1991 Catherine's Letter -July 12

 

Friday

July 12, 1991

Dear Mother & Dad,

Hi!  Thanks for sending us the "partner" insurance policy information from that business magazine.  That was just what we're looking for.

How did the barbecue go?  I gather you survived your stint as chairpersons.

We got the invitation for the wedding [John & Julie's] yesterday.  Sorry we won't be able to be there but we did enjoy our visit in June.  It was great to see Grandma doing so well.

Gerry's sister Linda and he daughters, Karen (9) and Audrey (6) arrived last night so the house is a little livelier than usual.  Later this morning we're going out to see some of the sights, including the new (opened last Christmas) Arizona Center down town.

We decided to go to Tucson for two nights next week instead of Sedona -- much more affordable.  We have a suite for 6 reserved at Embassy Suites for $54.50.  It comes highly recommended by Roberta and includes a free "cooked to order" breakfast.

Have you sent us your Alaska itinerary yet so we can start mailing off all those cards and letters?  Have a good trip!

Love,

Catherine, Gerry & Wendy

1971 Roberta's Letters -July 7

 July7, 1971

Dear Mary V.,

My name is Romona Meshel. 
I am 7 years old.
I in grade two next year.
I have 2 dogs.  their names are turkey and Bono.
I live next to Danny.  He is a little Baby.  I went to Bible School.
I know your sister Bert.
Do you live in the states?
Write me if you can.

Love, Romona

* * * * *

Hi, Mary Virginia!  

Romona "helped" me baby-sit tonight with Danny.  She is an Indian girl about your age.  If you have time maybe you could write her a note & send it to me and I'll make sure Romona gets it.

I hope you are fine.  What have you been doing since you got back from Florida?  I wish I could have seen you be flower-girl.  Do make sure I get to see some pictures.  -- ok?

Tell all of your friends hi for me.  Be sure & tell Grandma hi for me too.

Hope to hear from you. --

Love

Bert

* * * * * 

July 7, 1971

Dear Family,

Hi!  Thanks alot for your letter & post-card yesterday.  I'm baby-sitting right now with Danny.  I'm pretty sure I told you all about the two of us baby-sitting with him.  When he is asleep -- it's sure a good time to write letters.  I just wish he would sleep more!!

Yesterday we got our mail after Ron made a trip into Merritt.  I had 12 letters and they were all kidding me about my "fan club", I told them that that's just the result of letter-writing and getting everyone into a good habit of writing.

I did get a letter from Mrs. Penn yesterday.  She sent me a dollar to take some pictures.  I'm going to try & buy you a little something too.

By the way if any of you would like anything that you think they would sell up here just let me know & also send the money.  Just thought I would add that in.

We had even more food stolen so we finally had to pack everything up and take it to the house.  But then -- I wonder -- just how safe is it there.  I'm pretty sure I told you all about the house being broke into last week-end.

Where will Serena be going on her bike trip?  How long will she be gone?

I hate to sound like a dummy but what kind of good news did I get from U.C.?  If it's anything about my credits transferring do let me in on it quickly!!

I still haven't gotten my grades yet   I don't think I'll be able to see about my credits transferring till G.F.C. sends a complete transcript.

I'm glad you liked my essay I did for English last term.  It (school) seems so far & long ago now!

It has really been cold here the last couple of days.  Especially at night & early mornings.  We have quit using the wood stove -- almost out of wood is the main reason.

Sounds like you all did do some checking on Quilchena.  The hotel is right beside the Quilchena General Store.  It's a real impressive type of building!!  I've seen post-cards of it and I'll try & get one for you all.  Technically speaking I do not live in Quilchena -- I live in Quilchena Indian Reserve.  And when talking to the Indians here there is a big difference.  Quilchena is simply the hotel, store & about 2 houses.  The scenery here is really beautiful!

Just now a nurse was here at the house to see if we were all-all-right.  Also she wanted to see me about using the school next Tuesday as a clinic.  The nurse works for the Indian Affairs Dept.

OH -- remember me telling you about this woman I met that could only speak Indian.  Well -- that is Danny's Great-Grandmother.  She is here too.  (I'm at Sharon's house -- Danny's mom's)  It's really something because she keeps talking to me & I have no idea of what she is saying.  I do know a few more words but oh -- I'm at a total loss when anyone uses them in sentences!!

I'm going to fix her supper for her tonight -- um -- I wonder how I'll call her for supper.  I'll probably have to carry a pate of food in to her room & then carry it back to the table.  Hopefully she'll be able to smell it!!  She is really, really OLD!

Today is the last day of Bible School this week.  I really feel like we are being used as some of the mothers send kids as young as 14 months old.  then we have about 4 kids about the ages of 3 & 4.  And it is almost impossible to plan a lesson to keep the interest of kids between ages of 14 months & 14 years old.

We tried to divide it up but the older ones still came in the mornings.  We suggested that the ones above ten come in the afternoons.

We have started an afternoon Bible Study and we had 7 yesterday afternoon.  It's with -- so far -- just teen-age girls.  I led it yesterday & I kept having to back track because of vocabulary.  As an example I used the word "Savior" and asked a girl 14 what it meant & she told me it meant someone that saves you when you are drowning.  She was serious too!!  It's really hard on my brain to explain something that I'm so used to.

Last night was another ballgame.  It was at Douglas Lake so we all got to go down there for the evening.

Did I tell you about my falling off the horse?  Well, so far that has been a really great 'contact' point with everyone here.  It has really been a good conversation piece & I don't ever have to bring it up myself.  News spreads in Quilchena faster than New Vienna!!!

Catherine's wedding really sounds exciting.  What is Catherine doing this summer?

Has Cris decided anything for sure about next year & what he will be doing?  I hope he leaves some work for me at the shop.

I don't know if I ever told you all but I have started wearing my foot "deals" (white things that go inside of shoes) -- I got from Doctor Moran -- day in and day out.  My feet were giving me quite a bit of trouble but now -- in general -- they are fine.  I've also started massaging my feet & that seems to help too.

Hey -- I found a verse last night that I thought I could compare to my getting my mail!  It's Proverbs 25:25.  I thought that "far off lands" could be in reference to Ohio!! [Ho, Hum!!]  I'll make you all look up the verse!!

Well.  I better be closing!! Write whenever you can, "fan members"!!  Be sure and Hi for me to everyone.

Love in Christ,

Bert

P.S. Will enclose two folders.  As for the map, Quilchena is in the upper right hand corner.  And on the folder called "Drive the Fabulous Figure" there is something about Merritt & the Nicola valley on the 4th page.

It's now Thursday morning & I have sure got some news for yo all.  Last night while I was baby-sitting, Sappro & Dixie went into Merritt & were able to get the mail.  ALL I had was one letter but it was my grades.  And am I ever overjoyed!! I got:

Personality - A
English - A
Civilizations - A
Speech - B
Archery - C

How about that?  Do check the blue sheet & see for yourself!!  And I also made the Deans list too.  Exciting, huh?  Too bad I got a  B  in Speech -- & also that C in Archery doesn't look too good.  but look at the others -- Ho, Hum!

Love (Again),
Bert

1981 Catherine's Letter -July 6

 

Monday, July 6, 1981

Dear Mother, Dad & Mary,

Hi!  How was your Fourth of July weekend?  We certainly had a good time and did quite a few things.  Friday Wendy and I did play golf with Oma.  Even though we got to the golf course at 8:15 it was very hot (90º at 9:00) and both Wendy and Oma were wilted by the time we played six holes so that was all we played.  Wendy and I spent the rest of the morning taking the garbage to the dump, going to the library, and then she played in the park (which she loves with a passion) for a few minutes before we picked Gerry up for lunch.  We had lunch at Wendy's favorite restaurant, the Meet Market where they serve the best clam chowder in town.  Friday night we went to the Elks for awhile and then to some friends house the Behrend's who have two girls, one Wendy's age and the other 7.  Wendy ended up spending the night as she and Darcy are good friends and did not want to be separated.  Darcy goes to the Day Care Center also so Wendy knows her from there besides the family activities at the Elks.

