Dear Lynn Sat. AM
Thought you'd like to see this--but please return it.
Beth will be home the same weekend that you're coming home. Don't know if we'll have to get her or not.
Have to dash in to Spfld today with Dad's pills & then have to pick Lil up tomorrow out in the country. She's staying with Gram for 2 weeks while Bill & Wilda are out in Ohio.
Get to sleep early--you need rest.--(Sounds like a record huh?!) Love, Mom
Friday, August 12, 2011
Monday, August 1, 2011
Jan/Feb 1972 (My 1st year of teaching--AJHS)
Dear Lynn
About time I dropped you a line--First Off--I want to thank you again for the records & Sky and Scape (sp?) mag. as well as the birthday card all were very much appreciated and typifies your thoughtfulness--
If I could spell I'd be dangerous--better do more letter writing before I forget how to spell my name---I'll breeze thru the news items first--probably repetitive with some of Laurie's & Monm's letters--Lil left Annies & Nick Sat. to go out to farm with Hazel Downhill--Got out there and wound up coming back with Hazel Sat Nite or Sun--much to the surprise of all--Guess she couldn't stay away from the new colored T.V. at Grandma's house--
No one is sure how long she is staying this time---
Meanwhile -at the Farm--The beagle had pups some time or other and they are out in the Barn--We haven't seen them yet but expect to go out some time this week--
Beth pulling a B-ave was great--However I wasn't to surprised as she is constantly sure she is doing bad in school--even at S.H.S. but usueally manages to luck out one way or another.
Lauries is still a big help around the house and is a lot of fun to have around--She picks a few beauts for friends but never could select your friends or Beths --so I guess I can't pick here either---
Frankie's Hideaway had two fires the same week--both of suspicious origin. Matter of fact they had just about decided the first one was real fishy and the second one came along and wiped out everything total loss--seem as tho there was traces of dynamite in second fire--The place was insured for $85,000.00--His annual premium was $32000.00
General consensus is split--half figure he set it or had it set and other half figure he isn't paying his dues to the Maffia--Either way most folks feel its too bad he wasn't in it when it blew--
Business is still slow--all kinds of bids that keep me figuring and working on plans but no more signed--we will finish those two rooms we've been working on since the 1st of year this week. They are coming out real good--I've got two houses to figure to build in Suffield both look pretty sure--a third one is still in the early talking stages--I suppose they all will break the same time when the Garage Additions start coming thru.
I also had an appointment with Mr. Pilch (sp?) He has a plot of land he would like me to take and build custom built homes on. An interesting proposition but I think its more than I can swing & it would mean butting heads with Ledger Starr and I don't think I'm ready to tangle with him yet--However P sent me the plot plan of about 60 acres of choice building land and said to make him an offer--of any kind and he would consider it--He just sold his half of the chicken business for two million dollars cash! --and he wants me to make him an offer!
I told him I'd be glad to do all the labor and planning if he retained the property and bought all the material.
The weather has been fantastic--Warm most of the time--very windy righ now--think it will get cold tonight. It will surely turn to winter soon as I finish this inside work and start something outside.
Mother has been feeling rather punk for about two weeks now--stayed home two days last week--but seems to be perking up a little bit yesterday and today. I think she has been fighting the flu bug and never really got it nor got rid of it either.
Enclosed is the AAA slip of paper--Hold it until the rest of the stuff comes--It has a lot of benefits--I took it out for Mother from Arnold Hubble (sp?) and he have us such a good deal on it that i told him to set you up as an associate member. The price he gave us was less his commission I think--only way it could have been as low as that.
In case of Flat Tire--Stuck--Off the road--Car won't start--Car conks out--just call a triple A garage and there will be no charge to get you running again or towed to a garage where a definite mechanical failure could be fixed--In addition they would act as bail bond for any out of state traffic violation an many other benefits to be described in the literature that either they or we will send you meanwhile this white slip will be your membership card--
I'll also enclose your deposit slip 5 83 and a squirelly tax form from Marietta
I hope all is going well in your own room 222 at school--Don't get too addicted to your television set--Keep up outside activity--We have decided to ration television hours to so many hours per week. We have been wasting too much time lately, all three of us--and worst part is that we just watch anything that is on--even if its nothing we really want to see--So we will try this system for a while--
Well I have to run now--I'll try to be a little more regular in my letter writing. By the way did you happen to see "Downhill Racer" on T.V. if you did--How did it End--I fell asleep as he was putting on his goggles for the down hill race at the olympics! Woke up and the news was on---
Lots of Love from All of us and thanks again for being you. Dad
P.S. Say hi to Sammy! (my cat)
About time I dropped you a line--First Off--I want to thank you again for the records & Sky and Scape (sp?) mag. as well as the birthday card all were very much appreciated and typifies your thoughtfulness--
If I could spell I'd be dangerous--better do more letter writing before I forget how to spell my name---I'll breeze thru the news items first--probably repetitive with some of Laurie's & Monm's letters--Lil left Annies & Nick Sat. to go out to farm with Hazel Downhill--Got out there and wound up coming back with Hazel Sat Nite or Sun--much to the surprise of all--Guess she couldn't stay away from the new colored T.V. at Grandma's house--
No one is sure how long she is staying this time---
Meanwhile -at the Farm--The beagle had pups some time or other and they are out in the Barn--We haven't seen them yet but expect to go out some time this week--
Beth pulling a B-ave was great--However I wasn't to surprised as she is constantly sure she is doing bad in school--even at S.H.S. but usueally manages to luck out one way or another.
