1973 Hinerman Letter - Sep. 5

Letter from former New Cumberland resident and friend, Sarah Shoup Hinerman 1902-1979, written on a notecard decorated with an historical picture of The Capitol, Washington D.C. from the original etching by Don Swann. Transcription follows.

Wed. a.m.  9/5 [1973]

Dear Folks,

We really enjoyed your cards and looks like you "got around."  My doctor saves foreign stamps & was delighted with the one from Peru.

I'e had so many aches & pains this summer – you wouldn't believe!  I've had a pinched nerve which paralyzed my right hand – it's greatly improved (no pain) but is like it's frozen – hence this awful writing.  Then I had a bout with high blood pressure which he's getting under control (Dr. who saves stamps).  Now i am in the midst of ten radiation therapy (cobalt) treatments at the Ohio Valley Hosp.  I have a recurrent pain in left rib.  I get around tho' – going to Sistersville for lunch today with some girls (?).  When I get despondent & sort of "down and out-ish" I think of Harold's Mother and how chipper she is and it peps me up.  (Today is 5th trip for me.)

Isn't this a disgusting letter with "health report"?  I wanted you to know why I hadn't written.  Hope you'll write us all about your trips - Library in Maine looked so inviting.

Don't you ever get to Atlanta?  The K's love it there.  Thave have an 8 passenger "Bayliner" boat and enjoy it on Lake Lanier.  They bought a piano for Susan and she's thumping on it for dear life – starts to take lessons next week when her school starts.  Wish you all would come over – We would love it.  Our house is nice and cool and we just stay inside.  You all are "seasoned travelers" and please count a day for Glen Dale –

Love to all, Sarah & Chauncey

1973 Roberta's Hospital Bill - Sept. 7

Why Roberta spent two days of her trip to Ohio from work/school in Florida is a mystery, but the bill, of course, has historical significance for the slight amounts charged 40 years ago.  With the assistance of a ruler the determination was made that the $12.50 charge was for Professional Fees not for telephone charges which would not have been a surprise.  Glad you got medical care in Ohio, Roberta.  Clinton Memorial appreciated your support.

1973 Roberta's Hospital Bill - Sept. 7

1973 Serena to Earlham

A 1973 clipping from the Hillsboro (Ohio) Press-Gazette on Sept. 7, shares the news of Serena's attendance at Earlham College.  Unfortunately, the tape attaching the clipping date and masthead have discolored the first few lines of the clipping.  Transcription follows.  Following is a "clipping" from newspaper.com which also has it's in

1973 Serena goes to Earlham clipping from Hillsboro Press-Gazette - Sept. 7

GOES TO EARLHAM

Serena Uible, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Harold H. Uible, College St., New Vienna, has been admitted to Earlham College, Richmond, Ind.

A private four-year co-educational liberal arts college, Earlham is a Quaker institution which was established in 1847 by the Indiana Yearly Meeting of the Society of Friends.  Orientation for new students begins Sept. 15, with registration coming Sept. 19 and classes commencing Sept. 20.

* * * * * * * * * *

Following is a "clipping" from newspapers.com which also has it's inadequacies – faded letters and disappearing punctuation marks, but which has some advantages if there is no original clipping or more information is needed.  Not sure about the difference in page numbers as the top of that page definitely says page 22.

1993 Catherine's Postcard - Sept. 6

Catherine & Gerry played a lot of golf while Wendy was being an exchange student in Scotland.  Transcription follows.

1993 ©Current Postcard: I'm thankful there's you!

1993 Catherine's Postcard - Sept. 6

9/6/93 Labor Day - Lake Montezuma, AZ
Hi!  We are here at the Beaver Creek Golf Resort until tomorrow.  We went to Sedona yesterday and played at the Sedona Golf Resort.  Wendy has a new host family and therefore a new address!  It is [not transcribed]. She thinks this will work better.  They are younger (25,30).  He is a construction supv. and she is a library assistant.  Any mail sent to her old address will be forwarded (hopefully).
Talk to you soon!
Love, Catherine & Gerry

1973 Catherine's NH Postcard -Sept. 5

Catherine sends a New Hampshire postcard from Maine.  Transcription follows.

Sunny Villa Restaurant, Ossipee NH Postcard [mailed 1973]  Captioned: SUNNY VILLA RESTAURANT Route 16, Ossipee, N.H.  A family restaurant serving "Yankee Food just the way you like" since 1930.  Open June through October, 11 A.M. to 9 P.M.  Other months open Friday, Saturday & Sunday.  We cordially invite reservations for parties, banquets and club luncheons.  Gift and antique shop on the grounds.  Phone 539-4967.  Your Hosts, the Powers Family

1973 Catherine NH Postcard - Sep. 5

9/5/73

Bruce, Beth & Ardy all came last week & are staying until tomorrow.  We're leaving Saturday for parts unknown.  It has been very hot & humid.  Thanks for the package.  The pressure cooker & can opener are working well.  I think we may do some hiking & perhaps rent a cabin on our vacation.  Probably in Maine.  Went swimming in the ocean on Monday – water was warm (78º).

