1959 Family Pictures -Sept.

Jean, Roberta (from the back), & Serena. 
[Note: Martins house in the background before the beauty shop was added on.] 

John (in high chair), Elizabeth Johnson, Roberta, and CJ Uible -- probably at Sunday dinner

"Spot" - first and possibly most beloved pet, gift of the Sankers.

1959 - New building at Wells Mfg. on the far right.  The additional buildings on the west side of Rt. 73 were built in the early 1960s.

1959 - New building at Wells Mfg. from a different perspective.

1959-60 New Vienna School pictures

New Vienna School, New Vienna, Ohio 1959-60 Third Grade
Top Row: Dana Storer (d.2011), Jennifer Gano, Sharon Hurst, R.W. Fenwick (1901-1986),  Martha Woodmansee (1903-1984), Eddy Eaton, Butch Scott, Debbie Wolfe.  2nd Row: Lloyd Tolle, Rose Whitmer, Tommy South, Cynthia Burton, Carolyn Hildebrant, (Garry or Larry) Akers.  3rd Row: Pamela Thompson, Vickie Priest, Nancy Walker, Rickie Drake, Robert Fisher, Benny Achor, Logan Lawson, Carolyn Simbro.  4th Row: Billie Nischwitch, Sandra Bentley, Connie Conyers, Barbara Deck, (Larry or Garry) Akers, Fay McVey.  Bottom Row: Roberta Uible, Donnie Achor, Donna Lightner, Douglas Prickett

Mrs. West, Music Teacher
Harriett Hunter West 1916-2005

Miss Smart / Mrs. Wolfe, Elementary Teacher
Wanda Jean Smart Wolfe 1936-2002

Mr. Rudisill, Coach and Jr High - High School Teacher
Thomas Woodrow "Rudy" Rudisill 1916-1970

1989 Wendy & 1979 Catherine to John -Sep.30

8/23/89

Dear Uncle John,

How are you?  I'm fine.  School starts on Monday.  I had four babysitting jobs last week.  I have one tomorrow too.  It's plenty hot here.  How's the weather in Ohio?  If you have forgotten my . . . .  [from Wendy]

9-30-89
Wendy wouldn't like me to send this "old" news but she's not here right now.  I think in the final sentence she was going to remind you of her birthday!  Hope yours is a good one!

* * * * *

Sunday, September 30, 1979

Dear John and Carol,

Hi!  Thanks for the post card from St. Thomas and the birthday card for Wendy.  She had a nice birthday - making a mess of the cake and spreading wrapping paper everywhere.  We also went to a Co-op picnic that day so it was a full day. 

How is life going for you two?  Have things settled down pretty much?  I was glad to see your apartment even if it was the rush tour.  You are lucky to have such a nice place.  Ours is much smaller than yours and we are getting kind of tired of the cramped space.  The redeeming factor however is that we don't have to pay rent for it.  And we'll get free heat this winter which will be nice.  Do you have to pay your own heat or is that furnished?  Do I remember seeing a fireplace?  Is that usable?

We hear that you made copies of alot of the pictures that were taken.  We are anxious to see them.  I will enclose a few on the ones I just got back.

This is a busy time of month for us with everyone's rent due and three of the apartments having turnovers means lots of inspections and typing of paperwork.  About half of the landscaping is done now and what a difference that makes.  They put down sod which meant instant grass.  I still had to stake it off to try to keep the kids from disrupting it long enough for the roots to get down into the other soil.  In a few days I'll have to start owing it.

Well, hope you have a good birthday, John.  When is Carol's birthday?  Write to us when you have a chance.

Love,

Catherine, Gerry 

& Wendy

1969 Catherine's Letter -Sep.29

Monday

September 29, 1969

Dear Mother, Dad, Serena, John, and Mary,

Hi!  I have been putting off starting this letter for about three hours because it seems like there is so much to tell you I hardly know where to begin.  First of all, I was glad to get your letter of Sept. 21 today at school.  I am going to check tomorrow about the possibilities of meeting you.  Dr. Spaltmann may be more liberal (?) than Stavig and Fugate.  Can you send me some precise dates?  We are going to Berlin from Oct. 18-25.

Now, to go back in time a ways . . . .  Last Thurs. morning we were to arrive in Cherbourg at 6AM.  So Wednesday night everyone said their sad farewells to those going to France.  All would have worked out as planned except at 3:30 AM one of the crew, reportedly drunk, went overboard.  International law requires that six hours be spent searching so for six hours our huge ship drifted around in the endless ocean, lifeboats were sent out, etc. but he wasn't found.  As a result we got to Cherbourg several hours late, skipped Southhampton entirely, and were only about two hours late getting to Bremerhaven.  We didn't have to go through customs at all.  All Kalamazoo luggage was unloaded, we picked it up, walked out of the station and got on special buses for Bremen.  We arrived at the Übersee Hotel about 8 PM (Fri.) and since I was really tired I just walked around a little and then went to bed.  It has some reconstructed medieval streets.

We were awakened at 6 on Saturday morning, took our luggage downstairs.  The room number was 327 but it was equivalent to an American 6th floor.  The price of a single room without bath was $4.  And breakfast (consisting of hard rolls with butter and jelly and tea or coffee) is included.  Buses took us to the train station and at 8:15 we got on the train for Münster.  It was quite a sight with half of us on the train pulling the luggage in through the windows as the other half passed it to us.

All 24 of us were suffering varying degrees of fright and nervousness so the 1½ hour trip to Münster went very quickly.  I wasn't exactly scared -- just kind of numb not knowing what to expect next.  Dr. Spaltmann (who had met us in Bremerhaven) herded us into a private room at the station where we were served sandwiches and then the families began arriving.

That concludes part one of this letter so take a break and rest your eyes before reading on.  Thanks for sending the letter from Sue -- it was a well-traveled letter and a bit out-dated.  I also got letters from Alice Fisher and Mike which Kalamazoo forwarded to me, a letter from Dave with the latest baseball statistics, and my grades.  They were better than I expected, C- in history, and B's in English, German and Archery.

Now, to continue . . . .  Ann Burt and I are sharing a family, the Volkers.  Mutti remind me alot of you, Mom.  She is short with short dark hair and speaks only German.  She worries about my not eating enough but I'm beginning to get through to her that one helping of everything is plenty.  Vater is a beer brewer and although he speaks to us occasionally we are usually ignored as he works at his desk.  He knows a little English which he learned as a prisoner of war.  There are three sons:  Wolfgang is 20 and is learning English in the university, Peter is 18, and Klaus is 15.

Our house is about a 20 minute walk from the school and downtown is about a 20 minute walk on the other side of the school.  Ann and I went downtown on the bus this afternoon.  It costs about 12½ cents one way.  It was our first real venture out alone and we managed fairly well.  It's rather frustrating to be surrounded by so many peple speaking a strange language which we are only beginning to understand.  Just buying some paper in a department store felt like a major accomplishment.  There is a Woolworth's although I didn't see any jacks or jump ropes.  I didn't feel up to asking.  Wait until I get a bit more proficient.

