Tag Archives: Indiana

Gladys – January 18, 1969

Letter transcription:

118 Juniper Court
West Lafayette, Ind. 47906
January 18, 1969

Dear David and Bonnie and Debby,

The enclosed letter from Bookshelf was opened by mistake – sorry about that. I don’t suppose you really want it, but here it is.

Saturday morning and Dad is home working on the new desk unit I am going to have here in the den. I went to the Health Center this morning to have my head X-rayed. Dr. Trout insisted he wanted to see how I look on the inside after a month. I feel fine and haven’t had any more trouble, but thought I had better do what he says – I may need him again.

Now the weather is mild and the snow is almost all gone, but I suppose we will have more severe weather before spring. We followed the weather as you drove back to Rockport and hoped you had good driving all the way.

Last Saturday we have appointments with Dr. L., and I spent about half an hour with Mrs. M. She seemed a little down in the dumps until she started talking about Debby. I asked her what she thought about her and she couldn’t say enough about how she thought she was the “most.” Of course, I agreed with her. She said something I had forgotten. Becky would not have anything to do with Mrs. M. when she was small and the way Debby took to her delighted her. She was so happy that she could hold her. She mentioned how large Pat’s baby is and that he was too much for her – of course, he weighed 10 lbs at birth and by the time he could visit Mrs. M. he was much larger.

Bonnie left these figures on your intangible tax on my desk. I didn’t know whether you needed it, but thought I had better send it along.

We went to see Camelot last night. Went to the early show – 7 PM and when we left the show the lobby was filled with late comers. 2001 is on at the other theatre and people were lined up for nearly a block to get in.

Love Mother

P.S. We are going to see Imogene Coco & King Donovan in “You Know I Can’t Hear You When the Water is Running” at Music Hall tonite.

[page 2] For some reason we were not assessed on the cars (a must if one is to get new license plates each year). I called the assessor’s office and was told to bring in our tax receipts for last fall, so you will have to send us yours – you must have taken it back with you – since you had to have it the day we got our permits at the court house so sent it back as soon as possible so I will be able to get you assessed.

©2017 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2017/05/15/gladys-january-18-1969/

David’s Diary – January 6, 1969

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Monday, January 6, 1969

ISN before arising. Another day of relaxation. Up late—just visited—and commented on the severe weather. Bob + I had big breakfasts. I continued reading in Mrs. Moore’s book. We had lunch, listened to one of Bob’s comedy records. I finished Mrs. Moore’s book. –and started on the autobiography of Marion Anderson. Got sleepy, so took a nap. When I woke up, John was here. I got up, feeling pretty groggy. We had supper, then watched TV: the Laugh-in. The others worked on double crostic puzzles. I read in Marion Anderson. Later we watched more TV. About 12 John went home—we said our good-bye. Lea, Bonnie and I stayed up talking until quite late; finally decided to go to bed; lights out about 3:30 (Eastern time)

Tuesday, January 7, 1969

Don’t recall when we got up—but it was in time to see Bob off for work. We had a leisurely breakfast, I shaved, packed the car—John came over to see us off. We left Champaign about 12 noon Eastern time. Highways were mostly clear and we had tail winds, so we were in Lafayette in a little over 2 hours. Mother was here alone. Rest of the day was spent relaxing; I called Helen Correll to arrange to visit her tomorrow. Watched some TV in the evening, an interview with the Smothers Brothers, but I got more reading done in Marion Anderson autobiography. I’m about 2/3 of the way through. I’m pretty sleepy tonight, since we were up so late—and I didn’t have any luck trying to nap in afternoon. Off to be around midnight.

Wednesday, January 8, 1969

ISN before arising. Another leisurely day for the most part. By late this evening I had finished Marion Anderson’s autobiography—and had made slight progress in Kathleen Kenyon’s book Beginning in Archaeology. We had planned to go up to Wolcott this evening to see Helen Correll, but an ice storm began late this afternoon, so I called to cancel plans. Got some of the reading done, and watched TV. Had a very sound nap this afternoon after taking Mom to the church. I found Miss Anderson’s book very rewarding—I found some good excerpts—I might do a sermon on her soon. And I must get some of her recordings. Bonnie + I read after the folks had gone to bed. Off to bed ourselves after 12:30.

Thursday, January 9, 1969

Around 8:30 or 9 Mother called us out of bed. The temperature had dropped during the night to about 5º—and our car had to be started—I doubted that it would go, but it did. I took Mom to the grocery store and then took the car for the state inspection. The mechanic suggested it needed a brake job to pass inspection—but he also suggested we skip it since we were going back to Mass. Home for lunch; changed license plates on car. Took Mother to the bank, came home, shaved, picture taking. Mom + I went to pick up Edna Wallace—dad’s former secretary—she had supper with us. After supper—watched TV. About 9 took Edna home, more TV—this has been a relaxing vacation; after 11, had a snack. Bathed, off to bed about 12:20.

