Bill Lathrop Journals - Opdyke 1989-1992



Opdyke 1989-1990



Wednes., August 23, 1989 – It is hot and humid.  I feel rough.  Our water at home in the cistern is stinking.  I didn’t take a bath last night.  Didn’t sleep so well.  Washed in hard water this morning.  Isn’t that something and today is our first day of class. 



Thurs., August 24, 1989 – It is terribly hot and humid.  Our well water is a mess.  It was stinking.  The stinking has calmed down but now it is discolored – quite a mess. 



Fri., August 25, 1989 – Good morning America, it’s Friday!!  Isn’t that something?  We got about an inch of rain last night and lots of lightning.  I caught water off the house to wash my hair and had water to wash in this morning.  I put the down spouts up, let some water run into the well.  It is foggy this morning.  Trixie went walking with Alice [McCormick] early this morning 7:15.  She is going to be gone tonight & tomorrow.  I need to get corn ground tomorrow.  This is my last load of corn.  I went down to look at my CPR ground a couple of evenings ago.  The wheat was coming up well in lots of places.  I think this rain will really help more to come up and hopefully the grass seed (orchard grasses) also. 



Mon., Aug. 28, 1989 – It is hot and muggy.  I mean hot & muggy!  Our water at home is still terrible.  We are going to have to pump it all out of the well.  Trixie was gone Friday night and Saturday, came home Sat. evening.  We had a check to bounce and the checkbook still shows that we have money.



Tues., Aug. 29, 1989 – It came another big rain last night over an inch.  We still don’t have our well cleaned out.  I caught some water in buckets to use for a while.  Trixie and Alice are walking at 7:15 a.m.  Trixie is keeping Callie Johnson.  I plan to go and pay Bob Rosenburg for the grass seed then go on over to Fairfield and file the papers on the CRP ground today after school.  Trixie called this morning, said that Glen McCormick wanted to get rid of his corn crib.  I might have a chance to buy it.  It will be a big job to move.



Wednes., Aug. 30, 1989 – I had planned to go by and pay Bob Rosenburg yesterday after school then go on to ASCS office and file my papers on the CRP ground, but Bob wasn’t open.



Thurs., Aug. 31, 1989 – Trixie paid for the orchard grass yesterday.  We took the papers to Fairfield after I got home from school.  But I have to buy the lespedeza and send them the bill.  Maybe I should call Bob Rosenburgh to see if he has lespedeza. 



Fri., Sept. 1, 1989 – The first of Sept., what do you think of that?  It is still hot & humid.  Predicted thunder storm this afternoon.  Evangelist Jim Bakker had a nervous breakdown yesterday.  His trial has been put on hold for a week.  I bought my lespedeza seed after school yesterday.  Sent the bill to ASCS office.



11:30 A.M. – It is raining & has been the last 30 minutes.  Stephen is coming home Saturday.  Lathrop reunion Sunday.  Trixie and I cleaned out one end of the well last night.  I don’t know if we will get to clean any tonight because of the rainy weather. 



Tues., Sept. 5, 1989 – I am here but I am sicker than a dead dog.  Got very little sleep.  Trixie has it too.  Had Lathrop Reunion Sunday at the Fairfield Park.  Lots of the younger generation were there.  Stephen came down Sat. night got in about 10:30 PM.



Thurs., Sept. 14, 1989 – It is raining.  Starting raining early this morning.  I got up around 2 AM I think and cleaned out the gutter and put up the down spouts.  Isn’t that a lick?  When I got home from school yesterday something became wrong with me.  I seemed to be unbalanced wanting to go over to the left and my head seemed slightly swirly.  I feel better this morning. 



Fri., Sept. 15, 1989 – It is cloudy, misty & cool this morning. 



Mon., Sept. 18, 1989 – Well, guess what?  I am sick again.  My stomach is killing me.  I took a pill yesterday morning and one this morning.  Saturday I shucked 3 rows of corn – opened up the field.  Trixie helped me pick it up.  Then I worked on the picker – got it going and picked 4 more rows.  In places the corn is down bad. 



Tues., Sept. 19, 1989 – It is cool 53°.  The sun is shining, the weather is beautiful.  I feel lots better than yesterday but still a ways to go. 



Tues., Sept. 26, 1989 – It is a beautiful day this morning.  The sun is shining bright the sky is clear.  I picked a big load of corn last night.  In places the corn is down completely and in a tangled mess.  The picker gets clogged up and I have to get off and pull it all out.  But the corn is good and has big ears. 



Wednes., Sept. 27, 1989 – It is cool this morning.  Sun. is shining and it is going to be a beautiful day.  I have a 3 seasons bed, one without any springs.  Trixie went with Alice McCormick yesterday to St. Clair Square shopping.  They never got back until 9 PM.  Glen called me, he was apparently worrying why they were running so late.  I was worrying that something might have happened to their car, etc.  I picked another big load of corn last night.  In places the corn is down really bad.  My crib is nearly full.  One more load is about the limit I think. 



Mon., Oct. 2, 1989 – It is cloudy, little foggy this morning, misty.  The wind is suppose to get up to 25 mph today.  Glen & Dorothy Talbert, Glen & Leah Jackson and Trixie and I went over to see Albert & Viola Carr yesterday.  Jim & his wife came by and we went to their house for a few minutes.  We got lost could not find where they lived, did not know where we were going.  I froze to death with the air conditioner as Leah had to have it on all the time.  My stomach ached all night.  Woke up in the night, hickory nuts banging on the barn roof.  Needless to say I am a wreck this morning.  Worn out.  I picked 2 loads of corn Saturday, put one in the crib, which completely filled it.  I think that was the 9th load, left one big load on the wagon.  I took one load of beans to town Sat. morning.  I had dumped 5 bushels of old beans on top when they tested them they apparently got the old beans because they tested dry and not much foreign material.  I tried to combine but there is too much green material in the beans.  Got the combine stopped up.  Then discovered a bearing out on the cycle part or cutting part.



Tues., Oct. 3, 1989 – It is cooler this morning 43°.



Fri., Oct. 6, 1989 – I combined some beans last night.  I finished filling the hopper.  And had some problems.  The feeder chain is too loose.  It slipped off and got hung. S till lots of green material in the beans and I noticed lots of beans being cracked.  It is cloudy and misting rain this morning.  I am getting a 3 day week end and will be unable to work.  Isn’t that a lick?  Monday no school Columbus Day.  



Mon., Oct. 9, 1989 – No School, Columbus Day – I moved Glen McCormick’s wire corn crib Sat. I got along alright but worked my rear end off.  Glen had cut me two 6x6’s.  I jacked the crib up and pushed them under it.  Then picked that up and blocked it.  Then pulled Merrell Neff’s long john trailer under it.  I got it home by noon, ate lunch by the time I got it set one load of corn in it that I had already picked the day and I were done in.  I picked 3 loads of corn on Monday.  Alice thought that I was a whale of a man if I could move the crib by myself.  She and Glen helped me.  Sunday I hurt my chest.  I was reaching over in to the truck lifting out those chunks of wood and something popped in my chest.



Mon., Oct. 16, 1989 – The weekend is over.  All in all I had a good weekend.  Friday after school I finished combining my beans.  They made about 20 bu. I disked about 6 acres for wheat.  I got up before daylight and hitched onto my old drill was going to drill my wheat this year, but the thing had sat out so long it had rusted and froze up.  It was dark and I couldn’t see what was happening, but when it got light I discovered that it broke the teeth off 2 cog gears.  So I spread my wheat with Tobe’s spreader and disked it in.  I think I disked pretty deep because I wanted to be sure it was all covered and it is pretty dry, but now they are predicting rain.  I hope it does rain and I hope my wheat is not too deep.  I picked 2 loads of corn after I finished with the wheat.  Sunday I got to lead the service.  The preacher was at a confirmation retreat.  Christine Stratton did the sermon and did a wonderful job.  Sunday afternoon we went driving over to Mt. Olive Cemetery.  The trees are getting beautiful.  It was a warm and niche weekend – 90°s.  Suppose to start cooling off this afternoon. 