John, I wanted to get you a birthday card but the only cute ones I could find had more German than I could translate very well.  So, I hope you have a happy birthday anyway and I'll be thinking about you.  I was in a post office this afternoon but there were lots of people in lines everywhere and I wasn't quite confident enough of what I wanted to wait in line and ask for it.  Give me a little more time yet.

Yesterday we went to a town about 60km. (40Miles?) away and visited some friends of Vater and Mutti.  The town was in the middle of the coal and steel industrial area.

It's getting late so I'l tell you about the school and what else I've been doing in my next letter.  Good night!

Love,

Catherine

1979 Roberta's Letter -Sep.28

Friday Morning

7:30 A.M.

[9/28/79]

Dear Family,

This last week has sure been a busy one . . . it's almost hard to believe that its Friday already, tho I sure don't mind the weekend coming up.

Did the first of my visits yesterday for the activities class.  Went to the Scottsdale Senior Center which is right downtown . . . the old part of Scottsdale, near the Civic Center.  It is really something.  So different than the Senior Center here in Mesa . . . which is more like a Day Care center . . . for those who might other wise be in a nursing home.

Anyway Scottsdale Center was full of people, it is housed in three new buildings.  In one area there was a dance going on, some 100 people there.  In another room a bridge group, also another card game going on in another area.  Most of the people were just socializing in a large room.  They -- in general -- looked like a very healthy bunch.  Most of the people there -- or that go there -- are from Scottsdale, but no rule that you must be, you can be a citizen of Tempe, Mesa, wherever.  She (the director) who showed me around was very good, took alot of time etc.  She said that once the winter visitors get there it is really a busy place.  Under one roof they have all sort of services for the seniors.  Like Doctor's Clinic, Personnel 60+, Money Management, etc. . . .

There were alot of Cadillacs and other big gas eaters in the parking lot, as a whole these people in Scottsdale are sure not poor people, maybe affected by inflation like the rest of us . . . .  I went to Scottsdale on the bike and it made quite a hit with four older people who were getting out of their cars in the parking lot.  One man wanted to drive it, and I was just as glad when his wife wouldn't let him.

After visiting the center, I looked at the map (which I had with me) and decided I would take the time to go over and see Dr. Matthews.  When I got there he and a Mr. Tripplet were fixing their closets.  It was a matter of having too many clothes on one rod and the thing that hold up the rod broke.  This Mr. Triplet, sure knew both Grandma and Addy.  He said how he used to live in New Vienna, across the street from Grandma, and how Grandma would always take his mother with her to Athens when Grandma went to visit Aunt Mary in School.  Guess his mothers sister or aunt or something lived in Athens. . . .  Dr. Matthews seemed to appreciate my coming by.  I asked him about his trip to Ohio, and he said he just wasn't sure if he would go, hated to hurt his pride and have to use a wheelchair in the airports.  Yesterday he seemed to have trouble just talking.  Had to keep spraying some stuff in his mouth.  Thelma and Mrs. Tripplet were out shopping when I was there.  The Tripplets were driving are just here for about five days.  Had a trip through the Northwest getting here.

Time for me to run . . . will add more later.

Saturday Morning . . . thanks for your long letter yesterday.  I also had a nice letter form Carol earlier in the week.  Need to drop them a note, at this point I'll just send it in a birthday card for John.

Seems I sure have the school work to do.  For one class I need to make up an agency, give it a name, and then what is called the four P's.  Philosophy, Principles, Policies, and Procedures.  For the same class we are in groups of four, and we have to put on an "inservice" type deal for people working with older people.  You could pick your age group, as to the group you signed up with.

Next Friday I'll have my first two tests.  And for both of them (these are the classes I have the same prof. for) he has given us a test question which will be half of the grade.  Both of the questions are about urban planning . . . as far as parks and recreation go . . . which is HIS big interest.

I was sure sorry to hear about Miss Wendy's fall.  I lost their address, more details about that later.  But did get a card sent off to her late as to her birthday.  Just last year Aunt Mary, Grandma, and I were there . . . along with Mother to help with the celebrations.  Sure glad that Catherine and Miss Wendy made it to the wedding, the chances of me getting there for Thanksgiving are slim.  Do yo think Miss Wendy will make a good doctor??????

Now, as far as Christmas goes, I will be out of classes from about the 19th of December to the 17th of January.  That's a nice vacation, huh????  I checked a couple of weeks ago as far as getting one of these super saver flights.  They were all gone, I could fly at night, and it would still be close to $300 . . . big bucks.

What I feel like would be good for me is to get some experience here as -- to get 400 hours of volunteer (which can be paid or volunteer) work before they do their internship.  I have been excused from all this, but keep hearing . . . especially in my special topics class how the experience is just as important as the class grades.  Oh, in that class we have to make up a Resume for ourselves.  Oh, something else that I haven't mentioned is that Scottsdale has a neat program that they call Vista Nueva (which you would learn if you were in Spanish . . . to mean New Horizons.  It is a program for the isolated and institutionalized FRAIL adults.  (frail is a big word used alot)  This place has an office at the Scottsdale Center where I visited, and they bring the people there twice a week for activities . . . crafts, movies, etc.  I talked to the woman in charge, and she asked me if I would be interested in doing some volunteer work with them.  Which would be good experience, tho I would rather have something closer to here.  I feel sure that it would be no problem to get volunteer work here in Mesa.  Paid employment, esp. for such a short time would be hard to get, I'm sure.

What I might do is try to get a supersaver for like the week before the 17th of January. Or do you think that you people will be coming out.  If I wait until June to come and visit, the weather might be more to my liking.

Can't seem to get the [typewriter] keys in order today.  Seems maybe I need to get a word processor machine.  Sure have been using the typewriter for school.  Tho, when I type for school, I give up some of my speed for accuracy.  Dad, are you getting the word processor typewriter???  Is Phyllis on the computer yet???

What type of work is Serena doing in Chicago now??  Same thing.  She must like the area, if she plans to stay.  That would be far too cold for me.  Did Dad take her and how much stuff back to Chicago??

Have you all been back to the square dancing?  Remember the visiting school lady (now retired) the one that always wears her hair pulled up on her head, that asked me about what I thought about O. Harner square dancing, and what my father thought about it.  You should have asked her to go.  HA!!!

Marion is busy making wreaths.  Plans to sell them, both here and in Denver.  Tho I am not sure at all as to how to get them to Denver.  A wealthy church in Denver has an annual one day bazaar . . . last weekend in October.  She plans to go to Denver that weekend.  Will make a long weekend of it, by taking two personal leave days.  She is so much pleased with the situation at her school this year.  All three administrators are new, and very strict.  The smoking area is no-more which pleases her VERY MUCH.  Also order in the halls, etc.  As to the wreaths, she is now on the third one.

