1988 Roberta's letter -Jan.26

January 26, 1988

Dear Folks,

It is 1:30 in the morning and I am wide awake, it will take me awhile to get used to this change of time . . . but I sure want to thank you both for such a trip.  It was so much all I thought it would be and more . . . as the name implies a real educational opportunity!  It was also a real pleasure to sped a week with you both, and Serena, John, and Mary Virginia.  Actually, all the people that were on the trip, from Ruth (with the minks) to those Baptist ministers. (remind me later to tell that story)

I am most anxious to get the pictures back.  I have all of the film that John and I both took.  It will make it somewhat easier to show and tell Sid of the trip, once the pictures get here.  I am happy to report that he is feeling much, much better – the arm is slowly healing and he missed me lots while I was gone.  He had written me lots of letter while I was gone – about thirty pages.  (actually 32 pages!)  He does love to write, especially with the word processor.  I am using it now – one nice advantage of using it is the quietness of "typing" . . . I'll just wait till I ran this off.

Senior Village didn't change all that much while I was gone.  We do have one new resident, a hispanic lady who speaks very little English.  The rumor has it she does understand enough to play Bingo so she should do fine!!!  We have the prospects of several new ones, so I must plan the garage sale.  Did I mention to you about getting a houseful of furniture just before I left.  We converted one of the large double rooms into a storage area.  It is packed with furniture!!

There are alot of colds and flu type symptoms going around at Senior Village.  I have managed to catch a little cold myself, tho not a bad one!  Have you all had a hard time adjusting to the time change?  I go to bed at ten or eleven, then sleep fine, til about one or two in the morning!!

I have enjoyed passing out the bookmarks and the small olive crosses to the residents and to others.  I had enough of the bookmarks to let people choose two of their choice.  Also the residents appreciated the Israel coins.  I bought them at the tourist shop near the bathrooms that I remember so well . . . got about 80 of them for a dollar . . . price was right!

I did wear my UIBLE-KING necklace to the horse races on Sunday and got a few comments on it.  Did you find the necklaces for Catherine and Miss Wendy?  I bet on three races on Sunday – $2 bets and on the last one won $7 so did come out ahead!  (of course I am not counting the $16 it cost to get in and for the brunch!)  But, that was tax deductible!  Sid does seem quite concerned on the new tax laws and what effect they will have on us!  I don't worry too much about it, knowing that the choices are limited, and besides he worries enough for the two of us!

It's now Monday night the first of February – we are now in the midst of end of the month reports.  There are a total of five of them.  We usually have them all done and handed in the very first day of the month but this month the nurse did not fill out last week's service report so couldn't finish them.

I again want to express my thanks for such a great trip.  Hope it wasn't too much on you both to travel with four of your "kids".  We will all for years and years to come be talking about the trip in 1988!  Oh, looking over the first part of this, did I tell you all or just the Morgans about Grandma telling me about "be careful about those Baptists, and how they were just a little bit below us."  Sid did tell me that it was his grandmother that had told him that!!

I do think it is exciting about John getting into the Methodist Minister Scene.  Mary Virginia could be the music director!  Her singing sure did make the trip all that much more special!!!

Thanks again, and I'll be glad to help organize the trip for your 50th!  By then, if I'm still with FSL I should have four weeks vacation a year!  Or is it five weeks?  Maybe I'll be retired" by then and have ??? weeks per year.

I (we) have decided that I will plan to go to Florida on March 4th and then stay till the 13th.  That does mean a couple of days off without pay, but will give me time down there with Grandma.  We need to work out the details, Aunt Mary thought Grandma would be game for a trip to see Ellen and Cy and also to see Velma McGrew.  Maybe we could meet you all in Naples.  Do you think I should plan to rent a car?

Nothing definite now but I may not try to come to Ohio in June for Grandma's birthday – between the March Florida trip and the fact that I don't really have time off officially until November 1st.  I also have plans of joining Sid in Estes Park for a LONG weekend.  I might plan to make the Ohio scene the first part of November – with my ear muffs and gloves.  I would just have to borrow a winter coat!

THANK YOU again for that trip of a lifetime!  And now to lose that 10 pounds I gained !!!

Much, Love,
Roberta

P.S.  Aren't you glad I typed this – instead of trying to read my writing?

1968 Catherine's Letter -Jan.26

January 26, 1968

Dear Mom, Dad, Serena, John, and Mary,

Hi!  Gee thanks for all the packages!  Yesterday I got two from you (one via Sears) and one from Dennis and then today the cake came.  I opened the one box yesterday which had the two presents in it.  I didn't open the presents though!  The paper was slightly torn on the cake box so I could tell it was food!  I haven't opened anything else though.

Today must be double day or something.  I got two letters from Dennis and a post card and birthday card from Roberta.  She said something about Marietta which I didn't understand.  Did you all go?

Bruce may not have faded completely out of the picture or if he did he is now coming back in.  I sure wish Jon K would fade out and stay out, he called yesterday and asked me out for Saturday night, I told him I had other plans so he asked me our for Friday at which point I told him I again had other plans.  He never gives up – his next question was just exactly what were my other plans.  Tonight I'm going to a party – a studying party at the library and I can't remember what I said about tomorrow.

Yesterday I flunked a calc exam and today I did very poorly on a physics quiz.  It really makes me feel good to realize there may be one or two other people who know as little as I do.

Sunday night I'm going to a fireside at President Hicks house where we are all discussing the evolution of the Kalamazoo Plan.  Anybody can go to one of these fireside dealies as long as they sign up in advance.

Saturday night – or maybe its tonight – the foreign students and other interested peoples are preparing a smorgasbord of foods from 21 countries which I signed up to go to.  It seems like all you do around this place is sign up.  Pretty soon they're going to start rationing drinking water!

It's almost time for lunch now so I bid you all farewell and may you function in peace, harmony, and hilarity!

Love,

Cathy

1968 Roberta's Postcard -Jan.26

[Postmarked Jan. 26, 1968]

Hi!  Got letter & money today.  Thanks.  Bought a pair of soft hush puppy men's shoes size 9-9 1/2 D - the doctor said a soft leather shoe but I thought hush puppies would do just as well.  We change rooms tomorrow.

Exams all over – flunked them all – well! Not quite!

Love,

Roberta

1978 Jean's Letter to HH -Jan.25

Tuesday Wednesday – 

Jan. 25, 1978

Dearest Harold ––

So good to talk to you on the phone yesterday and thought of other things afterwards but – another time.