Tues., Oct. 17, 1989 – It came a big rain last night, 2 inches.  I got home from school early planning on picking corn.  I was getting ready to unload a load that I had picked Sat., when Betty & Ishmal [Porter] drove up.  He helped me unload the corn and it started raining before we were through.  Betty brought me clothes – suits, jackets, shirts.  I didn’t get to pick corn now it will be several days before I get to.  It is cool, 52°s.  Space shuttle launch today.



Wednes., Oct. 18, 1989 – A big earthquake in California last night around 7:05 PM our time.  They were just getting ready to start the 3rd game of the World Series.  The TV coverage was knocked off the air.  The game was postponed lots of damage in San Francisco.  250 people died of course the final count is not in as yet.  It is cold this morning in the 30’s.  Clipping of California earthquake map.



Thurs., Oct. 19, 1989 – It is really snowing this morning 33° and is suppose to accumulate 1 to 3 inches today.  Trixie is going to Nashville today, church meeting.  Dismiss today at 2 PM.  Teachers meeting. 



Fri., Oct. 20, 1989 – It is 32° this morning.  Chicago has 4 inches of snow.  Places in Ohio that has never had snow this early.  It did not stick here and is suppose to start warming up tomorrow.  It is snowing this morning. 



Mon., Oct. 23, 1989 – We had a wonderful week-end.  The weather was beautiful.  I picked a load of corn Friday after school.  Sat. morning Trixie and I loaded up the truck with corn and I put the rest of the load in the crib.  I picked 3 more loads which finished up the harvest of the corn for this year.  I have a really big load on the wagon and Glen McCormick’s bin nearly full.  The corn did well this year.  Trixie is taking the corn to Dahlgren this morning to get ground.  We have only 3 day s of school this week as Mt. Vernon conferences are Thurs.  & Friday.



Wednes., Nov. 22, 1989 – We dismiss today at 2 PM for Thanksgiving vacation.  It is cloudy, rainy and cold this morning. 



Thurs. & Fri., Nov. 23 & 24 – I had a good vacation most of the time.  The weather was pretty nice.  It was just beautiful on Sunday.  I cut some trees on Olson place.  Took Catherine Nicklasson a load of corn Friday.  Stephen took a load to Dahlgren Sat. while I went to Harold Dickey’s sale.  He [Stephen] had a flat tire on the truck.  I bought a six row cultivator, $150.  I went to Dahlgren bought a hydraulic jack, 4 ton, at Western Auto.  Got the tire changed and the corn ground, got home.  Then in the afternoon I took my John Deere tractor and got the cultivator.  It was a long drive and the wind was blowing cold, but I made it alright.  Suellyn and Trixie drove behind me.  Suellyn went back to Stephen’s yesterday.  She didn’t want to go.  I think she needs to try and find a job. Trixie still babies her too much I think.  She is waiting on the job with the CIA but maybe she could get a temporary job until then.  She feels that I have run her off from home, but it is about time she did something.  I think she is 26 yrs. old almost 27. 



Fri., Dec. 1, 1989 – the sun is shining suppose to get into the 50°s today - 24°s now.  Gorbachev met with the Pope this morning.  He and Pres. Bush are to meet tomorrow in Malta.  A journalist said that Gorbachev was baptized in the Russian Orthodox Church.



Mon., Dec. 4, 1989 – It is cold and windy this morning about 20’s but seems much colder because of the wind.  Well this is my 53rd birthday.  Isn’t that something?  I flew to town and back to get some doughnuts.  We (Trixie and I) went Christmas shopping Saturday at Carbondale.  Saw and talk with Bill Morris & his wife.  Saw Henry Royle and his family and Nathan Bonner’s mother.  Had annual conference last night at Mt. Vernon First.  Saw lots of people I know.  Just couldn’t think of all their names.  Saw & talked with Frank Witherspoon. 



Mon. – Mon., Dec. 25 – Jan. 1 – No School Christmas vacation.  I got my calves taken care of over the vacation.  It was on the nicest day of December.  It had warmed up the sun was shining.  It was just great. 



Clipping – Flag Presentation – Bill Lathrop, right, principal of Belle Rive Grade School, accepts an American flag from Danny Richardson, commander of Mt. Vernon Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1376.  The flag will be displayed at the school.



Tues., Jan. 2, 1990 – Vacation time is over and we are back at work.  Yeah!  The sun is shining this morning and it is suppose to warm up into the 40’s.  Stephen was down over the weekend.  He went back yesterday.  Clyde Shelton’s funeral was yesterday.  He died Friday night.  A new year of the last decade of the last century of this millennium.  Trixie has been sick over the vacation and is still sick.  Keeps coughing especially at night.  It will take me half the year to get to writing 1990.  When I first wrote it I could not believe that I was writing it right that it could possibly be 1990.  It is a great day!



Fri., Jan. 5, 1990 – It is really frosty this morning – trees, grass, weeds, fences, wires, etc. around 20°.  My stomach was queasy this morning.  We are suppose to go to Glen Jackson’s tonight.  I took a desk and chair home yesterday for Callie [Johnson] to use.  Suellyn’s birthday, 26th.  She called me this afternoon and told me that she had gotten employment with the museum at the St. Louis Arch.  Don’t [know] exactly when she will start to work.  She will have to find a place to live, etc.  A great birthday present.



Mon., Jan. 8, 1990.  The sun is shining.  It is to warm up to 50°s.  I saw 4 deer this morning on my way to school in a field south of the county line road. 



Tues., Jan. 16, 1990 – This will seem like Monday all day.  The weather has really warmed up.  It is in the 50’s now and suppose to get into the 60’s as it did yesterday.  Suellyn left for Betty [Porter’s] Sat. She there alright around 5 PM. She is going today to see about her job somewhere around the Arch.  She called Trixie yesterday said there is a bus that she can take 1 ½ hr. ride, but still better than trying to drive and find a parking place.  The Union of Soviet Socialist Republic is falling apart.  It has just been lovely over the week-end and yesterday. 



Fri., Jan. 19, 1990 – It is cool and cloudy this morning 30° or less.  Suppose to rain and possibly sleet. 



Mon., Jan. 22, 1990 – It is suppose to warm up into the 50’s today.  Suellyn came home Friday night went back last night.  Trixie, Glen & Dorothy Talbert and I went to Sugar Camp Church to see their new pews. We weren’t overly impressed.  I am to call Sharon Tate today to get names of pew companies. 



Mon., 1-20-90 – It is snowing this morning, about 3 inches on the ground, wet, soggy, snow around 30°s.  The Keenes road is mud.  Suellyn went to stay with Mervin Lathrop.  She is also trying to find an apartment.  Hamilton & Franklin Counties are not having school today because of the snow.  I wore my overshoes today.  I hope that I don’t forget them at school tonight. 



Tues., Jan. 30, 1990 – I saw one of the 5 deer this morning.  The sun is shining around 20°s.  Most of the snow melted yesterday and is to warm up today.  Vermont got 16 inches and is now getting an inch an hour. 



Thurs., Feb. 8, 1990 – It is a beautiful morning and is suppose to get into the 60’s.  Tomorrow is full moon.  This morning the moon shone beautifully through the woods.  Then went down like a big orange ball behind Glen McCormick’s barn and Scrub Hill.  This morning the sun came up like a huge orange ball of fire about 7 min. before 7.  You won’t believe this.  I did not shave this morning.  How is that for absent mindedness?  This is the 2nd time that this has happened to me.  I sue to wash and shave before breakfast.  Now Trixie is getting breakfast before I have time to shave and I have to shave after breakfast.  I knew I was getting ready earlier than usual this morning, but didn’t know why until I got to school and discovered that I had not shaved. 



Fri., Feb. 9, 1990 – It is raining this morning and rained quite a bit last night or early this morning. 



Fri., Feb. 16, 1990 – I really feel tough – weak – no zip.  I have been battling all week with this cold or whatever it is and this has been one of my biggest weeks.  Isn’t that always the way of it.  Mildred James came in this morning, said that my name was in the paper and it said that I had been here 19 years.  I couldn’t understand why it was in the paper, then I thought that probably it was about the Board meeting and that I was rehired as principal. 



