1979 Catherine's Letter -Sep.26

Wednesday, September 26, 1979

Dear Mother, Dad, and Mary,

Hi!  As you can see I got the typewriter back from the repair shop.  It just needed some minor adjustments and now seems to be working fine.

We have had a very busy week.  Now that the landscaping is partially complete -- about half done -- there is alot of watering to be done.  Plus the end of the month coming up means we will be having inspection again soon.  I think Sandi is coming tomorrow or Friday.

Wendy had a nice birthday.  Thanks alot for the outfit the pants are just a little big on her but will be fine for this winter and the shirts both fit her fine.  She likes both books also.  That little one that opens out is real cute.  I haven't really looked at the bigger one that much yet.  The co-op had their picnic on Sunday so we went to that in the afternoon and then had Wendy's birthday cake and she opened her presents in the evening.  We gave her a couple of other things (just little toys) since we had already given her the tricycle.  We took a picture of her in the outfit you sent so I'll send it to you after we get it developed.  It is on the newest roll of film so it will be awhile.  The others are being developed right now.

Our weekend or rather Saturday night in Bend was a big disappointment.  We went to the Sizzler for lunch, did some shopping, and then went to the motel to check in around 2:30 and they had already rented the room with the waterbed out despite the fact that they had our reservations and were to have held it for us until 6:00.  They said they were sorry and they hope we would come back some other night.  They suggested another motel that had waterbeds but they were all taken.  At the other motel they told us that the the motel where we had our reservations had just changed owners and perhaps the new owners were so anxious to get money they took it from the first person rather than wait for us.  At any rate it depressed us since we were planning on it.  We came back to Madras and slept in our regular old bed.

We are pretty much over our colds but now the flu bug is going around.  I was sick Sunday evening and Monday.  Gerry was sick yesterday and today Wendy isn't feeling well.  i took her to the neighbor's this morning while I went bowling and she said Wendy slept part of the time.  And this afternoon she is just lying on the sofa which is pretty abnormal for her.

We are having more tenant problems.  I tried to give the Fromong's in #5 (ask Mary about them I'm sure she'll remember, they are ver weird) a 30-day non-compliance notice because his nightmares keep the neighbors awake all night.  But they refused to take the notice from me.  So Gerry went over to talk to them when he came home for lunch and Mr. Fromong hit Gerry in the head.  Then we gave them a 24-hour eviction notice for irreparable damage -- hitting the manager -- but they didn't leave so I had to file papers in the District Court.  the court date is next Tuesday.  Fortunately we had three witnesses around when Gerry got hit.  They are now claiming that Gerry forced his way into the apartment and assaulted Mrs. Fromong.  The whole thing is very depressing.  They both have their problems but our sympathy for them ran out long ago.  It also made us a little nervous when one of our tenants who works at Coast to Coast reported that Mr. Fromong had been in trying to buy a gun so he could keep people from harassing him.

Well, I have to go turn some sprinklers off and some others on.  The water pressure is not high enough to run more than one area at a time and there are about 8 areas.

Thanks again for the birthday presents for Wendy.

Love,

Catherine, Gerry

&Wendy

1979 Family Letter -Sep.25

Thursday -

September 25, 1979

Dearest Family -

This won't be a very long note but wanted you to know that we got your letters, Catherine and Roberta, yesterday.  The long delay in getting yours Catherine was due to the fact that it had been mis-sent to Youngstown - no fault of yours but someone who had misread the zip or something as perhaps it had gone to Vienna, Ohio.  Anyway we were glad to hear from you both and hope that the Morgans colds are better and Wendy has recovered now from her sewed chin and sprained wrist.  We are anxious to hear about your weekend. 

Roberta, you are doing well collecting to make enough to pay for gas for the three vehicles.  That was good news too about your report and hope that you continue to add much to the class discussion, etc.  Would be interesting to see the paper you turned in.  Sounds like it would be good personnel work matching volunteers with jobs.

I meant to tell Carol's grandmother that it was too bad neither paper seemed to get the article right about her paternal grandmother.  Ravenna paper didn't include her name at all and Wilmington left off the "s" so it was Mr. Jack Watt instead of Mrs.  Then they (Wilmington) didn't describe the bride's gown at all but better than not putting the article in at all.

Just before we left for the OPEN HOUSE at the school last night we got word that Mrs. Fenwick had passed away.  She had had a heart attack yesterday afternoon and had been taken by the emergency squad to the hospital.  Earlier in the day she had been to the doctor and he (or whoever) had told her she had a 5-day virus.  It was quite a shock to everyone as she went about as fast as Mildred Henderson had.

Seemed like there were more visitors than usual in the library last night - it is always good to see parents interested in coming.  Of course they didn't all stay for the meeting afterwards but still a lot of new families.  One couple are starting off right - Kevin and Connie Croghan were there and sat right up front.  Not many honeymooners attend a PTA (or rather Home and School Meeting) just 48 hours after their wedding.

Dr. Robert and Lana Sue Carey had their third son early this morning - an eight pound six ounce baby and guess they had no boy's name picked out as even the other boys had hopes of a girl.  Ruth said that they were going to have to do some switching with the Harry Careys since they have 3 girls.  The Robert Careys were at the open house last night.

Dad was in Wilmington this afternoon and bought some shrimp and rice at Coopers Drive In (as to the quantity of each, one is reminded of how much ham they put with the beans on a commercial scale).  Anyway, with Tom Cooper  & bride from the Orient it is billed as authentic Chinese food.

Went into Strebers on the way home tonight and saw some bananas there on the counter and asked them they price and said they were giving them away - so you can imagine the rest of the story . . . really nothing wrong with them.

We are looking forward to having Serena home this weekend but not sure just when she is coming.  Mary Virginia has to be in Xenia for the band is playing in the parade at 4PM and then all the bands play at the high school there in a program at 8PM.  With the Bikeathon here that morning she is going to have an extra full day.  Ours will be full enough trying to keep up with her if we go as planned earlier.  Hope that this works in with your plans, Serena.

The next weekend John and Carol are coming down - seems like such a long time since we have seen them and heard about their trip.  Hope they are both over their colds too.  Labor Day seems like years ago now.

It is now Wednesday morning and we survived the square dancing last night.  They take time to explain the steps slowly - if I just can remember all this by next Tuesday evening.  The classes run through next March 5th with the exception of Christmas and New Years Day.  It's $3 a couple each night and you are to pay whether you attend every session or not so imagine that helps in all phases.  Orville & Elaine & husband were there.

This turned out to be longer than I thought but may make up for the lateness of other letters.  Always so glad to hear from you all.

With much love from all of us,

1949 Jean's Letter to HH -Sep.26

Monday

Sept. 26, 1949

Dearest Harold,

Catherine & I have had plenty of fresh air today - and the weather was almost perfect.  She watched Mother & I hang out clothes after her morning nap & then when her afternoon nap was over we took down the things & were outdoors from 3:00 to 6:00.  Mrs. Herron had wanted to see Catherine so we walked up there & stayed til her lima beans scorched.  So many people think she looks more & more like you.  Cousin Maude said "Hello Harold" to her once cause she thought Catherine had your exact expression then.

The stoker [?] smoked so much last night that we turned it off before we went to bed -- not just the furnace but the coal bin loading into it.  We called Mr. Garlick about 7:00 this morning & no answer so I drove down, pounded all the doors & finally talked to Mr. Cullen who was waiting in the truck for Mr. Hendershot (both work for Mr. G).  They came up at 7:30 & cleaned it all out.  Said the feeder was clogged up & didn't get any air.  Both Mother & I will be happy to see the stoker go -- hope the gas proves successful.

Godfrey Beaumont & family plan to move back to New Cumberland - some say the first of the year - others say the end of this school year.  Anyway he has made arrangement to rent the new building near the Stewart Turly [?] Funeral Home & he & Dr. Dale Williams (dentist) will be together (separate offices).  Gretchen has already written to him (Dr. B.) to see if she may be his receptionist (if she doesn't already have a good job by then).

