a little bird told me…

The Last Word

Vol. 27, No. 7 [Sadie] 

Good Samaritan Hosp. 

Dayton, Ohio July 5, 1947 

Dear Gee and Everybody: 

The long delayed “chain” just arrived, and as Elaine and Pauline are here for the week-end, I am going to save a little time by “answering” it at once and send it over to Anderson tomorrow with them. Of course you all know that I am assisting with the teaching of Microbiology to the nurses here, and will be here until Aug. 24 at least. 

I saw Helen and Fred the night before they left for Alpena, and on Saturday last, I went out to see Aunt Ellie. She is failing very much, tho’ she came down on crutches to see me, and insisted on going out to the park to visit. I know that Helen will get the letters out to her the week she receives them, and will not delay sending them on. 

Let me add my vote to that of the others, that Pauline should keep everything intact as long as she wishes (including my silver spoons received at graduation, which I hereby give to her as I did to Mother, when I entered. That is surely “home” to all of us, Pauly, and I felt Mother’s dear presence every minute I was in the house. 

I’m looking forward to seeing all the “middle-state” members of the family at Elaine’s wedding in August. My brief visit with the Bishops was very pleasant. The enclosed pictures of the cherry blossoms, taken the last day I was in Washington, were part of my thrills n Washington. The pictures of Helen, Kay, etc., were taken two days later and show them in full bloom. I’m still enjoying that wonderful visit to Washington and Wilmington. 

I wish you could all see how Sean, Jamie and David have grown, and Stevie is a precious baby. They all cuddled up to me and were not afraid of my habit, as most children are, at first. 

The wedding on April 12 was “the last word.” The next round will either find me in Lansing or elsewhere, as we receive our appointments around August 4. Gee, I’m sure that each one of us would like to take up your offer to drive to California with you, and I’m sure that someone will try to make it, tho’ their vacations are planned by this time, I guess. 

God love and bless you all. Love and continued prayers for all. 

Sadie

Folks from Ohio

Vol. 26, No. 7 [Sadie] 

Washington D.C. April. 7, 1947 

Dear Gee and Family: 

Little did I think a month ago, that I would be writing my contribution to the chain in Washington! It just seems too good to be true, and when I give you a brief account of my first four days here, you will know how thoroughly I am enjoying every minute here. 

Howard and David met me at 8:10 Thursday morning. After visiting with Rose, I went to St. Ann’s in the p.m. for Adoration. On Good Friday, Janice and Jack took Pauline and me to the Monastery for the “Burial Service” which was very impressive, and we had a “ring-side” seat, tho’ we came too late to get in the door. The habit did that for me. (Tre ore at St. Ann’s) Thursday, P. and I visited the Mellon Art Gallery, Folger Library and Jefferson Memorial, and Howard drove us around all afternoon. Easter Mass at St. Ann’s, then to Sacred Heart for Solemn Easter Mass and it was magnificent. Spent the afternoon with Irene and P. had Hackleys and me for Easter dinner. 

The rest of the week climaxed with the wedding, and visits with the “folks from Ohio,” will be full to overflowing. But enough about me! I want to thank Kay, Pauline and Gee for making this trip possible financially, and Rose and Howard and Dan, for a lovely trip to Wimington on Tuesday and Wednesday. And the cherry blossoms will be out, which will make the trip perfect! 

The wedding is the highlight this round! We saw the gifts and pictures yesterday, but the “dress, with sixty yards of ruffles” will not be seen until the wedding day. 

All of our “Eastern branch” are in good health and spirits. Steven has had a cold, but is better now. David Hackley is a real prize. I saw his reaction to the “Easter bunny” and it was rare. Steven is a little young to appreciate that. 

Shan, I am going to the White House next Thursday. Any message for Truman, etc? This is a gorgeous spring day, (70˚) should bring out the blossoms in full bloom. After the foot of snow we had in Michigan last week, you can imagine how I love it. 