Also glad to get your letter, clippings and Grace's letter with picture.  Her little girls are adorable & look like Les.

Wendy is sitting in the bean bag chair which we just unpacked today.  It had developed a hole somehow just before they left San Diego.  So Catherine had to sew it before it could be used.  We thought at first we'd have to empty it completely of the plastic beads but she was able to fix it without doing that.

MV & Cathy rode downtown this AM on their bikes, Gerry bought one in SD before he left – just like the other except brown & a little lighter & newer model.  They got a lock for the bikes – real sturdy and a gift from the shop thru the Welcome Wagon – a can of Instant Seal 'n Air.

Wendy was awake when they got back so we took her for a walk in the stroller to a grocery nearby.  It is a huge place but absolutely no business – aisles are empty so wonder how long they can exist that way.  There's a 7-11 store on way where we compared prices.  Milk is cheaper 75¢ for 1/2 gallon and 1.50 per gallon against 79¢ and $1.60 at the G-Mart.  It is a beautiful day so we all enjoyed the walk – not real warm but nice.  Cathy had wished for gloves – if you see a pair on side of closet – not too heavy but long in wrist length you might bring them.

We are waiting now for mailman so no doubt will come while I write.  Just made some baked custard while Cathy fed Wendy and M.V. just took her English exam with just one more to go.  Marion helped her thru the 3 hard health exams – even borrowed a book from Roberta's school as Marion thought M.V.'s book worthless.

Cathy got birthday letters from G'ma w/ birthday money which she may put toward a desk for living room.

There is a Greyhound station but haven't looked at any schedule as we think we'd like to meet you at S.F. airport or at the very least San Jose.  Hughes Air West and United are some of biggest that fly in to San Jose.

Mailman just here now so will close –– if I'd been home I'd just have my Woman's Club program over ––

Miss you very much but looking forward to seeing you Tuesday ?  ––

Love to you and John too if he is home this weekend.  Anxious to hear about his Washington weekend.

With much love ––

Jean & M.V.

1978 Roberta's Letter -Jan.25

January 25, 1978

Dear Family,

Hi!  I've got a letter started at work, but can't seem to remember it when I rush out the door at 3:30.  By the way, I might have to start working until 4:00 again, but I'm fighting it.

Mary Virginia, got your letter today. Also the Penny Saver came today.  Usually it gets here on Tuesdays . . . . there is a Kitchie's coupon in this one.  You can get four brownies for $1.00 – usually 39¢ each!!!

Marion bought a clothes hamper this evening, and guess what, the box sides were just the right size for sending the picture to her sisters.  The big news now is that her brother-in-law just bought a four passenger plane and they they will be flying down for the spring break in it.

Buffie and I have really enjoyed the beef tongue.  I'm beginning to understand all the rockings of the little dealie.  Have been using it almost everynight for frozen vegetables.  Poor Man's microwave!!! 

We went bowling tonight right after school.  Marion still is not bowling, but kept score.  I played three games – and would you believe averaged just over 100 per hame.  One game was like 112, the others 95 and 96.  Have you been bowling Mary Virginia????  Thats the first time we have been bowling since you all left.  Also we haven't eaten out since Saturday evening.

How cold does it get in Gilroy?  Here – it is almost to freezing at night – I've gotten out my coat, mittens & hat to wear.  We got tickets to go see "Bubbling Brown Sugar" – didn't you see it Mary Virginia?  Our tickets are for the afternoon of the 11th – February.  I'm wondering who will be out that weekend  Liz – you all or what?  It will be at the auditorium in Tempe at the University.

One of the teachers from school – the one in charge of teaching Auto tune-ups, came over Monday night & fixed the Buick – now it no longer makes noises after you shut it off!  Didn't even cost me anything!

Now 5:50 AM – and I need to wash my hair ––

Let us know when you are coming  back ––

Love, Roberta

1978 Rob's Letter to John -Jan.24

Jan. 24, 1978

Dear John,

I read your letter and the more I think about the coming summer, I think it would be a great idea to work up in N.J.  It would be great if we could room together.  I wonder if my Vega could make the trip up and back?  HA!  I feel transportation will not be a major problem.

By June 8, I will have completed my senior year at F.A.U.  When do you start the program at the Farm?   I am anxious to receive information from Curt Ream.  I wrote him a business letter Jan. 24th.  I mentioned your name in the letter.

Do you think I could save any of my earnings or do you have to use alot on the farm?  You said the room & board is provided.

You know I am very serious about my weightlifting.  Is there a gym I could train at nights.  Not every night, but maybe 3 or 4 nights a week in ANDOVER.  There's got to be something in Andover.  It is a big city?  Or is it?

Sunday I went to the Pepsi-Cola Grand Slam at Boca West, the prize money came to $125,000 for the winner, $60,000 for the loser.  Borg beat Connors, 7-6, 3-6, & 6-1.  The ticket was $25.00.  If you had box seats it was $600 for a seat.  These retired people are loaded.  They collected stamps early, I guess HA!

Well it sounds like a good change for me to go up to N.J.  I am getting tired of FLORIDA!  I want a different environment & setting.

I told Mr. Ream, that I was interested in a lifeguard position or recreation counselor.  I also said that I will work very hard & that I am in good health.  Let me hear your thoughts on a typical day at Hudson Guild Farm.  Especially the FOOD. (QUALITY)

Take Care,

Rob

1968 Roberta's Letter ~Jan.24

[postmarked Jan 24, 1968]

Dear Family,

Hi!  Enjoyed speaking to you all – well, just Dad – last night.  All the pain is back in my foot today so it doesn't feel too good.

I had "planters warts" on the bottom of my feet which were all burned off.  (After 3 shots of painful Novocaine!)

My toe-nail on the toe next to my little toe was taken out – after one shot of novocaine there.

This was all done at the surgeon – THEN – I went to the foot doctor – (next door down – behind the hospital!) and he told me I need bigger shoes or smaller feet but he didn't know where or how I could get smaller feet so he suggested I get new shoes.  I also am suppose to get a metal bar called a Met ______ placed on the outside of my shoe on the sole to release pressure on this one part of my feet.

