1980 Family Letter -Nov.25

Tuesday -

November 25, 1980

Dearest Family --

Couldn't sleep so got up and did some things that needed done and decided to at least start a letter.  Good talking to you girls this past weekend.  Serena has had her wisdom teeth pulled and has started the root canal work.  Don't envy her but glad that she is having what has needed to be done.  Roberta is busy with her craft work to help the senior citizens (and perhaps herself too).  She has given up her Saturday job for the florist and happy to have the extra time for herself.  Catherine and Gerry are still thinking about coming east in March with Wendy so if any of you know of any special rates do let them know.  They can fly Republic (formerly Hughes West) to Toledo or another line via Toronto at a great savings but neither are exactly too close on course to or via Oho and on to Maine.  Serena is also planning on signing up for three courses next semester and the names allude me except for a speech course.  She has ridden her bike to work several times which takes about an hour.

Can't report on the John Uibles but looking forward to seeing them this Saturday and Sunday so will try to catch you up in the next letter.  I know we are all anxious to hear what decision they have made about taking the 13-month-old twins into their home as foster children.  Think they would both make excellent parents but not trying to influence their decision in any way.

When we stopped by Grandma's Sunday she had the furniture covered in the living room near the dining room so she could leave most anytime I am sure.  We were her guests for dinner eating out at Frisches while the men held the annual Every Member Canvas.  Dad and Ralph Nussbaum chose the Wilmington members of our church so he didn't get back til almost 4:00 PM.

That afternoon was also the annual get together of the Clinton County Bar Association with their guests (pre-holiday).  Mary Virginia was enthusiastic about going so the three of us went.  It was held at Buckeye Lodge.  They had their usual open bar and also a punch bowl with a tableful of very delicious and unusual Hors D'oeuvres [spelling corrected] followed by a buffet supper.  We were among the first ot leave as Mary Virginia wanted to get back for the MYF meeting.

To go backwards we had had a busy weekend beginning with a Square Dance Thursday night.  Friday we had to be in Dayton by 9 AM for our annual physical with Dr. Schnebly which took most of the day.  We did have lunch at a new restaurant in Dayton -- Sherlock's Home -- same as the one in Chicago we ate with Serena.  Mary Virginia had the wedding rehearsal so we did some shopping and looking (mostly).  Dad picked up some bargain shirts at Concord City where they had close outs from Saks 5th Avenue among others.  He also got a new all purpose coat which he had been needing.  This store is under the same management as Shottensteens in Columbus.  Other places it is called Value City.  I looked but didn't find anything that appealed to me at all.

Saturday we went back to Dayton for a meeting -- annual Storytellers Day at the Dayton Library.  MVV went looking for something suitable to wear for the wedding, Dad read at the library and then after lunch we met and MV showed me the dress she preferred.  It was a real pretty dark green long dress so we got that and she found two shorter dresses on sale -- all at downtown Donenfelds.  She had been needing some dressy things so should be well outfitted for this winter.

We got back about 5:00 and she had to be dressed and at the church to practice with Tim Larrick who was the pianist (didn't use the organ at all).  M.V. was the soloist at the wedding and sang among other songs, The Lord's Prayer.  They had a reception over at the Oak Club at the old Airbase, with a LOUD dance band -- one needed sign language to converse.

Grandma is all set to leave this Saturday afternoon at 3:30 with everything organized.  The Hortons have been in N.C. the past two weeks helping Cris get moved into this new home, which we understand he is virtually re-building.

A Happy Thanksgiving to each of you.

1980 Catherine's Letter -Nov.18

 

November 18, 1980

Dear Mother, Dad & Mary,

Hi!  I still can't get over your getting those drawings of Wendy's in two days.  How many days later did the letter arrive?  Have you gotten your December National Geographic yet?  Ours arrived last week.  I'm in the middle of the Aztec article.

This is a fairly quiet week for us except on Thursday I have a meeting for the Red Cross at 7:15 A.M. -- breakfast will be served so at least I'll get some nourishment at the same time!  Then Thursday evening the Bunco group that I joined has its monthly meeting.

Did I tell you that I got out of being secretary of the UMW for next year?  They have been having almost all of their meetings at noon when I am unable to attend so I told them I thought it would be better if they found someone else.  The secretary before me is going to take it over again.  They have had very poor attendance lately.  The October meeting only two people showed up and they were the ones who had prepared the program.  That must have been rather disappointing.

Wendy is all recuperated from her rash and it evidently wasn't strep throat.  She went to a birthday party Sunday -- the daughter of my employers turned 3.  Wendy really likes her -- her name is Minta -- rather unusual but nice.  She and Wendy probably won't be in the same class at school though due to the cut-off date being between their birthdays.

Gerry is trying to keep from dying of boredom at work now that the slow season is in full gear.  The farmers here had a real good year though so business at the Co-op was good.

I probably should wish you a Happy Thanksgiving in this letter since my next letter won't get there until after that date.  We will probably buy a small turkey and cook that up with a few trimmings for dinner.  I have the day after Thanksgiving off which is a good thing as the Day Care Center is going to be closed.  Gerry has to work Friday but has Saturday off anyway.  He had thought of taking Friday off if we were going somewhere but I don't think we are going to.  We couldn't think of anywhere we wanted to go that is within an attainable distance.  And that is a bad weekend to be traveling anyway.

Speaking of the Day Care Center they are having a meeting next Monday to discuss raising of their rates.  They aren't getting nearly as much state subsidy since the state reduced it's budget.  So now we will probably have to pay the difference.  Right now Wendy is on a special plan where we pay only $7/day.  The normal rate is $1.25/hour.  If they raise that and we lose her special rate it could really make a difference.  We will at least go to the meeting and fine out what is going on.

Work is going slower this month -- at least collection wise.  Only $6100 as of today.  And we will only be open two more days this week and three days next week.  Doesn't look like much of a bonus this month!  I have this Friday off also so in the next 12 days I only have to work five of them!

 I talked to Barbara at the library some more last week.  She said she was still planning to retire next October (I didn't ask which day!) and I said I was still interested in the job. She said good, because she was counting on me!  So there is still hope there.  One of the board members has been repainting the whole place as her project and it really looks nice -- brighter colors liven the place up!

Better go!  Hope to hear from you again soon.

Love,

Catherine, Gerry & Wendy

1980 Roberta's Letter -Nov.15

 

Saturday Night

8:30 P.M.

11-15-80

Dear Family,

Don't think I told you all that I now just have one full time job -- as of this Saturday am no longer working at the flower shop.  sure was nice today -- don't know how I ever found the time to work Saturdays in the first place.  I was out East doing some stuff today -- getting some new song sheets run off at a funeral home out that way.  Harry -- the owner of the flower shop called about noon -- thank goodness I wasn't here -- Marion kept saying that he sounded like he wanted me to come in this afternoon.  

