Sunday, January 31, 2010

The Next Generation


March 17, 1997

Dear Grandma Johnson,

How are you? I am doing great! Mom got me construction paper and other things for my birthday! I love you so much! My friend Jessie Bergman is over and she is writing a letter to her dad. She is in my class. We play every recess together. Love you bunches and miss you!

Love always,
Jennifer

"One of their favorite games is to play 'train'"

Portland, Oregon
Dec. 16, 1959

Dear Mother,

Enjoyed hearing your voice on the phone. I didn’t send your Christmas package although it is all bought and wrapped. Please let me know what your plans are and when you would like me to send you the gift.

Our new house is very much like the other one except that it is somewhat smaller. Morgan wanted some money to invest in his business and selling our home seemed the easiest way to get it.

This house is very comfortable and I think it is going to be much easier to keep. I really was a chore to keep that big house as long as I was working.

We certainly enjoyed the trip to Nebraska. The girls often talk about is. One of their favorite games is to play “train.”

Robin is very happy in kindergarten. She’s very interested in school and is learning to read.

Lottie and Jill were down for the weekend a couple of weeks ago. Lottie had a letter from Elin saying Sock wanted them to come to Tacoma for the holidays. Sock will be home from the service for Christmas and Jeanne should be back from Europe.

Were also invited to Tacoma for Christmas so we might have quite a gathering there. Guess we’d better bring sleeping bags.

Jeanne has been touring Europe for two months. She stopped by in September and had dinner with us. She and a friend were between planes on their way to New York and Europe. They were planning to visit about 15 countries. I called Lottie on the phone and got the addresses of the relatives in Denmark & Sweden. Jeanne was going to try to visit them. If Jeanne is in Tacoma for Christmas it will be interesting to hear about her tour.

Well, Mom, guess that about brings you up to date with the Pritchetts. Hope you have a very merry Christmas and that you’re staying well. Do take care of yourself.

Lots of love,
Betty



Saturday, January 30, 2010

Incoming Commander

INCOMING COMMANDER
STANLEY R. JOHNSON, LIEUTENANT COLONEL
CORPS OF ENGINEERS

Civilian and Military Education: LTC Johnson earned a Bachelor of Science degree in General Science from Eastern Washington State University in 1959. He also received a Master of Arts degree in Transportation Geography from the University of Iowa in 1966. He graduated from the Army Command and General Staff College in 1970 and has completed courses at the Special Warfare School and the Defense Language Institute.

Assignment Highlights: LTC Johnson recently completed a tour with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. His previous assignments have included tours with the Baltimore District of the Corps of Engineers and Project MASSTER at Fort Hood, Texas. He has served overseas with the 24th Division in Germany and has completed two tours in Vietnam, one as the Senior Advisor to the 40th ARVN Engineer Group, and one as S-3 of the 84th Engineer Battalion.

Awards and Decorations: LTC Johnson has been awarded the Bronze Star with two Oak Leaf Clusters, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Air Medal, the Army Commendation Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster, the Vietnamese Technical Services Honor Medal First Class, and wears the Parachutist Badge.
August 5, 1977
(hand written at top of last page)

"You know how he will talk sometimes just to show off"


Omaha, Nebr.
March 24, 1944

Marie -

I received your letter dated Feb. 20th in the green envelope with part of the apron pattern. Then the other letter was dated Feb. 23rd and I received them at the same time as I did the doughnuts. Also received the 2 postal cards and thank you for all. Also received the letter mailed March 20th and I thought I would explain before I start to write to you. That way you know, and I should have written and answered sooner. Pardon me please.

I washed all my dishes this evening and now I am rather tired. I began reading a story last night, and it was interesting. I didn't finish and I hope that I will be able to read after I have finished this letter.

Oh many thanks for the apron and it fits me very well. Did you buy the material that is in the front of the apron? I mean the white part.

I went to the Creighton the 4th of Feb. and I was told that I could have a X-Ray taken. So I went down then on the 8th of Feb. Then I was to return and hear how my condition was Feb. 25th and Miss Larson told me that now I was well enough to be out of the hospital. I received some assistance from the family welfare and now I receive $2.50 for a week for food. The lady at the County assistance wanted your address as well as Elin and Lottie's. I tryed to answer the many questions I am asked to the best of my knowledge. Some times I wish I could have more time to think about the answers. It seems a person has no privacy and I hear that in the moving pictures as well. It seems to me that when I was growing up if people would have asked such personal questions they would have been considered rude. I think I am still some what nervous after living with your father for so many years. You know how he will talk sometimes just to show off and answer sometimes with out scarcely thinking whether or not it is the best answer.