Mon., Feb. 19, 1990 – The sun is shining beautifully this morning around 30’s.  I forgot and left my keys at home this morning.  Isn’t that a lick?  Trixie, Stephen & Suellyn moved Suellyn into her new apartment yesterday.  I have run a big nail in a tire on the Ford car.  It went through and punctured the wall of the tire.  I have to buy a new tire I am thinking. 



Mon., Feb. 24, 1990 – Well it is Monday morning.  Isn’t that a lick?  It is around 20’s and snowing lightly.  It is pellet like snow.  Ortega of Nicaragua was defeated in yesterday’s election.  They are telling that their economy has collapsed and they have a well-equipped army.  That’s probably where all the money went to.  The good old U.S. taxpayer will get to bail them out. 


Tues., Feb. 27, 1990 – It is raining this morning.  The rain woke me up around 4 o’clock.  The temperature warmed up to about 40’s this morning a big change from yesterday morning.  Suellyn got a notice from the CIA that they don’t want her.  A big let down and disappointment.  Maybe things will work out and she will find something better.  I saw four of the five deer this morning.  Something or somebody might have happened to one of the them. 



No date – clipping – Divorces Granted – The following couples were granted disolutions of marriage Friday in Circuit Court: Yvonne Lynn Shelton and Scott Eldon Shelton.



No date – clipping – Frank & Ernest cartoon:  Things to do today 1) Get up, 2) Survive, 3) Go to bed



Mon., 4-9-90 – Black cow had a heifer calf Sunday.  It is suppose to rain tonight or tomorrow.  Suellyn was home over the weekend.  Ryan White an AIDS victim died yesterday after 5 or 6 years. 



Tues., April 10, 1990 – Today is Trixie’s 50th birthday.  Isn’t that something where has all the time gone.  She got to see Nevelin Harrison yesterday morning.  The first time in years.  She is up for her mother-in-laws funeral.  Then last night Callie Johnson came down and brought her a birthday cake.  So she got to see two women that are very important to her life.  It is raining this morning has rained quite a lot.  We had a new calf yesterday after I got home from school. I hope it gets along alright, but I do know that being out in all that rain.  I woke up this morning with a sore throat myself and I don’t feel all that well and I have to go to board meeting tonight.  There is something going around.



Mon., April 16, 1990 – Clipping – Charles Clinton Draper, Jr., 61, of Route 1, Wayne City, Dies



Well I enjoyed the days off.  Didn’t do much, rested, mowed some on the yard, got corn ground, rained and was dreary and bad most of the time. It is dreary, drizzly and bad now.  Stephen & Suellyn came down. Stephen is still here.  We went to sunrise service at the Baptist Church and we had our first service in our new sanctuary.  We had practically a full house, probably close to 170 people.  Saw 2 deer Sunday morning cross the road down by Merrell Neff’s. 



Thurs., May 3, 1990 – It is raining and has rained about all night.  My back is all messed up.  I can hardly do anything.  Walk, get up, sit down, pick up anything, etc.  Trixie left this morning for Kansas City some meeting of the United Methodist Women.  Well when I got home from school yesterday I saw my heifer out in the field trying to have her calf.  She apparently had tried all day.  I tried to get a veterinarian but he didn’t answer the phone.  I got Glen McCormick to come and help me and Trixie.  After lots of work we finally got it.  It had probably been dead for a long time. 



Fri., May 4, 1990 – It is cloudy and is suppose to rain today.  Trixie called me last night.  Their bus broke down they were stalled for 3 hrs.  Today is mom’s birthday.  I think that she would be 78.  She always wanted to have people to make over her. 



Mon., May 28, 1990 – No school – Memorial Day.  A teacher, one day was teaching the children, animals of the world.  She held up a picture of a deer and asked, “Johnny what animal is this?”  “I don’t know,” answered Johnny.  “What does your mother call your father?” asked the teacher.  “Don’t tell me that is an ass,” Johnny replied.



No date – Clipping – Washington – Almost three out of four juveniles in youth correctional facilities come from broken homes and almost half were under the influence of drugs or alcohol, when they committed their offense, a government study reported.



No date – Somehow, as we get older, work seems a lot less fun, and fun seems a lot more work.  As the twig is bent so grows the tree.  The hand that rocks the cradle rules the world.  Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not depart from it.  Proverbs 22-6.  I don’t deserve this award.  I don’t deserve arthritis either but I have it.



Opdyde 1990-1991



Wednes., 9-12-90 – I got a raise last night at Board Meeting $1700.  Total $36,200.  I have already been paid $575- balance of $30,450 ÷ 20 = $1,522.50 per pay.  $70.83 more per pay period.  I am beat this morning.  I don’t know if I will make it through the day or not.  It is misting rain. 


Thurs., Sept. 13, 1990 – It is really foggy this morning & I am really sick.  I can’t get straightened up over this whatever it is.  I had a bad night last night, woke up this morning having chills.  I had a temp of 97.2 later 97.6.  I don’t know what that means, but I am as weak as a sick cat and feel sick.  Trixie is going to try and get me a doctor’s appointment for this afternoon.  Trixie called and got me a doctor’s appointment for 3:30 with Dr. Doesher. 



Fri., 9-14-90 – Well, this is Friday.  I still feel weak & shaky but maybe some better.  I went to the doctor after school yesterday.  He could find nothing wrong with me.  Although he took blood for laboratory test.  I am suppose to call him today to find out the results of the test.  I hope it is just flu symptoms.  Dr. wrote as the diagnosis viral syndrome, whatever that is.  He never gave me any medicine, charged $110.00.  My temp this morning was appr. 97.8.  I called the doctor.  He said, “Well Bill I have to tell you that everything is normal.”  I thought that he was going to tell me that I had cancer and would die within 6 months.



Mon., Sept. 17, 1990 – It is cool this morning 49’s.  The sun is shining.  It was a beautiful weekend.  I feel better than last week.  I took a load of corn to be ground and while at Dahlgren it hit me again.  I felt very weak and worn out.  Our lawn mower will not start and it is not the battery because I took it out and started the truck with it.  We had our church consecration Sunday. 



Tues., 9-18-90 – It looks like rain today.  I unloaded the feed from the truck last night and loaded the lawn mower.  I had a heck of a time getting it loaded by myself.  I was planning to bring it this morning, but at the last minute changed my mind because it was sprinkling rain.  Maybe tomorrow.  I feel better today than yesterday.  I think working last night helped me. 



Wednes., Sept. 19, 1990 – I drove the truck over with the lawn mower left it at Scrivner’s and walked to school.  Suellyn called last night saying that she has 2 more weeks of work that’s all.  She is all upset and kept calling Trixie until she got her crying, etc.



Mon., 9-24-90 – It is cold this morning.  Fairfield gave 35°.  We had about 40° in the woods.  It was beautiful Saturday.  We went to Bean Days watched the parade.  We stood in front of the IGA store looking across the street at the announcer’s truck, it seemed to be moving.  Then when I woke up Sunday morning my jaw was all swollen and sore and my throat had a sore spot in it.  I didn’t go to church Sunday night.  I don’t feel really well this morning.  I cut corn for the cows Saturday evening.  I am wondering if I am getting something from the corn – an allergic reaction.  I saw two deer this morning on Edgar Gaskill’s place.


Tues., 9-25-90 – It is a beautiful this morning and is suppose to be great all day, get up to around 80°s.  Trixie called me yesterday afternoon around 2:40 and said our cows were out on Merrell Neff’s.  I left school as soon as I could 3:15 and rushed home.  She already had them back in.  An old dead tree had fallen on the fence between us and Maynard Payne’s.  I sawed it off and fixed the fence back.  I hope they stay in.  I feel some better today than yesterday, I don’t know what is wrong with me.  My left jaw is swollen and hurting. 



12:50 – I am having a bad time (sick).  It started just before lunch 11:20 I feel funny, dizzy, fainty, weak, like I might pass out, eyes do not focus right.  Here I am getting close to retirement, now I don’t think that I am going to make it.  God please help me, I pray.  I feel clammy, cold, not right and it is a beautiful day.



