1969 Catherine's Letter -Oct.17

Münster

October 17, 1969

Dear Mother, Dad, Serena, John, Mary,

Hi!  In nine hours we get on the bus for Berlin.  That leaves me a half hour to write this, 7 hours to sleep and 1½ hours to get up, eat, & catch the bus downtown.  Wow!  What a disciplined life I lead.

There is a chance we may go on a 5 day trip to Moscow next month.  Sounds neat, huh?  The school may not give us permission but if they do and if the American Embassy does, then I also need your permission for me to go to a Communist country.  Please send it to Dr. Stavig.

I haven't been doing much this week except reading the biography of Beethoven in German, studying grammar, and going to school.  I think maybe I am learning something but it doesn't make for extremely interesting subject matter in a letter.  I'm determined that before I leave here I will be able to pick up something and read it without wondering what every third word means.  It is very depressing.

We're going to stay at a place in Berlin run by some religious group.  (Similar to Youth Hostel where we do part of the work.)  We get a bed, 3 meals a day, and all the hot showers we want for about 12 marks a day.  It's going to be nice to have a week off from school too.

Dad, have a happy birthday wherever you happen to be on the 27.  John, here are some more stamps.

Please send the permission to Stavig as soon as possible.

Love,

Catherine

1979 Catherine's Letter -Oct.16

Tuesday, October 16, 1979

Dear Mom, Dad and Mary,

Hi!  Things have calmed down somewhat for us so it look like I'll be able to get a letter off to you this week.  I did have one move out yesterday but one at a time isn't hard to handle.  It has also been a little colder and cloudy out this week so there isn't as much to be done outdoors.

I had my third (of five) golf lessons this afternoon.  How much of what I am learning I will be able to retain over the winter is the question.  I'm sure it can't hurt me though and I have learned a few things I ought to be able to remember.  Hope the weather stays decent for the next few weeks so we'll be able to finish the lessons and perhaps Gerry and I can plan some on the weekend.

Tomorrow morning is my bowling league.  Our team name is the "Low Scorers" so you can see how well we are doing.  Last week we were beat three straight games by the last place team - we were 3rd from the bottom but that probably put us on the bottom.  I'm doing OK though.  I have raised my average every week - starting out at 71 and now I'm up to 92.  Every week it is a little harder to raise it though since the average is based on all the games played this year.  I'd like to get it over a 100 though.  Last week I had a 95, 109, and 114.  Gerry isn't doing nearly as well with his bowling as he used to bowl but it is because he has so much pain it is all he can do to bend over to throw the ball.  One more week and then he'll find out what the Dr. has to say - although I don't think he can say too much until Gerry has the milogram.

Wendy has been doing better going to the babysitters.  She still screams and carries on when I leave but she settles down better afterwards.  Tomorrow morning she is going to a new one - the grandmother of one of her friends.  The grandmother babysits her granddaughter four days a week and is thinking of adding to her clientele.  It will be a strange house for Wendy but there will be someone there that she knows anyway.  Then in the afternoon I am getting a new permanent and Wendy is going to stay with Susie Coe as I babysat Gabe while Susie got a permanent last month.

We went to the Elks last Saturday night as they had a shrimp and crab dinner.  That sure was good.  They had a dance afterwards but we didn't stay too long as Gerry was kind of tired after working all day.  We're going to go again this Saturday night as they are having an Octoberfest and the German wife of one of the members is cooking up a good German meal.  We've heard she does a good job so we are looking forward to it.  Our Saturday night babysitter is a 14-year-old who brings her 12-year-old sister with her.  They seem to do real well together so we figure we're getting two for the price of one.

We are anxious to see who wins the World Series tomorrow although we are both rooting for Pittsburgh.  Some of these games have last so long we are thankful we see them three hours sooner here so we don't have to stay up all night to watch.

Well, Hope you had a good trip to and from Chicago.

Love,

Catherine, Gerry & Wendy

1989 Family Letter -Oct.15

Sunday, October 15, 1989

Dear Family:

We have just returned home from the Church Pot Luck Dinner honoring the Sunday School teachers.  Nice turn out.  Mother looked nice in her new pink dress and hat and received several compliments.  Roberta was certainly a big big (want to emphasize big) help with Grandma while she was here, which included the shopping "trips." 

We were all proud of Mary Virginia last Sunday, it was a wonderful experience for all of us.  The video pictures of the program and the reception turned out great.

Having Indian summer weather here this weekend - up in the eighties and a full harvest moon.  Wendell Mahanes -- finally -- got here to replace our chimney top as the brick were flaking off.

Our TWA tickets for Phoenix are here for Grandma and us, we leave 12/13 and arrive in Phoenix at 5:56 P.M.  The return is on 1/11 at 12:54 P.M.  It would be nice if the Hortons could join us in Phoenix during part of the time, as I understand that seeing Joe would be an extra bonus for them and us.

it seems really quiet without Serena, Roberta and the Hortons - we are down to two again but are looking forward to having Bob and Pat Ballantyne next week around the 24-25th.  We enjoyed our trip to Yellow Springs and thought they might enjoy seeing that among other things.  It is full of little shops and had lunch with Lisa Gooding at an organic type restaurant but better check with them first about that.

Got a nice note from Wendy Saturday so I will be writing to her individually in a few days.  Roberta, we haven't found the tape you found missing but hope that it turns up either here or Phoenix.

The weather here is gorgeous!!  Way up toward 80º - Put the hanging plants outdoors that I was afraid would get frosted over two weeks ago.  Our first broccoli is about ready to eat - the first we planted turned out to be cabbage so Dad was finally able to find more but didn't think it would be edible before frost.

Dad is at the piano practicing on his Christmas pieces - "I'll be Home for Christmas" and others which should put me in the mood early.  Any special requests should come in soon for we are limited on what we are able to carry to Arizona.  I've gotten a very few things but its not too late; otherwise we may shop after Christmas.

[End of group letter, remainder is written to John.]

It was nice of you to call Roberta before she left last Friday.  Sorry that your rush to get back to Newark was in vane.  We are still laughing about Gina's lunch that day.  We took her shopping Wednesday in Wilmington and she bought a coat and 3 dresses.  Had lunch with Ruth Shoemaker too.  Then when G'ma got home mentioned that now she needed a hat.  So Thursday we went to the Dayton Mall where she got one.  Think Roberta told you that we ate at the Brown Derby where she had a BIG lunch taking alot home with her.  Roberta ended up freezing enough from the four days to make seven meals for her.