Saturday we went to a pot luck picnic in Metolius -- kind of a community affair sponsored by a place called the Desert Inn.  We are friends of the people who run the place.  We went with the Behrends and another cuple.  After that we went to Warm Springs to see the fireworks which were interrupted several times as there were several fires the fire department had to go to.  By the time the fireworks really got going it was begining to rain so we left.  We spent the night "camping" at the home of Donna Behrend's parents.  They had planned to stay all night there as her parents are out of town and wanted somebody in the house.  They have a beautiful house right on the Deschutes River about three miles south of Warm Springs.

On Sunday we went to another potluck picnic.  This one was sponsored by the Elks for the exalted ruler and his wife who are about to leave for the national convention which is in Las Vegas this year.  It had been raining al day but cleared up about 3:00 so it ended up to be a nice evening for the picnic.

It is now Tuesday a.m.  sorry I didn't get this mailed yesterday.  Gerry had the day off and took me out to lunch so I didn't get home to finish this as I had planned.  Gerry just got elected secretary of the Elks (The previous secretary resigned) so we have been busy working on that.  The secretary also does the bookkeeping for the lodge and the club.  There is quite a bit of work involved, however, it is paid position, so that helps to make it worth the time.  It does mean that we will both be alot busier though.  Some of the work can be done at home but alot of it has to be done there.  The problem now is that there is quite a bit of catching up to do and the former secretary and his wife are out of town on vacation so can't explain anything to us.  I'm sure we can figure it out -- will just take longer this way.

Time's up.

Love,

Catherine, Gerry & Wendy

1981 Family Letter -July 6

Monday morning

July 6, 1981

Dearest family,

Hope you all had a nice holiday weekend.  New Vienna had its 7th annual celebration.  Mary Virginia and Mie Young were busy both Friday and Saturday there.  The girls' softball team had a booth to make money for their group -- sold donuts and coffee in the morning and chili and ice tea and Kool-aid later in the day.  That and the drill team's funnel cake booth kept Mie Young busy.  The church softball team also made a float (which took 1st in its category) for the parade and Mie Young rode on it and Mary Virginia marched with the East Clinton band.  All day long they had gospel singing groups -- each were given a half hour.  Some you could have listened to longer as others were much too long.  Mary Virginia played for the Sears sisters group and the Rankins (sang one number with Jody) and sang with her own choral group organized from the high school chorus.  Mie Young sang with Judy Henderson and Jerri Mahanes and did real well in a solo number.  They stopped for an hour or so during the parade and then rain came which delayed them pushing all the groups an hour later so MV was late in getting to the square dance held in the street in front of the gazebo.  We danced for about two hours there.  They had about six squares and people seemed to enjoy watching altho I felt awfully conspicuous, especially when our square broke down which wasn't too often but so many people said they didn't know we danced.

The drill team is trying to make money to buy new uniforms so Mie Young was also looking for sponsors -- each uniform is about $110 and she got over $150 in pledges and checks.  And she still had some other people she plans to ask.  Today they are being paid to move books out of the library at the high school while it is being re-carpeted.  Actually they are working for several days but Mie Young has to be back at her summer job at Wells tomorrow.  She and MV are going to be working in the rubber room this week til vacationers are back in the rest of the factory.

It seems like such a long time ago now since last Tuesday when we went up to see John and Carol and Piper.  Mary Virginia also went but Mie Young wasn't able to go as the drill team practiced each day last week working on new routines etc.  We got up there about 1PM and had a delicious lunch with them.  Dad and John took off for the courthouse and other places downtown.  Later all of us got a grand tour of the Park National Bank's remodeling and talked with the vice president and head trust officer who would like to have John in his department.  We had dinner at the Golden Wok (?) where we ate when the Morgans stopped there last March.  Had a real nice day getting back home about 11 PM so was a full one.

Dad has been busy keeping up with the raspberry patch and he picked our first green beans of the year and also peas on Saturday.  I forgot to mention that John and Carol have a real nice garden and gave us some bib lettuce to take home with us which we have been enjoying.  They have so many pretty flowers too all around their house and garage.

Enjoyed all the letters, cards and phone calls this past week -- G'ma got three from Roberta in one day, the same day as we got one which included another letter for her from the East Mesa seniors at the center.  She really had a rough day (Roberta) when she had two teeth pulled, three people a the center fainted from the air conditioner failing to work, another having to be taken to the hospital with a heart attack, losing the air out of one of her tires completely and breaking her backpack on the way home.  Just one of those things is bad enough.  Hope the teeth are ones that you will not miss too much -- you didn't say which ones they were.

Grandma had rather upsetting news when Judy informed her that Sid Clay has accepted a church in Circleville so they will be moving in a couple weeks.  Kim (Susie) Ertel is helping her temporarily but she isn't ideal.  She wants to go ahead on her own which would be good but not always what she wants done like winding G'ma's clock -- she had to move it out of her living-bedroom area as she wound the chimes part too.

Aunt Mary and Uncle Bill are to arrive sometime this evening for a few days on their way to Uncle Bill's East Springfield reunion Saturday.  Joe is coming to New York to attend art school there for a couple of weeks and he arrives around the 23rd of July.

Yesterday the Sankers came up -- had said they'd get here in time for church and finally arrived at 1PM.  I was rather tired after a full day Saturday that I would liked to have cancelled them out -- was so tempted to call them.  It turned out that Bill had an ad in the paper (Sunday's) to sell a couple of cars so he felt that they ought to be getting back earlier than usual.  Bill said he is quitting the car repair business.  He had just returned from a business trip to Cairo, Geneva and some other places.  We enjoyed talking about the places he had visited and some of the experiences -- like the $5.00 ice cream soda that he enjoyed before he found out the price.

Last Thursday night we went to our regular square dance club meeting, which was special in that it was an all singing/dance calls . . . they are easier for us to follow.

Serena we read in the papers where the bus etc. fare is going UP in Chicago.  NYC is also having their problems in public transportation.  How is the bike riding going?  We would like to get up some weekend but right now it seems impossible to get a weekend that does not have some problems, also thinking about the possibility of combining a Chicago visit with going to Oregon.  So, time will tell.

Finally got our tree pile across the street cleaned up.  Had Pug drag the two BIG logs away and Wayne Davidson came and chopped up the other pieces as our wood pile will rot away before we get it used up at the rate we are using wood.  Wayne really waxes ecstatic over his wood-burning stove he has.  Says if he uses it just this coming winter will have it paid for in the amount of fuel he used in previous years.

We had a damp weekend here and wonder how the campers got along -- there was a steady stream headed for Rocky Fork when we went toward Wilmington on Thursday evening.  Did the Morgans go camping?  With their other activities it is hard to work it in (and have a good place to camp on such a holiday weekend).  The days weren't too wet but seemed like it rained most all the nights.  How are things at Payson, Roberta?  Do hope that all goes well for Marion with her up-coming operation.  We will be thinking about all of you.  Always interested in the temperature outlook for all over the country.

Dad has gone to Wilmington to the Commissioners meeting MY to East Clinton so hope I have talked MV into going to the school to help me with the inventory which I haven't done for quite a few years and needs to be done badly.  She had her breakfast and I an early lunch so should hold us over for a few hours.

The Harners wrote glowingly of their trip west -- went to Marvin Fawley's wedding in San Francisco and on to Seattle for the National Square Dance Convention where they hope to set a Guinness record of 2200 squares for there were about 26000 people there for it.  They are traveling with the Campbells from Dayton -- Stan, Sr.'s sister and husband.

Roberta would you have any brochure or anything to tell about the itinerary of your trip to Alaska?  Grandma didn't even think she would see any more than the Alaska shoreline if that much -- I thought you are scheduled to make several stops.  It doesn't have to be elaborate but she would like to know a little more about it -- not that she doesn't trust you but she has begun to tell people that she is going or planning to go.

