Tag Archives: Indiana University at Bloomington

Not A Word

Letter transcription:

Wed. Sept. 18, 1963
Dear David –

I really shouldn’t bother to send this card to you, since it is almost 2 weeks since you have been gone and not a word from you.

I suppose this heat wave has reached Bloomington, and just when you are beginning to get started in your studies – which I hope you don’t neglect for other activities.

So far Dad has been able to keep the mowing done without too much rushing. He had intended to mow yesterday evening but was in the hospital instead getting a boy for Joe Bob Hiestand’s wife. He had to go on another baby case at noon. I haven’t checked with the office as to whether he has returned.

I got a vaccination a week ago and much to my surprise I am getting a reaction – I had smallpox when I was 21, so thought I would never get a positive reaction. I had Arvella give me a flu shot day before yesterday so last night I didn’t feel so good.

[page 2] I went to a church board meeting which got rather tiresome before the chairman adjourned. Mr. Oscar Hopkins (he and his wife are members of my Sunday school class) has taken the high school group. Mr. Vineyard is to give him some assistance – also Rosemary Murphy. Mr. Hopkins is with the Soil Conversation Dept. and I found him a very interested member of my class. I hated to lose him but think he can do more good helping in the high school group.

You wouldn’t recognize the garage. We are really getting it cleaned and cleared. Dad is putting all his tools in holders – and by the way – some wrenches are missing – do you have them? You room is getting some attention also. I sent the drapes to the cleaner and Dad put new rope in the fixture. He is about to get the lamp in the ceiling repaired. He needed two parts which I got for him yesterday, but since he wasn’t home couldn’t finish the lamp. I also took the desk lamp back to J. Yost and he is going to get new parts for it. I cleaned and waxed the kitchen and work area floor. I used Johnson’s (supposedly one step deal) but found on reading the directions I had to water mop the whole area before applying the wax. We have a janitor

[page 3] for the office. He first said he would take the job (we offered $50.00) then said he wouldn’t unless it was $60.00. I said no we wouldn’t pay more than $50.00 so he came back and said he would take it. He is to clean three times a week and when we have snow to clean the walks.

Mrs. Shoal is doing the ironing again. I went to get it this a.m. and she said it had made her pretty tired. However, she asked me for the job. I went to see her one day and she said she was tired of not doing anything and would like to do my ironing again.

There is a magazine here from your friend in South Africa. Do you want it? I won’t send it unless you let me know.

What is Bonnie’s address?

Don’t get so busy you can’t think of us once in a while.
Love Mother

P.S. There is some kind of 2^nd or 3^rd class mail here for Gary. I think it is an ad from Book-Month-Club. You can take it to him when you come home.

©2016 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2016/11/13/not-a-word/

Summer Break

1 Reply

Letter transcription:

[Wright 533 – handwritten by David]
5-21-63

Dear David:

We received a letter from John yesterday. He plans to come home July 21 and return to Indonesia the 17^th of August – that is, leave the states on that day. I am glad you will be home this summer (for several reasons). I think you will enjoy being with John again.

We received our finished itineraries. The first one was dated from Jan. 25^th and this one is dated from Jan. 10^th. I am looking at it from time to time. I intend to have it memorized by the time we are ready to leave. (I said itineraries, because we have two copies).

Dad finally got over his tooth trouble. He had to have one tooth pulled and another one filled – then the filling dropped out and he had to go back and have another filling put in. He really didn’t feel very good for several days, but is about back to normal. He says he wants to mow the lawn this evening and then it will be your job from then on, so you had better plan to get home as soon as possible. Luckily, we are having a little cool weather. Maybe the grass won’t grow so fast.

I talked to Rev. Fields about writing to you and he said he would. However, since you will be home within a week, I am not too sure you will hear from him. He was wondering if you would be able to teach on Sunday June 2. If you will drop me a line so I can tell him. He said they had a discussion with the MYF group as to what they want in the way of lessons, but he didn’t say what had been decided. He has finished the series of lessons he was giving them.

I have a club meeting to attend this morning – the last one for this season and am I glad. I have so much to do before Jan. 10 that I have to get a little bit done each day. When I think of all the things we will have to take along I think I am not starting too soon.

Doris told me that Bill was coming home to get the car to bring his things home. You didn’t mention Bonnie in your last letter. Are you still planning for her to come with you? Let me know.

I have to be at my meeting by 10:30, so must get ready and go. – I almost forgot to tell you, Jim Egan died yesterday afternoon. Doris Marvin’s mother Mrs. Ethel Herriman was buried last week. I forget you get the paper and get all these news items.

