1984 Scenes of Home

 

Jean's Book: Michelin Travel Guide to Great Britain
(they traveled to England/Wales in Dec. 1984)

New Vienna People - Pictures

 

USA Swim Team (or was it Club?) - 2004?
Couples from left: 
George (1928-2018) & Imogene Daniels (1931-2018) Shaffer
Harry G (1929-2008) & Caryl Lou Bohl (1929-2013) Allen
Harold H (1925-2019) & Jean Ballantyne (1922-2011) Uible
James F "Jim" (1934-2005) & Norma Smith (1934-2015) Allen

Bob & GG Walker, Jean & HH Uible at Tavern On the Green -1988

Elizabeth Johnson (1914-1987) - unknown date

Doris Palmer Martin (1922-2006) & Gladys Hiestand Uible  
NV Senior Center on 92nd birthday - June 22, 1984

Jean & Virginia Eaton Hildebrant (1917-2007)
Dressed as favorite character (?) for Mothers Club program - March 1988

1924 Jean & 1975 HH - pictures

Jean & her sister, Virginia - May 25, 1924
Jean, age 17 months, Virginia would turn 10 on Aug. 22

 

Fifty one years later, at the age of 50, HH & Jean went to New Zealand, visited the Hiestand relatives and enjoyed some hiking in the mountains in Oct. 1975

1911 Ira Franklin & Mary Ellen (Fawley) Hiestand

 

Ira Franklin Hiestand (1852-1912) &
Mary Ellen Fawley Hiestand (1853-1929) in 1911 
Married Sept. 19, 1871

Father & Mother of 

Harry Clarence Hiestand (1872-1967)

Luna Hiestand Mitchell (1874-1970)

Dorsa D. Hiestand (1876-1959)

Fawley Hiestand (1879-1881)

Gladys Hiestand Uible (1892-1993)

1955 Roberta, Serena & Catherine -Christmas Picture & HH's note to CJU & GHU -Dec.18

 

12/18/55

Discovered we had a short in our camera, which was the cause for not working.  On our last roll -- of which this is 1 -- we got 11 of the 12 pictures.

Had our church Christmas program this morning -- the younger classes had short parts.  Then Santa Claus (Doc Hause) passed out the treats.

Going to put our tree up this afternoon.  The girls are anxious to start.

Had dinner at Shef's today -- adults are now $1.  -- He is going to close up for 2 wks on Wed. & go to Florida.

--Harold

1980 Catherine's Letter -Dec.29

Monday, December 29, 1980

Dear Mother, Dad & Mary,

Hi!  This will probably be the last letter you get from us this year.  Did you see the comic strip where the guy writes 1981 on a sign and then hangs it upside down so that it read 1861?

Sorry about the delay in getting the airline tickets back to you.  I didn't want them to get lost in the Christmas shuffle but I suppose the post office could lose them just as easily any other time.  We got a new schedule from Amtrak but all the trains we will be on won't be changing - at least not yet.

We had a nice Christmas even if we did wait two days longer than the rest of the world.  I got contacts and a warm-up suit.  Gerry got a set of weights, an exercise bench, some new clothes and we got ourselves a set of bucket type pillows for the bed.  The co-op gave us a food processor.  I used it yesterday to chop up vegetables to make pea soup.  And then to slice ham for sandwiches and for quiche.  It also grates cheese -- did about ¾ pound in 15 seconds.

DeeDee gave us a matching towel and pot holder set.  DeeDee got a "Game of Life".  It had been several years since I last played that in New Vienna!  She had also requested some electronic games -- Simon & Merlin if you have heard of them but they are both on the expensive side so we decided she could spend her Christmas money on them if she wanted to after she gets back to San Diego.  We also got her some desk accessories as she just got a new desk.  

Wendy seems happy with her new toys.  She helped me sweep and mop with her new housecleaning set which also contains a vacuum sweeper, apron, dust clothes, brush, etc.  She's better equipped than I am!  She really likes her Fisher-Price school which comes with about 100 pieces.  Fortunately they all fit inside the school which closes up and can be carried around.  One of her other favorites is the Baby with her Treasure Chest (see p. 516 of the Sears Christmas catalog.)  She loves to push the baby around in the stroller.  The housekeeping set is on p. 547 and the school p.607.  We are looking forward to enjoying our present from you in March.

The weather here turned slightly more winter-like yesterday with the high in the 40's,  The low last night was 35º and the sun is shining now so it may warm up more today.  Western Oregon had alot of floods because of the warm weather but it didn't affect us any -- we did have two days of rain though.

Wendy will be staying home with DeeDee this week instead of going to school.  I will have another long weekend this week with Thursday and Friday both off.  Gerry will have to work Friday and Saturday though.  DeeDee will be flying back to San Diego next Tuesday afternoon from Redmond.  Gerry will take the afternoon off or however much time he needs to get her there but I will probably stay at work as it is difficult to get time off.

Almost time to go to work so I better close.  Happy New Year!

Love,

Catherine, Gerry & Wendy

1952-53-54 (?) Roberta & Catherine - Christmas

 

1980 Family Letter -Dec.28

 

Sunday evening -

December 28, 1980

Dearest Family --

Christmas seems like a long time ago now but it was so nice getting to talk to each of you -- if not in person -- on the phone.  John and Carol picked up Serena at the Columbus bus station and got here around six Christmas Eve.  We had plenty of snow that day so were a little worried about the roads.  But they did get here safely.  We all went to church at 11 PM that evening for the Christmas Eve services.  Mary Virginia among others sang but the quartets were limited to one number (MV and Cherie Cooper were each asked to sing two -- don't know how the others felt about this but Va. Hildebrant said because they are younger they were given that opportunity).