Friday, January 10, 1969

Up after 9. Had small breakfast, was occupied with getting the car loaded. Did some cleaning in it as well. We had a steak lunch as a send off. We left Lafayette about 1:15. Stopped in Wolcott to see Helen Correll, but she was in school as we suspected. We arrived in Gary about 3:30 our time. Paul + Marty were still in school; we had to wait for them in the cold cold car for 1 hr. 45 minutes. We got warmed up when they finally came, visited a while; decided to go out to supper; had a very good supper, came back to their apartment—spent the rest of the evening talking, about family, about politics—about the woes of teaching in Gary. About 1 o’clock our time decided to get to bed.

Saturday, January 11, 1969

Up about 9:30. Had a leisurely bath, shaved, had breakfast. It was a short morning, since we were still on Eastern time, but Paul + Marty were on slow time. We finally got all our things together and got on the road shortly after noon—our time. We got up to I-94 and were able to make good time—I was able to maintain 70 MPH much of the time. We had a flat tire about 75 miles west of Detroit. We arrived at the Kings about 5 pm. We had a nice visit and a pleasant supper. About 8, Levon and I went to a service station to have my tire fixed—didn’t take too long; we came back + put it on the car—the rest of the evening we spent visiting. Mattijane seems to be coming along well after her mental collapse. Off to bed about 12:30.

Sunday, January 12, 1969

We got up reluctantly just after 7 this morning. We had breakfast with the Kings and were on the road by 8:30. By 2 o’clock we had reached Buffalo, N.Y. We didn’t make any extended stops. I drove 150 miles east of Detroit, then Bonnie took over until we were on the NY Thruway. I took over again. But she got us to Schenectady, where we stopped for an hour + a half with the Stoners—had supper. Arrived there about 7:30. Left about 9:05. We stopped then only twice and arrived in Rockport at about 1:20. We had driven just 800 miles. Jim Tanner was here when we arrived, he hadn’t gone to bed yet. There was a huge pile of mail which I must attend to tomorrow. It was good to see the cat again. We unpack partially, read some mail—and got to bed c. 2:30.

©2017 copyright owned and transcribed by David Madison and Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2017/05/13/davids-diary-january-6-1969/

David’s Diary – December 30, 1968

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Monday, December 30, 1968

Up around 8 or 8:30. Had breakfast, loaded the car, said good-bye. We were on the main highway by 10:20. We made very good time; no head winds today, so we could achieve a speed of 70 mph. Arrived in Lafayette about 12:45. Debby was in a good mood to meet her grandparents. We had lunch + visited. Paul + Marty arrived about 3. We had our gift exchange—more visiting. A slow afternoon; I became very tired—reclined on the bed for a few minutes before supper. Supper about 6:45. After supper we watched TV: “The Laugh-in.” Then Bonnie got the slides out, put them in the trays, and we showed all our slides. After this, Dad + Mother began heading for bed, so did John. Paul + Marty + Bonnie and I sat talking about the Gary experience.[1] Too tired to bathe. Off to bed at about 12:40.

Tuesday, December 31, 1968

A leisurely day. Up about 9. Sat around doing nothing much and visiting. John went home to Champaign in the morning. We have arranged to go over there this weekend. I called Mrs. Myers to tell her we’d be up on Saturday. We took a lot of pictures this morning of Paul + Marty + Debby + Bonnie + mother and myself. I called Gary Myers’ [2] parents to get his address: South High Gardens, Apt. #12. Rural Route #4, Shelbyville, Ind. 46176. After lunch Paul, Marty and Bonnie + I played cards—we also had a chance earlier (in morning) to talk further about Gary schools. Supper was marred by an argument about the Israeli-Arab problem. Mom + Dad siding with Israel—the rest of us arguing for the Arab cause. After supper Marty + Paul left for home. The rest of the evening was spent watching TV. Bonnie sewed. Bathed; off to bed a few minutes after 12. Celebrated the New Year’s with ISN; lights out by 12:30.

1969

Wednesday, January 1, 1969

Got up around 9. Another wasted day. Didn’t do much of anything this morning. Mark, Shirley + family arrived about 11 AM. The kids are really wild; we ate about noon. Some attention was paid to the Rose Bowl Parade on TV. Floyd + Ruth + Steve arrived early in the afternoon. I found it a dull day. Tried to avoid Mark + Dad, since they inevitably get into arguments. – didn’t care to sit all afternoon watching football. Wrote letter to Gary Myers. Spent the afternoon chatting with Ruth, Shirley, Bonnie + Mom—took more pictures. About 5:30 we had supper and then all the visitors headed home. I napped briefly. Mom + Dad went to an open house. Bonnie worked more on my sports coat—I slummed=watched TV all evening. Called Bob Geiselman + Mrs. Myers to arrange Friday trip; bathed, off to bed at midnight.

