1967 Catherine's Postcard - Nov. 10

Barding's Voyager Inn - Decatur, Illinois postcard - mailed 1967

11/10/67
Hi!  Boy do I have loads of homework this weekend!  And the dance is tomorrow night!  Miss Wood (art prof) has been sick since Tuesday – so no class.  Gina is going to Girl-Bid with Randy – Evan's roommate.  It should be really wild!  We have Cinderella per which means we can stay out 30 minutes late (1:30) if we give 1¢ each minute to send to our orphan in Korea.  Snow has all melted – almost!  It has been warm and rainy.  Homework waits!

Love, Cathy

1967 Catherine's Letter -Nov.8

November 8, 1967

Dear Mother, Daddy, Serena, John, and Mary,

Hi!  NOTICE!  This is a letter.

Received your letter today.  I really appreciate it but this morning it was rather anticlimactic!  First of all I went to physics class where I saw Evan, whom I had not seen for two days.  To make things worse when I had last seen him two days ago I asked him to the girl-bid and I think I shocked the poor boy so much that he just said something like he wasn't sure.  Talk about definite answers . . . .  Anyway, after I worried myself sick for two days over whether he really hated me or just didn't want to go to the dance, I asked him this morning if he had made up his mind.  His reply was something like, "Well, why wouldn't I?"  Boys!  At one point I was feeling so frustrated I almost asked Charley!  At least now I know Evan is going and I can go spend the $3 for the ticket.

After such an exciting physics class, I had two hours of art to look forward too.  Ugh!  When we all assembled in the class room it was discovered that dear Miss Wood was unable to make it today and so after seeing a 20 minute film we were dismissed one hour and 40 minutes early.  Halleluyah!

I haven't tried the dress on but I'm sure it fits fine.  It really is a beautiful dress!

Too bad about Mrs. Hughes and Tim.  I haven't heard from Weeg for about two weeks or so.

The snow here is still on the ground – all 12 inches – or however much there is.  The highest temperature in the last four days has been 33º.

I still have one tomato left which refuses to ripen up.  The tomatoes were alot more popular than the apples.  Alice (across the hall, from Texas) likes tomatoes so much I practically had to hide them to keep her from eating them all at once.

I finally had to break down and buy some more solution stuff for my contacts and also some tooth paste.  (Yeah Ultrabright!)  I opened the saving account at the First National Bank and Trust Company – grand total of $32.57.  The interest is figured quarterly.  I get two free withdrawals each month and 25¢ for each additional one.  If I close the account within 60 days of the first deposit there is a charge of 50¢.  People at the bank were very nice – friendly atmosphere like NV.  How is the NV bank coming?

So I won't forget what it is like living in a place like New Vienna, I am now reading The Story of a Country Town by E.W. Howe.  I took it out of the Kalamazoo Public Library so I can get full use of that library card.

How were the elections in New Vienna?  Anything exciting?  I haven't heard how they came out here but there were somewhere between 11-14 people running for the eight-man city commission.

I gave up studying for the chemistry test.  I figured if I don't know anything about chemistry I might as well find it out now and take chemistry during the winter quarter if I have to.

Math class is still plodding along.  Dr. Bausch thinks we are all mental retards or something.  However, when he gives a test he changes his psychology and asks us to do very difficult things and thus we prove his theory about how dumb we really are.

This morning I didn't get up until 4:45 as I didn't have too much art to do and there is always physics!

Yesterday afternoon I had a date with this guy who was going to "explain" the physics lab stuff to me.  It turned out he knew less than I did which wasn't too helpful!  At least he thought he was enlightening me!

Time for lunch.  I like lunch but it has unpleasant associations as it is followed immediately by PE.

Love, Catherine

P.S.  I finally got a pillow yesterday – felt kind of good after sleeping for 6 weeks without one!  We also had a new mirror hung up and I am being extremely careful not to break it as I figure an average of two a quarter is bad enough.  It's a good thing I'm not superstitious!

1967 Lois Bruce Letter -Nov.7

Nov. 7, 1967

Dear Uibles ––

Have you voted?  As parents of a future president I'm sure you have.

Have you made plans for T.G.?  Why not come to Dayton & spend it with us.  We'll plan to have dinner around 1:00 & that will give us time to digest our meal before eating turkey sandwiches in the eve.  I remember hearing that Kathryn & Roberta won't get home & we'll miss them but we'll be glad to have 5 of you so do say you can come.

Your trip sounded good & I'm sure it was fun.

There will be lots of nap space for those who find it desirable.  We might even get in a trip to the new Mall.

So come

            Love

                       Lois

1987 MV's Letter - Nov. 7

10:05 PM

11-7-87

Dear Mom, Dad, Grandma –

It's seemed like a busy week.  Had a take home test in Christian Education this week which was a real bear.  It was due Thursday morning at 10AM – I finished it at least 20 minutes early!  Doesn't seem possible that finals are only 6 weeks away.

John came down Friday to surprise me.  He had yesterday and today off work, so he and Diane had worked out details like getting a quad room.  He came yesterday just after lunch and left right before dinner.

Last night the Dramatic Ministries of the Seminary put on 2 short plays ("The Apple Bit" and "Cell Cele") so we went to that, the girls that Diane used to work with came down to spend the weekend, so they arrived about 10:00 PM.  Today we went to the mall in Lexington so John could get his eyes checked.  He needed glasses for everything except to drive, so he got them at Sears.

Tuesday in Chapel a group of us are singing.  It's Holiness Emphasis week and Dr. Goold picked 8 of us out of Singing Seminarians instead of having the whole group learn it.

I'm going to call Desiree to see if I can get my hair cut Friday afternoon, but I'll definitely be home for dinner.

Hope everything is fine and plans are shaping up for Phoenix.  See you Friday.

Love,

Mary Va.

1977 Roberta's Letter - Nov.6

November 6, 1977
Dear Family,

Hi!  Just got back from Church & now have the day ahead of me because it's only 10:30 – went to the early service.  More & more out of state cars around – the winter people are coming!

I have made my reservation to go to S. Diego – leaving on the night flight Wednesday night and returning on the night flight Saturday night.  Because of work, etc. didn't want to fly in late Sunday night – and the day flights Sunday are filled.

