Tag Archives: Lena “Lea” (Keith) Gieselman

Gladys – 16 April 1971

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Letter transcription:

118 Juniper court
W. Lafayette, Ind 47906
4-16-71

Dear David, Bonnie and Debbie,

At last the Annual Meeting is over and the meeting today (program planning for Officer’s training day)—two days later. When we started planning the meeting last fall, we thought if we could get 400 to attend we would feel like it was a success, since it was to be a different type of meeting. 748 were seated at the dinner at 6 o’clock in the evening. The Seminars were all filled—12 altogether. In the afternoon session which was held in the south ball room, 700 chairs had been set up and those were nearly all filled and many people were standing. The first session lasted from 2 until 3. Seminars from 3:15 until 5:15. A group came in following the dinner to hear the speaker—Miss Peggy Billings from the Board of Missions, so we can’t say just how many did attend. At any rate it is over and I think everyone is glad it is over and was what we consider a success. There were 96 tables set up for the dinner. With the help of three other persons, we made 97 table decorations. Centerpieces made with a 15” candle in the center, surrounded with evergreens, straw flowers and paper butterflies. Everyone seemed to think the centerpieces were very attractive. We gave them away after the dinner. No problem there. I didn’t want to have to gather them up after the meeting, so decided to let someone from each table have one.

I have been so busy with the above mentioned meeting, have had to neglect my desk. I have worked here for a while this evening, writing checks and just getting things cleared off my desk. Next week will also be a busy one. Have to go to Geneva Center for a meeting on Wednesday, then at 6 o’clock on Thursday morning start for Wichita. A friend is going to drive to Indianapolis and we are going to fly from there. Since she is driving, I am going at the time she wants to go. If I didn’t want to get up that early, I could have Dad take me to the airport, but after I get to Wichita, I can sleep. I am rooming alone, so will be alone and not have to talk to someone. The first session doesn’t begin until 1:30, so I will have time for a good nap. (Church Women United)

My typewriter still hasn’t been repaired. I hope to get it in to the shop next week before I leave for a good overhauling. Probably should not be using it now, but hate to write by hand.

I didn’t get to go to the first Project Commitment Meeting, but was told over 500 attended. I hope to attend the next one. There will be six meetings. As I understand, some of the people Project C., is aiming to reach are not attending. The militants, and the disadvantaged whites. Too bad, because they are the reason for having such meetings…

Dad is doing some glueing for someone at the Health Center—now called Student Hospital. Somehow the word got around that he is good at repairing broken things and every once in a while, someone brings him something to mend.

Glad the Avon soap has given Debbie so much fun. We had an Easter Egg Hunt after Mark and Shirley had the children came last Sunday. I have been wearing pant suits and had one on when they came. Becky said she would like to have one, so Grandma got one for her yesterday and mailed it to her. She is rather slender so it is hard to get a good fit. I didn’t take the boys measurements, so couldn’t get them anything. Hope they won’t feel slighted. Thought I might find something for them in Witchita.

Your Insurance notice came and I am forwarding it.
Love Mother

(over)

Lea & Bob didn’t come—both bad colds—so don’t know any more about Lea’s plans than before.

©2018 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2018/01/08/gladys-16-april-1971/

Gladys – 2 April 1971

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Letter transcription:

118 Juniper Ct. 47906 April 2, 1971

Dear David and Bonnie and Debbie,

My typewriter needs to go to the repair ship, but I think I will wait until I am going to be out of town for a few days, like April 21st to the 26th. I am to attend a meeting at Geneva Center—a place the Presbyterians own, but a place we have been using since our Conference uniting meeting in 1968. On the 22nd I will fly to Wichita, Kansas, to attend the Assembly of Church Women United. I will return home the 26th. I hope I can keep on using this until then. I would be out of business without my typewriter.

Our days are still a bit chilly and there was a snow flurry today, but it didn’t amount to much. We haven’t had any really severe weather, but now we are having lower than normal temperatures for this time of year.