Love, Catherine and X

1983 Family Letter - Sept. 4

Family letter from September 1983. Transcription follows.

Sunday afternoon,
Sept. 4, 1983

Dearest Family-

We need to get something off to Roberta so thought we would combine it with a ltetter [sic] to you all since we missed writing last weekend.  It was good talking to several of you on the phone and getting letters from X and John, Roberta and Catherine, and the Hortons.

The weather here is still on the very warm and humid side - bad especially with school started.  We did get out early two days but not early at all this past week.  We have gotten a couple of showers but too late now to help the corn for this year though the soybeans are already looking much better.  The only thing that really seems to grow now are the weeds.  We have had plenty of yellow  tomatoes especially the little ones.  We didn't plant any corn for ourselves but have been given several batches.  Miss Carol and Mie Young here to help freeze it as they did last year.

Mie Young has been busy working this summer in the Resident Life office of Wilmington College and leaves today or tomorrow to become an RA - Resident Advisor - one of two freshmen chosen to help with the new freshmen group coming in.

Dad spoke at the Wilmington Methodist Men's Breakfast this morning at 7:45 and he met the father of one of Carol's friends who had met briefly once before.  I can't remember his name but hope Carol knows who I am referring to.  The man suggested that they get together for lunch someday to have a longer talk.

Next Sunday is Rally Day at our church and we are on the committee to head things up.  We have been working and hope that we have a good turn-out not only for next Sunday for that is good but for the life of our church for many weeks ahead.

We have been sailing three or four times this summer but there has hardly been enough wind to go far but it has been good experience.  The last couple of times we have taken a picnic supper which sure tasted good after being out for several hours.  They told us that you can rent boats up until November so we should get some more time in if the weather stays nice for awhile.

Wendy starts to school this next week and will be going in Madras so won't have that long bus ride to Metolius.  Sounds like she is really looking forward to it.  Can't believe she will soon be six - Sept. 23.

We need some of you here to help play the bells that our Church acquired this past week.  They have been on order for several months and our practice begins this next Wednesday.  Dad is our new Sunday School Supt.

Went to Leesburg today for Sunday Dinner, the "old faithful" groups are always there plus those whose faces look familiar but nothing else.  Last Sunday afternoon we attended the wedding in Westerville (near Columbus) for Tim Schamaun.  Greg and his wife from Daytona Beach were there with their three children.  Rev. Schamaun conducted the services and he is talking of retiring . . . . we would have known him anywhere.  Tim works for the Std. Oil Company and the couple left in 1965 convertible.  Marvin Fawley was one of the ushers, he is at Miami Univ. and is working on his PHD.  He mentioned that Peggy and her husband are thinking of moving back to the farm this next year.  Peggy is also going to college, plus remodeling this old house where they live.

M.V. has gone to Morgantown, W.V. this weekend with a family - she will be ready for a rest when they get back.  MV has had some beautiful roses from her bushes this season.

[Love, etc.]

1993 Roberta's Letter - Sept. 3

Roberta scribbles off a fast letter to her parents. Transcription follows.

9/3/93

First off –  thanks much for the OHIO vegetables, Oregon fruits, & the great granola!  We have especially enjoyed the green beans & tomatoes & the fruit we will see how long we can stretch it out!  the granola I don't try to stretch out – I just enjoy it!

We are now 100% full at Sr. Village – which means Busy/Busy!   We now have our 1st Librarian – from Chicago.  Interesting lady – 1st husband a Presb. minister who died young & left her very poor - 2nd husband a Doctor who left her w/ $ that is now all gone!

I've been talking to the NYC ladies - they sure are an excited bunch!  The latest is that all of us will have just carry-on bags – to allow us to get to Pennington House sooner!  Trip of a life time!

I'm signing up for a communication class at Fuller – starts Sept. 30th.  My October plans are up in the air due to schedules of a play Sally is in & music program Andy will be in.

I do love & appreciate both of you - not just the fruit/veggies & granola!

Love, Roberta

Lincoln Tele having slight imbalance –

1963 Serena's Ohio Reading Circle Certificate

1963 Serena's Ohio Reading Circle Certificate

Serena could probably still give us a book report on each of these books which she read in the summer before 3rd grade.  The list includes the following books:

• The Lives of an Oak Tree by Russ Hutchins, a non-fiction nature book was published by Rand McNally in 1962 but is currently showing availability in only three Ohio libraries: Ohio State University, Zanesville Campus Library and Heidelberg University Library in Tiffin.
  
• Charley Brave by Edna Walker Chandler, also published in 1962, is also only available in three Ohio libraries:  Columbus, Ohio University, and Heidelberg University.  This story book is about young Charley, whose father, Dr. Brave, goes to serve at an Indian reservation hospital where Charley finds it difficult to make friends with the Indian children.
  
• The Big Dipper by Franklyn Mansfield Branley was also published in 1962.  Branley wrote dozens of easy science books for kids.  This book is available at Wilmington College, Xenia Public Library, Columbus, and about 15 other Ohio libraries.  

