a little bird told me…

A Lot of Craporino

I wish I had the 52 page family history that Nan wrote after the family reunion. But alas, it was not saved with the letters.

Vol. 28, No. 4 [Shan] 
8-24-97 

Dear Family: 

First to comment on Dan’s query about how Nan is progressing with her history of the June 1946 reunion. She tells me it is completed, comprising fifty-two pages. She is now negotiating for the best deal she can make for mimeographing so that each of you may have whatever number of copies you wish. It will be forthcoming one of these days before too long. 

Paulie told us about Sadie’s appeal to the Deities to have the cherry trees bloom before she left Washington. From the pictures, I would say her appeal was answered in one blaze of glory. Nice going Sadie. 

Dan I will mail all of my back letters immediately. How about each of us doing likewise. By the way Dan what has happened to the compilation. I thought that a worthy project. Hope it does not default. We all are ready to perform our part. 

Dan I delivered the reunion films to the F.F. Vosses on the occasion of our visit there several months ago. In passing wish to comment on Howard’s excellent letter. Honest, Howard, I often wonder how you and our other worthy in-laws put up with a lot of our craporino. 

Comment about Mr. Matthews no longer being Larry’s boss was news to me. What happened to him? Met him briefly and casually while in Dayton last June. Personally, I sort of liked the fellow. 

There are no family matters from this sector to be chronicled, other than has heretofore been recorded. 

So will bid you all adieu until the next round. 

Love Shan

in the present day…

I am finished with travel for a while now. Whew! 

It seems like everyone around me has taken leave of their education recently. Using the wrong form of a word has been running rampant in my co-workers and vendors. Here are some examples of some blunders: 

I have done this in the passed and it seems to work well. (email from co-worker—Director level)

I was wandering if you could help me with this. (email from Product Manager)

It relaxes me to know end. (IM from a co-worker—Lab Coordinator)

Thanks for helping me. Your awesome! (email from Product Manager—different PM than above)

These are all college-educated people! Some have Master's Degrees. This has all been within the last 24 hours. But it happens EVERY DAY! It is driving me crazy and I fight the urge to email a smart-a$$ comment. For instance, I get the "wandering if you could help me" on a regular basis from this particular product manager. I want desperately to shoot an email back saying "Really? Where were you wandering?" Is it wrong to correct them? Is it rude?

I am constantly correcting their communications prior to going out to the sales force (because I think it would be a poor reflection on the company), when I really want to send them out with their name attached to it. 

Intact at One Place

Vol. 27, No. 4 [Shan] 

6/16 – 1947 

Dear K. and Family 

The long delay has been occasioned by Irene’s letter to Gene being returned to Washington for lack of adequate address. Will enclose the address side of the envelope. Anyone who possesses Gene’s last address better send it on to Irene so that she will have it available when the round comes her way again. 

Again, I have nothing of great interest to write about. Continue to commute between Youngstown and Columbus most week ends. We engage in the usual home and kitchen activity. 

Weekend of June 7th – 8th, Rose Abbot had us over to Dayton. Bob and Rosemary were there with their two daughters resulting in a most enjoyable visit. I concur with Dan in his answer to Paulie’s inquiry as to what to do about making distribution of some of Mothers’ things. As long as it is convenient for her believe they should be kept intact and at one place. 

Sadie’s visit to Washington must have been quite interesting. It has been some years since I have been there with the opportunity to get around, but I never was bored doing so on the occasions when I did have the opportunity. 

Everyone was talking about Rosie’s anticipated visit to Ohio up to a certain point, then all of a sudden there is a vast silence on the subject. What happened, Rose? 

Don’t happen, at the moment, to have a curb side view in a Midwest village, but did have occasion several weeks ago to advertise for a secretary. Here are the names of some of the girls who applied—Toarokki—Ficcoelli—Parella—DuChanois—and so on. Should Gee sit a long a curb in Youngstown for an hour she could fill a half a dozen pages with interesting observations. 

This represents all the trivia that occurs to me at the moment, so may as well get this on the way. 

Love Shan

in the present day...

On Monday, I made my trek down to the cemetery where several generations of my family (including my parents) are buried. It is a tiny cemetery in the middle of the country about 30 miles from where I live now. Near the cemetery is a house that my parents had looked at purchasing in the 70s when my Dad retired from the Navy. Instead, they bought a house about 15 miles South in another county. Every time I drive by this house, I wonder what my life would have been like if they had bought that house. I would have had different friends, gone to a different school system, maybe even pursued a different career path. I think about all the teachers that influenced my life and wonder if teachers in another school system would have influenced me in the same way. I have this conversation with myself EVERY time I drive down to the cemetery and see that house. Would I be married? divorced? children? no children? Would I have become a graphic designer or would I have wound up working a factory job?Of course, I can never resolve this. I will never know "what if." I have no complaints with my life as it is, so I wonder why I ponder this every time!

