1948 Calvin Smith Letter -Mar.7

 

Bexley, Ohio
Sunday, 7 March 1948

Dear Groom-to-be,

I was exceedingly sorry to have missed you & the little missus [?] the Sunday you stopped by it happened to be that first Sunday this year I stayed around the Student Union all afternoon talking with friends, etc. and I was thoroughly disgusted with myself for not having come home as I should have.

I suppose that your legal thoughts are those that least occupy your mind nowadays; I imagine that the harmony of wedding bells and love music is the only thing you'll listen to.  Well that's fine, of course, I hate to see our old Triumvirate yield to the appeal of the fair sex this way -- but that's the way life goes.  People just will die & get married!  It was quite a surprise to me that your wedding will be on April 3rd (?) -- especially since I started taking organ sessions in February, being fully assured by Wm. Glenn, my teacher, that I could learn enough in one semester to enable me to play for a wedding in June.  No matter, though; I'm really relieved that I shan't have to play the organ.  I should have taken organ, anyway, sooner or later, and I'm fortunate something happened to force me to start immediately.

It will be fine to meet you in Steubenville, if you'll let me know when you'll be there; I have just one class on Friday afternoon and will gladly skip it for such an important occasion.  You might ask Jean if there's any particular number she'd like to have me play; and if at all possible I'll try to look it up.

How's everything going?  I suppose you're in one grand whirl trying to get everything managed, etc.  Have you found a suitable place to stay in Cleveland?  I presume Jean will continue with her work in the library.  How is school coming along?  Just fine, I hope & trust.  The library work must help you & a car is giving you study time and extra general knowledge about the legal field.

Things seem to be going o.k. for me so far this semester, at least nobody's said anything about throwing  me out yet.  Work is piling up thicker & thicker as the days go by and about Easter time I'll be in up over my ears!  Two English research papers to write (neither of which I've started as yet) among other things.  I've also contracted a new job -- that of geology lab assistant.  The pay is $15 a month -- it's about 7 hours a week more or less.  The duties of this position are, to phrase it briefly, just being general flunky for Mr. Bond, the geology prof.  There are topographic maps to be kept straight, mineral identifications to check, the bulletin board to keep up-to-date, etc.  Then too, I'm to play nursemaid to the little fossils, seeing that no harm comes to them and all that sort of thing.  My schedule of 19 hours for the semester I find increasingly hard to bear and shall possibly have to cut it down to 18 next fall.  Still planning to go to summer school the first six weeks, same as last summer.

I haven't been home much since the interim between semesters; I did go home last weekend, however, because [indecipherable: looks like ???ther] was sort of "homesick", I think for home coming the last crucial games of the tournament, but couldn't go because there were no more seats available -- all sold out long since.  So I had to hear the great report second-hand -- that N.V. -- dear old N.V. is the Clinton County champ. of 1948, for the first time since '27, someone said.  Everybody is pretty much elated about the fact,  I guess.

Well, it appears that it's about time for my Sunday evening repast, so I'll close more with the hope that I hear from you soon & find out any of Jean's or your - preferences for music at your wedding.  Hope things are just peachy, remember to enjoy this as much as possible -- it's one thing in your life that'll never happen again!  Congratulations, old boy.  I'll be seeing you.

Sincerely,     Calvin

1949 Calvin Smith letter -Mar.14

2258 Bryden

Columbus

14 March 1949

Dear Jean, Harold, and Catherine,

It was such wonderful news which the little card brought to me when it announced the new arrival in the Uible family; and it made me very, very happy -- both to be a pseudo-uncle and to know that your joy must be overflowing.  Congratulations to the parents and the new little Clevelander!  (Regarding the piggy bank, I was afraid for awhile that Catherine would be graduating from high school before I sent her gift; but one day I decided that I had waited long enough for even me, the Great Procrastinator.  I hope she will make use of this little animal constantly, though I doubt that her source of income will be the Cincinnati Enquirer).

Before I forget it, too -- I thoroughly enjoyed the letter I received from Papa a week or so ago, since I know it took a part of some very precious time to write it.  Mrs. Stith is still most willing to rent you a room; and the quality of the room will depend on how many students she gets who plan to stay all summer.  Of course, they have priority since they will be here longer.  However, since there are not too many who go to summer school, I doubt there will be much difficulty on that score.  I asked our business manager about your eating at the Refectory; you may do so, but it will have to be on the individual meal basis -- 40¢ for breakfast, 60¢ for lunch, and $1 for dinner.  If you decided these are good enough prices you may take your meals at Cap (food guaranteed to be much better during the summer than during the winter!).  I'm looking forward to your being here in June; and provided I can find a job for the summer, I shall be around to welcome you.

I'm extremely glad to hear, Jean, that your husband is proving himself such a good father.  Although some years ago I didn't realize that was one of his great potentialities I had every faith in him that he would rise to the occasion.

Incidentally, Catherine is to be congratulated upon a very wise choice of parents.  -- And how do you find the task of being a mother, Jean?  Of course it is ten times more interesting than any other occupation in the world, I should think; any sleepless nights yet?  Or will the sleepless nights come when she gets to be sixteen or so?

Work is progressing -- I shan't say satisfactorily -- but is progressing here at school.  The big thorn in my flesh this semester (even including Latin! -- under Miss Young's old prof) is the yearbook.  It is the sort of task in which one has to depend upon the faithfulness of a lot of unfaithful people; and I must admit it is turning me into a dour cynic as regards human nature.  Our photographer -- a most important link in the chain of production -- consistently fails to come through on time; and I have always the feeling of beating my head against a wall.  During the early part of the year, this frustration was threatening to do me permanent injury, but now I have regained a somewhat even keel and blithely go about my futile job with something akin to resignation.  The studies are negligible, since I'm carrying only 14 hours this semester;  all the studying I do is done in, I suppose three hours per day.  The hours I spend in the Capitalian office, however, are almost innumerable. 

You may be surprised to know that I am now possessed of an automobile, Harold; it's a fairly respectable '38 Dodge which my brother and father purchased for me a couple of months ago.  It had been owned by only one person -- an old woman; the 50,000 miles registered on the speedometer I take to be a fairly accurate count of the mileage, and the old trap works beautifully.  Of course, I'm finding it expensive -- but the time saved and the general satisfaction is wonderful!  It's a single-seater coupe like yours.  Even with the car, though, I don't get home often because of working on the yearbook; but I do plan to go down this coming weekend.  I, too, am looking forward to spring vacation and seeing you; it will be very good to see you once again.  We get off the 8th to the 18th, but I shall be home only from about the 13th or 14th, if I make it then.  I hope you'll be there about then.

