1978 Catherine's Letter -Nov.27

Monday

November 27, 1978

Dear Mom, Dad, Mary Virginia & John,

Hi!  Thanks for your letter which arrived on Friday.  Sorry that we woke you up Thursday evening but we did want to wish you a Happy Thanksgiving.  It would be fine with us for John to come and it is ideal for his arrival to coincide with DeeDee's.  Depending on the weather or rather the temperature – he can ride in the cab and hold DeeDee on his lap or we'll bring plenty of blankets and pillows and he can ride in the back.  DeeDee's plane arrives at 2:55 so it is a little later than I had thought.  If he is thinking of taking a bus from Madras to Phoenix or wherever he would be going next – the Trailways bus comes through Madras two or three times a day each direction. 

Wendy is walking a whole lot more now.  She is still a little unsteady but she goes slow and holds her arms out in front of her.  She has also started pointing to things and saying "that."  She can identify things like her shoes, socks, shirt, cats, dogs, etc.  She doesn't always obey simple commands like sit down, or bring me the truck, but she understands.

The snow is slowly melting but the ground is still amply covered.  I have to push Wendy's stroller in the middle of the road where the snow has been packed down.  There are no sidewalks in this town except for on the main streets and they aren't shoveled too well – mostly just packed down in a narrow path which isn't wide enough for the stroller.  So we stick to the back streets until we get close to where we want to go and then cut over to the main street.  We had given some thought to getting Wendy a sled for Christmas but supposedly they don't get too much snow here so I don't know if it would be worth it.  I'd think it might be better to wait until she is old enough to want one.  The last two nights have been cold and foggy which I don't usually associate as going together.  It has turned all the trees white which is very striking looking.

Is there a Firestone tire dealer anywhere near a place you might be going?  I would really like to have the Christmas tape that they put out but there isn't one here.  We would need the 8-track tape.  I bought the one they put out last year at the Firestone place in San Diego.  Don't worry about it if it isn't convenient because I can certainly live without it.

On Friday I babysat for the 7-year-old son of Judy.  (The woman who works with Gerry, where we went for Thanksgiving.)  His older brother and sister were going skiing.  Wendy enjoyed having someone else around and he was pretty good with her.

They are just beginning the interest on the checking account out here.  I heard somewhere that they want you to keep $2000 balance.  It seems like if a person had that much extra they could put it in a savings account anyway.  We have to pay a $4.00 monthly service charge here but we write more checks as all the stores take checks – even the restaurants accept local checks and people seem to write checks for everything.  I'm surprised when people don't ask for my identification since alot of these places I have only been in once or twice.  I have an insurance card and my voter registration with the current address on it but everything else is Gilroy or San Diego, and my driver's license is still from Maine.  It expires on my birthday though so I'll have to decide whether to get an Oregon license or renew the Maine one.

We have been eating much better eggs here since Gerry buys them at work from an egg lady who comes once a week.  She charges 75¢ for large or 85¢ for extra large (and they are big) which is roughly comparable to what the store charges but they are much better.  We did know a place where we could get fresh milk for $1.25/gallon but the cow went dry.

Well, it is about time for the mailman to come so I will close and put this out.  I am in hopes of getting downtown to the post office and library later this afternoon but it all depends on when Wendy takes her nap so I can't count on it.

Love,

Catherine, Gerry

& Wendy

1968 John's postcard to MV -Nov.30

1968 Quality Courts Motel, Perry GA Postcard -mailed 1968.  Caption: One of the beauty spots of Quality Courts Motel, I-75 and US 341 Interchange, Perry, Georgia.  Beautifully Landscaped Japanese Rock Gardens, Bamboo Tea House and Formal Gardens.

[Postmarked Nov 30 1968]

Hi!  Boy is it hot.  We ate your lunch near Knoxville Tennessee and it was very good.  We are staying in Perry Georgia at the New Perry Hotel.  Tell everybody hi!  I am having grillion funs.

Your brother,

John

P.S.  Good luck with the P.R. [paper route] Roberta & Serena. 

1978 Roberta's Letter -Nov.27

[11/27/78]

Sunday Afternoon

12:30

Hi!

We (Buffy & I) are at the Airport – glad I tucked in the stationery at the last minute – as Marian's plane was suppose to come in at 12:40 – but now says 1:20!  When she flew to Denver on Thursday – her plane got in 20 minutes early – ought to be a happy medium – like on time!!

I've had a very busy weekend – Friday night I came home from work exhausted – it was a busy day – lots of packages – people always change their minds too – which is confusing – they want Air Mail – but want to pay parcel post rates – !!!  Two women wanted ME too call up UPS to see how much they would charge!

I do like my job – but much more paper work – bookkeeping type stuff – than I thought.

Friday night I ate Turkey leftovers – & must have been in bed by 8:00!  I wondered where John & G'ma got to Friday night.  

Saturday Renee' came over & put on a insulator on the hot water heater – he made it last year – had been taking up 1 whole shelf – my – that fiber-glass stuff gives you the itches.  W/ the new space & w/ rearranging got enough room in shed for the 3 big things that had been out in the patio – 2 trunks – 1 old humpback one – plus did all the inside of the house – sorta depressing – 'cause it never stays clean.

Then last night was invited out for supper w/ the Bridgewaters – ex-farmer & his wife from Ill. – they served open face taco's – messy – me – who never uses a napkin – had it wore out – 1/2 way through.

Happy to hear John will be coming West ––

I don't think I have a relaxing week ahead of me at work – but my times goes fast.

Love,

Berta

THANKS FOR CALLING!

