1973 Roberta's Letter -Dec.22

Christmas is fast approaching in south Florida, 1973.  Roberta's using the stationery that was misprinted by Burdines.  Transcription follows.

December 22,

1973

Dear Family,
Hi! Only 2 more shopping days till Christmas and boy am I glad!  After today I'm completely worn out!  I just don't see how the shoppers all have so much energy – most of them must have desk jobs!  HA!

It's 10:45 p.m. - and I just got done eating my supper.  Despite the late hour I still had a pretty good one - liver, aparagus (sp?) and green pepper (w/my liver) It was all very good.  I've gotten so I really like apagarus [sic] - except it's so expensive!

I've worked late every night this week.  Tomorrow (Sunday) the store will be open 11:00 till 7:00.  Monday the store will just be open till 5:30.  Then after Christmas I'm not going to be working as much!

Thanks today for the Christmas Newsletter & also personal letter.  We also heard from Cris today.  He didn't say anything too shocking – said that they had eaten hamburgers & F.F's.  It (the letter) was written the day after they got there. [Senegal, visiting Joe]  It's hard for me to believe that I was there just a year ago this time.

We've had quite a few Christmas cards from some of the shop people – Donna Brown, Arlene Curtis, Rosemary Gilland, & Mrs. Salisbury.

I didn't win the contest.  Fran Quightey [?] did – she'll be happy when she gets back.  She left this morning for Chicago for a week.  My divisional manager said that on almost every form w/out fail that a customer filled out on me that they said that I really knew my merchandise & stock.  He said he was happy about that.  Now that I didn't win I don't have to worry about spending the money!!  HA!

It's been so cold down here – but still not as cold as I read about in the paper for Ohio – or Maine!!

I'm enclosing an article that was in the Palm Beach County paper.  The picture is of Jennifer - my dept. manager and one of our display tables.  I thought it was a pretty good article.

When I was out at the shopping mall on Friday I bought some dry soybeans - Grandma cooked them up yesterday.  They tasted pretty good - on W.W. you eat them instead of meat.  They are much cheaper – also a nice change!

The other morning I had blueberry pancakes – except they turned out to be more like a pudding.  I put a piece of white bread, an egg, and ¼ cup of blueberries in the blender – w/some vankilla, artificial sweetner & water.  After I blended that all up I added the other ¼ cup of berries – then put the "batter" in a teflon skillet.  I guess I added too much liquid – but like I said it was a very good pudding.  I just put it in a bowl & got out a spoon!

I've got a good recipe for apple cookies – I'll let you know how they come out.  I'm afraid most of my W.W. people aren't trying too hard w/ the "holiday season" here.  they all seem satisfied if they just stay the same.

Tomorrow at work there is a free buffet – for anyone who works.  I'm going to go – hope there will be some food there that I can eat!

Better get some sleep for now –

Love, Roberta

1963 John's Sunday School Postcard -Dec.22

John and the rest of the family, except for Roberta who was already in Florida, attended Sunday School at the Methodist Church in Cordele, Georgia on Sunday, December 22, 1963.

 

 

1983 MV's Letter -Dec.20

MV writes to her parents who have preceded her to Arizona and to Roberta in December 1983 prior to Roberta's wedding to Sid. Transcription follows

12-20-83
Dear Mom, Dad & Roberta -

Greetings from the frigid North!  The average temperature here has been about 10-15º, and it is supposed to be cooler this weekend.  Brrrr ––

Things have been running smoothly here - Mie Young & I have been taking it easy – Sunday we had a fire in the fireplace.

My trip to Port William Saturday was a total waste - I was the only one in my class that showed up, and I ended up taking nursery duty.

On my way back from Port William I did get some shopping in Wilmington - I bought a nice sweat suit at Meeks with a portion of Grandma's Christmas money.  I got a 10% discount as it was pick your own discount day - it is bright red with navy trim.

We are finishing up the Roast Pork today - I made Sweet & Sour Pork with the help of a La Choy – will probably finish the soup tomorrow.

Mie Young is glued to the TV whenever she is home, every waking moment.  Sunday night, Steve, Chad & I went to Cuba Friends Meeting to give a chalk talk.  Real good attendance.  Cloe (sp?) Van Pelt was the one who had invited us to come – she is Larry Martin's sister-in-law.

I have been reading the book Lorraine gave me for Christmas - Chuck Swindoll's "Dropping Your Guard" - Very good.

Last night at work we had two groups of carolers – the Brownies & a group from New Antioch Church of Christ.  I guess the Church of Christ (Murkle) and the Youth Group at the Catholic Church brought out packages for every patient – baby powder, etc.

Charlotte Hause called up this morning & invited Mie Young & I for Christmas dinner.  I declined as I wouldn't have enough time& I had already gotten an invitation from Strykers in Port William.  I am anxious to see what Christmas is like at work.