Love Mother

P.S. We notified the janitor to turn his key in May 24. We will empty the wastebaskets Saturday and hope you will be here to do same on Monday.

©2016 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2016/11/12/summer-break/

Here’s the Contract

1 Reply

Letter transcription:

[Wright 533 – handwritten by David]
5-17-63

Dear David,

Here’s the contract. I hope you are in a better frame of mind than when you wrote. You sounded a little discouraged. Well, chin up and all that sort of thing.

Dad recovered from having his tooth pulled, but it did bother him a few days. He sprayed the evergreens yesterday and today it is raining. However I think all that stuff needs to do to kill bugs is hit. I hardly think a gentle rain will wash off the effect it has on the bugs.

[page 2] I am feeling much better. In fact I washed some windows yesterday. A bird flew into the middle living room window and made such a mess it needed a good washing. I didn’t wash all the windows and since it is raining today I am glad I didn’t.

We watched the blast off and yesterday evening got to listen to the entire recovery program.

I am still listening to La Traviata. It’s beautiful.

Don’t get discouraged. You still have 4 years of school.

I will talk to Rev. F. this week-end.

Love Mother

©2016 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2016/11/11/heres-the-contract/

Mother’s Day 1963

1 Reply

Letter transcription:

[Wright 533 – handwritten by David]
Monday the 13^th (May 1963)

Dear David:

Your Mother’s Day gift received Saturday afternoon. I listened to two records Sunday morning before I went to Sunday school, then in the afternoon I listened to the rest of the opera. I think the music is just beautiful. According to the information with the album that opera is considered the composer’s best. Thanks, you couldn’t have given me anything I enjoyed more. Dad had the Goodland florist make me a corsage. One orchid with three pink rose buds. I just should have some place to wear it, since I just had a chance to show it off once. Mark and his family remembered me with a card and I doubt that brother John even knew it was Mother’s day. I think he has probably forgotten most of the things like that. I still haven’t had an answer from my letters asking him to let me know if he is going to be home and when. I finally gave the girls their vacation dates. One is to be gone June 9 thru 23. The other August 18 thru 31. Edna had a dental appointment this past week and was told she should have her teeth pulled. She plan[s] to have that done while she is on vacation. Not a very pleasant thing to look forward to for vacation. Dad has been having some teeth trouble. He is going to see Dr. Logan tonight. I talked to Geo. Dye last week and he said he knew you were planning to be home this summer and he plans to let you take the Sunday school class. He said Rev. Fields was going to write you about it. Rev. Fields has been having some very informative sermons about John Wesley. I think most of the congregation have been impressed. Of course, there is always the element that can’t be pleased. I have a meeting to attend at the hospital today. I went out last Wednesday and Dr. Gery burned the wart off my little finger. Left quite a hole. It is looking better, but is not entirely healed yet. Week before last, Garnett Janssen’s brother passed away and last week Marge’s father passed away. We attended Mr. Cobb’s funeral yesterday. Dad set out the tuberous begonias and then the weather turned cold. We were fooled by that very warm weather the early part of last week. It is supposed to get into the 70’s today, so maybe the little cold spell hasn’t hurt them. I had to have a new tire put on the car. I just got the car back from the garage and the window in the front door dropped down into the door and I had to have that taken care of. The body man at the garage told me I should have the spots touched up with paint, so one day this week I am going to have that taken care of. I am also going to get a new cover put on the front seat, so my car should take on a new look (for you to wear off this summer). Finally got the new typewriter. I am using it here at home. We kept the old typewriter so when it is necessary to use two typewriters at the office we will have the old one.

Love Mother

© 2016 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2016/11/10/mothers-day-1963/

Meeting Bonnie

1 Reply

Letter transcription:

[Wright 533 – handwritten by David]
Wed. Apr. 24, 1963

Dear David,

Even tho I was very tired when we arrived home Sunday evening, I was glad I had made the trip. I was so glad to meet Bonnie. She seems very refreshing and easy to be with. I noticed when we turned onto Meridan that you were at the wheel of her car.