I must now return to school for dinner, so I'll close with another Congratulations to you three.  Drop me a line if the opportunity every presents itself; be assured it gives me a great deal of pleasure to hear from you.

Sincerely,

"Uncle" Calvin

1998 Calvin Smith Letter -Sep.19

Calvin died about six months later on March 12, 1999.  His wife, Jean, died in 2000.

Calvin C. Smith

33 Gates Circle

Buffalo, NY 14209

September 19, 1998

Dear Harold,

What a very lovely surprise to get your telephone call last night!  I didn't come to the phone right away because I thought it was probably a political call asking for money, of which there are legion these days.  Then a thrill of pleasure when Jean announced you.

It was pleasant to get caught up on at least some of the news from dear old New Vienna: the resurfaced Main St., the scandal among village authorities (at least it wasn't sex), the re-used Streber's store – and your law practice.  I'm glad you enjoy it.

Aside from my terrible summer, about which I spoke at too great length last night, I've been trying to complete the translation of a French book recounting the story of several branches of a merchant and banking family of the minor nobility just before and after the Revolution.  Its Buffalo interest lies in the fact that one of the several sons was Louis "the American," who, after doing business with Robert Morris, the financier of the American Revolution and one-time owner of most of Western New York, traveled through this area for two years with only a servant, and eventually became in the early 1800's an early settler of Buffalo and one of its early distinguished citizens, Louis Etienne Le Conteulx de Caumont.  I'm now 3/4 of the way through the first draft.  I called the author, a descendant of the Le Conteulx family, when we were last in Paris, and got her permission.

We visited with John & Erica and grandsons Nicholas (7) and Patrick (4) in July up at her grandfather's summer place in Maine on the coast – a large sprawling place with boats and beaches – a lovely interlude that involved driving through delightful country: Mohawk Valley, Adirondack foothills, the Berkshires.

Now it only remains to say Hello to Jean and to wish you and your family good health and much happiness.

Sincerely, 

                  Calvin

Jean sends warm regards.

1988 Calvin Smith Letter -Feb.10

[paragraph breaks are added for easier readability]

February 10, 1988

Dear Harold,

I'm sitting here during an office hour (in which nobody has shown up even though several essays are due in the next few days), looking out on a sunny village-scape of snow, bare branches against the sky, and a white cross on the church spire across the street. 

It all somehow reminds me of New Vienna, that other village of my life, which has by now become entirely a village of memory, existing only inside my head.  But then of course you still live there, right across the street from the locus of my earliest memory of the place; and your mother still near the center of town measuring out her days one by one with a sturdy tenacity – praise be! 

Even our old school principal who we visited not too long ago (and can I recall his name?  No!).  Only the other day I was remembering the study hall stretching along the front of the second floor, and the sixth-grade room downstairs from which of an early afternoon one could look across the playground to the railroad and the little rise beyond.  But you I always see, along with Melvin Long, in the high-school years:  working on "Vienna Viewpoints" (I ran across a batch of them not too long ago as I cleaned out a cupboard); my trying to keep you two from snitching tickets to – what? the junior class play?  and not succeeding; your serving as cashier down in the lunch room and (to my horror) drinking off some cans of evaporated milk. 

Then what year was it?  We both went down to Miami University for the statewide achievement tests.  And the Great Peach Ice Cream Episode.  And then your inviting me up to Cleveland, and the concert at Severance Hall, which I thought was the most beautiful place I'd ever seen. 

I must tell you also that your father's series of Packards triggered an early dream of mine even before I knew you: at about age eight or ten, I asserted that my ambition in life was to own a Packard and drive to Florida.  The vanity of human wishes!  Before I'd even got my first paying job (aside from clerking at Streber's or competing with you in the newspaper-boy business), Packards had disappeared from the market. 

And now that I could go to Florida I have no wish to . . . .  In fact, with the two little strokes wherewith I was stricken last year has come a curious revaluation of things for me.  Although I have no observable physical effects, my whole outlook on the world has shifted ever so slightly so that things have taken on a different aspect altogether:  not many things seem really worthwhile.  Not that there aren't still thousands of things to enjoy and delight in; but their transience seems all too apparent, and transience is disturbing. 

I am understanding, really for the first time, the necessity out of which the idea of God must have been formed:  an ultimate, an all-encompassing eternal holding the bubble of time for a nano-second, a Point for all the goings-on of human life, which would be pointless without it.  I regret that I have outlived my faith in that God, as I hope you haven't.  For without a God to give it all Point, this village-scape outside my windows and the village in my memory where you live are a bit absurd.  Yet that I am enjoying the winter scene outside and getting much joy from fingering my memories of New Vienna and your large part in them does invest both with a worth that might be called, I suppose, sacred . . . . 

I hope you're still living gracefully, you and Jean, peddling across Iowa, leading little kids to books, running your jacks factory (are you still making jacks??); it's nice to know that you're there, now a pillar of the town, helping to keep it going in the flesh as I keep it alive in the spirit.

Sincerely,

Calvin

1957 Calvin Smith wedding -Aug.10

1946 Tale of Gulliver (Calvin) Smith -Sep.8

Calvin must have had time on his hands and plenty of talent in writing and sketching before he sent this story/poem and note to HH in 1946.  According to military records he served as a stenographer during WW2.  Sobe was a US air field in Okinawa, Japan.

The note at the end to HH is transcribed first, then each page of the Gulliver Smith saga.

Naha [capital city of the Japanese prefecture], Okinawa

8 Sept. 46

Dear H.H. ––

Just a line or two to tell you that I'll soon be coming home.  Give me a couple more days and I'll be on the ship – I hope!  It's lying in the harbor now.

Hope everything's hunky dory with you & your family.  Give them my regards.  I'll be seeing you.

Sincerely, Calvin

The Tale of Gulliver Smith

The day is bright and shining, but Gulliver Smith is sad;
Let others be gay and happy!  Let others be carefree and glad!