Thursday, January 2, 1969

Another true “vacation” day; got up around 9—in the middle of the morning we all decided to go downtown to get the auto licenses for this year. We went downtown and did some shopping too; mailed letter to Gary Myers. I got some gloves at army surplus. We got home about 12. –I had carried Debby on my back. I napped in the afternoon, listened to records, read in Jenny Moore’s The People on Second Street. We had supper around 6. The listened to TV news + to Hal Holbrook’s Mark Twain Tonight. During this Levon King [3] called from Detroit inviting us to stop through there on our way back to Boston—which we shall do. Watched more TV, had a snack, then back to reading in Jenny Moore’s book; also started Marion Anderson’s autobiography.

Friday, January 3, 1969

Up around nine. Put off breakfast to make it an early lunch. Read for a while in Mrs. Moore’s book. Had lunch, packed suitcase. Tried several times to get the car started—with no luck. Had to call tow-service to have the car started. Bonnie, Debby + I left for Kentland shortly after noon. About 1 we arrived at Mrs. Myers’ home. We had a nice visit until about 4 o’clock. We left town about 4:25. We headed west—toward Champaign. Strong headwinds—so we didn’t make good time. Arrived at John’s about 6:30—went over to Bob + Lea’s. Had supper there, visited during the evening; played password too late—had a very good time together. Finally off to bed at about 2:45—our time.

Saturday, January 4, 1969

In view of the time of retirement, I slept late; did awake when Bonnie fed Debby and got up herself, but was able to get some more sleep. Finally got up around 11 o’clock. Had juice for breakfast; shaved; at about 12 we all went over to John’s for lunch. Lea + Bob left—But Bonnie, Debby + I stayed with John for the afternoon. We relaxed, visited, listened to records; we came back over to Bob + Lea’s for supper. After supper, watched TV; Bob, John + Bonnie worked on a very difficult cross-word puzzle. Lea + I watched TV: movie starring Cary Grant: “Father Goose.” Lea had to leave for work about 10. Bob, John Bonnie + I visited until late; about 1 John left and we all went to bed. Lights out about 1:20.

Sunday, January 5, 1969

Again slept late. This was another day of relaxing and goofing off. Lea had worked the night shift last night, so she slept all morning. Bob + Bonnie + Debby + I went over to John’s for lunch. I read some in the afternoon in Mrs. Moore’s book—I did done in the forenoon also. Napped in the afternoon. About four we headed back over to Bob + Lea’s. Lea was up. We watched TV and visited. We then got ready and went to eat—went to a Chinese restaurant: the Tea Garden. We were home in time to see the Smothers Brothers. Turned TV off and spent the rest of the evening playing password. About 1 AM we decided to quit—and discovered that a howling snow-storm was going on. John got home alright, however. Off to bed about 2:15 (Eastern time).

[1] They lived in Gary, Indiana—or had at one time—and we had visited them there.

[2] My college roommate at Indiana University.

[3] He was the pastor who married us, along with I.U. Prof. Harold Hill.

Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2017/05/12/davids-diary-december-30-1968/

David’s Diary – December 23, 1968

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Monday, December 23, 1968

Up about 7:40. Shaved, breakfast. As soon as we could get ready, we left for Ipswich to see Pamela van Twuyver + take baby gifts to her. We got to her place about 9:20. We had about a half hour visit—then headed for the big Sears store in Saugus. Did Xmas shopping. A tiring morning. We got back home around 2. Ate lunch, I relaxed a few minutes; a little after 3 we turned on the TV and saw the live television pictures from Apollo 8 of Earth as seen from c. 200,000 miles away. We all went over to Busseys, took the cat over to stay with them while we’re gone. I went to see Mrs. Martin in the nursing home. Picked up Bonnie, went home. Did some desk work, helped fix supper; had to be off to the church at about 7 for the Sunday School Xmas program. Home about 8:15. Alan Frederick + his lady friend from England came over for the evening; left after 11; desk work; bathed. Off to bed at 1:05.

Tuesday, December 24, 1968

Christmas Eve. Debby’s misfortune Apollo 8 orbiting moon

Not a very happy Christmas Eve: Bonnie tripped with Debby walking up the stairs at church. Debby’s head hit the stair, she got a concusion. We took her to the hospital, where the doctor examined her. At this hour (2:00 AM) apparently everything is going well and we’ll be able to get her in the morning. We had to postpone going to Avon until the morning. What a climax to a hectic day. We got up at 9:30 today—phone call got us up. Took down Xmas tree, breakfast, many errands + odds + ends to tend to: went to the dump, visited Patiences + Hannibals. Had to prepare the service for the evening; had to get the car ready. After supper did some packing of the car—had to give some attention to putting my study in order. Left for church around 7:30. Got all the candles lit; had a nice crowd—maybe 50 to 60. After the rush to the hospital + our stay there, we came back to the Lords for a while; home again; Bonnie sewed, I worked at my desk. At 1 AM watched Apollo 8 program; they’re heading back to earth; bathed; lights out at 2:15.

