1988 MV's Letter -March4

4 March 88

Dear Mom and Dad,

I got a call today from the Zondervan Bookstore at Fayette Mall (on Rte 27, South of Lex).  They have hired me part-time, starting tomorrow morning.  It is $3.50/hour, and they hired me contingent upon the fact that I'd be able to work this summer.  It's a nice size store, about the size of the one at Dayton Mall.

I'm also supposed to go Alabama next weekend with Betsye.  We'll leave Friday morning, return Monday afternoon.  I think I told you she's youth director at her church.  The following weekend Lorraine is scheduled to visit.

I guess with the job I won't be going far on Spring Break; I'll still be home for Easter, it's just I don't know when I'll have to work that weekend.

Got a real nice letter from J.B. today with Calvert's address in it.  Thanks for your letter this week also.  I'll write more next week after I know more about the job.

Much love,

Mary Va

1968 Roberta's Letter to John -March3

March 3, 1968

Dear John,

Hi!  Boy!  I bet you're surprised to get this all-ready.  What's new?  How is boy scouts coming along?  When do mom & dad go to New York?  Have they already gone?

Nothing much is new here.  Last night we changed our room around and now we have all the beds in "bunk" style.  I got stuck with the top bunk.  All I do is hit my head on the ceiling all the time.  I'm not able to sit up anymore in bed even. (without my head hurting for a couple of hours.)  What a life!

I just got back from Sunday lunch.  If I remember to put in the place mat I had, I will.

Better go!

Love, 

Roberta

1978 Catherine's Letter -March1

Wednesday morning

March 1, 1968

Dear Mom, Dad, and Mary Virginia,

Hi!  I hope you had a good trip home and the weather and the car were both cooperative.  How is Serena doing?

It seems so quiet here now.  I think of you often.  Last Saturday night we went out to eat at Augie's – the Mexican place – and the Blackwell's from the Gilroy Hardware were there with two daughters.  The older one is in high school and said she would love to babysit for us.  I gathered that they also have a son who was not with them.

I haven't been to Nob Hill so I don't know if your picture has come back.  I'm waiting for the paper to come out today so I'll know what is on sale before I go.  Speaking of food, I made a batch of bread the other night to go with our eggplant and it came out about the best yet.  Too bad you weren't here to help us eat it.  I made two loaves and put one in the refrigerator before it had finished rising.  According to the cookbook it will continue to rise – very slowly – and then it can be baked later.  I'm going to cook it this evening so I hope it comes out OK this way.  I finished up the bran muffins yesterday.  When I fix it just for myself I bake it in the bottom of the corning ware pan – thus producing a round flat muffin just the right size.  It comes out a little crisper on the edges but that's the way I like it.  I think I'll make half a batch of your recipe as that should last us quite awhile.

I think Mary Virginia must have told the mailman here not to leave any mail after she left as the only thing we have gotten since you left is one postcard from you.  We haven't even gotten any junk mail.

Saturday we are going to go into San Jose and do some shopping.  We thought we'd check out Gemco for a high chair.  Maybe we'll have dinner out while we're there.

Wendy is doing much better.  I have quit giving her the cold medicine as she doesn't seem as congested.  She is taking the other kind – Ampicillin or something like that with penicillin in it.  She has to take that for two weeks.  Yesterday we walked over to the bank near Safeway and then picked up some airline tickets for DeeDee who is coming up March18th through the 25th.  It is her Easter vacation.  She is spending the week with us and then going back to San Diego on Saturday so she can spend Easter wit her mother.

Mary Virginia, did you know that every fifth child is Chinese?  Frank Lopez (a Mexican who you met at Christmas dinner if you recall) told me that he is the fifth child in his family and therefore he is Chinese.

I told Idella that you had called her daughter-in-law.  She described her as a "scatter brain."  I don't know what your impression was.  They didn't go anywhere this past weekend – I don't know if they are paranoid now or what.  She did tell me that they went to the Presbyterian Church Sunday.  I told her that you had liked the services, but she didn't sound overly enthused about them.  She said there was a guest minister so they didn't hear the regular one.  Then they went to the Elks pancake breakfast – which lasted until 1:00 so they were able to go after church and later to a jazz concert at the college.  So they didn't sit home and twiddle their thumbs.

We went to the Gavilan Golf Course and hit some golf balls Sunday morning – Wendy sat behind us in her car seat and played with old score cards that Gerry had in his golf bag.  I found out they give a class in golf at the college which would be an inexpensive way of getting some lessons – even if they are group lessons.  I had hoped they would give them in the summer as it would be easier to get a babysitter during the summer.

I hope your meetings go well, Mother.  At least you'll get them over with quickly and then you can relax a little and enjoy springtime in Ohio.

Love,

Catherine, Gerry & Wendy

1978 Roberta's Letter to John -March1

March 1, 1978

John!

I've got at least 3 letters started to you – it's not that I'm not thinking about you!  I'm glad Rob is going to HGF – that should be a riot – I'd like to be there to join in the fun!  Can't say I'm looking forward to my summer of typing here in AZ.  I'm thinking about trying to get another job w/ the county.

The family left yesterday – last night it sure seemed quiet.  For Mary Virginia's birthday we went to Roach's [?] – the school house – had Alice as our waitress – but she was not her usual self – perhaps she missed you!  Then we came home & ate Mud Pie from Baskin-Robbins.

As for the car – are you interested in it – or a new one?  I'd be happy to give you a good deal – my situation is that I owe Grandma  just under $2000 – and I want to pay her back.  Would you have any interest in playing banker?

What will you be doing this summer – office canteen or what?  I'd go w/ new t-shirts if going in the canteen.

You should see Miss Wendy Jean now – she has really grown!

How is school – or are you just politicking?

Write!

Love, 

Berta

1968 Roberta's Letter -March1

March 1, 1968

Dear Family,

Hi!  I bet you love me for using this paper [mimeographed pages titled "Golden Age of Pericles"] but I only have about 60 pieces of it.  Teacher Jane wanted me to have 15 pieces run off so I told Teacher Tom  15  and he thought I said  50  !  And then to top it all off he ran off 75 pieces so I'll have "plenty."  Well – I sure got enough.

