Letter to the Editor

Bloomfield woman offers clarifications about recent article

Friday, March 7, 2008

To the Editor:

Recently an article was printed in The Daily World "A strong work ethic - Uland using her father's skills to become a good teacher." The title is very true.

However, there are several errors in the article, spelling of my name two different ways, some facts, etc. I am confronted with one important fact -- again even as late as Saturday, March 1.

I have a complete memory book which spells out all the facts. Mr. Schneider, author of the article, had the book and anyone who wishes may refer to it.

The major problem is the statement that I operated several successful businesses for several years. I did not operate several businesses or any. I was involved in all aspects of the businesses except buying and managing at various times from 1926-1972.

My father, James Emery Sparks Sr., started businesses on East Main St. and South Washington St. which were very successful. He was assisted by his wife, my mother, and six of his eight children from 1922-1945, also at various times.

In 1945, he sold his two remaining businesses and purchased the entire hotel building on West Main St. He and family members, including spouses and children of his children and my mother opened several businesses filling the building and working at various times.

In 1972, four of the Mr. and Mrs. Sparks' children and families owned their own business. I was not involved. All the Sparks stores were sold by 1983.

I kept the books for the family farm and the selling of it and also kept the books for the selling of the hotel building.

My son Jim's official work title is services assistant and event supervisor at Zionsville, Indiana, School.

Freida F. Uland

Bloomfield