Change of Plans

click to enlarge

"You have eleven cousins in denmark"

Aalborg d. 13 maj 1968.

Dear cousin Charlotte,

When your letter come to my mothers and your aunt: Paula Paulsen (married Pedersen), I phoned to my and your uncle: Holger Paulsen, who lives in Copenhagen. He has five children, four living in copenhagen and the youngest girl married in Germany. My mother (70 years old she 10 may 1968) has six children, four here in Alborg and I have a brother and a sister in copenhagen. As you see, you have eleven cousins in denmark. Your and mine uncle: Marinus Paulsen is died 1964 in Aarhus 4 july (danish, english day in Rebild park.). My mother is born 1898, Holger in 1900, and Marinus 1895. My father: Jens Christian Predelund Pedersen died in 1936. We say thanks for your letters, and we could like to show you, your sister and her husband several places in Alborg and Sonder Trander where you father live in his time from he was born to he immigrated to U.S.A.

My mother and my uncle has several times told me about yourfather, and my uncle has three times tired to find him, but he couldnt.

You tried to find your fathers two brothers and one sister in your letters of 8. may, and we got your letter to-day the 13. may. from the postoffice, and your uncle Holger get his letter from you to-morrow the 14-5-68 morning.

We hope you can come to aalborg sunday the 30th june as soon as you can from germany, and we will meet you in the air port or the railway-station, and you can stay with me, and Holger will come to Alborg and together with my mother show you the several places.

Monday 1, july we will take with you to copenhagen, where you can meet your tour group in kastrop airport at 2.25 afternoon.

We could all like to come in tivoli parken this afternoon, and my uncle holger live and my uncle holger live ten minutes by car from Kastrup airport.

Maybe it is earlier to take the railway from germany to aalborg, but please write a letter more to me about your last plane in germany and the time, you can take the trip to aalborg.

We shall see your grandmother - and grandfathers grave, in aalborg, your fathers home and school in Sonder Tranders, his first home as married in Denmarksgade 64, and the next home in Nyhavnsgade 4 in Alborg.

I have no time to more, but I will write again after a few.

Alborg Denmark.

Privat: Christian Pedersen

Hojbovangen No. 9

9200 Skalborg

Denmark

On the Corn King Limited

Sat nite

My dearest wife

It is nearly time to retire for the night. The club car is full and the radio is blaring "news bulletins". No one seesm to be paying much attention to the announcer's plear to "stand by for further developments." It's getting rather stable - an old story.

This is the first time I've even tried to write a letter on a rolling, jerking train - and with a pen that scratches and screeches. Really, my pet, I must be truly in love with you to battle such formidable odds just to write a letter.

I forgot to telegram you before leaving, to call Jean in case you are out of money. Don't believe you will, but if you do - call her. In case you haven't already guessed - the fine spot represents all we have to keep the wolf from the door - take care of it.

The car is not as full now. The lady who is trying to read this over my shoulder is talking vaguely of retiring. I suppose I should wish her pleasant dreams. So far she hasn't been able to read any of this letter. Should I ask her to censor it for me? Don't believe it would be a good idea. She might resent it. So you get your mail that's read by prying eyes? Isn't that thing but fool of me? I think so, too!

It's later, and we must get up at 6:00 tomorrow. We are going to have breakfast on the train. I'll be thinking of you, and "cussing" the chef if it isn't cooked the right way.

Good night, sweet. Take good care of your self, and remember - I still love you more every day.

Bob

Good morning!

Just checked in - Room 2508 - on the top floor. Way up here!

Had breakfast on the train after being jerked around all night. Slept well, tho!

No news - so will go down now and try to create some.

More later

Love Bob

"Remember this card?"

Omaha, Nebr.

March 12, 1944

Marie - I received the 2 cards. Also letters and I intend to write real soon. Remember this card? Bood-by. As ever, Your Mother.

Lunch Money

Mom -

I owe 25 cents for a lunch I charged Monday.

Jill

"I moved to a different ward"

Lincoln, Nebr.

June 4, 1950

Dearest Marie -

I received your letter and what was enclosed. Later for Mother's day I received the Mother's day greeting from you and family by telegram and thank you very much. I received a greeting card or some remembrance from all my children.

I answered Lottie's letter and I hoped she received my letter. I explained when I wrote to her about the house which Bob has been building and perhaps Lottie has written to you about what I wrote so I will not repeat it in this letter.

Since I wrote to you the last time there has been some changes. A few weeks ago I had an X-Ray taken and then later I moved to a different ward which is in the new building. The furniture also is brand new and it is very clean. I am on the ground floor so it is near the out-doors.

