The upcoming summer would mean an uptick in activity for my father who had announced his candidacy for State Rep on June 11th.
"John Manning Candidate
For State Representative
John Manning, present chairman of the Board of Park Commissioners, has announced his candidacy for the Democratic nomination as State Representative in the newly created 30th Middlesex district.
A long-time champion of youth sports activities, Mr Manning has served as executive director of Pee-Wee Hockey and general manager of the Watertown baseball club better known as the Hibo's.
Mr Manning has participated in bringing many long-needed innovations into the local recreational picture. Exceptionally popular have been hurling, European football and Pee-Wee hockey. The latter has answered a long-felt demand from youngsters 10-13 years of age.
A US Naval veteran (Pacific Theatre), Mr Manning is a past president of the Ancient Order of Hibernians and a town meeting member from Precinct 7 and 8."
"Roland B Thomas
7 Auburn Terrace
Waltham 54 Massachusetts
6/26/64
John J Manning
500 Baseball Schedules -------------------------$10"
Hibernian Outing at Waverley Oaks - Christine, Dad, Johnny, Jimmy with Patty behind him.
"Commonwealth Of Massachusetts 482
Town of Watertown
Board of Registers of Voters
July 7 1964
Received of Maurice J Sheehan
1 Nomination Papers of John Manning
Office: Representative 30th Middlesex
(Petition for Referendum)
Nomination papers and petitions will be delivered only by presentation of this receipt.
Board of Registers of Voters
by E P ???"
My father would drop us off in Falmouth for our 2 week July vacation at Cullens' cottage at the heights. He would come down on weekends and work at home during the week. I guess some weekend we drove by Mr Russell's house on Jones Road where Aunt Nellie worked for so many years and where Ma worked as a maid after Freddie Albert died. Mr Russell had died in 1961 so perhaps the property was up for sale. It was a huge estate. When Johnny Murphy was in Falmouth Hospital, his roommate was George Ferreira - who told me that he had developed the property. He said that Mr Russell's caretaker lived in a house near the Coonamessett Inn on the other side of the pond. On that same side there are walking trails from near the Atria Assisted Living Facility on Gifford Street - some of the area might have been part of the golf course that was once there. I walk along the pond to a bench where I sometimes sit and look over where Mr Russell's house used to be and remember visiting Aunt Nellie and Ma there. Aunt Nellie used to hang a dishcloth on the hedges that lined the Russell property on Jones Road if it was safe to visit - if Mr Russell was out of the house that is. She never wanted him to know that any of us had been to the house.
"Front facing Jones Rd"
Mr Russell used to sit on the porch in later years when my father would drive up - he always returned my father's wave.
"front of house facing Jones Rd. Grass up to our knees"
Christine, Patty Jimmy in front driveway of Mr Russell's house on Jones Road.
"Back of house facing pond."
"John & kids standing in new road past kitchen & laundry windows."
"at the circle"
"Russell's House Falmouth
house facing tennis court"
"Patty, Christine, Johnny, Jody, Dad, Jimmy
1964
Driveway to barn"
"Back door & flower garden"
Joanie at Chapaquoit Beach - we would put zinc oxide on our noses to be like the lifeguards.
We went to the beach every good day - we loved Chapaquoit Beach if there were waves. There was nothing better than swimming with waves. I would dive into them doing a somersault - then come up dizzy from the force of the waves tumbling me around and try to find my footing. Or I would body surf on a wave to see how far in towards the shore the wave would take me. Or I would walk out almost to my chest and try to jump over the high waves. Or I would try to do a handstand just before the wave hit and knocked me over this way and that.
My kids and family love Chapaquoit too. It is so sad to see the erosion of the little bit of beach that is left. The size of the parking lot there can give an indication of how crowded it used to be. The ice cream truck would come singing along - we would hear the music and hope we had enough money for a chocolate covered bar or a cone with vanilla ice cream, fudge sauce and nuts on top.
If my father was down, he would usually drop us off and go back to the cottage - he was prone to sunburns - weren't the rest of us! You could spot the Mannings - we were the lily white ones covered from head to toe on the beach. He would come back and pick us up at a selected time. Norman would drive the Hulistons. If my father wasn't down, Norman would make 2 trips to the beach and 2 trips home - he was such a good sport. He would speed up to go over the bumps on Gifford Street that were like a roller coaster or he would drive down straight aways with his hands in the air - we would be screaming at him to put his hands on the wheel. The road was so straight and he was going slow - I've done the same myself with my own kids. I have great memories of our families' times in Falmouth.
My father used to run the monthly drawings for the Hiboes.
"Hiboes July 1964
---------------------------------------
620 Anne Crimmins $600
934 Helen McCallum $100
290 Mrs J Shields $50
046 M Kelly $25
978 Jack Loftus $25
1221 Tony - ℅ Shut $10
900 Mrs M Shields $10
779 Charles Doria $10
1136 Al Manniz Jr $10
866 Ms Fay $10
640 Bernie Patriaco $10
242 Ed Cloonan $10
1326 Teresa Boudrot $10
953 Pat Manning $10
1062 Leo Holland $10
675 J Mulhern $5
550 Roland Trapasso $5
046 M Kelly $5
494 P X Marquis $5
1477 Christine Calnan $5
433 Bob Hagopian $5
521 Fred Politano $5
786 Helen Batchelder $5
1320 Miss Curtin $5
818 Mrs Aulenback $5
_________________________________
Next Meeting Will Be Held On
Friday, August 14, 1964"
Getting ready for the election, my father had cards and labels made.
