1979 Roberta's Letter to John -April 21

April 21, 1979

Sat. AM

Hi John!!

Always great to hear from you – yes, I got Mr. Ream's letter – it's true – he does need good help!!  There is alot about the farm I'll miss – but I'm glad not to be going back.  Esp. w/out an Ohio back-up team!!

This last week has been a fun one – Julia really has enjoyed herself – is talking about coming back next year!  We got together w/Stubbs – few times – she was quite taken in w/ the whole bunch – esp. Doreen – but you can understand that ––

I.T. has been on good behavior – thus a really pleasant week – she only has gotten over-excited a few times!!

Marion's birthday was Thursday – we celebrated w/ Stubbs – as Rich's b'day is the same day.

What's this about me going to Wells – whew it doesn't sound like you will be there only too soon?!?  Check out your thinking!

Is Nicky Wallen a Mormon?  That's what Mary Va told us – How was Dave Wilkerson?  What is Carol's address?  I wrote her – now I wonder what the address is ?

OK, John, gotta go – GRE test 28 April.  Soon!!

Love, Berta

1969 Catherine Letter -Apr.8

Room 425, Town House Hotel
1229 South Michigan Avenue
Chicago, Illinois  60605

Tuesday, April 8, 1969

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

Hi!  I hope you all made it home OK.  It was nice you could spend your vacation here -- Gerti and I certainly appreciated everything.

Today I finished my second day in the paperback books section.  I like it there real well -- I just need a map to find my way around.  All the books are categorized according to publisher -- and there are so many . . . .  The ladies I work with are all older but they're helpful and I couldn't ask for nicer people to work with.  Mainly I help people find books, I take telephone orders -- people who want a certain book charged to their account and sent out to them or special orders.  Today I spent about all my "extra" time straightening out the cookbooks and health type books.  The cash register wasn't too hard to master and I'm fast learning what 5% of about anything is.

Tomorrow is my day off.  Pete is coming in to town and we'll probably think of something to do.  We could walk up through old town -- I'm not sure if he's been there or not.  It's supposed to rain tomorrow but maybe it'll blow over or something.

You all made a real impression on the hotel management.  One guy has been kidding me now on when my brother is going to come to live with us.  John, I should have your stamps in a couple days.

I got a letter from Bob today.  Did you remember to send him the cookies?  Thanks.  The letter I got was just mailed yesterday -- so that's pretty quick mail service.

Hope Roberta, Serena, and John hadn't been away from school so long they forgot how to study or anything.  It sounds like a really hard life!

Write soon!

Love, Catherine

1979 Family Letter -Apr.8

Sunday Evening, April 8, 1979

Dear Family:

Grandma arrived on schedule Thursday evening at the Cincinnati airport, tho she had to change planes in Atlanta.  She is fine and is as organized as ever.  Said the Hortons were in a whirl as they are getting ready to go to England next month for three weeks.  Yesterday they left for N.C. to see Cris and Marita and then back to Augusta for the Master's golf tournament.  With the stock market at a six month high Uncle Bill is in good spirits.

Friday morning Grandma called me at work about nine and said our phone was out of order as no one answered.  She did not know that your Mother and MV had left about 6:30 AM for the monthly prayer breakfast, so of course there was no one here to answer the phone.  Temperature that morning hit a new low for the day going down to 22º and a strong wind on top of that.

This afternoon we have been in Wilmington as M.V. signed up for the 8+ mile CROP walk there . . . you know you get sponsors who pay you so much a mile for walking.  The weather was not the greatest but it still came off.  M.V. fell asleep in the car enroute back to N.V.  We older folks visited folks in Americare, plus a trip to the Wilmington College Library for an exchange of books.  M.V. had about $40 pledged with some of it already paid.

We have gotten tickets for M.V. and her Mother to fly from Chicago to Portland on Thursday, June 21st and back to Chicago on June 30.  Dad is going to the ABA course at the Univ. of Wisconsin during that time.  Then if it coincides with Serena's schedule we will drive to Iowa to spend the July 4th weekend with her.  Backing up we had better ask first if the above schedule suits the Morgans?  Are there any bus connections between Madras and Portland?  Above all, we welcome your comments and ideas on the trip planning.  We have also considered renting a car like Dad did last Jan.

Serena, we are glad you got out of Denver during the spring break.  We wonder if all your classmates got a summer job?  Anyway, Serena, we hope the Holiday Inn is further along than the one we stayed in Ft. Madison, Iowa.

Roberta, we were interested in the "business show" on which you sent us literature.  Perhaps you should think about going into business rather than more education, but then none of us knows what is best, even in retrospect many times.

You Oregon folks might be glad to know that the U.S. Bank is one of the top ten in the U.S. as profit ratio.  How are you getting along with the other bank with the apartment rental monies?  John seems interested in getting a banking job, time will tell on that score.  He is to come this weekend.  We have also invited Masa and Mrs. Matthews and Elizabeth Johnson for Easter dinner – wish that more of you would be able to come.

I talked to Jeanne Sanker yesterday (her 57th birthday) and she told us that Lowell is studying at Arizona State at Tempe so perhaps Roberta will be able to look him up.  Lynne is studying at Harvard Business School and will be working in Boston this summer in between the two years of study required.  Bruce has been learning bricklaying at one of the Great  . . . . on cars so may do something along that line – doesn't know yet but does graduate this spring.

We are happy to hear that you plan to be at home this summer, Roberta, and also interested in doing something at Wells – just what it will be hasn't been decided yet.  Donna is thinking of working til November when her husband retires and Fred may not retire as planned in June but Ralph still is making plans to retire them.  How about the shipping department?

Hope that your poison ivy is better, Serena and that you are enjoying your classes this term.  The pages of terms that you enclosed are real legalistic sounding and about as Greek to me as Roberta's GRE sampling.

Anxious to hear more about Wendy's latest activities and hope that you enjoyed your evening at Kah-nee-ta and the mud-packed oven-baked hen or whatever their specialty is there.

