Tag Archives: Ruth M. Myers

Tax Forms and Summer Plans

Letter transcription:

Mar. 14, 1966

Dear David & Bonnie,

I am sending you a form you will have to send in by Apr. 15 for your intangible tax. It is not paid by stamps, as in the past. I suppose too many people weren’t buying stamps, so now a form comes with state income form you will have to pay on 4GM (103½) 65 Echlin (15½) & 30 Sperry (22). The numbers 103½, 15½ & 22 were the prices as of Dec. 31, 1965, the ones you will have to use. You don’t have to pay on Bankers Life.

Mrs. Myers has been in the hospital since last Friday. She called Dad at about 12:45 (noon) and he stopped to see her on his way to the office. She was coughing and when I saw her that evening—we attended a medical meeting at the hospital—she seemed a little asthmatic. I went to see her today and she was much better. I took her an azalea plant which seemed to please her very much. Dad said she could come home later on this week. She didn’t get her Chicago Tribune yesterday so I am sending her the one we got.

I took the office of Christian Social Relations for Conference. I won’t get to attend all of School of Mission, but the President Elect said it wouldn’t

[page 2] be necessary. I will have to conduct some clinics, but can get them over in two days. If I get back home Tues. evening that should give me time to finish getting us ready to leave for Switzerland on the 16^th.

The stereo is just about adjusted. We think a new turntable will take care of the situation. I listened to several Beethoven records this evening.

Marjory Harris had surgery on her back (removal of a disc) and the bunions taken off her feet. I took her some things for her dinner this afternoon. She can’t be on her feet very long. If she does, her feet swell and turn purple, so she has to sit most of the time. I had cooked a chicken with carrots & celery (one of Dad’s favorite dishes) this morning – so this afternoon I took some chicken, carrots & celery, and a cheese cake to her. She said her appetite wasn’t very good but called me this evening and said she had eaten and evidently with more appetite than usual.

It is midnight and I should be in bed, but for some reason I couldn’t sleep, so thought I had just as well get up and write a letter.

We are still studying German

[page 3] and have quite a few expression. At least we will know how to ask for the men’s room & the ladies’ room and a room with twin beds.

The high school is putting on South Pacific and we promised Levanche Tanquary we would go. She has a part and is assistant director. It is going to be given April 28, 29, 30. I have to go to Indianapolis Apr. 26 to be installed as Conference Officer, C.S.R. Virginia Zell Gale lives in Indianapolis now so Norma & I plan to go together. Since I am not on the Ex. Comm. Yet I won’t have to go on the 25^th for Ex. Comm. meeting.

The Township of Jefferson is going to have a united fund drive this month & Marge Janssen & I will have to solicit this neighborhood, but that shouldn’t be too large a job.

I am beginning to get sleepy, so will go back to bed.

I wrote to Louise & Mac but haven’t heard from them. I thought we might possibly see them while traveling. Evidently they are not interested in going to Petra. I wish they would go with us. I wrote that Petra is a photographer’s paradise. I thought that might be an inducement to Bonnie’s Dad.

I heard yesterday the Lynch Ford Sales is going out of business. I wish someone would buy that place and

[page 4] clean it. It is really a junk yard now. My car is in the body shop getting some paint. One place had rusted through and several places had rust spots. Dad is driving the new Buick and I am driving the leased car until my car is ready.

Sears pick-up men are to get a combination stereo-radio that was loaned to me while they were trying to get my stereo corrected. I don’t remember if I told you, but my good little radio is at the hospital. The stereo we gave to the hospital had to be brought back for repair and until things got straightened out, my radio went to the hospital. They like it so much I think I won’t get it back, but I will get one just as good.

Dad is giving me a tape recorder to take with us on our trip. It is small enough to fit in my handbag. It is just a little larger than the first transistor radio you had.

I had to use the back of my intangible tax form but with just 3 to list, you will be able to just use the front. I am sending 2, so you can keep a copy.

Love Mother

©2017 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2017/03/08/tax-forms-and-summer-plans/

Bitte Post Wort Buch

1 Reply

March 10, 1966

Dear David and Bonnie: Bitte, post wort buch. Danke schon.

