1978 Roberta's Letter to John -Nov.8

Wednesday afternoon

"day after"

Nov. 8, 1978

Hi, John!

How does it feel – the day after election?  Do want you to know that we did vote yesterday – how is that for a surprise?

It was good to hear from you – Mr. Ream's response letter – quite interesting!  Yes – the farm is a neat place – despite the Sue Apante's there.  But – as Mr. Ream says – and you know – the farm is not the same year round as it is during the 10 week session.  If you got active – in politics or whatever – as I can picture yourself doing – I wouldn't see the picture of all the laziness he describes.

Mr. Ream makes no mention of Less Toil – perhaps he still isn't there.  I'd like to think that.  The job – no position – Mr. Ram talks about sounds like something you might be interested in & would enjoy doing.  What have your thoughts been about it?  Has Mr. Ream discussed $ – Regardless of $ – if it's something you think you could do (enjoy) it would be great experience – training – all that good stuff.  And like I said – say – the farm is a neat place.

I really like my job – LOTS!!  I get to talk on the phone all day – except for interviewing people here – perhaps average of 6 a day – we get some real characters – like ones w/ no experience – but their mother has experience.  They come in – say they type 50+ wpm – but test out at 18 wpm.  We get alot of people about 60 years old – ones that would make good workers – but employers always want some one young but w/ experience.  Alot of employers say – Don't send me over any MORMANS!!

I had a letter from Mary Cosme – guess I'll tell you the whole story – she has an Aunt here – just about 1 mile from us in Mesa – so I stopped in to see her – have several times.  Very enjoyable lady.  Anyway – I write Mary – she wrote me back – and she says you (we) owe her 1 men's T-shirt.  She got 1 – but had paid for 2.  I know – just what you wanted to hear.  I'll be dropping her a note – asking for more details – color – size – etc.

I'm doing volunteer type work at a nursing home in Mesa – feeding a patient 1 day a week – really enjoy it.  Marian provides taxi service for an old man – who doesn't drive – so he can see his wife in the nursing home.  He is 84 – wife 80 – really a pair.  Marian tried the feeding – but it didn't work out – she couldn't handle it – sorta surprised me – but she really enjoys her taxi service – both – the husband & wife – have terrific sense of humor – so they all enjoy.

This last weekend we – w/ another family had a garage sale – thank goodness it was at their garage – for 1 thing – we don't have a garage – so it would have to be on our patio.  We (most of the stuff was Marian's) did pretty good – over $150.  Not bad – most of the stuff was just misc junk.

Here it is Friday AM – guess I better send this to 45159.

Love,

Berta

Hi to all!

1978 Roberta's Letter -Nov.7

11/1/78

Monday Morning

Dear Family,

Was getting ready to sit down and handwrite a letter, then thought why not use the typewriter in the Office.  Mondays are always busy days, esp. today because we put an add in the paper advertising for temporary help, so have had lots of calls about that, and a few people to come in the office.  When ever we need temp's – its a good way for us to make money.  We charge the company depending upon who they want – between $6 and $8 buck an hour, then we pay the person working about $3 an hour depending upon skills, so after taxes, etc. there is still money in it.

The garage sale over the weekend went pretty well.  Marion brought in over $150 and that was not selling any antiques, so considering small staff that's not bad at all.  It was originally just suppose to be for Friday and Saturday, then they did so well, and there was still so much stuff that they decided to also be open yesterday . . . so it made for a busy weekend..

Besides all that, Marion's grades are due in today – or rather tomorrow – so she spent most of the weekend grading books (notebooks) when not selling.  I averaged the grades out for three of her classes that she was done in grading.  She hoped to turn them in today, but there is still little to do tonight.

Tonight we are taking this Irene out, who lives just off Alma School on Main, in a trailer park.  She is the aunt of these people I have known at the farm. From upstate New York herself – very enjoyable.  She is about 65-70 – has M.S. and says she doesn't know what she has ahead of her as far as that goes.

Our plans for Thanksgiving are still up in the air.  I plan to stay here – the Stubbs have invited me over for Turkey but I'm not worried as to how to spend the time.  I do have off the Friday after too . . . which will be nice.  Marion tried to get reservations for Denver, but tried to late, so is waitlisted for the exact days she wants to go and come.  I.T. had planned to come here, but her Mother is not well, so she doesn't want to leave Denver.

I had a call Saturday morning –during the few minutes that we were home, from one of the trailer courts that I applied for work at.  It was the largest one – some 1600 spaces.  The lady that interviewed me – the head one for activities – somehow is no longer there and they want to find someone to replace her – right away.  They are to talk to me today but I think I'll be staying here.  Seems that I have a good deal here, and I enjoy what I am doing very much.

Just found out yesterday that the lady I feed at the nursing home is 98 years old.  I always stop in to see her on Sundays when we transport Mr. Williams.

Am going to cut this short for now, so I can do a little needlepoint, just doesn't seem to be enough hours in the day.

Your last letter was sure light – I must have gotten last copy!  Still haven't made yogurt yet – here – at 1 of the stores you can almost always buy it 5 for a dollar that's pretty good price.  I usually take yogurt for lunch – we have hot water here for tea – but no refrigerator so had to pack a lunch.

Since October 1st – I've finished  4  stitchery things – and have  6  going now.  I really have good start on them – 1 almost done – the small ones I bring to work – can work on them when slow – and a good conversation piece.

Love,

Berta

1988 MV's Letter -Nov.

[11-?-88]
Dear Mom and Dad,

Sorry I haven't written in so long.  In many ways I feel as if I'm still catching up after the Emmaus walk.

It's getting to be the busy part of the semester – tests and papers are all due within the next month it seems.  I'm sorry now that I signed up for 15 hours. Next semester I'm only taking 12, and the additional 3 hours in January.

Last night I went to Louisville to hear the Radio Stuttgart Symphony Orchestra conducted by Sir Neville Marriner.  It was an excellent concert, at the new Kentucky Center for the Arts right downtown Louisville, just a block from the river.  The building is gorgeous – built just 5 years ago.  It makes Music Hall look ancient.  I've got tickets to see/hear 2 more concerts there – in January, Kathleen Battle will do a recital (well-known Soprano) and in March Vladimir Feltsman, the great Russian pianist.  Roberta Peters is in Lexington tomorrow night, but tickets start at $20!

Enclosed is a note from Bill Trimble here who is recently from Cincinnati, originally Pittsburgh  He's just over friendly I guess.

This weekend is the Women's Walk in Lexington; Diane & I are sponsoring a girl from here at school.  I don't know why but Lexington has never had a waiting list for their Walks.  I'll be interested to see how they do candlelight and closing.  Their walks are held at the Children's Home (Methodist) near Versailles.

The list for Thanksgiving has grown.  Diane and Margaret (from Africa) will be coming again this year.  In addition Diane's boyfriend, Kevin, Betsy from Georgia, Vicky from Jamaica, John from New Jersey, Don from Texas and Sally from Japan.  I realize that is a lot of people; we can sleep in the living room (none of them expect real beds).  If you take care of the turkey, we will do the rest – including breakfast Thursday morning.  They are not coming to be fed and entertained – we need a break from school.  They think it's wonderful that you're opening your home to them.  Is Serena coming home?