GEE!  WHAT A MESS!  OH! YEA!  I went to nurse Sunday night – the 21st for her to look at my foot – she said it would just take time.  So!  Monday Noon I went to Teacher Susan showing her all my infections and she called the surgeon asking to see what time I could get in that afternoon.  I guess it was pretty BAD!

Right now I can hardly walk – I'm not able to put weight on it very successfully!

I somehow managed to forget and/or not to have the cheese again.  I GIVE UP!

My office bill is going to be around $10.00 – not counting all these recent stupid doctor bills.  I paid the foot doctor $7.00 which just included office call, pads to put between my toes.  Inflation, huh?

This crazy school charges 70¢ to take you to the doctor & back.  For 50¢ more I could enjoy the luxury & convenience (HA!) of a Taxie.    Now what do you think of that?

A couple of kids are thinking about not being around (HERE) 2nd semester.  Don't be too surprised if I decide to do it.  I'll call you up first though.  OK?

Love, 

Roberta

1968 Catherine's Letter -Jan.22

Jan. 22, 1968
Dear Mother, Dad, Serena, John, Mary,

Hi!  I thought I would write you all a real letter instead of waiting for the next reply kind you send me.  I started in math class but as you can see I didn't get too much written before class began.

I really hit the jackpot with the mail today!  Not only Mother's long epistle, but also letters from Glen, Jeff (in Vietnam), Alice, and DENNIS.

Everything seems to be going along pretty well here.  I seem to be keeping up fairly well with the homework (sometimes I even understand the math after staring at it all night!) and I do have a little free time to write letters and stuff!

Saturday night I went out with Jon Kring, a sophomore physics major.  I had a perfectly terrible time -- about all he could talk about was physics and then to make matters even worse at the movie Dr. Wright (my physics prof) and his wife came and sat directly in front of us.  It was unbelievable!  We saw "The Comedians" with Richard Burton and Liz Taylor.  Even the movie was bad -- dead (like bloody dead) serious and the heroes didn't even win in the end!  Physics may be a pretty good major to meet the guys -- but very few are worth the trouble!

Bruce said that Bob Washburn (right name?) was their councilman or something.  Anyway, he had heard of him.

I went to SS and Church again yesterday.  I'm still going to the First Methodist downtown.  Doug Faulkner (don't get all excited, he's just a good friend) went with me, or I went with him -- anyway we went together but I couldn't talk him into staying for SS.  The class yesterday had only 6 people and 84% were from Western.

Sarah's connections were all right I guess – it seems like such a long time ago now!  I think she arrived in Chicago (O'Hare) about noon, took the bus downtown and then came on in to K on the bus.  I don't think I ever told you exactly what happened to me.  After I finally found my luggage at TWA I saw Carol Gargano who is in the room next door.  She had just flown in from Pittsburg (she lives in Washington PA) and her boyfriend John Frazier, and his mother were to to meet her.  They said they would be glad to take me downtown as they were also going into K by train.  I certainly didn't refuse such an offer.  They were waiting on Carol's guitar which ended up on its way to LA – never made it off the plane I guess!  Mrs. Frazier bought us all something to eat there – she wouldn't even let me leave the waitress a tip!  We then went to the Fraziers apartment in Chicago and I sat around waiting and reading my book while John did his packing.  It kept getting later and later and 20 minutes before the train was to leave the LaSalle stret station Mrs. Frazier gave us lunch.  She practically forced us to eat as we were all getting quite nervous about missing the train.  Finally, they decided to take us to the Englewood Station which is a little closer to their apartment.  We arrived about two minutes before the train was due.  After we all sat around that station for about two hours we went back to the Fraziers house and then eventually ended up in the LaSalle Station where we waited for another hour or so.  After the train arrived Mr. Frazier wheeled Jane (girl from Western who I met in station) and my luggage to the far end of the train where we were lucky enough to find seats.  I sent them a thank-you letter.

Sarah and I now have the distinction of being the only girls who have had a pizza delivered right to their 3rd floor room at 1:30 A.M.  Saturday night Sarah went out with her "latest" a guy from Western, lives in PawPaw, has a car, money, etc.  (Almost forgot, his name is Bob.)  They didn't have time to get anything to eat afterwards so they ordered a pizza and after Bob got Sarah back here in time for per he went back and got the pizza, we tied this rope we have to a bag and when he came we threw it out the window, he put the  pizza (actually only 1/2 pizza as he ate some, too!) in, and we pulled in the haul.  What a riot!

Saturday afternoon I went to the Public Library to do most of the research that went into "Miss Boopadoop Weds".  They were very helpful – especially the reference librarian.  I looked through about a year of Kalamazoo Gazette's (all on microfilm, one month on each roll) to find the first day ait had appeared in Kalamazoo.

The pictures are now hanging – they really help the room!  However, they make the postcards look really bad so they are slowly coming down.

My tutee is Helen Rancifer, in the fourth grade at Lincoln School.  She seems to have real problems with arithmetic but she reads very well.  I have only been once but tomorrow is the day to go again.

Is there anything I can do about getting my drivers license renewed?  It expires in a week.  Please tell me fast – I don't want to have that that test over!

I get so tired of reading technical books – wait till you hear of what I checked out of the public library for relaxation!  Young Scientist Takes a Walk, 101 Things to do with a Bike, and two others I can't think of at the moment.  I am slowly reading through "Papers from the History Seminar of Kalamazoo College" Right now I'm on No 1 (I told you I was going slowly!) which is "Kalamazoo's own Co. 'C' 1851-1941".  The next one is "The Development of Church-Related Colleges in Michigan between 1830 and 1860.

I like English because about all we have to do is read one short story a week, and write a paper – much easier than art!  I have been over to Miss Wood's office once to get my papers from last term but she wasn't in.

I think I have about exhausted my supply of subject matter but just in case I will leave this is the typewriter and go to supper.

It's a good thing I wrote most of this letter earlier.  I just got back from the library where I spent 2 hours doing three calculus problems and I still have six more to do!  Ugh!  Calculus just keeps getting worse and worse.  Three of my best friends are transferring to new schools: Sue is leaving the end of this quarter and Gina and Rich next fall.  At the library I talked to Rick (a junior) who keeps telling me I should transfer now before its too late.  He didn't and he regrets it!  I guess this is an all right school if you love to study.

It is 10 PM and I'm going to bed as soon as I finish this as I've been up since 4 this morning.

Good night!