Marion is really knee deep in the usual Christmas crafts -- I'm doing a little -- but she always does it in full scale.  This year there are several new projects -- some small and we are doing them out at the center.  One idea is to take whole walnuts and spray them with red paint -- then take a felt green stem, piece of ribbon, and some baby rick rack to hang them by -- really cute -- all white beads on them -- and they look just like strawberries!!!  Another idea is the Christmas ice cream cones -- take 1 and 1 ¼ inch styrofoam balls, wrap 2 and ½ inch ribbon around them -- them put a silicone rubber bathtub caulk on top of the styrofoam  ball -- sure neat!!!

Out at work they have really been busy getting ready for the Christmas bazaar -- so many nice things -- but then lots of junk -- such ugly stuff out of the egg cartons -- I could live the rest of my days without seeing another egg carton.  Some women really going crazy with these awful egg carton flowers.  They spend all morning cutting out the darn things.

Mother it was nice talking to you on Tuesday -- here it was just like a national holiday -- banks closed, and most everything else.  All the schools in the valley also closed.

Marion had bought a round trip ticket Phoenix to St. Louis in June -- for $271 dollars.  Then she was having trouble getting out of St. Louis -- could either fly it -- but the trouble there was she would be getting into St. Louis around 6:00 A.M. -- and the only flight to Quincy was in the late afternoon.  Or she had thought of renting a car -- but too expensive these one way deals -- and really didn't need it for the ten days she would be there.  So yesterday we went to the travel agent at the mall and she was able to get a flight out of here on the 23rd and back here on the 1st of January -- special deal to Des Moines -- for $221 -- really a good price.  This way her sister and family will be able to pick her up at the airport as they come down, so its ideal.  Plus both day flights -- none of this leaving here at midnight stuff!!!

Grayce's husband is just not good.  They say its just a matter of time -- in the meantime trying to keep him comfortable.  Grayce said they asked about life support system -- she said no.  He is now all confused mentally -- and has lost use of his kidneys -- all the children are home now -- but he could live this way for some time.  He doesn't even recognize Grayce now.  It's really a sad thing.

We saw the movie Joni -- thought that it was really good.  The night we went there was a big line outside but we stayed in the line.  The 7:15 show filled up -- the one we wanted to get in on -- but then we thought we would stand in line to exchange our passes for tickets for the 9:15 show -- and just when we got up to the window the usher came into the ticket place and said there was room for three more -- we had Sally with us -- just sure worked out great.  They held the movie over.  I understand that there were long lines every night last week.  Did you all see the movie???

We went down to the Church bazaar yesterday at the Methodist Church -- it was quite nice.  Of course I'm trying to find ideas to borrow -- to steal for our bazaar.

Mother, would you like anything from the seniors for your bazaar -- I'd be more than happy to make some early sales.  We really have some very nice things -- from a quarter to $50.00.  The strawberries are very unique -- lots of neat things that I really like -- everything but those awful egg carton creations -- I'd be glad to pay postage on any large orders . . . .

It's now Sunday morning -- want to get this in the mail when we go so will come to a close.  Thanks so much for your recent letter and the articles -- really a good article about Donnie Achor -- I wasn't aware that he was able to work at that place . . . .

One moe big piece of news -- we sold the blue car.  It really had alot of problems.  Remember how much oil it was using -- was they took it all apart -- new rings and all -- and instead of getting better it got worse -- much worse.  Used up almost two quarts of oil for every 200 miles.  Marion sure got upset -- so to make a long story short -- the Datsun dealer now has it -- and we got a much cheaper Datsun 210 -- the standard small car -- sort of metallic brown.  They were sure upset about us getting a cheaper car -- They only like to trade one way -- up -- but we had already settled on the first part of it so they had a hard time fighting it.  This one is an automatic -- few extras.  Radio and Air-conditioning -- just the necessities.

We are having some of the seniors in from work that would have been by themselves for the day -- should be exciting --

OK -- gotta go.  Thanks for sending the beads and string -- will let you all know when they arrive.

Love,

Roberta

1970 Roberta's Letter -Nov.16

 

Nov. 16, 1970

Dear Family,

Thanks alot for your post-card today.  I also got a letter today from Aunt Mary.

I survived Future Freshman week-end.  Boy -- I'm glad thats over.  But, I hear they have another one in February.

I will be out for Thanksgiving between next Wednesday at noon to the next Monday.

My room-mate went home today at 2:30 this afternoon because she doesn't think she is getting enough sleep.  I think, she is getting too much.  Between her and her mother - - - - her mother gets upset and worried if she finds out Mary isn't in bed by 10:30 p.m.  Her mother actually had the nerve to tell me that I should try to get all my homework done before 10:30 (at night!) And also if I would be sure and get Mary some coffee-cake at breakfast.  I very seldom miss breakfast and Mary never gets up for it.  I wasn't sure what to say to her mom -- she left me nearly speech-less!  I just went to the radio and changed the channel while she was talking to me.

Is Catherine coming home for Thanksgiving?

Is there any other "Avis" buttons you all want?  Any special country?  I did have a big boxful (one rain-coat pocket full) but I have been giving them out here in the dorm.

Did Grandma leave for Florida yet? 

You cannot see Mt. Hood from Newberg because of all those other mountains.  You can see Mt. Hood, Mt. Adams, and Saint Helens on the freeway going from Newberg to Portland.

What happened about N.C.R. in the merger?  Vanessa's dad is laid off now -- too bad for all of them.

Alot of the kids here do go skiing.  In fact there is a skiing club we can join, etc.  I am anxious to join the swimming club after Christmas.  It's a physical education course.  I would have to pay $12.50 extra -- I think.

Tomorrow a girl across the hall from me -- Mary Ferguson and I are going to Portland State U. -- in Portland to get some books for our term papers.  Mary F has a car so we won't have to mess with the buses.  If we get in before their book store closes I hope to sell my nutrition book.

Well, I better close now.  OH, I got an 'A' on my Sociology paper last week.  He also wrote on it "Very Good".  I couldn't believe it.  We had to write about a power structure -- authority, everything, etc.  I wrote about N.C.R.

Well, see you all in about a month!

Love,

Bert

P.S. I hope I can still drive a car in December -- hope I haven't forgotten how!! HA! HA!

1980 Family Letter -Nov.17

 

Monday morning --

November 17, 1980

Dearest Family --

I woke up early so decided to start a letter to all of you rather than just waiting for it to get time to get up.  It isn't as early as some letters I've started but . . . .

Seemed like it had been a long time between our telephone calls, Catherine.  Do hope that Wendy is feeling much better and over her scarletina and/or whatever else she had -- hopefully not strep throat but am sure they would have let you know if the culture had shown that.

We tried to get you by phone several times Saturday morning but no luck, Serena.  Anxious to hear how the root canal work is progressing.  You too, Roberta, if you have done anything about your dental problems.  That is one thing you shouldn't let go, especially if you have dental insurance or can get it done very reasonably like at Northwestern Dental School or in your case, at ASU?  What time do you leave for work on Saturdays?  It seems either too early to call you or too late and then we are never sure of your schedule the rest of the time.

