1981 MV's Family Letter -May 23

 

May 23, 1981

Dear Family --

We received a postcard from Mom and Dad today . . . glad to hear that they arrived in Mesa okay.  Mie Young and I have been busy trying to keep the homefires burning.  Serena passed her drivers license test with flying colors, and caught the bus to Columbus this morning.  The Hortons, Mie Young, and I all went to see "Company" last nite.  We had dinner at Frisch's before hand, with Uncle Bill paying for dinner, then I paid for the tickets, so it worked out pretty evenly.  Grandma and Serena didn't go (Grandma had a bad cold, Serena didn't want to), so I game Wilma's tickets to Bruce Stauffer and Cherie Cooper.  Everyone seemed to enjoy the musical . . . alot of New Vienna teachers were there, due to the student teachers from Wilmington College giving tickets, instead of paying them.  I get this information from Eileen Cline, who was there with her little boy, who is really cute . . . blonde hair, blue eyes.  Also the Wilson's (Band Director & wife) were there.

I called the college to see if I had to get an application for Summer School, and they said yes.  So I stopped this morning, but College Hall was locked up tight.

Kay Wolfrom was up tonight to borrow lawn chairs for their graduation reception/dinner . . . .  We stopped at Hannah's on the way home from Wilmington today . . . .  Mie Young and I had never seen their house look so clean.

I did weed the flowers out front, and took a few pictures of the nice ones.  The phlox are really pretty and one of the snapdragons have bloomed.  The marigolds are so-so, while the petunias aren't making much progress at all.  The seeds that I planted last weekend don't show any shines [signs] of progress yet.

Tonite was the big New Vienna Alumni blow-out . . . Gail (Caplinger) Hutchins was going to go with her father.  So I said that we'd (Mie Young and I) watch Michael . . . and then they could stay all nite and go to church in the morning.  She is trying to potty-train Michael . . . what a headache . . . and a MESS!!!!  Luckily we only had one accident . . . but unfortunately, it was major . . . I was glad that Ruth had had more experience at babysitting than Mie Young and I . . . so Michael is now sound asleep on the couch in the Recreation room.

We went down to see the tennis courts tonite, but didn't play at all.  Our neighbors, the Davidsons were making good use of one, then Kara Dodd and Amy Cooper took the other one, so it's good to see that they are in good use.

Graduation practice went well on Friday . . . we really didn't do anything, but get some sun . . . I think everybody was using suntan lotion . . . except me . .  I did get a little burned, but not badly.

We saw a light on down at Wells last nite after the play so Uncle Bill and I investigated from the outside, since I didn't have a key.  It looked like someone had just left the light on, and forgotten, so I went back down with the key and looked around a little . . . I didn't find anything.

The UMW had their bake sale this morning for Memorial Day, but we didn't have time to go in, as we had to get Serena to the Bus Station.  We pulled up just as the bus did, so it was timed well . . . too well for me.

That's about all the news . . . hope Mom and Dad are having a good time in Arizona, soaking up the sun and riding around on Roberta's motorcycle.  It is nice here since the rain has stopped . . . up in the 70's.

Until next week . . . .

[Love, etc. from MV]

1980 Family Letter -July 24

7-24-70

Dearest Catherine, Gerry, Wendy and Dee Dee,

Realized that we would be late getting a letter off to you especially when we would see the others soon or have just seen them.  Roberta and Marion have been here since Friday and plan to leave tomorrow morning - wish that they could stay longer but R. has to be back in Mesa next Tuesday in order to be at work Wed. morning.  She had promised to be back before the end of the month to finish up the monthly reports.  If she weren't driving back she wouldn't have to leave so soon but is taking the car back that Marion drove to Illinois in June but her back bothers her too much to drive it back by herself in August.

Mary Virginia is having her concert (her own idea and working) at the church Saturday night or she might help Roberta with the driving but R can't wait til Sunday to start.  John and Carol are coming down for it and called Serena and found out that she is coming in late Friday night as Debbie Haines is coming home the same weekend.  We had thought that Serena had planned to go to Kansas City as she has a week's vacation next week -- thought something might work out for her to accompany R that far.  Anyway we are glad to hear that she is coming home but really surprised too.