Marie you well know I was disappointed that you could not come to Nebraska last summer. And when you write I look for a meaning that you are intending to come this summer. The weather has been sort of unsettled but now the weather seems mild here. Marie I hope you plan to come. In the letter that you wrote last June you wrote "(that you were very sorry that you will not get to see me. That you had hoped that you could come with Frank when he came. Also that perhaps things will work out so you all can come to Nebraska this summer)". Now please come and answer my letter on this subject which is important to me. I don't think you mean intentionally to over look this question. Or are you trying to spare my feelings? There is a saying that "She also serves who sits and waits."

I did not receive any gift from you as a Mother's day present and did you send any?

I sincerely hope to see you and please make your placs and talk it over with Frank. I am enclosing a clipping so you can study it and decide about it. Now how I would like for you to send a telegram to me when you can come for I suppose school is out.

 

Now will you let me know in 2 weeks from to-day? I must close and thank you for the gift box you sent from Easter.

With love.

From, Mother.

Photo Friday: Lars & Ruth

Lars Peter Jensen

Ruth Norby Jensen

Omaha, Nebr

1916

FOUND: Danish Relatives

ALBORG POSTKONTOR

14.5.1968

Dear Miss Johnson:

In reply to your letter of May the 8th 1968 I have the honour to inform you that Mrs. Paula Pedersen lives at Herluf Trolles Gade 17, 9000 Alborg. Mr. Holger Paulsen lives Hojskolealle 37, 2770 Kastrup.

The letters have been forwarded accordingly.

The letter for Mr. Marinus Paulsen is enclosed, as Mr. M. Paulsen has died.

I remain, Miss Johnson,

Your obedient servant

N.N.F. Knudsen

Postmaster

"Nearly sixty years ago..."

The letter sent through the Aalborg postman:

Tacoma, Washington

United States

May 8, 1968

Greetings,

Nearly sixty years ago our father, Lars Peter Jensen immigrated to the United States from Aalborg, Denmark, leaving behind a large family of younger brothers and sisters. He has long ago lost contact with any of his relatives, but believe some of them may still be in the vicinity of Aalborg. I hope this letter may reach one of you.

This summer my sister and I will be visiting in Europe, stopping in Denmark for a few days. If it would be possible, we would so enjoy meeting anyone - aunts, uncles, cousins - or seeing the farm where he grew up. How many times we've heard favorite tales from his boyhood in Denmark! Though he has been in America nearly sixty years, he has always been a Dane at heart.

Our father is now eighty-four years old, and in poor health with arthritis and a heart condition, but he remains as quick of mind and as alert as ever.

My sister and I will be travelling with a singing group, the Orpheus Male Chorus, which will entertain in Tivoli Park in Copenhagen, Monday, July 1. (Her husband is one of the singers). Our group arrives at 2:25, that afternoon, we will have Tuesday free for sightseeing, and then depart for Stockholm on Wednesday afternoon. As you see, time is very short, and I realize Aalborg is some ditance away, but perhaps you may have some suggestions. It may even be possible to break away from our tour group a day earlier in Germany and arrive in Denmark on Sunday, June 30th.

At any rate, it would be nice to hear from any of you. Please write as soon as possible for we will be leaving our homes the 10th of June.

Very sincerely,

Charlotte Johnson

Mystery Hands

These hands come without any indication of who they belonged to...or who they were given to, though probably they were given to Grandma (Lottie), based on the stuff in the same box. Tacoma Johnsons...one of you want to claim them?

This pair of hands will work for you

whatever you will ask them to do

"Don't know if computers are a blessing or a curse"

2/2/1997

Dear Lottie -

We plan to come see you Saturday. We're going to the beach tomorow (Tues) but will be back Thursday eve. Friday is turn around time before coming to see you.

Is it OK if we bring Mike Pritchett along? He's just arrived back in Portland last evening and would like to see the "Washington folks" if that is convenient.

We'll plan to stay at the base so don't worry about us.

I'm struggling with the Family Tree program. I'm a very slow learner but hope to come up with something soon. Don't know if computers are a blessing or a curse.

Much love

Bets

Trip Plans to Norway

Garlic in Oil

I'm not sure why, but I vividly remember Grandma Lottie creating these little recipe cards.

Fold to create a 2x2 card that you can attach to your newly-created Garlic in Oil bottle.

"He has dreamed of taking a trip to see all of us "

Phoenix, Arizona

Feb. 11, 1955

Dear L & Family,

This seems to be my "family writing spree." I have written to the Durands, Mom, Pop, Betty - and now you. Actually, I find letter writing the hardest job I have. There are so many interruptions with two pre-schoolers (and their pals) plus the ever present, on-going routine that letters are set aside. However, my conscience twitches hard enough, sometimes to overcome the inertia. This is one of those times. I really find it fun to write once I get started.

First, we all want to thank you for all the keen Christmas gifts. The tools were an ideal gift for Stevie. He feels quite important to lend me his pliers or screw driver. He has become an expert "measurer" himself. The tape has inspired him to learn his numbers. Somehow inches and pounds are interchangeable words. He measured the telephone and announced "six pounds."