 We'd be glad to have you here for 4th or 5th but at least hope to get up there at Colvin's to hear you.  Tell them we'll take them to lunch too -- six of us so they might make reservations - we enjoyed dinner with the Goodings at Hummel House Inn in Waynesville or wherever they'd like to go.

Glad to see & hear from you anytime!

Much love --

Dad & Mother

1989 MV's Thank You card -Oct.14

Sat. Oct. 14, 1989

Mom and Dad --

I just wanted to say thanks for all your help last weekend, especially in taking care of the financial details.  It meant so much to have family here and to be able to spend some time together.

This weekend is the men's walk here; Bill Stegenweller (from Texas) is on it along with about 5 other guys from the Seminary.

Let me know what you'd like to do about Thanksgiving; Ginny said it would be fine for you all to stay if you'd like to come to Lexington.  But do whatever is easiest especially concerning Grandma.  I'm flexible; I just have to be at work Friday.

When does Roberta fly out?  I've been trying to remember the last time I saw she and Serena.

Had a nice day Monday shopping with Teri Tegeder.  Got a pair of pants -- size 13!  She remarked about you mistaking Pat Kelly for her dad.

Love, 

Mary Va.

1979? GHU postcard to John & HH -Oct.10

Oct. 10 [1979? to John] - Madras - Left NV Oct. 1st for Phoenix then Roberta & I left for Portland by plane Tues.  We rented a car & spent a couple of days driving along the coast & arrived at Catherine's yesterday.  Have been out sightseeing today & will leave for Phoenix Mon. morning going to Portland with car & then Tues leave for for Phoenix by plane.  We are having a good trip & the weather has been cool but nice.  It was rather warm in Mesa but is cooling off says the paper.  Wendy is a doll but keeps things lively.  Love, Grandma & R.

Oct. 10 [1979? to HH] - Enjoying our trip & have been sightseeing today.  Saw the rock gardens & castles which are very pretty & interesting.  A  [??] place Rock Mt. Park.  It was nice that Catherine didn't have to work today.  Tomorrow we go to an Indian Reservation.  The farmers raise a lot of grass seed here for shipment with the help of irrigating.  Gerry is watching all the ball games as if his life depended on them.  Hope you enjoyed the Chicago trip & found S. fine.  Will be time to start for Ohio next week.  --Mother

1969 Catherine's Letter -Oct.13

October 13, 1969

Dear Mother, Dad, Serena, John, Mary,

Hi!  I've changed my mind again.  I won't be coming to Mallorca after all.  After reevaluating all the pros & cons and talking to the people in the travel bureau I decided that would be best.  I'm really sorry I will miss seeing you as that was on the top of my "pro" list.  Have a good time and send me a post card from there.  I could get reduced rates if I stayed over 6 days but even then it would cost almost $200.

October 14
Hi, again!  I was glad to get your letter today.  Mail seems to be taking on greater meaning, I hope that isn't a bad sign.  I was glad to hear from Joe over the weekend, too.  I still find it hard to believe he's coming.  I'm not sure if we'll be able to get together or not.

I'm glad to hear Roberta and Vanessa got jobs and also that Grandma is doing well.

In the newspaper that we get here at home there isn't hardly any news of the United States at all as it is a local paper.  Now that I'm becoming a regular patron of the Münster city library I have access to a lot of other papers too.  Of course, I usually end up reading only the headlines and then skimming through the articles.  I went to the university library the other day but it isn't nearly as nice.  Too many people, lots of reference books, etc.

The Rhine trip this past weekend was really nice.  Friday night we stayed in Koblenz.  The Kalamazoo group from Hannover was staying in a different hotel there so we had a big reunion with them.  Saturday morning we got on the ship (or boat?) and headed south up the Rhine.  Once the fog lifted it was really nice.  The trees changing colors on the mountains, old castles, busy river traffic.  And for entertainment we could listen to the World Series on one of the guys transistor radio.  If you are following a map, we left the boat at Rudesheim.  It was an extremely touristy town with lots of English speaking people around.  A bunch of us finally escaped by climbing up a grape-vine covered mountain that looked over the river and town.  It was dark by then and the lights were really pretty.  We took the train on to Meinz and spent the night there.  On the way home we spent a couple hours in Köln.  I saw the great Dom, a couple other churches, and the art museum.  They even have a Wimpy's hamburger place there but I refrained.  I'm becoming more anti-city everyday.  I hope over Christmas I can see some places that aren't so crowded with people.  Thanks goodness for my Fahrrat (bicycle)!

There are alot of apples around and a super abundance of plums.  Although when I go somewhere I get an apple or two with my sandwiches and cookies, we never have fruit here.  That is with the exception of stewed plums once or twice.  I miss the fruit and vegetables but I'm not going to die of malnutrition.

I haven't seen much farm land at all.  Mostly the industrial area with the mines & factories and the vineyards along the Rhine.

My phone number 314345.  Remember that I live in  44  Münster and not some other one.

School is going ok. It seems like I'm understanding less German now and my mind still isn't completely connected with my mouth.  I have to improve.

Love,

Catherine

1979 Roberta's Letter -Oct.14

Sunday 10:30 AM

[10-14-79]

Dear Family,

Thanks for your letter . . . and sure glad for that new carbon paper . . . I was going to get you all some for Christmas!!!  Seems to be on double spacing . . . which as wordy as I am will have to change!!!

The big news here in SUN DEVIL LAND (name of ASU football team) is that the head coach was fired last night.  I'm sure you all are keeping up with the story.  Kush (the coach) had been at ASU sine 1958 -- has developed quite a fan club . . . but obviously some other -- right now is being charged in some law suit for having hit a kid last year on the team.  Will be interesting to see the school reaction to it all.

Also appreciate the pictures . . . are they mine to keep?  I am still anxious to see one -- or more of the actual wedding pictures . . .Were the pictures you sent what Dad took???