Enclosed are my new business cards.  I have already started two new voice students, with the possibility of 3-4 more at least.  I think after Christmas I'll be ready to leave Zondervan.

Dad – I got some notice from Tenneco yesterday  I haven't had a chance to go over it.  Do you know what I'm speaking of?  If so, what, if anything, do I need to do?  You can send the bill for your counsel with your answer, 🌞

Hope Grandma enjoyed her trip to Phoenix and recovers well.  Aways glad to hear from you.

Much love,

Mary Virginia

1978 Family Letter -Nov.6

Monday –

Nov. 6, 1978

Dearest Family –

More than a week has passed since we last wrote and you all are much better at getting letters to us than we are to you.  Really surprised to get a letter and a card from Serena as well as got to read one that G'ma shared with us too from her.  G'ma's was written before ours but came three or four days later.  It did answer our question about a bicycle that she said she had already told G'ma about.  Glad to hear that you invested in a bike and that you are enjoying it plus it is good for you to get that exercise.   Glad to hear too about those good grades on your papers.  Interested in knowing more about your clinical work in Golden.  Is this during December, Serena?  You might check about paying for your plane fare this week as heard that the fare was going up this week, but if you paid for your ticket before the increase you pay the lower fare.

The last home football game was Friday, and interesting enough turned out to be one of the warmer football nights.  The Athletic Boosters are a real work bunch for this next weekend they are having a dance to raise money for some of the improvements at the football field.  Dance is to be at Elks Club.

Saturday evening MV went to Goshen to a movie put on by the Church, while we older folks went to the Hillsboro Shopping Center to snoop around.  Kroger often reduces prices on Sat. evening on their dated produce, etc. etc.  There is a new McDonalds going up at this shopping center.  Yesterday they had open house at the newly remodeled court house in Hillsboro. . . it is the oldest courthouse still in use in Ohio, built in 1832.

The Hortons got here last Monday evening and on Tuesday evening they – we all went to the College for a program, put on by the Cincinnati Choral group.  Wednesday they took Joe to Cincinnati where he flew to Salt Lake City to visit some friends and to arrange with the friends for an art show there next March.  The Hortons left NV on Thursday before sunrise for Lancaster, where Joe was to meet them on Friday.  They will all be driving back to LW this next Wed. and Thursday.  Aunt Mary is still talking about the great time she had this fall with Roberta and Grandma out west.

The General Denver hotel in downtown Wilmington have closed their doors.  The Bar Assn. had their monthly meeting at the Elks Club this past weekend, which I would rate a step below Krogers and/or Safeway.  With your Mother's good cooking, I'm spoiled for these restaurants.

Back to me again – Dad left for church board meeting and I opted to stay home as I still have some calls to make for the church pictures.  By the way they will include pictures of college students who are unable to be home – so would greatly appreciate it if its okay to include your high school pix, Serena and john and may try to get to include yours too, Roberta.  I'd give anything to get the Morgans included but its a little far-fetched to refer to you as students, shut-ins or service people though we still definitely think of you as in our family.  Olan Mills Studios are taking the pictures this week.

Alternate typist again . . . thank you all for the birthday remembrances, really can't say that I feel any older than say 10 and/or twenty years ago.  Even been reading a book on "How to Start a Law Practice."  One of the words of wisdom is to keep a picture of your family on your desk to remind you of the need of charging people to keep your family in shoes and the one hundred and one other things.

Got a bag of Republican literature, which was really limited to our congressman, Harsha, which we passed around the village this past weekend.  Serena did you get "roped" into a job like that?  John has been getting a lot of experience in that area.  It will be interesting to see how the Calif. "smoke" issue goes along with the Oregon question of whether a dentist is required for one to purchase false teeth. 

[Love, etc.]

US President Elections of the "8" years

Though there is not a US presidential election in 2018, every 20 years there is a presidential election in an "8" year.  This review of the "8" year elections, will include tidbits of family history and which of our ancestors might have been involved in or interested in the politics of the era.

• 1788 - None of the direct Uible ancestors arrived in the US until the early 1800's but the Hiestands and their ancestral lines were in the Pennsylvania/Virginia  area during the 1780s.  Henry Sprinkle (or Sprenkle) 1741-1814, appears  on the personal property tax records in Winchester, Virginia in 1787.  Henry's daughter, Mary Sarah "Sally" married John Hiestand.  Their son, Joseph S Hiestand was the father of Ira Hiestand, who was the father of Gladys Hiestand.  Therefore Henry is the 4th great-grandfather of the Uible-Horton cousins.
  First Presidential Election in the U.S., with only 69 electors, George Washington was elected for the first of two terms, and John Adams became the first vice president.  Members of Congress made up the electors.
• 1808 - James Morrow, born 1774 in Ireland, died 1825 in Brooke, Virginia.  He was the grandfather of Mary Virginia Morrow Brown who was the mother of Lucie Brown Ballantyne.  James is the 3rd great-grandfather of the Ballantyne-Dailey-Uible [BDU] cousins.
  James Madison, a Democratic-Republican candidate defeated Federalist candidate Charles Cotesworth Pinckney to become the 4th president and the first to succeed a president of the same party.  George Clinton, the vice president under Thomas Jefferson, was renominated for vice president.
• 1828 - John Fawley, born in Virginia in 1805, married Mary Hawk in 1823.  Their oldest son, Noah 1824-1914 was the father of Mary Ellen Fawley Hiestand, who was the grandmother of HH.  John is the 3rd great-grandfather of the Uible-Horton cousins.
  With the collapse of the Democratic-Republican party, the 1828 election was Republican  incumbent John Quincy Adams versus Democrat Andrew Jackson, a rematch of the 1824 election, but instead of Adams winning as in 1824, Jackson was the victor.  Their running mates were Democrat John C. Calhoun and Republican Richard Rush.
• 1848 - James L. Freeman, 1809-1892, 2nd great-grandfather of the BDU cousins, married Priscilla Gamble Freeman who died in 1840 in childbirth at the age of 18.  Fortunately for our family history, her daughter Virginia Irene Freeman Ballantyne was born in New Cumberland, survived until 1906, and became the mother of five children, the second oldest, Nathaniel Wallace Ballantyne being the grandfather of the BDU cousins.
  In the first election to be held on the same day in every state, Tuesday was also chosen as the day on which future elections would be held.  A popular General in the Mexican-American War, Zachary Taylor, a Whig from Louisiana, defeated Democrat Lewis Cass and Martin Van Buren (who had served one term as president 1837-1841) of the Free Soil party.  Millard Fillmore became the Vice President.  Taylor remains the most recent winning candidate from a third party.
• 1868 - David Uible, 1845-1926, married Sarah Elizabeth Smith, 1841-1890 in 1868.  They were the parents of Cecil Uible, and thus the great-grandparents of the Uible-Horton cousins.  1868 was also the year that Nathaniel Ballantyne, father of Jean, was born.  He died in 1949.
  Ulysses S. Grant, Republican and his running mate Schuyler Colfax, defeated the Democratic candidate Horatio Seymour and vp candidate Francis Preston Blair, Jr.
• 1888 - Perry O. Pence, born in Hillsboro in 1888, died in 1957.  Our closest common ancestor was Philip Wilkin, Jr. (1794-1994) his great-grandfather and also the great-grandfather of Gladys Hiestand Uible.
  Republican nominee Benjamin Harrison defeated incumbent Democratic Grover Cleveland, despite Cleveland winning the popular vote.  Levi P. Morton became vice president, the losing vp candidate was Allen G. Thurman.
• 1908 - Gladys's niece Lois Mitchell Schuetz, was the daughter of Luna Hiestand & Robert Glenn Mitchell.  She was born in 1908 and died in 1990.
  Secretary of War Republican nominee William Howard Taft and his running mate James S. Sherman, defeated Democratic team William Jennings Bryan and John W. Kern.
• 1928 - Kenneth "Pat" Kessel, nephew of Nathaniel Wallace Ballantyne, was born in 1928 and lives today in New Manchester, WV, close to New Cumberland. 
  Republican Secretary of Commerce Herbert Hoover defeated the Democratic Al Smith.  Vice Presidential candidates were Charles Curtis (R) and Joseph T. Robinson (D).  Hoover, from Iowa, became the first president born west of the Mississippi River.
• 1948 - Wedding of Jean & HH
  Harry S. Truman, Democrat incumbent, wan an upset election over Republican Thomas E. Dewey and third party candidate, Dixiecrat Strom Thurmond.  Alben W. Barkley became the VP.  Other VP candidates were Earl Warren (R) and Fielding L. Wright (Dixiecrat)
• 1968 - Death of Cyrus DeHass of Hillsboro (1909-1968), 3rd cousin of HH, their common ancestor being their 2nd great-grandfather, John Fawley (1795-1882).
  In a tumultuous year following the assassinations of Martin Luther King and Robert F. Kennedy, the Republican team of Richard Nixon and Spiro Agnew defeated Democrat Hubert Humphrey (Edmund Muskie) and American Independent George Wallace (Curtis LeMay).
• 1988 - Death of cartoonist, Milton Caniff, born in Hillsboro in 1907, died in New York City in 1988.  He was a nephew of Uncle Will's (CJ's brother) wife.
  Republican George H.W. Bush, incumbent vice president, defeated Democrat Michael Dukakis.  Running mates were Dan Quayle (R) and Lloyd Bentsen (D).
• 2008 - Death of the first of the Ballantyne-Dailey-Uible cousins, Roger Cochran Ballantyne 1943-2008.
  Barack Obama, Democrat, was elected to his first term with Joe Biden as his running mate, defeating Republicans John McCain and Sarah Palin.

