Tag Archives: genealogy

Heat Wave

Letter transcription:

Monday August 3, 1964

Dear David & Bonnie:

Long time, no letter. There is a package here for you and since it was large and light of weight and not very securily wrapped I looked in to see if I should send it on – it is a picknic basket. Do you want it sent on? If you do I will send it. John has gone to Urbana today on business. He had to make a trip over last Thursday. We had planned to go to Chicago. Dad got the baby-case out of the way (he has a little time now until the next one scheduled) so we (Dad and I) went and stopped at Aunt Ruth’s. Romaine and her children were there (Tye had to make a trip to Chicago on business, so we missed seeing him). We had a nice visit with them, then went on to Mark’s. Becky came home with us and Friday evening Mark and Shirley stopped for her as they were going to Wards. She seemed to have a very nice time and yesterday when they stopped on their way back home she didn’t want to go with them, but wanted to say here. It has been very hot here – in fact I think we have set some kind of record again. You know the Midwest is always having some kind of first in weather. Mr. Harris told me this morning that every window fan and air conditioner they have has been sold. I think from the way he talked every dealer has sold out. I talked to Mrs. Myers one day last week and she was having a bad time with the heat. She said it was the first time it had bothered her. She told me she had tried to buy a window fan and couldn’t get one. The weather forecast is for cooler this evening. I hope so for all the people who do not have air conditioners. We are going to give a program for the Nurse Association at the Hospital tonight and I think it will be a rather warm evening. The air conditioner at our office wasn’t functioning properly and the repair man from Sears was working on it this morning. Dad told me at noon if he didn’t get it fixed he was going to cancel out the afternoon appointments. He hasn’t come home, so I presume it has been put in order. I decided to buy myself the Interpreter’s Bible and Dictionary. The dictionary came today, but I haven’t had time to look it over. I brought back 23 Genesis study books and have distributed all but two. I am in a dilemma. I still have 3 families. I just didn’t bring enough copies back with me. However, I know some of those books will not be opened. – Yesterday afternoon Dad had a telephone call from one of his Commanding Officers (in South Pacific). He was stopping at Tri-Way so Dad asked him to stop and see us. He told us how much he thought of Dad and what a morale booster he had been during the war. Mark and Shirley and children came just as he was leaving so he got a chance to see them. Of course John was here too, so he got to see all of us but you and Bonnie. Please excuse lack of paragraphs, but I got so used to writing this way to John, I hope you don’t mind. Last week (Sat. to be exact) John helped me and we sent out the statements. Isn’t such a bad job when there is some help. He even used my old typewriter. He has his work spread out all over your room. He is doing some work on Indonesian language (I think). His work at U of I will be in Linguistics and with graduate students. He may try to find something in housing on this trip. At present he will be staying at Bob & Lea’s. He asked me if I knew what Bob taught. I replied, “Business English.” He said, “He teaches people how to write junk mail.” I suppose it needs to be well written because once in a while someone will read it. My afternoon is getting away from me, so must bring this to a halt. I want to stop and see Mrs. M. before I go to the office.

Love Mother

©2016 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2017/01/05/heat-wave/

John’s Homecoming

1 Reply

Letter transcription:

July 27 1964

Dear David & Bonnie:

I have read the enclosed. It couldn’t be forwarded, so I thought I would see what it was all about – I don’t do that to letters, but since this was a circular type of thing I didn’t want to spend postage on it if was not something you would want. Since it is from New York, you probably don’t want it. I am deep in the heart of getting things caught up, since my week off (which I enjoyed very much).

John was on the train and we headed for Kentland via Lafayette as soon as possible. We stopped at the VW place and he bought a new car and drove the rest of the way home by himself. I took him to Morocco the next day to get his car license and renew his driver’s license. The Motor Co. loaned him a license plate so he could drive the car home. He is working on some of his papers and using the tape recorder. He brought several tapes home with him. He has one he made of a Javanese street singer and little boy. He said man and boy were passing his house one day singing and playing drum and he asked then in so he could record. We have listened to it once. He is going to the U of I next Monday to see Prof. and take care of any business at hand. He plans to stay with Bob and Lea. He is also going to look for a place to live (apt or house). We plan to go to Mark’s one day this week and hope Dad can take Thurs. off so he can go with us. (Dad plans to go if Sandy Puetz Smith has her baby before Thurs). John was quite impressed with Kirk. He thinks he is very bright. He said Kirk would start to crawl over him and he would say, “Kirk, I am going to give you a bath and put you to bed” – and that would send him away, (for the time being). John asked me if I had heard of the Soaky bath. They give the children bubble baths which have been dubbed Soaky. They both like the soaky baths and never object to having one. Mark told he last Sunday they went to the beach and that the children loved playing in the water. John said to get Kirk excited, all one has to say is “Let’s go to the beach.” Probably like the excitement over Grandpa’s little dog. Kirk is going to stay here while M. & S. vacate.