The 5th boy left last week.  This one was a senior – he kept having some kind of nervous attacks I guess.  Now I guess he's in the hospital indefinitely.

Dan's trial was this last Tuesday (Feb. 27th).  He was sentenced to three years starting June 3rd.  If you could will you please look in the Enquirer for the write-up on it.  I would be interested in keeping it.

Three months from today (not the day Friday but the date, March 1st) will be the end of school.  That's pretty hard to believe.  Next Wednesday is the end of this six weeks.  (It only lasted five weeks tho.)

Did I tell you all I joined a book club?  Well I got the "4 books for $1.00" yesterday.  I got: Christy, Stories That even Sacred [Scared??] Me  by Alfred Hitchcock, Hammond's New World Atlas & Emily Post's Book on Etiquette.  The deal is that you have to order 4 books within the next 12 months.  You pick one out from this preview they send you.

The Atlas was printed in 1967 – I'll bring it home over Spring Vacation.  Alfred Hitchcock's book sounds good too.  I'm anxious to read it.

Well, I've got to go.  Write soon.  I'll wait till tonight to mail this, who knows??  You all might have written me??

Surprise! Surprise!  I got Mom's letter and a post card from Dad.  Along with a post cards from Debbie Walvord, and the Hinermans who are both in Florida.

Thanks alot for the newspaper articles and the stamps.  I use more stamps.  –– Here I just asked you to send about Dan's trial.  I thought about starting all over, but I'm too lazy.

Included is a magazine article.  Save it.  I might need it next summer for moral support.  Ha!

Love,

Roberta

1968 Catherine's postcard -Mar.1

[postmarked March 1, 1968 NYC]

Hi!  We finally arrived here at LIU [Long Island Univ.] at 7:00 AM after leaving Kalamazoo at 9 AM yesterday.  We drove straight through except for a lunch break yesterday and some rest stops.  Saga gave us a whole bunch of food – 5 loaves bread, ham, cheese, peanut butter, jelly, cereal, hard boiled eggs, cake, oranges, apples.

The Penn. turnpike was really bad – we averaged about 35-40 miles/hr.  We also lost some time in Ohio because we were speeding.  The police took us directly to court and they had an immediate trial.  $25 fine + $8 court costs. 

On Penn. Pike the car skidded once and we rammed into the guard rail.  No one was hurt and not too much damage!  The car (just like ours with facing seats in back) was rather crowded with our luggage, books, etc., 3 people in front, 4 in middle and 2 in back.  One guy, Greg, left his coat in Wyandot, Ohio where we stopped for lunch.  He's now wearing a blanket.  Another guy, Rich, picked up the wrong coat when we stopped at 3AM at Woodrow Wilson Reststop in Penn. this morning.  He didn't realize it until an hour later when he found a pipe in his pocket.

This morning I'm in a workshop on "The City and Its Communities" and tomorrow one on "Urban Amenities."  Will write details later – hope no more problems!

Love, Catherine

1988 MV's Letter -Feb.29

29 Feb 88

Dear folks,

Made it back just in time to unload the car and run to church at 6:00.  The weather was beautiful on the way down, and looks like Today will be more of the same.

Thanks for all the birthday presents – the doctors, sweaters, magnet and the nice card.  I really appreciate your thoughtfulness.  I'm sure we can have a rain check with the Colvins – it probably worked out just as well.

Thanks too for mailing that stuff (glasses, record, Emmaus application).  I'll write more later this week.

Love, M.V.

1968 Roberta's postcard -Feb.28

Roberta's Quote: The only job in which you start at the top is digging a hole!

Feb. 28, 1968

Hi!  Well, I can see you all now celebrating Mary V's birthday while I eat my prunes.

It started snowing again last night.  So far almost an inch and a half on the ground.

Only 22 more days!  Write!

Love, Roberta

1968 Catherine's Postcard -Feb.27

Stetson Chapel, Kalamazoo College postcard –mailed 1968

2/27/68

Hi!  I've been saving this card for a long time!  Do you all know someone named FIGGINS who works for DP&L (from Wilm.)?  I babysat for the children of his brother the other night.  Only 23 days til finals are over!  Too soon, yet not soon enough.

Love, Catherine

1988 Family Letter -Feb.27

2/27/88

Dear Family:

So nice to hear from all of you this week.  This year has been zooming, what with the Holy Land trip, New York City and the Walk to Emmaus experience.  The walk was most unique and rewarding berty [very? really?] touching . . . it's not often that my eyes get moist.  We could go on at great lengths about the "walk," but we don't want to spoil it for any of you who may eventually be going on it.

Just the fact that one is out of circulation of the world for three days adds dimension.  The dedication of the leaders (several are personal friends of ours in the Wilmington area) went beyond one's normal expectations.

We are all enjoying the electric garage door opener . . . thanks to your generosity.  The 2nd opener is here, just waiting for spring to become a reality so it will be more pleasant to put up.

A few things are beginning to sprout thru the ground . . a few of the trees still are holding some leaves from the 1987 season.  We look forward to finding out if the things we transplanted last fall will green up this Spring.

Nothing definite on our trip to Florida, for on our Delta Sr. Citizen tickets we can only make reservations six days ahead, so will start making calls on March 3rd for the following Wednesday.

Business has been good at Wells . . . interviewing job applicants is the easy part, deciding on who to hire is when one tries to separate the true person from the one projected.  One's heart goes out to all the people that turn up looking for work.

As usual Dad has written about everything.  It is nice to have Mary Virginia home this weekend.  She and John Z. (or A.J.) have gone to dinner in Dayton with another couple.  We are happy that she has decided to continue her studies at Asbury for another year in order to get her master's degree.  At Christmas she had said she wouldn't be going back next fall.  Her wedding plans seem to be on hold.  Hope that she didn't think we were trying to discourage her too much for we did have mixed feelings.  It will be good for her to get a degree whether she makes use of it or not.

They burned the house down across the st (where Davis's used to live). 

John U. came & surprised MV after visiting Colliers, overnite & church . . . .

[Love, etc.]

1968 Roberta's postcard to Serena –Feb.27

[Postmarked Feb. 27, 1968]

Remember – um – last Thanksgiving?  [Everybody got sick after having Thanksgiving at the Bruce's the day before.]

