1906 Nat to Lucie Letter -May 6

Lucie's father, Adrian Wilmer "A.W." Brown, whose health is mentioned in this letter, died ten days after the letter was written, May 16, 1906.  Born November 24, 1854, he was only 51 at the time of his death.

Paragraph breaks have been added for readability but grammar and alternate spellings, e.g. untill, have not been corrected.  Transcription follows the scanned letter and notes follow the transcription.

Home May 6 '06 [1906]

My Dear Lucie

Received your letter on Tuesday as usual and fully intended to answer on this but have been away from house and seemed couldn't get time untill today.

Lucie have thought the folks were writing to you discouragingly about your Papa and as he was so accustomed to these spells didn't think it would be long untill he would recover again and last evening when I saw him he seemed so much better.  He said he and your Mama were going down to see you on the Queen City leaving on Wednesday eve. so you will likely see them in a few days.  Do hope the trip will benefit him and he will enjoy it.

Our Organ is completed and will be dedicated on Tuesday eve.  Wish you were here to go along.  It is certainly fine and Mr. Richelson has been giving us some music on it every evening.  He plays fine and will no doubt have to play it more or less.  however Mrs. Trimble has been practicing and she thinks she will be able to get the music out of it.  Everybody's so enthusiastic about it.  Prof. Herbert Sisson of Cleveland gives the Recital and he comes well recommended.

Now must tell you about my trips to Pittsburgh to attend the Banquet of the Hancock County Colony.  It was in the Union Club in the Frick Building and was certainly a nice affair.  Mr. Marshall & I were the New Cumberland people who attended.  The Pugh family and the Mahans were the only ones from the County.  There were about one hundred and fifty there.  Send you one of the Menu Cards.

Met your Cousins Mrs. Scandrett [1] and Miss Alice Morrow [2] her sister.  Liked them very much and they were very nice to me during the whole evening.  They were with Mis Taylor, (Celia) Mr. Taylor & Mrs. McLane and they all asked about you all.  also saw Herman with a fine young lady forgot her name.  Saw the Justias [?] boys and their mother, all the Porters and the Stewarts and the Morans who were formerly from King Creek.  Bob Morrow [3] and I were together most of the evening.  The speeches were fine and very interesting as all the Speakers talked of the good times they had had and many incidents even related and stories told that happened before my time.  Now don't laugh!

Mr. R.H. Jackson made a very interesting talk and Mr. Ed Porter gave a good history of the many good times he and Mr. Linsey, George Stewart and others had years ago.  The crowd began to gather about 6 o'clock and after a general hand shaking and renewing of old acquaintances everybody was seated for Dinner about 7 o'clock which lasted for about an hour and a half.  Then the speeches began and lasted until after ten.  Then everyone had a general good time untill about 11:30 when they began to leave for home.  The Colony became a . . . .

[The conclusion to this letter is missing, though may only be temporarily lost if it was found separately in the archives with no date and has gotten separated from the first part of the letter.] 

* * * * * * * *

[1] Agnes Morrow Scandrett (1869-1953), daughter of James Elmore Morrow (1837-1904).  James was the older brother of Lucie's mother, Mary Virginia Morrow Brown (1857-1890).  Previous blog posts about Agnes, James, and the Morrow family can be found at these links –

• James E. Morrow 1837-1904 – father of Dwight & Agnes and brother of Lucie's mother, Mary Virginia Morrow Brown
• 1935 Elizabeth C. Morrow note to Lucie Brown Ballantyne -Sep.12 - wife of Dwight
• The Painted Pig by Elizabeth Morrow – Children's book, subtitled A Mexican Picture Book, was published in 1930.
• Agnes Morrow Scandrett Book – Agnes 1869-1953, a sister of Dwight, was also 1st cousin to Lucie, book is about cruising the coast of Africa in the 1930s

[2] Alice Morrow (1871-1940), also daughter of James Morrow.

[3] Bob Morrow - relationship unknown

1976 Catherine's Letter -May 4

May 4, 1976

Dear Mom, Dad, Roberta, and Mary,

Hi!  Thanks for your letter which arrived with John on Saturday.  He said he was going to write you Sunday evening so perhaps you have already heard the events of the weekend.  I think he had a good time – at least it was different from his Exeter life.

