1971 Roberta's Letter -May 20

 

May 20, 1971

Dear Family,

Hi!  Thanks alot for mailing the poncho.  It sure is nice.  I wish it were a little longer but this way maybe Mary Virginia will be able to wear it too!  Yes, Mary?  I really like the color if it -- it goes real good with my new slacks outfit.

The above [where the remnants of tape are shown] is a thread from my slacks.  The top is a vest of the same color with lines of white going down.  It's made out of kettle-cloth.  That wash & wear stuff.

I did give my speech today.  Enclosed is the pink slip.  We only have one more speech to give now.  I gave this speech on quacks in medicine.  It was an informative speech.  The next one will be a persuasive speech.  I'm not sure yet what I'll "speech" about.

I used my tape player alot this morning & also last night in practicing my speech.  I bought a two hour tape yesterday so I can tape some lectures if I want to.  I think it will be nice to have it in Canada.

I got a letter from Catherine yesterday with two clippings.  One about libraries in prisons & the other one about college bulletin boards.  They were both really interesting.

I don't know about the extra skeins.  If you want to get a toboggan (hat) or if you want to let Wilma buy them it's fine.  Whatever you want to do.  It would be nice tho to have a hat to match the poncho.

I've been thinking about sending my things back to Ohio in June.  I have checked with the bus station so far.  And the price from Newberg to Wilmington would be $27.00 per 100 pounds.  Alot of people said by freight truck it would be alot cheaper.  If it's very high I'll just leave them at Pam's as I have planned.

Well, I better be going.  Thanks again for the poncho.  I'll write a note to Mrs. Thornburg when I have time.

Hi to Grandma!!

Love,

Bert

PS  Have decided against going to San Francisco. 

1911 Gladys Hiestand graduation picture -May

Written on back in GHU's handwriting:
Gladys Hiestand Uible
Commencement 1911
Hillsboro, O

 

This picture of Gladys (standing 4th from right) and presumably the other female graduates of Hillsboro High School, Class of 1911, was turned into a postcard.  

1981 Family Letter -May10

Sunday --

May 10, 1981 

Dearest Family --

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[Love, etc.]

1951 Roberta & Jean's hospital bill -May 14-20

 

1981 Family Letter -May 19

  Tuesday --   

May 19, 1981

Dearest Family,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Gotta go and get this in the mail.

Love, 

Mom, Dad,

Serena, M.Y. and M.V.

1971 Roberta's Letter -May 18

 

May 18, 1971

Dear Family,

Hi!  Thanks alot for your letter today.  I haven't got much to say except for the fact that I'm dead tired.  Yesterday Cindie & I went to Salem where Cindie hopes to live this summer.  She had planned to go & then at the last minute was afraid to go by herself.  We got our way there by a boy that commutes.  Anyway Cindie "hit" two employment agencies & thinks she has a good chance at one.  She took typing test & got 58 words per minute.

I did get to a Canadian travel place where I got alot of information.

Didn't have to give my speech today -- which I was glad of.

Well -- you will find the same papers you already mailed to U.C. once except this time there is a blue sheet which says they want $25 deposit.  I got it in today's mail.  Would appreciate it if you would again send the $25 & again the other papers.

Funny thing -- U.C. sure lets you know when you don't send the money, but when you do send it you don't hear a word about it.

I did get Catherine's post card yesterday.

Have been using the tape cassette.  I'll have to get some 120 tapes (2 hours) so I can tape some class lectures if I want to.

Got to see inside the state capital -- first time since I've been out here.  Salem actually is a fairly small city.

I've got to go.  Thanks again for the letter & would appreciate you all taking care of the U.C. papers & also the $25.  Tell Grandma I said Hi!!!

Love,

Bert   

1981 Catherine's Letter -May 18

 

Monday, May 18, 1981

Dear Mother, Dad, and Roberta,

Hi!  I will have to remember to mail this to the right address!  What kind of weather are you having in Arizona?  We had rain on Friday, and then fairly nice days Saturday & Sunday (hard to believe it could be nice for a weekend) and now today it is raining again.  Things had been so brown & dry around here it will be nice to see them greening up after this rain.  Our onions are doing nicely but alot of the radishes never even bothered to sprout.  I have another package of radish seeds maybe I ought to plant them.  Later on we hope to plant some tomatoes also.  Yellow and red ones both.

We took Wendy out for breakfast on Saturday and then took her to Day Care while we played golf.  Then we played yesterday while Mona stayed with Wendy and afterwards we had pizza at the Grizzly Bear.  We had a coupon worth $3.00 off on a pizza so it was a bargain meal.

We have a busy week this week.  I have an AAUW meeting tonight at the Junior High so I don't have far to go.  It is guest night and I am going as the guest of one of the new library board members.  I had considered joining last year but thought the dues were high -- in the $25 range -- but now I am reconsidering.  I figure it would be good public relations for the library.

Wednesday night is Lady Elks night but I am going to pass on that for this week as I will need to get ready for Bunco which is at our house on Thursday night.  I also will have to call the other 11 members of the group and find out if they can come, otherwise I have a list of substitutes to call to make sure we have 12 people here.

We don't have anything planned for Memorial Day weekend.  Gerry has to work on Saturday but at least we will have a two day weekend and then a short week following as I won't have to work Friday and he won't have to work Saturday.

Tomorrow I am going out to lunch with Joyce (my potential replacement at Dr. Woll's office) at the Dr.'s expense so we can discuss more details of the job.  They are concerned that the new person understand the job so they won't have to go through what they did last summer when they hired this lady that didn't work out and she messed things up pretty badly while she was there.  That is another reason why they want Joyce to work two weeks in July as sort of a trial basis for her and for them and then I would still have time to train someone else if she didn't work out.