I was opening letters and discovered when I had finished I had 3 checks from GM and in examining the checks saw I had opened your letter. We had our stocks divided (according to advice from legal authority, so we now get two dividend checks from each company). You won’t need to divide yours yet for a while, but in time you may need to.

Send me copies of your translations if you have time. I think I answered your question about Mrs. M. in my last letter. Also this week two pictures of the children were mailed and I hope you have them by now. They should be coming down for a weekend before long. David is now five weeks old and I know he has changed a lot.

The Sears store was able to get a field man from Dayton to look at our stereo. It is much better and also the amplifier for the hospital has been put in working order again, so maybe now my radio will be brought back home. Janssen sent a cabinet (combination stereo, FM & AM) set so I could listen to the opera last Saturday and there was such a frying noise it almost ruined the reception. I have the radio turned on now and the same sound is coming through.

Something is going to be built on the corner across from Williams and Lynch Ford. Most of the trees have been pulled up and burned. I have heard a restaurant is going to be built. That corner looks so much different now that those trees are gone.

For your information, we will be in Rome almost a week, so we should be able to see a few things. I am reading a book about Petra now. Have finished Crime & Punishment. Some story. It really had a happier ending that I thought it could have.

I talked to John recently and he evidently recovered from his teeth pulling. He seemed to think it didn’t bother him.

The new Buick was delivered today and Dad and I went to Morocco this morning and got the new license plate. Dad is going to continue to drive the leased car until Apr. 1. I have to have some painting done on my car, so will get to drive the new car one day next week.

Love Mother

(over)

M. Harris has been in hospital for back surgery, but is home. I haven’t been to see her but plan to go tomorrow.

©2017 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2017/03/07/bitte-post-wort-buch/

Holiday vs. School of Mission

1 Reply

Letter transcription:

March 7, 1966

Dear David and Bonnie: Vas gipts zawnst?

Dad is getting a new Buick and he still has the rest of this month to use the rented Cadillac, so my car is in the garage this morning to have the door opener taken off and put on the new car. My car will sit out now until Apr. 1. Dad said he wanted to keep the new car in our garage until he is ready to use it. Just before Apr. 1 we will have to have door opener taken off the rented car and put on my Cadillac.

Mrs. Staton passed away Friday night and the funeral is this afternoon. She was 88, which is a pretty good age to attain even in the space age. Mr. Staton says he is going to stay where he is. He doesn’t look too good and I think at times he is a little fuzzy, but I suppose he will remain in his home as long as possible. I think he is about 95.

I was asked to take an office on the Conference level (Christian School Relations) but since we have already planned to leave here July 16 to go to Switzerland, I couldn’t see how I could attend School of Mission July 10 to 15. I am not that fast. I couldn’t get ready for a 5 ½ week holiday in one day, because that would be what I would have to do. Also there is so much running around connected with the Conference office. I would have to go to Madison, Wisconsin, one week in June (I wouldn’t mind that, but hate to leave Dad alone) but from past experiences I know I would be expected to attend more meetings than I think I want to attend.

Mrs. Myers didn’t have to have any teeth pulled. Dr. Limp said she just needed a filling in one and that the rest were solid as rocks, so she was quite happy about that. I stopped to see her Friday. I usually stop once or twice a week. I think she is feeling as good as can be expected, for one at her age and with her disability.

We are still in the air about our stereo. A field man is supposed to come and give it a look over sometime this week, and if he can’t find the trouble Sears is going to do what we want done. Sears sells a Fisher stereo under the name of Virtuoso and if the one we have can’t be made to sound right, we will get the Virtuoso. According to ratings Fisher makes the best.

I wrote to the McGraws some time ago, but haven’t heard from them. I thought we might be able to make some kind of connection while travelling.

The garage must have my car ready, so must get along and do my errands, etc.

Love Mother

©2017 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2017/03/06/holiday-vs-school-of-mission/

The Saga of the Stereo

1 Reply

Letter transcription:

February 27, 1966

Dear David and Bonnie:

Was ist los? Denken Vater und Mutter nein sprechen zee Duetsch? Ihr meinung ich versteche nicht.