Just spoke to Mrs. Campbell on way home from Herrons.  Catherine had loads of fun watching children on way home from school.  Would turn way around in her walker to see them til out of sight of a jolt caused them to be out of her mind.

Gretchen was over at noon & this evening.  Helped dry dishes & put Catherine to bed tonight.  Her Ranney [?] has been on the blink today - finally showed up at 12:00 & disappeared at 1:30.  He [or she?] has been quite a disappointment & also a worry to Bob.  [Gretchen Lee Kessel Malloy would be the daughter of Jean's cousin Natalie Virginia Ballantyne Kessel Parsons.  Gretchen is the younger sister of Pat Kessel, who some of us have met.  She was a teenager in 1949.]

Bob is coming down tomorrow & drive us to Morgantown - Mrs. McKnight is coming tomorrow til 4:00 & Mrs. Reynold from 4:00 on.  I'm not anxious to have Mrs. R but we haven't much choice since school is on.  Cousin Maude doesn't feel too capable to manage Catherine by herself.

I finally finished that letter I started to Jeanne about 3 weeks ago - after I wrote to you last night so I suppose I'll get an immediate reply & I'll be in the same state again.

Have you hard any news concerning Dr. Brown at all?

Lillian Williamson came tonight to learn how to play Canasta & we had alot of fun playing.  We may go down to their house & play with them Friday or Saturday & also the Pierces will be there.  Lilian wants us to bring Catherine  & put her in one of their beds - she'd probably fumigate the house if C. would spit up on dampen the bed.

The auction of Bombrick's [?] house & household goods is to be this Saturday October 1, but I don't think there will be much worthwhile.  I think I'll go out of curiousity though.  It's the first auction I ever remember around here.

Mother & I ate the roast pork tonight & wish you could have been here to help us eat it - will be feasting on it for the next 2 weeks it's so big.  We really wish you could be here for more than just to eat the pork - and I'm looking forward to being with you again real soon.  Would it suit you better to meet us during the week, Saturday or Sunday -- or Xenia or  ?  or Washington Court House or Snow Hill? 

All our very, very best love,

Jean & Catherine

1979 Family Letter -Sep.23

Sunday afternoon -

September 23, 1979

Dearest Family -

I am typing down in the patio where the weather is cool but sunny and every time I think that this will be the last time to write down here for awhile - sorry that I triple-spaced instead of single as I intended.  Much room for improvement.  Mary Virginia is becoming quite adept at typing - has even done some work for Dad in his legal business.  She'll be doing all kinds of things by the time she finished Typing I this year.

It was nice talking to Serena TWICE on the phone this past week and looking forward to seeing her home this coming weekend before she moves into her new apartment October 1st.  Don't know how it may work out but Dad will perhaps take her back to Chicago with a load of things to fill her unfurnished place.

Thanks to John and Carol for the big wedding picture which we mailed over to the News Journal along with the article and it finally got in last night's paper - have received many nice compliments on the attractiveness of John's bride, Beans (Marvin) wished they could also see John's pictures as they haven't seen him since he was just a mid-sized boy.  Frank Youngs asked if we didn't attend as our names weren't listed among the guests.  Anyway thanks that it finally got published - will send you a xerox copy as you already have the picture and write-up from the Ravenna paper and if we're able to get extras will save one for whomever might prefer it from the paper direct.

Always glad to get Roberta's many letters and to hear how the studying and gas money (from metal can collection) is coming plus other items of interest.  Too bad about Fred not feeling so good after his fall.  Its pathetic that they would be in separate place (from his wife).

Catherine we did get a letter from you early last week but the one about Wendy's fall never has come but glad to get details on the phone Friday evening.  Do hope that she is feeling much better - sorry to hear that she had to have stitches in her chin (additional trouble with them) and then a sprained wrist besides all just before her birthday.  No doubt it didn't spoil her appetite too much.  Thinking about you today and your mini-holiday in Bend.  Do let us know how you like the water bed you try in the motel there.  Hope it provides Gerry some relief to his back and leg problems.

This past week has been busy but last night was the big wedding - Kevin Croghan and Connie Trivett.  Connie wore a long white gown with train and had he 4 yr old little girl as flower girl and son (2nd grader) as ring bearer.  She seems like a real sweet person and we wish them the best.  They had one attendant each but did it up as if the first marriage for her.  They have bought a home out in the Lions Club addition on Dorothy Lane.  Kevin shaved off his beard and only had a neat mustache much to the pleasure of his mother and grandmother Thornburg.  Keith Rittenhouse was about the only one of Kevin's class that I know that was there.

Dad and I went square-dancing Tuesday night and they hope to get enough out each Tuesday night from now on at Laurel Oaks to have a class.  We had invited Joellen Uhl to go with us and Mary Virginia came too at the last minute and they both seemed to enjoy it too.  Volunteers were there to help and be partners for those without.  Don't know whether we will make it back or not.  Orville Harner was most instrumental in getting us there as well as quite a few others - including his daughter and son-in-law Elaine and Tom Biehl but Elaine couldn't take all the dancing but Tom seemed to enjoy it.

The 2nd Annual Corn Festival was at the fairgrounds and except for the very rainy weather was going strong yesterday when we were there.  We were amazed at how many activities they had going - crafts, etc that took in much of the grounds.  Ate at the Pork Barbecue last night & then made a quick dash home to get ready for the wedding.  Took Elizabeth Johnson with us - she had gone before when it was the antique farm machinery, etc. put on by the Historical Society.  She told us how much she appreciated Roberta thinking of her on her birthday (Sept. 12).

Thanks for all the pictures that we have been receiving from Catherine by way of Roberta (They were real good) and also Grandma appreciated getting the ones you sent to her, John and Carol.  We are looking forward to getting the others you had developed and also seeing the ones that were taken at the wedding by the other photographers.  Wish that we had one of both Carol and John to put in the Leesburg paper for they will include the groom's picture.  Are there any suitable?

We finally got the pictorial directory that Olan Mills has gotten out.  It has only been 10 months in the making - many people were getting upset for taking so long.  On the whole it is very good.  Surprising to see some of the names that are still listed as members.  Only those whose pictures are included are given a free one.  The Hauses are omitted for they got upset about the first setting that was cancelled.

By the way they just got back from Houston where they visited Jane Ann and her husband as well as Doc's sister and family.  They got into terrible rain storm there where they had something like 14 inches in a couple of days.  I don't ever remember having so much rain this summer and being bothered by things getting mildew-spots, etc.

Sandy Hazelbaker stopped in at the shop the day they happened to be having the party for Donna and I saw her.  She was asking about all our family especially Roberta as she probably knew her better working with her so told her I'd write and tell you about seeing her.  She has a little girl now about 2 and also a boy 12, I think she said.  We also saw Pam Fisher's father and step-mother at the barbecue and she had just seen the write-up about the wedding and asked about Serena.

I guess Joe is getting to the US about Oct. 17th and will be coming up to Ohio about a week later so hope he will be able to see as many as possible.  We talked to Aunt Mary and Uncle Bill that perhaps Joe might like to do something else on his short vacations here which they agreed but looks it will be the same route again.  He has certainly seen more of the rest of the world than the US except for one trip he made with Aunt Mary and Rob a couple of years ago.  Thru the shop we have ordered some plastic display boxes for his note cards that he has printed in the Miami area that are scenes of S. Arabia.

We had signed up for a conversational Spanish course at Laurel Oakes, but they cancelled because there were seven who were interested and they need 12.  We are also enrolled in two retirement planning programs this fall . . . perhaps they will tell me how to draft a will . . . after thirty years I am less certain now than before.

Tomorrow the IBM fellow is coming to get us started on another program and also a demonstration on a word processor unit, which would be nice -- your typing all comes up on the screen and one can correct and/or move phrases around at will before you print the page.  Anyway, I do want to buy a mag card typewriter type unit for there is so much repeat work that it would take care of.