They're having a retirement party for Helen Cline on Dec. 28 from 2-5 p.m.  Sorry I can't go.  I found my Flight Schedule Saturday night.

December 28
Depart Cincinnati 4:30 p.m.
Arrive Phoenix 7:57 p.m.

January 2
Depart Phoenix 3:10 a.m.
Arrive Cincinnati 12:30 p.m.

Several Christmas cards arrived yesterday – I will bring all of them out with me instead of forwarding.  I did forward John's letter yesterday.

Roberta must be sick. I haven't talked to her since last week!!  I think the phone is going into withdrawal symptoms.

Will call Christmas Eve when I get home from work – Hope there weren't any complications on the trip out.

Love, MV

1973 Catherine's Letter to MV -Dec.19

Catherine writes to Mary, December 1973. Transcription follows.

 Wednesday morning

December 19, 1973

Dear Mary,

Hi!  Thanks for the letters and the Christmas card we've gotten from you lately.  Your present arrived yesterday, we thought we'd wait until Christmas to open it though.  I hope you like what we got you.

Your Christmas card was the first one we received.  We haven't gotten too many, but that could be because we only sent one.  It was one that somebody sent to us but they didn't sign it so I signed our names to it and mailed it on.  Personally, I would rather get a letter than a Christmas card so I send people letters.

We enjoyed having Serena here and now we're looking forward to having you come.  Kuman is especially lonesome with Serena gone as Serena played with Kuman alot.

I just put a new ribbon in the typewriter before I began this letter but I guess the typewriter needs cleaned or something because it isn't working too well.  It makes a funny loud noise instead of a hum too.  It sounds more like an idling motorcycle than a typewriter.

What are you going to do during Christmas vacation?  How much time off will you have.  WE took a vacation day yesterday but we didn't do much but read and then in the evening we went to the college library.  We get the Saturday and the Monday before both Christmas and New Years off.  So we will have two four day weekends.

This is some old stationery I found at the library.  [Picture of old house on reverse]  I also found a whole bunch of postcards that say to put a 1¢ stamp on them.

I have worn that cape you gave me last Christmas quite a bit.  Earlier in the fall when it was cool but not cold enough for a coat I wore it to work almost every day.  I really like it.  I was thinking that sometime I might make myself another one in a different color.

Where did you get the stationery with the frogs on it?  I like it.

X is about to take Kuman to the vet to get her 1974 license and I have to go hang some clothes out so I better close.  Write again soon!

Love, Cathy

1973 Roberta's Letter -Dec.18

Roberta's school semester is over, but life continues busily with Weight Watchers, Burdines, and Christmas in December 1973.  Transcription follows.

December 18, 1973

Dear Family,

Hi!  Was sure a nice surprise today getting that phone call . . . . . that is once I was sure nothing was wrong! (HA!)

I just got back from WW in Boynton.  Remember the woman that I told you about losing 13½ pounds her first week?  Well – she lost 2½ pounds this last week!  She's the only new one in the class – but I imagine after the 1st of the year we'll have lots of new ones that ate their way through the holidays!

As I said on the phone I got my grades today – got a 'B' out of my Criminal Justice course and also out of Psychology.  That nasty 'C' came in my deviance course - the one I had the take home exam in.  Of course – it's a 5 hour class!  But the CRJ course was a 5 hour class & Psych 4 hours.

I almost had trouble cashing your check today - the tuition check - down at the bank.  The teller didn't want to cash it - or rather told me I couldn't because I didn't have that much in my account.  But I told her I wanted to talk to Mr. Garnett – after a few minutes after I talked to him I had no trouble!

I got a really nice note & Christmas card from Ruth Shoemaker today.  I finally got all my cards out last night – but did send n=out more than the original 25 as I had 1st planned!!!

The "We-Care" contest at Burdines will be over this Saturday.  So Saturday I'll know if I win the big $100.00 or not.  The other 3 winners – one man & 2 ladies (both much older than me) are all very nice.  The four of us do get "treated" to a dinner in the tea-room – I've never even eaten up there yet!  (They say the food isn't really too good!)  I'll let you all know when I call Christmas who wins.  By the way - the other three have all worked for B's for years!  My friends were all kidding me that I hadn't worked there long enough "To Go Sour!"

We've been so busy at work.  I was suppose to work every day this week but then personnel dept said we couldn't work 7 days straight so I got today off.  I think we've sold more games since Thanksgiving than we have ever since I joined the dept.  Also the good pens (CROSS PENS, etc) are good sellers.  We're also selling lots of picture frames & photo albums.  Well – in general we're selling lots of everything.  But  imagine after a week from today business will slow up quite fast.  So will my hours – HA!  I did see the list for our dept of mark-downs for the after Christmas Sale.  There are going to be some good buys – games that had been $8.00 marked to $2.99 - etc.

