1981 Family Letter -Apr.20

 

Monday --

April 20, 1981

Dearest Family --

Had a quick but beautiful trip down to North Carolina since we last wrote to you.  The azaleas and dogwood were really at their peak and it just looked like a fairyland.  Statesville where Cris lives is having their annual dogwood festival this coming weekend.  Cris'es place is not far from the freeway and yet in a secluded spot.  He has around 20 acres three of them being a lake with white ducks and a brown something that floated by.  The lake is surrounded by woods -- lots of dogwood and a trail clear around.  He has done so much to fix up the house there and has alot of plans yet to make it more to his liking.  Wish that we had more time to enjoy the visit.  However, MV was engaged in the Sunrise Easter service here, so.

We did have a good turn out for the Sunrise Service at 6:30 followed by breakfast so it was a quick morning.  Mrs. Matthews came over for dinner in which we had our first asparagus out of the garden.  After taking Mrs. M. back to Wilmington we went to a 50th wedding reception for the John Bambers[?]. Then to the hospital for visits including Mrs. Everett Penn, who seems to be allergic to everything that is not cotton in the way of clothing.  Ended up the day by seeing "Ordinary People" at the movie . . . the language was BAD, but a very interesting plot about a family whose son was killed in a boating accident and whose brother blamed himself for the accident and all the repercussions.

While we were gone Sunday Mie Young decided to iron her prom formal and burned a hole -- so now she is going to borrow something MV has . . . they both have dates for this coming Friday night -- the BIG event of the school year.

Backing up to last Thursday we left NV about noon, made two business calls in Charleston on the way and arrived at Pipestem around 6:30.  The W.Va. turnpike is really under construction so was not ideal conditions.  Pipestem is a three star place and really quite nice . . . away from it all and with an indoor pool which we used twice.  They also have a river lodge that is only accessible by a 3000' cable car ride which is really away from it all.  Others have described it as the "poor Man's Greenbrier".

Grandma seems fine as usual and went to the Sunrise service with us.  We are so thankful that she is so independent, especially when we see so many folks in the nursing home with nothing to do but wait for the next meal.  She is an inspiration for all of us.  We have been enjoying the bag of citrus fruit that she brought from Florida.

Yesterday we Commissioners had a ditch viewing - hardly the day for tramping round the weeds to look at draining problems as it was in the forties with a brisk wind.  We hope these freezes will not hurt the fruit.  Spring must be here for the Church softball team begins tonight and think that both MY and MV will go out for the season.

We had a Republican meeting last night -- mostly about who the committee would endorse for summer employment.  Always feel like I need a fumigation after those smoky meetings.

Thanks for the letter we have received and phone calls.  We are looking forward to having John and Carol this weekend.  Sorry that they can't come until Saturay but appreciate their visits though wish that they were oftener and or/or longer when they do come.  Guess parents are never satisfied.  Dad says it is entirely up to you about bringing Piper.  The rest of the family have never seen him -- Mary Virginia did request that he not sleep in her room but wonder if Piper would want to do that.  

Interesting statistics included in your letter, Roberta.

Much love to . . . .  

1921 Lucie Brown Ballantyne photo

 

Ola "Dear" Moore Brown (1862-1926) & Lucie Brown Ballantyne (1880-1957)

Lucie's mother, Mary Virginia Morrow Brown, died in 1890.  Her father, A.W. Brown, married Ola Moore in 1891 or 1892.  A.W. died in 1906 at the age of 51.

1981 Roberta's letter -Apr.21

 

[4-21-81]

Easter Sunday - 3:30 pm

Dear Family,

Happy Easter!  We made it up for Sunrise Service - 6:00 AM -- very cool -- was outside in the court yard of the church.  By 11:00 AM -- both the temperature & the crowd had picked up.  Both services were very good -- the youth had the sunrise service -- thought of Mary Virginia -- lots of great music!!

Right now Sally & Marion are both glued to the T.V. -- basketball game -- gives me a chance to catch up w/ the painting done thought things would calm down some but hasn't happened yet!

