1949 Jean's Letter -Aug.5

Friday -- Aug. 5, 1949

Dearest Mother,

Realize I've been quite neglectful in getting off a card in the past few days but really have been busy.  Yesterday we washed in the morning not getting everything dry when the rains came.  Had to gather everything in anyway.  The Womens Society of Christian Service met in the afternoon & we got the girl who had been in the auto accident to babysit.  It was a very nice meeting & I met several other women whom I hadn't met before.

Then last evening Harold drove me to Hillsboro where we left Harold with Bill & Mary & I went to a bridge club (both of us substitutes).  Mary Hiestand was having it.  She married a nephew of Mother Uible.  [This would be Mary Custer Hiestand (1916-2013) who was married to Dad's cousin, Joe Hiestand.  It was their son, Ed, that we met when we toured the house in 2015.]  There I met another nephew's wife I had not met also.  Mary Hiestand had been here one Sunday evening with her husband, Joe & 3 children.  They live in the old family home -- a farm about 2 miles out of Hillsboro -- and they have done it all over & all I saw was lovely.  I'd like to see it all in the daytime.  We finally reached New Vienna about 1:30 so I didn't feel like doing too much today.

Mother Uible went to the Doctors & then to Hillsboro -- I had planned to go both places -- gave up Hillsboro & finally the doctor too as Catherine only slept 1/2 hour this AM & went to sleep at 12:30 and never woke up til 3:30.  She is to get her 3rd shot so I'd rather have her rested for she's restless enough afterwards (was the 2nd time anyway).  Mother Uible got back about 6:00 & I had dinner ready to start for the four of us -- carrots, tomatoes, cabbage (cole slaw), onions (all these out of the garden) -- when she came in with Mary, Joseph & Marianne (Bill was still here) so they all stayed for dinner & more was added to the pot.  She bought (we paid her) our Simmons baby mattress for Catherine's bed.  She paid cash & used to be an old girl friend of the owner of the furniture store so was able to get a 10% discount.

We got a big laugh about Mack Sauer as he is a "big blow" around here but they say an interesting speaker if its the 1st time you've ever hard him & appreciate his humor.  Harold is looking up an article now that has been in the papers which might interest you.

The county fair begins this Sunday at Wilmington so we plan to go over one evening next week since I've never seen one (to my knowledge).

Mrs. Morton is a good friend of Mother Uible (the clipping concerns her son) and she was telling us what wonders her son & Dr. Myers are performing using atomic energy to combat cancer & how much more effective it is than radium.  Nine out of every ten patients that have been treated at the University Hospital in Columbus are completely recovered.

It's a big joke around here (among the Uibles & surely others have noticed) about Mabel Kinzer (who lives across the street & entertained several for bridge including me last Monday night) she is always having parties & writing long articles concerning such which her husband puts in the Wilmington paper where he works.  Long glowing accounts are typical of her.  The other day it was even in about Mr. & Mrs. Bruce Kinzer & son Keith, calling at the house of Mr. & Mrs Eugene Smith & son, Jimmie (about 3 blocks away).

I have mentioned & mentioned about Virginia but can't get any response concerning her from you.  Has she been to the doctors yet?  We are awfully anxious to hear.  Just thought tonight you are probably in Pittsburgh as this is the last operetta of the season.

We also would like to know whether our plans for coming this weekend instead of Aug. 26th would suit you.  It could be quite a trip then & Harold would be able to go to Cincinnati just as well.  If this is OK just send us a card with YEA or NAY.

It's now Sunday evening & I have forgotten & have enough to tell you to write another letter.  Saturday afternoon we took Catherine to the Doctor for her third shot & Dr. Fullerton said her final one at this time.  She weighs 16 lbs 6 oz & he was really amazed to think she's on 3 meals a day.  She took her shot like a lady but she's been quite fussy since.

Afterward we went to see an old shack auctioned off at $2850.  The undertaker who lives next door bought it -- also became the father of a baby girl the day before -- they already have a son -- Jimmie.  His wife is from near Huntington.

Bill, Mary & family were over today [Mary's birthday] & just left a little bit ago.  Mary's mother gave her a Mirro-matic minute minder [timer] (like yours & mine).  We gave her two decks of cards.

The 7 of us -- Mary, Bill, Harold, me & 3 children went out for a drive this afternoon.  When we got back we made some pineapple-lemon ice cream which was delicious -- 3 quarts -- all gone now.

Harold went to Sunday School again & I went to Church again this morning same as the past two weeks.

We tried to listen to the neighborhood restaurant televisioon program but found out that they can't get anything beyond Dayton or Cincinnati -- not even on the Dayton or Cincin. circuit so anxious to hear about the program & if they did call last Saturday night.

Catherine woke up several times during the night & again decided 6:00 was long enough to sleep.  We took her in with us til 7:00.  Tonight she was so tired I put her to bed at 6:45 but after about 15 minutes nap she woke & was up til about 8:00.

Better get to bed myself or I'll never be able to get up with her tomorrow.

Let us know about this weekend.  We'd probably be able to get in N.C. late Friday night if you don't have other plans.  Waiting patiently to hear from you.

Love, Jean, Harold & Catherine

1969 Catherine's Letter -Aug.4

August 4, 1969

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

Hi!  Now, I don't want you all to think I am sick because you are getting a letter from me.  But I guess I have been rather negligent in keeping up my end of the correspondence.  I don't want all of you to get out of practice writing to me because I am going to want lots of mail while I am in Germany.

I got your letter today and I'm glad Serena liked camp so well Roberta and Grandma got along OK, and the rest of you had a nice trip.  And t think I was stuck in this place.  Ugh!