Lauries is still a big help around the house and is a lot of fun to have around--She picks a few beauts for friends but never could select your friends or Beths --so I guess I can't pick here either---
Frankie's Hideaway had two fires the same week--both of suspicious origin. Matter of fact they had just about decided the first one was real fishy and the second one came along and wiped out everything total loss--seem as tho there was traces of dynamite in second fire--The place was insured for $85,000.00--His annual premium was $32000.00
General consensus is split--half figure he set it or had it set and other half figure he isn't paying his dues to the Maffia--Either way most folks feel its too bad he wasn't in it when it blew--
Business is still slow--all kinds of bids that keep me figuring and working on plans but no more signed--we will finish those two rooms we've been working on since the 1st of year this week. They are coming out real good--I've got two houses to figure to build in Suffield both look pretty sure--a third one is still in the early talking stages--I suppose they all will break the same time when the Garage Additions start coming thru.
I also had an appointment with Mr. Pilch (sp?) He has a plot of land he would like me to take and build custom built homes on. An interesting proposition but I think its more than I can swing & it would mean butting heads with Ledger Starr and I don't think I'm ready to tangle with him yet--However P sent me the plot plan of about 60 acres of choice building land and said to make him an offer--of any kind and he would consider it--He just sold his half of the chicken business for two million dollars cash! --and he wants me to make him an offer!
I told him I'd be glad to do all the labor and planning if he retained the property and bought all the material.
The weather has been fantastic--Warm most of the time--very windy righ now--think it will get cold tonight. It will surely turn to winter soon as I finish this inside work and start something outside.
Mother has been feeling rather punk for about two weeks now--stayed home two days last week--but seems to be perking up a little bit yesterday and today. I think she has been fighting the flu bug and never really got it nor got rid of it either.
Enclosed is the AAA slip of paper--Hold it until the rest of the stuff comes--It has a lot of benefits--I took it out for Mother from Arnold Hubble (sp?) and he have us such a good deal on it that i told him to set you up as an associate member. The price he gave us was less his commission I think--only way it could have been as low as that.
In case of Flat Tire--Stuck--Off the road--Car won't start--Car conks out--just call a triple A garage and there will be no charge to get you running again or towed to a garage where a definite mechanical failure could be fixed--In addition they would act as bail bond for any out of state traffic violation an many other benefits to be described in the literature that either they or we will send you meanwhile this white slip will be your membership card--
I'll also enclose your deposit slip 5 83 and a squirelly tax form from Marietta
I hope all is going well in your own room 222 at school--Don't get too addicted to your television set--Keep up outside activity--We have decided to ration television hours to so many hours per week. We have been wasting too much time lately, all three of us--and worst part is that we just watch anything that is on--even if its nothing we really want to see--So we will try this system for a while--
Well I have to run now--I'll try to be a little more regular in my letter writing. By the way did you happen to see "Downhill Racer" on T.V. if you did--How did it End--I fell asleep as he was putting on his goggles for the down hill race at the olympics! Woke up and the news was on---
Lots of Love from All of us and thanks again for being you. Dad
P.S. Say hi to Sammy! (my cat)
May or June 1971--Before My College Graduation
Dear Lynn Wed. noon
Just a hurried note to enable me to catch the morning mail. Am at home--goofing off with a tummyache. The weather is miserable so have decided to take it easy today & stay in & catch up on my rest.
Grandpa & Lil stopped in last night for supper. They had taken Wilda to the airport--her first flight--she is going to help her mother for a few weeks. She should be out there near graduation time.
In regard to your suitcase--it might be a good idea to send it by bus--know the car will be loaded!
Do you have any deposit slips? Probably won't have need of any, but send them along.
Hope you've recovered from your burn. You sounded busy--per usual. Doesn't seem possible you'll be through school.