We didn't get up early Christmas morning in spite of Mary Virginia's threat to waken all of us.  I'm sure if Roberta had been here things would have been different.  We had a late breakfast then opened our gifts and had a leisurely day.  We had dinner about 4 PM and then John and Carol took off for Newark around 6:00 PM.  He had to work Friday and then they had Saturday off and were going to Erie and he had Monday off to visit some bank operation up there.

I should have mentioned in the beginning of the letter that soon after we wrote our last letter we got a call from Los Angeles from Kyung Ho Kim's brother-in-law saying that Mie Young had arrived that evening and when did we want her to come to Ohio -- it was all such a shock -- though pleasant even if we had given up on the idea of her being able to come.  Anyway he called the next day to say that arrangements had been made for her to fly direct to Columbus -- non-stop (3 hours) and we were to pick her up last Monday evening at the airport there.  Her plane was late but did get in eventually and the airport is so torn up -- I hardly recognized it at all.  She is a real sweet girl -- very quiet and bashful.  A combination of everything got her off to a bad start -- upset stomach plus I am sure a lot of homesickness.  Anyway, after several phone conversations between here and Wilmington and Korea -- she ended up going to visit some friends of her father's in Wilmington.  He (Dr. Kim) is a OB-GYN specialist who practices with Dr. Goodwin.  They have two children near her brother and sister's ages so it worked out well -- she stayed there and then we picked her up after taking Serena to the bus station in Dayton.  We got home just in time to have a bite to eat and then both girls were off in a rush to the school to see Wilmington beat East Clinton in both basketball games.  They were parked clear down to our house before 5:30 so you can see it was well attended.

Today we were invited down to Wib and Helen Carrs and such an elaborate feast she had prepared.  We also went over to see Richard and his family.  His wife Rita is expecting momentarily to go to the hospital.  Their daughter is 11 and son is about 7.  they are living in a home Richard's great grandfather built about the time of the Civil War -- maybe Wib's but it has two identical beautiful stair way, circular in the front and back of the house -- 12 foot ceilings.  What a place to have to heat!

They must have given us almost 50 pounds of potatoes to take home with us for they said they wouldn't keep if the frost got them which undoubtably would -- wish you all were here to help us eat them or divide them up.  Another fringe benefit of legal practice was a gift certificate to the Golden Lamb Hotel for dinner for the family.

They announced in Church today that the Bazaar cleared some $1844.00.  Attendance was down today in SS and Church, tho believe we will end up the year in good shape with all the bills paid.  Have had some nice orders come to Wells in the last few days, tho it seems that the customer list shrinks as the competition list grows.  Luckily we are getting interest (now at 18%) rather than paying it out.

[Love, etc.]

1980 Roberta's Letter -Dec.27

 

Saturday Night

9:30 P.M.

[12-27-80]

Dear Family:

Somehow I'm not too tired tonight -- maybe having a four hour nap this afternoon would have something to do with it!!!!!  Really feel like a free woman with both Marion and Buffy gone!!!  Have been out and about every single night -- or had people in here!!!!!

Thanks so much for calling.  Christmas Day was a good busy day for me.  I was going to call you all up this weekend -- not fight the telephone lines that day!!!  There was so much food here that day.  I had bought lots of sliced meats -- turkey, ham, roast beef, corned beef (that was the most popular -- and lots of good cheeses.  Then everyone that came brought some sort of salad or dessert -- alot of them brought two or three dishes -- the counters were all full of food.  It was a beautiful day weather wise -- much, much warmer than last year.  I remember seeing Dad and Rob all bundled up to ride the bikes!!!  You all should have been here to enjoy the sunny weather.  And thank goodness much more room in the new house.  Hard to believe that this time last year we were watching this place being built . . . making sure the walls would be painted yellow . . . or slipping the electrician some money to get the hook-ups for the ice-maker, garage door opener, etc.

I've looked over the class schedule for ASU several times -- the classes that I need to take all seem to be at the wrong times -- middle of the day -- the only classes that would be ok for me to take -- late afternoon or evening -- I've either had -- or not ready for yet.  I'll keep you all posted should I register.  I've been at the senior center a year the first week in January.  It seems hard to believe.  We are now turning away more people each day than we used to serve.  A new center will be on Southern and Mesa Drive area -- about three miles from here.  I'd love to work there -- but its to serve the minority (Spanish) mostly (which is a joke) so a minority will have to run it.  It won't take any of our people -- not that they couldn't go there -- but due to the distance -- they would not drive in to it.  We really need a bigger center so badly out East.  We just have one large room -- which is the dining room -- so hard to have other activities -- because nothing appeals to all.  And its next to impossible to keep those not interested quiet so that a speaker can be heard.

Thanks so much for the Christmas check!!!!  I've spent a little of it already -- bought a new tape today of Dallas Holm -- my first of his.  Also bought a new pair of boots -- bedroom slippers.  A pair of Dearforms -- they can be machine washed.  The men's medium fit me just fine.  Don't worry -- I won't spend this money on the utilities -- but I'll tell you I don't see how families make it -- sure takes alot of money to keep a house going.  Are you aware of this situation Daddy????  There always seems to be something that either needs bought or repaired.

We are starting a monthly newsletter out at work -- was hoping to get the first edition out first week in January -- but not sure now.  It will include senior activities, recipes, household hints, known sick, want-ads (free -- of course).  The people seem to have taken to the idea -- and we have been bombarded with poems, where they live, their jobs, all their promotions, etc.  We have got three women working on the newsletter -- as far as putting it together.  It will also include monthly birthdays.  I'll be sure to send you a copy.

We are also trying to get a weighting club -- or rather a "how to stop playing the weighting game" group started out at work -- first meeting will be the first week in January.  Several people have requested a group like this.  Should be interesting.  We can't prescribe any definite diet -- more of a thing of awareness -- of your own power.