1973 MV's 4-H Certificate of Achievement - Sept. 1

Would this have been for bicycling?  

1973 MV's 4-H Certificate of Achievement - Sept. 1

1993 Roberta's postcard to Wendy - Aug. 29

Late August 1993 found Wendy quite excited about going to Scotland for her exchange student visit.  She stayed until December.  Here's the first post card she got from Roberta.  No clue about the aluminum foil in the bread question.  Transcription follows.

Greetings from OHIO postcard, mailed 1993.  Captioned: OHIO.  Nickname–Buckeye State; 1960 Population–10,731,000; Area in Sq. Miles–41,040; Entered the Union, March 1, 1803.

1993 Roberta's Ohio postcard to Wendy in Scotland - Aug. 29

[postmarked Aug 1993]
Hi How are you doing – anxious to hear how all is going.  DO write us soon!  Had any bread with Aluminum Foil in it lately?

Love, Roberta

1983 Catherine's Letter - Aug. 29

More of the red typewriter ribbon found in this letter from Oregon. Transcription follows.

Monday, August 29, 1983

Dear Mother & Dad, 

Hi!  I was just wondering where I got this paper.  Maybe from Roberta.  It is raining here this morning and according to the paper we can expect about three more days of the wet stuff.  This has been a very strange year weather-wise.

Our tomatoes have finally started to ripen at the rate of two or three a day.  Yesterday I picked three cherry, two yellow, and three regular.  I even had fried green tomatoes (for breakfast ) since I figure I can now sacrifice some green ones.  I got these wire "cages" for the tomatoes but the plants have gotten so big that two of them fell over cage and all and had to be propped back up.  I also cooked ones of our winter squashes last week but it was still pretty green inside.  It tasted very similar to acorn squash but they are growing more like green pumpkins.  We also have acorn squash but haven't tried on yet.

We had a good trip to Portland and explored some unfamiliar (to us) areas down town with Tim & Jody.  Wendy bought a skirt with a Care-Bears pattern on it which she thinks is really neat.  The highlight for Wendy was breakfast at McDonald's.  And Wendy cried when it was time for DeeDee to get on her plane.  They got along better than ever before this year.

Wendy just got up.  She says "I love you."  That's all she can think of to say.  She does better than than with a phone though.

Gerry was planning to paint the house this week but all this rain is changing his plans.  This is the last week that he will be working a split shift.  Because the Co-op was open from 7-7 during the summer he worked 7-3:30 one week and 10:30-7 the next week.  Next week it will be back to 8-5:30 but at least we will be able to go to lunch together again.

Got to close.

Love, Catherine, Gerry & Wendy

1973 Catherine's Letter - Aug. 29

This 1973 letter is written on the back of a "NEW FICTION FOR MAY, 1973" list of books with dotted lines connecting the authors and titles which can be seen in the background of the scanned letter, after a visit by Mom, Dad, Grandma, John and MV to Maine. Transcription follows.

Wednesday morning, August 29, 1973

Dar Mom, Dad, Serena, John and Mary,

Hi! Received your letter of 8/22 on 8/27.  I am also enclosing a letter from Roberta which arrived on 8/23.  Things haven't slowed down much since you left.  The library is still short-staffed so we continue to work crazy hours.  Next week everyone will be back from their vacations.  The lady with the ulcers is going to be operated on next week and will probably be back to work sometime in October.  We've rehired a person who used to work part time to work part time while we're on vacation.  Otherwise it would be impossible for us to get awayx.

Doug and Debby Foote Faulkner stayed with us Sunday-Tuesday.  They have a week off and were going camping in the White Mountains.  They may stop again on their way home but that remains to be seen.  Bruce and Beth Morgan should arrive tomorrow for a stay before they take off for Europe.  They are going to leave their car with us while they are gone.  In addition to that Ardy Munro called last night from California and said she has some time off in the next 10 days so she is heading this way if the airline she works for has any flights into the area.  So we're continuxing to make use of our bedroom space.
 
We had a bad electrical storm early Tuesday morning and then in the afternoon there was a tornado warning but it didn't materialize, I guess a tornado did hit down in Massachusetts.

Sorry you left the toothbrushes here.  I'll send them to you if I get around to it.  Or maybe I should save them for the next time you come.  Mary also left her puppet.  We really enjoyed having you here so I hope you will plan on coming again f before 1996.  I found the yogurt recipe and I will try to remember to enclose it with this letter.  I made a batch after you left.  It came out OK but  a little on the thin side.  I couldn't find my gelatin so made it without and that would have made it a little thicker.  I forgot to mention that once you have made one batch you can use part of it to make the next batch.  However you want to buy some to use every third or fourth batch because the culture keeps getting weaker and weaker.

Thanks also for those clippings.  Both very interesting.  The stock market seems to be holding steady for awhile although I noticed where the prime lending rate went up again.  The guy in the grocery store told me that before too long bread will be selling for 75+¢.  Speaking of break I found that part of a loaf that was lost while you were here.  It was in the closet of the "office" upstairs.  I just found it yesterday--quite moldy.