1978 Roberta's Letter -Nov.4

[11/4/78]

Friday Afternoon

4:00 pm –

Hi Family –

Fridays – at least today has been very slow – only 1 person in office all day – w/ very few telephone calls incoming.  Off and on I've been trying to get a hold of people –  but by now – either the people I need to talk to are either out of their offices – or might as well be.

The hardest thing I've done today is to make up our ads for Sunday/Monday papers – which are the big ones for the week.  We put ads in every day – but really concentrate on those 2 – plus Wednesday – when grocery ads come out.  Advertise in 3 papers – Mesa, Scottsdale, Tempe – get most of our people from Mesa. 

Marion didn't have to teach today – so she came over for lunch – we went & had a pizza – then to Wendy's for a frosty.  Sounds good – Mary Va?  Marian had never had a frosty before.

We went over last night – w/ all our stuff – mostly Marian's – to the Garage Sale – it wouldn't all fit in the back of the truck – so much stuff – made 2 1/2 trips – mostly because we also took over an antique table that had been in the shed – the Victriala (sp?) – also a copper cream can, etc.

At lunch she gave me a report of what all sold – she was pleasantly surprised.  The radio that had been in the Datsun – when we got it – before we put the good AF/FM 8-track in I sold – for $7.50 – the man at the junk yard offered me $5.00 – Marian really enjoys bargaining w/ the people buying –

So for this week – I've not placed anyone – definitely – but did have a girl that was offered a job then she turned it down – only wanted to work part time – it was full time of course – she didn't think of that until she went out – had the interview & was hired.

I do have 3 people – all of which have had interviews – and feel that all 3 of them have a good chance of being hired.  Time will tell – this is an interesting job – you meet all kinds of nuts – like yesterday had a boy come in – who graduated from high school 1978 – who wants to make "least acceptable" 16 thousand! –– Then there was another character who had never finished school – quit in 11th grade – had worked as a landscaper – but would now like an office job –

At home now – Mary Va. your letter came today – thanks!  We went to a Halloween Carnival – yes – I remember 3 years ago – think Ruth still does?  The carnival was down at the church (Catholic) where Stubbs go – Chris – there youngest won 1st prize as a CARROT – they made it our of wire and paper mache – but it was far too narrow down at the bottom – he could hardly walk in it.  We also got some homemade goodies – Marian sent a package of them to Kevin – her nephew – who is in 1st year college.  My job is right in the edge of the industrial part of Tempe – just about 3 miles from UPS – round trip –

Masa is welcome to come to Arizona – I wouldn't think it would complicate things too much on this end – besides maybe someday we will spend time w/ his family.  Ho! Hum!

I've never heard from Aunt Mary – maybe w/ the market being so crazy – they aren't even buying stamps!

I'll close – have been busy cleaning!!!      And it always gets  the best of me ––-

Love, 

Berta

1978 Catherine's Letter -Nov.2

Thursday afternoon

November 2, 1978

Dear Mother, Dad, and Mary Virginia,

Hi!  It was good talking to you on the phone yesterday morning, Mother.  And then your letter arrived in the afternoon mail.  aaAaaa (that is a nOte frZom WeZNDY WhO is HELPING ME TYPE.)  The capitol key and the z & a are the only ones she can reach.  She is now emptying the drawers beside the typewriter so maybe I'll have a few minutes of peace.  Thanks for the clipping also.  At the Safeway grocery here they have those kind of carts that are high and shallow and also means that everything is within Wendy's reach. I usually give her a few canned goods to play with and try to keep her distracted from the rest.  Sometimes we get home with cheese and meat that have teeth marks in them though.

A new family moved into the apartments last week from Tucson.  They have a 3-year-old son and a little girl about 6 weeks younger than Wendy.  The girl was born blind due to a lack of brain cells that interpret the vision of something, at any rate there is nothing that can be done even though there is nothing wrong with the eyes themselves.  She is about 6 months behind Wendy in physical development.  She can't even sit up yet.  It sure is sad to see a baby lacking what we take for granted.

I just got a call from Sears that the coat I had ordered for Wendy is out of stock and won't be in until Nov. 17.  I don't know now if I should order another one or hope that the cold weather won't be too severe for the next two weeks.  Maybe I'll stop by the Montgomery Wards and see what they have.  That is what I get for putting it off so long.

Tomorrow night we are going over to some people's house that have a little boy a month older than Wendy.  He is an insurance salesman and they moved here about a year ago from Portland.  I had gotten a card for a free gift from the insurance co. from the Welcome Wagon and when I went in to get it she and her little boy were watching the office while he was out on an appointment.  I told her we didn't need any insurance but we were looking for friends!

There is a family who lives here in Apt. O that have three daughters – two of them old enough to babysit.  We had the oldest one come over the other night when we went to a farewell party for the guy that Gerry replaced here.  Tuesday was his last day of work.  He is going elk hunting and then starts his new job in Klamath Falls on Nov. 15.  Anyway it makes it convenient to have a babysitter so close.  Wendy was asleep so she didn't have to do anything.