I haven’t been doing much this week. I have rested two hours every afternoon. There was a club meeting last night, but I didn’t go. I was glad I stayed home when I learned that it lasted until 10:30. About the extent of my work so far has been to prepare meals and clean up the kitchen. We were supposed to entertain bridge club Sunday night but judging from the way I feel now, I didn’t think I would be equal to the task. I started to call the other members of the club and learned that I would have to get 3 sets of substitutes so decided against trying to have it. J. Batton said she would entertain in May (26) and I said I could take it in June after you get home to help me. The plan seemed to meet the approval of all until I called Lucille and she thought we should try to have a party May 5. I told her if she wanted to have one on that date she is welcome, but I am not going to entertain until you are home to help. Dr. Gery indicated when I talked to him after my x-rays that putting myself under pressure could cause part of my trouble. Dr. Gripe wasn’t satisfied with my E.K.G. (examination of heart) so I am to go Friday morning and have another one run. Dad has me on some medication now that seems to be taking care of my digestive system. I am eating regularly (bland diet) and sleeping well. I told Dad at noon I am not making any more salad plates. I told

[page 2] him he can eat his raw vegetables between meals. I can eat cooked vegetables, but none raw.

Dad is planning to mow the lawn this evening after he gets home from the office – unless he has to do something else. We had a freeze here last night. Fortunately Dad hadn’t set any plants out and the roses haven’t come yet. We had a card indicating our order is being sent. The dogwood tree is putting out leaves.

Since this in the 25^th year since Dad graduated from Medical school, we may go to Indianapolis May 8 for a meeting I.U. Medical School is having. Will let you know. However since it will be on a Wednesday you will be too busy to go to Indianapolis, so we will be looking forward to seeing you at home May 27 or 28^th.

Love Mother

©2016 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2016/11/09/meeting-bonnie/

82 Days

1 Reply

Letter transcription:

[Wright 533 – handwritten by David]
Mon. the 18^th 1963

Dear David –

Now I am one letter ahead of you. Bill called me yesterday – I didn’t know he had come home – and asked if I had anything to send to you but at that hour I didn’t have time to bake a cake. My Sunday school class came out here last night after the Sunday Evening Lenten service. We are making a survey of all church members (and others) to get a file card on everyone as to what they can do and will do. I was to take all the cards for my class members and I thought it would be easier for me to have them come here than to try to call on each family. There were 11 in attendance so my plan wasn’t as successful as I wanted it to be. I will still have to see the ones who didn’t come last night or contact them by phone.

The opera you gave me for Christmas has just finished playing. I was working here at my desk this afternoon and decided to listen to it. Dad was in the hospital all day yesterday so in the afternoon I listened to it.

We have our itinerary and I am afraid you aren’t going to be too happy about our plans but we decided we could see more in 82 days by going air. We plan to leave here Jan. 10 and return Apr. 1.

I am going to take my car to have it washed, so must be going.
Love Mother

©2016 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2016/11/08/82-days/

Jealous of Kirk

1 Reply

Letter transcription:

Sat. the 9^th, 1963

Dear David:

Just finished writing to John so thought I had better dash off a line to you.

We went to Chicago Thursday to visit some more travel agencies. I think Dad thought last night when we were spending the second night of going over travel folders that we had too much and it was beginning to get a little confusing, but I think we will be able to get something on paper before long. We found a travel agent we think is pretty good, so I think I will call her – she said to call her collect any time – and tell her what we want and have her fix a trip for us. Dad would like to go part way by ship. Except for the relaxation, I would rather go by air all the way, but since he likes sea travel I think we should go part way by sea.

We stopped to see Shirley and the children. You won’t know Kirk the next time you see him. We hardly knew him ourselves he has grown so much in the past month. Becky definitely does not want grandma to have anything to do with Kirk. When I would hold him she would insist that either her mother or poppa hold him, but not grandma. I don’t want her to be jealous of Kirk so it looks like I may have a problem on my hands until she gets a little older. She had a puzzle that she worked in a flash. Of course it was the most elementary kind, but she knew exactly where every piece belonged.

I presume you have heard from Dr. Bailey about a meeting you will have to attend to get your preaching permit – or whatever it is you have to attend the meeting for. I haven’t talked to Rev. Fields recently about you, but will try to see him tomorrow about when you will have to come home for the Board Meeting.

We are still in the grip of winter. The two days of balmy weather just served to melt some of the snow down and now we not only have snow, but ice and snow on our driveway and on most of the streets around town. Chicago was the dirtiest place I think I have seen this winter. There were still piles of snow, but it looked more like piles of coal. Kentland looked so clean when we got back here late in the afternoon. We had intended to make our trip to Chicago a little vacation outing, but one of Dad’s baby cases didn’t cooperate, so we hurried up there and back. We did stop at Tiebels long enough to eat on the way home.

Love Mother

Moles

1 Reply

Letter transcription:

[Wright 533 – handwritten by David]
April 1, 1963

Dear David:

We received the pink slip. I hope you will be able to overcome your difficulties in the course.