The restaurant that is getting the most applause in Wilmington now is the Wine Shop which took over from the J & W in the shopping center – we used to call in the donut shop til Roberta began working there.  Anyway it is run by Mike Riley, Judge Paul Riley's son.  Mike used to work in the First National Bank in Wilmington and gave that up to go into this business which seems to be doing real well.  It is very attractive and they also have a gift shop and sell unusual candy where the donut area was.  Where the pool tables are tables arranged with displays of wine.  Mary Virginia wanted to go there the night we went to the Cincinnati Symphony Concert at Hermann Court.  Dad had Lions Club so Virginia Walker used his ticket.  She told us that Jacalyn and Keith are flying home for Easter and plan to drive truck back to Colorado.  She hasn't mentioned Nancy except that she said she would be too busy to write for awhile.  I think I told you that she has gone back to Spain and Kelly Walker says she plans to get married this time.

Mildred Penn has given up her beauty shop and is an Amway distributor with ?? working under her including Carol and Jim Wise, Pat White (I think) and others.  Mildred is also working at Joanne Gruber's beauty shop on Thursdays and Fridays.

Mary Virginia and I both have appointments to get permanents this week – I'm going to Joanne and MV is going to Shaw's.  Judy McCune is working at Irwin Auger bit but Mary has someone working with her and that is where MV preferred to go.

Dad got his first haircut at a barber shop the other day -- the first since ??? as Ruth, he didn't think felt up to it yet.  Her eyes are better but she isn't allowed to go back to work yet.

Hope that all went well this morning, Roberta, when you joined church – we meant to mention it on the phone but realized later that we hadn't.  Nice of you to do things for Agnes (not Angus as you often refer to her which gives us a laugh) and Fred.  Any more shopping spys?

This letter has gotten quite lengthy – but do want to wish you a happy Easter and will be looking forward to your future letters.

With much love,
[Mom & Dad]

1989 HH postcard to GHU -Apr.7

Arizona postcard mailed 1989.  Caption: DESERT DISPLAY.  This desert roadway wanders through Prickly Pear Cactus in bloom, Cholla Cactus and Saguaro Cactus.  A strikingly beautiful scene.

4/7 [1989] Tucson, AZ

Slept under the stars last night & was up @ 4:15 to miss the 102º temperatures.  O.D.H. [Orville?] delivered your ltr last night.  Thanks.

Jim [?] had made good use of the food that R sent down.  How are our peas, spinach & rhubarb?

Love, Harold

1979 Catherine's Letter -Apr.5

Thursday evening

April 5, 1979

Dear Mother, Dad and Mary,

Hi!  Well I hope all went well with Grandma's arrival in New Vienna.  Are you having spring weather?  The last two days here have been quite summer-like.  I have seen several people with a sun-burn today.

It has been a hectic week on the apartment manager scene.  We now have all of our apartments rented but one.  We also received our first 30-day notice that one of our first tenants will be moving out on May 1st.  We also have one tenant who hasn't paid their April rent yet.  We can't start any eviction proceedings until the 11th.  There is a $5 late charge after the 5th though.  A carpenter from Chambers has been here also this week.  He is putting the shelves in the linen closets in the two bedroom units, and enclosing the play area and putting a gate in.  Whenever he goes into an occupied apartment and the tenant is not at home I am supposed to stay in the apartment also to protect the tenant.  And theTV cable man and the telephone service man are here all the time wanting to install something.

Several times I have tried to get someone from the babysitting co-op to watch Wendy for a few hours so I would have some time to catch up on things but so far I haven't had any luck in finding people who are free or who even answer the telephone.  We are supposed to stay around 30 tickets and I have 54 right now so that means I could leave Wendy somewhere for 24 hours.  Oh well, I'm sure it will balance out.

Last night Gerry and I did go to the Elks for a few hours.  One of our new tenants has daughter in the 7th grade so we had her babysit.  Wendy really howled when we left but the babysitter said she calmed down fairly quickly after we were gone.

Did you do anything special for your 31st anniversary?  We were thinking about you.  We are anxious to hear more details on your proposed visit to Madras.  You won't recognize it as the same place.  DeeDee hopes that you will be here while she is here so she will have a chance to see you.

Love,

Catherine, Gerry & Wendy

1989 HH postcard to GHU -Apr.5

Caption: DESERT DISPLAY.  This desert roadway wanders through Prickly Pear Cactus in bloom, Cholla Cactus and Saguaro Cactus.  A strikingly beautiful scene.

4/5/89 [or 4/6?] – now in Casa Grande - 2P.M.   

It was real luxury riding in a car last night w/ the family to a restaurant – especially after a bike "ride" of 89 miles in 100º temperatures & a headwind.

One sign read "next services 30 miles head" & that was an understatement as there was nothing – makes Ohio look good.

Love, Harold 

1979 Roberta's Letter -Apr.5

[4/5/79]

Tuesday AM

Hi! 
This is some of the stationery – ordered a bunch of new ones from Current – just came last night!  Was good to talk to you this AM - Mom.  Too bad the rest of the family wasn't home – but you know I have to call when the rates are low!

I'm sending out a pkg for G'ma – there's a story behind the "knitted" enclosed – a lady at the church was making them – selling them & giving the $ to the youth – some project they have going.

How did you all celebrate today?  We're having chicken noodle soup tonight – I'll cook (Campbells) Marion really has a bad cold – the only time I cook is when Marion is really sick!

Dorothy Stubbs & husband are flying to just outside of Washington DC – where their daughter & her husband lives.  1st time for Dorothy to fly – also her 1st time that far East.  They leave tomorrow for 1 week.

We are going this weekend to another one of these seminars – this one cost $ – $35 for all day – or $15 for 1 seminar – there will be 4 of you pay the $35 – I'll try to send off a copy of the deal – I'm going to just one – "Inside Secrets to Mail Order" – Marion is going to 4 – that way I'll study GRE part of the day –

I definitely want to get into a business of my own – this working for others is for the birds.

Did get the paper copies off – hope you all can make heads & tails out of it ––

Love,

Berta

1989 HH postcard to GHU -Apr.2

4/2/89

Near El Centro, Calif.

10A.M. – & have now gone 40 miles this A.M.

Ocotillo is a crossroads place – no picture cards available here.

Tomorrow we will see the date trees – recall how they affected us all 52 years ago.

Our bike roads are the back roads, a great & (painful) experience – but will get "tuned up" in another week.

Plenty of snorers in the group – bkfst @ 6 A.M. of pancakes & meat & fresh oranges.