This corn festival is cosponsored by the Clinton County Historical Society, of which Donald Bernard is president.  The Friends of the Library had an exhibit there.  Elizabeth Johnson told us that yesterday was the first time she had ever been in the Wilmington Library.  She is planning to move to Wilmington in the next few weeks.  Also keep her farm.

Friday night we went to the football game, EC won it's 4th straight game and the band got a standing ovation for their half time show.  MV now rides with Craig Davidson - about 50 yards away - for the practice and the other band commitments . . . that we really appreciate.  Next Saturday they are to be in Xenia, which might work out with meeting Serena in Dayton.  MV has also been lining up sponsors for the St. Jude bike ride here next Saturday morning.  She has signed up to take the SSAT (?) test on Dec. 8 in Gahanna, at the Columbus Day School -- have the Newark Uibles heard of the place?  The Bains were asking us today how you honeymooners were getting along.

[Love, etc.]

1979 MV's Letter -Sep.22

Sep. 22, 1979

Dear Carol & John --

I just realized how long its been since I had written to you.  I also realized I hadn't gotten any birthday cards for Wendy  or Georgialia . . . my memory is getting very bad.

School has been just great -- especially with no math or science . . . the only class that really bores me is World History -- why should I care about who fought in the Punic Wars -- it's hard enough for me to remember who fought in W.W. I & II.  Spanish has been super easy -- I haven't even studied for our tests & I still do fine.

As far as going away to school, I think I've narrowed it down to 3 choices -- one in Massachusetts, one in Virginia & one in Licking County.  But I'm not the one who makes the final decisions.  So don't be too hurt if the "adoption" doesn't go thru on your 15 year-old . . . .

We won our football game again last nite, so our record is 4-0.  The band didn't do bad either . . . we got 2 standing ovations . . . .  Hopefully it'll work out so that we can go to Wash D.C. for the cherry blossom festival.  But we haven't gotten anything back on our application.

I must go & get some sleep -- it's already 1:40 & I need to get up about 7:30.  Ho hum.  Take Care & God bless.  Love -- Mary Va

1969 Catherine's Letter -Sep.22

Monday, September 22 [1969]

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

Hi!  It certainly seems like a long time since we left New Vienna last Monday.  Dad, I'm sorry I missed seeing you on the boat ship.  I hope you all had a good trip back home.

I hardly know where to start in telling you about the boat, I mean ship!  Our cabin is a little crowded but the four of us are rarely all there together.  Ann, Rose Mary, and Alison are my cabin-mates and they are all going to Münster.  Alison's main past-time is collecting admirers; she has been spending most of her time with the purser (an officer, whose exact duties, except dealing with money, I'm not sure of) and since officers and crew members and passengers aren't supposed to fraternize publicly, we don't see much of Alison.  She's nice to be around when I don't feel like talking as she can carry about 99% of any two-way conversation.

Ann is small and cute and sits at the same table I do.  She does a good job of flirting with the waiters so we generally get pretty good service.  Unfortunately, she has been confined to the room with tonsillitis since this morning.  Rose Mary and I occasionally go places together since neither of us belong to any particular group of friends.  Generally we drift apart after going together so I haven't spent too much time with her.

Food is one thing there is no scarcity of.  We have breakfast at 8:30, lunch at 1:00, afternoon tea at 4:00, dinner at 7:30 and evening snack at 11.  Not too many people come to breakfast.  One reason is because we have had 3 short nights (when the clocks have been turned up an hour) already and we have two more to go.  There is generally more going on at night too so the trend is to live it up at night and sleep during the day.  German breakfasts general consist of bread or rolls and coffee or tea which I have been acclimating myself to.  To satisfy the Americans on the boat they also offer cereal, eggs (on the runny side), potatoes, ham bacon, sausage, hash, potatoes, etc.  They also have German pancakes (one to a serving) which are about the size of a dinner plate and only a little bit thicker than this paper. 

They have both Protestant and Catholic services every morning both of which are in German.  I've gone to the former (at 8:00) every morning but Sunday when I did't quite make it up.  I stayed up playing cards until about 4 AM Sunday Saturday night and then it was only two hours until sunrise.  I fell asleep at 5 though so I didn't see it after all.  I get along singing the songs inGerman but I haven't quite mastered the Lord's Prayer.  The preacher speaks very slowly and distinctly but y vocabulary needs to be greatly enlarged before I get the complete message.

Some mornings they show movies (also shown in the afternoon and at night.)  Each movie is shown about 3 times and every other movie is in English.  The ones in German, I can get the general idea of what is going on but usually the words all out so fast I don't catch much.  Listening is my main problem.  Those of us going to Germany have a real advantage as about half the passengers are German, the waiters all speak German and only a little English, anything printed is in both languages and all messages are given in German and then translated into English.

For lunch and dinner both we receive a menu.  The top half give the meal food that is "being pushed" at that meal and the bottom half is other stuff we can substitute.  There is always soup, choice of fish and/or meat, some vegetables, potatoes, salad, dessert, cheese, and fruit.  At dinner there is also the appetizer.  They go in strong for colorless vegetables like cooked celery, cucumbers, and especially cauliflower.  Today we had mashed yellow peas.  Lunch dessert is almost always pudding or jello with a sauce and ice cream for dinner.  Since everything is in courses it takes about an hour even if you don't eat much.  There is also an abundance of alcoholic beverages available but being my cheap self and having better things to do with my money I only drink when someone else pays.  A couple of times we've split a bottle of wine at dinner.  Besides Ann and I there are two guys at our table who are going to Münster.

I talked to Stavig and Fugate about the possibilities of meeting you and they were both extremely negative.  They said if it was at Christmas or at the end -- fine.  Otherwise I might as well forget it.

I paid a dollar deposit and got a book out of the library.  It is Heidi in German.  I found I could read it fairly quickly and get the gist of the story but I was only reading the words I know and therefore not learning anything.  So I started over reading very slowly, looking up all the words I don't know and writing them down.  I've already gotten a list of 103 words and I'm only on page 13.

The evening entertainment from 9-11 is geared toward the older people but a few of us more courageous (or crazy) ones get out on the dance floor and jostle the older ones around a little.  Cal and I did a good job of it last night.  At 11:00 the Tavern opens and things are much more lively there.  

We still don't know our families but we'll probably find out either in Bremerhaven where the boat, I mean ship, lands or when we get in Bremen.  Dr. Spaltmann, our director in Münster, is to meet us one of those places.

I took a sauna bath the other day.  It was really relaxing but I came out feeling weak and dehydrated.  They also have an exercise room that has two bicycles in it.  They are really hard to pump and after a couple minutes I'm exhausted.  It's a good feeling to use the muscles and have my heart beat fast.

The second morning my stomach was a little queasy and I began to wish the boat ship would stop rocking for a minute anyway.  I recovered by lunch time and I've felt fine since.

Wednesday AM continued:
Today is the last day for mail if we want it to go out tomorrow so I better get this finished.  We had the farewell dinner and dance last evening, which seemed strange as we won't be getting to Bremerhaven until Friday afternoon.  We came to the conclusion last night that we have now reached either the end of the beginning or the beginning of the end.

Our cabin has almost been converted to the branch hospital.  Ann has been in bed with tonsillitis, Alison has some sort of strange internal problem and RoseMary went to bed yesterday with a sore throat.  I'm feeling fine.

We have a final group meeting this morning as those going to France and Spain will be parting ways with us tomorrow.  I'm searching through the Münster group in hopes of finding a stamp collector.  No luck yet but I'm certain that in the next couple months I will find one or learn something myself.  Maybe both.

I finished Chapter One of Heidi yesterday.  I'm certainly not a speed reader of German yet.  In Münster I'll be about on Mary Virginia's level.  We have our classes from 9-12 in a public grade school.  We even get a mid-morning break with milk and cookies.