I suppose you received the letter that I wrote for him to you. But really I don't agree with all that I wrote.

I haven't received any picture yet. I wrote to Lottie and asked her if she would please have the picture insured when she send it or else have a return care made out. That way I will need to sign for the picture. Then if I am not here the mailman can bring it back to the Post Office and I can call for it. I have wanted months for the picture. It is a pity that you couldn't get them before you left Yakima Washington. Don't you think so too?

I saw the moving picture "True to Life" and I like to see Dick Powell. Wasn't it funny when Moore who was the air raid warden told T. Tone he could lie down in the gutter? No I certainly don't like war pictures. It seems to me if they had shown some pictures I have been recently during the last war, people would have stood up and walked out. A week ago last Sunday I was to a moving picture show and saw "Don Ameche" in "Happy Land". It was real good. In the picture the actor has a son who goes in the service. Later he receives a telegram saying regret to inform you and the rest. He grieves very much for his son and then a minister comes to see him. The minister say that "pain and suffering are a part of all of us."

I think it would be a good idea to sew that chroched lace on some pillow cases and that way you can better keep track of them.

Thank you so much for the dime for the paper.

I asked Betty if she didn't miss that magazine you know that Mrs. Hollister had sent her for a Christmas present. Betty said "kind of" because you know it is a very good magazine. I don't suppose you could send her any of the back numbers since Jan, 1944. There was a continued story in the Dec. issue and I sure wish I had it. But you can let me know about it. Thank you.

I am so glad that you intend to come to Omaha. I can assure you that I am looking forward toward the time. Think of it I have lived alone for over 2 years taking care of my-self. I didn't think that was the way it would turn out when I returned to Omaha from Oakland. I don't want to think about it. Don't you think I have saved Douglas County and the State of Nebraska money by taking care of my-self? I feel now like I would like a nice long rest. Rest "Sweet happy rest, Jesus will give you a rest" goes these lines in a song. I wish you could come as soon as you possibly can. Please. I hope that you don't have to hurry the way you did when you moved to Yakima. Try and plan to pack early what-ever you can.

That was very kind of you to send some doughnuts to my mother and I wish you thank you. I don't know if I thank you for the stamp picture. It has a good place I think and no doubt you will agree with me when you see it when you come to Omaha.

I have read your letter over and answered I think all questions. Now I will answer the last letter I received a few days ago. You dated the letter March 13th and did you sit down and write after you arrived home? Yes indeed it was a eventful day that you really did go and see my cousins. I can hardly realize it. Yes I surely wanted to hear all about your visit. That was nice how Anna spoke about her mother weren't you impressed by it? I knew that the late Mrs. Swanson's children were devoted to her. It was nice of Anna to explain things to you wasn't it? I should have been there with you but here I am indisposed. You know I have never seen any relatives on my mother's side in person. I am so glad that Anna was at home when you came. When I read the part where you wrote that all were very hospitable I could hardly keep back the tears. Yes I will let Betty read the letter. I am sure my mother will be pleased to hear from you about the visit.

Yes I heard the good news that Betty can go out and she is looking forward toward the time. And as the time draws nearer you should plan for her. It has certainly been nice of Mr. Durand to help Betty with her work. At first you know I thought it was going to be too hard for Betty to take that course. But it seems it has worked out all right. If you have any plans for her will you write about them and that way we can compare notes. It should help to know so far in advance. Marie I was thinking that if you wish to send my mother something I would let you know what it is. Because it is something she needs and would be wonderful if you would be so kind to try and buy it and send to her. It is a little clock for the kitchen and I think she would like the numbers big. If you do buy one for her it would be best to have the clock insured. Did my mother send you a rug when you lived on Davenport Street? Please answer me about the clock.

When you write to Lottie please ask her to write to me. Also to let me know if she received the box I sent with some things. Mrs. Bergquist gave me a pair of over-shoes that had been Jackie's. I had them fixed cost 50 cents. I thought Martin could wear them untill he can get a new pair. I want him to wear overshoes when it is necessary.