Little to Write About

Vol. 26, No. 4 [Shan] 

3/26–47 
Dear K. and Family: 

There seems to be little if anything to write about or report on. There has been no change in our status quo nor any events of not since my last contribution in January. 

I would offer a comment on Dan’s suggestion that Aunt Ellie be included to receive the chain regularly. I presume it was your intention, Dan, that she be included only to give her an opportunity to read the letters, but not as a contributor. I see nothing wrong with the suggestion provided we are all reconciled to a month or two of delay each time the letters go to her. You recall the last experience. I will refrain from voting. Would suggest, however, that Helen do not send her this round for it will contain the comments of the several contributors on the subject. With the knowledge that she may be reading it, no one would feel free to express an opinion adverse to the suggestion. In the event Helen decides to send her this round I request this letter be removed, and forwarded on to Paulie who can replace it to the others when the chain comes thru her. 

Word came from somewhere that Sadie had secured permission to visit Washington during the Easter vacation. That sounds like a good time. If she gets around the congressional halls, I warn her to be cautious. They tell me that all those newly elected republicans carry tommy-hawks. 

Irene’s Xmas gift was two very excellent books. “The Lowells and Their Seven Worlds” and one other of the then current best sellers. I have read several new books since Xmas time and do not recall the title at the moment. As I am writing this from Youngstown, cannot just glance at the book shelf to refresh my memory. In any event I read and enjoyed both while home between the two holidays. I particularly recommend “The Lowells.” 

It is a pleasure to hear how nicely Gene and the girls are adjusting themselves to their new environment. I thought from the time she first began to talk about it that it would be a smart move for her. It may require a little time to become completely adjusted, but I believe the ultimate welfare of all of them is worth the effort. 

I warned in the opening paragraph that I could find little to write about. Don’t you all agree? 

Love Shan

Next on the List

Vol. 25, No. 4-A [Carolyn O’Connor] 

Columbus, Ohio 
Jan. 29 - 1947 

Dear Family:— 

Shan usually brings the chain letter home with him so was quite surprised to find it in the mail box this morning. Don read it first and informed me I was to contribute my letter to this round. Was all afternoon so immediately after dinner I read the most enjoyable letters. I notice it was Sadie who mentioned I was next on the list. I was under the impression Dan informed us whose turn it was. However am quite please to write to all of you. 

Being in the family so long I truly feel like one of you so won’t wait on regulations. It’s so difficult to be cheery these days as the whole world is in confusion. First you listen to the radio and sometimes you feel like shutting it off but no, you cannot close your mind to the events of the day. Then you look out the window and see a dog or cat or a squirrel and they are going their own peaceful ways. Wouldn’t it be nice to crawl into a shell for a few years to get away from it all? You are told to think, think, think but it isn’t much consolation if you are not able to do anything about it. Yes, you have the right to vote but sometimes that’s futile as too many are playing politics. There are a few who have brains and are trying to put us on the right track but, oh so few. Then the atom bomb scares one and sometimes you wish it had never been discovered even for science’s sake. I remember the first article I read about it in Life made me shudder. I think the U.S. should by all means control it. Of course Russia no doubt is working on it and will probably have it solved within the next ten or twenty years. That will at least give us a breathing spell and hope by that time it will be outlawed for war purposes as poison gasses were. 

Today Congressmen were concerned about a book or articles published in Russia which contains all the engineering feats in the U.S. They have hundreds of engineers roaming America at their will and only about five Americans are in Russia and no doubt they are told where to go and where not to go. It reminds me of the books published after War I by which Hitler profited. We try so hard to understand Russia but communists are infiltrating into all the countries and there is very little we can do about it. Take Poland for instance. My heart goes out to them and we know they did not have free elections as were emphasized at Yalta. They have such a stronghold in south America and even here. We try to keep them submerged but there are just enough of them here to keep things in a turmoil. I seem to be talking about World War III which most pessimists are predicting so to be a little optimistic it will be years hence but it is bound to come. 

We all hated to see Jimmy Byrnes leave his post for he did a mighty fine job of it but think Marshall will be equally as good or perhaps better. Only pray he can stand the strain. Wouldn’t it be terrific to sit in one of their conferences for hours and hours and days arguing and in the end getting no place? Enough of world topics. It’s a lot more fun to listen to Fred Allen and Bob Hope. 