Love – Harold

1929 Nat Ballantyne & Dwight Morrow Letters -April

Dwight Morrow (1873-1931), first cousin of Lucie Brown Ballantyne, served as Ambassador to Mexico from 1927-1930.  In 1930 he was elected as a Republican to the US Senate to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Walter Evans Edge.  He served as senator from Dec. 3, 1930 until his death on October 5, 1931.

1929 Nat's Letter to Dwight Morrow -April 5

1929 Dwight Morrow's letter to Nat -April 11

AMBASSADOR DWIGHT W. MORROW,
U. S. EMBASSY
MEXICO CITY, MEXICO

April 5, 1929

My dear Dwight:

We were all very much interested last evening in hearing you over the radio.  Your voice came in very distinct and could hear you just as well as if you were talking from K.D.K.A. Station at East Pittsburgh.

The children were all very much interested and especially Robert and Virginia, who have read and heard so much lately of Anne's engagement to Colonel Lindberg and almost every day there is something in the paper relative to them.

I am sending you a page from the "Sun Tele", which has your picture as you will note and a notice of your going to speak from Mexico.

Robert still talks of his visit with Alice in New York last summer and his only regret was that he missed seeing "Lindy", who arrived and was in Englewood the evening that he and Scott Brown, Bert's boy, were up at Richard's Camp over night.

Lucy joins in being remembered to you and your family and hoping to see you sometime when you are in the States, I am

Very truly yours,

NWB.B

* * * * *

Mexico, April 11, 1929 

My dear Nat:

Thank you heartily for your kind letter of April 5th, and for the enclosure which you were good enough to send.  It was good to hear from you.

With kindest regards, believe me,

Sincerely yours,

Dwight Morrow

To: Mr. N.W. Ballantyne,

Diamond Bank Building

Pittsburgh, Pa.

1979 Family Letter -Apr.2

Monday morning –

April 2, 1979

Dearest Family –

We had a busy weekend and guess you all heard directly or indirectly that Kim was here – wish that you could all have been here to see him.  He called out of the blue from New York City where he was there for business (Tuesday) and made tentative plans to come to Cincinnati Friday as Dad had made plans to attend a seminar.  I had planned to go too and spend the day with Jeanne Sanker but gave it up when she called to say she was not feeling well.

Too make a long story longer, John came home Thursday evening and said he had an appointment in Cincinnati so he and Dad met Kim and they got home about 10:30 Friday evening.  Kim looks just the same except a little older in the face and body (having put on a little weight but not unbecoming).  His hair is still coal black – he thought he had many gray hairs but none were visible.  He brought pictures of his family – Mie Young is just about a month older than Mary Va. and almost as tall.  He wants her to come to the US before she is 18 or she loses her citizenship.  He would like her to go to school here – says all schools even public have tuition in Korea – public is around $50 a month and have 100 in classes. 

He pays around $100 to send his younger children (girl 11 and son 10) and Mie Young goes to American school there with Embassy children and costs around $250 – hard to believe.  He also brought ginseng tea (100 packets put up like instant coffee – granulated).  And two stereo music cassettes of Korea music for MV.  And a Korean flag and literature which is very interesting.  He gave me a very pretty gold and black turtle pin which can also be used as a necklace as it also has a chain.  It is smoky topaz which is found in Korea and symbolic – "may you live for 100 years" – more appropriate for G'ma than me – not that I don't think its pretty but heaven forbid that I hope to live to be 100). 

John took Kim to Wilmington College Saturday morning and he visited the shop in the afternoon, also Hauses and Doc took him to visit more of his friends later.  We had the Hauses for dinner Saturday evening – also invited Jane Ann and her husband but they had plans to go to Toledo for the weekend.  Then Charlotte had us all down for breakfast Sunday morning (8:15).  Needless to say we were early for Sunday School and Ralph Nussbaum among others wondered what happened!  I have told Ralph not to ring the bell for SS until I get there but had had some close calls but we were there about 9:10 yesterday.  Elizabeth Johnson also came on her own which was quite a surprise.  (She came with us last week as she had stayed all night with us.)  After church we went to the Windmill for lunch – not our choice but handiest and only restaurant open on Sunday that could accommodate 8 of us as we had invited Masa, the Japanese boy who attends Wilmington College and also a couple that Kim had known when he attended Wilmington College, the Ernest Williams whose son had known Kim and who had visited his parents when he was stationed in Korea in the service.  (How's that for a short sentence?)  Then John took Kim to the Columbus airport on the way back to Granville.

The other big news of the weekend is that Serena called Friday morning to say that she has her assignment for the intern program – she is to go to Fort Dodge, Iowa and be there June 11 for ? weeks.  By the way, Roberta, you asked for her present address – if you don't already have it [Serena & Catherine's addresses]  We had hoped that Serena might get home between the end of school and beginning of the internship but she didn't think it too likely now so perhaps we'll get out to see her this summer.

It was also good talking to Catherine Wednesday morning and getting the latest news on the Morgan family – glad to hear that they are all feeling much better after their illnesses and gum surgery.  Gerry's father is now allowed to fly so may be able to visit them soon and got a good report of his first heart attack from the heart specialist as the scars have healed.  Wendy's ear infection is much better and their apartments passed inspections and just have a few vacancies now of the two bedroom variety.  (All the one bedroom ones are rented.)  Hope that Sandi doesn't keep you waiting so long the next time!!!!)  By the way, the new National Geographic has an article on the Warm Springs Reservation which is not far from Madras – in fact Madras is mentioned in it.  Anxious to hear if the dinner there came up to your expectations.  For the rest of you, we had planned to celebrate Catherine's birthday there but they didn't open the dining room or coffee shop until 5 PM but we sure did enjoy the outdoor pool.  (Sorry that Barry and John didn't have that unusual privilege while they were there – so much snow that the road was closed.)

We are also anxious to try the chicken kiev Mexican style (as mentioned in the March issue of Sunset) so don't wear it out before we get a chance to try it in Madras.  We had chicken baked over instant rice to finish up some rice that Serena had left here ? so many months ago.  Think it made about three or four meals so will try with a little less the next time.

Anxious to hear too about the chance of the position of Madras Public Librarian which could work out real well for you, Catherine.  I'm sure that you would get good recommendations from Sanford too.  Did we tell you that Mr. Kelton is now cataloging at the Xenia library?  Heard that he spent so much money at Wilmington that they have really had to curtail services – talking of giving up the bookmobile, etc.  They hired an assistant to groom to take his place before he would be dismissed but he didn't like it and so he resigned sooner than expected.