But Gulliver can't make merry, for the fickle-minded Fates
Have turned him into a soldier, and behind him are the States.

Ah, yes, our hero gazes across the briny blue,
But his heart isn't filled with its beauty ---- his stomach is filled with stew!!

Now Gulliver isn't a sailor, he's a soldier (see above),
And stew, as far as food goes, is far from his first-love.

So let us take leave of Gulliver, for Sympathy's of no avail
As he scurries across the fan-tail and dizzily clutches the rail . . . . . . .

CURTAIN

"Old Salt" is what they call him, for now he's quite at home
On the "Island Mail", in which he sailed, last week for "parts unknown."

"'Twenty-seven April, '45", wrote the Captain in his log;
And out on deck our hero stood a-gazing through the fog.

But "fog" was just to make it rhyme, for Oahu's never foggy,
Although 'tis a well-known 'stablished fact, Oahuans are often soggy.

The Thirteenth Repple Depple holds mem'mries better lost
Of insects, rain, and back-aches for this lad who "came acrost."

 

But one fine day (between showers), in the merry month of May,
A recon car came rolling up and hauled our Gull'ver away.

Through fields of green pineapples, along the shore of the sea,
Rode our hero-timber Gulliver -- "G. Smith, P-V-T."

"Three five eight eight six eight, nine eight reporting, sirp!"
And Gulliver became a member of the Five Twenty-Nine QM Grp.

The boxes were packed and ready, duffel bags filled to the brim
When one sad day the "Marathon," 'PA 200, pulled in.

the Tenth of June dawned early, and the Pali rose so clear
As the line of jeeps and three-quarter tons wound its way to the pier.

Goody-bye to the pineapple fields, goodbye to Waikiki,
And Gulliver Smith (our hero, you know), a heavy heart has he.

But the western horizon beckons, so "Westward Ho" says he,
"We'll sail on and on and onward, and see what we shall see!"

To Mog Mog came he sailing, and passed Ulithi, too,
And fin'lly on 14/7 viewed the Wan Nakagusuku.

Now Gulliver's heart was pounding, and Gulliver's eyes were bright,
For the Isle of Okinawa was a very welcome sight.

So over the side went Gulliver, and down the net went he,
And over this last bit of water, to say "Goodbye" to the sea.

The night was well upon him as Gulliver sped to Sobe,
And for all that he could tell, he might have been in the Gobi.

But, no, 'twas Okinawa (for that he took their word),
And so 'twould be for one more year, and two months more, I've heard.

But Sobe was provincial, a tiny town, you see,
So our tribe moved, bag and baggage, down to the big city.

'Way down to Naha went they, and Gulliver 'mongst them all,
But by this time, the scene has changed and now it's early fall.

And fall is not just fall, when you live in this here ghotto;
For along with fall comes typhoon-time, and that you can't forget-o!

Ad so it was that Gulliver, that old "war-weary" gent
Spent the night of ten October a-holding down his tent.

But let us once more change, the scene of this fine tale
And focus our attention on a ship about to sail.

The place is Haha Harbor, the time, September 8,
the pier is full of people, who have gathered there to wait.

For, lying calm and peaceful in the bright September sun,
Is our ship, the good "Sea Runner," getting ready now to "run."

The wild-eyed "okinawans," those chair-borne men of war,
Begin to stagger 'board the shp; they're on ---- but here's one more!

A cloud of dust arises, and coming down the hill,
We see our old friend Gulliver, an "Okinawar" still.

But not for long, it seems, for aboard we see him climb,
With a smile that goes from ear to ear, of happiness sublime.

So now my tale is ended, and my story has been told,
For when this letter reaches you, I'll be near that Gate of Gold.

THE END

1954 Jean's postcard to her mother -Oct.3

Sunday, Oct. 3, 1954

Dearest Mother,

Harold got back Friday evening early (about 7:30).  We really got plenty of exercise in while he was gone – did alot of walking  & some visiting.

If you don't mind just forwarding Harold's book on down.  He thought for sure it would come before one of our trips to New Cumberland last summer.

Feeling fine but have definitely given up regular clothes except couple of dresses [less than 4 months before Serena would be born].  This week is busy with Twig Meeting (I'm a co-hostess) tomorrow (Mon.) nite, Mother's Club at Jean Eaton's on Tuesday and WSCS on Friday at Elizabeth Johnson's.

Calvin Smith is to get into N.Y. Tuesday so we hope to see him soon after he gets home.

Do hope Bob is much much better.  Catherine and Roberta are fine & we send our love,

Harold, Jean, Catherine & Roberta

Final Stop: London, May 1954

A few travel quotes to finish off our trip and some thoughts from HH:

From HH: La Tour d'Argent - Paris Restaurant postcard which I sent to Mom and Dad after they sent to me with postcards from their Europe trip. Dad's comments re that card:  Yes, we were there for lunch. It was too formal for us, but still an experience. We have eaten and stayed at some of the worst and and also the other extreme places around the world. It's always cheaper (and more enjoyable) than being in the hospital.

One year we met the Sankers in Paris and drove around Europe. They liked to stick to the cheap places, like McDonalds. Bill as an engineer with GE travelled around the world at GE's expense. One meal
in Paris was at a place called Flunch and one serving of brussel sprouts had some 20 sprouts. What an overkill. Cheap, but hardly variety.

When touring Paris, Calvin would irritate Jean by getting off the subway a "zone" before their stop as the charge was paid depending on how many zones were traveled.

Do recall Naples in 1954 as still having war destruction areas to be cleaned. We had a general idea of the areas we wanted to visit, but no advance reservations and we hadn't heard of credit cards then, just had travel checks and cash and two suitcases w/o wheels.

