Sibling Rivalry

Written from Elsie Vogel's diary –

 

October 1, 1974

Tom made the newspapers. He and several others were charged with turning back odometers on the used cars they were selling.  I called Bev.  She said he was in Jail (I can’t believe it – thank God Mom and Dad didn’t live to see this).  

 

Tom still insists I owe him $3,500.  The assessor the year Dad died raised all residential property assessments making mine worth $7,000 (on paper) more than his three-store property that he inherited.  All those years the Commercial property was valued more than their residence.  Now he’s in jail and needs money to get out – what to do!  Bert and I decided to send him back his money that I got for the sale of the Cadillac.  So, we sent him a cashier’s check for $2,300 – just what we got for the car.

 

So, he got the Commercial building and all of Dad’s money.  So there should be no reason for him to think he didn’t get his fair share.  Isn’t it sad for this to end this way?  He couldn’t even bring himself to acknowledge he received the money.  Well, he’s a big boy now and I wish him well and I do hope he will get off with just a fine.

 

After he was released, he made a trip to see Bertha and paid her the balance of what he owed her ($5,000).  I’m so glad that debt is paid.  He had borrowed $6,500 many years ago.

 

New entry on May 15, 1975

Tom and Bev went to Florida from January until May 1.  They stayed in Fort Lauderdale -- $1,000 rent – wonder where he got the money.

 

Fire in Dad’s buildings.  Started in electrical shop.  Called Tom.  Had to call Bev’s mother to find out where they were – we got a fire adjuster for them!