Gerry and I have decided that June 11 will be our last working day in Sanford.  We are hoping to start west on the 12th.  We may rent a U-Haul trailer to bring our winter clothes and other things we won't be needing right away as far as New Vienna.  Then you could ship them to us when we are more settled.  Otherwise we hope to get all our belongings in the car.  We're going to get a bike rack too.  I assume you won't have any extra space when you take John home.  If you do we will be glad to help you fill it up.

As far as the Memorial weekend is concerned you are welcome to come to Sanford anytime, although I would think it would be best for you to come Saturday afternoon or evening since you want to get started back to New Vienna on Sunday.  Gerry, Debby and I are planning to come to Exeter on Sunday for the graduation.

Well, let me know what your plans are.

Love, 

Catherine

P.S. X wants to know if Roberta has Dave Beatty's address.  Please send it if she has it.

1976 Roberta's letter to John -May 2

May 2, 1976

Dear John,

Hi!  I'm sitting back enjoying your stereo system – it has of course been kept in A-1 condition.  The house is quiet (except for the stereo) because Dad, Mom & Mary V went down to the ball game.

We're still working overtime [at Wells] – 9 hours a day but no Saturday work.  It makes for a long day but a good paycheck.  I've been helping Donna pack.  We've had alot of deals to go out – I think #320 – but I'm not always so good on my #'s.

Linda & David Trenary quit.  David missed 1 day of work – then the next day he wasn't going in so Linda took it upon herself to call in and say that they are both quitting.  Now there is a new woman in the braiding room from Wilmington.

Audrey – across the street had a little mishap – guess her hand went in the space that the paddle ball usually goes in – she broke 1 bone in her hand& crushed the others.  It made for alot of excitement at the time.  They called Donna – but the Emergency Squad took her to the hospital & all.

The Senior prom was this last weekend.  K.D. took Karen Henderson after all.  At least that is what I hear from Grandma – through Mrs. Rankin.  Grandma & her make quite a pair.

How is school?  Your days at Exeter are numbered?!

I've been trying to catch up on the news I missed while away – just yesterday I realized that Carter was a democrat.  I thought I'd be voting for him in the primary.

Sandy Hazelbaker is going to coach one of the teams (softball) this year – the little girls group.

Enclosed is article about Hudson Dream Farm ––

Love,

Berta

1976 MV's Letter to John -Apr.25

(John) [referring to the sticker]

April 25, 1976

Dear John,

Hi!  As you can see I have not forgotten how to write!

Next Sunday Vanessa, Bert, Dad & I are going to see the Reds play the Expos.  We got Box seat tickets from Diamond International.

I have been planting in my garden.  So far I have onions, lettuce, broccoli, green beans, potatoes, corn and bachelor buttons (flowers).  The onions should be ready next week.

Liggets came over yesterday at 7:00 pm and left at 11:15 or 11:30.  When I went to bed Roberta was watching "Saturday Night."  I don't know whether or not she saw "Chevy Chase."

Nothing much is new at school other than the variety show the first of the month.

The Reds should have it easy next Sunday with the Expos.  They won yesterday and again today 7-0.

I am starting to have a collection of quarters.  I have 16 of them.

Monday
Am listening to the Reds game on radio. They are playing Phillies. The score is 9-9.  When I went to the last game I bought a yearbook.  So that's one thing I won't have to buy.

Well, better get to bed.

Love, 

Mary Va. Uible

P.S. Please tell Bill Albret that if wants to call me names, he better write it to me and not in Jane Ann's letters.

1976 Catherine's Letter -Apr.24

April 24, 1976

Dear Mom, Dad, Roberta & Mary,

Hi!  Sorry I have been delayed in answering your last letter which did arrive on Monday.

The new library addition opened Monday so things have been hectic there.  We had to cut the hours from 54 hours/week to 39 hours because we haven't got more money from the town yet.  There will be a town meeting the middle of May so they may appropriate money then.

A new librarian has been hired – they interviewed 3 men – one refused the job offer and the Board didn't like the other two.  So they finally interviewed a woman and hired her.  She is to start May 3 and Dick's last day will be May 7.

Someone has signed a purchase agreement on X's house so he is pretty happy about that.  In some ways he hates to sell it though.

John is coming up next weekend I think.  He seems to be quite tired of the academic scene.  Perhaps the summer off will help.

Ask Roberta if she has read any books about Indian on the enclosed list.  I think most – if not all – of them are set in India.

