mailed 1984. Captioned: Roosevelt AZ Sunflowers (Encelia Farinos) and Teddy Bear Cholla (Oponta Big Elovii) frame the entrance to the 19-room lower ruins.  This pueblo was home to 40-60 Salado Indians from 1300-1400 A.D.  Photographer––Ed Cooper 

1984 Roberta's postcard to Wendy -Mar6

Hi, Wendy!
We were here hiking, have been out for last 4 days enjoying the great out doors.  Aunt Serena is with us too!

Do write us – we would like to know how you are doing!  Love, Roberta

1984 Mary Virginia letter -Mar12

March 12, 1984

Dear Mom, Dad, Grandma, and Hortons;

Greetings from Southwestern Ohio!  It must be nice to be able to miss the worst storm of the winter, which started last Wednesday/Thursday.  By Thursday night the roads were pure ice where the snow hadn't drifted over.

Saturd Thursday noon I had lunch at Frisches with Georgialia and then went home to do laundry as I didn't think I'd have time over the weekend.  I took Lorraine (my roommate) with me, intending to be back in time for dinner at school (5:00).  Well we left the house about 4:15, stopping at Wells to pick up check from G.G.  The roads were clean until Snow Hill but even after that they didn't seem slick.  Well, I didn't have cause to use the breaks brakes until about 2/3 of the way (Accomodation Road) when we came up on a car that way was going about 30 mph and we were going 50.  Since I couldn't slow down, I tried to go around – the next thing I knew we were firmly planted in the ditch (headed back toward New Vienna).  Well, we got a ride back to New Vienna with this guy who said he was Libby Hughes' uncle from Chillicothe.  Keith Collins went out right away and towed the car out, so we ate dinner and started out for school again at 7:30.  We got back to school about 8:40, so you can tell we took our time.  In case Dad's wondering, the car is fine, not a scratch.  I have started wearing my seat belt after that.

I have enclosed a final copy of my final project from Music Theory.  We had to pick a theme and write 3 variations (original) – I chose "Rise Up, O Men of God" (#174 in the Methodist Hymnal) – Aunt Mary can keep the copy or pitch it – Just thought you might be interested in seeing my latest project.

I wrote a Geography paper on the development of Port William, which I expected to get about a B on – I got an A+ (49 out of 50 points) a rarity from my professor.

My name tags for Christian Women's Club this month were kites – they wanted air-planes to go with the theme "Come Fly With Me" – but we didn't know how to make a pattern for them, so we cut out multi-colored kites – and I spent Friday evening cutting and tying 100 "tails" –– they had only 76 reservations so I had a few left over.

The choir is busily preparing for the Easter Cantata, which we will perform Easter Sunday morning at church.  We have now gone to two practices a week (Tuesday & Wednesday 7-8:30).  And this Saturday we have an extra practice.

This Sunday (3-18) I plan to leave right after church to go see John and X and will be there until Tuesday morning when because I have to be back to teach Monday Tuesday afternoon.

Tomorrow morning I have my Poli Sci Final, and Wednesday, I have my Bible and Geography finals.  The theme & variations are considered my final for music theory, and my final in conducting will be how I conduct my five pieces when they have it on April 8.

Guess that's all the news – Hope everything's fine down South.

Love, M.V. (One of your cold Ohio Relatives)

1984 MV note -Feb25

2-25-84

Thanks for Shopping + lunch today!  Car keys on kitchen table.  Roberta called at 7:10 – Will call back.

If my jeans are still in the washer, please hang them in basement.

Will be here by 5:00 Monday – Had Eggs, Banana for dinner –

Thanks again for everything – Sorry I got upset when the car stalled –

Love, MV

1984 Mary Virginia letter -Feb20

February 20, 1984

Dear Mom and Dad,

Thanks for your postcard today . . . . it probably would have arrived on Saturday except we don't get mail service on Saturday's.

the reason I'm typing is due to the fact that I just finished typing my paper that I found at home on Saturday.  It was probably just as well that Serena didn't type it, as it saved me paying her and it rally didn't take that long to do it.  I think I worked on it 2-3 hours yesterday and another hour today.  It was nice that I had written small, and my written pages were longer than my typed pages.  I ended up actually having to cut out about two pages of material in order to stay within my limit.  (5-8 pages).

I got up about 9:30 Saturday morning and wrote three letters, then went to Saga for lunch.  Lorraine needed to go to the public library, and I needed t pick up a book on reserve so I was out there untill about 2:00.  Then I came home (to practice with Rankins) and put a load of laundry in and took a bath before I went to the church.  When I got back, I put in another load and washed my hair and dryed it, then came back to school.

I had two late Valentine's last Thursday, one of them from the Garrett's in Mesa.  Karan Hewitt also wrote one, but it came early. . . .  I also got cards from Don and Jennry Stryker and another from Mary Lou and David Sprowle (Port William) and of course, Lorraine and Georgialia.