I have launched my class on the study of Genesis by Charles F. Kraft. I was so sorry I didn’t know what a good teacher we would have last week. I would have taken our tape recorder along and gotten his entire series of lectures on tape to use in my class. However, I think I have been able to generate a little enthusiasm by my description of the lectures. I talked to Rev. Marrs a time or two. He said he doesn’t believe in the Virgin Birth and from the way he lectured I know he believes in the theory of evolution.

John and I just hung the bamboo drape on the west bedroom window. I didn’t think to ask Dad to do that little chore yesterday and this afternoon after the sun got around John decided upon my suggestion that it would be a good idea. You will begin to think I have hidden talents. First I write and tell you I took all the old wax off the linoleum and now I tell you we hung a drape. Just necessities. I am not interested in a full career of that kind. John has some pictures (slides) that belong to the Georges (the people who have been working with him the past 2 yrs.) which were taken in Bali and Java. Some of the scenes are from places where we had been and we are going to have some duplicate slides made for ourselves. They were they during a special festival last December.

I have a desk full of work staring me in the face, so must get this finished and get to work.

Love Mother

P.S. Have promised to loan Legend of Virgin Conception to a friend to read.

©2016 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2017/01/04/johns-homecoming/

School of Mission

1 Reply

Letter transcription:

July 23, 1964

Dear David and Bonnie –

This is my fourth day at School of Missions and so far have felt fine. No infections this time. I hated to leave Dad home along, but he said he could take care of himself. I left food in the refrigerator and his clothes in order so hope he hasn’t missed me too much. It has been awfully hot – I think the hottest so far this summer. I think I have perspired more since Monday than I have in the past year. I have a room in Rector and the noise of the trucks

[page 2] has not bothered me. I was asked to be a Secretary for one of the classes – which makes me do a little extra work, but since this is really a vacation I don’t mind. Just wish Dad could take off for a week, but I know he doesn’t want to take a vacation until we can really get away for a month later on. I called on Sam Kirk this afternoon after one of my clinic meetings – and after one of his. He sends you his best wishes. Please excuse the lack of paragraphs in this but it is easier to do it this way. John arrived in the States Sunday. He stopped in Chicago long enough to call us, but since he was on his way to N.Y. we didn’t see him. He called me here yesterday

[page 3] and said the man he was to see in N.Y. wasn’t in so he flew to Bloomington and is visiting friends there. He is coming on the Monon tomorrow (1:14) and since our session ends at 11:30 I will have time to pack and eat lunch before I pick him up. I don’t know whether Dad knows John didn’t remain in N.Y. If not, he might be surprised to see me bringing him home – Just went for a ride. Mrs. Kathryn Jackson (her parents used to live in Kentland and her father owned the Bank – Mr. Teague) lives in Chesterton and wanted to give her car an airing. We saw the cultural center of Indiana (That’s a joke, son) I had heard

[page 4] so much about Greencastle but after seeing it can’t say I am too impressed. All the Greek letter house look like the caretakers are taking the summer off. I think the lawns in Kentland look neater than those close to the campus. I have just taken a shower and if I don’t get out of here into the cool air outside I will have to bathe again. It’s about time to attend Vespers, so must go.

Love Mother

©2016 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2017/01/03/school-of-mission/

Update on John’s Arrival

1 Reply

Letter transcription:

July 15, 1964

Dear David and Bonnie:

I had my letter to you ready to mail when yours came today. I received a cable from John that he would be arriving in N.Y. July 19. Cable came after I had sealed your letter and since you made two requests thought I should write another letter to tell you I mailed the pillows this afternoon. I have two enlargements – one from my collection and one from Alma’s – of the exit from the chapel. I will send the ones I have and have more made for us.