Dad mailed the shirts to you all today so should be getting them soon -- he sent them to the Co-op.  If there are any that you don't want to keep we will pick them up in August.  Roberta was able to find two that had Arizona State on them -- gave one to Vanessa for her birthday.  It was good talking to you Tuesday AM and look forward to your next call.  The rain that day finally broke the heat spell we have had for quite a few days -- seems like it's either extra hot or extra cool but these last few days have been real nice.  The humidity hasn't been so bad.  Heard Meachem Oregon had the coldest spot in the country this morning.

Mary Virginia had a game last night and another tonight and their team won both games -- tonight's was with a team that just got started playing -- only played three innings and it was 41-0.  They ran short of players and Marion and our coach even got in and helped them out.

Ruth got home from the hospital on Sunday and is staying with the Colliers.  Isn't allowed to lift over three pounds nor able to do much.

Roberta talked to Linda Rollins Davenport who played on last night's ball team -- she is the only one in her family to graduate from college and is working at Lebanon Correctional Institute as a social worker.  Has a boy about 8 and a little girl.

The Hortons are back home after the big heat wave in North Carolina while visiting Cris.  Next month they plan to meet Joe in New York along with Marianne and Larry K.

Monday we -- Marion, Roberta and I -- went to Columbus where R visited a couple of nutrition centers and saw John and Carol.  MV had her music lesson so didn't go. 

John and Carol are coming Saturday afternoon after they attend some political meeting at the governor's mansion in Columbus and have to be back in Newark early Sunday morning as they have just taken over the teaching of a young people's Sunday school class and hate to miss the second Sunday.  May stay overnight but will probably go back Saturday evening.

Don't have any idea how many people will come to the concert -- MV had originally wanted to serve refreshments and I suggested just punch but now she doesn't want to have anything.  Tim Larrick is playing for her.  She had originally asked Denise Stewart but her father has been very sick this summer and so she wasn't able to do it so MV has Tim who is very good.

We are due to leave this Thursday and school begins the day we get back so the summer will be over -- it has really gone fast.  Mie Young Kim is coming in about the same time -- hopefully not until the 24th the day MV finishes with the Ohio State Youth Choir.  She has to be at the fairgrounds to begin practicing Aug. 8 and the fair is the 12-24.

I'l leave some space for Dad to add a note --

Not sure how long a note should be -- we are having a bumper apple crop, i.e. apple sauce is one of our staples -- sorry it is not practical to share the apples with you folks.

Grandma is fine -- you would never know she had been in the hospital.  She had plans to come out west this fall, visiting both you folks and Roberta, the schedule depends on when Joe Horton will be here in NV.

Love,

[Mom & Dad]

1979 MV's letter to John -July 19

July 19, 1979

Dearest John --

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

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

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

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

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

Love, Mary Va.

1979 Family Letter -July 17

Tuesday morning --

July 17, 1979

Dearest Family --

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[All our love, etc.]

1979 Family Letter -Apr.15

[The typing on the back side make parts of the first few paragraphs on the front page difficult to read.  Will do the best possible transcription but feel free to interpret it yourself!]

Sunday evening –

April 15, 1979

Easter

Dearest Family,

Wish that you all could have been here with us today for we did miss you but perhaps another year we will all celebrate together, who knows?  Elizabeth Johnson, Mrs. Matthews, Grandma as well as John and Carol were here.  We hadn't know that Carol was coming but glad to have her here.  We had rather expected Masa . . . as he mentioned about coming and said that . . . but we never heard from him.  It is so hard to reach him at Wilmington College.  Sometimes he gets the messages and sometimes not.

Almost had another raw turkey but caught it in time just before we left for Sunday School and found that the oven timer was not working and oven had gotten cold so it finished just in time.  John and Carol picked up Mrs. M. and Elizabeth came . . . church . . . her own power.  She visited her father at Extended Care . . . we took Mrs. M. back and then had a bite . . . and then went home.  We had a real good turkey.  . . . pounds which seemed to have alot of meat left on it to make turkey soup, freeze 2 big containers and then some.  Also had some asparagus that I had frozen last year and almost forgotten, plus made mashed potatoes that I hadn't fixed for ? long but Mrs. M. said one time she quit eating the ones at Extended Care for they were always instant kind.

