Tag Archives: Richard M. Nixon

David’s Diary – April 28, 1970

Tuesday, 28 April 1970

Up about 9:00. After breakfast I went over to the Building Center to get materials for a fence for the strawberry patch—chicken wire and 2X2 posts. Got home and set to work preparing the posts—i.e., using the saw to give them sharp ends. I stayed in the house near Debbie while Bonnie went to the laundra-mat (dry-cleaning to do); Debbie is investigating her dirty diapers these days—after bowel movement—and making quite a mess. When Bonnie got home I returned to working on the fence until lunch time. Then back to work. Shortly after Bonnie left I checked on Debbie—she’d done it again—the screen on her window needed to be cleaned—I hosed it down. I got the mess cleaned up—& Debbie washed—then back to work on the fence—got posts in, but had to stop because the staples were still in the car. So the rest of the afternoon (after shaving) I prepared my Bible class lesson for this evening—the story of Elijah. When Bonnie got home I had about 45 [min.] to work on attaching the wire to the posts. We had supper about 7:00—watched CBS news from 6:30–7:00. The Bible class arrived at 8:00—10 in attendance besides Bonnie + myself. After they left—about 9:30, worked on the annotated bibliography + reading list. Finally finished about 12:30. Bathed, OBLO, 1:05.

Wednesday 29 April 1970

Up about 8.30 or 8:45. The swelling below my left ear had not decreased—I felt faint while eating breakfast. But I decided to go ahead with the day’s activities. I drove to Gloucester and picked up the 25 (approx.) posters—and spent most of the morning running around Gloucester distributing these. When I got home I shaved, then went distributing signs in Rockport—and picked up my shoes at George Marr’s. When I got home I called Dr. Browns office and he told me to come over in about 30 min. So I rested while then went—arriving there at 12:30. He said that I might have the mumps—told me to take it easy. But I decided to go ahead with my plans for the day. Ate lunch, got ready to go; left for Boston about 2:50. Bonnie did the driving. We arrived at BU at just 4:00—Bonnie took Debbie for a stroll along the Charles while I had class, which was over at 5:40. We had a visit with Dr. Beck. Then headed to Medford—arrived at Don McGaw’s just before 6:30. Ate supper. Arrived at the church about 7:30. Got things set up. I gave my Dead Sea Scrolls [lecture]. The discussion following was quite stimulating. We were able to leave for home about 10:45—I was having chills. Went right to bed when I got home; temperature 102.4° —a restless night.

Thursday, 30 April 1970

The swelling was worse when I awoke. There seemed to be no doubt now that I did have mumps—all day long I didn’t get out of bed more than 5 or 6 times. And Bonnie was on the phone a good part of the day making various arrangements. She contacted Tom Raper—asked him if he wanted to do the preaching this coming Sunday—he agreed to. She also had to contact Milton Fuller to alert him that the program this Sunday evening—the Black History film—will all be in his hands. During the day my fever decreased and I was feeling well enough to do a little reading—started on Bury’s History of Greece. Early in the afternoon Bonnie called the Lahey Clinic in Boston to reach the Stoners. They weren’t there yet. About mid-afternoon Dorothy called—I had to get it since Bonnie was tending to Debbie (she’d been investigating her dirty diapers again). I told her what the problem was—I knew they wouldn’t want to expose Joe to any sickness. We had made arrangements for Joe to stay at the Patriquins—but in the early evening we got a call that they were on their way home—didn’t want to take the risk. I slept during the evening; watched 11:00 p.m. news—Nixon’s invaded Cambodia —

©2017 copyright owned and transcribed by David Madison and Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2017/08/23/davids-diary-april-28-1970/

Gladys – November 12, 1968

3 Replies

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/

New Washing Machine

1 Reply

Letter transcription:

[Wright 533 – handwritten by David]

Dear David:

First, John’s address is
Dr. John Yegerlehner
FKIP
Djalan Semarang
Malang (Djatim)
Indonesia

Second, you may order the two volumes and I will put the $15.00 in addition to the $130 tomorrow (bank is closed today for Lincoln’s birthday).

I am listening to our new washing machine which was installed last Saturday. It seems to make a lot of noise, but I suppose I will get used to it. This is just the fourth load of clothes I have washed. Since it is a combination, it has a lot of cycles to go thru before the clothes are ready to take out. One of the items being washed now is the white table cloth which you put on the MYF alter. I had noticed it was pretty dirty, so after the Bible study class last night, I took it off and brought it home.