Well, I will have to close and get Wendy and myself ready for the day.

Have a good time in the southwest!

Love,

Catherine, Gerry & Wendy

1971 Roberta's Letters -May 14 & 16

 

May 14, 1971

Dear Family,

Hi!  Thanks ALOT for the birthday card & also the two checks.  The Canada one is already in the envelope ready to go.

I've got more-or-less news.  I've got a way to San Francisco next week-end but I'm not sure yet if I'll be going.  Wendy & her parents are driving down to see a ball-game & they invited us to go.  Wendy is from Yreka - Calif. and is going to Canada this summer in the same program we will be in.  But the big problem is that we haven't got a ride to Yreka.  Wendy isn't going to school this term.  She is just living at home.  It's only a 5 hour trip by car to Yreka -- but 10½ hours by bus & less than an hour by plane.  But then to fly would cost $32.00 -- from Portland to Medford.  Cost by bus is $28.00!!  I really doubt if I go unless I find a ride at least half-way there.  But again, time will tell.  Don't be surprised if you get a post card from me of the Gold Gate Bridge!  I've got my homework done up so I can afford to go in that respect.

Tomorrow I am going to the Ocean.  I'll send you all a post-card while they are still 5¢!

I got a post-card from Catherine today.  But she didn't say much except "Happy Birthday."

There will be four of us from Fox going to the same program in Canada.  Pam, Wendy & another girl from Newberg.  At least that is all we know of.

Thanks again for the card & MONEY -- I'm very curious about this box coming from Cincinnati -- any hints?

I'll let you know about how I wisely waste my money!  I've got to get some clothes for one thing & also boots.  THANKS & ALSO thanks for the stamps!!

Love,

Bert   

May 16, 1971

Dear Family,

Hi!  Thanks alot for the phone call tho I don't quite understand it about someone calling you & using Pam's name.  I talked to Pam last night & she could not understand it either.

Last night I finished the book World Prosperity as Sought through the Economic work of the League of Nations.  Then I wrote up a book review of it for Civilizations.  I've still got to check the book reviews of it in the library but other than that I'm all done.  I got more out of reading the preface than the whole rest of the book.  It really strained by brain in some parts.  As I said I'm working for an 'A' out of that class.  We didn't have a midterm.  Our final will be oral.  I'm sorta dreading that.

I was really surprised & happy to hear about Catherine getting married in August.  That was the 1st I had heard about it.  As I said, I got an invitation to Mare's wedding yesterday.  I thought they would get those out before the postage went up.

I would appreciate it if you all would send me my navy blue gym shoes & also the black rain boots that you can fold up.  You know -- they are real flexible.  As for the poncho, I think it would be better to keep it home then I can get it when I get home.  Maybe Serena would want to wear it.  I'm anxious to see it but since it is heavy & also I'm afraid to take too good of stuff to Canada.  That way mrs. Thornburg won't have to be rushed either.  But I would appreciate the gym shoes & rain boots.  If you can't find them it's ok.  Don't worry about it as I can do without them.

I just now got back from supper.  I worked in the dishroom after lunch & also after supper today.  Just got in about 2½ hours of work.  I did tell you all I also worked last weekend after 3 meals.  But I'm just a substitute.  Today I subbed for a boy who plays in the and & was gone at a band concert.

I also bought some blouse material yesterday in Portland.  Last night started on it at 11:00 & did get it finished.  I'll send a piece of the material.  It's just a plain sleeveless long blouse.  Then I also got the pants suit which I already told you all about.

I still don't know about this week-end.  It would be exciting to go but I wonder if it's worth it for just a week-end.

Well, tell 'Hi' to Grandma.  I'll send her a piece of the material of my dress.  Cindie is going to make it.  I couldn't cash Mom's check in Portland & saw the pants suit so Mary F. loaned me the money.

Got 3 pairs of ear-rings for my birthday.  The book Words of Life -- from Pam.  It's like Leaves of Gold -- it's not-book size.  Also some other odds & ends.  All of the above was from kids from school.

Well, I better be closing.  I hope you all are ok.  Hope the phone calls -- from who-ever called -- didn't scare you all too much.  Can't understand it myself.

How are you all getting to Florida?  When?

Love,

Bert  

1991 Catherine's Letter -May 14

 

May 14, 1991

Dear Mother & Dad,

Hi!  Here I am under pressure to write something to send with Roberta tomorrow.  Not much new here.  I'm getting my hair permed in a few minutes so I stopped by Roberta's on the way.

We got Wendy's reservations to/from Daytona.  Roberta will hopefully be bringing the tickets so you can file them away for safekeeping until Wendy will need them.  Both are direct flights -- at least she won't have to change in Atlanta!  

On Sunday we went to a place called Pioneer Village where they have replicas of 19th century buildings, etc.  It was interesting.  We even got to see a melodrama performed in the Opera House.  Wendy wasn't too thrilled -- she said she'd been to lots of places like that with you!

Well, time for me to go.  Have a nice weekend in KY.  Hello to everyone!

Love,

Catherine, Gerry & Wendy

1981 Roberta's Letter -May 11

[ 5/11-12/81]

Monday pm --

Dear Family,

Hi!  We both had a vey busy Mother's Day Weekend.  Worked Saturday 8:00 am - 7:30 pm & Sunday from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm.  I don't think I could do that too many weekends!!

Trust that all of you had a nice weekend -- what did you do special -- or perhaps you just stayed home for a change!

We are still here -- just the furniture & us!  It's amazing what all you can live without!!  The people buying this place have till Monday -- May 18 -- to choke up the money!! They are supposedly selling all their stocks/bonds -- etc.

It's been like a T.V. soap opera -- every thing happening -- but very slow (just like on T.V.)

Mother -- do you folks have an extra telephone you could spare?  If so -- please bring it out.