Jim Haskins is still recooperating from his detached retina surgery (he's been out since February 8).  Finally today Max Carr is giving Music Theory our first assignment since.  Hopefully Ji will be back next week - I think Jim is a much better teacher than Max Carr.

I am enclosing a tentative copy of my schedule for next quarter, but I have to make an appointment with Canby Jones to get it approved before it will be official.  I will be taking Chemistry Pass/Fail, so all I have to do is get a C or above to pass and it goes on my transcript as "p" instead of grade point.

[Written on side margin]  Guess that is about all the news.  I have been using M.Y.'s typewrite and need to return it.  Hope you enjoyed N.Y.C. and the Horton/Kintners.

Love, MV

1984 Mary Virginia letter -Feb14

9:05pm Valentine's Day 1984

Dear Mom & Dad,

Thanks you for the Valentine and $$ today.  I wondered if you had forgotten because at noon there were three in my box, none of them yours.  Then I checked after lunch and yours came after lunch, and they finally put Lorraine's in my box about 3:30 this afternoon.  (I'm sure it was a big day at the post office.)

For valentines day, Lorraine got me a little brown fuzzy teddy bear and four lolli-pops shaped like teddy bears in Cinnamon & strawberry flavors.  It took me about an hour to eat one this afternoon.

As far as shopping, Lorraine & I decided a Thursday would be best if you don't work that day.  We have one class from 9-10:15am and then we are free for the day.  Let me know how that works in with your schedule.

I finally took down my Christmas cards last week down last week - I meant to bring them home to file them last night, but I forgot.

I have a big geography test on Thursday and big Bible test on Monday morning with Canby Jones.  I have Vinton (Vinny) Prince for geog. – he was a new addition to the W.C. History Department last fall.  I think he's from New Jersey originally, but they have lived in North Carolina & Mississippi.

Mie Young was supposed to be back by 9:00 last night, but she decided she had to stop at Kroger's for some Dr. Pepper, so she was five minutes late.  I don't think she got in trouble though.

After doing some quick figuring, in order to do my double major, I would need to take at least 22 hours every quarter, or 17 each quarter and take 12 hours this summer & next.  So I may try to take at least 18 hours next quarter, depending upon what I can schedule.

Port William has already scheduled their Bible school for July 9-14 and begun to ask for volunteers.  I will probably take that week as vacation, rather than working only afternoons.  I'm not sure what summer school schedule is.  I may go first or second term so I wouldn't have to skp classes to go to Bible School.

Guess not much else is new.  Thanks again for diner & the Valentine.  Have a nice trip to New York.  Tell Joe & Kintners hello.

Love, MV

1984 Mary Virginia letter -Jan30,31

January 30, 1984 10 am
Dear Mom, Dad and Serena,

Greetings from far-away Wilmington!  It was nice to walk to classes in the snow this morning.  I asked Jim Haskins (my 8:00 and 9:00 professor) if they ever thought of cancelling classes – I guess they'd only cancelled once or twice in the last 20+ years.  (one of those days was after the blizzard of '78), so even if there is more snow this week, they will keep us occupied.

Thanks for bringing the couch over Saturday.  Already we have gotten lots of use out of it.  Studying on one's bed seems to induce sleep.  I told Lorraine that if we keep accumulating furniture we're going to have to rent an apartment.

Saturday, Diane Allen came over about 11"30 and took me to lunch at Frisch's – We took Shelly Straight's suitcase over to her & she went with us.  I guess she is coming home again next weekend with the two Beasly boys that go to Asbury.

I took a small nap Saturday afternoon (4 hours) & decided to get up, despite the fact that could have slept longer.  I wrote a presentation I have to give for Kirk Halliday's class – "American Issues & Ideas."  I got an A on his test last week.  I have to give a 10 minute presentation on the cons of Euthanasia.  My big project paper will be a thesis on Abortion.

I put in my two weeks at Extended Care – I will probably job hunt after the New York trip, as I don't want to have to ask for time off as soon as I would start. I guess my replacement is a girl in the Health Care Program at Laurel Oaks.

Midterms are this week, but technically I only have two: Canby Jones, "Intro to Bible," & Kirk Halliday, on Wednesday  Thursday respectively.  Both should be fairly easy.

After church yesterday, Don & Jenny Stryker (they had me for Christmas dinner) took me to lunch at Ponderosa in Xenia.  We got there about 1:00.  Ordered, & went through the salad bar – usually the steaks are there by then.  Well, finally, Don's came, with no sign of the other two, so he went ahead & ate.  Still, no sign.  Finally the manager came out about 1:45 and wrote out free meal certificates (for all three) because we had waited so long.  It was approximately 2:10 when they finally got it together & brought our steaks out – What a way to spend the afternoon!!

Last night for church, the McCann family (from Wilmington) sang.  Usually church is over by 8:30 at the latest – it starts at 7:00.  They sang until 9:00.  I like Country Gospel, but not that well.  Kevin left about 8:30 as he had to study Greek.