Roberta, it was good getting your letter Friday (written the Sat. before) and hearing about your telephone calls with Ruth – she has been so happy to have you call.  I had hoped to have Kim call each of you but it didn't work out plus it is so much easier to understand him in person than on the phone.

You really surprised us with the purchase of skates and hope you get alot of use out of them.  Also the new typewriter which I am sure will come in handy.  The program for "Arizona Women Mean Business" was most interesting and would have liked to sit in on some of the workshops myself.  Did you like the ones on Career change and Career Entry?  Sounds like Marion might like to go into business herself which would be good, especially in the craft and hobby field.  The CPR course thru the Red Cross sounds worthwhile too– in two sessions?

Hope that you enjoyed your visit with Mary Greene.  What is she doing now? or soon?

John has had more interviews and more to come which makes it harder to decide just what he wants but he was happy to hear that there is a possibility of working with the Clinton County National Bank and Trust and not as a teller – will let him fill you in on the details.  Think they would really like to have him but would prefer that he not have plans to eventually go on to law school and/or Wells Mfg..  We are anxious to see what he will decide to do.  He was also to hear today about another offer.  Don't think he is seriously considering working at Kmart which they have said he could begin as an assistant manager trainee May 31 in Wilmington.

[Love, etc.]

1979,1999 HH & Jean photos -April

Happy Anniversary to Mom & Dad – these pictures taken in the 

31st and 51st anniversary month of their wedding.

April 1, 1999 -

at Nancy Walker's near Salamanca Spain

April 1979 - Holy Land trip

1979 Roberta's Letter -Apr.1

April 1, 1979

HI!  Family,

This is what we did yesterday -- bought the typewriter -- got it at the office supply store downtown Mesa -- they have been there for years -- also do service, etc. there.  It's a Smith Corona -- 2200 the kind with the cartrege (spelling).  I also bought a brown ribbon -- I'm really impressed with the way the tape goes in and out -- three seconds.

The roads here are sure a mess -- all day Friday they had the freeway closed down right around the airport both directions -- the bridge has gone dow on the West side -- so they closed both sides -- now they have the traffic going both directions on the East lanes.  It took Marion over two hours to get to work on Friday.

I called up Ruth today.  She said how Dad had been out to see her, and how she had done the Jack letters, seems she enjoyed doing them.

It has really turned warm again here . . . thank goodness.  Mary Greene is going out soon to get some sun before she goes back tonight.  She got back last night from Grand Canyon.  She went up in Serena's car -- as getting there from here otherwise is unbelievable.  You can go by bus -- but that takes 2 days both coming and going.  As you miss the only connection out of Flagstaff -- plus it cost some thirty dollars.  To fly it cost over $100 round trip -- which is crazy.  she had no problem with the car either way -- but did snow some.  Her sister and her hiked -- in fact down to the bottom of the rim -- took one day going down -- and then they spend the night down there, then hiked back the next day.  Today Mary can hardly walk.  We went to see Carousel last night at Mesa High School -- saw Mrs. Garett (sp?) and she asked about Mary Virginia -- said that perhaps she (MV) would be here next year for the play.  (to be in it)

It's almost 12:00 -- we went to early Church -- but have Angus down at the Church now for the eleven o'clock service, as she didn't get to go on the van today -- due to the roads.

How do you all like the brown???  I see already that it doesn't have a help to my typing . . . somehow I started that sentence wrong and couldn't get it on the right track.

Serena called last night, was telling me about her internship -- she seems happy as to the location.  I think I'll just drive the Dodge to Denver around the 25th of May.  Two new tires weren't hurt the car -- also a tune-up before the trip.  We've made good use of the car this year.

It's now almost 2:00, I've got Mr. Williams down at the nursing home -- early today as Mary's plane leaves at 6:00 and we have to allow enough time to get him home and then take off for the airport.

[Love, Roberta]

1969 Catherine's Letter -Mar.31

Monday, March 31, 1969

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

Hi!  Today I went through the process of being hired.  Ugh!  I'm glad I don't have to go through that every day.  Tomorrow morning I report for training at 8:45 - 5:15.  That runs through Friday.  And then Saturday will be my first day on the job.  I'll work then 9:00-6.  I'll be working in what is called the Young Chicago shop.  It has expensive suits and dresses for the college-aged.  It should all prove interesting.  There are millions of details I could tell you but rather than write I think I'll wait until I see you.  Gerti and I went in together this morning.  We were to be there at 8 so we left here about 7:15 and got there about 10 minutes early.  She is doing (or going to do) some sort of clerical work for Customer Service.  I haven't seen her since about 9 when she went to take the typing test.  The personnel manager of the apparel division talked to me for about an hour, I filled out a bunch of forms, had a doctor approve me medially and was told when and where to report tomorrow.  I was out of there by one.  On the way home I stopped and got my public library card.  When I was there the other day they had the book Preserve and Protect by Drury which I have been waiting for a couple of years to read but today it wasn't on the shelf so I got another book instead.  I've been working on my German some, in addition to reading the book, and writing to Bob.  I talked to him on the phone again Saturday night.  By now he should be in Bethesda.  I hope he got there OK.

In addition to the rubbing alcohol, toothpaste, vanilla, we can can also use some powdered milk, pictures to hang on the wall -- or rather tape to the wall, some containers to keep left-overs in.  Do you have any pot pie pans?  An apron would come in handy, and I could use a new jr. legal pad if there's one around.  I think I have a supply of postcards in one of the desk drawers.  I could use about 20 or so of them.  anything else you can think of in the line of food or otherwise will be much appreciated.

We've been doing a pretty good job of cooking for ourselves so far.  Yesterday for our big Sunday dinner we had pork chops, broccoli, baked potatoes, salad and butterscotch pudding for dessert.  Most of our meals aren't quite that elaborate but we won't starve.

Saturday we went to the Field Museum and the Aquarium.  Gerti hadn't been to either one before.  They are within very close distance.  In fact we can see the museum from the window.  We've driven through Old Town a couple of times with Rich.  It's been so cold though -- it wasn't nearly as lively as it was last summer.  Dad, we also went by the place we ate with those people.  When we walked to work this morning the temperature was 16º but when I came back it had warmed up to 26º.  I hope April brings warmer weather -- it's got to.