Well, I better get some cleaning done while there isn't any company here to divert me.

Love, Catherine & X

1963 Mammoth Cave Camping - Aug.

Summer 1963 included a group camping trip with the Shaffers and the Allens to Mammoth Cave in Kentucky.  The pictures of John and Serena are marked with a "developed" date of Dec. 1963 but the caption on the back of one indicates it was taken in August 1963.

1963 John & Serena cart ride possibly in Kentucky (uncaptioned)

1963 Serena & John at Lincoln's Birthplace, Hodgenville KY 

on way back from Mammoth Cave "USA" camping trip

Norma Allen provided the following memories of the camping trip:

• I remember as if it were yesterday. Harold had brought a huge bunch of bananas. They looked as if they had just been picked from a banana tree. They also brought some tiny hot dogs. Probably bought at some wholesale place?  Later, after we had eaten, Caryl and I slept in the car, we had a station wagon. I was dozing off, and happened to look out the back window and saw three or four raccoons!  They were probably feasting on the bananas that Harold brought.  The raccoons scared me to death. I screamed, ran out of the car.  I jumped into the tent where the guys were sleeping.  I jumped on top of Jim, my protector, to rescue me?  It was hilarious.  Jim didn't know what to think!       To be continued.  

1982 Roberta's Letter - Aug. 28

Roberta continues the back to school theme in August 1982, where she has signed up for two classes at GCC. Transcription follows.

8/28/82
Saturday AM –

Dear Family,

One week of classes over!!  Tho it wasn't a complete week since there wasn't a science LAB this week.  By the end of the semester in labs we will be "doing" a fetal pig!!  I'm not looking forward to all of that!!

How are all of you – Mary Virginia must be going to start school soon – what will her address be – we might want to send you a singing telegram – or something.

I've made contact w/ Flying E – of course – they remember the Uibles –– how we rode the horses, ate, etc.  And they would love to have us back.  No definite dates yet – but they will work us in after Christmas, between 25th-30th.

Starting in September I'll have more time off – Kay – the Gal that worked (stayed in our house while I was away in Ohio) will be paid by county to work every other weekend + 4 nights a month – from 5:00 - 10:00 p.m.  The weekends can be adjusted – to our convenience - i.e. - wouldn't have to be a weekend.

I've had to buy a better (more functions) calculator – for Algebra.  It's cheaper than the one I bought in Florida some 7 years ago for that Statistics course.  It used little hearing aid batteries.  We have our 1st TEST this Wednesday – and we will be able to use the calculators in class – during the TESTS.  So far I'm keeping up w/ what's going on in class, tho I'm sure it takes me longer to figure it all out than most.

The Biology class is hard to describe - the teacher talks so fast – and so much I'm not used to – that it's hard to keep up.  I'm going to start taping the lectures.

Now Sunday PM – Our A.C. went off yesterday - got up to 94º in the house – rather warm – very hard on the dogs – I kept giving them ice cubes – thank goodness it did get fixed this A.M.

This last week for a few days we had no-one in the hospital – now we are back up to 2 people being there – One for surgery tomorrow a.m. – CANCER – exploratory.  Other one fell & hurt nose, etc. – Think she will end up being a nursing home placement.

I need to go – Biology & EOM Report calling me –

Love, Roberta

1930s CJU Road Agreement & GHU Song List

What does a roadway landscaping agreement have to do with a list of songs?  In this case, Gladys made a list of songs on the back of the agreement.  Both are undated so dates listed are approximate.  The mention of a "man and team" sounds like the work may have done with a team of horses which would possibly place the road work prior to the 1930s.

The Ohio Department of Highways began operations in 1905.  The current District 8 which includes Butler, Clermont, Clinton, Greene, Hamilton, Preble, and Warren counties, was where CJ did most of his bridge-building work in the 193os.

The list of songs includes many of Grandma's favorites, probably followed by the page number from an unknown song book or list of songs.  Transcriptions follow.

c1930s CJU Road Work Agreement

c1940s GHU's list of songs

* * * * *

A G R E E M E N T

This agreement, made this _____ day of _________ A.D., 19____, between C. J. UIBLE, New Vienna, Ohio, hereinafter called the party of the first part, and __________________________________ hereinafter called the party of the second part.

Witness:---That for in consideration of payments hereinafter mentioned, to be made by party of the first part, party of the second part agrees to furnish tools and labor and perform all the work required in mowing the grass, weeds and underbrush on State Route No._____, _________________ County, State of Ohio, between the _____________________________

The rate to be ______ cents per hour for man with scythe, and _____ cents per hour for man and team with mower.

Specifications:---All grass, weeds and underbrush to be mowed form fence to fence and where there is no fence in place, mowing to be done full width of 60' right of way.  All mowing shall be cut within 3" of ground on berms and 6" of ground on the right of way opposite the ditches.  Care to be taken so as not to cut rose bushes or other shrubbery along roadbed.

First mowing of berms to be done during first week of June.

First mowing of roadbed, full width of right of way, to be done during first week of July.

Second mowing of berms to be done during first week of August.