The enclosed folder should inform you about our trip to Africa this summer. We have decided to leave the tour when we leave Africa and instead of stopping in Rome, to fly on to Zurich and rent a car and drive into Austria. We have not been there and the woman who makes our reservations at the travel agency says Austria is even more beautiful than Switzerland. Sorry we can’t make connections with Mac and Louise, but we will miss them by a few days. I think we will be returning to the States at about the same time.

There is an organization in Indiana called Indiana Interreligious Commission on Human Equality—IICHE for short. It is supported by the Fund for Reconciliation from the United Methodist Church. There are several churches which support the organization. One of the projects of IICHE is called Project Commitment and the purpose of it is to get people of different races and social status together and have conversations to try to ease racial tensions. This program goes on for six weeks and anyone signing up to participate in it is asked to promise to attend at least five meetings out of the six. I am going to help with some mailing matter this evening. I won’t be able to participate in the dialogue, because I have too many dates on my calendar which would conflict, but I am helping to get the meetings going.

Some time in the next two weeks I want to go to Kentland to see Mrs. Myers. I have an Easter gift for her and rather than send it, will take it if possible. I also am sending Debbie a package for Easter and will try to get it in the mail tomorrow.

The bridge club met here Sunday evening. They were delighted with the Steamboat dinner and said the next time they come, they want us to serve same thing. Some said they would rather eat the main course than have dessert, so I would say it was a success. Jeannette Batton asked me where I got all the chopped food—I presume she thought there was a place here in Lafayette where one could buy it. I told her that I did all the chopping. They seemed—several that is—to think it took an awful lot of chopping. It does, but I don’t do it all at one time.

I wish I could have a picture of each one of the banners you have in your church. You should tell your (two) people who object to visit some other churches where banners are being used and see what is going on in the world. The First U. M. Church here in W.L. had banners made for the front of their new sanctuary to add a little color. The interior of the church is brick and is very severe. Just recently I was in a church that was using banners in the sanctuary. I was telling one of the ministers from North Indiana Conference about your banners. He said the banners are doing now what the stained glass windows did when they were first used. Banners are really not a new idea and should be used, as in your case, to do something for the walls.

Haven’t any plans just now about coming out. Lea had a sore throat so they didn’t come over Sunday so I have not had a chance to talk to her about what she plans to do. She did tell me some time ago that she planned to come and stay with you when the new baby comes.

Hope we get a copy of the picture taken by the professional photographer.
Love Mother

©2018 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2018/01/01/gladys-2-april-1971/

Gladys – 5 February 1971

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Gladys, 5 February 1971

118 Juniper Court
W. Lafayette, Ind. 47906
February 5, 1971

Dear David, Bonnie and Debbie,

Thanks (if a little late) for all the nice Christmas gifts. I am trying to read Ramsey Clark’s book, but have been swamped lately with other things. I find it quite interesting when I have time to read in it. I have been wearing the Peace Symbol and have been telling everyone that you made it (David-that is). I hope I am correct.

A package will come for Debbie for Valentine’s day. It is a red teddy bear. If you think the eyes can be pulled out by Debbie, take them out. I tried, but had no success.

Mark and Shirley and the children were here Sunday for David’s birthday. He was five Thursday, but we couldn’t be together on that day, so celebrated a little early. I still think he thought Sunday was his birthday-or at least he pretended pretty well that it was. I had baked a cake for him and gave him a package of pre-historic animal which delighted him (and Kirk). They seem to enjoy those little animals made of plastic.

The 3rd was Lea’s birthday, so we called her. She said John was going to take them out to dinner to celebrate. They are coming over March 5th to attend a P-I basketball game.

We took Cheng-See to Champaign while she was here during the Christmas holidays. She saw flat Champaign and all the flat country in-between. We also went to LaPorte to see the Janssen’s and she saw more flat country. Quite different from the country surrounding Jackson, Tenn.

The present project from the workshop of Dad is a cabinet for our projector and storage space for our slides. I will be so glad to get the slides organized and know just where to reach for any particular slide. He saw the design in a Popular —  magazine and when he showed it to me, I said, “we should have that.”