Hope things are ironing out on the difficulties at the Senior Center with the hassle over the meal reservations.  The permanent people ought to rank above the winter visitors.  The indigent over the affluent, etc.

John and Carol's letter brought a shock with the possibility of taking 13-month-old foster twin boys and I am sure whatever decision you make will be with much forethought and prayer.  I mentioned it to Carol Wise and she said better 13 months than days or weeks.  No doubt it is hard to place two but having older children would be a big help.  Sorry that her (Carol's) grandmother Smith's eyesight is deteriorating.  She has been so active and sight is the most valuable of your senses for sure.

Had church every night last week (except Saturday) and a very good speaker from Circleville Bible College.  Friday night the Wises entertained him and the song leader for dinner and asked us to come too.  Jim had done the cooking -- or so they said -- turkey, etc.  It was the same night that MV had her friends in for dinner so worked out well.

Four young people have been coming down from Cedarville College to help with the youth program on Sundays so we had them for dinner yesterday and really had very little to do as MV had enough left from her dinner that all I did was make a salad and more mashed potatoes.  She had swiss steak, broccoli with cheese sauce, fresh pineapple and a super delicious chocolate dessert she had gotten from Charlotte Hause.

Dad and I went to Wilmington yesterday afternoon -- Jane Allemang had a baby shower for Megan Curtis (Roseanna Wills and Bobby Curtis' baby).  Dad did some studying at the law library and Wilmington College so I picked him up after going out to Extended Care.  Mrs. McCoy has been awake and much more alert than she had been for months the last two times I have stopped.  Invited Mrs. Matthews for Thanksgiving.  She says Charles Matthews is so weak and so hard to get his breath.  I wouldn't be surprised if she outlives him.  [Charles died in December 1980 in Scottsdale, Mrs. Matthews (Blanche) died in May 1982.]

It is now Tuesday and we have had our first real snow yesterday with it sticking to the ground -- though not in the streets here but did go to Sabina last night and it was much worse there with cars off the road, etc.  The Ohio Ministers (Methodist) Choir sang at the Sabina Methodist Church.  Paul Steele, John Beers and Al Briggs were in it so got to talk to them afterwards and Maxine Steele was there also.  John Beers says that Mark is taking driver's training and had gone to Toledo for part of it.  Jeff plays basketball, Rebecca is active in everything.  Wes Steele also sings with the group but wasn't there last night for some reason.  Al Briggs said that Sharon is working with the Louisville Opera and Mary Ann is living in Maryland.  The Sr. Briggs have a church between Urbana and Springfield in a town called Terre Haute, Mrs. Briggs has arthritis so hadn't come.  Didn't recognize John Beers at first for his face is much fuller -- bigger jowls.  They all asked about all of you.  Wes Steele's wife got a degree in accounting and is working in a bank in Harrisburg, Ohio where his church is.  I believe she works for Society Savings.  Paul said we didn't pronounce "Newark" the way they do -- "Nerck", Newarksians, that is -- or is that the proper term for the natives?

Grandma shared a letter that she had just gotten from Aunt Mary and they have been in North Carolina helping Cris move into his newly acquired property which he has been very busy remodeling and has really made big changes in the place.  It would be nice to see -- beautiful woodsy environment yet not far from a shopping center close to Statesville.  I'm not sure how long they plan to be there -- think perhaps they left yesterday for Lake Worth but anyway will be there Saturday after Thanksgiving when G'ma is to arrive.

Elizabeth Johnson's father passed away last week -- there were no calling hours and only brief graveside services at the New Vienna Cemetery.  June, Elizabeth's younger sister is so gray that she looks the oldest of the three.  John, her brother was there but came with his wife, stood in the background and left as soon as it was over so obviously the family is not at one on some things.  I had known they weren't too friendly when Oscar died but had thought they had patched up their difficulties, at least he and Elizabeth.  Mr. Warren was 88 and in his condition that he passed away.

Kim called again this morning, there is always some more red tape concerning their daughter's arrival in this country.  Hard to believe and frankly we are in doubt as to what is the right course.

We had our dental appoints this afternoon -- lucky, for all we needed was to have our teeth cleaned.  Dr. Hause told me that a good brushing should take 3 or 4 minutes, so am going to try to improve this next six months.  This was doctor's day as took Grandma to Wilmington for her two doctor appts., so she will be ready for the winter vacation.  We were lucky as we did make it to all places on schedule, plus I had time in between for a trip to the library and the courthouse.

Tonight the local basketball schedule gets underway, with MV in the band . . . we are glad that the home games are still held in NV.  Haven't heard anything about when the new school bldg. at Lees Creek will get underway.  Just a few days there was an article in the paper where they are going to put up townhouses around the J-R Golf Course at the east edge of Wilmington.  That will be interesting to see how that works out.  This is the first year at NV that the school enrollment has turned up, after a 10 year decline.  The student-teacher ration here is something like 20 to 1.  MV is reading college catalogs in her spare time.

Sorry this letter has been so long in the writing but hopefully will get it on its way today.  Joanne Rankin and I are to go over to the blood bank drawing today.  Lena Sears Hess' little girl, 11, had open heart surgery in Cincinnati and needs blood donors.  Some went down there to give but it hadn't been 8 weeks for me so waited til now -- I think they need 20 donors.  Seems like there is always some member of their family in the hospital.  One of Elizabeth's children is also in the hospital with a broken leg.

Read about more snow in the Cascades and low temperatures for Phoenix area so bundle up before you go swimming in the Kah-nee-tah pool again or cycling to work, Roberta.  Did you get much of the Monday snow, Serena?

Always enjoy hearing from all of you and looking forward to seeing John and Carol next weekend.  We go to see Dr. Schnebley for our physicals this Friday and back to Dayton Saturday for storytelling (demonstration for adults) with Jeanne Liggett, accompanying us.

With much love from all of us, 

1970 Roberta's Postcard -Nov.17

 

Nov.17, 1970

Dear Family,

Thanks alot for your letter today.  Also the 20¢!  I've already given the $1.80 to someone on the Crescent staff.  I don't know when you should be getting it.

I hope by now you got my letter about flying home.  And also that you have sent the money.  (Direct Approach!)

Gov. McCall has been here at school.  It was for the Presidents Convocation at the beginning of the school year.

Was glad to hear that E.C. won another game!  G.F.C. has a basket-ball team and I think their season starts pretty soon.

I liked your Christmas seals.  I got some sent me from New Vienna -- they also wanted $3.00!  I did send them $1.00.

Did (or will) you all go to the Ponderosa Steak House at Tri-County?  I believe its new -- wasn't even open the first of September -- Have a steak for me!  HA!  Hope you all are fine.  Serena -- hope your feet aren't giving you too much trouble.