"Invoice
the City Press, inc
Offset and Letterpress Printers
440 Somerville Avenue, Somerville, Massachusetts 02143
Telephone 625-1400
John Manning Purchase Order No
July 20, 1964
7-20-64 1557 1,000 Gummed Stickers 10x5 green ink $23.50
1558 2,000 Pass Out Cards 4x2 green ink 14.00
(Representative) Total $37.50
Received Payment
With Thanks
July 20 1964
The City Press Inc.
By ODM"
Boys Scouts' Camp Quinapoxet - Johnny went there in August.
At the left end of 2nd row is the Scoutmaster my uncle Paul Navin - at the other end of the 2nd row Jay Navin is the 3rd scout in and my brother Johnny is the 4th scout in.
Paul Navien changed his name to Navin around this time I think. I vaguely remember being in school or Church and Chris coming up to tell me that his father had been to court to drop the 'e' to change his name - I don't remember if Chris had been to court with him.
We had to pose for a family picture for my father's State Rep campaign - I guess it is always good to show that the candidate is a good family man. I love Jimmy with the bowtie and one hand in his pocket.
There are some numbers on the back of this proof as well as
"WAT (likely Watertown)
3X6
Manning
John Manning
59 Marshall St
WAT
Mike O'Neil - Photographer
130 High Street
Waltham 54, Mass
TW 3-8607
Reorder By No 9210-1"
My father's photo for newspaper ads.
This was a car bumper sticker.
More campaign bills and notes.
"Please Pay From This Invoice
TWinbrook 3-8607
Mike O'Neil - Photographer
Complete Photographic Service
Commercial - Industrial - Public Relations
Portraits - Weddings
Corner of PO Box 471
Main and Newton Sts. Waltham 54, Mass
Sold to John Manning
Address
City Watertown
Sold by CashX COD Charge On AccountX Paid Out
Rec'd for
Family Portrait
and glossy $14.50
Paid in full"
I can't make out the initials.
"80.00"
Stamped 'Boston, Mass
Aug 19 1964
Watertown, BR'
cards"
"Aug 10 3X5 Paper add - Front Page
Aug 17 Family group
Aug 24 1 1/2 Bottom Page Story
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
J Manning Party Sep 9th
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hiboe ------------ ? (8-26-64)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pledge Lists & Voting made complete for next meeting
R Kelly
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Complete List of women to do calling
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Election Day Transportation
---------------------------------------------
Cars placed on Primary Day (12)
---------------------------------------------
Check out signs & check out signs
---------------------------------------------
Telephone:
Aug 17 - General calling
Sept 8-9 Precinct calling - precinct people
Primary & Precinct calling - precinct people
-------------------------------------------------------
Mailing
Dear Friend card
Political cards"
My father used a very informal bookkeeping system!
"8/21
100 stamps @ 04
4.00"
"Statement
From Fred J Milmore Signs
126 Summer St. Watertown
August 26 1964
To Manning Committee
Address: ℅ Maurice Sheehan
City: Watertown
Terms:
Oil Cloth Signs
10 Signs 23" X 36" @2.25 22.50
6 Signs 45" x 36" @3.50 21.00
1 " 34" X 45" 2.75 2.75
46.25
46.25
Pd. FJM
Sep 3/64"
Fred Milmore must have made yard signs. I went to school with his daughter Christine Milmore.
"Nominate
John Manning
for Representative"
"The Manning Family Left to Right: Son James, Mrs Ellen, and baby Joanner. Top Row: John Jr, Mary Ellen, John Manning, Christiner and Patricia.
Your Assurance Of Faithful Service
Performed With Dignity And Honor
s/ Ellen Keohane Manning
Thursday, August 27, 1964"
Did you notice the misspelling of Joanne and Christine's names?
A pretty good picture of all of us - at least we were all smiling although Christine looks a little shy or skeptical. I'm wearing a pink sleeveless dress that my mother made - I wore a white short sleeve shirt under it. The backdrop is rather odd - half dark, half light.
"Intelligence _______ Effective _______Aggressive
John J Manning
for
Representative
- Committee -
I will assure you that I will take the following persons to the polls
on Thursday, September 10, 1964 to vote for John J Manning for Representative.
Get 2000 Post Cards
Signature"
A sign up sheet for drives to the polls on voting day September 10 used as a note pad to remind my father to pick up 2000 postcards.
The above are instructions from the Secretary of State's office re campaign contributions and the schedules for filing them. All contributors must be listed alphabetically and their addresses must be included.
"Please Pay From This Invoice
TWinbrook 3-8607
Mike O'Neil - Photographer
Complete Photographic Service
Commercial - Industrial - Public Relations
Portraits - Weddings
Corner of PO Box 471
Main and Newton Sts. Waltham 54, Mass
Sold to John Manning
Address _________
City Watertown
Sold by CashX COD Charge On AccountX Paid Out
Rec'd for
Family Portrait
and glossy $14.50
Paid in full
(I can't make out the initials.)