At least we have that and faith and our own dear families. And what a wonderful family it is and am proud to be one of the in-laws. It seems to be growing with all the newlyweds and weddings to be and all the darling babies. Last weekend Nan asked me how I would like to see a performance of Grand Opera for my birthday. What could be a nicer gift? We are planning to leave here Friday afternoon and spend the night with Shan in Youngstown and then to Cleveland for the matinee on Saturday. Back to Youngstown that evening and then leave Sunday evening for Columbus. Am looking forward to it and it will also save Shan from one of his weekly journeys. Also a trip to Dayton is coming up which I am also looking forward to. And later on to Capon Springs or has it been definitely decided upon for the next reunion? 

My love to all of you Carolyn.

Count Me In

Vol. 23, No. 10 [Shan] 

Youngstown, O. 10/17 – 46. 

To Every one: 

Chain arrived here last week. It had to go to Columbus for week end reading. Otherwise you can imagine the sort of hell I would be in for. Found Nan unexpectedly away for said weekend—chain was left for her perusal and forwarded here for my attention. That all took time. Will enclose Nan’s transmittal note with her enclosure. It is interesting in this day of living costs. The extract is from an old ledger that she apparently has been reviewing. Space prohibits further comment from me. 

How many of you remember the firms with which Dad did business 1904-14. 

The cemetery project bars dispute or objection. Count me in. 

Question: Does the maintenance contemplate the whole family plot or only that portion of the plot assigned to our immediate family? I favor the whole. Future supervision of the maintenance is a problem that is now solved, as will be disclosed soon. 

Don’s pictures will be enclosed: Permit them to go around, each one placing their name on the back of each picture of which they wish a print. 

Dan: I am for the rerouting. You figure the new schedule. 

I also concur with your suggestion that the Capon Springs gathering be on an informal basis. Paulie should figure out a time and make tentative reservations as early as possible. Then all who can make it should confirm their reservation when they definitely know they can be present. 

Gee, with her usual thoroughness, summed up the Xmas exchange. All I remember is drawing Sadie’s name and her oblique observation that she would probably get a jug of rum. I do remember that I invited the snappy observation with the comment that Helen would probably get a prayer book. 

Before concluding I must take issue with Dan on his vote for Howard as the in-law who contributed the most. True he carried the ball admirably, but how about those two Voss boys who kept the line open for the ball carrier. My vote goes to them. 

Incidentally Bill Abbott is an in-law once or twice removed. I sincerely hope the adversities reported in Rosie’s letter have all cleared away. 

Love Shan

Vol. 23, No. 10-A [Nan O’Connor] Dear Pop:

Sorry to have missed you last week-end. I did have a nice time and hear you folks did, too. This inclosure on the “regulation” sheet of paper was a thought mother and I had about the next generation’s not believing in 89 cents per pound for butter. They might have worse from the viewpoint of grandpop’s ledger.

Thought you might like to head your contribution to the chain with an example from that ledger, though if you analyzed it yourself it might give a better picture. Anyif, thanks for delaying the chain long enough for me to read it.

See you Friday. Love Nan Ledger D.F. O’Connor Jan. 1904 $ Jan. 1914 $ Hoegner 14.28 28.98 Duffield & S. 27.27 46.09 Gas Co. 6.23 20.20 Shook’s lndy. 7.97 30.29 Heat 18.50 taxes 82.14

That Boy Rates

Vol. 22, No. 10 [Shan] 

Columbus July 27 — 46 

Dear Dan et al— 

The “chain” arrived in Youngstown early this week. We spent most of last evening (Friday) reviewing and discussing. It made for a lively and interesting evening. It appears that the ultimate and penultimate members of the clan O’Connor have directed their thinks earthward on the proposal to include in this exchange a discussion of current topics. I can understand that. From the time that Nan and Don were zero to adult age ninety percent of our thoughts revolved around their development. You never lose that completely, but as you advance with the years, your point of view becomes more objective and less subjective. This is good for both parent and child. 

No one enjoyed Roberta, Diane, Ronnie, Sean, Jamie and David more than I. They have been a permanent topic in our conversation since Dayton. We want to hear all about them and the family activities of very branch. This should always be an important part of this exchange. The foregoing is not to be interpreted to the effect that I relinquish my convictions that something other than family record should be injected into these letters. 