Do you have shoes for graduation?
Really no news--Dad has finished up at Snowbound and should be starting another garage today.
Ruth McD. called me to see if Wendy had stayed in the hosp.--? of appendix. Still don't know if they operated or not.
Guess you might have a visitor this weekend--if finances hold out!
Much love from us all--Laurie makes her confirmation this Sun--Left the church booklet at work (had brought it down to mail it) but will send it.
Much love & good Luck.
Mom
PS How's the love life?
PS again - Do you have the negative of Dee & Kerryl? Would like to send them a picture--
Just a hurried note to enable me to catch the morning mail. Am at home--goofing off with a tummyache. The weather is miserable so have decided to take it easy today & stay in & catch up on my rest.
Grandpa & Lil stopped in last night for supper. They had taken Wilda to the airport--her first flight--she is going to help her mother for a few weeks. She should be out there near graduation time.
In regard to your suitcase--it might be a good idea to send it by bus--know the car will be loaded!
Do you have any deposit slips? Probably won't have need of any, but send them along.
Hope you've recovered from your burn. You sounded busy--per usual. Doesn't seem possible you'll be through school.
Do you have shoes for graduation?
Really no news--Dad has finished up at Snowbound and should be starting another garage today.
Ruth McD. called me to see if Wendy had stayed in the hosp.--? of appendix. Still don't know if they operated or not.
Guess you might have a visitor this weekend--if finances hold out!
Much love from us all--Laurie makes her confirmation this Sun--Left the church booklet at work (had brought it down to mail it) but will send it.
Much love & good Luck.
Mom
PS How's the love life?
PS again - Do you have the negative of Dee & Kerryl? Would like to send them a picture--
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Same envelope: Nov. 1971
Dear Lynnie Fri AM
Just a hurried note to get your license off. It snowed a little last night but not as much as skiers had hoped for--only 1-3". Heard Washington had freezing rain.
Rec'd the ice cream Tupperware yest. Promptly put in the refrig with ice cream but put it in backwards! How much is it?
Am planning on bringing the folks & Lil down for lunch it it doesn't snow any more.
Did I tell you they have color TV?
Walked over to the garage with a girl from the business ofc. (the young blonde girl who limps) & she was asking about you. (Cindy always asks too.)
Do hope you will gain some weight--&don't worry. It's only a job. Lincoln had a tough time too & look what he accomplished (Only don't get shot!)
Much love from all
Mom
Just a hurried note to get your license off. It snowed a little last night but not as much as skiers had hoped for--only 1-3". Heard Washington had freezing rain.
Rec'd the ice cream Tupperware yest. Promptly put in the refrig with ice cream but put it in backwards! How much is it?
Am planning on bringing the folks & Lil down for lunch it it doesn't snow any more.
Did I tell you they have color TV?
Walked over to the garage with a girl from the business ofc. (the young blonde girl who limps) & she was asking about you. (Cindy always asks too.)
Do hope you will gain some weight--&don't worry. It's only a job. Lincoln had a tough time too & look what he accomplished (Only don't get shot!)
Much love from all
Mom
November 1971 (My 1st year of teaching)
Dear Lynn--
Mark the calendar--I'm actually going to drop a line. Hope things are smoothing out for you a little by the time you get this. Rather a hackneyed cliche--but things usually work out for the best--given enough time--So maybe (sp?)s departing will do likewise--As far as school problems go--you chose to sail in Harms Way as the book title goes--And when you sail in harms way the water is usually rougher but rewards are often higher intrinsic and otherwise.
In so doing--your keeping alive a Johnston tradition as I, my father and Grandfather before me have all given up easy & secure positions to go after the more risky but also more rewarding (I hope) livelihoods.
Grand Pa Alex left the shipyards in Glascow where he had served apprenticeship and was set for life as a shipyard carpenter, to come over to a new country and start all over again--(I'm mighty glad he did!)--
Dad was working as an Electrician in the Mallable in Troy N.Y.--He heard of a job that might have more future in it altho the starting pay was less than where he was--So he up and moved down to Springfield with us (his family)--found a new home and a very lucrative career at Gilbert & Barker--
As for myself--you name it and I've moved from it--Now I think after twenty some odd years of indecision and lack of confidence to move the move I've wanted, I think I finally did move in the right direction but very definitely in Harms Way.
As for you--You could have found an easy job near home--with no financial worries--near a lot of friends--or out in Ohio near a lot of school contacts but you chose to hack out a teaching career in a different section of the country near no close friends or business contacts, on your own--This you have done and done well--and if you can hack it ehre, Baby--You can hack it anywhere--Thanks for keeping the Johnston Tradition going!