Called up & changed the car rental deal -- instead of us picking it up by 9:00 pm (the latest time possible) on the 19th we can pick it up the AM of the 21st.  Several reasons -- the main one being because I don't have a credit card -- they wanted me to come over before the 19th -- during office hours -- to run a credit check.  Had to be done in person -- also they wanted a $200 deposit.  It's like people don't think you are an American without credit cards!!

So, if Dad would bring a major credit card and a copy of Insurance papers -- renting the car will be hassle free!!

I do need to know the airline you folks are arriving on -- the 19th -- at 10:45 pm has stayed in my mind but name of airline would be a big help!!

Back to the insurance papers -- that would save you $5.00 a day -- you just need to prove your insurance would cover you.

We've been invited out to someone's house for a spaghetti dinner for my birthday.  It's ironic in that we were invited out to another's home for Marion's birthday -- and the dinner was spaghetti.  

Will Mary Virginia & Mie Young be staying by themselves while senior Uibles are out here?  Maybe by then Serena will be home?  I'm glad Serena is leaving Chicago -- that place seems like a bad place to get a cold!

Kansas City is much more to my liking -- how much time tho will Serene be in New Vienna?  I'll be there next summer -- if she will be there that long!!

Better close -- to assure that I'll get this in the mail tomorrow.

Want to take bets on where you folks will be sleeping the night (short) of the 19th, 1930 S. Westwood or 707 N. 61st Place???

Hi to Grandma & all!

Much Love, Roberta

1961 Roberta's Birthday Train Trip -May

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

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

1981 Catherine's Letter -May 11

 Monday, May 11, 1981

Dear Mother, Dad, & Mary,

Hi!  Hope you had a Happy Mother's Day, Mother.  Gerry had to work Saturday so we didn't have a very long weekend but managed to keep busy.  Saturday night we went to a housewarming for my boss -- they recently moved into a house they had built in a subdivision (rural) about two miles south of town.  It's a two story house with about 2000 square feet and a greenhouse - passive solar system on the south side.  There were probably about 50 people there.

Yesterday late afternoon we played golf and Mona stayed with Wendy.  The wind was over 25 mph so it was a little breezy.  The temperatures haven't been very warm either.  Last week we had several days that didn't get above 50 and the wind made it feel even cooler.  Maybe this week we'll have some warmer weather.

I took quite a few of the clothes that Wendy has outgrown to a consignment shop that has opened up here in Madras.  They will display items for three months and if they sell I get 50% and they get 50%.  After three months if they don't sell I get them back again.  It will be interesting to see what happens.  The girl running the place told me that business has been so good she is looking for part time help.  I also bought gifts for my Bunco group since they are meeting at our house this month.  We each pay $5 and then the gifts are worth $20, $15, $12, $8 & $5.  The Bunco will be on the 21st this month (third Thursday).

We got our raft!  Gerry ordered one through work so we got it at a discount.  The one we really wanted isn't available this year due to imports (made in Taiwan) so they sent one that is $30 more expensive at the same cost to us.  We haven't decided yet if we are going to keep it as it is really bigger than what we wanted.  Now we have to get paddles and life jackets and we'll be ready to head down the river.  We talked to some of our friends who are really into rafting (last year they went on 16 weekend trips and one week trip) and they said we could go with them anytime.  The rapids that they go through though I don't think we would want to take Wendy.

The next library board meeting is scheduled for the first Tuesday in September which will be my first week on my own at the library!  I guess there won't be any more for me as a board member.  Two of the older board members have resigned so at the last meeting we picked replacements for them and also one for me so the new board will have three new members.  Whether that will make it easier or more difficult for me remains to be seen!  It will definitely lower the average age of the board members as the new ones are all young.  Better close.

Love,

Catherine, Gerry & Wendy

1971 Roberta's Letters -May 7,10&11

 May 7, 1971

Dear Family,

Hi.  Thanks alot for the post card today and also got the stuff sent from U.C. which you will find included.  One of the white slips needs a signature.  Please forward on the pink slip and the two white slips.  On the pink slip I just made two guesses . . . if you should talk to someone that would have any better guesses just change them.  Those names of the dorms don't mean a thing to me.  But, do be sure to send the pink slip in.

Yesterday was a long day in Portland as the car we were in broke down completely.  Of course we were right down-town when it happened.  Right now the car is at a gas station in Portland and we got a way back about nine last night.

I heard today from Aunt Mary that Cris got rejected.  I suppose you all heard that too.  Thanks alot for the addresses.

I don't know yet about going to California after school is out.  I would only have a week but then again I don't exactly care to stay in Newberg during that week.  I might try and spend some time in Seattle, etc.  Right now I am not going to worry about it.

Should I see about buying a case for my typewriter before I take it to wherever?  They cost fifteen dollars . . . .  I still use it quite alot especially for English and Civilization.  We did not have Civ at all this week which can't be beat.  The school's choir is on tour right now up in British Columbia with about 50 kids in it so alot of classes were either small or cancelled.

Hope you all had a nice Mother's Day . . . .

School is doing ok . . . .  Have got alot of the work done that isn't due till the end of the term and that is a good feeling.

Well, I better be closing.  Tell Grandma I said hi.  And thanks for sending the stuff in to U.C.  I don't think they want any money this time, and what a change that is . . . .

Love,

Bert

May 10, 1971

Dear Grandma,

Hey -- thanks alot for your card & also the $20.00  Wow!  Getting older has it's advantages!  I'll try & wait till after the 14th to cash it -- but it will sure be a big temptation!

School is going fine.  A month today we'll be out.  I'm really dreading the exams -- they strain my brain more than anything else.

How are the jack letters coming along?  I got a postcard today from Dad.  Also a letter from Mary Virginia.  