I doubt if you will miss much (except me, of course!) by not coming to the orientation.  It's just important that you remember that this is a completely new experience for me and I will be suffering from culture shock and all sorts of other dreaded diseases, I will be homesick for my bike and I will need lots of reassuring letters from you so I won't get overly depressed, give up, and come home.

I hope you have gotten a hold of Dr. Morand by now as I am about to go blind.  I have almost adjusted to wearing my glasses.  That is, I can wear them fine, but I can't see.  The whole world is out of focus.  No, I don't have the extra left one.  I used it when I dropped the one of the elvator at Fields and it got cracked before I found it.

My odometer isn't quite keeping pace with yours but it has now reached 596.  And the only thing I have done to it since I've had it here is fill the tires with air a couple times.

Saturday I went to Gerti's house for the day.  I helped her wash windows in the morning and then studied in the afternoon.  It was kind of nice getting away from here for awhile.  It was her father's birthday so I even got some of the birthday dinner.

I have to get to dinner or I won't get anything to eat.

I've been talking to some other kids about going (or meeting) in New York a day or two earlier than the ship leaves to spend some time there.  I'll try to keep you posted on developments.  Do you have any plans?  And will you be coming after me at the end of this quarter?  My last exam is Wednesday afternoon, September 10.

I have filled out the registration for next spring.  I'm taking somer really thrilling courses like Western Civ, US History I, and Religions of the Modern World.  I've got to get to PE now so I'll mail this on my way to the football field where we have archery.

Love,

Catherine

P.S. Is Priscilla Walker's birthday Aug. 18?

1979 Catherine's Letter -Aug.2

August 2, 1979

Dear Mother & Dad,

Hi!  Mary is using the typewriter so here's hoping you can read my writing.  I thought I'd try to get a letter written to you today since Mary can deliver it tomorrow and save me 15¢ as well as getting it to you quickly.

Only a couple of weeks now and Wendy and I will be there.  I still feel a little funny about coming without Gerry but we are gradually getting used to the idea and I'm sure we'll survive.  And I am looking forward to coming to New Vienna and being able to go to the wedding, etc.  What are the chance we can go to Velva Sheen while I'm there?  I thought after I had made the reservations I should have made them through Cincinnati so we'd be closer to Velva-Sheen but the Cin. airport seems so far away.

Mary & DeeDee have been getting along pretty well.  I've been cracking the whip and getting some work out of them so hope Mary doesn't come home too tired.  Wendy loves to go on bike rides & walks with Mary.  She'll have somebody she should recognize right off when she comes to Ohio.  Wendy is really going to miss DeeDee after she leaves.  One of her friends is gone for the week and Wendy talks about her every day and keeps wanting to see her.

I'm sure Mary must have mentioned some of the things we have done while she has been here.  She has met quite a few of our tenants since she has been here during rent paying time.  Plus we went to church on Sunday so she met some people there.  We had our monthly inspection on Tuesday so she met Sandi.  I really had the girls working before the inspection.

I started my golf lessons but there weren't enough for a class.  The teacher (the librarian's husband) is going to give another girl and I lessons after he gets back from vacation next week.  I've been practicing about twice a week with Emily (the other girl).  she only lives about a block from here so we go down to the Jr. High.  Emily has a 10-year-old step-daughter who is here from Tucson so we've done a few things together.  Next week Dawn (the step-daughter) is coming here on Tuesday and DeeDee is going with them on Wednesday to a ranch.

Also next week starting on Wednesday is the County Fair.  That is supposed to be the big event of the year here.  Should be interesting.  DeeDee goes back on Saturday.

Well, I'm anxious to hear more details of the wedding and all the other happenings you are all involved in.  Hope to hear from you soon.

Love,
Catherine, Gerry
DeeDee & Wendy

1979 Roberta's Letter to John -Aug.1

Wednesday A.M.

[August 1, 1979]

Dear John.

Have you had any serious thoughts about changing careers . . . going from the banking world to the moving business.  Should you decide to make the change, let me know, I know where you can get a good truck driver.

We got home fine, about 11:45 p.m.  Elizabeth spent the night here and then I just took her home the next morning.  We had the shop truck down there by 7:30.  Elvis and Donna were over there watching me back it up to the dock.  I didn't get real close to it.

Mother and Dad got in late Monday night.  They seemed to have really enjoyed the trip, quite some funny stories to tell, Daddy sure is sun-tanned.

Your suitcase came in on Monday -- fine shape, except a little pushing in right at the top.  nothing too bad at all.

It seems I have a quiet weekend this one coming up . . . no flea market, and no moving jobs --as yet.  Have you gotten everything is order by now????  Are they still working on the house too?

I've got to go.  Maybe we will see you before the 25th -- or 24th even . . . .

Love,

Berta

1969 Catherine Letter -Aug.1

August 1, 1969

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

Hi!  Yes, this is a letter.  From me.  I should be studying for an English exam which I have today but I am tired of studying for it.  It is over two of Melville's short novels, Benito Cereno and Bartleby, and Native Son by Richard Wright.  It will probably be really doozy questions like discuss the significance of such and such a character who appears for three lines in the book.  Ugh!
``
I hardly know where to start this letter because I can't remember writing you before.  Maybe I should start by giving you my schedule.  I don't have any trouble keeping occupied during the day.  [See above for the schedule -- too difficult to transcribe.]

I usually get up and go for my bike ride in the morning because if I wait until I get through all the classes I'm too tired.  I'm going to go this afternoon because I'll need to forget the English test.  If it is really bad I may just keep right on riding and never come back to this place.