Second mowing of roadbed, full width of right of way, to be done during first week of September.

Either party reserves the right to cancel the above agreement upon giving 10 days written notice.

In Witness Whereof, The party of the first part hereunto subscribes his name and the party of the second part has affixed _____ name.

* * * * *

GHU's Song List

[The numbered list is preceded by Juanita which must have been added after the numbering.]

1. Juanita - 238/ Robin Adair -- 397
2. Dixie 108
3. Way Down on the Swanee River 374
4. Coming thru the Rye 54 A. Fam...
5. Just as the sun went Down 219
6. After the ball was over - Special
7. I offer you this hand of mine 229
8. Oh you little Darling 382
9. A soldiers farewell ---- 409
10. Good bye my lover Good by -- 173
11. West Virginia Hills --- 6-W.Va.Song
12. Tenting on the old campground --- 73- W.Va. Song
13. When Johnny comes marching home 516
14. Old Kentucky home 320
15. Two little girls in blue (2) Dad
16. Captain Junks 73
17. Kathleen Mavourneen 242
18. Maryland, ----------- 317
19. Home, sweet home 202
20. America 12

1973 Roberta's Letter - Aug. 25

Roberta has some pretty stationary on which she describes her early forays into personnel negotiations and plans for coming back to Ohio on Labor Day.  Transcription follows.

August 25, 1973

Dear Family,

Hi! Couldn't decide wheather to write or call you all up . . . . so finally decided I better write . . . . . it's just too easy now days to pick up the phone and call long distance.  (ho,hum)

I went on a pretty long bike ride tonight.  I stopped by Mrs. McGrew's house again, but as usual she was out riding her bike.  I did stop and talk to a neighbor woman of hers for awhile.  Not long after I got back the phone rang, and it was Mrs. McGrew.  We've made plans to meet next Tuesday and ride our bikes to Lantana to some restaurant so the sun won't be too hot.  I'll be really embrassxxassed if I get worn out and she doesn't !!  I guess she has ridden down there before and ate . . . . . she knows the back roads to take, etc.

I got two letters today.  One from DPL . . . . a duplicate check of one that I had lost last summer.  I'll have this one to the bank before I get a chance to lose it . . . . ha.  I also got my grade from Florida Atlantic . . . . . . . I got a "B" . . . . which I guess is pretty good.  Of course, I would have rather had an "A", but then I'm not complaining.  Now since I got my grade I feel more in the mood for gong down and paying my tuition.

Yesterday at work I went in to see Personnel to tell them the exact dates I would be gone.  I had told them some time ago that I wanted off during September, but nothing definite had been said as far as dates go.  Well, they told me I would have to terminate, and then when I came back I could be rehired as a new employee.  I told them I didn't like the sound of all of that.  Before I was done I was talking to the head of personnel and it's all worked out xxxx that I'll be gone on "leave of absense". [sic]  After six months you are supposed to get one week paid (according to how many hours, etc., you had been working) vacation . . . . . of course I'm about one week short of that !!!!

As for my flight home . . . . . . I have changed my reservations for the evening flight, for several reasons.  For one reason, the Hortons will all be gone so I'm going to have to ask someone at work to take me to the airport.  I think I would rather  ask them to take me at nine in the evening rather than seven in the morning.  Also I can save about fifteen dollars, won't have to change planes, as the evening flight is straight through . . . . just a stop in Tampa.  Now . . . . . I was thinking . . . . why don't you all plan on coming to the airport about eight or so the morning of the 3rd. (Monday)  That way I won't have to wait at the airport too long, and you all won't have to be awake and driving in the middle of the night!!!  I think that would be about the best idea.  We could meet near where the Delta tickets and stuff are sold.  Yes, how does that sound????  I guess you all won't have time to write back so maybe I'll call you after all eitherx next Saturday evening or Sunday.

Monday I'm going to take the Buick to a gas station.  I think it should have the oil changed also checked over for any ailments it might have.  It hasn't given me any trouble whatsoever, but I don't want it to either.  I think that Aunt Mary is looking forward to having the Buick to drive while I'm gone.

Yesterday was Rob's last full day at work, as he starts school on Monday.  He will just be going to school from seven till noon every day . . . . I think.  They (Uncle Bill, Aunt Mary and Rob) will be leaving Thursday evening for Atlanta and will be gone till Tuesday.  I'll just miss seeing Cris.  He'll just be home for about a week, the way I understand it.

I bought a new dress the other day.  I dont't know if I should bring xit with me or not when I come home.  It's sleeveless.  I read in the paper how it had been pretty cool in Ohio.  Of course after this hot Florida sun all summer, anything is going to seem cool to me.

I cooked enough fish up for tonight's supper and two more supper portions (at six ounces each) and one lunch portion.  I've got them all weighted [sic] out and then put in the little corning ware dishes.  Sometimes I feel like a scientist . . . . weighting out all my food, and everything.  I only have fourteen more pounds to lose now . . . but I'm afraid that is going to take an awfully long time, the easy weeks are over now.

