Tag Archives: Senator Earl Landgrebe

David’s Diary – May 25, 1970

Monday, 25 May 1970

The mumps infection has not left me entirely—last night I had very painful left jowl—one sore spot just below the ear. This woke me up about 4:45. I got up to take a Darvon—also took time to write the Invocation and Benediction to be used in the service this A.M. I went back to bed about 5:30. Got up later—about 9:30, after getting some sleep. I had breakfast, shaved, then about 11 o’clock headed down to t-wharf. I found Margaret Reilly there, so I had someone to chat there while waiting for things to get started. Finally all the bands and groups marched up—and I did my thing; it was a very short ceremony. I don’t think I’ll be in Rockport enough more years to be invited again—which please(s) me. Came home—an insipid letter from Earl Landgrebe answering my letter on Vietnam. Typed more of my rough draft of doctrinal statement—had lunch, worked further in the afternoon. Bonnie feeling miserable with her period, Debbie slept. About 5:00 I gave Debbie her “lunch”—then about 6:30 we had our supper. In the evening I did more composing and typing on the doctrinal statement. Called the Folks; their 41st anniversary. From 9:00-11:00 we watched movie on TV: I’ll Take Sweden—a mediocre comedy—but fun. Finished the doctrinal statement about 11:00! Watched news, bathed, watched few minutes of Johnny Carson; OBLO 12:10.

 Tuesday, 26 May 1970

Up after 9:00. While I was eating breakfast Margaret called. She’d had more talks—on the phone—with Alan. Maria is on her way back. The main concern of my morning was to put my two ordination documents into final draft form for typing. I got this done essentially in the morning. Late in the morning Bonnie took Debbie and went over to see Carol Lewis. When they got back she fed Debbie and went to work. I was occupied getting my study straightened up. I had a simple lunch early in the afternoon, then began working on my lesson for Bible study tonight—on the pseudepigrapha. [1] About mid-afternoon I got very sleepy—so I took a nap. My left jowl isn’t as sore today, but I still am on sulfa. Late in the afternoon I got up, read the newspaper, tended to Debbie. When Bonnie got home from work I helped with supper. We had supper, watched CBS news. The Bible class arrived at 8:00. 7 in attendance besides Bonnie + myself. The discussion following was lively, re: generation gap, sex, communism, Vietnam—I still remain baffled how Xns can tolerate the Vietnam war—it is so overwhelmingly evil and morally outrageous in my sight. Bonnie and I had a snack—I began typing on my ordination sermon; bathed at 11:30; watched Johnny Carson; OBLO, 12:45.

Wednesday, 27 May 1970

Up shortly before 9:00. Shaved, had breakfast. I had to be at the funeral home by 10 o’clock to read the service for William Lamar—only 2 friends were there. After this was finished I went to see Homer and Sarah, had to confer with them briefly. Got home about 11:00. I then read some in Newsweek, also did more typing on the ordination sermon. Didn’t have lunch until around 1:00. Then Bonnie went off shopping. Debbie played in her room, I typed. Again—as yesterday—about mid-afternoon I became sleepy—but napped only a few minutes. I then went about reading through my theological statement one last time, revising, refining, polishing. I got one page typed before supper, but discovered one major flaw—so the whole page would have to be done over. Had supper about 6:00. At 6:40 I picked up Gladys Haskell at her home, we went to Wesley Church for a nominating committee meeting to select a slate of officers for C.A.M.P. for next year. This was over by 7:30. I took Gladys home, then stopped to see Jean Crowell, to ask her to serve on the committee. I got home, did some phoning, retyped page 1. The[n] 9:00-11:30 watched a movie on TV: Mr. Hobbs Takes a Vacation—a comedy with Jimmy Stewart which I’d seen some years ago. Watched a few minutes of Johnny Carson; then more typing; bathed, OBLO 1:00 AM.

Thursday, 28 May 1970

We found ourselves still in bed at 10:00. I had a quick breakfast, then got to work typing—my main concern for the day has been to get the Theological Statement for ordination as nearly done as possible. As of now—12:45 (Fri AM—at night) I have 16 pp typed—it will be about 20 pp. long. I worked on this until our late lunch—shaved before lunch, about 1:00. Then back to the typing—Bonnie went grocery shopping and took Debbie along. I continued typing. About 3:15 I stopped, cut some lilacs for Lucy Patience, then went to see her; I hadn’t called on her in many weeks. I stayed until about 4:15, came home, had a small snack—then back to the typing—until the newspaper came, which contained the letter which is attached to this page—Alice Marr’s reaction to my last two sermons. [See below] I can’t say that I was upset, but it is rather stunning—and distracting—it was hard to keep my mind on other things. We had supper about 6:30, watched CBS news. At 7:30 I returned to typing—had a phone call from Rev. Bamforth re: Alice Marr’s letter—he wanted to assure me [of] his support and encouragement. 8:30–10:15 we spent with Patriquins. When we came home I returned to typing—worked til after 12:30. Stopped to bathe; OBLO, 1:20