Our room is really nice.  It is a corner room so we have two windows and there is usually a breeze.  We are in a suite with a bathroom and another room which is unoccupied.  Therefore, we have the bathroom all to ourselves and we can also spread all our junk in two rooms.  I usually study in one and sleep in the other.  Gerti has a car here so she generally goes home two or three nights of the week.  About two weeks ago she got really fed up with school and decided to quit.  The dean finally convinced her that she could manage to stay only she has dropped one of her courses.  She isn't going to go on Foreign Study.  In the fall she will be working at a camp in New Hampshire, a career-service job, and then winter will be off on vacation or something.  It's kind of depressing having her for a roommate as she never has over two hours of class a day and generally just one, she also doesn't have to worry about language since she isn't going abroad.

I keep thinking that my grades should be really good this quarter since I'm not really involved in many other activities and I have plenty of time to study.  Having the time, and using it for studying are two entirely different things, and I will probably end up with C's again.

I'm still checking books out of the Public Library on my card which expired last October.  Every time I go I just hope they won't note the date and make me get a new one as I can't see paying $3 for the next year when I'm going to be gone 6 months of it.  So when I go I take lots of books so that in case they don't notice it this time I'll have enough to read if they notice it next time.  I'm also taking full advantage of the college library facilities.

The other night I went to hear the Ramsey Lewis Trio at Western.  He's a jazz pianist who has made lots of albums.  I enjoyed Ramsey Lewis but the date was rather unexceptional.

I gave a pint of blood to the Red Cross yesterday.  Dad, I hope you don't mind my signing your name to a permission slip.  I only have two more pints to go and I will have given a gallon.  There was a big hassle among the nurses about whether I should give yesterday since I just got a smallpox booster last week but the Dr. finally gave me the OK and they accepted me.

Thanks for the Upper Room [in German].  I was surprised how much of it I could get without having to use the dictionary. 

Got to go.

Love,

Catherine

1929 Dorsa Hiestand postcard to CJU -July 31

Picturesque Corners of Paris
Postcard from GHU's brother, Dorsey Hiestand to CJ Uible

Paris July 30, 1929

Dear Folks

We had a delightful voyage without any very serious results to ourselves and so far have enjoyed every thing.  We arrived here today and of course feel right at home because we can read everything and interpret to suit ourselves.  Tomorrow we begin our sightseeing and expect to get fed up proper on Paris -- The trip from Hamburg here is a beautiful 5 hrs RR trip.  The country is beautiful.  The grain & hay crops are wonderful but not a stalk of corn to be seen.  Will tell you all about it.  Hope everything is OK.  Regards to all --DD Hiestand

Postcards from Grandma July 29, 1909 night

Originally posted Oct. 26, 2009

Gates Circle, Buffalo, N.Y. , originally uploaded by morgazgc.

July 29, 1909 night, originally uploaded by morgazgc.

Wed. night (11:00 P.M.) Have packed up things again ready to move on to Buffalo tomorrow at 8:30. If nothing happens will arrive home Fri. night. We are all visiting, talking & eating candy, pop corn, cracker jacks & fruit. do you think we will sleep any tonight? G.H.

Grandma eating candy and popcorn? I'm glad she added fruit to the end of that sentence! And this card gives us the approximate travel time from Niagara Falls (leaving for Buffalo at 8:30am Thursday) to Hillsboro (arriving Friday night). I'd love to know the route and connection details, just like it would be nice to know WHO she was traveling with -- the "We" sounds like a group of girls.... At least we know she made it home safely.

Today's History Lesson: By 1900, Buffalo was the 8th largest city in the country, with a population of 352,000 and went on to become a major railroad hub, the largest grain-milling center in the country, and the home of the largest steel-making operation in the world. In the 2000 census, Buffalo, with a population of 292,000 ranked 69th in population, between Newark NJ and Plano TX (Glendale AZ ranks 74th). Buffalo's population topped 580,000 in the 1950s and has been declining since then. At the peak of the railroad era Buffalo had 319 passenger trains, and 476 freight trains arrive and depart daily. (Facts obtained from US City Guide: Buffalo New York and the references listed therein, accessed 10/26/09)
Those of you with sharp eyes will note the green markings at the top of the picture part of the postcard -- something is stuck on the card but I'm reluctant to scrape too much off for fear of damaging the card.

Comments from original post:

 Mary Uible Crowson said...

I guess I'm surprised the postcard is in color? And what forms of transportation would be available from Buffalo to Hillsboro aside from train? There were a few cars back then, but I'm betting that she didn't have one---or if she had access to one, her parents wouldn't have permitted her to drive to Buffalo. CJ might have owned a car but he's not even in the picture yet, right? And rail was "the" form of transportation at that time, right?

Mon Oct 26, 10:29:00 AM 2009

 

 Catherine said...

Even if the family had a car, the only roads "drivable" were in and around towns. Not many city-to-city roads were improved until about 1915-1925 and then World War 1 kept them from being better developed. It was the 1920s before the federal highway system was developed. So, yes, Grandma probably traveled everywhere outside of Hillsboro by train. There were "interurban" trains (~1890s-1930s) sort of like electric streetcars that ran between towns that weren't too far apart, possibly from Niagara Falls to Buffalo. As for the color postcard, this particular one was printed in Dresden, Germany [see far left side where Grandma wrote the message] which was known prior to 1915 as producing the best color cards. After WW1 started cards weren't available from Germany and Kodak sold a camera from which the pictures could be made into postcards, but only in black and white. Bright colors on US made cards was made possible by 1930 with the development of new printing processes.