Well, Wendy is beginning to demand more attention and we have to go downtown fairly soon to do some errands before meeting Gerry after work.  Hope to hear from you again soon!

Love,

Catherine, Gerry & Wendy

1968 Catherine's Letter -Nov.2

 November 2, 1968

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

Hi!  It was nice to get your latest letter even if it did take you half the week to write it!  Now that I started this letter I can't think of much to write.  Hmmmm . . . .

Last night I went to see "West Side Story" with Bob Foncannon, a guy in my physics class.  Thank goodness we have more in common than that one class!  He is one of the few guys in the class who is not a complete social dud.  The movie was absolutely great, too!

Jo and I went bike riding yesterday afternoon.  We started out toward her grandmother's but after we had gone about 5 miles we decided if we went any further we might not make it back.  I guess her grandmother lives about 10 miles away from campus.

Tuesday [Election Day] we don't have any classes.  We're supposed to take the day off and think about things.  It might make more sense if they gave us Wednesday off to think about things – we might have more to think about!  As it is I will probably think about things like physics midterms.

Monday we're having a German test so I'm planning to spend today and up until about 3:00 tomorrow on physics and what I don't get done by then will have to wait until after German.

I found my blue jumper.  It was under my coat and since I haven't had the occasion to wear the coat I hadn't bothered to see what was hanging on the same hanger.

See you soon!

Love,
Catherine

1948 Jean's Letter -Oct.30

Saturday –

Oct. 30, 1948

Dearest Mother & Daddy,

I am writing this in the library on library time as we are not at all busy right now.  We were so glad to hear you had decided to go to Morgantown for the Homecoming celebration.  I am sure you'll have a good time and not regret going.

We received your letters Thursday and took them to the Application Office right away to be sure they got there in a hurry.  I still am working too many hours to get in but we are to talk to the supervisor Monday afternoon and decide for I will quit working entirely if one hour will prevent me from getting in.  Everything else seems to be satisfactory with them.

I went to the doctor's on Friday – my appointment had originally been for Thursday but he had to cancel it due to some patient in surgery.  He seems very pleased all is well – urine, blood pressure, position, etc.  I thought I had gained a good bit for I'm getting to look heavier although I don't feel it but I just weigh 129.

We're planning on going to New Vienna this coming week end as it is Sunday, the 7th. that Harold is to be usher for Melvin Long's wedding.  We haven't decided whether it would be better to leave Friday afternoon or Saturday morning and haven't heard from Melvin the time of the rehearsal Saturday afternoon.  We sent them a 3 quart double boiler in Revere ware – like ours only 1 qt. larger.

Please don't open any packages that come from Cleveland addressed to us as Santa Claus is coming and there are only 45 (or something like that) more shopping days left.

I talked to Jeanne last night on the telephone and she is going to Maumee to see Ruth this weekend.  She has a ride over and back with Bill Sanker who is going to his old Alma Mater – Perdue.  We made arrangements for next Thursday as she plans to come down to see us after her singing lesson.

Next Thursday is also the day that I begin with my Pre-Natal classes.  They run for 10 weeks or double classes for five weeks.  As the time is getting shorter I decided to take the double classes.  They are given all over the city but the best one for me starts Nov. 4 here at the Main East Cleveland Library 10-12:30 and 1-3:30 with a lecture the first part of the hour and craft work the last.  The first three lessons are on care of the mother and the last seven on care of the child all given by a registered nurse and sponsored by the Visiting Nurse Association.  They also have classes for Expectant Fathers but all are filled up until Dec. 8.  Their classes run only five weeks and are only given at the Health Museum on 89th & Euclid which is just up the street from us.  The classes beginning on the 8th of Dec. would run two weeks during Harold's Christmas vacation and the next class after that would be too close to his final exams for this semester so perhaps I'll have to train him myself.  He has read more in the books that I have gotten, than I have so I'm sure he's already somewhat of an authority – all he needs now is a little practical experience.  By the way – my course costs $3.50 and his $3.00.

I would like to say that – I haven't any idea what I started to write for I was called into tea and now its past seven and I can't remember what on earth it was.  We have pumpkins lighted and the children's room looks quite spooky for I haven't got enough lights on in here but no one is here now.

Now I remember – I started to write that we would like to get home before Thanksgiving but I'm not sure for unless we make it two weeks from this weekend, the 13-14, the next week end is only three or four days before Thanksgiving.  And then we had thought it might be best to go to the Uibles for Thanksgiving for they may start for Florida and besides I won't be able to do too much long traveling at Christmas – or do you think that you might go down before the Christmas holidays.  If you have that is perfectly all right.  If not, we might be seeing you then and if the Uibles are still in New Vienna, Harold could go down to see them during that time for a few days.  Okay?  Okay.  Let us know if you are planning and what, etc.  Confidentially we had thought about running down to see you this weekend but decided perhaps not best and then we received your letter saying you would be in Morgantown which is very nice for you.  I hope you are having as nice weather as we have had here today.  I certainly regretted having to come to work when it was so beautiful  If it just doesn't rain tomorrow it will be a grand day to go for a drive.

So glad to hear Virginia and Jim are definitely going to Florida and would be nice if Bob and Harriette could go too but if Bob would be and Harriette could go too but if Bob and Harriette could go too but if Bob would feeler safer up here, it might be best.

Love,

Jean & Harold

1978 Roberta's Letter -Oct.29

10/29/78

Hi!  Remember when?  Was cleaning (yes! please note the word!) & found lots of stationery – but never did find the large hoop for embroidery which was what I was looking for.  I've started another large daisy [?] picture  must have it about 1/4 done – but am using the small hoop which I have to be constantly moving.

We've had a busy weekend.  Seems now that I'm working – weekends are very busy.  When I worked at the school – I could still do lots of running around – errand wise  etc. after school – but now don't get home till close to 5:30 – so every things gets put off till Saturdays and Sundays.

We went to early morning church – (8:15) – so its nice to come home & still have most of the day ahead of us – We have started to be "taxi" for this old man who lives way cross town – just past the church.  His wife is in the nursing home where we go on Thursday nights.  He doesn't drive – so very seldom got in to see his wife.  So Wednesday afternoons & also Sunday afternoons we play taxi.  He really is a character – loves to talk – has great sense of humor – him & Marian make for a fun time.  He loves it!  He really hasn't driven for like 2 years – but sold his 1970 Maverick this last year – w/ 13,000 miles on it – we have more than that in the truck now!

I'm still playing w/ the idea of buying an electric typewriter – want the kind w/ cartridge – went to Mesa's office supply store yesterday – the 1 that that has been in business forever – they have a deal going on now where if you trade in a typewriter they will give you $60 off – so Marian has this old clunker of 1 – I/We tried to sell it for $5 at typewriter repair place – he said it wasn't worth it – so I might try to get $60 out of it now w their trade-in deal.  If I do get a typewriter – think I'll also get a cheap table for it – so I can keep it out all the time – I know I would use it – esp. for letter writing.  If I did get you all would be welcome to put $ toward typewriter for Christmas this year.  At work – we (they) just got a new card type-writer – IBM w/memory – at $12,000 makes a $280 1 seem cheap.  I'm interested in Smith Corona #2200.  It is nice!