Well, I better be closing.  It's getting late and I hope to get up and go to the beach tomorrow morning before I go to work . . . . don't have to be there until 11:55 on Sundays.  I like to go to the beach about eight thirty and stay for an hour or little longer . . . . . that way I still have plenty of time to getr ready for work, eat, etc.  I'll call . . . . . unless I hear from you all.

Love, Berta

1973 Joe's Letter - Aug. 24

Joe writes a letter to Grandma from Senegal, August 1973. Transcription follows.

August 24, 1973

Dakar, Senegal

Dear Grandma,

I got your yellow stationary letter yesterday.  The day before I heard from my Mom that I hadn't written you and thanked you for my birthday gift.  I really feel bad about it.  I honestly thought I had written telling you that I had bought 2 art books in Dakar, one on Picasso's Blue Period and another on his later works.  Both are beautiful books with which I spend many pleasant hours reading and looking.  Please forgive my unintentional slip-up.  I don't think any relative would give me an "A" in letter writing this year!  Grandma, thanks for the money.

The drought has brought many problems in not having water but 8 hours a day running through your faucet.  There's been so much arid dust.  Fortunately, all that has halted with the abundant rains that we are having.  The corn and millet crops are tall and tasseled so next lear looks promising.

I've planted, myself, a vegetable garden with watermelons, beets, carrots, tomatoes and lettuce.  I have discovered it too hot for the lettuce and carrots but bearable for the others.  I planted spinach but nothing ever pop up.  The seeds must have been bad.

I'm not taking a vacation this year.  I'm somewhat tired of travelling!  Can you imagine that!  I've had a better time taking it easy at home, doing a lot of oil painting, going to movies and spending the afternoons at the beach – by the 3rd of September I hope to be teaching summer school for a month before the actual school year begins.

I'm looking for a buyer in order to get rid of my mobyletto.  It's three years old and looks like it.  As soon as I can sell it, I'm going to buy a new one.

I went to a "N'gente'" in Rufisque.  An aunt in the Drop family where I eat lunch gave birth to a little girl a week ago.  A Senegalese has only one birthday which comes one week after its birth.  The family puts up a tent in front of the house under which there are chairs.  There are lots to eat and drink.  One dish is called "lax" made of an oatmeal-like paste served with sour milk.  It's gooey because you eat it by scooping it up with your hand.  Of course there were cokes, and 7-ups to drink.  They seem to be at every social function in the world.  We had a good time.

Well my pen is running out – well-timed.  I'll be looking forward to hearing from you.  Say hello to the Uibles for me.  Hope you're all felling fine.

Love, Joe

1982 Roberta's card to GHU Aug. 23

Roberta sends this card to Grandma in 1982. Not sure about the connection with the T.V. spot. Transcription follows.

You meet all kinds of people on the road of life . . . wish they were all as nice as you!
Roberta's card to GHU August 23, 1982

8/23/82

Hi Grandma!

I saw this card today & it reminded me of you & your T.V. spot!!

Went out shopping today for school supplies – I was sure surprised at the prices!  I just don't know how parents could afford to have children in school!!  My classes start tomorrow.

My first class starts at 6:45 AM to 7:45 AM.  That's the math class – then the Science class goes from 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM.  Really happy with the schedule.  Only go to classes 4 days a week –

We are looking forward to your stay in Arizona.

Thanks to our 6 foot fence & Charlie's cage both dogs are under control.  You are really going to like Tobey – the Cocker Spaniel.

Hope you are feeling & doing fine ––

Much love, Roberta

1983 Roberta's Letter - Aug. 23

Roberta was very faithful in writing to Grandma. Here's a letter written in August 1983.  Only four months until the wedding with Sid – when are we going to hear about that??  Transcription follows.

August 23, 1983

Dear Grandma,

Hi! I just got back from leading our new music group! Doesn't that sound funny – coming from me!?  Actually – it's a fun - Kitchen Band - and the gal who started it - and has been leading it - called me 15 minutes after the practice was supposed to start – to tell me she was sick!  About 8 of our people were ready & waiting so I went ahead!  Next week I'm sure the group will appreciate the real leader all the more!!

It was a quiet and busy weekend!  Saturday night the Church had a musical group – the Continentals from California.  I went – along with 15 of our residents.  It was really a nice evening – tho the music was so loud!  Even the people who usually complain about not being able to hear – complained about how LOUD it was.

then Sunday night was the last of the film series at the Church.  (Charles Swindoll's film) Twelve of our people went up for that.  The films have really been good.  There were six in all - and I was there for three of the films – that's real good for me!

Marian went up to the cabin today for the week – this is the last chance for her – except for weekends - with school starting!  She took all three of the dogs - so it seems REAL QUIET!!

Marian has gone on a real strict diet – so far she lost about 20 pounds.  It is just beginning to show – so I hope she keeps it up!  It really is hard for her to diet – since she loves her sweets!

I've lost the weight I gained going down the Mississippi River and in North Carolina & Ohio!  So my clothes now are fitting me better!!