Wednes., 9-26-90 – I am sick.  I was sick all night.  My stomach ached and hurt.  I took a vitamin pill before I went to bed and I didn’t eat very much I think that is what caused my stomach to hurt.  I got up this morning around 5 AM.  Walked up Scrub Hill.  Climbed up into Dad’s old field and a flash of light like lightning occurred.  It was a meteor.  The trail stayed in the sky for a while.  Leaping Lena had a heifer calf this morning. 



Thurs., 9-27-90 – It is going to be a beautiful day today.  It is already nice this morning.  I walked up Scrub Hill again this morning.  Saw another meteor – was not as bright as yesterday mornings.  I prayed on Dad’s ground.  I am feeling lots better but at times am still dizzy headed.  I walked last night down on Maynard Payne’s place back to Meta Kittle’s, climbed up into Randy’s deer stand.  The mosquitoes are bad.  I think maybe my trouble is my nerves getting me down.  I feel better when I get out and walk and work.  Thank you God.  Also part of it has been my thinking and preparing for retiring, I think.  Isn’t that crazy?



10:15 – I was feeling really good this morning.  Then when I came out of class at break time at 10 o’clock I started feeling sick.  I think it could be my nerves because I had a couple students that did not want to mind this morning and caused me some aggravation. 



Mon., 10-8-90 – No School Columbus Day (Thanks Columbus!).  I was sick all weekend, could not get back to par.  I did not got to church Sunday.  Stephen & Suellyn came down home.  We loaded corn Sat. took it to Dahlgren Monday.  Trixie & Suellyn went to a United Methodist Women’s meeting Sat.  Trixie passed out.  She went to the doctor on Monday. 



Tues., 10-9-90 – It is raining this morning and is suppose to rain all day, tonight & tomorrow.  Board meeting tonight – I am not going because I don’t feel well. 



Clipping – Injured by Flying Nail – Mrs. Joe [Barbara] Boone of Merriam was injured in a freak accident last week. Mr. Boone was mowing at their home.  A nail, thrown by the mower blade, struck Mrs. Boone and imbedded in her shoulder.  She was taken to Fairfield Memorial Hospital then transferred to Good Samaritan Regional Health Center in Mt. Vernon.  Surgery was performed Tuesday to remove the nail.  During her hospitalization it was discovered that Mrs. Boone is suffering from diabetes.  She returned home Thursday.



Fri., 10-12-90 – It is pretty this morning and is suppose to warm up and be nice.  I feel good this morning.  I do not know why I hope it stays that way.  Thank you God.  I can feel little funniness in my legs.  I get to thinking that my nerves is causing my problem.  Stress over all these years.  Of course there could be something else.  But if it is stress, I think maybe I can exercise and it seems to help me.  I sawed a tree down last night and sawed part of it up.  I walked up Scrub Hill & back.  It seemed to help me. 



Mon., Oct. 15, 1990 – It looks like it is going to be a beautiful day today.  It was just beautiful over the week end.  I went to church yesterday morning.  Took Trixie to Two Tony’s in Carmi for lunch.  I tried to get off of Zantac but my stomach hurt last night & this morning.  I took a pill this morning.  I am feeling lots better, but still have room for improvement.  Trixie is going to the doctor today.



Tues., 10-16-90 – Well it happened – yesterday morning I felt about as good as I had in  a long, long time, but by afternoon and last night I felt about as bad as I have in a long, long time.  Trixie called me yesterday afternoon and told me about all the tests that she was going to have to have and I could just feel my stomach go crazy and it hurt all night.  She is going to call the doctor today and try to get me an appointment for after school.  I don’t think that it will do any good but I will try.  I am afraid that he will want to do a lot more test on me.  I wish that he would give me something for my nerves &  stomach and try it and see if it helps.  Trixie is sick this morning.  She said that she felt like she was about to pass out.  I think that today is Boss’s day.  I hope everyone forgets it. 



Wednes., 10-17-90 – The weather is suppose to change today – rain this afternoon and tonight and turn cold  I went to the doctor yesterday at 3 o’clock.  I left here at 2 PM went home picked up Trixie and took her.  He gave me a valium for my nerves, Zantac and M----- for my stomach.  My stomach is still bothering me, but my nerves are better I think.  Thank God. 



Fri., 10-26-90 – No school, Mt. Vernon Conference.  Went to teacher conference stay for only the key note speaker.  Sat. I finished combining my little bunch of beans.  They made about 11 bu. to the acre.  I picked one big load of corn.  Beautiful day Sunday. 



Mon., Oct. 29, 1990 – It is pretty morning but cool, 27°s.  Well it is hard to start back after being off.  I had been doing great with my stomach, etc. and had quit taking my medicine until last night.  I had an attack and nearly died I thought.  It is still hurting after taking my medicine.  I went to church board meeting last night.  I think that had something to do with it. 



Wednes., Nov. 7, 1990 – Well the election is over.  Jim Edgar won the governorship in Illinois.  It is cloudy this morning around 30°s. 



Thurs., Nov. 8, 1990 -  Well guess what.  I had trouble with my old car today.  I got into Belle Rive.  It died again (several times on the way over).  I let it roll over to the side of the street.  I could not get it started again.  I walked to school.  Maybe after noon I can try to get it started.  It really frustrates me.  I should have driven the other car.  I thought about it and then didn’t.  Oh well.  I guess there could be worse things – although I can’t imagine anything worse right now.  The sun is shining although it got down to 27°s. this morning.  That is part of my old car’s problem.  I had Mr. Phifer take me up town (on his way to Opdyke) to see if my car would run.  It started right off.  Thanks, God.  After all this trouble with my car, etc.  I forgot that Suellyn called last night and said that she is getting a more permanent job at a higher pay scale.  Thanks, God.



Thurs., Nov. 15, 1990 – The sun is shining.  It is beautiful.  Suppose to get into the 70°s.  I feel awful.  I have a fever blister big as a pumpkin.  My head hurts, have a sore in my nose.  Have teachers’ meeting today, doctor’s apt., after school.  Joy, Joy, Joy.



Fri., Nov. 16, 1990 – It is really clouding up.  Looks like it is going to start raining.  Trixie and I went back to see the doctor, yesterday after school.  He just talked with me and I told him that I was doing alright.  He charged us $64.  Isn’t that something?



Mon., Nov. 19, 1990 – Had a pretty good week end.  It seemed awfully short.  I plowed my 4 ½ acres on the Smith place.  We had Thanksgiving dinner at church Sat.  night. 



Tues., Nov. 20, 1990 – The sun is shining this morning looks like a nice day starting.  Trixie is going to the doctor today, getting ready for her operation on Friday.



Fri., Nov. 23, 1990 – No school, Thanksgiving vacation.  Took Trixie to the hospital got to the hospital a little after 7 AM.  She was taken to surgery and scheduled for 10 AM.  I talked with the doctor at 11:30.  He said everything went well.  She got to her room at 1:45.  She was out most all day.



Mon., Nov. 26, 1990 – Trixie did pretty well Sat.  They took the IV out Sat. night. I went over as soon as I could get there.  Wasn’t long before they brought her breakfast, gave her bath, etc., so I had to leave.  She had a bad day the doctor came by said that she was doing alright.  Suellyn came by and is going on home.  Stephen went up.  She had lots of visitors today (Sunday).  Trixie called this morning, said that she had had awfully bad night.  She had been telling people that she would be coming home today, but she is not going to make it. 



Tues., Nov. 27, 1990 – It is raining this morning – rained over an inch last night.  Trixie was feeling better last night, but she called this morning, saying that around 3 AM.  She had problems and that she has to get out of the hospital before she will ever get well.  I think her nerves are bothering her.  Stephen kept the car she says she will get out today. 



Wednes., Nov. 28, 1990 – It turned cold around 30°s this morning.  Trixie is home.  Stephen brought her home yesterday.  She is doing better but is still griping, etc. etc.  Trixie has gotten lots of cards, flowers and someone sent her a $50 bill did not sign their name and the envelope was not postmarked. 



