This text is a transcription of someone talking about their travels in the United States, focusing on a conference they attended in Denver, Colorado, and the subsequent road trip they took through the Rockies and beyond. The speaker details encounters with interesting people, including conference attendees from around the world, a Native American woman involved in Denver politics, and a descendant of Brigham Young in Salt Lake City. They describe visiting various tourist attractions, natural wonders like Yellowstone National Park, and the historical sites of the Wild West. The recording includes detailed accounts of dining experiences, lodging arrangements, and the challenges of keeping up with correspondence while traveling. The speaker emphasizes the international perspective gained at the conference and the importance of global cooperation. They also express their enjoyment of the landscapes and attractions encountered during their trip, like Aspen, Lake Tahoe and the Bonneville Salt Flats. There are frequent mentions of the kindness and generosity of the people they meet along the way, adding a personal touch to the travel narrative.


Episode 4 - SVW Tapes - 4th July, 1978

http://www.atlantatapes.com

This is a detailed account of a trip across the United States, starting around May 25th and going until early July.  The speaker details visits to San Antonio, Carlsbad Caverns, El Paso, White Sands National Monument, Albuquerque, Santa Fe, Los Alamos, Bandelier National Park, Navajo Lake National Park, Zuni, the Petrified Forest, the Painted Desert, the Grand Canyon (including a hike to the bottom), Las Vegas, Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon, Arches National Park, Mesa Verde National Park, Pagosa Springs (visiting a farm), Colorado Springs, and Denver (where they are attending a conference). The speaker describes scenery, attractions, and people encountered along the way, including new friends made in Pagosa Springs and Denver.  They also recount their experiences with travel in the US, including the large amount of open space and the prevalence of strip malls.


Episode 5 - SVW Tapes - 8th July, 1979

Welcome to Atlanta Tapes.  In the 1980s, before instant communication, my mom created a series of cassette tape diaries, sent by mail to my grandmother and grandfather in New Zealand. These tapes are more than just recordings; they're a personal chronicle of life in Atlanta, a snapshot of a time, and a story waiting to be shared.  This project aims to preserve these unique audio diaries by converting them to digital MP3 files,  
http://www.atlantatapes.com

Episode 2 - SVW Tapes 17 Dec, 1978

This news report from the American Entertainment Network Chemark focuses on several key events:

*   **Iran Hostage Crisis:** President Carter reaffirms his commitment to freeing the American hostages in Iran, but warns of future challenges. There's discussion of the Shah's medical treatment in the US and his eventual departure. The Ayatollah Khomeini appoints a hardline foreign minister, signaling a tougher stance on the crisis. Congressman George Hannen, who visited the hostages, believes a congressional investigation of the Shah could help.
*   **Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Awareness:** A segment promotes awareness and support for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, highlighting the devastating effects of MS on young adults.
*   **Ringo Starr Fire & Other LA News:** Ringo Starr's rented home in Los Angeles is destroyed by fire, with significant losses of Beatles memorabilia. Chris Christopherson is also getting divorced.
*   **Weather Report:** A forecast for clear, cold weather with temperatures near freezing.
*   **Personal Anecdotes:** Two lengthy personal letters (transcribed as audio) which cover topics such as plans to move apartments, Thanksgiving dinner, dental work, purchasing a new car, Christmas plans, family updates, and local news.
*   **News Updates:** Several minor news updates ranging from air crash, political news to more.
*   **Current Events & Comments:** Rachel and Maitlands speak about their new car, their lives and send regards to Granded.