I venture the statement that when Volumes one to twenty-one have been compiled and distributed, the expression of one’s individual thoughts on subjects other than family affairs prove invaluable and certainly irreplaceable. Personally, I like to know how the other fellow is thinking. It helps with my own thinking. 

Nan is waiting to receive Paulie’s resume of the family history and Rosie’s report of the luncheon to complete her report of the reunion. Don’s pictures have been developed. He has some excellent shots, but has not found time to date to organize them for distribution. 

Paulie: we all got a tremendous kick out of K. Hanley’s report of the reunion as it appeared in the Lima News. She reminds me so much of Luke (her father) but none of you would know about Luke. 

Affairs here are uneventful. Cannot close this without a comment on Howard’s thoroughness. “That boy rates.” 

Love Shan

The Lesser Fault

Vol. 21, No. 10 [Shan] 

Youngstown 1, Ohio 
5/30-46. 
Dear Dan and Family: 

Apologies for the stationery. No other was available at the moment. It was either this or further delay, therefore, I chose the lesser fault. Fragmentary comments on progress being made in the preparations for the reunion indicate complete success. Like all others this twig of the family tree is experiencing pleasurable anticipation. 

A suggestion to the M.C. (Dan). Why not ask Nan to cover the whole even in reportorial style. The report to become part of the record. A copy to be forwarded to each family attending, using Don as her official photographer; he has both movie and candid equipment, and knows to use it. 

Like those who have written of recent date I now realize the futility of new comments that will prove stale to most of the addresses before they receive this segment of the chain. Therefore, to utilize the space, will submit a story that Nan brought home a few weeks ago. It has given me many a chuckle. Believe it will not harm this record. 

A little girl (age 5) and a little boy (age 4) all dressed up and hand in hand rang the door bell of a neighbor’s house. The Lady answered. The girl: “Mr. and Mrs. Smith call for tea.” The Lady: “I am delighted, come in.” Setting them in the parlor while she went to kitchen to prepare tea. Returning to living room with tray, she found children going out the door. The Lady: “Oh, aren’t your staying, the tea is ready.” The Girl: “So sorry we can’t stay. Mr. Smith has wet his pants.” This is not much of a letter, but, like Paulie, hope to make up for it in Dayton. 

Love to all, Shan

Steve is a Good Name

Vol. 19, No. 10 [Shan]

Jany 27 - 46.

Dear Family:

Delayed my contribution to this round a few days. We were anticipating Don’s return day by day this past week and wanted him to have the pleasure of reading your letters. He arrived Friday evening—a civilian in uniform. His plan contemplates entry to Ohio State for the Spring Quarter.

Best news item this round is, of course, “Steven Walsh.” Howard, he must be an important person. Western Union telephoned your announcement telegram three times over a period of 12 hours. What matters the spelling. Steve is a good name.

Fred, I enjoyed your letter. Your detached comments on the gang were refreshing. We can use more of that sort of thing to advantage.

The suggestion of a rump chain seems to have drawn a spark here and there. I believe it proper that Nan should head it up and do the compiling. Will ask her to do so.

We are all for a reunion this year. I thoroughly agree that it is time to stop talking about it and to begin doing something to bring it about. Gee has made a start, suggesting this correspondent as chairman of arrangements and Dan as co-chairman. Space forbids further comment here. I neither accept or refuse the job at the moment. All of you shall hear from me soon and simultaneously on that subject.

Can’t resist the impulse to comment on excellence of Gee’s letter.

Dan, I believe you have plagiarized an idea from Bennet Cerf’s comment on Wollcott in college when you suggested the “Adjective Project.” I am for it. Should prove interesting. My contribution shall be enclosed.

Joint with all in appreciation to Kay for her thoughtful present. Be sure Kay it occupies a prominent place in our home and our hearts. Paulie you should have taken the extra five bucks and invested it in a jug of rye for the Boss.

Will enclose five enlarged prints of pictures taken here in Summer of 1944. Suggest that each of you place your names on back of each picture you would like to have. Let all of them make the round and back to me Don agrees to supply you with the desired copies in whatever quantity you wish.

For the life of me can not think of a subject that would form a basis of a good controversy. Either the World has progressed or I am becoming too damned complacent. God forbid.

Luck and love to all

Shan

in the present day…

I spent a lot of time on my landscaping this year. I planted flowers, got all the weeds out of the flowerbeds, etc. I came home from work and as I pulled in the driveway, I stopped at the mailbox to retrieve the newspaper and the mail. This is when I noticed that someone had DUG UP some of my flowers. I could actually see the shovel marks. Someone had taken a start from my flowers without asking. I would have gladly given anyone a start off of any of my plants, but to just come and STEAL them? So wrong. Not to mention that I had to fix the landscaping. I hope the flowers die when they plant them. 