As for sending the chain letter to Aunt Ellie, I think we had better keep it in the immediate family, as it could branch out indefinitely, and become a yearly event in time. Love and continued prayers for each dear member of our devoted family. 

Sadie

The End of my Paper

Vol. 25, No. 7 [Sadie]

Feb. 15, 1947

Gee dear—and All of You:

You and I should feel complimented to know that, for the record, Shan has devoted all but the first and last paragraphs of his letter to us! I rather expected as much when I injected my comments. How that boy does love an argument! Once a year is enough to give up valuable family space to such topics, don’t you think?

As for Dad’s “cellar” remark, it referred to his financial and not his political outlook, at the time. In fact, I don’t remember that either politics or economics caused him too much worry—he always concentrated on us!

Carolyn, your letter shows that you really keep up on events, and your comments were worthwhile. We consider you a very valuable member of our family group.

Kay, those pictures are “super.” Without an invitation to do so, I affixed my name to two that I would love to have, sometime. I am sure that the “hunting” picture would be used by some magazine as a fall issue “cover girls” number, if you would send it in. Why don’t you try it?

All the letters are packed full of interesting history—each round is a definite contribution for the record.

The affixed “label” was on the delicious quart bottle of Tom ‘n’ Cherries that Shan sent in his Christmas box, with two 1946 versions of “Alice in Wonderland” and “Through the Looking Glass,” that I enjoyed reading so much,—and now the sisters are taking turns at them. If any of you would like to read them, let me know, and I will start a “lending library.” (In fact, I don’t think that would be a bad idea, with all the good books that are the collective property of this family).

Aren’t those articles about Ann interesting? She is a wonderful girl, I think. I’m so glad to know that they have an apartment now, Helen, and would like to have their address soon.

Gene, I just read your letter to Gee, and I’m so glad to know you are so pleased with your set-up. Be sure to tell us more about it when you write again.

How is the “bridal gown” coming, Irene? You will have to get some good pictures of that wedding for the chain. The time will slip by, quickly enough.

Everyone that you saw when you came to Ohio is as enthusiastic about your visit as you are, Pauline. That should be annual occurrence for you.

Don’t forget to send the boy’ pictures before too long, Rose. I never think that Kodaks do children justice. Pauline says that you are planning a trip to Ohio this Spring. Don’t give up the idea, now. Maybe I can get in on it, too.

The courage of you, Dan, taking Sean all the way to Oklahoma! How did you manage without Eloise? Do you like your new home?

Well, this is the end of my paper, so—I promise to keep all of you in my prayers during Lent.

Love, 
Sadie

Observation for the Week

It is interesting to note that Sadie wishes that the US could scrap all political parties and have an "American Party." What's that old line...the more things change, the more things stay the same! Here we are, 60+ years later and people (including me) are still griping about the political system.

Vol. 24, No. 7 [Sadie] 

Dec. 3, 1946 

Dear Gee and All my dear ones: — 

Just before I began this letter, it was announced that our school will close this Friday, Dec. 6, until after Christmas, because we have no coal! Neither the teachers nor the students are happy about it, because we know the time will be made up later. In fact, I overheard a boy say today, “If I could get near John L. Lewis, I would pull out his shaggy eyebrows.” 

Now that the Republicans feel that they have a chance to renew things, I hope they will succeed in preventing this condition in the future. I heard Dad sat once, that “you can’t get down any lower than the cellar” — so whatever they do will have to be above that. 

If we could just scrap all parties, and form an “American party,” that would work for the interests of the people and not for themselves, what a happy place the U.S.A. would be! That’s my “observation of the week.” 

Let me add my voice, for the record, to the others, in congratulating Am and Kay, and in welcoming Am to our clan. He will see and hear more of us. 

Rose, you surely have had more than your share of sickness, and I sincerely hope and pray that you will have no more for a long time. 