We could probably use some baking powder and baking soda if you've got a little to spare.  I want to make some cookies for Bob.

Love,

Catherine

P.S. Kleenex, envelopes (jack envelopes will do).

1989 Cross-Country Bike Ride Begins -April 1

1999 Jean & HH in Portugal -March

Jean & Harold at most western port in Europe, near Sintra, Portugal - March 1999

1989 Wendy's Letter -March

[Easter 1989]

Dear Grandma & Grandpa,

How are you?  I'm fine.  At school we're doing reports for Science. Mine is on Mercury.  I can't wait until summer vacation because I get to see you two.  Isn't that narli?  We're going to the County Fair on Friday.  Joanna is coming to.  Its really hot here in Glendale.  Think of this letter as an Easter Card.

Love, 

Wendi

P.S. Write Back
P.P.S. Happy Easter
P.P.P.S. I miss you
P.P.P.P.S. Mom sends her love

1969 Catherine's Postcard -Mar.27

Delta Air Lines postcard - mailed 1969.  Caption: Delta's modern jet fleet includes the Douglas DC-8 FANJET . . . carries 135 passengers deluxe and jetourist . . . it is quieter take off and climbs faster with greater reserve of power.

3/27/69

Hi!  Well, here we are settled in the Town House room 425.  The zip code is 60605.  We walked down to Marshall Field's this afternoon.  We've met some real nice kids, here at the Hotel that is.  I forgot the alcohol.  We need kleenex and the Ultrabrite.

Love, Catherine

1949 Jean's Letter -Mar.29

[At Top:]  Ask Virginia if she remembers [Hotel Raymond] I'll never forget -?- after the lovely hotels we saw but I insisted on driving on to Fitchburg

3/29/49

Monday

Dearest Mother and Daddy,

It has been 80º here in the sun but the wind has made it seem cooler.  I put Catherine out of the porch for the first time and would have left her there longer but was afraid she wasn't dressed quite warm enough for too much cold air.  I also had every intention of taking her out this afternoon.   By the time I got myself dressed, she was so sound asleep, I didn't have the heart to waken her.  She did waken for a few minutes at 4:00 long enough to refuel for another short nap so I'm waiting for another call any minute.

Saturday morning I had my last appointment with Dr. Weir so I took Catherine with me.  He thought she had grown so much & was really a grand baby, etc. etc.

Because she loves to get dressed up so seldom, I decided to make the most of the day.  From the Doctors we went to the Main East Cleveland Library & caught Miss Miller & Miss Grout just before they left for the day.  She got quite sleepy there as she was so bundled up.  The air back to the car revived her though so we went on to North Branch.  Miss Stromfors had gone already but we saw Miss Britton and a girl who mends the books.  It was almost one o'clock by then; Catherine was getting hungrier so I fed her in the back room and really surprised Misses Frew and Hoffman when they came.

She really showed off for them – smiling & laughing and seemingly talking and we were invited to come again real soon – for tea at Main and sometime when they'd all be at North again.

The day was really full and Catherine made the most of it – being awake from 6:30 without any real nap until 5:30 that evening – then she slept – until 6:30 the next morning.

Yesterday Jean Keil Walker and Joe and their little 7 months old daughter, Carole, came over.  She's real cute – its hard to believe there is such a difference between them and only five months apart.  As yet, Carole has no teeth, but seems alot older than Janie, next door who is the same age.  Jean said Carole used to be on a 2 1/2 hour schedule (and to think I complain about every 3 or 3 1/2 hours) and never yet has Carole slept through the night – from six to six or something similar.

Katie is awake now and kicking on my lap as I write leaning over the arm of the chair.

No doubt you know by now that Mrs. McGonagle and Doris were here last Tuesday afternoon.  They called from down town & came right over in a taxi so I didn't have too much time to straighten things.  Catherine hadn't been fed & had just wakened so she was at her best while they were here.

Doris looked very good altho slightly worn from shopping.  She's not large at all but almost half way thru her 8th month.

The boats have begun to run again out on the lake and I saw a big one for the first time out on the water today.  The cranes also have started and everyone says when they are all running the noise is terrific.  They will soon all be going.

We are invited over to the First Baptist Church again by Dr. Phillips to see movies he took on his trip to Europe last summer.  That's this Friday night but we have declined – if we do go out at all it will be Saturday or Sunday to celebrate our anniversary.  The Andersons next door might look in on Catherine but they usually go out every Friday night.

Jeanne Campbell [Sanker] called today.  She may come over about Thursday.  Rosemary's mother is here from England – came about 6 weeks ago – no doubt to help afterwards with the baby – she's to be born April 2, 8:00 AM –Caesarian.

The way plans are now we will go to New Vienna first and come to New Cumberland probably on Thursday - April 14th and stay over Sunday (Easter 17th).  We plan to take alot of things that we won't be needing any longer down to New Vienna on this trip for there will be so many loads in June.

Harold's exams are the last week in May – finishing up on Friday or Saturday.  Then the following Friday (first in June) he has to be in Columbus for an intensive review course for the Bar.

Katie is still on my lap but beginning to want her midnight snack which is to last her till morning, I hope.  She is very wide awake though.

I made some blueberry muffins last week from the recipe on the Bisquick box.  I'd had a can of blueberries since last summer & now am trying to use up our surplus of things like that – also stationery.

If all goes well, you may be hearing from us from the Hotel Pennsylvania in St. Pete the next time – or maybe from our local Statler.

Love to all,

Jean, Harold

and Catherine

1979 Roberta's Letter -Mar.24

[3/24/79]

Saturday pm –

Hi!

Really had a big – full day – down to the civic plaza by 9:30 – we didn't care about the opening remarks by Gov. Babbitt.  All the sessions that we went to were good – but we didn't go to the $15 lunch – instead walked 2 blocks – to Arby's – where both of us ate for under $4!!  Then we came back early & went to all the rooms gathering info – you know my style.

There was also an arts & crafts show – either you paid $2 each to get in – or if you were a dealer it was for free – all I did was go up say I was w/ D& B Ace H'ware – they typed me up a name tag & I asked for one for my guest Marion – we both got in free.

There were lots of booths – Whatever – mostly wholesalers – again – more free literature – etc. – We need a tax # –––

It's been a busy week – did I tell you we are taking the CPR course – Red Cross – but through Scottsdale Schools – 2nd part will be this Monday night – from 6:30-9:30 pm

Mary Greene comes tomorrow for 1 week – her sister works at Grand Canyon – so she will be up there part of the time.