Our Easter party at work was a great success!  Only big problem was we had ordered food for 100 (our maximum allowed) & we ended up having 111 people.  We ran out of ham -- 2 people shorted on the meat!  We had 90 people that wore some some sort of hat -- so we didn't even try to judge them -- -- said that everyone was a winner!

Thanks for your recent letter & birthday check -- went toward a cabinet outfit for the garage -- good investment.  Hopefully we will be basically unpacked by the time you folks get here!

Mie Young -- how is your driving coming along?  Did you drive any in North Carolina?  I'm anxious to hear about the trip!  Must have been like a mini family reunion!!

Happy Easter to all of you -- Thanks for the early B'day check -- believe me -- none goes wasted!!  

Love, Roberta

1981 Catherine's Letter to GHU -Apr.25

 

Saturday

April 25, 1981

Dear Grandma,

Hi!  We were glad to hear you had a good trip back to Ohio and are getting settled in.  Do you have any major projects planned for this year?

We are thinking about painting our living room and hallway or possibly putting up paneling.  Next year we will probably have to paint the exterior of the house.  Also in the next few weeks I have to think about shampooing the carpet -- a job that really needs done but I can't get excited about doing.  I am also trying to get more organized as alot of our things are really in a "jumble".

Today is the day we change to daylight saving time so we'll have one less hour to sleep tonight.  We will also have to get adjusted to going to sleep sooner after it gets dark.  Wendy has been going to sleep easier at night lately -- she has been playing harder now that she can spend more time outdoors and she has also been taking shorter naps.

It has been so dry here our grass already looks like the middle of August.  It started raining a few hours ago so hopefully the ground will get a good soaking.

Write to us when you have the time.

Love, Catherine, Gerry & Wendy

1971 Roberta's Letter -Apr.17

 

April 17, 1971

Dear Family,

Hi!  Hope you are all fine . . . .  Got your post card yesterday mailed the 12th of the month.  Thanks alot.  Glad you all got my letter and also my grades.  I was quite happy with them myself.  I also got another letter yesterday that I wasn't too happy about.  When I got my physical I had this insurance form from the college that I thought would pay for the blood tests.  Well, the doctor took it and took some ten dollars off my bill but this letter I got yesterday was from the insurance company and it politely said they did not pay for blood tests when there is no certain illness so I imagine I will be getting a letter from the doctor very soon.  Besides that everything is just fine.

Having my own room is quite nice . . . the night before I gave my speech I was up giving it to myself and Mary's cassette player.  I had it almost memorized but then when I got up there I just barely remembered the introduction -- which was "YOU SCREAM, I SCREAM, WE ALL SCREAM FOR ICE CREAM . . . ."  I told the history of ice cream, ingredients, varieties, etc.  I got a "B" on it.  One speech down and three more to go.  The next one will be an entertaining type of speech and will be week after next.  I don't know now whether I would rather take a test or give a speech.

Either this afternoon or tomorrow I am going to have some "big wheel" stay in my room from Oregon University.  Or rather University of Oregon.  The woman is to stay three days.  She is to have something to do with Sociology.  I sure hope that now that I have a room to myself I won't be having guests all the time -- I really don't think so.  At least this way I got my room all cleaned up -- I am gong to be spoiled having two desks . . . .

I haven't heard anything new from U.C.  What did Joe say about me going there???

Had a long letter today from Aunt Mary.  She said that Melissa called them up long distance last Sunday.  And that she is to go over there July 5th.

I am all caught up with my civilizations.  Did some 16 pages of it last night.  WOW!!!!  And that was only for one day -- last Wednesday . . . sure am glad that class only meets twice a week.  Right now we are on Karl Marx, his theories, etc.  Then we had to tell the inconstancies of them, etc.  Strain my BRAIN . . . .

Thursday some woman called me up from the Methodist Church about teaching.  I told her I would but I will only be here until June.  She said that she understood that.  So, Thursday night I went to the class for the Sunday School teachers.  It is being taught by one of the teachers here.  His name is Salisbury.  He used to be a Missionary, work with kids with drugs, etc. . . .  The class was very interesting . .  I am going to try to go as long as I can.  If I do teach I will only be helping this one woman.  I don't know about this week -- tomorrow.