Marion called up today.  Think I told you she was going to fly into Des Moines, and then take a bus to Monmouth, Ill or somewhere much closer to meet her folks there.  She was so nervous with the idea of getting from the airport to the bus station, then buying the ticket, etc.  I just couldn't believe it.  But, she called and her sister and brother-in-law were at the airport to meet.  They did not recognize her -- with her curly hair, and a new winter coat.  She retired the red one "old red".

Marion will be back New Years Day -- that evening about 6:30.  It was last year when she was to fly in the night before going back to school and due to the weather and all got back to school two days late.  After this short time without Dear Buffy -- I'm convinced I could make it this summer without him -- having to rush home from work to walk him, feed him, etc.

Through a lady out at work I've met Dorothy -- a girl from Portland about my own age.  She is here visiting her father for the holidays -- really a character.  Both the father and Dorothy.  Dorothy went to clown school for a week this past year -- maybe you all are familiar with the idea.  Guess there is -- was -- an article about Clown Ministry in the Sept. 3rd issue of Time magazine.  She came out to the center one day and did a little fun type routine -- had a little duster broom that she dusted off all the tops of the bald men.  She had the clown outfit, paints her face all up -- really neat.  Her dad just thinks she is crazy for doing it.  She came in here Christmas night -- and I stopped by to see her last night.  She is an Ex-Catholic Nun.  Worked for some Methodist Missions school in New Mexico.  Went to Portland some four years ago and just stayed.  She is now working on her Masters -- took her 9 years to get her BA degree.  Now working with mentally retarded children in a school situation.  Dorothy is such a talker -- hardly pauses at the end of paragraphs -- let alone sentences . . . .

Talking about other Dorothys . . . Dorothy Stubbs and her husband came over today -- in fact they woke me up from my nap -- Rich Stubbs was on my old red bike -- the Honda Express and Dorothy is now riding a new bike -- just a bit bigger -- goes 45 to 50 mph -- called the Honda Passport.  Marion had talked about getting one of them.  Guess they have been very popular overseas and this last year was the first year for them to be marketed here in the states.  Really a nice bike.  She had just gotten it today.  They had been out looking at new cars and just stopped by the Honda Dealer on the way home -- their one car is just about worn out.  But now Doreen is going to be riding the old bike back and forth to school.  These new cars are really high priced -- Dorothy thinks maybe her husband had it all planned out to stop at the Honda dealers the whole time.  I think you all would really like one of these small Hondas.

I went over to Stubbs for leftovers tonight.  Would you believe I didn't have any leftovers on Christmas . . . actually I had gotten lots of food, but then when people left packed up several bags of food for everyone.  It really was a nice day -- just sorry that you all weren't here.

Don't think I told you that Grayce -- the one who used to work out at our center -- the one whose husband died just before Thanksgiving . . . is now working at the center in town.  She just couldn't stop talking about her husband to the people out at the center -- really wasn't a good thing for the people.  I talked it over with Ann (my boss) and she thought it might be better for her to work in town.  Besides she had been going to school (if you can call it that -- training to be a hotel manager) two days a week and was all done with the schooling.  We really didn't need both Grayce and Judy (the part-time one) but I didn't want to lose Judy because she is so talented -- music, arts and crafts, etc.  Ann had talking about sending Judy into town when Grayce was done with school but I was sure cold on that idea.  To make a long story short, Grayce has been in town now some three weeks and really seems to like it.  They have her doing office work type of stuff in the mornings, and then in the afternoons working with the outreach program.  It really has been good for her.

The first few days after she got back she was so quiet at the center -- but then all Gracyce could do was be upset and get alot of other people all upset too.  As Catherine Marshall said in the latest Guidepost (thanks for the new subscription) that everyone feels their loss is worst than anyone else has had.

Wishing you all a HAPPY NEW YEAR . . . and I thank you for all your support (in all ways ) during this last year . . . I love you all . . . .

Love,

Roberta

Christmas Card from GHU to Roberta -Dec.7

 

Dec. 7 - [Unknown year, probably between 1979-1982]

Dear Roberta -

Here it is with Christmas just around the corner.  We hope to put up the tree soon but you know this family always talk a long time before getting started.  We enjoy the Christmas trees.  The 2nd one is to be put on the fireplace wall.  

We will be eating cheese or the family will for the Kintners sent a gift box of cheese which looks delicious.  It arrived today.  

This is the longest cloudy spell I have ever seen in Fla.  Very few hours of sunshine since my arrival.  It is trying to rain at the present.

Had a note from your Dad this week & he said you were having teeth ? trouble but was better so hope nothing seriously wrong.

Now use the enclosed check as you wish as time goes along.  With the family or part of them arriving I know you will all have a Merry Christmas, A very Happy New Year & Good Wishes for you.

Love, Grandma U.

(Give Marion Good Wishes for the Holiday Season from me please.)

1983 GHU letter -Dec.18

 From the "found after the designated year" file, this letter was written shortly before Grandma and the Hortons and the rest of us went to Phoenix for Roberta & Sid's wedding.

Sun. 18th [Dec. 1983]

Dear family - 

My letter writing has some what been neglected lately.  Too many Christmas activities.  Cindy & Rob were here this afternoon with presents & a light supper.  They leave Tues. for Ind. to spend Christmas with her folks.  So we had a little Christmas while they were here.  Also Frances & John dropped in for a while.  Right now Mary joined the choir at 6 o'clock & they were to go out to sing Christmas Carols.  Bill just left to join them at a home where they will have a covered dish supper.  He took a pumpkin pie.

Last Fri. the Lions Club had their Christmas turkey dinner at the Congregational Church.  I was a guest & they had a very nice dinner program.  It rained all day & was fair when we came home.  But what a day & evening.  At least it was nice to get in the car in the garage & we were fortunate enough to park right at the entrance so didn't get wet.  