I attended a hospital auxiliary committee meeting at the hospital today. It started with a luncheon at 12:30 and it was almost 3 o’clock when I returned home. While there I visited a few minutes with Mrs. Donaldson. Her baby stillborn. She is getting along very well and seemed quite adjusted to the situation. I took her a little gift and she had received so many flowers. Our S.S. class decided to give them some money since the expenses of a funeral is something not very many young people have included in a budget. She said everyone had been so nice to them and said so many people had brought food (to the house, of course) they had to deep freeze some of it. She was sewing on Kleenex holders, so was doing what she could to keep herself occupied.

Dad finished shelves on the west wall and the east wall of the family room. He is now planning how he is going to build a cabinet around the washing machine. Also he is going to build in a tier of shelves in our bedroom. After those projects I can’t think of anything else I want built in, but it should be getting about time for him to be getting the lawnmower ready for spring. He is going to have one big job when he starts on this lawn, since he quit cutting too soon last fall.

A bunch of letters from Doubleday & Company, inc. came to you from Los Angeles. Since it isn’t first class mail I opened one and it is an (so it says) an important message to friends and supporters of Richard M. Nixon. – well I will enclose one. I just took a second glance and find it is a book selling campaign. I think it isn’t included in your budget and you wouldn’t have time to read it anyway.

Have you done anything about looking for summer work. You have not mentioned anything in your letters.

The medical meeting is at the Nu-Joy this Wednesday. By the way, I sent that card to Mr. Halleck after the last meeting and I received a letter from him acknowledging my card, so cards are read by politicians. He assured me he is not in favor of the bill I wrote about (King-Anderson).

It is getting to be time for me to go to the office, so must get this ready to mail.

Love Mother

©2016 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2016/09/30/new-washing-machine/

A Turning Point

1 Reply

March 19, 1963 envelope

Letter transcription:

March 19, 1963, p. 1

Kentland, March 19, 1963

David, My Dear

Please know how I appreciate the two good letters I have had from you since I have written, and I started to write you yesterday, and then thought I would wait until this morning and see if a letter came from you, as they usually arrive on Tuesday morning.

First I want to explain why I have not written. I have really been going through a turning point in my life. I have been in a state of very deep depression for the past several weeks, and simply have not been able to carry on the normal activities. I have decided to make a serious effort to sell the hotel as soon as possible. Harold agrees with me in this and is going to help me carry it out. This has been my home for the past nineteen years and at my age it will be hard to pull up the roots in view of my handicap, but I feel that I must do it.

I have now placed my affairs in God’s hands, and I know that His law of love and justice will take care of me, since I have done all that I can do to help myself. I know you share my belief in a personal God who cares for us.

When I watched the appearance of Nixon on TV I hoped all the time that you also were watching. I was delighted, and you know, I believe if he had displayed that side of his personality during the campaign he would now be president. However, I can well understand how it is impossible to be one’s own self when trying to please so many difference factions. I thought he was charming. I am anxious to know if you and Bonnie got to see Sen. Goldwater and what your reaction was.

It must have been thrilling to talk with Bishop Raines. You have the opportunity now to meet and know so many worthwhile people, which is an education in itself and helps to build your own personality and character, and I am sure they all feel it is very worthwhile to know a young man like you.

I am glad to hear you did well in your test on history of the reformation. And I must say that the only real laugh I have had in some time was to imagine YOU as a Catholic priest doing the twist with an angel. Really, I flipped.

March 19, 1963, p. 2

[page 2] While your mother had the children here she was in for a few minutes with Becky one afternoon, and a few days later she brought Kirk in to see me. David, he is the sweetest baby, just beautiful and so good. I told your mother I was so happy for her because he is such a wonderful baby. She said he did not even require a feeding during the night, but slept right through.

I will close now and I will write you next week or sooner if I have any news. Your letters always give me a lift and I thank you for taking the time to write me when you are so very busy.

Best love,
Grandma

©2016 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2016/08/22/a-turning-point/

College Students at the Hotel

3 Replies

October 31, 1962 envelope

October 31, 1962, p. 1

Letter transcription:

Kentland, Oct. 31^st

David Dear

At long last I have my old trusty typewriter back again, without which I am out of communication. It got a complete overhauling and it seems it took a long time. Big deal.

