Name/Title
AU Harris, Richard Lambert - 1979-08-31 letter to Daniel Alfred HarrisEntry/Object ID
1990.1.398Context
(Mailed 9-5)
August 31, 1979
Dear Dan,
Thank you for the fine color photo of you with Aletha. It is a treasure, and brings back the wonderful years you shared together, with so many others.
It has been a busy summer. My class reunion--Westerville High, 1929--brought together about 50 grads who picnicked at a home in Westerville. Among them Charlotte Clippinger, Harriet Jones, Ed Burtner, and John Smith. Burtner retires this year as prof of homiletics at our Dayton Seminary (formerly Bonebrake, now back to the name United, I think.)
John Smith has concluded a medical career in Puerto Rico, mission and hospital of the United Church of Christ. His wife is Virginia Norris, sister of Margaret. (John says Margaret told them of her delight with your regaling an Otterbein class '23 reunion with reminiscent songs.)
I have had a typical reduced summer schedule so far as teaching is concerned. These years of private instruction at Gahanna have been enjoyable and often challenging.
The month of August has been hectic. Some busy days at the Ohio State Fair in connection with the alumni activities of the All-Ohio State Fair Band. For almost 50 yrs. it had been boys, but has become co-ed, and is a better group musically.
Recent years have developed the All-Ohio Youth Choir, a resounding 300-voice group under Glenville Thomas of Cambridge. A sizeable nucleus choral segment of the choir makes a concertizing trip of Europe each summer. They have appeared also in the Pasadena Rose Bowl parade, each kid wearing a microphone and amplifier. Rivalry between the band and chorus is lively but healthy.
I'm glad to hear about Nana, and hope that Eva's health is better. She merits high credit for her overseeing care.
It would be fun to see recent pictures of Danny's family. I thank you for the recent tone of John, wife, and Zach. With grandparents' day on Sept. 9 you will be well remembered.
My teaching studio activity is at John Hare Music, now relocated in the Hunter's Ridge Shopping Center in Gahanna. The phone number there is 614-475-1896.
I have been quite busy for over a month helping a Gahanna family move to Worthington. I've been active in both locations, dismantling and reinstalling, making many repairs, inside and out, etc. Some of it has been quite exhausting. The people need help, and it has been a busy preoccupation.
Thanks for your account of Malcolm Smith's book. I'll put in a suggestion for accession purchase by a couple of the historical libraries here in Columbus.
Dan, I appreciate you passing on family news! Our family lot at Otterbein Cemetery looks nice, with the flowers of Easter, Father's Day, his birthday, and Mother's Day. Thank you for flower donations.
Things have declined somewhat at the 1576 Neil address. A series of recent short term resident managers has let things deteriorate. Now they want a considerable rent increase. It 'ain't worth it.' I am considering a change, and have been invited to take a room at the Worthington residence referred to above.
That address is
5576 Morning Street.
Worthington, Ohio
The telephone is 614-888-9845 listed under Mary Thomas.
We have been alarmed by the storm news from South Florida and are now relieved that danger seems past. I hope you have come through safely and won't have to face recurrences.
I hope you continue in good health, with prospects of keeping busy in your helpful coaching. It sounds as if you have had some interesting talent to sponsor.
Perhaps you have found a little time to put down some memoirs.
I wish you another good 'academic year' and appreciate your patience and concern.
Lovingly yours,
Dick
P.S. You wouldn't believe the tremendous amount of rebuilding restoration, etc. in the north side, from Goodale Park north, almost to the university. Victorian Village, Renaissance Battelle, and other projects.