Jim Haskins has written a piece which the Dayton Philharmonic will be performing.  His students are going to the dress rehearsal next Tuesday, free of charge, so I will get to hear the Dayton Phil. for the first time.

Friday night I made out my Freshman Sophomore IEP (Plan).  Instead of Wilmington have requirements, they have guide lines and you make out your own Individualized Education Plan, writing down all the courses you've had, the ones you're taking / plan to take – You have to have at least 189 hours to graduate – & 45 more hours on top of that for a double major.  Talk about a headache.  I have 222 hrs with one major, so I may go ahead & chart out a double major.

Gotta go.  Made an appointment for Oil Change.  Thanks again for the loveseat, et al, & breakfast Saturday.  Love, M.V.

1-31-84 3pm

Dear Mom & Dad and Serena,

Thought I just tack some new news on this letter and get it in the mail.  My presentation in Kirk Halliday's class went real well this morning.  Tonight will be spent studying for my Bible mid-term and analyzing some music theory.  My most recent assignment in there, writing a short piece of music, he handed back on Monday with the comment "Best in the class" written on it.

Yesterday I went over to Maintenance to apply for a summer job.  Mary Bahr, Director of Personnel & the Physical Plant (Maintainance [sic]) is the Advisor for Fellowship of Christian Students and used to attend Port William Church.  She hired me on the spot – no application or interview.  I start the Monday after school's out, 7:30-4:30 everyday.  She said there would be no problem if I wanted take classes, have a day off, or take vacation.  I get an hour for lunch, and two 15 minute breaks am & pm.

I stopped by the Christian School this morning to check with Craig Cook about teaching music.  He said I had been hired & would be made official at their board meeting tonight.  My first session will be Friday afternoon.  I'm still kind of unsure as to how many hours weekly but $4.00/hour is quite a big raise, and the work will be much more pleasant.

Final Exam Schedule came out yesterday; I will have one on Monday (3-12), one on Tuesday, and 3 on Wednesday, finishing up at 3:00 pm.

This religious emphasis week at W.C., most of the stuff happening this weekend.  Pete Cade & Fiancé will be here Saturday to give a seminar entitled "Christian Ministry in Appalachia" from 1:00-2:30 in Kelly Center.

Well, Want to get this in today's mail.

Love, M.V.

1964 Mary birth congratulations -March

1964 Mary Virginia's Birth Congratulations

M/M Eugene Drake
The Redeemer's Class
Mrs. Mae Eaton
M/M Glen Daye  Mike, Cathy & Beverly
M/M Paul Eltzroth & Family
M/M Clarence Smallridge
M/M Laurence Terrell
M/M Harold Thornburg
M/M Wm. Horton
M/M Wm. Wolfe  Terri & Jimmy
M/M Wm. Sanker  Lynn, Lowell & ruce
M/M George Gano
Aunt Vertie
M/M H. G. Allen, Mark & Melissa
M/M Chas Thompson
M/M Wm Huffman
M/M Robert Hodson, David, Jeffrey & Susan
Mrs. Helen M. Morton
Wilma & Kevin
Carolyn Lemin
M/M Oscar Johnson
M/M Gleason Long, Beth & Sue
R/M Albert Kuntzman, Rennie, Tommie & Karol Fae
Sarah Burton
M/M Homer Bohl
The Hause Family
M/M Henry Fisher & Family
Eloise Simkins
M/M Thomas Rudisill, LInda, Barbara & Tommy
Mabel Davis
Mary Ruth Custis & family [note]
The Walkers
M/M Lewis BErnard [note]
Laura Hughes [letter + poem]
Mother & Daddy Uible
M/M Robert McCoy & Pam

1984 Mary Virginia letter -Jan17

1-17-84

10:30am

Dear Mom and Dad,

Being done with classes for the day, I thought I would try to get a letter off to you.  Things have been pretty busy here.

Last Friday I took Lorraine home for overnite (to Middletown) and we got back about 11:00 Saturday nite.  She did her laundry Friday p.m. (while I read for homework) and then Saturday we went shopping.  I bought three light bulbs.

Sunday I went to church and took a girl from work – Lori, the heavy-set girl that used to work at Dr. McMullens, and then she had me over for lunch.

When I got back Lorraine & I walked downtown to Bob & Carl's and then we had dinner out of the food her mom sent back with us.  Then we took off for church at Port Wm.

Roberta called me Saturday night after I got back – Didn't have much to say other than Grandma help up the plane going to Florida.  Several people told me at church that they had seen the write-up of the wedding in Saturday's paper.  Lori showed it to me after lunch on Sunday.

Filled out the tree order, and have enclosed it for your inspection.  They will probably arrive April 20 – or so again.  I think it makes a total of 205 trees.

Worked last night & again tonight (4-9).  Hope to come home for a short while next Tuesday, probably for dinner – that is if the honeymooners will be home.  Lorraine will be coming also.