Hi!  Got Dad's postcard today.  Too bad about fire!  How much was ruined??

Has Mary's package come yet?  I hope it comes in good shape.

WRITE!  Love, Roberta

1968 Roberta's Letter -Feb.27

Feb. 27, 1968

Dear Family,

Hi!  I got your letter today, thanks alot!  I'm glad you enjoyed the Sandy Springs news paper.  Did you read what the one person said about "social comm."?  This week we are playing Japanese or some sort of funny games.  Next week we are going to show the movie "The Mouse that never Roared."  It should be good.  We are going to sell pop-corn and something like coke during the movie to help pay for it.

Our Biology class started sapping trees today.  Actually all we got done today was wash a bunch of stuff, drill holes and get the buckets placed right.  We'll be doing this until Spring vacation I guess.  The sap is to be collected three times a day.  We are divided into groups so each one of us only has to go out every other day for one time.  On the other days we must boil the sap.  And to top it all off in order to get 1 gallon of syrup you must have 40 gallons of sap.  Boy!

I haven't told Teacher Tom yet about not coming back for sure.  What did he tell you when you brought me back, Dad???

I'm doing better in almost all my subjects but come the end of the six weeks and I'll fail all the exams (which of course count the most!).

Got to go.

Love, 

Roberta

PS  Did Mary get her package?  I figured up last night how much it was and I got around 60¢,  Most of the stuff were scraps of felt I had or got from other people.  I had alot of fun doing it & all. (probably cheaper!)

Dan's trial is today.  I'm anxious to see how it turns out.

1968 Roberta's postcard to Catherine -Feb.26

Mills Restaurant postcard - mailed 1968.  Caption: Mills Restaurant, 77 South High Street.  Mills "77" has been a popular landmark in Columbus for over 41 years.  The spacious interior features murals depicting the history of Ohio.  [According to "Historic Columbus Restaurants List" Mills Cafeteria opened in 1911 and closed in 1976.] 

[postmarked Feb. 26, 1968]

Hi!  Only 24 days till Spring Vacation!  Have you decided where WE are going?  HA!

Weather is great here – I hope it stays for awhile.

Love, Roberta

1968 Roberta's Letter -Feb.23

Feb. 23, 1968

Dear Family,

Hi!  I got Mom's post card in the mail Today.  Thanks alot.

I cam in the infirmary Wed. afternoon and hope to get out tonight.  I came in with a head-ache, cramps & need of sleep.  Now I have a bad head-ache, sore throat & an all over bad feeling.  At that rate I'm anxious to get out.  I told Nurse I felt alot better since I didn't want to be up here the rest of my life!

In History I'm doing much better – I just wish I could say the same for the rest of the stuff.  In English we quit the play early this week because she didn't think we were interested enough in it.  We are now reading Silas Marner.  Ever hear of it?  It's less than exciting by a long way. (so far at least!)

I forgot to go to social comm. meeting both times this week.  On Tuesday I just plain forgot to go & on Thursday I was sick!  We meet over lunch on those two days.

Dan B. (the boy who came to take somebody's place from Cinn.) is going to be on trial next Tuesday because of not registering for the draft. (what you do as soon as you are 18).  I forget what they call it.  He is guilty and will probably have to go to Prison.  I wonder if they will let him finish or if he will have to go to prison right away.  He sent out invitations to his trial.  AFSC is backing him up.  (that's a Quaker group of some kind.)  Time will see.  I'll tell you more later.

Welly, only 27 days till Spring Vacation.  It's coming, It's coming!  Alot will happen before then.  Write soon.

Love,

Roberta

1968 Catherine's postcard -Feb. 22

2-22-68
Hi!  Got Mother's long letter today.  I may have to change majors because I'm flunking math, I'm getting C's in physics but I don't really see how I'm doing that well since I'm so totally ignorant in math.  I found someone to help me so I may improve (I obviously can't get any worse) but the process is a long and painful one.  English isn't too hard (at least it doesn't take up an excess of time) but I hate it.  It is so ridiculous to sit around tearing essays apart and criticizing everything.

Hope you had a good trip to Pittsburg and got Roberta and Helen back all right.  I don't care about Spring vacation – the way things are going now I just wish I could hibernate for a week (or a year) not hibernate I guess but at least forget about math.  I finally got an application from The Crestmont Inn, I guess I'll send in the application – there is a place for parents signature so I'll send it on.

Next Thursday I'm going to NY for a conference on Urban Affairs so I'm going to study hard this weekend to make up for all I'll be missing.  Tonight I studied till 9 and then went to listen to a tape of a speech by Robert Kennedy on Vietnam at Dr. Deals.  I still have some English to do but since it is 1 AM now I guess I will go to bed and get up in the morning and do it. 

Let me know about Spring vacation.  If we're not going anywhere I might invite someone who lives too far away to go home, to NV.  It's up to you all – most kids already have plans anyway so it is doubtful if anyone would come.  Going to St. Louis and Chicago sounds fine to me.  I'm agreeable to anything but right now I'm going to bed.

Love, Catherine

1988 Catherine's Letter -Feb.23

Tuesday, February 23, 1988

Dear Mother and Dad,

Hi!  Well, here I am at my computer class again!  Later this morning I have an appointment to get a perm.  Since I worked four hours on Sunday I only have to work four hours today and that will be from 5-9 tonight.  I'm going out to lunch with Gerry and then hope to go for a bike ride this afternoon before picking Wendy up from school this afternoon.

As I think you already heard we did get the license for the Buick and now have it parked in our driveway since Serena has been using the bus to get to the County Hospital.  We really appreciate your generosity – it's a great car!

We picked out our carpet, vinyl, countertops, and ceramic tile for the entryway last week.  We picked a beige color carpet, not as light as we had originally planned but not dark either.  We went for the best upgrade of padding after talking to some other people who were more knowledgeable about such things!  The ceramic tile is a little lighter than the carpet with the grout to match the carpet.  The tile also has a faint pattern around the edges which looked attractive to us.  We picked a brick pattern vinyl for the kitchen with dark brown and beige colors.  And a smaller blue pattern for Wendy's bath (she especially requested blue).  The counter tops are going to be almond.  The hardest decision still seems to be the window coverings and we're not sure what we are going to do.  Do you have any suggestions?  We have been thinking about verticals for some of the windows and pleated shades with solarized backing for the windows that face west.  (The sun gets pretty hot here!)