I travel not to go anywhere, but to go. I travel for travel's sake. The great affair is to move. ~Robert Louis Stevenson

Travel and change of place impart new vigor to the mind. ~Seneca

Travel, in the younger sort, is a part of education; in the elder, a part of experience. ~Francis Bacon

The rewards of the journey far outweigh the risk of leaving the harbor. ~Unknown

Who lives sees much. Who travels sees more. ~Unknown

Not all those who wander are lost ~J. R. R. Tolkien

1954 Europe Itinerary:
Monday March 15 - flew to NYC via Pittsburgh on TWA, saw Bob Ballantyne
Wednesday March 17 - dinner with Luna and Bob Herron and 3 children at their house
Friday March 19 - board Saturnia or Vulcania
 - First stop at Lisbon, Portugal
 - Second stop at Gibraltar
Monday March 29 - Barcelona Spain
Tuesday March 30 - Genoa Italy
Wednesday March 31 - Sorrento Italy
Thursday April 1 - Monreale Sicily
Friday April 2 - Palermo Italy
Saturday April 3 - Capri Naples Italy
Sunday April 4-9 - Rome Italy
Friday April 9-12 - Florence Italy
Tuesday April 13-14 - Salzburg Austria
Wednesday April 15-19 - Vienna Austria
Monday April 19-21 - Zurich Switzerland, side trip to Lucerne on 4/20
Wednesday April 21 - Frankfurt Germany, stopped in Karlsruhe for lunch
Thursday April 22 - St. Goar Germany
Friday April 23 - On the Rhine River Germany
Saturday April 24-27 - Amsterdam, Volendam, Hague Netherlands
Wednesday April 28 - Brussels Belgium
Thursday April 29 - May 5 - Paris with Calvin Smith
Thursday May 6-12 - London
Tuesday May 18 - Return to New York City

Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey & County Hall, London 

sent to Mrs. NW Ballantyne - May 9, 1954

 Sunday, May 9, 1954
On our way to Windsor today after seeing the changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace.
There is so very much to see here and so little time to do it in.  Clothes aren't very expensive here but cut  so oddly.  Decided to shop Sat. afternoon but all stores were closed but one.  Men's suits are cut even more differently.  We leave Wed. (May 12) and arrive in New York May 18 but don't know when or how we leave there.  Staying at the Regent Palace here and the breakfasts are immense.  All our very best love – Harold & Jean

Westminster Abbey, St. Margaret's Church & Big Ben, London 

sent to Catherine & Roberta - May 12, 1954

See the double deck buses.  We like to ride on top in the front seats and wish you could enjoy the views with us.

We leave today (May 12) for the ship – take a special train at 4:00 (10:00 AM your time) and then we'll really be on our way home.

Had a very pleasant visit and supper with Mrs. Mary H. Terrell's sister and brother-in-law Monday.

Mommy and Daddy really eat big breakfasts here.  We'll tell you all about it soon. Love and XXXXX, D&M

Thus concludes the 1954 European Tour, the last "big trip" before settling down in New Vienna and sending Catherine, Roberta, Serena, John and Mary off to school.   Thanks for all the trips of a lifetime, Mom and Dad!

Paris - May 1954

Paris card sent to M/M CJ Uible - May 2, 1954

 5/2/54 
Calvin is really showing us Paris and all its surroundings.  
Today we went to the American Church in Paris, the first American church established in Europe [in 1814].  Very nice service.  We also went up to the top of the Eiffel Tower, not quite as tall [1063 feet] as the Empire State Building [1250 feet], and got a wonderful view of the city from all sides.  Saw Napoleon's tomb.  We really appreciate bed by nightfall.  Love, H&J

Napoleon's Coffin Postcard sent to M/M CJ Uible - May 4, 1954

[Tuesday] 4 May 1954
Calvin has been simply wonderful to us here.  Last night we went to his Apt. and met M. & Mme Balters [?] and they are so lovely.  See why Calvin chose to live with them and they think so much of him.
Received 4 letters here from you + others; really hit the jackpot.  On to London tomorrow.  Will write from there about when we'll get to New Vienna, all depends on New York and customs!  Love, Harold & Jean. Charles – received your letter here.


Note on address side of card about The Principia in St. Louis appears to be written in Jean's handwriting, but not sure it has any significance to this card otherwise.  The Principia is a Christian Science college.

Paris - Notre-Dame April 30 - May 1, 1954

A- Notre-Dame Cathedral.  B- Arc de Triomphe

Day 46 - Paris to see Calvin – the motivation behind the whole trip.  Certainly it was the primary impetus in going then as Calvin returned to the States in October 1954.  Combined with HH's desire to see the world, here they are in France, the ninth country on their European tour.

Notre-Dame, Paris card sent to Catherine & Roberta - April 30, 1954

[Friday] 4/30/54
We had a grocery store lunch with Calvin today.  We climbed clear to the top of this church today, which is about 700 years old [groundbreaking 1163, Completed 1345].  Calvin is really showing us the town and for the first time since leaving N.Y. we really know what the man says.  Calvin got us a nice room near his place in a hotel where he first stayed.  Received your letter here Elizabeth, also from Mother, the last being written a week ago.  It seems we have walked miles have also been on buses and subway. Going to London next Wed. probably.  – M&D

Notre-Dame, Paris Postcard sent to Mrs. NW Ballantyne - May 1, 1954

[Saturday] 1 May 1954
Calvin has really had us on the go since the moment we arrived – two days ago.  Today we went down to [Palace of] Versailles – didn't realize it covered 300 acres nor so beautiful.
Saw Notre-Dame all lighted up tonight and the Arc de Triomphe.  They only illuminate the "sights" Saturday evenings from 9-11 PM so it was quite a rare view.  Anxious to see all yet get back home too.  All our very best love. – H&J

Leaving Barcelona March 29, 1954

Time for one more card during the seven hour stop in Barcelona, before the Saturnia reboards and heads on to the next port – Genoa, as we follow HH and JBU on their European trip in the spring of 1954.

Barcelona "Holy Family" Temple* postcard mailed March 29, 1954

March 29, 1954 Barcelona Temple Postcard sent to Roberta & Catherine

Monday – in Spain
Do you like the stamps, Catherine?  How are lollipops?  We went to church yesterday on the boat, the sea is real green now.  Had turkey for dinner last night.  We had taxi ride around town and saw this church, but they have just finished the front part of it.  We are now in restaurant and Mommie had chocolate ice cream.  We get to Italy tomorrow and maybe we will see Uncle Calvin.  – Daddy & Mommie


Stamps?  Yes they're nice -- sorry Dad, if I didn't tell you that before.  It's the postcards I like more though! I'm beginning to understand where my interest in collecting postcards may have started.  Also my love for correspondence.

I think the lollipops were a "treat" left by Mommie and Daddy for us to enjoy during their absence.  Not surprised to read about Mother having chocolate.