I finally wrote N.V. Bank for a reference – so I can get a check cashing card out here – crazy to have an account (checking) when it's next to impossible to get a check cashed.

Jayson (from work) came over Thursday night – moved the light over at top of hall way – so we can move hall tree the way Marion wanted it.

Today was a beautiful warm (high 70s) day –

Gotta go – going to study GRE for awhile ––

Love,

Berta

1979 Jean's Family Letter -Mar.26

Monday morning

March 26, 1979

Dearest Family –

We have had a busy weekend but do want to get a letter off to you all before too long so that it won't be such a long time since you have heard from us.

Glad that your gum operations are all in the past, Catherine and have no more problems in that direction.  It was so good talking to you on the phone Wednesday and wish we had been able to help Wendy celebrate her 1 1/2 birthday – hardly seems possible.  We have been sharing pictures of all of you lately that were taken in December and January and that's the next best thing to a real visit almost (telephone helps so much too).

Ruth called yesterday and said how happy she had been to get to talk to you, Roberta and was relaying your message to us.  She is coming along real well – for you others' information she got home Thursday and hopefully will not need an operation before June when she is to have some surgery.  She is on a strict diet and allowed only 800 calories a day but seems to be satisfied by it – hasn't lost any weight yet but is not craving water as in the past which just seemed to wash the potassium from her system.

Elizabeth Johnson just left after spending two nights here – we invited her in to hear (and see) Ed Perry and the quartet he is in that sang at the church Saturday nite and Sunday morning.  Yesterday was the beginning of the New Life Mission that the Methodist churches are having this week.  (Anything like that in Mesa or Madras or Denver?)  We have a minister form Defiance who is really a good speaker – he spoke twice yesterday and each evening through Thursday plus each morning a Bible study.  We had another visiting quartet group from Dayton and hope to have as good or better attendance the rest of the week as last night.

The weather was so beautiful for a few days but have had winter back again with snow flurries and its to get to the 20's tonight.  Dad is trying to get things ready for Grandma but the plumber has to make some minor repairs – hate to have her pipes freeze now – she plans to come home Thursday the 5th.  The Hortons are going to the Masters Tournament at Auburn (?) GA and visit Cris and Marita on the weekend before so Grandma is coming earlier for that reason.

Debbie Haines call you Serena or rather wanted your address if you weren't coming home for spring break.  She is working at Clinton Memorial Hospital as a nurse's aid to see what type of health related field she would like.

[Love, etc.]

1979 Catherine's Letter -Mar.26

Monday

March 26, 1979

Dear Mom, Dad, and Mary,

Hi!  Sorry I didn't get a letter off last week.  It was a pretty busy week with Le Leche on Wednesday morning and then Thursday morning I went to a babysitting co-op meeting as you may recall Mother, had been originally scheduled for that snowy day in January.  On Friday I had to do quite a bit of work around the apartments in preparation for our inspection on Saturday.

As for the inspection . . . .  It went OK I guess.  Sandi checked our files to make sure I was doing all of the paperwork correctly, then she checked the grounds and one of our vacant apartments.  She said I should get some paper sleeves to put around the curtains in the vacant apartments to hold the pleasts in place.  That was her only suggestion.  Her husband tried to change the lock on the laundry room door but it still wasn't right.  It is supposed to be fixed so that each tenant's apartment key also opens the laundry room.  Right now only the master key and laundry room key fit so that I have to open it every morning and lock it at night.  I have the hours from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. so I don't have to stay up all night while someone does there laundry.  Anyway this new lock was so that all the apartment keys fit it but it didn't relock automatically after the key was taken out which is what they want.  Sandi had told us they would be here early in the morning so as not to interfere with any other plans we might have.  I was to help at the church to prepare a Chinese dinner to be served after church on Sunday and Gerry was to play golf.  However, they didn't arrive until 1:30.  I went to the church late and was able to help for an hour or so but Gerry passed up his golf to stay home with Wendy.  He didn't think he would have time to play enough to make it worthwhile.

Saturday night we used our new babysitter, Darcy, and went to the Elks for a crab & shrimp dinner and then stayed for the dance.  Darcy seemed to do fine she said Wendy only cried for about one minute after we left and went to bed without any fuss.  This coming Friday I think we are going to dinner at Kah-nee-ta with Ron & Georgette but Darcy's family is going away so I have to find a different babysitter.  Wednesday night this week is the monthly Elks birthday dinner but we can take Wendy to that.

Wendy did fine in the church nursery yesterday and after church she really enjoys running around with all the other kids.  She found out she could stand on the air vent and she thought it was nifty when her dress ballooned out around her.  One of the older girls thought that was real cute and Wendy soon had a big audience.  One child told me that Wendy looked pregnant!

Last week I fixed chicken kiev Mexican style from a recipe in the March issue of Sunset.  We really liked it.  I'd say it is one of our best dinners ever.  It sounded like it would be kind of difficult to make but I didn't have any trouble.  The nicest part is that it needs to be fixed ahead of time and then refrigerated before baking so it would be a good company meal.  Wendy is getting so she likes to eat whatever we eat – Saturday she ate pizza and yesterday she gobbled up quiche.  I used almost the last of the swiss cheese you brought out in the quiche.  The other cheese has been gone for quite awhile.

This morning I finally got our income taxes done.  We had to file both California and Oregon returns as well as the federal forms.  Due to Gerry's unemployment during the summer our taxes weren't as high as they would have been.  Usually we like to have it so we don't get a refund since we would rather have the money throughout the year instead of having the government hold it for us.  But this year we will be getting some money back.  I doubt that will be the case in 1979 since we will have to pay taxes on what we make from this apartment deal and they don't take any tax money out of it at all, just social security.

I overheard the librarian telling someone that she might be going to retire next year since her husband will be retiring from his teaching.  I am in hopes of talking to her about it to find out if they have anyone else in mind for the job or if I could be considered.  I sure would like to have the job.

Well, it is time to get lunch ready.

Love,

Catherine Gerry

& Wendy

1979 Roberta's Postcard to John -Mar.21

[postmarked 21 March 1979]

Wednesday

Hi, John–

I'm in the $ (just a temporary deal!) got my income tax $ back – did I tell you I did it myself this year?  The state I owe (how ...ing!) but I don't plan to send it in till April 16th.