Wendy is taking a 4-H babysitting class through the library.  There are four more hours to go this coming Saturday afternoon and then she will have a certificate.  And even more exciting for her is that she has already gotten her first job!  The 4-year-old son of one of the other Youth Librarians is coming to our house this Wednesday evening from 6:30-9.  They live about 15 miles west of the library so it wouldn't be too practical to take Wendy there for a short stay and this way she can get experience on her home ground.  They have lots of animals so Wendy is looking forward to going there some day in the near future.

The library's 4th-6th grade B.R.A.T. Pack is having there sleepover at the library on Friday night.  It looks like we're going to have around 20 kids so it should be a lively evening.  They are to arrive around 7 Friday night (after dinner, although we plan to have pizza later in the evening) and leave at 8 Saturday morning.

Love,

Catherine, Gerry & Wendy

1968 Catherine's Postcard -Feb.22

2/22/68
Hi!  Today is the day of the big math exams.  I need an A to bring my average up but that is a very extreme possibility.  Had physics exam yesterday – at least it's over.  I'd be glad to see you all anytime except weekend of March 1 when I may be gone – I'll let you know as it is not definite yet.  I registered yesterday for next quarter: chem 11, Math 16, pol sci 53.  It's going to be a tough quarter. 

Love, Catherine

1968 Roberta's Letter -Feb.22

[postmarked February 22, 1968]

Dear Family,

Hi!  Here are some stuff I cut out the Sandy Springs school paper.  The girl who stayed in my room sent it to me.  I thought you might be interested in seeing what "they" think of Barnesvillle & also the part on Kalamazoo.  We here had our thoughts about them too.

I think I'm coming down with the flu.  I've been cold & hot all day off and on.  It's awful.  I think I'll make a trip up to Nurse and get my temperature taken after supper.

We have 3 mice in our room.  I hate them.  Last night I tried to catch them but the only thing that happened was that I got worn out.  They are too fast for me.

Got to go.  Also included is Biology quiz.  Only grade in that so far this six weeks.  It's boring.

Love, 

Roberta

1988 Roberta's Postcard -Feb.20

2/20/88

Hi!  We are in a Snowbird travel trailer park for the weekend, the $8 a night county park all filled up!  This is nice for change – paved roads in the park ideal for bike riding – heated pool (we called Serena to bring S. Suit) & can walk downtown Apache Junction for newspaper / frozen yogurt.  We bought this card in a small shop – they also had Wells Bubble Joy & Paddle Balls – said they came from A-Z Dist.  Sid &  have been out for a 5 mile bike ride – did all the "streets" in the park twice!  Will send my FLA reservation – but arrive 9:30 PM – 4th & leave 6:00 AM on the 14th!

Much Love, Roberta

1968 Roberta's Letter -Feb.21

Feb 21, 1968

Dear Family,

Hi!  It's still snowing – has been all day.

How was your trip?  Did you run into much snow?

K.B. is still talking.  I guess she always will.  I've heard at least five time (so far!) about everything she did.  It's bad.

Only 30 days till Spring Vacation.  I think that's great.

History is getting better.  Biology as bad as ever.

These are two pictures of Helen. (as you can see!)  She took them with her camera – it's like ours.  She says "Thanks."  I doubt if she will send a thank you letter or anything.  She takes stuff for granted.  We all do.

Got to go!

Love, Roberta

P.S. Thanks for everything!

1968 Catherine's Postcard -Feb.17

2/17/68
Hi!  Here I am at St. Joseph's Episcopal Church in Detroit slowly freezing to death.  Did I tell you all I was coming to this CNP conference (Citizens for New Politics).  They are trying to start a New Politics party.  Right now the committee I'm in concerning the perspectives of the new party is eating lunch.  Sue (Sue Dean, a senior at K) and I went to the A&P and got some bread and bologne for our lunch and supper (32¢ each compared with $3.00 we would have to pay to eat here.)  Your valentines money is paying for today plus some of my own money.  Miss Klepser (prof. in English dept.) gave us her car but we pay for gas.  This is the all state conference – people here from Detroit, Ann Arbor, Lansing, Ypsilanti, & K – total of about 75 people.

2/18/68
Just got back from SS and Church.  I will try to remember to send you the program from yesterday.  Sue and I worked in the kitchen and got our supper free.  This week will be one to quickly forget.  On Wednesday I have an English paper due and a physics exam.  On Thursday I have a math exam.  I got the hem put in my new skirt and I've worn the outfit twice.  Some kids from Western gave me a ride back from SS this morning – just 6 of us in a VW.  I'm going to a fireside at Dr. Chen's – head of library and in political science dept.

Love, Catherine

[from roommate Sarah]
Dear Folks, I have been keeping an eye on Cathy and she has been very good, except when she is in bad trouble.  Chuckle.  King Kong was shown by the campus film society last night.  The president of the society invited me up into the booth, so I watched from there.  Neat.  The kids thought it was a riot, cheered & applauded all the way through it.  I think they made about $100.  Write soon – Sarah (I share the room with Cathy)

1988 GG's Letter to HH -Feb.18

February 18, 1988

Harold:

Hope you are rested up from the wild weekend in N.Y.C. – Bob and I had a marvelous time.  Guess it is good for us country folk to see how the city folk live!!  I've heard you say before, it makes home look really good.  I agree with that, but it sure is a great place to visit for a short period of time.

I know I'm guilty of taking so many things for granted, and this letter gives me an opportunity to say a sincere THANK YOU for being such a good employer this past six years.  I extremely enjoy the work and it is a good feeling to look forward to coming to the office (even if it isn't real early)!  The working conditions are excellent and you've been most generous with wages/bonus & retirement . . . . . . plus, giving me time off when needed, or should I say desired.  Hope I haven't gone to extremes, but guess your comments "You're only young once" and "There is more to living than work, wealth, retirement and death" (hopefully in that order) have had meaning to me.

Your Mother is such an inspiration – I always have my spirits lifted when I visit with her . . . . . she surely does have the positive attitude.