Oh yes I almost forgot to write and thank Frank for the $1.00 he left over at your father's house. That was thoughtful of him.

Saturday afternoon
As I didn't finish this letter last night I will add a few more lines. To-day is a sunny day and I feel better when the sun is out. I have been to the oil station and bought a half gallon of kerosene. Oh I don't mean to complain but I wish I had gas instead. But then that would cost money. I was reading a story and an old lady said in part "God made the land. God did not make money."

I returned to Omaha from Oakland Sept 24th 1941. Don't you think it is remarkable how I have taken care of my-self since then which is 2 1/2 years ago? And during that time I haven't received any County assistance untill now last month from the family welfare. I received the 2 last orders from the County assistance. Oh how I wish I had never lived all those year in Omaha. I regret it more than I can express in words.

I hope you can go to visit my cousins again before you leave Chicago. I wish you could ask them all to come over to your house and visit with you in the near future. How about setting a day when your baby's birthday is? That way you could look forward toward the time and plan.

When Lottie's baby was a year old they took the baby's picture and she was sitting in her high chair opposite her birthday cake.

Your father wanted me to write and let you know that when he sent the last money order, he had written a letter, and be forgot to enclose the letter. Instead he left the letter at the post-office.

Please write soon.
Good-by,
As ever,
Your Mother.

P.S. I was thinking whether you and Frank have a good Kodak now. Now if my cousins come over could you please have some films? And take a picture and send to me? Don't stand too far only about 6 ft. from the person or persons whose picture you are taking. Thank you.

As soon as you receive this letter would you kindly send me a card saying you have received it. Then you can write a letter later.

Thursday evening.
Marie -

I hope you received my letter. I was out to see Betty Sunday evening. She was wearing the blue bed room slippers you had sent. She seemed very pleased about them.

Marie I was going to ask you if you could buy a letter opener for Betty. You know they are long something like a nail file. She needs one and if you can't buy any could you get the next thing similar to open letters. Thank you.

Write soon.
From, Mother.

Friday, January 29, 2010

Photo Friday: More Cousins

Hugh Cumming, Allen Barteky
Benson Isley, Sara Mossman
Benson Isley
Marian Burkhalter Sanchez
Stanley Burkhalter
Benson Isley

Stanley Burkhalter, Jacque Johnson Burkhalter
Elisabeth Burkhalter Rosson, Marian Burkhalter, Sanchez
Elisabeth Burkhalter Rosson

Photo Friday: Johnson Cousin's Day, Ocean Shores

Some memories from childhood are more prominent than others. This is one of them...

Allen Barteky, Sara Mossman, Benson Isley, Angie Johnson Hooper, Hugh Cumming, Annalei Burkhalter
Hugh Cumming, Allen Barteky, Angie Johnson Hooper, Sara Mossman
Jill Johnson Mattingly
Marian Burkhalter Sanchez, Elisabeth Burkhalter Rosson
Stanley Burkhalter, Elisabeth Burkhalter Rosson
Nathan Johnson, Marian Burkhalter Sanchez
Nathan Johnson
Allen Barteky

Thursday, January 28, 2010

Missing Martin (again)

More from Martin

June 1, 1972

Dear Mother,

I got the leter you sent to Mr. Bernard Rolnick. I can not come to Omaha at this time but will come in about 4 mounths. I am sening you $60.00 dollal money order for you.

You son,
Martin

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

"P.S. I will carry a pocket-book with only a few cents in it."



There's just so much here, I'm a bit speechless. And we think we can say what we need to say in 140 characters on Twitter.


Omaha, Nebr.,
July 21, 1943.

Marie -

I received your letter dated June 23rd and was glad to hear from you. Thank you for explaining about the different matters.

Are you taking a good rest this summer? Do you have any extra work besides your house-work? I hope not. How is the baby? When you write please speak of her as my baby not by name. I was reading an article that in England they consider a child a war baby untill they are 3 1/2 years. 3 1/2 old I think it was. And they take such good care of the children over there.

What do you think made you sick? I hope this trip will benefit you all. Try and rest as much as possible. I think Mrs. Holaster could have been there before you moved instead of going to visit her mother. After all she didn't take her little boy back to Omaha. I thought you were nervous and trying to undertake too big a task. It seems to me you are always going at too fast a speed.