Kay, it seems so good to have someone in Lima again. No matter how far away we get, it will always be “home.” 

We will be looking forward to Nan’s version of the reunion. Shan, and I am sure it will be worth while. That girl really has talent! How is Don making out at Ohio State? He will be getting his degree before too long, won’t he? By the way, I think Carolyn is the next “in-law” to contribute to the chain. 

Larry, your letter was a welcome and interesting contribution. We are all anxious to know Larry Jr’s. overseas destination, and hope he will profit by the experience, and enjoy his sojourn as much as possible. What do you mean “butter 89¢,” Gee? It has been a dollar a pound here. But maybe the Republicans will remedy that, soon, too. 

I would love to see that wedding dress when you are finished with it, Irene. I know it will be a “thing of beauty.” That trip to and from Montreal sounds interesting. 

Have Chandlers returned to Tulsa, Dan? I was so sorry to hear about Eloise’s father’s serious illness. It seems that there is never a time when we do not have to be concerned with the illness of some of our dear ones, in a large family like ours. 

The picture enclosed by Don and Kay, as well as the two of Rose’s darling, are very fine. I have my name on some of them. Rose, do send me both of yours, as they are the best, to date, I think, and I am making up a family record book. 

As for the atomic bomb, it is the only thing in the world that will keep the Russians from trying to take us over, too, so let’s keep it poised over their heads for awhile! 

And now I want to use this space to wish you all the joys and blessings of the Christmas season, which will be past when most of you receive this letter. May your New Year be all that you wish it to be. We had Forty Hours this week and all of you had a share in it. 

Love, Sadie

Head Over Heels

Vol. 23, No. 4 [Sadie]

 

Sept. 8, 1946 

Dear Gene—and all my Dear Ones: — 

This round finds me “head-over-heels” in school work again. This is my eighth year in Lansing, and my schedule is the same as in previous years. I had a delightful, restful summer. Pauline, your report on 541 was very interesting. I would like to see it. 

May I add my hearty approval to the cemetery project. I have felt for some time that there should be markers, especially since no member of the family is in Lima. I am sure I would not be able to identify the graves if I visited the cemetery now. I am glad the blue spruce is being planted, too. 

The gathering at Capon Springs next summer sounds good, and if circumstances permit, and there are not too many complications between then and now, I should like to be among those present. As it is, I am planning to ask for permission for a trip to Washington during the coming year—and maybe I will fly! 

A rising vote of thanks to Howard and Kay for the reunion pictures, and many thanks for the offer to send copies. As for the pictures of David and Steven, they are both precious, and I put my name on them, too. What do you mean, any remarks, Rose! I cannot remember passing up any previous snaps without comment, and the boy in person surpasses all pictures. I hope to see the “bitsy boy” before too long. 

Gee, the tribute to Mother is truly beauty, and we can all understand why you couldn’t read it. No doubt by this time, Larry Jr. is well settled, and you have contributed you share to Uncle Sam. I hope he will be able to continue his studies at government expense. 

Since Pauline, Kay and I do not have any in-laws to contribute letters (I daily ask my Divine Spouse to contribute graces and blessing to all of you,) it is Larry Voss Sr’s turn to add his portion, I believe. 

Dan, I was sorry to hear bout Sean’s mishap, and trust that no permanent harm was done to the little tooth ready to come through as a permanent. Let us know, won’t you? I am anxiously awaiting the arrival of the colored movies. 

Isn’t it fine that Dick and Ann are so happily located in Toledo? That was a good break, and I know they are taking advantage of it. So Janice is waiting until Spring for her wedding! The time will come soon enough at that. 

Gene, we are all anxious to know your plans for the coming year, and hope you have been able to find something satisfactory. As for current events, my current problem just now is guiding high school students in their schedules, etc—so, back to work! 