1978 Family Letter -Nov.26

Sunday, Nov. 26, 1978 -- Four weeks to Christmas Eve

Dear Family:

Grandma and John left NV last Friday about 8 A.M. and got to LW around six yesterday evening.  John is uncertain as to his return, but it will be around the 12th of December, as that is the date that his "papers" are due at Denison.  He had hoped to live off campus this next semester, but things did not work out that way.  After the folks left we "winterized" the house and everything went well.

It was nice talking to Serena, Roberta and the Morgans on the phone last week, tho we must confess that these "late" calls sometimes find us too sleepy to carry on much of a conversation.  In fact, even when we are awake we have difficulty in being with "it."  On this competency bit the Olan Mill photographer was to have been at the Church this past Wednesday from 4 to 9, and the reason for his being there at 9 was the fact that the Company sent him to "New Vienna Methodist Church at Vienna, Ohio" so he said he drove all the way to Vienna, Ohio, which is near Youngstown, so I guess we have plenty of company.  The minister ended up taking pictures of people on Wednesday, so it will be interesting to see how "this" church directory does turn out.

The Church roof job is coming right along with only the steeple left to do.  I helped some on Friday and Saturday as Wells was closed for the long weekend.  The weather has been kind as the tomato plant near the house is still green.  Hope you Morgans are enjoying the snow, as some people really do enjoy outdoor winter sports.  Is there any skiing near Madras?

Your comment Catherine about the level of restaurants in your area reminds us of NV – it seems they take a TV dinner and mark it up four times.  One question the waitress asked us as we finished the man course, "Is it OK if I take the dirty dishes?"  Wonder where she got the idea that dirty dishes improve the atmosphere?

Serena, now that you have an efficiency are you doing more of your cooking?  We are glad that you were able to get a telephone put in so quickly.  Still riding my bike here, but will have to get out the gloves pretty soon.  Enjoyed reading your report on "The Adversary System," even tho your second line states, "A principal cause of the inefficiency is caused by the adversary process-lawyers."  Congratulations on the A-.

Roberta has survived her first week on the postal job -- too bad you can't be here in NV to cheer up the postal public.  These next four weeks are a busy season for all Post Offices.  Do you have boxes or is it strictly "General Delivery?"  Catherine, you mention about having trouble with your mail box at the apartment . . . have others had difficulty and are there any prospects?

Went down to Wells yesterday to type up a will for a party who wanted it tomorrow morning, and tho I am no speed typist wanted to get it done before the deadline.  The point I am coming to is how nice the new typewriter is the erase ribbon, which lifts the mistake off the paper rather than covering it up, which is especially noticeable on colored paper.  On the next typewriter purchase we want to get those new units that have a "memory" in them.

MV has been making posters for the Church Bazaar, which is this next Saturday.  The General Store at the Bazaar is to have a cord wood for sale to the highest bidder – that is a good commodity this time of year.  We are enjoying the fireplace right now.  Hopefully we will get some inspiration to get going on the Christmas Greetings.  At least we do have stamps on hand.

We attended Oscar's funeral on Tuesday.  Jane Ann Hause was there as the fellow that she is now engaged to, his family was good friends of the Johnsons.  After the funeral I was talking to a fellow [Loren Stuckert, 1925-2008] that I was in grade school with and he told me how Oscar had taken his entire family (the parents and six children) in after they had lost their farm in the early thirties, and they stayed with Oscar for several years.  That is a real example of Christianity.  Death never comes at the right moment.  Emerson Johnson also passed away this last week.  [Oscar was born in 1901, died Nov. 19, 1978.  The 1930 Census shows him as head of household with eight members of the Stuckert family living with him.  Elizabeth was born in 1914 and died Nov. 18, 1987.]  The rush must be over as Gene Smith is leaving for Florida this next week.

Sorry, Roberta, but we somehow didn't get a letter off to you in our individual notes last week – especially when you are so good about writing to us.  Catherine's letters have been coming in faster than we can get them answered but we do LOVE to hear from EACH of YOU.

[Love, etc.]

1978 Catherine's Letter to MV -Nov.22

Wednesday

November 22, 1978

Dear Mary Virginia,

What a surprise to get a letter from you.  At least it was a pleasant surprise, as that is the only kind we like!  Of course you did send Wendy a birthday card and Mother often refers to you in the letters she sends us so we were aware of your continued existence.  Otherwise we might have been worried that you had joined some weird religious cult that believes in shooting congressmen and committing mass suicide.

Your niece is now walking!  She actually walks from one place to another.  The next thing you know words will be coming out of her mouth!  She is sitting in her high chair next to me right now eating an apple.  I peel it for her and then she chomps on it.  It takes about half an hour for her to eat a good sized apple.  Last night we had apple crisp and ice cream for dessert and she liked that!  It was the first time we had had apple crisp in a long time and it sure was good.  All that crunchy brown sugar, cinnamon and oats with the apples and then ice cream too!  It was a real taste treat!  The restaurants here in Madras rank very low on the scale of fine restaurants of the world so when we want something good to eat we have to fix it ourselves.

Speaking of food, tomorrow is Thanksgiving, and we are looking forward to a big dinner with lots of good things to eat.  You probably read in the letter I wrote to Mom and Dad that we are going to Judy's.  We are furnishing rolls (crescent rolls that come in the round tube), sweet potatoes (which I am going to mash with butter and brown sugar) and salad (I'm going to make Ambrosia which is about my favorite kind – you know the one with marshmallows, coconut, pineapple, mandarin oranges and sour cream.   It makes me hungry to think about it.  Plus there will be all the goodies that Judy fixes and her sister is also bringing some pies and other things. 