After Christmas I am planning on getting my picture taken as a Christmas present for you all.  A late Christmas present.  I hope though by now you have gotten 3 packages from me.

Well - gotta go.  Thanks again for your letter today Mom and also that phone call!  Will call you a week from today –– to wish you all a Merry Christmas.

Love, Berta

1972 Roberta's Christmas Card from Senegal -Dec.18

Roberta's 1972 trip was one of many family trips to visit Joe in Dakar, Senegal: Harold & Jean in April 1971; Marianne, Cris & Rob went at Christmas time in 1973; Catherine, Christmas 1976.  Uncle Bill and Aunt Mary also visited.  Another family trip to Senegal occurred in December 1931 (about forty years before Joe's arrival) when Agnes Morrow Scandratt, first cousin 2x removed of the Ballantyne-Dailey-Uible cousins, described her visit in her book, Lights are Bright, Sir.  Her Senegal visit is transcribed in this blogpost,  uible.blogspot.com/2012/12/agnes-morrow-scandrett-book

Roberta's Christmas Card from Senegal, December 1972 

Dec. 18, 1972

Hi!  Over here - really keeping busy.  Saturday we went to the island of Gorée – had a picnic lunch before going right near the bay.  In a tree right near us we saw 4 monkeys.  It was really funny.  Joe said it was the 1st time he had seen monkeys right in Dakar.

This morning we are to go & see Joe's class.  That should be interesting!

Yesterday we went to the Univ. of Dakar & ate lunch & was shown around by 2 students from Nigeria - friends of Joe's.  From there we went to the museum downtown of African Art.  The two from Nigeria went down there with us.  They explained alot of the stuff to us.

Then last night we helped Joe grade some papers, add up his grades, etc.

Yesterday we also went into the home where Joe eats part of his meals.  They were all very nice - though only 2 of them could speak English (very little at that)

We are learning a little bit of Wolof - Joe is a good teacher!

Well - I better be closing –

Joe is waiting on me –

Will write more later ––

Love, Bert

1993 Cynthia's letter -Dec.18

Most of us have been recipients of the Guideposts gift subscription, but Cynthia wins the award for what must be one of the best thank you letters. Transcription follows.

 Little Common Methodist Church

(Hastings, Bexhill and Rye Circuit)Little Common, Bexhill-on-Sea, East SussexMinister: Rev. Cynthia Park, M.A.

[Sticker with home address]

18 December, 1993

Dear Harold & Jean,

Once again thank you so much for the wonderful gift subscription to Guideposts.  I can't tell you how much I appreciate that little magazine.  I so look forward to receiving it and it cheers me no end.  I have to ration myself so I don't read it all at one sitting!  Thanks so very much.

As you've probably heard we had Wendy with us for a few days.  We had such a lovely time with her – showing her around and introducing her to our friends.  We did try to get her into the school here in Bexhill – but, alas, they were full up.  We were so sorry.  We would have enjoyed getting to know her better and it would have broadened her experience that much the more.  But, alas, it was not to be.

We were both so sorry to hear of Mrs. Uible Senior's death.  She lived a wonderfully long life – but in a way having had her so long makes it that much more difficult to live without her.  But we do know she is at complete peace - and in her mind and body living a life of great joy.  And we know too that one day we will see her again.  For all this we can be thankful.

And again I'm very thankful indeed for you kind gifts.  Guideposts is so special to me.  Thank you so much.

God bless you, 

and every good wish 

for 1994,

Love, Cynthia

1972 Roberta's Madrid Letter -Dec.14

Dec. 14, 1972

2:20 p.m.

"Siesta Time"

Dear Family,

Hi!  Hope you all are fine!!  We just got back from doing some shopping.  We went & spent most of the morning in this really big department store - called 'Galerias Preciados' - it's only about a block away from us.  Also - according to my "Europe on $5.00 & $10.00 a day" it's a good place to shop!

Today has been the nicest day since we have been here - though - it really hasn't been cold at all.  But it's been really foggy which makes it bad as far as taking pictures go.  I did buy 5 slides of Madrid and five slides of Toledo today.  I guess I paid a little over 15¢ a piece for them - which I didn't think was too bad!

I'm not really sure what all I've already told you all - so if I should repeat myself - you will have to forgive me.

On Tuesday we took a quick tour of the city (in about 3 hours) it was good in that it gave us good ideas as to what we wanted to see, also a better idea of where we were staying in relationship to everything else in Madrid.