Don’t worry about our German. So what if we can’t speak it perfectly! Cousin Joyce took her dictionary along and said she forgot about grammar and had a wonderful time talking to the relatives in her own way. They seemed to enjoy her visit. We have decided to fly to Zurich and rent a car and take about two weeks in Switzerland and just see the country in our own way. Floyd and Ruth were here today (Floyd was taking Ruth back home). Floyds, the two Ruths and Helen (Ruthie’s sister) went to Florida together for two weeks. He was telling us about a friend of his in Lebanon who went to S. and rented a VW and had a good time seeing the country. He said he found that there is a lot of English spoken. He didn’t have any trouble. I think we will know enough by the time we go to get by very well.

There has been someone or more than one perhaps in Kentland driving around town shooting at windows. Several windows on Main Street had been hit. One evening last week Mrs. Myers’ living room window was hit. I stopped in to see her Friday (after attending the funeral of Mrs. Van Kirk) and saw where the shot (we think it was a bebe) hit the window. It sent glass across the room—not much, but some. She was pretty well shaken. She called the Prongers and Harold and they went to her apartment. She called here and Dad told her to call the sheriff. I think it was reported to the authorities, but as Dad says, it is hard to catch someone like that. They will eventually get caught I hope.

There are meetings at our church tonight—Lenten services, to be conducted by Rev. Watson, McClure and Stevenson. Watson is going to teach Ephesians and McClure Tests of a Living Church. I think Stevenson has a topic about Your God is Too Small. I haven’t decided yet whether I will sit in the Watson or McClure class. I would like to hear Watson, because I listened to his Lenten lectures last year. I would also like to hear what McClure has to say about the Tests of a Living Church. If it wasn’t so much trouble I would get Watson’s lecture on tape and sit in McClure’s class. However, I have my Interpreter’s and can read what it has to say about Ephesians.

The story of our stereo is long and complicated. We are not satisfied with it at all. The amplifier we had when you were here proved not to be stereo. We have another one which is stereo, but we have a rumble that is quite noticeable, even when listening to Das Rheingold. Janssen said he would do what we want. He said he would keep ordering sets until he gets on that is satisfactory. Also one of the speakers gets mushy. Dad has tried everything possible to find the trouble. We have that extra turntable (the one we gave to hospital and which was not satisfactory, because no one there seemed to know how to take care of records). My good little stereo radio is out there now and I am using a small radio from Sears (on loan). The help at the Hospital want to keep my radio. I will get something out of the deal, but at present things are in a state of confusion. As stated above we have the turntable and an extra amplifier, as a start on your stereo. We think the trouble must be in the amplifier we now have. The extra amplifier is on its way from Chicago and when we get it hooked up and we still have the rumble, I may tell them to take it all back. Will let you know what we do. Don’t worry about not getting your stereo. We will eventually get one for you.

Saturday was Mark’s 33^rd birthday. I called him. The baby is getting along first rate. The other children were well, and Shirley feels fine. Last Sat. a week ago I called and when Mark answered I said “Guten Morgen, mein sohn.” He replied, “I am sorry, but I think you have the wrong number.” When I told him it was his Mother speaking he said it was too early in the morning for such talk. He said I had gotten him out of bed. Little David requires a 2 o’clock bottle, and since Mark gets that bottle for him, I think he was getting a little extra sleep that morning.

One of these days, when I am in the mood, will send you the money for the operas mentioned earlier.

I talked to M. Beatty last week one day. She now lives in Chicago (Jim’s mother) and she has been to Petra. She was telling me about her experiences. She says if you like that sort of thing, not to miss it. I wrote to Louise and Mac and inquired if they would be interested in seeing it. Since we will be in S. until about Aug. 1, we might be able to make connections with them.

Love Mother

©2017 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2017/03/05/the-saga-of-the-stereo/

Late Night Caller

1 Reply

Letter transcription:

2-18-66

Dear David & Bonnie,

It is midnight and I think Dad is asleep. For some reason I wasn’t sleepy when we went to bed, then someone pushed the doorbell. Dad told them to go to the hospital & call the Dr. on emergency. He was sound asleep when the visitor came. He answered over the speaker system.—The Telephone has just broken the silence and it is the hospital calling. Evidently they didn’t get the Dr. on emergency. Dad has given the nurse instructions. Someone had either taken too many sleeping pills or pain pills.