With much love to each one of you -- our next letter may be ??? as next weekend -- Sunday we leave for Louisville to attend the National Commissioners Meeting there for a couple of days.  The girls are going to stay by themselves this time.  With their having to be at work at 7 AM I doubt if they feel like too much mischief and Ruth might be more in the way than a help except for having dinner ready for them and clean up the house.

Love again to all of you,

1971 Roberta's Letter to GHU -July 6

July 6, 1971

Dear Grandma

Hi!  Thanks so much for your letter & also the picture of Marianne's wedding.  I hope I get to see some other pictures of it too!

I guess I missed your birthday -- sorry about that!!!  I hope you had a great birthday down in Florida.

It has really been COLD here -- especially for people like us without any heat.  We are still in the house we're looking after & it does have a wood stove.  But lately we have been going pretty easy on it to as we are almost out of fire wood.  I sure will appreciate an electric (or whatever kind we have at home) furnace.

Tonight we went to a ball game where I played.  I think they are trying to make a ball player out of me!!!

We have been really busy & time goes so fast for us.  The 4th of July passed without me even realizing it.  I would have sung The Star-Spangled Banner had I realized it was the 4th!  I bet that would have gone over good!

Hope you're fine, write whenever you can.  Take good care of Cris while he is in Ohio.  Say hello to everyone for me!  I'm so glad everyone made it through the wedding!!  Now Catherine's -- don't worry you will have plenty of time before mine!!

Love in Christ

Bert

1971 Catherine's Postcard -July 6

 

Tues.            

July 6, 1971

Hi!  Greetings from the road!  We've been doing alot of walking but we do get rides occasionally.  My pack is 35# and Dick's is 45.  The first night we stayed at London, Ontario, 2nd night St. Gabriel, Quebec then Garthley, Quebec and last night a campground at Chain of Ponds, Maine.

We're headed now for Baxter State Park and hope to find a place to settle down for a week or so.  How is Serena's bike trip plans progressing?  Mary, you can sing your "Rain Drops" song at our wedding if you want to  Well, we've got to get moving on.

Love,

Catherine

1971 Roberta Letter -July 4

 

July 4, 1971

Dear Family,

Hi!  Life around here has been pretty exciting.  Last night we had a slumber party for some of the girls.  Most of them were between the ages of ten & thirteen.  They had us up all night laughing, etc. etc.  There were four of them here.

Well.  We stayed in the school house last night because of the slumber party.  This morning we went over to the house and the screen door had been broken and the big door was unlocked; which was not the way we left it.  We went in and nothing seems to be gone & also there wasn't anybody in there.  I can't understand the who & why that the house was broken into.  We will be spending the nights there from now till Patsy gets back.

Also yesterday we figured out that all of our jello & about 8 cans of fruit are missing.  We keep the food over at the school house since we're there so often & also we're only at the house for a week or two.  I can't understand about our food being gone either because we keep the school locked when we aren't there.  It's hard to understand these things . . . .

Yesterday I spent about two hours writing 2 - 1 page letters for this old man on the reserve.  He can not read or write.  It was pretty funny because he would be talking to me at the same time he was telling me what to put down and alot of times I got confused.  Then to top it off he -- like alot of others -- especially the older people -- use the pronoun "He" in referring to both men & women.  Gee -- I sure found that to be confusing.  He would be talking about his daughter & refer to her as "He".

When I was done he wanted to look at them & that was fine.  But he looked at them -- at least one of them up-side down and looked at it for about a minute and a half and then said it looked OK.

Our Bible School starts tomorrow.  For the first week we are doing the story of Esther.  I - [We] don't know yet about next week.  It is pretty rough when you work mostly with your own brain.  But then there is God too & He s a big help -- when you allow Him to work.  I'm beginning to find out more & more how true that is.

By the way I haven't gotten my grades yet from last term.  Don't want you all to think I'm holding them out.  Gee -- I sure hope I don't feel like holding them when I do get them!!  I doubt if I get any more mail from Box 2014 Merritt till this coming Saturday -- as that is the next time Emily said she'll be going into Merritt.

Today was my day to cook. For breakfast we just had cold cereal -- we had (or did) feed the four girls.  We all ate a big & full coffee can of cheerios.  For lunch we had bacon & bean soup (out of a can) & biscuits.  Then for supper -- Now get this.  ½ can of Spam warmed up, creamed corn & instant potatoes, & kool-aid.  Now tell me I'm not the cook.  (Ho, Hum!!)

These last few days have really been pretty warm.  We went down to the beach day before yesterday.  It was really nice -- but oh, the mosquitoes!!  This is, without a doubt the mosquito capital of the world!!

The kids here really think my tape player is some thing great.  They would "play" with it every minute -- if I would let them.  I taught most of them how to use it & boy, do they "act" important while using it.

I'll send you all a tape IF you think you can find a tape player.  I'm sure Sandy Wiget would let you all use their tape player if you wanted to.  Let me know whatever you think.  

I sent the Browns an article I found in a Merritt newspaper.  It is interesting -- tells a little about a few of the Indians -- at least the authors view point of "WHITE" people.

Mom, you would not believe the filth some of these people live in.  It's just not dirt -- it's grime, etc. & i don't know what all else.  Not that I'm just a clean person but I just don't enjoy eating off a dirty plate -- one that I didn't put the dirt on.  OHHHHHH . . . .

What all will you all be doing this summer?  Will the next big "thing" be Cathy's wedding?  I'm really sorry I'll be missing it.  Tell her I can make it a week later.  Right now I think I'll be coming home straight from Vancouver by Choo Choo train.  But then that is another 7 weeks or so and I don't make up my mind that far ahead!!  (at least for sure!!)

Next Saturday I might be going to an Indian wedding in Merritt.  I might have to baby-sit with Danny -- the little boy we'll be taking care of for two weeks.

Well.  I better go.  I'm going to write Hortons now.  

Do write & let me know when & how my stuff got home.  Also if you would please send my gym shoes -- if you can find them. I need them for swimming, etc.  Can't go in these rocky beaches without shoes & I sure don't want to take either of the pairs of shoes I got up here in the water.

Is Grandma home?  Be sure & tell her I say hello & that I'll write her in a few days.

Got to go -- Hope you all are fine . . . .  Hi to Cris --

Love, in Christ

Bert

1954 Jean's Letter -July 4

Sunday

July 4, 1954

Dearest Mother,

Just got in from a picnic with the Rudisills, Penns, Geo. Shaffers at the Wilmington park.  The children especially like it there because there are so many slides, swings, etc.  It was rather a late gotten-up affair -- the Rudisills inviting us after church so didn't have too much on hand.  We took a gallon of home made ice cream which made quite a hit.  It was very creamy & good.

Last night we had our chicken dinner at the church & served about 254 plates including help.  We took in $294 ?? or so hope to make close to $275.00 for there's still money to come in.  Everything went off well.  We served creamed chicken in patty shells, glazed sweet potatoes, frozen peas, cole slaw, rolls, butter, cake & iced tea or coffee.

Mary & Bill & family are due to arrive here tomorrow with their family.  They'll stay til Wednesday when they plan to take off for East Springfield to see Bill's mother,  They'll be back over the weekend to leave the children & take off for Utah where Bill will take some special training.  Mother Uible has a woman coming in the mornings to look after the children & help with the work & also a young girl but still I bet her hands will be plenty full.

It's a relief to have the dinner over -- next is the Lions Club Installation and Ladies Night this coming Wednesday.  We had hoped you'd be here.  Harold is preparing his talk for the evening and plans to show slides too.