Called Catherine & Gerry Friday night – and they seemed glad I'm coming – we joked about her writing the Bruces – a timely letter just before Thanksgiving.

It might come around that I can have the week off between Christmas & New Years – I'm working on the idea now ––

When do you plan to get out here?  Marion is leaving Wednesday, Dec. 21st, so try to get out here before she leaves – so she says!  Would you like me to make motel reservations – or what?  Marion says you are welcome to stay here – but that is up to all of you.

Mary Virginia – how is school going?  How many days will you miss over Christmas?

I'm selling the Buick – which might come as a surprise.  The bike is all fixed up & I'll ride it back & forth to work.  Sooner or later I'll need a car – but for now – the bike is fine.

I've been looking for a new pair of shoes – Millers – of course they are hard too find – especially my size.

Mom – I would like your yogurt recipe w/all details.  When you come out – I'd like all my cookbooks.

Winter is here – tonight I could see my breath – but it was up to 71º today ––

Love, Berta

1967 Catherine's Postcard - Nov. 7

Casa Marina Motor Court - St. Augustine FL postcard - mailed 1967

9:30A.M. 11/7/67
Hi!  Was hoping for a letter from you all but box just stared at me blankly!  Did get letter from Dave – jacket is OK.  I have been up since 4:30 studying physics and chem.  At 10:00 I have an appointment with Miss Wood (art teacher).  Had pancakes, sausage, grapefruit and hot chocolate for breakfast.  I thought I was exaggerating when I said 6" of snow but "Kal. Gazette" reports 12." construction work still goes on.  Do you need my address?

Love, Cathy

1967 Catherine's letter to Serena -Nov.5

November 5, 1967

Dear Serena,

Hi!  Just in case you thought I might have forgotten you, this letter is to remind you that your beautiful intelligent, talents, (I could go on, but I don't want to make you feel too inferior) oldest sister is still existing and after you finish reading this letter you will owe me one!  Get the point?

How are you doing in the choir?  Do the people actually sit and listen to you sing or do they jump up and run out when you start?

How is school going?  Have you reclassified your subjects since you got your report card?  The last I heard you had them rated like this:

• Science : TERRIBLE
• English : LOVELY
• Reading and Spelling : So-So
• Math : little better than So-So
• History : worse than So-so
• Band : Terribly hard

How were the grades? Or shouldn't I ask?

I hope you made it home all right and enjoyed playing fish pond, or whatever it is you do at the Halloween Carnival!

I haven't forgotten that I promised you could stay in the dorm the next time you come.  What's new in Old Vienna?  Or should it be what's old in New Vienna?

Everything is just wonderful here except that I keep spending more and more time studying, less and less time sleeping, and the grades just keep going down.

Only 50 days until Christmas!  We have four inches of snow on the ground today!  I guess winter has really arrived now!

Well, don't do anything drastic while I'm gone!  WRITE SOON!  OR I MIGHT FORGET ABOUT THAT PROMISE ! ! ! ! !

Love, 

Cathy

1967 Catherine's Postcard - Nov. 6

Leesburg, Ohio U.S. Post Office postcard - mailed 1967.  Captioned: Established February 12, 1816.  The new building constructed fall and winter of 1960-61.  Dedicated April 30, 1961.  First postmaster, Harrison Ratcliff.  Present Postmaster, Samuel R. Kerns.

11/6/67
Hi!  Just finished taking PE midterm.  Ugh!  I don't have midterms in Physics or Art but I don't know about math.  Met someone this morning who had heard of me through someone who had known somebody else in Lakeside.  Talk about confusion.  Big snowfight on quad last night (6" on ground).  One contact got dislocated in middle of fight but luckily instead of coming out when I got hit it just slipped off!!  Big chem test on Thursday to see if we can test out of chem 3.  I'm trying to review but it's been a long time since I took chem. 

Spirits still [up arrow] but only physics is following the trend. 

Didn't make it to church.  Lack of sleep + excess homework and snow!  Love, Cathy

Love, Cathy

1967 Jean's Letter -Nov. 5

Sunday 9:30 PM

Nov. 5, 1967

Dearest Catherine,

MYF is just over and Daddy has taken Kit Zantz (?) and Roberta to Reesville to take Debbie Walvoord (?) home.  Roberta & Kit came Thursday with the Stuckey family and 3 other girls from Barnesville headed for Maineville or Cincinnati (10 in a microbus – 6 with luggage).

Glad that the shoes fit fine – I looked at slippers numerous places but never right size &/or style.  I wondered if you wanted evening bags, gloves, etc. or perhaps you can borrow up there.

Too bad your typewriter and shoes weren't ready when promised so no doubt you have to make an extra trip.  Did you get your dress & it fits OK?

How was your trip to Chicago Art Museum?  We thought about you.  Good luck on the paper you have to write concerning painting or whatever you choose to write on.

That was a terrible wreck [Laura Hughes hit bridge head-on on SR-28 two miles west of New Vienna, Tim was only passenger.] and Mrs. Hughes was in critical condition but Tim said tonight that she has been taken off of oxygen and off intravenous feeding and they'll begin to work on her kneepcaps.  Tim was just in the hospital overnite – broken right wrist – he blacked out so doesn't remember any particulars of the accident.  They don't know what caused it yet – whether she blacked out, bright lights blinded her or what.  We came over the bridge where it happened & it is terribly rough.  Their car looks like an accordion on the front right side – lucky they got out alive.  She had on a seat belt, Tim didn't.  Kaen's baby hasn't come yet – She (Laura) went over to see Karen while Tim had FFA meeting.

We went to Blanchester today to the Open House at their new Jr.-Sr. High School.  It is very beautiful yet very practical.  We saw David Myers & Marilyn (?) Brumbaugh who asked about you.

Mrs. Myers is very proud of her library.  They plan to move back to New Vienna to live after David graduates this year.  She'll still work there but they won't live in trailer as they are doing now.

Have you had much snow and cold weather?  We've had snow flurries since Saturday but no accumulation.  Dr. Custis said it was 20º at his house this morning.

The Lions had a good crowd at their bean supper.  Had choice of bean soup or chili, hamburger or hot dog, relish plate, pie & beverage.  The parking was the big bug-aboo. 