Here's hoping you have a really good retreat.  You might say a prayer that we make it through this "tax season" – each year it seems hectic . . . . then its kinda like the labor of childbirth . . . . . . once its over you forget what it's like - - - - - until you find yourself there again !!!!!

Sincerely,

G.G.

1988 Roberta's Letter to HH -Feb.17

February 17, 1988

Dear Dad,

As I sit here many, many experiences come to  my mind . . . . the great trip to Israel, the El Tour de Tucson, RAGBRAI, and then of course, Key West.  I feel very fortunate to have all these memories that will forever be a part of my life.  Memories that I don't have to worry about losing (tho the details may get a little foggy) or paying taxes on!  Each experience was truly a once in a lifetime experience – and I am so thankful to have been able to share them with you!  I would not trade them for anything – even the Key West trip.

I am especially thankful for the example you have shown us in how you treat Grandma and older people as a whole.  In how you treat them as real people, with a lot of dignity and pride.  I am also very proud of the way you treat people of all backgrounds, and the ability of "never meeting a stranger," and of always having the time for the small things in life.

There are so many characteristics that I really admire in you – your ability to see the positive in people, and your ability to bring out the best in people.  I have also, tho Mary Virginia and I have never said it, treasured your Love and way you show it to Mom.  I feel very privileged to have grown up in such a warm and loving family.  I do have one regret – and that is my failure to have shown and expressed how proud I really am to be a Uible!

I al so pleased to have developed the Protestant work ethic, and also the ability to use and appreciate my time off – and for both of these traits I thank you and Mom.  I also appreciate the values you have instilled in me toward the "root of all evil" – money!  I appreciate the way you taught me to earn it, to save it, and best of all, the pleasures of spending it!  And, believe it or not, I am now trying to put a little away.

Thank you for being you, for being there when I need you, for all the experiences we have shared and I look forward to many more.  When you are 95, you can count on me!  (So can Mom!)

I LOVE YOU!

Roberta

1968 Catherine's Letter -Feb.16

February 16, 1968

Dear Mother, Daddy, Serena, John, Mary,

Hi!  Got your Valentine yesterday – thanks!  You may have to pay postage on the one I sent back to Roberta but it obviously wasn't for me and I didn't have time to get another envelope.

Yes, Serena, I got your card and I wore the pin every day for two weeks!  Thank you very much – the pin went over really well with all my friends (?)!!

And thank you, Dad, for the "Executive Planner."  It makes me feel really important to carry such an official looking book around with me!

Yesterday I gave away another pint of my blood.  We're supposed to have parental permission but I knew you would approve.  You do don't you?  It's kind of late if you don't but you might write and tell me so I would know the next time.

I don't know about a Daisy Mae Dance – in fact, I'm pretty sure there isn't one.  We do have a big Washington Day Dance on the 23.  It is the formal event of the winter quarter.

This weekend there is a whole bunch of stuff going on.  Tonight is a big traying [sledding] party and mixer out in the country somewhere.  I doubt if I will go – I don't have a date yet and although I could go just as well without one, I figure this way I have a good excuse to stay here and make up for all the homework I haven't done during the week!

Tomorrow night is a ballgame and a movie and I will probably go to one or the other.  Pete asked me out but we were kidding around so much I don't know whether he was serious or not!  I figure by tomorrow night I will have done enough studying – however I do have two big exams next week which are approaching much too fast!

Sue is going to Toledo this weekend and I was going to go with her but I decided to stick around here and see what happens – probably nothing!

It is now 6:20 and I'm going to have to get back upstairs to get my shower before breakfast.  Then comes English class, physics, freshman forum, lunch and then I have about 2.5 hours to do my math assignment which is due at three.  It should be an exciting day!

Love,
Catherine

P.S. Yesterday I got this beautiful gold Lady Sheaffer pen and pencil set from R.E. Lee.

1988 Wendy's Letter -Feb.14

Feb. 14, 1988

Dear Grandma and Grandpa,

How are you?  I am fine.  How is the weather in Ohio its hot in Phoenix right now.  On Saturday Feb. 13, Roberta, Serena, and Uncle Sid came over for dinner we had turkey and some other stuff I made a cake and a fruit salad called 5 cup salad it seemed just like Thanksgiving.  Today me and Serena saw a movie called Satisfaction starring Justine Bateman and then we went out to eat.  Since tomorrow is a holiday I have the day off so does mom but dad has to work.  I just finished a book called With You and Without You.

P.S. Thank you for the card and money.  I hope you had a nice Valentine's day to!
P.P.S.  Hope to see you this summer

Love,

Wendy Jean

1968 Catherine's Letter to Roberta -Feb.13

February 13, 1968

Dear Roberta,

Hi!  I was really glad to get your letter – sorry I'm slow in answering but I've been extremely busy getting ready for tomorrow – Valentine's Day, you know!  This is your forced weekend isn't it?  I guess I will send this letter home so you will be sure and get it!

So your going back to EC next year?  That should be interesting!  It kind of ruins your summer though doesn't it?

I don't really care where we go over spring vacation as long as we go somewhere.  I don't feel much like sitting around NV for a week and a half.  I get out the 21 or something like that and I have to be back here the 31.

So many kids are transferring out of here!  One of my best friends, Sue, from Colorado is leaving the end of this quarter and then are a bunch more guys – I know two really well – Pete and Rich who are leaving at the end of spring quarter.  Gina is also transferring.

How are your adopted parents.  If they feed you I sure wouldn't complain!

Sunday, Sue and I and the preacher were the only ones in Sunday School class.  That was a big thrill!  We about froze to death getting there and back.  The temperature has been down around zero for the last couple days.

Friday night I went to see "The Graduate" with Pete.  Cal went with us so it was really as if I had two dates!  I paid my own way in so I guess it didn't matter much!  Sunday night there was a faculty fireside at Professor Harris's –he's my Eng. prof.  Pete was also there!

Last night Sue and I went over to the student union at Western.  It was a riot!  We'd go up to a table where a guy was sitting alone and tell him we were the cheering up of all lonely people committee and we had come to cheer him up!  We met a bunch of guys and two even offered to walk us back here.  Bob, the guy I was with, thought I was out of my mind to begin with after running around the union cheering people up.  Then I told him that except for the fact that he smokes and drinks he seemed like an OK guy – he thought I was totally gone.  He said he would call but I'm sure not going to sit around and wait!