Now we really have stereo. The amplifier which Dad said wasn’t, turned out to be as he said. We will give it back to Sears. I listened to the new Magic Flute today. I am listening to German records—according to Joyce, most of the relatives speak German—so I thought listening to the Flute would help my German lessons. We are going to use the tape recorder and tape some expressions from our records which we think will be useful in learning some necessary words. It is surprising how much German we know. It isn’t going to be too hard for Dad to grasp it, I am sure. Glad you received the Flute.

Tomorrow I have promised to take Mrs. Myers to the dentist. She is having quite a time with those 4 remaining upper teeth. I told her she should go to the hospital when she has them pulled. I don’t have any idea what Limp will do tomorrow—whether he will pull any or give her another appointment.

I am feeling better, but have decided to cut out some of the things I had been doing. I was pledged to help entertain a group Tues. night. I was supposed to have them here, but Clarice had the party at her house. I had to take a car load of things with me, but J. Janssen

[page 2] helped me and after the party the committee loaded for me and when I got home Dad unloaded. That was my last obligation for awhile and I am glad. I have to do so much studying now to get some German, I won’t have time to wear myself out otherwise.

The enclosure came for you and I opened it before I noticed it was addressed to you. So solly! You will probably toss it in the round file.

John was to have his teeth pulled today. I thought about calling him. He said he might come home tomorrow if he doesn’t feel like staying alone. I didn’t call because I thought he might not feel like talking.

So glad to know you are attending a Methodist Church. I have the same feeling about too much ritual. Our church had a series of meeting last week, but I didn’t attend any. I had missed church 2 Sundays. I did get to church last Sunday and hear the last speaker. From all reports the meetings were well attended and the offering asked for was oversubscribed.

Will you be back in Boston by Aug. 13 or 20? If so we may plan to stop and see you, but we should be able to see you some before we leave July 16.

As I said, I am feeling better. I am beginning to clean house and that is a sure sign. Things had gotten pretty well stacked here in the work area, but I didn’t care.

We got some pretty good pictures of the baby and when I get the extra copies will send you a few. We haven’t talked to Mark & Shirley since last Thurs. so I presume everything is OK.

I think it would be worth your time to read War & Peace. I am cramming about Switzerland and that takes a lot of my reading time, but I have started Crime & Punishment. I hope to get back to it before too long. I am reading every day in the New Testament. I read the New English version and also the Anchor. I rather like the commentary in the Anchor.

Love Mother

P.S. You didn’t leave the “Lamb” here.

©2017 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2017/03/04/late-night-caller/

To Clay City and Back

1 Reply

Letter transcription:

Jan. 27-1966

Dear David & Bonnie –

I just finished listening to Mozart’s Don Giovanni. John brought it in exchange for the album Mark & Shirley gave me for Christmas and since I like M. and this is one of his best I couldn’t have been more pleased. Dad is at the hospital seeing one of Dr. K’s patients—and it is about 2° above. He had put both cars in the garage before six, but he said at the time he didn’t think he would get to keep his in. A bearing burned out of his car so we had to use mine to drive to C.C. yesterday, then when I went to get it yesterday Tuberty told me it needed a new exhaust pipe so I had to take it back this morning. After lunch today John went back to Champaign and took Aunt Ruth home as he went.

[page 2] We arrived home just before six on Wed. and Dad called the hospital and one of his O.B.’s was ready for delivery. He rushed to the hospital and was back in time for us to attend a stockholder’s dinner at 7. We were a few minutes late but in time to be served. I should have stayed home I was so tired but hope to get rested back to normal by morning. I intend to take a bath & go to bed as soon as I finish this. Yesterday was a long day. We left here at 8 a.m. and got back at 6 and we were standing, sitting or riding the whole time. The ladies of the church had a meal ready to serve after the funeral service so we had a chance to talk to the relatives before we came home. I talked to Mrs. Myers this evening and told her why I hadn’t seen her this week. I haven’t had time to stop. I usually stop once or twice a week.