Last night Kit and I went to see "The Sand Pebbles" – a real gory, war story – well done but anything but entertaining.  Roberta didn't feel good so she went to bed early.  [sweet girl].  It ran 195 minutes plus 10 minute intermission!  Kit was hep on going or don't think I would have made the effort.

I'm sitting in front  of the fire – first we've had for    ?    except for last night which I didn't get to enjoy.

Both Kit's parents teach at F.B.S. – Roberta has her mother for Ancient History – I've heard her lecture & quite interesting – her father is Asst. Principal.  She has 5 younger sisters (3) and brothers (2).  She hopes to become a doctor & go into research.  She talks like a brain.

I saw Sybil at church today & she says school is going fine.  She was only Freshman college student I saw home.

Saw Mr. and Mrs. Fenwick at Blanchester today and she told me Jane found boys on top of cabinet & had thrown 2 whole dozen eggs on floor – a slimy mess.

Granddaddy mentioned the possibility of leaving for Florida next Friday noon – that would give Daddy a little longer than 16 hours to be with the Hortons if they don't leave until Sun. He plans to come back to Columbus via New York & we'll meet him there after Serena's appointment with Dr. Hull on Friday Nov. 17.

We are to take Roberta, Kit & 2 Stuckey boys back tomorrow & perhaps a girl from Maineville.

Roberta wants to know if you got her package & says "Hello."  Also Elaine Harner sends regards thru Daddy.

Love – and looking forward to your letters & cards, Mother

1977 Catherine's Letter -Nov.3

Thursday morning

November 3, 1977

Dear Mom, Dad, and Mary Virginia,

Hi!  Well, Mother it was good talking to you on the phone the other morning.  We are certainly looking forward to seeing you all at Christmas time.  It won't be too long now.  Have you any ideas on what you might like for Christmas?  We'll try not to make it too bulky since you will have to take it home with you.

We got our bean bag lounger this week.  (The word bulky reminded me of it.)  It is really big although fairly light weight so it isn't hard to move around.  It is really comfortable and fills up the empty corner of our living room very well.  As you can see from the pictures we moved the furniture around since you were here, Mother.

Gerry called the insurance company to find out why they only paid us $135 toward the Dr's bill instead of the $350 we figured they should pay.  They checked their records and discovered that by mistake they had paid us the benefits of a miscarriage instead of a normal pregnancy.  So they are gong to send us $215.  I guess it is a a good thing Gerry called – the girl said otherwise the mistake wouldn't have been discovered.  The anesthesiologist bill came to $175.  Can you believe that?  If he had told me that ahead of time I would have said forget it.  I can stand a lot of pain for $175.

This is the last of this note paper.  I appreciate your leaving it for me.

Wendy has gotten herself on a fairly regular schedule.  She wakes up about 6 and nurses and goes back to sleep fairly quickly until 10, nurses, then usually we go for a walk, she nurses again at 1, stays awake for awhile, sleeps for maybe an hour, has some juice, nurses at 4, sometimes we go for another walk after that feeding.  She's awake then until she has her cereal between 6 and 7 and then she nurses again before she goes to bed between 9 and 10.  Sometimes she is still a little fussy when I put her to bed but if I turn her on her back for a few minutes and then back on her stomach again she seems to quiet herself down.

We are having some of our things sent out which we had left in Maine.  So far we have gotten two boxes (I think we had about 8 which we left there) and it is sort of like Christmas opening the boxes and finding things which we had forgotten we had.  In the first two boxes I got my diaries and scrapbook as well as some table clothes and a long dress (robe) which I had gotten in Africa.  Gerry got some sweaters, a pair of pants, his winter underwear (it's been in the 80's the last three days) and some gloves.

Well, I assume that we will be getting a letter from you either today or tomorrow since you said you were writing one.  I did want to get this off though – so you might get it before Sunday if the mail goes fast enough.

Love, Catherine, Gerry & Wendy

1967 Catherine's Postcard -Nov.4

[postmarked Nov. 4, 1967]

Hi!  Got Upjohn letter and letter from Dad this morning. (11-4)  Thanks for $.  I am at PO now, on way to get shoes, dress, typewriter, books and get $ at bank.  We had about one inch of snow last night which is still on the ground.  Wonder how it will affect football game this afternoon?  There are a few parents around but not many.  Got package from Roberta this morning.  Chicago was all right – but all I saw was the Art Institute.  I am going to do my research paper on John F. Peto if I can find enough info.  If you want to know why I never write letters it is because I can't even think of enough to put down on a post card.  Last night I spent an exciting evening at the library studying physics.  I could spend 40 hours a day just studying that stuff!  The main problem seems to be keeping awake!  I guess Christmas will be a good time catch up on all of that.

Love, Catherine N.M.I. Uible (just in case you thought I had forgotten my name.)

1987 Roberta's Letter - Nov.2

NOVEMBER 2, 1977

Dear Family,

Not that I don't want you all to call, but thought I would try to do better this week at writing.  Now that I'm working time seems to go very fast, and its the end of the week before I realize it – as you all also know.

I talked to the principal's secretary yesterday about the possibility of getting off the Friday after Thanksgiving – and working Nov. 11th.  She is the one that gave me the list of my holidays off.  She said that she could see no reason why I couldn't do it – because both days that won't be classes.  Then the principal came through about 20 minutes later and said that they had thought about it; and I would be able to have both days off – that the county doesn't know what is going on out here anyway – or to some idea.  First, when he said that they had changed their minds – I thought that it meant that I had to work the Friday after Thanksgiving after all.

Now I must begin to make my plans.  Air Fare is $96 round trip.  That's pretty high for even a four day weekend.  The bus schedules are not only bad, but also very time consuming . . . . . some 11 and a half hours.

I'm getting to school now at 6:45  – yesterday morning I went right to work – but today I'm tending to personal matters.  Marion has sold her car.  After putting ads in the paper for weeks and hearing very little; she started parking the car on a empty field about a block from the Datsun dealer.  On the second day there, a man called up, and the next day had it in his name.  So she is using the Buick and drops me off on her way to work – then last night I walked home – tonight I think I'll get a ride at least part way with one of the women here.  It's 2.8 miles here – not a bad walk.  The bike I had last year is now at the repair shop – guess it was in a bad wreck this last year – also tires that won't keep air in them.  I plan to ride it back and fourth to work after it gets fixed.  There are bike paths all the way here, so it will be a nice ride.  A little cool in the morning, but nice in the afternoon.  This morning it was down to 58º !!!!