Tell Mother, Dad, Serena, John and Mary all hi for me!  Although it may sound like I don't do much studying I do get some done between breaks!

Have fun and write when you can!

Love,

Cathy

1978 Roberta's Letter to John -Feb.12

 February 12, 1978

Hi, John!

Sunday night . . . . writing letters, and it's great to have yours to answer . . . . seems like lately that is the extent of my letter writing!

Hope that Rob does go to the farm this year – would be good for him – and know he would enjoy it lots!  As for me going back – it's not in the books . . . I'm glad for my 3 summers there but . . . . And what about M. Mahanes [?] going – is she serious?

I'm going to keep my job at the school – it's ok – wish my wages weren't frozen – but that's the breaks working for the county!

We went to the play – "Bubbling Brown Sugar" yesterday eve really enjoyed it – are you familiar with it?  All black cast but 1 white guy – good!!  Lots of soul music – of the 40's and 50's.

Ruth is coming on Wednesday then on Saturday Mom & Mary Va – then on Tuesday – Dad.  Also Liz might be coming out for the weekend only.  What a shame that I have to hold a job down during all the tourist season!

Does it feel good to be back in school – or not???  do you have good feelings about all of your tripping around? 

We put a AM/FM/8 Track in the Buick – w/ even speakers in the door.  It's a pioneer – really good sound!  Wish you were here to listen to it!

We are taking this course on book of John – at the Church – it's almost like being in a retirement community –

Tell me what else did they (?) take from the house?  did Dad report it?  It's so disgusting – How did they get in?  How much of a mess did they leave?

I've been getting the News Journals – my the winter you all are having!!  I'm sure glad to be out here instead of there though!

What is happening in your life lately?  Write & keep me posted!!

What is the plan for going to Florida in April?

Love, Bert

1988 MV's Letter -Feb.11

2PM 2-11-88

Dear Mom & Dad,

Had an uneventful trip down yesterday and arrived about 2 P.M.  Have already finished up for the day.  I think I like having classes in the morning rather than strung out all day.

Betsye (the girl I'm going to Alabama with next weekend) and I walked about 3 miles last night.  And in one of the basement rooms of the dorm they've put some free weights and a stationary bike, so I also went down there.  This afternoon we're going to play racquetball and walk later.  Betsye's parents have a big auction service, so we'll be working at some sale next Saturday morning.  Should be interesting.

There are several new students this semester.  Last fall no one lived in the basement and now there's five people living down there, along with other women on the 1st, 2nd and 3rd floors.

The Spring trip to Florida has been cancelled for singing Seminarians due to financial belt tightening for the school.  Everyone seemed disappointed but it will be nice to have the time off!

Enclosing my grades from last semester.  The GPA should be a bit higher due to the fact they didn't get my handbell grade on there.  Hope the trip to Mew York went well.  See you the 26th.

Love,

MaryVa

Classes

Tues 8-1,3-4

Thurs: 8-1

Friday 8-10

1978 GHU's letter to John -Feb.10

Feb. 10th [1978]

Dear John –

It is always good to hear from you.  Enjoyed receiving your picture that your Dad sent to us along with the write up of your activities.  You don't seem to be too settled as yet for I believe you have been meeting your Dad both going & coming in Columbus from his trips.  Hope you don't get stranded in the snow nor rain like some of the people we read about. 

We have been in a stir the last 2 days as Marianne called yesterday & said she & the 2 boys would arrive to-morrow evening in Ft. Laud. – by plane for a few weeks.  Larry will come later.  She had first planned to come next week.  If all is well & I remain the same, it would be nice drive home with you the first of April or when you return you will perhaps need to look after yourself more than usual as Aunt Mary is having a lot of trouble with her shoulders (Bursitis) & is trying to not do as much as usual.  She is not going to be able to handle the little boys alone & of course I am no help so it may make a difference in Marianne's plans for going here & there. 

As to the number of days to take when returning north it would depend on the route taken & where we might want to stop to sight-see, if any, & of course the weather.  It remains cool in Fla, with a lot of cloudy weather with more showers than usual.  I suppose you would want to spend most of your time at the beach & surely it will warm up when March arrives as Easter comes early.  Has your friend ever been to Fla?  When you have time you can let us know ore about your Spring plans or hopes. 

Rob is going to go to N.J. at least he sent in his application so will see what happens.

Bed time has a way of coming along so must close & get my shut eye.

Love, Grandma

1988 Calvin Smith Letter -Feb.10

[paragraph breaks are added for easier readability]

February 10, 1988

Dear Harold,

I'm sitting here during an office hour (in which nobody has shown up even though several essays are due in the next few days), looking out on a sunny village-scape of snow, bare branches against the sky, and a white cross on the church spire across the street. 

It all somehow reminds me of New Vienna, that other village of my life, which has by now become entirely a village of memory, existing only inside my head.  But then of course you still live there, right across the street from the locus of my earliest memory of the place; and your mother still near the center of town measuring out her days one by one with a sturdy tenacity – praise be! 

Even our old school principal who we visited not too long ago (and can I recall his name?  No!).  Only the other day I was remembering the study hall stretching along the front of the second floor, and the sixth-grade room downstairs from which of an early afternoon one could look across the playground to the railroad and the little rise beyond.  But you I always see, along with Melvin Long, in the high-school years:  working on "Vienna Viewpoints" (I ran across a batch of them not too long ago as I cleaned out a cupboard); my trying to keep you two from snitching tickets to – what? the junior class play?  and not succeeding; your serving as cashier down in the lunch room and (to my horror) drinking off some cans of evaporated milk. 

Then what year was it?  We both went down to Miami University for the statewide achievement tests.  And the Great Peach Ice Cream Episode.  And then your inviting me up to Cleveland, and the concert at Severance Hall, which I thought was the most beautiful place I'd ever seen. 