Probably the reason I am dwelling on food tis that it is almost lunch time and I am hungry.  We are going to have left-over pizza and salad for lunch.  Gerry will be home in about 45 minutes so I still have time before I start it.

Let's see if I can think of some non-food item to write about.  How about Christmas?  When are you going to Arizona?  Please refrain from sending us anything this year as we are unable to reciprocate.  There isn't any Pic & Save here so we can't even shop for cheap presents.  What money we do have for Christmas has to go towards DeeDee and Wendy.

Wendy has almost finished her apple and she is not attempting to climb out of her high chair so I better close and get started on lunch.

Write again soon – sooner than the last time anyway – and let us know what is happening!

Love,

Catherine, Gerry &

Wendy

1978 Catherine's Letter -Nov.20

Monday

11/20/78

Dear Mom, Dad & Mary Virginia,

Hi!  This will be a short letter as Gerry will be home soon for lunch and I'll have him mail it on his way back to work.  There has been more trouble here with the mail boxes.

We had our first snow storm Saturday night and yesterday – about six inches.  We still made it to church though.  Wendy made it through the whole service without getting too fussy.  She ate an apple and then cleaned out my purse.  They had a coffee hour afterwards (a once a month affair) so we got a chance to meet some more people – including the Dr. I had taken Wendy to about her eye.

Later in the afternoon we put Wendy in her snow suit (which arrived last Wednesday and one of the snaps has come off already so I may have to exchange the leggings) and took her out in the snow.  She just sat and looked at it.  We took some pictures so after we finish the roll we'll send you some.

Your letter arrived on Friday and glad to hear from you.  We'll be looking forward to talking to you on Thursday.  We are going to the house of one of the women who works with Gerry.  She is real nice and it should be a good dinner – around 3:00 in case you get this on Wednesday which is doubtful.  We are furnishing rolls, sweet potatoes & salad.

Lat Friday I went with Judy (the woman who works with Gerry) to a luncheon/fashion show at the Elks Club.  Gerry took Wendy out to lunch.  It was a break for me to get away from Wendy and she did fine.

Gerry has joined a group of guys who play basketball at the Jr. High (about 4 blocks from us) from 7-9 on Friday nights.  He came home exhausted this past Friday but said it was a good work out.  Maybe this week he'll be in better shape. 

Got to fix lunch now . . . .

Love,

Catherine, Gerry

& Wendy

1988 Family Letter -Nov.18

Saturday –

Nov. 19, 1988

Dearest Family –

Thought you all might be interested in the clipping (!) that appeared in the Dayton paper recently.  [full page article about Wells Mfg. which includes a good picture of HH – will try to post the article to the New Vienna blog at some point . . . .]  We have had considerable comments – many just wondering why they had never been inside, hinting for a personal tour.  But others sharing their copies, etc.  The Goodings called us and had a long chat with them.  Dr. & Mrs. Hale thought we ought to send copies to all the people who had been on our trip to Malaysia as they would be interested.

Mary Virginia called and gave us a list of all the things she and her friends would need as they plan to prepare Thanksgiving dinner here – sounds pretty elaborate but we will be glad to have them – around 10, I guess arriving by two's and three's from Tuesday night but most Wednesday.

John called last night and if the weather is nice he will fly to Clinton County Airport with a friend he met on his Emmaus Walk – that is Wed. evening.  If the weather isn't too good, they will drive down.  Do wish that you all could be coming.  Serena has several invitations so we will look forward to her visit in December.  We finally did reach her on the phone – she is out so much –never catch her at home so did call the Alpha Park Library.  She has been going to a health club early in the morning so guess we just didn't call at the right time.

Dad went to Chillicothe Thursday and Friday to the tax institute.  Esther Salisbury, GG and her sister and Janet Achor also went so he was well chaperoned.  Hope that they got alot out of the sessions to help people with their tax problems.

Virginia Hildebrant and Walker, Evie Johnson (new minister's wife) and I went to the dinner theater at the college and then to see "Twelfth Night" at Boyd auditorium.  They had done the stage and costumes, and adapted it to Paris in the 1920's which was interesting and yet still not too easy to follow.  I was surprised how many were there for the play.

The leaves are finally mostly gone from the trees and Dad has them very well cleaned up.  Many people still have piles which they are waiting to dry out before they bag them.  Don't you Arizonians wish you had leaves to look after?  It's amazing how green the grass still is.  Once we get connected to New Vienna's sewage system should be an improvement too but we haven't gotten word yet that they are ready for that.

See in the paper where the Denver House is to reopen in Wilmington for Thanksgiving . . . after being closed for some 10 years.  The three of us went to Ponderosa for lunch today.  This past week was "Doctor Week" for G'Ma as we got to the foot, eye (she is having problems in this area) and general.

The Town had a general meeting this P.M. (now Sunday) concerning zoning and what to do about the possibility of a firm putting up a 22 unit apt. complex in an area of 1 family homes.  Perhaps the present is catching up with New Vienna.

M.V. and John will both be here this Thanksgiving with 10 ATS students.  M.V. is in charge of all details for eating except for the turkey.  John and his friend have asked to stay at G'ma's. 

[Love, etc.]

1968 Catherine's Letter -Nov.19

November 19, 1968

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

Hi!  I was glad to hear from you all today.  It certainly sounds like you are keeping busy.  Even if I came home you all would probably be so busy going to meetings, delivering papers, and running around the state to notice me.  At least this way I can read about what you are doing!