We have finally lost all the hours we are going to lose.  The day I fly back will be a long one as I'll be gaining back the five hours all at once.

At the meeting (the one referred to about three paragraphs back is now in the past tense) I got $2 to spend for dinner Friday night in Bremen.  Saturday breakfast is included in the hotel and we'll be in Münster by lunch.  We were also give $4 per person for the room steward and $5 each for the waiter.

My Christmas vacation will probably be from December 20 until January 11.  When shall I expect you?  Classes in Münster will probably be over on February 27.  All dates are tentative but at least we have a general idea.

I need Roberta's address or she can write to me first after I find out my address.  Have she and Vanessa found jobs yet?

(Wednesday PM) We just passed Bishop's Rock Light House.  It was so far off in the distance though that I couldn't see any solid ground.

I'm not sure where I'll be when I write again or where I'll be when you get this letter even.  There is a very long line now to buy stamps so this may not get mailed right away.  I hope you all are well and continue to stay that way!

Love,

Catherine

P.S.  How's my bicycle?  I hope you're taking good care of it for me.  I'm sorry I left such a mess in Mary's room.  Next time I leave for Germany I'll try to do better!  I appreciate your taking me to New York.  Both the French and Chinese meals will be remembered.  And I'm already making good use of the clothes.  THANKS!

1979 Roberta's Letter -Sep.21

Friday Morning

6:45 A.M.

[9/21/79]

Good Morning!!!

Marion and Buffy both just got off to school.  Ole Buffy was out to the Groomer's yesterday afternoon so he really looks good --- yellow ribbons in his ears and everything.  So Marion takes him to school for show and tell.

Yesterday was the first time since getting back that I went to the pool.  There was no-one there at all and very hot -- was there at 1:00 in the afternoon.  Peak sun time.  Did take a book over to read, but just too hot . .. . did get in the pool for awhile, sure felt good.  Just riding back and forth to school on the bike I've gotten a little tan on just my arms and legs.  Always wear just shorts and sleeveless tops.

Last night we took our cans out to BIRP to sell.  Had the largest bunch yet -- 58 pounds -- $13.40.  But considering that it took 5 days to get them -- that's not as good as the week before when we took two loads out -- both at about $11 -- so $22 for a seven day period.  But, I'm not too worried as Friday night is always a good night.  Plus last weekend didn't do that much collecting.  Had a small paper due on Monday -- so that took priority.

As to this paper -- have not gotten it back yet.  But in class on Wednesday we were given this description of twelve people -- all made up -- and then five jobs -- volunteer jobs -- such as Public Relations, Finances, Food and Housing, etc. . . and with the description of the people that volunteered we were to match up jobs with people.  So I did the little deal.  Then the teacher said who wanted to tell who and why they had picked.  Then like in the same sentence she said "ROBERTA, with that paper you turned in you should be contributing more in class.  It was very good."  I was in shock.  The paper had to describe two situations of leadership, and different functions that went on.  The two examples I used were collecting cans and down at the nursing home.  After I wrote the rough draft of it Marion helped me really make it sound good.

I don't think I finished the story on the shoe hunt.  I went to the Birkenstock place -- and they didn't have any to fit me except for a pair that I didn't like.  So then I got on the phone and nothing turned up.  Then last weekend we were out to the mall -- the old one with Penny's etc. in it.  There was a shoe store I looked in last year for Miller's shoes.  And stopped there and found a pair of Dr. Scholl's (sp?) -- sandals, wedge style -- really very comfortable.  Miller's have got some new styles really good looking casual shoes -- but they didn't have any in my size.  They would be glad to order them -- would take between four months and six months -- and would be the basic price of $58 dollars.  WOW!!!

Agnes is not doing so good.  She was to the County Clinic on Wednesday.   Doctor there put her to bed for at least a week.  So now she is to lie flat with leg elevated up.  Getting shots in the stomach.  We went down last night to see her for a few minutes.  On Wednesday she had said that we should take the TV home -- as the new lady in her room keeps falling over it -- plus she (Agnes) can't watch it lying down on her back.  Then yesterday morning the cleaning lady put a pail of water on top of the TV -- water she was cleaning the floors with.  That was it -- Agnes told us to take the TV home.

Fred is still not doing so good.  He can just barely get around.  Hasn't felt like going down to the nursing home yet after his fall -- tho he did not break anything but still arm and wrist is little swollen and with black and blue.  He has a cleaning lady -- compliments of some gov't program -- for two hours a week.  She could go after his groceries and all -- but he says he needs her at home doing cleaning.  So between Marion and I we do most of his shopping.  He writes these long lists -- telling us exactly what he want, size, everything -- just that both of us have trouble reading his writing.

I better get going.  Thanks for the articles . . . and the letters . .. .

Love,

Roberta

1969 -Catherine goes to Germany -Sep.

Wilmington (Ohio) News-Journal p.6 - Monday, September 29, 1969

BOUND FOR GERMANY -- Miss Catherine Uible, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Harold Uible of New Vienna, is aboard the ship, M.S. Europa, a North German Luxury Liner, bound for Europe to study in Germany.  She is one of 200 members of the Kalamazoo College junior year class who sailed from New York to study in France, Spain and Germany.

1979 Catherine's Letter -Sep.8

Thursday, Sat., September 8, 1979

Dear Mother, Dad, Mary & Serena,

Hi!  Hope John & Carol got off OK today and don't run into any hurricanes.

It's now Saturday so you can see I didn't get too far with this yet.  It was good talking to Mother on the phone yesterday.  Sorry we can't be more explicit about our plans for Christmas.  But it looks now like we won't be going to San Diego.  Also received your letter yesterday.

It is rather cool (60º) and cloudy today but we are still planning to play golf this afternoon.  Gerry has already gone up to the course to play 9 holes and then our friends Bob & Emily are picking me up at 1:00 and we'll all play 9 holes.  Emily is more of a beginner than I am so I won't feel too bad.  Wendy will be staying with one of the tenants.  She is taking her nap right now.  She is still taking her nap around 10:30 and then going to bed around 8:00 which is much preferable than her old schedule.  She really likes her new friend Julie who lives in #21.  They play together about all day long.  Julie will be 3 in December and can talk much better than Wendy but Wendy is about 2" taller.  Wendy is now 2'11" and weighs 29 pounds.  I see from my baby book that I weighed 27½ pounds but no mention of height at that age.

The landscapers arrived yesterday and started revamping the sprinkler system.  They figure it will take them a week to have it working properly.  They are trying to convince Chambers to use sod instead of seed for an extra $2000.  It would certainly be baster and probably easier for us.

Well, I have to iron my pants to wear so better close.  I'm sending the pictures to Roberta today so you should see them soon.

Love,

Catherine, Gerry & Wendy

1979 Catherine's Letter -Sep.17

September 17, 1979

Dear Mother, Dad & Mary,

Hi!  Here it is Monday - the beginning of another work week.  Both Gerry and I woke up with colds this morning.  Hope they pass quickly and if we're lucky Wendy won't catch it.

Wendy had a nasty little accident last Friday morning.  She fell head first off the front of the chicken tyke-bike that her friend Julie loaned her.  Anyway it brought her chin in direct contact with the sidewalk and resulted in lots of blood on her shirt.  I didn't know if it was serious enough to require stitches so I called Gerry.  He came home and checked over and we decided to take her to the Dr. who sewed her up with three stitches -- not really that serious but the Dr. said there would be less scar that way.  Wendy was very calm the whole time until the Dr. strapped her in a papoose board while he took care of her.  Then she kept crying "All Done" and "Bye-Bye."  I was supposed to taker her back tomorrow to have the stitches removed but last night while she was playing in the kitchen and hit her chin on something and ripped out the stitches so that it all started to bleed again.  It is all scabbed over again now and doesn't look bad but the stitches are all gone.