[page 3] Dad said if I would get some information from his cousin in New Jersey about the cousins in Switzerland, we would stop and see them when we take our trip this summer. I have written.—Friday—It has been below 0 today and it has seemed much colder than the reading. When we came home from the office we put the cars in the garage and I hope Dad doesn’t have to go out again.

Wed.-Feb. 2—I haven’t been out of the house since last Friday—and should have stayed in then. I have been having a temperature that just stays with me. I am able to be up and do some things, but have not really done much work. John H. is here now running the sweeper and will mail this. He has been running errands for me. The record player started cutting out so Dad & Janssen decided it needed more

[page 4] ventilation, so Dad drilled 100 holes below and above the amplifier last night and said he wanted me to run the record player all day. I listened to the Barber of Seville twice, once to Carmen and now have a symphony. It hasn’t cut out any today, so maybe that was the trouble. I think Dad really enjoys this stereo. The TV gets turned on some, but it is definitely taking second place. I never get tired of listening to good music but that TV racket does bother me and about the only time I give it is for news or specials.

We haven’t had any word from Chicago, so it won’t be a January baby now.

Love Mother

P.S. I am taking declomycin for my temperature.

©2017 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2017/03/02/to-clay-city-and-back/

Dinner and Bridge

3 Replies

Letter transcription:

1-14-66

Dear David and Bonnie:

I am enclosing a check for $18.00 to pay for the $14.00 album you mentioned in your last letter, also $3 for the two books you suggested for Mrs. M. and I allowed $1 for postage. Now I will be looking forward to my new stereo recording of Magic Flute. Also the books for Mrs. M. I took her to the office last Tues. I think she is feeling as well as can be expected for one of her age, etc. I stopped to see her this afternoon and left two books I thought she would enjoy reading.

The second wood carving which Louise sent arrived today. It is very beautiful and much heavier than the other one. Dad said it must be made from mahogany. I wrote to Louise today and told her I would send her a few pictures of the wedding when Alma sends me some duplicates. You know, I forgot to take my Instamatic. Did you send her an account of the wedding and some pictures? How did yours turn out?

We entertained the McClures, Johnsons and Fords with a dinner and bridge last night. We played records all evening—the most light type music, but they all seemed to enjoy it. We play My Fair Lady, Sound of Music and several Strauss numbers. I had The Marriage of Figaro on when they came, but I rather think it didn’t catch on, and that is one of my favorites.

We are planning to go to Calif. for the Tournament of Roses Jan. 1, 1967. Of course, that means we will have to leave

[page 2] here before Christmas, or shortly after. We haven’t worked out that schedule yet. We are debating about where we will go in July. We may go to Jordan or we may take a tour which will include Japan, Hong Kong and a few other places in that part of the world.

Love Mother

Books for Mrs. M. –
Christian Beginnings
The Literature of the Christian Movement

Haven’t Time to Write

1 Reply

Letter transcription:

Dec. 10, 1965

Dear David:

I really haven’t time to write—it is time for my siesta. I have been working in the office this week to help Edna get caught up with insurance forms. Yesterday (Thurs.) I took the leased car to Lafayette to have it serviced and did a little shopping for myself and Mrs. M. Dad opened this letter by mistake. I thought you could perhaps use it before Christmas. Mark is going to meet you at the airport since they plan to come down Christmas Eve. Lea and Bob will be here, also John, so we will all be home for Christmas.

Tomorrow night my S.S. class will meet here for Christmas Party and I am not ready. Tonight we go to the Hospital for annual meeting. Maybe I will have time when we return after the meeting to get a few things done. At least I am not going to knock myself out trying to clean. I think everyone will have just as much fun whether or not I dust the books, etc.

I must get to that siesta, so for now this is all. We should have the stereo installed by this time next week.