Can collecting is sure doing good.  We have some $40 extra in the gas money jar.  We have been averaging about $20-$25 a week, tho I (in fact we) are both cutting down in our collecting.  I still walk around school with a bag always, but finding myself needing more time for studying, etc.

Fred is still not very good.  He . . .YOUR TELEPHONE CALL JUST RECEIVED . . . THANKS . . . .

Oh, the last week and a half have not been very good as far as losing things.  First off, one day at school after walking to the bike from the library realized that my small, zippered compartment on my backpack was unzippered, lost my favorite pen, also a hot liner, which is much like a flair, except you use it instead of underlying.  That night, I went to look for my address book . . . which I keep there in the small zippered compartment, and it too was gone.  Luckily enough I had been using my new red one more and more and alot of addresses already copied in it.  Checked the lost and found at school but no one had turned it in.  Then a few days later I was studying on the couch and the back of my ear-ring fell off . .. .  I had just been emptying trash so went there to look but no luck  We really went over the area here, but also no show.  So now I am wearing my old brown small round ones.

Then on Wednesday at school I was on my way to class and bent down to put something in the trash can, and the chain on my cross necklace caught, popped the chain, and I quickly fished around . . . found the chain, but not the cross.  Rushed off to class, after two classes came back and the trash can had been emptied.  So . . . .  It was the necklace that the Wigets had given me the year we went to Africa.  Still feels funny not having it on.

Then on Wednesday at the beginning of my last class the prof said he needed to see me after class.  I went up afterwards and was told that my file folder (which I have never seen or touched) has been lost . . . or rather could not be found and that I needed to check it out.  This would include all my transcripts, test scores, etc. . .  all the stuff I needed to get together to admitted, it wasn't there . . . where it should be.  So they gave me a list of places to go . . . new admissions, graduate school, College of Liberal Arts, etc.  NOW, WHY SHOULD IT BE MY JOB TO LOCATE THIS . . . THAT I NEVER HAD.  The Graduate School had a record of it being together and sent to the Rec. Dept. as of last April.  So yesterday I went back to the Rec. Dept., and the secretary said that perhaps my advisor had it.  Of course he was out, so I have to check it back out on Monday.  I STILL CAN'T SEE HOW IT IS MY JOB TO LOCATE WHAT I NEVER LOST!!!!!

Better get going.  Thanks again for calling, for the letter, and the enclosures.  Good articles . . . and otherwise . . . .

Love,

Roberta

1989 John's Letter -Sep.27

Sept. 27, 1989

Mom & Dad,

How was your trip to Maine?  Thanks for the post card.

I have decided not to go to the wedding here on Oct. 7th so I should be home by 2:15-2:30 PM.  Is that too late to go down to Kentucky with you?  Of course I'll see you Wed night about 6:30 at 94th Aero Squadron.

Sorry I didn't get to spend more time with you Sept. 16 & 17.  I forgot to even thank you for treating me and the Baileys out for lunch.  That was very nice.

I am talking to a Rotary Club tomorrow morning at 6:45 AM and then to our singles group tomorrow evening.

A Lutheran Church in Heath invited me to come to their adult Sunday School Class this Sunday.  I talked to Ken Colvin and it looks like I'll speak at their church on Nov. 5th.  If you hear of anyone else that is interested, let me know I am open and happy to share about the trip.

Hope you two and Grandma are well.  I'll be anxious to catch up with all of your activities next Wed. and Oct. 7th & 8th.  It should be fun.

Love in Christ,

John

1989 Roberta's Letter -Sep.27

9/27/89

Dear folks,

Hi!  thanks for calling tonight -- We just got these pictures back so I'll send you a copy of the picture of our "Sunday Car."  It does have a great sounding radio too!  I'll also enclose some items I cut out from the Estes Park Methodist Church!

Tomorrow we go to Senita School for lunch -- all of Sr. Village except for 5 party-poopers!  Will have for lunch at $1.85 each -- great price for hot nutritious lunch w/ salad bar included!  Then we will go visit the 3rd grade class!  Next month when we go back it will be Halloween!  Then in 3 months -- Christmas!  Time flies!

Sid & I have really been working on the upcoming county inspection -- so we have had more paperwork scattered -- we could wall paper all of the walls!  [The letter is written on the back of two pages of a Senior Village monthly report July 1989.]

It's late now -- so I do look forward to my arrival in Ohio Oct. 4th.  Will save John's birthday card till then!

With Love,

Roberta

1979 Catherine's Letter -Sep.26

Wednesday, September 26, 1979

Dear Mother, Dad, and Mary,

Hi!  As you can see I got the typewriter back from the repair shop.  It just needed some minor adjustments and now seems to be working fine.

We have had a very busy week.  Now that the landscaping is partially complete -- about half done -- there is alot of watering to be done.  Plus the end of the month coming up means we will be having inspection again soon.  I think Sandi is coming tomorrow or Friday.

Wendy had a nice birthday.  Thanks alot for the outfit the pants are just a little big on her but will be fine for this winter and the shirts both fit her fine.  She likes both books also.  That little one that opens out is real cute.  I haven't really looked at the bigger one that much yet.  The co-op had their picnic on Sunday so we went to that in the afternoon and then had Wendy's birthday cake and she opened her presents in the evening.  We gave her a couple of other things (just little toys) since we had already given her the tricycle.  We took a picture of her in the outfit you sent so I'll send it to you after we get it developed.  It is on the newest roll of film so it will be awhile.  The others are being developed right now.

Our weekend or rather Saturday night in Bend was a big disappointment.  We went to the Sizzler for lunch, did some shopping, and then went to the motel to check in around 2:30 and they had already rented the room with the waterbed out despite the fact that they had our reservations and were to have held it for us until 6:00.  They said they were sorry and they hope we would come back some other night.  They suggested another motel that had waterbeds but they were all taken.  At the other motel they told us that the the motel where we had our reservations had just changed owners and perhaps the new owners were so anxious to get money they took it from the first person rather than wait for us.  At any rate it depressed us since we were planning on it.  We came back to Madras and slept in our regular old bed.

We are pretty much over our colds but now the flu bug is going around.  I was sick Sunday evening and Monday.  Gerry was sick yesterday and today Wendy isn't feeling well.  i took her to the neighbor's this morning while I went bowling and she said Wendy slept part of the time.  And this afternoon she is just lying on the sofa which is pretty abnormal for her.