There were only 6 people on the tour - so that was nice.  One couple from Washington, and another couple (about 70 hears old) that were coming from Australia - after being missionaries there.  I talked to them - and were they ever interesting.  She told me that I would have to make it there sometime.  I told her my Father had always wanted to go - she told me that I would have to talk him into travelling [sic] & tell him that travelling is really worth it.  I told her that I didn't have to convince my father of that!  They (the couple) were on their way back to the states - they were Mormans [sic] - from Utah!

Wednesday morning we got up early - about 6:30 and went on a tour - just to Toledo.  The whole tour consisted of us and a boy from Tokyo (plus the tour guide & bus driver)  It was really good – apart from the bus being very bumpity!  But because of the fact that there were only 3 of us - very personal!  The guide had been to the states twice - once to Miami, Florida and once to New York City.  She didn't think too much of New York City at all - but did like Miami.

So today is our last day in Madrid - in a way it seems sorta sad because I'm really getting to know my way around the city & all.

By the way - we never did go IN the Prado Museum - but did see the outside of it several times - if that counts.  Also it cost 20 pesetas . . . . .

Madrid has 2 beautiful parks - both VERY BIG.  One is right in the middle of the city.  It's a good place to go and breathe - the smog here is terrible - due to the cars I guess.

Our trip to Toledo was by far the best thing we've done.  I really liked El Greco's town!  We spent about five hours there - but no doubt could have spent more time there.

We didn't go to the "Valley of the Fallen."  Maybe we should have but we thought it might be a 'monumental bore.'

As I guess I've already written you - our hotel is really nice.  Everyone here has really gone out of their way to help us / be nice to us.  Though most of them just speak Spanish (one of them speaks Good English!) we don't understand very much of what they say.  But they are always smiling – and we can understand that!

Just to show you how nice they are – Our hotel has revolving doors - well they always start them for us.

Also at night a maid comes in and puffs up our pillows & turns down the covers on our beds.

The room itself is quite nice - very large - w/ both a shower & bath tub.  Also a 'bidet' (sp?) we are really living in luxury!

Now for the price - it's a little over $4.00 a pie for us a night.  We thought that to be pretty reasonable!

Do you remember Nancy & I talking about the rate of the peseta - I guess she said the rate was about 64 = 1 dollar.  Now it's just a little over 63 = 1 dollar.  Not too big of a difference - I guess!

Well, I guess I better be closing - I've got some washing that needs to be done - etc.

I'll write again soon ––

If I have enough peseta left I'll mail this after I get to the airport - but if not I'll mail it when we get to Africa!  I've really got my pesetas counted down to the last one - or near last one (And we've got to have enough pesetas to get to the airport!)  ALSO TO EAT!!

Hope all of you are fine.  Hoping to hear from you soon ––– about everything!

Love, 'Bert'

1972 Roberta's Madrid Postcard -Dec.13

Madrid Postcard: Captioned (in 4 languages): Sun gate or entrance – The Bear and Madrona Monument

1972 Roberta's Madrid Postcard -Dec.13

12/13/72
Hi! Am really enjoying our stay in Madrid - at a very nice, clean & cheap Hotel - Hotel Capitol - it's right in the center of town - went on a tour of the city yesterday - went today to Toledo, spent about 5 hours there!  Food here is interesting - there is a pastry shop right next to our hotel!  Will write a letter soon.  Love, Bert

* * * * *
For more information about Roberta's 1972 trip to Spain and Senegal see the following posts published last year:

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2012

1972 Roberta's letter - Dec. 10

Roberta writes a letter while on the airplane in December 1982. The letter was mailed from Spain (Espana).  From Spain, she and her friend Julie went on to Senegal to visit Joe.

MONDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2012

1972 Joe's letter to Uibles - Dec. 31

Joe writes a final letter of 1972 after Roberta's visit with him in Senegal.  

1973 Roberta Letter -Dec.13

Busy time in Florida, mid-December of 1973. Background information on Burdines found on Wikipedia. Transcription follows.

 December 13, 1973

Dear Family,

Hi!  I just got done w/ my supper, the Lawrence Welk program is on so thought I better get a letter off to you all – along w/some Christmas cards.  I bought one box of 25 cards and when they are used up – I'm done!  I got started last night on them – got a grand total of -8- out!!

Mary Virginia _ we all enjoyed your Christmas cards and also your letter.  Mom – we got your letter today written on the say to Cincinnati.  I'm glad Serena made it up to Maine after all.  I hope she doesn't get too cold up there – I think I'd go there in the summer - HA - in order to stay warm!!

I handed in my last exam yesterday.  It was a take home.  Grandma rode down w/me when I took it down.  If I drive down to pick up my grades I can get them either next Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday.  OR – they won't mail them out till after the 1st of the year.  I think I'll go down & get mine.  I figure uncertainty is worse than bad news!  HA!