Work is going just fine.  I do quite a bit of typing and I can notice my speed and also accuracy picking up – but then this letter doesn't show that well.  Alot of the work I do is the in and out sort of stuff – filling out forms, etc.  I type alot of lists and some memos  – the bulletin is almost always two pages – usually alot  of announcements which I sometimes feel like that are not read – because the teachers are always asking each other the questions that are answered in the bulletin.  The absences are also listed – some days are really heavy.  Yesterday there were very few – but then that might mean that there are just gong to be that many more today.

I had a letter yesterday from Jackie – she is in Wash. D.C. –working until she gets her money together to come to San Diego.  She has a sister there she is staying with, and is working at a temporary job placement service.  I bet she really entertains the places she works.  Maybe the other employees are glad she is only temporary.  I'll keep you posted on her – that is if I hear from her again.

Better stop for now and get started on the work for the day.  Time does go fast – always seems that something needs done – and the boring stuff makes the other more bearable.  Or should I say the other makes the boring stuff more bearable.

Mary Virginia, Ella called last night – she is visiting her son not far from Marion's – about 10 miles.  She said she had a good picture of you.  We are to get together with her this weekend.

Love,

Berta

1987 Roberta & Sid's Letter to GHU - Nov.1

Since this letter is very readable in original form, and I am overwhelmed by trying to transcribe Sid's lengthy letter, you can read the original today instead of the transcription. 

1967 Roberta's Postcard -Nov.1

Tuesday evening [postmarked Nov. 1, 1967]

Hi!  I got your letter today with permissions & newspaper article.  Thanks! 

Last night was Friendly Beggars night – we collected for UNICEF.

There are 10 people riding home with the Stuckey's – counting Mrs. Stuckey & her two daughters.

Would it be possible for you, Dad, to drive the shop truck back with tandem & couch if mother decides to [get] rid of it.  All the Cinn. kids think this is a great idea & so do I.  We would all ride in the back of it you see.

Love, Roberta

Hope this gets home before I do!

1967 Catherine's Postcard -Nov.1

11/1/67

Neither typewriter nor shoes were ready on Tues!

Hi!  Shoes came today – $15.50 total.  Fit fine!  Leave for Chicago at 8:00 A.M. tomorrow.  I did make it to church Sun.  Ate bkfst (box apple-jacks to keep bullies away, and an apple) on way.  Visited Bronson Methodist Hosp. – nice lobby and beautiful chapel.  Got your letter today.  Glad you all could stop by.  Are you going to K meeting on 11/8?  Got $5.00 worth of stamps.

Love, Cath

1967 Roberta's Letter -Oct.30

Love Roberta's Congratulatory Note and the way she addressed the envelope!

[postmarked Oct. 30, 1967]

Hi!  Now Monday morning again and as busy as ever.  I guess I should have done my lessons yesterday but I went bike riding instead.  It was a beautiful day, the leaves so pretty, everything was just wonderful.  Wonderful until I came back and faced reality and all my homework.

I suppose by now you have seen my dear old grade card.  It sure was pretty awful.  And to think I had good grades until those dear old (?) 6 weeks test came up.  I think I will go back to my old routine of not studying.  I studied for those tests and where did it get me?  A "45%" in Bible – Wow!

We changed office work, included is a note I got in my mailbox on the first day of my new office work.

Spoke to John last night on phone and I hope he got across my message.

Love,
Roberta

1967 Catherine's postcard -Oct.31

Hotel Avelez postcard -mailed 1967.  Caption: Situated in the heart of Biloxi business district, two blocks from the beach.  All rooms with either tub or shower bath.  Single $1.50 to $2.50 – Double $2.50 to $5.00 

10/31/67

Hi!  Letter  from R and newspapers from G'ma arrived yesterday.  Business office here refused to cash check – said they didn't have any money.  I guess either the typewriter or shoe store will have to take a check, as for the C.O.D. who knows?  Got up at 4:30 A.M. and did laundry and studied art – which doesn't seem to do me a whole lot of good!  Midterms are approaching fast!  Spirits up.  Grades down.    Love, Cath

1977 Roberta's Letter -Oct.30

October 30, 1977

Hi!  Thanks for your long newsy letter – and the telephone calls – just wish the connections were better!

This last week it seems has been specially hectic.  I'm all organized now at work – on the attendance part of my job.  I've typed up alphabetical lists of senior, juniors, and sophomores.  Now when I get a call I simply mark my list.  When I go to type up the bulletin as to absence – it's a breeze.

The school has almost 800 students – out of that there are about 170 special ed. students, the school is made up of mostly part time students who either work part time or go to another high school part time.  The school is in the original high school building in Mesa.  It's an old school – spread out over about a block and a half.  Where I am used to be the library.  The school now has about 20 "portables" which they use as classrooms.  They really have a wide variety of courses – you'll have to go through the school when you come.

Friday was a weird day at work – except for the vice principal there for about an hour I was all by myself.  I got alot done – except for a few phone calls – I had not other distractions.

I've got some (quite a few) things I'd like you to bring out – or would you rather send it out otherwise.

How is Ruth?  I had a letter from her the same day your letter came – she said how she enjoyed your phone calls, Mother.  I couldn't believe that John was still in bed when you wrote the letter.

Does he say anything about going back to the farm?  How about Carol coming for Thanksgiving?

Dad, I hope you had a really great birthday – now I can't even find the letter I wrote – there is a brown shirt hanging in my closet for you – it's printed & long sleeved.

I hear from Cathy quite a bit.  I'm going out to Arizona State University & put up an ad about going to San Diego.

Have some other correspondence to catch up on ––

Mar Virginia – where will you go in the city in February?  Have you written the Rosan's?  I had a letter from Dawn.