Love, Mary

1994 Mary's letter -Mar11

12:30 PM 3-11-94

Dear Mom & Dad –

Ginny is watching BARNEY so I have 30 minutes to get some writing done!  Her newest Barney-ear is a pair of Barney slippers (at least on size too big) which she had to put on before dinner last night!

Thanks again for the sweet birthday card and check!  I used the check for my annual dental cleaning and to get some new underwear.  The birthday party in Wilmore went well, there were several people from Emmaus there, Ginny Bowles, Leah Davis and four people from Somerset.  Diane & Frank came along with decorating & having the food ready.  They even brought a dozen dead roses arranged nicely in a vase.  It was a nice evening.

Don said Wendy called & left a message that everything was fine and "by the way" she had gotten a car!  Since it was a message we didn't get any details.

Don went to Knoxville today for a member who's having surgery today.  It was a nice but cool day so Ginny & I went for a walk after lunch.  She enjoys listening for birds & touching the pine trees.

Our daffodils & tulips are coming up but don't look like they'll be blooming very soon.  It was cold here this week but not enough to cancel school or stop anything.

The church is about to get a new PC - a Packard Bell 486SX (5¼) as they need a more efficient machine with more memory.  Rumor has it they may put the old one in my office as I have some software I'd like to use to keep track of my music library.

Barney's over, so we'll close for now.  You are welcome to visit anytime that you can make it down.  We'd be glad to have you (especially for Easter).

Love, Mary Va, Don & Ginny

1974 Catherine Letter -Mar10

March 10, 1974

Dear Mom, Dad, John and Mary Virginia, (and Roberta and Serena?),

Hi!  The big news here is that Kuman had 10 puppies last night.  They all seem to have healthy lungs.  We weren't here when the first two were born and evidently while Kuman was taking care of the second one, the first one crawled under the furnace.  When we came home we could here [sic] this pitiful squealing coming from under the furnace, it took awhile but we finally managed to poke it out and then it took about an hour to was all the soot and gunk off of it.  I had blocked off one corner of the basement with cement blocks so that the puppies wouldn't wander off, but evidently Kuman didn't like my selection.  After that episode with the furnace we moved the blocks around where she was.  All but three of the puppies are black.  I haven't been able to get any kind of count on male vs. female.

We went to Boston yesterday for the home show (that's why we weren't here for the beginning of the puppies).  We went through Exeter on our way there so I could show X the library.  We didn't get there until a little after four and that was when they closed so we weren't even able to get inside.  Then we got to the Boston Public Library at 5:55 and we no more than walked in the door (the one we looked in before) when we were shooed out as they close at 6:00.  So our record wasn't very good.  We did have plenty of time to look at the Home Show as it didn't close until 11 P.M.

We've only had a tiny bit of snow since you people were here and the day after it got up to 60º so we lost more snow than we had gained the day before.  Actually, the weather has really been excellent.  It's been warm and sunny.  We've had more nice weather in the last two weeks than we had all last spring almost.  I read some statistics yesterday that there have been alot more fatal auto accidents this year due to the lack of cushioning snow on the side of the road.

The perk test was supposed to have been last Thursday but the guy who s going to do it got sick so I guess it will be next week or the week after.

I certainly was surprised to hear from Mary Ellen last week.  [She and husband Tom Walkley moved to Maine about that time, buying a printing business in Sanford.]  I don't know if what I told her was encouraging or discouraging since I don't know exactly what they are looking for.

We're anxious to hear where John will be going to school next year, and what Mary Virginia got with her birthday money.

Let us know soon how many puppies you would like to have so we can be sure and save you some!

Love, C

1904 Lucie S. Brown (Ballantyne) notebook

A small brown leather-bound notebook 6.5x8.25 was used by Lucie Brown Ballantyne in 1904 when she would have been 24-years-old and probably was used in her studying of elocution.  Elocution is defined by Merriam-Webster as "the study of how to speak clearly and in a way that is effective and socially acceptable."  The notebook, about 60 pages, is filled with her handwriting on every page except one which has a clipped poem entitled "Gran'mas."

Lucie, born May 23, 1880, is shown as a member of Phi Pi Alpha fraternity in the University of West Virginia 1902 yearbook; in the 1904 yearbook she is listed as a member of the Class of 1904.  She taught elocution at Marshall College in Huntington WV, after graduating, until she was married on December 4, 1906.

1904 Lucie Brown's Elocution Notebook

1994 Roberta's desert postcard -Mar

Desert in Springtime postcard - mailed 1994.  Captioned: Desert in Bloom.  The magenta and gold of owl clover and poppies mingle about the floor of the Southwest desert.  Photo by Bob & Suzanne Clemenz.