Love, Bert

1970 Joe's postcard to Roberta -Nov.17

Caption: Images of Senegal: FADIOUTH -- Millet granaries

Nov. 17, 1970

Dakar, Senegal

Dear Berto,

Thank you for your letter.  It seems that you are having quite an experience too!  You ought to see Africa with all the different smells and nude African women walking around! Ha!  I'm teaching 26 hrs. a week -- too much!  140 students.  It is a paradise here with beautiful weather and islands all over the place.  I go to one especially to swim etc.  The feast of Ramadan is going on now.  The Africans can't eat from 5 A.M. to 7 P.M. -- all day.  I wouldn't like that!  Write soon --

Love, Joe

I wish Melissa were here!

1970 Roberta's Letter -Nov.14

 Nov 14, 1970

Dear Family,

Hi!  Hope all is well with you all.  I just got done writing a letter to Mrs. Schamaun -- I had gotten a letter from her yesterday.

Last night as planned, we went into [Portland] to see "The Cross and the Switch-blade.  It was really good!  Before the movie we went to a Taco House and got a complete meal full of "Hot" food.

Now, before we went to eat we went to the air-port.  I checked about coming home.  I have made a reservation for Friday December 18 -- I will be leaving Portland at 12:30 A.M. and will get into Dayton at 10:50 A.M.  Now, get this.  I have two exams scheduled for Friday.  I will arrange with the teachers about taking the exams early.  This is OK -- I have already checked.  I did try to get a reservation for Friday aft or evening.  But they were all full.  Except for first class!  Even the flights going on Saturday & Sunday are full. (except again for first class!)  The man that I talked to was very nice and he said I would have to wait till Monday.  So I told him I would go on Thursday.  Now, I will be flying home excursion rate.  I also have a reservation to fly back to Oregon on Jan. 4 -- the 4:00 flight like I took out of Dayton in September.

I will get ¼ off because of flying excursion.  But it is still $201.00.  I need this before Dec 5th because I told them I would pick up my ticket by then.  $201 is alot cheaper than flying coach fare.  Coach fare is $250 round-trip.  Of course stand-by is only $150 but just forget that figure over Christmas!

I will be needing some money -- like $200.  Now, I do have some money but I will need it between now and Christmas -- especially over Thanksgiving.  I would deeply appreciate you all sending me about $200 before too long so I can go to the air-port and pick up my ticket & all.

OH also if I flew after Friday afternoon (after 12:00 noon) -- I wouldn't be able to fly the excursion rate.

This week-end is future freshman week-end.  When we got in last night at 12:00 we found 3 girls in our room.  They aren't even serious about coming here.  They must come because its a free ride!  Doesn't cost them a thing.  They expect us to entertain them.  Not only that but they had us up till after 3:00 AM this morning and then up again at 7:00 this morning.  I couldn't believe it!!

Well, I better close now for I want to finish my term paper -- my History one on John Wesley.

I did pick up some more Avis buttons last night.

Got Church newsletter in the mail today.  Something must be wrong with Aunt Mary -- I always get her carbon copy on Saturday and today I didn't.

We are up to the war of 1812 in History -- in fact we are up to the election of 1816!  Term of Monroe! WOW!

Got to go.  Will write more when I hear from you all.  All of my classes are going fine -- I sure dread those exams I'm saving my nerve pills till then.  HA!  Love, Bert

1910 Wedding Invitation Brown/Scott -Nov.10

 

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

Mr. and Mrs. John Rush Scott

request the honor of your presence

at the wedding reception of their daughter

Leora

and

Mr. Robert Morrow Brown

on the evening of Wednesday, the thirtieth of November

nineteen hundred and ten

at seven o'clock

Thirty-one South Main Cross Street

Somerset, Pennsylvania

*    *    *    *    *    *    *    *    *    *

Notes:

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

1980 Family Letter -Nov.11

 

Tuesday --

November 11, 1980

Dearest Family --

Today is Veterans Day but did't affect us much here as there was school and work at the Wells Mfg. in spite of what they were doing elsewhere.  Was glad to get Roberta's call this morning and surprised that she and Marion didn't have to work but glad for them too.  Sorry that she didn't get to talk to Mary Virginia and Dad but both were on the job at their respective places.  Guess that John and Carol had a long weekend as they had taken off yesterday and gone to visit Carol's family.  We are looking forward to visiting them the last weekend in November after seeing Grandma and Mrs. Simkins (Pauline) off to Florida that Saturday, Nov. 29th.  Hope that this works in with their plans as we have been so wanting to get up to see them as MV and I haven't been there since they moved.

MV, Carol Wise and I went to a retreat for women of all denominations this past weekend up at Huron, Ohio at a very beautiful resort called Sawmill Creek.  Had no idea what it would be like but Georgialia Hannah had recommended it as she had gone last year.  There were 1004 of us there so had the whole place plus a number of the women had to stay at a nearby Holiday Inn.  Next year they plan to hold it at the Hyatt in Columbus.  This hotel just has opened and they can accommodate up to 3000 and make use of the convention center nearby.  (The Ohio Bar is holding their meeting there in May so hope to see it then.)  It will be a week earlier so MV isn't sure she'll be able to make it on account of the football season still being on. They did have a very good program -- about 8 mini-sessions from which to choose and two speakers who each spoke twice.  The music was so good too.  MV also made use of the swimming pool and whirlpool and became acquainted with a sophomore girl from Wilmington College from Washington Court House.

Dad and Grandma went out to dinner Sunday in Hillsboro at the Wooden Spoon and then visited some of the Hiestands.  I know they saw Joe Hiestands and also Miriam (Paul's wife) and son Richard.

Yesterday was the meeting in Dayton of the children's librarians so drove to Wilmington where Jeanne Liggett drove Janet Esmail and me the rest of the way.  Nina Bawden, the English author of both adult and children's books spoke so we had to rush to get through the booklist and so didn't have as much time as usual but she was interesting.

We have had an evangelist and song leader from Cedarville College this week -- both of which are very good.  Dad and Mary Virginia went to the square dance lessons.  Tim Larrick is in Kansas City for the FFA convention so that means there was one less fellow to take part so knew they wouldn't want any more females there so stayed home and went to church.

Had forgotten you had a recipe to make yogurt in the microwave, Catherine but glad it came out well.  Know you enjoy having some time off like yesterday to get things like that done.  Roberta and Marion seem to like theirs although it takes some getting used to.  I finally got the fourth leg for my oven rack so have made use of it and will more like on Sundays or when we have company and want to do so many things at once.

Had a note from the Sankers and they got back from their trip in good shape and want us to come down for Terrace Park's annual House Tour sponsored by the Garden Club.  We went a couple of years ago and really enjoyed it then.  Two out of the five houses are on the same street that the Sankers live on -- Princeton Drive.  She says that they are really unusual especially the two on their street.  Serena, the Wolfrums are still talking about their trip to Chicago and all the tall buildings.  They put their van in the garage for the whole time and either walked or took the bus everywhere.  The weather was cooperative for them.  It was their first trip to Chicago.