I've been rather busy myself.  Since I got my job back in the snack bar that entails one hour a day, plus the special parties, and the subbing I do for other people.  Like Friday, I mean Thursday, the one lady who works in the Snack Bar is going to the Dr's so I will be working a couple hours then.  I also work in the salad dept. for a couple hours on Saturday.

Physics isn't getting any easier but last week on the quiz I got a 60% – my highest grade of the quarter in physics so I was really proud – however, compared to the rest of the class it was probably still at the bottom.  Three weeks from tomorrow will be the final exam.  If I could Ace it, it might pull my grade up to a C-.  The chances of that are like one in a million though.  Maybe he'll take pity on me – I do hand in the homework and the data in my lab book is recorded very neatly.  If only we were graded on the neatness of the lab books . . . HA!

What kind of has me bothered now is that next quarter I will be taking chemistry and biology will probably be getting more difficult too.  I think what it all narrows down to is that I don't like to study.  I like German because if I study it long enough I can understand it.  I suppose that when you are doing well in something (at least doing well relative to physics) there is more motivation to study.  Another problem I have is that I hate to read.  I open the biology book, read one paragraph, realize that I have no idea what I read, reread the paragraph, and at that point usually fall asleep.  Maybe I lack the power of concentration.  I don't even get that far when I read physics – I usually fall asleep just thinking about reading it.  I got a book out of the library which is programmed physics (similar to the math I took at EC) and I can get through it because I have to respond after every sentence.  I can become actively involved since I obviously am not passively inspired by textbooks.

Sunday a couple from the church came to visit me and let me know the Church (namely the First United Methodist Church of Kalamazoo) is thinking about me.  It was nice to meet the people but the pledge card which came with the visit made it look like they were more interested in my money.  However, they informed me that as a college student I was only expected to contribute what I could when I could.  I also got a letter from NV church about the Every Member Canvass.

Thanks for the frivolous gift.  The first thing that came to my mind was doing my laundry but I figured that wouldn't come under your definition of frivolous.  As a result I haven't spent the money yet and I haven't done my laundry either.

I have some more letters to write, German to study, and if I get around to it I might even attempt some physics.

Write soon!

Love, 

Catherine

1978 Roberta's Letter -Nov.18

[11/18/78]

Saturday afternoon

4:30 pm – 

Hi!

Just a short note – as want to get this in w/ Marian's pile (a note to her folks & bills) to get in the 5:00 pick up.

Got your letter today – bet you were shocked about my changing jobs.  I've gotten a hold of Labor Relations Board – they will be sending a person out this coming week to talk to me.  It's a long story – but I know there is something wrong w/ A-Z.  I never filled out a W-4 form – when you get paid – it's like a personal check – no receipt – no mention of deductions.  My 1st check was for 1 weeks pay – (w/held 1 week) now for 3 weeks pay – picked it up Wednesday – I got $213.00 – again no receipt – what it was to cover – or to dates – but asked Debbie (the receptionist) she said for the rest of the $ they owed me – which is what I asked for – I was supposedly guaranteed $500 a month – and I don't think  even w/ deductions – if they were taken out – the 2 checks don't come close to that.  First I wasn't going to make a production of it – then I thought no I should check it out.  Plus the fact – it makes me mad – when an employee gives a week's notice – of intention to quit – an employer can send you home immediately – esp. when I did such a "bang-up" job.

My new job is not civil service – but it is rumored that sub-stations – which are in stores – will go civil service – now they are budgeted by P.O. – I really like the owners of the store – young couple – but my – what a time to be trained.  They have had the store 4 1/2 years – the P.O. – going on 2 years.  They say it really helps their business.  It is in a small shopping center.  There is a book store (NICE) 2 doors down.  I get 1/2 hour (1:00-1:30) for lunch.  They have a refrigerator there – so I'll no doubt be packing lunches – most days.  There is a McDonalds & a Wendy's nearby.  The McD's is in the shopping area, Wendy's is just across the street.

My hair is almost dry – got a curly permanent today – seems like a good one.  You all aren't the only one w/ curls!

We ate at Granny Annie's last night – but at 4:00 – so we had LUNCH – last group – under hot plates.  With those you get small bowl of rhubarb – 1/6 cantaloupe – 1/4 gr'fruit.  Really good!!  Thought their desserts on the back page were creative – esp. the Church Goer's Social.

OK – gotta go – time has run out –

Love, 

Berta

1978 Granny Annie's Boarding House Eatin' Parlor

1978 Roberta's Letter -Nov.16

[11/16/78]

Wednesday AM –

Good Morning!

Yes – I'm at home this week – went in Monday AM – finally told Barbara about 11:00 that I had decided to quit – that I would work through the week – she was very nice – said I had done a bang up of a job –how the phones had been ringing more – more people in the office.  I made more placements & got more job orders than anyone ever before.

I explained to her how the collection part was not for me – how I hated it – how it discouraged me from placing people – because I dreaded the collection part.  So w/in the hour – after telling her – I had my desk clean (I had actually already done it) & came home.  Barbara said how I took the time-trouble to meet everyone in the office complex & what good business practice that was.  In no way could I let her know that I took a job – that I got while at A-Z.

Thought about calling D-B people – telling them I could start earlier but then decided I'd just as soon take this week easy – so I've been cleaning inside house & it really looks good.  Want to start on the shed today.  Hopefully I'll get some stitchery done too.