Letter to the editor, Alice M. Marr, Gloucester Daily Times, 27 May 1970


[1] A quick Google search reveals: “spurious or pseudonymous writings, especially Jewish writings ascribed to various biblical patriarchs and prophets but composed within approximately 200 years of the birth of Jesus Christ.” (Wikipedia)

©2017 copyright owned and transcribed by David Madison and Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2017/09/02/davids-diary-may-25-1970/

David’s Diary – February 10, 1969

Monday, February 10, 1969

The candle was out at 12:25, but I couldn’t get to sleep. The wind buffeted the house, the bed vibrated. About 3:00 I got up, worked for a while on the Dempster questions—by candlelight (6 of them). But about 4:15 I went back to bed—again no luck getting soundly to sleep. At 6:30 I called Alan Frederick to advise him not to go to Brandeis. I did get some sleep until about 9:00 or so. For the day we moved into the dining room—sealed it off with plastic—kept it warm with stove heater. During the day I did little but nap, eat, and make phone calls. At first I did clean off car, + clear away front door, when we had contemplated going to stay with the Lords. Took outdoor pictures with the new camera. Napped in afternoon; baked two pies. Bonnie made Brownies. After supper we spent the evening at the Patriquins. We came home about 11:00, still no electricity. Got ready for bed, played with cat; candle out 11:50.

Tuesday, February 11, 1969

We slept in sleeping bags in the dining room last night—I got more sleep than the previous night. The electricity came on about 7:00 AM. But it was not a normal day. We got the dining room put back in place; I freed the car from the ice and snow. We had lunch about 12:00; I didn’t get up until about 10:00. After lunch I was exhausted, and from about 1:00 to 3:00 napped—got some sound sleep. After 3:00 we all went shopping in Gloucester. We had to get groceries. I carried Debby on my back. We got home after 5:00. Bonnie had to give Debby a bottle, so I set to work getting supper and putting away the groceries. We ate about 6:30, watched CBS news. I tried to work at my desk, but was very weary. About 8:45 I took a bath—1st since Sat. night. Off to work in bed 9:20.

Wednesday, February 12, 1969

Up about 8:00; breakfast; shaved; went  to train station to catch the 9:20—but it was delayed; didn’t leave Rockport until 9:45. I didn’t feel like studying on train, so I watched the scenery—cluttered with storm damage. Arrived 11:45. From North Station I called Sears to order movie camera. Went to Jordan Marsh, got Marion Anderson record. Other errands, then to BU. Got there about 12:30. Had lunch. Had several things to get done about the Dempster; had a chat with Larry Burton; relaxed for a while. About 3:30 I went over to Sears and got the movie camera. Came back to BU to class at 4:10. Left class at 5:40—went to N. station, caught 6:40. Arrived Rockport 8:30—rushed home to the Official Board meeting. When this was over, had snack, listened to Anderson record, bathed, off to bed; lights out 10:35. θ+

Thursday, February 13, 1969

A long day; up about 8:30—had breakfast, then started to work on the lengthy questions to be answered for the Dempster. By noon I hadn’t made much progress—interrupted by the mail among other things. By the time we had lunch I’d finished the first question. I shaved after eating, went to the post office, took letters off wayside pulpit, came home, shoveled a little snow. Back to work; I got out my old paper written 4 years ago—the “autobiography.” It helped me get ideas. About 6:00 I got phone call from a Bible class member—not coming. That made 4 that couldn’t come, so I called it off. Worked on Dempster all evening after supper. Finally finished writing about 10:00, then got to typing. About midnight had snack, took last photos on roll; work on into the night; off to bed about 3:50.

Friday, February 14, 1969

It was hard to get up—but I got out of bed about 8:00; did some final work on the Dempster application; proof-read. Had a small breakfast, shaved quickly electrically. Left for Boston after 9:00. The roads were relatively clean. I didn’t spend much time at BU—not more than 10 minutes. I headed back to Rockport and was home by 11:45. Looked over the mail, had lunch, and then napped—from about 1:00 until a little after 3:00. Got up, then Bonnie + Debby + I went to Gloucester; stopped at Mals to get batteries for the new movie camera. Then went to Busseys for a meeting to plan Ash Wed. service. Rev. Clark never showed up. We visited with Busseys + stayed for supper with them. Came home about 7:30. Tried to get sermon idea, bathed, worked on attendance chart, off to bed at 11:10.