Well, I have to get ready to go to work.

Love, 

Catherine

1986 Catherine's Letter -Apr.21

4-21-86

Dear Mother & Dad,

Hi!  Well, it looks like I'm finally going to be able to send the pictures to you.  Sorry it has taken so long.

Tonight is Wendy's spring concert – grades 1-6 all sing a few songs.  She plans to wear that white dress she got in Spokane.  She wore a sundress to school today – it's been so warm – 70º both yesterday and today.

I am going to the Washington Library Assoc. conference in Spokane on Friday and Saturday.  On Saturday there is only a one-hour session I need to go to so Wendy is coming with me.  A friend from Moscow and her 1st grade daughter are going with us.

In the mail today were some press-on name tags for Wendy.  I figured I'd better mark her clothes before she goes to camp this summer.  Now I just have to get out the iron and start "pressing."  Ugh!

I planted some onion sets, peas, radishes & spinach in the garden last week.  Nothings come up yet & the onions are looking rather limp but maybe this nice weather will help.  Also planted some tomatoes indoors – a few of them have come up.

Love,

Catherine, Gerry 

& Wendy

1966 Serena's Hair -Apr.26

1986 Family Letter -April 20

Sunday –

April 20, 1986

Dearest Family –

I am trying out GG's new typewriter and hopefully you will be able to read this without too much trouble.  It has been so very long since we last wrote to all of you but haven't had too many letters from you all with a few exceptions.

We have had rain all day today and it has been good for the soil but hard on the political signs.  We have three in our yard with others possibly coming.  Grandma called and she thought she shouldn't go to church this morning but Dad did get her in the van.  She had dinner at our house and then went home to take her nap, etc.  We did talk to the Hortons before she left.  They are leaving Tuesday for New York (and no doubt Lancaster) but coming back to Florida May 1.  They are planning to come to New Vienna High School Alumna Dinner & dance.  It is Aunt Mary's 55th and they are having another celebration that day too.  The Hortons plan to fly both trips Florida and People Express flights are hard to beat.

I don't know what I am doing wrong but every once in awhile it just refuses to type and the eraser isn't working too effectively.  I'll have to get further directions from someone – that is sure . .  A light comes on that says "D.Set" Set Wow ––

We have talked to all of you on the phone recently which makes letter writing less necessary.  Mary Virginia has been over the last two Saturdays and though the rain stopped her from working outside we did have more of a chance to visit.  They haven't set the dates for "Guys and Dolls" yet but have begun to work on it so it is probably the last part of May or first of June.  Graduation is the 14th or 15 of June so it will be before that.  MV has already made her reservations to fly to Amsterdam about June 26th and will be there for about 6 weeks – not there but traveling over much of central Europe – we tried to talk her into planning to stay over for a short time but felt like we had deaf ears for an audience . .  I am sure if she knew someone else would be doing the same it might be more enticing.  I can't believe she will be that anxious to get back to New Vienna.  Maybe Port William.

Serena is making some plans to go to Indiana University at Bloomington, as she is talking of making application to their library school.  Hopefully she and John can get together in Chicago in August when he is there for two weeks for Trust School.  We were glad to have had the chance to see Serena in coming and going through Chicago.

Roberta and Wendy plan to be here for a week starting June 17th. .  we hope John and X will be able to get down while they are here, plus we know that Grandma and us also would be glad to have them.  We do need G.G. here to help us "trainees."  This typewriter must have uncountable controls.  Roberta and Sid are doing much better on their new typewriter than we are here.  They are at a convention this weekend in their fifth wheel.

Had a great visit with the Morgans . . . yes, Wendy catches on quickly (like our children, naturally) and does know the different state capitols.  Both Washington State and British Columbia had impressive building and grounds for visitors like us to see.  We enjoyed seeing where Expo 86 will be held in Vancouver.  And Victoria was a lovely city as both Roberta and Grandma had said as well as others.  We also had a nice visit with the Nugents whom we had visited during the Seattle World Fair in 1962 – not too many remember them I am sure but they are not easy to forget.  We will tell anyone later.

[Love, etc.]