The Buick got its new battery last night.  It was completely dead – Uncle Bill had to start it w/ jumper cables in order to get it going!

As I told Dad on the phone one of the women at W.W. lost 13½ her first week.  She told me her husband was sure she had read her "program" wrong because she was eating so much!  She was overjoyed that she had lost so much – and of course I was pretty happy myself!  The Boynton Beach class is a new one – only -8- people so far.  We meet in the Ephs (sp?) Church down there.

Mother did you mean that Shirley P. M. had gained 10 or 100 pounds since I knew her last?

I didn't lose anything this last week – but didn't gain anything either.  Everytime I sign the payroll at W.W. I have to put my weight after it – weighed in by somebody else even!  Sunday there is going to be a party at the main office for all W.W. clerks & lecturers but I couldn't get off work at Burdines.  They are even serving everyone lunch.  I'll be anxious to know what they serve!

Larry – Marianne's husband just called –– he's in Florida for a few days visiting his mother.  He said Marianne was sure excited before she got on the plane [to go to Senegal with Rob & Cris]!  They talked to her Monday night – and she said that she had more than 44 pounds of luggage!

Mother - hope you had a real nice birthday – we were sorry we missed talking to you when we called.

I worked today at Burdines –– we were quite busy!  I work tomorrow morning for W.W. –– then starting Saturday I'll be working at Burdines for the next 8 days straight.  But not all full days – 1 day only 4 hours and 2 days only 6 hours.

Thanks for sending the Lynch address – I had planned on sending them a Christmas card.

John - let us know when you find out the results on your test.

Dad - thanks for renewing the insurance on the Buick.

Well, I better close –– I'll drop you all a note later.

Love, Berta

PS Mother - you must be busy - we saw in the paper one night your name on the society page three times – 1) Lions party 2) meeting at Elzroths and 3) shower you had sent a gift to.

1922 Jean's Baby Book

1922 Jean Wallace Ballantyne Uible - Baby Book

Jean Wallace Ballantyne Uible Baby Book - Our Baby

Jean Wallace Ballantyne Uible Baby Book - Cover

Jean Wallace Ballantyne Uible Baby Book

Miss Agnes Tueby and Miss Mildred Mabeu, Nurses.  Dr. W Clarke Maxwell, Dr. Hartman - interne.  Baby's Name: Jean Wallace Ballantyne.  Born Dec 11th 1922 Monday 4: P.M.  Place of Birth: Columbia Hospital Pittsburgh Pa  [Columbia Hospital was on Penn Ave in Wilkinsburg, just outside of Pittsburgh.  The hospital was associated with the Presbyterian Church, when a new building was erected across the street the old Columbia became a nursing care center.  The newer hospital closed ~1993. --Rootsweb]

Jean Wallace Ballantyne Uible Baby Book - Facts: Weight, Parents and Grandparents

Baby's Weight 

at birth 6 lb. 9 oz. 

January 8 - 7lb 9oz

January 11, 1 month old - 7'14"

February 11, 2 months - 9'12"

March 11, 3 months - 11'

4 Months - 12½'

Baby's Parents

Lucie Brown Ballantyne [1880-1957]

Nathaniel Wallace Ballantyne [1868-1949]

Grandparents

Adrain [sic] Wilmer Brown [1855-1906]

Mary Morrow Brown [1857-1890]

Alexander Ballantyne [1841-1885]

Irene Freeman Brown [1840-1906]

Jean Wallace Ballantyne Uible Baby Book - Gifts

 Baby's first Laugh

Jan 20th

Baby's Gifts

Sweater & Bonnet & Booties - "Dear" [step-grandmother Ola Moore Brown 1862-1926]

Dress, Pillow, Pina[fore?] & Booties - Aunt Leora [Leora Hay Scott Brown 1880-1944]

Stockings, Dress & Blanket - Uncle Bert [Robert Morrow Brown 1877-1946]

Shoes & 1.00 - Aunt Cora [Cora Brown, sister of Adrian, 1856-1923]

Blanket - Aunt Sur. 

Booties - Bertha McLane

Brush Comb Mirror Set - Eleanor Eva Stuart

Brush & Comb Powder Box - Cousin Scott [John Scott Brown 1911-1956]

Crepe de Chine jacket - Mr & Mrs Dixon

Hoop holder for Robe - Cousin William

Clothes Hanger - Mildred [?] Shoup

Knitted [?] Sacque [gown] - James Mordfert [?]

Pillow Cover & Bonnet - Nancy S... Lowrey

Stork Pants - Mrs. Edith Se...h

Jean Wallace Ballantyne Uible Baby Book - Events

Babyhood Events

Jean Wallace Ballantyne

was baptized Nov. 11, 1923

by Rev. W. E. Allen at the 

Presbyterian Church.  A fine 

little girl.  11 months old

that day.

