Tag Archives: genealogy

David’s Diary – August 4, 1969

1 Reply

Monday, 4 August 1969

Didn’t make it out of bed until after 9:30. I had planned to mow in the morning, but it was raining. After breakfast I made an attempt to make progress on German—but didn’t have much luck. Much of my day was spent getting my study straightened up. There was a letter from RSY in the mail—written from Bangkok. Late in the afternoon I finally got around to German again, after getting my study put in order. About 5:30 Mrs. Hannibal called—offered us a fresh codfish which a son-in-law had just caught. He brought it over—it took me about half an hour to get it cut up—enough for 8 suppers! We ate, watched CBS. John called from Illinois about arrival time next week. At 7:30 the pastor-parish committee met here at the parsonage. They seemed happy to hear we aren’t leaving. Went to Patriquins after meeting—stayed until almost 11:00. Home, bathed, read in bed; LO, 12:32.

Tuesday, 5 August 1969

Up about 9:30. The main preoccupation of this day was letter writing. After breakfast I went to the Cape Ann Ticket + Label Co. and order[ed] 500 more letterheads; then got to work on letters, to: Levon King; Record Cub of America; Time-Life Library of Art; Stoners; Mrs. Myers [8 photos]; Dr. Evarts [?] (a thank you); Pat + Gary Holmes—in the evening one to Rev Mark Blaising [?] in Indiana about my conference status. In mid-afternoon I went up to see Rip Hannibal; Bonnie had left Debbie at Patriquins, so I stopped there on the way back from Hannibals. Hung hook for the garbage pail. After supper I got to work in my study; got it straightened up. Read thru 2 of 4 sermons by T. P. Ferris on Elijah; worked on sermon ideas. At 10 o’clock watched brief report on Mars pictures and Lord Snowdon’s film essay on aging: Don’t Count the Candles; after the news bathed; OF read; LO 12:54.

Wednesday, 6 August 1969

Found myself still in bed at 10:00—I had gotten up last night and read til after 2:00. So it was a short morning. The mail man brought Newsweek with the color photos taken by Apollo 11 on the moon. Had lunch round 12:00. In the afternoon Bonnie was gone most of the time on this or that errand. I fed Debbie around 2:00. She played in the bedroom while I tried to study; did get some work done in German. Also devoted more time to sermon planning for the next few months. I have been scanning a book of sermon outlines. TV went on the blink today, but Bonnie tended to having it fixed. Had to put in a new tube during CBS news—saw the 1st and last parts of it. Went over to Alan Federicks for supper served by Diane. We chatted for a while after supper. Decided to head home about 10:00; got cats in; at 11:00 watched news; ABM appears to have passed [1]; bathed, OB read LO 12:30.

Thursday, 7 August 1969

Up shortly before nine. The first thing after breakfast I clipped the hedge at the front door—very wet. I postponed mowing in order to give the grass time to dry. After working on the hedge I returned to my study—did more sermon planning. Shortly before noon I got to mowing. This wasn’t completed til around 5:00. I stopped for lunch and did a lot of clipping and trimming. Also, after mowing, filled the post-holes left from removing the fence in the picnic areas. Swept the driveway. Then helped Bonnie put up the bed in the back room. Relaxed before supper—finished Updike’s Couples. Watched CBS news, supper. Afterwards helped get the old bed frame into the attic, worked on German. About 8:30 we went to Patriquins. Left there about 10:00. Weary after so much physical exercise. Bathed, OB to read; LO 11:14.

Friday, 8 August 1969

Up by 9:00. After breakfast got to work on the sermon, which turned out to be the major project of the day. First had to organize thoughts—got to writing about noon and had made some progress when I stopped for lunch around 1:00. Mail man brought Life magazine with more photos of the moon walk. By mid-afternoon I had finished the sermon. I was babysitting with Debbie while Bonnie was off shopping. We’re thankful that Debbie is such a contented child; the twins next door are fussing continually. Got the stencil for the bulletin all typed by supper time; watched CBS news with supper. Then I got the bulletin run off and my desk straightened up. Relaxed until Diane + Alan arrived a little before 9:00. We discussed marriage ceremony and budget. They left shortly before 11:00. Bathed, OB to study; LO 12:02.

Saturday, 9 August 1969

Had the best of intentions to get around to German today, but never really succeeded. Didn’t get up til after 9:30. This morning made arrangements to have the cat altered next week. Late in the morning Bonnie suggested buying a rug for my room, and moving the old one there now to the back room which we’ve just been working on. After lunch we went over to Elliots in Gloucester to place the order. We stopped to do some shopping on the way back. I was weary in the late afternoon; tried to nap some; did study German grammar a while, but did no translating. After supper I did some yard work, then got involved in helping Bonnie with the painting in the back hall. Had to do the window + high places. Worked on the service for tomorrow. Listened to the radio: WCRB Saturday Night—very good Anna Russell [2] routine; bathed; OBLO, 12:43.

Sunday, 10 August 1969

Had great difficulty getting to sleep last night: an auto crash on Main Street, a window-shade flapping in the breeze, mice frolicking on the other side of the attic door. I heard the 2 o’clock chime. So was very groggy when I got up shortly after 8:00, ate, shaved, dressed; Alan Fredrick helped me get the record player to church; not very many out; a rainy morning. Alan help me get the equipment home; after lunch relaxed, dozed. Around 2:30 went to see Lucy Patience; John is dying of lung cancer. About 4:00 went over to Alan’s home for German lesson; had a long chat with Alan + Diane before getting to work on German. Hadn’t done much by 6:00 when I had to leave; fixed supper when I got home; planned to get to work on German, but was too weary; napped until about 9:00. Then finally got going on German, which I have been neglecting; stopped to bathe about 12:00; studied German grammar in bed; LO 1:05.

 

[1] ABM: Anti-Ballistic Missile vote taken in the Senate that day.

[2] Anna Russell, comedian known for her brilliant satire on the Wagnerian Ring Cycle.