Appreciated talking to you, Catherine and Roberta – Wed. and today respectively.  Tho we always think of something afterwards but that is the human touch.

It is now Monday evening and we just came home from the annual Republican county meeting and among others were talking with the Frank Cunningham's who have a daughter in Denver and they said they would give Serena a call when there this week.  Naturally the states's newest State Senator, Cooper Snyder, was there, who Serena remembers particularly well.  Cooper told us that the fellow who resigned as S.S. told him that he wouldn't wish the job on his worst enemy.  Seriously, the Snyders seem to be enjoying it.

Last week bought five fruit trees, but the weather has been uncooperative as far as putting them out.  Picked Grandma some rhubarb Saturday and MV mowed the grass so spring is coming.

Yesterday was a busy day at Church with Sunrise Services followed by breakfast, then Sunday School and Church and so many there that there were some in the balcony.  MV sang a solo and got a lot of compliments.  We think she does enjoy her music now.  Saturday night there was a musical program at the Church, so no lack of things to go.

It has been a joke ever since Christmas about the TV service man as he has been telling us that he would be over from Sabina "tomorrow", which has yet to arrive.  Then this morning Grandma saw the TV truck of another fellow at a neighbors house and gave them a call and he was over there in a few minutes – we couldn't believe it.  

For the record, Serena, we got to know Mrs. Cunningham quite well when she was on the trip to Ireland with us.  She and the same friend she was with then (Mary Schnapp, former Clerk of Court) plan to go to Switzerland this summer.  Mr. Cunningham prefers to go to Denver to visit at those times.

Ruth was rather depressed after seeing the doctor last Saturday as he still won't let her go back to work and didn't think she ought to go to church as it had been hard on her the Sunday before.  The Colliers had the family down – don't think that Carolyn made it though.  Ruth was so sorry to miss seeing John and Carol when they tried to see her Sunday.

Mary Virginia surprised everyone with her voice – she sang better than I have ever heard her and didn't seem to be the least bit frightened.  Carol harmonized with her on parts and their voice blended well but she really belted it out with felling – "Rise Again".  The Messengers had done it the night before and so had Ed Perry's group earlier but liked her rendition the best – course I'm not prejudiced.  Wish the rest of you could have heard her too.  

Masa never called as he said that he would be he more or less invited himself over the last time when he met John and the latter said that he hoped to see more of him.  Anyway, he didn't make it for Easter.

Dad said we had a letter from the Morgans this morning and looking forward to hearing more.  Don't know why the mail is slow in getting to Madras.  Roberta's new typewriter and brown ribbon are classy and never hear too often from any of you.  Serena?  I got a permanent but MV decided to get hers cut and wait as she still has some left even yet.  She went with me to Dayton to attend a book review meeting of children's librarians which we both found interesting.  On the way back we stopped in Centerville at a shop that had been recommended to her.  MV also got a curling iron and has been using it.

I know that Dad will want this ready to put into the mail but thought I might think of some other things I wanted to say as I usually do after the letters are on their way.  Glad to have mail from all of you and it was nice having John and Carol here for Easter.  We love you very much and don't tell you often enough but looking forward to seeing you this summer – wish we could have one big get together!!

With all our love,

Dad & Mother

P.S.  Know you know much of this but want you to know we're thinking of you.  The concert is in Dayton Sat. night – not Columbus as M.V. thought.  Hope you can make it!

1979 Jean's Family Letter -Mar.26

Monday morning

March 26, 1979

Dearest Family –

We have had a busy weekend but do want to get a letter off to you all before too long so that it won't be such a long time since you have heard from us.

Glad that your gum operations are all in the past, Catherine and have no more problems in that direction.  It was so good talking to you on the phone Wednesday and wish we had been able to help Wendy celebrate her 1 1/2 birthday – hardly seems possible.  We have been sharing pictures of all of you lately that were taken in December and January and that's the next best thing to a real visit almost (telephone helps so much too).