Wednesday, December 25, 1968

Christmas Day Called Malaysia

Up about 8:30 or 45. Finished packing the car, changed wayside pulpit—picked up robe + brief case at the church—call from Dr. Kline about 9:30, telling us to come + get Debby. We had a small breakfast with the Lords and then went to the hospital; Debby had to have some blood work done, so we couldn’t go immediately. We finally left about 11 o’clock and headed for Avon. We arrived here about 12:20. We had a large Christmas dinner. About 2 I decided to take a nap. Didn’t get up til around 5. We had a small supper shortly thereafter. Watched CBS evening news. Started trying to place a call to Bonnie’s folks. We finally got through about 8:30. Bonnie did the talking—we held it to about 3 minutes—ran slightly over. Evening spent goofing off—playing scrabble + cards. Watched the 11 o’clock news. Off to bed. Debby seems her normal self; laughing and playing. Off for Indiana tomorrow; lights out about 12.

Thursday, December 26, 1968

Up about 8:30, eager to get started for Indiana; but that was not to be. We had breakfast, got the car loaded—but it wouldn’t start. Temperature only – 9º (below 0º!) I ruined the starter motor. Emil pushed me down the hill, tried to start, but no luck; pulled into service station. They set to work on the battery at 10:10 – at 11:15 they told us (on phone) that it wouldn’t be ready til afternoon; in afternoon we found out that it won’t be ready til tomorrow. We went to the VW place for parts. This delay was our main preoccupation today; when not attending to it, we were here at Grandma’s playing cards + goofing off. She + Emil took us out to eat—then we went shopping; arrived home, watched TV, played cards, watched more TV. A very leisurely day, but also frustrating. We had planned to be in Ohio by tonight. We’ve had a chance for a long visit here; car to be ready by noon tomorrow. Bathed around 10. Off to bed ISN—watched weather report—lights out around 11:20.

Friday, December 27, 1968

Up about 8:30. Had a big breakfast. About 10 the garage called—the car was ready. While I shaved, Bonnie walked down + picked it up. By 10:40 we were all loaded up and on the road—just about 2 days behind schedule. The roads were dry and clear. I drove all the way to the Stoners in Schenectady. We arrived there at 2:30—200 miles from Avon. We had lunch + visited with them. We were on the road again at 3:55. Bonnie drove the next 170 miles. We changed drivers so that she could nurse Debby. We changed about 100 miles east of Buffalo. The road conditions deteriorated. Snow, then sleet. Windshield was icing up badly. About 50 miles from Buffalo we stopped for supper shortly after 9. Fed Debby too. Back on the road a little after 9:30. Road slowly improved. Stopped for the night just inside Penn. Bathed; off to bed ISN—by about 1 AM.

Saturday, December 28, 1968

Up about 8:15 – 8:30. Our rest was disturbed by other guests at the motel getting up + leaving. But we were rested. Started right off without breakfast—on the road by 9:05. We were able to bypass Cleveland; took 270 (?) to turnpike to 71 to Columbus. We ate lunch just before getting on turnpike. It was mild when we got up; from Cleveland to Columbus went through several rain-squalls. I drove to within about 45 miles of Columbus then Bonnie took over. We ran into snow in Columbus. Weather worsened as we made progress westward. After we got back on interstate (rt.70) I drove again—on into Centerville. Wind was terrific and slowed us considerably. We arrived there in Centerville about 6. Debby was in a good mood and charmed her great grandparents. Grandpa will be 94 next month. After supper I napped. Got up about 9:30. Visited; watched news. Off to bed. – at 12.

Sunday, December 29, 1968

Up around 8 or 8:30. Breakfast. Didn’t do much in the morning. Just sat around, watched some TV. Didn’t go to church. The old folks are avoiding crowds to avoid getting the flu—so none of us went to church. We had lunch about noon, then I napped briefly. We then went over to the Arboretum in Richmond. First we dropped in to Marthas + Chick’s house. Grandpa was with us—Debby went to[o]. Chick gave us a tour of the arboretum and the small museum on the place—very interesting. We left there about four—came back on to Centerville. Martha + Chick arrived for supper around 6. After supper we showed our slides from the last four years. They went home about 9. Paul called during the evening; they’ll be in Lafayette tomorrow. Watched TV after Martha + Chick left; bathed; off to bed at 12:40.