Tomorrow is the day that my group is to give an inservice to the class -- as if we were giving it to employees of a senior center.  I'm to cover the social-psychological and biological aspects of aging.  I'll just be glad when it is over -- tho I have pretty much under control what I am going to say.  I'll have the floor for about 7-8 minutes.  I'm going to begin by saying - - FANTASY - - "You are Eighty."  Thing about your current situation, and where you are living, your friends, how you spend your life -- what things you do in your leisure time -- and your job if you are working.  Now let's fantasize your situation a number of years from now.  You have just had your 80th birthday . . . your home is costing more than your fixed income can afford, you have trouble with arthritis, and you find it difficult to do your own shopping, etc.  Marion is really a big help when it comes to getting these papers smoothed out.

I am enclosing a copy of the hand-out I am giving to the class.  Had it printed yesterday near ASU at one of those print shops . . . usually they charge 5 cents for white paper and 6 cents for colored paper.  But, with a coupon (I still have 6 of them) you can have white paper at 2 and a half cents and colored for 3 cents a page.  Thats a good bargain -- in this day of inflationary prices.  You all can tell who was with me as far as color choice goes.  I made several mistakes in the typing -- which I tried to correct after the pages were out of the typewriter -- the worst one being on the last page -- last paragraph.  the word expresses.

Your Christmas plans sound just fine.  I am curious as to dates.  When is Mary Virginia out of school?  Oh, when we were at Church today -- hardly recognized Mrs. Garrett.  She has a curly permanent -- a real curly one!!!!  Really looks quite good on her.  I got my hair cut yesterday -- still have quite curly hair --just got it cut and now it looks all the curlier.  The week before at the new mall picked up a coupon for a hair cutting place there -- $2 off haircut.  So gave them a call for an appointment -- and with coupon -- haircut would have been some $15 dollars!!!  So I went to the place down Southern for $5 -- usually Dorothy cuts my hair -- but she has all sorts of company here now from Kansas -- and she doesn't do that great with curly hair.

Jackie Phelon called here Friday night -- about 11:00.  She is still in San Diego and thought that she would like to come here some tine in November to relax.  I am afraid she would drive Marion crazy -- in a short amount of time.

Now -- to get back to the Christmas plans -- how much time do you think you would be able to stay out here -- I would probably be able to go to Oregon --if say I could be back here in like a week or little more.  I've had several offers for volunteering -- but want to check out which I think have the best outlook for the future -- perhaps jobwise.  Remember the FRIENDSHIP VILLAGE  that was being built -- or actually last year the land was just marked off.  There on Southern -- right behind the hospital near Dobson.  Read an article in the paper this past week and the first phase of it -- some 300 units for retirement people have already been sold. It won't even be completed till Spring.

One of the places I am going to visit is the place behind Marie Callender's -- the restaurant over on Dobson -- almost due West of us.  Remember it -- was being built for people over 60 -- has a health care unit too.  I can visit that as part of my visits for my class.  That might be a good place to check out about doing volunteer work -- because I think they are the "thing" of the future.  Friendship Village is alot like that -- except much bigger scale.  It will have some 300 garden homes.  Oh, speaking of gardens --  am enclosing an article about gardening which will be interesting to Dad.  Tempe Parks and Recreation has achieved alot of National awards for its program. 

That is something about Jim's girlfriend being relation to Hodsons in Hillsboro.  I'll never forget them tho when I had them on the paper-route out there by the Lions Club -- Poor Mrs. Hodson never had money to pay me.  And she hated to write out a check.

I haven't heard form Catherine for a long, long time.  think that she even owes me a letter.  What is Serena doing now in Chicago????  Sounds funny her needing blankets --- when we still have the AC on -- tho its up to 80 -- doesn't run all that much.  I really notice the cold going to school -- have started wearing long pants just last few days.

I sent Lisa a De Grazia bell chime -- wanted to send her something -- didn't want to go the money route -- but hated to get her something she would get duplicates of or not need.  I had seen these bell chimes before -- then guess it was two weekends ago we were out at Diamonds -- and they had them for sell -- on sell -- price was decent -- $9.99 instead of $20 -- and even got the one I had liked before.  Had the ojo de dios -- really quite pretty.  I haven't been out to the old mall (Tri-city) -- since the new mall opened -- but imagine it is taking quite a drop.  I did tell you that the new mall has a giant cookie place -- didn't I?  The small of them (the cookies) gets to you way before you get near the shop.  Have only been to the new Mall once.

Don't think that I have lost anything this past week . . . I did tell you that my file folder was found -- where it should have been the whole time -- in the Dept of Recreation -- which is now under new name -- of Dept of Leisure Studies.

Your Square Dancing sounds like alot of fun.  Are the Pratts still going with you all?  When you come out here you can go tho the Square Dance in Scottsdale and teach them.

Better get going.  Thanks again for the pictures and the letter . . . and articles.  I have two papers plus test coming up this week.  That's after the inservice deal is over tomorrow.

Love,

Roberta

(That's my stand-up signature)

1979 Catherine's Letter -Oct.9

Tuesday, October 9, 1979

Dear Mother, Dad, and Mary Virginia,

Hi!  Things have been very busy around here so please accept my apologies for not getting a letter off to you last week.  The first of the month tends to be our busiest time and then last week we had the addition of several other things to keep us even busier.  First there was our problem with the tenants that we were trying to evict, three apartments turned over, and the landscaping also takes alot more care than the dirt did.  We spent last Saturday mowing the lawn for the first time.  We have 40,000 square feet of grass - how does that compare with your back yard?  Only a few more weeks of mowing though probably and then we will be trading the lawn mower for a snow shovel.

Speaking of snow it got real cold here last night and then this morning I tried to get Wendy to put on her winter coat so she could play outside and she about had a fit.  She didn't want anything to do with it.  Her last year's coat fits her OK so we thought maybe we'd put off buying her a new one until we can get one on sale maybe after Christmas that would fit her next year.  We will have to get her some new boots though.  I imagine she will be spending more time playing outside this winter than she did last year.

The outfit you sent her for her birthday fits her better than most of the clothes we have bought her for this winter.  I have it laid out for her to wear tomorrow as she will be going to the babysitter in the morning while I go bowling and then we are going to go out for lunch.