Thurs., Nov. 29, 1990 – The sun is shining this morning, suppose to get into the 40°s.  Trixie is improving every day. Alice McCormick keeps coming down and helps her. 



Fri., Nov. 30, 1990 – Well I worked the game last night and I am tired out this morning.  The sun is shining although it got cold last night 24’s it is suppose to warm up into the 40’s.  Last day of the week & last day of the month.  Another month soon gone.  Trixie cried last night and was feeling bad and I thought that she was doing alright.  I think me having to go to the ballgame had something to do with it. 



Mon., Dec. 3, 1990 – Clipping – Lester ‘Pa’ Greer Mt. Vernon – Alvin Lester “Pa” Greer, 80, Route 4 Box 527 died 8:30 a.m. Dec. 3, 1990, at his home.  Mr. Greer was a Rural Route 4 mail carrier for Mt. Vernon Post Office for 20 years retiring in 1975.  He was born Jan. 8, 1910, in Jefferson county, a son of J.Ralph and Lillie (Flanigan) Greer.  In 1931, he married Edna Lemay.   Jan. 14, 1951, in Jefferson County, he married Thelma B. Stanford, who survives.



The Big One – suppose to have an earthquake today.  There has been some backtracking on the earthquake now.  I sure hope it doesn’t happen. Trixie, I think is getting better each day.



Tues., Dec. 4, 1990 – The big earthquake has not come yet.  The prediction really stirred up lots of people.  I would hope the coming of the Lord would get as much preparation & attention.  Well this is it, my 54th birthday.  Can you believe it?  The temp. dropped to about 26°s.  Where did all those years go?  One more year, I can retire at 55. 



Mon.-Tues., Dec. 31, 1990, Jan. 1, 1991 – no school Christmas vacation. 



Clipping: Mrs. Earl Holler, 78, Dies at Mount Vernon Hospital – Mrs. Earl (Iva) Holler, 78, of Rt. 3, Fairfield, died at 10:10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 29, 1990 at Good Sam Hospital in Mt. Vernon, from a heart complication.  Mrs. Holler also had diabetes.  Funeral services were conducted from the Johnson Funeral Home Chapel Monday morning (today), with Elder Stanley Greathouse and Elder Russell Blackford officiating.  Interment was in Brush Creek cemetery in northwestern Wayne County.  She was a longtime resident of the Fairfield area.  Mrs. Holler was born at Orchardville Feb. 25, 1912, the daughter of ed and Floy Cornstubble Bright.  On Aug. 13, 1928, she was married to Earl Holler.  Mrs. Holler was a member of the Fairfield RLDS church.  Surviving are her husband; two sons Ivan of Dakka, Bangladesh; and Bernard of Johannesburg, South Africa; one daughter, Mrs. Dale (Erma Lou) Warren, of Fairfield; eight grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; three brothers, Clinton Bright of Boston, Mass.; Stanley Bright of McLeansboro; and Merle Bright, Fairfield; and two sisters, Doris Bridges of Forsythe; and Pearl Lafont of Hardwick, Vermont.



Ivan & Bernard came home.  Bonnie didn’t.  I didn’t go to the funeral home.  The weather was bad and Trixie and I didn’t feel very well. Barbara [Bolton] said Ivan had only 7 days off. 



Wednes., Jan. 2, 1991 – No school, snow day.  The roads are icy.  It took Trixie to the doctor today.  He said that she was doing alright.



Thurs., Jan. 3, 1991 – No school, snow day.  Still icy – the power has been going off.



Fri., Jan. 4, 1991 – No school snow day.  Still icy but sunny and beautiful.  I thought that maybe we could have had school, but a lot of other schools were closed also.



Sat. Jan. 5 – Suellyn came home last night.  I think that this is her 27th birthday.  Isn’t that a lick?  She started a new job at the Botanical Gardens in St. Louis this week.   I hauled in some wet, icy wood today, that’s all there is. 



Sun., Jan. 6 – Suellyn went back at 12:30 today because of the terrible weather forecast.  I came to school and sorted through the stacks of 2 weeks of mail.  It is kind of drizzling and is suppose to freeze tonight.  I don’t know if we will have school tomorrow or not.  I hope it is where we can we need to get on with it.  Lots of day s yet to go. 97.



Tues., Jan. 15, 1991 – It is warmer this morning suppose to get into the 40°s today.  It is thawing out, the roads are muddy and going through.  This is Martin Luther King’s birthday and the last day that Iraq has for pulling out of Kuwait.



Wednes., Jan. 16, 1991 – It is cloudy, muddy this morning.  Barbara B[olton] called me last night said Bob [Lathrop] had called her saying that Paul [Lathrop] is in Saudi Arabia, 70 km from the Kuwait border and moving closer.  Mike [Lathrop] is leaving for S.A. on the 18th.


Tues., Feb. 12, 1991 – no school – Lincoln’s Birthday.  Well we had board meeting last night.  I was rehired for another year.  I turned in my resignation effective at the end of May 1992.  They asked me how much raise I wanted.  I asked for $6000, they gave me $6300.  It was more than I ever expected.  God has surely been good to me.  Thank you God.  They also told me that they would rather I didn’t resign as far as they were concerned I could stay on.  My total salary will be $42,500.  I will never make that much money again ever. 



Wednes., Feb. 13, 1991 – It is raining this morning.  Suppose to rain all day change to snow by tonight.  Being off yesterday or at least something messed me all up.  I left home without my keys this morning. 



Thurs., Feb. 14, 1991 – Well this is Valentine’s day.  It rained maybe sleeted some this morning.  Trixie is sick.  She went to a new doctor Monday because Doescher has gone to Desert Storm.  New medicine, reaction, high blood pressure.  She called a doctor yesterday, got more drugs.  We spend more on drugs than about anything.  It is suppose to turn cold tonight get down around zero.  I woke up around 3:30 got up around 4:30.  I am tired and sleepy now.  Trixie said that she didn’t sleep any all night.  Counting down the days, 70 more to go after today.



Fri., Feb. 15, 1991 – It is cold this morning 4°s, wind is blowing, snowing some.  Last night it would take spells snowing and blowing like a blizzard white out.  Trixie is sick.  It is being announced unofficially that Iraq is willing to pull out of Kuwait.  I will believe it when I see it. 


Mon., Feb. 18, 1991 – It is really foggy this morning, but has warmed up a lot, 40°s.  Suellyn & Stephen came home over the weekend.  They got today off for President’s Day.  No mail today.  Trixie is feeling some better.  I am sick have felt tough all weekend and we did not go to church yesterday.  I am weak and worn out.  Some talk that Iraq is about ready to get out of Kuwait.  Russia is proposing some terms. 



Tues., Feb. 19, 1991 – It is cloudy & dreary & muddy, warm in the 40’s.  It [got] into the 70’s in St. Louis yesterday.  Trixie was feeling good yesterday & last night.  This morning she was back down again. 



Thurs., nd – Clipping:  Mr. & Mrs. Frank Edmison 60th Anniversary – Mr. and Mrs. Frank Edmison, Route 1, Wayne City, will observe their 60th wedding anniversary Saturday.  Frank Edmison and Esther Ramsey were married March 30, 1931.  The Edmisons, who are retired, spent their married life farming in the Keenes and Wayne City area.  They are the parents of two children, Mrs. Murvin (Virginia) McCord of Wayne City and the late Robert Edmison; and one daughter-in-law, Pat edmison of Waynesburg, Ohio.  They have five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.  The Edmisons would appreciate cards and telephone calls from friends and relatives. 



Fri. nd – Clipping:  Thirty-Five Years Ago, Issue of Mar. 29, 1956 – Lonnie Wheeler, brother of the late D.V. Wheeler, is killed by a train on the Southern tracks at Wayne City.  [Lonnie Wheeler was Trixie (Erkman) Lathrop’s uncle].



It is cloudy and colder today around 32°s.  Ronnie Dickey and his wife came by to see me.  I had him school the first year I taught school.  He said that I was the best teacher that he ever had.  That I was young and that I played with them.  I don’t remember anything about him in the classroom.  He said that he remembered me sliding off a big rock at Ferne Clyffe State Park. 