Staying with the Johnsons was an experience in many ways, but the getting of the mail, was a highlight of the day.  Playing post office with old envelopes and magazines was a way of passing the time when Roberta and I were required to stay inside and keep out of trouble.  Keeping Roberta entertained in those days was more difficult as she didn't have her million other interests and connections to occupy every moment of her day.

Elizabeth's player piano was also a source of entertainment but required Elizabeth's supervision which made it a more limited and special event.  In an upstairs bedroom there was also an old hand cranked Victrola an ancient record player c1920s.

We'll delve more into the farm work part of the stay in a later post.

*The church, started in 1882 by Catalonian Architect, Gaudi (1852-1926), who also designed La Pedrera, the apartment building, which we saw pictured in a postcard in this post, was less than 25% complete at the time of Gaudi's death and was interrupted by the Spanish Civil War, resumed intermittent progress in the 1950s and passed the half way construction point in 2010 with anticipated completion in 2026, the centennial of Gaudi's death.  Although incomplete, the church is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

1953 Calvin Smith Paris postcard -Nov.18

This postcard from Calvin is included at this time to serve as a prelude to the Europe trip coming up in March 1954.

Paris Book-stores along the Seine postcard -mailed 1953

1953 Calvin Smith Paris postcard -Nov.18

18 Nov [1953]

Dear Harold & Jean,
I always seem to forget the most important people when I start shipping out cards by the dozen!  but, really, I haven't forgotten you & must thank you for your tho'tfulness in seeing me off so royally.  I'm having a wonderful time, not doing a bit of work.  Although I'm auditing 5 courses (which meet once a week) I do only what reading I please.  I've spent a day at Versaille, one at Malmaison (Napoleon's home); have visited several museums, been to the opera once, the Folies Bergere (!), Pigalle, Bois de Boulogne.  Have a very charming room with an elderly couple, just a few doors from the Seine, within shouting distance of Notre Dame, & I can see the roof of The Louvre.  Don't forget that you're to come over next summer.  Love & Kisses to the girls.  And drop me a line.  Sincerely, Calvin

1993 Calvin's postcard - April 29

Calvin writes a postcard which includes the word "descried" – not a word often found on postcards.  Transcription follows.

Great Smokies Cable Mill Postcard - mailed 1993.  

Captioned: John P. Cable Mill, Great Smoky Mountains National Park.  Just after the Civil War, John P. Cable harnessed the water at the lower end of Cades Cove to power a mill over the years.  Parts of it were repaired, replaced and modified.  Today this demonstration mill is like the "old axe" that's had two new heads and three new handles.

1993 Calvin's postcard - April 29

Natural Bridge, VA  Apr. 29 [postmarked May 3, 1993]

Dear Harold & Jean,

Finally after all these years I've stood beneath the natural bridge & descried the "GW" that the Father of our country is said to have inscribed there c1750.  Then T. Jefferson bought it for $2.40 (I paid $7.00 to see it ...) in 1774.  I'm driving from San Antonio to Germantown, MD, for grandson Nicky's 3rd birthday on May 3.  (Jean's sister in hospital in S.A.)  What are you all doing? –Calvin

* * * * *
Calvin Clifton Smith, 1926-1999, graduated NVHS in 1944.
Jean Bankert Smith, 1929-2000, was from Maryland.

For other blog posts about Calvin click here.

1953 Jean's letter to her Mother - Jan. 1

Jean writes her first letter of 1953 to her Mother. Transcription follows.

 

Thursday

Jan. 1, 1953

Dearest Mother,
We received your long letter today and want you to know that we both signed Bob's paper willingly as the right thing to do – for they are more or less routine papers that are concerned with property regarding the works.  We have no regrets about it.  It's too bad all these papers couldn't have been straightened up long ago.  Bob should have the property & things concerned to West Virginia Fire Clay and not have it such a four family deal everytime business matters concerning it comes up.  I know its useless to tell you not to worry about it but we want you to know we were in favor of it.  That is up to you and Bob about the compensation but he will do the right things by you regarding that.  I think it was grand for Bob to be with you for a few days.  I know you both enjoyed the visit.  Guess Florida has been having pretty cool weather for December.  Mother Uible said they've had to keep their electric stove going most of the time until Christmas when it warmed up more.

Last night Calvin Smith came for dinner – also Melvin and Helen Long.  We planned dinner for 7:30 as it was impossible for Melvin to get here any sooner with all the farm work.  I fixed the tuna fish casserole with some additions that Good Housekeeping suggested in their recipe – chow mein noodles instead of potato chips and cashew nuts – I still like my first recipe better but it was different.  We also had green beans, applesauce, raw carrots, radishes, blue berry muffins, corn sticks, ice cream with melted Hershey Almond bars [& candy (which W.Va. Fire Clay sent) which made wonderful fudge sauce topping] cookies, tea, coffee & milk.  Roberta ate early but Catherine ate with us.  I served it buffet style in the kitchen & we ate in the very front room.  We played monopoly afterwards & had a grand time – it had been so many years since we'd played the game.

Thanks again for all the money you sent – it will go to a worthy Uible cause and you'll hear what whenever we do use it.

I feel absolutely fine now so no need to worry about my "rheumatism."

Wish you had been with us for the holidays.  Best wishes for a happier 1953.

All our very best love, HJC&R

PS While I was repairing our wedding picture – Roberta mistook for scrap paper – Catherine asked "Why didn't you let us in that picture too?"

The Bruces are moving.  They sent us a Christmas card with a snowy picture of their new place – looks real pretty.

Catherine loves to put puzzles together and she's quite quick at it too.  Harold wants to know if I want to start her to school next year – some sarcasm!

October 27, 1958, 69, 89-99

Happy Birthday!
 HH's Diary 1989-1999 [lightly edited]

Monday 1958

HH 1958

Monday 1969 - We left for Ohio Bar Trip to Mallorca Spain.

Friday 1989 - #64 [birthday] Had cake at the office, went to Wilmington, had May [Ruth?] court hearing at noon. We ate at 94 South. They had a special for $4.95, onion soup was $2.50. Had Mother up for cake and ice cream. Jean gave me bike sweater. Roberta sent a tape (Dobson), "Where's Dad?"