1966 Congressman Clarence J. Brown letter -April 19

Clarence J. "Bud" Brown, born 1927, succeeded his father in the US Congress when he was elected in a special election to the 89th Congress due to the vacancy caused by the death of his father, U.S. Representative Clarence J. Brown Sr. in 1965.  He served until January 3, 1983.  He ran for Governor of Ohio in 1982 but lost to Richard Celeste.  He also served as the U.S. Deputy Secretary of Commerce and Acting Secretary of Commerce, 1983-1988.  He grew up in Blanchester and has a bachelors degree from Duke University and a Masters from Harvard Business School.  Mike DeWine succeeded Brown in Congress.  [info from Wikipedia].  

1926 Ballantyne Ridge Ave. postcard -Apr.17

Ridge Ave. New Cumberland WV -real photo postcard mailed 1926 

[written in margin]  Doesn't it look lonesome. But wait until June.  Only sign life Aunt Mary's wash.

[Mary Conley Ballantyne & her husband, Charles "Alexander" Ballantyne and their children, lived in the house to the left of the Nat Ballantynes.  Assume the "wash" is the whiter specks behind the house on the far left.  In a magnification of the picture it appears there is a person leaning against the tree near the washing.]

Addressed to R.B. Ballantyne, 233 Ocean Ave., Daytona Beach, Florida

Sat. Apr ? [postmarked Apr 17, 1926 or possibly 1928, Pittsburgh]

Dear Bob and all,

About ready to leave for N.C. [New Cumberland] Aunt ______ is coming in to go along.

Fine day. Uncle Alex phoned. Roads were good.  Its awful lonesome down there (NC) Wish was going to Daytona, but have to stay and go to work so cannot say when I can get away.  Trust you all keep well.  Write often.

Love to all, Daddy [Nat Ballantyne]

1965-66 Serena (+MV) letter & Schedule

April 16, 1965

New Vienna, O.

Dear Grandma & Granddaddy,

Sorry to hear about your accident.  Hope you feel much better.

I still have the troll you gave me last year when you came home from Florida.

I decided to take cooking in 4H.  I am in Fun with Snacking & Packing.  Which is first year.  We have had two mettings [sic] already.

My next appointment with Dr. Hull or (orthodontist) May 1, 1965.  We go to Dr. Hause April 20, 1965.

Tomorrow we are going to Leesburgh [sic] on the train and then walking back on the tracks only this time we are going to take our luck [lunch?] with us, also the Beam boys are going with us.  Bruce really is for trains.  Well I better be closing now.

Your Grandaughter,

Serena Uible

[on the back side is a letter from MV "dictated" to and translated by Serena] 

Go Gah

bo bah, Ga

ba ba & coo,

sa ba bo aba ga                                  

ga ga baba

ba ba ba

Translated:

April 16, 1965

New Vienna, O.

Dear Grandma & Granddaddy,

We miss you very much.

Your Youngest Grandaughter,

Mary V. Uible                        

1966 MV's Sunday School Class -Easter April 10

New Vienna United Methodist Church Sunday School Class - Easter Sunday, April 10, 1966

First Row: Diane Pegan, Jill Allemang, Anita Penn, Kirk Carey, Shari Flint, Mary Virginia Uible.  Back Row: Chad Carey, Tammy Bartley, Tami Anderson, Susan Lacy, David Thornburg

1986 HH's Town Car (bicycle)

1976 Catherine's Letter -Apr.8

Thursday morning

April 8, 1976

Dear Mom, Dad, Roberta and Mary,

Hi!  Thanks for your latest letter.  I'm glad you liked the card.  I hope you have gotten the package by now.

I talked to John on the phone last night.  Gerry and I are taking him out to dinner on Saturday.  I'm not sure yet if Gerry's sister will be going with us.  John said he hadn't heard from you yet.  He is counting the days he has left.

I have been bowling once this week and got an average of 83 which is good for me.

Nothing is any more definite as to the wedding plans.  I'm pretty sure we will get married here because that would enable us to start west all the sooner.  We should know by sometime in May when we will be able to leave.

I envy you people your early spring.  The grass here isn't even green yet.  The days are getting longer though and some of the trees are beginning to bud.

We went down to the beach last Sunday.  Some restaurants are beginning to open up and train their summer help.  Most places don't open until May.

Well, I have to be at work by ten so I better get a move on.

Hope to hear from you soon.

Love, 

Catherine

1996 Family Letter -April 7

April 7, 1996

Dear Family,

First, thanks for the anniversary cards and / or calls this week.  We had several conflicts on the actual day, but did make the library circuit and eating out on the day before.