Oregon has really warmed up.  Today it is about 80º & supposed to be that again tomorrow.

The card was really pretty & thanks again for the $20.00.  I'll let you know what I do with it.  I've got alot of stuff I want to buy before I go to Canada.  I'm still not sure about what kind of clothes to take.  But do want to take comfortable & easy to care for clothes.

Well.  Thanks again.

Love,
Bert

May 11, 1971

Dear Family,

Hi!  Right now Pam & I are at Herbert Hoover park which is about 1½ blocks from the school.  We are out 'trying' to get some of the sun's rays.  It's close to 85º today.

Thanks alot for the letter today.  Also the article written about small town policemen -- Hillsboro.  It was really interesting!  And of course thanks for the check.

Since this hot weather came along we have been having more classes outside.  Got my English paper back yesterday that I did last Thursday night -- the night we got back late from Portland -- Mary's car broke down -- anyway -- I got an 'A' on it which really surprised me.

I've got my term paper in English about ¾ done.  We had to get 4 poems on the same subject and then compare them.  Also tell about the figures of speech used in the, rhyme, etc.  I'm doing mine on purposeful living.

I'll look up that article in the Together magazine about the peace symbol.  That's something I would like to do a term paper on -- but don't think it would fit in with any subject very good.

The 22nd of May the school is to have an all school outing to the ocean.  That should be fun.

OH!  Last night my typewriter went sick on me.  But it's feeling fine now.  I was typing Civilization & all of a sudden the typewriter would just type one letter on top of the next instead of moving over.  Also the space bar would not work.  Well, I pushed the power return & it worked fine -- in fact it just kept on -- going clear down the page.  So I called up Dave Greenwald who messes with sick stuff and he told me to bring it to the sub.  He operated on it & it made it fine.  There were two copper pieces that should have been taken out after shipping it here.  It works fine now.

I'm sending Rev. Lynd a post-card.

You all will have to see Vanessa's team play ball since the shop is sponsoring them.  I think all of the league games or whatever will be in Sabina.

Only 38 more days I'll be in Canada!

I might be going to Seattle and then spend some time in Canada before the 17th of June.

I got Dad's post card from Chicago yesterday -- thanks.

Well, I better be going.  I've got 2 more letters to write today.  I sure will hate it when the postage goes up!!  Thanks for the letter & be sure & write!!

Love,

Bert  

1981 GHU's letter to Roberta -May

 

Fri. evening [May 1981]

Dear Roberta --

"Happy Birthday" -- They do roll around each year.  So think what you might like to buy with the enclosed paper cashed.  There may be something you can think of that does not cost too much that you may like to buy.  

It is about time to get so I can find my clothes again for I am all unpacked & things put out of sight from my winter in Fla & my visit at Cris'.  He has a nice place there if you like being in a woods & by the water, which suits me fine.  He has carpet which made it hard for me to get myself around, but we had a nice time.  

Uncle B & Aunt M are still there & they may leave most any time to come here as Aunt M. is talking about attending the Alumni dinner-dance the 23rd.  Uncle B is not too anxious about going.  It seems as if your Dad & Mother plan to be with you about that time.  

The Sr. dinner at the church was nice held 2 weeks ago.  They are trying to get a Sr. Citizen Center started here.  Last week it was held in the Lions Club building.  I don't think I am not interested in going at the present time.  I would rather cook my own meals & there are things that I attend that break up my days enough for me.  Then I would have to bother some one to take me etc.  Your Dad has offered but to bother him for church affairs is enough.  

If you notice my writing is some what not written as good these days.  It happens that my 3 fingers have gone bad so that leaves me my thumb & 1 finger to help on my right hand & that is some what difficult most of the time but I manage to get along so far but slower.

Serena arrives in Dayton in the morning so Mie Y. told me a while ago when I called about getting Mary  V. to go to the shop in the morning to get the jack mail & go to the bank & mail this note.  I told her I would stick this note under jar on porch for the girls to get at 5:30.

Now have a Happy Birthday--

Love, Grandma

You should see Carol & John's BIG DOG

1971 Roberta's Letters -May 4 to John, May 6 to Family

 

May 4, 1971

Dear John,

Hi!  Thanks so much for your letter.  It was greatly appreciated.  I'm glad you are proud of me, John.  That is my lifetime purpose.

By the way, I'm proud of you for getting those straight A's.  Hope you enjoy those ball games.  Sorry about not being able to go with you.  I hope you understand though.

How was the spring camporee?  I hope you survived.  Did Rita go on that???  If so, I hope she made!!!  Tell her I say "Hi!" if you recall at the proper time.

Today I gave my speech & got an A- on it.  But then to counter-act that I got my mid-term back & got a 'D' on it.  So --- I'l enclose the sheet that we got graded on.  Please have Mom or Dad send it back -- ok?  No -- that's not necessary.  So forget what I just said!

John, you would have been proud of your sister (me) for hiking last Saturday.  This week-end we might go to the ocean if it is nice.

How's Serena's driving??  In six more years when they let you drive I'll help you -- so don't worry about a thing!

Well.  Watch those oreos!

Love

Bert

May 6, 1971

Dear Family,

Hi!  Hope you all are fine.  Got the forwarded letter yesterday from Canada.  I'll enclose it.  Also if they send the other information to you open it up and then send it on.

Well, Pam, Cindie & I got a little excitement last night -- or rather this morning.  At 2:30 we all got up and left the dorm with butter, jelly, & torn up magazines.  With all this 'stuff' we went to Hoban which is the boys dorm.  There we raided the 1st floor & lobby.  It was very exciting & very scary!!  We put butter on the knobs in the bathroom, on most door knobs -- except those that looked like they would make the least little noise.

As soon as we got in the dorm Cindie & I had a big laughing attack.  Pam, I think was too scared to laugh!!