We are going to participate in a carport sale next weekend – Marian has loads of stuff she wants to get rid of – should be interesting.  Dorothy Stubbs – my friend from Mesa Central is having it. 

I got a letter from Catherine – seems they like Madras – that they are well located & all that stuff.  Guess Wendy Jean won't be going out trick-or-treating this year.  Oh – Marian has a sign to put out at the gate. "WELCOME KIDDIES!"  That's in big letters – then "Leave all your Goodies in the box below!  go quietly & no-one will get hurt."!  Of course it's a yellow sign!  We did buy some Reece Cups should anyone come past the gate!

I've really been working on crewel/needlepoint – I have hopes – of doing Christmas presents for all this year – or at least a little something handmade.

Work is going fine – I really enjoy it!  Of course the phone has never bothered me – & that's the biggest part of the job.  1) getting job orders.  2) call-ins from ads we put in paper – getting them to come in & fill out applications.

We are taking Buffie to Nursing home today – the old people love that!

OK – gotta go –– sorry I missed you yesterday Dad – good to talk to Mom & Mara Va –––

Love,

Roberta

1968 Catherine's Postcard -Oct.30

Eisenhower Lock postcard -mailed 1968.  Caption: "At low level in Eisenhower Lock."  BILLION-DOLLAR ST. LAWRENCE RIVER SEAWAY AND POWER DEVELOPMENT.  A large crowd watches a vessel descend in a 45-foot watery elevator.

10/30/68  Have you seen my blue jumper?

Hi!  Jo said Dale won't be able to come – she just heard today.  I got a B on the German test but Bruce flunked so it was a sad day.  It was really disgusting 'cause we studied so hard and I know he understood it as well as I did.  We're still trying, though!  every Wednesday noon there is a peace vigil at the post office.  I went down today with David & Dick.  tomorrow night is Halloween so we're having a comb. party & birthday party for Linda.  The guys are coming as we have open house.  I'm doing SP [special parties] for Saga, and Bruce and I will probably study German.  Physics is worse!

Love, Cathy

1988 Catherine's Letter -Oct.28

Friday, Oct. 28, 1988

Dear Mother & Dad,

Hi!  We were glad to have a short visit with Grandma on Weds. night, to talk to you and to get your letter.  I found the button right away.  Glad you mentioned it or I might not have noticed it.

I guess Roberta & Grandma got off OK to New Mexico.  We are going to pick them up on Sunday afternoon.

Wendy's band concert went well last night.  It was basically a Halloween program put on by the 1st & 2nd graders.  The band accompanied them on some songs.

Teacher conferences are on Tuesday so there is no school.  I have Tues. p.m. off since I work this weekend so I'll be taking Wendy & Joanne to the State Fair.

Love,

Catherine, Gerry & Wendy

1988 HH's card to John -Oct.31

10/31/88

Dear John –

Thanks for the birthday greeting and the nice tie.  It will go well w/a # of my suits.

Grandma is getting along fine visiting w/ Joe & Roberta.  She returns this Friday.

Thanks again for the treat @ the B&B – a nice memory.

Love,

Mother & Dad

1968 Mary Horton Letter -Oct.27

[Not sure if this letter was written on 10/27/68, is in response to a letter dated 10/27/68,
 or most likely is in reference to HH's 43rd birthday]

Re: 10/27/68

Tues AM - 9:00

Dear Harold and Jean:

First of all on the 'docket' . . . "HAPPY BIRTHDAY, HAROLD!"  (Why did I use the quote?  Who knows?  Ha!)  At least you're YOUNG looking and seemingly in excellent health . . . . A toast to the bicycles!  Just look at me, and you'll see the exercising pays off when you get to be in your 50's.  So don't stop and Jean, a word from the 'wise' (?) //. . . . BEGIN now don't wait like I did and find it almost impossible to lose a pound.  (I'm now a 'fat slob" of 132).  Harold, we're both QUITE young in contrast to Dad's 80-some years!  Hope you have a HAPPY day.

I've forgotten which week you were going to Washington D.C.?????  That will be interesting for all of you.  A lot to see there and all children should be aware of our country's heritage.  It was awfully dry when we were there . . . . the grass and trees were not very green.  But the capitol unit itself seemed so clean and the size of it gets you!  How many days were you gone (past, present or future)?

Jean, I sure did enjoy your last letter.  I take advantage of you all for I figure Mother passes on my letters (please over-look the possible over-emphasis of family affairs . . . . I don't rant on like this outside of the family . . . . you may get fed up with it . . . . ha), so yours do not come PERSONALIZED!

I was intrigued by your experience in Chicago.  When the kids were little, and BEFORE TV, I used to always listen to the BKF Club.  Would have enjoying seeing that with you!  You know, I had forgotten about Luna going to Spain, but they were in the planning stage when we were there last year.  No, I was not familiar with Peg Bracken, but after you mentioned her and her books, noticed she was writing in the Ladies HJ.  She's very clever . . . .  this was about cooking.  I'd like to read the one on behavior.  Do you watch the To-Day show?  They interviewed Rev. Malcolm Boyd, the Episcopalian minister, and read one of his prayers . . . . I would like to get a paperback on it . . . WILD!  But at least it sounded like the common man uttering a prayer instead of someone living back in the King James era.  Also, if you like controversy . . . did you see those pictures and article in the last LIFE on Show Biz in the churches?  You can see the church which is experimenting and WAY OUT . . . . Episcopalian.  Most of the oddities (we would say) occur in their church.  The article is on using ARTS more in religion.

Harold, appreciate all you and Jean do in Joe's behalf!  This year did not get off to such a good start as last one.  I'm just not happy about that environment down there but he is HAPPILY situated at the present in his new habitat and is convenient to wherever he goes on campus.  (Less riding on that stupid MO of his!)  He has had quite an experience . . . . I told him that just proves you never completely know anyone until you live with him or her . . . so BEWARE when picking out a girl.  I bet you wish we weren't trying to send ALL of our kids to school up NORTH.  HA!  The only way I know to get even is to send yours southward!  Mares received a card yesterday that all her necessary papers were received except for her SAT scores, which she is PESSIMISTICALLY taking again tomorrow.  I don't see WHY those tests are so indicative; too many conscientious students do not do well on tests and cannot work and think clearly under pressure.  Or so I think!  Joe could not have done much worse (they wanted him to take them over) . . . . the teachers could not understand it . . . . that he is in a specialized field, which he is naturally talented and adept.  This is NUTTY too, to be considering a school we've never seen.  HA!  But I'm with Mares and Catherine (and I realize you all have been there) it sounds like a remarkable PLAN . . . she is so afraid she'll be disappointed.  I guess then, it will be Florida State.  She WON'T consider Fla. Southern or Stetson.  (And that is based on prejudice and not logic).

I vowed I was going to WRITE only ONE page, but here I go!

Our past week-end was a FLOP for the kids.  They got out on Friday for teacher conference day and we had DELUGES of rain both Friday and Sat.  Our BIG football game was called off both nights because of the weather.  We will now play Forest Hill on Dec. 2nd.  That is late after the season!  Bill was in Leesburg to the Methodist mens week-end retreat and it was lovely up there.  We just had to stay inside and with the dampness, Cris and I both got worse with our allergies.  He is up to his neck with this float bit.  We've got a huge flat bed out here behind our garage.  They got permission from the owner to cut it down.  It wouldn't even go in their garage they had obtained while getting it ready.  It is eventually to look like a Showboat.  I think Cris is trying to out-do the Seniors . . . . that would a slight faux pax . . . in their eyes at any rate!