My scrap paper pile was piling up so I thought I would conserve on my stationery by using this. [Other side is a cancelled security deposit agreement.]  DeeDee and I had ordered a bunch of things from "Current" but I didn't order any stationery - just birthday cards and some of those postcard type Christmas Cards - they were 24 for 75¢ which seemed like a bargain.  DeeDee ordered about 5 different types of stationery and she writes about two letters a year.  Maybe she is planning on giving it as gifts.  That reminds me her new address is . . . .

My golf lessons are going pretty well.  Today was the second one.  I haven't improved much yet (we played nine holes last weekend) but maybe if I learn enough and practice enough it will help.  Can't hurt anything that is for sure.  My bowling is going real well.  The first week I had an average of 71 and now after four weeks it is up to 89.

Well, it is almost time for Gerry to come home from bowling and I still have a few chores I should take care of this evening since I won't have much time in the morning.

Love,

Catherine, Gerry & Wendy 

1979 Family Letter -Oct.14

Sunday afternoon -

October 14, 1979

Dearest Family -

I'll start this letter and hopefully mail it by tomorrow as we often hear from a couple of you on Monday soon after we mail our letters to you.  No doubt you noticed the change in new carbon paper on the last letter we wrote and it wasn't any too soon.  The copy we sometimes made for home was really weak!!  Guess we shouldn't say too much about Aunt Mary's letters.

It has been cool with the temperature dropping in the 30's a couple days but grass is still growing and not all the garden and flowers are completely frosted.

We are making plans to visit Serena this coming week - leaving on Wednesday and taking over some things that she may need WHEN we hear more definitely from her.  She was to have gotten her phone in Thursday and so unless she calls us, we have no real way of getting in touch with her.  Dad was planning on combining this trip with business.

Grandma passed on your long typewritten note to her, Roberta and glad to hear how well you did on yours test.  Looking forward to seeing them - sounds quite complicated working on those grants, etc.

Also glad to get to talk to you yesterday, Catherine and always glad to hear about Wendy and her doings.  Sure wish that Gerry was feeling better or that we could help matters in some way.

It was good to have John and Carol here last weekend and we all enjoyed the wedding of Lisa and Marty but wrote of all that last week.  I don't know when John and Carol will get back but they are planning on spending Thanksgiving with us and Christmas with her side of the family.  As John has only one day it doesn't give them too much time to visit.

Friday was Homecoming at East Clinton and the Band Boosters served a chili supper before the game.  It had rained and was dry for the game itself but still alot of dampness and cold in the air.  (The farmers are having a time getting their soybeans and corn picked as we have had much more rain than usual this fall.)  East Clinton lost 3-2 to Cedarville.  They had won their first three games and have lost two but playing good games.

Dad was acting Sunday School Superintendent this morning and did a good job.  They dedicated new paraments at the church given by the United Methodist Women during the worship service.  Rev. Wise has had a children's sermon for the last two weeks which I was glad to see started again.

After church we drove down to Allensburg and had dinner.  Marie Broomhall and her husband were there.  Judy Clay had recommended it and it was very good food - salad bar, home made rolls and pies.  A Mrs. B. said it isn't great on atmosphere but good food.  She also recommended Rocky Fork Restaurant as it has changed hands this year and much better than it has been for some time.  We never did get down there this year.

On the way home from there we stopped to see Mrs. Priscilla Walker and she seemed very glad to see us.  I showed her some of the wedding pictures but didn't have the one of John and Carol that I thought I had with me.  We also took her some butterscotch drops which I was surprised she didn't refuse.  She kept raving over how dressed up Harold was asked if Bill Holmes had helped him.  She and Grandma had some trouble hearing each other - Mrs. W. seemed more fragile than ever but not bad for 92 years old.

I meant to tell you Catherine that we enjoyed your enchiladas last weekend when John and Carol were here.  We ate them before going to the wedding and good thing that we did for with the wedding at 6:30 and the reception so far from the church we were hungry again by then.  They were real good!! 

Sorry to hear about the loss of your necklace and other things Roberta and hope that your papers for the school turned up without too much extra work on your part - am surprised that you had to do all the chasing around.

Mary Virginia is to sing at the Sabina Baptist Church this evening she and Tim Larrick are to sing in his church next Sunday Morning.  She was also to sing at the Prayer Breakfast Friday morning (this past one) but there was such a poor turnout after the frantic work on the class floats for the Homecoming Parade.  (MV worked every night last week -- but their class won 1st place)   Ron Salisbury spoke and did a good job - not near as bashful as I had thought he might be.

Just got back from Sabina where Mary Virginia sang.  Denise Stewart accompanied Mary Virginia on the piano.  We dropped her off at her sister, Diane's house.  She (Diane) is married and her husband has four children by a previous marriage who live with them from five to 13 or 14.

Catherine, Grandma asked if you received Wendy's birthday money as she hasn't heard from you and you are always so prompt about such things.  I told her we would ask but it is unusual - perhaps either her card or your back to her might have been misplaced.

It is now Monday evening -- M.V. has left for a meeting with a group from her class to dismantle the float.  These floats are a classic example of how many hours of work for a few minutes of viewing.  M.V. is enthused about the prospects of going to Mexico next summer with Mrs. Woodruff and students in the 2nd year of Spanish.

We had a meeting tonight over at the Church at 6:30 on how to handle memorials and are going to recommend that a plaque be place in memory of the Rudisills for the church steeple.  The Church also received a nice gift of some $22,000.00 from the estate of Glenn Southerland. He left about ⅔ of his estate to two local hospitals, the Shrine Hospital and two Churches - here and in Lees Creek.  It is an interesting estate settlement as two people have sued me as executor for some $200M that they claim is due them for taking care of him for the last several years.

The Hortons have bought a new car - a Buick - and will be driving up to Mares next week then on to Ohio and then back to Lake Worth, which gives Joe one week in Florida and two weeks on the "road".   Rob is happy again as he has a new girl friend.  We haven't heard how Uncle Bill is weathering the "stock market news."  He talked of retiring this year end.  With the pessimistic economy we decided ot put on hold the purchase of that word processing typewriter.  Been noticing adds by IBM about their new electronic typewriter - one person told me it was nice but noise.  Anyway, that is a field that there will always be something new at frequent intervals.

Thanks for your letter and pictures which arrived yesterday (Monday) Catherine.  We will also try to freeze some of those little tomatoes too as that is what is most prolific now in the garden if they haven't been frozen out yet.  The frost did get some of the produce.