Jean had her hair bobbed

April 13, 1925

and went to her first

party At Milly Love 

Gardner's.  She enjoyed 

London Bridge very much 

and all the games.

Among the first words

she said was "Mamie"

her nurse's name

"Oh! Boy! - Sure

"Poppy." Mommie

Her first trip was to New Cumberland in February 1923.

1972 Roberta's postcard -Dec.11

Assumption is that this postcard was sent from NYC en route to Madrid and Senegal.  Not sure if Roberta actually spent the night in this motel or flew to New York.  Transcription follows.

L & M Motel Harrisburg PA postcard mailed 1972.  Captioned: "Finest in Motels" Open all year; Free Coffee - Color T.V. - Air Conditioned.  Individually thermostat-controlled hot water heat.  7 miles East of Harrisburg on U.S. 22, From the Pennsylvania Turnpike (Exit 19) Follow U.S. 83 Bypass and turn right on U.S. 22 "Exit to Allentown."  7100 Allentown Blvd.  Mr & Mrs Edward Brokans Owners (Your Hosts)

1972 Roberta's postcard -Dec.11

[postmarked 11 Dec 1972]
Hi!  Got here about 8:00 p.m. – really made good time.  Did call up Aunt Mary & all – said to tell you hello.  Mom - hope you had a Happy Birthday!!  Will write more soon – Love, Bert

1993 Roberta's letter -Dec.9

A quick note from Roberta after she returns home from Grandma's funeral. Transcription follows.

12/9/93

Dear Dad & Mom,

I can't believe it's been over a week since we got back [from Grandma's funeral].  I just got my suitcase unpacked so I'm beginning to make progress!

It's been a busy – busy time at work – usual Christmas rush with individual & groups all wanting to do something "special" for us this season.  We are only here 12 months a year . . . . .

Bet you all have received lots more sympathy cards – I've received lots here – esp. from Sr. Village residents – & their families.

I'm enclosing the original & a copy of Rev. Johnson's service.  Thought the graveside service & memorial service for Grandma were very well done –– meaningful.

When are you all coming to AZ?  We would be happy to see you all use the trailer.  The switches are easy to use – and learn to operate!!

I sent Charlie & Nadine one of those cute CAT Christmas decorations we got last year at Cracker Barrel for 75¢-1.00.  They were originally $4.00.  I'll enclose a note received from Heartland.  I did tell them the $ came from all the family.

We had never heard of BARNEY before being around Miss Ginny – now we constantly see BARNEY toys – sheets, etc.  We think it's great for you both to be taking care of Ginny this busy holiday season.

Enjoyed the play – CHRISTMAS CAROL last night at the Herberger.  We had 20 tickets – at $25 each!  (given to us!)

Hope this gets to you on your BIRTHDAY – but if not thought you would rather have a note w/ –– even if arrives late!  Will try to be a better letter writer in 94 - HA, HA!  (As Mares would write & her mom!)  Much love, Roberta

1973 Roberta & Joe's Camaro -Dec.8

Back of this picture is labeled "Roberta & Joe's Camaro" dated Dec. 8-1973.  Would Roberta have been driving Joe's car while he was in Senegal??  Roberta says it is NOT Joe's Camaro.  Whose car is it then?  Did Cris have a car like this?  Looking good -- whatever the year!

1963 Roberta's letter -Dec

Seventh grade in Florida continues for Roberta in 1963 in this undated letter. Transcription follows

Dear family, 

Hi!  Today is the frist [sic] has poured down R-A-I-N but it certainly made up for it today.

Joe, Mary Ann, Cris and I went together for a gift for Robbie and we got a Army Outfit for $3.96 and then the day after we went to the shopping center you know where the S&S [?] Cafetia [sic] is we saw the same thing for $1.59 and was in better shape.

My teacher said today that she has never seen snow in her life (poor thing).

I have received a lot of letters.

We saw in the Miamie [sic] Hearld [sic] that it was down to 0 in Columbus while it is 70 in Fla. (laugh)

We ate at S&S yesterday for lunch.

Last night at methodist church they had a christmas singing program.

love, Roberta U

1983 Family Letter -Dec.6

Prior to the family get-together in Arizona for Roberta & Sid's wedding, this letter from 1983, indicates the usual busy life in New Vienna. Transcription follows.

December 6, 1983

Dear Family:

Last Saturday was the annual Church Bazaar, in fact the 11th one.  They netted around $1500.00.  We left around 3 to take Grandma and Mie Young to the Columbus airport for their flight to WPB and NY respectively.  Yes, they were on the same plane as far as NY.  We have heard from Grandma who got there fine and was in Sunday School the next morning.