We (Wendy & I) went to Joan & John's [neighbors] wedding on Saturday morning.  Their (John's sister and family) were supposed to come from Montana but never showed up.  Joan called me early Saturday to see if I'd be her Maid of Honor since her sister-in-law hadn't come.  they they had a party-reception-supper in the evening.  We met alot of their other friends we had never met before.  Mostly guys that John works with and their families.

Yesterday we played golf with Bob & Emily again.  I left Wendy with the same sitter as the week before and she did much better this week.  Also I think if I leave her every Wednesday morning [bowling] maybe before too long she'll be endurable when I'm gone.

We made reservations to stay in a motel in Bend that has a waterbed on Saturday night.  We figure we'll do some shopping for Wendy and eat dinner out to complete our mini-vacation. 

Well, I better get this out in the mail.  Hope you have received the pictures by now.

Love,

Catherine, Gerry & Wendy

1979 Roberta's Letterss -Sep.13

[The first letter, with the chipmunk, was sent to GHU aka Grandma]

Thursday

1:30 pm

[9/13/79]

Hi Grandma!

Thanks alot for your letter – my!  the Hortons sure had a trip to remember on their trip back to Florida!!

School is going pretty good – as of yesterday I now officially have a paper or project to do for every class!  Most of them are not due in till about mid November or 1st part of December.

Yesterday we took our 3rd batch of aluminum cans (soda cans) out to the recycle center – we had 51 pounds – $11.73 worth.  That's not bad for the amount of time it takes in only 4 days!

I'm enclosing pictures Catherine sent me – please give them to the family.  They came out pretty good – Also sending a xerox copy of them – you can keep or send on to the Hortons. 

107º today!  Sure Hot!

Love,

Roberta

*      *      *      *     *

[Next letter sent to family, later the same day]

Thursday P.M.

[9/13/79]

Dear Family,

Want to thank you all for the letter yesterday and for the needlepoint package which came in today -- perfect shape, was sure a good way to mail it, with collapsed box.  It's 7:30 and I just got in from my half hour of collecting cans.  Did you all by chance see the article in the Christian Science Monitor about recycling of cans, etc.  It was a good article.  Was going to send it to you all but then Marion wanted it for her class at school to put it on the bulletin board, so in a weak moment gave it to her.

From looking in the dumpsters you could really collect up paper -- but it pays only 1 cent per pound, so for that seems like you would wear your self out with the weight, and not that much money in it.

Today it tried to rain, was actually raining this morning.  So I got a ride to school with Mickey (who lives in the same building as us) -- parks her car right next to the truck.  Then Marion picked me up on her way home from school.  It's only about a mile out of her way to come home that way.  Didn't have any classes, but trying to get caught up on the reading for the one class -- as now about half done -- that is with the group that is due by next Wednesday.  All the books are on reserve, only two hours check out time.

I don't think I have mentioned it before, but Fred Williams fell on Sunday.  He hurt his wrist, and arm -- both were swollen and very black and blue.  Also alot of pain in both the arm area and his ribs.  He had a Doctor's appt. for tomorrow -- he doesn't want them (the Veterans) to know about his fall.  He is afraid that he will have to be put in some "awful home" -- tho he says that the place where Agnes is -- is just fine for her.  And how the VA place would be better -- but he sure doesn't want to be stuck there.  I was out to see him on Tuesday, and he was somewhat better as to how the arm looked, and how he felt.  Today called him and he says that the Veterans will surely know about his fall, since his arm is still black and  blue.  He really is getting to the place where he should not be living at home by himself.

I sent Grandma just today the pictures that Catherine sent me -- I don't know if she wants them back or what the story is behind them.  I thought that they were all pretty good -- tho I'm anxious to see the real pictures of the wedding.  Had a call from John yesterday from St. Thomas.  I tried to call them up early last Thursday -- set my alarm for 3:30 A.M. -- but they must have already left -- as got no answer.

Did get over to the Birkenstock sandal place -- but can you believe it -- they didn't have any to fit me -- except for one pair -- which were made up on one single stray [strap?] near the toes -- $43 for them -- so I'm still wearing the thong type and also my last year famolare's.  They did tell me that they could order me a pair -- would take 8 to 10 weeks.  this weekend I'm going to check the places that I saw my size of famolares last year.

Now Friday AM - at school - 8:15 - takes me just 20 minutes to get to school -- I got those chiggers so bad I used up both the After Bite & other medicine JB got me in Kent.  Went to drugstore & got more medicine & now just small scars & some black & blue places left.  After-Bite is good -- for bites -- if you put it on right away.  Druggist really said it was good for that.  I was thinking I had written before now about the awful case of chiggers I had.

OK - gotta go - will get this in this AM's mail --

Love,

Berta

1949 Catherine's Schedule -Sep.1949

1979 Catherine's Letter -Sep.12

Wednesday, September 12, 1979

Dear Mother, Dad and Mary,

Hi!  thanks for your letter which arrived yesterday.  Glad to hear things are settling down somewhat for you.  When do John & Carol return?

I went bowling this morning as I joined the Wednesday morning league.  Didn't do too well but I haven't bowled for a long time so I didn't feel too bad.  Plenty of room for improvement anyway.  Gerry is doing well in hisTuesday night league.  the worst part for him is that t doesn't start until 9:00 so it is 11:30 or so before he gets home.  It doesn't see to bother his back anymore than it is already bothered.  He says if it hasn't improved within a month he will go back to the Dr. and probably make arrangements to have a milogram done.  That is the test where they put some kind of chemicals into the spine to find out where the problem is.

Tonight we are having a friend over for dinner.  I have a chicken going in the crock-pot.  We are going to have potatoes & green beans and maybe I'll make some biscuits to go with it.  We ate lunch at The Stag today, a restaurant down town.  They have a nice buffet lunch but today were featuring chicken so we passed.  I had a crab salad which came with lots of crab.

Tomorrow night is the UMW meeting.  I figure I better go and find out whether I am elected secretary or not.  The program is going to be on Women of the Bible, being acted out by women in costume.  Should be interesting.  Gerry is going to stay home with Wendy.

Well, I'm going to put this out for the mailman and then see if I can take a nap while Wendy is still sleeping.

Love,

Catherine, Gerry &

Wendy

1979 Roberta's Letter -Sep.9

Sunday 11:00 A.M.

[9/9/79]

Dear Family,

Just got home from Church -- we just can't seem to make it to the 8:30 service -- bud do fine in getting to the 9:45 service -- and I want to get this out in the 12:00 noon pick-up so may seem a bit hurried.

Your letter (along with a letter from Serena) came yesterday.  Thanks . . . . . also for the generous Wells check.  I found a cute cartoon just yesterday about a company that had a computer . . . . and how it was there to keep the employees on the ball . . . . well, guess you would have to see it in order to the whole effect . . . or is it affect.

We sure had the heat lately.  It's hard to dress for at school there are buildings that are so cold I get goose bumps all over me, then outside its 109º.  Here we keep the AC at 80 -- which feels good when you first come in, but after being in for awhile, doesn't seem all that comfortable.  I just don't know how the pioneers made it.

Yesterday we took five boxes out to a new place I read about in the paper for selling alum. cans.  This place paid 23 cents per pound, as compared to 16 cents where we took them before.  We had to put them on this huge cart -- boxes and all.  Then cart and all were weighed and the guy gave me a slip that said weight 156, minus 106 -- 50 pounds.  Then I took that to a cashier and she gave me $11.50!!!!!!  Now that was just unbelievable !!!!  I still don't see how we had 50 pounds of cans, because the last time we only had 30 pounds (tho we have no proof either time) and we didn't have that many more.  This time we did see the scale and all, where the last time you put them (cans) in a machine and then the machine spit out money to you.  This new place is just a block or two further than the other place.  It's on center near University.  Its called BIRP.  They will also buy newspapers and steel containers -- both for 1 cent a pound.  I figure that's not worth messing with.  Also glass -- but price is very low.  Now this $11.50 worth we got between Tuesday and Saturday.  And very little time -- and virtually no extra gas used.  I've gotten into the habit of going over to the small park -- near Rhodes school every day.  Also most days -- without any effort I get two plastic bags full at school.  Then there are some construction sights (guess that should be sites) very near us . . . . . I find the lunch spots for the crews -- and always alot of cans there.