Love,

Catherine

1938 Cochran-Ballantyne Wedding Ceremony -Jan.22

Cochran-Ballantyne Wedding Ceremony

Performed at M.E. Church

East Liverpool, Saturday Jan. 22d

An impressive wedding took place at 11:30 o'clock, Saturday morning in the Methodist Episcopal church East Liverpool, when Miss Harriette Cochran, daughter of Mrs. Blaine H. Cochran of Thompson avenue, became the bride of Mr. Robert Brown Ballantyne, son of Mr. and Mrs. Nathaniel Wallace Ballantyne of New Cumberland, W. Va.  Before the altar which was decorated with palms, ferns and lighted tapers, Rev. J.K. McDivitt, pastor of the local Presbyterian church performed the ring service, owing to the illness of Rev. Paul Secrest, pastor of the M.E. church.

Preceding the ceremony Mrs. Harold Downard presented the following organ rectal: Prayer (LeNaigre), "Ave Maria" (Schubert), and "Oh Promise Me" (D'Koven).  during the service she played "I Love You Truly" (Carrie Jacobs-Bond), using Mendelssohn's Wedding March for the recessional

The bride was given in marriage by her mother, Mrs. Blaine H. Cochran.  Miss Betty Pickin was maid of honor and Mr. J. Scot Brown a cousin of the bridegroom, served as best man.

Gowned in an aqua ensemble with navy blue accessories, the bride wore a shoulder corsage of orchids and lilies of the valley.  She attended Ohio Wesleyan at Delaware and Washington School of Secretaries at Washington D.C.  She is a member of the Delta Delta Delta sorority and previous to her marriage was employed in the offices of the Metropolitan Life Insurance company in East Liverpool.  The maid of honor wore dusty pink brown accessories and her corsage was of camellias.

The bridegroom is a graduate of the University of West Virginia, Morgantown, where he is a member of the Phi Kap]a Psi fraternity.  He is associated in business with his father in the West Virginia Fire Clay Manufacturing company

Following the ceremony a wedding breakfast was served in the Traveler's hotel for members of the immediate families and friends.  Mr. and Mrs. Ballantyne left by motor for Florida, later visiting Cuba.  After March 1st they will reside in Mt. Lebanon, Pa.

Among the out-of-town relatives were Mr. and Mrs. Nathaniel Wallace Ballantyne and Miss Jean of New Cumberland and Mrs. James F. Dailey of Cleveland, Mr. and Mrs. Robert M. Brown, Mrs. F.W. Simpson Somerset, Pa., Mr. and Mrs. Jack McDonald, Ligonier, Pa., Mr. and Mrs. Keith Chambers, Wheeling, W.Va., Mrs. Cora D. Crawford, Mr. and Mrs T. Wilmer Crawford and Miss Sue Rupley of Pittsburgh and the following local friends: Mr. and Mrs. John Miskelly, Mr. C.A. Ballantyne, Mrs. Fred Fisher, Mrs. Kate Cramer, Mrs. F.R. Yount, Mrs. Richard Solomon, Miss Virginia Marshall, Miss Jennie Sanford, Misses Elizabeth and Margaret Williamson, Mr. and Mrs. J. Scott Brown, New Cumberland, Mr. Stewart Williamson and son Robert Wilkin, of Steubenville.

1968 Catherine's Postcard -Jan.22

New Intercontinental Golden Fan Jet postcard -mailed 1968.  Caption: The most powerful, longest range aircraft in the world, the Intercontinental Golden Fan Jet joins the continental Airlines fleet to permit long range overseas operations under Military Air Transport Service contracts to Hawaii, Japan and Southeast Asia.  The Intercontinental Golden Fan Jet is shown on the other side upon arrival at Honolulu International Airport in Hawaii.

1/22/68

Hi! Got M's volume today.  Really appreciated!  I will try to write a letter to keep you all caught up.  I also have a copy ofo mhy latest Eng. paper, "Miss Boopadoop Weds" to send you.  Hope everyone is OK.  Got post card from Roberta Fri.

Love, Catherine

1988 Catherine's Letter -Jan.21

Thursday, Jan. 21, 1988

Dear Mother, Dad, Serena & Mary V.,

Hi!  How was the trip?  We're looking forward to hearing all about it from your letters and from Roberta and soon Serena in person.

Sid is coming over for dinner tonight in honor of his birthday.  Wendy is master-minding the celebration.  We haven't seen too much of him while Roberta's been gone, he just got back yesterday from an RV trip.

We spent all last weekend looking at houses for sale.  We looked at existing houses and we looked at model homes.

Time to go now ––

Love,

Catherine, Gerry &

Wendy

1968 Roberta's Postcard -Jan.22

[postmarked January 22, 1968]

Hi!  Well, I went up to see Nurse last night.  First she had me soak it in epsom salt water & then she put a band-aid on it.  After all that I couldn't even get my shoes on so I'm wearing my slippers.  She says it will get better in time – 3 toes are now white.  Ugh!

Love, 

Roberta

P.S. Thanks for post-cards & envelopes & week-end.

1988 MUH letter to Jean -Jan.20

Wed. – January 20 – 1988

Dear Jean:

How is the Spiritual Retreat going?  Did you find it worth-while and revitalizing?  Did you find the need for it?  Well, I'm not supposed to be asking you a lot of questions . . . . but write you a letter.  (I hope I can get my mind working???)

We have had a lot of fun-times together since that first time you spent the night with us in Hillsboro before you were married.  Remember we talked until the 'wee' hours.  Many doubts, fears go thru your mind shortly before getting married . . . . and you had a few???  Well, you've survived raising 5 children and doing many jobs for the church, community and for yourself.  I often wonder how you accomplish so much and so efficiently.  HH was so fortunate to find you . . . . you two work so well as a team in anything you do.  Work or pleasure!!!

When we lived in Hillsboro we spent a lot of week-ends in Dad's backyard.  Wasn't it fun when we each had our first girls?  Taking pictures of Mares and Catherine on the grass?  Now look how the years have passed and they're both busy adults.  Do you find it difficult to imagine "C" will soon be 40?  I'm glad that the cousins grew up together and shared some of their lives.  I feel as though I missed something not having a sister or brother near my own age.  I hope that both Cindy and Angela have another (2nd) child . . . (Cindy hasn't had her first one yet . . . but she has done a great job keeping her weight down, eating the right foods, exercising, and reading 'all the right books' . . . ha).  They're so excited about the up-coming event.  Rob is actually settled down and studying hard to get his Masters.