Last Fri. a lady from the L.W. Play House gave a Christmas Reading for the Literary program which was very good & then there was a tea afterward.  It seems as if there must always be refreshments.  Then you hear all the talk about dieting.

Sat. Larna had a party at the Park house for a couple who had been married for 50 years.  M. & Bill went.  I was invited but since I didn't even know them I didn't go.  Mary said more came than expected.  They served a lunch at 12.  I would say a dinner from what Mary said.  I guess it was a carry in by the guests for it seems as if the Hortons got cake.  This week the V.I.A. [?] tomorrow go to a nursing home to sing & then come back to the church to eat.  Mary goes to play for singing but I don't think I am going.  Wed. there is to be the Church Christmas program with a turkey dinner first.  We plan to attend that affair.  

We must begin to wonder what we will need in Phoenix.  This letter is for the family.  I should have written to you H. & Jean before you left but I don't get to things like I might.  If I have a room with more than the 1 bed one or more of the girls can room with me & that will be fine with me.  

Roberta, I hope things are shaping up for you & every one has a safe trip in traveling.  See you soon.

Love to all

Merry Christmas

Grandma

1980 - More clippings of HH -Dec.22

More clippings of HH's new position as Clinton County Commissioner

1980 Harold Uible appointed commissioner -Dec.11

 

WILMINGTON NEWS-JOURNAL
December 11, 1980

Harold Uible appointed commissioner

The Clinton County Central Republican Committee appointed Harold Uible, 55, of 66 College St., New Vienna, as Clinton County Commissioner Thursday evening at the county courthouse.

Uible was named on the second ballot from a field of seven potential candidates who each gave a brief presentation to the committee prior to the voting.  He was named commissioner following a 45-minute discussion by the committee.

Uible will complete this year's term of long-time commissioner Oscar Hackney who died on Thanksgiving Day following a long illness.  Hackney had won a strong victory in the November 4 election.  Beginning January 1, Uible will fill two years of Hackney's term before coming up for election to the office at the next general election.

In his presentation, Uible emphasized his professional and business experience, community projects, and strong desire to be a county commissioner.

A Clinton County native, Uible graduated from Case Western Reserve Law School in 1949.  He is a member of the Clinton County and American Bar Associations.

Uible has 30 years of business experience with Wells Manufacturing, a Uible family-operated toy company in New Vienna.

Uible has been a member of the New Vienna School Board, the Clinton County School Board, Clinton Memorial Hospital Board, and the Clinton County National Bank, New Vienna Branch Advisory Board.

He described himself as a conservative optimist, and added that he was anxious to work with current commissioners DM Fife and David Bailey.  "I've had a strong desire to be a commissioner and I'm confident I can work well as a team with the present commissioners," he said to the committee.  "I want to hear from all of you."

Six other candidates seeking the post were Eugene Cramer, Sabina Road, Max Hewitt, Lewis Road, Wilson Penquite, Blanchester, Don Stewart of US 22, Harry Perkins of SR 73, and J.R. Williams of Williams Road.

In other business, Mrs. William Hampton was appointed to a Blanchester seat on the Central Committee.  Rev. Larry Harris was appointed to fill a Wilmington seat.

1970 Catherine's Letter -Dec.18

 

December 18, 1970

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

Hi!  It was quite a surprise to get the card from you in the Bahamas.  I hope you had a good time and have been able to readjust to the Ohio country winter-type weather.

We moved out here last Thursday and started working "full time" (that is 8 to 4:30 with a half-hour lunch break) on Friday.  In the afternoons we both work on inventory -- checking the shelf list with the books on the shelves.  In the morning I work at the desk and fill up the spare corners of time (which I usually have trouble finding) by typing cards for all the missing books and looking in all the other assorted places the books could possibly be besides on the shelf.

It is really neat living out here -- I hope you all can come see sometime.  There is country and fields all around and it is nice to go out wandering.  Of course it is a little old-hat for Dick who has seen these same fields ever since . . . so I try to see it as he must -- places where he used to hunt and play around as a kid.  I think it is equally hard for him to see it as I do -- new territory to be explored.  Las week-end Bruce came down from Morris, Illinois to visit and we must have spent a total of six hours outside walking around in the snowy fields in about two hour stretches.  I seem to wake up earlier than most other people so I like to go out walking early in the morning too on the weekends but that is like impossible during the week -- I'm lucky to have time to eat some cereal before going to work!  Soon it will be getting light earlier in the morning though and then it might be more feasible.

I have done a little work on my SIP.  Before I start translating I want to type the whole thing up with about four spaces between lines so I can translate line for line. I'm about ⅓ way through the first play with the typing.

I was going to make some cookies to take to our friends for Christmas but the oven quit working so I made fudge instead.  I'm not sure how it turned since I'm no great fudge judge but it looks OK.  A little later this evening we're going over to the Johnson's.  Dr. Johnson is the vice-president of Upjohn and his son was Dick's best friend in those before college days.  I'm sure you've heard one of us mention them.

If you were wondering how my doctor's appointment turned out, it hasn't yet since it was rescheduled for this coming Tuesday.  Next week while I'm thinking about it is the week which contains the day on which I am planning to journey towards New Vienna, probably Thursday.  Wow, it is amazing how the structure of the sentence can be changed by goofing up a few words and not wanting to xxxxx them out and start over.  I was hoping to find a Santa Claus suit to come home in but I haven't been able to get ahold of one yet.

I could ramble on and on and on and off and on again about my general good feelings but I think I will leave off with an "I'll see you Thursday".  I'll let you know about the when and where and how when I know myself.

Love, Catherine

 

Dec. 18, 1990

Dear Family:

We do  want to get a letter off to you before Christmas for we are thinking about each of you, and wish it could be last Christmas when we were all together, yet we look forward to having some of the family home the last of next week . . . .