Harold went to Chicago last Monday on the train -- we drove him to Xenia to take it.  He attended a toy show there & made a number of calls.  He also saw a girl we met on the way over & they talked to a girl in Peoria that had accompanied her and they spoke of coming here this weekend but evidently their plans didn't go thru for they never got here.  I was sorry they didn't come but guess it was for the best for we were awfully tired after last night.

Harold is talking about a trip to Canada on business so we may accompany him.  Right now he plans to leave about July 13 so we may stop enroute if you plan to be home -- That's on a Wednesday & he has a meeting her at 10:00 so we wouldn't leave New Vienna til after lunch -- if so -- or we might not leave til that week-end -- will let you know more when the time time draws nearer.

We went out to the Fairview Friends Church ice cream supper last Thursday nite & then went to Jean & Joe Eaton's after that to eat watermelon & the girls never got to bed til about 11:30 that night.  I was awakened by Catherine going out the door fully dressed at 6:45 the next morning.  She sure doesn't believe in sleeping in [still true] -- in the morning & it's hectic to try to get her caught up on her sleep.  Roberta will sleep til 8:30 or 9:00 any time unless some one rouses her earlier.

We like our new car real well and especially the power glide (Dynaflow in the Buick).  I got considerable use out of while H. was in Chicago -- them went up after hi,m Wed. nite at 9:30 in Xenia.  You'll have to come down & try it out.

Sorry not to get to see Virginia & Bob & their families.  Know Bob & them will have a nice trip.

Come down & see us.  

All our very best love, Harold, Jean, Catherine & Roberta

1981 Roberta's letter -July 3

 

Friday AM
7-3-81

Dear Family,

Thanks for your weekly letter -- I too was very surprised to hear of my coming to Ohio this July.  It really works out great that I'm not taking any time off during the summer months -- because everyone else on the staff downtown is taking off now -- so that means even Judy and myself will be doing some filling in where needed.

I have missed about a half hour to an hour of work every day this past week.  Got those two darn teeth pulled a week ago today.  I felt very little pain that day -- and had a good weekend with them.  Then Sunday night or so -- it started -- pain almost to the throbbing point often.  So I started back to the Dentist.  Of course the dentist that pulled them is out of town for the week.  So I had to start with someone else in the same office.  Seems that infection has set in -- all around the jaw bone.  Every day I've had to go and get the area cleaned and then packed.  So I feel that I've had more than my share of it all.

Got the cheery news yesterday that I had to come in this AM and also tomorrow AM.  Which does not fit in my plans.  As Marion was to come in this afternoon and we were going to leave right after for the cabin.  Well, Marion is still going to come in -- but I'm not sure after that.  I will talk to the dentist today -- I sure can't take any chances with this mouth problem of mine.

Don't think that I told you that I traded in my bike -- for a new three speed -- really like it.  Just what kind I wanted.  Has a regular bike seat -- not one of those skinny ones.  Also got the collapsible baskets put on it -- something like the ones we had put on the hondas.  Also got an odometer on it.  I've been riding some in the mornings -- have 12 miles on it already.  Once I get my mouth in shape I should be able to ride it more.  It's a burgundy bike -- made by ROSS.  Got it at a bike shop at the corner of Greenfield and Main.  I just never cared for that ten speed -- with no fenders, etc.  Hope Marion won't be too upset about my trade.

Had Buffy to the groomers yesterday -- as long as he looks good -- Marion will be in a good mood about it all.  Mark my word -- this is the last summer for me to sit that dog.

The Stubbs are to go to the cabin with us this weekend.  Tho they will be driving up their truck earlier today.  I'm having them take up some stuff that we just couldn't get in the Datsun.  Like lawn chairs, and bed boards, etc.

We got our June electric bill for here yesterday, it was $102.00 for living in an 80º house.  I just don't believe it.  On a brighter note also got the electric bill for the cabin for June and it was only $12.80.

I need to be going -- going to drop Vera off by her house so she can check it out while I'm at the dentists.  Will be interesting to see how Vera and Marion get along as far as the cool air goes.  Vera is always cool -- and Marion is always too hot.  Marion will be getting out the fans and have them going full power.  I dread the looks of the July bill . . . .

Will add a note after seeing the Doctor . . . .

Love,

Roberta

Dr. Says go --
I'm improving (thank goodness!).  He packed it good -- 3 separate pieces -- should last until Monday -- very painful! -- I've got his home phone # should I need it.

A wise word to the young:  TAKE CARE OF YOUR TEETH!

1971 Catherine's Postcard -July 2

 

Caption: Famous Restaurant & Lounge - Lake Worth, Florida

[Postmarked Kalamazoo MI, 1971]

7/2

Hi!  We're all set to leave.  We have a ride with some friends of friends to Montreal and then we're on our own -- may go on to Quebec.  Write to us at Ellsworth, Maine.  Mailed 34 invitations today and put Mrs. Hall on bus to flint.  Dick and I picked out our rings today -- gold bands.  Well, will try to keep in touch!

Love, Catherine

1971 Roberta's Letter -July 1

 

July 1, 1971

Dear Family,

Hi!  Thanks alot for the post-card I got last night from Charlotte, North Carolina.  Last night was the 1st time we got any mail since getting into Merritt a week ago tomorrow.  I hope you all start using "General Delivery - Quilchena".

Yesterday we moved into a house.  It's just for two weeks.  We are just eating our meals & sleeping over there.  I'm happy to say that the house has a bath-tub & hot water too!!  (Real Luxury Living!)  We are staying in the house while the people are away for two weeks.  They left us a bunch of bing cherries -- or what-ever they are called out here.

The house has a wooden stove.  Wow -- what an experience!  I don't see how Elizabeth Johnson did all her cooking on one of those stoves.  One thing for sure -- it is a big help in heating up the house too!!  Most people's houses that we have been in do have wooden stoves -- I think I have only seen one electric one.  There isn't any TV's on the reserve that I have seen.  Only one family in Quilchena has a telephone.  But I don't think these people realize or even think about what they don't have.

Today is Dominion Day.  We didn't get to go in -- could not find a ride.  No one seems to be in Quilchena -- at least it is a good day to catch up on my letter writing.  (Now that the price went up a penny today!)

A woman in Quilchena gave us quite a bit of salmon yesterday.  It was really good!  Wish I could save some for you-all -- since I can't I'll eat some for all of you.

Last night Dixie & I went to see six different families.  The way some of them live would really surprise someone.  I met yesterday an old Indian woman that could only speak Indian.  But I was lucky because her grand-daughter was there who could speak both English & Indian.  I am learning a few Indian words.  Kla-how-ha = welcome.  luke = no

I'm not sure about alot of the spellings.  Mosts of the people have to know how to speak Indian -- even the children.  All but a very few know & understand both.

Tuesday night after the ball game Lorna & Bev (two girls 9 & 11 - sisters) came up & got me to go horse-back riding.  Well.  We went about 50 yards at the most and I slid off the horse.  There wasn't any saddle on the horse.  I wasn't hurt except my hip definitely felt it.  It was really pretty funny later as I had alot of trouble getting on & finally someone helped me.  And then I went & fell off.  Wow!

Starting tomorrow and for the next two weeks Dixie & I together (probably one at a time) will be looking after a 7 month old boy so a girl named Annie can go to Canoe camp.  (Also run by the mission)  The little boy is Annie's nephew -- she takes care of him for her sister who works 2:00p.m.-10:00p.m.  So we are going to be pretty busy.

Karen Hansen (nicknamed Sappie) is going to be with us for the next two weeks so that is going to be a big help.  Sappie is in charge of camp recruitment for the camps held at Thetis Island -- by the mission.  She is just in charge of the recruitment here in this area.

The cooking so far is going fine.  I do a fine job of opening up a can, putting it in a pan, heating the stuff & then putting it on plates to eat.  The other day when I cooked we had pancakes for breakfast, lunch was vegetable soup & biscuits, & that evening for supper we got invited out.  Good timing, huh?  We were invited to Marianne's where we had deer meat, spinach, corn on the cob, etc. etc.  Wow -- it was a really good meal!!