Ruth called yesterday and said how happy she had been to get to talk to you, Roberta and was relaying your message to us.  She is coming along real well – for you others' information she got home Thursday and hopefully will not need an operation before June when she is to have some surgery.  She is on a strict diet and allowed only 800 calories a day but seems to be satisfied by it – hasn't lost any weight yet but is not craving water as in the past which just seemed to wash the potassium from her system.

Elizabeth Johnson just left after spending two nights here – we invited her in to hear (and see) Ed Perry and the quartet he is in that sang at the church Saturday nite and Sunday morning.  Yesterday was the beginning of the New Life Mission that the Methodist churches are having this week.  (Anything like that in Mesa or Madras or Denver?)  We have a minister form Defiance who is really a good speaker – he spoke twice yesterday and each evening through Thursday plus each morning a Bible study.  We had another visiting quartet group from Dayton and hope to have as good or better attendance the rest of the week as last night.

The weather was so beautiful for a few days but have had winter back again with snow flurries and its to get to the 20's tonight.  Dad is trying to get things ready for Grandma but the plumber has to make some minor repairs – hate to have her pipes freeze now – she plans to come home Thursday the 5th.  The Hortons are going to the Masters Tournament at Auburn (?) GA and visit Cris and Marita on the weekend before so Grandma is coming earlier for that reason.

Debbie Haines call you Serena or rather wanted your address if you weren't coming home for spring break.  She is working at Clinton Memorial Hospital as a nurse's aid to see what type of health related field she would like.

[Love, etc.]

1978 Roberta's Letter to John -Feb.12

 February 12, 1978

Hi, John!

Sunday night . . . . writing letters, and it's great to have yours to answer . . . . seems like lately that is the extent of my letter writing!

Hope that Rob does go to the farm this year – would be good for him – and know he would enjoy it lots!  As for me going back – it's not in the books . . . I'm glad for my 3 summers there but . . . . And what about M. Mahanes [?] going – is she serious?

I'm going to keep my job at the school – it's ok – wish my wages weren't frozen – but that's the breaks working for the county!

We went to the play – "Bubbling Brown Sugar" yesterday eve really enjoyed it – are you familiar with it?  All black cast but 1 white guy – good!!  Lots of soul music – of the 40's and 50's.

Ruth is coming on Wednesday then on Saturday Mom & Mary Va – then on Tuesday – Dad.  Also Liz might be coming out for the weekend only.  What a shame that I have to hold a job down during all the tourist season!

Does it feel good to be back in school – or not???  do you have good feelings about all of your tripping around? 

We put a AM/FM/8 Track in the Buick – w/ even speakers in the door.  It's a pioneer – really good sound!  Wish you were here to listen to it!

We are taking this course on book of John – at the Church – it's almost like being in a retirement community –

Tell me what else did they (?) take from the house?  did Dad report it?  It's so disgusting – How did they get in?  How much of a mess did they leave?

I've been getting the News Journals – my the winter you all are having!!  I'm sure glad to be out here instead of there though!

What is happening in your life lately?  Write & keep me posted!!

What is the plan for going to Florida in April?

Love, Bert

1967 Jean's Letter to Catherine -Oct.2

Monday

Oct. 2, 1967

Dearest Catherine,

We keep thinking every day that we'll hear from you – even a post card but perhaps tomorrow.  Daddy said he wrote you this morning so there isn't much new to tell you.

I saw Mr. Bernard tonight and he said that Shirley, Brenda and Vicki are coming home this weekend but Weegie doesn't plan to come.

Mrs. Fisher said Alice has a list of things she needs every time she writes – first it was a white uniform that she has to wear to her Home Ec class(es).  The last letter said she needs white shorts for gym class.  But Mrs. Fisher said she'd (Alice) have to get that herself as she couldn't be sure of her size.  I doubt if she would have any luck around here finding any shorts, let alone white, remembering your luck.

Mrs. Collier or Ruth S. said Carolyn is dissatisfied with her dorm – she was home last weekend but I didn't get to see her.

Tonight was the Home and School League Open House.  I worked today to get both libraries ready for inspection – don't know who really inspected them but they did look alot better.

Mr. Raish [sp?] introduced me to his wife and she's a real BLONDE BOMBSHELL.  Quite a shock but seemed very nice.