We are having more tenant problems.  I tried to give the Fromong's in #5 (ask Mary about them I'm sure she'll remember, they are ver weird) a 30-day non-compliance notice because his nightmares keep the neighbors awake all night.  But they refused to take the notice from me.  So Gerry went over to talk to them when he came home for lunch and Mr. Fromong hit Gerry in the head.  Then we gave them a 24-hour eviction notice for irreparable damage -- hitting the manager -- but they didn't leave so I had to file papers in the District Court.  the court date is next Tuesday.  Fortunately we had three witnesses around when Gerry got hit.  They are now claiming that Gerry forced his way into the apartment and assaulted Mrs. Fromong.  The whole thing is very depressing.  They both have their problems but our sympathy for them ran out long ago.  It also made us a little nervous when one of our tenants who works at Coast to Coast reported that Mr. Fromong had been in trying to buy a gun so he could keep people from harassing him.

Well, I have to go turn some sprinklers off and some others on.  The water pressure is not high enough to run more than one area at a time and there are about 8 areas.

Thanks again for the birthday presents for Wendy.

Love,

Catherine, Gerry

&Wendy

1979 Family Letter -Sep.25

Thursday -

September 25, 1979

Dearest Family -

This won't be a very long note but wanted you to know that we got your letters, Catherine and Roberta, yesterday.  The long delay in getting yours Catherine was due to the fact that it had been mis-sent to Youngstown - no fault of yours but someone who had misread the zip or something as perhaps it had gone to Vienna, Ohio.  Anyway we were glad to hear from you both and hope that the Morgans colds are better and Wendy has recovered now from her sewed chin and sprained wrist.  We are anxious to hear about your weekend. 

Roberta, you are doing well collecting to make enough to pay for gas for the three vehicles.  That was good news too about your report and hope that you continue to add much to the class discussion, etc.  Would be interesting to see the paper you turned in.  Sounds like it would be good personnel work matching volunteers with jobs.

I meant to tell Carol's grandmother that it was too bad neither paper seemed to get the article right about her paternal grandmother.  Ravenna paper didn't include her name at all and Wilmington left off the "s" so it was Mr. Jack Watt instead of Mrs.  Then they (Wilmington) didn't describe the bride's gown at all but better than not putting the article in at all.

Just before we left for the OPEN HOUSE at the school last night we got word that Mrs. Fenwick had passed away.  She had had a heart attack yesterday afternoon and had been taken by the emergency squad to the hospital.  Earlier in the day she had been to the doctor and he (or whoever) had told her she had a 5-day virus.  It was quite a shock to everyone as she went about as fast as Mildred Henderson had.

Seemed like there were more visitors than usual in the library last night - it is always good to see parents interested in coming.  Of course they didn't all stay for the meeting afterwards but still a lot of new families.  One couple are starting off right - Kevin and Connie Croghan were there and sat right up front.  Not many honeymooners attend a PTA (or rather Home and School Meeting) just 48 hours after their wedding.

Dr. Robert and Lana Sue Carey had their third son early this morning - an eight pound six ounce baby and guess they had no boy's name picked out as even the other boys had hopes of a girl.  Ruth said that they were going to have to do some switching with the Harry Careys since they have 3 girls.  The Robert Careys were at the open house last night.

Dad was in Wilmington this afternoon and bought some shrimp and rice at Coopers Drive In (as to the quantity of each, one is reminded of how much ham they put with the beans on a commercial scale).  Anyway, with Tom Cooper  & bride from the Orient it is billed as authentic Chinese food.

Went into Strebers on the way home tonight and saw some bananas there on the counter and asked them they price and said they were giving them away - so you can imagine the rest of the story . . . really nothing wrong with them.

We are looking forward to having Serena home this weekend but not sure just when she is coming.  Mary Virginia has to be in Xenia for the band is playing in the parade at 4PM and then all the bands play at the high school there in a program at 8PM.  With the Bikeathon here that morning she is going to have an extra full day.  Ours will be full enough trying to keep up with her if we go as planned earlier.  Hope that this works in with your plans, Serena.

The next weekend John and Carol are coming down - seems like such a long time since we have seen them and heard about their trip.  Hope they are both over their colds too.  Labor Day seems like years ago now.

It is now Wednesday morning and we survived the square dancing last night.  They take time to explain the steps slowly - if I just can remember all this by next Tuesday evening.  The classes run through next March 5th with the exception of Christmas and New Years Day.  It's $3 a couple each night and you are to pay whether you attend every session or not so imagine that helps in all phases.  Orville & Elaine & husband were there.

This turned out to be longer than I thought but may make up for the lateness of other letters.  Always so glad to hear from you all.

With much love from all of us,

1949 Jean's Letter to HH -Sep.26

Monday

Sept. 26, 1949

Dearest Harold,

Catherine & I have had plenty of fresh air today - and the weather was almost perfect.  She watched Mother & I hang out clothes after her morning nap & then when her afternoon nap was over we took down the things & were outdoors from 3:00 to 6:00.  Mrs. Herron had wanted to see Catherine so we walked up there & stayed til her lima beans scorched.  So many people think she looks more & more like you.  Cousin Maude said "Hello Harold" to her once cause she thought Catherine had your exact expression then.

The stoker [?] smoked so much last night that we turned it off before we went to bed -- not just the furnace but the coal bin loading into it.  We called Mr. Garlick about 7:00 this morning & no answer so I drove down, pounded all the doors & finally talked to Mr. Cullen who was waiting in the truck for Mr. Hendershot (both work for Mr. G).  They came up at 7:30 & cleaned it all out.  Said the feeder was clogged up & didn't get any air.  Both Mother & I will be happy to see the stoker go -- hope the gas proves successful.

Godfrey Beaumont & family plan to move back to New Cumberland - some say the first of the year - others say the end of this school year.  Anyway he has made arrangement to rent the new building near the Stewart Turly [?] Funeral Home & he & Dr. Dale Williams (dentist) will be together (separate offices).  Gretchen has already written to him (Dr. B.) to see if she may be his receptionist (if she doesn't already have a good job by then).

Just spoke to Mrs. Campbell on way home from Herrons.  Catherine had loads of fun watching children on way home from school.  Would turn way around in her walker to see them til out of sight of a jolt caused them to be out of her mind.

Gretchen was over at noon & this evening.  Helped dry dishes & put Catherine to bed tonight.  Her Ranney [?] has been on the blink today - finally showed up at 12:00 & disappeared at 1:30.  He [or she?] has been quite a disappointment & also a worry to Bob.  [Gretchen Lee Kessel Malloy would be the daughter of Jean's cousin Natalie Virginia Ballantyne Kessel Parsons.  Gretchen is the younger sister of Pat Kessel, who some of us have met.  She was a teenager in 1949.]

Bob is coming down tomorrow & drive us to Morgantown - Mrs. McKnight is coming tomorrow til 4:00 & Mrs. Reynold from 4:00 on.  I'm not anxious to have Mrs. R but we haven't much choice since school is on.  Cousin Maude doesn't feel too capable to manage Catherine by herself.