Have you all heard from Serena since she went to Chicago????  I'm glad that it worked out for her to go up with Debbie.  Did she take very much stuff with her???

I plan to go to school today . . . . get more cans.  I have so much reading to do, most of which is not allowed to be taken out of the library.  On Reserve, two hour limit.  Most of the readings are not what you call quick, enjoyable type.  In my one class I have a small paper due Wednesday.  On leadership.  To quote from the teacher "a small paper, two or three pages,"  Then something about she wanted us to get into practice.  I'm afraid for what is to follow.  We do have a big "deal" of some sort in that class to do -- but as of yet -- she doesn't have the details out.  Guess the first week all the machines - ditto, etc. in the dept. were down.  Kind of slowed things down some. 

One of my classes, something about Administration and Recreation, the book won't be in till later this month.  But the Professor is so full of hot air, seems to be we could get by without a book.  I have this man (Haley) for two classes.  He really is a character.  Grew up in Boston, went to Ohio State, loves to pick on Yankees and people from Scottsdale.  He pointed out Friday how Scottsdale is really a ghetto -- according to the definition of ghetto.

Friday was the second meeting of the special topics class -- in order to get an A out of that class you have to work on some sort of project and then present it to the class.  (now 7 people) or at least that was how many were there Friday.  I am thinking of doing something on CHURCH PROGRAMS FOR SENIOR CITIZENS -- or something on that line.  There is a new minister down at 1st United who is primarily working with senior citizens.  I talked with him some on Wednesday -- at the $1 supper.  It was Mexican night -- two taco's, rice, beans, and very little salad, two cookies -- not bad.  We did stay for the Bible Study -- Agnes enjoyed very much, but Fred kept asking how much longer.  Finally -- almost to the end -- Marion got up and took Fred home.  I don't think we will try that again.  Probably one of us take him home directly after the meal. 

I seem to be having all sorts of problems with my shoes.  First of all the sandals that I wore in New Vienna this summer -- the custom made ones -- well the strap broke -- the one that hold the buckle near the ankle.  So I took them out to get fixed -- or should say to get an estimate on how much.  The answer was between $15 to $20 -- because he pointed out several other things -- like the soles -- etc that need fixed.  So I simply said, I wanted to think about it.  Then I started wearing the other custom-made ones that I had stretched in Wilmington -- and they wore two bad places -- one per foot.  So I put them aside and got out the pair I had bought in India -- and had them on one day -- and got two new sore places -- right at the top of the foot.  So now I'm wearing a pair of sandals that I have started to throw out several times.  They don't hurt my feet at all, but are just not comfortable.  They are similar to thongs.  Then yesterday I was looking at the paper and saw BIRKENSTOCK sandals advertised.  Mother, perhaps you remember, they are the ones that I found in New Jersey, and liked so well, then we went over to look at them, and Serena got a pair.  They are really suppose to be good sandals, good for the feet, etc.  Last year I talked to someone at work who had a pair -- but she had gone to Tucson to get them.  Their new shop is right near ASU -- I plan to take some of the Wells check to get them.  I figure thats money well spent.  I looked and looked for sandals -- Famolare -- but no luck here either.  Alot of stores are going to quit carrying them -- say that they are too hard to keep in supply -- orders are to hard to get in.  I'm anxious to see selection of these Birkenstock -- plan to make a trip over there on Monday.  Will let you know.

Gotta go -- Hope all is fine -- would you like recent picture of Buffy?

Love,

Berta

1989 Jean's Mentor, Alice Martin, dies Sep.4

1989 Roberta's Letter -Sep.4

9/4/89

Dear Folks,

Hi!  Good to talk to you all this past weekend!  Grandma sure sounds good on the phone -- I'm anxious to get her a VCR in New Vienna!

We showed a very good VCR film today at Sr. Village - ON THE EDGE -  filmed in Washington State.  quite a touching story - tho a few words in it you don't hear in Sunday School!  I worked most of the day -- tho I did get a 5½ mile walk w/ the walking club early AM --

Sid has not been feeling well at all -- has been to the Doctors -- all kinds of tests, everything comes back perfect -- so that is encouraging!  He really doesn't make a very good sick person!  Thank goodness for good HEALTH insurance -- or he would be sick over the cost of all those tests!  I just hope he doesn't overdo it when he goes to Indiana - between those 2 grandchild he entertains & ALL of Judy's jobs she has "saved" for him!

I think part of his health problems are ARTHRITIC -- not deadly just lots of discomfort!  Perhaps better not to say anything to him about above -- he doesn't much appreciate attention in that way!  Tho I am tempted to call Judy -- quite on the sly!

These AFC homes usually cost $700 to $1200 per month.  Sr. Village rates are going up to $675 up from $650!  Still a bargain!  We now have 2 private pay paying double for a large private room!  Even have 1 more interested in doing that!  Only problem there is when they would move out - then actually lose the same as 2 residents.  We make no $ from an empty bed -- and you can never recover it!

This past year we were $16 thousand above estimated budget - PROFIT - except w/ a non profit organization like FSC all the $ has to go back into the program.  (No problem there!)

Could you use some pecans, Mom?  We hope to get back to the food bank in September (& then October too!).  We have alll enjoyed those apples from the Food Bank!

I've been looking at those mini vans - also good used cars - about 1984 - family sedan types.  The Impala has been a good car but it's been telling me it's ready for retirement!  In only has 160,000 miles!

It's been very humid here -- Santa Fe will be a great change -- I'm sure glad Joe is doing so great!  I told someone today that I was going to Santa Fe & they thought the city was in California!  (And I thought my geography was BAD!)

OK - gotta go -- See you all October 4th!

Much Love,

Roberta

1989 MV's Letter -Sep.3

9-3-89

Dear Mom & Dad --

Thanks so much for calling this week -- what a nice surprise!  Already last Sunday seems like years ago.  What a busy day.

In reserving rooms, I got 3 in Larabee (where you normally stay) - 2 have double beds, 1 has twin beds.  The room equipped for a wheelchair is in Grice (the other male dorm) also has a private bath.  The Larabee rooms are $28/night, the Grice room is $26/night.  Right now, the rooms are reserved for Saturday and Sunday night.  That can be changed if you all choose to leave on Sunday.  I just wanted to let you know they are available.

Also enclosed is the latest insurance bill, with the corrected amount.  Thank you for taking care of that.

I hope you had a nice visit with John, and that he got to stay through today.  I was sorry not to see him.

My new roommate is from Columbus, Mississippi, majoring in Christian Education.  She just finished her bachelors in music 3 weeks ago at Old Miss.  She's 23 and very nice.  I think we'll get along fine.

I'm sending an application to a church in Douglas, GA and I got a letter from a church in Denver (CO) that they had my resume & would be contacting me when they close applications.  The Denver church has about 1100 members and are willing to pay $25-$30,000/year.  They must have some rich folks in the congregation.  Otherwise I haven't heard anything else back.  Bill Goold got a call from a church in Alabama looking for someone.  He's supposed to get me more info.  He wouldn't say where in Alabama.

I'm putting in a recital invitation that I did.  I figure they cost me about 5¢/ a card -- which is very appealing over professional alternatives.  It serves the purpose well.  I'll probably mail them out this week or next.

I just called Shakertown to make dinner reservations and they are full on 10/7 in non-smoking so I'll make them elsewhere.  Well, I just called Fifth Quarter, a restaurant known in Lexington for their salad bar and steaks.  We have a table reserved at 5:30 on 10/7 in non-smoking.