Marianne is the woman that let us use her washing machine the other day too.  It's not like the type we have.  You have to fill it up with water yourself & when the clothes are done you slide them through two round 'deals'.

Quilcehena has to be the capital for mosquitoes of at least British Columbia.  There seems to be fields where they grow (breed) mosquitoes.

Back to the cooking.  The mission gave us 4 big boxes of Bisquick.  And if we need more we can get more from the missionary in Merritt.  In fact, they (the mission) also gave us a cook book printed by the Bisquick Company.  It is advertised on the Bisquick box.

Well I better be closing.  OH.  The Mission was (is) suppose to be sending a little news item -- um -- can't think of the name I want to use.  Anyway some thing should be in the News Journal that I'm working with N.A.I.M for the summer, etc.

Got to go -- thanks again for the post-card.  Hope you all got home safely.

Love in Christ,

Bert

Um -- was wondering about my blue tennis shoes.  Could you all send them parcel post or ???

Has my 'stuff' gotten home yet?  I sure hope it all made the trip successfully.

Hi! to Grandma & Cris

1971 GHU Letter - July 1

 

Thurs. evening [July 1, 1971]

Dear Family --

Another week & perhaps I shall be at home by this time (8:30).  Everyone is gone.  Bill to Lions meeting -- Mary to choir practice -- Robbie to band practice.  I just finished a note to Mrs. Wilson.

We have had 2 or more phone calls from Marianne she has her problems but from now on I think she will be getting along better.  At least I feel better after her call last night.  For they seemed to have so many things to do last week that I did come to the rescue & packed all of her best china & glass ware.  She said not a piece cracked nor broken.  But what to do with it?

I made a call at the Mackey home this afternoon.  Mary had several errands so she dropped me off.  They remarked about my nice Ohio family and Mary V. being a doll in the wedding.  They thought Catherine might still be in High School.  Thought she looked so young.  She & Serena were very attractive girls.  Of course John came in for his share of praise as well as the Horton Clan.  They use to have a friend who taught at Kal. College.

Cris how are times?  Your Sail is still on the boat as your Dad says he has to have a combination to get something open I guess you know what.

If the garden was wet when you arrived home, I take it for granted that the yard needed mowing.  So John keep your account dated.  Then there is a paper bill due this week or next.  Never a let up, is there in bills?

I am still keeping the 8th in mind for checking out & arriving next Thurs. in Cin. at 5:30 unless I hear differently & then I will change my date to suit your plans.  

I tried to go without hose but I soon found out that the air conditioning put too much cool air on my knees.  Oh but it is hot out doors during the day.  I can just see my beautiful sugar trees at home in my mind.  I notice by the paper it is rather warm at home.  

I think Mary is getting cold feet about going to Africa, but yet she wants to see Joe so badly & Bill is just -- shall I say blank?  I wish we could drop in to see Joe & Marianne.

Love,
Mother

1971 Roberta & Catherine Make the News -June/July

 

1991 Family Letter (John's copy) -June 30

 

Sunday, June 30, 1991

Dearest Family,

The last day of June is here and the beginning of the end of summer.  It was nice having the Morgans here and getting to see John and Julie and Serena but the time went all too quickly.  In fact almost 22 hours have passed since I started this but do want to get a letter off to all of you.  We missed two telephone calls from John and would call him but right now it is too early.

There isn't much new in New Vienna -- the town is getting geared up for the Fourth of July Celebration and our church is having the Chicken Barbecue as usual.  No one wanted to chair it so Dad and I got the honors (?) this year but guess we all should take our turns.  Most everyone is willing to help which makes it easier.  We are planning on serving 250 people.  We have been doing this for 18 years.

Grandma is doing well, has a pretty good appetite and is very rational, even for someone half her age.  She definitely has her own opinions.

Looking out our front window, Jim (the neighbor across the street) is decorating his car.  He buys these old cars for a song (?), patches them up and paints them with shoe polish in odd patterns.

Our lawn mower is getting a rest, it is so dry AND hot.  We will be heading north to Alaska July 19 to Anchorage with the Donald Bernards so should get cooled off while there.

[The handwritten personal to John part follows.]
Glad Dad got your call this AM.  Sorry you have to pick Joe up at that late hour -- if all goes well.

We think of you often.  You both are in our prayers -- Hope you have something jelled for your honeymoon.  Let us know if we can help -- mail you the AAA tour book or card to get what you want yourself.

Much, much love --

Dad & Mother

1991 Roberta's Letter -June 30

 

6/30/91

Dear Folks,

Am I confused?  I thought you all were going down to see Mary VA & Don this weekend.

We have had a busy weekend.  It started out at Sat. 5:00 AM -- we went HIKING down at South Mountain then out to breakfast.  (Sid stayed here -- I went w/ the hiking group.)  It's actually getting TOO HOT for hiking even at leaving the house at 4:30 AM!

Today we got up & broke our routine of going out to breakfast at Carl's Jr. -- we went to McDonald's.  It was much different -- MORE KIDS, less comfortable seats (true fast food -- don't encourage you to linger) & more expensive.  They now charge 25¢ for Sr. Citizen coffee.  Used to be free!  Tough times!

Today in Church was the report of the Annual Conference held in Las Vegas.  Different setting than Lakeside!

We also went out to see movie: CITY SLICKERS -- it's pretty funny.  Unusual type of vacation!  Next Sunday afternoon we (Sr. Village) have free tickets to a play HAY FEVER.

I did get to Club Med (city pool) twice over the weekend for short visits.  I'd like to get over during the week but w/out success yet!

The gal I liked to replace Bev is working out real well.  She had worked in a large nursing home as a cook, but -- got quite bored w/just cooking.  (She was there 2 years!)  Here she does much more & seems very happy.  Her husband is military & they were stationed in Japan for 5 years.  They have been here 2 years & she says it looks like they will be here 4 more years.  Melanie Johnson -- she and her husband from Minnesota -- an old 30-year-old -- w/ a 13 year old & 9 year-old

Gloria's daughter who just graduated from college is out looking for work -- she has applied for position open w/FSL [Foundation for Senior Living] to run Home Repair program in Scottsdale.  It's for low income elderly/handicapped.  FSL gets Gov't $ to run the program -- It's been in PHX for 3-4 years, started last year in Glendale.  They arrange honest, reasonable repair work through volunteers or real repair men (or women).

I'll enclose our newest Activity calendar.  Arlene -- Activity Director -- is off for next 2 weeks to direct Pioneer's Girls Camp w/out Wendy this year!  Did you hear Dr. Dobson talking to Jr. Highers this past week?  I thought that was excellent.

Cynthia is off to Jamaica for 1 month mission then she flies here to spend 1 week w/Sid in Colorado.  When she goes back she starts her real church.

I have just finished 2 root canals & build-ups.  So I'm just about half through w/ the PAIN & money that will go in my mouth.  Between this & my new car I'm officially broke!!  But it's not that BAD -- I'm just glad we went ahead & got the car & the dental work I'll be glad to have done!

About to end of page -- hope you all can read my scribbles.

Love to you both,
Roberta

1981 Family Letter -June 29

 

Monday morning

June 29, 1981

Dearest Family --

Didn't get a letter started last night for some reason so when I couldn't sleep decided to start one this morning.  Nice to hear from so many of you and ANOTHER LETTER FROM SERENA.  She wrote that she also tried to call you Roberta but for some reason the system would not go through but she did make use of the ITT while it was available.  

It was nice of you to call Grandma last Friday, Catherine.  She did appreciate hearing from you.  Evidently you had a good connection for sometimes it is more difficult for her to hear.  Things didn't work out for me to go to Kings Island as I had originally planned to take some of the Explorers Sunday School class that I have been teaching -- 7-9th graders.  There are so few of them until we have promotion Sunday and should gain five.