THANKS for being my sister-in-law! !  You have been a loving and helpful daughter to my Mother and I REALLY APPRECIATE IT.  I tell Mother you do more nice things for her than I do!  G'Ma is a fortunate woman to have a devoted daughter-in-law and son.  I'm sure she would like to tell you the same if she were able to write !  I tried to convince her that if she would talk to me I'd type a ltr for her to you.  She doesn't like to be bothered and it's hard for her to express herself . . . especially FEELINGS!  But I know she thinks the world of you and happy that HH is in 'good hands'.

Looking forward to seeing you in March!  There again . . . shows how generous you two are in sharing your time here so that Bill and I can get away for 3 wks.

I do hope that your WALK TO EMMAUS was rewarding and gave you a spiritual renewal! ! !  (I'm real sorry that I did not write MV a ltr. when she went last Summer. . . .I just didn't realize what it was all about or that the letter would mean that much to her!)

ALL MY LOVE TO YOU AND YOURS!

Love,

Mary

1988 Mr. Luck's letter to Jean -Jan.

January 1988

Dear Mrs. Uible,

I hope your weekend has been a very rewarding spiritual experience.  In writing this note I recall the many pleasant occasions we had at New Vienna School and the associations & friendships I developed.  Your friendship is one I cherish very much.  I have a deep respect for you as a person as well as your professional knowledge of books.  I always was impressed with your knowledge of the content of the books in our library.  I observed you helping young people with book selection  – be it for pleasure or to complete an assignment.  I placed complete faith in your ability to select materials for the library.  Your moral and value system was the same as mine so I didn't worry.  You have a very pleasant and pleasing personality as well as intellect that permits you to be comfortable with all people.

A memory that will always remain with me concerns John's illness.  I will never forget how serious his condition was nor how badly he looked when I saw him recovering.  I can still remember searching for the disease that afflicted him.  I was extremely happy that the condition was treated and he fully recovered.  I also remember when John, Sam Terrell and Kelly Grooms had the disagreement which resulted in Kelly's feelings being hurt.

John always (generally) was very serious.  Mary was very fun-loving.  Remember the Spanish Program Mary performed with [?] in the New Vienna Gym?  I certainly enjoyed her singing and acting that evening. 

I have never attended a spiritual retreat but am aware that this is an excellent opportunity to renew one's spiritual feeling.  I will always value your friendship.  I wish only the best for your family and you.

Sincerely,

James A. Luck

P.S. I have not edited this letter.  If I used incorrect grammar or misspelling – please overlook.

1968 - Serena turns 13 -Horton Greetings

SWAPS - Winner of the [1955] Kentucky Derby postcard -mailed 1968.  

Caption: Was sold for 2,000,000.00 to Mr. and Mrs. John Galbreath.  

He stands at Stud on the Darby Dan Farm, Lexington, Kentucky

[undated]

Happy Birthday Teenager!! 
Have a good day in Cols?! (No School) – Love Aunt Mary & Uncle Bill

Had to hunt to find a stamp – Love, Grandma

Happy Birthday Serena!  You're almost 21 years old!  – Love, Joe, Melissa

Happy Birthday !  –Uncle Bill

1988 Holy Land Trip to Celebrate 40th Wedding Anniverary -Jan.

BEHOLD THE TRAVELERS!

From the newsletter which Sid edited for his NARFE (National Assoc. of Retired Federal Employees) group:  In this issue of the Newsletter, the Editor had hoped to display a photo of a a two humped camel, a time-less pyramid and ROBERTA (UIBLE-KING, that is), the Editor's wife, but not necessarily in that order.  ROBERTA, a four year member of Chapter 1469, had recently returned from a trip to Egypt and the Holy Land with her parents.  The film was taken to the photo shop, and the return of the processed pictures was awaited with great anticipation.  Alas, the Editor had to choose between photos of the rear end of camel, a pyramid that resembled a Phoenix slump block backyard fence, or a headless ROBERTA.  Since all of these photos could be categorized as "non-newsworthy," the Editor had to settle on a photo of ROBERTA with a slick Jordanian operator who was trying to sell her an antique bridge across the Sea of Galilee as well as a genuine sliver from the stable where the Baby Jesus was born.  And, yes, those are ear muffs ROBERTA is wearing, she has very delicate ears.

1988 John on Holy Land Trip -Jan.

1988 Jean on camel in front of pyramid in Egypt -Jan.

1978 Roberta's letter to John -Jan.19

January 19, 1978

Dear John,

President Carter is on the television and Mother and Marion are listening so thought I would get something worthwhile done and get a letter written to you.

Your letter came today.  I'm glad you are enjoying your traveling for YAF.  How many miles did you go all together???  Did you feel like you got everything done that you set out to do?  Do you have a job yet . . . no, I met [sic] to say a place yet for your job in Columbus?  What about the interview you had in Washington D.C.???  Again, met to say, have coming up . . . .  This typewriter takes some getting used to.  From this letter you would never believe that I type for a living.

Did you hear that I did not get the job that I so badly wanted?  I'm thinking about applying for some more jobs in the school system, or perhaps, just wait till Summer then try to find another job.  I like Mesa alot, and of course enjoy the warm weather, and all that stuff.  Marion is so neat to live with.  Very open, honest, and very much of a friend.  It's nice . . . .

I hope you didn't get too shaken up over the scratches in the car.  I'm glad that you didn't get hurt.  I won't be needing the car this summer, so the car is yours to be used in whatever you do.  I'm surprised that Carole is thinking of going back to the farm, and how about your plans?  You could do good working in the office and canteen both.  I'll come up and visit you and help you out.

This is some of Marion's fine stationary,

Love, Berta

Always put #140 in address!

1978 Jean's Letter to HH -Jan.18

Wednesday –

Jan 18, 1978

Dearest Harold,

Talked to Catherine & Gerry last nite and they have found an apartment and will be moving next Friday with their furniture to arrive between Monday and Wednesday.  As it now stands M.V. & I will leave here Sunday or Monday to drive to Gilroy arriving there Tuesday afternoon.

M.V. got a big envelope from the school yesterday with her new assignments plus mid semester tests.  She has taken her science one under Marion's supervision.  She has been studying and anxious to get the others out of the way.

The Morgans got an apartment which they seem very pleased about – one of four.  Theirs is on the 1st floor with 2 bedrooms and patio and all electric kitchen.