Tue Oct 27, 06:57:00 AM 2009

 

Postcards from Grandma July 28, 1909 evening

Originally published Oct. 19, 2009

July 28, 1909 evening, originally uploaded by morgazgc.

American Falls from Goat Island, Niagara Falls, N.Y.

July 28, 1909 evening, originally uploaded by morgazgc.

Weds. eve. Have had a fine time today. Went out riding on "The Maid of the Mist." .60 [cents] more gone. But it was worth the money. G.H.
Considering inflation, today's cost of $13.50 seems fairly reasonable and might not even horrify Grandma. At least she thought it was money well spent at the time of her dwindling funds!

For today's history lesson, I'll add that both Canada and the US made Niagara Falls a park in 1885, in the US it was and is called Niagara Reservation [State] Park. In 1892 Niagara Falls, NY was incorporated and the fourth Maid of the Mist was built (1892-1955). Made of white oak, 89 feet long with a 19-foot beam and powerful double engines, it was christened Maid of the Mist II. President McKinley was assassinated in 1901 at nearby Buffalo's Pan-American Exposition and Theodore Roosevelt road the Maid of the Mist. Eight years later our grandmother was a passenger. Both Maid of the Mist I (1885) and II were destroyed by fire from a welder's torch in 1955.
For a hint of what the future holds, there is one more postcard from this trip yet to post and two years later in 1911, Grandma again visits Niagara Falls.

Postcards from Grandma July 28, 1909 morning

Originally published Oct. 15, 2009

July 28, 1909 morning, originally uploaded by morgazgc.

July 28, 1909 morning, originally uploaded by morgazgc.

Weds. Morning. Slept fine last night after our long tramp. Going out sightseeing in about 10 min. G.H.

Postcards from Grandma July 27, 1909 night

Originally published Oct. 12, 2009

July 27, 1909 night, originally uploaded by morgazgc.

July 27, 1909 night, originally uploaded by morgazgc.

Tues. Night. [07/27/1909] Have just arrived home from shopping. I am perfect scared for fear my money will not hold out but I suppose I will have to make ends meet. G.H.
Obviously Grandma did not like to be "perfect scared" and made sure that those pennies were pinched for the rest of her days. I'm beginning to feel some sympathy for her mother who must be more worried with each received postcard. At least with mail arriving several times a day, it didn't take long for the next card to arrive.

Comments:

Postcards from Grandma July 27, 1909 evening (Tues)

Originally published Oct. 10, 2009

July 27, 1909 evening, originally uploaded by morgazgc.

July 27, 1909 evening, originally uploaded by morgazgc.

"Tues. Evening. We were all uptown until 11:30. Did not get lost." Hard to tell if Grandma is referring to being uptown the previous evening or that morning. Either way it probably wasn't very reassuring to her mother to get such a card.
Mary mentioned in a previous comment that Grandma told her "she graduated from HS one year, married the next and gave birth to Aunt Mary the next year! So if that was the case, this was not her graduation trip. Since we know that Aunt Mary was born in 1913, the marriage was in 1912, that would mean she graduated from High School in 1911. Wish we knew who else was on this trip with her? Did she have a chaperone? (Uncle Ira?)
I'm not sure travel was all that difficult then because of it being the golden age of train service. As long as you were going the same place the train was going!

Comment from MV:   Mary Uible Crowson said...

IF Grandma completed her schooling (as we know it today), she probably graduated in 1910. It is certainly plausible/possible that she graduated in 1909....another point that would make interesting research. Was there a Hillsboro High School and did she attend there or ???

Mon Oct 12, 10:44:00 PM 2009

Postcards from Grandma July 26, 1909 (Monday)

Originally published September 30, 2009

Scene at Belle Isle, Detroit, Mich

[postmarked July 27, 1909]
Mon. E.
Having the best time ever. Do not worry.  --G.H.

These words probably made Grandma's mother worry more than ever. Here was her baby off to Niagara Falls for a high school graduation trip (?) with plenty of things for Mamma to worry about. Speculating with Dad and Serena this morning [in 2009] about whether this was the trip during which Grandma met Grandad. Although the card is a scene from Belle Isle, Detroit, Michigan the card is postmarked from Buffalo so we can assume that the trip went to Detroit first. Five more cards from this trip yet to come, so we can speculate more after a few additional notes to Mamma.

1989 John's postcard -July 31

7-31-89

Mom & Dad,

We have spent 2 days here in Romania (northwest corner) near Hungary.  Stayed in Satu Mare one night & other in Oradea.  You would not believe the poverty.

Today we are driving across Hungary & thru Budapest to return to Vienna.  The contrast between Hungary & Romania is even great.  I really appreciated your letters and prayers.  I'm anxious to tell you more when I get home.  I'll see you soon.

Love, 

John

1979 MV's Letter -July 30

[Madras, Or.]

July 30, 1979

Dear Family --

I thought I better get another letter off before I come home.  Dee-dee and I try to help Catherine but unfortunately we don't always work up to capacity.  We have gone to the cove [swimming] three times since I've been here -- that seems to have helped my incision.  It's now a complete scar, but still pretty "red."

We did go to church yesterday, but the guy couldn't compare with Rev. Wise . . . .  Personally I didn't like him, but Catherine and Gerry seem to enjoy him.

Last nite for supper Catherine baked a salmon -- without the head and tail. It turned my stomach just to look at it, so I didn't eat any.  Catherine fixed salmon-salad for lunch today and I managed to eat some.  We're supposed to have chicken enchiladas for supper -- I'm looking forward to that.  I take it the wedding invitations have gone out --Catherine and Gerry got theirs today.  I heard John did a good job yesterday in church.