Episode 1- SVW Tapes 27th November, 1979

This is a long, rambling recording from someone in December (likely 1970s based on some references) detailing their life in a new cottage in the United States. They talk about receiving Christmas candy in the mail, their children's recent activities, and a recent basketball win. They also discuss settling into their cottage, which is on a large estate owned by the Olsons, and interacting with the staff there. There's a lengthy discussion of their jobs, including the husband's possibly turbulent work situation, a potential new job offer for the speaker, and trouble with car radio repairs. Finally, there's discussion of various social events, including a Christmas party, a chance meeting with someone from their past, and their plans to visit family after Christmas. The recording also touches on sad local news, including a fire and a plane crash. The speaker ends with birthday wishes to her parents and a hope for her father's recovery.
http://www.atlantatapes.com 


Episode 7 - SVW Tapes - 18 December, 1979

Here's a summary:

*   **Local Events:** The letter discusses various local events, including happenings at the Harvest Moon Saloon, Bert Lanceer's house being decorated for a historic home tour, the Metropolitan Opera Hill, and a fundraiser for cerebral palsy with Muhammad Ali.
*   **Family News:** A significant portion of the letter details family events, including the writer's sister-in-law's visit from Melbourne, a dinner with her, her sister's disastrous visit to Bert Lanceer's house, Rachel's choir events and a play, Mathew's birthday party, and the excitement over the birth of five baby gerbils. There's also mention of the family's involvement in school activities, sports, and art programs.
*   **Local Crime:** The letter expresses concern about the missing and murdered children in Atlanta and the disturbing details of the cases. The writer mentions the impact it is having on the community and the fear it is generating.
*   **World Events:** The attempted assassination of Pope John Paul II is discussed, and the writer expresses shock and disbelief.
*   **Other Topics:** The letter covers a wide range of topics, including the recent floods, Margaret Haywood (possibly an author), and comments on recent tests one of her children has taken.
*   **Personal Touch:** The letter has a very personal and conversational tone, filled with details and opinions on various subjects. It comes across as a casual update to a friend or family member living far away.
http://www.atlantatapes.com 

Episode 11 - SVW Tapes - 10th May, 1981

This is a summary of a local news broadcast and a personal letter:

**News Broadcast Summary:**

*   **Detroit Strike:** Thousands of Detroit city workers are on strike, with the mayor claiming the city is broke. Unions are negotiating, but tensions are high.
*   **Copper Industry Strike:** 39,000 copper industry workers are also on strike.
*   **NYC Lawsuit:** New York City lawyers are trying to prevent a planned walkout by police and firefighters.
*   **Military Spending:** The Senate approved military spending, including funding for a replacement B-52 bomber, while rejecting a proposed cut to the all-volunteer army.
*   **Vietnam Veterans:** A new study finds that 30% of Vietnam veterans would refuse to fight if asked again.
*   **Draft Registration:** President Carter will sign a bill ordering 19 and 20-year-old men to register for the military draft.
*   **Weather:** The Atlanta area will experience mostly clear nights with temperatures in the upper 60s to near 70 and partly sunny and humid days ahead with slight chances of afternoon thunder showers and high temperatures in the low to mid 90s.
*   **Local Crime:** A man was shot in a convenience store robbery attempt and is in critical condition; the clerk is not charged.
*   **Synthetic Fuel Research:** Georgia Tech is seeking funding for synthetic fuel research, aiming to produce the equivalent of two million barrels a day by 1990.
*   **Officer's Funeral:** Friends and relatives of a police officer killed in the line of duty attended his funeral.
*   **Medicaid Abortions:** Major candidates for Senator Herman Talmadge's job agreed with the Supreme Court's ruling upholding a ban on federal funding of Medicaid abortions.
*   **Truck Accident:** A 25-year-old man survived a 200-300 foot fall in his truck in Tula Gorge and is in serious condition.

**Personal Letter Summary:**

This is a lengthy letter where an Atlanta woman provides updates on her family, recent events, and thoughts, addressed to "Nan and Granddad" (presumably her parents). Key points include:

*   **Rachel's Birthday Party:** Details of Rachel's birthday party, including a raccoon eating the cake, a near-drowning incident at the pool, and the gifts Rachel received.
*   **Rachel's summer activities:** The granddaughter's activities at swimming, skating, and reading.
*   **Family and Friends:** She discusses various friends and acquaintances, their health issues, activities, and opinions.
*   **Recent Events:**  She mentions seeing the film "Gone With the Wind", attending concerts, and a severe thunderstorm that caused damage.
*   **World Events:** Touches on global events from the Olympics to the riots in Florida,
*   **Jack "Pot":** She expresses strong disapproval and disgust regarding a prisoner named "Jack Po" who was supposed to die and his situation and the media coverage of his death sentence.
*   **Energy Costs:** She provides details of their utility bills in an effort to inform the family of the cost of living.
*   **Charles:** She shares a story regarding the son of her friend, called Charles, his paranoia following a storm and how he got everyone involved.
*   **The King of Morocco:** She also talks about how she learned that her friends went to meet the King of Morocco, as they are very important in the American Jewish community there.

The overall tone is chatty, anecdotal, and detailed, providing a glimpse into the writer's daily life and social circle.


Episode 14 - SVW Tapes - 26th June, 1981

This is a long, rambling, informal audio letter catching up a friend or family member on recent events. The speaker details a whirlwind of activity since the recipient's departure, including:

*   **A chaotic trip to the airport with family.**
*   **Finding a new place to live:** They are moving into a cottage on a large estate in exchange for gardening work. They are excited about the opportunity and the benefits for their children.
*   **Job changes:** The speaker has taken a new part-time job. The husband has new clients.
*   **An illness that swept through the family.**
*   **Halloween preparations and school activities.**
*   **Political observations (Kennedy vs Carter).**
*   **Household purchases and upcoming holiday plans.**
*   **Community events and involvement (church, sports).**
*   **Dental work.**
*   **Updates on mutual friends and family.**

The speaker expresses excitement about the future and reflects on past events, particularly a recent trip that the recipient took. They also discuss the listener's gifts. The overall tone is chatty and enthusiastic, sharing the ups and downs of daily life.
http://www.atlantatapes.com 

Episode 15 - SVW Tapes- 30th October, 1981

This is a recording from a woman in Atlanta to someone (presumably a friend or family) detailing recent events in her life and responding to a tape she received. She discusses:

*   A recent weekend trip to New York City with her husband.
*   Her surprise new job working at a travel agency.
*   Local news, including the Atlanta child murders and the recent U.S. presidential election.
*   The scrapbook made by the friend's children.
*   Thoughts on the election and its aftermath.
*   Various observations on the friend's life and circumstances.
http://www.atlantatapes.com 

Episode 16 - SVW Tapes - 10th November, 1981

This is a recording from someone to their family. They are detailing their recent move into a cottage on the Ealson estate. She talks about how the cottage was filthy and in need of a lot of work, but she and her family are fixing it up. There was no fridge so Mrs. Ealson got one delivered and she thinks she will come through with a new stove soon.

They also had a humorous incident with someone cutting down a tree that ended up taking out power lines. She talks about the logistics of moving with children, getting a new car and telephone, and dealing with school reports. She has been helping her husband at work, doing well with the dental appliances, and is excited about decorating the cottage.

They are planning a trip to St. Louis for Christmas. There is talk about Joan's late birthday presents, setting up a Christmas tree, roaches, and various aspects of American culture. There are humorous anecdotes about the locals and their accents. She also touches on current events like the Iranian situation and a plane crash in New Zealand. She finishes by sharing their new phone number, and how they are finding modular connections all over the house. She is getting the house together with her family. She's exhausted but getting to work to do her job.
http://www.atlantatapes.com 

Episode 17 - SVW Tapes - 05 December, 1981

The speaker discusses several topics:

*   **Weather & Season:** The unusually rainy weather, a cool snap, and the changing leaves.
*   **Business Matters:** Graham's communication, and a situation with Brian Hazlock wanting to buy a business.
*   **Visitors & Social Commentary:** Pat Lyford's visit, and a story about a conversation with Beverly about New Zealand fashion.
*   **School Bus Issues:** Problems with the school buses due to new drivers unfamiliar with the routes.
*   **School Integration Concerns:** Potential changes to the school's 50/50 racial ratio, its implications, and the desire for integrated communities rather than just integrated schools.
*   **Neighbors:** A story about a Haitian family moving into the neighborhood.
*   **Feedback from Previous Tapes:** Competition with birds during recording, presents received, school activities and the teacher Ms. First, and her special approach to the classroom.
*   **Friends:** A new friend for Rachel.
*   **Criminal Activity:** There are several missing children.
*   **Privacy Concerns:** Fingerprinting at service merchandise.
*   **General Comments:** News on Stephen's accident, parsnips and carrots are hard to find, music lessons, a previous visit with Jane and Ed.
*   **Health Matters:** A health concern for the kids.
http://www.atlantatapes.com 

Episode 18 - SVW Tapes - 10th December, 1981

This is a child's enthusiastic account of their Christmas and other recent activities. It covers a variety of topics:

*   **Christmas Gifts:** A detailed list of presents received, including toys (Star Wars figures and castle, an elephant, knuckles bones), clothes (hats, shoes, sweater, underwear), books, candy, and musical instruments (harmonica, drumsticks).
*   **Christmas Activities:** Going to movies ("Popeye" and "Flash Gordon"), visiting places with family, and attending an Advent pageant.
*   **Musical Pursuits:** Violin lessons at two different places, including details about a concert and the pieces they've learned.
*   **Library Project:** Creating a library at home with a card catalog and lending system for neighborhood children.
*   **Family Happenings:** Mentions of family members, including a younger sibling, grandparents, and parents.
*   **Other Activities:** Karate lessons at the YMCA and a visit to a place with a similar phone number to their own.

The overall tone is joyful and excited, reflecting a happy holiday season filled with gifts, activities, and family time.
http://www.atlantatapes.com 

Episode 19 - 15th December, 1981

This is a summary of a news report and a personal tape recording.

**News Report Summary:**

*   **Crime:** A drug raid in Smyrna resulted in the confiscation of half a pound of cocaine, five arrests, and an estimated street value of $1 million. More arrests are expected.
*   **Fire:** A fire at an apartment complex on Buford Highway destroyed several apartments and caused minor damage to others. A man with a hip cast was rescued from a third-story apartment by a ladder truck. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
*   **Dismissal:** A former South Cobb High School teacher, Wayne Viscarondo, was dismissed for alleged improper conduct with students, including allowing them to drink and smoke marijuana at his home.
*   **Playboy:** A Playboy photographer is at the University of Georgia photographing coeds for a layout.

**Personal Tape Recording Summary:**

*   The tape contains personal updates about family, friends, and daily life.
*   Discussion about food (vegemite, honey, passion fruit pop, and a story about getting a deal on kiwi fruit).
*   Mention of Christmas gifts and decorations.
*   Conversation about TV shows, movies (Paul Newman, Mary Tyler Moore), cable television.
*   Details about family activities like scrabble and a new game called Rumeo
*   The recording includes information on gas prices and recent activities in the speaker's life and neighborhood.
*   Talk of children's activities (arts classes, swimming, karate, gymnastics, school projects)
*   Valentine's Day and cooking (Belgian biskeits)
*   Updates about neighbors, friends, a recent trip to Rio
*   Work at Patsy's is causing the speaker a lot of stress and has decided to work less.
*   Concluding statements regarding a "computerized" gift the speaker is sending and praise for a printed paper made by "Dad."
http://www.atlantatapes.com 

Episode 10 - SVW Tapes - 19th February, 1981

This is a long, rambling monologue recorded on St. Patrick's Day. The speaker discusses current events (Kennedy vs. the President, politics), her busy family life with gymnastics, soccer, choir, church, cleaning campers for extra money, and the spring soccer season. She recounts an amusing story about her daughter Rachel finding Sean Cassidy's belongings in a camper she cleaned. She details Rachel's experience singing in a choir festival, complete with anecdotes about the other attendees and battery troubles with her tape recorder. She also shares news about neighbors and friends, particularly discussing their young children and their activities (like a neighbor's son's broken arm). Finally, she shares work news about the new staff, the political climate and an update on the kids' lives (a disappointing creative writing class, and concerns about their kids being moved around in class.
http://www.atlantatapes.com 