All of my classes are going fine.  Wore my wig yesterday.  Got alot of compliments on it.  It does look close to natural.

Right now I've got about 70 old Holiday magazines in my book shelf.  Would have them on the floor but since that woman is coming -- thought I would put them up.  Got them on the library throw away table.  Pam and I usually make a big haul every time we go in the library.  And we usually go in for that purpose.  We are really doing the library a big service by taking them . . . .  These start with the year 1938 up to 1966.  There are also a few Life magazines.  Do you think we could get any money from them if we took them into Portland?  The trouble is that most of these are not in that good of shape.

Well, I better be going.  Hope everything is fine.  How is Wiggles???  Write when you can . . . .

Love,

Bert

1991 MV letter -Apr.16

 

4-16-91

Dear Mom & Dad --

It seems like a LONG time since Easter and we last saw you.  Hope everything is fine in New Vienna.  Things have been busy here.

Don's revival at Ferguson over the weekend went real well.  I only got there for one of the 4 services due to a team meeting and services in Somerset.

For my continuing education I'm going to a conference at St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota.  My plane ticket is from Columbus to Minneapolis, July 13-18.  The conference doesn't start until the 15th but by going on Saturday I can get the super saver fare.  I called JB and he's agreed to babysit the car, meeting me at the airport both times.

He is going to Illinois this weekend and hopes to know something more definitely about the wedding date or lack thereof.  He said he was planning to come down here May 18th.  He knows that he can bring Julie if she can come.

I've reserved a 3 bedroom cabin at the Jamestown Resort and Marina.  Their lodge was full, so the only other option was a houseboat -- complete with electric -- for only $395/night.  I told them we'd take the cabin.  Hope you don't mind!

This week is the week that the Bishop is making appointments for the conference.  We heard that Terry Faris (in Wilmore) will be moving, but we have no idea where.  We wish he would come to Somerset, but it's doubtful that Jack will leave after only 2 years.  We'll see.  With the appointive system, you never know.

I wrote a letter to Bob Hodson asking that I be removed from any consideration for Wilmington Emmaus Teams.  Barb Russell called me re: the July Walk to do music.  It's flattering but not cost effective to drive 4½ hours one way for a 3 hour meeting six weeks in a row.  So, I don't think I'll be getting anymore calls soon.  I never have heard anything from Liz McCracken following the October walk.

I'm getting geared up now for the dinner theatre (see newsletter) where 2 of my groups will be performing.  The children are working 3 times harder than the Senior Adults.  Neither group particularly enjoys the discipline but the children respond better to it.

And the latest on the house (did I tell you this?) is that the D.S. called to say the outgoing pastor at Simpon [?] Memorial is buying a place and will be vacating the parsonage approximately May 1.  So, if this house does sell, there would be no problem for us to take the parsonage a few weeks early.  So, we're not too worried at this point.

Last but not least, I wrote Pat Zeller a note about 3 weeks ago and got it returned last week -- USPS had delivered it to another Pat Zeller in Jamestown, Indiana instead of Ohio.  Sure builds confidence in the Post Office.

Love,
Mary Va. & Don

1981 Roberta Letter -Apr.15?

Thursday Morning

4-15(?)-81

Dear Family,

Thought I would try to get another letter out this morning here at work . . . or at least get it started.  I really do have things pretty much under control out here.  Now have a lady that answers the phone for me.  She is in a wheelchair so very limited in what she can do, so really seems to enjoy answering the phone.

The garage will be put in (or rather closed in) this coming Monday.  We went with the lowest estimate and will have to paint the door and siding ourselves.  Did I tell you all that we are also going to paint the inside of the house?  I'm just not too sure about all this.  Between my lack of experience doing this line of work and Marion's bad back -- should be something to remember . . . .

YES -- it's now Tuesday afternoon -- and thank goodness the painting is all done.  Never thought we would make it -- By the third night of it I had really had it -- just took us over a week.