You'll never believe what I bought – a pair of roller skates – they look like track shoes – but then they have wheels – neat!  I got out on them Sunday – fell three times!!

Haven't heard word #1 from ASU – what have you heard from job places?

Guess where we ate last night – Picadilly – even tho I'm in the $ (temporary!)

Hi to Carol ––

Love, Berta

1949 Catherine Photo -Mar.21

1979 Roberta's Letter -Mar.20

Written on the envelope:  Gas is now 76.9 premium here!

Tuesday AM

3/20/79

Hi! 

Seems we have winter all over again – rain – cold & windy – no weather for Buffy or for a Honda Express!!

Last night Marion & I went for the 1st part of a 2 part CPR course – put on by Red Cross – quite good – we got to practice on dummies – have to give compressions – plus breath – it's really a neat thing though – once you get the system down.

You will never believe what I bought on Sunday –  I did tell you all that I got my federal income tax $ back – didn't I – so guess what I bought – a pair of shoe skates – they look like a pair of track shoes but then have the roller skates – (wheels) under them – I got out on the side walk & tried them at home which worked out fine – then when we went down to the nursing home – I took them w/ me – but the side walks down there are very crooked – so it didn't work out all that great!  I almost fell – 3 times!!

Last night in the mail had an official letter from GRE – sure looked like GRE scores from 1st test – but only turned out to be admittance slip for next test – 28th April.

If you still have the sample test – you might send it down to G'ma – Oh!  I've bought G'ma a special pillow – especially designed for people who sit in wheelchairs – we bought Angus one – she says it really makes a difference.  I'll just send it to New Vienna – We got them at a hospital supply place – Where Marion got a cushion & back deal for herself – now she can sit in the furniture downstairs.

Was good to talk to you all on Saturday – I did call up Ruth – will give her another brief call sometimes this week –

Oh!  please send me Morgans – also Serena's address ––

This week we are getting by on 1 car – I've loaned the truck to the couple (you all didn't meet them) from Spark NV – retired – she taught in Newton high school for 30 years – anyway – husband had a heart attack (but now home!) & their car had to have ring job done on it – so Marion is dropping me off early (7:00 AM) for work – thought I might be able to use bike but then just bad weather –

We'll get the truck back on Thursday –

Ok – gotta go!

Love, Berta

1979 Catherine's Letter -Mar.17

Saturday

March 17, 1979

Dear Mom, Dad, and Mary,

Hi!  thanks for your most recent letter which arrived on Thursday.  I wasn't able to get any letters written Thursday evening while Gerry was at the Elks because I had to go to a meeting on Tenant Rights which was sponsored by the County Extension office.  There weren't many tenants there though, mostly landlords and managers like us but still quite interesting.  Most of things we had heard before when we went to Eugene and are also covered in our notebook but nice to hear some other viewpoints.  The woman who gave the talk was a lawyer.

Sandi (from Chambers) is coming to see us next weekend and bring us the filing cabinet.  She seems to think we are doing an OK job so far so we'll see what she has to say when she actually sees the place.  The last time she was here was early in January when she interviewed us for the job.  We have all of the one bedroom apartments rented now and five of the two bedrooms.  That leaves us with nine of the two's yet to go.  By the time we get them all rented people will probably start moving out and we'll have some turn-over.

I just finished reading Small Town by Sloan Wilson.  It was pretty good so now I am reading The Man in the Gray Flannel Suit also by him.  Also I'm reading a book from the church called China – Search for Community by Whitehead.  They got ten copies and everyone is passing them around in preparation for someone who is coming to give us a series of talks on China.  Evidently there is quite a bit of controversy over this book due to the fact that the author thinks that the Chinese have a very Christian-like society without being Christian as opposed to the U.S.

Wendy has rebounded back to her healthy self.  Her appetite increased quite a bit for the past few days and she has regained all the weight she lost.  Her being sick has made a tremendous difference on her going to sleep at night.  Now at bedtime she lays down with her doll and doesn't cry or anything.  Occasionally she will come back out to the living room after I have put her down but we just tell her to go back to bed and she does.

Twice this past week I left Wendy over at Joan's.  On Wednesday I had the other side of my gum taken care of.  It has given me a little more trouble being sore but not bad.  I've just taken some aspirin.  I go back next Wednesday to have the stitches taken out.  Yesterday I got my hair cut -- just a trim actually -- It is still pretty curly.  The hairdresser said I could probably get it cut in another 6-8 weeks and then get another permanent 6-8 weeks after that.

Tonight we are going to a prime rib dinner at the Elks and the dance afterwards.  Our regular babysitter couldn't come as her boyfriend is home from the army and two other girls I called were also busy so we are taking Wendy over to Joan's and we'll see how that works.  I did get the names of two more babysitter's who live in the neighborhood so I'll have more options the next time if taking her to Joan's in the evening doesn't work very well.

Well, Wendy just woke up from her nap and Gerry will be home soon for lunch so I better get a move on.  I got a letter from Roberta a few days ago and she said she would be sending those pictures from John soon so I may get them yet.  That reminds me I also got a package this week from Alice Symons (Fisher).  She sent Wendy a real cute piggy bank that she made herself.  She said she had been working on it since before Wendy was born.  At least it was nothing to worry about her outgrowing.

Love,

Catherine, Gerry & Wendy

1989 Roberta's postcard -Mar.16

[postmarked 16 Mar 1989]

Hi!  My plane left PHX 1/2 hour late but the plane out of Houston got here 15 minutes ahead of time!  G'ma & I got out to the ocean today – then a church supper tonight!  Lots of tourists here – can't say that I blame them!  Did you hear Cris/Angela had a boy – Wil Andrew!  We are going to gallery that Joe's in here – Hope your Atlanta trip was a good one.

Love, Roberta

1949 Calvin Smith letter -Mar.14

2258 Bryden

Columbus

14 March 1949

Dear Jean, Harold, and Catherine,

It was such wonderful news which the little card brought to me when it announced the new arrival in the Uible family; and it made me very, very happy -- both to be a pseudo-uncle and to know that your joy must be overflowing.  Congratulations to the parents and the new little Clevelander!  (Regarding the piggy bank, I was afraid for awhile that Catherine would be graduating from high school before I sent her gift; but one day I decided that I had waited long enough for even me, the Great Procrastinator.  I hope she will make use of this little animal constantly, though I doubt that her source of income will be the Cincinnati Enquirer).