The swimming too – I'm sure really helps me – as much as eating what is good for me!  For the 1st time I'm really TAN – maybe enough so it will last me thru the winter!

I'm sure looking forward to our January trip – it will be a nice MID-WINTER VACATION!  I'm sure happy about Mom & Elizabeth going on the trip too!  Real happy to have you coming out mid-December – and then to stay till 25th of January!!  It's especially nice for you to be out here at Christmas – with the family also going to be here!

I better be closing – wishing you my best –––

Love, Roberta

1973 Sanker letter - Aug. 21

My memory of the Sankers during this time period is limited. Here's a summary of the Sanker family news and updates from New Cumberland. Interesting stationary.  Transcription follows.

Aug. 21, 1973

Dear Jean,

Thank you for stopping to see us -- I'm sorry we missed you and hope that you'll stop the next time you're down this way.  Here the whole summer has gone by and we haven't been in touch.  We hope it's been a good one for you.  did you go to South America, by the way?  How about some pictures?  If you're having a showing we'd certainly like to see them.

You were always so kind to inquire about and invite Mrs. Sanker that we knew you would be interested, but saddened, to know that she died on August 6.  She had been very ill in June, some type of virus, and was hospitalized for three weeks.  They were able to eliminate the virus but she had become so weakened that she was never herself again after that.  It was sad to see her change to an entirely different person.

Bill's sister had visited her for a week just a couple weeks before she died, so we felt that it must have been right to have things happen as they did.  She was buried in Cleveland.

Just the week previous, I had met Billy at our old home and we had gone over everything prior to its being sold to Mr. and Mrs. Chas. Mick, who now live in Ruth Garrison's house at the end of 2nd Avenue.  They have bought our house as an investment, and I guess will make two apts. of it.

Thought I don't get the Courier now, my brother sent it to me, and I noticed that Tommy Krena had died.  The article said that he had been living in Burgettstown, Pa., and working at Weirton Steel.

Lynn has been working all summer at the Ford Factory in Fairfax.  she had to join de Union, and she wore steel-toed shoes and her old blue jeans everyday.  She worked six days a week almost the whole summer, sometimes having to be at work at 5 A.M., such as this morning!  Her evenings were all spent in rehearsal for the Edgecliff College Summer Theater presentation of "Pirates of Penzance."  She had a minor lead -- just enough to give the color to her spare time.  She is going to transfer to Boston U. this year and will be going there Labor Day Week-end.

Lowell received his Driver's License in May (his official plastic one arrived on July 14 and it was stolen from the locked glove compartment in our car on July 16 when he and some other boys were in swimming.)  He has been doing lots of odd jobs all summer from janitorial cleaning to lawn care to picking grapes.

Bruce has a paper route now, and having celebrated his 13th birthday on July 31 and now a full-fledged teen-ager, he seems pretty grown up in some ways.

Lynn and I sang our first duets Sunday at Armstrong -- "I Waited for the Lord" and "All Good Gifts" (from GODSPELL).  It was fun to work on them together.

When Billy and I visited my Dad, he is quite well, and those nurses and aides at the Fox Home seem to take a real interest in him.  He's even eating chocolate, which he hasn't done in years, and smoking non-filter cigarettes.  Though he was a little confused on some things, he was really  quite himself.

One last bit of family news:  Diana had her second baby, a little girl, in July.  Sally is engaged to a 33-year-old German from Dusseldorf, but I'm not sure where they'll be living.  John and Paul are both in Miami attending the Univ. of Miami.

We'll be looking forward to seeing you again and hearing what all you've been doing, how Catherine and X like Maine, if Roberta is in Florida, if John went to Philmont, where Serena decided to go to college, and what all Mary Virginia's been dong this summer.  And did Harold grow strawberries?

Stop again, and I hope we'll see you soon!

With our love,  Jeanne

1973 Roberta's Letter - Aug. 21

Roberta types a letter from Florida. Keep using the typewriter please, Roberta! Transcription follows.

 August 21, 1973

Dear Family,

We all enjoyed getting your letter and newspaper article on Cathy and X, along with the folder on Sanford.  Rob is all excited about maybe going to Maine this Christmas, he thinks he would be sure to see snow there!!!

Julie left yesterday after being here a little over a week.  It was fun having her here, and we got to do lots of things, even though I had to work several of the days that she was here.

It's less than two weeks now that I'll be coming home.  I can't believe how this summer has gone so fast.

The big news here is that the Hortons are planning on flying to Atlanta next Thursday then going with Cris to North Carolina for a few days and then driving back here in Cris's car.  It will be a nice little vacation for them.

I'm anxious to hear all about your time spent in Maine with Cathy and X.  I'm sure John enjoyed the donuts there.  Were they as good as the Dunkin Donuts in Florida????

I still don't know what grade I got out of the course I took at FAU this summer.  Next week I have to to down and pay the tuition for fall quarter.

Tomorrow I am going to weight watchers with Mrs. Exline.  I've had two bad weeks so am anxious to go tomorrow.  If I haven't lost any weight I'm going to be ready to write my own diet!!!!  I hope you have a shelf of weight watchers food for me when I get home.  Lots of fish, mushrooms, green-beans, etc. etc.