I must tell you also that your father's series of Packards triggered an early dream of mine even before I knew you: at about age eight or ten, I asserted that my ambition in life was to own a Packard and drive to Florida.  The vanity of human wishes!  Before I'd even got my first paying job (aside from clerking at Streber's or competing with you in the newspaper-boy business), Packards had disappeared from the market. 

And now that I could go to Florida I have no wish to . . . .  In fact, with the two little strokes wherewith I was stricken last year has come a curious revaluation of things for me.  Although I have no observable physical effects, my whole outlook on the world has shifted ever so slightly so that things have taken on a different aspect altogether:  not many things seem really worthwhile.  Not that there aren't still thousands of things to enjoy and delight in; but their transience seems all too apparent, and transience is disturbing. 

I am understanding, really for the first time, the necessity out of which the idea of God must have been formed:  an ultimate, an all-encompassing eternal holding the bubble of time for a nano-second, a Point for all the goings-on of human life, which would be pointless without it.  I regret that I have outlived my faith in that God, as I hope you haven't.  For without a God to give it all Point, this village-scape outside my windows and the village in my memory where you live are a bit absurd.  Yet that I am enjoying the winter scene outside and getting much joy from fingering my memories of New Vienna and your large part in them does invest both with a worth that might be called, I suppose, sacred . . . . 

I hope you're still living gracefully, you and Jean, peddling across Iowa, leading little kids to books, running your jacks factory (are you still making jacks??); it's nice to know that you're there, now a pillar of the town, helping to keep it going in the flesh as I keep it alive in the spirit.

Sincerely,

Calvin

1968 Roberta's Postcard -Feb.12

[postmarked Feb. 12, 1968]
Monday afternoon

Hi!  Nice to talk to you.  Bus comes in Columbus at 3:55 – or is suppose to.  Let me know if you won't be there.

Chris Stanley's (my room-mate) grandfather died suddenly which makes the room worse than ever!  Boy!

Must go.  See you all Thursday.  Where I can can check into Wilmington Summer School program?  I sure am interested in it.

Love, Roberta

1988 Family Letter -Feb.7

2/7/88
Dearest Family –

We finally put in a new typewriter ribbon and I am sure that you can tell the difference.  I also used the typewriter cleaner that Serena left here a long time ago.  Sorry that we have waited so long to do such a simple thing.  As the saying goes it is the little things that add up.

Mary Virginia is non-committal about any date for a wedding but still says she'll let us know six months ahead of time.  She does not want us to set the date – like November – Thanksgiving time so until you hear further from her or us . . . .

Glad to hear that DeeDee has set the date and know that Wendy is all excited about being in the wedding.  Keep us up with the details.

We leave Thursday for the Toy show and Bob and GG Walker are going with us – hope the weather is warmer than it is here now – in the single digits and below.

We are to help drive a group of intermediates to a skating party in Hillsboro.  We had planned to go out for dinner so will wait til after we have delivered them and then eat plus get some groceries and odds and ends that we've been needing.  We get in free  plus free skates but Dad told them we didn't skate so maybe that's just as well – I don't think we need any broken bones.

We'll be back next Monday, Feb. 15 from New York and then Dad goes on his "Walk to Emmaus" the following Thursday (Feb. 18 through Sunday (Feb. 21).

The one garage door opener is so nice that we have ordered one for the other door.  You have heard the saying that the fool always does eventually what the wise person did in the first place.

Glad that Serena had an "uneventful" drive to Phoenix . . . it's a long trip, especially when Delta makes it in three hours.  Hopefully we will fly to WPB on 3/9, but a ? mark since with the Sr. tickets we can only reserve 6 days ahead.

I have the United Methodist Women on Tuesday nite and haven't done too much to get ready.  Mrs. Fanny Moore and Eloise are my co-hostesses.  Mrs. Moore is planning to make cookies and I asked Eloise to come and help cut up fruit for the fruit cups.  Mrs. Moore's daughter and her husband have bought Donald Matthew's house (Donna's father, Catherine).  His wife died and he and Gladys Sheffield were married recently so are evidently living in her house in town.  Anyway the Marshalls moved last week to New Vienna to be nearer her mother.  He is still a minister at Sinking Springs but will stay until they get another minister (not Methodist church).  They are sure needed in ours as more and more are going elsewhere.

The Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts took part in the service this Sunday and we had some families from other churches attending which helped increase our few but it was sparse.  A young lady from Hillsboro came who has a delightful voice but she could only get one little girl to come up to help her sing a song about Kids – Holly Culbreath.  Kristen helped her dad with the puppets that he used before the adult sermon.

[Love, etc.]

1988 Roberta's postcard -Feb.8

Squaw (in 2003 became Piestewa) Peak, Phoenix postcard -mailed 1988, Photo c. by Jerry Sieve

[Postmarked Feb. 8, 1988]

Hi!  Busy Weekend here – Successful garage sale – got our cupboards clean & made over $350!  Today ate brunch at WestCourt – near Metro, then went for 25 mile bike ride!  I've signed up for the 3/27 Tour of Tucson Mountains – 62 mile.  Did you see our names in El Tour recent mailing?  AZ is making history w/ Mecham!  Talked with John today – his line had been busy for long time – I told him must have been a widow or minister but he said it was Newark mayor.  70º plus today!  Sid working on NARFE newsletter!  Love, RUK

1978 Roberta's Letter -Feb.7

February 7, 1978

Dear Family,

Yesterday was really my mail day, got your letters, plus one from Grandma.  I was going to get my income tax stuff done over the weekend, but didn't get it done.  So came home yesterday, and went right to it.  I'm getting a big refund, thats the reason for the rush to get it in this year!!

After talking to you all last night, called Dad this morning to find out from him which airport and what time he would prefer Ruth to Fly out of.  Then called the Airlines and got  a good reservation for her on the 15th out of Columbus (which Dad suggested) at 3:50.  He had said sometime between 3 and 4 in the afternoon.  She will get in here at 7:30 so that is really a good flight for her.  I'm going to pick up the ticket tonight.

Seems like we have really been busy the last couple of weeks.  Mandes' as you know got into their new home.  They have all these projects going now.  Over the weekend we went to see the movie "The Goodbye Girls"  It was really good – super funny.  We plan to se Heroes soon Mary Virginia.  Have you seen any other movies??  This weekend is the play "Bubbling Brown Sugar."  I noticed that in April My Fair Lady is coming to Tempe – A.S.U. auditorium.  We noticed that the 2nd part of The other side of the Mountain is going to start this weekend.  But we will wait until when you all come to go and see it.