All claims and Returned Goods Must Be Accompanied By This Bill
Received by _________"
"Customer's Copy
The News-Tribune
18 Pine St.
Waltham, Mass
Telephone: TW inbrook 3-1670
Date 8/31/1964
John Manning
Address
Acc Rec Job 17.50
Post Cards (1500)
No. H39050 Rec'd by ML"
"Purchased
1500 postcards - 60.00
print 6000 postcards 60.55
glossy ... 400
photos Mike O'Neil 14.50
printing dear friend cards 18.00
----------
15700
Rec'd 90
Need 67"
Maurice Sheehan was my father's campaign manager - did he work for the Watertown Housing Authority? There were quite a few candidates - I remember hearing that the Irish candidates were taking votes from each other.
Below are more campaign expenses.
"The DOLE PUBLISHING Co.
629 Massachusetts Avenue Cambridge, Mass. 02139
868-6030
---------------Publishers of----------------
Cambridge Somerville Watertown
Chronicle-Sun Journal-Press Press
Every Copy Goes Home
Date: From Sept 3 to ____
Adv Ident: _____________
Charge to John J Manning
Page Size Inches Salesman
1 8x1 1/2 12 Frank
Description: Thank You ad
Rate Amount
3- 36-
Total 36-
Cambridge Somerville Watertown X"
"The DOLE PUBLISHING Co.
629 Massachusetts Avenue Cambridge, Mass. 02139
868-6030
---------------Publishers of----------------
Cambridge Somerville Watertown
Chronicle-Sun Journal-Press Press
Every Copy Goes Home
Date: From Sept 10 to ____
Adv Ident: _____________
Charge to John J Manning
Page Size Inches Salesman
3 4x6 24 Frank
Description: Thank You ad
Rate Amount
1.50 36-
Total 36-
Cambridge Somerville Watertown X"
"Date Description Charges Credits Balance
Sep 3 64 ?? 6 X 3 40.00 40.00
Herald Publishing Company - Belmont, Mass
Belmont Watertown Watertown Newton
Herald Sun Herald Villager
Call on us for your printing needs!"
"9/4
Stamps - 15.00
(Hannie)"
"The DOLE PUBLISHING Co.
629 Massachusetts Avenue Cambridge, Mass. 02139
868-6030
---------------Publishers of----------------
Cambridge Somerville Watertown
Chronicle-Sun Journal-Press Press
Every Copy Goes Home
Date: From Sept 10 to ____
Adv Ident: John J Manning
Charge to _____________
Page Size Inches Salesman
3 4x6 24 Frank
Description: Thank You ad
Rate Amount
1.50 36-
Total 36-
Cambridge Somerville Watertown X"
These 2 pages - above and below - are lists of donors and expenses to be filed with the Secretary of State - they will be transferred to the official form.
"Charles McCarthy
Waltham 25.00
James Carey 10.00"
Written along the bottom corner is 689.15
Above is a tally of figures equalizing 689.15 in one column and 644 in another column.
"Catherine Manning Walsh
50.00
Campaign"
Catherine Walsh was my father's sister "Sis" - her husband Joe Walsh was a State Senator from Dorchester.
"John Reardon 10.00
Ed Sliney 10.00"
"Tickets sold 476.00
Flyers for dance
Coke 4.00
Band 70.00
....... Coffee 13.00
Whiskey 45.00
Total 132.00
Profits From Dance 344.00
Dance ticket 40 (Crossed out)
334.00
________________________________________
Other Expenses
Election night coffee 11.00
Paul Glennon
? Printing 69.00
Dance Tickets 10.00
Coffee for Meetings (2) 10.00
Baseball Schedule 10.00
Total 110.00
Total Cash $234.00
-----------
-------
-----"
Here is the final list from the mish mash of notes and pieces of paper above.
"The Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Watertown
I, John Manning, candidate for nomination to the office of Representatives Democratic, certify that the following is a true statement of each sum of money and thing of value received, expended, contributed or promised by me or by a person on my behalf, for the purpose of securing or in any way affecting my nomination to such office, in accordance with the requirements of General Laws, chapter 55, section 16 as amended.
Be sure to sign your name and address on other side of this return."
Some of these names from the list will be very familiar to anyone living in St Pat's parish or belonging to the Hiboes at the time:
George Munhall
Richard Kelly (Dick)
John Grady
Albert Mannix
Mrs E Lineman (Ma)
Paul Glennon
William Collins
Vahan Kachadorian
Mrs Catherine Walsh (Sis - Dad's sister)
Edward Wallace
John Reardon
Edward Slinky
John Carver
James Carty
Charles McCarthy
John McGuire
Edward Hines
Richard Johnson
Arthur Griffin
Gerard Riley
Dance proceeds - Paul Glennon and Richard Johnson - $344
Total $644
We've seen the lists of expenditures above that are now listed here. They total $689.15
"Campaign Treasury
115. -"
Ellen 'Ma' Linehan was a political force in Watertown. She lived a couple of blocks away from us at the corner of Palfrey and Pearl Streets. As I remember it, she called St Patrick's School and asked for a number of students to make calls for my father on Primary Day. I don't remember how many of us there were or where we were, but there were several phones - we were to call a list of voters to remind them it was voting day and to be sure to vote for John Manning. Ma Linehan yelled at me to speak up and not be so shy - support my father - we needed to make sure to get the voters out for him.