Love and prayers, 
Sadie

The Reunion

Well the reunion has been talked about in the last few letters. You would think someone would write a recap of the reunion. Apparently they left it up to the "historians" Jan and Rose—and there is no write up included in the chain letter. So I dusted off the family photo album and came up with these photos from the 1946 reunion:

Apparently they are all going somewhere...

This is Gee and Larry Voss and their children (I don't know who is who)

My grandma is just barely in this photo. I love David playing peek-a-boo!

The reunion was held at the Dayton Biltmore Hotel (one of the original Vanderbilt property hotels). This is an old postcard I have.

And this is from Google Maps (the street view). This the hotel today. It is called the Biltmore Towers. I don't think it is a hotel. Condos maybe?

Vol. 22, No. 3 [Irene—letter missing] 

Vol. 22, No. 4 [Sadie] 

June 24, 1946 

Dear Gene and All; 

Well, it happened! Words fell when I try to express the happiness that is mine today, after having seen each dear contributor to this chain in person, and having spent three delightful days with all of you. I could go on and on, but since Rose and Nan are the reunion historians for “the record,” I will just be satisfied with saying that I am glad to be the one to “start the ball rolling,” after our history-making reunion is over. 

Needless to say, the “highlight” for me was the Mass for our dear departed ones, with everyone present. How that must have please them, too! Couldn’t you just feel their loving presence all through these days? 

I also want to go on record as being the first one in the “chain gang” to express my thanks to Helen, Gee and Aunt Rose, and all who helped them to make our reunion such a grand success. Fred’s “taxi service” was very much appreciated, too. I am sitting here writing at Helen’s table, with Ann beside me. Kay has just left for the airport with Helen and Fred. 

I am enjoying a few days here, before going to Mt. St. Joseph, to teach “Principles of Composition” at the College. I am looking forward to a very pleasant summer with my friends at the Mount. The four days I spend in Anderson, with Gee’s delightful family, were happy, restful ones for me. 

I was privileged to be here for Dick and Ann’s wedding on June 15. Helen will probably write the details about that, for the record. It was so simple, sweet and quiet! 

Sean, Jamie, David, Ronnie, Roberta and Diane are all everything that their fond parents have told us about them, and far be it for me to award a first prize to any one of them. May God bless and keep them, and all of you, is my constant daily prayer. 

Our first grade teacher came home with this one: The priest was preparing them for First Communion and he said to one of the 1st graders: “why did God give you your eyes?” He answered: “So I can see.” “Why did God make ears?” Looking at his horned-rimmed glasses, he said “To hang glasses on.” 

Love, Sadie

in the present day…

Off to Chicago for a couple of days...I have to be on the plane in 7 hours. I should probably pack.

53 days

Vol. 21, No. 4 [Sadie]

Apr. 23, 1946.

Easter Tuesday

My dear Ones:—

Well, you did it—the letter arrived early Easter Monday morning, just 53 days after I sent it on its merry way. Do you suppose we could do it again and have it back to me by June 15? That would be just 53 days— (5.3 each) and would arrive just before I leave for Dayton. Let’s try!

Yesterday was an appropriate day for family memories—Mother’s anniversary. I had just finished hearing three Masses for her when the letter arrived. (I had one said in the Bishop’s private chapel). The altars were beautiful—with Easter lilies—and the joyful Alleliuas of the Mass created an atmosphere of “peace which the world cannot give.”—and we know she is resting in that place.

Gene, I was happy to see your letter, and to know that you and the girls will be in Dayton on June 20. It won’t be long now!

Pauline, you did alright on keeping us informed about Kay’s condition. You proved that some of the descriptive adjectives fitted you quite well.

Kay, you surely made a quick come-back. “You can’t keep a good man down,” but don’t take it too literally, and get around too soon.

Gee, I hope that “lung infection” as you called it has disappeared completely. You are doing a good job at organizing the reunion, and I know it will be a grand success, with you and Helen at the helm. I can hardly wait!