Also sold the Victrolia (sp? old record player) yesterday.  Marian just got it this last summer – we brought it out in the truck.  She was going to refinish it – but her hands are very bad – besides we don't have room for it – it was floor model – nothing small.  I called up 22 antique dealers – only 3 showed any interest – for the price – only 2 said they would come out – only one came out & he bought it – I said $125 on the phone – he wanted to pay $100 – after much silence & little talk I (we) settled on $125 – Actually the guy was really friendly – he talked & talked – said I should go into business.  He thought we lived in an interesting place – wait till you all the see the antiques on Marian's shelves.

Marian had wanted me to sell the Victrolia – when she came home from school – I didn't tell her – about 10 minutes later she realized it wasn't sitting in the middle of the floor – where it had been since last weekend – in the living room.  Now the room seems bigger.

Fed-Mart is opening up a new store today in Mesa – Dobson/Broadway – not far from us.  Not a new building – but used to be a                          that went out of business.

Mary Va – we got your letter yesterday – Thanks.  We think it would be best for you to go to Westwood – here in Mesa – it is a public school – right off Alma School Rd – about 2.5 miles from here going North.  University is the big street it's near if you have a map.

We both think you would be happier going to school in Mesa – than Scottsdale –

OH!  Had something really funny happen yesterday – was expecting the other antique dealer (the one that didn't come) – I hear a car – in front – go out – introduce myself – bring him in – show him the Victrolia – start to play it for him – really going strong – & he hands me one of his cards – earlier he had wanted to know if I recognized him – he is Associate Minister at Grace Methodist – I asked him if he had ever been accused of being in the antique business.  He said No – but many other things.  It was funny – he stayed about half hour – a semi-retired minister from Kansas.  He wants to get a Young Singles Group started at the church – I said #1 I wasn't young – #2 – just because I was single didn't mean I was lonely & had lots of time.  (said them in a nice way).  I said I would like to get active as for us visiting shut-ins – or people in nursing homes.  He said that would be no problem – to get active in.

Tonight I'm going to this meeting for all Mealtime Assistance Program (MAP) volunteers.  Doreen is also going.  W/ my new job – we are going to go down to feed on Sunday nights.  We take Mr. Williams on Sunday – so it will be very convenient – I can either stay while Marian delivers him back home – or arrange either delivering him – before or after.

It's nice being home – knowing that I'll be back working next week.  Saturday we went out – to D-B Hardware – I introduced Marian to Bobbie – who hired me – She & her husband Dan own the store.  It's an ACE hardware – if that means anything.  I was very bored – but Marian felt right at home in a hardware store.

Marian is going to Denver – leaving Thursday (Thanksgiving Morning) – getting back Sunday Morning.  I'll have Dinner w/ Stubbs.  Will take Buffie over – he can play w/ Buckwheat their dog.  We always take him over w/ us.

Still rain today – I took the 2 glass pieces that have been sitting in the shed – one that was taken out of the truck & one that was taken out of the shell – when I had the "Boot" put in.  Also 2 side mirrors that had been in storage in shed.  Took them to  4  junk dealers (Auto) – the last place – I begged the guy to take all  4  pieces for $2.00 – he hesitated – then gave me a $1 dollar bill & 4 quarters.  It wasn't worth my time – nor money!!  Seems most of the places just buy total cars – junkyards.  It still amazed me – that Marian got $600 out of the Buick – but Rene Mendes saw the people & car recently.  They live near him – they even got the Buick painted!  I'm not even sure of the color.  They have had no trouble w/ it.

Mary Virginia – I'm listening to Charlie Pride – the record – I never did find the tape – where did you hide it?????

Time for me to get on the ball – this morning Diamond's Dept. Store is having a special stitchery display – I'm going out for it.

OH!  Barbara said if I wanted to use her as a reference I could – she would give me a a good one.  But she didn't have $ to pay me this week!  I bet they use A-Z as a tax write-off.

Love,

Berta

PS How is Oscar?

1978 Catherine's Letter -Nov.14

Tuesday

November 14, 1978

Dear Mom, Dad and Mary Virginia,

Hi!  It was nice talking to Mom & John on the phone this morning.  I forgot to ask if Oscar is any better.  Gerry's father told us how much he appreciated getting a card from you.

I checked with our bank (U.S. bank of Oregon) – and they said you are welcome to read the Wall Street Journal there.  The non-current copies you could even bring home.  Is there anything else you would like me to check into before you arrive in Madras?  There is one other bank here – 1st Natl. Bank of Oregon and the Citizens Bank of Madras is under construction and plans to open in the spring.  There is also one S&L – State Savings and Loan.

Although it has been very cold here the sun still shines brightly and warms the kitchen up in the morning.  I leave Wendy's blanket sleeper on her until it gets warmed up.  She is emptying the cupboard in the bathroom as I write this.  Before that she was playing in the closet under the stairs.  She never stops.  She climbs up on all the furniture now but turns right around and climbs down again. She especially likes the rocking chair.  We bought one of those spring type suction gates from Sue as she didn't have any further use of it.  It is very easy to move so I keep it at the bottom of the stairs when we are down and move it to the top if I go up for any length of time.

I noticed right after I hung up this morning that Wendy has two new teeth on the bottom – giving her 4 lower and 3 on top.  I've found it is easier to brush her teeth while she is still in her high chair as she can't squirm away from me as much.

You probably heard the results of the Oregon election.  The tax issue failed and the denturists got the right to sell false teeth.  There weren't too many issues in Madras as the mayor ran unopposed.  There was some contest for the three city councilmen.  They are recounting the votes.  About seven people ran.  Oregon also elected a Republican governor.  There is a department store here called Hatfield's which has some connection with Senator Hatfield.  They were passing out propaganda with every purchase before the election.  I heard that Hatfield was so confident of being re-elected he didn't even acknowledge his opponent.