I finally finished that letter I started to Jeanne about 3 weeks ago - after I wrote to you last night so I suppose I'll get an immediate reply & I'll be in the same state again.

Have you hard any news concerning Dr. Brown at all?

Lillian Williamson came tonight to learn how to play Canasta & we had alot of fun playing.  We may go down to their house & play with them Friday or Saturday & also the Pierces will be there.  Lilian wants us to bring Catherine  & put her in one of their beds - she'd probably fumigate the house if C. would spit up on dampen the bed.

The auction of Bombrick's [?] house & household goods is to be this Saturday October 1, but I don't think there will be much worthwhile.  I think I'll go out of curiousity though.  It's the first auction I ever remember around here.

Mother & I ate the roast pork tonight & wish you could have been here to help us eat it - will be feasting on it for the next 2 weeks it's so big.  We really wish you could be here for more than just to eat the pork - and I'm looking forward to being with you again real soon.  Would it suit you better to meet us during the week, Saturday or Sunday -- or Xenia or  ?  or Washington Court House or Snow Hill? 

All our very, very best love,

Jean & Catherine

1979 Family Letter -Sep.23

Sunday afternoon -

September 23, 1979

Dearest Family -

I am typing down in the patio where the weather is cool but sunny and every time I think that this will be the last time to write down here for awhile - sorry that I triple-spaced instead of single as I intended.  Much room for improvement.  Mary Virginia is becoming quite adept at typing - has even done some work for Dad in his legal business.  She'll be doing all kinds of things by the time she finished Typing I this year.

It was nice talking to Serena TWICE on the phone this past week and looking forward to seeing her home this coming weekend before she moves into her new apartment October 1st.  Don't know how it may work out but Dad will perhaps take her back to Chicago with a load of things to fill her unfurnished place.

Thanks to John and Carol for the big wedding picture which we mailed over to the News Journal along with the article and it finally got in last night's paper - have received many nice compliments on the attractiveness of John's bride, Beans (Marvin) wished they could also see John's pictures as they haven't seen him since he was just a mid-sized boy.  Frank Youngs asked if we didn't attend as our names weren't listed among the guests.  Anyway thanks that it finally got published - will send you a xerox copy as you already have the picture and write-up from the Ravenna paper and if we're able to get extras will save one for whomever might prefer it from the paper direct.

Always glad to get Roberta's many letters and to hear how the studying and gas money (from metal can collection) is coming plus other items of interest.  Too bad about Fred not feeling so good after his fall.  Its pathetic that they would be in separate place (from his wife).

Catherine we did get a letter from you early last week but the one about Wendy's fall never has come but glad to get details on the phone Friday evening.  Do hope that she is feeling much better - sorry to hear that she had to have stitches in her chin (additional trouble with them) and then a sprained wrist besides all just before her birthday.  No doubt it didn't spoil her appetite too much.  Thinking about you today and your mini-holiday in Bend.  Do let us know how you like the water bed you try in the motel there.  Hope it provides Gerry some relief to his back and leg problems.

This past week has been busy but last night was the big wedding - Kevin Croghan and Connie Trivett.  Connie wore a long white gown with train and had he 4 yr old little girl as flower girl and son (2nd grader) as ring bearer.  She seems like a real sweet person and we wish them the best.  They had one attendant each but did it up as if the first marriage for her.  They have bought a home out in the Lions Club addition on Dorothy Lane.  Kevin shaved off his beard and only had a neat mustache much to the pleasure of his mother and grandmother Thornburg.  Keith Rittenhouse was about the only one of Kevin's class that I know that was there.

Dad and I went square-dancing Tuesday night and they hope to get enough out each Tuesday night from now on at Laurel Oaks to have a class.  We had invited Joellen Uhl to go with us and Mary Virginia came too at the last minute and they both seemed to enjoy it too.  Volunteers were there to help and be partners for those without.  Don't know whether we will make it back or not.  Orville Harner was most instrumental in getting us there as well as quite a few others - including his daughter and son-in-law Elaine and Tom Biehl but Elaine couldn't take all the dancing but Tom seemed to enjoy it.

The 2nd Annual Corn Festival was at the fairgrounds and except for the very rainy weather was going strong yesterday when we were there.  We were amazed at how many activities they had going - crafts, etc that took in much of the grounds.  Ate at the Pork Barbecue last night & then made a quick dash home to get ready for the wedding.  Took Elizabeth Johnson with us - she had gone before when it was the antique farm machinery, etc. put on by the Historical Society.  She told us how much she appreciated Roberta thinking of her on her birthday (Sept. 12).

Thanks for all the pictures that we have been receiving from Catherine by way of Roberta (They were real good) and also Grandma appreciated getting the ones you sent to her, John and Carol.  We are looking forward to getting the others you had developed and also seeing the ones that were taken at the wedding by the other photographers.  Wish that we had one of both Carol and John to put in the Leesburg paper for they will include the groom's picture.  Are there any suitable?

We finally got the pictorial directory that Olan Mills has gotten out.  It has only been 10 months in the making - many people were getting upset for taking so long.  On the whole it is very good.  Surprising to see some of the names that are still listed as members.  Only those whose pictures are included are given a free one.  The Hauses are omitted for they got upset about the first setting that was cancelled.

By the way they just got back from Houston where they visited Jane Ann and her husband as well as Doc's sister and family.  They got into terrible rain storm there where they had something like 14 inches in a couple of days.  I don't ever remember having so much rain this summer and being bothered by things getting mildew-spots, etc.

Sandy Hazelbaker stopped in at the shop the day they happened to be having the party for Donna and I saw her.  She was asking about all our family especially Roberta as she probably knew her better working with her so told her I'd write and tell you about seeing her.  She has a little girl now about 2 and also a boy 12, I think she said.  We also saw Pam Fisher's father and step-mother at the barbecue and she had just seen the write-up about the wedding and asked about Serena.

I guess Joe is getting to the US about Oct. 17th and will be coming up to Ohio about a week later so hope he will be able to see as many as possible.  We talked to Aunt Mary and Uncle Bill that perhaps Joe might like to do something else on his short vacations here which they agreed but looks it will be the same route again.  He has certainly seen more of the rest of the world than the US except for one trip he made with Aunt Mary and Rob a couple of years ago.  Thru the shop we have ordered some plastic display boxes for his note cards that he has printed in the Miami area that are scenes of S. Arabia.

We had signed up for a conversational Spanish course at Laurel Oakes, but they cancelled because there were seven who were interested and they need 12.  We are also enrolled in two retirement planning programs this fall . . . perhaps they will tell me how to draft a will . . . after thirty years I am less certain now than before.

Tomorrow the IBM fellow is coming to get us started on another program and also a demonstration on a word processor unit, which would be nice -- your typing all comes up on the screen and one can correct and/or move phrases around at will before you print the page.  Anyway, I do want to buy a mag card typewriter type unit for there is so much repeat work that it would take care of.