Your mother was in for a few minutes this morning, and she tells me that your date with Chris came off as you wished, and that makes me happy for you. She said you would be home this coming weekend, so maybe you will have time to tell me about her.

The way things look now, it could be we will all be here for a while longer, I hope. I saw your picture in the paper, and clipped it to send you. If you did not pose for this you could have, it looks so much like you. Your mother brought Becky in to see me, which didn’t seem to interest Becky in the least as you can imagine. She said they were in Chicago Sunday and the new baby is big and beautiful. You know what I was thinking? You just save that name “Julie” for the future, for that lovely day when you will have a Julie of your very own.

We have been having lots of college students at the hotel. A couple weeks ago we had a bus load of girls, 35 in fact, from St. Mary’s of the Woods. We have them every Fall and Spring. They are brought here to attend something they call a “mixer” at St. Joseph in Rennselaer. We are going to have another group this coming Saturday night for another one. Last weekend we had 25 boys and girls from University of Cincinnati who were out on a field trip through Indiana. Their geology Prof. Richard Durrell brought them here. He comes here frequently to look after farm interests of his own. He gave a lecture to them that night in the lobby. It was too technical to understand for me. They were going to invade the Newton County Stone Quarry the next morning.

There was a picture at the Kent theatre I wish we could have seen “That Touch of Mink.” I enjoyed Roz’s story in the Post. I also read the “Fail-Safe” which is causing so much discussion. Blood curdling. Last night I read a piece in Reader’s Digest taken from Nixon’s book, the story of his part in the Alger Hiss case.

Bye for now
Love
Grandma

©2016 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2016/08/17/college-students-at-the-hotel/

Birthday Greetings to a Grand Person

2 Replies

September 19, 1962 envelope

: Card exterior

: Card interior

: September 19, 1962 envelope

© 2016 copyright owned Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2016/08/14/birthday-greetings-to-a-grand-person/

Your Daddy Says Not So

1 Reply

July 17, 1962 envelope

July 17, 1962, p. 1

Letter transcription:

Kentland, July 17

David Dear

Your Grammaw has not willfully neglected writing to you, but last week’s heat together with the terrific humidity brought on a bad case of stupidity, also a slight attack of asthma to which I have recently been subject, making breathing, and exertion, difficult. At first I thought I was having a heart attack, but your daddy says not so, it is a mild asthma. I have always enjoyed hot weather, when others were uncomfortable, I felt fine, and I still love the hot summer time, but last week was a rough combination. Today, for a change, it is quite cool with a brilliant sun.

I do so enjoy hearing about all your work and other activities. Geography was always one of my great burdens in school. I always just barely passed, and sometimes not even that. I simply cannot locate other countries. To this day, I cannot tell you in what direction from here a given country is located. Way back in grade school, I used to get an F in geography. F meant “Fair,” but I would get an E plus (excellent) in reading, spelling and grammar, and once in a while a G (good in history) but always an F in geography and sometimes a scolding about it. I don’t believe I would have even got the F except for my efforts in other subjects.

I am so glad that good books are coming out in paperbacks although the few times I am in the drug store, which is the only place I know of in Kentland to buy them, I never seem to find anything worthwhile. I am so glad you are going to finish your set of the Interpreter’s. They are so wonderful.

I just finished reading an article in the July Red Book “The Nixon Family Under Fire Again.” I am almost sorry he is going to place himself in position to suffer the ignominy of another defeat. He doesn’t deserve it, and I just cannot see why some people feel as they do about him.

I also read an article in July McCall’s about William Holden, you remember “Father O’Banion” in Satan Never Sleeps. The reason I mention it, it said that he is strongly Conservative Republican. Now I admire him more than ever. If I were young enough, like Joyce, I’d gladly wear a Goldwater sweatshirt.

Your Chevalier record reminds me of another article I read last week, which was about him. Imagine, he is 72 and still has everything. It seem incredible that he could be my age. Still dancing and singing, and still the gay dog.

I miss Ike too, even Harry. Ike is going to be in Indiana I think it is this week. I wish I could see him.