We had made plans to go on a picnic with the Goodings on Sunday but the rainy weather made it an inside get together.  In the afternoon we went to downtown Cincinnati as the remodeled Netherland Plaza was having an open house.  Interesting enough the original hotel cost 7 million some fifty years [ago] and they have spent 25 million on it recently.  Also under construction in Cincinnati is a new Hyatt Hotel and Saks Fifth Avenue Dept. Store.

Mary Virginia attended a weekend retreat with 16 other women from the Port William United Methodist Church near Waverly, Ohio.  She thought the experience was a rewarding one.  Looking ahead, we are signed up for the Gothard Seminar in Dayton next April.  X, John and MV all thought it was worthwhile this past Spring.

Dad was one of the participants in an Eagle Scout program last night in Martinsville.  These two boys did not have the ZIP that John has, for both only had the minimum number of badges required.

We have "laughted" [sic] about people trying to buy these "cabbage faced" dolls.  Hard to believe thate [sic] people will stand in line all night for the chance to buy one.  Unfortunately our type of products at Wells are not that much in demand.  We do have a new machine that "spits" out the slugs for making balls which is an improvement over our old extruder.

Plans are coming along for the wedding . . . which we are looking forward to along with getting all the family together.  This should make us familiar with the Phoenix airport as Serena arrives on the 24th, the Morgans on the 25th, then the LW group and on the 29th MV, X and John.  The Gooding gave us Trip-Tik for the drive out from their local AAA.

We had our last fresh tomatoes from the garden yesterday.  Still have fresh cabbage, broccoli and cauliflower from the garden yet to eat . . . . notto [sic] mention the frozen items on hand.

December is rapidly filling up and many things to get done before we can take off for Arizona but we are looking forward to being together with all of you - wish that you might all be there earlier but thankful that you are each able to make it for Roberta and Sid's wedding.

[Love, etc]

1973 Roberta's Letter -Dec.5

Roberta keeps Grandma busy, while Cris and Rob prepare for a trip to Senegal. Transcription follows.

December 5, 1973

Dear Family –

Got your letter yesterday - and John that $15.00 check sure came as a surprise.  Need I say a very pleasant surprise!?

Mother - I hope you have a very happy birthday -we're be thinking about you next Tuesday.  You know that will be a busy day around here – as that is the day that Cris and Rob leave out of Miami.

Today was my last day of classes – we got our take home final in Deviance - it was worse than I thought and I had been expecting the worse! (HA!)  There's six questions - but boy are they hard to understand.

Mother - your present is in the middle of the box that is coming w/ Mary V's coat in it.  I'm sorry it took me so long to get that coat sent back – and Grandma is the one that finally got it packaged to go!!  I really have been keeping her busy – she's done alot of odd & end sewing for me – fixing ripped pockets – etc.

I lost another ½ pound this week – 8 little ounces – but I've lost about 870 ounces alltogether!!

I never got a check from Doctor Maxine Hamilton – I remember you mentioning it when I was in Atlanta but I've not gotten anything of that sort.

I got a letter yesterday from Cheryl Rogers – she may be coming down after the 1st of the year.

Again – have a Happy, Happy Birthday Mom!

Love, Berta

1963 Roberta's letter -Dec.5

What kind of school did Roberta attend in Florida? A unique one from what we read in this letter.  Love the "fine as I have ever been or maybe even better" part.  Little did she know that 10 years later she would be attending college in Florida too.  Transcription follows

 
Monday Night [undated but postmarked Dec. 5, 1963]

Dear Mom,

Hi!  How are you?  I am as fine as I have ever been or maybe even better.

The school is O.K. but hard they have 113 students from 1th [sic] to 12th grade.  For instance if we are caught chewing gum we must stay from 2:30 to 3:30 for five days if if we are caught writing in our book we have to stay in from 2:30 to 3:30 for two weeks.  The school has a library of about 300 books and 3 sets of encycopelias [sic].  I have one teacher and I don't know her name she teaches 7th grade and 8th and boy is she mean.  She teachers [sic] everything even music and physical Ed.  We have our choice of staying for physical Ed or not for physical Ed is from 1:00 to 2:30.  We also have our choice of what we do for Physical Ed we have: horse back riding (free) (softball), baseball (both free) and bowling (25¢ a game).  Every morning our teacher calles [sic] roll call and when she calles your name you have to tell you what you had learned from the past day.  (how crazy can you get)

love
Roberta [last name is included too]

1973 Catherine's letter -Dec.3

 12/3/73
Dear Mom, Dad, John, Serena & Mary,

Hi!  Thanks for your latest letter.  It arrived today.  We'd love to have you all come and stay here as long as possible.  We'll even turn up the heat for you.  As you know we have plenty of room and it would be good to have you here again.