Episode 8 - SVW Tapes - 17th March, 1980

This audio tape documents a family's road trip across the United States. Starting in South Lake Tahoe, they visited Bodie ghost town, Yosemite National Park, Fresno, King's Canyon, and Sequoia National Park. They then traveled to Los Angeles, where they reconnected with people from a previous visit, spent time with a welcoming local, and attempted to resolve issues related to a lost watch. Continuing north, they stopped in Santa Barbara, San Simeon (Hearst Castle), Carmel, Monterey, and Palo Alto to visit relatives. They spent a significant amount of time in San Francisco, exploring Fisherman's Wharf, Alcatraz, and Golden Gate Park, meeting up with friends, and enjoying the city's cultural attractions and nightlife. The speaker also shares personal reflections on the trip, observations about American culture, and news from home in New Zealand. She also comments on the generosity they have found, their adjustment to American food and lifestyle, the importance of friends and the election coming up at home in New Zealand.
http://www.atlantatapes.com 

Episode 20 - svwtapes - 1st August, 1978

This is a long, rambling, stream-of-consciousness letter from someone (probably a grandparent or older relative) catching up on family news. It covers a wide range of topics including:

*   **Weather:** Discusses the change from dull weather to the first day of autumn/spring, depending on the recipient's location.
*   **Family News:** Inquires about the recipients' lives and activities, and addresses specific questions to Mikeland, Rachel, and Sha about purchases made with sent money.
*   **Travel Plans:** Details an upcoming trip to Australia, including the itinerary and visits from friends.
*   **Sports:** Mentions a successful cricket season and plans to attend cricket matches.
*   **Local Events:** Describes a newly built house next door and neighbors' reactions.
*   **Strikes and Politics:** Discusses ongoing strikes in New Zealand, their impact on the country, and the government's response. Mentions the upcoming election and political figures.
*   **Opinions and Commentary:** Offers opinions on various topics such as the Thomas Commission, photographs, and American tourists.
*   **Personal Life:** Shares anecdotes about visitors, TV programs, books, and personal preferences.
*   **Family Concerns:** Expresses concerns about David's potential job move to Wellington.
*   **Memories:** Recalls childhood memories and past experiences related to certain places.
*   **Advice:** Gives advice to the recipients, particularly about Maitland and Nana.
*   **General Observations:** Comments on current events, public figures, and social issues.
*   **Responses to Letters:** Answers questions from the recipient's previous letters.
*   **Wedding:** Mentions Lady Diana's engagement to Charles and the details of the event.

In essence, it's a detailed update on the sender's life, thoughts, and observations, offering a glimpse into their daily routines and opinions on various matters.
http://www.atlantatapes.com 

Episode 21 SVW Tapes - 10th March 1980

This is a transcribed audio tape from someone in New Zealand to a woman named Sharon, likely living in the United States. The speaker rambles conversationally, sharing personal updates about friends and family, local news, financial concerns (especially regarding cars and petrol), and reflections on life in general. They mention recent events like birthdays, social gatherings, home improvements, job changes, and health issues. There is also mention of a financial institution in trouble which sounds like a bit of a scandal. The speaker expresses missing Sharon and curiosity about her plans for the future and thanks her for the gift of sunglasses. The tape concludes with the speaker feeling like they are running out of exciting things to report.


Episode 22 - SVW Tapes_02_jul_1980.mp3

Welcome to Atlanta Tapes.  In the 1980s, before instant communication, my mom created a series of cassette tape diaries, sent by mail to my grandmother and grandfather in New Zealand. These tapes are more than just recordings; they're a personal chronicle of life in Atlanta, a snapshot of a time, and a story waiting to be shared.  This project aims to preserve these unique audio diaries by converting them to digital MP3 files, cataloging their contents, and developing them into an audiobook experience.


http://www.atlantatapes.com 
http://www.instagram.com/maitlandvalentine



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