Mother you had mentioned getting paper supplies for the reception?  I think shades of pink and burgundy -- we'll need drinking glasses (8 oz); napkins (full dinner size); table clothes (24 to fit an oblong table of six) and plastic ware.  I think Lorraine has everything else.  Oh -- yes cups for the fruit salad (4 oz) and plates for the sandwiches.  There may be some cups up in the closet from the last recital that could be used for the fruit salad.  I don't know how many were left -- actually if that burgundy sheet is still available, we could use that to cover the main food tables & just get 22 table clothes.  (Enough supplies for 150)

Well - I think that takes care of all the "business" for now.  Hope everything is well in New Vienna.  Please tell Grandma & Hortons hello.

Love,

Mary Va.

October 26, 1909 Ira to Dorsey

Originally published in this blog on November 14, 2009

MAIN ST. MOUND CITY, MO 19 (October 26, 1909), originally uploaded by morgazgc.

October 26, 1909, originally uploaded by morgazgc.

Ira to his son Dorsey
Oct. 26, 1909 Will start home to-night
arr. [arrived] o.k. -- I. H
You can Gslef [??best guess] home the rest of the folks.
You can give this card to Gladys.
Here's a card from a man who was probably more used to writing notes than postcards, we do know at least that Gladys was given the card since we are now reading it a mere 110 years later. I have studied the indecipherable word and can't come up with anything better than "Gslef" -- any guesses on what he was trying to communicate? We will assume that he is traveling by train and perhaps he (and his wife? since the card is addressed to their son) had gone to visit oldest daughter Luna after getting in the fall harvest on the farm.
Mound City appears to have a wide electrified unpaved Main Street with one of those new-fangled traffic signals or warning lights at the near and far end of the street. In 2008, Mound City's population was 1,074, so perhaps about the same size as New Vienna, 24% with German ancestry according to City-data.com accessed 11/14/09.

1979 Catherine's letter to MV -Sep.3

Labor Day - Monday, September 3, 1979

Dear Mary,

Hi!  Thought I'd write you a letter while we are watching the Jerry Lewis telethon.  We haven't done too much this weekend but rest and relax.  Yesterday we went down to Sisters, about 50 miles from here.  We had lunch at a pizza place which is the best pizza we've found since San Diego.  then we went out into the woods from there to commune with nature during the afternoon.  Wendy enjoyed running around.  On the way home we had supper at a Chinese restaurant in Redmond.

How is band going?  Have you performed at a football game yet?  What did you all do with John & Carol home for the weekend?

We're having the apartments inspection on Wednesday.  Sure wish you were here to help me get things cleaned up and to keep Wendy out of my way for awhile.  I'm no6 going to worry too much about it.

We have been showing off our new Velva-Sheen shirts.  All our friends are envious.  I was thinking I should have got one of those night-shirts like you got for DeeDee.  If you go again do you think you could fine one in her size.  We could give it to her for Christmas.  Or maybe it is something you folks would want to give her.  Whatever

Write soon and let us know how things are going with you.

Love,

Catherine, Gerry & Wendy

1979 Family Letter -Sep.3

Monday - Labor Day
September 3, 1979

Dearest Roberta, Catherine, Gerry & Wendy,

Things are gradually getting back to normal but we do miss all of you for it was nice having you at home - even briefly.  John and Carol came Saturday afternoon and stayed til about 2:30 this afternoon.  And the Hortons left yesterday.

We had them all up Saturday evening for supper and then got to see John's pictures he took in Europe.  The wedding pictures which we took down to the NV Pharmacy to be developed Wednesday were back so enjoyed seeing those too and picked out some that thought you would enjoy having copies of and will send them when we get them.  John took them up to Newark to have prints made there.  Since they will be gone for a week don't expect to get them too soon but hope to have them soon after that.

Sunday after Sunday School and church we went to the Golden Lamb to have dinner.  It was good but too much to eat as both appetizer and dessert are included and none of us needed that dessert at all but everything was good.  Dad and Grandma went on down to Cincinnati to take Aunt Mary and Uncle Bill to the airport only to find that their flight had been cancelled a half hour before due to the hurricane DAVID.  They were given $13 to have dinner (but weren't too hungry for some reason) and sent to the Howard Johnson motel nearby.  Dad talked to them alter and they seemed to be enjoying themselves.  Aunt Mary had called Melissa Holbrook      ?      who lives in Madeira and has two little boys.  She had hoped to have time to call her so things worked out for that.

We took Mary Virginia over to Sabina this morning as the band was marching in the Labor Day parade there.  We backtracked to Debbie Haines' house where we left her and her things as Debbie was going to take her to the parade and then back home for some lunch.  Grandma went with us and stayed for lunch.  Had our own corn on the cob and tomatoes as well as some turkey patties we had gotten at Bernards.  John and Carol were invited to another cookout this evening so they didn't stay too long after we ate.  They dis take some apples, tomatoes, and green beans as well as cabbage & got some of Grandma's grapes.  They didn't want too much as they will be leaving Thursday for their honeymoon.  Hope hurricane or storm Frederick doesn't get too intense to spoil their trip.

John and Carol said they really enjoyed the go-getters Class as they had  just started a new series on the Family lead by the minister so glad they had something of substance.

We washed both the Mercury and the Chev this afternoon and they both look alot nicer.  The Chev has gotten quite a bit of tar on the sides.  Dad parked the Dodge Dart down in Grandma's garage until we see who needs it or and / if we sell or get ride of the Mercury.  At least it is still insured and is usable.  Last year we were in need of another car often and this year we have three.

Serena told me to tell you, Roberta, that Allen Haines asked about you.  He is going to go to Ohio University this fall and get or work on his masters in Photography.  I hardly knew him under so much beard and all.

Have a pile of things to go back to you that we found after you left, Catherine.  Nothing of great importance but did find Wendy's light blue shirt with the kitten on it and a couple of little things she had left plus the blue washcloth.  Do hope that the navy purse of Wend's shows up - hopefully the motel in Kent will know something about it and send it back.

Had our own corn for the first time today - one of my farmer friends told me that I needed some nitrogen additive for  a better crop.  Saturday afternoon hauled in a pick up load of manure from a friend's farm and put that around our rhubarb, asparagus and berry patches - so hopefully they will do better in 1980.  Hardly seems possible that this year is ⅔ gone.  Grandma had a card from Joe Horton from Japan - he is there for two weeks - visiting a friend "Tak", who he knew at UC.  Joe is due in the states in October.  Still have had no work as to the Hortons getting to LW today.  Uncle Bill says he is going to retire the end of this year.

[Love, etc.]

1989 Catherine's Fax -Sep.1

Friday, September 1, 1989 11:50am

Dear Mother & Dad,

Hi!  How are things going in New Vienna?  I only have a few minutes but was just prompted to write by the visit of Jay Fritzler.  He said he is a rep of Wells and had been meaning to drop by for a long time and finally got to the Main Library.  (He said he is a regular at the Velma Teague Branch.)  He also said "You look just like your father."  He asked how many years since you were in Arizona for Christmas and I figured it must have been at least three since it was before we moved here.  He remembered going to lunch then with Dad at the Westcourt but said he doubted if you would ever take him to lunch again since he had a drink.

The program I went to yesterday was very interesting.  You would have enjoyed the in-depth tour of the bookbindery.  And then the afternoon program at Scottsdale was presented by E.A. Hass, also known as Dr. Rita Book (formerly of the radio show Kids America).  She was quite a comedienne and I think would go over extremely well with children.  Are you still interested in booklists, etc., Mother?

We do not have too many plans for the weekend.  Gerry and I are playing golf a couple of times and Wendy's choice of things to do includes a visit to Metrocenter and lunch at Olive Garden.  I guess she is planning her birthday list.  for her birthday dinner she wants to go to Bobbie McGee's.

Quite often she mentions Christmas and worries about how is she going to survive all the teasing.

I will try to get the pictures you sent to Wendy off to you in the near future.

My time is about up as I have to work the desk 12-1 before going to lunch so I better close.