Dad went to Kentland Sunday evening for bridge club at Funks. I didn’t go because I had a meeting to attend in Rochester the next day and couldn’t see myself getting up and starting out at 7:30 after coming home from bridge club the night before. Kentland is on Chicago time and we are on Eastern time and we lost an hour coming home.

Gary Myers parent’s address is 1827 E. Main St., Lafayette 47904. I had to get some salt for our conditioner and thought to ask the person who answered the phone if Curley was still with them and where he lives.

Since I couldn’t go to Kentland last Sunday, I called Mrs. Myers on the phone, because I knew she would be expecting me. We told the club to drop us because I am too busy with Conference meeting to try to entertain for a while, but they wouldn’t take that and said for us to keep coming and to entertain when we can. You can’t beat that for people wanting to have you with them.

We hadn’t seen the raccoons since last fall and last night RuthAnn (Annie) and Jim Mishler were here for a Steamboat dinner and we were sitting in the room with the fireplace when Jim saw the raccoon looking in the window. Of course, I got some bread and fed the little caller. They got quite a thrill out of seeing me give the beggar a piece of bread. Annie is Earl Yegerlehner’s daughter and is in training at St. E. She will graduate in June. Jim still has 2 years at Purdue.

Love, Mother

©2017 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2017/12/06/gladys-5-february-1971/

David’s Diary – December 23, 1970

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Wednesday, 23 December 1970

Up about 9:00; had breakfast—was occupied at my desk for a while; the mail man came early—as he has been recently—more Xmas cards, plus another New Republic, which I spent some time with. Late in the morning Bonnie prevailed upon me to mimeo my poem, “Christmas Is All Very New” onto the Paul Klee UNICEF Xmas cards which mom had sent us. She has a list that she wants to send them to. I caught the noon weather forecast and the snowstorm headed this way for tomorrow threatened G’ma + Emil’s trip up. So we called them and offered to come and get them—they accepted. I would have gone, but Bonnie insisted that she do it. We had lunch, I made a quick trip down to the neck to do some final shopping, then came home so that she could go. She left about 1:30. I did some wrapping, played with Debbie—but most of my time was spent preparing tomorrow night’s service—also did some shoveling of snow. Late in the afternoon I prepared supper. Unfortunately the snow situation was worsening—and Bonnie and G + E had a very treacherous trip. Didn’t get here until about 7:00! And they left Avon at 3:30! We had supper when they arrived; I cleaned up; went to Richdales for kitty litter—but the rest of the evening was spent relaxing, visiting—started on the stencil for tomorrow night’s bulletin; 11 o’clock news; bathed read in I Corin. OBLO  c. 1:30.

Thursday, 24 December 1970

Up about 9:00. Had breakfast, then made bread—looked over the mail when it came; ran off the bulletin for tonight’s service. Then watched noon news—for weather report mainly—storm still raging. After lunch I shaved, then headed off to do some errands; went to the church to get things set up for tonight’s service. The Kramer boy + his group were practicing—at very high volume. Lois Clapp came in to refamiliarize herself with the organ. Before going to the church, i.e. my first errand had been going to the P.O. to mail the Xmas cards which Bonnie decided to send out! From there I dropped in to see Virginia Bate—gave her a couple of books for Xmas—also saw her aunt Amy for a few minutes. After getting home from the church I had a while to work on tonight’s service—then a few minutes before 4:00 Bonnie + I went to St. Mary’s for the Sunday School Service. Home by 5:00, fixed supper. Then I worked further on the service. Left for the church about 7:30. A miserable turnout: only 10 in the congregation; 2 major goofs: I planned too much and it had to be cut short, and Lois played the wrong processional! We got home about 9:15, then had our gift exchange—until about 10:15; Debbie played Santa Claus—very nice gifts all around. We watched 11 o’clock news; read a while in bed; LO 12:30.