The Go-getters are hoping that John and Carol will plan to go with them to Cincinnati on their night out there the Saturday after Thanksgiving.  Wilma thought that Kevin and Connie would be glad to hear they might go too as they want some people nearer their age(s).

This letter has been long enough in the writing and should be on its way.

With much love to you all --

1949, 1959, 1999 Photos -Oct.

On the back:  Happy Birthday Harold - Party time -- '99 -- GG, Carolyn & HH

Looking for a good picture for the 1959 Christmas photo
Catherine, Serena, John and Roberta

0ct. 11, 1949
Catherine in CJU/GHU backyard

1989 MV's Recital Photos -Oct.8

Jean, MV & John

HH, Jean, John, Aunt Mary, Uncle Bill

John, Roberta, MV, HH, Serena, Jean & GHU

1969 Catherine's Letter -Oct.9

9 October 1969

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

Hi!  I was really glad to get the letter from you yesterday as it was the first one I've gotten here at home.  Hopefully it won't be the last.  I'm sorry to hear about Grandma.  I hope she is better now.

It looks encouraging for me to meet you in Mallorca.  Dr. Spaltmann said if he didn't officially know where I was and I don't broadcast it too loudly the school (namely Stavig and Fugate) won't know the difference.  I went downtown to see about arrangements with a travel office this afternoon but I got side-tracked.  I'll try to check before we leave for Koblenz tomorrow.  It will probably be best for me to fly from Berlin on the 24.  Please send me your address there and all other pertinent info so if I do get there I can get in touch with you.  I just got through reading about it in Europe on $5 a day and it sounds like a beautiful cheap place.  Of course you don't have to worry about a place to stay.  We leave for Berlin on the 18 and my address there will be:  33 BERLIN, St. Michaelsheim, Bismarckallee 23, GERMANY

Before I got sidetracked on my way to the travel office this afternoon I went through some old churches (interesting, but I wouldn't want to spend the rest of my life looking at old churches) and also went in the Rathaus where the Treaty of Westphalia was signed in 1648.

It was then I made the great discovery of the day -- the city library.  Considering the size of Münster it isn't extremely big but it has more books than I'll ever be able to read in 6 months.  There must be between 800-1000 books in English but they are mainly books that would be assigned reading for a class.  After looking through the children's books I decided I'm about on the 10 year-old level although even those books had words I didn't understand.  The books are arranged very similarly to the Library of Congress method.  I haven't stumbled across the university library yet but I understand it is supposed to be pretty nice. 

Description

I've really been enjoying riding my bicycle around.  It gets me to school in 5 minutes instead of 20 too.

Would you please send a note to Dr. Stavig, ℅ FS, K. College saying that your daughter (namely me) has your permission to hitchhike.  And please, don't forget to sign it.  It is the acceptable ting to do and don't worry, I won't go alone.  Three of the other girls in our group already have their permissions in.

Thanks for sending me the picture although I think it is really ugly.  It's too bad because I always liked that suit.  I hope you didn't order any.

I'd love to meet Joe in France.  I wrote him a letter so now he owes me one.

John, here are a few stamps.  I'll probably just be sending you singles unless I hear otherwise.  Let me know.

Königswinter was pretty nice.  We climbing up Drachenfels which is a mountain right near there and there was a lovely view of the town and the Rhein.  There were too many people and too much drinking for my taste but I spent the day with someone who shared my feelings so we saw the other side of the mountain and a nearby town which seemed dead compared to all the excitement of the wine festival in Königswinter.

I'm looking forward to your next letter.  I hope Roberta hears positively concerning her job.

Love,

Catherine

Description

 

1989 MV's Recital -Oct.8

1989 Catherine's Letter -Oct.3

Tuesday,

October 3, 1989

Dear Mother & Dad,

Hi!  How are things in Ohio?  How convenient of Roberta to fly into Columbus on John's birthday so you can all go out to dinner in celebration.

It hasn't cooled off much yet although yesterday the high was only 99º.  I'm sure by the end of the month we'll see cooler weather and the beginnings of the snow birds.

Business is holding steady at the library although still down from last year when we did not yet charge for non-residents.  The Library Board voted to continue charging non-residents through at least 1990.  Cholla Branch at Metro is to open their remodeled (rebuilt?) building in March.  I'll send you the article about Peoria's library.

Gerry and I both had eye appts. last week.  Both of us are able to keep the glasses we have now but Gerry did get a new pair of single lens as the ones he has now are bifocals which he has had trouble with when he plays golf.  Hopefully the new ones will be better.  Wendy has an eye appt. on Nov. 6.

Wendy is semi-worried about all the teasing she expects to get from the Uible-clan at Christmas time.

Well, I need to leave this with Roberta now.  We're all looking forward to seeing you at Christmas -- despite the teasing!

Love,

Catherine, Gerry, & Wendy

1979 Roberta's Letter -Oct.7

Sunday Morning

10:00 A.M.

[10-7-79]

Dear Family,

Just got home from early church, World Wide Communion Sunday and quite a crowd of people out.  Winter visitors are slowly finding their way back to the Valley of the Sun . . . . and its still really hot !!!!

We had quite a day yesterday.  The special wheelchair van was there to pick up Agnes at 9:55 . . . . wasn't suppose to be there until 10:00 -- and I was just getting to the nursing home myself.  Agnes was sure ready to go.  Especially now that they keep her in bed so much.  The dog show that was to begin at 8:00 . . . . was put off till 4:30 in the afternoon.  i'm sure due to the heat.  So we went first to the mall.  I'll enclose a deal about it.  Sure is something else . . . . really nice.  Alot of stores were offering 20% off anything in the store, but except for free shopping bags nothing was being given away.  There are two very nice book stores . . . both B. Dalton and Waldrens.  (sp?)  Also a very nice christian book store . . . with alot of sheet music, etc.  Would anyone like to guess how many shopping bags I got?  They are really quite nice, plastic with handle, I'm sure I'll still have a few when you all come out.

Oh, this morning in Church, Mr. and Mrs. Harry Garett sang a duet . . . sure was good.  I still haven't sung yet for Mrs. Garett.  I think I'll make her wait a little longer.