Sometime after the election, my friend Susan Cook's mother called the school to complain about students being pulled out of school for political reasons. I don't remember if anything came of it - maybe not or I probably would have remembered it.
"Suggested Directions for Telephoning Manning for RepresentativeSeptember 10, 1964First Call: weeks of Aug 24th and 31st 12:00 (noon) - 8:00 PM2nd Call: Sept 8th and 9th3rd Call: Sept 10thNote: (Please use 'I' rather than 'we' if you know the person at all.Have another person dial for you. Then you can concentrate upon being neighborly and 'chummy'.)The Conversation'Hello! (very friendly and confidential)May I speak with _______?'"Good MorningGood afternoonGood Evening. Mr. Mrs ___________ !Note: (You are now a little bit more business-like.)
'This is the John Manning For Representative Committee (1st & 2nd Call)
(This is the John Manning For Representative) Headquarters (3rd call)
PAUSE
'We thought that you'd like to be reminded that September 10 is Primary Day ... (PAUSE) ... just ______ days away!
'You're probably just as much concerned as we are (about) Watertown's State problems and the need for intelligent, sincere leadership.
'We feel that John (Mr Manning) has the experience, personality and knowledge to make us a good Representative. 'That's why we thought you'd like to help by voting Sept 10th for John (Mr Manning) at the ____________ School
____________ Fire Station
____________ Administration Bldg
The hours are going to be 12 Noon-8 P.M.
Note: Independent voters can remain undesignated by speaking to the Town Clerk after the Primary during the month of September.
(Thank Them for listening to you and for their help by remembering to vote on Primary Day) (If asked about John's background and experience, qualifications etc ... remind them that John is presently Chairman of he Board of Park Commissioners, a dedicated Democrat all his life ... has brought in many long-needed innovations into the local recreation picture thru his holding public office and thru the Hibernians (executive director of Pee-Wee Hockey, general manager of the Watertown Town Team (Hibo's) ... a United States Naval veteran (Pacific Theatre) ... past president of the ancient Order of Hibernians ... Town Meeting Member for many years from Precinct 8 and 7 ... is a delegate to the Middlesex Labor Council ... has received the endorsement of numerous labor organizations ... father of six children, John (Mr Manning would like the privilege and opportunity of utilizing his experience as a Watertown official on the cause of better state government ... he lives at 59 Marshall St in Precinct 7 ... a Democratic Party worker for years ... he is 43 years old ... young enough to have spirit and energy ... and old enough to act wisely ... WE THINK HE HAS THE MAKINGS OF A GREAT REPRESENTATIVE!!" _____________________________________
_________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
"Democrats Independents
Nominate
JOHN MANNING
REPRESENTATIVE
Chairman o f Board Park Commissioners
Primaries September 10, 1964"
I remember standing on the steps at the Phillips School on Primary Day with Johnny - we were handing out my father's cards to voters and asking them to vote for him. The cards were probably one of the above or one of the below. This was before the legislature passed the 150 foot rule - campaigners have to stay 150 feet from the polling place.
"Democrats and Independents
Nominate
John
MANNING
for
REPRESENTATIVE
Chairman of the Board of Park Commissioners
Associate Member of the Democratic Town Committee
Town Meeting Member - Precinct 5
Veteran
Primary Day - September 10, 1964"
I found this campaign card for one of my father's opponents for State Representative.
"Your Vote for Equal Representation
You will elect Two Representatives from Watertown
Mark One Of Your Votes for ...
Charles Ohanian
Democrat
---for---
State Representative
from the New All Watertown District
Education: Watertown High, Newman Prep,
University of Connecticut
Veteran of Army Service: Appointed to the
Staff Communications Office of the Chief of
Staff, Pentagon, Washington, DC
Employment: Self-employed Businessman
Director of Physical Education: Combating
Juvenile Delinquency as Athletic Director
of the Division of Youth Service for the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Residence: 112 Russell Avenue"
"John Manning
Dom Pallone
Paul Menton
Ray Moran
P Pane
H O'hanian
A St Orange
J Carrillo
A Carbone"
The above is a list of Watertown politicians - I don't know what it was for - some are running for State Rep.
Above is part of a Watertown Press article announcing the election results. Paul Menton and Charlie O'Hanian were the winners for State Rep. Dom Pallone and my father came in 3rd and 4th. The newspaper is on microfilm at the Watertown Library so I'll have to try to get it since the part about my father is torn off.
"Shock at the upset defeat of Governor Peabody, surprise at the heavy vote polled by political newcomer Charles Ohanian as he captured one of the Democratic nominations as state representative, and amazement at the narrow nine-vote margin by which Waltham City Councillor Albert Hayes edged out Watertown's Selectman Pasquale M Sclafani for the Democratic nomination for state senator -- these were the principal reactions as the final returns in the town's primary voting were totaled at the town hall on early Friday morning ..."
Let's skip to the "Hot Rep Race" - the bottom of the article is missing.