We have been listening to TV about the pictures from Saturn -- makes one realize how BIG this world is and also how small our own problems are.

[Love, etc.  -- Mom & Dad]

1980 Catherine's Letter -Nov.10

 Monday morning

November 10, 1980

Dear Mother, Dad & Mary,

Hi!  Thanks for the post card from Gatlinburg which arrived Thursday and your letter which came on Saturday.  I tried calling Friday morning but nobody answered.  Did you have to work, Mother?

The Woll's left for a long weekend and won't be back until late tomorrow.  It was my turn to work Friday, Debbie's turn today and then mine again tomorrow.  But we traded because Gerry has tomorrow off.  The co-op stays open on Veteran's Day but only half the employees work.  Gerry should have had last year's V. Day off but since he was in the hospital he gets this year & next year!  We thought we might go to Kah-nee-ta and go swimming tomorrow.

Wednesday morning

Just tried calling you again but still no answer.  We did go swimming yesterday and had lunch at Kah-nee-ta.  It sure was nice to have a holiday.

Wendy woke up this morning with a rash all over her body and bigger spots on her face.  The girl that used to work for Dr. Woll is taking my place today so I can take Wendy to the Dr.  If it is not anything contagious I can take her to the Day Care Center but if it is I'll have to make some other arrangements.  Her appointment is at 10:45.  I'll wait until after that to finish this so I can tell you what the diagnosis is.

I guess I did too good on my collections at work last month.  Starting in December they are raising the amount to $10,500 before the bonus starts.  That probably won't be a very big month anyway with the holidays.

I found your negatives so I will enclose them with this letter.  Wendy is just beginning to learn her letters so she wanted to see her name.

W E N D Y

I am sending some of her latest "art work" separately.

Just got done at the Dr.'s.  They think Wendy might have strep throat.  They took a throat culture and will let me know tomorrow if it is positive.  The rash is called scarletina and often accompanies strep throat.  I got a prescription of penicillin and she can go back to Day Care tomorrow.

Love, Catherine, Gerry & Wendy

1970 Roberta's Letter -Nov.9

North West AirLines may end their strike -- Just heard it on the news!

Nov. 9, 1970

Dear Family,

Thanks alot for your letter today and also the stamps and the check.

We really had a good time in Portland.  We got back to the school at ten til Twelve midnight.  Just ten minutes before deadline.  We were wondering all the way from Portland what would happen if we did get in after midnight.

Portland was very cold & windy.  Alot colder than Newberg.  I guess its because of the Columbia River.

I did call United as I said in my card.  She said the cheapest I could fly -- with a reserved seat -- is coast fair.  $126.00.

I was wondering if I could call up & make two reservations one a few days earlier than the other.  I'm not sure when I'll be able to leave.  I do plan on calling up & making reservations as soon as I hear from you.   Or perhaps I will make them while I am in Portland this Friday to see "The Cross and the Switch-blade".

Mary my room-mate is from Portland.  She does usually go home every week-end.  Pam is from Tacoma, Washington.  It is Pam that I'm planning on going home with her over Thanksgiving.  We do have 4 days off.  We will probably have to take a train there -- which will cost about $4.00 according to Pam.  Her mother works but may be able to bring us back to school.

I've gotten two packages from Julie Wiget this past week.  One day early last week I got a real pretty stuffed animal from her.  Then when we got back Saturday night late and were both of us starved; there on my bed was a tin container of candy -- all wrapped up -- from her.  It was nice of someone to have picked it up for me or I would have had to have waited till today to get it.  If you see any of the Wigets do be sure & tell them how much I appreciate it all.

The Browns have sent me two different packages of food -- all of which goes FAST in a dorm full of starved girls.

Thanks again for sending me the boots & pictures.

We are now studying Exodus in Bible Lit.  The commentary helps me alot.

In Portland we went in a Cheese store where I bought almost $2.00 worth of various kinds of cheese.

Mother, did you order me any personalized stationery?  I was just wondering because I hate to buy very much if you have ordered me some.

I got a letter (my letter) back from Betty Waits Caplinger.  It went to both Hillsboro & Peebles but still was marked wrong address.

I find my History class very boring.  The teacher just simply reads to us from the textbook itself.  Though I may take a Government Course after Christmas from a different teacher.

Sociology is pretty hard.  We have to read these Sociological Journals out of the Library.  They are very hard to understand.

Serena -- I will try and get you a "We try Harder" button in Spanish.  John -- I hope your feet are feeling better.  Too bad about the G.O.P. doing so bad in Ohio.  I read about it all out here.  I'm glad that Taft made it.

Am now busy writing three term papers.  At least I'm getting started on them -- busy doing that!  I'm writing about the Oxford English Dictionary for English.  We had help from the teacher about what we were writing about.  That topic wasn't 100% my idea.  I'm writing about John Wesley's life in Georgia for History.  And in Sociology I am writing about the Alcoholic.

Do write and tell me if I can make two reservations -- knowing that I would cancel one.  Don't think it would be worth it to go by train -- for $99.00!

Hope you are all fine.  Glad to hear that Mary Virginia liked the foot!  Thanks again for everything.

Love, Bert

1970 Roberta's Postcards -Nov.7

Caption: Top - Ice Arena, Portland, Oregon.
Bottom: Evening Comes To Portand - The "City of Roses" and its Guardian, 50 miles to the eat, Mt. Hood.

SAT AM [11/7/70]

Hi!  We are in Portland for the weekend.  Pam and I came in last night and went to Lloyd Center for awhile then came to Multnomah School of the Bible where we stayed all night and will stay here till tonight.  We had to walk 40 blocks because the buses ran only every so often.  Wow!  Got a ride in to Portland last night but will have to take a bus back to Newberg tonight.  Called airport $126.00 (coast fair) - United's cheapest.  found out cost $90 (Wow) some dollars by train $65.00 only gets you to Chicago.

Love, Bert 

SAT 10:40 pm

Hi!  Now at bus station waiting on bus to go back to Newberg.  Have had a wonderful time in Portland.  But must go back & study tomorrow.  Ugh!

Bus came at 10:45 -- takes app 50 minutes to get to school.  We have to be in by 12:00 midnight sharp.  Hope the bus isn't late!!!  Portland is a great city!  We were all over it today.  Walked & took buses!

Love, Bert

(When I flew in I could see Mt. Hood.  Beautiful!  -- also beautiful down here.)

1980 Roberta's Letter -Nov.7

 

[11/7/80]

Friday Morning

7:00 A.M.

Dear Family,

This will have to be a shorty but did want you all to know that I still think of you all lots!!!!!  The last two weeks have sure been busy.  Grayce -- the full time aide out at work has been gone 8 out of the last ten days.  Her father died about two weeks ago in Ogden, Utah so she was off for a week going up there for the funeral.  Her dad was 98 years old and had been in good health until this last summer.  Then the day after she got back her husband went in the hospital with congestive heart failure.  He has had heart trouble for the last 12 years -- now all sorts of complications have set in.  