Found a message on our recorder that Don's grandmother passed away this morning and they were leaving for Texas this afternoon.  MV said how long they were staying, but that was  past the end of the tape so missed that.  We had a nice weekend with them and got to hear the two choirs, both of which sounded VERY GOOD and showed a lot of practice.

On Saturday morning we met John, went in the van to Serena's where we left some of his furniture and then the four of us went back (to the Brookville Library) where we met Julie (she was en route home from Illinois) for lunch.  Then we went in three directions with Dad and I driving the van and car back to NV and then on to Somerset.  It was a full day.

Grandma is doing well, with some days better than others.  Her appetite is still good and plans to go to John's wedding in May.  We plan to be at her home part of Christmas so the regular people can have some time off.  We plan to meet Serena that evening in Dayton at a Suite Hotel, with indoor pool.

Don had planned to go to a meeting in Nashville after Christmas and MV was coming here, so now we will wait and see on developments.  Hopefully John and Serena can also join MV here.  anyway each and/or all of you are always welcome.

[handwritten part written to John]  Wonder if you got special invitations to the Inauguration Festivities in Columbus, Jan. 13-14.  We'd like to go & would be glad to have you join us -- How about that for part of your Christmas?

Much, much love,

Dad & Mother

1980 Catherine's Letter -Dec.15

 

Monday, December 15, 1980

Dear Mother, Dad & Mary,

Hi!  Here I am at work with a little extra time so thought I'd get a letter started to you.

Now we are thinking perhaps it would be better to make our stop in Ohio on our way back from Maine rather than on the way there.  Does it make any difference to you?  That would mean we would arrive on either March 17 or 18th and have to leave on the 20th.  Please think about whether that would be worse than the previous week for you as we are flexible.

We went shopping in Bend Saturday and got Wendy some new shoes.  She is now wearing a size 9 ½ -- same size as mine!  Ha!  We got a couple more little things for her -- a puzzle, a fork with Cookie Monster on it, and a jogging suit size 6 so it should fit for awhile.  We also got some things for DeeDee.  Now our shopping is about all done except for stocking stuffers and we should be able to get them here.  I finally got my Christmas cards off this morning so that is a relief.

Tuesday morning.  We have a busy week this week.  Tonight I have UMW -- my last meeting as secretary.  That will be a relief to be done with that.  Tomorrow is a Red Cross Blood Drive, and then the monthly Birthday dinner at the Elks.  Gerry will get a free dinner since his birthday is this month and it will really be a birthday dinner since it falls on his birthday.  Thursday night Gerry has Elks and my Bunco group meets.

I need to go to the store this morning so better close.  I will be calling soon!

Love, Catherine, Gerry & Wendy

1980 Roberta's Letter -Dec.14

 

Sunday pm

[12/14/80]

Dear Family,

Hi!  thanks for your recent letter & check -- more than generous check for what all we sent you!

I'm hoping to go back to work this week -- still have some cold & ears hurt me -- what time of the year to come down sick!

The phone here has been busy all week -- and I've set up a Temp. office here at home.  Our center made 52 yellow bows to go on the City of Mesa Christmas Tree -- 1 for each hostage.  Haven't seen the tree yet (it's downtown by all the city buildings) -- did see it tho on T.V. -- really looked pretty!

Please!  Expect my package a little late -- have got a few small things now -- & have got some ideas -- This will be the 1st Christmas you all haven't been out -- will seem pretty quiet around here. --

Love,

Roberta

1980 Family Letter -Dec.13

 

[More about HH becoming a County Commissioner in a few days.]

Saturday, Dec. 13, 1980

Dear Family:

We will get a head start on this week's letter as there is really something new this week to write about.

Thursday was a quick observance of your Mother's birthday, with M.V. making a cake (chocolate, of course) and then M.V. rushed off to Sabina for the school Christmas program and Dad to Wilmington for the called meeting of the Clinton Co. Republican Executive meeting to fill the vacancy of County Commissioner,  Three of the hopeful were on the Republican committee.  To me the job is a challenge with lots of potential for learning and hopefully help the taxpayers get more for their money.  Yesterday afternoon we went to the law library Christmas open house, then a brief business stop in Washington C.H. and the next step was at the Election Board to get the required papers before being sworn in on this Monday.  Your Mother went on to Lazarus and I went to the Ethics Commission as all county, etc. officials must file a form listing your interests in anything that amounts to over $500.00 . . . . guess the theory is to try to prevent people from being too crooked.  Its the old story that no matter what one does, someone naturally has different thoughts.

In contacting the committee members did have interesting experiences -- like the one who said "yes, I sold you folks that car at Blanchester."  (That was at least 10 years ago.)  Or another "I'm going to vote for you, even tho I'm going to nominate so and so because he ask me and I'm his cousin. " Dayton TV station man was down and the interview on the screen did run for about a minute -- it was good publicity for Wells as [there was] a picture of our display and also of my coming out of the door and going across the street to the other bldg.  

Now Sunday:  Last night we went to Sabina as MV was in a musical with 6 other high school students for the Sabina Sr. Citizen Benefit.  It was a Christmas theme and the hour went quickly.  Bert you will have to go up and visit them as MV was telling the Sabina group how active you are.  Someone mentioned that in Highland Co. they are so well organized that they don't require gov't help.  They serve meals for 50¢ to the regulars and $1.00 for guests.  Mrs. Morgan (MV's friend Cathy's mother) and I think we may go over and visit some time.  Haven't heard how much money they made but it was primarily senior citizens who get in free and parents and friends of the participants.