Saturday 1990 - [Roberta visiting] GHU joined us for Senior Citizens Pot Luck Dinner, Wilmington Librarian spoke. John came about 3, house sale is iffy. He gave me a Woolrich shirt, Jean several Ohio books. Serena arrived after supper. Kathi McIntosh called up, she plans to quit, doesn't get along with Joyce. Hortons returned from visiting Cris and Angela in Auburn IN.

Sunday 1991 - [Gatlinburg TN to home with Gullets] We left Gatlinburg at 8:30, ate at Peoples Restaurant in Berea, buffet $5.95. Stella had two big pancakes. At Boone Tavern the cheapest entree was $13.25. Next stop was Friendly Ice Cream, $1.15/dip. Got home about 5pm. Roberta called about her qualifying for a $300 E.O. discount plus a free trip for getting 3 people.

Tuesday 1992 - [Far East Trip with Liggetts to home] Depart Bangkok for Cincinnati via Los Angeles

HH, Jean Uible and Liggett Group at Thailand Palace includes Ed & Mary Wells, Nathan & Marge Hale, Jack & Betty Liggett, Miriam & Bud Roe, Linda & Bob Hinshaw, Don & Jean Liggett, Grace & Ed Seamonds

Thursday 1994 - [Phoenix AZ] Roberta is promoting a trip to China in 9/95, she got us complimentary tickets for the symphony, pretty deep stuff. We ate at a Greek place at the AZ Center.

Friday 1995 - GG and Carolyn went on a bus tour to Nashville, they left at 7am. Had to be at the hospital at 6:30am, operation was at 7:30 with Dr. Kim. Jean was still groggy at noon and had a liquid supper. Stan Hannah is in the next room with a hip replacement. Serena came up in the PM, she is trying to replace our computer. Jean gave me a pair of gray slippers, turtle neck shirt and a potato spade. MV gave me a shirt: "Better to be dead than extinct."

Sunday 1996 - Went to Frisch's for lunch then to Owen and Mary Smith's 50th anniversary reception. Calvin was there, didn't recognize him, he is wrinkled and his wife, Jean, looks so matronly. They met at Duke in grad school and were married 8/57. Then to see Elvis at Extended Care. Then CMH where we helped the Harners bring Josephine home. At 6:30 had program at church, story of the song, Amazing Grace.

Monday 1997 - Dow Jones drops 550 points, Jean gave me an MQ belt and DQ shirt.

Tuesday 1998 - Got our recycle card and a digital thermometer. Catherine made her usual call. GG had pumpkin cake and Carolyn the hot cider.

Wednesday 1999 - Jean gave me tie with geography symbols. She worked at CMH in AM and then on cabbage and broccoli. Gore and [Bill] Bradley in NH debate [for Nov. 2000 presidential race].

September 18, 1989-99

MV gives concert

HH's Diary 1989-1999 [lightly edited]

Tuesday 1990 - [Japan and China through 9/30]

Wednesday 1991 - [USSR to Cincinnati Airport]  Back from USSR, see other notes [which aren't included], overnight at the Commonwealth Hilton for $68.

Friday 1992 - Plenty of pears to eat off the parsonage tree.

Saturday 1993 - Mother just doesn't want to eat or drink.  Bud Connell spoke at Men's Breakfast, had analogies with turkey hunting.  Jean had all day meeting at Mt. Orab.  We went ⃞ dancing at Hillsboro.  Caller was from Dresden, Ohio.  Got some nice fresh peaches from a truck in front of the Hillsboro Bob and Carl's.

Sunday 1994 - [KY, Roberta visiting, Serena and John Uible family also there] We all went to Don's church, right next to the parsonage.  Then had lunch at Fords Crossing.  In the afternoon we walked from Annie's house down to the lake.  At 7pm MV gave this concert accompanied by Ms Sears.  Large crowd.  Don gives Ginny coke to drink.

Monday 1995 - [China trip with Roberta, etc. through 9/27/95]

Wednesday 1996 - 45th anniversary of Clinton Memorial Hospital, they just opened the Progressive Care Unit.  In 1951 just Elsie Delin and two clerical [employees].  Met Mary Ellen [Hadley] at Extended Care for her Mother to sign papers.  Jean has bad cold.  Bible Study on 1st Corinthians.  Item in WNJ about the Main Street School in Wilmington, built in 1869 and used for 110 years.

Thursday 1997 - Surprised to get several e-mail letters, including one from Serena.

Friday 1998 - Item in WNJ about Jean's talk on Scandinavia.  Went to Dr., now down to three pills a day from seven.  Go back in couple of months.  Used the "free phone."  The couple in B'ham [John and Evelyn Spencer?] will celebrate 50 years on 10/10/98.  They were 28 when married.  His aunt will be 100 on 11/1 in Rochester NY.  Called Calvin Smith, he has had a pacemaker since 1988 and now has trouble sleeping.  Has no energy, had finger problems so doesn't play the piano.  Spends much of time in reading.  [Calvin died March 12, 1999 at the age of 72.  Read more about Calivn and his family here.]  Item in WNJ about peace talks [Israeli-Palestinian] to be in October.  Robert Hinshaw [former pres. of Wilmington College, lead tour groups] is one of the participants.

Saturday 1999 - [Holden Village WA]

Calvin Smith Family and New Vienna Church of Christ

Floyd Haverd "F.H." Smith was the pastor at the New Vienna Church of Christ, the Mt. Olive Church and later the New Antioch Church of Christ.  He and his wife Myrtice Coleman Smith were the parents of H. Owen, born March 29, 1924 (NVHS '42) and Calvin Clifton born June 21, 1926,(NVHS'44).  F.H. died in 1970 and Myrtice a few years later.

Church of Christ New Vienna Ohio c1905 

7/23/10 Hello: They are short on views up at this place. 

 Addressed to Miss Alice Mardis Lebanon Ohio postmarked 3 PM July 23, 1910

From New Vienna Church of Christ [web link is no longer valid] history: In November 1929, Floyd H. Smith came to the church and stayed for 19 years. He preached two Sundays per month until the church employed him full time for a salary of $1,050 per year. In 1938, Brother Floyd planned and did much of the work on the second major addition to the building. This addition consisted of two Sunday school rooms and basement on the west side of the auditorium. A new furnace was also installed at this time. Dedication of the addition and the beginning of a one-week revival were celebrated on November 13, 1938. The church's continued growth was recorded by the "Always Faithful" class at the beginning of a two-week "Homecoming" on October 19, 1941 with an attendance of 198. Attendance during this revival ranged from 77 to over 250.