Fri., April 5,1 991 – It is cloudy & foggy this morning, but is suppose to clear off and warm up after while.  I really feel bum today.  I was sick last night, the flu.  Well if I make it through the day, only 40 more days. 



Clipping: Mr. & Mrs. Roy Smith, 50th Anniversary – Mr. and Mrs. Roy Smith of Wayne City will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary during a reception hosted by their children and grandchildren, 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday at First United Methodist Church in Wayne City.  Roy Smith and Imogene Darnell were married April 7, 1941 in St. Louis.  They are the parents of two children, Jerry L. Smith and wife Nora Mae and Mrs. Tim (Terri) Holmes both of Murfreesboro, Tenn.  They have two grandsons, Brent L. Smith and Andy T. Holmes, both of Murfreesboro.  Friends and relatives are invited to attend the reception.  The Smiths welcome cards; however, they request that gifts be omitted.



Mon., April 8, 1991 – I am sick today.  Have been sick all weekend.  I have the flu.  I went to church yesterday, at at the fireman’s dinner, went to Ruth Clark’s open house & Roy Smith’s 50th wedding anniversary. Trixie broke the belt on the lawn mower Sat.  It is raining today. 



Wed., April 17, 1991 – The sun is shining again this morning another beautiful day.  Again I don’t feel up to par.  Had a congested night.  Still blowing this morning. I played softball with the 4th grade at noon, today.  I am just all in, can’t get to feeling good.  I shouldn’t be this way as nice as the weather is.  My chest hurts at times I wonder if I have pneumonia. 


Thurs., April 18, 1991 – Trixie is coming today to teach music.  Rain in the weather forecast.  It is nice this morning but is starting to cloud up. 


Fri., May 17, 1991 – It is really foggy & muggy this morning.



Mon., May 20, 1991.  It is hazy; chances of rain.  Bonnie [Holler], Barbara, Bob & Stacy [Bolton] came out for supper last night.  Bonnie is going back to Bangladesh firs of June.  She still hasn’t heard from Ivan [Holler].  Fern Shelton died Sat.  I planted 4 ½ acres of corn on Smith place Sat.  I disked the Olson place.  It was too wet.  I shut my tractor off when Trixie brought me something to eat for supper, after she left it wouldn’t start.  I took the car down Sunday morning & pumped it. 


 Opdyke 1991-1992



Mon., Aug. 19, 1991 – no school.  I came to school this morning.  School starts Thursday with a teachers’ workshop.  Student registration Friday. Gorbachev of the Soviet Union was overthrown last night by a military coup.  Things do not look good.  It is cool this morning and we got over an inch of rain we could still use more but am thankful for what we could still use more, but am thankful for what we did receive.  This has been the worst summer of my life.  The hot dry weather burned up the corn and pasture.  My corn, 99% does not have any ears on it.  I have been cutting some and feeding it to the cows.  Trixie has been gone lots this summer.  I hurt my hip joint cutting up a tree, then I had my teeth cleaned and they are not healing up.  My gums are receding from my teeth and I am just miserable and it makes me depressed.  I am taking ½ tablet of Valium each day.  It helps. 



Tues., August 20, 1991 – no school.  I came to school this morning. Didn’t do much of anything.  Viola Carr died. 



Wednes., Aug. 21, 1991 – no school.  It is cool this morning but is suppose to warm up before the day is over.  Jim Carr called Trixie. She is to sing for Viola’s funeral tomorrow.  Visitation is tonight at Carmi.  Jack & Rachel Martin [former pastor of Wayne City First United Methodist Church] called last night.  They are coming to our house this afternoon, going to stay all night.  Trixie got me some new medicine for my gums at the pharmacy.  I don’t think that it is going to cure me, but maybe it will make it bearable.  I hope that I can make it through this year then if I have to have my teeth pulled I won’t have to worry about school also. 



Thurs., Aug. 22, 1991 – No school teachers’ workshop.  Jack & Rachel Martin came to our house yesterday afternoon a little after 4 PM.  They went to Carmi with us for Viola Carr’s visitation.  Julie Carr was there.  That is the first time I have seen her since she was a little girl.  She is a beautiful woman now.  Jim said that they had a broken relationship.  They did not speak or say anything to each other.  Trixie is leaving at 11:30 to go to play and sing for the funeral.  I don’t think that I can get around in time.  Jack & Rachel stayed all night and I think that they are staying all night again tonight.  Trixie is leaving for Alabama in the  morning. 



Fri., Aug. 23, 1991 – Trixie is leaving this morning for a week in Alabama.



Mon., Aug. 26, 1991 – It is to be hot and humid today.  Suellyn was home over the weekend.  I got a new battery for her car.  She thinks that it has cured her problem.



Tues., Aug. 27, 1991 – It is hot & humid this morning. 



Thurs., Aug. 29, 1991 – Rain is predicted for today.  I hope it does rain.  I am feeling kinda down today maybe the muggy humid weather.  My gums one day I think they are on the mend then the next day they are bothering me more, but I am getting along better than I expected.  Praise God.  Callie Johnson has called me every night this week.  She wanted Trixie’s number in Alabama so she could call Trixie.  I didn’t cut corn for the cows this morning.  I was running late & slow.  I turned them into the field next to the road.  I hope they stay in today.



Mon., Sept. 9, 1991 – It is a rainy morning.  I didn’t get much done over the weekend.  Suellyn was home.  She & I mowed the yard.  I went over on Smith place.  The corn is nothing.  Few ears on the end rows.  Trixie was gone about all weekend.  It was a bummer and now I am back in school. 



Tues., Sept., 10, 1991 – It rained some again this morning.  It is going to be hot and humid. 



Clipping: - Warden (Bus) White, Retired Wayne City Postmaster, Dies – Warden (Bus) White 69, who had served as Wayne City’s postmaster for 39 years until retirement in 1987, died at 6:05 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 7, 1991 at Good Samaritan Hospital in Mt. Vernon.  He had been in failing health for some time with a lung ailment.   Funeral services were conducted Monday morning (today) from the Wayne City Baptist Church with Rev. Mike Steed and Rev. Everett Lemay officiating.  Interment was in Thomason cemetery.  Visitation was held at the Richardson Funeral Home Sunday evening.  He was born at Mt. Vernon, Feb. 5, 1922 the son of Glen and Cecile Zerr White.  On Oct. 9, 1945, he was married to Betty Richardson.  Mr. White was a longtime member of the Wayne City Baptist Church, where he had served as a deacon.  He served as a sergeant in the Marine Corps in World War II.  Surviving are his wife of Wayne City; his mother of Mt. Vernon; one son, Steve White of Sims; three daughters, Sandy Fisher of St. Louis, Mo.; Susan Bowlin, Mt. Vernon and Stephanie Bloodworth of Wayne City; seven grandchildren; one brother Richard White of Mt. Vernon; and one sister Betty Ward of Corona Del Mar, Calif.



Thurs., Oct. 17, 1991 – It is a beautiful morning this morning and the trees are beautiful.  Last evening as I was out taking care of my cows the tree line north running east & west are just beautiful.  My fat calves were in with the cows.  I had a time separating them.  Got them locked in the barn.  The man called and said he could not get a trucker to haul them today.  It would be next Thursday.  The price went up yesterday.  Maybe it will keep going up.



Fri., Oct. 18, 1991 – The cows were out when I got home yesterday.  Chuck Downey came down he could not find the right gasket for the manifold for the combine.  I called Carmi.  He said that he had it.  Trixie is to go today and get one.  Trixie said that she got the gaskets – no problem, $4.00. 



Wednes., Oct. 23, 1991 – It is warm and was warm like summer yesterday. 