We haven't bought the land yet.  The perc test is to be done on Thursday.  We're fairly sure we want it but if we do buy the transaction won't be until 1974 as the seller doesn't want the profit on this year's income tax.  We're going to really have to watch our pennies.  We've got enough money for the land but the closing costs are something else.  X has some Stanley stock which he owns jointly with his mother.  If he can sell that we'll be Ok.  We sold all our stock on the"upswing" last week.  Too bad we couldn't wait for the "long term" gain on some – but  think for now our money will be better invested in land.

We're down to 58º now.  We're thinking of moving our bedroom to the basement since it is much warmer there than it is upstairs.  We got a little electric heater so we can warm up the bathroom when we take showers.

Also if we run out of oil we can use the heater to keep the pipes from freezing.  Just hope we don't run out of electricity.  According to what we hear, New England will be hurt more than the rest of the country, and Maine more than the rest of New England.  The library is having its oil cut by 25% so we'll probably have to cut a day or two at the end or beginning of the week.

I don't guarantee that you'll get a picture of us this Christmas but we'll see what we can do.  As far as our desires go, X wants a winch and a chain saw.  If you'd like to give him some money toward one of those I know he'd appreciate it.  Another suggestion for him is a turtleneck sweater - the washable type, acrylic I guess it is.  I think Sears has some nice looking ones, of course, I haven't looked anywhere else.  I think a medium size (38-40) would fit him all right.  I'd like a winter pants suit but I thought I'd see if there are any bargains after Christmas.  I'd even appreciate gift certificates at McDonald's.  I could also use stationery, we can both use socks, Bic pens (fine pt. of course), plastic bags, light bulbs, typewriter ribbon, plants, dog food, a subscription to TV Guide (to go with the cable TV), candles, etc.  That's all that I can think of at the moment.

We had an Open House at the library Sunday.  It was definitely a social event as opposed to a "public" event.  We did get to meet some previously unknown people.  The head of the Board made up a questionnaire to see how people like the changes.  Tomorrow some of the Board Members & X are going to Brunswick to see the addition that has been made to the public library there.  There is a pretty good chance we can get some revenue sharing money for an addition here in the next few years.

I'm reading Michel, Michel by Robert Lewis.  Ever read it?  It's a big thick book (over 700 p.)

We're waiting to hear more details about your visit.

Love, Catherine & X

1973 Roberta's letter -Dec.3

Roberta shares her "shocking" news in early December 1973. Transcription follows.

December 3, 1973

Dear Family,

Hi! Just got back from W.W. –– compared to last week we really had a good week.  Last week more people gained more weight than the number who lost.  Tonight everyone lost – except for one woman who gained 1 pound!!  She had eaten a hot fudge sundae, potato chips & I'm not sure what all else.  I wish she had gained more than -1- pound!!

Boy - did I get some shocking news today – on my last psychology test I was one lousy point away from an 'A' – I got a 'B' on it!  After getting 2 'C's I'm very happy about that 'B'.  We just have the final left so I'm really hoping to come through ok.  Think about me a week from today - the 10th!  At 10:30 A.M. to be exact!!

This Wednesday we get our Deviance Exam – it's a take home exam - due on the 10th of December.  I'll be glad when that day is over!!

Mother – are the Hinerman's down here yet?  If they are – please send me their address & maybe Grandma & I can go up & see them over Christmas vacation.

Are you going to have your Christmas Cards out by the 8th?  I sure won't – I'm hoping to have them out by the 18th – ho, hum!!
 
Cris will be getting here this Friday night.  He's flying home.

I'll be anxious to go to Boynton Beach tomorrow night.  See how the W.W. people are doing.

I weigh in myself tomorrow – I'm afraid I haven't lost anything this week.

Hope all is well –– I'll write more later.

Love, Berta

1963 Roberta to Florida

Shortly after the assassination of JFK and Thanksgiving in 1963, Roberta left for a month in Florida with Grandma and Granddad, most likely following their usual routine of spending two nights at "historic" hotels between New Vienna and Lake Worth.  Here are two postcards from her trip, one to Master John (Berea KY) and one to Catherine (Valdosta GA).  Transcriptions follow.

1963 Roberta's (four penny) postcard to John -Nov.29

[postmarked Nov 29, 1963]

Dear John,

We are now waiting for our breakfast.  The time is twenty till nine.  Please send me a card.  We are now in Berea waiting for lunch.  The time is 12:00 noon.  Love, Robert[a]  P.S. The snow is still with us.

Lowndes County Court House, Valdosta GA 1963 postcard from Roberta to Catherine - Nov.30

[postmarked Nov 29, 1963]

407 miles today

Hi!  This is where we are staying tonight.  Kress has twin jack set in store.  Weather good but cool.  We are now waiting for our food to come for supper.  (time 5:45 PM) Roberta