The big news is that we reached Serena on the phone and met her today for lunch in Cincinnati.  Going to meet her again in another two weeks.  She told us that she is recuperating from mono.  On May 8th she plans to go to England for four weeks.  We also talked about the possibility of her meeting Roberta on May 5th and their going on to Newark, where we could join them the next afternoon for Kate's birthday party.

As you can see we are trying out different type of fonts but haven't settled on any one yet.  We also have an encyclopedia with the computer so can use it in our spare time.  It has been a snowy.  [sic]  Thankfully it doesn't last (the snow, that is).  We changed the bulletin board at the church and about froze before we finished on account of the icy wind, but didn't think we needed to have the Easter schedule up any longer.

Wish that at least one of you would be on hand for the UMW Guest night coming up this Tuesday. It's to be at the Senior Citizens Building and a pot luck followed by 5 clowns from the First Church of Christ of Wilmington.  I've got to wrap door prizes for it and blow up balloons we are using for decorations.  Guess who is President of the NVUMW?

It is now on "cuckoo" font – sorry I thought it was but it is "jester" yet.  Mary Virginia just called and said that beside her other activities of Easter morning that she had invited 11 guests for dinner.  She didn't come home to dress Ginny for Sunday School and church and Don had done a good job but her dress was on backwards with pocket and flowers in the back.

Judy Henderson McCord and her mother fixed breakfast for the ones who stayed after the sunrise service.  The youth put on a short skit and the choir sang some special numbers.  By the way Judy said she is going with Kevin Croghan now and has so much more in common with him than her first husband.  Kevin also brought his granddaughter (his step daughter's baby – they all live with him so it may be some mixed up family if Kevin and Judy ever marry.

Sorry we couldn't make it to lunch with John, Julie, Kate and the Ashcrafts.  We would have liked to but knew timewise it wasn't feasible.  Four weeks from today Kate will be celebrating her birthday – hard to believe that she will be three.  Roberta will be coming into Columbus the day before.  And the day after Mary Virginia will be bringing Ginny to visit us for a few days.  That will be a busy week end plus!

Things are busy at the office . . . the home stretch for tax returns is here.  On the contested estate matter we won on the first round in the local court, and now the opposition has appealed the case.  Hopefully there will not be a conflict with our June trip to Europe . . . not to mention the Montana plans.

[Remainder is handwritten, the personalized part]

Glad to get a report on your activities by phone from you & today from Roberta.  She seemed real pleased with Wendy joining them for lunch & church.  Said how very thin she's getting & how nice she looked!

Really like the Encarta on the computer now we just need the knowledge of what key(s) to punch.

Love,

Mother & Dad

1996 Happy Anniversary HH & Jean -Apr.3

Sixty-eight years ago, April 3, 1948, our personal family life began with the marriage of Harold Hiestand and Jean Wallace Ballantyne Uible.

Full of sweetness and joy and peace, 

marriage is a gift from above.

While the years seem to fly

– none can deny –

that time only strengthens true love.

Not a fancy card – but hope it conveys my Appreciation & Admiration!  Happy 48 !!

Thanks to both of you we have many Happy Memories (tho not always in a neat photo album!) – to enjoy & cherish!  

I just don't know how you all survived w/ the five of us!  I remember Easter – with the egg decorating / hiding / finding – the outfits that matched – getting up early for Sun Rise Service – your anniversary I remember the most was when I was in FLA  (73 or 74) & the      ?      hit ZXenia! (I still can't spell!)  [Tornado hit Xenia April 3-4, 1974]

I'm very thankful for all – but I'm especially thankful that you both had your priorities straight & how each day would start w/ the Upper Room – God & an every day FAITH was an important part of our upbringing!  (+ states & their capitals!)

I'm sorry I missed little Joseph's memorial service.

Lots of love,

Roberta & Sid

1996 Happy Anniversary Eve HH & Jean -Apr.2

How sweet the years have been . . . .

     the message is from John but the picture is from the card Roberta sent.  Her message will be posted next.

1946 Ballantyne Clipping of Letter from Florida

This page length one column clipping was published in the New Cumberland Independent during the late winter or early spring of 1946.  On the back of the clipping is a notice of a real estate sale to be held on Saturday, April 6, 1946.

Much mention is made of spring-training baseball in Florida, as well as the names of other New Cumberland area residents and general information about Florida and St. Petersburg.