Deborah Christmas 1970

Friday, 25 December 1970

[Top panel: called Lea 365-6195]

Up about 9:30 after Θ (a nice Christmas present to each other to start the day!)  After breakfast I turned to shaving—but before breakfast—just as we were preparing to start, a phone call came from mom + dad—we had a nice chat. I was prepared to work on my sermon today—but that kept being put off. Early in the afternoon, after lunch we called Lea—mother told us she’s had another mis-carriage, so we wanted to cheer her up if possible—so we had a nice long chat with her. My new Christmas clothes (4 ties, 4 pairs of trousers) sparked interest in my wardrobe, so the early part of the afternoon I spent going through it all—and threw some things out. In the middle of the afternoon I started to put supper together; I still hoped to get started on my sermon, but just too lethargic = to back up—around the noon hour Dr. Beck called to wish us Merry Christmas and we had a nice chat with him too—it was really great of him to call. Late in the afternoon I dozed in my chair—made a slight beginning on the sermon—and fixed supper—Bonnie feeling pretty lousy—as she was til later in the evening. After supper CBS news. Then I made progress on sermon; we showed 1970 slides to Grandma + Emil. Then more on the sermon; watched 11 o’clock news; bathed; worked further on sermon; OBLO 12:50.

Saturday, 26 December 1970

Up by 8:30—another snow storm raging. After breakfast I turned to the sermon. I.e., writing out the final draft from the rough draft. I got a large part of it done in the morning before we got lunch. I shaved after eating, then went back to working on the sermon—got the bulk of it finished. Then Bonnie, grandma + I set off for Mals—we did some shopping—bought yarn to make an afgan for Bonnie (G’ma will do it—she even bought the yarn!) I looked at trousers, but the only ones in my size were expensive; one pair which we got the other day doesn’t fit well, so we’ll exchange it—the exchange line was too big today. We got an electric clock and I bought the stereo music score from Alice’s Restaurant. We also bought groceries at Stop + Shop. After coming home I went up to see the Hannibals for about 45 min. Home about 5:00, then we went to China Port restaurant in Gloucester and had a great Chinese supper—s + s duck! When we got home we all relaxed, listened to Alice’s Restaurant, Marion Anderson, Joy Is Like the Rain [1] also took down the Xmas tree—very dry + brittle. I worked on the sermon—completed it; did the bulletins. Took time now + then to socialize. Bathed about 11:30. Prepared service; practiced sermon. read in bed, LO. Θ c. 1:00 AM.

[1]

©2017 copyright owned and transcribed by David Madison and Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2017/11/19/davids-diary-december-23-1970/

David’s Diary – February 11, 1970

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Wednesday, 11 February 1970

Up about 9:30. Shaved, had a good breakfast. Prepared to leave for Boston; left town by car shortly after 11:00. I went to Somerville looking for NE Color Research—I finally found them—but they wanted 90¢ apiece to duplicate slides! Couldn’t afford that. Spent some time at the Harvard Coop. I got to BU just about 2 o’clock, in time for Dr. Beck’s OT Theology. When this was over I hurredly [sic] ate my lunch in the lounge, went to the jewelry store to get earrings for Bonnie for Valentines Day, went to Sears to get Bonnie’s new set of cooking pans—7 piece set in flame red. Got back to BU in time for seminar at 4 o’clock. Heard two long papers. It’s too much in one session to hear 2 papers—no time for discussion. We let out about 6:00. I arrived home shortly after 7:00. We left Debbie with Drue + Sully, went to Wesleyan Fellowship at the church—only 6 there besides Bonnie + myself. They’re going to call a meeting next month to consider disbanding. We saw a film on Methodist Benevolence programs: “On the 8th Day.” Over about 9:45—we then spent [??] with Drue + Sully watching TV. Arrived home about 11:00. Relaxed—after a day constantly on the go. We slowly got around to getting ready for bed; bathed together. OBLO 12:23.