The T.V. set is on and I have been listening to the nomination and seconding speeches. Looks like Barry is in. You never can tell – he may win in Nov.

Dad is at the hospital for surgery. I have finally finished the waxing and buffing. I haven’t decided yet what to do about going to School of Missions. Since John was delayed almost a week in leaving I thought he wouldn’t be arriving home before the 25^th but since he will be arriving in N.Y. the 19^th I have no idea now as to when he intends to arrive in Chicago. Will be able to tell you better

[page 2] about what I do after I hear from John again. He is supposed to call me when he gets to N.Y.

I was able to get rid of one of the old worn out pianos in the church basement today – I mean the piano tuner hauled it away. I secured 3 other tuning jobs for the tuner here. If word gets around he may have to make another trip back. Seems tuners are scarce.

Love Mother

P.S. Congratulations on Bonnie’s success in getting a contract.

©2016 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2017/01/02/update-on-johns-arrival/

Waxing Floors

1 Reply

Letter transcription:

July 15 – 1964

Dear David & Bonnie –

I presume you have been having a vacation as you mentioned in one of your letters, the reason we haven’t heard form you recently. We received a long letter from Bonnie’s mother one day last week. They evidently had a good time in Japan.

Today I am having the piano tuned. I was desperate and told Daddy I had to find a tuner. He said, “Why don’t you try the yellow pages,” and I did. Not only found a tuner but a means of getting rid of the extra piano in the church basement. This man is from Lafayette and rebuilds pianos besides tuning. I found 4 jobs for him today. Seems I wasn’t the only one looking for a tuner. I thought I had better get the piano in shape before John gets home. We received a cable from him Monday the 13^th which had been sent from Malang the 8^th. He was ill and couldn’t leave when he had planned. We hope by now he is in Hong Kong. His cable said he would leave Djakarta around the 14^th.

You won’t believe what I am going to tell you, but I cleaned the built up wax of the kitchen, family room, hall & bath room floors all by myself. Seems John H. had other jobs he had contracted and I decided that wax – really it isn’t wax but more like varnish – had to come off. I was on my hands and knees part of the time – using wax remover which doesn’t remove but just loosens, then I brought the scrubbing machine from the office and with steel wool pads got the rest off. I started last Thurs. afternoon and yesterday – Tuesday – I almost finished – that is cleaning and waxing. I decided to use paste wax and buff. I just have where my desk, couch, and washing machine area to wax then it will be finished. I was so tired yesterday

[page 2] afternoon I went to bed for two hours and hardly moved. I think every muscle in my body ached, but I had the satisfaction of knowing the floor in clean and shouldn’t need such a cleaning for at least six months. Liquid was is a bad word as far as I am concerned and mothering could induce me to use it again. When I was in the cleaning process that stuff would come off in sheets. I used a paint scraper in places.

I am going to Greencastle Sunday evening to attend School of Missions – that is if John’s homecoming doesn’t interfere. I hardly think he will get to Chicago before the 26^th since his departure was delayed about a week. He was planning to spend some time in Hong Kong & Japan before coming back to the States.

Dad & I went to Mt. Ayr Monday evening to give a program for the Hospital Auxiliary and had a record crowd. Meeting was held in the Methodist church. Every seat was filled and folding chairs had to be set up. We showed our Hong Kong and Cambodia pictures. I just hope no one was disappointed. We received many compliments & comments after the meeting was over.

The Janssens are going to the Black Hills and into Colorado for their vacation. I got them some Triple A guide books and told them about our trip via the Million Dollar Highway – The Alps of America. Do you remember that drive? – it was the trip when we visited Colorado Springs and went to the top of Pike’s Peak. They plan to visit Mesa Verda National Park – one of the places we saw as we were on our way to see John.

Don’t forget to write.

Love Mother

Thanks for the pictures.

©2016 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2017/01/01/waxing-floors/

Beautiful Eyes

1 Reply

Letter transcription:

7-7-64

Dear David and Bonnie:

Tues. evening. We had a hard rain today so the lawn will be in shape for mowing in a day or so. Dad finished the fence so the little dogs next door can’t come over so easily. If they do they will get a bebe or two. When Mark was here for the 4^th he said Dad was pulling “an Uncle Mutch.” At least we haven’t been bothered since he gave three of four of them a pelting last Friday evening.