They are moving to the Motel 6 until their furniture arrives.  The Clifford Equipment has been putting them up at another but they say it is too expensive and not near as close to their new place as Motel 6.

Yesterday M.V. and I went to the library where they let us take out 2 books without R's card.  (M.V. had chosen 3 on her own!)  She even wants to go back today to work on health terms so we are making progress.

Had baked steak yesterday at the Magill Town House with roast carrots, potatoes and onions + salad.  Then celebrated at Fudgies with their coupon & 10% Tuesday reduction.

Roberta did get a long asked-for pressure cooker at LaBelles after looking all over – Diamonds had one on special sale but wasn't near as reasonable but 2nd lowest.

Do hope you found everything going well in New Vienna.  Please tell Esther how much we appreciate looking after the cat and the plants.

By the way I thought I'd send those keys back to San Diego but haven't located them yet.  Did you possibly take them with you?

M.V. went in the pool yesterday but still a little cool for me.  Marion does get out of school at 11:45 today and said if the weather was warm enough she would venture in – first time in four years.

Meant to add that Wilma wrote a nice note about weather, cancellations, etc.

Catherine's new address is:  540 Fairview, Apt. A, Gilroy CA 95020

Have been to library this AM – and now at apartment  / town house doing laundry and getting ready to fix lunch.  Hope all is going fine with you.  We do miss you – as Marion says she is still counting 5 instead of 4 when we go anyplace, etc.

Will call you when we get to Gilroy – possibly Wed. AM.  OK?  Say around 10:50 your time?  or ?

With much love – MV is waiting to mail this.

Love.

Jean & M.V.

1968 Catherine's postcard to Serena -Jan.19

1/19/68

Hi!  Did you say you wanted a pen pal?  I think Dennis's sister Judy is going to write to you.  I sent your address.  How was your birthday?  Do you have exams next week?  HI to everybody!

Love, Catherine

1978 Catherine's postcard -Jan.15

1/15/78

Hi!  We have about 200 more miles to go to Gilroy.  Plan to arrive early this PM.  Wendy is doing real well on the trip.  We visited some people in LA that Gerry knows thru work – they have a 6 mo. old daughter – she & Wendy gooed & gahhed at each other.  Wendy has really begun vocalizing.  It poured rain all day yesterday so we're hoping the weather will be better today.  Thanks for calling.

Love, Catherine, Gerry & Wendy

1968 Laura Hughes to Jean -Jan.17

1-17-68

Dear Jean,

Since this is the last one of the pretty notes, I feel you are entitled to it.  You know, it's embarrassing to admit to such absent-mindedness but I actually can't remember if I wrote a formal "Thank You" before for the many thoughtful acts you did: entertaining and feeding Tim & John, your pleasant visits to me, the note paper, your cards and letters, getting books from the library – and on & on.

I used to spend many of my wakeful night time hours thinking of the notes I would write the next day and composing them in my mind.  It would be interesting to know how many existed in thought only, and how many I actually got sent.

"The Time is Now" was one of the better books I read these past 2 months.  You must try & read it some time.  It's the most different from any of Pearl Buck I've read.  I received as a gift Thornton Wilder's "The Eighth Day" – his newest book.  You are welcome to read it some time if you'd like.  Charlotte has it right now.

Isn't January sort of a "birthday" month for you too?  We're going to celebrate Linda's & Kenny's both on Jan. 28.  Weegie will be home then too for "semester break."  My broken rt. heel bone & left knee cap is all that's keeping me down now.  Am so anxious to get out among people again.  Almost forget how to act!  I'm taking up knitting – Betty Gano is (bravely) trying to teach me.  It's fun & fascinating, if I never master it!

Sincerely –

Your grateful friend,

Laura

1968 MUH Letter -Jan.12

Tuesday AM – 12:30
[From the letter we can determine this was written on January 12 or 19, 1968]

Hi, there!

This is really going to be a DASH!  Just hope it makes SENSE when I finish!  I wish I had time to make this a leisurely ltr with a lot of running commentaries about your daughter and the NEW ROMANCE . . .  ha!  As Mares, says, "I just introduced them; I wash my hands of the whole affair."  Typical!

Before I forget . . . thanks for the TISSUE!  Nothing could be more appropriate and appreciated to the Hortons with all their runny noses and MESSES.  HA!  Caused quite a bit of speculation upon arrival . . . I had the giver narrowed down to you and Roy G and he came in that same night and he said he absolutely didn't send it . . . ha and then when Mother finally got here retrieved from Mr. Decker . . . that was a dead give-away.  We have tissue cached away all over the house.  And boy is it soft!  I'm getting over a cold and it was real tender to my nose!  Dad was sure pleased with the jacket you sent him for his birthday.  How do you do it?  You're lucky he liked it.  I suppose G'ma told you we used the knife to cut the Xmas turkey.  Thanks for the loan.  HA!  She almost got two of those for I was going down the day after she received yours to buy one.  You're always a jump ahead of me!  That's the 12 years difference . . . MY AGE is showing.  HA!

First of all . . . it was fun to have Catherine here.  Your kids are always EXCEPTIONALLY helpful and cooperative when anything is needed done.  She helped me a lot in the kitchen . . . (she did come home to eat and change clothes . . . ha).  We really did want her to have a good time . . . that turned out to be an UNDERSTATEMENT.  HA!  [Then comes a long paragraph + + about a Christmas romance, his family, etc. – way more than I want to transcribe.  Read the scanned copy if you want all the details!  As a preview of what happened when he came to Kalamazoo for his spring break, I can add it didn't go well, maybe more details when we get to that time period.]

Love,

Mary & all

[Added at the top of the page]  
Thanks for taking care of Joe for a few days.  Had a ltr to-day and WHAT WEATHER!  He is getting a new roommate.  John is going out on co-op.  Busy memorizing and wishing for another vacation.  Cris is busy trying to get ready for the MYF UN-Washington tour.  They fly from Jacksonville the 26th.  JUST HOPE he stays well and gets on that plane.  First Mares had "it", then me, and now Rob.  That was cute stationary John wrote on and SO NEAT!  Rob enjoyed the ltr.