Go to Alaska

Vol. 18, No. 9 [Rose — letter missing]

Vol. 18, No. 10 [Shan]

11-22-45

Dear Family:

This round is delightful. We all have read it several times. Speaking for myself, and me only, there seems to be a lack of the controversy that has heretofore prevailed. It is my belief that controversy will bring out more character than too sober expression.

Gee: Dan will remember my advice to him when he came out of Columbia an embryo lawyer. “Go to Alaska.” The advice was good then and it is good now. You will make no mistake in encouraging your fine boys: 1st—To get all the education they can. 2nd—Go to Alaska.

One of the most pleasant experiences we O’Connors of Columbus have enjoyed recently was the visit paid us by the Messr. Larry, Jr., Joe, Dave and Dan Voss for the weekend and Purdue-Ohio game. Ohio’s only loss to date but those Indiana Vosses were perfect gentlemen about it.

Howard: Your pinch-hit note for Rosie was appreciated but too modest. Dan’s suggestion that we begin to “de-emphasize” the family and include the in-laws and progeny is excellent. I would expand the movement to permit any of them to chip in any time they please.

Last eve, while having our pre dinner cocktails Nan and I played with the idea of a “Rump Chain” between the several cousins/ It is an idea! Does it have any encouragement?

Don is currently located at:
0-1593144 — 697 Air Material Sq. —
455th Air Service Gp. —Sedial A.A. Field
Warrensburg, Mo.

We had a Thanksgiving phone call from him within the hour. He does not anticipate a discharge for some months. Possibly not before late 1946, but he is engaged in very interesting work, has intervals for play and seems quite contented.

Following thru on suggestion to comment on current topic: Today’s of course, is the G.M. strike. I profess no particular admiration for “Higgins of New Orleans” but I do believe the sort of medicine he gave the Union, will, if followed by other employers, go a long way towards curing their belly-ache.

Thanksgiving, Xmas and New Year’s greetings to all of you from all of us.

Love
Shan

Vetoed

Vol. 17, No. 10 [Shan]

9/4-45

Dan and Family:

The chain arrived last Monday—Don arrived Monday evening. I would do better with this contribution, given the opportunity to reread, but I had the choice of rereading and writing or listening to Don’s recount of his experience during the past 23 months. So much for apologies.

Now look Dan— you “vetoed” my suggestion in my last letter: to wit: “That each of us say which letter of the last round we liked the best.” I said nothing about expressing an opinion about which was the best. It just so happened that I liked Lala’s letter and elected to say so.

From time to time I have interjected controversy in these letters. It has been done, not without purpose.

These letters are great by my yardstick. They shall be greater by drawing out of each of us thoughts that pertain to other than one immediate family affairs. Please don’t misunderstand. I get as much joy out of telling all of you about my gang as do the rest of you. I sincerely believe that as a family record that theme should take precedence. I am likewise concerned that if this interchange is restricted to that theme it will surely bog down.

Some one of these days, these kids who are so cute today will be grown up people and will be reading these pennings, I hope.!

Dan, it is my recollection that at the beginning of Vol. 16 I started the discussion of timely subjects. It prevailed for nearly two rounds. You started this whole idea. Excellent. You are now beginning Vol. 18. As the originator of a successful project, you seem to have acquired some responsibilities. All of which sums up to the suggestion that you promote something, I cannot think of anything at the moment.

Love to all
Shan

Dear Aunt Ellie,
I promised to route this round to you. In doing so I buck all rules and regulations. In doing so, I am confident of the complete approval of all. In fact I am confident that each one of you will, on receipt, proceed to write a note to a grand person we know who lives at

Sister Anatalia
Rt. #10 Salem Hts.
Dayton, Ohio

Shan

Rosellen
What in “ell” is wrong with “Rosie”? The name has always been applied to you affectionately. You probably will wind up naming her “Howard, Jr.”

in the present day…

Mrs. RW has awarded me with an “E for Excellence” blog award. I love her blog— Things to Say. She doesn't say things often enough, but when she does, it is excellent reading.

In the spirit of the award, I am paying it forward with my favorite blogs.

Things to Say

Sweet Pea

Ilax Studio

Run Jen Run

Everybody's favorite: Blogography

This Fare City

Excuse Me While I Buy This Junk

Hunt for Vintage

Thrift Store Adventures

Vintage Rescue Squad