While Mark & Shirley were here Shirley and I took the children to see Mrs. Myers. Mrs. M. said Kirk has beautiful eyes – in fact she said he is a beautiful child. Of course, his grandmother agreed. You remember the little dog in a basket the girls gave Dad for Christmas? The children discovered it on this visit and Shirley wouldn’t let them have it, but would wind it up and let them watch it. Kirk would get so excited he would act like he would explode. We found it a nice interlude to amuse them. Kirk doesn’t say much but he certainly can communicate without words. Becky seems to have much more fun with him. They play together very well now – and get into trouble together. If M. & S. take a vacation – they weren’t sure because of some unforeseen financial stress – had to buy a new refrigerator – they are going to leave Kirk here. I think we will be able to get along with him if he stays with us.

If John’s plans go according to schedule he should be on his way to Hong Kong

[page 2] at this time since it is Thursday there, and that is departure day.

We are going to the Hospital Administrator’s home this evening to show them some pictures. Mrs. Wahler seems quite interested. We have selected 480 pictures from the whole trip so we are giving a selected round the world program. We watched an 80 hr. trip which Chicago Tribune sponsored. We saw it Sunday evening. A travel agent Harvey Olson (the one L. Kresler works for) and a photographer and another man made the trip. We saw some familiar sights.

Dad had to leave home at 5 a.m. for a baby case. He also has some surgery scheduled so I have no idea when he will be home. Probably not for lunch.

I am trying to get ready to attend School of Mission in Greencastle and hope I won’t have an infection this year. I am not sure about John’s homecoming date. I want to meet him at airport and can’t very well be in Greencastle and O’Hare at the same time. He may not get home before July 24 and I will be home by then.

We haven’t heard from the McGraws. Have you? We wondered about them and the earthquake in Japan.

Love Mother

©2016 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2016/12/31/beautiful-eyes/

Her Grandmother’s Favorite Granddaughter

1 Reply

Letter transcription:

7-3-64

Dear David and Bonnie:

This mail has accumulated in the past few days, so thought I had better get it forwarded to you – not that it amounts to much. Mark and Shirley and the children came last night and are going back to Roselle tomorrow. They are both (the children) very tanned and very lively. We have had some rain today, so they have played in the house most of the time. Kirk says Ma-ma (sounds like a mama doll) dog and NO and that is about the extent, so far, of his vocabulary, but he is pretty sharp. He climbs all the time and must be going to climb mountains because nothing seems to discourage him. Becky talks constantly like a recording, but is as cute as ever and still her grandmother’s favorite granddaughter. Last night we showed the wedding pictures and then some pictures of the children. Both children sat very still and seemed to get quite a thrill out of seeing themselves on the screen. John is receiving mail from U. of I. I have talked to the Professor he will be assistant to, over the phone. He wanted to know how he could get in touch with John. John should be beginning his journey home next Wed., which will be Thurs. in Indonesia. I have sent one letter to Hong Kong in care of Miramar Hotel for John. I am about out of paper and it is time for another patient to come in, so must get this in the mail.

Love Mother

©2016 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2016/12/30/her-grandmothers-favorite-granddaughter/

John’s Plans

1 Reply

Letter transcription:

Sat. June 27 1964

Dear David and Bonnie:

Yours of June 24^th postmark received the 26^th – so don’t bother with airmail – it arrives just as fast by regular – at least your first letter did. You wanted to know what I meant by saying John was coming home via Japan & New York. Don’t ask me – that is what I understood – at least that was what he wrote. He has to stop in New York for an examination which is required of people who terminate their services overseas. In his last letter he said he would leave Djakarta the 8^th or 9^th – fly to Hong Kong then to Japan. Since he has to stop in New York he won’t arrive home until about July 18^th – so maybe he is going thru Chicago without stopping to see us. At any rate I will give you the full details after he come home.