Love --

Mary Va.

1989 MV's Letter -July 28

7//28/89

Mother,

More and more I'm appreciating you and all you sacrificed for us.  As I spend time with my friends who have children, I am amazed that you made through five children with your sanity!

Thank you for all your undying love, support, encouragement and prayers.  Please forgive me for taking so much you do for granted!  You will never know how much I appreciate you being my prayer partner today.  Decolores.

Love you,

Mary Virginia

1979 MV Letter -July 25

July 25, 1979

Dear Family --

I must say Cathy has been keeping me busy -- I hoed/chopped weeds, walked downtown & ran errands, and helped fix lunch.  Plus helped Dee-Dee do breakfast dishes & cleaned part of the bathroom.  We're talking about going swimming this afternoon.

Wendy Jean has grown into quite a little girl.  She always is running someplace and says Hi or Bye whenever leaving or entering the room.  DeeDee & I took her to Dairy Queen this a.m. and got her a dish of ice cream.  Then after it was 1/2 melted, it some how got spilled all over the stroller and Wendy.  That was one mess to clean up.  By the way if she finds money lying around, you'll never get it back -- she's gotten a little coin bank.

Love --

M.V.

[Madras, Or.]

1989 John's Letter -July 23

Greece

Sunday, July 23, 1989

Dear Mom & Dad,

We are in Greece for 3 days resting on the beaches near Thessaloniki.  Our campground is right on the beach.  We have pulled our sleeping bags right on to the beaches at night and slept very well.

I believe I told you I am traveling with Gene, originally from Fairfield, Iowa, who is 39 yrs. old and divorced.  Joyce is a speech therapist from Rochester, NY and is 29 years old.  For the most part we have gotten along well.  It can be hard to travel & camp in close quarters for 15 days.

We met two other teams of 3 here in Greece and the 9 of us camped together.  Some of the other summer team people are:

• Beth, 23 years old from Canada, Toronto - a teacher
• Judy, 30 years old from Canada, Toronto - Doctor's secretary
• Steve, 21 years old from Albany NY - Sr. at Gordon College
• Jeff, 23 years old from Bryan, OH - Engineer in Painesville, OH
• Suzie, 26 years old from Orange Cty, CA - Tax Librarian - getting married in Sept.
• Holly, 26 years old from San Francisco - marketing
• Gary, 33 years old from Winston-Salem NC - Piedmont 

Everyone in our group has been a blessing to get to know.  I am thinking about making a 2 year commitment which means I would need to raise support of approx $1200/month.  I am thinking & praying seriously about it.

Int'l Teams has a video which I could borrow if you think any church would be interested in seeing more about their work in Eastern Europe.  Thanks for all your letters, prayers & encouragement.  I love you both so much.

Love in Christ,

John

1969 Roberta's Letter -July 20

July 20, 1969

Dear Family,

It's now Sunday night and all we've heard all day is about the men on the moon.

Grandma and I ate out at Duff's for lunch.  It was very good.

We went up to N.C.R. again Friday.  We filled out four pages of questions.  They sure are nosy!

Well, I thought I had the V.W. horn fixed.  But no -- it went and had another horn FIT!  As I guess Grandma told you -- I drove up to the V.W. place in Xenia for a "horn relay."  Um -- I was told that VW's don't have horn relays!!  They said there was either 1) a short in the wires or 2) the part(s) might be corroded.  They said to bring it up . . . .

All the Lynd "kids" are home.  It sue is a mess up there.  All these grand-children running all around!!

It has been HOT lately.  Today it cooled off.  It has rained & rained all day long.

I'll see you all soon.  Seems its' too late to send this even to your address in Santa Fe.

Love, 

Roberta

1979 MV's letter to John -July 19

July 19, 1979

Dearest John --

I didn't expect to hear back from you so soon.  Roberta didn't arrive tonite, so she has to be home tomorrow for the canoe trip.  I really did miss her & her singing, even tho' she drove me up the wall.

It looks like Catherine & Wendy will be coming for the wedding, so I'll probably be enjoying Oregon without Mother.  Pray that I'll have a chance to talk with Catherine.  Georgialia's complaining and I haven't even left.  She put me thru the 3rd degree after I was gone last winter -- wanting to know when & where I'm going when.  By the way, she & Stanley D. will be at the wedding -- at least that's how it sounds . . .

I feel now that I am to go to prep school -- to get a better education & meet more people.  If nothing else, to get away from Mom & Dad.  I know that's a bad motive especially since they'd pay for it.  But they literally can't relate to me or my needs.  Sure, they've given me just about everything I could ever want -- materially.  I just don't see or feel any real love, and that's one of the biggest things a teenager needs.  From what I've heard from Carol, you can relate to at least some of my feelings.

Ruth and I are getting along fine, and I either go home every day or Mom & Dad come out.  It's been good because I've needed to get out of the house.  I'm looking forward to going to Oregon & Nashville, but I'll miss everybody.

As far as Leanne playing at the wedding, she hasn't let me know.  You might as well go ahead & try to find somebody else.  I love you & miss you very much.  Do share your blessings.

Love, Mary Va.

1979 Catherine's Letter -July 18

Wednesday

July 18, 1979

Dear Mother, Dad, and Mary,

Hi!  We're in the midst of a heat wave here with the temperature at 96º and climbing.  Fortunately the humidity is very low -- around 8% and there is a breeze so it isn't too bad.  Plus the temperature drop at night.  Yesterday the high was 106º and the low was 53º.

Nice talking to you yesterday, Mother.  Gerry and I have been discussing the possibility of my flying back for the wedding.  He is unable to get any time off at this time of year.