HAPPY LABOR DAY!

Love, Catherine, Gerry & Wendy

1969 MV in Kindergarten

1959-60 Roberta's Writing - Beginning and end of 3rd grade

Mrs. Woodmansee performed miracles at New Vienna School:

 [What exactly was Roberta's middle name -- Roberta Sur B.A. Uible ??]

1979 Roberta's Letter -Sep.1

Saturday Afternoon

3:00 P.M.

[9/1/79 or possibly 9/8/79]

Dear Family,

Have been waiting all week to hear from you and finally decided today I better get out a letter, and perhaps that would bring better results.  This last week has really been a busy one, so really not much time for writing and other past-times.

Classes yesterday seemed to be getting into business.  The names of my classes are:  URBAN LEISURE SYSTEMS, THEORY PRINCIPLES RECREATION PROGRAM, ADMINISTRATION LEISURE SERVICES, AND PS AGING.  I don't think I had all the official names of courses home with me this summer.  Each course has a project of some kind already assigned, two of them have already handed out a list -- like a full page list -- of necessary reading and the like.  Each of these I should have had the earlier course for a pre-requisite before taking it.  Plus was suppose to have had a course -- also undergraduate -- called leisure and society -- which I got excused from altogether.  Now my advisor has told me that I should get that textbook and read it.  I was talking to someone yesterday who had taken the course and still has the book, so will just borrow it from them.

I called up Aleini when I got in -- or rather on Monday.  He wanted to talk to me on Wednesday.  He is my advisor.  So he met me on Wednesday in the building where my classes are -- thought that was pretty nice of him.  He broke the news to me that he thought it would be a good idea to get Accounting in -- tho not this semester, or necessarily at ASU.  He said that it is a requirement for undergraduates in Recreation and he thought that it would be good for me to have it.  He said that alot of students because of money reasons, or convenience, etc got it at the Junior College.  I never quite imagine myself taking Accounting.  He also wanted me to sign up for a Special Topics class -- which just meets on Fridays between 12:00 and 1:15 -- so I did that.  It is just a one hour credit thing -- but no book (thank goodness at the price of books) necessary and no cut class outline.  We are to tell them (three professors seem to be running it) next week what we would like see done.  Their were only 8 students in it last week.  It's suppose to be the type thing where you take your lunch.  I talked to Aleini about working and he said he felt that I should really concentrate on school this semester and then think about it -- if necessary -- for next semester.

Our area is sure growing around here.  The townhouses directly behind us are through with their first phase.  Some 44 finished, and alot of them sold, some people are already living back there, tho still much work is being done on landscaping and future building.  The ones that are finished now are selling for $49 thou, and the ones that they are just starting to build -- and should be ready for move-in by February will be about $3 thou more.  Hard to believe.  They are Hallcraft just like this one -- tho they are alot classey looking -- as I understand it these were about $24 thou when first bought.  Now people selling them are getting close to $40 thou.  How do you all like that thou business????

The Sears store now has Goldwaters and Broadway as open-for-business- neighbors. Tho at the present you have to enter each one separately.  The actual mall is not to be open till October 3rd.  There are two new restaurants being built right down here at Alma School and Southern.  Speaking of restaurants -- we haven't eaten out since we got back -- and that will be a week tomorrow.  And even more surprising we haven't been to Swenson's -- tho the rumor is out that we might make it out there tonight or tomorrow.  Just make sure it is still there and operating.  Mother, would you like me to put down a small deposit on one of the new (to be done in February) townhouses for you -- so you would be sure and have one?????

We never did get the bikes started, so had to have them out to the Honda dealer, where it was necessary to do something to the battery, carb. (sp?) and gas lines.  It came to a total of $9 dollars which I thought to be pretty reasonable.  I did ride my bike to school yesterday.  Took me about 15 minutes to get from door here, to the door of the building.  Not bad.  My first professor -- the 8:40 class says that if you are more than three minutes late, then go to the student union and get a cup of coffee or drink.  He doesn't want his class interrupted.  I want to get in the habit of leaving here early and getting some studying done in the morning over there.  The library opens up at 7:00 a.m.  Was there Wednesday, and took me some 40 minutes to track down two different books -- out of a list of some 15 books.  Found out later that the dept. has their own library.  The school library is offering a 50 minute tour which I plan to take this week.  Understand that it is for free.  I did check out the two books -- one month policy.  Tho with the amount of reading I need to be doing, I best not need one month of these two.

I have the feeling that I am going to like the class on aging the best.  In it we have to go on 6 out of the ten class visits to all sorts of nursing homes, senior citizen centers, etc.  Then we have to go on four visits by ourselves -- different than those we go on as a class.  He  also will have alot of guest speakers in and it sounds like it really will be good.

Agnes (speaking of nursing homes) seems fine.  She made me a very nice quilt -- made out of just squares of poly material -- no back on it -- thinking about just putting a sheet on back side of it.  Also a pillow which would be hard to describe -- you all will just have to come out and see it.  Fred is much worse.  Can just barely get around.  He is going to have to go into a nursing home, tho he says he sure doesn't want to get stuck where Agnes is -- but being a veteran he will probably go into one of their places.

Did you know that the federal gov't just recently passed a law saying that any "nursing home" has to have an Activities Director????

Please send me Joe's address -- my cousin.  Had a letter today from Mary Greene, and she said that her brother Mike -- who is also in Saudi Arabia was in a very bad car accident.  Was unconscious for quite some time, broke his collar-bone, and really had his face messed up.  Mary graduated from Berkley in June, and has been taking flight instruction (to fly plane) this summer.  She has a job in Japan starting in October.  Will be teaching English.  Tho what she really wanted to get into (and still plans to) is that of hotel management.

Just this morning we finally finished -- if you want to call it that -- putting stuff away.  The first few days all we had was a small path through the downstairs to walk.  I have a drawer behind kitchen table to put my books, etc in . . . so am using kitchen table as desk.

So what have you all been doing, did you get the Mexican dinner fitted in the schedule while Catherine and Wendy were there???  What all did the Hortons do while in New Vienna???  Did Uncle Bill get out to the Country Club???  And did they get to see Marianne?  What did C.W. think of the factory and all of its changes?

I wish I had gotten a letter off earlier in the week to have made it home now -- when John and Carol were there.  How much of the weekend did they spend in New Vienna??? Did they mention anything exciting they got for their wedding -- in line of gifts.  They sure had a table full.  Oh, Marion sure appreciated the cake.  But I don't think she put it under her pillow -- just ate it.  We have been having some very good cantaloupe here -- 19 cents a pound.  Not too bad.  Gas here is just under a dollar, a gallon.

Grandma, I'm sure using the yellow back-pack you gave me.  It's one of the few pretty ones on the campus.  Tho most everyone it seems has one -- but usually a dull navy blue.

Serena, what are you doing???  You should be about recuperated from your trip from Ft. Dodge to Kent by now.  I was sure tired making it from Denver to here in one day plus one evening -- and I only did half the driving.  Are you still planning on going to Chicago?  If you go, I understand it gets cold there, take boots.  As I've already said, you are more than welcome to try out this area.  I understand that there is a courthouse in Phoenix.

I better go.  Mary Virginia you should be getting -- or have got small (very small package) soon.  You really did a great job on the first one -- or rather the second one -- if you look at it in relation to when they were bought -- even if it didn't get ironed!!!

We got Church letter -- notice that youth choirs are beginning again.  Also that Wednesday night suppers are still a buck.  They are starting up again this coming Wednesday -- we will be there.  I'll tell Mrs. Garrett hello from Mary Virginia and will no doubt ask her if I could sing for her sometime.  Probably THIS WORLD IS NOT MY HOME.  I feel like that is about my best song.  Tho I am working very hard to develop new ones. Should I send a tape to you Mary Virginia??

OK -- gotta go.  Thanks again for everything.  Hope you can read my typing -- but I understand that it is easier to read than my writing.

Love,

Berta