This corn festival is cosponsored by the Clinton County Historical Society, of which Donald Bernard is president.  The Friends of the Library had an exhibit there.  Elizabeth Johnson told us that yesterday was the first time she had ever been in the Wilmington Library.  She is planning to move to Wilmington in the next few weeks.  Also keep her farm.

Friday night we went to the football game, EC won it's 4th straight game and the band got a standing ovation for their half time show.  MV now rides with Craig Davidson - about 50 yards away - for the practice and the other band commitments . . . that we really appreciate.  Next Saturday they are to be in Xenia, which might work out with meeting Serena in Dayton.  MV has also been lining up sponsors for the St. Jude bike ride here next Saturday morning.  She has signed up to take the SSAT (?) test on Dec. 8 in Gahanna, at the Columbus Day School -- have the Newark Uibles heard of the place?  The Bains were asking us today how you honeymooners were getting along.

[Love, etc.]

1979 MV's Letter -Sep.22

Sep. 22, 1979

Dear Carol & John --

I just realized how long its been since I had written to you.  I also realized I hadn't gotten any birthday cards for Wendy  or Georgialia . . . my memory is getting very bad.

School has been just great -- especially with no math or science . . . the only class that really bores me is World History -- why should I care about who fought in the Punic Wars -- it's hard enough for me to remember who fought in W.W. I & II.  Spanish has been super easy -- I haven't even studied for our tests & I still do fine.

As far as going away to school, I think I've narrowed it down to 3 choices -- one in Massachusetts, one in Virginia & one in Licking County.  But I'm not the one who makes the final decisions.  So don't be too hurt if the "adoption" doesn't go thru on your 15 year-old . . . .

We won our football game again last nite, so our record is 4-0.  The band didn't do bad either . . . we got 2 standing ovations . . . .  Hopefully it'll work out so that we can go to Wash D.C. for the cherry blossom festival.  But we haven't gotten anything back on our application.

I must go & get some sleep -- it's already 1:40 & I need to get up about 7:30.  Ho hum.  Take Care & God bless.  Love -- Mary Va

1969 Catherine's Letter -Sep.22

Monday, September 22 [1969]

Dear Mother, Dad, Serena, John, and Mary,

Hi!  It certainly seems like a long time since we left New Vienna last Monday.  Dad, I'm sorry I missed seeing you on the boat ship.  I hope you all had a good trip back home.

I hardly know where to start in telling you about the boat, I mean ship!  Our cabin is a little crowded but the four of us are rarely all there together.  Ann, Rose Mary, and Alison are my cabin-mates and they are all going to Münster.  Alison's main past-time is collecting admirers; she has been spending most of her time with the purser (an officer, whose exact duties, except dealing with money, I'm not sure of) and since officers and crew members and passengers aren't supposed to fraternize publicly, we don't see much of Alison.  She's nice to be around when I don't feel like talking as she can carry about 99% of any two-way conversation.

Ann is small and cute and sits at the same table I do.  She does a good job of flirting with the waiters so we generally get pretty good service.  Unfortunately, she has been confined to the room with tonsillitis since this morning.  Rose Mary and I occasionally go places together since neither of us belong to any particular group of friends.  Generally we drift apart after going together so I haven't spent too much time with her.

Food is one thing there is no scarcity of.  We have breakfast at 8:30, lunch at 1:00, afternoon tea at 4:00, dinner at 7:30 and evening snack at 11.  Not too many people come to breakfast.  One reason is because we have had 3 short nights (when the clocks have been turned up an hour) already and we have two more to go.  There is generally more going on at night too so the trend is to live it up at night and sleep during the day.  German breakfasts general consist of bread or rolls and coffee or tea which I have been acclimating myself to.  To satisfy the Americans on the boat they also offer cereal, eggs (on the runny side), potatoes, ham bacon, sausage, hash, potatoes, etc.  They also have German pancakes (one to a serving) which are about the size of a dinner plate and only a little bit thicker than this paper. 

They have both Protestant and Catholic services every morning both of which are in German.  I've gone to the former (at 8:00) every morning but Sunday when I did't quite make it up.  I stayed up playing cards until about 4 AM Sunday Saturday night and then it was only two hours until sunrise.  I fell asleep at 5 though so I didn't see it after all.  I get along singing the songs inGerman but I haven't quite mastered the Lord's Prayer.  The preacher speaks very slowly and distinctly but y vocabulary needs to be greatly enlarged before I get the complete message.

Some mornings they show movies (also shown in the afternoon and at night.)  Each movie is shown about 3 times and every other movie is in English.  The ones in German, I can get the general idea of what is going on but usually the words all out so fast I don't catch much.  Listening is my main problem.  Those of us going to Germany have a real advantage as about half the passengers are German, the waiters all speak German and only a little English, anything printed is in both languages and all messages are given in German and then translated into English.

For lunch and dinner both we receive a menu.  The top half give the meal food that is "being pushed" at that meal and the bottom half is other stuff we can substitute.  There is always soup, choice of fish and/or meat, some vegetables, potatoes, salad, dessert, cheese, and fruit.  At dinner there is also the appetizer.  They go in strong for colorless vegetables like cooked celery, cucumbers, and especially cauliflower.  Today we had mashed yellow peas.  Lunch dessert is almost always pudding or jello with a sauce and ice cream for dinner.  Since everything is in courses it takes about an hour even if you don't eat much.  There is also an abundance of alcoholic beverages available but being my cheap self and having better things to do with my money I only drink when someone else pays.  A couple of times we've split a bottle of wine at dinner.  Besides Ann and I there are two guys at our table who are going to Münster.

I talked to Stavig and Fugate about the possibilities of meeting you and they were both extremely negative.  They said if it was at Christmas or at the end -- fine.  Otherwise I might as well forget it.

I paid a dollar deposit and got a book out of the library.  It is Heidi in German.  I found I could read it fairly quickly and get the gist of the story but I was only reading the words I know and therefore not learning anything.  So I started over reading very slowly, looking up all the words I don't know and writing them down.  I've already gotten a list of 103 words and I'm only on page 13.

The evening entertainment from 9-11 is geared toward the older people but a few of us more courageous (or crazy) ones get out on the dance floor and jostle the older ones around a little.  Cal and I did a good job of it last night.  At 11:00 the Tavern opens and things are much more lively there.  

We still don't know our families but we'll probably find out either in Bremerhaven where the boat, I mean ship, lands or when we get in Bremen.  Dr. Spaltmann, our director in Münster, is to meet us one of those places.

I took a sauna bath the other day.  It was really relaxing but I came out feeling weak and dehydrated.  They also have an exercise room that has two bicycles in it.  They are really hard to pump and after a couple minutes I'm exhausted.  It's a good feeling to use the muscles and have my heart beat fast.