So that leaves myself and Judy (who can only work 20 hours a week -- she's paid out of Older Americans Act) out at work.  We have really been bombarded with new people -- lots of pushy winter visitors.  Because we are limited as to how many meals we can serve -- it makes it very bad.

I called up John election night and enjoyed talking with him.  He mentioned the possibility of them getting a foster child -- has this come about by now?  Mary Virginia we were sure happy to get your letter.  I'm glad to see that you can still write!!!

Marion traded her bike in for one like mine -- except its a little smaller.  The honda was a 50cc and this one is a 100cc -- so its top speed would be about 50.  It is the scotter type like mine.  Where the honda did not have any gears -- this one has three.  So far she is having lots of trouble shifting gears -- done by the left hand.  But, she can't seem to shift with just the one hand.  I sure like my bike.  I've been thinking about investing in a ski outfit -- perhaps the one piece outfits -- they cost alot but it would be nice for wearing on the bike -- especially in the mornings -- I'm already freezing now that the temps ae down in the 60's in the AM.  Last year I bought the ski gloves -- they were right around $40 -- but sure warmer than anything else!!!!!

Mother, when is the Christmas bazaar at the Church?  Wish you all could see all the stuff that has been made out at the center.  We are planning a combined effort sale with the Senior Center in town -- also the B.D. Dalton Bookstore is donating lots of books and calling it a "Book-a-Thon".  One of Dalton's boys -- about my age lives here in Mesa and manages the Dalton bookstore at Fiesta Mall.  He is on the Mesa Senior Center Executive Board.  Our sale is scheduled for December 6th -- hopefully it will be a success!!!!!

Now Saturday morning -- want to get this off before I leave for work.  Its funny, I've gone over to the flower shop three different times -- one being this last Wednesday to tell Harry I'm quitting, but then I don't do it.  This last time I just asked for the 6th off -- for our art sale.

Had something weird happen to me last night.  I had left my bike at Vera's house yesterday afternoon and had driven her into town -- in her '52 Mercury -- to have supper with us.  Last night about ten o'clock I drove her back and when I went to get on my bike I felt like something wasn't just right.  I didn't mention it to her.  About two miles later I went over a bump and just about lost my windshield -- so I stopped real fast to look over the situation.  Someone had undone all the way three out of the four screws that holds the windshield on.  They were gone completely.  So I had to take it nice and easy all the way home -- about 8 miles.  I figure that whoever it was must have got scarred away when we came up in the car.  Marion and  Sally had gone to the football game.  We had supper with them -- then we stopped at the hospital, the grocery, and then got to Vera's about ten.

We ate at the LUNT AVENUE MARBLE CLUB -- its in Tempe -- really a neat place.  You all would enjoy it the next time you come.  When you order a sandwich you get a piece of cantaloupe, bunch of grapes, etc.

Got your letter yesterday -- thanks alot.  Really enjoyed reading the letter Mary Virginia had written to the editor of the News Journal.  Sounds like you all are your usual busy selves.  And I can relate to that.

Love, 

Roberta

1980 Jean & MV to Women Anew Retreat -Nov. 7-9

[Jean's note written on inside of front cover]
Mary Virginia (junior at East Clinton), Carol Wise and I drove up after World Community Day at Kelly Religious Center where MV had the closing solo.  We had a room together.

Georgialia Hannah was also there from N.V. with a group from Greenfield (Ruth Ann Bailey) and Washington Court House including a girl who is a sophomore at Wilmington College.

1980 Catherine's Postcard to GHU -Nov.6

(Partial) Caption: Zephyr Motel, Restaurant & Gift Shop, Gananoque, Ontario, Canada

11/6/80

Hi, Grandma!  How are you doing?  We went to Bend last Saturday and bought the foam rubber for the back of the truck.  Thanks alot!  We have also ordered carpet from Sears to cover it with.  We are keeping busy.  Thanks for your letter!

Love, Catherine, Gerry & Wendy

1990 MV introduces herself to Somerset UMC -Nov.5

 

1970 Catherine's Letter -Nov.6

 

[postmarked Nov 6 1970]

Dear Mom, Dad, Serena, John, Mary,

Hi!  I was glad to get a card from you yesterday.  Sorry you won't be coming for Dad's Day.  If you change your plans, I'll be here.  There have been some signs up around here about it but I'm sure you have more details than I do -- I don't even know what the program is.

I finally got some news on my bike.  Sarah Hay (she's the one who called you, too) called and said she had ridden it over to the house where she's living this quarter, locked it behind the house and when she came back out it was gone.  In the meantime she has been looking for it and although it seems to have been totally removed from the Kalamazoo scene, she now has an old 10-speed which a guy is fixing up for me.

I am enclosing the map to where you can pick us up on Thanksgiving if you can.  As I understand it is somewhere around the G in Kettering.  Plans are to leave here about 6 AM on Thursday so you can estimate about what time we'll get there.  Rena said we would stop about an hour before to call you -- that way we all should arrive at the same time.  Dad, I think you met Rena.  This is her son and his family.

Could you see if you can get us both optometrist appointments?  I haven't had my contacts checked in two years so they probably need polishing.  Dick hasn't had his eyes checked for a long time either.  If Dr. Hause is going to be around I could probably use a dentist appointment, too.  Either Friday or Saturday for either one.

I am now registered for my SIP [Senior Independent Project] next quarter and the two classes spring quarter.  I have now narrowed my SIP down to a translation of Gunther Eich who has been writing radio plays since about 1950.  Two or three have already been translated so all I have to do is decide on which one of the others I want to do.  My advisor, Dr. Fugate, has been really helpful.  I'm glad I'll be around here next quarter for further help though.  If possible I'd like to get it wrapped up early.  Comps loom up bigger every day and studying can't hurt.

Dick is writing a thesis on the theory of imagination.  He has been doing lots of bibliography work and preliminary reading.  It is hard because sometimes it is nice to get the work for three classes done and then relax -- but instead we go around digging ourselves up more work to do.  At least with an SIP it is something of our own choosing.

I think Mrs. Hall will be coming back to Kalamazoo this winter since we will be here and she wouldn't have to live alone.  I don't know what happens in the spring when we come back here though.  At least our connections with the college will be loose enough to give us some freedom this winter.  We're hoping maybe to spend some time up on Lake Huron -- even if it frozen, I wouldn't mind a change of scenery and atmosphere.  We might even get to New Vienna some time.

I will wait to hear from you if you can pick us up on the 26th.  I also hope the map is understandable.