1994 Roberta's postcard -Mar

[March 1994]
Hi!  We did get in one hike and then the rains came - so we have enjoyed jut taking it easy – eating out & seeing a movie!  Did also make the outlet mall scene – saw Bubble Joy at the toy  2nd store – now off to UMC at Red Mtn.  See you all 4/5 or is it 4/6?  Will call.  Always great to be out in the trailer!  Love, R & Sid

1964 Jean's letter to Horton/Uibles -Feb

Jean writes to the Hortons and Senior Uibles in Florida on the back and inside of the birth announcement. Thought the writing on the flower card looked like mine – still have that slant and I remember walking around Swindlers trying to decide what to buy.  This was most likely written on Feb. 29, 1964.

[on or soon after Feb 29, 1964]

Hope you like her name – will probably call her Mary V.

Thanks so much for the beautiful white mums – they'll be pretty later too.  Catherine was so proud to pick them out.

The girls had all hoped the baby would wait til the 29th & then only have a birthday every four years.  I'm sure she'd appreciate it at my age but would think she was really cheated as a child.

We're all fine – eating hail  hearty – the ham that I've dreamed about so long was really salty to my taste.  I'm sure they think I've got  dog in my room as clean as I leave my plate but the food tastes so good.

The family seems to be getting along fine at home.  Mrs. Smith comes on school mornings til I come home & then Mrs. Chesnut (probably Wednesday).

Love to all, Jean

1974 MV's letter to Serena -March

[March 1974]

Dear Serena,

Hi!  There is nothing much new since you came home last week-end.

I wrote the Hortons and Uibles tonite.  Grandma sent me ten dollars for my birthday as usual.  But this year a dollar more.

We are watching "Gun Smoke."  It is really good.  Now It's over.

Mom is typing of up the Girl Scout meeting.  I am reporter.  We sent last week's in but they haven't put it in yet.

John got home O.K.  He was a wee bit grouchy if you know what I mean.

OVER

Love, Mary Va. Uible

1994 Jean's Hawaii postcard -Mar3

End of at least two weeks in Hawaii – first postcard in the archives from this trip was written February 19.  We know how much Mom loved Hawaii.  Plans for the family reunion here may have begun then if not before – so glad we were all able to enjoy the cruise in 2010

Hawaii Lava Postcard - mailed 1994.  Captioned:  This photo of Puu Oo vent in Hawaii's Volcano National Park shows both the huge lava fountains and the destruction of forest land by the lava flow.  Photo: Noel Black.

1994 Jean's postcard from Hawaii -Mar3

3/3/94
Wonderful park here, no red hot lava shoots here but alot of smoke and unable to get through previous roads.

Now on our way home – no time to mail in LA as plane had to wait for us – be glad to talk to you when we get home.  Much love, Mother & Dad

1984 Catherine's letter -Mar2

Friday, March 2, 1984

Dear Mother & Dad,

Hi!  I can't believe how times goes by and I never seem to get any letters written.  I finally got the typewriter out of it's cupboard and put it on the table where it reminds me of all these unwritten letters more often.  We'll see how long this strategy lasts.

Wendy's friend Julie (Wendy goes home with Julie every day after school) is spending the night with us.  She & Wendy are busy making a tape recording.  They alternatively go into hysterics and get angry with each other for interrupting "their" time.

Things have been hectic at the Co-op and at the library.  Gerry has had to go to quite a few meetings.  He has been to Portland several times and last week he went to Richmond, California, near Oakland.  Then the Co-op had a two day marathon meeting of the Board of Trustees which included meetings with the key employees and a dinner which we both went to at Wong's.  Today Gerry had to go to Portland for a meeting on exporting as the Co-op is planning to export parts to points south of the U.S.

I have been trying to do some "spring" (it probably should have been done last fall) housecleaning.  I got all the curtains dry cleaned and now I am working on washing the walls.  Such an exciting job and it seems like it takes forever!  I can't get too hepped up over such chores.

Wendy has a week of spring vacation the last week of March.  Gerry and I both have to work of course so Wendy will be spending most of the time with her babysitter  family.  They are planning several special events to give the children something out of the ordinary to do.  There are five children in their family, with Julie being the next to the youngest.  A very nice family, they are Mormons from Michigan.

Gerry played in a golf tournament last weekend and he and his partner came in second place.  It is now Saturday, and he and a guy from the Co-op are going to play this afternoon and probably both of us will play tomorrow.  The weather here has been quite nice, not very cold and we haven't had snow since early January.  Hopefully we won't any more winter weather.

Well, I guess I'll close and try to figure out where would be the best place to send this to you.  I hope you are having a nice vacation.

Love, Catherine, Gerry & Wendy

1954 Jean's letter -Jan2

January 2, 1954

Dearest Mother,

The time has been going so fast during the holidays with what seems like two Saturdays and two Sundays in every week.

We had an awfully nice time at Charlotte & Doc Hause's last Sunday night – there were two other couples there whom we knew slightly & found them nice to know.  We had turkey, oyster dressing, sweet potatoes, broccoli, relish plate, hot rolls, salad (?), pecan brownies with ice cream over it – coffee and she invited us to – supper!  (Wonder what she'd call dinner.)