1968 HH to & from Catherine -Jan.13,16

[from HH to Catherine]
1-13-68

Dear Catherine:  Having more snow this A.M., in fact comes next Monday it will have been on the ground three weeks. On our Morris Ill. acct the name is The Century Wholesale Co. and the buyer is Robert Washburn.  I think they have several five & ten stores and may do a little wholesaling also.  I was there some years ago on the old route 6 and was it a narrow twisting road, which now has been replaced by an interstate route.  Let us know if Bruce knows of this company, Catherine.

Nothing definite on Florida yet, but some place like Boston or Williamsburg would be more educational and besides we wouldn't want anybody to flunk out of PBJC.  Possibly in the next few weeks something might "jell" for you that you would prefer over Florida.  Have you gotten any of the pictures up yet?  Mailed a round tube to you recently, hope you can use the contents – thought it was a nice picture calendar.  Look at February's picture.  Dad.

P.S. A spare [message/reply form?] is enclosed.  Probably you can buy these at an office supply store.

[from Catherine]

1/16/68  Hi everybody!  Are you people trying to get out of going to Fla already?  How about New Orleans?  -- just a suggestion!  If we do go East I'd like to see more of the Rev. War type stuff.  What about Roberta?

I will ask Bruce about the Morris Illinois stuff.  I haven't seen too much of him lately – although I did go out with him lat weekend I have met alot of new guys so I have by no means settled down!  HA!  I hear from Dennis about every day and I'm saving my money – maybe I can fly down over Easter or something!  NOTE, I'm not saying I don't want to go over spring vacation, it's just that I don't want you all to be bored with such a "non-educational" trip!  I've lost five pounds and I'm still on my diet!  Mrs. Benne (PE teacher) asked me if I had lost wt over vacation.  I didn't tell her that I hadn't started my diet till I got back here!

I sent for an application for a summer job at the Claremont  [or Crestmont?] Inn in Eaglesmere, Pa.  Where's that ?  Anyway, it sounds like a good job!  I like what we're studying in physics, I hate the math, and I could do without the English!  Only 66 days until vacation!

Love, Catherine

I'm sending pink copy to Roberta.

1968 Catherine's Postcard -Jan.15

Kalamazoo Downtowner Motel postcard - mailed 1968.  

Caption: on West Michigan, 5 blocks from heart of city, on U.S. I-94, U.S. 131, 

and Mich. 43.  Near WMU-K-College.

 

1/15/68

Hi!  Got M's letter today.  Thanks for calendar – very pretty!  Could you send my black wrap around?  I would appreciate it.  Lots of snow here.  Went to S.S. & church yesterday.  College class all Western but me – met some kids anyway!  The train left Chicago late because it had frozen to the tracks (?)  Jump ropes are coming in handy as clothesline!  I found a job to apply for in the Pocono Mts.  [shorthand] (Write soon)

Love, Catherine

1968 Roberta's Postcard -Jan.15

Friends Boarding School postcard -mailed 1968. Caption: Established 1837 by the Religious Society of Friends in Barnesville, Ohio.  The Hilltop town providing a friendly and healthy environment for people and industry.

[postmarked Jan 15, 1968]

I got about  50  of these [postcards?] Sunday.

Got your letter yesterday.

We've gotten close to  4  inches of more snow in the last two days.

When is Uncle Bill's birthday?  Is it the last of Jan?  I bought him a neat card to send.

Love, 

Roberta

1968 HH to & from Roberta -Jan.13,15

[from HH to Roberta]
Saturday A.M. 1-13-68

Dear Roberta:  How do you like this stationary, but please excuse my typing.  Got your letter yesterday but you will have to do a little budgeting or your money will run out before school does.  Another payment is enclosed, Roberta.  Bet about everybody in your classes have had a loss of memory over the holidays.  Don't think about the bad parts, be thankful for all the opportunities.  Look at the story of David and Goliath.  You might enjoy reading the enclosed clipping and the "D" average. 

Sure nice of Helen to bring you the gift.  Do you still have hopes of going out there this next summer?  We are having more snow this morning – guess this is an unusual winter, but spring is not far behind. 

Is the new library in Barnesville open yet?  How is the apple supply?  Who is the new cook?  How did you like shopping in Wheeling?  It is hard for me to remember to put on 6¢ for mail.  Sorry about S's driving  . . . .


[from Roberta to HH]
Jan. 15, 1968

Dear Dad, got "this" this morning.  NOW!!  Library is not done yet in Barnesville.  We have (as of yet) no new cook.  Apples are still of plenty but are getting soft.

I liked shopping in Wheeling.  (only spent $4.00 dollars!!)  Did you all get the card I sent from there?

Am planning on taking 11th English this summer.  Any good ideas?  About correspondence??  Also would like to take Amer. History.  I had 1/2 of a year of it (last year 1st semester) but I sure liked it.  (Especially compared to this old Ancient History!)  It's for the birds.  So is Geometry.  Oh well, two long stories.  Be prepared for grades.  Um – another long story.

Thanks for money.  I never was one to save.  But perhaps I better start.

Lots of Love, Roberta

[from Roberta to Jean]
Dear Mother,

Hi!  What's all this about going to Florida over Spring Vacation??  OH – yes – make a doctors appointment for me February 15, 1968 1:30 P.M. if possible.  Doctor Terrell!  I've lost  4  pounds since coming back from Christmas.

Right now 1/4 of the school has the flu.  I'm not part of it yet but I got more than my share of cold.  (Kleenex's really are handy & nice at a time like this!)

I'll be rooming with four of the biggest talkers.  No sleep – OH!  Not again.

Love, Roberta

1958 Alice Nugent letter -Jan.13

We visited the Nugents on the 1962 trip to the Seattle World's Fair.  Think they were living in Seattle then, but could be wrong.  The memorable part of the visit was that the family was on a gluten free (?) diet, or some such restrictions as when their children discovered we had bread in the car, they gobbled it all up in very short order.

January 13, 1958

Dear Jean ––

We surely enjoyed your Christmas note, & were so happy to hear all the news of you-all – imagine!  A new home and a son all in the same year!  Three cheers!  Do you live very far from your other place? 

You must be busy indeed with four – but aren't they fun?  We've enjoyed the picture of your little girls that were on other Christmas cards – they look like you.  Does John?

Rickey-Bug had a fall at Christmas – next year he'll really have comprehension of what's going on.

Now that Rickey's two he finally beginning to talk & his vocabulary is growing quite well.

