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.

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.

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

1910 Wedding Invitation Brown/Scott -Nov.10

 

Outside envelope postmarked 10 Nov 1910
Inside envelope addressed to M/M N.W. Ballantyne and Robert Brown Ballantyne

Mr. and Mrs. John Rush Scott

request the honor of your presence

at the wedding reception of their daughter

Leora

and

Mr. Robert Morrow Brown

on the evening of Wednesday, the thirtieth of November

nineteen hundred and ten

at seven o'clock

Thirty-one South Main Cross Street

Somerset, Pennsylvania

*    *    *    *    *    *    *    *    *    *

Notes:

Robert "Bert" Morrow Brown (1877-1946) was the older and only sibling of Lucie Sarah Brown Ballantyne (1880-1957).  His bride, Leora Hay Scott Brown (1880-1944), was from Somerset PA, about 65 miles SW of Pittsburgh.  Her father was a lawyer.  After marriage the couple lived in New Cumberland.  The 1910 census shows that Bert was also a lawyer, but in 1920 his occupation is listed as Newspaper Editor.

1906 Nat's letter to Lucie - May 6 - Part 2

This is the conclusion of a letter which was posted on April 30, 2016, when this second page could not be located.  The lost has now been found and this is the rest of the letter.  To read the beginning of the letter click here.  

[cont'd from previous blog post, see link above] 
. . . Permanent organization to meet each year and they all decided to make it a bigger success next year by everyone promising to induce others to attend which was done.  (of course I'm not thinking of going alone next year.  Am I dear.  [Lucie & Nat were married on December 6, 1906])  and no doubt it will be an affair to be looked forward too in future years.

Yes indeed my dear girl am looking forward to your coming home this summer and hope you will have a pleasant and happy summer.  Everything is so grand here just now.  The trees just coming out and in bloom.  The roads are fine and if you were here we certainly would take a drive this fine afternoon.  McAteers have not got their Auto yet and Mrs. says she was only fooling about getting a one-seated one.  Am more than pleased to know it for have looked forward to some fine rides this summer.

Wrote you sometime ago that I expected to go to Chicago soon and would arrange to come back via Cincinnati.  Now Lucie cannot say just now if I can arrange it as yet however will let you know.  Yes it is hard to realize that you have been away 10 months.  How times does fly.  And then you will only get home and settled untill you will be going back (or wanting too) leave it.

Well my dearest there isn't much new to tell you and when you see the folks they will have time to tell you everything so I will leave you for this time so good bye and hope you have gotten to look like your self again and I'll receive my picture soon.

Good bye my dear with lots and lots of love.  I am as ever

Affectionately Yours,

Nat

P.S.  Lucie my dearest have just come home from down at your house and feel that I should tell you just what I think and realize about your Papa's condition, and am obliged to tell you that he is failing and seems so much weaker than when you were home and fear he will not be able to stand the trip to Huntington.  However you know he has such a wonderful vitality that he may rally again.  Sure hoping for this so hope he will enjoy his visit with you. 

[Papa = Adrian Wilmer Brown, born 24 Nov 1854, died ten days after this letter, 16 May 1906.  Lucie's mother, Mary Virginia Morrow Brown died in April 1890 when Lucie was nine.  Adrian married Ola Melissa Moore in 1892.]

My dearest that was the reason I asked you if you had told him anything about our engagement.  I feel that he was looking for it and believe he thinks we are keeping it from him and with his condition felt that we should tell him.  Now hope you will understand me for he has been such a good friend to me that I have been constrained to feel as I do.  Now you can suit your self when he goes down to see you for as I have always told you, this matter you can arrange to suit your self so you can think it over and whatever suits you will me. 

Yes my dearest and only love, I am only waiting the day when you are to be mine and what a future seems to be in store for us, and, how I wish I could take you in my arms tonight for dear you are all the world to me and life seems like a blank to me without you.  With all my business cares and troubles, they all pass away when I think of you and how pleasant and happy our lives will be to pass down through life in this way and do not see how it can be otherwise after so many years of seeing and being with each another and know it allways be so . . . .

Now must say good night with lots of love for your dear self.

I am always yours,

Nat

1930 Bert to Lucie Letter -May 22

R. M. BROWN

ATTORNEY-AT-LAW

NEW CUMBERLAND, W. VA.

May 22, 1930

My dear Lucie:

I am reminded that on tomorrow May 23d, that you come to another mile stone [Lucie, born May 23, 1880, would celebrate her 50th Birthday] and you know you always have my best wishes.

You have been blessed with a good husband and fine children and I hope that "you all" may see many happy birthdays.

I have always been proud of . . . and love you dearly and always interested in you and your family.

I am enclosing you a check which please get cashed at once, the amount is not to remind you of the number of years, but hope you will accept it with all my good wishes for your happiness and good health.

Lovingly yours,

Bert

[Lucie's brother, Robert "Bert" Morrow Brown, was born Nov. 21, 1877, and thus was 2½ years older than Lucie.]