Afterwards we played Rook – and had so much fun – I'd forgotten all about the game.  I won high score for the women – a dainty bottle of hair & body lotion.

Charlotte called later & said they were getting up a little party for New Years Eve so were out there again Thursday night with Virginia & Jack Walker and Alice & Rudy Rudisill.  Played bridge til the wee hours – very nice & then refreshments – and she had made crepe paper hats for us all to wear & we had big laughs at the men in theirs.

Charlotte is so artistic and her home always looks lovely – I want you to see it the next time you're in New Vienna.  They go in for antiques but she uses them with such good taste.

Tomorrow night we're to go to the Rudisills for dinner with the Everett Penns.  Mary Ruth & Bob just called to invite us there for a waffle supper same time so can't make it.  Bob was operated on for hemorrhoids just a week today.  Mary Ruth says he's coming along fine but taking it easy.

Catherine and Roberta had a good time down at the shop today & also watched them load the box car which goes out Monday.  It really holds alot.  Wells recently purchased loading runners which helps immensely at times like these.

They built houses out of empty cartons inside the shop & had a time punching jacks.

We have been giving you credit for sending those seven balloon dolls which have been fascinating them for days now – but for some reason I kept forgetting to thank you for them.

When we went over to see Aunt Mary & Uncle Harry Hiestand she had a set just like them for which she had sent.

Donna and Waldo Cornelius left last Sunday for Florida and his father & mother & their older daughter – Sharon (Catherine's age) accompanied them.

The Hause's daughter – Linda seems some better but still far from natural or normal for a little girl of seven.  My hear really goes out to Charlotte but she never even refers to Linda as being different.  Doc's brother was there New Years Eve – and he's eight – twenty four years younger than Doc.  His father is Supt of Schools at Goshen.

We're talking of going to Cincinnati to get some clothes – I hope to get a couple of nylon dresses or dress & suit for they say dry cleaning is really a problem in Europe.  I've got pretty complete lingerie in nylon.  Mother Uible gave me her collapsible (sp?) umbrella.  Harold plans to look into suits – possibly made of dacron-orlon or nylon combined with wool.

Catherine is already counting the days til her birthday.  Roberta is saying more & more.  Tell Virginia they look real cute in their dresses they sent them – everyone raved about Catherine with the gloves to match.

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

1984 Family letter Limerick Inn -Mar3

March 3, 1984

Dear Family:

Thought this might be an appropriate month to use this stationery. It was a nice hotel but the restaurant left much to be desired.

We were guests of the Sankers on Wednesday evening and they had given us a "homework" assignment over a month ago to see how many four letter words we could make out of "supercalifragilisticexpialidocious" (may well have the letters mixed up, but hopefully you have the idea).  Serena was a BIG help in coming up with several hundred words.

Wednesday was also a bad day at Wells for had several roof leaks - ice forms over the eaves on the roof and the water cannot escape except by coming down thru the ceiling.  Plus we had a semi in for a load and had to call the wrecker twice to get him on the way.

New York in 1984 was especially nice for we did enjoy seeing Joe, Mares and her family.  We celebrated by eating at the Four Seasons, which was designed by the same architect, Phillip Johnson, who also dis the Crystal Cathedral.  En route home we had supper with X and John.

Since then Dad filed for reelection to the County Commissioner job and will have opposition in both the primary and general election.  Last Saturday was our Lincoln Day Dinner . . . the Deputy Sec. of Agriculture was our speaker.  Had a good day and should clear a good $3,000.00. The day before we went to Dayton for our annual physical check ups . . . at least we still "feel" young.  Also visited the Pepperridge Farms surplus bakery.

We plan to leave here Thursday for Florida stopping to see Helen Kuntzman [1921-2009] and getting to Lake Worth on Saturday.  The Hortons are willing to take us to the Miami airport to get our flight to Costa Rica.  We'll be gone about two weeks stopping in Panama on the way back and then back to Miami.  Dad wants to go to the toy show in Atlanta on the way home so we'll be gone almost 3 weeks altogether.  The group going to Costa Rica is primarily a Wilmington College sponsored group - non-deluxe accommodations, visiting a Quaker farm there (run by one of the Stuckey boys from Wilmington who went to Barnesville with you, Bert?)  Mary Virginia is playing for Randy Rankin's wedding this evening.  The family is singing - Keith, Joanne, Jody, Kelly - Rob refuses to sing with the group.  I am anxious to hear how it turns out for Jody and Kelly are also ushers so they will be busy before the ceremony doing two jobs.

Mary Virginia and Mie Young have spring break while we are gone but guess they will be able to look after themselves.  They both think they won't be home the whole time anyway.

The Goodings are to come down tomorrow - we have postponed our get-together several times but they said they want to hear about the wedding and all the family.  MV and her roommate are also to come for dinner.