Sorry this letter has been so long delayed.  With Gerry's folks here and all the apartments we have been pretty busy.  We had two of our messiest tenants move out last week.  One apartment took us 18 man-hours to get back in condition for the next tenant.  They really left a mess, including dumping the vacuum cleaner bag into the toilet which had to be bailed out by hand.  Actually it wasn't as bad as it looked.

DeeDee is doing the laundry right now, Wendy is sleeping, and I'm getting set to go out and try to chop down the weeds.  We have some that are trying to take over one of the sidewalks so I'm going to prune them all back.

This morning was La Leche meeting but they didn't have real big attendance -- about 7 compared to the usual 15.  I still enjoy going to the meetings and seeing the babies as well as meeting new people.  I have yet to go to a meeting and not meet someone.

This evening we are gong on a picnic at the Cove with Perry & Caren Jackman and their two boys.  He is the preacher in case the name sounded familiar to you.  I am taking DeeDee & her friend Lisa and their two boys as well as Wendy out later this afternoon and Perry & Caren will bring Gerry after he gets off work. 

I started and ended my golf lessons yesterday.  Only five showed up and they have to have eight to have the class so it was canceled.  But the teacher (who is the librarian's husband) said since we were there he'd give us a free lesson so three of us stayed and got a two-hour lesson.  He said he covered as much as he would in three lessons.  Another girl and I are going to the junior high tomorrow morning for a practice session.

Well, I better get this out in the mail.  Oh, I did think of one other thing -- Gerry and I are going to help serve a steak dinner to the Madras High School 10th year reunion for the class of 1969 on Saturday night.  It is going to be at the Elks.  We get a free dinner and then can stay for the dance.  Should be interesting.  We know a few people in that class.

See you soon!

Love,

Catherine, Gerry

DeeDee & Wendy

1969 Jean's postcard to Serena (Sue) -July 21

Desert Aire Motor Hotel
One of New Mexico's Newest and Finest Motor Hotels
Alamogordo, New Mexico

7-21-69

Just had lunch -- buffet style -- at this motel and highly recommend it -- many salads -- one looked like peanut butter -- tasted like pumpkin & found it was made of sweet potatoes, pineapple, spices &,  apple -- Sound good?  It was!  Wish many times that the whole family was along -- you would have had fun walking in the [???]  White Sands National Park.  There was everything there but the ocean.  Wrote our name and address in huge letters there but won't last long for sands shift often.  Anxious to hear all about what you have been doing at Camp Adahi.  M.V. took a pony ride last nite in Juarez, Mexico. 

Love, Mother

1989 Roberta's Letter -July

7-  -89

Dear folks (& Miss Wendy),

Enjoyed talking w/ you all tonight -- & hear about your trip to Indiana!  Wendy -- have you ever been to Indiana before?

I'll include the bulletin inset for Trinity Bible this week -- thought maybe you all could use it in some way at N.V. UMC  (how's that for initials!?)  Our newspaper has really cut down on the details in the obits -- just the bare facts.  Remember Frances Bartlett [?] -- who had been here at Sr. Village over 5 years -- she died 2 weeks ago -- She was one of the most stubborn people I've ever met.  Wendy you stayed overnight w/her one time -- in the house next to ours -- Frances was originally from MAINE.

I've got my reservations made w/ use of a coupon for $18.00 per night at Best Western in Mesa next weekend.  I hope to leave here by noon on Friday & return after on Monday.  So far I've got 3 dinners or lunches set up.  I also hope to have some pool side time --

Since I cancelled my plane ticket I had $318 credit on my charge card so 1st week Sid was gone I took care of that!  One of my MAJOR purchases was pair of walking shoes -- they make SAS in comparison seem uncomfortable!  I'll enclose picture of them --

A little ole lady -- one who I do grocery shopping for made me a beautiful lace white collar -- she is always trying to pay me for shopping for her.  She lives out in the community -- not a S.V. resident.

I'm awfully glad that Sid is having a great time -- he was ready for a change of scenery.  Cynthia's 25th High School Reunion will be this fall and she is planning on making the trip back for the celebration!  Cynthia was V.P. her junior year -- then president her Senior year so she was very involved in this class "stuff" -- school spirit, etc.

Just as I'm ready to fall asleep -- my pen seems to be waking up -- (darker) --

Tomorrow the daughter of the artist who had lived at Sr. Village is coming out.  Her mom made lots of jewelry -- died soon after she moved in -- ACCOHOR -- but it had killed the brain cells much earlier.  Daughter lives in Portland Oregon -- here for the 118º weather!

Much Love,

Roberta

1979 Family Letter -July 17

Tuesday morning --

July 17, 1979

Dearest Family --

Our typewriter is on the blink so hope John won't mind that I have borrowed his temporarily.  It sure is different after using our electric models which are both in at Watsons being repaired -- the one we normally use and the extra one from Wells which I had borrowed to replace ours.

Mary Virginia has been staying out at Careys with Ruth since last Wednesday when the Careys took off for Arizona.  They took all their family plus Kay's parents so had a full load in their new van.  So actually MV and Ruth are "House sitting."  The Careys are due back by the 28th.  But will probably be back by the 25th so Ruth won't have too many nights to be alone.

We had no forwarding address for Roberta after July 11, so have been keeping the rest here and hope that we did forward on to her in Canada did get there in in time.  She and Grandma have had quite a trip along with Julia Soloman from NYC.  We aren't sure when they are to be back but hopefully on Thursday or Friday as Roberta is scheduled to leave on a canoe trip in Canada early Saturday morning with the Howard Wolfroms.  This is the same trip that Dad has been wanting to do each year but something always has come up.  AS much as he wanted to go to Oregon with us, we encouraged him to go with Roberta and the others for we hoped and still hope that the Morgans will understand.  So plans are underway for him too.  They are to be gone from July 21 to the 31st or August 1.