I must have started this letter some two weeks ago.  Found it in my scrap box --

We have been busy here trying to get everything in order for the Easter Party.  We have about four parts of the party.  The decorations, the music program, the Easter Bonnet Parade part, and then someone is going to dress up as an Easter Bunny and pass around the Candy and Easter eggs.  Wish you all could be here for the party.  The decorations were all made out of melted (just slightly) styrofoam cups.  Then little ribbons, feathers, etc. to decorate them.  Each looks like a little Easter Hat.  Then they are put on a twig -- several on each one.  Really cute.  Each person will get a small hat full of candy too.

Sure nice to be done with the painting.  Carpet to go in Wednesday.  You will really like the area -- lots of wildlife all around.  Surrounded by the desert just a few blocks away on all sides.  Lots of rabbits, quail, birds around.  

Want to be sure this gets in the mail so will come to an early start -- or rather stop.

Interesting stats (?) on other side -- [about Mesa Senior Center - Nutrition & Supportive Services]

Much Love,

Roberta

1971 Catherine's Letter -Apr.14

 April 14, 1971

Dear Mom and Dad,

Hi!  Hope you are recovering from culture shock, time changes and whatever else you might be subject to, without too much difficulty.  I'm anxious to hear/see about what you and Joe did.

Fight now I'm overly tired but I'm trying to stay awake because sometime between 10 and 11 P.M. (right now it's 10:15) we are to have a fire drill.

April 15, 1971

The alarm went off right then and I went to bed directly afterwards.

The end appears to be coming to my four years at Kalamazoo College.  Everyone seems to be getting more and more anxious and at the same time more apprehensive about what comes next.  I know a few people who are going on to grad school and one girl who has a job.  But most of the rest are looking for anything.  Since I sort of have next year already planned I'm more worried about getting out of here.

What's the latest concerning Marianne's wedding?  Did you say I was to fly down on Wednesday?  When and how are you going?  How long are you going to stay?  I might be able to work at the library the last week in June but I would have to fly back in order to do that which would cost as much or more than I would make.  I don't gain any money even by hitch-hiking though.  Am I supposed to pay for the dress?

Actually, my financial status is pretty good at the moment if you can pay for my tuition next year.  I figure it will cost about $1700 +/- $100.  Right now I have $730 in my saving account here and by the end of the quarter it should be up to $900.  Part of that I plan to spend this summer and the rest should go for books and any other larges expenses I have next year.  (Large is anything over $10.)  As for living expenses we have that budgeted out already.  We'll each be working 15 hrs/week at $2.00 an hour which will give us $60 a week.  Judging from our expenses of last quarter we figure $15 for food, $5-car, $5-heating oil, $4-telephone, $5 elec & water, $11-misc. and $15 to a savings account.

I just got my second post card from you in the morning mail.  It seems strange to be writing to you in New Vienna when I'm getting post cards from Africa.

Things are looking up for our summer trip to Maine.  We hope to leave the end of July.

School is going terribly.  I like the econ class but I'm not that thrilled with much else.  I try to study as much as I can and trick my mind so I don't get depressed and hope that somehow I'll live through the next month & a half. (after comps it's all down hill).

I want to wash my hair and take a bath now so I better get a move on.

Love,

Catherine

1981 Roberta's Letter -Apr.13

Saturday pm [4/13/81]

Hi!  Happy Easter!!  Happy trip to & from North Carolina!  We are really making progress w/the painting -- between Marion's bad back & my lack of experience -- it's been quite an ordeal!  Last time for me to take on such a project!!

We are almost done -- just the doors to do yet & then the trim for a 2nd coat.  We got some paint today to do the garage door -- white -- it just had a primer on it!

Found out yesterday that the people buying this didn't plan to send the $$ till April 30th.  That's good in that it gives us more time here for packing -- etc. -- but I just hope weather cooperates -- not too HOT by then!!  Tomorrow we plan to go to church w/ Sally -- for evening service -- special musical program!  Also taking Vera & Marilyn (2 people you will be sure to meet!) w/us.  

Sunbirds really packing up & leaving town!!

Buffy got into another fight -- again had him in surgery -- never a dull moment w/ a dog!