1950 HH, Jean & Catherine pictures -April

The first two pictures on the top row were taken at the CJU house in New Vienna.  I'm sure the older of us siblings remember the old fashioned phone.  All the other pictures except the first two and the last one were taken In St. Petersburg.  Jean's Mother "Dear" is featured in the first picture on the second row.  The picture on the right in the bottom row (which shows HH's hand and dark suit in the background) is captioned: On stopes of Alabama Capitol -- Apr. 14, 1950.  Catherine's First Capitol. 

The picture below shows the three generations: Lucie, Jean and Catherine

1949 Jean's Letter to HH -Sep.26

Monday

Sept. 26, 1949

Dearest Harold,

Catherine & I have had plenty of fresh air today - and the weather was almost perfect.  She watched Mother & I hang out clothes after her morning nap & then when her afternoon nap was over we took down the things & were outdoors from 3:00 to 6:00.  Mrs. Herron had wanted to see Catherine so we walked up there & stayed til her lima beans scorched.  So many people think she looks more & more like you.  Cousin Maude said "Hello Harold" to her once cause she thought Catherine had your exact expression then.

The stoker [?] smoked so much last night that we turned it off before we went to bed -- not just the furnace but the coal bin loading into it.  We called Mr. Garlick about 7:00 this morning & no answer so I drove down, pounded all the doors & finally talked to Mr. Cullen who was waiting in the truck for Mr. Hendershot (both work for Mr. G).  They came up at 7:30 & cleaned it all out.  Said the feeder was clogged up & didn't get any air.  Both Mother & I will be happy to see the stoker go -- hope the gas proves successful.

Godfrey Beaumont & family plan to move back to New Cumberland - some say the first of the year - others say the end of this school year.  Anyway he has made arrangement to rent the new building near the Stewart Turly [?] Funeral Home & he & Dr. Dale Williams (dentist) will be together (separate offices).  Gretchen has already written to him (Dr. B.) to see if she may be his receptionist (if she doesn't already have a good job by then).

Just spoke to Mrs. Campbell on way home from Herrons.  Catherine had loads of fun watching children on way home from school.  Would turn way around in her walker to see them til out of sight of a jolt caused them to be out of her mind.

Gretchen was over at noon & this evening.  Helped dry dishes & put Catherine to bed tonight.  Her Ranney [?] has been on the blink today - finally showed up at 12:00 & disappeared at 1:30.  He [or she?] has been quite a disappointment & also a worry to Bob.  [Gretchen Lee Kessel Malloy would be the daughter of Jean's cousin Natalie Virginia Ballantyne Kessel Parsons.  Gretchen is the younger sister of Pat Kessel, who some of us have met.  She was a teenager in 1949.]

Bob is coming down tomorrow & drive us to Morgantown - Mrs. McKnight is coming tomorrow til 4:00 & Mrs. Reynold from 4:00 on.  I'm not anxious to have Mrs. R but we haven't much choice since school is on.  Cousin Maude doesn't feel too capable to manage Catherine by herself.

I finally finished that letter I started to Jeanne about 3 weeks ago - after I wrote to you last night so I suppose I'll get an immediate reply & I'll be in the same state again.

Have you hard any news concerning Dr. Brown at all?

Lillian Williamson came tonight to learn how to play Canasta & we had alot of fun playing.  We may go down to their house & play with them Friday or Saturday & also the Pierces will be there.  Lilian wants us to bring Catherine  & put her in one of their beds - she'd probably fumigate the house if C. would spit up on dampen the bed.

The auction of Bombrick's [?] house & household goods is to be this Saturday October 1, but I don't think there will be much worthwhile.  I think I'll go out of curiousity though.  It's the first auction I ever remember around here.

Mother & I ate the roast pork tonight & wish you could have been here to help us eat it - will be feasting on it for the next 2 weeks it's so big.  We really wish you could be here for more than just to eat the pork - and I'm looking forward to being with you again real soon.  Would it suit you better to meet us during the week, Saturday or Sunday -- or Xenia or  ?  or Washington Court House or Snow Hill? 

All our very, very best love,

Jean & Catherine

1949 Jean's Letter -Aug.29

Friday
August 29, 1949
Dearest Mother,

Do hope you'll enjoy these snapshots -- these were taken about a month ago.  We took some last week which I expected to be very good but Catherine was squinting -- too much sun, I guess.

Just about a half hour ago while I had my back turned -- peeling beets -- Catherine rolled off the chair & gave her head an awful bump -- but she's forgotten about it now.  Now she's scooting around the playpen & almost did a summer sault in order to sit up.  In her bathtub she does it very nicely & thoroughly enjoys the whole procedure.  We're past the stage of just getting her clean --  we both  take her bath.

Mother Uible & Aunt Luna have gone to Hillsboro this afternoon again to see friends & will be back in time for dinner.  Aunt Luna is so different from Mother Uible -- takes life easy  & really enjoys everything while Mother Uible prods her on to get her going.  There's 18 years difference in their ages -- Aunt Luna married when M. Uible was 8 & went out to Columbia, Missouri, had 5 girls, 1 boy.  Her husband died 3 years ago & now she goes to see all her family each year about this time & is away for 2 months.  They range all the way from Columbia MO to New York City -- all have families except the son who is a Dr. in Chicago I believe.  Tomorrow they're invited over to their brother's for dinner & Sunday we're all going over to Hillsboro for Church & dinner leaving the 3 children with a "sitter."