Mrs. Walker told me Jack's sister & family were down from Bloomington, Mich. and they couldn't speak too highly of K College to what a high scholastic average you have to have to be accepted.  They (Mich. Walkers) couldn't believe that someone from New Vienna would be going there.  Evidently Mrs. Walker told Mrs. Hause for she told me the same thing & how proud they all are of you.

Both Mrs. Walker and Mrs. McKenzie told me how attractive they think you look with you hair and contacts.  [Watch your headsize now after all these comments].

Ruth Shoemaker & Mrs. Collier evidently got along fine with the younger three.  Ruth had helped Serena bake 2 apple pies Saturday A.M. & had made a cake to have for John's birthday dinner yesterday.  He had invited Grandma & Granddaddy & wanted to have Mrs. Smith so we invited her too.

Saturday was the Chicken Barbecue at Fairview & it was real good and well attended.  They were even sitting eating on the benches in the sanctuary.

Mrs. Robinson told me her brother-in-law had driven them around the new library at K College so they could see where you would be studying.

We are most anxious to hear from you and how everything is going – whether the Computer Dance was very reliable for matching – how your classes work out & what you are taking & when, if you went to church & where – plus hundreds of other things.  I saw alot of bedspreads & curtains at Marshall Field but knew if I sent anything it would either duplicate or clash with your purchases or ideas.  You have a real nice room and Gina seemed real compatible.  Hope you have fun along with all that studying you'll no doubt be doing – the competition will be stiff but you've got what it takes – don't try to live up to Debbie Smith's reputation.  You are more well rounded than she – not figuratively speaking.

It was nice meeting your adviser and the Davis'es (Charlie's parents?) & many others.  Hope to hear soon.

All our very best love, Mother

1967 HH Letter to Catherine -Oct.2

October 2, 1967

Miss Catherine Uible
217 Mary Trowbridge House
Kalamazoo College
Kalamazoo, Michigan 49001

Dear Catherine:

We got home Saturday about 3 PM after spending the night near Fort Wayne, Indiana.  Stopped to see the Schamauns Saturday A.M. and they have a beautiful Church there, built new in 1960.  The parsonage is right next door.  Did you know that Greg had a little accident with his bike in Fla. and they [Greg's school?] have a meal ticket with Howard Johnsons five days a week but the other two days they are on their own as far as eats.  What meal does K miss?  How is the steak night?  In fact we are interested in hearing all the details.

Really warmed up here today to the 80º mark.  Ruth Shoemaker had made John a birthday cake so celebrated his birthday yesterday.  Had Grandma and Grandad up along with Mrs. Smith and they all stayed till 4 P.M. which is pretty much of a record.

Had 19 at MYF last night.  Your Mother had the program which was on decisions.  She wrote several letters like to Dear Abbey and then handed them out and asked the members to write a reply which seemed to go over pretty good.

Mrs. Walker was talking to us about seeing her sister-in-law who lives near Detroit and told her how hard it is to get into K College because of their high standing, etc. etc. etc., so we are sure you will have some wonderful experiences.

Have you used your bike any yet?  Is the computer still in the box?  Enclosing your Kimberly Clark check which I have endorsed over to you.  Let us know if you have trouble cashing checks for may have to make other plans, if so.

We have some clippings up home but they can come at a later time.  Good luck, Catherine.

Dad

1977 Pictures from Ruth, MV & Jean's trip to San Diego -Feb.

1977 MV & Ruth in California -Feb

1977 Dee & MV in California -Feb

1977 Jean, Ruth, Gerry & Catherine in California -Feb

1977 Dee, Roberta & MV in California -Feb

1977 Jean, Roberta, Gerry & Catherine in California -Feb

1977 Ruth Shoemaker postcards from CA -Feb.

Indian Elephant San Diego Zoo

Fri. [postmarked 18 Feb 1977, to John]

Hi!
Lunch is over, we are at Kathy's apt. went to the zoo this A.M.  Gee, I've been having the time of my life, really getting sun tan.  We are going to Mexico tomorrow.  Berta really has been showing us around.  I went up to Burbank at noon Mon. they all came up on Wed. & went to Universal Studios, then ate dinner at Knotts Berry Farm that eve. Then next day Disneyland so we all are beginning to drag a little but still more to see.