I have been working with slides and have all but – one box or two in slide trays – I didn’t put your dental pictures in a tray. I even put the ones from Korea and the pictures John took in Indonesia & Bangkok in trays. We sold the little Bill & Howell projector to Janssens and I was going to give them a number of boxes – did give them two but discovered we didn’t have any left after I finished putting our own in order. I gave a program for Morocco W.S.C.S. and they gave me a check for $15.00. I am saving for a new screen. The one we gave isn’t large enough and there is a kind that can be used with lights on. We have to give a program for Hospital Auxiliary July 13. Dad is giving one for the Nurse Association July 8 – I am invited. We gave a program for Goodland Lions Club this week on Tues and they gave us an Argus projector. It is a neat little gadget for viewing individual slides. Enlarges the picture about 4 times.

So glad to hear about your job. I hope you took some of those old shoes along. As far the hours you have to work – well you were always a night owl.

– Monday – I hope it isn’t as hot in Boston as it is here. We have really had a few scorching days. I had to go to Lafayette today to Officer’s Training Meeting.

[page 2] Even after being home in air conditioning I am still warm. However I feel better in hot weather so have no complaints. We have six boxes of pills for Bonnie. Will try to get box mailed tomorrow.

The enclosed slip is for your information. Your stock certificate from Sperry came so your file is complete.

Dad is preparing a program he is going to give for Nurse Assn. He is selecting a few pictures from each country and he took some pictures of maps. We don’t have any idea how those will be but we thought a slide showing a map would help in showing where we traveled. Alma was here last night on her way back to school in Urbana. She loaned me some of her slides of the wedding and rehearsal and I am having duplicates made. I was going to put a picture in the local paper but can’t seem to get one just right. All of my slides look good on the screen but do not make good prints. For some reason all are too dark.

The swimming pool next door is quite a popular place. Just like County Fair with radio on most of the time and guests talking and taking dips in the pool. We still are having the dog next door problem but think we will get situation under control in a day or so with more fence.

I want to get this in the box before I retire, so will take it to P.O. while Dad listens to the news.

Love Mother

Speaking Program

1 Reply

Letter transcription:

June 25, 1964

Dear David & Bonnie:

Dad brought the enclosed home (more free samples) so I thought I would get them in the mail – not that Bonnie needs them this soon, but so I won’t forget to send them. I think you can use them in the same dispenser – these tablets are made by a different company, but Dad says they are the same with a different name.

Dad had to go on an emergency call Sunday evening just before time for guests to arrive, but he was home before we had finished eating dinner. Alma came for a little while on her way back to Urbana. She left the pictures she took at the shower and wedding and I sent them in to have duplicates made and got prints instead. Will just have to send them back for more duplicates. The pictures she took of you and Bonnie coming out of the Church is better than the one my camera took. I am having an enlargement made of it and will send you one when it finally comes back from the photo shop.

Mark called Sunday evening and said Kirk was running a temperature and they couldn’t get a Dr. so Dad gave a druggist a Rx over the phone. I called Shirley Monday evening and Kirk had improved. She said she gave him some jello and milk and he tossed it then a little later he found a cucumber and ate it and kept it down, so I decided he must be much better.

All of your stock certificates have come back but Sperry. I sent your Blue Cross policy last week.

Last night I went to Morocco and gave a program for WSCS – my subject, Hong Kong. I wore my silk dress I had made in HK and heard a lot of ohs and ahs. The group all seemed to enjoy the program and looking at my art objects. I also took the extra saree along. I think I could have taken orders if I would have wanted to go into business.

This is one of those Thursdays when the telephone isn’t bothering too much. Dad has finished mowing the lawn and looking for something else to do, or maybe nothing to do.

Father Fallon was found dead in his house by another priest this morning. He (Father F) was just in our office Tuesday evening for a Rx.

Alma is supposed to stop this evening. She said she was having a long weekend, since she doesn’t have classes tomorrow.

Have you heard from Bonnie’s parents? We were just wondering if they got out of Japan before the earthquake. Let us know what you hear from them.

Love Mother

P.S. Sending pills later.

Insurance Policies

1 Reply

Letter transcription:

June 19 – 1964

Dear David & Bonnie:

Here is your Blue Shield – Blue Cross Policies and your cards – one for each to carry. Just hope you won’t need to use them. I think it will be a good idea for you to read your policy to see what coverage you have.

Summer has really settled down on us today – ninety in the shade before noon.

Lots of luck.

Love Mother