"The hot eight-man fight for the two Democratic nominations in the all-Watertown, new 30th Middlesex District, produced much of the fireworks for the primary and helped attract a high Democratic vote of ... The work of Mal Whitney who lost out in a bid for state senate nomination was chief responsible for ??? ..."
The article continues with the beginning sentence also partially missing.
"??? bernians, who had strong support among the Hibernians.
Ohanian, with tremendous support from Precinct 2, where he amassed 584 votes (almost twice as many as the next candidate in popularity in the precinct, Menton with 311) won the second spot with 2812 votes, just 803 behind Rep Menton. Menton was the leader in seven of the town's 12 voting precincts including Precincts 4, 5, 6, and 7, his former representative district. Pct 8A, Pct 9A (by one vote more than Pallone); and Precincts 1 and 2, and Pct 3 (by two votes more than Menton).
Ohanian, son of Mr and Mrs Cyrus M Ohanian, is director of physical education for the Mass Division of Youth Service and president of the Charles Laminating Co of Boston. He attended Watertown High, Newman Prep, and the University of Connecticut.
Placing third in the contest; an even 300 votes behind Ohanian, was Mr Pallone, who won in Precincts 8B and 9B and came very close in Precincts 9A and 1.
Mr Manning placed fourth in the voting, trailing Pallone by 773 votes as he earned 1739 votes. Firth in the voting was Francis J Maloney, member and former chairman of the Planning Board, who had 1142 votes or 597 votes behind Mr Manning. Some felt that the so-called Irish-American vote ?????"
The bottom of the newspaper clipping looks straight but the edges were jagged and the bottom half of the paper is missing. The ???? show where parts of the story are missing.
"Mary Flynn's
Irish Dance
Studio Reopens
The Mary Flynn School of Irish Step Dancing announces the re-opening of the dance studio at the Pvt. Charles J Shutt Marine Corps Detachment Hall, 43 N. Beacon St., Watertown Square this week.
Classes for all ages will start on Monday, Sept. 21. This studio of Irish dancing is the only one in this area and offers an excellent training in both step and figure dancing. The pupils have won outstanding awards in the Irish dance competitions held in Boston and New York.
Registrations are now being accepted by calling WA 4-82??"
Diane Huliston school picture - the back has 1964 written on it.
"The DOLE PUBLISHING Co.
629 Massachusetts Avenue Cambridge, Mass. 02139
868-6030
---------------Publishers of----------------
Cambridge Somerville Watertown
Chronicle-Sun Journal-Press Press
Every Copy Goes Home
Date: From Sept 24 to ____
Adv Ident _____________________
Charge to John J Manning
Page Size Inches Salesman
8 2x2 4 Frank
Description: Thank You ad
Rate Amount
1.25 5-
Total 5-
Cambridge Somerville Watertown X"
I fanatically followed music on WMEX and WBZ - WBZ was just down the road in Brighton on Soldiers' Field Road. Sometimes the radio station DJs made public appearances - one Saturday my father dropped me, Patty, and I think Mary Patricia Navin off at maybe a hospital on Gallivan Boulevard just up from Dot (Dorchester) Ave in Dorchester where WBZ DJs had set up a remote broadcast. They were playing songs, giving out paper vizors and signing autographs. We got autographs from Dave Maynard, Dick Summer, and Jay Dunn.
I remember listening to Dick Summer at night with the radio turned down low so my mother wouldn't hear it and take it away. Below is a picture and letter of someone - Mike (I don't have his last name) - who Dick must have asked listeners to write to. So I did.
"Mary Ellen,
Although we've never met, I feel enriched at having known you. May the only tears you ever shed, be those of joy.
Always, Mike"
"Defense Language Institute
Presidio of Monterey
California
Saturday evening
Dear Mary Ellen,
Happy Valentines day - a day or two late, & happy un-birthday - on time! I'd like to thank you for having taken the time & trouble to have written, and at the same time, to offer my most sincere apologies for my having been so delinquent in responding. Though I might offer a multitude of excuses, may it suffice to say, I am sorry.
I guess I should tell you a little about myself. I'm 21 years old, stand 5'10" tall & have brown (really auburn, but I can't see a guy calling it that) hair & eyes. I attended the University of Colorado my freshman year, & Boston University the next two years, majoring in Psychology. It was while at BU that I met Dick Summer, & became a part of the Night Light Show on WBZ. I was in charge of the ESP experiments we ran on the show, & am founder and International Executive Director of the MOTHERS Club. I enjoy music, sports & dancing of virtually all types.
I'd like to ask a favor of you. In order to finance my June vacation, I've made a number of bets concerning the amount of mail I could receive in a single day. Therefore I'd be most grateful if, in the true NL (Night Light) tradition, you and as many of your friends as possible, could mail me a letter or ten on Sunday, the 19th Air Mail. I'd really appreciate all the help you could provide for this project.
Hoping to hear from you,
Always, Mike"
I don't remember what the MOTHERS Club was, and I don't know if I ever wrote or asked anyone else to write to this Mike.