Carl's on surgery now & it's hard work, but he likes it.  I'm busy sewing at the moment with church activities & folk-dancing keeping my time full.

Do squeeze a minute to write me a line!  I think of you often.  Have fun!

All good wishes,

Alice

1968 Roberta's Letter -Jan.13

[1/13/1968]

Dear Family,

Hi!  I got my watch back today with the bill included of $2.50 which you will find in this envelope.  (Bill not money is included!)

I also got my navy blue skirt that I ordered from Sears an "18 Tall" which is TOO big.  Now – should I send it back or can I wait & return – say over in Wilmington at the Sears store.  I have $7.00 & a little more tied up in it already.  What should I do???

Really got to go.  Thanks for taking care of watch fix.  Am flunking out of History.  Just thought I would tell you – um – warn you.

Love, Roberta

P.S. FLASH! BULLETIN – SPECIAL NEWSCAST!
Hi!, Me again – Helen got me an Indian necklace that her mother made – WOW!  Is it every pretty.

1968 Roberta's Letter -Jan.11

Wednesday

[Jan. 11, 1968]

Dear Family,

Hi!  I got your letter yesterday with the stamps in it.  I've used up most of the 6¢ ones but the 1¢ should last awhile especially since I bought $1.00 worth of them myself.

Today we had a BIG History test.  Man – that stuff is so ancient – I guess that's the reason they call it Ancient History.  I sure hope we get into something interesting next six weeks because what we have now is just names & dates.

Do you remember how well I knew that Geometry stuff over Christmas?  Well ~~~~~ yesterday we had a test on it and if I didn't flunk it I came pretty close.  I might as well not even try to understand it.

I'm trying to think up new ill-nesses for the last week in January.  That's when our semester tests come! – (Just Kidding) I sure am dreading them.  I suppose I'll just have to flunk them like always.

OH!  Helen got back LATE Tuesday night, or last night.

This week-end I have to buy some more of my pills.  They cost $6.00 – WOW!  I spent $4.00 in Wheeling so I'll have a whole $1.00 left after I buy my pills.  Unless I spend it.  HA!

Love,

Roberta

 P.S. Hair-dryer works good.  I'm using it now. (This very minute in fact!)  Thanks for ALL!

1968 HH to & from Catherine -Jan.9,11

1-9-68
[from HH to Catherine]

Dear Catherine:  We tried to call you Sunday evening, but they advised us you were out or perhaps not in yet.  Anyway we are anxious to hear how things progressed after gate #11?  It was sure a cold day.   We got to Kuntzmans about 10 A.M. in time for about a half hour of S.S., then Church then had lunch with them. 

Stayed until about 3 P.M. and was home for supper and then MYF that evening.  Next Sunday evening our group is going to Martinsville as guests, so that will save us one program.  How are the new courses going?  Many changes in the bldg. program since you left. 

Bet Florida seems like a dream with this zero weather – at least the weather is consistent.  Drop us a line when you can for anxious to hear how everything is.

[Signed] Dad

1/11/68
[from Catherine]

Hi!  I am glad to hear from you all again.  Things here are about the same as last quarter – they keep getting increasingly difficult.  The math and physics, of course, are just continuations and I really haven't had enough of the English to tell much.

Say, Daddy, do you remember you were telling me about someone (or maybe some co.) that you know about in Morris, Ill.?  Please send me more details so I can tell Bruce.  All I could tell him was that I didn't remember! 

Pledging starts either this week or next but I haven't been paying much attention as I don't plan to pledge! 

I went down town Tuesday, took my shoes to the repair shop and did some other various errands.  The only book I had to buy this quarter was for English.  Later on in the quarter I will have to get a new physics book and I'm not sure about the math. 

I met one guy who was sick last quarter so this is his first quarter as a freshman.  Are we still planning to go to Florida over vacation?  I really would like to know so I can make plans!  OK?

Love, Cathy

1978 Catherine's Letter -Jan.9

Monday morning, January 9, 1978

[mailed to Roberta in Mesa]

Der Mom, Dad, Roberta and Mary Virginia,

Hi!  We were sorry to hear that you won't be coming back to San Diego sooner but I'm sure that you must be finding things to keep you busy in Arizona.  I'm also sorry that we won't be able to visit Roberta but I'm sure we can count on her to come visit us at some future date.

Our plans right now are to leave here Saturday afternoon and drive part way and then arrive in Gilroy early enough on Sunday to have time to look around together before Gerry starts work on Monday.  I might stay for the whole week and then come home the following weekend and finish packing things up so we could actually have our things moved between the 25th-27th or the first of the next week if that is not possible.  Clifford Equipment Co. will be paying our relocation expenses so I'm going to call Sullivan/United Van Lines later this morning to see if they will handle it for us.  [I worked for Sullivan the first year we lived in San Diego.]

Of course I don't know what all your plans are but I was thinking maybe Mom and Mary could stay in Phoenix for an additional week and then Roberta could help drive them back here the weekend of the 20-21st since I probably won't be here until then.

DeeDee will be spending the rest of the school year with her mother but will probably fly up for school vacations and then spend the summer with us.  It is also possible that starting next fall she will live with us and spend the vacations with her mother.  Time will tell but DeeDee seems to be taking it fairly well.

Gerry came back with very favorable impressions of both the town and his new job.  I am looking forward to seeing it myself.  I called Ardie yesterday as she and her husband and year old daughter live in San Jose which is about 30 miles form Gilroy.  She said that they live on the south side of San Jose so they are only about 20 miles away.  So it will be nice to have some ready made friends in the vicinity.  Gerry said his boss – Jim Clifford – is very friendly and down-to-earth type and is quite active in the community.  Gerry also met his wife and 10-year-old son.

I will call you Thursday morning between 7:30-8:00 (San Diego time) at Roberta's number.  If nobody answers I will try again on Friday morning.  If there is some other number where I should call you instead of that number you can call person-to-person or collect for Wendy and I will get the number and call you back.

Hope to hear from you soon!

Love,

Catherine, Gerry & Wendy

1968 Catherine's Postcard -Jan.9

1/9/68

Here's your Mich. postcard!  The quarter has just started and I'm already flunking out!  It must be at least 10 times harder than last quarter.  I don't have any classes at all on Tuesday!  I've gotten 2 letters from Dennis – should I tell him I'll be down during Spring vacation?  I used the hairdryer tonight – very nice!  Hope everybody is OK!

Love, Catherine