We got the deeds in the 8:00 AM mail & I waited for Harold to come to sign them -- he usually is in for a few minutes some time; He didn't show up so I took them up there, down to a notary -- to the post office for additional postage then being too late for the 10:00 outgoing mail, took them to the depot in order that they might not have to sit around all weekend.  By the way, I hadn't planned on going any further than the shop so didn't bother with the carriage. 
Catherine is quite a heavy load -- no matter how you handle her.

She has also found her tongue & is continually trying new ways to make noises.  It's 8:00 now -- she's been in bed half an hour but purring way down in her throat.  Today for the first time (after her head bounce) she seemed to enjoy a pice of Zweiback.  Usually she plays with it awhile in her mouth & then spits it out.

With your card & the deed, I also received a letter from Jeanne Campbell -- says she was down Tuesday evening.  Received the Readers Digest & looking for the Good Housekeeping as Mother Uible's came yesterday, so it has been quite a red-letter day for mail.

How did you get things fixed up with Becky Cullen Vulgamore [?] so that they could get the deed right away?

The church (Methodist) parsonage is to be sold at auction tomorrow afternoon & we are planning to go.  The trustees have bargained for another house at $5500 -- not near as nice & needing many repairs & much smaller.  They've already had to fix the roof and put in a sink.  It has no bath tub (they plan to build a shower in between the kitchen & living room.  There is only a coal oil stove & beside all this it's right behind the schoolhouse & in front of the baseball field where they have recently installed stadium lights in order to have night games so the noise will be terrific all day & night too.  It's only a 6 room house & the one they're selling is an eleven.  Mother & Daddy Uible & a few others were against buying such a "lemon" & now others are seeing that plus being afraid the present parsonage won't sell for near as much. 

We have been getting most of our food from the garden -- brought in a basket of tomatoes tonight that were ripe, also are enjoying beets, carrots, cabbage, corn, onions, broccoli, beans, rhubarb & some Grimes golden apples are coming & also pears.

The house behind us is almost completed -- the couple plan to move in early in September.  Harold & I went to peek in the windows & just then Mr. Phillips drove up & showed us around.  It's 5 rooms apple green living room, cream & wine kitchen, blue & dusty rose bedrooms, peach walls, yellow upper walls & wine floor in bath.  Purple-gray colored dining room.  Nice but I'd prefer our own.

Anxious for reactions to pictures -- hope you like them all.

All our love,

Jean, Harold & Catherine

1939 Nat's Letter to Lucie's brother Bert -Aug.14

Monday 8/14/39

Dear Bert & all

What a trip.  Here are we now in Denver and this is one of the finest modernist Hotel we have stopped on our trip.  James has been attentive as are everyone we come in contact with.

We drove 150 miles on Friday to Cody after about 500 miles in the Yellowstone with such changing and interesting scenery during the whole 4 days & we were there [?].  Will have to be seen to be appreciated. 

Arrived at Cody after the days ride through the Canyon and passing the Shoshone Dam [renamed Buffalo Bill Dam in 1946] and many dude ranches and here is [where] we take our train for Denver.  Jennie's letter was there and it was the first news we had during the week.  Also the Independent and all the other letters mailed here.  James had package of them he had held for us.

We were shocked to hear of Mrs. Runfords accident and death.  Also Mr. L.O. ??? had stopped to see him only a week before we left and thought he would not last long as his condition was such looked as though he might go any time.  Too bad about Moss for he seemed to be in good shape or better than when he called last winter carrying a cane.  We saw him only a week before we left.  Jennie did not give any particulars, something physically must have happened.

Jim has just called.  Says we are to go to Pikes Peak, Colorado Springs, Garden of the Gods and Manitou Springs.  Complimentary of the Country of the ???.  This is a two day trip not in our itinerary so this will be a wonderful trip and he says we must accept.

Have arranged our reservations to leave Denver on the 4 o'clock train Burlington and Chicago line popular train.  Arrive in Chicago 8:30 AM Friday morning.  If the Penn. RR agent can arrange we will leave on the 11:10 train Pan Handle through Columbus and arrive Sherwin's about 12:30  3:12 PM Friday.  If we have to change by reaching Chicago we'll wire you.

Bert we have had most wonderful weather.  Only a few drops of rain for a few minutes after leaving Seattle.  A little cool while we have been in the Rockies as we have been from 1 mile to over 3 miles above sea level now for over two weeks.  You see the weather at no time interferes with sight seeing etc --

And how Mr. Palen is known all along the line & can arrange a tour.  Not once has there been a hitch and not once have we had to wait 10 minutes for communications.  The trains are so well managed.  Some or most all have 2 diners, Club car and Observation and Each Road Santa Fe, Burlington, southern and Northern Pacific & ??? all running 1, 2 & 3 sections almost continuously and so well managed practically on time always.