"Watertown Federal Savings
And Loan Association
Watertown, Mass Oct 18 1964 No. 078838
Herald Publishing Co
Oct 23 - 64 $209.33
John Manning
Customer's Copy Copy Not Negotiable
Please Complete and Sign Check - Promptly 59 Marshall St
Save This Record. Wat. 72"
"Watertown Federal Savings
And Loan Association
Watertown, Mass Nov 1 1964 No. 083314
Herald Publishing Co
Nov 5 - 64 $ 40.00
John Manning
Customer's Copy Copy Not Negotiable
Please Complete and Sign Check - Promptly 59 Marshall St
Save This Record. Wat. 72"
I had written away for a pen pal earlier in the year and received this letter from People to People and the enclosed aerogramme.
"People to People
International Headquarters - 2401 Grand Avenue -
Phone Harrison 1-6342 - Kansas City, Missouri 64141
Dear Friend,
Enclosed is the name of your new People-to-People Letter Exchange correspondent. We are happy to send you this name: there is no charge. We hope that through the letters you exchange, new friendships will be established. Letters can be a means of learning about and understanding each other on a person-to-person basis. This is also an opportunity to tell of your country and learn about your friend's homeland.
Below are a few suggestions to consider when writing to your correspondent.
1. Acquaint yourself with facts about your correspondent's country so that you can ask him to describe his way of life more fully.
2. Avoid boasting about material advantages. Remember that standards of living differ throughout the world. Do not criticize the government, policies, or way of life in your correspondent's country.
3. Send your letter air mail. Regular mail takes from 4 to 8 weeks. We suggest using 'Air Letter Forms,' obtainable at your post office. Since air mail is relatively more expensive abroad, do not be disappointed if your correspondent replies by surface mail.
4. Write clearly and avoid using slang or abbreviations. Please print or type your name and address.
5. Answer promptly to keep your friendship-by-letter alive.
If you do not receive a reply within three months, please write to us so that we may send you another name. Should you need further assistance, please feel free to write to us: Letter Exchange, People-to-People, 2401 Grand Avenue, Kansas City, Missouri, 64141. Thank you for your interest and participation in People-to-People. It is through your efforts that world understanding will increase.
Sincerely yours,
Marilyn Grable
(Miss) Marilyn Grable
Letter Exchange
"A voluntary effort of private citizens to advance the cause of international Friendship." Dwight D Eisenhower"
Below is the aerogramme enclosed with the People-to-People letter.
"Overseas Service
Aerogramme
By Air Mail - Par Avion
Letter Writing Committee,
People to People Programme
2401 Grand Avenue, Kansas City,
Missouri, USA
Sender's Name and Address
Miss Joan Jelonek
1 Bankhead Street
Cohuna, Victoria
Australia
If anything is enclosed or any tape or sticker attached, this form must bear postage at the rate for air mail letters."
"1 Bankhead St.,
Cohuna, Victoria
Australia
21st July, 1964
Dear Sir/Madam,
If it would be possible for you to find me a penpal with whom I could correspond I would be very grateful. I have no pen-pal at the present time, and so I am writing to you.
My name is Joan Dawn Jelonek. My date of birth is 3rd September, 1947. I am 5'2" tall and weigh 110 lbs.
My hobbies include singing, learning to play the guitar, popular music and singing groups, swimming, stamp collecting, American football and baseball.
If it would be possible to get me a pen-pal (boy or girl), I would prefer a boy pen-pal, but it can be either one, both if possible.
Yours faithfully,
Joan Dawn Jelonek (printed)
JDJ (cursive)"
I wrote to Joan Jelonek and received this aerogramme in return.
"Overseas Service
Aerogramme
By Air Mail - Par Avion
Mary E Manning
59 Marshall Street
Watertown, Mass 02172
Sender's Name and Address:
Mary Jelonek
1 Bankhead Street
Chunk, Victoria
Australia
If anything is enclosed or any tape or sticker attached, this form must bear postage at the rate for air mail letters."
1 Bankhead Street
Cohuna
Victoria, Australia
2nd November 1964
Dear Mary,
I'd better explain to you why I'm writing to you and not my sister Joan. Well when Joan read your letter she found out that you are the same age as I am, so she thought it would be better for me to write to you. Now that I explained that, I'd better tell you about myself.
My date of birth is the 7th May, 1950, which leaves me at my present age of 14. I have blonde hair, green eyes, I'm 5'3" tall, and I weigh 130 lbs. I am in Form 4 (Grade 10) at Chunk High School.
Some of my hobbies include stamp collecting, swimming, cars, cookery, sewing my own clothes, basketball, travelling, tennis, squash and pop records. My favorite singing group are the Beatles and my favorite film star is Tim Considine.
I live with my parents, two sisters Joan 17, Elizabeth12 and my brother Joel 8, at 1 Bankhead Street in Cohuna. Cohuna has a population of about 3000 and it is situated 200 miles north of Melbourne (the capital city of Victoria) and 16 miles south of the New South Wales Border. Cohuna's main occupation is dairy farming.
I'm sorry that I don't know who wrote 'Bye Bye Johnny.' It sounds very familiar but I haven't the faintest idea who sings it. I'll try and find out though.
I hope that in future letter you will tell me about the town you live in, the things you do in school and any other things of interest.
I suppose you will have realized that this letter is only an introduction one and I'll be making my next letter longer telling you about some of the things that happen.