Love, Ruth

Victoria Station Restaurant postcard -mailed 1977

[to John, postmarked 22 Feb 1977]

Hi!  We have had a super time in Calif.  I like San Diego but Los Angeles, is to smoking for me.  We are heading back to Ohio tomorrow A.M. in the snow banks.  Kathy has new owners and he is here fixing the door.  They are looking for a two bedroom apt.  They are so happy about the newcomer.  Uncle John, how does that sound.  Well I must go as we are to meet Gerry for lunch & do a little shopping and then do packing for back home.  Love, Ruth

1977 HH Letter -Feb.13

Ruth Shoemaker, Jean, and MV are visiting San Diego at the time this letter was written.

Sunday, February 13, 1977

Dear Family:

After leaving you all yesterday my first stop was:
(choose one)
a.  A restaurant for some colored water
b.  A public library
c.  A store to look for neckties

Actually while you were jetting down to Dallas I was enjoying the Troy Public Library – dedicated July 4, 1976 an extremely modernistic building and a real layout for the periodicals – they had different shelves for this weeks NYT, another shelf for last weeks, etc. etc. and another shelf for the past six weeks of the Sunday issue.  In the past two issues (Sunday) they had an interesting article on MP in Peru and on a trip to Hong Kong.

Lunch location was in Xenia at Ponderosa – their noon bargain is no more.  Tried their fish fillet ($2.19) out of curiousity, which was okay, but you know my aversion for fried foods.  Glad to report that Edna and Raymond Walls were there to check up on me.  Came down 380 via New Burlington, but didn't really see any changes there.

Americare was as usual, Mrs. Matthews told me that she had tired [tried] to call you to thank you for the strawberries and how much she had enjoyed them.  Said she had a call from her gr-daughter in Yemen on her birthday.

The next library stop found the NV regulars there, did get a book on New Burlington, Ireland and the Rockefellers and did read about 100 pages last night.  It was about 6 last night when I got back to N.V. and hope that at that time you were all enjoying your initial happy experiences to that California living.

Yes, M.V., DD.S.S. is fine – gave him both supper and breakfast so far.  There is so much good food in the refrigerator that I don't know where to start and just hope that you folks fare as well out west as we Easterners do . . . .  they say that California yogurt is great stuff.

Enjoy yourselves and tell everyone "Hello".

DD - SS temporary guardian and your handy man

Happy Valentines Day to all you sweet people.

1977 Catherine's Letter to John -Feb.1

Tuesday Evening

February 1, 1977

Dear John,

How do you find things back in Granville after your extended absence, also after having lived in a glamorous place like Washington D.C.?  You find them by looking, right?

Thank you for the birthday card.  It did arrive exactly on my birthday.  It was nice talking to you on the phone especially when you called here at home.  You got me so flustered when you called at work that I don't think I was capable of carrying on a conversation.  Also I was unable to tell you our big news and that is that I am pregnant.  Gerry and I are very thrilled about that.  Roberta's been dying to tell everybody.  Did she tell you?  You'll have to wait until a future letter to hear more news about the forthcoming baby, however, since it will be several months yet.

We are looking forward to seeing Mom, Mary & Ruth here next week. It should be nice for them to get out of the cold for awhile but it sounds like Mary V. may be going to school all summer to make up for what she has missed.  Do you have any suggestions on what we should do while they are here?  I guess Mary wants to go to Tijuana but that is all that I have heard.

We haven't been doing too much.  This evening we went to the library and got some books to read.

We're going to start looking for a different apartment pretty soon.  We will probably stay in this general area of the city though since it is fairly central.

The new bed we got is really nice.  It is queen size and fairly firm and is a tremendous improvement over the flea ridden one that came with the apartment.  We hope next to get a kitchen table and then perhaps we'll get some baby stuff.  Mom said she'd bring me out some of her maternity things and I said well I'd be sure and take good care of them so Mary Virginia could use them when she had a baby.  Mary got a big laugh out of that.  She said she thought I'd be better off burning them.