©2017 copyright owned and transcribed by David Madison and Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2017/06/22/david-august-4-1969/

Roscoe – July 31, 1969

2 Replies

 

Letter transcription:

Dear Kat, Debbie, Bonnie & Dave,

We arrived at the Bangkok airport on A.L. Flight #750 and would you believe Sunalinee Nikathanonta and a girl friend were there to meet us – They really were! This girl Sunalinee, I had seen the day she left Purdue. She graduated this spring and came in to me to get the shots she needed to go to Peru, Japan, & Hong Kong also Thailand. I told her we were going to be in Bangkok and she said she would meet us. Where upon I got out of the room, but she got the flight number, etc., and she really was there. She explained, Sunalinee that is, that she had been back only one week and since she had been away 3 years she was a little rusty on her driving and had brought her girlfriend along, but Sunalinee was doing the driving. Now we have had wild rides but this was something else. I’m beginning to think the Buddha religion might be the best, since we made it to the hotel safely. Someone or something surely must have protected. I had thought that in Karachi maybe it was Mohammed that was protecting & maybe their religion was the thing. I really know someone had to protect those people. Here was a fellow riding down the street with a bicycle loaded with bottles & cans and about the time I would close my eyes & listen for the crash – crash and/or the tinkle-tinkle all that was heard was a “huh-huh,” a wave of the hand and the cycle which seemed to have a hinge in the middle scurried on down the street and “squeezed” between two more cars, a camel cart or another cycle, etc. – Allah was there??

Getting back to Bangkok – after arriving & registering at the hotel our host Sunalinee informed us we were to be taken out to a Thai restaurant for some Thai food. We arrived at the hotel at 6:00 PM and at 7:00 the phone rang & she and her party were ready to go. This time we were to ride in the car with Boonlest Pheruk and his girlfriend Samporum Sruyakorin. I didn’t pronounce those names either. Anyway this was another wild adventure. It was explained that the traffic was “a little bad” and believe me “a little” was not the proper words to use. We went thru Chinatown. This was a one way street. To me it looked like a six land highway but at times they were seven cars abreast with cars parked on both sides. Of course, there were the usual cycles both human & motor powered squeezing in & out but we made the journey to the eating place. We were told the population of

[page 2] Bangkok was 3 million. I’m convinced of that number.  I believe each person has 2 cars and both of them were downtown. Either the maid or the butler had the other car and they were all downtown. Most of these car horns are blowing at regular intervals. I have never heard an oriental cuss. I think they just get in their car do down the street like h— and blow their horns when they are mad and many really had a mad on that night. We have been around quite a bit in that whole 10 miles or so I didn’t see a single person I knew but it was getting rather dark and after all most of those people were foreigners, and another thing it was getting dark. The sun goes down at a reasonable hour here and it comes up the same way. At home the sun goes down at 9 or so. When it is 10:00 PM here is is 10:00 AM in New York according to the big clock in the Bangkok airport. In other words Bangkok & Boston have the same time. Here it is 12 hrs ahead of them.

When we got here we were home sick & decided not to go any further. Our next stop is Malaysia and we will be ½ nearer home. I suppose you have received word from us some places along the line. We have to write to keep from getting homesick – wanta Bet!! Nothing else to see wanta bet!!?

Oh! Yes the Thai food. I guess it all had a name. Some of it looked familiar & some didn’t, some was good & some was ?? The geography & history of some would have been nice to know but others I wouldn’t even have wanted to know the incorrect spelling. The pace was an open air indoor outdoor affair – much noise and much hot-hot. The “hotness” outside could not always equal the hot inside. I looked down inside my shirt once and saw a drop of sweat on my stomach & just then I swallowed something hot, the drop of sweat vaporized just like a drop of water on a tri plate with a blow torch under it. I didn’t eat more than three more bites of that liquid fire. Naturally, we said it was good.

The ride back to the hotel was uneventful. We had a good night’s sleep and breakfast on the veranda. This overlooked a river and we enjoyed the traffic – small boats, barges, large boats, sail boats, etc. I presume ach had a purpose out in the stream but one wonders if there were that many purposes in a town such as this. We didn’t have much time since we had to be at the air port 1 ½ hrs. before plane time and it takes 45 minutes to get there. The Thai people are looking forward to the visit of Pres. Nixon in the next few days. I’ll just bet he doesn’t get the thrill out of the trip from the airport that we did. Our fiend said good-bye last night and promised to call us at the hotel where we will stay on our way to Hong Kong after going to Penang to Indonesia. I hope she keeps her promise and does not try to meet us at the airport. Anyway we are off to Penang.

Hope you are the same

RSY

(over)

After giving Louise the pictures – (we viewed them one evening) I read your letter again and decided you meant for me to leave the duplicates here. I didn’t remember what you had said in your last letter since I was hurrying to finish our preparation to leave so when you received letter from Penang you probably wondered what was going on.

Getting ready to go out to dinner with a Chinese couple from church Mac & Louise attend. Have been seeing much here in Penang. Hope my camera has been working properly.

Love, Mother

©2017 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2017/06/21/roscoe-july-31-1969/

David’s Diary – July 28, 1969

1 Reply

Monday, 28 July 1969

Today I made the effort to get back to work on German—with some success.  I was up at about 7:30—Debbie wouldn’t let us sleep any longer than that. I was at my desk by 8:00. But the going was slow. I was sleepy and lethargic. I did make some progress in the morning however. About one I relaxed—almost was falling asleep when Bonnie called me to lunch. Shaved after lunch, then got back to German. Late in the afternoon Alan called—he still doesn’t realize that we knew Pat was her[e]—he obviously has taken her back to Hamilton Ontario—he made some excuse for not being in church yesterday. I napped late in the afternoon—then worked on German from 5-6:30, watched CBS—had supper. Wrote letter to Levon King about the VW; spent the rest of the evening on German; bathed; read; OBLO 12:45.

Tuesday, 29 July 1969

It was hard getting started this morning. Up at 8:25—caught the weather report on TV—more rain today, at times it really poured. I was able to get some German done, but not too much. We had a late lunch, after which I shaved, then went to the church to change the wayside pulpit—and stopped into the town clerks office to inquire about changing our voter registrations. Came home and got back to German. Late in the afternoon Alan Fredrick came over; he read German with me and graded a lesson. He left about 6:15. We had supper, then Bonnie left to go to Becky Bussey’s baby shower. I continued on German through the evening, but at 9:30 watched the Mariner 6 pictures from Mars on TV. Watched 11 o’clock news, and from 11:30-12:00 a program on the Mariner; the photos are of good quality. Bathed; OBLO, 12:46.