Marvin Beam has called Dad a number of times -- once in regard to congratulating him about being selected a commissioner.  Bruce Beam also called.  Marvin teased him about wanting to get his Stone Road fixed (repaired) and then decided it might be better to have pot holes to slow down the speedsters.  I am sure this is just the beginning of requests -- even the law librarian hinted to me she'd like a buzzer to know when people were coming in the law library.

[Love, etc]

1970 Roberta's Letter -Dec.13

 

Dec. 13, 1970

Dear Family,

Thanks alot for the letter(s) Friday.  Really appreciate your letter Serena.  Glad to know that you all are fine.  Also hope that you -- Mom & Dad had a good time on your trip!

It's now almost 10:00.  Pam & I just got back from early church at the Newberg Friends.  Mary is still sleeping -- I'd be tired too if I moved as SLOW as she did.  Well, I'll have to tell you more about that when I see you all.

OH!  Pam & I will be rooming together next term.  We had to talk it over with the R.A. & also Dean of Students.  Mary will have a private room.  Pam's roommate is moving in with another girl whose room-mate is leaving.

Mary isn't suppose to come to a decision about it till tomorrow -- but I'm not sure what kind of a decision she has to make.  That's just one example of how slow she is!

I had a letter from Julie Wiget -- she told me that Esther Janes was in the hospital with a leg infection.  Did you all know anything about that?

My exams start Tuesday with Sociology being the first one.  It's bad enough having to take them but paying $5.00 just about kills me.  I've never had to pay to take a school test.  Well -- maybe I'll do better since I'm paying.  Um --

Last night about 15 of us went Christmas caroling.  It was pretty funny because about half the houses we went to had something to do with the college.  We didn't know that, though.  We did sing at one persons house who tried to give us a dollar!!

In Chapel last week I had some very inspirational (?) news.  It was that tuition will be app. $260.00 higher next year.  I've also got the bill for next terms tuition, room & board & all.  Yes -- I am interested in a job over Christmas.  At least one week.

Pam's mother will be picking me up in Portland on Jan 4th -- as planned now.

Glad to hear about Serena & John doing so good selling the magazines from (for) the school.  Mary Virginia -- be sure & save a picture of you for me.

I'll quit for now.  Will see you all this Friday.  Please think of me taking my finals.

Love,

Bert

1980 Catherine's Letter -Dec.12

 

Friday, December 12, 1980

Dear Mother, Dad & Mary,

Hi!  I wanted to get these copies of the Amtrak schedule off to you so you can see our proposed route.  Also, we need you to decide which of those Ohio towns would be the most convenient for you to meet us in.  Our plans tentatively are to arrive in Ohio on Monday, March 9 and depart on Wednesday or Thursday for the continuation of the trip.  But before I can make the reservations I need to know which town to plan the stopover in.  Ideally, we would like to make the reservations by the end of next week.

Tomorrow we are going to Bend to do some more shopping for Christmas and get Wendy a new pair of shoes as she has almost worn through that pair of saddle shoes which you may remember her getting as hand-me-downs while you were here.  We have also been buying all of our meat in a store in Bend that seems to have much better prices and quality as well as selection than here in Madras.  And we will probably stop at the canned food store in Redmond as we found some real bargains there the last time we stopped.

DeeDee is arriving on December 26 and staying through January 6th.  It will be much more convenient for us since she is flying in and out of Redmond.  She will change from Western Air Lines to Republic (formerly Hughes Air West ) in San Francisco.  Wendy is very excited about her coming.  Every time she thinks we aren't treating her properly she cries "I want DeeDee".  She also goes through the list of her aunts periodically, saying I want Aunt Serena or Aunt Mary, etc.  She even talks about her Aunt Linda & Aunt Debbie who she hasn't even met yet.  She doesn't forget her uncles either!

I better close as I desperately need to work on my Christmas cards and I want to get this off in the mail today.

Love,

Catherine, Gerry & Wendy

1980 Roberta's birthday card & letter to Jean -Dec.

 [1980 - unknown date]

Hi!  The bazaar was a BIG success -- we had it at our center on Friday & the center in town yesterday -- (the center in town just had theirs yesterday) & we made a total of $683 -- w/some more orders & many yet to come in!!  So needless to say -- everyone is happy -- except for a select few -- who feel we charged too little or too much!

Cam Squires got out of the hospital on Thursday afternoon -- seems to be doing OK at home -- his wife was here just over 2 weeks.

Cam is learning to use a walker -- but he has to learn how to balance himself -- he lives in a small trailer -- really too small to use a wheelchair in & we managed to get both a walker & wheelchair through St. Vincent DePaul -- both free.

Mother -- Most of the key chain bracelets sold -- we charged $1 for them -- only 3 or 4 left & we made more of them.

Our own extravagance has come to a stop -- the cleaning lady who we had 3 hours a week -- had to have surgery on her hands -- both of them -- so she will be off for at least  2  months!!!

I'm afraid I'm coming down w/a COLD -- hoping to not have to turn on the heat till 1981 -- but may need it earlier.  Last month's bill was $32 -- sure beats those $99 summer ones!!

How was the Church Bazaar?  The walnut S'Bs [strawberries] here were a big hit.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM --

I love you -- all!

Roberta

1980 Family Letter -Dec.10

 

Tuesday evening --

December 9, 1980

Dearest Family -- 

It's getting nearer and nearer Christmas and still have much to do to get ready but do have the spirit, I hope.  Certainly did appreciate the beautiful strawberries and macrame Christmas hangings which you sent, Roberta.   I had seen some strawberries a couple of years ago but these were much more elaborate!  The others just had a felt leaf on top and a gold string by which to hang it.  The walnut shells had been painted red but just had dots of white paint on them instead of the white beads.  Had planned to send money in the last letter to pay for these things but forgot.