Have you heard any-thing from Mrs. H or Virginia since you went out to Washington?

I was out to see Betty Sunday evening. It is so hard to visit with her with the radio in the room going and the other patients' company there. Betty said she had had a letter from you but Betty didn't read your letter to me. Betty I think is dis-satisfyed with her stay at the hospital. She seems nervous and no wonder not being alowed to go out and draw a breath of fresh air. You know I wish she could be released before long. She has been at the hospital a year in September. Couldn't you write a letter to Dr. Allen and tell him to please let Betty be up on longer exercise. The food has not improved and there was little food served her Sunday evening. Please answer me about this because it seems important to me. I don't think you had better mention anything about me writing about her. That won't help any.

I am glad you had a nice visit at Lottie's house. I didn't know that Martin was going to stay this long with Lottie. Being your father sent the money to you for him you can give Lottie some money if she takes any. But you can talk that over between your-selfs.

Your father went along with me to buy a new pair of shoes. We went to Penny's. I liked the first pair I picked out. Well when we got out in the car I tryed them on and they were not the same pair of shoes. I could tell and this is a fact. So I brought them back and I got the money. Now I suppose you are going to be furious because I haven't bought the shoes at some other store. Well we bought the stockings down stairs at Penny's. And now I needed the money for food because your father says he can't give me any money because he has to pay so much taxes. Last week he gave me 45 cents and this week nothing. Oh I could scream.

I suppose there is no use asking you to send me any money.

I had a letter from Elin not long ago. She wrote they may have to move before school starts because there isn't any school where they live. I hope she will come here and please talk about this and explain every-thing to her. It is important as you know we have gone into that so many times.

I will write to Elin before long but I hope that she will understand better when you tell her how things are. Tell her how she can use what furniture is here and I will fumigate the rooms. There is plenty of work and may-be I should send her a Sunday World-Herald. What do you think is the best plan?

I am feeling about the same. I don't have enough food to eat. My side is about the same.

I had a letter from Martin and I was glad to hear from him in person. I hope he trys and remember about the rules I wish for him to follow.

I surely wish you could send me a little money if possible. I didn't know I would face as many problems when I returned to Omaha. It will be 2 years in September since I returned to Omaha.

When do you plan to return to Omaha? I wish you could stay here a few days when you return so I could go and visit my mother. Please will you try and arrange it?

Oh I been thinking I would like to ask you about Betty's clothes. Why did you take them over to Charlie's instead of over to Durand's with the rest of the things? Where did you take her glass tray? Betty didn't know. I haven't been able to order a picture of Betty because I haven't had the money. Oh I suppose you don't care it just don't matter.

I think I better close for this time. I hope you write soon as possible.

Do you attend any picture shows? Try and start early enough with your packing when you are going to return so you don't get so exhausted. If you wish to bring me a gift may I suggest a bottle of jasmine perfume and tooth brush.

Thanking you in advance.
With  best wishes to all.
As ever, I am
Your Mother.


Thursday
P.S. I went for a little walk last night and thought I would stop at L.D. Swanson's sister's house. She is still living up on Poppleton St. She said Louis Swanson now lives out in Los Angeles, Calif. And that they have only one daughter and she is now 16 years of age. This daughter was born about the time we moved back here from the farm. So Betty must have been 2 yrs old then.

I hope you have luck about the visit to Elin and that she will come here. It is important. The lady who lives up-stairs is a young lady and they have 2 little girls. You might tell her that the lady told me she graduated from high school. I intend to go down town this afternoon and mail this. I will carry a pocket-book with only a few cents in it.

Monday, January 25, 2010

Happy Birthday, Robin!





Announcing The Arrival
Of Robin Kay Pritchett
On Jan 25
Wt 6 lbs.

See you soon L. I should be able to come home next Sunday or Monday. I got a liner for the bassinett. Hope you'll be able to bring it with you on the train.
Bets


And while I don't think this card was written for Robin when she was born (my mother would have only been five - and this doesn't look like five-year old writing), it was found with the birth announcement. I think there must have been things taped to the card  that have since fallen off. Or my mom just liked to put pieces of tape on things.

"I am so glad you father is doing nicely. Aren't you?"