The second morning my stomach was a little queasy and I began to wish the boat ship would stop rocking for a minute anyway.  I recovered by lunch time and I've felt fine since.

Wednesday AM continued:
Today is the last day for mail if we want it to go out tomorrow so I better get this finished.  We had the farewell dinner and dance last evening, which seemed strange as we won't be getting to Bremerhaven until Friday afternoon.  We came to the conclusion last night that we have now reached either the end of the beginning or the beginning of the end.

Our cabin has almost been converted to the branch hospital.  Ann has been in bed with tonsillitis, Alison has some sort of strange internal problem and RoseMary went to bed yesterday with a sore throat.  I'm feeling fine.

We have a final group meeting this morning as those going to France and Spain will be parting ways with us tomorrow.  I'm searching through the Münster group in hopes of finding a stamp collector.  No luck yet but I'm certain that in the next couple months I will find one or learn something myself.  Maybe both.

I finished Chapter One of Heidi yesterday.  I'm certainly not a speed reader of German yet.  In Münster I'll be about on Mary Virginia's level.  We have our classes from 9-12 in a public grade school.  We even get a mid-morning break with milk and cookies.

We have finally lost all the hours we are going to lose.  The day I fly back will be a long one as I'll be gaining back the five hours all at once.

At the meeting (the one referred to about three paragraphs back is now in the past tense) I got $2 to spend for dinner Friday night in Bremen.  Saturday breakfast is included in the hotel and we'll be in Münster by lunch.  We were also give $4 per person for the room steward and $5 each for the waiter.

My Christmas vacation will probably be from December 20 until January 11.  When shall I expect you?  Classes in Münster will probably be over on February 27.  All dates are tentative but at least we have a general idea.

I need Roberta's address or she can write to me first after I find out my address.  Have she and Vanessa found jobs yet?

(Wednesday PM) We just passed Bishop's Rock Light House.  It was so far off in the distance though that I couldn't see any solid ground.

I'm not sure where I'll be when I write again or where I'll be when you get this letter even.  There is a very long line now to buy stamps so this may not get mailed right away.  I hope you all are well and continue to stay that way!

Love,

Catherine

P.S.  How's my bicycle?  I hope you're taking good care of it for me.  I'm sorry I left such a mess in Mary's room.  Next time I leave for Germany I'll try to do better!  I appreciate your taking me to New York.  Both the French and Chinese meals will be remembered.  And I'm already making good use of the clothes.  THANKS!

1979 Roberta's Letter -Sep.21

Friday Morning

6:45 A.M.

[9/21/79]

Good Morning!!!

Marion and Buffy both just got off to school.  Ole Buffy was out to the Groomer's yesterday afternoon so he really looks good --- yellow ribbons in his ears and everything.  So Marion takes him to school for show and tell.

Yesterday was the first time since getting back that I went to the pool.  There was no-one there at all and very hot -- was there at 1:00 in the afternoon.  Peak sun time.  Did take a book over to read, but just too hot . .. . did get in the pool for awhile, sure felt good.  Just riding back and forth to school on the bike I've gotten a little tan on just my arms and legs.  Always wear just shorts and sleeveless tops.

Last night we took our cans out to BIRP to sell.  Had the largest bunch yet -- 58 pounds -- $13.40.  But considering that it took 5 days to get them -- that's not as good as the week before when we took two loads out -- both at about $11 -- so $22 for a seven day period.  But, I'm not too worried as Friday night is always a good night.  Plus last weekend didn't do that much collecting.  Had a small paper due on Monday -- so that took priority.

As to this paper -- have not gotten it back yet.  But in class on Wednesday we were given this description of twelve people -- all made up -- and then five jobs -- volunteer jobs -- such as Public Relations, Finances, Food and Housing, etc. . . and with the description of the people that volunteered we were to match up jobs with people.  So I did the little deal.  Then the teacher said who wanted to tell who and why they had picked.  Then like in the same sentence she said "ROBERTA, with that paper you turned in you should be contributing more in class.  It was very good."  I was in shock.  The paper had to describe two situations of leadership, and different functions that went on.  The two examples I used were collecting cans and down at the nursing home.  After I wrote the rough draft of it Marion helped me really make it sound good.

I don't think I finished the story on the shoe hunt.  I went to the Birkenstock place -- and they didn't have any to fit me except for a pair that I didn't like.  So then I got on the phone and nothing turned up.  Then last weekend we were out to the mall -- the old one with Penny's etc. in it.  There was a shoe store I looked in last year for Miller's shoes.  And stopped there and found a pair of Dr. Scholl's (sp?) -- sandals, wedge style -- really very comfortable.  Miller's have got some new styles really good looking casual shoes -- but they didn't have any in my size.  They would be glad to order them -- would take between four months and six months -- and would be the basic price of $58 dollars.  WOW!!!

Agnes is not doing so good.  She was to the County Clinic on Wednesday.   Doctor there put her to bed for at least a week.  So now she is to lie flat with leg elevated up.  Getting shots in the stomach.  We went down last night to see her for a few minutes.  On Wednesday she had said that we should take the TV home -- as the new lady in her room keeps falling over it -- plus she (Agnes) can't watch it lying down on her back.  Then yesterday morning the cleaning lady put a pail of water on top of the TV -- water she was cleaning the floors with.  That was it -- Agnes told us to take the TV home.

Fred is still not doing so good.  He can just barely get around.  Hasn't felt like going down to the nursing home yet after his fall -- tho he did not break anything but still arm and wrist is little swollen and with black and blue.  He has a cleaning lady -- compliments of some gov't program -- for two hours a week.  She could go after his groceries and all -- but he says he needs her at home doing cleaning.  So between Marion and I we do most of his shopping.  He writes these long lists -- telling us exactly what he want, size, everything -- just that both of us have trouble reading his writing.

I better get going.  Thanks for the articles . . . and the letters . .. .

Love,

Roberta

1969 -Catherine goes to Germany -Sep.

Wilmington (Ohio) News-Journal p.6 - Monday, September 29, 1969

BOUND FOR GERMANY -- Miss Catherine Uible, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Harold Uible of New Vienna, is aboard the ship, M.S. Europa, a North German Luxury Liner, bound for Europe to study in Germany.  She is one of 200 members of the Kalamazoo College junior year class who sailed from New York to study in France, Spain and Germany.

1979 Catherine's Letter -Sep.8

Thursday, Sat., September 8, 1979

Dear Mother, Dad, Mary & Serena,

Hi!  Hope John & Carol got off OK today and don't run into any hurricanes.

It's now Saturday so you can see I didn't get too far with this yet.  It was good talking to Mother on the phone yesterday.  Sorry we can't be more explicit about our plans for Christmas.  But it looks now like we won't be going to San Diego.  Also received your letter yesterday.