The grass is getting so green, we feel winter must be about over. Dad was figuring yesterday how to apply the chemical that eliminates the grubs and other things that attract moles. Dad said he saw signs of moles across the street, so is anxious to keep them from ruining our lawn again. We both took most of yesterday to rest. I was having a slight infection, so took a long nap in the afternoon. I had made statements on Saturday and didn’t quite finish, so after my nap I finished the statements and mailed 307. That should help the finances toward all the expenses we will have this month, like meeting the last installment for 1962 taxes and the first installment for 1963. March 26 I deposited $40.00, March 27 $30.00, March 28 $60.00, and March 30 $85.00 to your account which makes a total of $215.00. Will that be enough to hold you for a while? You are going to have to learn to budget very closely next year, because I will deposit three months allowance for you in January and it will be too bad if you run out before we return from our trip. I am going to do some work on planning the things I have to get done before we go. There will be quite a few things I will have to attend to before January 10.

Janet Miller has another girl and she has red hair. Esta is keeping Julie while Janet is in the hospital. I haven’t talked to Janet since the baby arrived, so don’t know whether she is disappointed at not having had a boy.

We had another Lenten service last night. Jo Wenger went with me. We didn’t stay for the social hour – there has been a committee every Sunday to serve coffee and cookies after service – I was anxious to get home and didn’t care to be sociable. Jo said she would rather go home, because they have to get up every morning at 5 o’clock, since they both have to be at work (she works at the hospital and Russell works in Brook) at 7 o’clock. The guest speaker was the minister from Otterbein. I still say we have the best speaker. I think Bob is a deep thinker and his sermons are probably too deep for some people, but I think it certainly show he puts a lot of work into his sermons. Yesterday we honored members of 50 years or more. Quite a number were present for the morning worship service.

I have noticed the time and it is almost 10, so must get this finished and get on my way to pick up the mail. I will be glad when you get home so you can take care of a few little chores for me – in addition to a few large ones. We will be glad for you to be home aside from the help you will give us.

Love Mother

Bank Account Update

1 Reply

Letter transcription:

[Wright 533 – handwritten by David]
Thurs. Mar. 21, 1963

Dear David –

Your bank statement came today (once in a while the bank mails statements – I always ask for ours on first of each month) and I misinformed you about the amounts I deposited for you –

Jan. $225.00
Feb. $175.00
Mar. $102.00
– and I also deposited $85.00 today. I checked your canceled checks and they include from 173 (Dec. 4) to 204 (Mar. 11). You have one fee of $0.50 for overdrawing your account once and three bank fees .65 0 .60 – .50 total ($1.75) plus the 50₵ which makes $2.25 you will have to deduct from your check stub to make your balance agree with the bank. I hope that clears the matter for you.

Dad is out running the roller today. He is well dressed for the job but it is so cold he may not continue. The sun is shining but the wind is cold and the temp is only 32°.

Love Mother

Dad put a self starter on the lawnmower so now you won’t have to use the rope to start it when you keep the lawn this summer.

Sunday School Materials

3 Replies

Letter transcription:

[Wright 533 – Handwritten by David]
Wednesday March 20 1963

Dear David:

Yours received this AM. You can do it Louie, so keep those grades up there. You will have to concentrate on the French a little more, eh?

I checked with the bank this morning and according to their account you had a balance of $58.49. According to my figures the deposits have been as follows: Dec. 3 – $200.00; Jan. 30 – $225.00; Feb. 11 – $75.00; March 1 – $100.00 and $2.00 from GM in March.

You seem to [be] concentrating on Bonnie. I hope you both enjoyed the opera. Wish I could have been there to hear it also. Since I couldn’t I will enjoy my records. I have Fidelio playing now.

There is some work being done at the Church in the way of painting, etc. The dining rooms have been paneled and painted and the vestibule on the east side of the basement is to be painted next. We are getting ready for the big District meeting we will be entertaining next week (the 28^th). I have been conducting a study class on Wed. a.m.’s at the Church, so was there this morning. Rev. Fields had a woman from a Lafayette church come up Monday night to talk to the Primary Dept. workers about the material being used in that Dept. I don’t want to sound unprogressive, but I think I could have told her a few things on my own. You know there is nothing like experience to learn a thing and since I had had more than 12 years working in that Dept. I think I know a few things. If the teachers in that Dept. didn’t have anything to do but prepare material for their classes on Sunday morning, they might like the material she was trying to promote, but they have a few other to do – like helping make a living. I think the people in the Department of Education in the Methodist Church could learn a few things from other churches.

Today is typically March, blowing, snowing, and cold. First the sun shines, then it is cloudy, but thru everything the wind keeps blowing like a storm is either coming or going.

I hope the above figures helps you to straighten your bank account.
Love Mother