I guess this is Bye
till next time
Your pen pal
Mary"
Mary had turned the paper sideways and continued writing:
Please excuse my writing in this letter, I think it must be the aerogramme I'm writing on so next time I'll use ordinary letter paper.
PS What types of games are touch football and punchball?"
John Huliston's Christening in November.
Back row: Patty, Mary Navin, is that Kathy Navin?, Norman holding John, David Walsh, Mum holding Jody, Ricky, Joanie.
Front sitting: Jimmy, Chris Navin, Maureen, Christine, Nancy.
There were so many cousin that there had to be a 2nd seating!
Mary Patricia holding little Peggy, Tommy, George and Joanie at the table.
David in front of Jay, Hannie holding John, Maureen and Christine.
My next letter from Mary Jelonek.
"1 Bankhead Street
Cohuna
Victoria, Just.,
30th November, 1964
Dear Mary Ellen,
I was so glad to receive your letter and it was very interesting to read. I find that Watertown and Cohuna both have something in common - they're dull. Cohuna has a picture theatre, dances are held weekly, there are squash courts, swimming pools and many other ways in which I spend my spare time. But after doing the things so often I feel bored, if you know what I mean.
This year I have taken ten subjects and they are Cookery, Needlework, Typing and Shorthand, History, Geography, Arithmetic, English Expression and Literature, Commercial ...
"Principles and Practice, and Religious Instructions.
While I'm on the subject of school I'll tell you about how our school holidays are divided and the special holiday we have. Our school year is divided in three terms and at the end of the first and second term we have two weeks holiday and after the third we have about seven week(s).
We have quite a few public holidays throughout the year and some of them are ANZAC day (Australian and New Zealand Army Corps), Labour Day, Queen's Birthday and Show Day. We have a weeks holiday at Easter time and during this time we celebrate Good Friday, Easter Saturday and Sunday.
Finally we come to our Christmas Holidays and we break up school on ...
"the 18th December. Then resume school to begin a new year on the 6th February. During the holiday there are special days like Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year's Day and Australia Day which is on the 26th January. On the 26th January 1788 the Foundation Ceremony was held at Port Jackson so I guess that's why it's been made a public holiday.
It must have been a big thrill to see the World's Fair even though you had to wait some time. By the way how far is Watertown from New York? I love traveling and last month I went to the Latrobe Valley and it was just terrific. Some of the things and places I saw were the Australian Paper Mill, the Gas Works, Yallourn (the government owned town), the briquette works, and I saw snow for the first time at Mt Erica. Cohen is to ...
"warm of a town to have snow. The hostel we stayed at was near Mirboo North and it was terrific. We had Midnight feasts, and anything you could think of we were bound to have done it. At Yallourn I managed to get some samples of wood which is 300,000,000 years old. I'll send you a sample of it soon. During five days we travelled at least 1000 miles and I hope to go there again next year.
Yes, I saw the Beatles 'Hard Day Night.' It was on at Barham about three weeks ago. Barham is about 20 miles away and as you cross the New South Wales border you are then in Barham.
Last week we had our intermediate exams and each of the exams went for two hours. The worse part is getting our results back and seeing if we ...
"passed or not.
What's the weather like in Watertown at present. In Cohuna it reached the 90 degree Fahrenheit last week, that's when I started going swimming.
Each week I hear 'Bye Bye Johnny' sung on the Johnny Chester show but I still haven't been able to find out who recorded it. I'm still trying.
Tim Considine is the one who stars with Tim MacMurray in 'My Three Sons,' and if you have any pictures of him you don't want, I will always be pleased to add them to my collection.
I have enclosed a photo of myself and it's not such a good one because it was taken about two months ago and I've lost a little weight since then.
Yes we do have Beatle cards in ...
"Australia but Cohuna sold out before I was able to get any so thanks very much for the ones you sent me.
My sister Joan received a letter from Kathleen Keohane from Foxboro, is Foxboro very far from Watertown?
I've almost written six pages already and I've loads more to tell you yet but it will have to wait until my next letter. Tell your family I said 'Hi' and I hope they're all well including yourself. I guess it's bye for now.
Mary
PS Reply soon.
PPS I will be posting you a Christmas present next week but it may arrive a little late because it's going by boat and not by air. It's nothing much but a small present."
It's been such a long time - almost 60 years! - that I feel like I'm reading this letter for the first time. Mary and I corresponded for several years - my cousin Kathleen was writing to Mary's sister Joan and my cousin Joanie was writing to their younger sister Elizabeth - it really was a family affair! There were several places that Mary mentioned that I hadn't/haven't heard of - I don't think I tried to look them up in a dictionary or an encyclopedia back then, but as I was typing up the letter, I looked them up on the internet - and they did sound interesting! The pen pal program was a great idea - I learned a little about other countries, and it made me want to travel. I just hope I wrote something interesting to Mary and my other pen pals.
Christine's birthday - Johnny, Joanie, Diane, and Patty.
Christine with a big smile and Jimmy.
Look at the big breath Christine is taking!
Dad, Diane, Joanie behind Diane, Patty, and Jimmy.
Christine blowing out the candles and Jimmy watching intently.
I had another penpal from India - my cousin Kathleen Keohane sent me a letter with his address.