Again -- Happy Easter -- Much Love, Roberta

1981 Catherine's Letter -Apr.13

 Monday, April 13, 1981

Dear Mother, Dad and Mary,

Hi!  Here it is another week.  Wendy and I were both sick over the weekend.  Wendy woke up in the middle of the night on Saturday and came into our room and vomited all over our bed.  After I got her cleaned up she went right back to sleep and seemed fine on Sunday.  I felt fine until yesterday afternoon and then I got bad intestinal cramps accompanied with vomiting and diarrhea.  I spent the rest of the day in bed and so far I feel OK today -- food doesn't have much appeal yet though.  Gerry doesn't seem to have been affected.

On Saturday I played the tape that you sent Wendy for her birthday.  She always enjoys hearing Grandma, Granddad & Mary "Aginia" on the radio . . . .  We couldn't find "The little engine that could" but she did follow along on the other two books and she talked back to the tape just like you would be there to hear her.  For the rest of day she kept saying "Mary Aginia is my Aunt Mary."

We called DeeDee yesterday to wish her a Happy Birthday.  Our answering machine has a special deal so you can tape conversations but it keeps going beep every 15 seconds so that you can't tape without someone else's knowledge.  We tried it out and it seems to work fine -- nice to replay the conversation so we could all hear both sides.  Wendy couldn't understand why we couldn't go to DeeDee's birthday party or at least have a cake of our own.  We told her we would have a cake when DeeDee came to see us.

This is our busy week of the month coming up.  Gerry has Elks Investigating Committee tomorrow night and I have to audit the books for the Lady Elks.  Wednesday night I have Lady Elks meeting (I have been considering dropping that and joining AAUW which meets the 3rd Monday of the month.)  and on Thursday I have Bunco and Gerry has Elks.  This Friday night is the last Bingo until next fall.  They are going to give away a microwave as a door prize.

Better close.

Love, Catherine, Gerry & Wendy

P.S. Thanks for  the get-well card for Wendy.  She enjoyed the card and has been wearing the bunny [?]

1971 Roberta's Letter -Apr.13

 April 13, 1971

Dear Family,

Well, how does it feel for EVERYONE to be home again?  Hope everything is all fine with everyone and all of that.

I have been very busy lately.  For one thing I now have a room by myself which is alot easier on the studying side of things.  I moved back in my old room which was empty since Mary Miles went home this term.  I've got it fixed up quite nice.  Got my typewriter on one desk and the other desk can be used for studying and writing, etc.  Also if I feel like getting up early and studying I won't be bothering anyone and all of that.  (of course, as of now, I haven't gotten up early to study . . . .)

I also had alot of essays due in English and also one due in tomorrow in Civilizations about the Industrial Revolution in the United States.  Also had a speech due in speech class today but went in order of last names - alphabet so of course they did not get around to me today -- but I could not be sure so I had to be ready or . . . .  I am happy to say that I've got everything done.  What a good feeling . . . .

I had a post card from Catherine.  Please send me her new address.

Oh, Cindie had a birthday and she got a WELLS jump rope from her little brother.  It was a thirty nine cent one with a bell on it.

Dad, I have got a Sears check that I will send you.  Please sign it and send it back to me.  I have never had trouble before cashing it but all of a sudden there is this big thing about it being a two party check.  So I need your signature.  I tried four different places to cash it and finally decided to give up.

Last Sunday - Easter - I had dinner with the Fishers.  They are very nice people from the Methodist Church here in Newberg.  Now, they are talking about - and all excited about taking me and some of my friends to the Ocean and this and that place around here.  Oh, also they want ME to teach a children's Sunday School class at the Methodist church . . . .  Also Mrs. Fisher said that I should definitely go to Victoria, Canada.  By the way, I sent off for some material for you all about the GREAT NORTHWEST . . . .

Um, wasn't on purpose for that first page to be up side down or what ever.

Well, I'll close for now.  Will wait and see what the mail man brings me tomorrow.

Wednesday morning.

Hi, got post card today from Mali - mailed the seventh.  Hope your six bottles of water lasted you all.  Postcard very colorful -- to say the least.  Hope you all got my one letter while over there.