©2017 copyright owned and transcribed by David Madison and Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2017/05/11/davids-diary-december-23-1968/

Gladys – November 24, 1968

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Letter transcription:

118 Juniper Court
West Lafayette, Ind. 47906

Nov 24, 1968

Dear David and Bonnie and Debby,

Yours received. We were more than pleased that you will be coming home after Christmas. Dad has 16 days off during the holidays and we were contemplating going south for a few days, but we would rather stay home and baby sit (if necessary) with Debby. I know John and Bob and Lea and Mark and Shirley and the children will all be very happy about your decision to come home. I talked to John via phone yesterday and we are both agreed that your idea about camping on the way home is a very poor idea for this time of year. I wouldn’t say a thing if you and Bonnie wanted to do that to yourselves, but I think you shouldn’t try that on Debby at her tender age, so here is what I am suggesting. I will pay for your night’s lodging – since you will have only one night at a motel – you will be at the McGraws the second night – then you get home. Now I will not give you the money otherwise – that money is earmarked for a motel room for you, so please do not plan to stay in a camp coming or going back. We have had a very mild fall, but who knows it may be very cold by that time and who knows, Debby might smother in a sleeping bag, so please don’t think about doing such a thing. Next summer in Europe is another matter. You won’t be travelling in such cold weather.

Yesterday Purdue played I.U. and it was a cliff hanger. Purdue won in the last 7 minutes of the game. By the half we thought I.U. had it all tied up since the score was 10 to 28, or a similar difference. We had thought Purdue had a good team, but on the way home Dad says they have about four good players. They played a very poor game and by all odds I.U. should have won. Dad had the duty until 7 AM, so he got all the repercussions – at least his share – all night long. One man with a heart condition died shortly after the game was over – I suppose the excitement was too much. The Purdue fans were wild in those last few minutes. And what a waste of energy. If we could get people steamed up about the injustices in this world, perhaps we wouldn’t have so much wrong with the world. (A little sermon there) Dad was in and out all night long. Finally when he came home to have breakfast, I said, “Why didn’t you just stay at the Health Center all night, instead of driving back and forth?” He replied, “I wondered about that myself.” He had surgery (and this has nothing to do with football) for a student with bleeding ulcers. He is wishing the student will decide to go home and have his own Doctor take care of him, but I rather think he will stay here. They have such a good hospital here and any surgeon in Lafayette they want will come over and do any kind of surgery necessary (except maybe a heart transplant). I just hope Dad gets to spend the afternoon on the couch sleeping – he will need it.

Dad got Lea’s shelves installed and now we are making plans for the ones in our own living room. John hasn’t gotten his plan drawn up yet. We are going to Champaign Wednesday evening and spend Thanksgiving Day with John, Bob and Lea. We will come home Thursday evening. I want Dad to get as much done on my shelves as possible. I have another unit in the planning for my office. This room has been like a stepchild, but I want to get it made over, since I do spend some time in here when I need to do book work or type.

I liked the article in the Gloucester paper, but I would bet a lot of people won’t agree with you. The picture looks just like you.

My next door neighbor is going to church with me this morning. Dad is over at the Health Center.

Love Mother

(over)

Your Sussannah Wesley has been used four times and booked for another meeting.

©2017 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2017/05/06/gladys-november-24-1968/

Gladys – November 12, 1968

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Letter transcription:

118 Juniper Court
West Lafayette, Ind. 47906 Nov. 12 1968

Dear David and Bonnie and Debby:

I didn’t notice the enclosed letter was addressed to you until I started to read it – sorry about that, but here it is. We are always getting something from Bankers and the only thought that occurred to me was that there was only one letter – we usually get two.

Since we didn’t go to bridge club two weeks ago, I called Mrs. Myers yesterday. She seemed a little wistful about not having had a letter from you for some time. She says she gets weaker all the time and seems so alone. She hasn’t been to see a Doctor for a long time and thinks she should see someone. If she would just come down here to the nursing home which is located about a mile north of us, she could have all the attention she needs, but she is still adamant about staying in her apartment. Harold Oliver has never fully recovered (she thinks his mental attitude is so bad that he needs a psychiatrist) and Doris has to do some of the things for her he used to do. He had a severe heart attack, but the Dr. at the clinic told him he had recovered and that he should get back to work, but he doesn’t seem to snap out of it. If you can find the time, write her a letter and send her some more pictures of the baby. When I told her of your last letter and your plans (95% certain) that you would be going to England in six or seven months and then on to Germany for a year or so, she said she probably would never get to see you again. I tried to reassure her that she would get to see you sometime.

Tomorrow is a large day for our Women’s Society. We are having our Charter day and as of now have about 90 reservations for the luncheon, with more to come in. I have been trying to get an extra baby sitter and everyone has a busy line, or does not answer. I will just keep trying.