I had a really pretty card and note from Arlene Curtis the other day.  She said that her husband had bought her a used bike and she was joining the bicycle people.

Serena are you enjoying your time before you go to college??  I know that Earlum [sic] is a good school . . . . even though it is one that I haven't tried out!!!!

Julie told me that hamburgers are now . . . . well, this is hard to believe . . . . . . . . a dollar a piece at the restaurant!!  Talk about the high cost of living!!!!  While in Tampa we ate at a Morrison's cafeteria.  It was really good, we were both impressed with the way they carry the trays for you.  (also the food was really good!)  I stuck with my diet completely, just can't understand how I gained a half of pound!!

Well, it's getting late so I'll quit for now; will write a longer letter later.  Hope you all had a great trip back home.  Did you get our letters????  By the way, I had a letter returned to me today . . . . one that I had written Serena when she first went to South America.  Well, the intenion [sic] was good, I assure you!

Grandma – are you ready for a trip to California now?

Love, Berta

1963 Postcards - Marianne & Weegie

A special week at the New Vienna Post Office in 1963 brought two postcards.  The postcard postage rate in 1963 was 4¢, though Marianne used a 5¢ stamp which was then the letter rate.  Those rates were in effect until 1968.  Marianne included the PO Box but not the zip code.  Transcriptions follow.

Lake Chautauqua NY Amphitheatre Postcard mailed 1963.  Captioned: The Amphitheatre, Chautauqua, N. Y. on Lake Chautauqua.

1963 Chautauqua postcard from Marianne - Aug. 19

[postmarked Aug 19, 1963]
Dear Catherine,
Having a nice time up here.  I've seen some symphony orchestras, plays, movies, recitals, and a style show and so forth.
How's N.V. and all that goes with it! Ha!
Received 2 letters from you.  What a surprise!
Should be back in Fla. around the 22nd.
Love, Marianne

Yacht Basin, Havre de Grace, Md. postcard mailed 1963

1963 Maryland Postcard from Weegie - Aug. 20

[postmarked Aug 20, 1963]
Hi, Cow!
I'm at my aunt & uncle's in Md.
Took a walk down to the bay.
It's cool here.
See you soon.
Weegie

1973 Roberta's Letter - Aug. 17

Mid-August in Florida, Roberta writes a letter. Transcription follows.

August 17, 1973

Dear Family –

Hi! Another slow evening at work!!  So here I am writing a letter while sitting down watching T.V. – this is really wearing me out!  HA

I got your letter yesterday Dad - plus one today from Grandma - Thanks!

I've had a pretty busy week.  Julie came in – Sunday afternoon.  Early (5:00 A.M.) we took off on our "trip."  We spent Monday morning and evening at Disney World – the afternoon at the pool of the motel where we stayed!!

I – as before – really had a good time at Disney.  Somehow we seemed to be able to get alot more done than the last time we were there.

Tuesday morning we got up late (about 9:00 A.M.) took a swim for about an hour and then went to Tampa.  We saw quite alot in Tampa – like a cigar factory, Schlitz (sp?) brewery, where the Reds have Spring training, Busch Gardens, etc.

We stopped at a motel in Tampa that had a pool – so we also got in some good swims while there.  We got back to Lake Worth Wednesday evening about 10:00 p.m.  We really had a jam-packed three days!

Then yesterday (Thursday) I worked a big day (9:40-5:40) – last night we went to see the movie "Tom Sawyer" – it was really good.  Aunt Mary & Rob also went w/us.

I didn't have to be at work till 11:40 so we got up this morning and went out to the ocean about 8:30 – and stayed till almost 10:00.  The water was really Rough – about the roughest I've ever seen it!!

OH - Yesterday morning on my way to work I stopped to weigh in at Weight Watchers.  Now get this – I didn't lose – I didn't stay the same – NO – I gained a half of pound!! How distressing!!  The whole time I was gone I stayed completely 'legal' – (just eating what I'm allowed) and then I go & gain a half a pound!  Well – maybe next week will be a dynamic one!!

I'm glad it's all right w/you for me to fly into Cincinnati on Labor Day.  I just found out the other day that the store will be open Labor Day.  I swear – anytime this store thinks they can make a dollar –

We got in our Halloween cards today – wow – you wouldn't believe how many 50¢, 75¢ and $1.00 cards we got.  Very few 25¢ and 35¢ cards!!  I'm glad I don't send Halloween cards!!

I know you all must be having a good time in Maine.  I'll be anxious to hear all about it.  Maybe someday I'll make it up to Maine to see Catherine & X.

Sanford & Son is on now – it's really funny.  It's neat working (?) next to the T.V. Dept.

Well – I better close –

Love, Berta

1973 UMC Gogetters Aug. 15

Dear Harold & Jean

The Gogetter's Class of the United Methodist Church will meet on Wed. Aug 15th

Place: John & Marie Coopers  Time:  6:30 p.m.

for a Hawaiian Lua.

We are looking forward to seeing you . . . . . . . .