You probably have read about the ["City of San Francisco"] Streamliner wreck near Reno was caused by vandals who had pulled the spikes on several rails.  It was the SP Track streamline.

Your letters and paper state Centennial was a grand success.  We all regret we couldn't get back in time.  Lucie & Jean are anxious to hear all about it.

They have been out all morning looking the shops over.  Jean has become quite a shopper.  She surely has taken in everything and will have a lot to talk about for sometime to come.

1939 Lucie's Letter -Aug. 7

Lucie, Nat & Jean are on a train trip to the west which included visiting Nat's brother, James Freeman Ballantyne (1873-1957) who with his wife Maud (1872-1958) and son James, Jr. (1905-1951) moved to Idaho in the 1910s and then to Portland Oregon in the 1920s.

Monday 6:30 A.M.

Aug. 7, [1939]

Dear folks at Home [could include Lucie's brother Bert or son Bob, both in New Cumberland and/or Virginia who was married and living in Pittsburgh]

You see I am up to do the family washing but only part of my family.  We had a lovely day yesterday here at Mt. Rainier, gazing upon snow flowers and people by the thousand and also saw a glacier.  I don't know whether your father has written of the delightful evening we had  with Mrs. Fred Atkinson.  We all liked her so much and she seemed so glad to meet us -- says she reads the Independent all the time.  Fred is in Monterey, Cal. and will be gone five weeks.  We were there for dinner and took the ten bus back to Tacoma where we remained all night and then took the bus Sunday morning for Mt. Rainier.  They had signs every where not to feed the bears and to hang your food in the trees not to leave it in the cars for they could smell it. 

Paradise Inn is a very attractive hotel in the mts.  It reminded me very much of the Old Cheat Hotel at Mt. Chateau [Cheat Lake is in Monongalia County WV] only larger.  We had a good Sunday dinner & supper here and watched the tourists and picnickers children feeding the chipmunks - old ladies dressed in slacks about half way up their legs must have been borrowed lots of fine looking people in beautiful cars, people carrying baskets with their babies warming milk bottles so you see we had a busy day.  [Written in the margin:]  12,000  people at Mt. Rainier yesterday (Sunday).

Maude, Jim & Jr. brought us to the train and Maude gave Jean and I a beautiful talisman rose with a card: "For you a rose in Portland grows."  But the best part was a letter written by Bert to Jim Ballantyne -- news from home.  But they were so pleased were simply beaming.  It was very thoughtful of you and they appreciated it and it made us so much happier to get a line from home.

We are hoping for mail in Seattle to-day.  We arrive there at 12:30 Monday for lunch.

We are wondering how the centennial is coming on.  Thought many times of the union services yesterday and regret we cannot be there.  This is a big Day.  Gov Holt (WV governor 1937-1941) is to be there.  Hope we receive our Independent.  Trust every body keeps well and Best that you will be able to stand the strain.  I hope all the members of our family will do their part toward making it a success.

Nat and Jean are great pals and enjoy being together and talking over the trip.  It has really been wonderful every day different.

Much love to all.  Will not mail until we reach Seattle until we see if we receive any mail.

12:30 P.M.  Just arrived and no word from home.  all are disappointed as we had been in the Mountains for the past two or three days.

Leave tonight for Yellowstone.  Will be in the Park about 4 days.  On then to Denver arriving on Friday eve or Saturday.  Will advise from there our itinerary.

LBB 

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

1949 Jean's Letter to HH -June 22

Wednesday --

June 22, 1949

Dearest Snicklefritz,

Today has been cool compared to the last few days and we have often been wondering where "our wandering boy is tonight."  No doubt you got back to Columbus in better time than your previous departure from here.

Catherine has been put to bed for the 3rd time tonight.  I don't know what her trouble is.  The sight of her crib seems to give her renewed energy but after she's up she's soon tired.

Mr. & Mrs. R.N. Cochran (Jane's mother & father) stopped tonight and so ended my letter writing for Wednesday.

Again I'm attempting to write -- after receiving your postal this morning.  Today has been a steady stream of company.  Right after I gave Katie her bath & put her to bed for the morning, Bob Walmer arrived -- from Camp Lee -- he had deposited his family up at Grahams for bed (they drove all night -- too hot to sleep in Washington).  He stayed til noon and just after he pulled out, Bob drove in with Roger and Blaine & Dick Cochran.  They hadn't eaten so prepared lunch for them (4 hungry males)!  As soon as Mother came I rushed upstairs to dress as 2 girls I was in high school with came at 1:00.  Before they left Mary Margaret Graham Walmer & her niece arrived.  Catherine became fussy before they left (about 4:00) so I took her for a ride in her carriage & ran an errand for Mother at the same time.  By that time, everyone wanted dinner -- so now Bob's gone back to PGH with Roger.  Dick & Blaine are staying here tonight.

Mr. Ranney only stayed Tuesday night as Mrs. Peckenstein [?] called yesterday to say her roomer never came so I moved him up last night.