Well, I'll be closing for now.  I've got to be in Chapel in about six minutes.  Will write soon and hope to hear from YOU ALL . . . . 

Love,

Bert 

Hi! to Grandma!!

P.S.  Be sure & mail back check!

1981 Family Letter -Apr.12

 

Sunday --
April 12, 1981

Dearest Family,

Another week has passed so quickly since we last wrote and it is really getting pretty with the trees budding and grass greening up -- Jim Wise has already cut his backyard to try out his mower but cut it so short we can wait a week before our mower would be even with what's cut.

Dad and Mary Virginia met the new minister who will be coming to New Vienna in June.  Guess he is older (around 50) with grown children -- or at least college age.  He and his wife came here tonight at church for the Pastor-Parish Relations Committee meeting Monday night.  They now serve a church which is a suburb or quite near Dayton on the West side called Liberty.

Tuesday night Laura Hughes and I entertained the Mothers Club down at Ginny's Restaurant -- had dinner there, election of officers and then played some games including the Ungame (had three sets of it so there were five at two tables and six at another.  Mary Virginia had track relays at Blanchester and got home just before I did about 10:20 and hadn't had any dinner.  She told us the next morning that she was quitting track -- she hadn't really enjoyed throwing the disc and the shot put.  And hadn't felt like studying when she got home that late so that was it.  We thought we had talked her out of it at least temporarily but she did go to practice that day and then game them the word.

Enjoyed talking to Wendy and Catherine on the phone Tuesday morning -- hadn't been expecting their call and it took me a few seconds to realize it was Wendy on the phone.  She tried to show me how her chicken pox was coming along -- she had gone back to school the previous day and I'm sure she shared with them about it too.

Wednesday afternoon I entertained the Womans Club here -- thought for a while I might have to take them down to Ginnys for had a terrible cold but felt better by then so did have them.  Had a good sized group as four of the associate members came plus about 20 of the regular members.  

That night we went to Wilmington to see Richard Blake on the stage of the Murphy Theater who has over an hour's monologue on Lincoln and really gives you the feeling of Abe himself and his times.

Thursday the four of us plus the sr. Wises went to the Christian Womans Club Guest night and had a real nice evening.  Stanley Tam of Lima, Ohio spoke who owns a plastic business near I-75 and the bldg has a huge sign, "Christ is the Answer".  We bought a paper back book "God Owns My Business", that he has written.  He struck a chord with Mie Young as the Tam's had recently been on an around the world speaking trip, including a couple of weeks in Korea.  The CWC have a well organized group and program, including a monthly theme and even suggested questions to get your conversation underway.  This months question to someone -- How did you and your wife meet?

Last night we were on the committee for the "All Nighter" Square Dance which did end by 2 A.M.  Had a huge crowd so had no trouble in getting in a new square each time.  MV spent the day at Ohio Northern as their Jazz Band performed there.

Mie Young took her initial driving test Friday and passed, so she drove us home from Wilmington.  In the morning the girls had prayer breakfast at 7 A.M. in Lees Creek.  There is an article in the April 9th issue of the Christian Science Monitor, byline of New Vienna, about a local farmer's schedule.  Serena's alertness caught that item.  She would make a good lawyer with her love for books AND attention to detail.  Guess Roberta is getting a lot of practical experiences in their real estate transactions.  Had a nice letter from Joe Horton and his thoughts on changing jobs . . . ten years ago we were in Dakar.

[Love, etc.]

1971 Clipping & postcard to MV -Apr.7

4/7/71 [written by HH to MV]

This is life in Africa.  Hot & dry -- but all seem happy.  All the babies are carried like this.  We can't believe the things we have seen.  It hasn't rained here since last fall -- big creek beds but no water -- which we buy by the bottle.

Love to all.  The Uibles

 Wilmington News-Journal 

[unknown date, but there is an ad for Mother's Day on the reverse side]

1981 Roberta's Letter -Apr.8

 

[4-8-81]

Tuesday pm --

Dear Family,

Whew!  I can sure see why "professionals" charge so much & why people can justify paying them!  We are ¾ done w/ the painting -- it's taken alot of time & sore muscles!!  We also pulled up the old rug -- that was a savings of 40¢ per sq. yard -- plus we sold it -- so couldn't very well use it as a drop cloth!