Before I forget it, too -- I thoroughly enjoyed the letter I received from Papa a week or so ago, since I know it took a part of some very precious time to write it.  Mrs. Stith is still most willing to rent you a room; and the quality of the room will depend on how many students she gets who plan to stay all summer.  Of course, they have priority since they will be here longer.  However, since there are not too many who go to summer school, I doubt there will be much difficulty on that score.  I asked our business manager about your eating at the Refectory; you may do so, but it will have to be on the individual meal basis -- 40¢ for breakfast, 60¢ for lunch, and $1 for dinner.  If you decided these are good enough prices you may take your meals at Cap (food guaranteed to be much better during the summer than during the winter!).  I'm looking forward to your being here in June; and provided I can find a job for the summer, I shall be around to welcome you.

I'm extremely glad to hear, Jean, that your husband is proving himself such a good father.  Although some years ago I didn't realize that was one of his great potentialities I had every faith in him that he would rise to the occasion.

Incidentally, Catherine is to be congratulated upon a very wise choice of parents.  -- And how do you find the task of being a mother, Jean?  Of course it is ten times more interesting than any other occupation in the world, I should think; any sleepless nights yet?  Or will the sleepless nights come when she gets to be sixteen or so?

Work is progressing -- I shan't say satisfactorily -- but is progressing here at school.  The big thorn in my flesh this semester (even including Latin! -- under Miss Young's old prof) is the yearbook.  It is the sort of task in which one has to depend upon the faithfulness of a lot of unfaithful people; and I must admit it is turning me into a dour cynic as regards human nature.  Our photographer -- a most important link in the chain of production -- consistently fails to come through on time; and I have always the feeling of beating my head against a wall.  During the early part of the year, this frustration was threatening to do me permanent injury, but now I have regained a somewhat even keel and blithely go about my futile job with something akin to resignation.  The studies are negligible, since I'm carrying only 14 hours this semester;  all the studying I do is done in, I suppose three hours per day.  The hours I spend in the Capitalian office, however, are almost innumerable. 

You may be surprised to know that I am now possessed of an automobile, Harold; it's a fairly respectable '38 Dodge which my brother and father purchased for me a couple of months ago.  It had been owned by only one person -- an old woman; the 50,000 miles registered on the speedometer I take to be a fairly accurate count of the mileage, and the old trap works beautifully.  Of course, I'm finding it expensive -- but the time saved and the general satisfaction is wonderful!  It's a single-seater coupe like yours.  Even with the car, though, I don't get home often because of working on the yearbook; but I do plan to go down this coming weekend.  I, too, am looking forward to spring vacation and seeing you; it will be very good to see you once again.  We get off the 8th to the 18th, but I shall be home only from about the 13th or 14th, if I make it then.  I hope you'll be there about then.

I must now return to school for dinner, so I'll close with another Congratulations to you three.  Drop me a line if the opportunity every presents itself; be assured it gives me a great deal of pleasure to hear from you.

Sincerely,

"Uncle" Calvin

1969 To & From Catherine -Mar.13,17

3/13/69
Dear Catherine:

Our last letters crossed in the mail, and this will probably happen again.  Anyway, we cannot come up this next Thursday, which would leave Sat. for us.  If you can come on the bus we would be glad to meet you in say Dayton, Columbus or Cincinnati.  We are planning to go to Chicago over Easter and will take things up to K in June as you mention.  We will get the gears on the bike fixed in interim.

Mares has been here since Wed. and starts back to school next Mon.  She is working at a Girl Scout camp near Chattanooga, Tenn. this summer.  Joe has been accepted for the Peace Corps in Africa.  MV and "her dog" are getting along fine, he had his first shot last night.

Good luck next week, we are looking forward to seeing you and have tentative dental appt. for you.  Dad.

* * * * *
3/17/69

Hi!  It's been a lovely day which I enjoyed thoroughly by goofing off.  However, it is now down to 13 hours until my history exam and right after that is the German.  So I'm off to the library for some last minute cramming!  Actually, I don't believe in cramming so I am just going to review a little bit and hope alot.

I think my bus gets in Columbus at 8:10 PM Friday night.  I think that is too late to get a bus to Wilmington but if it isn't I will gladly ride on to Wilmington.  Or there is another bus I could get which would arrive in Dayton at 10:45.  I am assuming that Columbus is a more convenient time.  If not, let me know as soon as possible.  I'll probably be going to Bob's house sometime Thursday.  The psych exam is Wednesday afternoon and then I'm off for four months of vacation!

Love, Catherine

1869 Ballantyne Promissory Note -Mar.12

1979 GHU Letter to John -Mar.11

Joe Horton notecard: Baker's Cart – Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

March 11th [1979?]

Dear John –

We enjoyed your letter & your application letter for a job was very well written & do wish you success in whatever comes forth for you.  A person has to start some place & then decide as time goes along about the future.

With all the Hortons near for a couple of months it seems as if we have been busy either going to or cooking for a Birthday or something.

The past week we were at the W.P.B. Aud. three times.  Aunt Mary & I attended the Welk (in person) program, the "Hungarian concert."  Their costumes were beautiful & the music & dances interesting but very much the same all through the concert.  Also then Fri. night a very interesting program given by local singers.  They have a very good singing group.  Also a Barber Shop Quartet.  A guest quartet was from Washington state.

Aunt Mary & I hope to go to the Palm Beach play House next week to see the "Miracle Worker" Helen Keller's Life.  The teacher part is played by Melissa Gilbert who is the blind girl in "Little House on the Prairie."  I am very fond of her acting.

Uncle Bill still talks about when he retires but so far he still goes to work & complains about the money he pays out for taxes.  As you know this is tax time again.

We have been going to the church each Wed. evening for dinner, you can't eat out anywhere else for $2.00 & get a big meal.

Rob. goes to his school work faithfully each morning about 7:45 & home by 3:15.  His school is out on Congress.  He & his girl friend are together every day, too often I think.  At the present she has a job & they think marriage is in the future.  I believe you met Kim.  He says they ca't live on his salary as yet.  I believe your folks were to be in Col. this week end.  So you may see them.

Love, Grandma