I can feel for you all taking Serena to Columbus for 'just a minute.'  I thought it was awful just driving to WPB.  Thank goodness, Rob is going to a NEW man here, who is located just opposite the QUIK CHEK, here in town.  I plan to send him on his bike when he gets around to just the adjustments.  He doesn't have the wires on as yet.  After Halloween he goes in for the second time.  Boy, he needs braces badly.

Bill is chairman of the Methodist Mens Pancake all-day affair this Sat. (The glee club are giving their introductory concert this Sat. nite also.)  Cris enjoys singing a lot.  At the moment he is pretty choked up!  Bill has been busy with the band this year too.  I'm taking a back seat.  I figure it is someone else's turn.  HA!

You can tell Mother that Elsie called this morning and Mr. Decker is doing very well.  The doctor told her that he could come home this week.  He is up and down.  The ? has to be dressed daily, and is still draining.  I imagine he will have to wear a 'Foley' (?) bag.  Bladder problems!  But as she says, he was GONE twice.  The doctors never expected him to make it!  She is getting a professional outfit to clean up the apartment.

Eat an extra piece of cake for me . . . . You can better get rid of the extra calories than I!

Love,
Mary, Bill, & MCR

I hope this isn't too similar to "Cousin Serena" & her barrage of doings & comings!!   See you around the 15th! Nov.  How long can you stay?  Why don't you bring someone along?

1978 Catherine's Letter to John -Oct.26

Thursday

Oct. 26, 1978

Dear John,

Hi!  Here I am trying to get caught up on my correspondence and you are on my list!  How is the campaign coming?  What are you going to do after the election?  You are more than welcome to come and visit us.  Debby called us last night and said she had quit her job and we invited her to come out for awhile but I doubt if she will.  Gerry is trying to talk her into going to school to become a dental tech. or something like that.

Gerry's new job is OK but kind of slow paced so his days drag but he is able to come home for an hour at lunch.  We figure we better stay here for a couple years to build up some longevity on the job record.  The town is pretty nice – 2500 people and it is the county seat.  Everyone seems friendly so we are hoping to make lots of friends to help us get through the cold winter.  They don't get much snow here but the wind is strong and I guess it gets COLD.

We got a letter from Roberta yesterday and she certainly sounds enthused about her new job.  Hope she continues to like it.  Of course we haven't heard anything from Serena but I was thinking about writing her a letter.

Well, let us know when you will be arriving.  Madras has bus service but no Amtrak.

Write after you get done politicking!

Love,

Catherine, Gerry &

Wendy

1988 Family Letter -Oct.25

October 25, 1988

Dear Family:

We have sorta caught our breath after the last Arizona trip and have gotten back into the Oho routine.  This past weekend was another pleasant exception as we met John in Newark and had supper in the Kenyon College dining place and spent the night in a B&B en route to Medina.  The breakfast was most unusual with pork chops and many other dishes, which kept us fortified until supper time.

John spent the day in Medina on "politics" while we visited friends in Cleveland.  That evening we were back in Wilmington to be with MV at the Church program for which she was in charge of the music.

Cris, Angela and Laura were also here for the weekend.  Tomorrow we are to be in Cincinnati for the Hortons 8:10 flight and Grandma's 9:00 flight to Phoenix.  The rumor has gotten out that she is spending the winter in Phoenix and hopefully the ten days will go well.

Our visit to AZ now seems like a dream, and yes, the bike ride was also a pleasant and memorable experience.  This past Tuesday our Church helped to host a group of 40 bikers (30 were from China) overnight.  Yes, they had a tremendous appetite that evening and also the next morning.  We all enjoyed the program that they presented.

I was really surprised to receive a check yesterday for $3.00 from SuperShuttle for overpayment on my fare.  Thanks for forwarding it to me.  I had had quite a discussion with the driver on how they decided what the fare would be but didn't question the amount he charged me at all.

Also in the same mail was Roberta's note and letter to Best Western which we found very interesting.  Glad to get Catherine's letter too on Friday which we shared with Grandma.  Always looking forward to communication in one form or another from each of you.  We had really begun to worry about Serena for we had been leaving message after message but no reply – finally reached her at the Alpha Park Library and learned that her answering service was not working, for about 4 weeks.

Some in John's support group had a surprise birthday party for him & he is kept plenty busy with many wanting him to meet someone they know.  It was nice to have the time that we did have.

I have some things to send with G'ma providing I remember to send them – if not another trip . . . .

Much, much love to all of you,

Mother & Dad

1968 Catherine's Postcard to Serena -Oct.23

Liberty Bell postcard -mailed 1968.  Caption: THE LIBERTY BELL, Independence Hall, Philadelphia, Pa.  Cast in England in 1751 and recast twice by Pass and Stow in Philadelphia, it was place in the tower in 1753.  So named because of the "Proclaim Liberty" inscription on the Bell.

10/23/68

Hi!  How's life?  Not much new here – homecoming is this weekend and then next week are midterm exams.  Ugh!  My bike trip was great – awfully windy though!  Write soon!

Love,

Cathy

1978 Family Letter -Oct.23-28

10/23-28/78

Dearest Family –

I would much rather write individual letters to you all but somehow the week goes by so quickly and rather than be so late do hope that you will accept a carbon copy this time again.

Dad left for New York Tuesday morning and is due back Thursday evening so hopefully he will be able to add a note if I don't get this finished by then or perhaps Friday.  Mary Virginia is busy working on the Haunting of the Church in preparation for the three nights that it will be open this weekend.  With that and band practice plus all her other activities she was getting well worn out and enough run down that she was regurgitating this morning (or as Grandma would colloquially put it – urping).  She stayed home from school but was feeling much better – I offered to go down to the shop to get the truck to take her to school.  She stayed out all day and was back at the church this evening so hopefully she will be able to go back to East Clinton tomorrow.  I'm sure she hated missing the Health test that she was to have had this morning too.

Glad to hear that your job is going well, Roberta, and am sure that you will make plenty of contacts for the personnel agency (or employment agency is no doubt more correct?).  Is it possible they could use your contact but not let you know?  I know they sign a contract but bet they hate to see the equivalent of the first month's salary going out.  Or if fired?

We were really glad to get the pictures you sent, Catherine, but sure hated it that I got the one of you three so far off center – and it would have been so good otherwise.  Grandma wanted one of the three generations – Wendy, Catherine and me so gave her the better one – cuter of Wendy but we have the good other ones.  Thought the one of her (G'ma and Aunty Mary and Wendy real good).  Grandma shared the letters she had gotten from her three oldest granddaughters.  Marianne had written to get her to get $1 worth of toys for each of the 12 invited to Robert Reed's birthday party coming soon.  At least she takes Dad's suggestion of giving Wells' merchandise that he is always advocating.

Last Saturday was the breakfast for Buz Lukens and it went very well.  Flo Brumley who is his county chairperson was able to send almost $800 to help his campaign – something that he sorely needs to combat the well-financed Democrat's till of his opposition.  Dad and Mary Virginia went to the college and got Masa, the Japanese student who we are acting his host family.  Buz was able to show off his ability to speak Japanese (his wife from there) and also heard him speaking to MV in Russian.