Well, John, write again soon and tell us what is new on the campus scene.  We always enjoy hearing from you and what is expected of you!

Love,

Catherine & Gerry

1976 Ruth Shoemaker Letter -Aug.24

Ruth accompanied Harold, Jean & Mary Virginia on a trip to New Jersey and New York City which included visiting Hudson Guild Farm where Roberta and John were working for the summer.

[Postmarked Aug. 24, 1976]

Tues. A.M.

Dear Jean & Harold:

I didn't feel right just thanking you orally.  I wish to express my sincere thanks to you and all the family for their kindness to me.  I say it again I've never met anyone like the Uibles and I shall always be grateful to you for letting me share your vacation with you in 1976.  May God bless all of you.

Your friend always

Love, Ruth

1975 Roberta's Letter Oct.19

This letter was overlooked in October, so think back to before Roberta left for India, while Mom & Dad were on their New Zealand trip. Serena was at Park College, John was at Exeter, and Catherine was in Maine.  Ruth Shoemaker was in residence with Roberta and MV.

October 19, 1975

Dear John,

Hi!  Wanted you to know that all of us are acting like respectable young ladies while the folks are gone!

I'm making progress as to my trip – now have my plane ticket – also have got the back-pack out & going to make some practice runs (um - walks!)

Down at the factory we are punching jacks – I hate it – I'm slow and it hurts my fingers!  We're super busy now – Elvis Wiget was put in the hospital last week – kidney stones or something of the sort.  If you have the time drop him a card – he would surely appreciate it!

You are missing alot of good cooking – Ruth's pumpkin pies, chicken – Am I making you hungry?

How's work?  Last week on the Waltons John Boy got a job in his school library.

I was up at the Goodings this last week – they all said hello & all that.  Jim might go to Morehead KY to school.

Crop me a note & let us know how hard you are studying!  Ho, Hum –

Love, 

Berta

1925 Ruth Shoemaker's postcard

From the Shoemaker/Collier postcard collection  – this card was sent to Mabel and Ruth's older sisters, Blanche then age 16 and Grace, age 14.

U.S. Post Office, Chillicothe, Ohio -postcard mailed 1925

1925 Chillicothe P.O. postcard - sent to Shoemakers

[postmarked 3 Aug 1925]
North Hickory St., Chillicothe

Dear Girls:
I will now try and let you know where I'm at.  But please don't ans. as I will be back Thurs. or Friday.

This is the Post Office of Chillicothe and just below this is where we are moving if we get the house which I think we will.

From, Frances Hartley

1984 John's Letter to Ruth Shoemaker -Nov.3

November 3, 1984

Dear Ruth,

I have intended to write you ever since I received your birthday cad a month ago.  We were so disappointed not to get to see you when we were home in August.  Glad to hear you are feeling better.

We were surprised to hear of your move to Wilmington.  I had asked Mom to send us your new address at Prairie View so we could drop a line to you.  Hope you are happy there and all settled in by now.  I'm sure it has not been easy to move away from Mabel and Elroyd and all your friends in New Vienna.  But you will find friends in Wilmington I know.  You are too nice of a person to be without friends.  Ruth, I cannot forget all the times you took care of us.  I can still taste your great cooking – especially the mashed potatoes and gravy.  We certainly had it made when Mom & Dad went away.

X and I are doing fine.  I am still at the bank in the trust dept. and X still babysits Brooke who will be five in February.  We have gotten involved here in Newark to the point where we have not been down to New Vienna very much lately.  The next time we come down, we will make every effort to stop in and see you.  We miss you, Ruth!  You are in our prayers.  May the Lord richly bless you and bring you all the happiness and joy you desire & deserve.  You are very important to us as you share a lot of what has happened during my lifetime.  I will always consider you one of the best friends I've had and currently have.  If there is every anything we can for you please ask us.  We would consider it an honor & privilege to help you in any way we can.

We will try to stay in touch.  Bundle up for I think winter is upon us.  Thanks for your cards, your love and your friendship.  You don't know how much that means to me, Roberta, Serena & Mary Va.  We sure love you.

All our love in Christ Jesus,

John, X & Piper        

P.S. Do you have a Bible you can read everyday?  If not, we'll get you one.