Wednesday, 30 July 1969

Again this morning we were late in getting up—not until almost 10:00. Had breakfast, but was diverged from German when the mail came—spent some time with Newsweek—had a late lunch and then got to work on German. Bonnie  went shopping with Becky Bussey. I stayed home with Debbie and German. Bonnie was late getting home—not until after 6:30. I got supper +  put Debbie’s food on. Bonnie got home, we had supper. Then relaxed—I read a little further in Updike’s Couples. Then we went on a walk. Strolled down Bear Skin Neck. Very crowded; we stopped in about 3 or 4 shops—went all the way to the end. Home by 9: 30. Bathed, Θ+  —had a drink; then I went back to German—also watched TV news—a few more pictures of Mars; read OBLO, 12:20.

Thursday, 31 July 1969

Was awake by 9:00—don’t recall exactly when. Stayed in bed reading Updike’s Couples for a while, got up, had breakfast, then got to work on German. Interrupted for a while with the mail. Worked again on German. We had a late lunch—decided to a cook out this evening—and to ask Busseys over. After lunch I shaved, then went back to studying. Made some progress in the afternoon—Bonnie was off shopping—Debbie played in the bedroom while I worked. Late in the afternoon Bonnie called Alan to forbid him to tell Diane’s parents that she is staying with us. We’ve finally contacted Busseys about supper and they arrived after 6:00. After supper we came on inside, But they went home very soon. I then got back to work on German. Rather weary, didn’t make so much progress but did get a lesson done in German. Watched 11 o’clock news; bathed; read in Couples in bed; LO 12:52.

Friday, 1 August 1969

Up by 9:30 after Θ. Had breakfast, then got to work doing some reading for the sermon. Mail today consisted of Life magazine.  I spent some time with it, mainly on the article about Ted Kennedy—his fateful right turn onto Dyke Road could hardly have been accidental. Finally got to work on German. We had a late lunch, I shaved, then got back to translating Noth. I spent the afternoon on German, with the twins next door (15 months old) bawling. So glad that Debbie cries so seldom, plays so quietly—entertains herself quite well.  Bonnie went sound asleep late in afternoon—I went about getting supper about 6:30—didn’t use the liver that had been thawed—smelled bad. We had to make do with other odds + end.  Studied all evening, after [???] more old magazines. Almost finished another lesson in the grammar. OB to read; LO 12:55.

Saturday, 2 August 1969

Very shortly after LO, got up to bathe. While I bathed Bonnie unloaded all her negative feelings about our European plans—it depressed me greatly—I could find nothing to say; finally, back in bed as it became increasingly obvious that the trip would not work I went to pieces—wept bitterly, uncontrollably. I can never recall having done so before; finally we talked about our feelings. Θ around 4 AM—finally got to sleep. Up about 8:00 or 8:30 feeling lousy—I was in a dull stupor most of the morning—I had resigned myself to having to cancel the trip. Took pictures of cats in tree box  After lunch and a HAIRCUT—and after shaving, called Uhlinger  to tell him we are staying in Rockport. Rest of the afternoon spent mostly preparing for sermon. Got started before stopping for supper. Finished after supper; did the bulletins. Busseys came over for water. When they left worked further on service—listed [sic]  to radio, bathed, off to bed, lights out about 1 AM.

Sunday, 3 August 1969

Up about 8:30—very sleepy. Breakfast—revised sermon during coffee; shaved, dressed, off to church; preached on 3rd Isaiah. Home about 11:15. We fixed lunch. Read some in Couples  I then planned to nap. But didn’t have any luck so I got to work on German. About 2:35 Saddie Orne arrived to babysit. About 15 til 3 Bonnie +  I left for the Den Mar nursing home—I led the simple short service. Several in the congregation showed up to help with the singing—including Alan Federick + Diane. They came back to the parsonage. We had iced tea together in the backyard. They left shortly before 6:00. I worked some more on German while waiting for supper. After supper I worked on German, “took”  the test which I did so poorly on in April. Did much better but still not good enough. Also help Bonnie with getting the back room ready. Stopped to bathe about 11:45; read Couples in bed; LO 12:46.

©2017 copyright owned and transcribed by David Madison and Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2017/06/20/david-july-28-1969/

Roscoe – July 24, 1969

2 Replies

 

Letter transcription:

Dear Bonnie, Dave, Debbie & Kat [the feline variety]

I started making notes and stuff on the 17th of July so if the dates seem a little off please excuse. We have our car and have just a few more than 300 miles or should I say 500 km. It runs well, the horn blows either in German or English depending on who it is pointed toward – more universal sounds. It smells like a new car (universal smells).

We met and visited with a Cousin Fritz Pyser, whose mother was a Yegerlehner. We will see her and possibly others of the clan on Sun. On Mon. & Tue. we will head back to Stuttgart to send the car to West L. We spent some time in Baden Baden – stayed one night there before going to Basal. Stayed in Basal 2 nights and now are in Muri, a small town near Bern. Right now we are watching a German TV “What’s My Line.” Seeing it is OK but it isn’t the same as hearing also (needs more universal something). Somehow I got on a universal kick. Just a passing fancy.

We were walking along the street with Cousin Fritz and we stopped at a store window. He was pointing at something in the window and I saw a little pile of where a dog had been. I guided Gladys around and he came so near cutting his foot (not really cutting) that I got a bunion just twisting my foot sideways and backwards in my shoe trying to guide his foot in the right direction. I never did look back so have no way of knowing the final results. I could write a story and make the title “The Case of the Scrambled Pile or Did He?” Another pretty universal sight was one Gladys & I saw on a street in Basal. A character who had had too much, was walking in front of us. He zigged & zagged. We were not sure of getting around him without an affair – but Gladys came to the rescue and pretended like there was something in the window she wanted to buy – in the window a shot gun & a pair of boots – anyway the trick worked. We didn’t see him again.