The dishwasher just finished so I'm going to take Wendy upstairs for her bath.  Then the laundry needs done so I'll continue this later.  Actually, I should continue writing while she is happily self-occupied and do those other things after she gets fussy.  She is back under the stairs now.

Have you seen advertisements for the home-computer that Radio Shack has for $599?  We thought we'd wait awhile and see if the price comes down.  But that price makes it comparable to a color television.

We think we'll either get a very small turkey for thanksgiving or we'll have cornish game hens.  We'll see what the prices are and what sizes are available.  Most of the people we've met here are either having alot of relatives or they are going out of town.  Maybe we'll go up to Kah-nee-ta and go swimming.

Have you been watching Centennial on TV?  We've seen all but one episode.  I've been on a Michener kick in my reading – Hawaii, Caravans, Saynora, and now I'm on Tales of the South Pacific.  Do you know if the Rodgers & Hammerstein production was based on a Michener story?  There is a character named Bloody Mary on Bali-Hai.  Next I plan to read The Source.  I requested 3 books from the state library two weeks ago through the library here but I haven't heard anything yet.  At least the librarian and I are on good terms now.

Wendy is now scattering the dirty clothes all over the kitchen.  She tries to put on her slacks by sticking her feet into the bottom part.  At least she has the right general idea.  I've been showing her how to hold her Pooh Bear and pat it on the back.  Now she'll pick up some of her other toys like a book or a truck and she'll hold it up to her chest and pat it like a doll.  She really seems to like her books – especially the kitten one you gave her for her birthday.  There are lots of neighborhood cats and dogs that she can see from the window so I think that is why she likes the kitten book so much.

Ardy had a little girl in October.  So they have two daughters.  The oldest will be 2 in December.  I mentioned on the phone that Wendy got some hand-me-downs including the Penney's jacket. They were from the family of the parts manager who left here.  She also got some shirts and slacks, several dresses (still too large) and a pair of size 5 boots which are just the right size for this winter.

Well, I better get on with my chores or it will be lunch time and I won't have anything done.

Love,

Catherine, Gerry

& Wendy

1978 Roberta's Letter -Nov.12

[11/12/78]

Sunday Morning

Good Morning!

Have I got news for all of you – don't know if I should tell you all right away – or keep you in suspense – tell later in the letter!

We've really had a cold (in the 60's) & rainy weekend.  Started Friday night and still at it.  The funny thing about it is that this was the 2nd weekend we were to go camping w/ the Stubbs – they did go Friday night – we talked about going up Saturday morning – I did drive Doreen up – talked to them awhile – then came right back.  They called us at 2:00 yesterday afternoon – from home.  Maybe another weekend.

This was no weekend to have a garage sale – thank goodness we planned that right!  Marian did sell the old white dresser in the shed – which we used for storage – both in the drawers & piled on top.  So she bought some metal storage cabinets which need to be finished put together – when the rain quits (the sun starts).  She got $3 out of the old dresser – not bad when you consider she got for free – it was on its way to the dump – just before she moved here (to #140 this side of town.)

We just got back from early (8:15) Church – crowds – out-of-state licenses are really picking up.  Today was pledge Sunday – lay service – except that I'm not wild about the minister – really do like the church.

Missed work on Friday – went in – but by 9:00-9:30 was really felling sick – so came home.  1st day I'd missed – Felt better by mid afternoon – but didn't bother to go back in – afternoons are usually slow – esp. Fridays!  Did some needlepoint – Christmas is sure approaching.

OK – as for my news – won't make you all wait any more –

On Monday – November 20th – I'll be starting a new job – got official word Friday night.  It's about same distance from here except 1.5 miles south of us – then West – 4 miles.  I'll be running a sub-station post office – which is in a hardware store.  Couldn't pick a harder or busier time to start.  Will be doing everything postal people do – but can't handle foreign packages.  Hours are 9:00-5:00 M-F for sub-station.  I'll have to be there both earlier (probably 8:30-5:30) to do opening/closing reports etc.

It should be an interesting job – & not that I'l get stamps at a discount – at least they will be handy.  I'm not supposed to wear clothes that I'm afraid will get dirty – they suggest jeans – sweatshirts – so I shouldn't have any problem there -

Although I liked parts of my job at A-Z – it seemed very apparent to me – that there was more I didn't like than I liked – I hated the collection part of it all.  I started to get the idea of it 2+ weeks ago – when I was calling on people who were overdue.  They were either 1) rude 2) lied – said that they would be in the next day, etc. – never showed up.  Then this last week it was my turn to hound those I placed – I'm not interested in being a collection agency.  Barbara wanted me to call them from home – 5:00 AM –  What a way to start your day.

So tomorrow I'm going to tell her that this is my last week.  I'm hoping to be able to work all week – but time will tell.  I did make a placement ($20 down) on Thursday.  At least the P.O. job will be simply – cash/carry.  Should Barbara not want me to work the full week there is plenty of stuff I can do here.  She has a bad temper – has never used it on me – but I've sure seen & heard it.

We had planned to go see "The King & I" last night – Community Theater group was putting it on at Carefree – about 1 hour from here – but there were flood warnings out – etc. so stayed home.

Carpet really looks good – after being cleaned – esp. the downstairs.

I'll kepp you all posted as to this week's happenings ––

Had the heater on in the truck this AM – but not on yet inside the house ––

Love,

Aberta

1988 Joe's Letter to John -Nov.10

"Three Balconies"
J. U. Horton 1982
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Nov. 10, 1988

Santa Fe, N.M.