Back to the mall . . . there were so many people there.  Really made it quite hard to get around especially with the wheelchair.  We ate lunch there . . . also I should add . . . or perhaps say I should not add . . . had a giant cookie.  Remember those at MetroCenter Mall?  Right after we had lunch Marion rushed back home to watch the last of the pre-series games on TV . . . then met us at the dog show.  Which we only got to see the people setting up for.  Some people were parading their dogs, just practicing, etc.  It was all quite interesting.  With it being at the junior college was no problem walking there from the mall.  Marion talked to some lady who -- of course -- had cocker spaniels.  The woman invited Marion to a dog club . . . where I guess you just sit around and talk about your dog . . . or whatever.  Marion is actually thinking about going.  I just can't believe that.  Now thats going too far.  While we were at the college going around looking at the dogs . . . which happened to be in thick grass . . . was it ever hard to push Agnes in.  Well I was pushing Agnes and must have hit a big hole, and out Agnes went out of the chair.  Marion was in front and she turned around to see Agnes in mid-air.  I -- from behind the chair reached out to grab her -- hurt my knee on the chair.  Agnes was just laughing.  Said that was the first time she had ever been thrown out of her wheel chair.  Thank goodness it was nice thick grass.  Said she wasn't sore or didn't hurt.  We tried to get her back in the chair, and finally had to get a man to help us.  It was quite exciting.  If she is sore today -- wouldn't be too surprising.  The wheelchair van picked Agnes up there . . . at the dog show as planned at 4:00.  Had planned it all ahead of time, tho in the opposite order . . . . dog show first, and then the mall.  The wheelchair van must be reserved at least 24 hours in advance.  But then when the dog show changed its time, I switched the order.  Had the van drop us off at the mall first, and then pick us up at the dog show.  I don't think I told you but they charged 55 cents -- one way -- for Agnes and $1.40 for me --one way.  Which is very reasonable.  I talked to the driver, and he said that the van wasn't being used near as much as they had hoped that it would be.  That they are lucky to get it out once a day.  Marion -- to save the $1.40 each way,just met us over at the mall, etc.

Just remembered, didn't get the card out yesterday . . . that I wrote in a flash to get in the AM mail.

What has not been a flash is this grant business that we are studying.  It is so hard.  There are like 9 types (or least that is all we are covering) of grants.   Some like proven methods applied to local problems, new approaches, old approaches, track records, formula oriented.  We were to figure out examples of each . . . by looking in all these Register of Grants books.  Then begin on a one that we would write up.  One could really get a job now just in this grant stuff.  Maybe when I get out of school, I'll just write up a grant to create a job for myself!!!  I'd rather do that than write grants for say the city of Phoenix all day.  I think of the New Vienna tennis courts.  Whatever happened?  With the land being donated . . . couldn't that qualify for a soft-match type of deal???  Dad -- how much have you gotten into this grant stuff???

I think I must owe Ruth Shoemaker two letters now.  She wrote in her last letter how the Uibles were greeters and really dressed to a "T".  Just this last week I got a letter, more a card with a note in it to Donna Brown.  Who is taking her place at the factory?  Did her retirement get a write-up in the newspaper?  What kind of actual party did she have???

Can collecting is still vey good.  Though I have cut out going over to the park at night.  Just do the dumpsters here and across the street.  Average about $23 dollars a week -- so am building up a little bonus in the gas money can.  Like about $50.  Will be spending most of that this week on getting a tune-up for the truck.  It hasn't had one since before I left here for Ohio in June.  Next project will be for tires on the truck, tho they still don't look bad at all.  Almost 30,000 miles on original tires . . . for Arizona roads that is pretty good!!!  Marion really likes the collecting . . . and says that it has been good for her back to get the exercise of bending down, etc.

Better be going, hope that you are all doing fine, look forward to your weekly letter . . . I'm sure glad that I have good eyes . . . sometimes the type is rather light . . . maybe the sun does it getting it out here . . .

Mary Virginia feel free to write.  And tell me how old will you be this year?  Will you be 15 . . . before too many years you will be able to drive.  I'm so sorry that I didn't save the Buick for you . . . to cruise around town in.  Maybe Elmer Whited would be willing to sell back the Chrysler???  Do you all still have the Mercury???

Love,

Berta

1979 Family Letter -Oct.7

Sunday Evening, Oct. 7th, 1979

Dear Family:

Carol and John came down yesterday afternoon and the five us went to Lisa Gooding's wedding at the Grace Methodist Church (a huge church where her parents were married and also that Dr. Werner had been the pastor before becoming the Ohio Bishop) at 6:30 PM.  Afterwards there was a reception at a restaurant about five miles away, which was complete with a buffet, band, etc. etc.  Jim Gooding has been going with this girl for some four years and he told us that he was going to elope.  He still has another year in art school in Cincinnati.  Bob Gooding really seems to be liking his job in private industry there in Dayton.

Going backwards last Thursday evening was the Band Boosters meeting and the current project is a chili supper this week before the Homecoming Game, as everyone knows there is always a need to make money, without even considering the possibility that the band may get to go to Washington this next Spring.  MV is getting along fine in riding with the Davidson band members, who live diagonally across from us, which is a great arrangement for us.

We got another couple here in NV - the Neal Pratts - to go with us to the square dancing class on Tuesday evening - there about six squares plus a few of those who have been in the course in a prior year - like Orville Harners.  The regulars have their night on Thursday night. It must be getting better for we both commented how much quicker the evening goes.

Last Monday night was the NV Mother's Club guest night - your Mother and Dad went.  It was Chinese evening as the Robert Bernards had just returned from China . . . interesting but too many pictures.  He told us of having name cards printed with an imprint of a turkey on them and how people would line up to get one.  There was a consistent theme as the dinner was catered by the Coopers (she is an Oriental) and it was a Chinese dinner from A to Z, complete with chop sticks.  We think the American farmer type went home hungry.

Glad to hear that Serena is getting settled in her new apartment and we are getting some blankets off to her tomorrow.  The way the weather is we hooked up our electric blanket yesterday.  Do hope to get to Chicago within the next month and get Serena some more supplies.  Do let us know, Serena.  As Roberta said, "That Chicago is too cold for us, except when like Arizona it is too hot.