The Wises were to have moved last Tuesday but the movers had them scheduled for Wednesday so you can guess who won that one.  It pays to double check for they hadn't gotten (or written down) the day earlier when the Wises called.  The Thompsons are to move in today or tomorrow.  They are coming from Liberty, Ohio a very small town west of Dayton.  Their furniture is to be loaded today and unloaded tomorrow.  I'd think they could do it all in one day but that isn't the way they work.

We had a carry-in dinner after church yesterday -- the basement was well filled but many weren't able to stay that usually come to these pot-lucks.  Dad and I had gone to a carry-in dinner the day before and two in two days is plenty.  The Senior Citizens met at the Lions Club and there were over 90 people.  Dad is a new member of the board and had written up a paper which he presented to be signed as Buckeye Molding is leasing the old Carter Building (formerly Wells -- formerly the old Opera House) to the Senior Citizens for $1 a year.  They have great plans to fix it all up taking out some partitions and leaving some in -- they have about 6000 square feet of space to use.  It will be handier to come to than the Lions Building.

Meals on Wheels is also to become available to New Vienna shut-ins but so far only regular and diabetic menu is to begin about the middle of July so Grandma won't be able to take advantage of it unless they make the salt-free available.

Wells isn't working this week but things will be busy anyway.  Dad goes to the Commissioners Meeting today and Mie Young begins practice all this week for the drill team.  Mary Virginia was asked by Linda Watters to go to Chillicothe.  Linda works for a TV station there and so Mary Virginia is to record some numbers.  Originally she was scheduled for Wednesday but then had to change it and Tim Larrick was to play for her and because he can't come she is taking some tapes with the music background already there.  Wish we could get the station here.

Ruth Shoemaker gave me a surprise Saturday when she asked what day in July is Roberta coming.  I don't know whether she was just supposing or knew something that I didn't.  By the way, Roberta, we are curious what SPSTNAP J stands for on our telephone bill.  I called information both in our area and yours and they say they have no idea but that is where our calls to you are named -- we have guessed all kinds of things like South Phoenix, South Tempe, North Apache Junction but doubt if any of that is right.

Wendy, my apologies for not mentioning how happy we were to get the pictures that your mother sent of you that I have been so anxious to receive.  They are real good.  We were sorry that the one of you and your mother and daddy is so dark taken in the Elks Memorial in Chicago for we don't have any recent one of the three of you together but the others more than make up for it.  You are getting to be quite a young lady posing for all those pictures.  Your hair is so pretty and so long.

We are planning on going up to see John and Carol tomorrow -- thought that we would all go and then Mie Young found out she had drill team practice starting earlier than July 1 but we are looking forward to seeing them.

[Love, etc.]

1971 Roberta's Letters -June 27

 

June 27, 1971
[Sunday]

Dear Family,

Hi!  Was sure glad to get your letter.  Got it Friday when we got into Merritt.  Friday every thing went fine.  We got to Merritt about 6:00 p.m. and ate supper there.  Then about 8:00 or 8:30 pm we went to Douglas Lake where Ron & Emily Higginbottom live.  We stayed all night there Friday night.  They live in Douglas Lake but have to go clear into Merritt to get their mail.  Ron will be our "mailman".  It's really something to think that these towns (?) have to go into Merritt for the mail.

Ron & Emily have a phone.  It's the type of deal where it costs 30¢ to call your next door neighbor.  Most people up here don't have phones.  Also you've got to "crank" their phone -- I'm not quite sure how but is is very interesting looking.

We got to Quilchena about noon yesterday.  Wow -- you would not have believed the mess the school house was in.  It has not been used as a school house for -- I think -- 2 years.  Anyway there were books thrown everywhere, cans of all kinds here & there.  It was just one big mess.  But after a couple of hours it looked alot better.  There are all kinds of shelves which we put the books on, etc.  Also we were able to get electricity on, water on (cold only) & one toilet to work.  All of that I'm very thankful for.  Ron went & got this man to help us with all of that kind of stuff.

So we do have electricity but no heat.  Really it's not too bad so far.  (without the heat)

As soon as we got here yesterday children started coming over.  It was pretty neat because I put them to work every chance I had & they seemed to enjoy it & they also got alot done.

We got all of our food & supplies out & put on the shelves.  Everything got here in pretty good shape.  I wish you all could have seen the children's faces when they saw the sports equipment we were given for the summer.  Like 2 frisbees, ball & bat, & volley ball.

We went to see 2 families yesterday.  Both Indian & very nice.  The children are especially friendly.  Every child I have met so far has had a runny nose.  Both families were large -- one had 9 children and the other had 10 children.

Then last night we went to a ball game.  We all played.  It was pretty funny.  We are to have a practice this coming Tuesday.

We got home from the game about 10:00 p.m. -- as soon as we did about 10 children came over.  We had not eaten supper yet & didn't have time after the game either.  About 10:45 p.m. we heard a knock so I went outside & there was a woman there -- drunk.  She wanted us to "bless her".  Strong Catholic influence here.  We had to carry her back over to her house when she went home later.  It was really a full day yesterday!

We got a small 2 burner 'dealie' to cook with -- Electric -- because we have electricity.  Yesterday about 1:30 p.m. we had apple-sauce, and wieners & beans.  We don't have a refrigerator.  We were given two dozen eggs in Merritt & we are suppose to get 2 dozen eggs every two weeks.  So, that is pretty good.

The school house is pretty nice.  One fairly large room & then a small room in the back & plenty of shelves.  We are sleeping in the small room so we can have the large room for activities.

As planned now our Bible School will start a week from Monday July 5th -- I think.  Hey -- you know -- I won't be celebrating July 4th this year -- not in Canada!  July 1st is called Dominion Day & in Merritt there will be parades, etc.  We hope to go in for that.

Well, I'll close for now.  I'm not quite sure when this will go out -- Tell everyone hello for me.  Thanks alot for the letter & the money.  I can believe it about the lay-off in Dayton.  Wow -- how pitiful!!

The country out here is really beautiful.  But oh the mosquitoes!!

Write -- Hope you all are fine.  Glad the telephone call was only priced for 3 minutes.

Love in Christ,

Bert

P.S. -- Now Sunday night -- 11:00 p.m.  Today has been a busy day.  Children have been here all day.  Also we went visiting one family that lives near-by.  She was very nice -- name of the mother was Marianne.  She told me I could use clothes washer, oven, stove, etc. when I wanted to.

We went swimming in the lake.  I washed my hair in the process.  All we have here is a sink.

Also -- we had another ball game -- By Sept I'll be ready to join the Wells Wonders.

And get this -- tomorrow I'm to go horse back riding at 3:00 p.m.  Exciting, huh, & also kind of scary!!

Hey -- I found out that Quilchena does have a post office.  It's in the general store.  The address is Quilchena Indian Reserve (NOT Reservation), General Delivery, British Columbia, Canada. 

The General Store is about 4 miles away but I'm sure we can work something out.  Well -- I've got to go.  

Please say hello to Grandma & let her read this letter.  Maybe if you want to send to Hortons.  I'll write them soon -- I hope.  But -----

Love, Bert

*  *  *  *  *

June 27, 1971

Dear Uncle Bill, Aunt Mary & Rob,

Hi!!  How are you all!!??  Right now Dixie (Lyn's nickname) is typing a letter to a friend of hers.  It's really bad -- or should I say HARD on me to be quiet!!  I just got done finishing a letter to the family.  I told them they could send it down but I thought I'd try & write a 'note' myself.  I don't like to or should I say I'd rather get a letter addressed to myself.

We got here -- in Quilchena about noon on Saturday.  We have REALLY been busy.  As soon as we got here people started coming over -- especially children.  Then last night we went to a soft-ball game.  I played -- if you can imagine that!!  Then after the game more people came over.  I really wonder when these people sleep. they were over till late last night and also again early this morning.