Faye Fickes Rosso gave me a surprise yesterday when she said, "I hear Jeanne Campbell is getting married!"  Later when I took Mrs. Ranney up I stopped in to see her (Mrs. Campbell) & she just laughed at the idea.  Faye said Mrs. Trimble had told her so I took it for so much gossip coming from that source.

Sharon, who lives next door to Cousin Maude came over to see Catherine when I had her on her parket [walk?] yesterday.  She (Sharon) told her mother she wanted to take her home.  I insisted on something in exchange so at last an idea came to her.  She jumped down & picked up a little gray baby kitten that was still nursing & dumped it in my lap.  Think you'd be interested in making a trade with her?

Am sending Mary & Bill an anniversary card -- hope you won't mind too much.

Everyone & me especially is confident that you'll just buzz right through the Bar and make a very successful attorney.  Catherine & I are anxiously awaiting your return from the strenuous tasks ahead.  Be assured we have the utmost confidence in our great big handsome hunk of Honeybunch (the honey-est bunch of handsomeness on earth!)

All of our very best love,

Jean and Catherine

xxx ---- Katy

P.S,  Doc Fisher has added burden now -- the support of a grandson coming to David & Myrtle -- wed last Apr.
P.P.S.  Cousin Maude passes & says "hello"

1949 Birthday card to GHU -June

Monday -- [June 1949]

[From HH]
Dear Folks,

The letter came this morning and from the enclosures assume that you have gotten the diploma by now.  That will be the father's day and birthday present for this year.  Making no promises about next week. -- HA.  [Bar Exam?] At least I'm a law school graduate.

I got home last night about 9:30.  Betsy [the car] ran just like a new car.  Stopped briefly at the SOHIO station in Steubenville and saw Bill's [Horton]  brother Leonard there. 

Ate the last of the cherries yesterday, and the apple yesterday afternoon.  It was a nice evening for driving.

Glad to hear that the roller [or rubber?] case came out OK.  If you will look in the Ohio Bar, which you should have gotten, either Saturday or today, on the front cover under "Court of Appeals" you may see the case listed.

Catherine has certainly "filled out" in the last two weeks since I've been here.  She has plenty of room in her big bed.

[From Jean]

Harold has taken over the feeding of Catherine while I add a note.  Mother has had him busy transplanting flowers, etc. so no doubt he'll be glad to get back to Columbus for some uninterrupted studying. 

Calvin's "Reporter" came to Columbus -- so he (Harold) saw his notice of graduation in there.

We had a nice visit in Pittsburgh arriving home last Thursday -- while there, we attended two operettas -- "Song of Norway" and "The Chocolate Soldier" -- both very good.  The weather was so warm that Catherine wore her sunsuit most of the time.

Yesterday -- another scorcher we decided to go to see the Hinermans in the afternoon.  You no doubt remember them as Sarah was at the Rehearsal Dinner & helped out so much before the wedding.

Mother has been becoming so devoted to Catherine I'm afraid she won't let her move to New Vienna.  She says you have two babies and she should keep Catherine.  She (Mother) has gotten so much enjoyment from her.  You'd almost think Catherine was her first grandchild.

Catherine raises her head so high now when you put her on her stomach.  Mother says she's going to become another "Meddlesome Matty" -- (that was my first nickname).  While we were in Pittsburgh.  Catherine & Mary Ellen took turns sleeping in the junior bed.  She really outgrew her basket & could only sleep in it -- after she had gone to sleep in the jr. bed first.  I expected to see her crawl out of the bassinet every morning.

We gave her the cradle gym and she seemed to enjoy it.  She had to taste it before she thoroughly approved of it though.

Harold says Marianne has grown so much since he last saw her.  I just hounded him with questions about her & the rest of the family.

We've told the Independent office about sending the paper  but I hope you won't be bothered with postage for it any longer.

The little pink silk rubber panties which you gave Catherine are really grand and she has gotten so much wear out of the.  The others are very nice too and I wore them on her nearly every day and save the others for special occasions.  She has played & played wth the little yellow lamb.  Older children seem to love it too for they squeeze it & play with it to get her interested.

Many, many, more happy birthday's Mother Uible.

Love, Jean, Harold

and Catherine

1949 N.W. Ballantyne obituary clippings

Nathaniel Wallace Ballantyne

Birth -  December 22, 1868 - Pittsburgh, PA
Death - May 28, 1949 - New Cumberland, WV

N.W. Ballantyne Obituary
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Sunday May 29, 1949

N.W. Ballantyne Obituary
Pittsburgh Sun-Telegraph, Sunday May 29, 1949

N.W. Ballantyne Death Notice
Pittsburgh Sun-Telegraph, Sunday May 29, 1949

Death Notice for N.W. Ballantyne
The Pittsburgh Press

Nathaniel W. Ballantyne Obituary
Pittsburgh Press, May 28, 1949

N.W. Ballantyne Obituary
The Independent, New Cumberland, West Virginia, Thursday, June 2, 1949

1999 HH, Jean & RUK with Ballantynes -photos May '99

HH & Jean on Roger's motorcycle, May 1999

Roger & Betty Ballantyne, HH & Jean Uible, Bob & Pat Ballantyne
in New Hampshire, May 1999

Roberta on Roger's motorcycle, Jean on the side, May 1999

Jean, HH (hiding) & Roberta with Roger's motorcycle, May 1999

1949 Jean's Birthday Card to her mother -May23

Lucie Sarah Brown Ballantyne, mother of Jean Wallace Ballantyne Uible 

May 23, 1880 - February 1, 1957

[Card sent in honor of Lucie's 69th Birthday]

May 23, 1949

We've been quite busy with plumbers and company but most is over now.  Jeanne was over Thursday night and saw Catherine & the play pen in action -- thanks so much.  It arrived Wednesday & has been in almost constant use ever since.