We have been looking at home movies this afternoon . . . how things have changed in so few years - John and the paper route, Serena at Girl Scout Camp in Ga., Roberta at Barnesville and Catherine leaving here on that VW trip to California.  We were going to look at our wedding pictures but couldn't recall where we put the film . . . any of you have any recollection. (We must be getting old).  The Hortons bought a new Buick and are going to drive north with Joe the last of October and a brief stop here in NV.  We have ordered some boxes for Joe to display his cards of paintings that he sells in S. Arabia.

We finally got some new carbon paper and it makes a big difference, don't you think?  The other was wearing out my eyes.  Dad has written the first page but thought I might add some comments about things he had already mentioned.

We were glad to have John and Carol and forgot that Monday is a bank holiday so they will be staying until Monday evening.  Right now they are out at Pat and Mimi Bain's home -- she is a niece of Eleanor Johnson who married the Englishman and they have two sons.

The wedding was really beautiful really a large church and we wonder if Lisa has been going there - doubt if it was because her parents had been married there is the reason.  The crowd seemed small because of the largeness of the church and don't think anyone but the groom's mother came from New York so Jim seated us on the groom's side among some others to help even up the group.  Lisa looked lovely and the attendants wore a real deep red bordering on deep brown.  Marty isn't very tall - Lisa's shoes were more like ballet slippers with no heel whatsoever.  Serena, he worked with COPE in downtown Dayton but lives in Centerville where they will be living too.  Didn't your friend from Park work with COPE in Centerville.  I thought perhaps they might know each other.  He graduated in criminal justice from U.Dayton.  Lisa is continuing her work in child abuse.  I don't know what COPE stands for but thought you probably do.

We sat with Jim's girlfriend's family - the Hodsons who turned out to be first cousins of Bob and Dorothy Hodson of Hillsboro.  Mrs. Hodson had had Glenn McElwee for a teacher and had wondered what had happened to him after he came to New Vienna.  Mr. Hodson is from Mowrystown.  Their other daughter was Lisa's maid of honor and that's how Jim and Tami had gotten acquainted as their older sisters used to take them to movies, etc. and make them sit together and their relationship had grown from there.

We are still TALKING about going to Arizona at Christmas and hope that Serena might be able to come too.  From there we hope to drive to Oregon (if we drive out west) and depending on whether Roberta wants a car out there, may go back by way of Mesa.  This all hinges on so many things with unlimited possibilities.  We would like Roberta to go to Oregon too if she can afford the time.  If the Morgans get to San Diego at Christmas time we could arrange something that way - hoping this all meets with their approval too of course.  We do hope that his back is not bothering him so much for relatives when you don't feel good can be more than a nuisance and burden at that time.  Do let us know all your thoughts.

Serena's address is 6538 Lakewood, Apt. 11, Chicago 60626 and she is hoping to get a phone in the latter part of this week.  So we will let you know her number after we get word from her.  We had been most anxious to hear from her but hated to telephone Debbie Haines since she has moved from her place the earlier part of last week.  So glad when she called Friday evening.

Sorry that this letter is so late in getting written.  It isn't because we haven't been thinking about you all for seems like you all have been having your problems but hopefully things are better with all of you by now.  Your losing streak seem to compound more each day Roberta, and hope that your papers have been located -- too bad that they made you do all the chasing when t was their fault at ASU.

With much love to each one of you --

[Love, etc.]

1979 Roberta's postcard -Oct. 6

Saturday AM

[Oct . 6. 1979]

HI!  Wanted to at least get this postal in the mail this AM.  Tests yesterday went pretty well . . . maybe.  I'll be anxious to find out.  I sure have a heck of an assignment due in on Monday.  All about GRANTS . . . the federal ones, foundation . . . community, corporation, etc.  We have to find examples of each and then write out a draft on one . . . just a rough one, which will have to be worked on in time . . . as for in class.  I now have just over 1,000 miles on my bike . . . really putting the miles on it just going back and fourth to Tempe.  did go into Phoenix on it one day this last week . . . had to go down there to pick up some literature at the Council on Aging.  Had no problem . . . except was a little tired of seating when I got back.  No, that would be sitting.  Just on Thursday I got an invitation from Lisa -- along with a letter saying that she had found my invite in her car when cleaning it out.  How was the wedding???  Did you go to the dinner -- or whatever afterwards???  Three men -- two being in their 20's have bought the nursing home where Agnes is.  They are really making the effort to clean up the place both inside and outside.  Have really got it looking nice outsisde already . . . flowers planted in the planter, the whole bit.  Agnes still must spend most of her time in bed.  Tho today we have the Dial-a-Ride van for wheelchairs reserved to take her (and us) to the new Mall and also to the dog show at the Community College.  Though with her leg down so much she should be alot easier to lift than when Dad had to do it.  Fred is still not good.  But (according to him) with the dog, he can't think of going to a nursing home.  Ok, gotta go . . . to take the Saturday load of cans to the BIRP place before getting to the nursing home.

1969 Catherine's Letter -Oct.2

October 2, 1969

Dear Mother, Dad, Serena, John, Mary,

Hi!  I was glad to get a second letter from you today.  Thanks for the clippings.  I'd appreciate your sending me all the diet-wise ones you run across as in the Münster paper they have similar items however there is the slight language barrier.  It's a real challenge to read the newspaper.  I usually tackle it between school and lunch.

After having had only four school days my life hasn't really formed any set patterns but I can tell you a little bit about what I have been doing.

I got a used bicycle from some neighbors for 30DM ($7.50)  It was just fixed up tonight so I can hardly wait until tomorrow to ride it.  Ann hopes to get one too but she's going to have to check in the ads on Saturday as the neighbors only had one and I'd already made arrangements.

Tuesday night we went to a party or kind of a group get together.  We started out at Klein's which is the home of Bruce and Chuck, two guys from K.  The party was actually for their German brother, Reiner, who was at K this past summer.  We pretty well filled up the place so after an hour or so we moved to a discotheque down the street.  They were really happy to see us as it wasn't too busy a night and we gave them a lot of quantity.  It was after the buses quit running when we came home so the four of us there from this neighborhood got a taxi.  He drove right by where we told him we wanted to go so we ended up paying more and we almost got lost coming back here.