Love,

Catherine & Dick

1980 Family Letter -Nov.5

Wednesday --

November 5, 1980

Dearest Family,

We had a wonderful weekend at Gatlinburg -- the weather was so beautiful and the leaves still full of color.  We stopped at Boone Tavern on the way down for lunch.  Being Halloween they had pumpkin soup, trick or treat salad, hobgoblin sundae and other goodies.  The motel where we all stayed was just about three years old and very posh.  It had four floors and a glass elevator.  The pool was actually on two levels with a slide between and a whirlpool which really helped us to relax after our trip down.  Most of the rest went up to Pigeon Forge to have dinner at the Apple Tree Inn (where we ate years ago) but we weren't at all that hungry.  They had a family style dinner with three meats and too much other food they all said.  They held the Autumn Promenade at the convention center where there must have been close to 50 squares in one room and then the more advanced were in another room.  It was quite an experience.  We found out Saturday night that our group tied with another for fourth largest group there -- 26 people and the largest to come the farthest.

Gatlinburg turned us off as far as so many shops and tourist attractions. We did look around Saturday -- found the library closed but very attractive -- off the tourist tract and asked many before we were told where to find it.  We did see the Bearskin Motel where we had stayed 20 (?) years ago. [A postcard of the Bearskin Motel mailed 8/1/60 can be found on the blog here.]  It is still starred in the Mobil Tour Guide but has certainly had its day.  The pool still in the shape of a bearskin was still filled with water but also leaves and dirt.

We got an early start coming home and went to church in Harrogate, Tennessee at a pretty little Baptist Church where the minister announced his resignation to the congregation that morning and had everyone including us in tears by his emotions and remarks.  We also stopped at Cumberland Gap and saw two movies (10 minutes each) and historical data there.

Mary Virginia seemed to have a good but busy weekend so hadn't missed us too much -- we got home about 8PM before she did.  She and Kelly Walker had gone to the Visitation Day at Wilmington College and had enjoyed it.  In reading last night's paper found she had written a letter to the editor which we hope to include in this.

Mrs. Belle Gordon passed away Sunday and they had calling hours yesterday and the funeral is private this afternoon.  Friday she was looking forward to coming home but they found a blood clot and she died as a result of the surgery.   (She had a slight stroke a week before and was in Clinton Memorial).  All the girls except Nancy are home and Jack was at the funeral home as well as Virginia's sister Betty and her husband who has been in the hospital with a very bad heart.  Anxious to see if Jack moves back as he had said Mrs. Gordon was the reason he had moved out several years ago.  She was just 3½  months less than 97.

Mrs. Walker was to have had the Mothers Club last night but Charlotte Hause had it in her place and Mary Virginia gave the program -- our annual musical.  She did an excellent job and I wished that I had taped it.  Bill Kincaid was her accompanist.  The theme of our programs this year is Love and so she was asked to do love songs and the group was to answer roll call with their favorite love song.  She sang "Love is a Song", "I Wonder", "Indian Love Call", "Some Day My Prince Will Come", "Pagan Love Song", "Longer", and "Goodnight My Someone".  Four of the members came in late because of working at the election polls and Easter Star services at the funeral home so she did an encore of I Wonder with Bill singing with her this time.  She got a lot of compliments.

The news of the outcome of the election was quite a surprise coming so early but can't say that I was at all unhappy about Reagan's election.  Haven't heard yet whether Helen Hiestand won the Highland County recorder's job.  The Republican running against John Glenn for Senator didn't do well at all

Last nite Dad went to a bank dinner and then square dancing to keep Mary Virginia and me up on the things taught at the most recent sessions.  Tonight he has Lions Club and our United Methodist Women is meeting too in place of next week when the church is having a week of evangelistic services.

Catherine we didn't get out of passing out treats as Beggars Night was last Thursday night.  We must have given well over a hundred balloons between six and seven and then turned out our porch light briefly so we could eat supper without interruptions as we tried earlier without any luck at all.  But the majority had come evidently for we never had another one.  We had all sizes and ages, masked and unmasked.  We had given up going to the Halloween Square Dance for didn't want to leave MV home alone and she later decided to go Halloweening in Sabina with some friends who have little brothers and sisters.  But we got to bed early and plenty of rest before our trip.

Roberta we have tried to reach you often on the phone but no one answers so guess we are calling at a bad time.  Had wanted to know Agnes' new address so could complete the Guideposts subscription list but got our fourth reminder from the magazine with list and noticed her address has been changed.  I meant to ask if any of you would want to subscribe for any friends it is a good opportunity to get it at a reasonable price so let us know for next year.  They also have three other editions at the same price -- Big Print, Braille and Talking Book.  Joe Horton never got his so sent it in with the Andover, Massachusetts address (via Raymes pouch) so hope that it goes through.  None of the foreign subscriptions I ordered last year were acknowledged except Joe and he never got the magazine.

Have talked to Kim several more times and the church voted to send him a notarized letter (as requested) but really feel it is too late this school year for Mie Young to come and she isn't going to school there so has wasted at least several months.  Of course they didn't realize what a hassle it would be for her to get out of the country.

On the Gatlinburg trip we enjoyed having the Harners go with us -- is is still hard for us to call Melba Harner rather than Melba Fawley, as she was before Stan's death.  The Harners are "talking" of going to Seattle next year to the Square Dance Convention.  We have sent in our reservations for the ABA mtg in New Orleans the 2nd week of August.  In '82 it will be in San Francisco.

Dad will soon be ready to mail this unless we wait til noon in case we might hear from one of you.  Got your message, Serena, about your not being able to call til you get your teeth and/or root canals paid for -- do make sure that it isn't their idea of how to gain experience in that field  We have heard of more people getting ripped off that way.  Too bad you are not nearer Catherine's dentist employer for a second opinion.

Hope you enjoy your long weekend, John and Carol.  Do you also have next Monday off, Roberta?  MV and I are going to Huron for the Women Anew weekend -- more about that later.

With much love to all of you,
Dad & Mother

1970 Roberta's postcard -Nov.6

 

[Postmarked Nov 6 1970]

Hi!  I got your post-card & also the boots & pictures & stamps.  I've been trying to remember the names of F.B.S. kids in the pictures.

On campus there is a group of 4 kids from Wilmington College - OHIO!!  They are studying Quaker Education.  They have been to F.B.S. and also the school in North Dakota that Stuckey is president of.  They said it had alot of Quaker influence now.  They are now only half done on their tour.

It's started raining again here and has gotten alot colder.

We are to go in and see "The Cross & the Switch-blade" next Friday night.  It is suppose to be very good.  It is playing in Portland.  Thanks again for the boots, stamps & pictures.

Love, Bert

1990 Catherine's Letter -Nov.4

 

11-4-90

Dear Mother & Dad,

Hi!  I talked to Roberta on the phone after she returned from Ohio but we haven't gotten together yet.  We do have plans for Wednesday though so I should see her then.  Your letter made a quick trip to Phoenix but has been delayed in getting on to Glendale.

We had our heat on for the first time yesterday as the early morning temperature dropped to 49º.  It had been about two weeks since we turned the air conditioning off!