Your trip to Tell City sounds like fun, and I think you have

July 17, 1962, p. 2

[page 2] a “break” coming. It sounds to me as if you are working hard, and then being a soda jerk also, yet. No doubt you are as anxious as I am as to what they are going to do today with “Medicare.” Phooey! The senate finance committee disposed of the withholding tax on dividends and I read where Kennedy had brought all his powers to bear on it, and left nothing undone to try to get it through, but how thankful I am he failed.

I must close so this will go in the afternoon mail, and get busy with a bite of dinner, or I won’t be though by 5:30. I have not seen your mother but once since she was in the hospital. She stopped in for a minute one morning, and said she was going to Lafayette for therapy. I do hope it is all worth while and that she will be more comfortable.

Lovingly,
Grandma Ruth

[Disclaimer: The views of Ruth Myers are not necessarily my own. My task as a historian is to present documents in their true and unedited form.]

©2016 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2016/08/12/your-daddy-says-not-so/

State Convention

1 Reply

May 10, 1962 envelope

Letter transcription:

May 10, 1962, p. 1

Kentland, May 10, 62

Dear David

Thank you for your two good letters since I have written you. You do indeed have a busy week, and today you are going your observation and taking a test. I hope the weather is better there for your ROTC parades than it is here. It has been rainy all week, and quite cold. Right now we are having a cold rain, with a lot of thunder.

I haven’t seen your mother, but I presume they went to Bloomington on May 2^nd. You didn’t mention it. I thought of you all that day, and hoped you were together.

I have the Post with the Nixon article, and started to read it last night, but had callers so will finish it sometime today. I read the book condensation that ran for several months in Reader’s Digest of The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich. I was glad I read it, for a lot of things I had not realized, or had forgotten.

I now understand how you can enjoy seeing a movie more than once, because I am sure I could see Pocketful of Miracles again with great enjoyment.

Your colored church dinner must have been quite an experience and no doubt delicious. In the old days when we had the dining room operating in the hotel at Mattoon, there was an elderly colored woman in charge of the kitchen and the food she turned out was wonderful, at least it seems so to me now, and I don’t think it is entirely nostalgia.

I pray that nothing interferes with your attending the State Convention. That would be just tragic. You just must go.

We are having a good week of business for a change, in fact the last two weeks have been better. But for goodness sake, look at where AT & T is today. The stock market started to fall and has fallen steadily ever since Kennedy and the steel affair. He scared business to death and it won’t recover in a hurry. I mean big business. I hope he’s satisfied. I would hate to have to sell at the present price. Still he wants to withhold 20 percent of the dividends.

May 10, 1962, p. 2

I read a lot in the papers about your new President, Mr. Stahr. From his history he should be qualified. I am enclosing some clippings from the Trib.

Yesterday I went to Watseka to Dr. Wood to have my feet taken care of. He is the only podiatrist closer than Lafayette. Our maid drove me in Harold’s car. Marie brought me an armload of lilac from her yard, and they are so fragrant and lovely, a real breath of spring.

Now please don’t work too hard, and I will be anxious to know how your tests came out, and how you survived your busy week.

By for now
Grandma Ruth

[Disclaimer: The views of Ruth Myers are not necessarily my own. My task as a historian is to present documents in their true and unedited form.]

Thank You for the Pictures

1 Reply

Letter transcription:

February 8, 1962

Dear David

Your two good letters delighted me very much, and thanks so much for the pictures. It’s an excellent on of you, and it’s interesting to see where you live and work.

I hope all went well with your two important visitors. I gave Harold your message about “Charlie.”

Your description of the warm Sunday which made you want to sleep, made me smile. It was near zero the morning your letter came.

Yesterday I went to Watseka to the podiatrist, and felt as if I were out of jail. First time I had been out for so long, it has been so very icy. Marie takes me in her car.

Your desk looks interesting. Who is that hanging behind the elephant? Is it Ike or Dick?

Your grades were very wonderful, and I was very happy about that, and of course so was your mother. She was in for a minute the other day. She had been to Lafayette for XRay treatment.

Knowing about your activities and interests at school gives me an uplift, and your letters are like a breath of fresh air.

Sincerely
Ruth M.

Report From Washington

1 Reply

Letter transcription:

November 15, 1960

November 15

Dear David,

Since we have to take what comfort we can find, I thought you might appreciate the enclosed clipping from last Saturday’s Chicago Tribune “Report from Washington.”

I saw your mother this morning and she is pleased with your progress at I. U.

With best regards to you
Most sincerely
Ruth Myers