Saturday, February 15, 1969

Got up about 8:30. Went to work on the attendance charts, stopped for breakfast, then back to work. Mail man brought a letter from Gene Moncel, who is working in Earl Landgrebe’s office. [1] Back to work on charts. The wrote a letter to Mrs. Myers. Stopped for lunch. Shaved; wrote a short note home—telling mother that she can come for the visit she suggested; about 1:30 went to the Post Office + then to Ornes. About 2:30—after filling out forms with Homer—went up to see the Hannibals. About 3:30 returned home. Worked on the charts briefly, then got to work on sermon. Stopped to help with supper; after supper I did the bulletins, then returned to work on the sermon. About 10:15 bathed, θ+ then back to work on the sermon; this was finished + service relatively ready about 1:15. Debby pulled herself up to standing position today; off to bed at 1:20 θ+

Sunday, February 16, 1969

Debby one-half year old

Up about 8:30. Shaved; breakfast, practiced sermon, off to church about 10:15. Preached on Matt 10:39; fair sized congregation, about 38. Arrived home about 12:30. We looked over the new movie camera, had lunch, then got ready to take movie. Phil Parker came over with some figures for annual report; we set up time for Wesleyan Fellowship in March. After he left, we took a movie out in the yard—very bright sun reflected off snow. We went down to Patriquins and Drue took film of us with Debby—we shot the whole 50 ft. roll! We visited with the Patriquins, but about 3:45 I came home, Bonnie stayed; I napped when I got home. Got up shortly before 6. Watched TV, had supper. At 7:18 took pictures of Debby—just 6 months old. Desk work most of the evening. Worked on German too for a while. Bathed; off to study in bed. Lights out 12:45.


[1] Gene was a pal in college—conservative Republican—and Landgrebe was a state senator of right wing persuasions.

©2017 copyright owned and transcribed by David Madison and Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2017/05/20/davids-diary-february-10-1969/

Gladys – November 12, 1968

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/

Long Weekend Vacation

1965-01-25-gry-p-1Letter transcription:

January 25, 1965

Dear David & Bonnie:

Yours of the 20th (you mailed it 23rd) received today. We have just returned from a long weekend vacation. We left Wednesday evening after attending a stockholders dinner meeting given by the Bank. The dinner was at Sumava and we traveled as far as the Howard Johnson Motel in Lafayette to spend the night. Thursday AM we leisurely traveled to Indianapolis, stopping at Lebanon to see Ruthie. Floyd was busy and we didn’t get to see him. Uncle Jim was gone (on a business trip), but we did see Aunt Thelma. I hope you sent them a thank-you note for their gift. Also I was wondering if you sent Phyllis and Art a thank-you for the Teflon. If you didn’t, I hope you will. Which reminds me, I sent your thongs and the pan lid and also a few little items for Bonnie which I purchased while I was buying some things for myself. Just in case she hasn’t had time to make a blue slip for her knitted dress.

We spent Thurs. and Friday in Indianapolis and saw My Fair Lady, Father Goose, and John Wayne in Cinerama. Saturday morning we left for Champaign and spent the afternoon with John and Lea and Bob. John took us out to dinner then we saw a James Bond – Goldfinger. I wouldn’t advise it for children. We attended the Methodist Church which is located on campus, and heard the Wesley minister. He gave a very interesting sermon about Timothy and St. Paul. He addressed the congregation as Timothy speaking. We visited with John and Bob a while after church—we went to the 11 o’clock service and had eaten at the pancake house at 10 o’clock so we didn’t need any lunch—so started home soon after 1 o’clock (Lea had to work, so wasn’t with us Sunday).

While in Indianapolis we visited the Legislature (it is in session now) and saw Senator Landgrebe. He wanted to know your address so you will probably be hearing from him. I was supposed to attend a Legislative seminar in Indianapolis (for WSCS) Tuesday, but since we had planned to go Wednesday night, I didn’t see how I could make it, so did the next best thing, but visiting the Legislature while in the city. Our Christian Social Concerns committee had met the Sunday before to compose a letter to send to Rep. Hendrix about the gambling bill. The Bishop sent letters to (I suppose) all churches to be read to the congregations urging everyone to write to Rep. or Sen. in opposition to the bill. I didn’t write since we made the trip in person.

I think your grades are not to be looked down upon, but if you are trying for all A’s I hope you succeed next semester. And about the typing—how many times did I try to get you to learn to type correctly? From the looks of this letter I didn’t learn too well myself, but I will blame it on fatigue. That makes me think of something else. We have decided to take a month’s vacation in September and go out through the northwest. I told the girls not long ago that we were going to take a month and of course, expected them to take their vacations at the same time. Arvella said she wants her vacation in July, because they want to go to California. We haven’t mentioned the subject further, but I do not want to work for her and we were wondering if you had any definite plans (Bonnie, that it) as to what you will be doing this summer. Would you want to work in the office two weeks? Of course, if you get a job in Bloomington, that might not work out so well for you to work for us two weeks, but if you think you want to do that, let us know. We have to get a replacement for those two weeks if Arvella is to go in July. We plan to take a month this year and another long vacation in 1966—something like 3 months. It doesn’e look like it is possible to find a young man to come in here, so since Dad doesn’t want to quit work altogether, we will

1965-01-25-gry-p-2[page 2] have to take a long vacation every year or two. Let us know what you think about working. John has received a grant and is going to Arizona and Bob thinks he is going to get one and plans to go to Texas for the summer.