Love,

Berta

1987 Catherine's Letter -Oct.29

Thursday, October 29, 1987
Dear Mother & Dad,

Hi!  I started a letter to you last week while I was at my computer class but lost it when the computer glitched before I had a chance to get it printed.  So, I'll try again.  I'm now on my supper hour (work 12-9 today) and had planned to pick up Gerry and take him home while grabbing something to eat, but we had a gigantic rain storm at 5:00 so he called and said someone from work would drop him off.  Therefore I didn't have to go out into the storm.  It seems to have let up now and the sun was out a few minutes later so I guess the worst is over.

I went to Wendy's reading class this morning and listened to the students present reports on communication.  Wendy did hers on monkey communication and used two monkeys puppets from the library) as part of her project.  She had read some of the books about monkeys that learned sign language, different kinds of sounds that monkeys make, etc.  I also put in a little time at the school library.  I think I've totaled 4 volunteer hours so far, done some weeding and trying to put the card catalog in proper order.  Evidently for several years someone filed who wasn't really familiar with the alphabet and/or filing rules!

Roberta as usual is busy all the time.  Last night Gerry and I went down and visited with Sid for awhile as Wendy was at Pioneer Girls.  Roberta was at a fashion show or somewhere.  We went on half (13.5 miles of the Grapenuts Bicycle Ride last Sunday with the.  They took us and our bicycles down to the State Capital and then they made the round trip back to their truck while we stopped off the route (which came closest to our house at the Crescent Hotel (25th & Dunlap).  Wendy bogged down after about four miles but then got her second wind and made it the rest of the way pretty well.

We're looking forward to seeing John in the near future and then you folks shortly thereafter.  How was the birthday, Dad?  You were another day older, huh?

Well, I better get back to work now.  It will probably be a semi-slow night since the storm will have scared some people into staying at home!

Love,

Catherine, Gerry

& Wendy

1967 Jean's Letter -Oct.29

Sunday,

Oct. 29, 1967

Dearest Catherine,

Enjoyed our visit with you and anxious to hear how you get along with your shoes.  If the ones from N's aren't satisfactory – by all means – do not  keep them & I'll try to pick up something either at Wade's or elsewhere but do let us know.

John & Serena did get to go to the carnival as we got in about 8:00 last night.  It was surprising how quickly they got the car unpacked in order to get to go on over to the school.  The Kuntzmans were down – but only John & Serena saw them.  Al & Rev. K. didn't come.

We picked up Mary Virginia & Mrs. Thornburg said she's been so good & never mentioned us.  Mr. T. had fallen out at the farm, infection developed & he has to be in bed for a couple of weeks.  Wilma said it was a blessing Mary V. was there as it took both their minds off Mr. T's troubles.

We talked to Larry Pope's mother & he started to some United Electronics School last week in Louisville.  He goes to school 4 hours in the afternoon & then may work from 5PM to 1AM at a Kroger store.

Linda Hause has been stuffing things in her mouth & she choked to death yesterday.  They are having private funeral services Tuesday – no calling yours but contributions may be sent to the Parents Volunteer Organization at Orient  in lieu of flowers.

Mrs. David Allen had a little girl Oct 22 – Jodena – 4 names altogether.  7#14oz.

Got an invitation to an Alumni & Friends of K College meeting at some home in Cincinnati, Nov. 8 (Wed) They plan to show a film "Face Michigan" and give the latest news of K.

Mary V. wanted to know today if you were counting your money.  – Don't know exactly what she had in mind but think she knows you pretty well for "counting your pennies."

Sorry we didn't get to meet Evan – Did you get to Church this morning?  We actually got there early – As someone said, we could use an extra hour every Sunday AM.

Thought of lots of things afterwards – that we didn't get asked or tell you but will try to make up for it at Christmas unless you decide to come home sooner.

Got R's permissions off to her – She called while were at UNICEF – Intermediate MYF tonight but John talked to here.  We collected $65.52 – $1.02 more than last year.

Love ––– Mother

1977 Catherine's Letter -Oct.27

Thursday morning

October 27, 1977

Dear Mom, Dad, and Mary Virginia,

Hi!  Your letter arrived yesterday right after I mailed the post card.  That's what you call instant response.  I would have mailed your birthday cards sooner, Dad, if I had known you would be celebrating in advance.  Glad that you like the jacks.  Driving to San Diego seems like a smart idea with all the drivers you have.  What does that mean as far as Mary Virginia and the wedding are concerned?  So you will be coming through the southern route after you go through Kansas City?

We went out to see DeeDee last night.  Her mother says size 6 boots would be fine if you have room to bring them.  She and one of her friends are all involved right now in making a mobile of the solar system for a science project.

I don't know if it was the excitement of going to see DeeDee or what but after we got home Wendy proceeded to vomit her supper all over me.  So she woke up in the middle of the night probably because without that food in her she got hungry faster.  She has been spending much more time awake and alert during the daytime with just a few shorter naps scattered between feedings.  She is also less fussy and seems better able to entertain herself for longer periods of time.  We have gotten a few smiles out of her but she isn't making a habit of it yet.

We ordered a bean gag lounge from that store that you and I went to, Mother.  They didn't have one in stock in the material we wanted.  It is sort of a brown stripe.  We are in hopes it will be in by tomorrow.  Wendy and I are going to take the bus to El Cajon and meet Gerry again tomorrow.  I carry her to the bus in that little pleated seat [sling?] which works real well because once we get on the bus I can fold it up and put it in my purse.  Gerry takes the stroller in the car.

Tuesday night alot of people here at the apartment got together and had a barbecue.  Everybody donated some meat – ribs, chicken and steak plus we each brought one side dish.  One of the guys is a real barbecue chef and the meat was really good – he marinated it in sauce – his own blend and then grilled everything.  I took a batch of brownies.  There was lots of good food and it was easy to keep an eye on Wendy since we wen't more than 25 feet away from home.

Well, the mailman should be here any minute so I will finish this now.  Hope to hear from all again soon!

Love,

Catherine, Gerry & Wendy

1977 Catherine's letter to John -Oct.26

October 26, 1977

Wednesday afternoon

Dear John,

Hi!  Thanks for your letter and the latest news briefs about YAF.  I have seen two newspaper articles about YAF in the last few months.  One was about Buckley being named chairman or something and the other was the YAF's stand on the Bakke issue – I forget now what YAF's stand is but I did read the article.  [Bakke issue = Regents of the Univ. of Cal. v Bakke, Supreme Court decision of September 1977 upheld affirmative action but determined that racial quotas were impermissible.]