So much for the commentary now for the local news---
Laurie's Party was at least a partial success--She had about six girls in and all brought nice givts--We had frozen pizzas and a case of canned soda. They played records and Set Back.
Bonnie stayed overnight Sat. night went to Sunday School with Laurie Sunday.
Sunday night Halloween--you called while we were out--Went over to Paynes for a drink--
We had a lot of trick or treaters--cute as always--but one of them really cracked me up---He was about Knee High to a Grasshopper and he and his buddy seem to have trouble making up their mind what to take--Mom had gum-Lollypops--Candy Sticks, etc--So I said "why don't you take one of each" "Gee can we?" sure take two--so they did and as they headed off in the direction of the Woods --the little one said to his buddy "Jesus Christs! He was nice!" That really made my night.
Mom is working hard as ever--still the never ending battle between her--On--I can't ever spell her name--The DeP dame--and Lina. I think Mom is feeling a little better --or hiding it better--
She's happy we are at least making a start in getting the house fixed up--The ceiling in the Halls & Living room are done--Woodwork in the Halls & Living Room cleaned and varnished--Living Room Painted--We should get the halls wallpapered this week.
My work is about the same been going straight out trying to get caught up--
I finished the One Room addition, one Garage & Family Room--Should finish another one this week--I have one more day at The Fire Job--been waiting for a rainy day--I have two more additions on the books plus McDonough's porch.
Currently figuring a house for a fellow that wants to build in Suffield, plus figures are out on four additions--
That about brings things up to date so will close for now--Hope you can read this scrawl--
See you soon--
Lots of Love
Dad
Mark the calendar--I'm actually going to drop a line. Hope things are smoothing out for you a little by the time you get this. Rather a hackneyed cliche--but things usually work out for the best--given enough time--So maybe (sp?)s departing will do likewise--As far as school problems go--you chose to sail in Harms Way as the book title goes--And when you sail in harms way the water is usually rougher but rewards are often higher intrinsic and otherwise.
In so doing--your keeping alive a Johnston tradition as I, my father and Grandfather before me have all given up easy & secure positions to go after the more risky but also more rewarding (I hope) livelihoods.
Grand Pa Alex left the shipyards in Glascow where he had served apprenticeship and was set for life as a shipyard carpenter, to come over to a new country and start all over again--(I'm mighty glad he did!)--
Dad was working as an Electrician in the Mallable in Troy N.Y.--He heard of a job that might have more future in it altho the starting pay was less than where he was--So he up and moved down to Springfield with us (his family)--found a new home and a very lucrative career at Gilbert & Barker--
As for myself--you name it and I've moved from it--Now I think after twenty some odd years of indecision and lack of confidence to move the move I've wanted, I think I finally did move in the right direction but very definitely in Harms Way.
As for you--You could have found an easy job near home--with no financial worries--near a lot of friends--or out in Ohio near a lot of school contacts but you chose to hack out a teaching career in a different section of the country near no close friends or business contacts, on your own--This you have done and done well--and if you can hack it ehre, Baby--You can hack it anywhere--Thanks for keeping the Johnston Tradition going!
So much for the commentary now for the local news---
Laurie's Party was at least a partial success--She had about six girls in and all brought nice givts--We had frozen pizzas and a case of canned soda. They played records and Set Back.
Bonnie stayed overnight Sat. night went to Sunday School with Laurie Sunday.
Sunday night Halloween--you called while we were out--Went over to Paynes for a drink--
We had a lot of trick or treaters--cute as always--but one of them really cracked me up---He was about Knee High to a Grasshopper and he and his buddy seem to have trouble making up their mind what to take--Mom had gum-Lollypops--Candy Sticks, etc--So I said "why don't you take one of each" "Gee can we?" sure take two--so they did and as they headed off in the direction of the Woods --the little one said to his buddy "Jesus Christs! He was nice!" That really made my night.
Mom is working hard as ever--still the never ending battle between her--On--I can't ever spell her name--The DeP dame--and Lina. I think Mom is feeling a little better --or hiding it better--
She's happy we are at least making a start in getting the house fixed up--The ceiling in the Halls & Living room are done--Woodwork in the Halls & Living Room cleaned and varnished--Living Room Painted--We should get the halls wallpapered this week.
My work is about the same been going straight out trying to get caught up--
I finished the One Room addition, one Garage & Family Room--Should finish another one this week--I have one more day at The Fire Job--been waiting for a rainy day--I have two more additions on the books plus McDonough's porch.
Currently figuring a house for a fellow that wants to build in Suffield, plus figures are out on four additions--
That about brings things up to date so will close for now--Hope you can read this scrawl--
See you soon--
Lots of Love
Dad
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