Calvin and his family lived across Main Street from CJ and GHU's house during part of the time Calvin, Owen and HH were in school.  Her brother and father then built a house on 73 across from the RR tracks.

Calvin delivered the Wilmington News-Journal while HH delivered the Cincinnati Enquirer and the two had a friendly rivalry. The Enquirer at that time cost 28¢/week delivered 7-days, or 10¢/week for the Sunday paper only.

The Smiths were gifted some property by the Britain [Britton?] sisters, two elderly maiden ladies who lived across from the Methodist Church in what is now the Laymon house.  This property was on Mad River Road at the next intersection past Mt. Olive Church.  Owen was a mechanical whiz and both Owen and his father were good at construction, they built the house on Mad River Road also.

 

Christian Church [Church of Christ] New Vienna Ohio c1925?

Calvin had great intellectual gifts, attending Wilmington College x-44, [he must have attended college while still in HS as that is the same year he graduated from NV], besides graduating from Capitol University in Columbus, he received his PhD from Duke (where his 1957 doctoral dissertation was titled Milton's Satan and the Elizabethan Stage Villain -- available on microfilm at Brandeis, University of Illinois and University of Pennsylvania libraries) and also received a Fulbright Scholarship to study in France where HH & Jean visited him during their trip to Europe in 1954.

Returning from Paris University in October 1954,  Calvin later taught English Literature at Southern Methodist University in Dallas TX and then for most of his career was at the State University of New York at Fredonia.  He died March 12, 1999 in Buffalo NY.

Jean Elizabeth Bankert (b. April 8, 1929, d. August 2, 2000) from Baltimore became Calvin's wife on August 10, 1957.  She received a Masters Degree from Duke after graduating from Mount Holyoke College.  They lost a child and later had a son, John Coleman Smith in December 1961.  He and his wife, Erica Hedreen Smith (b. 1962) currently live in Germantown, Maryland and have two sons, Nicholas Calvin b. 1990 and Patrick Carl b. 1994.

Owen married Mary Evelyn Caplinger of Lees Creek area October 19, 1946 and they lived on Murphy Road, Sabina.  He served in the Navy in World War 2 and retired from General Motors.  Owen died September 9, 2002 and Mary is now in a Care Center.  [Owen and Mary's 50th Wedding Anniversary in 1996 was the last time HH saw Calvin -- he was "wrinkled and thin, and smelled of cigarettes."]

Debbie Smith Woodruff, Owen's daughter, was in the East Clinton Class of 1967 and her brother David was a 1970 EC graduate.  Debbie lives in New Vienna (Henry Road) and David lives in Wilmington.  Debbie said they see John when they attend the Smith family reunion of Smiths from White Sulphur Springs VA every August but they haven't been for a few years.

Debbie and Martin have two children Brad and Meagan.  Brad purchased Marvin Bond's property and lives near his parents.  David and his wife have a daughter, Tracy.

sources:
HH
Debbie Woodruff
Owen's obituary
article about Jean Bankert Smith, English teacher
New Vienna Church of Christ history  [web link is no longer valid]
Jean Bankert Genealogy

photos courtesy of Mike Whited and NV Church of Christ history

Calvin Smith to HH & JBU

A great letter – entertaining and funny, yet informative and complimentary from HH's long time childhood friend, Calvin Smith.  More about Calvin in a future post.  Transcription follows.

2258 Bryden Rd
Columbus [Bexley]
14 March 1949

Dear Jean, Harold and Catherine,

It was such wonderful news which the little card brought to me when it announced the new arrival in the Uible family; and it made me very, very happy -- both to be a pseudo-uncle and to know that your joy must be overflowing.  Congratulations to the parents and the new little Clevelander!  (Regarding the piggy bank, I was afraid for awhile that Catherine would be graduating from high school before I sent her gift; but one day I decided that I had waited long enough for even me, the Great Procrastinator.  I hope she will make use of this little animal constantly, though I doubt that her source of income will be the Cincinnati Enquirer.)

Before I forget it, too -- I thoroughly enjoyed the letter I received from Papa [HH] a week or so ago, since I know it took a part of some very precious time to write it.  Mrs. Stith is still most willing to rent you a room; and the quality of the room will depend on how many students she gets who plan to stay all summer.  Of course, they have priority since they will be here longer.  However, since there are not too many who go to summer school, I doubt there will be much difficulty on that score.  I asked our business manager about your eating at the Refectory; you may do so, but it will have to be on the individual meal basis -- 40¢ for breakfast, 60¢ for lunch, and $1 for dinner.  If you decide these are good enough prices you may take your meals at Cap (food guaranteed to be much better during the summer than during the winter!).  I'm looking forward to your being here in June; and provided I can find a job for the summer, I shall be around to welcome you.  [HH reports he stayed in the room while taking a cram course for the Ohio Bar test.]

I'm extremely glad to hear, Jean, that your husband is proving himself such a good father.  Although some years ago I didn't realize that was one of his great potentialities, I had every faith in him that he would rise to the occasion.

Incidentally, Catherine is to be congratulated upon a very wise choice of parents.  -- And how do you find the task of being a mother, Jean?  Of course it is ten times more interesting than any other occupation in the world, I should think; any sleepless nights, yet?  Or will the sleepless nights come when she gets to be sixteen or so?

Work is progressing -- I shan't say satisfactorily -- but is progressing here at school.  The big thorn in my flesh this semester (even including Latin! -- under Miss Young's old prof) is the yearbook.  It is the sort of task in which one has to depend upon the faithfulness of a lot of unfaithful people; and I must admit it is turning me into a dour cynic as regards human nature.  Our photographer -- a most important link in the chain of production -- consistently fails to come through on time; and I have always the feeling of beating my head against a wall.  During the early part of the year, this frustration was threatening to do me permanent injury, but now I have regained a somewhat even keel and blithely go about my futile job with something akin to resignation.  The studies are negligible, since I'm carrying only 14 hours this semester; all the studying I do is done in, I suppose, three hours per day.  The hours I spend in the Capitalian [Capitol University Yearbook] office, however, are almost innumerable.