Mary Virginia and I are not sure just what we will do to get to Dayton wen we leave for Oregon -- probably will take the Mercury and just leave it there til we get back so no one will have to take another trip for us plus our having to find someone to get us there.  Anyway we are really looking forward to seeing all the Morgans again.  Those letters that we have forwarded on are sure tempting to open, Catherine, but know you have a right to write to the rest of the family too.  We still wish that the whole family could be on hand for John's wedding for we get together so seldom and would rather it be a happy occasion than a sad one.  If there was any chance of your coming we would postpone our trip if necessary especially if there is ANY chance of your coming her later in August.

Just talked to you, Catherine, on the phone -- and hope that you will seriously consider coming for the wedding and money invested in our tickets I would gladly transfer to the three of you coming to Dayton, Columbus or Cincinnati the few days before the wedding and then staying until the latter part of the next week if you aren't able to stay through Labor Day but do what ever you can in getting to Ohio.  PLEASE!

I mentioned that I would give you our flight number, etc. on our trip but don't want to influence you that I would prefer this to your coming here.  We are to get into Portland July 24 on United Airlines flight 153 arriving at 5:55 PM.  (I don't know where I got the idea it was 7:30 unless it was the time of arrival of the flight we had originally planned in June.  We are willing to wait rather than have Gerry ask for extra time off to meet our plane -- save the time for later.  We get dinner on the plane.

Dad is typing now -- we do hope that you folks could make it here for the wedding.  If you can stay longer than the weekend Columbus would be a better place, or if just for the weekend then Cleveland would be more convenient.

Sunday MV played the piano for Church, then we left for Granville to meet John and Carol's family.  John is staying in Granville at a Prof's home for a few weeks, then they have an apartment (downstairs of a house) in Newark which is almost ready where John will move when the professor comes back.

Hi!  This is your friendly baby sister.  Not much is new -- my incision is almost a scar -- some has a scab and a little still open, but the majority of it is healed.  Dr. Hale is trying to talk me into cosmetic surgery but I'm not quite ready for that.  I'm beginning to think that he just wants more business.

Mowed the whole back yard today and it didn't seem to bother me too much.  He told me Friday that I could do anything, so I'm looking forward to swimming at Cathy & Gerry's. 

Better go -- I can't stand this typewriter -- it's not electric.

[All our love, etc.]

1989 John's postcard -July17

Несебър
[also known as Nesebar, is an ancient city and a major seaside resort on the Bulgarian Black Sea Coast.]

7-19-89

Mom & Dad,

Here we are in Bulgaria -- enjoyed the beach yesterday just north of Burgas on the Black Sea.  Drove through Yugoslavia Sat. & Sunday.  Camped just outside of Belgrade 1st night and camped in Sophia, BG 2nd night.  Spent two nights on the Black Sea.  We are now on our way to Greece for a few days  I am enjoying it especially the two I am traveling with.  Give my best to Hortons & Grandma.

Love, 

John

1969 Jean's postcards to Roberta -July

First Presbyterian Church, Port Gibson, Mississippi . . . One of the most famed landmarks of the South because of the hand with the forefinger pointing to the heavens.  The chandeliers on the inside of this historic church are taken from the famous river boat, Robert E. Lee.

7-15-69

Saw this today along with capital at Jackson and Vicksburg Battlefield.  On to the capital of Louisiana -- Baton Rouge.  The weather is still HOT -- very unusual they say.  Had a wee bit of rain.

Love, from all 4 of us

Interior of Astrodome -- Houston, Texas
The world's first domed, air-conditioned sports stadium.  The roof is 208 feet high.  The dome spans 642 feet with an outside diameter of 710 feet.  Six thousand tons of air conditioning are used to cool the dome.

7-16-69

Staying right near here but won't get to see the Astros play.  Paper describes the temperature as torrid.  At least it baked out my cold.  Toured Louisiana's capital -- Baton Rouge this morning after having breakfast in beautiful Audubon Park where Audubon lived & taught & drew bird pictures.  Also saw beautiful old homes at Natchez.  A full day!  And now Daddy, John & MV are swimming.  MV loves the life jacket & goes anywhere.

Love from all four of us -- Mother

1949 Jean's Letter -July 17

Sunday

July 17, 1949

Dearest Mother,

Your cards & letters have been coming in regularly and we do appreciate hearing.  [Either the cards & letters from "Mother" aka Dear, were not saved, which doesn't seem likely considering everything else that was saved OR they are yet to be found.]

Mary & Bill & the children were over for dinner & just left.  They are to go to a picnic & afterwards play bridge but the weather is not at all good for a picnic.

Friday night we went over & played with them and 2 other couples & had a real good time.  Harold did well considering that this was only his 3rd time -- & the last being before we were married -- Nov. 1947, I believe.  I did very poorly until the very last hand when my partner bid clubs.  I had Ace, King, Jack & 10 so I kept bidding 'til it ended up with six clubs doubled.  Ed Kelly my partner really felt like killing me when I kept on bidding for he only had 7 with the queen high but I had wonderful help & we made it.  There was only 1 diamond & 2 hearts between us so we also had that sewed up.  That gave us 1850 or thereabouts & just cleared me 90 above the next score on the women's side so Ed & I both went home with a dollar.  (Everyone chips in 25¢.)  I sure was lucky with my partner for I still can't count nor remember what's been played.