Friday we plan to go to Lea’s and Dad is to put her book shelves up. They were over for my birthday and took everything home to get the stain put on, now all Dad will have to do is put it on the wall. He at present is building in some shelves in my office and also has built a frame around the safe with a space below and above for storage. The safe is now at eye level again, so I don’t have to stand on my heat to get into it.

[page 2] I listened to the Pres. Elect with Pres. J. last night and I thought, no wonder he is called “tricky Dick,” since he had made all those campaign promises about making changes and last night it sounded like he was just going to carry on the same old policies. If he didn’t mean what he said last night, what was the purpose of having it broadcast across the nation, and if he did mean what he said, I think he contradicted what he had been telling people all fall. Maybe I don’t know what to expect from politicians. Earl L. got in on a large majority. Birch Bayh was about the only Democrat to survive in Indiana.

Love Mother

©2017 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2017/05/04/gladys-november-12-1968/

David’s Diary – November 11, 1968

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Monday, November 11, 1968

Up about 10. Began working immediately in Kömmel’s Introduction to the NT, the section on Paul, for tomorrow’s directed study. Worked on this until about 11:30. Put lunch in oven, shaved. Phone call from Charlie Whitford; he + family planned to come to Rockport in the afternoon. We had lunch. At 12:30 went back to studying. 1:15 we left for Gloucester—meeting at the Wesley Church parsonage. This was over about 2:30. We came back home, I got back to studying until the Whitfords arrived. They didn’t leave until almost 10. We visited, played records, had supper together. It was a good time, but I am ruined as far as study is concerned. Back to the books at 10:00. Studied Greek. Worked on Mark 16; Matt. 26. Bathed. Worked on Greek, packed briefcase, off to bed at 12:45. Not at all prepared for Paul D.S. due to Whitford visit. So much work to do everywhere.

Tuesday, November 12, 1968

Up at 8:30. Breakfast, caught 9:20 train to Boston. A terrible day weatherwise—very high wind, rain. Greek class 11:15 – 12:00. Lunch with Dr. Rowlingson, Hobart Farrell, Les Strong. Read newspaper + magazines for a while; worked on German. 2:45 had coffee with Bob Rogers; he + his wife had spend a year in England + he was able to offer ideas + information. 3:10 I was off to Paul DS., but I met Oliver in the hall and he said that he couldn’t meet today—and I wasn’t prepared! So I was able to catch the 4:10 train home. Arrived around 5:30. We called off the official Board meeting because of the weather. Had supper, watched CBS news. Worked on Quiet Corner. Took pictures of Debby. Around 9 we went down to Patriquins. Home around 10. Back to work on the Quiet Corner. Hair cut; bathed. Bonnie and I looked over pictures deciding which to give as Xmas presents. Off to read in bed at 12:40.

Wednesday, November 13, 1968

Up about 10. Worked on finishing the Quiet Corner. Finished about noon. Watched noon news, ate lunch, shaved. Mrs. Cooney dropped off the mailing list here at the house. I went through it to make notes for Dick Gray. Bonnie went to the bank. About 2, I left for Gloucester. Took the Quiet Corner to the Times office, had my picture taken. Went to the hospital, saw Karen Haskell and Gazella Dodd. On my way home left the membership list at Wesley Church with Dick Gray. Stopped at grocery store, came on home. Had cup of coffee, back to work at my desk. Studied in Bright’s Jeremiah for the Bible study. Worked til about 6:20. Stopped for supper, watched CBS news. Back to work in Jeremiah at 7:35. Worked until Bible class began arriving. 6 in attendance. Did chapters 27 – 30. Over at 9:30. We had coffee + snack. About 10, back to work in Jeremiah. Bathed about 11. Back to work; read in Bright and in Leslie. Off to bed at 1:15.

Thursday, November 14, 1968

Up at 8:30. Caught the 9:20 train to Boston. Greek class, 11:15 – 12. Had lunch with Dr. Richardson. He forgot to tell me that he couldn’t meet with me today for our directed study. So neither of my directed studies met this week. I was able to catch the 1:45 train home. Studied a little German on the train. Was home at 3 o’clock. Bonnie was out with Debby grocery shopping. I worked on German after a coffee break until about 6, then had supper. Left for Gordon early so that I could go to their book store—but it was closed. Class from 7 to 9. Was back home by 9:45. Worked on making the tickets for the showing of the film, “The Gospel According to Saint Matthew,” Dec. 1. 11 o’clock had cup of coffee + watched news. – soon after I got home this evening we called Paul + Marty (his birthday was yesterday). We talked about 12 minutes. After 12, bathed. Looked over work ahead in next few days; off to bed at 1:15.