Thursday, 12 February 1970

Up about 9:30. Had breakfast, then prepared to go on my morning errands. Had to go to Gloucester to take Richardson’s slides to be duplicated—my second try. Then went to Wesley church, left off a film (“On the 8th Day”)—back to Rockport. Dropped in to see Mrs. Haskell, then stopped at the church, picked up the movie projector + screen, dropped them off at the Congregational Church. Then came home, had lunch; then Bonnie left, shortly after 1:00, to go shopping. While she was gone I took Debbie on my back—we went down to Bearskin Neck—bought Bonnie two pair of earrings—for Valentine Day. When we got home I got to work on the worship service—for the kids going to the Joint Youth Fellowship ski weekend. This took the rest of the afternoon. Ate supper about 6:00. Arrived at the Baptist church about 7:15—with my record player. The sermon included 2 songs, “Nat’l Brotherhood Week” by Tom Leher, and “Blessed Are the Meek,” by Simon + Garfunkel. The worship service really didn’t go well; I felt no rapport whatever with the audience. The worship service simply is not their natural environment—most of them never have this experience; got home about 9:30. Very weary; had snack; bathed; OBLO, Θ before 12:00.

Friday, 13 February 1970

We were awake around 9:00. Θ—but unsuccessful. Since tomorrow I have to be getting up early, I decided to give Bonnie her Valentine gift—which I did before we got out of bed—the three sets of earrings: a conservative “loop” pair, a pair of “dangling boxes”—bright purple; and a pair of “chandellears”—long hanging ones from Pakistan [?]. After breakfast, Bonnie gave me a HAIRCUT. I didn’t get much work done in the morning. We ate lunch about noon. Then I took Bonnie to work—Debbie went along too, of course. I had several things to do when we got home. Then about 2:30 had to get ready to go again. Left Debbie off with the Ornes, then headed for Gloucester; stopped briefly at the grocery store, then went to the hospital for meeting with the drug crisis group; Jack Roberts had his draft proposal ready—asking $11,000 from the FFR. This was over about 4:30. I waited in the lab for Bonnie to get off work. We then headed to Rockport. Picked up Debbie, then came home; started working on supper. Jerry + Carol Lewis arrived about 6:30. We had supper. Spent the evening mainly playing cards (Tripoli)  They left about 10:15. Bathed, OBLO, 11:35.

Saturday, 14 February 1970

Up about 7:45   Ugh! Had to get shaved, have breakfast—left the house at 9:00—headed for Worcester for my 11:20 appointment with the Board of Ministry. Made good time—the weather was fine, just cold. Arrived at Wesley Church in Worcester at about 10:45. Then had waiting to do—about an hour. The Board was small this year—only 12 or 14, then this group split up to speed the process—I was interviewed by about 6 or 7—from about 11:45-12:15. It was a good interview—I was treated very decently. They voted unanimously that I be ordained Elder in June. Rev. Harding assigned me to write a sermon on Amos. I left Wesley church at 12:30. On my way home—found Bonnie’s Valentine card in my sack lunch, signed “Frau Schultz”—Lea will get a kick out of that; stopped at Whittemores for bulletins. Headed home, arrived in Rockport at 3 o’clock. Then had to relax—very weary. After trying to nap a while I got to work at my desk. Did most of work on bulletins.  Bonnie suggested we go out to eat. So we went to “The Surf” in Magnolia—Cameron Sesto came over with Ezra and stayed with Debbie. We were gone from 6:15–8:00. I finished the bulletins, then got to work on the sermon—on Jeremiah; it went very quickly. Done by about 11:15; we bathed together; OBLO c. 12. Θ

Sunday, 15 February 1970

Up about 8:15—Shaved, had breakfast, no Sunday School class—because Karen Haskell was on ski trip. Worked on the service, including practicing the sermon—then left for the church when Vicki Gamage got here to stay with Debbie. Got to the church about 10:40—it had been snowing all morning—several inches on the ground, so attendance was poor—only 9 in the congregation—18 in all—including myself. We were home by 12:30. Fixed lunch. The afternoon was spent at my desk. I was tempted to nap—but had too much to do. My desk was a mess—piled high with papers. I had to sort through this—also had to prepare the notices to be sent to the Methodist men. We had supper close to 7 o’clock. Then I got back to my desk, did some reading—also re-read my “What SI Prophecy?” in preparation for Tuesday night’s lecture—it will need to be revised somewhat and lengthened. About 8:30 we went down to Patriquins—the Gamages were there. We had a nice visit—came home about 10:30. I tried to work further, but really wasn’t in the mood; bathed about 11:00, watched news; OBLO, c. 12:00.