You may be surprised to know that I am now possessed of an automobile, Harold; it's a fairly respectable '38 Dodge which my brother and father purchased for me a couple of months ago.  It had been owned by only one person -- an old woman; the 50,000 miles registered on the speedometer I take to be a fairly accurate count of the mileage, and the old trap works beautifully.  Of course, I'm finding it expensive -- but the time saved and the general satisfaction is wonderful!  It's a single-seater coupe like yours.  Even with the car, though, I don't get home often because of working on the yearbook; but I do plan to go down this coming weekend.  I, too, am looking forward to spring vacation and seeing you.  We get off the 8th to the 18th, but I shall be home only from about the 13th or 14th, if I make it then.  I hope you'll be there about then.  [Easter in 1949 was April 17.]

I must now return to school for dinner, so I'll close with another Congratulations to you three.  Drop me a line if the opportunity ever presents itself; be assured it gives me a great deal of pleasure to hear from you.

Sincerely, "Uncle" Calvin

Oct. 27, 1964,89-99 Happy Birthday, Dad!

Dad's Diary 1989-1999 [lightly edited]

Tuesday 1964 - We left for Oho Bar Trip to Mallorca Spain.

Friday 1989 - #64 [birthday] Had cake at the office, went to Wilmington, had May court hearing at noon.  We ate at 94 South.  They had a special for $4.95, onion soup was $2.50.  Had Mother up for cake and ice cream.  Jean gave me bike sweater.  Roberta sent a tape (Dobson), "Where's Dad?"

Saturday 1990 - [Roberta visiting] GHU joined us for Senior Citizens Pot Luck Dinner, Wilmington Librarian spoke.  John came about 3, house sale is iffy.  He gave me a Woolrich shirt, Jean several Ohio books.  Serena arrived after supper.  Cathy McIntosh called up, she plans to quit, doesn't get along with Joyce.  Hortons returned from visiting Cris and Angela in Auburn IN.

Sunday 1991 - [Gatlinburg TN to home with Gullets] We left Gatlinburg at 8:30, ate at Peoples Restaurant in Berea, buffet $5.95. Stella had two big pancakes. At Boone Tavern the cheapest entree was $13.25. Next stop was Friendly Ice Cream, $1.15/dip. Got home about 5pm. Roberta called about her qualifying for a $300 E.O. discount plus a free trip for getting 3 people.

Tuesday 1992 - [Seattle to Far East Trip with Liggitts]

Thursday 1994 - [Phoenix AZ] Roberta is promoting a trip to China in 9/95, she got us complimentary tickets for the symphony, pretty deep stuff. We ate at a Greek place at the AZ Center.

Friday 1995 - GG and Carolyn went on a bus tour to Nashville, they left at 7am. Had to be at the hospital at 6:30am, operation was at 7:30 with Dr. Kim. Jean was still groggy at noon and had a liquid supper. Stan Hannah is in the next room with a hip replacement. Serena came up in the PM, she is trying to replace our computer. Jean gave me a pair of gray slippers, turtle neck shirt and a potato spade. MV gave me a shirt: "Better to be dead than extinct."

Sunday 1996 - Went to Frisch's for lunch then to Owen and Mary Smith's 50th anniversary reception. Calvin was there, didn't recognize him, he is wrinkled and his wife, Jean, looks so matronly. They met at Duke in grad school and were married 8/57. Then to see Elvis at Extended Care. Then CMH where we helped the Harners bring Josephine home. At 6:30 had program at church, story of the song, Amazing Grace.

Monday 1997 - Dow Jones drops 550 points, Jean gave me a MQ belt and DQ shirt.

Tuesday 1998 - Got our recycle card and a digital thermometer. Catherine made her usual call. GG had pumpkin cake and Carolyn the hot cider.

Wednesday 1999 - Jean gave me tie with geography symbols. She worked at CMH in AM and then on cabbage and broccoli. Gore and [Bill] Bradley in NH debate [for Nov. 2000 presidential race].

Sept. 18, 1989-99 MV gives concert

Notes from Dad's Diary 1989-1999 [lightly edited]

Tuesday 1990 - [Japan and China through 9/30]

Wednesday 1991 - [USSR to Cincinnati Airport]  Back from USSR, see other notes [which aren't included], overnight at the Commonwealth Hilton for $68.

Friday 1992 - Plenty of pears to eat off the parsonage tree.

Saturday 1993 - Mother just doesn't want to eat or drink.  Bud Connell spoke at Men's Breakfast, had analogies with turkey hunting.  Jean had all day meeting at Mt. Orab.  We went ⃞ dancing at Hillsboro.  Caller was from Dresden, Ohio.  Got some nice fresh peaches from a truck in front of the Hillsboro Bo and Carl's.

Sunday 1994 - [KY, Roberta visiting, Serena and John Uible family also there] We all went to Don's church, right next to the parsonage.  Then had lunch at Fords Crossing.  In the afternoon we walked from Annie's house down to the lake.  At 7pm MV gave this concert accompanied by Ms Sears.  Large crowd.  Don gives Ginny coke to drink.

Monday 1995 - [China trip with Roberta, etc. through 9/27/95]

Wednesday 1996 - 45th anniversary of Clinton Memorial Hospital, they just opened the Progressive Care Unit.  In 1951 just Elsie Deline [?] and two clerical [employees].  Met Mary Ellen at Extended Care for her Mother to sign papers.  Jean has bad cold.  Bible Study on 1st Corinthians.  Item in WNJ about the Main Street School in Wilmington, built in 1869 and used for 110 years.

Thursday 1997 - Surprised to get several e-mail letters, including one from Serena.

Friday 1998 - Item in WNJ about Jean's talk on Scandinavia.  Went to Dr., now down to three pills a day from seven.  Go back in couple of months.  Used the "free phone."  The couple in B'ham [which couple? in Birmingham?] will celebrate 50 yeas on 10/10/98.  They were 28 when married.  His aunt will be 100 on 11/1 in Rochester NY.  Called Calvin Smith, he has had a pacemaker since 1988 and now has trouble sleeping.  Has no energy, had finger problems so doesn't play the piano.  Spends much of time in reading.  Item in WNJ about peace talks [Israeli-Palestinian] to be in October.  Robert Hinshaw is one of the participants.

Saturday 1999 - [Holden Village WA]