From there we went eventually down to Serpent Mound where we had a picnic – and it didn't rain as it usually has the last 2 or 3 times we went.  The weather was really beautiful and the leaves at their prettiest.  Also stopped at Paint Creek which they are developing near Greenfield.  Masa was to have stayed overnight with us but had studying so he is to come back this weekend.

Sunday evening there was a potluck supper at the college for the international students and their families and had a big group plus guests – Kathleen Outcalt among them.  The students were given pumpkins to decorate and they seemed to have fun making jack-o-lanterns.

We had been trying to contact Masa for over a week but no one ver answers the phone at his dormitory – wonder what happens if an emergency arises and no way to contact the student(s).  Masa asked during the conversation (before we knew of the upcoming potluck) if Halloween would be observed at the college and no school  Also "What is a jack-o-lantern?"  He is not at all bashful and has already made alot of friends at school both foreign students and others.  If he should be willing to pay his own transportation plus a bit more might there be room at Christmas?  I am hoping that he will get an invitation some place but he expressed an interest in seeing Arizona.  Dad thinks this will really complicate things but thought I'd mention it.  He has been invited to Blanchester for Thanksgiving.

Monday night there was a tour of the new part of the hospital (Clinton Memorial) for the guild members and it was real interesting. 

[Love, etc. . . .]

1978 Roberta's Letter -Oct.21

[probably Oct. 21, 1978

Fall 78]

Friday AM

Hi!

I like my job lots – get to talk all day – mostly on the telephone – and I get paid for it!

Yesterday I "placed" two people – now just to get them to pay their fees!  I got a cashier's job at Piccadilly Cafeteria – (last night they had an ad in the paper – but I just called them "cold" – the day before.)  The other 1 – a job at a car wash here in Mesa making $160 a week – 40 hours – not bad $!  Both were young "kids" – the 1st had lots of cashier experience behind her – the 2nd – no work experience!  Both are to come in today to fill out necessary papers as to paying fees.  I'm enclosing fee schedule – as you can see – no cheap deal.  Usually "we" try to collect total amount w/in  3  months – but that's not an always thing.  We don't charge financing at all.  But you can put the fee on Master Charge.

Last night was our night down at the Nursing Home – Marian didn't go – she can't take it.  Doreen went & she does fine.  I'm suppose to work till 5:00 – but on Thursdays – so I can still feed – we have to be there by 4:30-4:40.  I'll leave work at 4:00.  Actually after 3:00 or so it gets pretty quiet – few people come in – and it's hard to find people I should talk to in business.

Today I have  3  people w/ interviews.  Most of the people we get in the office are either 20 – or younger – or 55 or older.

Last night there was a dust storm – it was really windy & dust flying everywhere.  Right now it really looks likes RAIN!

I got a letter from Catherine – day after I wrote her!  OK – I gotta go – will write later – Hope you all are fine ––

Talk to you later!

Love,

Berta

P.S. Haven't made yogurt yet.  Still hot here.  

Still hot here!

1968 Catherine's Postcard -Oct.18

Cheyenne Motel postcard -mailed 1968.  Caption: On Lincoln Highway No. 30 . . . east end of Cheyenne, just 1 mile east of the Union Station.  New, Modern, Comfortable, Clean.  One, Two and Three-room Cabins completely furnished for your convenience and comfort.  Moderate Rates.

10/18/68

Hi!  Glad to get your post card & other miscellaneous items today.  I got an A on the German test but it takes alot of studying.  It is  pouring rain – hope it stops by tomorrow.  I'm still working in the snack bar until my replacement comes and I get them trained.  I'm also still doing special parties – so I wasn't completely fired.  Got the refund on the skirt I sent back to Sears.  Off to chapel and physics now!

Love, Catherine

1988 Catherine's Letter -Oct.18

10-18-88

Dear Mother & Dad,

Hi!  Glad to hear you had an uneventful return trip to Ohio.  We enjoyed your visit and now we're looking forward to seeing Grandma next week.

Wendy's looking forward to Joanne's birthday/slumber party this weekend.  The two of them have also started taking drama one day a week after school (Mondays) and arts & crafts on Tuesday.  They are held at school.  The drama class will put on "Stone Soup" at Thanksgiving time.

We are starting interviews today for our new LAII (Library Asst. II) position.  Seven people will be interviewed including 3 "in-house."

We had quite a storm last Friday and heard Peoria, Ill. & South Bend IN got one yesterday.

Love,

Catherine, Gerry & Wendy

1988 Roberta's Letter -Oct.17

[10/17/88]

Hi Folks –

Doesn't seem possible it was a week ago tomorrow that you left – and of course now we are looking forward to Grandma's arrival!

I've got the handicapped room at Motel 6 reserved & have our plane tickets to Santa Fe.

What about the bike ride thru New Vienna – how many?

I'll enclose our Best Western letter – will let you know when we hear back –

Our latest monitors at Senior Village went well – only the Nurse held us back from getting 100%.  We had a VERY HEAVY RAIN that day – over 2 inches total.  RAIN came in every possible vent, etc.

Then Friday night – our Air Conditioner broke – fan motor went out – to about $200.  We waited till Monday to get it fixed – FSAL will pay the bill – nice job benefit – huh?

Friday Sid got out the NARFE newsletter – so between that & the monitoring we were real busy!  But now all that is behind & we look forward to Grandma's arrival!

We are already talking our 1st supper w/Grandma here – needless to say she won't go hungry here!  And then of course Joe has great eating (& sightseeing plans) too!  We will take her to Hunan Gardens - the Chinese Restaurant!

Grandma will especially like the RICE PUDDING in Santa Fe –

Gotta go –

Much love,

Roberta

1978 Catherine's Letter -Oct.17

Tuesday morning

October 17, 1978

Dear Mother, Dad, and Mary Virginia,

Hi!  Your letter arrived yesterday after taking a detour through Sisters, Oregon.  Don't ask me why it went through there as I'm sure that isn't a central distribution point but they had their postmark on the back of the envelope.

Here are the pictures from Wendy's birthday.  There is a good one of Aunt Mary, Grandma & Wendy which I'm sending to Grandma.

Last Thursday I went to a United Methodist Women's luncheon.  One of the ladies I had met the first Sunday, a friend of Fred's wife, asked me to go as her guest.  They had a nursery and she took her 3-yr. old granddaughter.  It was held at the church and everybody brought either salad, bread, or dessert.  Wendy started crying as soon as I left her but some of the other mothers convinced me I should give her a chance to cry it out.  Forty-five minutes later when I had finished eating I could still hear her crying so I got her and held her for the program which only lasted about 20 minutes and she sat perfectly still on my lap which she would have never done otherwise.  There were about 25 women there altogether and I would guess about eight of them were in my age bracket.  There were two mothers with babies younger than Wendy.  The program was a slide show on Walter the Fish.  did you ever hear of that?

Sunday we took Wendy into the church with us as I didn't think it fair for the babysitters to have to put up with here.  There were about 20 kids and 2 babysitters.  They have very good attendance.  The first two Sundays I would say there were around 125-150 people but this past Sunday it was really crowded so there might have been close to 200.  The sermon was on World Hunger.