On the baby scene, your niece (or neice?) is doing just fine.  She is really getting bigger.  She is eating cereal now and smiling a little and she goes to sleep about 10 at night and sleeps until 6.  If I remember I'll stick some pictures in with this letter – altho you probably saw some while you were in New Vienna.

How was your weeks vacation?  What did you do in the old home town?  Did you run the shop while Dad was gone?  And now it is back to the old grind until when – Christmas?  Or do you get a long weekend over Thanksgiving?

Gerry is doing fine – still very much disliking his job but nothing new has turned up yet.  We haven't gotten a babysitter yet but we have gone out several times and taken Wendy with us.  She does pretty well.  Alot of times if we go out to eat she will be real quiet until they bring our food and then she'll start to cry so that one of us will have to hold her.  It won't be too long she'll be able to sit in a high chair and eat by herself when we go out.

Hope to hear from you again soon! 

Love, 

Cathy, Gerry, 

& Wendy

1967 Roberta's letter to Catherine -Oct.26

Monday

[10/26/67 ??]

Dear Catherine,

I hope this gets to Kalamazoo before you do, but I have my doubts!  Well, anyway I had good intentions.  It's just that they didn't get carried out.

The clothes you got at Washington C.H. really sound neat.  I wish I could see the brown one – it sure sounds pretty.  What kind of material is it?  Hope I have half the luck getting some new clothes in the future.

I now weigh 150 – which means I have lost 22 pounds altogether.  I bought 3 dozen bouillon  cubes at Binns and have been having a steady diet of them yesterday.  They only cost 21¢ for 1 dozen so I'm not too much in the hole. 

I wrote you a letter Saturday but I couldn't find your address at college and now that I have your address, I can't find the letter.

Our room has the reputation of being on the noisy side.  Last night Teacher Jody came in and there were about  13  people in our room.  This was after lights out and you are suppose to be in your own room.  Well she sent everyone back to the right room supposedly but she sent me to room #10.  Then they wouldn't let me out of there for a long time.  She got everybody mixed up and sent everybody the wrong place.  Then they wouldn't let us go to our own room.  Finally about 12:30 this morning it got straightened out and we got to go to our own room.

Teacher Susan asked Gretchen (my roommate ) and I if we moved furniture after lights out.  We said "No!" and she said it sure sounded like it.

I got these new glasses Saturday.  Well, no I didn't get them but I ordered them.  They are on the unusual side I must admit.  The eye-doctor said he had never sold a pair of them before.  I asked him how long he had carried them and he said two years.  Also ordered another pair but they are a little more on the usual side.  I thought I should have one pair to conform to society with.  (as if I'll ever need them here or in N.V.)

How is your room-mate Gina?  Does she talk in her sleep?  Snore?  Can you wear her clothes?  Does she talk on and on?  Does she help clean the room?  Or leave her junk all over the place?  Please write and tell me about her!  Is she a Quaker? An Atheist? Does she take pills all the time? Or have athlete's foot?  Is she a social butterfly? Or study like crazy?  Is her hair bleached?  Oh well, anyway write and tell me about her.

We have a "hippie" here at Barnesville!  He wears a leather jacket constantly except when Teacher Tom made him take it off for "meeting."  He is very funny and really very nice.  He goes with Sylvia Thomas (former roommate) and they make a very good pair.  And guess where he is from?  This side of Cinn!  We decided he must live about 30 miles from me or so.  All the new students talk about how long his hair was when he first came.  Teacher Tom made him get it cut before he even walked in the dorm.  It is still pretty long.  His favorite topic is the "hippies in the Bible,"  He is quite a character! 

You asked me about the letter that went to Goodings by mistake.  Well, it's a long, long, long story and since I don't want to write a book I better just say that the letter that went to the Goodings should not have gone to them but to someone else.  And the letters that should have gone to the Goodings went to the wrong place also.

I hope this satisfies your curiousity for a while.  I promise to tell you when I see you but I find it hard to try to explain on paper.

I would appreciate it if you keep it a secret.  What can I do for you now?  Besides anything having to do with money or good advice?  Got to go.  I'm very tired of writing.  I had to write a short story for English today and it was 15 pages long.  Then I had to recopy my History Report which was another 6 pages.  ICK!

Love, 

Roberta

1977 Roberta's letter to John -Oct.24

October 24, 1977

Hi, John!

Was good to talk to you & to find out that the Granada is looking so good – just tell me one thing – how many miles does it have ???  Marion won't tell me!

2nd day on the job went pretty smooth.  I'm getting  organized more & more.  Friday there isn't any school – but since I'm a county employee – I have to work.

Marion is watching Football, last night it was Basketball – all last week the World Series.  Sally Faherty called after the Yankees won!

She still hasn't sold her car – so I have been driving it, she uses the luxury car – of course I don't mind using her car – it's not as classy though of course as the VAN of last year!

How do you spell Carol's college?  Marian says to print it!

I made you some Rice Crispie squares – you know  what you like.  Anyway – something went wrong – I couldn't get them mixed up – then they were tasteless.  So we ate about half & threw the other half out!  But the intentions were there for you to enjoy them.

Please!  Come out at Christmas – after all I get a whole day off!

Was the Brounce (?) ring good ?    Wish I had been there to share it with you.

Have you found a place yet for your YAF office?  It's late & I better not start a new page – Take Care –

Love, Berta

1967 Roberta's Letter -Oct.24

[10/24/67]

Dear Family,

Hi!  Well how are the travelers?  I have enjoyed your postcards.

I need written permission to take Kit home – Nov. 2-6th.  I also need written permission for me to go in Stuckey's car on the way home, OK?  Please send this as fast as possible!  I don't want to have to forge anything that I don't have too!  HA!

Now!  My grades were rotten – all C's except for A D- in Bible!   A second grader could have done better!  Teacher Tom's comment will really get you – I'll let you live a while longer in peace before you see or hear it! 

Got to go something always needs done – like studying. 