The funniest thing was that I was in the shower & putting the butter & jelly on all the knobs & Cindie walked in and I didn't hear her coming and she wasn't expecting to see me -- so we had another laughing attack,  It was very exciting -- my hands still feel greasy.

We got out of speech an hour early today.  I got a letter from Grandma.  Tell her I said hello -- I'll write her tomorrow.

OH.  I talked to the speech teacher about my mid-term So he said I could be tutored or whatever a couple of times then take it over.

What I really goofed up on was sound phonemes.  Like -- unvoiced linguo-abvelar plosive [?] and stuff like that.  We had to give 25 examples of different stuff like that.

Hey -- by the way -- $50.00 is to be sent to Canada by June 1st.  I'd be glad to send it if you send me the $50.00 or you can send it up there yourself.  I really don't care.  The address is on that stationery -- letter I'm enclosing now.

I got the church news letter yesterday.

I don't have any classes this afternoon.  What a nice feeling.

Would John like that OHIO book?

Well I better be going.  Hope to hear from you soon.

Love,

Bert

P.S. Old ads have no secret meaning!!!

1981 Catherine's Letter -May 4

 

Monday, May 4, 1981

Dear Mother, Dad, and Mary,

Hi!  Back to work today after a weekend of golf -- we played 12 holes both Saturday and Sunday.  We took Wendy to Day Care Saturday morning while we played and then took her to the restaurant of her choice for lunch afterwards.  She picked the Grizzly Bear Pizza Parlor and had her favorite -- pizza without sausage (she had Canadian Bacon.)  Yesterday we played at 3:00 and had Mona our babysitter who lives around the corner come over.  Wendy was taking her nap when we left.  She told us she wants some toy golf clubs so she can play too!

Tomorrow is the library board meeting.  I have been working on the budget so at least I can submit my recommendations -- if they are worth anything.  I have talked to Barbara several times to see where she thinks it can be be cut.  The assistant will probably be cut to around 25 hours/week and the janitor ($50/month) will probably be omitted except for enough money to have someone wax the floor once a year.  Also we will probably eliminate the reserve fund and possibly maintenance and repairs since we have some money left from this year that was for that purpose.

Wendy was anxious to leave this morning so as a result I got to work early so am finishing this here.  Got the letter (and check) about the estate of Priscilla Walker.  Thank you very much!

When are you leaving for Arizona?  The third week of May?  How long will you be spending with Roberta?  Do you have any other plans while you are in the southwest?  We hopefully will be making a trip to San Diego and possibly Arizona next winter.  Nothing definite yet.  We'll have to see if Amtrak is still running.  Or we might drive since we'll have our truck in good condition!  And Gerry's back is in better shape for taking a long trip.

Ran out of time -- so better close.

Love,

Catherine, Gerry & Wendy

1981 Roberta's Letter -May 3

 

Sunday pm
5/3/81

Dear Family,

Thanks for your letters, sure appreciated your letter & Grandma's.  As usual the Uible household sure seems to be on the go!

We've been very busy -- esp. this last weekend.  Made many numerous trips out/w boxes, drawers, etc.  Trying to save work for the movers at $30.00 an hour!!

We borrowed someone's truck w/double seats & camper on the back.  It really held an awful lot -- trouble is we really have the stuff!!  Too bad all of you aren't here to help pack/load/unload/unpack all the stuff!!

Friday night we were about half way over to Saguaro High School for a talent show type of thing when Marilyn's van (we had Vera & Marilyn w/us) -- just quit!!  Something about the oil pump!

Luckily enough -- Sally belong to AAA so they paid us a service charge -- would tow us to the station for free -- or back to Marilyn's for $1.25 a mile.  We had to take the latter . . . .

[cont'd on May 4, 1981]

Hi!  Welcome to the state of being up in the air!!  We are now all moved -- except for the furniture & 2 sets of clothes & here we sit.  The people buying this place sent a cashier's check a week ago today -- supposedly mailed Air Mail / Special Delivery & it hasn't made it here yet!!

We were suppose to close this out on May 1st, and the 707 N. 61st Place on May 4th (today).  I feel like I could use a good attorney!  These real estate doings make me nervous -- and they tend to bring out the Irish (temper) in Marion.  Next time (HA!) I'm not going to take a penny out of my pocket on a new place until $$ is down & all papers signed!  Our contract w/ 707 house -- painting, carpet, crapes, water softener, etc.  Hate to even think about it.

This house really looks strange -- all pictures down & all drawers out of the dressers, hutch, etc. --

To top off all I broke my glasses yesterday -- so had to wait till this afternoon to get them fixed -- they were able to salvage them -- no glass broken -- just lenses on side arm --- but not a good clean cut!!  Just charged me $3.00 -- seemed like a real bargain!  Sure glad to have them back & in one piece again!

We had a special doing today -- our center was closed & we came into town to the main center for Volunteer Recognition Dinner Program.  The staff did all the work -- registration, serving the food, etc.  Then there were certificates of achievement -- each handed out individually -- my feet really feel it!!

Tomorrow we are having a special Mexican Independence Day Party.  Special entertainment / menu -- the whole bit!!

Friday will be the Mother's Day Program -- probably the same people will win the same categories as last year!!  Oldest Mother / Most great grand-children, etc. --

Harry (the owner of the flower shop) called last weekend & wanted to know if I would work for him this coming weekend -- Mother's Day Rush.  I'm going to do it.  Sunday will only be a short day -- 8:30-1:00 probably.  But Saturday will be a full long day!!

We have been invited out for dinner that day -- the Kings.  Marilyn King comes to the center.  It's an interesting situation -- she is paralyzed from the neck down (diving accident 19 years ago ).  She lives w/her ex-husband & his wife.  He divorced Marilyn some 3 years ago -- to marry his now wife.  It's a most interesting situation.  Mr. King (SID) -- is an ex-FBI agent career man. I'm sure you will get to meet the Kings when you come.