Friday, November 15, 1968

Up about 10. Began studying for the Paul directed study. Read I + II Thessalonians, with Kümmells Introduction. Stopped to examine the mail. Material from the Danforth Foundation to apply for Kent Fellowship. Glanced through Newsweek. 12 had lunch, watched the news. After lunch, back to Thessalonians. About 2, mailed letter to Harrell Beck with Kent Fellowship endorsement form. Went to Gloucester to get heavy paper. Visited Mrs. Martin at the Cape Ann Nursing Home. Came home; mimeographed the tickets for the Gospel According to St. Matt. Film. Got back to work on Paul—reading in Galatians. Finished Galatians, stopped for supper after 6. Watched CBS news, etc. Watched TV—Jacques Cousteau program on whales. Cut the mimeographed tickets while watching. Back to my study about 8:30. Great difficulty giving birth to a sermon idea; took all evening. Studied some German. Bathed at midnight. German briefly; off to bed at 12:45.

Saturday, November 16, 1968

Debby doing pretty well sitting up today – Debby 3 months old

Up around 9:45. Worked on the sermon. A letter came from mother. No reaction to our announcement of moving to Europe—we expected her to insist that we come to Indiana for Christmas—which we plan to do anyway. About 11 went to the church: WSCS Fair. Visited + chatted, came back home, worked more on sermon, back to the church with Bonnie + Debby for lunch. Went to see Virginia Bate—sick in bed. On home to work again on sermon. This took the afternoon—along with doing the bulletin. At 6:10 we left Debby with Barbara + Hazel Lord. We went to the CAMP loyalty Dinner at Wesley. A rewarding evening. Milton Smith played and sang, Richard Harding delivered address. We went to Busseys for a few minutes after it was over. Home again before 11. Watched news, had snack. Bonnie borrowed a book on campsites from Busseys. She found a place for us to stay on the way to Indiana. Worked on service; desk work bathed; off to bed at 1:15.

Sunday, November 17, 1968

Up around 9:20—Home Orne’s phone call finally got me out of bed. Practiced my sermon, shaved, dressed, off to church. More than 30 in attendance. Year ago was my first Sunday at the Rockport church—62 attended! Today I preached on loneliness: “Lonely in the Crowd.” Again, I borrowed heavily, this time from a book by Alan Walker. Home about 12:30. Had lunch, desk work, Alan Frederick called. He’s had an auto accident + was bruised up, but not too seriously. We are loaning him the VW on Tuesday. Meeting at 3 here at parsonage; Joint Youth Steering Committee. This lasted too long. Not out until 5. Had supper, the Lords visited with us as we ate. After supper wrote letters, to Mrs. Myers, Folks, Paul + Marty (sent them Quiet Corner). We took Debby’s hand + foot prints. We put them in the baby book, also on Mrs. Myers letter. Didn’t get to studies until about 10:30. Read I Corinthians, bathed TOGETHER; read in Kümmel on I Corinthians; off to bed about 1:30.

Deborah’s hand and footprints from the baby book

Gladys – October 18, 1968

4 Replies

Letter transcription:

Oct. 18, 1968

Dear David and Bonnie (and Debby)

This is not going to be long since my electric is in shop for repairs and believe me, it is no fun to use this old Remington.

Your birth certificate copy is enclosed, also some copies of pictures you requested some time ago. I just didn’t get around to having them made.

We are still having beautiful, warm fall weather, but I have a feeling we are going to have some cooler weather. There is a football game tomorrow and according to the forecast is will just be pleasant since no rain is forecast. Since Purdue lost last Saturday to Ohio State, I rather think they will not be going to the Rose Bowl in January. Dad had thought they would be top team this year, but last Saturday they failed, but completely. Dad listened to the game on the radio until it got so bad he lost interest and went about doing work on one of his projects. He is beginning a project in my office to elevate the safe and make a shelf or two. I want the safe at eye level height (now I have to stand on my head, almost with shelves above and below).

I was quite surprised when I read your letter that you plan a trip to Europe. We won’t be going until August. Bonnie’s Mother and Dad have invited us to visit them in Penang in August, and that is the best time to get a vacation at Purdue. We do plan to be in Europe and visit the Yegerlehners, but that will be after you are there. However, we can write you a letter of introduction and with your German, you should have no trouble conversing with any of them. I just presumed you would be in school next summer.

I thought for a little while this morning I might be attending a UN seminar next week, but after a few telephone calls, found the funds were not available and besides, I have quite a heavy schedule here. The minister in charge of arranging the seminar called me about it. Since our Conference sent a bus load of people to participate in the Poor Peoples Campaign, the seminar money was used and it is no longer available for the seminar. Well, maybe something else will turn up. I would enjoy seeing you and Bonnie and especially Debby.