And speaking of sights – you should see the bed covers. About

[page 2] a 6 inch layer of eider down in a huge pillow slip like affair. The first morning when I awakened & still a little fuzzy I looked over toward Gladys and this think cover “sorta” balled up in the middle made her look like she was not 6 mo. pregnant but like she had 6 pregnancies all in one (I said I was a little fuzzy). I jumped out of bed to palpate and found she was lying on her stomach and the big pile was the down all in a bunch. What a relief? She didn’t seem to be complimented when I told her she stuck up that high in the back. What a sight!

As we were passing a bank just at closing time there were scores & scores of girls coming out – all in very short skirts. Surely those skirts had shrunk during the day. I just don’t believe they looked like that in the a.m. – maybe the girls grew during the day. Did we have to come to Switzerland to see no skirts? You dirty old man! (Omit the work old please). We did see several old Cathedrals in some of these old towns. Many of these churches were built before America was discovered and they are still in use today. Our cousin in the country told us his combination house & barn was approximately 200 years old and it looked & smelled every bit of it??

(much later)(one week)

Things seem to happen and time passes and this is one week late. We went back to Sundelfinger & made arrangements to ship the car back. We are not in Karachi – despite the hot & stuff we are very comfortable on the 8th floor of the Intercontinental Hotel. It is fully air conditioned but outside it is only fully. The first rain in 2 years fell the day before we arrived. Now there is mud & dust where before it was only dust. Our airline Lufthansa furnished us with a car to get to the Hotel. It took us 25 minutes to make the trip. Needless to say they also furnished us with a driver. The streets here for the most part are not named or numbered. We contacted some people from the church business management and they showed us around town & some country. The streets are wide enough but some are very rought & the traffic is right handed. There is a constant water shortage, so not many green lawns but there are several trees. Like many of the streets in this part of the world there are people & more people. There are so many I’m sure they can’t all get home in one day. It takes two days to make it. There are some trucks, many taxi cabs, many camel carts, many just plain cars & lots of small carts with cute little asses hitched to them. Not the rounded & pink as you might think but they are grey & have long ears. Many of the stores, etc., have English signs. We were in the old city. Also in the Banking & industrial areas. Gladys

[page 3] took many pictures & I’m sure if one looks at those he will not be unimpressed with the conditions. However, the smells won’t show in the picture.

We were told by our acting guide that there is a minimum wage low for the skilled labor. They must be paid about 50₵ per hour – but no law for the unskilled laborer. Those people get paid approx. 35 to 50 centers per day., but for each job the employer must hire two men, one to work while the other one rests – so it costs the employer 70 cents to $1.00 per day.

Across the street from our hotel is a large building that does have a nice lawn & it is being mowed by 4 men. Three pulling & one pushing. The mower is a reel type and is approximately 20 inches wide. So one might say it is a 4 or 8 man power.

Hope you are the same

R.S.Y.

P.S. If John, Lea & Bob come while or after you get this it is for them also. The missionaries have given us the V.I.P. treatment which we have appreciated. I think they do not get as many visitors as some places. One of the family has a son and daughter going back to the States next month to attend college near Seattle. They have relatives in that area. Their oldest son was with us this morning. He had his camera and we both were snapping picture. The father had to park his car and get a paper from a government office so Dad and Jack (the son) and I walked along and I think we captured some good shots. Just hope the pictures turn out ok.

Love Mother

©2017 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2017/06/19/roscoe-july-24-1969/

David’s Diary – July 21, 1969

1 Reply

Monday, 21 July 1969

Pretty groggy this morning—Bonnie was out of it too—so I fed Debbie breakfast—before 9:00. It was a slow day—suffered from the after effects of being up so late. Off and on during the morning watched Debbie, tuned in CBS news, tried to nap. Also one of the first things: bathed, shaved. After noon I paid more attention to the TV—about 1:50 the astronauts blasted off from the moon. In the afternoon Bonnie, Paul, Marty went to waterski; I took Debbie on my back for a walk—took pictures. Late in afternoon kept close to TV for rendezvous + docking—also saw CBS half-hour film of clippings from many science-fiction films. After supper stayed with Debbie while Paul + Bonnie again went waterskiing; relaxed on porch, visited with Marty + Mrs. Stoner. About 10:15 message to call Don McGaw: Alan Federick messing up parsonage; we will go home tomorrow; packed; OBLO about 12. Θ

Tuesday, 22 July 1969

Up by 8:00—again after being awake until late the night before (coons again); we had breakfast, packed, changed a flat tire, then got on the road by 9:30. Stopped about 30 miles from Massachusetts for lunch—had sandwiches at a picnic table—Bonnie drove most of the way across the state, I drove once we got to 128. We arrived in Rockport at 4:00. Alan wasn’t here, so we had a chance to look over the house. He hadn’t made any great messes since Don + Lawry cleaned up. He arrived; we had some difficulty being natural + civil—but haven’t yet mentioned Don’s phone call to us. He brought suppers for us from Anchor Inn. About 6:40 his friend arrived with station wagon; evening was spent moving his things from our basement to his house. He informed us of his plans to marry Diane. After getting home about 10:00, had coffee, relaxed. Bathed; OBLO 11:20.

Wednesday, 23 July 1969

A lost day; felt weary and lethargic. Up about 8:45. Did so little today that I can’t remember exactly what I did do. Spent time at my desk in the A.M. Called Dr. Uhlinger to arrange time for pastor-parish committee meeting. Spent time with Newsweek when it arrived in the mail; spoke to Hazel Brady on the phone about storing our things with her. Bonnie went grocery shopping—we had a late lunch after she got home. In the mid-afternoon I borrowed Crowell’s trailer to haul the trash barrell [sic] to the dump. After I got home again, Bonnie got me to helper [sic] her to clear out the far back room over the kitchen. She began painting; about 6:00 I went to Gloucester to get fried chicken for our supper; watched CBS news—and at 7:00 saw live broadcast from Apollo 11. Did some painting in the back room; about 9:00 went to the Patriquins; home about 10:30. bathed; OBLO c. 11:30 Θ

Thursday, 24 July 1969

Dr. and Mrs. James R. Uhlinger in front of their Melrose home. This photo came in their 1968 Christmas card – Received Dec. 17, 1968 in Rockport

Another lost day as far as studying is concerned. Up about 8:30. Had breakfast—went to my study—but just sat in a dull stupor for a while. Bonnie went to get more paint for the back room. I helped on this later in the morning. At noon I turned on the TV to watch the splashdown of Apollo 11. Alan arrived to pick up his mail and go to the bank. He left while we were having lunch. I watched the Apollo coverage until the astronauts were aboard the carrier and welcomed by President Nixon. After this I shaved, went to church to change the wayside pulpit; went to lumber yard for supplies for the back room. When I got home I went to work—I am covering the chimney in the room with py [sic] board. We had supper about 6:30. Then rushed off to movie: Faces, at 7:00. Picked Debbie up at Patriquins afterward. Home about 10:30. Very weary, OBLO, 11:15.