Sunday at Church there was another special program.  This time the group from like age 5 to 12 put it on.  It was called 100% chance of rain.  All about Noah, and all that stuff.  Really enjoyable.  The Church is having a bazaar in a week or two.  Marion has been cleaning out some of her things.  We took three big bags with us last week, which was just a beginning.  She also has a bag or two saved for Mary Virginia. Mostly clothes.  No, as for the couch, she did not get the one she had been wanting.  Wait till you all get here and see the changes.

Hi!  Here it is Wednesday morning.  I seem to have trouble getting this letter out!  Called Ruth this morning to let her know of the reservations, she seemed all excited.  It will just be a week from today that she will be coming.  I sent her ticket last night, registered mail . . . no certified mail.  It was going to cost some $3.00 for registered mail!!!

Last night ate out at Humpty Dumpty here in town.  They have a giant size toy chest but you have to ask the cashier to open it up for you . . . power operated.  I didn't know that, and almost broke it trying to get the thing opened.  Then we went to the first of these series of classes at the Church. I was the youngest one there, then there must have been a few between my age and Marion's but we were still the youngest by far.  It should be interesting.  Its on the book of John and will last 7 weeks.

Marion's Wednesday night class did not get started, not enough people.  She is really upset . . . wants to get into either another class or something this semester.  If not she will have to go this summer which she does not want to do. Her and I.T. have plans just to travel and take life easy.

I had a letter from Grandma, which I will be sending on . . . . . not now but later, as I'm at work now, trying to get this out so I can mail it when I go for Lunch.  Which is 1 minute away now.

Mary Va. you are welcome to come . . . but we know that you would like to see the Bruces and all that.  We were saying last night that if we could get a AA-Con [?] car to San Diego that weekend we would, and then drive back with you all.  Where do you all plan to stay and all that?  Also, when do you plan to leave?  I'll be off that Monday, and Marion can take off.

In Grandma's letter she writes that Rob has written Mr. Ream about going to the farm.  Also that John is playing with the idea of coming to Florida and then driving her back.

How long will the Morgans be in San Diego???  I'd really like to see you all that weekend if things work out.  Must go . . . . .

Love, Berta

1968 Catherine's Postcard -Feb.8

[Postmarked Feb. 8, 1968]

Hi, everybody!  I was just about to go to bed when I decided I would send you all a little card first.  Not much is new here.  The weather has been beautiful which will probably make it all the worse when it gets bad again.  This is mid-term week but I don't have any mid terms.  Nice, eh?  John, if I forgot to thank you for the letter and the paper on Australia, I'm sorry – Thank You!  I got some literature from the Australian Consul today – very interesting.  Calc and physics are still getting increasingly bad while English is still mediocre.  Did you all know that the Cincinnati Reds first game is April 8?  Not long and by then a couple of the primaries will be over . . . .  I'm going to have to take the day off this Saturday and return the stuff to Sears, take the Civil Service test, go to the bank, Revco, and  all my other haunts in Kalamazoo.  A week from today is Valentine's day – Thrill!  Tomorrow is physics lab – if only the lab reports weren't so bad!  Thee was a big ballgame this evening but I refrained from going.  I can always read about it in the paper tomorrow.

In the WSJ I always read the article in 1st column on front page plus all the condensed news and the editorial page.  The time has come for all typists – good and bad alike – to turn off their typewriters, switch off the light, and dream of 4.0 averages without having to study – or maybe to dream of 4.0 averages with studying!  I usually only dream that the telephone buzzer is the alarm clock.  Good night!  Love, Catherine

1968 Roberta's Letter -Feb.7

[Feb. 7, 1968]
Roberta –
Please may I confer with you about your plans for next year?
Ok?  Thanks
            Tr Tom

[postmarked Feb. 7, 1968]
Dear Family,

Hi!  This morning I found this note in my box, and after I got my nerve all up I went to speak to him this afternoon.  The list of credits is what I can count for last year & this year, From F.B.S.  do I have any I can count for my Ninth grade back home?  Could you check & find out (please!)

He (Teacher Tom) said they would miss me (HA!) and wanted to know the reason why I wanted to do it?  He said it wasn't really important for him or anyone else to know but for myself to know.

Got to go.

Love,
Roberta

P.S. "Life only demands from you the strength that you possess – NOT to have run away."  – Dag Hammarskjold

1978 John's Letter (YAF) -Feb.6

Feb. 6, 1978

Dad,

Hope all is quiet at home now after our initial shock.  I received this check in today's mail; otherwise I would have deposited it myself.  It is a reimbursement for our January expenses.

Nothing in our mailbox for Franklin wholesale today.  Hopefully, we'll receive something from your friends later in the week.

Tell Duffy hello.  I'll plan to see you Feb. 14th or 15th.

Love,

John

1968 Roberta's Letter & Class List -Feb.6

[Postmarked Feb. 6, 1968]
Friday Night

Hi!  This is a list of stuff I've taken since beginning of 9th grade at New Vienna.  I would think I could have credit for Science & Currents which I took at N.V. in 9th grade.  I don't know.

I got your post card yesterday and your letter today.  Wow!  Helen & I (Reb is going home) will take the bus home.  We aren't able to work out anything with the Cinncy. Kids.  There are six of them which makes a full load without us.  We'll buy bus tickets to Wilmington unless you would really like to pick us up in Columbus or before.  I'll check tomorrow on the time.  And will let you know later.

A boy left yesterday; rumors are around of more (I don't know how many) are going.

Prof. Reed (from Wilmington College), his wife & son (who is an 8th grader maybe coming here next year) came in tonight.  They are staying for the weekend.  Teacher Tom asked me if you all knew them & I told him we each had several acquaintances or something dumb like that.

Helen cut my hair – it is rather short – the bangs are the longest part now, all combed over to the side sorta.

Got to go.  Heard from Mrs. Schamaun today.

Love,
Roberta

P.S. Quote: "Only the hand that erases can write the true thing."  (Meister Eckhart)