The church bazaar was a big success as far as money-wise - they made about $1800, but as Dad says if you'd count your time (all concerned) they didn't make so much but then people aren't willing to contribute much but time.  Hope that yours did as well, Roberta, in comparison.  Kay Carey had made some macrame similar with the blocks spelling J O Y but weren't near as pretty as the ones you sent.

We went square dancing in Hillsboro that night with the Harners and someone noticed Dad's name-tag and asked about Mary Uible -- said she used to live near G'ma's mother -- her name was Signa Hopewell and is now Dixon.  She is very attractive.  Her husband is now retired from the post office and they would like to get to Florida.

We had hoped to have 200 in Sunday School but didn't quite make it.  There were alot of people there but some others obvious for their absence.   Wendell Mahanes sister's husband had been killed in a truck accident.  so they (and his parents) weren't there.  That was Diane Mahanes who was just a year ahead of you, Catherine?  She had two children 10 and 9.  We did have 123 at Sunday School and put on a little program about the history of Sunday School and some of the people reminisced -- Helen Drake, Everett Penn and Mrs. Thornburg.

Sunday noon we had the three Cedarville College Students along with Elizabeth Johnson, who had come over for Sunday School, etc.  We had been invited down earlier to the Sankers for the afternoon as they had tickets for a bi-annual homes tour in their area.  Some of the places seem so unlivable, that makes wonder about the pre planning thought.  Bill Sanker's employer, GE, had recently sent him to Europe on business and they took an additional two weeks for sightseeing on their own, so we saw a few (yes, that is right) pictures of their trip.

Monday was the monthly library day in Dayton and took two of the librarians from Wilmington also.  Dad went along as he had to have another blood test as part of the annual physical and he had no trouble putting in the rest of the day between the County Law Library and the Public Library.  We can take books out of the library for four weeks, which is great for our schedule.

This past weekend was great weather-wise -- washed and waxed the car, cleaned the roof eaves and some general yard work.  Our broccoli is still growing.  Saturday was the first day for the new banking hours at the local bank.  They changed the Friday closing from 3 PM. to 5:30 PM and the Sat. closing from 3 PM to noon.  The personnel seem to like it.

Our dishwasher went on the blink . . . as the water is not coming in.  Did check the fuse and that is not the problem.  Guess perhaps we are lucky that we have not had a problem earlier than this in the 12 years of operation.  Dayes are coming tomorrow.  We got two bushels of Florida fruit from the FFA this past week, which we have been enjoying.

I tried to correct the amount taken in for the bazaar -- they announce tonight that it was $1864 and will be selling more Friday and Saturday at the bank so it should got o $2000.  We had UMW meeting out at Marietta Penn's.  Also heard there that Joanne Gruber is going to teach cosmetology at Laurel Oaks so will only be in her shop on Saturdays.  She should be very good though with the teaching.  I sure don't want to go to Mildred.

Have enjoyed all the telephone conversations and letter.  That was a good picture of you with the group, Roberta, and really a nice letter concerning you that someone had written and hpe something good comes out of her request for a larger senior center.

[Love, Mom & Dad]

1970 HH & Jean more postcards from Bahamas - Dec.9-10

Caption: JAPANESE TORII GATE, symbolic entrance to the International Bazaar, Freeport Grand Bahama Island.  This landmark is typical of the authentic architecture representing many lands and cultures and it is from these that the finest merchandise is on sale, street by street in this 18 acre wonderland.

12/10/70 Noon -- to Roberta

Hi -- Hard to believe what a 2 hr plane ride south does to the temperature - 80º.  About 60° here from Ohio.  We visited this Bazaar, but mostly a lot of junk.  Thanks so much for the pretty card -- really looking forward to seeing you on the 18th (just 8 days away).  This Holiday Inn is largest foreign hotel Holiday Inn owns.  Have beautiful room with patio facing ocean.  No sign of 5&10 or movie on this island thus far but Col Sanders is here. -- Love from Mother & Daddy

[Same picture postcard]

12/9/70 --sent to GHU & Hortons

Hi -- Just 2 hours from Columbus and we are here -- what a change.  Our whole group is at the Holiday Inn with a big beach right on the ocean.  This is strictly a tourist area and a high priced one at that -- doubly so after Dec. 15th.  We visited this Bazaar -- mostly a lot of junk.  Their Public Library was more impressive - but we can go there at home.  Here we want to get some sun (but not too much) & water for these couple of days.  Love, Jean & Harold

Caption: OUT ISLAND PRODUCE, arrive almost daily in Nassau for sale along the colorful docks.  Bananas, sweet potatoes, limes, onion, breadfruit, peas and many other varieties of fruits and vegetables.

[This postcard not mailed in Dec. 1970 as neither Roberta or Grandma were home during that time period.  Plus the copyright date on the postcard is 1971.  But since it is  undated and is from the same area, it is being included here.]

to John --

Hope you and Roberta are keeping the pew quiet at church Sunday.  We'll be thinking about you all and soon will be home.  Don't tease your sisters or Grandma  too  much.  Hope the weather isn't bad for your route and that you didn't gain too much on Serena's cooking.  See you Monday afternoon if you aren't tied up with all your merit counselors.  O.K.?  Love, Mom & Dad

1981 Catherine's Letter -Jan.6

 

Tuesday morning
January 6, 1981

Dear Mother, Dad, & Mary

Hi!  We got your letter on Friday with the news about Mie Young so guess we didn't miss any mail after all.  I hope you got the tickets OK.

It seems like the New Year has started off busily.  Gerry had to go to the annual meeting of the Jefferson County Co-op yesterday.  Actually the employees get fed lunch, introduced to the members and then they go back to work.  I  had an appointment to get my contacts checked at lunch time yesterday but their office was running behind and I didn't get back to work until 3:00 (I had a 1:30 appointment.).  I have to go back again next week but I have an appointment at 8:45 PM.  I may be there half the night but at least I won't miss any work.  I got a stronger right lens as my left eye was seeing better than the right.  Now they seem to be matched fairly well.