We went to Church yesterday for the 9:45 service -- they were repeating the Palm Sunday night musical program -- Greater is He.  It sure was good -- in fact we stayed for the 11:00 service too!!  Sorry that you all missed it!!

Will let you all know once we make the move -- the new phone # is 981-1804.  Sure hope we will be able to use!!

1981 Family Letter -May 3

 

Sunday --  

May 3, 1981

Dearest Family --

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Love,

1971 Roberta's Letter -May 1

 

May Day, 1971

Dear Family,

Hi!  Hope you all are all-right.  How's that for a tongue-twister??

Today at Silver Falls, etc. was really exciting.  On the way there we went "Russian Hunting".  You see there is a Russian camp on the way down there.  Actually, it wasn't hard at all once we got in the area.  Their houses were bright colors -- ugly bright house colors.  A very funny blue seemed to be their favorite.  Also they wore very bright clothes.  We "found" quite a few.  Bit it was bad when you found them on the road because they seemed to think that both sides of the road was for them!!

Then when we went to Silverton we had our picnic.  We took all the hikes there.  It is a state park area.  I took some pictures & sure hope they turn out.  I also hope I don't come up with poison ivy in a couple of days!!!

We got back in time for supper.  On the way back we came thru Salem where we more-or-less looked for a rock festival which was suppose to be there today.  We couldn't hear anything and didn't feel like missing our supper looking for it so we came on back.

Enclosed is a folder I got at the Portland library about Indians if anyone is interested.  Some of the books should be interesting.  "Custer died for your sins" is suppose to be especially good.

Last night & tonight I am spending my nights at the Fishers.  They went to Southern California for the weekend.  Sara is staying there with me.  I'm not enjoying it all that much because of all these silly kittens, cats, dogs, etc.  I think there are five cats. 

There are also some fish that I've got to feed -- but they don't bother me too much since they stay in their bowl & leave me alone.  I tell you -- never get a cat -- their silly hair will get all over everything.  Can't even go around with just socks on unless you want cat hair all over the bottom.

This morning I got up & fixed my own breakfast.  Now I've got a better appreciation for Saga.  (school's food service!)  All that messing -- hard for me to enjoy my food if I've got to fix it myself.  But thought I should fix the stuff because Mrs. Fisher left me out all this stuff & left me a note, etc.  But tomorrow -- back to Saga.

Last night I saw the school play "Fantasticks" -- still not sure about the spelling!  It was pretty good.  Have you all even seen it?

Well, I better be closing for now.  Maybe I'll add more before I mail it Monday.  I hope you all have sent me some stamps and also some green stuff.

Love,

Bert

Hi!  Right now I'm in chapel -- listening to the Gospel Gleemen.  I don't know if I should pay attention or not -- they are ministers of the Evangelical Church of North America -- that's a joke Pam & a bunch of us have because you know they were formed out of the Methodist Church.

Thanks alot for the letters today, stamps & money!  Who could ask for more?

I don't know yet where I'l be after Thetis Island.

How did Serena do on her drivers test?  Remember there is always hope -- I got mine on the second try.  Did Serena use the VW or the Chrysler?

By the way -- In about 2 weeks a bunch of us are going to the S&H stamp redemption place in Portland.  I already have about six books but I would welcome any stamps you see floating around.

Hi to Grandma!!!  If you send me Rev. Lynd's address & also address of Aunt Mary Hiestand I will try & send them get well cards.

If you remember -- May 17 or around there is Lettie Kibler's birthday.  I'm sending her a card.  I'm sure you remember that she is a great one for counting how many cards she gets.

I got a C+ on my 1st Personality test.  If I keep that up I'm sure not going to get an 'A' or a 'B'.  Oh well --

Second speech is due tomorrow.

I still haven't heard anything from U.C.

Yes -- do cancel the appointment with Doctor Schnebly.

Well, I better be closing.  Thanks again for everything.  John -- keep up the good work.

Love

Bert

1971 Roberta's Letter -Apr.26

 April 26, 1971

Dear Family,

Hi!  Hope you all are fine.  Got a post-card from Catherine yesterday.  What is her address?  I wrote her a letter this morning & sent it to West Texas Drive -- I hope it gets to her one way or another.

About a half hour ago 2 girls came up & left their stuff.  They are staying all night at least tonight.  This having a room to myself is a BIG JOKE!!  I really don't mind it but Jo Ann just left yesterday.

I got a 96% on my English test Wednesday.  But what more or less worries me is the personality test we had yesterday.

I am in the reading program here at school.  It is the same one I started last term.  I've got my schedule fixed so that Thursday afternoons I usually spend 2 hours in the reading lab.

Next week-end the school is putting on the play "The Fantastics" (sp?)  I think I'm going to plan to see it.

This morning I got up & played "Susie Homemaker" and cleaned up my room & all that kind of stuff.  Which was a good thing since I've got those guests.  Right now they are in some kind of meeting.  One of them might come here next year.

My ears are doing just fine.  They haven't fallen off or anything like that.

Mother, I'm sending you what I can find now about the "peace" symbol.  If you remember I would appreciate you finding out what month the article about it is in the Together magazine.  I'll try & look it up.

Also if you could send me the address of American Youth Hostel.  I would appreciate it.  Pam wants it.

I haven't heard anymore from U.C.  I can't get over them.  You send them $50.00 and they don't think a thing about it.  They could at least have the decency to say "thank you".

I had a letter from Nancy Walker this past week.  She said she is running for President of her dorm.

How is Mary Virginia's dress coming along for Mare's wedding?