Friday, 25 July 1969

Up about 8:30. After breakfast turned my attention to the carpentry work in the back room. This took a major part of the day. Winnie Gamage came over at mid-morning to see what we were doing. I had to make one trip to the lumber yard. The mail man brought a letter from Prof. Nineham at Cambridge granting permission to attend lectures. Had lunch around noon. While working on the back room about mid-afternoon, Pat Harry called from Alan Federick’s. There is a great struggle going on between the two—with Diane Nancekevill being the 3rd party. Pat called twice in the afternoon and once in the evening. She’s quite discouraged. We too are concerned with Alans whirlwind fall for Diane. I hope Pat can prevail over Alan—but it appears doubtfull. Supper about 6:30—at 7:30 saw Ted Kennedy explanation of the car crash; worked at my desk in the evening; wrote to Kennedy that he shouldn’t resign; wrote also to two realtors in Cambridge, bathed; OBLO.

Saturday, 26 July 1969

Up by 8:30. Had breakfast, shaved, then went down to the church—Church Fair today. Stayed for a wild, and then came home. Very weary today—had energy only in bursts. About 11:00 went back to the church, then came up again later to get  Bonnie +  Debbie—we had chicken for lunch at the church. When I saw Alan Federick—after a brief chat with him, and has he was leaving, I rushed up to the house and phoned Pat. Napped. By 4 o’clock Pat called me again—she thinks she’s lost Alan, but will stay as long as possible. I worked on my sermon. We had supper around 6:30. Watched NBC news—the box of moon rocks from Apollo 11 was opened today. After supper I went to church to change wayside pub; finished sermon, worked on bulletins—then worked on getting service ready, painted in back room; bathed, OBLO, midnight.

Sunday, 27 July 1969

Up about 8:00; breakfast, shaved, practiced sermon, off to church at about 9:35. Over 30 in church—a very cloudy gloomy day. Communion, preached on the moon landing and its actual lack of effect on human nature. Home about noon; Bonnie had lunch cooking in the electric skillet. After lunch I planned to nap, but I picked up John Updike’s book Couples, and became engrossed in it—read all afternoon in fact. About six we stopped to have supper; Bonnie had painted the floor in the back room, then read and napped. After supper I got into good clothes again. About 7:20 left for Riverdale church for the hymnsing—at least 30 present. This broke up shortly after 8:30 and I was home by 9:00. Not in the mood to go to work on German again—so read further in Couples. Shortly after 10:00, Θ. Then we had a drink, got ready for bed. OBLO, 11:00.

©2017 copyright owned and transcribed by David Madison and Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2017/06/18/davids-diary-july-21-1969/

Jamboree 2017

2 Replies

 

Last week I attended my third Jamboree, the Southern California Genealogical Society’s annual conference, in Burbank, California. This year I crossed the imaginary divide and became a speaker as well. On Saturday morning, I presented one lecture, Dating Fashion in Photographs, and then sat on a panel The Next Generation: Young Genealogists and Your Society. As usual the conference was a blast. The committee did an excellent job making everyone feel welcome. And in one case, when a session was too full, the speaker gracefully consented to give his talk again later that same evening.

 

Annette Burke Lyttle
Angie Bush
Jill Morelli, GC
Jean Wilcox Hibben, PhD, MA, CG
Linda Harms Okazaki
Bard Larkin
James M. Baker, PhD, CG
Gena Philibert-Ortega, MA, MAR
Debra Dudek, MSc
Elissa Scalise Powell, CG, CGL
Blaine T. Bettinger, PhD, JD
Bard Larkin
Kitty Munson Cooper

Divided into two parts, Jamboree begins with a separate DNA day on Thursday, then continues Friday thru Sunday with a wide variety of lectures and a full lineup of vendors in the exhibition hall. I generally arrive Wednesday afternoon and leave sometime Sunday morning. Over the course of this year’s Jamboree, I attended seventeen sessions, one banquet with keynote speaker Debbie Kennett, and the NextGen meetup. I hosted two ProGen meetups, sat in the Author’s Nook, gave one lecture, and participated in a panel discussion. Most importantly, I connected with old genealogy friends, and made a lot of new ones. At home, I have few opportunities to connect with fellow genealogy enthusiasts and professionals in person. It was wonderful to talk about genealogy and share family stories, without people’s eyes glazing over. I’m sure you know what I mean!

NextGen Panel: Eric Wells, Deborah Sweeney, Lisa Medina, Melanie Frick, Randy Whited, Paul Woodbury (Photo credit: Victoria Wells)

Various ProGen members, including Blaine T. Bettinger, Patricia Stanard, Lisa Gorrell, Mike Bronner, Jill Morelli, Dennis VanderWerff, Jane Neff Rollins, Janice Lovelace, Annette Burke Lyttle, Janice M. Sellers, Elissa Scalise Powell, and me (Deborah Sweeney).

Knitting in the hotel lobby Wednesday before the conference began

I always like to hang out in the lobby when I arrive in Burbank. It’s a long day for me since I drive from Northern California. It’s a great way to find old friends and make new ones. Plus I usually get some knitting done, like this sweater.

Melanie Frick and I

This year I didn’t get to spend as much time with fellow genealogist (and panel leader), Melanie Frick. But we found time to take our annual photograph.