I met a girl downtown with a two-year-old son and they came over last Friday afternoon.  I didn't know they were coming though and Wendy had missed her morning nap and slept the whole time they were here.  It turned out that they are from Santa Cruz.  Tomorrow Wendy and I are going to a LaLeche meeting.  I had met this couple at the library with a 5-month old son and then saw them again at church and she said she would stop by and pick us up as the meeting is in the country.

The Welcome Wagon lady showed up last week just as I was leaving for the church luncheon so I sent her across the way to see Georgette, our newlywed neighbor.  She came back here yesterday so now Georgette and I are going out this afternoon to collect some of our gifts from the merchants.  Also included is a free steak dinner from Kah-nee-tah.  They also included the menu showing what else they serve.  This is at the fancy restaurant and the steak is valued at $9.95.  I guess they also have a coffee shop.  We'll have to go and check the place out.

I must have had some sort of virus because I got sick after church on Sunday and couldn't keep any food down for the rest of the day.  I felt pretty awful but at least Gerry was home to help take care of Wendy.  Yesterday I felt better and today I seem to be back to normal so at least it didn't last long.  I just hope that Wendy & Gerry don't get it.

I had meant to call this morning but it was 8:00 before I realized it.  Tomorrow I'll try to think of it as soon as Gerry gets off for work.  He usually leaves between 7:40 - 7:45.

The Sanders Motel [Where we stayed when passing through Madras on the 1962 World's Fair trip] is not listed in the phone book.  I'll see what I can find out about it.  The lady at the library has been friendlier lately.

Love,

Catherine, Gerry 

& Wendy

PS  Gerry's father is doing better now that he can be more active.

1978 Roberta's Letter -Oct.17

10/17/78

Monday Night

8:30 pm

Hi! 

Just now put the load of clothes in the washer – the load I had intended to put in before supper – seems I'm running a little behind!  Wouldn't be so bad but my outfit for work tomorrow is part of that load!

Today was some day – was by myself all afternoon – 2 people came in – had to be "interviewed - 1 said he wanted a job as a street car operator – I asked him if he would be willing to relocate – around San Fran. area.  He really is in the accounting field.  I'm beginning to learn new vocab – there are all different kinds of "secretary" jobs – from Receptionist to Full Charge – and I always thought a secretary was a secretary!

Actual job orders to be filled – we only have  3 !  One is fee paid – that's the kind everybody wants.  We have to make what are called A.C. – Action Calls – after a person comes in & fills out application.  If they have credit experience – then you look up credit in the yellow pages & start calling.  It's a numbers game – but they say 1 out of 25 A.C. brings results – either in a job interview then – or at a later time.  I think I'm going to like the job – I like the idea of making Big Money – HA!

I decided myself I didn't want the job at the law firm.  I wouldn't want to hear about peoples marital problems – or other stuff all day.

It takes me about 20 minutes to go to work – this AM went straight down Broadway – coming home went on the freeway – time was about the same.

Marian had supper all fixed when I got home – every Monday night we have Stubbs here for supper – as Mr. Stubbs is away every Monday night on business – they usually have us over twice a week for supper – so it's a good deal.

I'm really working away on needlepoint – plus have 1 crewel started.  Also a latch hook rug (small 15x15) started.  Now that I'm working my projects may suffer some!

We still have the Air Condition on – heat is just too much – but at night cools down lots.

There is no reason for you all not to stay here over Christmas.  Marian will be gone 20 December to 2 January – but you know you would be welcome by her.  I have a brilliant idea – you all could use the truck going to Oregon – it gets excellent gas milage & you could sleep in the back & save a few dollars.  I'm really sold on these KOA Campgrounds – they have such clean bathrooms – I have their U.S.A. guide book.

Haven't ventured into the yogurt yet – found the 32 oz. size plain for 73¢ – thought that to be good bargain!  It tastes fine.

Remember my ordering 2 pair of shoes from that catalog – well – about two weeks ago got back check for 1 pair & then today got back check for 2nd pair – both pairs were "temporarily" out of stock!!  Must have picked popular ones!

Clothes finished gotta go.

Love,

Berta

P.S. Guess Phyllis would be a "full charge!"

1968 Catherine's Postcard to Roberta -Oct.17

3 Judges Motor Lodge Postcard -mailed 1968  Caption: 1560 Whailey Ave. – New Haven, Conn. at Rte. 15, Exit 59.  On Wilbur Cross Parkway at West Rock Tunnel

10/17/68
Hi!  Jo's address is Rm. 226, MT House.  I got fired today – the business office was very upset to find about 5 of us working who aren't on scholarship.  I'll miss working but it will give me more time.  How are your classes going?  Anything new at EC or in NV?  Things here are pretty quiet – homecoming is next weekend.

Love, Catherine

1948 Jean's Letter -Oct.17

Sunday

Oct. 17, 1948

Dearest Mother & Daddy

We received your card Friday and are anxiously awaiting the official letter for the housing authority as our appointment is for this Wednesday.

Harold had a cold last week but is completely over it now.  We went to the Ice Capades and there was quite a draft so that's probably how he took it.  The ice show was very good though and more fun cause we just decided at the last minute to go.  When I came from work Wed. evening Harold had dinner already – baked sweet potatoes, Brussel sprouts, toasted ham sandwich – from his Monday lunch which he never got in time and he had even made orange jello with apples & bananas for dessert – everything very tasty – and then the extra treat of the Ice Capades.  The Snow White number was almost the same as they had had in other shows with the exception of the costuming.

Friday Harold was one of the six ushers at the Commencement Exercises of the Law School.  I went too and 88 graduated – 79 veterans and 1 girl.

Today we went down to the First Methodist Church for the services.  It just poured but we were able to park quite near.

This afternoon we went up to Severance [Deverance?] for the opening of the Community Chest Drive.  Each year they have an annual concert, so we heard some organist, the Cleveland Orchestra and Orphans Choir – the latter two were excellent and were broadcast.

I forgot to mention that we took a long walk Thursday – looking in the new car dealers' windows and watching them un-load new Mercurys and then down to Sears & borrowed a catalog – they lend them for 2 weeks so we're getting acquainted with all the new Sears products.  The Consumers Research recommends their gauze diapers as the best all-around buy so I'm considering ordering 4 doz. from them – They also recommend Chix birdseye – but I prefer gauze from all they say.

Mrs. Schendel is in the hospital – just had some operation and Laura, her niece who lives here with her said she'd be there about two weeks.  She didn't offer much other information except that she said her aunt wouldn't have lived very long if she didn't have her operation right away.  As yet we haven't mentioned possibility of moving.

Your pork roast tasted so good I bought one this week and we have enjoyed it twice.  Friday & warmed up tonight with baked potatoes, peas, & sliced broiled apples.  The potatoes only took 15 min. in the pressure cooker.

I've talked to Jeanne on the phone but haven't seen her.

Last night I called Jean Keil Walber & learned she has a 2 1/2 mo. old baby girl – Carole.

Love, Jean

[Written in the margins:]

Harold says the socks fit perfectly.  I can hardly get him to take them off he likes them so well.

Haven't exchanged my blue dress yet but think I still l will.  Have worn my gray one & also have gabardine suit.  

Miss Stanfors [?]  is out – has infection in gall bladder,