Love Mother

Uniting Conference

1 Reply

Letter transcription:

October 13, 1968

Dear David and Bonnie and Debby:

Yours received and application properly filled in and sent on to County Clerk’s office. I paid your taxes last week and am enclosing the receipt. Count that as a delayed birthday gift, or something. The spacer on this machine isn’t working right – and the machine needs a cleaning and other repairs, so must get it to the shop in a day or so.

Today was Layman’s Day in our church and the Lay Leader asked me to participate in the program, which meant I had to be in two services. Dad attended the first service and said he thought I had done very well, but neither of us (the Lay Leader and myself) knew how to turn our pages without making a noise – but other than that he thought we had both done very well. One woman told me afterwards I acted so calm. I had a few butterflies and am glad I won’t have to do that again – at least until next Layman’s day – and I may take a trip that day if asked again. Dad said our minister knows how to turn his pages by the P.A. system without making a sound. We hadn’t learned that little secret.

The weather is so warm today we were able to sit on the patio this afternoon, but we are bound to get some rain and cold weather soon. However, I am going to enjoy this while it lasts.

We enjoyed the pictures and wonder if Debby will hate her parents when she gets a little older and see herself nude. She seems to be growing very well and I believe she looks a little more developed at two months than her daddy did at that age. As I remember you were so slow in growing, you were about two months old before you looked like you were going to be a healthy, hearty baby. However, you soon made up for your slow start.

Next Sunday we have promised to spend the day at Mark’s celebrating Kirk’s sixth birthday. His birthday is really the day before, but Dad has the duty at the Music Hall on Saturday night (and we have free tickets) and Bob Hope is the star attraction. We went last night to hear Dave Brubeck and his group, but didn’t care too much about them. The only thing we could say about it, it wasn’t as loud as some we have heard.

We had to go to Kentland last Thursday, so I stopped to see Mrs. Myers. I took Bonnie’s letter along and read it to her. She seemed to enjoy it. She says she can feel herself getting weaker all the time, but still insists she is going to stay in her apartment as long as she possibly stay.

Indiana is going to have a uniting Conference November 9^th and a member of the nominating committee called me yesterday to tell me I have been nominated for the Board that will (or agency) replace Christian Social Concerns. I was really surprised. I am on the present Board, but the new Agency is going to be so streamlined I had no idea I would be nominated. Also the Women’s Society is going to have a Charter Meeting October 30^th and that will end my office of Christian Social Relations since the latest idea is that the new officers installed on the 30^th will take office immediately. It had been said we would hold over until the middle of May, but evidently not. With my office of President at Trinity, I can do without one of the offices I hold at present. I suppose you know Indiana will after Nov. 9^th have just two conferences, North Indiana and South Indiana and the lines will come much further north – as far north as Crawfordville.

I finally got my car, after having it in the body shop about three weeks. The men at the body shop kept telling me they couldn’t get the parts. It looks like a new car and runs very smooth – couldn’t tell we had been slammed into by a truck. After driving the Corvair around town, I was really glad to get back into the Buick.

Love Mother

P.S. Decided to keep your tax receipt – I may need it to get your car license next year.

Why don’t you tell B.U. your Rockport address? On your ballot there will be a yes and no on Pair-Mutuel gambling. The United Methodist church & in fact many chuches are working for a no vote, so your no votes will add two. I have a volume of information as to why the vote should be no and for your information I am enclosing a sourcebook.

[Editor’s note: The Pari-Mutuel Referendum was on the November 1968 ballot in Indiana. To check the results of the election, click here.]

Summer Trip

1 Reply

Letter transcription:

Saturday morning April 27, 1968

Dear David and Bonnie:

Dad ripped this letter open before he realized it was addressed to you. He has been busy this morning working on his walk around the garage. He ran out of gravel. As much as we had piled around I didn’t think it was possible. We are going out to a farm in this community to look for tocks for our rock garden when he gets through for today. He tried to get someone to come and put up guttering on the new part, but when they didn’t come he decided to do it himself. He will probably be all summer getting the things done he wants to do, but he will enjoy his work.

As I mentioned in my last letter I may not come to Boston on the trip to N.Y. for the workshop June 4 to 7, since we will be coming the middle of July.

Saw Mrs. Myers at the hospital yesterday. She was feeling very good and anticipates leaving the hospital May 3^rd. We have invited her to come here for a day or so before she goes home. I have the sweater set = seat, cap and booties (didn’t make the little mittens) finished and Lea is making a carriage robe (or blanket) from several different colors of yarn. She is crocheting and had all the squares finished and was putting them together when she came here last week. We will bring all the things when we come including the outfit (stereo) John is giving you. I don’t know where we will carry out luggage, since we will also be bring the baby bed and a roll away bed. That buick should be able to hold what we have to bring.

Love Mother