Yesterday Ann and I spent some time away from each other.  It was kind of strange.  She went home with Bruce for lunch and spent the afternoon with him while I did my homework.  And then last night she did her homework while I went to visit Martin Lohmann, a very close friend of Flo and Francis (my friends in K.)  Martin speaks perfect English so I talked to him for about a half hour in English.  Then his mother came into the room to sew so we switched to German.  After about 20 minutes I was mentally exhausted.  This speaking German has got to get easier, it certainly couldn't get more difficult.  His mother warned me I should remember I was in Germany and not the United States and it just isn't safe for girls to walk alone at night.

Mutti (my German mother) asked me what I had to wear to something really dressy.  (for example we go to the theatre or opera or somewhere in Berlin).  I showed her my vast selection of dresses, evening gowns, and other assorted formal attire.  She has a black dress with a white lace collar and a velvet front which I am helping her remake.  She has also offered to shorten my raincoat (which I hadn't even noticed was too long) and she told me I should wear my skirts shorter.

I guess Ann and I are really lucky as far as food is concerned.  Alot of the kids complain about how hard the bread is, etc.  Two guys even said they haven't had any meat yet at all.  We get an egg every morning for breakfast.  I'm beginning to really like the way we have them, too.  They are just a little short of being hard boiled, so they aren't dry.  And it's really neat to eat it out of the shell.  We also get a hard roll (which are really good) with butter and jelly, cheese, or meat.

Alot of the kids get sandwiches and/or apples from their families to eat during our morning school break.  We haven't asked, it hasn't been given, and it isn't really necessary.  We can buy milk at school for 90pf (a little over 20¢) a week.  I've skipped that too so far.  The milk is delivered to the school at 6AM and since they have no refrigerator it sits out in the hall until 10:30 or so. 

Lunch is the big meal.  Vater usually gets home at 1:00 and we eat at 1:15.  We've had soup every day except one, and then there is always the boiled potatoes (one day we had rice instead).  On Sunday we had french fries instead.  Usually there is some sort of meat in a sauce to go on the potatoes, occasionally salad or red cabbage, peas or beans (soup beans).  For dessert is pudding.  Coffee to drink at breakfast, nothing at lunch, coffee about 4:00 (only coffee during the week) and tea for supper.  Supper is either fried potatoes or potato salad and open sandwiches which are eaten with a fork.  Eating with my left hand comes really naturally now, too.

How did Roberta make out at NCR?  Does she have Irene's address?  Sunday, I'm going to Konigswinter and next weekend on a Rhein trip.  Write soon!  I'm anxious to get some mail here at home.

Love, Catherine

1979 GHU letter to John -Sep.30

Sun. -afternoon

[Sep. 30, 1979]

Dear John - "Happy Birthday"

Here it is about time to send out the special piece of paper.  So I will enclose same & hope it will be put to good use as I am sure you will.

As usual ate dinner with the family & had pork chops, baked potatoes, peas from the garden (frozen), apple sauce, slaw & a surprise of rice candy squares.  We made the remark we only had a piece of Carol's pie that would have tasted very good.

Thanks for the pictures sent, & I am sure there should have been a bill for same so keep that in mind when you come to N.V.  The bridal picture which was in the News J. of Carol was very good.  I cut one out & sent to Aunt Mary.

Mary V. & a friend sang 2 numbers at service this morning which I am sure was enjoyed by all.  Now Carol I didn't forget about you but as you see this is John's special note. 

Love to both of you.

Grandma

1969-70 New Vienna Kindergarten Picture & List of Names

A.M. Class pictured above included Chrysty Burns, Tammy Lynn Cain, Chris Dodd, Sonny Eggen
Shari Flint, Judy Henderson, Ruby Huddleston, Linda Lacy, Timmy Larrick, Darlene Linkhart, Kirk McMillan, Matt Moore, Tim Morris, Ronnie Pinkerton, Dale Robinson, Tammy Shoemaker, David Snider, Lynnette Stodgel, Mary Virginia Uible, Kelly Walker, Jimmy Wolfe.

P.M. Class: Steve Cluxton, Jimmie Davidson, Dwayne Doyle, Pat Garrett, Marvin Huffman, Michelle Hutchins, Richard Jones, Matt Lerch, Net Mann, Kirk Michael, Mike Mitchell, Jim Morris, Susu Myers, Bobby Norman, Pam Phillips, Allen Pinkerton, Erick Prater, Roger Reeves, Rachel Smith, Leatha Waters.

1969 Wilma Croghan letter to MV

[Mary will have to explain to us why Wilma called her George.]

[1969?]

My dear friend George,

Thank you for your letter and picture this morning and you even spelled my name right.  Thank you.

I am sending you a copy of the school schedule for next year.  This paper tells you when school starts and all the holidays we have that we don't come to school.  Put it up in your bedroom and you will always know what day to get ready for school and what day you can go on a picnic because there isn't any school.

Hope you had a fun day this morning at kindergarten.

Have a nice week-end and I will see you in church Sunday morning.  Don't be late!!!!!

Kevin and his mother (me) went fishing last evening at Uncle Harold's [Thornburg] pond.  We didn't even get a bite - but it was a nice evening to be out.  The birds were singing and we saw so many frogs jump into the water.  Lewis and David saw us there so they came over.  David caught me a little frog and put it on my fish hook and said I would catch a fish with that but I guess the fish just weren't hungry.  Maybe we will have better luck the next time.

See you

Wilma Jean Thornburg Croghan

(your friend)

1969 Roberta & her first apartment -Sep.-Oct.

Roberta at her 1st home out of H.S. at 969 Fife Ave. Wilmington.  Apt. #8.  9/1/69-10/30/69 [Think she shared this apartment with Vanessa and they worked at NCR (?)]

1969 Serena 9th Grade Picture -Oct.

1969 - Serena's 9th Grade picture

1959 Family Pictures -Sept.

Jean, Roberta (from the back), & Serena. 
[Note: Martins house in the background before the beauty shop was added on.] 

John (in high chair), Elizabeth Johnson, Roberta, and CJ Uible -- probably at Sunday dinner

"Spot" - first and possibly most beloved pet, gift of the Sankers.

1959 - New building at Wells Mfg. on the far right.  The additional buildings on the west side of Rt. 73 were built in the early 1960s.

1959 - New building at Wells Mfg. from a different perspective.