It is rather cool (60º) and cloudy today but we are still planning to play golf this afternoon.  Gerry has already gone up to the course to play 9 holes and then our friends Bob & Emily are picking me up at 1:00 and we'll all play 9 holes.  Emily is more of a beginner than I am so I won't feel too bad.  Wendy will be staying with one of the tenants.  She is taking her nap right now.  She is still taking her nap around 10:30 and then going to bed around 8:00 which is much preferable than her old schedule.  She really likes her new friend Julie who lives in #21.  They play together about all day long.  Julie will be 3 in December and can talk much better than Wendy but Wendy is about 2" taller.  Wendy is now 2'11" and weighs 29 pounds.  I see from my baby book that I weighed 27½ pounds but no mention of height at that age.

The landscapers arrived yesterday and started revamping the sprinkler system.  They figure it will take them a week to have it working properly.  They are trying to convince Chambers to use sod instead of seed for an extra $2000.  It would certainly be baster and probably easier for us.

Well, I have to iron my pants to wear so better close.  I'm sending the pictures to Roberta today so you should see them soon.

Love,

Catherine, Gerry & Wendy

1979 Catherine's Letter -Sep.17

September 17, 1979

Dear Mother, Dad & Mary,

Hi!  Here it is Monday - the beginning of another work week.  Both Gerry and I woke up with colds this morning.  Hope they pass quickly and if we're lucky Wendy won't catch it.

Wendy had a nasty little accident last Friday morning.  She fell head first off the front of the chicken tyke-bike that her friend Julie loaned her.  Anyway it brought her chin in direct contact with the sidewalk and resulted in lots of blood on her shirt.  I didn't know if it was serious enough to require stitches so I called Gerry.  He came home and checked over and we decided to take her to the Dr. who sewed her up with three stitches -- not really that serious but the Dr. said there would be less scar that way.  Wendy was very calm the whole time until the Dr. strapped her in a papoose board while he took care of her.  Then she kept crying "All Done" and "Bye-Bye."  I was supposed to taker her back tomorrow to have the stitches removed but last night while she was playing in the kitchen and hit her chin on something and ripped out the stitches so that it all started to bleed again.  It is all scabbed over again now and doesn't look bad but the stitches are all gone.

We (Wendy & I) went to Joan & John's [neighbors] wedding on Saturday morning.  Their (John's sister and family) were supposed to come from Montana but never showed up.  Joan called me early Saturday to see if I'd be her Maid of Honor since her sister-in-law hadn't come.  they they had a party-reception-supper in the evening.  We met alot of their other friends we had never met before.  Mostly guys that John works with and their families.

Yesterday we played golf with Bob & Emily again.  I left Wendy with the same sitter as the week before and she did much better this week.  Also I think if I leave her every Wednesday morning [bowling] maybe before too long she'll be endurable when I'm gone.

We made reservations to stay in a motel in Bend that has a waterbed on Saturday night.  We figure we'll do some shopping for Wendy and eat dinner out to complete our mini-vacation. 

Well, I better get this out in the mail.  Hope you have received the pictures by now.

Love,

Catherine, Gerry & Wendy

1979 Roberta's Letterss -Sep.13

[The first letter, with the chipmunk, was sent to GHU aka Grandma]

Thursday

1:30 pm

[9/13/79]

Hi Grandma!

Thanks alot for your letter – my!  the Hortons sure had a trip to remember on their trip back to Florida!!

School is going pretty good – as of yesterday I now officially have a paper or project to do for every class!  Most of them are not due in till about mid November or 1st part of December.

Yesterday we took our 3rd batch of aluminum cans (soda cans) out to the recycle center – we had 51 pounds – $11.73 worth.  That's not bad for the amount of time it takes in only 4 days!

I'm enclosing pictures Catherine sent me – please give them to the family.  They came out pretty good – Also sending a xerox copy of them – you can keep or send on to the Hortons. 

107º today!  Sure Hot!

Love,

Roberta

*      *      *      *     *

[Next letter sent to family, later the same day]

Thursday P.M.

[9/13/79]

Dear Family,

Want to thank you all for the letter yesterday and for the needlepoint package which came in today -- perfect shape, was sure a good way to mail it, with collapsed box.  It's 7:30 and I just got in from my half hour of collecting cans.  Did you all by chance see the article in the Christian Science Monitor about recycling of cans, etc.  It was a good article.  Was going to send it to you all but then Marion wanted it for her class at school to put it on the bulletin board, so in a weak moment gave it to her.

From looking in the dumpsters you could really collect up paper -- but it pays only 1 cent per pound, so for that seems like you would wear your self out with the weight, and not that much money in it.

Today it tried to rain, was actually raining this morning.  So I got a ride to school with Mickey (who lives in the same building as us) -- parks her car right next to the truck.  Then Marion picked me up on her way home from school.  It's only about a mile out of her way to come home that way.  Didn't have any classes, but trying to get caught up on the reading for the one class -- as now about half done -- that is with the group that is due by next Wednesday.  All the books are on reserve, only two hours check out time.

I don't think I have mentioned it before, but Fred Williams fell on Sunday.  He hurt his wrist, and arm -- both were swollen and very black and blue.  Also alot of pain in both the arm area and his ribs.  He had a Doctor's appt. for tomorrow -- he doesn't want them (the Veterans) to know about his fall.  He is afraid that he will have to be put in some "awful home" -- tho he says that the place where Agnes is -- is just fine for her.  And how the VA place would be better -- but he sure doesn't want to be stuck there.  I was out to see him on Tuesday, and he was somewhat better as to how the arm looked, and how he felt.  Today called him and he says that the Veterans will surely know about his fall, since his arm is still black and  blue.  He really is getting to the place where he should not be living at home by himself.

I sent Grandma just today the pictures that Catherine sent me -- I don't know if she wants them back or what the story is behind them.  I thought that they were all pretty good -- tho I'm anxious to see the real pictures of the wedding.  Had a call from John yesterday from St. Thomas.  I tried to call them up early last Thursday -- set my alarm for 3:30 A.M. -- but they must have already left -- as got no answer.

Did get over to the Birkenstock sandal place -- but can you believe it -- they didn't have any to fit me -- except for one pair -- which were made up on one single stray [strap?] near the toes -- $43 for them -- so I'm still wearing the thong type and also my last year famolare's.  They did tell me that they could order me a pair -- would take 8 to 10 weeks.  this weekend I'm going to check the places that I saw my size of famolares last year.

Now Friday AM - at school - 8:15 - takes me just 20 minutes to get to school -- I got those chiggers so bad I used up both the After Bite & other medicine JB got me in Kent.  Went to drugstore & got more medicine & now just small scars & some black & blue places left.  After-Bite is good -- for bites -- if you put it on right away.  Druggist really said it was good for that.  I was thinking I had written before now about the awful case of chiggers I had.

OK - gotta go - will get this in this AM's mail --

Love,

Berta

1949 Catherine's Schedule -Sep.1949