Well, hope to hear from you all soon.  Be sure and tell Grandma I say hello.  Hope you all are fine!

Love,
Bert

P.S.  Stamps?  Almost makes me ill to think of John actually saving whole pages of them.  Yes, John?

Dad, Also tell women down at the shop that I said hello.  Ask Paula Rollins about music.

1981 Catherine's Letter -Apr.27

 

Monday, April 27, 1981

Dear Mother, Dad, & Mary,

Hi!  6:00 seemed to come alot earlier this morning with the advent of day light savings time.  At least it was light so we won't have to get used to getting up in the dark again.  And that extra hour is nice in the evening.

We got your last week's letter on Friday.  Glad to hear that you had a good if quick trip to North Carolina and that Grandma got home OK.  We'll put June of 1982 on our calendar of events and see what we can do about getting there -- that will be the hard part.

We have been practicing our golf some more and plan to join the golf course as of May 1st so we will be able to play next Saturday.  We haven't played since last June which was one of the few times we played last summer since we didn't join Madras course.  It costs $23 per month for a family membership here.  It costs extra for swimming pool privileges which we might consider if DeeDee will be here long enough to take advantage of the pool.

Elizabeth Johnson sent us a letter last week and included a picture of Dad with the other two County Commissioners which she said had been in the Blanchester paper.  It was a promotion for a cancer drive or something.  We also got a letter from Roberta which was a surprise, probably the first one in six months.

Wendy is now sitting on my lap "helping" me type.  She likes to push down on the keys but it makes the going very slow.  She especially likes the "W" as that is what she starts with or rather her name if you know what I mean.  We'll have to get her a typewriter of her own pretty soon!  

Now I am having a hard time getting her to let me type so I better take back over here while I have the chance.  We got two new radial tires for the truck last week -- first ones we've gotten since we had the truck which we bought in January of 1978.  Now we have to get the brakes worked on.  Wendy and I went out for a bike ride on Saturday and had the tires filled with air after which the front tire blew out so it is now in the repair shop getting fixed.  It should be ready to pick up today.  

Time to go so we better be off.

Love, Catherine, Gerry & Wendy

1971 Roberta's letter to John -Apr.22

 

April 22, 1971

Dear John Honey,

Well, Happy Earth day!  I hope you're doing fine and all of that stuff.

What's new with you?  How are you & what are you doing in school?  By the way John, I'm really terribly sorry I never got to come visit you in one of your classes over Spring Vacation!  But, I promise I'll go with you one day next fall!  (Ho, Hum!)

Yesterday, I almost had me a real-live job.  This man called me up from the Newberg Old Folks home.  He wanted me to be a nurses aid from 3 to 11 at night -- at least 3 days a week.  I put my application in there the 1st part of January.  But then since I could only work for about 6 weeks and I didn't want those hours I couldn't take the job.  Please tell Mom & Dad about this 'big' job offer.

What are you doing in scouts?  Do you still help Rita?  Will you be going camping this summer?  Do you & Kevin still go on those long old hikes?

Tell Grandma I say hello.

I hope you have been behaving yourself lately -- now that you are a big teeny-bopper!!!

By the way have you eaten any oreos lately?

Today in Speech class we had a test over the phonetic alphabet.  I don't understand it really but I'm hoping I did OK.  I really strained my brain learning it last night.  I'll give you my name in it =  rəˈbɜːtə  -- well I think that is right.

Now, I just know you're really excited about it -- just like me so I'll give you a few more examples.  [Transcription note:  I'm not going to give you the half-page listing of words and their phonetic equivalent.  For more details check out this phonetics webpage:  Youglish.com]

Silly, huh?  OH -- you should see some of the funny curly Q's or whatever in some words.

Well, John, I better be going.  I think this week is STRAIN Roberta's Brain Week -- and to close the week in the same style I've got 2 tests tomorrow.

So tell everyone I said hello.  I'm anxious to hear from you.  (Hint)  And let me know if you want the OHIO book.  As Mom for more details.  I'll be glad to send it to you.  It is a really GOOD (gʊd) book.

Well, be good & no smoke bombs.  Do you hear me????

Love,

Bert   

1981 Family Letter -Apr.26

Sunday evening --  
April 26, 1981

Dearest Family --

Seems really unusual to have it almost 8:30 in the evening and it is still light outside thanks to our changing over to Daylight Saving Time today.  It didn't help me to get to Sunday School but hopefully I'll be more in gear from now on.

It was so nice having John and Carol and their little dog Piper here this weekend.  Piper was weighed this afternoon down at Wells and hits the scales at 130 pounds -- we all thought he'd weigh more than that and he does look thin so perhaps the next time he will come nearer our expectations in weight.  He is a three year old Great Dane that seems more like a puppy in playfulness but not in size.  Carol says that he is just 36 inches from shoulder to pads of his feet.  They will have to send you all a picture of their "pride and joy".  We said how much fun he'd have with Buffy.  He seemed to enjoy romping without his chain -- around the new tennis court area and even took him clear to the cemetery to pick out his lot.  People really take a second and even a third look when they see Piper.

Mary Virginia sang last night at the church but we reneged for though we wanted to hear her there are so many others that don't when to stop singing or when enough is enough.  It was called a singspiration originally but somehow it got in last weeks' bulletin as "sinspiration" -- perhaps a Freudian slip.  MV and Mie Young said that there were about 15 or 20 there -- only about 2 that didn't have some relationship to those singing.