Gerry is taking DeeDe to the airport in Redmond at 3:45 this afternoon.  He is taking the afternoon off from work so they will probably go out to lunch and do some shopping.  Wendy is thrilled that she gets to do something that Mommy doesn't.  I have a library board meeting at noon today so we set appointments from 9-12 and 1-5 instead of our usual 1-2 lunch.  Yesterday I found out that we may be closed on the 29th as Dr. Woll may have some friends coming from California.  Of course either Debbie or I would have to work like we do on alternate Fridays.  The Woll's are putting an ad in the paper this week for a new assistant as Debbie is expecting a baby the first of April and only want to work until sometime in February.  I got several large insurance payments last week which brought the monthly collections up to enough that I will get a $54 bonus.  I had a 96% collection rate last month.

We keep reading about all the cold weather you are getting in the east.  We hope you get a warm spell in March!  The weather has turned a little cooler here but the ground is still not frozen.  The low yesterday was 34º with a high of 43º.  Right now (8:03 a.m.) the sun is shining brightly and the temperature is 35º  DeeDee won' have to worry about her plane being grounded by the fog anyway.

I better finish getting ready for work.

Love,
Catherine, Gerry & Wendy

1970 Catherine's Letter -Dec.8

 

Tues. Morning

12/8/70

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

Hi!  Well, the rest of my life has begun.  I just finished my exams.  Tonight and tomorrow I'm going to help Dick type a paper, plus work off and on at the library until Friday when we both start full time.  At the end of my German exam I received a copy of the comp questions which have to be prepared by the ninth week of spring quarter.  Always on to bigger and better things, ha!

I have a doctor's appointment tomorrow afternoon for a physical.  I didn't feel at all well last week but this week is better.  Especially now with the immediate pressures removed.

I have begun packing up some stuff to eventually remove my belongings from the dorm.  I made an investment in the future the other day and bought a 64¢ cake pan.  I'm going to visit the Good Will soon and buy a new pair of pants to keep myself warm, too.  I really like the cold weather when I'm decently clothed.  Last weekend we had a little snow and I really enjoyed walking around in the fields behind Dick's house.

My address will be 5449 W. Texas Dr., Kalamazoo, Mich. 49002

I don't think we're going to have the telephone connected since there's a pay phone about a mile down the road.  I could give you its number but I don't spend a whole lot of time there!  If it is necessary to get ahold of me in a hurry I would suggest calling the Crosby's who live about 2 miles away.  The number is . . . .

See you in about two weeks!

Love, Catherine

1970 HH & Jean postcards from the Bahamas -Dec.9-10

Caption:  Government House, Nassau, Bahamas.  NASSAU: At the top of George Street, just two blocks south of Bay Street, one can see the official residence of the Governor and Commander-in-Chief of the Bahamas.  The Governor is the representative of Her Majesty, the Queen.  On the steps leading up to Government House is a statue of Christopher Columbus, who mad his first landfall in the New World in 1492, in the Bahamas at what is now Salvador Island.

12/10/70 Noon -- Jean to Catherine
Really beautiful weather here.  Arrived just 24 hours ago after 2 hour plane trip from Columbus.  Thanks so much for the Swiss Chocolate Almond -- so delicious with cake.  Serena baked -- Celebrated last Sunday.  Your thoughtful gift was such an unexpected surprise.  Haven't run into Howard Hughes yet but guess he's on one of these islands.  Freeport is fairly new -- it is the largest foreign Holiday Inn -- have room and patio facing ocean.  Looking forward to the 24th.  Love, Dad & Mother

Caption: CONCH SHELLS are nature's own special reminder of the delightful wonderland of underwater life that abounds in the crystal clear waters of the Bahamas.  The conch itself is a local delicacy, famous the world over and perhaps best known under the name of conch chowder.  The shell, sometimes pink, and beautifully iridescent; an inexpensive momento to young and old alike.

[Undated] -- to MV

Have had conch salad and conch chowder (soup) made from the meat of the inside of these shells -- Umm-good!  Writing this on the beach as Daddy swims.  Haven't seen a little girl your age since we left New Vienna -- Save the News Journals for us.  Don't let John tease you too much.  Love, Mom & Dad

[Same Conch Shell postcard as above]

12/9/70 -- HH & Jean to "Uibles House"

Hi Everyone -- Got here in just 2 hours from Columbus with a meal en route, a very smooth trip.  We are right on the beach in the largest "foreign" Holiday Inn, as this is a British Colony.  Have had some conch soup -- yum-yum.  The N.Y. Times here is 45¢ but no sales tax.  No sign of Movie or Murphy or any 5&10 on this island but Col Sanders is here.  Souvenirs are gaudy and expensive.  Hope all is going well with you all.  No pool tables here but do have ping pong.  Temp 80º Have room & patio facing ocean.  Love, Daddy & Mother

1980 Roberta's card/letter -Dec.6

 

Tuesday 3:00 pm

[12/6/80]

Dear Family,

Just as I predicted -- I'm home w/what must be a combination flu & common cold -- just feel down right awful -- but sure glad I waited till after the bazaar (tho orders & $!) are still coming in!!

I did go out to work yesterday -- but came home about 10:00 AM -- had a fever last night of almost 101º -- called the Dr. this AM to get in for some miracle drugs -- but can't get in till tomorrow -- 4:00 PM -- my doctor is close by where I work -- about 14 miles from here.

Next week we are having a HeadStart Kids Christmas party at our center -- should be fun & exciting.  There will be about 20 kids -- each kid will get a stocking full of goodies --

The party for our people will be the day before Christmas -- have a Mr. & Mrs. Santa Claus all lined up --

Love
Roberta