Love Mother

©2017 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2017/01/26/long-weekend-vacation/

Senator Landgrebe

November 15, 1962 envelope

November 15, 1962 envelope

November 15, 1962, p. 1

November 15, 1962, p. 1

Letter transcription:

Kentland, November 15, 62

David Dear

How I thank you for the book you sent me. I read it through that day, and now I am gong over it again more slowly. It is indeed helpful and I seem to gradually begin to have a better understanding of some things which have troubled me concerning the Bible. The more I read along these lines, the deeper my faith becomes.

For some reason I feel very low spirited today. I have been heartsick, actually, about Nixon and all that has happened since the election. Like you, I have that helpless feeling and it is hard for me to concede that a dear old belief and way of life is being discredited. I simply could not believe that Capehart had lost, and I don’t like the smart aleck young Democrat who has displaced him.

The day before election day Landgrebe and his son came in to call on me. He was going to Rotary that evening, and I believe he was to speak at the dinner. He certainly is your friend and admirer. I don’t believe he had any idea at the time that Capehart would not be elected. I told him what you were considering, and he said he was delighted.

I don’t even like to watch anything on the ABC channel since that disgraceful broadcast, and on Veteran’s Day at that. Well, words fail me.

Jim Wagoner came home from the wonderful job at Thule Air Base in Greenland, and Shirley (the maid) wanted some time off to be with him, and she was to come back to work yesterday. But on Tues. Jim called up and said she was sick and I don’t know when she will be back. You never know what they will do. I got Helen Hillis to take me in her car to Watseka yesterday to Dr. Wood the podiatrist. Shirley has been taking me in Harold’s car.

We had ten men together in a pheasant hunting party the other night. They were from Indianapolis. There is news this morning that Red Bruck (B & B Store) had a lung removed at Mayo’s yesterday.

I watch the papers for clippings which might be of interest to you, but this has been one period I simply didn’t have the heart. Thank you again dear for the book.

Anymore dates?
Love,
Grandma

©2016 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2016/08/18/senator-landgrebe/

Jackie Does the Twist

March 2, 1962 envelope

March 2, 1962 envelope

Letter transcription:

March 2, 1962, p. 1

March 2, 1962, p. 1

Kentland, March 2nd 1962

Dear David

Your wonderful letters have given me much pleasure, and I do so appreciate the pictures you send me. I do indeed have the map you sent, and I locate the buildings on it. I am particularly delighted with the pictures of the Lilly Library. What a joy it would be to have access to that place. I didn’t know there was a Gutenberg Bible in this part of the U.S. how I would love to have a few hours in the Lincoln Room and the Poetry Room. I know you must appreciate these things.

I was glad to have Sen. Landgrebe’s message and hope to meet him. I thought of you Wednesday night, and hope you had a good attendance at the Lincoln Day dinner. We too had a storm here when you had the ice storm, but it was mostly snow. Also note with interest that you had a date. Good.

Your mother was in this morning, and she tells me you taught a Sunday School class for one of those who went to Washington. I was so thrilled with Col. Glenn’s orbit that I was really shook up that day, even forgot to eat. He has also conducted himself in a wonderful manner since that event. He seems to be the personification of dignity and modesty, and I think he has done more for our prestige than the billions wasted on foreign aid.

I had a pleasant surprise yesterday. Rev. Field called on me and brought a tape recording of last Sunday service, the whole thing, including his sermon, and sat with me through it. I appreciated his giving me his time, and also enjoyed the recording very much. It has been such a very long time since I have heard a church service. I like him very much.

I know you can’t imagine how much I appreciate your letters, and I realize what a busy life you have and I think it is lovely of you to take the time to write me. I am just now appreciating what Indiana University is and what a fine thing for you to be there.

I watch the papers for some little things you might like to read, and am sending some clipps. As you can see, my fingers are not very accurate, as they are becoming quite stiff, but I don’t want to quit trying.

March 2, 1962, p. 2

March 2, 1962, p. 2

You will be having another attempt soon.
Ruth M

Over

Your feelings about “Jackie” doing the “twist” in the White House with the Sec. of Defense is exactly mine. When I saw that item in the paper I had to look again to make sure I was seeing correctly, I could hardly believe it. Also, what about “Ethel” wife of the Atty. Gen. when in Rome, riding a motor scooter and striking a car with it, did you read about it?

R

Newspaper clippings

Newspaper clippings

[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/2016/08/08/jackie-does-the-twist/