This was a busy week for the girls for they were either getting ready for the Junior-Senior Banquet (Wednesday Night) or the Prom on Friday evening for they helped with the decorations for both.  Since the parents help MV donated my services in getting the dinner ready rather than chaperone the prom thank goodness.  The old cafeteria looked real nice for they brought in hanging plants and all sorts of greenery from Davis Greenhouse in Reesville.  They couldn't begin to decorate Pyle Center dining room until 6PM when the college students were through eating which made them late in getting back to get ready.  They had hardly come in the house before the boys were here to pick them up.  Mie Young went with Chris Dodd and Mary Virginia went with Tom Holyk from Sabina.  After the prom they changed their clothes then went to a movie at the Murphy.  MV talked about having a breakfast afterwards here but didn't.

To make Wednesday even busier the Student Council sponsored Talent Show was that day and I helped chauffeur since students aren't allowed to drive to school activities at various schools.  MV and about 18 [or 10?] others made up three or four acts and along with youth from the other three schools toured Clinton Massie, Wilmington, Blanchester and Laurel Oaks for assemblies at each school.

After getting back to the high school just in time to fix dinner I left for Wilmington at attend the last of three sessions for the literacy classes.  Did you see Johnny Cash in something like the Life of Jesse Hallam where he took the part of an illiterate who finally found someone who was willing to teach him the rudiments of reading and writing.  There have been requests before and especially since that movie on TV not just with foreigners but also with youth and adults who never learned to read and write.

Last week was so busy that we didn't even get any square dancing in but perhaps will get to go at least once this next week.  Tuesday night is the last of the special lessons -- Thursday is one of the two monthly dances and Saturday is a special dance at Washington Court House.

Was happy to hear Serena's call yesterday telling us that she plans to come home in a little over three weeks for six weeks or so.  Debbie Haines is planning to make use of her apartment at least until the end of June.  Serena plans to work around here and then wants to go back to Kansas City and work.

By the way, Serena, I made an appointment for you with the doctor but in order to get your driver's license you have to begin all over again lke a new driver and get a packet from the license bureau, take your permit test and then probably a week later get an appointment to take your actual driver's test.  He said it is unlikely that you can get your permit on Thursday and be able to get a time for your test the next day.  Do you have any license that is valid?  If so you might not have to begin all over again.  I tried to call you back Saturday morning to tell you this but evidently you had already gone out for you didn't answer.  You will have to let us know if you want to do it any differently.

We do plan to be in Columbus Thursday, Friday and Saturday morning, May 7-9 and could meet you then but imagine that you would prefer to not come quite that soon.  The OBA is meeting at the Hyatt there so let us know.  We also have reservations for the two nights there.

Tonight was the Senior Citizens Dinner at the Church and as in past years we were on the committee.  Opal Nussbaum, who is in charge, goes all out with all the little things.  Believe there were 44 guests.  The program was a puppet show by a group from Blanchester which the group seemed to enjoy.

Last Friday was a visitors day at the School for the Retarded, which we Commissioners took in as part of our rounds (???).  One does not realize how many people live with handicaps and so many of us think that we have problems.  Physical and mental health is such an asset and we take it so for granted.  Friday was a long day for it started in Wilmington at 7:15 with a breakfast at which the Commissioners and the Sheriff was the program . . . each month the Chamber of Commerce has had a different gov't group there as the program.

This past week has been a wet one . . . so the grass is a great color.  Last fall we were having some trouble with our BIG mower so had it overhauled by this fellow whose wife worked at Wells . . . thought we would help him.  Lo and behold they have moved back to Indiana and the mower is worse than it was last fall, so have it back in the garage . . . anything would be an improvement.

Fellow finally came this past week to clean one -- or rather the rug that was in the dining room and have put it into our bedroom and hopefully that is going to lay it will come in short order.  From the old living room rug we hope to get enough good out of it to cover the hallway.

Hope you are able to get the gist of the last paragraph as Dad has left out some letters and words.  We put the old carpet in the garage to be cleaned and then they are hoping to get it put down in our bedroom and if this proves ok will try the living room carpet in the hallway -- it is remarkable for its age -- 25 years and has held up real well -- so many told us that it would disintegrate (the backing) once it was cleaned.  It was good carpet.

[Love to all, etc.]

1971 Roberta's Letter -Apr.20

 

April 20, 1971

Dear Family,

Hi!  Greetings from rainy Oregon.  But tomorrow the sun will no doubt be shining because of the fact that tomorrow I've got archery and we can get out of it if it rains.

My guest finally came Sunday night.  This school -- or at least my R.A. got everything all messed up.  She (Jo-Ann) is in a Graduate program with Southern Oregon College.  She & these other people have to set up or something like that reading programs for migrant children.  They just use George Fox as a sorta home base for this week.

Jo-Ann worked up in British Columbia one summer and said it was really beautiful.  I'll send you all the list of suggestions they sent me.  But do send them back.

This last Sunday the Fishers came & got me and took me to a pan-cake supper.  Boy!  I tell you they are nice people to know.  Mrs. Fisher wants me to bring the record Jesus Christ Super-star to their house sometime because she wants to hear it.  I hope she likes it.

Well, by the way I need some money before too long mainly because I had that physical, chest x-ray, & blood tests.  But, doesn't it give you a peace of mind that I'm in good health!!!

Starting tomorrow I've got a big test for 3 days.  Tomorrow is our pre-mid term -- we aren't having a mid term in English.  Then Thursday is a Speech test and Friday Personality.

I didn't think we were going to have tests in Speech.  But by Thursday I have to learn that International Phonetic Alphabet.  Ugh!  Most of the kids already know it which make it real nice for Cindie & I that don't know the 1st thing about it.  We are also suppose to know all these body organs used in speaking.  Besides the upper & lower lips I'm guessing.  So it looks like I'll have to sit down & strain my brain.

Over the past week-end I got my poetry glossary done which isn't due till the end of the term.

Well.  I better be closing -- I've got to go down-town and buy some typing paper -- I'm still caught up with civilization -- even yesterday's lecture!!!

Love, Bert

Hope Everything is fine!!

Hi to Grandma!!