That’s good news Rose, about you, Howard and John David being “among those present.” We will really see the “son and heir” in person. Be sure to have a good picture of Steven at least. I can see why you wouldn’t risk taking him.

Shan, do you find commuting between Columbus and Youngstown quite tiresome? I am sure Nan and Don are glad to have you with them on week-ends.

I accept the appointment to write and read the family history, Dan, and if I have the time and ambition, will present each of you with a copy. I am willing to be responsible for the typing of my letters, and I think if we each do our own on regulation paper and send on to you, it would work. Am sending back letters, with further comment, today.

So we have two weddings coming up, instead of one! Congratulations to both Dick and Janice. More history for the family record. See you all in Dayton. In the meantime, love and continued prayers.

Sadie

Big Letter

Vol. 20, No. 4 [Sadie]

Mar. 2, 1946

Dear Gene and Family:

The “big letter” reached me on Mar. 1, and I am putting everything else aside today, to send it on its way. It seems to me that each round becomes more interesting, and contains much valuable material “for the record.”

Gene, I missed your letter very much, and I hope you will add your contribution this round. You know that is the only way that most of the family can know about you and the girls, and, while it does take valuable time, I believe that John S. is very happy to know that you are keeping in touch with his family in that way. I also hope that you can arrange to be present in Dayton for the family reunion, and will bring the girls with you. We would all love to see them and you.

I am pleased that all are anxious to attend the reunion. I am writing to the Mount today, to be sure that I won’t be tied up at that time. June 20 to 22 is the latest date, I believe.

Shan, we are all anxiously waiting for the “simultaneous announcement,” which, I believe, will come from Youngstown, and not Columbus, this time. I am so glad that Don is home for good. The pictures are fine, and I have “signed up” for some of them. Many thanks, Don.

Of course I am thrilled, too, with the miniatures of Mother and Papa, and have told Kay how much I love them, in a previous letter. 

This is my official welcome to Steven Walsh Hackley, too. I hope we will see both him and David in June.

That page of adjectives is clever Dan. We surely have good opinions of each other. I am not casting my vote or contributions for the “epithets” tho! I think we had better “leave well enough alone.”

Pauline drew my name and sent me a beautiful black leather combination purse and billfold, with a $5.00 bill enclosed. Both were much appreciated and will be used when I come to Dayton. She had sent me a metal bed lamp too, but claimed it was not the “exchange gift.” Leave it to her!

I had a letter from Aunt E. yesterday. When I answer it, I will send her a sheet of 8 x 11 paper, and tell her to take plenty of time to add her bit to the chain-letter, and have it ready to enclose at once when I send it to her next round, which should be back to me by Easter, Apr. 21. (I hope) I shall keep all of you and your dear ones in prayers during Lent. God love and bless you all.

Devotedly, 

Sadie

P.S. Frank, I enjoyed your letter, particularly your reference to Shakespeare and the Preface of the Mass.

Chaotic Peace

Vol. 18, No. 4 [Sadie]

Oct. 23, 1945

Dear Gene and All:

Surely this round of the chain embraces a period of time which is a turning point, not only in history, but in civilization. When I wrote last, the war was going strong; now we are in a state of chaotic peace! I wonder where it all will end?

In looking back over the general trend of the letters this time, it rather strikes me that we are wasting precious space trying to decide what to put in the letters instead of just writing them. As Dan says, “let nature take its course.“ From the quotations listed in “Who Said It,” (a very clever idea, Dan) it appears that “from the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks” best. (I think Helen hit the authors right)

The events that the passing of time records for each individual member and their dear ones, is always the most interesting item in the letter for me. Especially since it is the only means of communication for some of us.

Gee’s suggestion about the supplemental letters is splendid, and Eloise’s contribution most interesting and welcome. Let’s keep that up, and when my turn comes, if Aunt Ellie is still living, I shall ask her to write. Helen says she is not so well, lately. In the meantime, let’s all write to her, for we may not have her too long.

