1974 FEBRUARY

It didn`t take long after the snow storm, for Mother and Dad to decide that a move was inevitable! They ended up on the north side of Indianapolis at 62nd street and Benford Avenue. After 22 years, this would definitely shorten the drive to work!

Another advantage was the elimination of the steep, long and winding driveway. This was still a rambling ranch style on a level lot.

Meanwhile, we were still enjoying the goofiness of square dancing as we tried to maneuver while keeping  our feet in shoe boxes!

 

 

1974 MARCH

Right on schedule, Grandpa and Grandma Barrett came down for a visit and to see the new house.

An unusually warm spring brought out the early rose blooms.

 

 

We were able to pass on the kids school pictures to their great grandparents while they were here.

 

 

 

 

 

Debbie was in the 5th grade and Greg was in the 3rd grade. They finally managed to get a smile out of him this year!

 

 

 

 

 

1974 APRIL

Franklin Little League try outs for the draft were held this month. Greg was picked up on a minor league team sponsored by Frank Campel Painter.

 

 

 

I was still in charge of the T-Ball League, and was busy organizing try outs and the players draft. Carole was active, volunteering time to the concession stand. We both, along with Debbie, spent a lot of our time at the ball park during the summer.

We did take some time to visit Grandma Wolff at the nursing home in Indianapolis. She would turn 90 years old this December, and was still sharp as a tack. She continues to avidly read her romance novels and watch the soaps on TV. Rheumatoid arthritis has handicapped her somewhat, necessitating the use of a walker.

1974 MAY

Updating The Wolff`s Den is a constant operation. This summer we all pitched in to add new siding to the garage and family room. New paint theme from green to brown. Cedar shake shingles to be added to the gable peaks.

 

 

Taking the summer off from school this year. We need more time for projects, square dancing, camping, baseball and family. Still working third shift and working the overtime though.

We were saddened to learn about the passing of Mother’s only brother Jay this week. He was Arthur Jay Barrett Jr., named after Grandpa Barrett. He served in the Merchant Marine, shipping supplies to the allies across the Atlantic during WWII.

ANCESTRY

1974JUNE

Another trip to Kings Island in Cincinnati, and we were able to convince Carole to brave another crossing in the gondola ride. She was very courageous!

 

 

 

Mother was enjoying getting her flowers started at the Roberts Place house. Little upgrade projects were being done, as with all their houses in the past.

Dad was beginning to experience anxiety and depression symptoms, and was seeing a doctor to determine if any treatment was needed.

While watching Greg’s First year of minors, I became acquainted with another player’s dad, Greg Fisher. After watching a few games, we began discussing the many basic baseball fundamentals that were not being taught to these kids. By the end of the season, we decided that even we could do a better job of coaching, and agreed to apply for a minor league team next year!

1974 JULY

A square dance friend and I were surprised with homemade birthday cakes! Looks like we may have to get the fire department on standby!

 

 

 

Mother and Dad with Higgins, were enjoying the new surroundings in Indianapolis.

Dad has been prescribed some anxiety medication to see if it would help. He is still working at the Indianapolis Star newspaper, but is under deadline pressures every day, and pushes himself to be perfect. Not a good combination for anxiety issues!

 

1974 AUGUST

While waiting for a family birthday dinner at Goggie`s, Debbie and Greg decided to play a card game.

School is just around the corner as Debbie will be in the 6th grade and Greg in the 4th.

 

This month, Grandpa and Grandma Barrett had the first family get together since Jay’s passing.

Left to right: Jin, Gerrie, May, Dot, Marg and Grandma and Grandpa.

 

 

I am guessing that the lack of photos during this period of time is due to me taking more 35mm slide pictures and 8mm movies…sorry.

1974 DECEMBER

Whiz through three birthdays, four counting Esther’s, and Thanksgiving dinners, we arrive in time for Christmas. Moving our Christmas tree around from year to year has landed it in the dining room this year. Carole took up the photography work or we may not have had any tree photos!

Back in the old days of snail mail, and friends and family exchanging  happy Christmas wishes, we displayed our Christmas cards on the fireplace mantle and dining room table.

 

 

Still many Christmases and dinners to attend, but Christmas morning always started at home.

 

 

 

Greg had time to set up his monorail train track, and show Carole how it worked before we headed off to other Christmases.

 

 

 

At Esther`s, we had a great Christmas dinner and gift exchange before heading off to Mother and Dad`s.

 

 

 

The first Christmas at the Roberts Place house with Mother and Dad. We didn`t know it would be the only one. Debbie and Greg enjoyed the fireplace there.

 

 

 

Carole and I enjoyed some snacks before dinner. Then Mother and Dad began talking about the house and its` location being sooo close to Binford Avenue and the noise, and with houses all around, there was no view. I sensed a move was in the works!