Harold is interested (& me too) how your tomato plants are coming.  We hope to be up before they are all eaten so let us know how they are.

So glad you found my blue shoes -- felt they were downstairs but never took too much time to look for them.  When I did think of it I was in a hurry & when I had time, I never thought of them. 

Did Mrs. Reynolds find the diaper pail lid?  I meant to mention that I won't need the blue shoes so will get them on our first trip up.

I stayed home this morning & Harold went to church.  The arrangement is that I'm to go next Sunday.  Perhaps we will be able to take Catherine before long but Dr. Fullerton said it is best not to take her out as long as she hasn't had her 3rd shot & there are some cases of whooping cough in town.

We had a long letter from Jeanne Campbell & she says Mrs. Trimble is carrying idle rumors.  By the way we've never received an Independent since we've been here so would appreciate receiving it or do you think they'd appreciate a donation?

Also had a letter from Ruth Krickbaum who has gone to Yellowstone Park for the summer & has a job in a cafeteria there.  She seems to like it real well -- has time to paint which she loves to do.  Jeanne named about six friends of theirs who plan to stop to see her on their way out west (Three sets -- 4 fellow & 2 girls).  Marie Parker & a friend plan to fly to Cody, Wyoming and then bicycle through the park & so stop to see Ruth.

We put Catherine & Marianne together this afternoon & they looked real cute.  Catherine was trying to take Marianne's bottle off so while I was leaning over M would pull her hair.  I know they're going to have fun later on!  C's back is getting stronger by the minute & won't be much longer before she'll sit up by herself.

I put the quilt over the side of C's bed to keep out the light.  When I went to see her later she was having a grand time.  After she saw me she pulled the quilt over her face & went on cooing as if she were hiding & I wouldn't be able to stop her.  The way she looks up then smiles would soften anyone's heart.

During the hot spell they decided to start work an hour earlier so it keeps us moving to get him there at 7:00.  Since the weather has become cooler again nearly everyone would like to change back.

Some friend stopped us & for some reason Catherine didn't take to her -- would smile but whenever Thelma would get too close she'd scream.  She has an unusual laugh & that my have frightened C but it's the first time C ever acted strange with anyone.

Marianne's sunsuit (Medium  like C's pink one) is getting too snug so I'm afraid C won't be able to wear hers at all.  I've been meaning to try it on her but never get around to it.  I still have the bill (sales slip) so do you think it might be exchanged?

All of our love --

Jean, Harold & Catherine

1979 Family Letter -July 10

Tuesday --

July 10, 1979

Dearest Family --

This letter is late mainly for one reason -- the UMW picnic scheduled for Hilda Williams pond had to be held here this afternoon instead as the weather has rally been damp -- too much so to have it out there where it is so beautiful when dry but skiddish and bad when wet.  Anyway we had about 17 total but not all were here at the same time.  So many are on vacation (Wilma and Mrs. Thornburg, Georgialia Hannah) others were sick (Opal Nussbaum) or had sickness in their family (Mrs. Walter Drake, Carolyn Thornburg) or had to work (Melba Fawley) who are the most regular of the regular members.  So all in all we had a good group.  Of course Mother Uible was away too and she was a co-hostess but there was so little to do except get the house ready.  There was quite a bit of food left and so many wanted to leave something here so we shouldn't have to do alot of cooking for tonight and maybe tomorrow too.

Sure enjoyed talking to Serena on the phone Saturday but so sorry that she had to wait at a pay phone so long -- had we known we would have called her right back but thought Dad might want to talk too and knew he'd be in shortly.

We did enjoy having John and Carol here from Monday until Sunday though the time really went fast.  John wasn't feeling too well and hope that he is felling much better by now.  He seemed to have alot of stomach pains which has been going around but sure didn't want to let it go thinking it would clear up like we did with Mary Virginia.  After having the same symptoms since a week ago Saturday -- Carol and I talked him into going to the emergency room of the hospital Tuesday night for we just couldn't see letting it go until Thursday.  They gave him some medicine and thought he should be better or see his doctor (does it sound familiar?).  He took it easy on Wednesday, the Fourth, and did get an appointment with Dr. Bath on Friday but didn't really find out any more but seemed to be feeling a little better by Sunday.  If not better Monday, Carol was going to get him to a doctor of hers.  Just seemed to feel badly after eating.

Ann Wolfrom was quite disturbed Sunday and wanted information on the status of taking dried food into CANADA.  If you can find out any details on the food restrictions as to imports let us know, Roberta.  July 21st is the schedule day for departure on the "Northern expedition."

M.V. has been on the lawnmower this week and seems fully recuperated from her bout at the hospital.  This has been a mixed up week at the shop with about a half crew there -- the others have two weeks or more vacation . . . in the office there are always reports to be done, tho we hope that the computer will help make the job easier.

[Lots of love, etc.]

1979 MV's Letter to John -July 15

July 15, 1979

10:45

Dearest John --

I just got in 10 min. ago.  The minister will be gone the 29th, and Elwood has said yes.  As far as Georgialia, she's supposed to call me back in a few minutes -- she said she was busy listening to Carter.

Mom & Dad seem to have prep school in mind for me -- no matter how bad I may want to stay at E.C.  But I guess I'll go -- it can't hurt too much.  Plus tonite on the way home I did a lot of thinking.  It seems like the Lord is leading me to go.  I'll have to some praying before I do or say anything definite.

I just talked to Georgialia just a minute ago -- she said she'd be glad to, so you're all set.

Well gotta go -- more later.

Much love --

Mary Va.