Friday Misses Stromfors, Frew and Brinton -- all co-workers from North Branch came over for the evening.

Yesterday (Saturday) Linn Zook stopped and Lillian Plotkin came to see the baby & bid us farewell.  She stayed for dinner & left about 11:00 P.M.

This afternoon Luke Giles is to study with Harold and his wife Molly is coming with him to see Catherine.  Later this evening Jean Ryan is to come.  So I feel as if we've been having open house since Thursday.

Do hope everything is OK with Daddy but I'm glad he's going to have a check-up for we are anxious about his leg.  Please let us know what report the doctor gives.

Bill is coming up Monday we think & we will be leaving here Tuesday.  As much as we'd like to help out I'm afraid Pittsburgh will be slightly out of the way.  Besides we could use it in New Cumberland during June, couldn't we.  It shouldn't be too hard to dismantle.  [the playpen??]

Thursday when I took Catherine to the doctor, it was such a nice looking day that I wheeled her in the carriage but it rained before we got home.

Dr. Bowen gave her -- her first shot -- a combination of whooping cough, diptheria and tetanus.  She was real good although quite fussy yesterday from it.

Catherine now weighs (or did as of noon Thurs.) -- 14 lbs. 5 oz. and has started on strained foods -- carrots and peas so far & enjoys them immensely.

Today we're trying her out on a schedule of 3 meals a day and she also is back on orange juice as long as it seems to agree with her.

Thanks so very much for all the pretty things you sent -- and very best wishes for a happy, happy birthday & many more of them.

Love,

Harold, Jean

and Catherine

1949 Jean Letter -May 16

May 16, 1949

Dearest Mother & Daddy,

Harold's mother and father just left for New Vienna with their car packed full of our things but we have plenty left to send.

They arrived here about 1:30 Saturday with enough to eat for the whole weekend -- asparagus, two chickens, a quart of cooked rhubarb, 2 dozen eggs, onions, 1 1/2 rhubarb pies and a lovely bouquet of lilies of the valley.  We really had prepared for their coming by stocking the refrigerator so it was quite a problem of space but we did appreciate it all.

We had the chicken, asparagus, mashed potatoes, gravy and your special spice cake for dinner Saturday night.

Catherine was quite aware of some excitement in the offing for she refused to sleep all day Saturday but was real good.

Sunday Harold took them to the Episcopal Church which is the nearest Protestant one to us.  In the afternoon we went out for a ride taking Catherine with us.  She enjoyed the luxury of the back seat of the Lincoln for she could really stretch out.

They came over for breakfast about 8:30 and left from here.  Just as were ready to sit down at the table -- the plumbers knocked & wanted to tear up our kitchen and bath.  We warded them off finally for 20 minutes but they refused to wait any longer.  Ever since our apartment has been busier than Grand Central Station -- with 3 different plumbers in & out every 3 minutes plus Norma and Jane & later Mrs. McGonagle.  We had sent her a reference to fill out for Harold & she came to have us help her -- Harold would have had plenty of New Vienna names but they seemed to want Cleveland references so he listed her as one -- for the Bar Committee.  She said Doris is still going but had some pains last night so she wouldn't (Mrs. McG.) let her (Doris) come over to see us.

Linn [Zook] came over Thursday evening.  Harold tried to reach him by phone to get him to come for dinner but he wasn't working so he just came later.  We made popcorn -- rather he did -- brought it and popped it for us too.  Then we sat and talked -- mentioning auto-drive-in theaters and decided about 9:30 to go to one since a quite recent and good one was showing at the nicest and nearest one to us.  Very unexpected but all very exciting because of it.  "The Unfaithful" was the title and dealt with a girl (Ann Sheridan) who killed a man who had seen her quite frequently while her husband was in the service.  The husband now away on a business trip comes home to find the police waiting to question his wife.  The lawyer, a mutual friend of husband and wife, manages to persuade the jury it was self-defense and also saves the marriage.  He was very good and the courtroom scenes were supposed to be noteworthy -- the redeeming feature of combining business with pleasure for Harold.

The drive-in itself was very nice (having no others to compare it with) but certainly convenient for families.  Catherine wakened slightly but decided her fist was much more entertaining than the movie and soon was sound asleep again.  60¢ admission and no charge for cars or children under 12 (age just applies to children not cars under 12!).