"October 16
Dear Mary Ellen,
For about a year now I have been writing to a boy who lives in India. His name is Kamal Vidwan, and has a brother Hardeep. In Kamal's last letter, he said that Hardeep would like to have an American pen pal. Because he is fourteen years old, I thought you would like to write to him.
I don't know too much about what Hardeep likes except for sports. His address is
Hardeep Singh Vidwan
℅ FH LT G.S. Vidwan
P/47 Officers' Married Qtrs
HQ Training Command - IAF
Bangalore - 6
India
It takes more time to write the address than the letter! It costs about a quarter to send a letter airmail. If you send it by sea, it takes two months.
I'm thinking you would enjoy writing to Hardeep. It's really great fun.
Kathleen"
"A F Central School
Club Road
New Deli - 3
22nd Dec 1964
My dear
I am in receipt of your letter of the 28th Oct. 1964. I am glad to know that you are quite well and your letter arrived quite unexpected but found me in the best of health and hope my letter to find you and your family in the best of health. I thank you for the kind letter which you wrote to me. You might have thought by this time that I am not going to correspond with you as my letter would reach you very late. The reason for this delay is this, that we were having examination. They have finished few days back, the results are been announced to-day and you will be glad to know that I have done very well. I stood third in the class. I stood first in Mathematics and second in English. But I did not attain high marks in Physics and Chemistry. Regular work will begin on Saturday (26th Dec 1964) from today I am free for Xmas holidays and I promise you to reply to letters sooner, anyway now we have started.
Well you might be knowing that my brother has passed his higher secondary from Delhi and intends to become a doctor - he has started course this year he is 17 years old. My birthday is on 9th November when is ...
"yours? What do you intend to do when you grow up? I intend to become engineer. How is your brothers and sisters doing and in what class do Johnny, Jimmy, Patty, Christine and Joanne (the youngest) study?
My hobbies include swimming, playing tennis, collecting stamps, first day covers, hockey and cricket, last year I played in school team for hockey, cricket and swimming, we won the gold medal in both, and in swimming about 5th in my state.
Mary please send me some USA stamps and first day cover of late President Kennedy. I am sending you the first day cover of our late P.M. Jawaharlal Nehru and a feather of our National bird (pea cock). In how many countries have you pen-pals? I have one in Sweden, France, Australia and Japan beside you. How many stamps have you got of India? Do you want more?
Your letter was quite short and I wish you would write long letters, telling me some thing about your school, country and yourself. I have don't have much write in this letter as it might bore you if I tell you some thing in which you are not interested. Do you have any pet? I don't have any pet. Oh yes you did spell my name and address correctly.
Please send me your photo& I will send you (mine) in my ...
"letter as it is not ready.
Now I have nothing more to write, and beside it, it is getting darker and it is time for me for sleep. Please reply your letter as soon as you can, and pay my regards to your parents and love to you.
Your ever loving pen-pal
Hardeep Singh
Here for write one story
1. this letter is too heavy" said the post office clerk to old Sandy.
"you'll have to put another stamp on it."
"what!" exclaimed old sandy. "and make it even heavier?"
Good ... Night Dear
Please reply Soon"
Peacock feather - national bird of Australia
Remember the John F Kennedy first day cover that I had? This must be why I bought it - to send to a pen pal. I wonder why I didn't send it?
"First Day Cover
Jawaharlal Nehru
1889-1964
Indian Posts & Telegraphs"
The First Day Cover is postmarked
"Jawaharlal Nehru
New Delhi
12 June 1964"
We went in to see the lights on Boston Common - I suppose it was me, Mary Patricia and Joanie.
Below is a Christmas card from Aunt Hannah Keohane and Stephen DeCourcey - I think I may have said before that I used to give her a box of Yardley's Lavender hand soap each Christmas and maybe handkerchiefs to Stephen - my mother usually bought them of course - they were her idea. Aunt Hannah probably enclosed $5 for me and one dollar each for Patty and Johnny. $5 was a lot of money for me in those days. I always kept in touch with Aunt Hannah - I used to drive my mother over to Arlington Heights after I got my license - it gave my father a break from Stephen. I used to visit them occasionally when I was a visiting nurse in Winchester - I'd stop by for lunch or on a quick break. Aunt Hannah left me her dining room table and chairs and a crystal bowl and matching candle sticks when she died. They weren't really anything I wanted and weren't my style but the table and chairs came in handy when I returned from living in Ireland and had an apartment on Main Street in Watertown and no money to furnish it!! I didn't visit to get anything from her - I just thought that she had been good to me - having me come to stay for a week or two in the summer, taking me and Johnny (and sometimes Chris and Jay Navin) to the circus and to the Red Sox games; she was always so happy to see me. It just felt that it was the right thing to do.
"May God Bless You at Christmas"
"May you and those
you love be blest
With all that makes you
happiest
Aunt Hannah and Uncle Stephen
give a dollar to Patty & Johnny"
"Hi!
Hope you'll have a very
Merry Christmas
and a very
Happy New Year
Birdie
(Roberta Green)
Christmas morning on Marshall Street - MEM and 4 year old Christine on the left - Patty on the sofa and 5 year old Jimmy on the floor.