Lincoln, Nebr.
April 5, 1961

Dear Marie -

It is Wednesday to-day and no word from you.

I called up your father's house but no one answered the telephone. I am wondering how your father is.

I hope you will come this summer or as soon as you possibly can after school is out.

I am enclosing a sample of the material which I made your apron like. Please will you try to see if you can find a flounce pattern as near like the one I made on the apron. Could you show the apron to your dress-maker so that she would understand better. Or if you can find a flounce pattern in the pattern book for me I will be so thankful.

I am enclosing some clippings and let me know how you like them.

The Governor attends the church where I have marked.

Please answer questions which I asked in my other letter.

I called Dora this evening and asked how your father was. Dora answered that he was operated on this morning and getting along just fine. Also that Betty sent a beautiful arrangement of flowers. I am so glad you father is doing nicely. Aren't you?

As ever, Mother.

Saturday, January 23, 2010

"I suppose every one down there is interested in politics"



Ruth -
Thank you for the candy. Don't know why you did it. Not much news. Try to keep busy cleaning the house. Had it painted last week. Nice weather isn't it. It is good to keep busy. I suppose every one down there is interested in politics.

So long Bro Garfield

Blair Nebr.
Oct. 13 1960
(from postmark)

Telegram to Elin


May 5, 1947
To Mrs. F Ray Johnson
Care of or Apt. No. Northport, Washington.

Elin will you please come to Omaha right after school lets out? Answer at once.

From
your,
Mother.

So - get ready can you?

A Box Full of Gifts


Lincoln, Nebr.
Feb. 22, 1955.

Dear Marie -

It is your turn to write. I think I wrote that I was intending to send you something for your birthday. Excuse me for being a little late in sending you a package. I mailed the package yesterday. I was in a hurry so I intend to send you a few more articles which I forgot.

I am going to send some embordery cotton which you could use in making the apron. The material I sent is for an apron and the blue material for trimming. Hope you like the pattern and tranfer design. And now a few words about the other things I sent. I didn't put any names on the gifts because I thought you could chose the one you would like for each member of your family. The apron materials naturely is for you and the change purse. I crocheted the black rings which are on the chain. Now the idea is to sew the ring in your pocket-book and that way you are sure that your change purse don't get lost. I have one like the change purse I sent you.

The green dress I sent was one I was going to fix over for my-self. A lady gave it to me. The lady I work didn't like it. Hope you can make it fit you if you wish to wear it. Let me know what you decide. The other dress which is dark and figured I thought you could use the black tape which is on the bottom and on the edge of the sleaves. Perhaps you could use the skirt to wrap clothes in when damped as we used to do in Omaha. Or else you could use it to cover things when cleaning.

Both of the little trinkets were made in Japan.

I wish to thank you for the belated birthday card and valentines, letter and $1.00.

Please let me know what you did with the shows which I sent you.

Hope to hear from you soon and answer my letter.

I will write again about the gifts I am sending.

Best wishes.
As ever,
I am,
Mother.

Friday, January 22, 2010

Photo Friday: Three Sisters


Marie Jensen Durand, Betty Jensen Pritchett Light, Lottie Jensen Johnson
Aug. 1954

Thursday, January 21, 2010

"Please send Lars old radio"



December 21, 1970
Dear Mother,

You may keape my radio but please send Lars old radio. Please send it by Railway Express please. Also please seand what insded and in the back my old radio please. The Railway Express is at Burlington or Union train terminals. I am also sending you 90 for the last 6 months and 20 so you can send me Lars old radio.

Your son,
Martin

P.S. I am sending you packing for the radio. So put Lars old-radio in a box with the packing. And send it to.

Martin Miles Jensen
364 8th Av.
New York, NY ZIP-10001

P.S. The packing will come to you in two boxs. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Martin


These three pieces of paper, cut from magazines, were included in the envelope.

"There's No Place Like Home...Except Grandma's and Grandpa's"


August was always Grandchildren's Month in Washington. Apparently this was also a tradition in Arizona.

Remind me sometime to tell you about chicken cutting lessons that were included in one of my visits. Yep...that was a classic Grandma Lottie move...

Marie, to her credit, was also not above creating her own agenda. Check out the evening activity on June 11th. Hope Steve was able to come through...