Love Mother

Thanksgiving Week

1 Reply

Letter transcription:

Nov. 29-1965

Dear David and Bonnie –

I am writing again in Wilmington. Will spend the night here and then go home in the morning. We have had a full week. Last Tuesday we went back to Kentland—stopping in Kankakee to shop and eat. It was about 4 PM when we reached Kentland, so after a short siesta I went to the office and after we had dinner I was ready to fold. Wed. we started preparing food for the homecoming. John came home about 2:30. Lea & Bob came in time for dinner. Mark, Shirley & children arrived later in the evening. Lea & Bob left to go to Bob’s parents in the afternoon (Thurs). M. & S. stayed until Fri. afternoon. John left to return to Champaign after church

[page 2] Sunday. Dad & Aunt Ruth & I went to Clay City to attend the Alumni Tea. None of the Yegerlehners were there, so we went out to see Clarence. Aunt Clara is not well. She had an operation for cancer last summer and also had cobalt treatments. In Sept. Clarence and Clara visited Aunt Ruth & Clara seemed fine. They had stopped to see us, but that was while we were away. Aunt Ruth was quite surprised to see how thin Clara is. Uncle Clarence told Dad she isn’t able to retain her food much of the time. We went on down to see Ralph & Faye. Faye said she is quite upset over Clara’s condition. Evidently from what Faye told us the cancer wasn’t all removed. I have never seen Clara as thin as she is now. Just a shadow of her former self.

[page 3] Duane has a church in Rockford, Ill. now. He was in Shelbyville, Ind.

We stopped in Brazil to see Vic & Beulah. They told us Marie had been married recently. I called her and she and her new husband, Mr. Shewmaker, came to Vic & Beulah’s to see us. All in all we had a very nice day, except for seeing Aunt Clara in such a poor condition.

Today I made statements and mailed them as we were ready to leave town. Aunt Ruth folded them and stuffed envelopes. I ran the amount on the adding machine and when I showed Aunt Ruth how much it amounted to, she said she could see why I would spend a day making them. (Not that we will collect one third of the amount.)

[page 4] Mrs. Myers didn’t get to spend Thanksgiving with us. She was upset and couldn’t eat. I went to see her the next day and she was feeling much better. She was looking in a Sears catalogue and wanted to order a bathrobe. I told her not to buy anything until after Christmas. I found one that I thought was quite pretty at Ashton’s, so bought it for her for Christmas. I was wondering what I would give her—now I have that taken care of. I think she is going to have to go to a nursing home because I think she shouldn’t be alone. I think she is thinking that way herself now. I have had a full day, so think I will soon take a bath & retire.

Love Mother

Getting Aunt Ruth

1 Reply

Letter transcription:

11-22-65

Dear David & Bonnie –

I am writing this in Wilmington. I have come to get Aunt Ruth. We plan to go back to Kentland in the morning. Mark & Shirley & children and John will come home for Thanksgiving and incidentally Dad’s birthday. I hope you remember to send Dad a remembrance. Mark & Shirley will go back home Friday but I think Aunt Ruth will stay and go to Clay City with us next Sunday. The High School is having an Alumni Tea and Dad said he would like to go. We haven’t been down to see any of the family this year so if we get to go we’ll visit relatives besides attending the Tea.

Yesterday we attended the open house for the parsonage and as I am on the Commission of Worship, took a part in the

[page 2] ceremony. Dr. Baily was in attendance. He asked me if you are attending Yale and of course I told him you are at B.U. and also assisting a history professor at Emerson—I think I put it this way, “he is attending B.U. and also teaching at Emerson.” Dr. Bailey complimented our congregation on the fine parsonage we have secured (and paid for). He said it was one of the best in the district—this is for our size church.

I asked Mrs. Myers to spend Thanksgiving Day with us, after Doris told me they were going to be out of town that day. She was a little hesitant about it, but I thought if she is able to come she shouldn’t be alone. She is a little discouraged about her recovery. I stopped to see her Fri. & Sat. and she was wearing her pjs & robe.

[page 3] She did get dressed the day she had her hair washed and set. She still complains about not having any strength. At her age, that asthmatic attack didn’t do her any good.

Aunt Ruth has a very nice apartment with living room, kitchen, bath & 2 bedrooms. The heat is electric, which is very convenient. She as a good view, being on 2^nd floor. I think she is quite settled here—she lives just across the street from Methodist Church but of course you know she attends Presbyterian.

Mark called us last night. Kirk had an ear infection and they took him to the Dr. They promised him he wouldn’t have to have a shot but the Dr. said the infection was so bad he should have a shot of penicillin. Kirk told us over the phone he had a shot.

[page 4] Mark said he insisted on having a band aid on the place where he had the shot.