We are having a Teachers’ Institute here at our Cathedral High School, for 300 Sisters and Priests of the Lansing Diocese, next Friday (Oct. 26.). The problem arising about the training and molding of the youth of today into the leaders of tomorrow will be the general theme of the Institute. The League of Catholic Women are sponsoring the luncheon, which will be served in our Parish Hall.

It is impossible to comment on each letter in the space left. Suffice it to say that each one was intensely interesting to me, and the reading of them is next best to a visit with each of you. I enjoyed seeing some of our scattered family this summer. Gee’s boys are really “going to town.” I had a lovely visit in Anderson, and a short but very pleasant one in Troy and Columbus. I hope the next one will be East.

Don’s return seems to be the big news this round. I hope that Christmas will find both him and Dick back home for good. Let’s get the chain around to me again by Christmas. That will be on schedule time, for a change. Love and prayers to all.

Sadie

in the present day…
Earthquake!!!!!!!! Yes, we had an earthquake (5.2) here in the Midwest this morning. Actually two earthquakes! One about 5:30 this morning—which I slept through. ;) And another one (4.5) around 11:30 this morning—that one I felt!

Me and my Peeps

Visions of Sadie (the nun) playing craps just makes me laugh. Makes me think of the nuns at church when I was growing up and wonder what vices each one may have had. Guess they don't spend all their time cracking knuckles with rulers and praying like I thought they did.

Vol. 17, No. 4 [Sadie]

July 29, 1945

Dear Gene and all my Loved Ones:

Like Shan, I have just completed by third reading of the letters, and that speaks for itself.

I want to add my “veto” to the three others who have commented on Shan’s suggestion to vote on the best letter. For the life of me, I wouldn’t be able to say which was best, as each one has its own merits, and they are all deserving of an “optime.”

I do vote for the “baby sister’s ” name, though. The last time I saw Mother in Washington, I heard Rose tell her that the first girl was to be named after her, and she laughingly answered, “You are not only counting, but naming your chickens before they are hatched.” So Rosanna—or Rosanne should be the name. Won’t he have the laugh on us when he reads this if he’s a “baby brother” instead?

Dan, you must have a sylvan paradise from the address of your little home. I sounds very inviting, and we would all like to drop in on you and your cherubs. Their pictures are very tempting.

I am leaving Lansing on Wednesday, and making several detours on my way to Cincinatti. I will see as many members of the family as possible. Shan, that crap game was “off the record” you know.

Gene, I am glad to know that the tonsils are safely out, and hope that by this time your pearls are adjusted and comfortable. I am still hoping to see you this summer, in Anderson.

We will receive our appointments for the year next week, so at present writing, I am not sure whether I will be in Lansing or elsewhere next year. Like the soldiers, we are subject to change on short notice.

Speaking of soldiers, we are surely proud of our “adjutant” and “air cadet.” May they both be home soon!

That is an imposing list of duties that Don has. What happened to the chateau picture?

Glad to hear that Bernie B. is now a civilian, Kate. So Janice is now working! I hope she likes it, Irene.

As I will be seeing Gee and Helen in the near future, I will just send love and prayers for them all. Until the next round, I am always,

Your devoted sister,

Sadie

in the present day…
I can't believe Easter is so soon. I haven't even had a chance to make baskets for my nieces and nephews. I should probably get to the store soon before all the goodies have all been picked through. I usually do an outdoor Easter egg hunt (plastic eggs) with prizes. Unfortunately, the nieces and nephews are getting older—they used to get really excited about winning a box of Peeps or a can of Playdoh. This past Christmas I gave them all iPod Shuffles. I should probably go with iPod gift cards as prizes this year—and I'm starting to think maybe they are too old for the egg hunt—but they would never admit it.

Speaking of Peeps, I like marshmallows—and who doesn't love sugar—but I really can't eat Peeps. I don't know why, I think they are disgusting.