There is dust 6 inches thick on the whole apartment and they're coming back tomorrow to finish -- the plumbers, that is.  In about a week, the bricklayers or plasterers will be here to plug up the holes the plumbers make, then in another week, the painters will come to beautify the plasterer's job.  Then probably after every thing in the kitchen & bath is in good shape, we'll move to greener pastures.

As far as we know, we will get to New Cumberland about June 2nd.  Bill is coming up with the Wells Mfg. Co. truck and move us down to New Vienna on the 30-31.  We'll take a little time to unload a few things then Harold will bring us up to New Cumberland and head for Columbus the next day (June 3) as his law review course begins there that same Friday evening.

The dresses, pillow, bonnet, playpen pad, sunsuit, sweater, pillow case and all arrived today and all of the things are just darling.  The sunsuit looks like it will be a better fit than the yellow one which I bought her for it (yellow) is Large and the pink is Medium

I think my last wisdom tooth is trying to come thru as I've had plenty of feeling (not wisdom, but real feeling) back there especially today -- lower left.  Dr. Davis told me it was coming soon and crooked so I hope I won't have to go to the dentist's before I leave Cleveland for there are so many other things and places I'd rather gad to. 

I broke another baby bottle just before the folks came for breakfast (too much in the refrigerator) so I'll really have to buy some tomorrow.

We sent in notice of our vacating today -- they'll no doubt think the plumbers are getting me down.  The couple upstairs moved last weekend (smart people).

Nearly all our church connections are complete now -- the First Baptist called last week and wanted us to have Catherine dedicated last Sunday.  It will be our fault now if anything should happen for you can't say they haven't tried. 

Do you need any postal cards???  Just a line, we'd appreciate to know you're all well.  Familiar words?  I'd be glad to return the stamps. 

Love to all --

Jean, Harold and Catherine

1949 Jean's Letter -May 2

Monday

[5/2/49]

Dearest Mother and Daddy,

Decided to start off better this week with a letter reaching you by Friday at least instead of Saturday.

Thursday I went out to the Library & took Catherine.  It is the day the Prenatal Classes meet so I was able to see Mrs. Bradley & Mrs. James who have charge of them.  They were both very busy so just spoke to them.

Most of the library staff was on hand and took time off to admire our little girl.  Miss Miller wasn't there but all the others were including Bobby Smith Guidovee [sp?] who has just been working mornings.  She is quite anxious to have a baby & says she wants one just like Catherine.

Miss Beatty was busy with a patron but all of a sudden I heard her say, "I'm sorry, you'll jut have to excuse me a minute – this is one of OUR babies and I just have to see her," leaving the woman standing there with her mouth wide open while Miss Beatty walked away to see us.

We also stopped to see Mrs. Ackerman -- Lee had knit a pair of booties for Catherine -- very pretty but she neglected to put any string or ribbon in them so there is not way to hold them on.  I wanted to say something for they are so useless without but -- perhaps I can fix them up with narrow pink ribbon myself.

We finished up the box of Pablum which you bought and so we started giving Catherine Clapp's Cereal Food -- (we got the box free because of a coupon sent to us).  It is not as course as Pablum & she doesn't seem to take it as well.  I've heard so many say they like Gerber's Cereals so will try them next.  They have sent us three samples of their cereals -- cereal food, barley cereal and strained oatmeal.

It's looking quite dark this morning & has sprinkled off and on.  Yesterday we took Catherine for a long walk or rather she in her carriage and we on our feet.  Soon after we got in it began to pour.

I was certainly shocked & sorry to hear about Mabel Patterson as I didn't know she had been in the hospital.  I remember when she was little how seriously ill she was then but never dreamed of this.  That's two deaths in the Patterson clan in such a short time.

I left the announcement of Nancy & Scott Hallett's son – Scott Clinton at home for it around while we were there, do you still have it perchance?  If so, I'd appreciate it if you'd save it til we get there.

Do you have plans for this weekend?  If so, please just let us know.  If we do come, Harold will be studying most of the time (just to get out of work you have been laying aside for him, you say).  Or we would be glad to have you come over here -- after all it will be Mother's Day and you deserve a rest from company, cooking, etc.  Do hope to hear from you soon concerning your plans -- that's this weekend -- 6-7-8 of May.  You visit your other children, why don't you honor us on this occasion?

Catherine has been real good and sleeps from the end of her 7:00 feeding until the next morning now with no ill effects.  We've not had any trouble at all since we've been back of her being awake for a long period in the evening.  Usually I keep her up from her 3:00 feeding on -- or take her for a carriage ride, bring her in & give her some water when she gets fussy, fix our dinner, feed her & put her to bed for the night.

Jean Keil Walker called & wanted to see us this weekend but I told her Harold was busy studying.  She says Carole never has given up her 10:00 feeding & now wakens at 2:00 since they've been trying to wean her.

Waiting for your reply -- whether you come up -- or we come down or any plan you have made.

Love, Jean, Harold

and Catherine

1949 Jean's Letter -Apr.18

All this odd stationery isn't a hint – we're just trying to use it up – ask Virginia if she remembers Hotel Raymond?  [Reminds me of Jean using different stationery for the same reason in 1989 as referenced in her letter to HH on his bike trip!]