 

Blaine T. Bettinger and I

Blaine and I spent 18 months in the together in the ProGen Study program. We always take a reunion photo! Maybe someday we can convince the rest of our group to come to Jamboree as well!

Ready to speak first thing Saturday morning!

My session was packed! Over 60 people came to hear me speak. Audio of my presentation is available through the Jamboree website.

James M. Baker, CG and I

While hanging out at the Author’s Nook, I was able to meet Northern California’s resident certified genealogist (CG), James M. Baker. It was great to finally meet him in person, instead of just hearing about him.

I spent a couple evenings hanging out with a fantastic group of genealogists, including Lauren McGuire, Lara Diamond, Debra Dudek, Brad Larkin, Mark Hammond, Jon Nedry, and Blaine Bettinger. After a LONG day attending sessions, it was great to sit back enjoy their company.

If you have never attended an all day genealogy seminar or conference, I encourage you to do so. Conferences provide a wonderful opportunity to learn new skills as well as to network with other genealogists. Stay tuned this summer for an exciting announcement and a new series of blog posts.

©2017 Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2017/06/18/jamboree-2017-2/

David’s Diary – July 14, 1969

1 Reply

Monday, 14 July 1969

Up about 8:20. Shaved right after breakfast. The morning was spent loading the car—part of it done in drizzle. Before leaving town we had to get gas and change wayside pulpit. We left town about 11:50. We stopped for lunch at the first rest area on the Mass Pike. Bonnie drove for a while, but I did most of it. About 4:00 we crossed from Mass into NY. We finally arrived here at the Stoner house at the Silver Bay YMCA camp about 7 o’clock. We had supper, chatted, got Debbie off to bed. The[n] Paul + Marty, Bonnie + I went out for a while in their Sail Boat. Not a very big boat, but fun. The water was very quiet—almost no wind. A very restful place; we were back to the house about 9:45—I got ready for bed—very tired; off to bed by 10:30. Θ

Tuesday, 15 July 1969

A long tiring day. We were awake about 4:00 AM—raccoons outside the window trying to get open the garbage cans. Debbie was awake too. Finally we had to give her the morning bottle; I was awake, so studied German from 5:30–6:30. Sleepy, went back to bed, did get some sleep until 9:00 AM, got breakfast; felt lousy. A very slow morning. Finally got to German, but I was still suffering from loss of sleep and ran into difficult German. After lunch and more work on German, Bonnie + I went out in the sail boat with Paul + Marty; went swimming—had a grand time. Back about 5:00; Grandma took us all out to eat. When we got back, Paul wanted to water-ski, we went along, but only he skied. We got back to the house about 9:30. Visited; I study [sic] more on German; bathed; off to bed; lights out 11:15.

Wednesday, 16 July 1969

Up about 8:30; had a very good night, so was rested. After breakfast watched the launch of Apollo 11—held Debbie in my lap for her to see the rocket take off—with the manned landing on the mood scheduled. Finally got around to German, although I turned the TV on again at 11:00 and 12:15 for news of Apollo. After lunch I worded steady [sic] on German until 3:30. Then we all (4) went sailing and swimming—another beautiful day on the water. We were home by 6:00 another 30-45 min. of German; had supper, watched CBS news, then at 7:30 Mr. Stoner, Paul, Bonnie + I went waterskying [sic], i.e., trying to teach Bonnie, then me. After about 8 tries, Bonnie couldn’t really get up—but I manage [sic] to succeed with 5 or 6 tries. Came home exhausted by 9:30. Relaxed, visited, had snack, but then returned to German about 11:00. But not for long! OBLO[1], c: 11.25

Thursday, 17 July 1969

David’s brother-in-law, Paul, on his sailboat, April 1969

Up about 8:00; after breakfast set to work on German—Bonnie went to waterski with others. I tried to spend most of the day on German. But it was uncomfortably warm today and I ran into some very troublesome passages—so progress was slow. After lunch I kept working until about 2:30. Went to the beach to photography [sic] Debby with Marty + Bonnie. Came back to the house and worked on German until about 3:30. Marty, Paul, + I then went across the lake (sailed) to the swimming place took pictures—Bonnie went with Mrs. Stoner + Debbie to the beach again. We were home by about 5:45. After supper returned to German while Bonnie + Paul went to waterski. Watched CBS news 7:00-7:30. Studied rest of the evening with many interruptions; finally bathed after 11:00. Then spent a little more time on German; OBLO, 11:45.

Friday, 18 July 1969

Was up about 8:00; went to work on German after breakfast. Wasn’t feeling too hot—went back to bed for a few minutes. After getting up again, returned to German. About 11:00 I stopped to shave, eat lunch, pack our things into Paul’s car. They returned from sailing about 12:30—and within a half hour we left for Schnectady. Bonnie, Debbie, + I dozed on the way. Not too long after arriving I got to work on German again. Then when Paul got the van, we started loading Paul + Marty’s things into it from the garage. When we had it filled we stopped for supper + to watch the news. Then we went to their house; after unloading went to look at a refrigerator. Returned home, reloaded, back to the house again—Bonnie came too—Debbie left with Marty’s brother Bob. Home again snack, bathed off to bed 12:15.

Saturday, 19 July 1969

Couldn’t get sleep—Debbie groaning and lousy bed; at 12:45 went downstairs—slept most of the night on the couch. In the morning after breakfast helped Paul load the van again. Then stayed home with Debbie while Paul, Marty + Debbie [sic; should read Bonnie] went to the house. Slept some in the meanwhile—late in morning went to grocery; at 12:30 fed Debbie. Was eating my lunch when others returned about 2:00. By three they had returned; I stayed with Debbie—at 4 o’clock watched Apollo 11 telecast from moon orbit. Then fixed supper for the group. They returned by 6:00. We had supper. By about 7:00 we got on the road for return to Silver Bay. We got here about 9:00; sat around chatting until about 10:15. Debbie enjoyed herself playing in the living room; off to bed—LO c. 10:45.