Today we went swimming -- very cold but after a while you seem to adjust.  I washed my hair while swimming.  All we have here is a small sink.  I also played about 50 -- ok an awful lot -- games of checkers.

We have gone visiting three different families so far.  We are trying to make as many "contacts" as possible.

OH -- tomorrow I'm to go horse back riding at 3:00 pm.  OH -- I bet I'll be sore!!  That is if I'll be able to get myself on.  I'm going to be riding with a boy named Allard.  He's 15 -- actually I'm not to date or give that appearance but I figure a fifteen year-old boy -- that should be OK.

So -- ok -- Get on the the ball and write me a letter [new address included] -- the other way we would have only gotten mail once or twice a week.  The P.O. is about 4 miles in the General Store but I know I'll get there somehow.

Everyone has just been super-friendly.   Me & Lyn (um - proper English would be Lyn & I) are the only WHITE people I've seen since Ron (missionary we're under) left.  I think I'm beginning to understand a LITTLE bit what Joe went thru in Africa.  Every Indian child I've met so far has had a runny nose.  But -- are they friendly.

Mother told me a brief story of the wedding.  WOW -- how exciting it all sounded.  Will you all be in Michigan for Cathy's wedding?

The country up here is really beautiful.  I wish you all could see it.  I'll have to take some pictures anyway.  By the way I hope I get pictures of Mares wedding -- at least just to look at & then return.

This is a great ranching area.  It's really something to have people come up & tie their horses while they visit.

If Grandma is still in Florida -- Hello!

As for cooking we are doing fine.  Had some beef stew tonight -- out of a can.  Also -- fruit (mixed), this morning had spam & biscuits & eggs.  

Well,  I hope all of you all are fine.  I hope to hear all about the wedding from the mother's point of view.  Write!!

Love in Christ,

Bert

1981 Catherine's Letter -June 28

 Sun. 6-28-81

Dear Mother, Dad & Mary,

Hi!  Sorry I missed talking to you on the phone this past weekend although I did enjoy the conversation with Grandma. We have had an enjoyable weekend with perfect weather (in the 70's with little wind -- good view of the mountains).

Saturday morning Gerry and I played golf and Wendy went to Day Care for awhile -- she enjoyed it as they had the wading pool out.  Afterwards we took Wendy for a snack at the Dairy Queen.  Then Saturday night we went to a dance at the Elks with another couple who are thinking about joining.  The dance was a "50's & 60's" theme with taped music from that "era".  Several couples dressed up in 50's and 60's costumes.  They had a fairly good turnout considering the time of year.

Today we went rafting taking another couple in our raft along with Wendy.  They took their car to Trout Creek in order to drive us back to Warm Springs to get our truck.  It was their first time down the river and they seemed to enjoy it.  Wendy did real well -- wearing her life jacket without complaining and not getting too upset when she was splashed.  So now we know that when you come we will all be able to fit into the raft.  In another month we should be able to take DeeDee with us.  She will be driving to Canada to see her grandparents and we will pick her up when they pass through Oregon on their way home, which will be during the last week of July.

I interviewed two people for the Assistant Librarian position last week and talked to a third one on the phone.  My fourth candidate who had been at the top of the list is pregnant with her second child and decided she didn't want to be considered.  I have pretty much decided on Debby Stubbe who just finished her sophomore year at Seattle Pacific Univ (?) and wants to take "a year  or two" off to work.  She says that she is considering going into library science.  Her parents live here in Madras.  I only have 28 more working days at the dentist office so they ought to speed by quickly.  I hate to see the summer pass quickly though.  Can't have one without the other though!

Wendy has been practicing taking her shoes off and putting them on again.  She found out that this is something she has to do in order to go into the four year old class.  They advance the classes in March and September depending on which month the child's birthday is closest to.  Wendy will be changing at about the same time as her birthday.  Every time we go by the bakery section of the grocery store she studies the birthday cakes debating what kind she is going to have.  

What are your plans to celebrate on the 4th?  Is New Vienna having a big shindig this year?  We are still thinking of going camping perhaps in the Ochocos which are to the east of Prineville

Love,

Catherine, Gerry & Wendy

1981 Roberta's letters to GHU -June 25,27

 [Some confusion on the dates of these letters -- assuming Roberta was aware of the day of the week when she wrote, the Thursday letter is from June 25, 1981 and the Saturday letter was written on June 27.]

              *  *  *  *  *

Thursday  pm

Hi Grandma --

Thanks for your letter & check -- I'm really looking forward to the trip -- that will mean I've been in all 50 states!!  How about you?

Please give pictures back to the folks -- thanks!  Good pictures!

Only time for a note -- I need a 30 hour day!!

Much Love,
Roberta

*  *  *  *  *

Saturday AM

Hi Grandma,

Wanted to send you the following flight schedules -- Which came in yesterday's mail.  Seems like we are really keeping the mails busy!!

I'm home this weekend -- need to stay here & get some things done -- and maybe rest a little!!

Yesterday was some day -- at 8:00 AM -- I had 2 teeth pulled -- then went right to work.  By 10:00 - the air conditioner went out & it got so HOT inside the building.  Judy -- who works there part time -- went home sick -- then 3 women fainted & another had a small heart attack.  Called the paramedics -- & she went to the hospital.  It was a very hectic day!!  Then after work I stopped by the bank & as I was pulling out the air (all of it) went out of my back tire on the bike!!

If that wasn't enough before I got home my back pack busted & everything fell out of it.  What a day!!!

I need to walk dear Buffy & get started on the days activities -- cleaning -- UGH!!

Hope these flights are fine w/you!  Just 2 months till our BIG TRIP!!

Love
Roberta

1971 Roberta's Letter -June 25

 

June 25, 1971

Dear Family,

Hi!  Right now I'm on the ferry going to Vancouver (from Nanaimo [BC]).  It's 9:00 A.M.  -- we got on the ferry at Thetis at 6:15.  We should be in Quilchena about 8:00 P.M.  The ride from Vancouver to Merritt is suppose to really be pretty.

I'll enclose the schedule we had at Thetis Island.  As you can see we were really pretty busy.  I'll also enclose a list of the kids in the program & a sketch map.

North Shuswap where Pam is -- is about 60 miles from me.  Merritt is only 14 miles away.  I think I told you all on the phone that North Shuswap was 14 miles away.  So that's wrong -- it's Merritt.

Hey -- Mom -- I was talking last night to this woman on the mission staff from Penn., and I asked her if she knew where New Cumberland was.  WOW -- she couldn't believe, she told me she lived about five minutes from there -- in Mechanicsburg.  Does that sound right at all?  [It probably didn't sound right as Mechanicsburg is 7 miles from New Cumberland PA, but 230 miles from New Cumberland WV -- still, as usual, Roberta made a good connection with another person.]  

What all is Cris doing at the shop?  How is everything at the shop?  Tell all the ladies that I say Hello!

Also if & when you see Hazel Penn you could tell her I'm fine & a little bit about Quilchena.  I'm really anxious to get there myself & see it for myself.

I'll try & get a better map for you all.

I'll close for now.  Canadian stamps now 6¢ -- but July 1st it goes up to 7¢.  Too bad, huh?  Hope you all are fine.

Love in Christ,

Bert

1971 Catherine's letter -June 25

 

June 25, 1971

Dear Mom, Dad, Serena, John, Mary and Cris,

Hi!  I trust you all made it home without too much discomfort because of my absence.  I had a good flight (the plane was ⅓ to ½ full) and Dick, Mrs. Hall, Debby and Doug met me at the airport.  It was midnight Michigan time by the time we got home so I was plenty tired.  The backpack made it ok although the dress that was on top was starting to fall out.  The box came through with one ripped corner but nothing inside was hurt.  I've gotten all my stuff unpacked and pretty well organized.  It's hard to believe I will have one place to live for a whole year.