Debbie, February 1970

©2017 copyright owned and transcribed by David Madison and Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2017/07/31/davids-diary-february-11-1970/

Gladys – February 9, 1970

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Letter transcription:

118 Juniper Court
W. Lafayette, Ind. 47906
Feb. 9, 1970

Dear David, Bonnie & Debby,

The best time I could get out of NY on the 27th was or rather is to arrive Boston at 3:24 PM American. Will drop you a line if there is any change. The best flight back on the 3rd will be at noon from Boston. May change that, but we have time to do that. Would rather have an earlier flight if possible. That was the best time to make connections in Chicago to Lafayette.

We are having snow today and the temperature is around freezing. Norma Zell was coming here for lunch – then she had a committee meeting to attend, but called and said she was afraid to start. When Dad came home for lunch he said the country roads were slick – he had heard. The forecast is for freezing rain. I rather think I will stay home today. I have been driving, but don’t have to go out, so think it will be better to stay in. Dad put some mail in the box for me, so I really don’t have to go out. I am typing this with my left hand. Have to keep my right arm in the sling, or if I don’t it gets a little grouchy – like it starts to ache, and feels like it is going to swell – or do something else uncomfortable.

Get me an appointment with Drew for a shampoo and set on Sat. the 18th.

Lea, Bob and our Japanese friend Akiko are coming for the Purdue-Illinois game Sat. They are coming on Friday evening. We are planning a Hoke-Pan dinner for them on Fri. Akiko will go back to Tokyo at the end of the school year. She will return to her teaching position at University in Tokyo.

Since this is no fun to write with one hand, and since I am so slow in getting things done – and I have a few things to do, I will save my conversation until I get to Rockport. However, I will add, I am bringing material for bathrobes for Bonnie and myself. I hope Bonnie can make mine while I am in Rockport. Also will bring dress material for myself which I will not be in a hurry about.

Love Mother

(by left hand)

©2017 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2017/07/30/gladys-february-9-1970/

Gladys – November 3, 1969

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Letter transcription:

Nov. 3, 1969

Dear D, B, D,

We went to Champaign for a long weekend. Dad was MD for freshman team at Champaign and Purdue’s freshman team really lost, but the big team won by a large score. We had tickets for the Saturday game. We picked up our little Japanese friend – (the one we sat by on the plane coming from Tokyo to LA, in August – she is on the staff at U of I for a year – then she will go back to Tokyo – she is studying and working at U of I) on Friday evening and took her out to Lea and Bob’s place for dinner. The family all had gifts for me and a cake which was a little early, but I unwrapped gifts and when we explained that it was my birthday, she gave me a gift she had brought along – which we couldn’t decide whether she had originally meant for me or for Lea – but at any rate it was a very beautiful Christmas tree ornament – a ball wound with several different colors and very beautiful designs made by the different colors and the way the threads were interlaced.

Tomorrow after Dad gets off at the S. H. C. we are going to Kentland to get the key to the office. Dr. Imperial had moved to his new office building. We have offered the building for sale to the people who live across the street, the Johnsons and also to Sid Lee who owns the apartment house on the corner next to the office. Just hope one of them decided to buy the place, because we don’t want to be bothered with it. It would cost too much to make it into a dwelling, or two apartments and it would require too much attention from 42 miles.

We plan to go to Mark’s next Sunday. We had wanted to go there Oct. 19th for Kirk’s birthday, but had something going on at church – after an extensive campaign – we raised $170,000.00 for 1970 budget. They were shooting for $140, but were very happy about the $107, and when you consider the last time pledges were made a year and a half ago, only 86 thousand was pledged. I think the $107 should look good.

I know the Bylers are in New York – as the missionaries we met in Karachi said, he was kicked upstairs. Just wish he could help me get some money for a little girl in Penang Louise introduced to us. She is trying to get a scholarship to study in Jackson, Tenn., at Lambuth College for 4 years. I did some inquiring when we came back and was directed to Miss Margaret Swift in the Crusade Division, but so far we haven’t gotten very far. If you can be of any help tell me what to do.