Thurs., Oct. 24, 1991 – no school, Mt. Vernon Conference.  I went to the retirement person.  He said that I could get $25,000 a year.  Well, $24,977.14, which lacks $2.86 being $25,000.  It will be $2081.43 per month.  Insurance will be $64.68.  Trixie and I went to Mt. Vernon Conference today.  They had a wonderful speaker, inspiring & we went shopping.  Went to get a flu shot.  They said come back at 12:30 because the nurse was not there.  We went to eat at the Cracker Barrel, chicken & dumplings and bought an apple pie.  Went to office furniture warehouse, bought a filing cabinet.  It still was not 12:30, so decided to get a flu shot tomorrow.  In the afternoon I combined some beans.  It clouded up and started to rain.  I got wet getting home.  Lack about half of the crop 6 acres. They are probably making about 10 bushels per acre plus cockle burr, morning glory, etc., poor crop.  Went to revival meeting at Methodist Church.  Dan & Diane Bullard are doing the music.  Our pastor, Mark Canada is doing the preaching.  I loaded my calves up this morning before I went to conference.  7 fat calves and the bull, a big load.  They are going to the Salem Auction Barn.  I hope they do well.  Had a little trouble getting them to go into the trailer.  They are big and that many pushing & shoving nearly pushed the gate out. 



Wednes., Nov. 6, 1991 – It is cloudy, not as cold 40°s, snow predicted.  This is my 50th day – 125 to go.



Thurs., Nov. 7, 1991 – It is snowing about 2 inches on the ground.  Suppose to get 4 inches.  Isn’t this something?  Stephen came down last night.  Will be spending a few days.  Laci Johnson when I came in the door last night at home Laci started hollering, “Bill, Bill, Bill.”  Cecil Shaw died yesterday, visitation Fri. night.



Clipping: Cecil Shaw, 89, Keenes, died 3 a.m. Nov. 6, 1991, at Crossroads Community Hospital.  Arrangements were pending this morning at Richardson Funeral Home in Wayne City.



Fri., Nov. 8, 1991 – It is cold this morning, 10°s on our thermometer.  Suppose to have a pee wee basketball meeting tonight at Dodds School.  I don’t think that I will go because Cecil Shaw’s visitation and it is so cold.  The sun is shining. 



Clipping:  Cecil Shaw, Retired Keenes Farmer, Dies; Rites Saturday – Cecil Shaw, 89, of Keenes¸died at 3 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 6, 1991, at Crossroads Community Hospital in Mt. Vernon.  Mr. Shaw was a retired farmer.  Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday from the Richardson Funeral Home with Rev. Roger Tate officiating.  Interment will be in Thomason cemetery.  Visitation at Richardson’s will be after 6 p.m. Friday.  He was born in Wayne County Apr. 9, 1902 the son of Charley and Laura Robertson Shaw.  Mr. Shaw was first married to Burval Wood and she preceded him in death.  Later he was married to Altress Youngblood, who also preceded him in death.  Surviving are three sons, LaVern Shaw, Wayne City; Verschel Shaw, Wayne City; and Edmond Shaw, Naperville; 14 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; a number of step-children; three brothers, Raymond Shaw of Henderson, Ky.; Jim Shaw of Wayne City; and Orville Shaw of Mt. Carmel; and one sister Opal Cross of Benton.  [Wayne County Press, Nov. 7, 1991]



Clipping: Cecil Shaw, Keenes – Cecil Shaw, 89, Keenes, died 3 a.m. Nov. 6, 1991, at Crossroads Community Hospital.  Mr. Shaw was a retired farmer.  He was born April 9, 1902, in Wayne County, a son of Charlie and Laura (Robertson) Shaw.  He first married Burnval [sic] Wood and later married Altress Youngblood.  Both preceded him in death.  Services will be 2 p.m. Saturday at Richardson Funeral Home in Wayne City with the Rev. Roger Tate officiating. Burial will follow in Thomason Cemetery.  Friends may call after 6 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.  Mr. Shaw is survived by three sons, LaVern Shaw and Vershel Shaw, both of Wayne City, and Edmond Shaw of Naperville; several stepchildren; three brothers, Raymond Shaw of Henderson, Ky., Jim Shaw of Wayne City, and Orville Shaw of Mt. Vernon; one sister Opal Cross of Benton; 14 grandchildren; several stepgrandchildren; and 23 great-grandchildren.  In addition to both wives, he was preceded in death by two brothers and a sister. [Mt. Vernon Register News, Nov. 7, 1991]



Mon., Nov. 11, 1991 – No School, Veterans Day.  Trixie & I bought a sofa and chair today at Copeland Furniture in Albion. 



Clipping:  Coils Have Son – Robert and Bessie Coil of Route 1, Wayne City are parents of their second child, a son, born Tuesday, November 12, at 8:30 a.m. The little fellow, named Charles Robert, weighed 8 pounds 2 ounces.  He has a sister, April Sunshine 2 ½.  Grandparents are Joyce and George Lathrop, Wayne City; and Otis and Violet Coil of Mt. Vernon.  Great-grandparents are Ray and Ada Downey, of Utah; Clara Coil of Keenes and the late Voris Coil.



Thurs. & Fri., Nov. 27 & 29 ---- No school Thanksgiving.  Sunday afternoon, Dec. 1 – I am home now by myself.  Trixie is in the hospital.  Took her this morning around 3:30 – 4 o’clock.  We had gone to the class reunion last night.  Came home early.  I went to bed around 10 PM.  She had gotten up feeling sick early this morning maybe around 3 AM.  She was coming back to bed she woke me up as she fell against the bedroom door then into the closet door, breaking a glass teapot and crashing into the floor.  I jumped out of bed and first thinking that she was slamming doors because she was made at me for leaving the closet door open for her to run into.  She started saying that she was dying and for me to call the ambulance.  She got to doing some better after a few minutes.  Suellyn got up.  We got some clothes on her.  She still kept saying that she was dying.  She wanted me to call Alice McCormick.  I finally called Alice.  She came down and we (Alice and I) took her to the hospital in our car.  Suellyn came in Alice’s van.  Took her to the emergency room around 4 AM.  They did blood test, blood pressure, x-ray’s etc. EKGs after some time they decided to admit her to the hospital, said that they wanted to monitor her heart, a slow, irregular heartbeat.  It was after 7 AM before they took her to a room.  I stayed until around 10:30.  The doctor had not come in to see her yet  and nothing was done for her yet other than taking blood samples, and monitors on her heart.  On the way home I met Stephen.  I stopped and talked to him.  He is going to see her and then head on for home.  I got home around 11 o’clock.  Suellyn went over around a little before 12 o’clock.  God, I pray that Trixie will get better.  She has really been having some rough times.  Juanita & Harvey Greenwalt were at the reunion.  Woody and his wife, who use to run the Drug Store drove all the way from Florida to be at the Reunion.  I assumed they were dead by now.



Mon., Dec. 2, 1991.  Well vacation is over, back to school.  Trixie is still in the hospital.  I called her this morning, of course she doesn’t know anything this early.  Suellyn stayed home.  She will be going back today.  I still feel tough.  Can’t get to really going, my chest hurts.  Suellyn called this morning said that the doctor had come in to see Trixie and said that he thinks that it is a valve in the heart.  This just shook me up.  I shake all over, can’t help it.



Tues., Dec. 3, 1991 – Bill Lathrop – absent – sick.  I didn’t go to school today.  I have the flu.  My chest hurts and has for over a week.  Then I get the least bit cold I shake all over.  I took cold Advil last night and this morning also a ½ tablet of Valium last night & this morning.  Trixie called last night said that the doctor said that she had a vascular cardiac sinker – whatever that is.  He is going to watch her one more day.  She thinks that she will be getting out in the morning.  I called and got an appointment with Dr. Doscher for 3:15 this afternoon.  I worry and think he will be unable to help me.  I pray to God that Trixie will be alright.



Wednes., Dec. 4, 1991 – Bill Lathrop absent – sick.  Well I am staying home again today.  Trixie is to come home today.  I went to the doctor yesterday.  He charged me $40 to tell me that I had the flu.  Then I had to go to the drug store to get some antibiotics.  I still feel miserable. This is my 55th birthday.  I guess I am now officially a senior citizen.  I have to get my driver license renewed today.  It is cold, 11°s. 



Fri., Jan. 3, 1992 – Trixie called this morning said the cows had torn down the gate and were out.  She called Randy [Trotter].  He came and brought a wooden gate, fixed it up.  95 more days.