I called Win Schuler's this morning and got the arrangements started for our brunch [following the wedding].  She said that with so many of us (I told her we'd have 35-50 and that I'd give her a more definite number a couple days ahead) it would be best to come at 10.  We can have the "Dickens Room" and the brunch will cost $3.50 for adults and $1.75 for children plus 15% gratuity (?).  They can furnish a cake and flowers for the table if we furnish the money for them!  she suggested just having flowers for the head table but then I was thinking maybe just the cake as a center piece would be enough.  The cake might be somewhere else though or too tall.  Let me know what you think.  The lady's name is Mrs. Ditto and she will be on vacation from July 5-19.  Please remember that in case I call you from Maine and let you get in touch with her or something.  I told her I would see that she found out about what kind of cake we want as soon as possible.  And the flowers and other stuff can be worked out the week before.

Dick's dad's name was Howard B. Hall.  Dick likes the idea of putting a picture of us in the write-up but we don't have those hitchhiking pictures back yet.  Do you have any pictures of the two of us?

I got a couple hours of studying done today so at least I feel started on it.  We're going up to Manistee this weekend so I'm glad I already have some done.  Our plans now are to leave for Maine either next Thursday and get into Canada before the 4th or wait until Monday afterwards.  We're going to drive the car up to Clio and go from there.

We got the car fixed today, or rather tuned up and all that stuff.  The gas station man brought it back about 15 minutes ago so I have to leave pretty quick to go pick up Dick.

Debby said she would write me as soon as she can about whether she will come to the wedding.  If she can't write to me I told her to write you.  I think I'll write a letter to Marianne at her new address and ask her to be the 4th bridesmaid.

Love,

Cathy

1981 Roberta's Letter -June 24

 

June 24, 1981

Dear Family,

It's ten o'clock and Buffy and I just got in from our evening walk . . . .  I swear this is the last summer I'm keeping that dog!!!!  But I think I've said that in previous summers. . . .

It's been another busy week.  Don't think that I ever told you folks that Vera (remember the 96 year old woman -- the one with the '56 Mercury) is staying here this summer.  Every summer in the past she has always ended up with a stay in the hospital -- because she didn't have air or swamp cooler or way to cool her house.  So that means a little more get-up-and-go on my part.  She came the same day that Marion left.  I think the neighbors are still trying to figure out who lives here.  They see so many people come and go!!!

Last weekend got rid of all the pine cone needles that I had raked up.  Really loaded them into garbage bags -- 22 total -- then the people from below -- their daughter had a pick-up truck so she hauled them off for me to the landfill.  Was sure glad to get rid of them.  Did I tell you all that I did get the white (dirty white) rug down from over the fireplace???  Borrowed a ladder from the people below.  It was a cast iron ladder -- sure was heavy!!!

I'm really getting excited about the Alaska trip -- I just hope the 7 days on the cruise doesn't go by too fast!!!  Will also be great to see the Morgan family -- especially my baby niece. . . . she will have made some changes I'm sure since we saw her last.   I've been most impressed with LaDonna -- the travel agent.  Also her boss seems like he is really on the ball!

I've been going swimming about three times a week -- which isn't bad when you consider I'm gone on the weekends.  Getting to know alot of people there -- also starting to get a good suntan.  I usually go about 4:30 to 5:30 -- by 5 there are very few people there.  Too bad we didn't go while you folks were here.

I had to have a yard man come and trim that huge palm tree.  I told him to do a good job because I didn't want to have him come by very often -- so he really gave it a burr -- left only 4 big palm sprays.  Really looks good.  He also trimmed back both of those big cactus.  I've been feeding the rabbits and birds -- so they have really been gathering around.

Did I tell you that I got the first electric bill -- it was for 18 days and was for $80.00.  I could have fallen over.  So now I've quit using the dryer -- and taking other conservative steps.  I'm going to wait and get this months bill before I really panic.  I'm hoping that they estimated the first bill -- and that is why it was so much.

Speaking of money -- I've really been helping the doctors pay for some bricks in their offices.  Went on Monday and had my eyes examined -- first time since right  aft I got to Arizona.  They had really changed -- so took the prescription to Mesa Optical and ordered two new pair of glasses.  They are having a special 2 for the price one deal for the month of June.  I ordered one pair of sunglasses and the other pair plain -- but with a slight tent [tint perhaps].  Then I went to the dentist -- that's a new paragraph by itself.

On the way to Payson last Friday I had just put in a piece of gum -- and zap it was like I had a rock in my mouth.  Had lost a huge filling -- was afraid it might pain me over the weekend -- but really didn't much notice it.  But by Tuesday night I was very much aware of it.  So called up a dentist that someone from the center recommended and got in the same day.  To save that tooth -- it would be about $600.00 . . . root canal, crown, etc.  Then I've got another very bad tooth - - - and it would cost $250 to save.  maybe you can guess I've decided to have the one pulled and invest in the other.  At these prices they should offer a good interest rate.  Am to have the one tooth pulled on Friday -- Dr. had to just put in a temporary because he said there was some infection around the tooth -- so too risky to pull it.  I would just as soon get it over with.

Connie (Sally's friend) did make it back -- the two of them.  They are now renting a house for $400 a month -- in such a crummy neighborhood -- about three miles from here -- 74th St. just south of Broadway.  Guess they want to also buy out in this neighborhood . . . but not in this area . . . a less expensive area.

I still need to get the June minutes done up for the July meeting -- had these home with me [minutes of a previous meeting on the reverse side of the paper.] -- to use as my guideline.  Things going very well at the center -- thought you all would enjoy the article in the paper.  My people were rather upset about it tho.  The idea was them to come out and do an article about our exercise program and Ann Pierson just seemed to take over.  Now they say they are going to call the press out - - to do an article about our center -- I just tell them that way about our center. 

1981 Roberta's Letter -June 23?

Tuesday Night

7:30 P.M.

Dear Family,

Just got done mowing the yard . . . somehow whenever I do that it seems like the yard is the biggest.  It does have a small brown spot here and there, but basically looks really nice and green.

Thanks for calling the other night.  The farm offer does sound a little tempting, tho I feel like it is best that I stick to my original plan -- leaving here on the 17th -- thus getting to New Vienna the evening of the 18th.  Money-wise it's the best deal for me to fly into Quincy -- then drive to New Vienna  -- and then back to Mesa.  Besides think of the fact that when I get older (40 years plus) I might not be in the best condition to drive cross country.

By getting the two weeks off -- that gives me easily one full week in New Vienna.  I do hope to visit some senior centers in the area -- perhaps maybe make a day of it all -- in Cincinnati or Dayton.  I'm really happy out at work to be getting the people we are getting -- considering the time of year.  Last year the center averaged 25-30 people a day during June -- and we are just over 60 on the average.  Next winer will be interesting with all the "snow-birds" back -- and the year-round people we have now.  Bingo days are still our big days -- tho everyday I try to have some kind of drawing card.  Blood pressure one day, sing-a-long one day, etc.

Tonight is my Country-swing class -- it's from 9 to 10 so makes for a late evening by the time I get home, walk the dog, etc. . . . but I'm glad to be taking it.  Hard to believe that this is the fourth class.  Its just 6 weeks long.  Yoga is 8 weeks -- and think I figured out I'll be missing the last two weeks of it.  Fall semester through Tempe Parks and Rec I'm going to take sign language.  The price is $10 -- as compared to the $99 it would cost at ASU -- figure I can learn the basics and that will help alot.  Think I told you all that we have a deaf mute that comes to the center.  He loves it -- plays bingo --always someone helps him.  Also he really enjoys doing the exercises with us -- I should tape the record we use for the exercises and bring it home with me.

Got my hair-cut yesterday -- pretty short.  Dorothy cut it -- I had played around with the idea of another perm, but then decided with this heat -- I'd just as soon have it short.

I better cut this page short . . . want to get down to the library and pick some stuff up I need for work.  Oh, there has been alot of progress done on the new library -- directly across from the present one.

Love,
Roberta