[page 2] I typed a letter for Dad and made so many errors, you would think he had done the typing himself.

I have a two day meeting to attend at Geneva Center, Rochester, Indiana, Wed. and Thurs. The Division of Christian Outreach – and I am Chairman of Section on Social Witness. Dad gave me a new tape recorder for my birthday – it is also a radio on which one can record while listening – say to an opera or anything interesting you would want to record. It is a Longines.

Love Mother

Pills for 5 months sent yesterday. You should have them by the time you get this. I sent them first class.

©2017 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2017/07/09/gladys-november-3-1969/

Gladys – September 1, 1969

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Letter transcription:

118 Juniper Court
West Lafayette, Ind. 47906
Sept. 1, 1969

Dear David, Bonnie and Debbie,

Enclosed find check for $20.00 – $10.00 for each of you for your birthdays.

John was quite impressed with Debbie’s reaction to the brightly colored blocks which Lea said you had bought with the money I had sent for her birthday. I asked John what he gave her and he said nothing – that he doesn’t give his nephews and nieces birthday gifts. He has always given them Christmas gifts, but not for birthdays. I have also put $10.00 in Debbie’s savings account for her birthday. That is something I have been doing since Becky arrived. Becky reminded me when we were there over the weekend that she would be having a birthday the 10th. I also reminded her that I had bought her birthday present in Japan and it was on the way.

The house that Mark and Shirley are buying is only two years old. The couple have been divorced and are living in other states, hence the delay in getting the final settlement and the key. We looked at the house from the outside and I would say it is in the same class as Bob and Lea’s house. The big difference is that Bob and Lea are on a lake. However, there is a woods and a field back of Mark’s. They will have a very nice large yard for the children to play in and the children will only be a few blocks from school. Shirley will have to take them the 5 miles, beginning tomorrow, to school until they can get moved. The house is brick – light buff – and has some landscaping. It has been vacant since July 1st, so Mark will have a man sized job getting rid of the weeds all around the house. There is a large living room, family room, kitchen, three bedrooms and two bathrooms, a small den and a two car garage. There is an area around the side of the garage and back of the house that has been fenced and has a cement floor. There are morning glory vines growing all over the fencing. We can’t figure what that area was used for. Dad suggested they could put Kirk and David in there at times. Shirley said she thought it had been used for a dog, but Mark didn’t seem to think they needed a dog – since there are several in the neighborhood already.

Dad has washed and waxed his car and mine today. We had thought the forwarding company was going to ship our car via auto transport (that was what we were told by the company in Indianapolis), but I got a call Tuesday evening that the Mercedes had been cleared through customs and that I could pick it up at any time. We got a flight out of Indianapolis Wednesday evening – spent a night in a motel near the airport in Newark and Tuesday morning had the car and were on our way home. In the papers which I received there was an authorization for a car wash job – $35.00-, but I didn’t order that because the Company in Indianapolis said – when they had told us the car could be shipped that they would wash the car – it was covered with cosmoline to protect it during shipment. It took two washings to get the cosmoline off, but I still think $35 was a pretty high price for a car wash job.

John Janssen was married to Lana Farlow Saturday evening – in the Christian church in Rushville. The minister gave a different sort of marriage ceremony – it amounted to a lecture. The Janssens told us last night – they stopped here on their way home – that he lectured John and Lana one hour Friday evening before he would consent to marry them. Also they had to rehearse the wedding three times on Friday and he ordered that no pictures be taken at certain times during the ceremony. However, friends of Janssens from around Kentland and other points north didn’t hear his prohibitions, so flash cameras were flashing all

[page 2] around the church. I didn’t have my instamatic along, so I was not guilty.

Today Dad had the duty, which so far hasn’t amounted to any work, but he still had to be here. The day isn’t over yet, so he may have to do something Health Center wise yet – but I am hoping he will not. He had to have Friday and Thursday covered by another Doctor for us to go to NJ, but since there isn’t much going on now, I rather think it wasn’t asking too much to get away those two days.

Love Mother

©2017 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2017/06/27/gladys-september-1-1969/

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/

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/