The David Hendersons celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary by repeating their vows last night.  Paul Steele officiated again - he is now the minister at Washington Court House so is quite close.

Mother, wee where Phillip Morris is raising their dividend on the next payment . . . yes, the Golden Lamb is still in business.  The Panama option came up at the past week so we will now be returning to Miami on Sunday.  If you have a conflict we will go another option of getting back to L.W.

We were talking to Catherine tonight and she told us that she had mailed a letter to us at L.W.  See you all soon.

Love, Jean & Harold

1983? GHU letter -March

An undated letter requires some sleuthing to determine when it might have been written. Grandma mentions having gotten a thank you note from MV for a birthday present which narrows down the month if we assume it was written within a couple weeks. And she mentions that Larna (Laurna?), Uncle Bill's sister-in-law (wife of brother Cris) turned 70.  Larna was born about 1913 though I don't have an exact date.  Uncle Bill's sister, Frances, was born March 4, 1919, so she would only have been 64 in 1983.  Another clue is the mention of Len's condition (Uncle Bill's brother Leonard).  He died April 11, 1983. We can ascertain the letter was definitely written in March on a Sunday evening in 1983 or a prior year.

Sun. evening

Dear Harold & Jean-
Supper of sherbert cake & sandwiches is over so I will try to write a few lines to let you know that today is much nicer than last Sun.  It rained just a little while on our way to Sun. School but soon cleared up.  Since you left we have had a couple of real nice days but the rest of the days rather cloudy.

Had a nice note from Mary V. (Birthday thank you Birthday note) & she mentioned about being a choir director for to-day which would be good practice & hope she got along nicely.  The leader at our church here is not good I would say.  He never plays nor sings alone for any service.  So he certainly is not very helpful.

Mr. Hornbeck asked me after service if my young people had left.  He wished they could have made a longer visit.

We attended a luncheon dinner at the Trailer Park last Thurs. at noon for Frances & Laurna to celebrate their Birthdays which came three days apart.  Larna is now 70 & Frances 67 I believe.  The Family is concerned about Len's condition.  Heart condition, Parkinsons, De– & now he has been passing out & seems to have no memory.  He had x-rays taken this past week & Mildred is to get the report tomorrow along with tests to be taken tomorrow.

It does not sound good for his improving at the present.  Bill seems to be taking a cold.  Mary's hoarseness is better.  Mary & Bill were not in a very good mood today as they had tickets for a play at the Play-House in L.W. but forgot to go last night.   They always take me but we lost out on that one.  The next program is in April.  We drove out to the Beach the Day after you left & they were busy cleaning up the sand from the street - that the waves had brought up on the street Sun.

A lady here in town is to leave for Senegal Africa next week in the Hooti (?) culture line for the Peace Cor. & she was wanting information so Mary showed the pictures they had on Africa.  They were interesting to see again.

We will not be going to VIA tomorrow for a group of 30+ are going by train to Tampa for the day.  They leave from W.P.B depot at 8:30 A.M. return in lat evening.

Hope you found every thing alright at home upon your return.

Love, Mother

We enjoyed your visit & card.

1974 Roberta's letter -Mar2

March 2, 1974

Dear Family,

Hi!  It's eight fifteen in the morning and I just got back from getting my gas.  The lines are getting much better down here now, in fact this morning I only had to wait for two cars.  I had bad luck this last Tuesday.  Went out to start my car and it hardly started, then when it did get started it acted real funny . . . . well . . . . some one evidently took most of my gas plus my gas cap during the night.  Getting more gs wasn't that much of a problem but finding a gas cap was.  I called up about six or seven places before I could locate one.  Guess there has been a big run on them lately.  I finally got one at Sears . . . . it's a locking one with keys and all.

Was quite surprised last night when Serena called.  I should have written her about my fling home instead of taking the ride to Indianapolis.  They are just leaving a day and a half too early for me to go.  (Tuesday night)  I did talk to my one professor about taking the exam early and he said fine but I had no such luck in moving up my Corrections exam, which isn't until Wednesday night.

All my classes now are over . . . . all I have to look forward to are the exams.  Yesterday I finished my registration for Spring Quarter.  I petitioned for permission to take nineteen hours, but I won't know for sure until the first day of the quarter.  Which is fine . . . . because I'm not sure if I want to take it yet or not.  I'll need the course if I stay at F.A.U. but won't need it if I transfer to Florida State.

The doctor called Aunt Mary yesterday about Grandma.  He started off by saying that she is so healthy and that the tests thus far show nothing.  He suggested that she go in the hospital as a patient to get further tests.  So she will be going in sometime this coming week; depending when there is room for her.

I bought a lined raincoat (London Fog) Thursday.  But, from the sounds of the weather reports for Ohio I may not need it up there anymore than down here.

I had the best of intentions to write this last night and get it in the mailbox before the price went up for postage [March 2, 1974 postage rates increased from 8¢ to 10¢ where they stayed until Dec. 1975].  But then I figured I would use up more than two cents worth of gas if I took the letter down myself to the mailbox.  Of course, I could have walked or ridden the pink panther!!!