Gerry mowed the lawn yesterday and trimmed the shrubbery.  The grass is still fairly green but the colder nights will probably speed it into dormancy quickly.  The leaves are beginning to fall off our nectarine tree too.

It's been busy at the library.  We're doing teacher collections now (35 books for a month and we pick out the books) and that keeps us busy.  Our dept. still has a vacant position which we hope to fill in the next couple of weeks.  It's a YA position so hopefully there will be some qualified applicants to choose from.

Arizona is having Kids Voting at the polls tomorrow along with regular voting -- I'm helping at our precinct in the morning.  I don't think it will be too busy though since 80% of this precinct is Glencroft Senior Center!

Got to go!

Love,

Catherine, Gerry & Wendy

1990 Family Letter -Nov.4

 

Nov. 4, 1990

Dearest Family --

Dad thought we ought to really surprise you and write a letter before the year is out -- it is coming fast but the weather has been marvelous.  I'm sure the cold is coming but ever since the day Roberta left it has been especially beautiful -- so sorry that she couldn't have had it warmer.

We went to Ponderosa after church today -- G'ma went to Sunday School then home for a nap.  She eats very well and still had some to take home with her.

Mary Virginia called and they plan to move the 16-17th.  They have a three bedroom house in town and plan to get a U-Haul truck as the church will pay for it.  Then just a few days later they will be coming up here for Thanksgiving -- they go back Thursday as they have to be in Macon, GS for Cathy's wedding rehearsal Friday evening.  I think Serena, John and possibly Julie will be here for Thanksgiving too.  Wish that you all could be here.

I talked briefly to Wendy on the phone the other day to tell here that Oprah Winfrey's guests were New Kids on the Block with some of the parents so don't know whether she was in time to see it or not.  She was to have no school on Friday due to a teachers meeting.

We had a nice visit with Serena last Tuesday when we took Roberta later to the airport.  She was getting new furniture for her office plus some other things so it was a busy day for her but at least Roberta got to see where she works and lives.  Greenville is a real nice city and has a nice library.

Dad is busy trying to get the field across the street leveled and rocks out to plant grass.  It has been torn out for so long when they put the sewer lines through.  It will look much better and be more to mow.

Mrs. Thornburg celebrated her 90th birthday last Sunday and had a fall on Monday which has slowed her up some.  No broken bones found when she went to the emergency room but Wilma is doing quite a bit for her, going after her and she did ride the chair lift.  She is still good for her age.

Dad planted so much cabbage and broccoli in the garden and we have been giving it away but we still have some -- broccoli keeps growing til almost Christmas if we have decent weather.  Our asparagus prospects look great . . . for next Spring.

The Hortons left last Wednesday morning for LW, we miss their great help with Grandma.  Things seem to be running smoother with the four helpers vs. the earlier six helpers.

Friday evening we were guests of the Sankers at their Church's monthly social, where the speaker (ran) across the U.S. but he is confined to crutches, very inspirational talk.

Do you think out typewriter needs a new ribbon, cleaning (or Dad says) to be replaced?  So do expect an improvement in our next letter.

John, we are anxious to hear you & Julie's next experience in Chicago.  Connie Croghan has been working in Chicago -- as PRI (Buckeye successor [?]) are closing out their N.V. office & she is helping them to train people in the new office.

Love,

Mother & Dad

1970 Roberta's Letter -Nov.3

 

Nov. 3, 1970

Dear Family,

Thanks alot for the letter & check today.  The check will cover everything right now.  I did buy the Wycliffe Bible Commentary.  It really helps me alot in my Bible Work.  I got the 1968 edition -- 1527 pages as to the the 1966 - 1515 pages!  The price was still the same.

We have been having beautiful weather here.  It gets up to about 60-65 which seems pretty warm to us all.

Should I check in and see about flying home -- do you think it would be worth it?  If I fly I better be getting on the ball, huh?  Here are some pictures that I've taken.  Be sure & keep them.  Maybe you could mail them to Aunt Mary & Uncle Bill to let them see them.

We got our first test back in History.  I got a "B".  I'm still not too fond of the class.  If we could just get to the 1800's.  We're still messing with Washington, etc. -- maybe I should say we finally got that far.  We're having our 2nd History test this Friday.  Also a big Bible test -- wish me luck!

I hope you are feeling lots better now Daddy.  Thanks again for the letter & check.

Love, 

Bert

[Written on the envelope]

Thanks for the stamps.  They will come in very handy!!

Election 1970
McCall will win in Oregon -- I hope!!  I hope Taft wins!!  Think John Gilligan will win?  I'll know in about 6 hours!!  I don't like Metzenbaum!! 

1950 - HH opens law practice - pictures - Nov.5

In honor of HH's 95th birthday -- sorry he's not here to celebrate with us -- here are some pictures taken a few days after his 25th birthday, Nov. 5, 1950.  

Evidently the sign was first erected in front of the CJU/GHU residence, and was later moved to the family's next residence in the apartment building at the corner of Routes 28 & 73, now the location of the Family Dollar store.

1980 MV's Letter to the Editor re: Wilmington College -Nov.2

 

1970 Catherine's Postcard -Nov.2

Caption: MAIN HALL, MOUNT VERNON MANSION.  This is the central hall of Washington's Mansion at Mount Vernon.  It is a beautiful example of the architecture of Colonial days.

 

Nov. 2, 1970

Hi!  It's really cold & rainy, with possibilities of snow.  Tomorrow I register for spring qtr.  I think I will take a course called "The Consumer & Economic Change" and the German seminar.  Plans are developing for Thanksgiving.  We will probably be leaving here about 6AM on Thurs.  The place where you can pick us up is near Rt. 35 about 20 minutes from Xenia.  I'll send you a map and we'll be able to call you when we are about an hour away.  Return trip will be Sunday mid-morning probably.  Can all this work in with your plans?  Hope so. How did election come out?

Love, Catherine

1950 November Calendar

 Highlights of November 1950 included the following:

• Richard Nixon was elected as U.S. Senator from California
• Prescott Bush (father & grandfather of future presidents) lost his bid for U.S. Senator from Connecticut
• Billy Graham was heard on radio for the first time
• There was an unsuccessful push to end the Korean War which continued until 1953.

1970 Catherine's postcard to GHU-Oct.31

Caption: Highland Hall School for Girls in Holidaysburg, PA.  Founded in 1867 and ranking among the best College Preparatory Schools, it continues to serve discriminating families throughout the United States.  [According to Wikipedia, it was a female academy until 1940, becoming a county office building in 1969 and now serves as affordable senior housing.] 

Oct. 31 [1970]

TIRCK OR TREAT!

How many did you have this year?  Dick and I went out in weird costumes but only got two apples -- we only knocked on one door!  This quarter is half over, next week I'll register for my last quarter here.  Hard for me to believe.  Will you be in NV for Thanksgiving?  If so, see you then!  

Love, Catherine