Sunday, 20 July 1969

A long, exciting day. Up about 8:30. After breakfast, I got to work on German—took a photo of Paul with Debbie on his back. Just before 11:00 turned on the TV for moon coverage. Kept pretty close to the TV all day—did get a few German sentences done—but paid attention mostly to the TV. Had a brief lunch—but watched TV closely from then on. A very exciting moment as the spacecraft neared landing—and set down—at 4:17:40 EDT. We had supper, after learning that the walk on the moon was advanced several hours. Stayed at the TV all evening. About 10:00 Armstrong + Aldrin began moon walk. The TV pictures from the moon were amazing. We could clearly observe the maneuvers and wanderings of the astronauts. Of course saw Nixon’s call to the astronauts; finally tore myself away from the TV about 2:30;  OBLO 2:40.

[1] My first use, apparently, of this acronym, meaning “off to bed, lights out.”

©2017 copyright owned and transcribed by David Madison and Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2017/06/17/davids-diary-july-14-1969/

Gladys – July 11, 1969

1 Reply

Letter transcription:

Written from notes taken in flight from Chicago by R.S.Y. copied for you by G.R.Y.

Hullo, July 11 – time unknown –

According to what our captain just told us we should be approaching the western edge of Greenland. As near as I can calculate it is about 10 PM E.D.T. It has been dark for some time.

I feel if I’m going to write I should do it today because we really have nothing to do but shift from cheek to cheek to avoid “tail bone trouble.” Our flight on good ‘ole Allegheny was uneventful. Left Lafayette on time and arrived in Chicago on time. We did have a long wait in Chicago as we knew we would, but after we boarded Lufthansa, the delays one hears about these days at the crowded airports was apparent. We waited approximately twice as long as the flight from Lafayette to Chicago. We inched along to the runway just like leaving Ross-Ade stadium after a football game. The captain kept us informed of the details. The plane got very hot – the air conditioning didn’t seem to be working. Reminded me of a certain Dr.’s office, at the Health Center after the thermostat has been rudely attacked by nurse with screwdriver in hand. Incidentally the plane is cold right now and I do feel very much at home with the changes. (My nurse is chronically at war with the thermometer.)

The plane is loaded to capacity and one hears many foreign tongues. How much more simple it would be if we all spoke a universal language? One can hear however certain universal sounds if he cares to listen – such as a belch, a laugh here & there and a shrill scream of a child now and then, expressing pain or joy or just plain “cussedness” (and off the record) there are a couple of kids in the seats just ahead of us who should get a “knuckle sandwich” if they do not stop shifting their seat backs from far back to forward. They are bothering my good composure. Their giggling, is also a part of the universal language – come to think of it a “knuckle s.” is also a bit of universal language when administered in the correct maneuver to the most advantageous location.

It is now 11 PM (E.D.T.) I think our dinner is over – had steak – shrimp cocktail – cream with nuts to top off meat. We have been shown the breakfast menu. The entire flight – not counting the runway waiting time – is between 7 & 8 hrs. & needless to say non-stop. Just about the same time as a working day at Student Health Center. So now I must get my nighties on and two glasses of water for my dentures – one for upper and one for lower before retiring.

Just heard another few universal language sounds, a couple of sneezes and a cough or two. I rather think in a short time the universal sound of a snore or two will be heard and every

[page 2] language knows what that means. There are many more sounds and a few smells which all languages understand, but just use your imagination.

Now it is morning “I think” – The sun is coming up at about 2:30 a.m. according to my watch – we are mixed up and that is a universal something. Nothing more exciting, except the little boy in the seat in front of me. He must be sitting on a pair of rubber balls the way he bounces, or maybe a Pogo stick.

Hoping you are the same,
RSY

©2017 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2017/06/16/gladys-july-11-1969/

Gladys – July 9, 1969

1 Reply

Letter transcription:

118 Juniper Court
West Lafayette, Ind. 47906
July 9, 1969

Dear David and Bonnie,

Just hope those pictures get here before we leave, your letter came yesterday. Dad got the schedule rearranged for this week, so we are going to be leaving on Friday instead of Saturday. I asked the travel agency about flying from Boston, but was advised against that since there has been some difficulty with planes getting into airports. They thought we had better just leave from O’Hare. Dad doesn’t have to work tomorrow, but since July 10th is the last day of the special rates for tours, all seats were taken, but we did get seating for the 11th. The lab report on Dad’s skin was OK. His face has just about recovered and his black eye is entirely gone. However, he did have some discoloration for about two weeks.

We went to Champaign Thursday evening and to Indianapolis Sunday morning, since we had a long weekend. We wanted to see Mark before leaving – he has power of attorney for us and John and Lea and Bob wanted us to come over before leaving. I am beginning to feel like I am about ready to go. Have the bags just about packed and hope I have thought of everything we will need while we are away. Since it has been so cool here most of the time and I had a letter from the woman I have been corresponding with in Switzerland telling me that it has been cold and rainy there, I am taking two wool suits with me. I remember three years ago I was not quite warm enough while we were there, so this time I am going prepared. This morning it was rather cool here, but by noon I had the air conditioner upstairs on and now we have both on. It is so humid and since we are on daylight (Eastern – that is) savings time, it stays light here until about 9:30. It is eight o’clock now and the sun still has some distance to go before setting.

I am enclosing a copy of our itinerary for your information. We will write to you from time to time, or send you cards. I found the cards after you left that were misplaced on my desk. I had put everything on the basket behind the adding machine and the cards being slick, had slipped off and were behind the filing cabinet.

Sandy Corbin was married last Saturday, but we didn’t go to the weeding since we were in Champaign. Her picture is in the Journal-Courier tonight. She was quite a beautiful bride. From the account in the paper, it was quite a large affair. Had an invitation to attend a shower for the bride to be of Jim Johnson, Nancy Dickman. They are to be married the weekend after we return and the wedding will be in Michigan, so I rather think we will not be going.

We plan to return August 18th, so we can talk to you before you leave about money. When you will need it and how much. Will you keep your checking account in Rockport, or how will you handle your money? If you won’t need it until after the first of the year, how will we handle that?

The enclosed letter was opened by Dad by mistake. I am sending it on, though I hardly think it would be necessary. It has been on my desk for some time. Forgot to send it the last time I wrote.