Love, Roberta

1967 Jean's Letter to Catherine -Oct.22

Sunday –

Oct 22, 1967

8-15 AM

Dearest Catherine

Will start this while waiting for John & Daddy to return to hotel room.

Spent a couple of hours with Roberta and then up through New Cumberland to see some old friends and on here.  [Beaver Falls, PA]

Aunt Virginia called last week to say she had a chance to ride to California & a place to stay there so is on her way today.

We tried to make a reservation at Kalamazoo Crosstown Holiday Inn but no vacancy there & none on the freeway (Holiday Inn Express) for Oct. 27 (Fri.)  so if you would care to call the Downtowner Motel where we stayed before & see f you could reserve a room there that night.  Otherwise we will keep the reservation we made at the Battle Creek Holiday Inn to be sure we have a couple of beds someplace.  [Must be a big game at W.M.]

We are now on our way and may make it to Gerard PA for church.  It is a bit out of the way but Daddy's old friend – Marian Plum's parents live here so there is some incentive to head for there.

It was so very foggy but after we'd driven about 10 miles it suddenly lifted.

Hope you got through all the tests, quizzes and exams OK before the big day yestserday and got to take part in the Homecoming Festivities.  Remember Debbie Smith & that all work & no play makes Debbie a dull girl.

Our tentative address at Montreal will be at the Queens Hotel.  So if you have any luck in a room send us a card as we will be there thru Wed.  Or Daddy says to write us at King Edward - Sheraton Hotel, Toronto, hold until 10/27/67.

Looking forward to seeing you next Friday so you can give Daddy a big birthday hug.

Love,

Daddy, Mother,

Serena & John

P.S. Mary Virginia is staying with Mr. & Mrs. Thornburg.

1977 Catherine's postcard -Oct.26

Motel 6 of Boise postcard - mailed 1967 

10-26-77

Hi!  Tried to call you early this morning but your line was busy.  Got a letter from G'ma and one from Roberta yesterday.  R hopes to visit us within th next couple of weeks.  Did Mary Virginia get her prescription?  Wendy has been going to sleep about 10 & waking up at 6 for a week now.  She eats her cereal real well.  Will send more pictures soon.  Love, Catherine, Gerry & Wendy

1967 Roberta's Letter -Oct.21

October 21, 1977

Hi!  Was happy to talk to you all last night and to let you know I'm now working!  It's 1:00 pm now – I'm on my lunch – seems the day is gong fast.

I handle all attendance info – excuses brought in, over the phone, etc.  I'm to spot check by calling back some of the absences.  It's my job also to make up a daily bulletin in which all misses, excused & unexcused go in.  Any announcements, etc.  There is alot of different types of forms – as I catch on to things – they say I should also be handling schedule changes.  Today there must have been at least  50  excused absences – now before I go home I'll get sheets from each of the teachers saying who was out of each class – which I match up w/ my absences that I have – but of course, I'll have more from their lists.

The people I work w/ are all very nice and helpful – if they only knew my office experience is very limited!  I listed Wells Mfg – office, Hudson Guild Farm - office.

Better get back to the desk – only have 30 minutes lunch.

It's now 6:30 PM – glad today is over – next week should be much smoother but today wan't all that bad!

I got my holiday schedule today – and it's worse than I thought – you would never know I worked for the school when reading it – more like working at Wells!  A) January 1st  B) Second Monday in February (Lincoln's Day)  C) Third Monday in February (Washington's Day)  D) Last Monday in May (Memorial Day)  E) July 4  F) First Monday in September  G) Second Monday in October (Columbus Day) H) November 11 (Veterans Day)  I) Thanksgiving  J) Christmas Day.

Now – what do you think of those holidays – I sure don't have the advantages of teachers have of working for the schools.  I hope to go to SanDiego over Veteran's Day.  My typewriter at work is a nice new IBM electric.  I'll have to get use to it – that and typing itself.  I've got a feeling though, that I'll never be another Phyllis.

I've got a type of socialized medicine insurance with the county.  I pay nothing for it, but if I had dependents then it would be something like $60 for each of them.  If I go to the Doctor's I pay $2 each visit, also $2 for any prescriptions.  I can get a pair of glasses for $5 which I plan to get.  Also dental care is included.  If I go to the hospital I pay $5 entrance fee then the county takes over.  It's called Blue Cross HMO – there is a  center and HMO hospital here in Mesa.  Also the county takes 7% of my gross income out of every pay period for retirement, which they will match should I stay so long.  Either that or I just get out what I put in, if I don't stay long.

It's late and I'm making lots of mistakes (more than usual) Marion wants to wall-paper tomorrow.  I need to get some stuff done this week-end since I'm not free anymore during the week to get stuff done.

Thanks Dad, for sending the checks.  I had no trouble cashing them.  I opened up my account on Friday.  It's called United Bank of Arizona.  They have what they call "ugly tellers" – where I can get money out at anytime through their machine.  If I have more than $1,000 then you get free checking, but first I need to be able to have the $1,000 in there.

When are you planning on being in Arizona over the Christmas Holidays?????  My Christmas holidays are not so great, but by then I'll ask for more time off.

Write when you can, always happy to hear from all of you.

Love,

Berta

1977 Catherine's Letter to GHU -Oct.19

Wednesday afternoon

October 19, 1977

Dear Grandma,

Hi!  Glad to hear you made it safely home even if your luggage didn't arrive at the same time.  I appreciate your taking those things to New Vienna for me.

We finished all the apples that you and Roberta left us.  Sunday we went for a drive out into the country and bought some more apples at an orchard.  We got a box full of Jonathons for $4.00.  We also bought some cider but haven't tried it yet so don't know how it is.

Thanks alot for the money.  We have bought a stroller and some new clothes for Wendy.  She is doing real well.  Last night she went to sleep at 10:30 and slept until 5:30 this morning.  She has a rash on her face but we don't think it is anything serious.  I am giving her apple juice for a few days instead of orange juice to see if that makes any difference.  I have been mixing two teaspoons of baby cereal with about 1/4 cup milk and giving it to her in the evening.  She takes it very well.

I got a nice card from Marianne and she sent a real cute pink dress which Wendy will be able to wear in a few months. 