I hope you all have plenty of food in the house . . . . I'll eat you out of house and home . . . . that is if it's the right kind of food!!!!

I've got to eat my breakfast, etc, etc . . . . don't have to be at work till eleven this morning though.  Will be home shortly . . . . .

G'ma saw in the paper about Emma Woods dying.

Love, Berta

1964 Roberta's Green Thumb Gardening 4-H Club -Mar2

1964 Wilmington News-Journal clipping about Green Thumbs 4H Club -Mar 2

Flower Gardening Attracts New Members

Captioned: FLOWER FANS – Studying plans for their 1964 girls' 4-H projects are members of the New Vienna Green Thumb club.  Left to right, seated are Robin Minzler, Barbara Rudisill, Mrs. J.S. McKenzie, advisor; Cindy Irwin.  Standing, left to right are Shirley Bernard, Sandy Nischwitz, Carol Salisbury, Roberta Uible, Alice Fisher and Peggy Fawley.

By Shirley Bernard

(New Vienna Green Thumbs)

It is time for 4-H clubs to organize for the 1964 summer season.  What club will you join?  Let me tell you about our club, the New Vienna Green Thumbs, and maybe this will give you an idea.

The 1963 4-H season was our first ear and we had to solve many problems.  First was selection of a name.  A constitution was drawn and officers were elected, including myself, president; Peggy Fawley, vice president; Sandy Nischwitz, secretary, Barbara Rudisill, treasurer; Cindy Irwin, reporter; Robyn Minzler, health and safety leader; Jill Laymon and Roberta Uible, recreation leaders.

Our club included 10 members, of which three took vegetable gardening projects.  We met on Mondays at the home of our advisor; Mrs. J. S. McKenzie.  We learned basic rules about gardening, soil preparation, seed planting, control of insects and garden care.  Each member gave a demonstration on gardening.  

Because our club was small, we were able to plan several special activities.  We visited the conservatory in Cincinnati and had a picnic lunch at Eden Park.  We saw everything from cacti to orchids.  

We toured each member's garden to compare notes on our projects.  Although we were all beginners, we received four honorable mentions in final judging, making our first year a successful one.

1984 MV's Thank You to Parents -Feb28

Horrors!  Discovered a folder of "4" materials today that hadn't been interfiled with the monthly subdivisions.  Could have been worse but I was wondering why there wasn't much from Mary Virginia and about a letter from Mother to Dear – found both in this formerly missing folder so will attempt to fit the ones from January and February into the March materials.  We will start with this thank you from MV written in 1984 on her birthday.  Speaking for MV's other siblings we agree that we "couldn't have asked for better parents."

1974 MV's Girl Scout Troop 757 meeting -Mar2

1974 MV's Girl Scout Troop 757 meeting -Mar2

Clipping from the Wilmington News-Journal

youth activities

Girl Scout Troop 757

New Vienna Girl Scout Troop 757 met Monday at the New Vienna United Methodist Church.  The leader Mildred Penn brought the refreshments.  The girls discussed summer plans and what pins and badges are needed.  A Girl Scout Tea is being planned for Sunday, March 10 at the New Vienna Lions Clubhouse.

The Rev. Robert Rider visited briefly, they said the Girl Scout Plege and the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

The following were present:  Carolyn Liming, Kelly Walker, Patti Mitchell, Renae Sholler, Beth Ann Dodd, Susie Hilterbrand, Robin McGraw, Michelle Hutchins, Shari Flint, Tammy Cain and Mary Virginia Uible.

2004 Catherine's postcard -Mar1

Wendy and I have an informal book club, often reading the same book at the same time. We read the book by Audrey Niffenegger mentioned below in August, 2010. It was good but I only gave it 3 (of 5) stars. To quote from my review "Loved the time travel part and the 'what if' concept, but not a big fan of sappy romance so my feelings about this book are as mixed as the reviews." Currently we are reading The Giver quartet of books by Lois Lowry, having finished the first two, The Giver and Gathering Blue. We would welcome new members into our group!

Transcription of this 2004 postcard follows.

Postcard with Amish winter scene - mailed 2004.  Captioned: Ohio's Amish Country. The local sale barn is a gathering place for the local Amish farmers who buy and sell livestock, or just spend a day visiting.  Here at Farmerstown, Ohio, the regular livestock auction is held every Tuesday.

2004 Catherine's postcard to Wendy -Mar1

Glendale AZ
3/1/04
Hi, Wendy!  My focus this month is on simplicity so the Amish fit the theme – don't think I want to simplify quite that much.  At least you have a week off school this month and we have our trip to look forward to as well as dinner with you & X this week.  Are you reading anything of interest to me?  I heard about a novel we might both like Time-travelers wife or some such title.  Hope to see you soon.  Remember I love you just the way you are!  Love, Mom