Mon., Jan. 4, 1992 – I started hav[ing] sharp pains in my left chest area Friday afternoon.  Had a ballgame Saturday afternoon.  Went to Ronnie Shelton’s after the ball game to see Jim [Lathrop] got there a little after 5 PM.  Ronnie and he had just left to take a load of wood to Scottie [Shelton’s].  I sat around and waited until nearly 6:30 before they got back.  I told Jim that he would have to go back to St. Louis.  He wants to stay with Ronnie.  He has been there over a week.  Ronnie called me Sunday, said that Lewis Kittle said that he could take Jim back at 3 o’clock but Jim was not wanting to go.  I am still having pain in my chest this morning.  I pray to God that it is not my heart and that I will be healed of this. 



Tues., Jan. 7, 1992 – I had a rough night my chest hurt, but felt better for a little while this morning.  I hope that I can get better.  God willing.  I have to work a ballgame at Opdyke tonight unless I can figure a way out of it.  The weather is still holding, temp app. 40°s.  Every day like this is one less of bad days. 



Wednes., Jan. 8, 1992 – It is raining this morning, dark & dreary.  President Bush collapsed at a state dinner in Japan this morning 5:30 our time.  They say he has the flu, probably what Trixie had that cost $6,000.  I still have it in my chest and around my heart but am not having these sharp stabbing pains.  I would really like to get over this and get to feeling better.  Now my cows are running out of hay and will probably need some tonight in this mud & rain. 



Monday, Feb. 17, 1992 – It is cloudy this morning suppose to rain before the day is over.  Stephen was down over the weekend.  He & Trixie went to see Suellyn yesterday afternoon.  Got back about 10:30 last night.  As long as I get to rest and have nothing to do I get along pretty well.  It is when I have lots to do and lots of stress & not much rest then I get to feeling bad. 



Thurs., 2-27-92 – It is suppose to be a pretty day today, high 52°s.  Trixie went to the doctor yesterday.  Her blood pressure was over 200.  The doctor wanted to put her in the hospital.  She wouldn’t go.  He wants her back today.  I had a bad time last night.  I guess my nerves are going.  I worried about Trixie, about retiring, thinking I am through, done for, etc., also I watch a love movie on TV.  Harry & Sally got my emotions stirred up. 



Fri., 2-29-92 – The sun is shining, a beautiful day. Suppose to get into the 60’s today.  Payday.  This would ordinarily be the last day of Feb, but since this is leap year we get one more day to live this year.  Thank you God.  I got my hair cut last night.  Phyllis Thompson looks bad, but I suppose she is lots better than she was.



Tues., March 3, 1992 – It was a beautiful day yesterday 78°s.  Suppose to be warm & nice today.  May cloud up this afternoon.  It will be hard to have school today and it will seem like Monday all day. 



Wednes., March 4, 1992 – It is cloudy this morning, suppose to rain and be into the 70’s.  Trixie is going to the doctor today.  I hope she gets along okay. 



Thurs., March 19, 1992 – It is raining suppose to turn to sleet & snow today.  Dismiss at 2 PM for teacher’s meeting.  Have an appointment at 1 PM with a person from the Register News.  It has poured down snow all morning.  It is not sticking.



Fri., March 20, 1992 – First day of spring.  Black cow with white face had a bull calf this morning, pushed it down into the ditch I had to go rescue it as I was getting ready for school.  Trixie is going home with Suellyn today.  They are going to a John Denver concert.  They want me to come and get Trixie Sunday. 



Fri., 3-27-92 – Last day of the 3rd quarter, 47 days, one more quarter to go.  The sun is shining a little cod 29°s.  Dismiss at 2 PM today.  Last day before Spring Break. 



Mon.-Fri., March 29-April 3, 1992 – No school spring break.  This is Sunday afternoon.  I came over to go through the mail, etc.  Break is over back to school tomorrow.  Trixie is gone.  She left Thursday morning for Cleveland, Ohio.  She called this morning before I got out of bed said that she would be home sometime tonight.  The sun is shining and is pretty out.  I got everything done that I had planned to do over break.  Got the income taxes done, I did them myself.  I hope they are correct.  I sold my beans, leaping Lena and her calf, rocked the driveway, loaded up a load of corn.  I have 4 bull calves all bulls so far.  Well I am headed into the last stretch of school forever.  This is it.  38 more attendance days, of course that is quite a bit and lots of things to go through before it is over.  I am really having trouble with my right leg.  I think I have a pinched nerve.  It is really causing me fits. 



Fri., April 10, 1992 – Today is Trixie’s 52nd birthday.  Where has all the time gone?  I knew her when she was 18 & 19.  It is suppose to rain today.



Mon., April 13, 1992 – Sat. night was the Sports’ Banquet.  Bob Wheeler got me a big, I mean big, about 30” x 24” card.  He had all ballplayers & cheerleaders of the last 4 years sign it.  He also got me a black sweater and is going to get me a OBR letter and put on it.  I was flabbergasted. 



Wednes., April 29, 1992 – It was beautiful yesterday but is cloudy this morning suppose to rain.  I got all my pension papers filled out yesterday.  Then I read this morning that the District’s supplementary paper is not to be sent in until the end of school (after my last day of teaching).  However, I can go ahead and send in all the others I think. 



Clipping:  Belle Rive Principal Retiring at End of Current School Year – Bill Lathrop, principal of Belle Rive Grade School, is retiring at the end of the current school year. Lathrop will be completing 35 years in education in the schools of Wayne and Jefferson counties.  Former and present students, colleagues, parents and friends are invited to an open house to honor Lathrop 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday at the school.  Lathrop began his teaching career in 1958 at Berry School in Wayne County.  From 1959 to 1971 he taught at Oak Grove Grade School.  In 1971 he came to Opdyke-Belle Rive District and has been in that school system since.  [Mt. Vernon Register News, April 29, 1992]



Thurs., 4-30-92 – The sun is shining suppose to be beautiful – 70’s.  The last day of April.  One more month to go.  Gib Wilson called me last night about my retiring.  He had read it in the paper he said.  Riots in Los Angeles over  policeman beating a black man and found not guilty. 


Thurs., May 7, 1992 – It is cool this morning , but the sun is shining and is suppose to warm up into the 70’s today.  I am really having a time with my foot, leg & back.  I just pray that I can make it the rest of the year.  I got through my interview yesterday.  It made me nervous and I said some pretty silly things.  I hope she fixes it up to look good.  I am not her prize interviewee. 



Fri., May 8, 1992 – The sun is shining,  suppose to get up into the 70°s.  Trixie is going to the doctor today.  I am still having pain in my back, hip, leg & foot.  I hope & pray that it will be healed. 


Thurs., May 21, 1992 – Ford & Honda have gone together and built a new car.  It steers to the left, has a firm body and they have named it the Fonda.



Fri., May 22, 1992 – It is raining. 



Clipping:  Educator Retires – Bill Lathrop of Wayne City is retiring May 31 after 34 years of teaching and school administration.  An open house for Mr. and Mrs. Lathrop will be held Sunday, May 3 from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Belle Rive Grade School.  All former and present students, colleagues, parents and friends are cordially invited.  Mr. Lathrop began his teaching career at Berry Grade School.  From 1959 to 1966 he taught and coached at Oak Grove and from 1966 to 1971 was the superintendent there.  In 1971 he served as superintendent and teacher of the Opdyke Grade School in Jefferson County.  In 1973 when Opdyke and Belle Rive Schools joined together he served as principal and teacher of the Opdyke school for the 12 years.  In 1985 he moved to the Belle Rive School and served as the principal and teacher for 7 years.  He and his wife, the former Trixie Erkman, live on a farm south of Wayne City.  They have two children: Stephen, a computer system analyst in the State Comptroller’s Office in Springfield and Suellyn, an assistant archivist at the Missouri Botanical Gardens in St. Louis.



Back cover – Clipping: Thirty-Five Years Ago, Issue of June 24, 1957: Leslie McCormick, 47, well-known Wayne City sawmill operator, is killed in a car wreck near that community.


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