Love Mother

Ck. for $5.00 – the extra $5.00 is for something for Debbie’s birthday

©2017 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2017/06/15/gladys-july-9-1969/

David’s Diary – July 7, 1969

3 Replies

Monday, 7 July 1969

Up around 9:00 as I recall; had a small breakfast of toast and coffee. Had no fever today, but my bowels were still very runny, so I ate little—broth + toast, ice cream, jello, coffee. Spent the whole day on German again. Didn’t spend all my time with Noth, but managed to get two lessons done in the grammar book. Had to take a break in mid-afternoon—to avoid a headache. Bonnie went shopping early in the afternoon. We had supper around 6:30—watched CBS news. Went back to German, arrived at a stopping point about 8:30—at which time we took pictures—tried to get family portraits; took about half a dozen. Then I got back to work. Allen called from Canada in a.m.—won’t be back till late tonight. I stopped studying about 12:30; bowels much improved. Bathed; snacked; off to bed; lights out 1:30.

Tuesday, 8 July 1969

Up about 8:45 after Θ. Had breakfast; greeted Alan when he arose—he arrived home about 2:00 AM. A slow morning. I walked to the post office—but felt winded and weak because of my weekend illness. Relaxed for the most part in the morning, although on towards noon Alan + I did get down to German. We had lunch on the table outside. After lunch we began going over my translation of Noth. After a while Alan became sleepy. He nap[ped] while I translated. About 4:20 (after I had relaxed for a few minutes) he woke up, drove to P.O. +  to Gloucester, then when he got back we went back to work on German until supper; watched CBS news; about 7:30 to 8:30 we worked on German, then he went to write letters; I translated until about 9:30 when we went to Patriquins. Showed some slides (box 18). Home about 10:30; bathed; worked on German until about 12:15; off to bed; lights out 12:25.

Wednesday, 9 July 1969

About 8:30. After breakfast Alan and I worked on German out in the yard—that is reading my translation for him to check. The morning was marked by the departure of two of our kittens. Bonnie took them to the Animal Rescue League in Gloucester ( to be adopted).  But we hated to see them go. After lunch I shaved, then got back to work on German. Alan was waiting for Pat Harry [???] to call from Kennedy Airport in NY—she did about 3:00—she was catching plane for Boston. Alan left for Logan. Bonnie, Debbie +  I went to Gloucester to make our travel reservations for Europe. Back home I wrote letter to David Watson. Had supper, then Bonnie + I went to the show, “Closely Watched Train”  at Little Arts Cinema. Afterwords picked up Debbie at Patriquins, headed home, wrote letter to Gary Myers—phone calls from Alan, Diane Nancekevill, Don McGaw; worked on German more; bathed; off to bed; lights out 12:30.

Thursday, 10 July 1969

Gladys holding Debbie, March 1969

Stayed in bed rather late this morning; wasn’t up until after 9:00. Shaved immediately after breakfast. Wrote letter to the chairman of the Divinity faculty at Cambridge requesting permission to attend lectures. Went to post office and to the bank, to give Jean Crowell $50 check for Fund For Reconciliation. Came home, begin fixing fire in outdoor fireplace—began cooking chicken. Relaxed; Allen and Pat didn’t arrive until 12:45—at which time we ate. After lunch Bonnie + I left them alone in the picnic area. I tried to nap some, wrote letter to Mrs. Myers. Then we all had tea + pie together; after they left I was utterly exhausted. But I got to work on German; at 6:30 watched CBS news; had a snack supper. Got to German again after 8:00. Spent most of the evening on it with some interruptions—but made good progress. Bathed about 12:15; off to bed, lights out 1 AM.

Friday, 11 July 1969

I’ll today at 9:25 went to work immediately on German without breakfast. Interrupted only briefly by the mail man. About 11:30 Allen called—he and Pat would arrived [sic] in about an hour. I shaved, then returned to German. When Alan + Pat got here we had lunch, I went back to German then for a while. Then Alan and I went over my translation. This was done by about 3:00; Bonnie +  Pat had gone shopping in Gloucester. Alan napped + I took Debby on my back and went to visit Grace Harris [?] + Mrs. Rich. Home about 4:00. Chatted with Bonnie + Pat. Shortly after Alan left, Bonnie got supper while I worked on German. After supper we went to the show at Little Arts Cinema: “Stollen Kisses.” This was out a[t] 9:00; picked up Debbie at Patriquins. Home again; read for sermon; then back to German; stop to bathe; off to bed; lights out at 12 after Θ.

Saturday, 12 July 1969

Up at 7:50; got a cup of coffee and went right to work on German. Worked pretty steadily until mail man came; he brought slides, which we viewed. I then shaved; went to the church then went to Patriquins to borrow the slide screen. Came home, had lunch. After this went to work on sermon; had to do some reading; finished this about three. Went down to see you Mr. + Mrs. Patience. Home by 3:45. Went back to work on sermon until finished. Typed first side of the bulletin stencil; fixed supper, watched NBC news (Sat.) + other show. Then went to see Rip Hannibal. Took slides up to show. Was there for about 2 hours. Home by 10:00. Then we went to the Patriquins; showed them the new box of slides; had a snack, visited. Shortly after 11:00 came home, called Don McGaw about preaching next Sunday; finished bulletin; worked on service; bathed; practiced service; off to bed, lights out 1:38.

Sunday, 13 July 1969

Felt Debby’s first tooth today   Up about 8:40. Very weary. Shaved, had cup of coffee. Went to the church. Almost 40; preached on Second Isaiah. Home about 11:15; helped with lunch. After lunch Busseys came over briefly to get water. After they left I tried to nap successfully. Played with Debbie for a while. Rested more. About 4:00 I finally got to work on German.—but I didn’t do very much—too weary. Tried to nap again; had more success.  Up about 6:00; Don Magaw called with his sermon title, hymns, scripture for next Sunday. We had supper, then I typed up most of the bulletin stencil. About 8:20 Lloyd Starrett came over to confer on our wills + trust fund, copies of which he had sent us through the mail. He left about 9:30. Then we set about preparing to leave tomorrow. I finished the bulletin + attaching directions; cleaned up my study; packed briefcase;  packed suit case; bathed; off to bed, lights out 12:30.

©2017 copyright owned and transcribed by David Madison and Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2017/06/14/davids-diary-july-7-1969/