Dear John,

Thanks for your telephone call.  It was good to talk to you after a long period of silence – I do believe it was last June when we last talked – however.

I wish you could come out west and pay me a visit – with your vacation time being taken up by missionary work next summer I'm wondering if we'll even get together again in 1989.

If I sell enough paintings I'll have some extra money to fly and see you!

Here is a picture of Grandma in my apt. this Nov. actually the end of Oct.  I think she had a really good time visiting Santa Fe and Taos – She's quite a lady!

I leave in a week for Tucson to paint outdoors for  2 weeks – then I'll go to Phoenix to be with Sid and Roberta for a few days – I guess I'll be looking for another gallery to show my art work there in Scottsdale.

Time moves on – I've been in Santa Fe now for over a year – hopefully in a couple of years I'm going to pack my bags again and move overseas to teach English.  Those are my long range plans.

Do the gym if you can.  It's good for your health!  

Your cousin with love,

Joe

1998 MV's email -Nov.9

Well . . . a celebration . . . finally have made it through the 93 emails we had waiting for us when we got back on line almost a week ago, not to mention the ones we've received since then.  Sorry to those of you who received more jokes than you ever care to think about – just hit the delete button . . . . you wouldn't believe how many I DIDN'T send on!

To bring you up to date on things . . .
My friend, Susan who was admitted to the hospital Wednesday night with severe back pain was released Thurs. with the diagnosis of a ruptured disc and bulging disc (in two different spot).  She starts PT on Monday and will be off work a minimum of 4 weeks – probably longer.

Had a good meeting in Cincinnati this weekend and they kept us very busy, but some good ideas to bring home and some excellent speakers.  Keynote speakers were Cynthia Hale (Decatur, GA Ray of Hope DOC church – excellent black female preacher).  Michael Slaughter (?) pastor of Ginghamsburg UMC near Dayton, and Juan Carols Ortiz, hispanic pastor at Crystal Cathedral.  It was called Evangelism Connections and would certainly recommend it – sponsored by 7 different mainline denominations.  Certainly helped having my friend Susie (Lackey) along for the good company and that she did ALL the driving.  It was so fun to have her along not having to worry about logistics.

Christian is at my side TRYING to reach the keyboard . . . he has mastered pretty well the art of crawling – we weren't sure that he would – and can certainly pull up on nearly anything.  I wouldn't be surprised if he's walking by his first birthday next month!

Ginny is fine . . . really excelling at school, including spelling, which gave her FITS to start with.  One of the things her teacher emphasizes is memorization, esp. scripture.  For Christmas they are doing Luke 2 (the whole chapter) and she's got it down with the exception of one or two glitches.  Just amazing!

Looking forward to Mom, Dad, Serena and Catherine's visit next week, although relatively brief!  Catherine (my oldest sister) is flying in from AZ to Ohio, meeting up with Mom and Dad and will be coming here to meet up with Serena who lives in Asheville, NC.  All to spend the night with their favorite youngest sibling.

Christian is (finally) getting tired and I better move on.  Promise to write more personal stuff and send less jokes in the upcoming weeks!  Hope this finds all of you healthy and happy.  Always glad to hear from any of you.  Love, MVUC

1988 John's Letter -Nov.9

November 9, 1988

Dear Grandma, Mom and Dad,

How are all of you?  I haven't called lately so I thought I would send a note.

I spent last weekend in Marietta at the Hotel Lafayette with Mark Goldsmith from Westerville who I met on the Emmaus Walk.  We drove down S.R. 60 south from Zanesville and the drive was beautiful.  It was cold and damp but most enjoyable.  Do you remember when we all went to Marietta?  I couldn't have been more than 10-12 years old.

I invited Mark for Christmas as he has no family in the area.  He made plans for Thanksgiving with friends in Cincinnati but we may fly down and possibly drop me off at the Wilmington airport.  Or is there an airport any closer?  He would drop me off Wed night Nov. 23rd between 8:30-10pm and then return Thursday night.  I hope you don't mind my inviting him down for Christmas.

Have you purchased any compact discs for Mary yet?  I might check with you before I buy any so we don't duplicate.

I am enclosing a copy of the recipe from the Bed and Breakfast along with our October Buy List.

I speak to the Newark Noon Lions Club today on Trusts.  Even if I don't fly down Wed. night 11/23, you can expect me sometime between 9-10pm.

I'll see you soon.

Love in Christ,
John

P.S. Ruth Shoemaker writes that she doesn't see much of you anymore.  Maybe I can visit her while I am down either Thanksgiving or Christmas.

P.S.S. I have an interview Friday morning with MB?? Maintenance Services in Coshocton for Their Business Director opening

1948 Jean's Letter -Nov.9

Tuesday –

Nov. 9, 1948

Dearest Mother and Daddy,

We had a very nice weekend with Harold's mother and father and the wedding was really beautiful.  We left Cleveland about noon on Friday and arrived in New Vienna just at six.  Mary and Bill and Joe came over Saturday and we did our washings.  That afternoon we left early so we could visit Harold's Aunt Verta who is home recently from the hospital with a broken hip.  She seems to betting along fine.

