1963

THE SCHLAVER CHRISTMAS CHIMES 400 S. I-Oka Ave., Mount Prospect, Ill. Vol. 1 No. 11 December 25, 1963

We use this method again of expressing the old-fashioned spirit of Christmas--a way for us to give sincere wishes of health and good cheer in the season of the Nativity, to recount our blessings as a family and to renew a pledge of friendship for 1964.

Another year has slipped away in which our "at home" family has been reduced to three--Dad, Mother and Marcia. Some miles away but ever in our thoughts are David, at the Sacred Heart Novitiate in Jordan, Minn., and second son Paul, a freshman at the University of Notre Dame. Thus, Dad hopes it will be a snowless winter as he surveys the expanse of sidewalk encircling the corner lot. Our diminishing family circle does, however, include Grandma Cronau for at least part of the time.

We see Paul occasionally, when he commutes home from his classes and between Marching Band dates at Notre Dame. We missed him at Thanksgiving when he paraded with the "Fifing Irish" for the N.D.-Syracuse game. While Paul was in New York, the rest of us had a memorable visit with David and as Dad remarked perhaps the senior son was the wisest of all to turn away from the cares and violence of an oft cruel world and surround himself with prayer and study before emerging to help in religion and education. David left home last August to spend a year at Jordan as the next step in his training for the priesthood in the congregation of Holy Cross. He will return to Moreau Seminary at Notre Dame next fall to complete his university studies. He has been enabled to continue his musical interests in a different way by directing the polyphonic choir at the Novitiate.

Dad got away from his editing and involvement with the village presidency of fast-growing Mount Prospect for nearly two weeks on an auto trip with Mother to Norfolk, Va. This trip was for attendance at the Sigma Delta Chi convention. Then, he hurried off to New York to accept an award for The QUILL magazine which he edits, the award based on the 50th anniversary issue of a year ago. Highlight of the Norfolk trip included an opportunity to go aboard the nuclear-powered U.S.S. Enterprise aircraft carrier. For Mother this was a welcome respite from her duties at the Randhurst Bank. Yes, she keeps house, too.

Daughter Marcia somewhat amazes us with her interest in her Sophomore studies at Regina Dominican High School. She takes to French, geometry, art and Sunday School teaching with far more zest than household chores. The cookies she bakes on occasion are welcomed by Paul and his roommates.

Needless to say, Paul misses the Valiant at home in the garage as he pursues a heavy schedule of German and other studies at Notre Dame, far different than his last-summer activity in selling sporting goods.