Monday --

April 18, 1949

Dearest Mother & Daddy,

We arrived back in Cleveland about 9:00 last night after a very pleasant spring vacation with both you and the Uibles.  Catherine stood all the traveling fine – loved the lull of the motor for the only time we heard from her was our stops either for red lights or rest stops.  The Tuesday we drove to New Vienna was so warm – and yesterday so cold – it kept raining or sleeting the whole way back.  Harold finally had to stop once to scrape the ice from the windshield in order that the wipers would work. 

The girl who was to come to help the Uibles never showed up – she had also promised to help another woman but wasn't able to do either – she's pregnant and not feeling too well.  It so happened that the girl's mother works in the Wells Mfg. Co. (the business that Harold's father has) -- so she agreed to come instead.

Mary had gotten home Sunday so was fairly settled by Tuesday but not feeling too chipper yet.  [Assume Aunt Mary was in the hospital after Marianne was born on April 4.]  Marianne is so tiny -- but just in the short time we were there we could notice how she'd filled out.  Of course they are quite happy that it's a girl yet they had rather expected a boy.  They had planned to name him Christopher after Bill's father and brother.  Joseph takes quite alot of attention as he's at the age of getting into everything & has to be watched constantly.  Mary's going to be very busy when she's back on her own.  He's real cute though & Marianne & Catherine will soon keep him in tow.

Harold's father thinks that the Wells Mfg. Co. is really progressing now and will be quite a stable business so Harold will go in with him after the Bar is over.  He did seriously consider coming to New Cumberland but finally decided on New Vienna. 

Please inform Jeannie that we received our Independent today in tip-top shape with correct address and all so just hope she's not pestered any more by the Cleveland Post Office or us.

Harold's mother brought us some nice things from Florida -- a white seersucker sport shirt for Harold – a combination swirl bush & comb for me and two different kinds of rubber panties for Catherine (one pair like the one's you gave her) and a pair of Playtex rubber ones.  Also a dozen of those knitted diapers – called Pant-Ease – shaped to fit.  They're awfully nice at night cause they are extra warm.

They all seemed to think that Catherine looked like the Ballantynes with her full face and pug nose.  I don't think they expected her to be quite as chubby altho Mary found Joseph's Baby Book and he weighed the same as Catherine at birth and one ounce more than she at ten weeks – 12 lbs 9 oz in comparison  to her 12 lbs. 8 oz.).  He isn't very large now – has a small frame – similar to Bill and also seems to resemble his maternal grandfather.

Mary and Bill gave Catherine a toilet seat which will come in mighty handy in the near future – it's one of those natural wood ones with back and foot rest and guaranteed not to scar the toilet.  (Joseph made some marks on their new seat.)  Harold's Aunt Mary and Uncle Harry [Hiestand] came & brought both Marianne & Catherine two pretty little flannelette kimonos trimmed in pink.  I'm afraid C's are too small altho I haven't tried them on her.   I washed them tonight so Mary may have four instead of two.

Rev. O'Connor called on all of us with his wife an hour after our arrival Tuesday.  Then Wednesday he telephoned & asked if we might be interest in baptizing Catherine & Marianne.  We decided against it until she's a bit older.  Harold did go to Sunday School & I met him & stayed for Church.

Harold was busy cutting lawns & making a garden.  Saturday he cut the grass while it was half snowing.

We brought back four dozen eggs with us which consist all of our complete larder in the refrigerator with the exception of Catherine's formula & medicine.  Eggs there 38¢ a dozen.  Here Grade 3 are 55¢.  Milk has gone down again – 2 qts for 31¢.  Buttermilk is 13¢.  [Dad would have liked seeing the prices!]

Catherine stuck to her schedule quite well while in New Vienna but had to have a cry before she went to sleep each evening – after Mother & Daddy Uible had gone to bed – awakening them each time.  The last two nights she slept downstairs.

Today she has been quite awake and hungry but I think it's making up for yesterday (she slept all day & night and never had a bottle or evening cereal due to our traveling).  I gave her a bath at 6:30 & she was sound asleep by 7:15 – now we're to awaken her at 11:00.

Norma was over and Jane has been fussy today too.  She wanted me to see the new curtains her mother-in-law had made for their living room & bed room – short striped tailored drapes -- pretty but I like long ones better.  In their rush to get things packed into the car they forgot Norma's shoes which had set right by the car door.  The woman above us told her neighbors that Norma & Jim had a big fight & Norma threw her shoes at Jim & then they raced off together.

I was certainly shocked to read about Jesse [or Jane?]  Cunningham's death in the paper – that's too bad when they have such a young baby.

We did the wash tonight & didn't have too much so also did that pink & white machine-made quilt – was so quite dirty as we have been keeping it on top of bed – to pull up for naps, etc.

Will write again soon – hope to hear from you – need a postal card?

Love to all,

Jean, Harold and 

Catherine

P.S. Harold's mother also prefers the name of Catherine to Katie.