It has started to get cooler here.  It is only about 60º here today and it is partly cloudy.  It makes it nicer to sleep at night though when it is cooler.  I guess we will be going back to standard time next weekend.

Thanks again, Grandma.

Love,

Catherine, Gerry & Wendy

1967 Catherine's postcard -Oct.25

Callaway's Motel postcard -mailed 1967. Caption: CALLAWAY'S MOTEL 632 N. Expressway, Griffin, Ga. Modern attractive rooms, telephones, thermostat controlled heat, wall-to-wall carpets, air-conditioning, free television, tile baths, Esther Williams swimming pool for your pleasure. 

10/25/67 (?)

Hi!  Nothing available at Downtowner.  Sorry.  I don't know what is going on.  Gave my blood away this morning.  BIG physics exam tomorrow.  Better to be dull or flunk out?  Must be a happy medium somewhere.  How was Expo?  Homecoming was tremendous!  See you all Friday.  Love, Cath

1977 Roberta's letter to John -Oct.19

Oct. 19, 1977

Dear John,

Sure was good to hear from you – I was afraid something had happened to my brother – with all the political activities you are in.  Please . . . just be careful for those kickbacks.

I'm glad you have had the scratch taken out of the Granada.  Is it running good?  If you think it needs a tune-up, get it (at your expense ( ha, ha)  WE should keep the car in good shape.  I'm seriously thinking about trying to get by without a car.  Maybe buy a mopped [sic] – try to make some money as I drive around town, managing to get my tire under people's bumper.  (especially expensive cars with inexperienced drivers)  I've got to get my mind to thinking on this.  The Buick is a good car; but surely it has to go sometime; and I would just as soon not have it go on me.  Marion says she wants to buy it if I sell it.  Have you heard that she is selling her car . . . guess she got tired of people at school putting little dents, etc. on it.  Since I have been here I have been driving her car; and she has been driving the Buick, which I don't mind at all.

Have you heard from anyone at the farm – I've had a letter from Curtis, also Liz, a nice letter from the Thompsons.  Since we aren't going back; and you still want to if you do – if I were you I would be busy trying to recruit new squares to go back.  It's a neat place; and I'll miss it alot but I won't be going back to work.  To visit yes, but to work – no.

Will you be coming out for Christmas?  I sure hope so.  With my job I won't have much time off; but I can at least get to San Diego for the weekend of Christmas.

How do things look in New Vienna?  Do you see any changes?  Is this the first time you have been home??  What do you hear form Carol?  Does she seem to like school?  Please give her my regards when you write her.

I was cleaning Marion's coffee table off the other day, underneath, and lo and behold there was a letter there from John B. Uible; she said she wanted to keep it – not just because some day that you would be an honored and respectable leader on politics but she kept all her letters from good friends.  She had left there so she could write you back.  Of course that was from last fall.

Does Nicki still have his granada?

Drop me a line when you can . . . . Again, please be careful for those kickbacks.  I like my job alot; it makes me want to be super efficient; so I can maybe get a better job with the schools – one that will allow me to have vacations like the rest of the staff.

Love, 

Berta

1987 Family Letter (John's copy) -Oct.20

Tuesday, October 20, 1987

Dear Family:

Serena made us feel at home in Bloomington this past weekend, staying in her apartment and seeing where she works part time and also where they do their computer work.  Dad took part in the 20th Hilly Hundred Bike ride . . . it was a great weekend to be out and the trees were in full color.

The Harners went with us . . . they too have a daughter in the Bloomington area.  Unfortunately they are lousy on directions but finally did find where their daughter lived.

We got to visit Cris, Angela and Laura Elizabeth on Sunday evening and briefly on Monday morning.  Grandma does appreciate seeing the family.  It gets her mind off more routine things.  She has also had her trees trimmed this past week.

It was good talking to Roberta and Catherine this morning – they asked about our trip to see Serena – which we enjoyed.  Got a little idea what RAGBRAI must have looked like with not quite so many but quite a crowd.  Five thousand signed up and don't know how many others went along for the ride.  Very interesting.  Had nice visit with Serena and ate out at several nice places.  Dad had never seen her apartment which is located in beautiful hilly area.  The trees are still pretty there as well as along the way.  All in all a very nice weekend.

[following paragraphs handwritten to John]
Know you are super busy so glad we were able to get together & meet some of your co-workers in the campaign.  Do hope to see you in November in Phoenix but don't want to spoil your visit.

May try to call you Saturday or Sunday morning.  Don't stay home waiting for our call for know you have other plans – if we don't reach you will try again.

With much love ––

Dad & Mother

PS Hope you found your birth certificate.

1987 MV's Letter -Oct.19

10-19-87

Dear Mom & Dad,

How was the Hilly Hundred?  Did it rain in Indiana?  It did here Saturday, but yesterday was gorgeous.

I spent most of the Saturday working on a reflection paper for my CE class.  We had to compare the several educational philosophies we've covered over the past couple weeks.  My first test in there came back Friday.  I ended up with an A-.

Mid Terms are supposed to be this week, but I only have one in Church Music History, which will be this Friday.  He's supposed to give us a study guide for it tomorrow.

The College is having visitation for high school students on Thursday & Friday, so 2 girls from Port William are coming down Wednesday and staying until Saturday.  They'll be staying with Diane and I.

John Z sent me flowers for Sweetest Day – a basket with pink roses, white carnations and a hershey bar.  He might come down after work Saturday as he has Sunday off.

I will be coming home the following weekend – Oct. 30.  Hymnology will be meeting on Wednesday instead of Friday that week, so I should be home at approximately 3:00. 

When does JBU go to Phoenix?  How was Serena?  What did the Harners do in Bloomington?  I'm sure you'll probably answer all those in the family letter . . .  but . . . .

Diane is getting a phone put in the room this week, so if you should call and can't get through on the pay phone, the number is 606-858-9135.

Thanksgiving really is no big deal . . . .  Right now it looks like it'll only John Z, Diane and 2 at the most from school.  Everybody else seems to be finding places to go.  Serena & John will be home, yes?

Time for supper.  Sorry I didn't write sooner.  I had intended to go to Nichlosville & pick up a Sweetest Day card for you.  So much for good intentions.  The trees down here are really pretty.  See you in 10 days.

Much love,

Mary Va.