From there we went over to Frankfort where Melvin has his store but he had gone so went to Williamsport where the rehearsal dinner was to be.  I think they had as large a crowd as we had – 20 or 25.  Helen – the bride is a very tall girl (Melvin is over 6 ft.) so they make a very nice looking couple.  She is the Home Ec. teacher at Frankfort.  Her sister was her maid of honor, a girl form Denver and a girl from Madison, Wisc. were her bridesmaids – both these girls she had been in school with – she went to Ohio Wesleyan and to Wisconsin for a summer session.  A girl from New York also a school friend played the organ so they came from all over every place.  Melvin's best man was a friend who goes to Wilmington College – the ushers were Harold, a cousin of Melvin, another friend, and the maid of honor's boy friend.  Also at the rehearsal dinner was the soloist and two of the aides for the reception.  The dinner was excellent – tomato juice, pineapple and cheese in mold salad, sweet potatoes, ham and peas, hot rolls, strawberry jam, coffee and cherry pie ala mode.

Afterwards we went to the church (Methodist) in Williamsport to practice and were there til 11:00.  It was an odd church for everyone enters from the front – no center aisle.  Helen and Melvin had decided to have an usher and a bridesmaid go down each aisle at the same time so that's the way it went off – unusual but nice.  We got home about midnight.

Sunday morning we went to Sunday School and Church – Mary and Bill and Joe came over for dinner then we left about 3:30 as Harold had to be there at 5:00 – the wedding was at 5:30.  The setting was very beautiful with candles all around the church – one in every window which were lighted early and four sets of 7 in the front of the church with ferns and chrysanthemums.  The bridesmaids wore a lovely shade of green taffeta (I think) and carried rust chrysanthemums and wore the same in the back of their hair.  The maid of honor wore rust taffeta and carried yellow ch. & wore the same in her hair.  Helen wore a very plain gown – white with a long train and sort of a lace stole in her hair held in place with orange blossoms and carried white chrys.  She made the gown herself.

After the wedding, the reception was held at Helen's home and there were almost 150 there for that.  They served ice cream molds, mints, nuts, cake & coffee.

They finally got away about 7:30 and of course they had tied up the back with tin cans, put gravel in the hubcaps, a pumpkin at Helen's feet and unloosened the spark plugs.  They headed toward Columbus so we followed them – they stopped down the road apiece and Harold & Calvin Smith (whom we were taking back to Columbus) helped Melvin untie the cans.  They turned around & went the other way – where we don't know yet unless they didn't want us to follow them any further.

We reached here about 1:00 Monday morning but luckily Harold's first class didn't begin until 10:00.  I had to work Monday night & was pretty tired by the time the day was over for we went downtown in the afternoon and I ought different materials I needed for my Prenatal Class.

By the way, I forgot to mention I had my 6th and 1st lessons last Thursday & will have my 7th & 2nd tomorrow.  They are very good and I'm looking forward to the rest.  Several other girls are also doubling up if their babies are to be born in 3 months or less.  There are 30 girls all together & it's funny to be with so many pregnant women at the same time – all in different stages.  Two girls that sat across from me last week were discussing how much time they had yet & here the one who is the largest is only 4 1/2 months along while the other – not even noticeable is 6 1/2.  The 3 months mothers were all complaining of nausea, sleeplessness, etc.

The first class was taken up wth registration – introduction to the course & early care of the mother – She showed us huge pictures of different stages of pregnancy, twins before birth, etc.  Very interesting.  Also recommended reading various books and gave us forms to send into the gov't for pamphlets I've already gotten – By sending in their form – I could have gotten them free – I paid 70¢ altogether for mine but I got four others besides.

Yesterday I didn't work at all – in fact I don't work any more this week as all the times they want me to work I'm already busy – Thursday 10-3:30 with Pre-Natal class & Friday morning I've an appointment with the doctor at 10:30.

Last night we had Mary Moore up for dinner – she's the girl who used to work part time at North Branch while in library school & I helped her & another librarian get an apartment here on the 2nd floor.  We brought back a chicken with us from New Vienna & as Harold is not too fond of chicken I invited her to help us out.

Today we had a combination of rain & snow – miserable outside.

Mary & Bill are coming up this weekend to visit us.  We have gotten tickets for a hockey game as Bill is very fond of that sport.  The doctor wasn't too anxious for Mary to come unless she travels by train but they plan to come in their car – leaving Joe with Grandmother Uible.

If it's OK with you we will be going to New Cumberland the 20-21 of Nov. that's the Sat. before Thanksgiving as we have made rather tentative plans to go to New Vienna for Thanksgiving & will plan to spend Christmas with you.  Harold's mother & father are going to Florida but not until after Christmas & will be back in March in order to take care of Joe while Mary's in the hospital. [pending Marianne's birth]  We really felt this to be the best way to share the holidays under the conditions and everything.  Do Virginia & Jim plan to be back before Thanksgiving?  Do you have any plans for them?  I hope this is agreeable with you.

Harold got his grades last week and did real well for he had a heavy course last summer – 15 hrs when most of the fellows took only about 12. 

We've had more conversations with the Housing Authority & are waiting again for their next move.  We're to hear whether they'll consider us again as we had a letter last week saying we were making too much & to apply in Feb. when our income will be divided by three instead of two.  We went down that same day & also last Monday so hope to have news soon.

We also had an invitation to Dr. Phillips home next Sunday eve. but we had to call our regrets as Mary & Bill plan to come Sat. noon & stay til Monday morning so perhaps something will up again.

Sorry you won't receive this earlier – All our love, Jean & Harold

[written in the margins]
I had a letter form Jane today – she has heard the news so I must write to her soon.  I had planned to tell her earlier but time just slips by.

Do you have any suggestions for gifts – I've bought just a few things but would like suggestions if you have any to offer – for Va. & Jim – Bob & Harriette – the children.  We may not be putting much into the gift but any ideas would be appreciated.

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