Looks like now we won't be moving till April 16-18.  People buying here have their $$ all tied up --

I did get your letter when we went out to paint -- if its a little brown car in the picture its ours.   Small Datsun 210 -- economy model.

The garage is now all closed in -- really makes a big difference -- we have to paint the door & side hangings now.

Had a nice letter from Elizabeth -- too bad she isn't here to help us paint & move -- Marion's B'Day is April 19th -- Easter Sunday.  More later.

Love,

Roberta

1971 Catherine's Postcard -Apr.7

SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS
Illinois state capitol.  construction began October 5, 1868, and was completed in 1889

4/7/71

Hi!  It is hard to conceive that you all are so far away. [Senegal]  I'm trying to spend most of my time studying for comps.  I get so tired of studying, it seems like it will never end, but I suppose I'll feel differently when it's over.  At the library I work on Sundays from 2-11 and it's usually busy so the time goes fast.  Dick doesn't have comps but he studies for his classes more.  My friend Flo is expecting her second baby in October and Sarah (roommate from freshman yr) is getting a divorce.  Most seniors are worried about next yr.

Love, Catherine

1921 Lucie & N.W. Ballantyne photo -Apr.7

 

N.W. & Lucie Ballantyne (center) are flanked by their friends, Mr & Mrs Hawke in this 1921 photo, taken a year before Jean was born.

1981 Catherine's Letter -Apr.6

 

Monday, April 6, 1981

Dear Mother, Dad, and Mary,

Hi!  It's back to work and Day Care for Wendy and I today after our unexpected day off.  At least it will be an easy day for me as Dr. Woll has gone to the state dental convention today and tomorrow.  I will be working alone in the office today and then I will have tomorrow off.  We will be seeing patients on Wednesday, Thursday & Friday this week.

Tomorrow is the day the library board is going to Bend for lunch.  We are going to the Riverhouse where we have never been so it will be a good chance to check it out and find out if it is a place Gerry and I would like to go back to.  We go to Bend so seldom -- every other month maybe -- that we hate to take a chance on someplace if we haven't hear anything about it.  Oregon magazine reviewed maybe half dozen Bend restaurants in their latest issue, three of which we haven't eaten at.  One is a French restaurant and one a European of some sort which has a fixed menu which changes every two weeks.  The other is an Italian which we definitely ought to try.

We had a good dinner at home the other night with chicken livers fixed from a recipe in the microwave cookbook, with rice, and a fresh broccoli and mushroom casserole.  We figured it would have been $9.95 at a restaurant -- quite a savings!

We got our refund from state taxes last week and have our check ready to mail to the IRS today for the federal taxes so we have that out of the way for another year.  We should be able to send you the remaining $200 after the 15th.  We certainly appreciate your advancing us the money and helping us to subsidize Amtrak.

We got the box you sent on Friday.  Thanks.  We have been using the new towels and dishcloths which certainly come in handy.  Wendy has been playing with the purses and she has eaten several meals with the "Wendy's" spoon.  Thanks for everything.  We also got most of the things that Gerry gets as a bonus for his large pre-season order from Tisco (Tractor Implement Supply Co.)  The telephone answering machine (which we have set to go on while we are at work but mostly for the summer weekends that we aren't home all day but Gerry's customers need to contact him).  We also got a printing calculator, a set of silverware, and a digital alarm clock.  Gerry also got a cart for his golf clubs similar to mine but a little fancier.  Two items are yet to come -- a Coleman sleeping bag and a suitcase which has wheels on the bottom which DeeDee will like.

Better get ready for work now -- hope everything is well in New Vienna.  Are you still going to North Carolina?

Love,

Catherine, Gerry & Wendy

1981 Family Letter -Apr.5

 

Sunday, April 5, 1981

Dear Family:

On our anniversary day last Friday your Mother joined me in Wilmington and we made some calls at Extended Care and the hospital.  Had supper at the hospital and later a sundae at McDonalds.  Last night was more entertainment as we went with two other couples to Hillsboro for square dancing.  On two dances there were twelve squares on the floor and the caller moved us (and everyone else as well) clear around the floor by means of the different calls.  It was a fun evening.

Jim Wise announced from the pulpit this morning that June 14th would be their last Sunday here as they would be going to Edgerton, Ohio, which is a town of 2100 in the extreme northwestern Ohio.  Our potential new pastor will be here tomorrow evening for an interview.  The Wises have been here for four years.  We can remember several years ago when the Conference kept it very quiet as to who was going where.  Stan Fawley, Jr. will be coming to Sabina as their new minister in June.

Yesterday was a wet day with some 2½ inches of rain -- the grass is really green and will need mowed in another week.  We had our mower overhauled this winter so are in good shape there.

M.V.'s track sessions have gotten underway, one evening she did not get home until around 8 P.M.  Luckily (?) the meets are twice a week.

On our family tree project Dick Uible was telling me this past week that his cousin, who is doing all the work had traced the family back to Poland.  As people often say it is better to leave the "ghosts in the closets".  Another cousin, Serena and her husband are thinking of moving from Charlotte N.C. to Alaska to be near their son.  That would be a change.

Last Wednesday was Lions Club, and for the program a fellow from the State Fisheries spoke.  He had lots of things to touch in the way of poles, lines and tackle.  Believe he had more gear than I have law books.

The old Pickens place is for sale here in NV, they are asking $125,000.  In fact one of the Wilmington attorneys asked  my thoughts about his buying (IF he can swing the mortgage) the place and having a part time office there.  That would really be good news to me as he could help alot when I'm gone, etc.

Glad that Dad doesn't feel any jealousy or animosity about someone else coming here.  Don't know what the Dave Robinsons will be doing.

We were happy to hear that John and Carol are going to be joining the Christian Endeavor Church (Methodist) in Newark.  It appealed to us so much more than the one where they first went when we visited before.  This church has an alive feeling and many young people attending.  Do you actually join the church next Sunday (Palm Sunday), Easter or later?

Mary Virginia sang at a little church near Martinsville and Blanchester today with the chorus group from East Clinton.  Think there must have been almost as many of them as ones in the congregation.  Said that Doris Martin was there (her second visit).  MV is playing for the Rankins when they sing at Martinsville tonight.  So she keeps busy.  Every day is something.

Dad put stakes out around the trees this morning that he had planted last fall out at the Lions Club.  They are small now but someday they will show his efforts -- hopefully.

It was good talking to Catherine and Roberta on the phone this past week.  I had mistakenly thought that they [Roberta & Marion] would be moving the first of April but they hope to get in around Easter time.  They are painting and fixing up the place they are going before they move in.  Was sorry to hear that Wendy had the chickenpox but better to have them over with except that Catherine had to take off work and doesn't get any sick leave now.  Glad that she didn't have them while traveling for it does bother people to think their children might be exposed.  Luckily none of you were ever too sick once you had broken out.

I went to Xavier University with Norma Allen yesterday -- she is taking a class in reference and has asked me several times to go with her so finally went and found the class very interesting.  There were only ten fairly young women in the class and the professor had been with the Xavier Library but is now with Chase Law School which is now a part of Northern Kentucky University.  The book was written by several people -- among them someone from Western Michigan and wondered if you might know them Catherine but don't remember the name now.  The class meets from 11-1:30 and we got drenched both going and coming from the parking lot but otherwise enjoyed the experience.  I could use a refresher not only in that but other library courses.

Had a nice long note from Joe Horton as he had received some material we sent him like calendars (NICEF) the first of December.  Had sent them to RAYMES POUCH in Mass. but don't think they went by fastest mail.  Also sent him a subscription to Guideposts thinking it wouldn't be censored as it had been via regular mail but don't think he got any of those either.  He says he is thinking of working for the Saudi airlines which has a lot of potential advantages -- don't know about the disadvantages!

[Love, etc.]