John loves his soft black lamb. It is the nicest stuffed toy the children have ever had. I think the girls would secretly like to have it for their beds. However, they are happy with their lovely collars. Ruthie will wear hers with a plain white nylon slip-on sweater & fall shirt when she plays in the 28 Piano Festival next week. Did you make the collars? They show evidence of your skillful work.

The candle holders from Norway are just right on our reed organ. Thanks again for everything. By the way, we have had your organ stool refinished & it looks beautiful!

We think many times of the enjoyable times we had in the Northwest last summer. It is really too bad that our children can't see more of one another. Both you & Betty have keen kids. Your roomy house and huge yard are ideal to raise a family. We will be interested to hear of your activities as you go along, for now it is easier to picture the setting.

Dora probably wrote to you that Pop's eyes have been failing & do not seem to be responding to treatment too well. He has another appointment April 24. I have urged that he get the best help available, regardless of cost. Pop is now 71 years old.

You know he has dreamed of taking a trip to see all of us & Dora's family around Taft, Calif. I am afraid that if we don't push him to make a definite decision he will never get that trip taken. He has never seen any of yours or Betty's children. I do want him to see Johnny Lars, especially. Here is the plan, in general., I have suggested to Pop & written about to Betty too. If you think it possible you might encourage him to carry it out. I suggested that he come by Golden State coach train to Phoenix sometime in May. That will be after his eye examination & before it gets really hot here. By the time he visits with us & in California, he can come on up to the Northwest. Betty ought to be feeling perky again by then, & I tell him he might as well see all the grandchildren possible. He certainly should not drive.

Mom sent me a nice Valentine & note. She is still concerned about Martin's whereabouts. Also got a nice letter from Elin at Christmas.

We are all fine except for mild colds. Frank & the girls attended a Father-Daughter Campfire banquet last night. They looked cute in fresh uniforms. Ruthie is president of her C.F. group. Becky is president of her class.

Thanks again for the Christmas. Love to all of you - especially those swell kids.

Marie & All

Dear True Tribe...Sincerely, Lottie

More European Plans...

(click to enlarge)

"David is gone."

Blair Nebr

April 21 - 52

Dear Marie & Family: -

I just received your card of sympathy and wish to thank you for the same.

Tomorrow: April 22nd it will be two months since David's passing.

I didn't realize, and I don't think he did either, that he was so seriously ill.

Through the American Legion he was permitted to enter the Veteran's Hospital in Omaha Wednesday the 20th. On Thursday he was operated for bladder trouble. He went into what the nurses called "complete shock"; that is he didn't regain consciousness at any time. The doctors asked that post-mortem be held, that is, they asked my brother Joe's and my permission to do so. We consented and they pronounced the cause as "uremia"; poisoning the system. The doctor performing the operation told me that David's bladder was very high towards his stomach. The surgeon and nurses did all in their humanly power to help him. He hemoraged after the operation. Two nurses were in attendance up to the last at 12:05 (noon) P.S. Friday February 22nd. They gave him ten pints of blood by transfusion, also a large amount of blood plasma.

A young Swedish Lutheran minister said that he talked to David before the operation and remembered him in prayer.

This same minister preached a very comforting sermon at the hospital chapel on Monday the 23rd.

At one time David mentioned that when he died he wished to be buried near his birthplace at Weston Nebr. next town to Wahoo. I went down there and bought a lot in the Swedish Babtist cemetary which is about 1 3/4 (of a) mile from his birthplace. Also the birthplace of your mother, you know.

David is gone. It once more emphathizes the fact that life is uncertain. At heart David was very tender and he did much for your mother, as you know.

So much for that. You might send this information to your sisters.

As to retirement, - I already have; - Oct 1st last year. - I haven't done any traveling up to now. Hardly feel like it without Margaret along, as you might suppose. However don't be too surprised if I pulled up to the front walk some fine day. I have had all my teeth pulled and got my plates a week ago. Kind of awkward yet.

Greetings to Frank & all.

With love - Garfield

Books & Buttonholes

Dear Mom & Dad

Here's the book plus info from Anastasia's father. Thanks for all the help with buttonholes. Bill built my wall of shelves in the shop. Next he'll build a cutting table hooray. I'm getting nervous about the show at the Trade Center. Frank Samuelson is working industriously to get the art done & printed. John & Susie will be here May 15. Maybe they can borrow the book?

Love you - Minne

Seeking Danish Relatives

Tacoma, Washington

United States

May 8, 1968

Dear Sir:

Nearly sixty years ago my father immigrated to the United States from a farm near Aalborg, Denmark. He left behind a large family of brothers and sisters with whom he has lost contact over the years.

My sister and I will be visiting in Europe this summer, stopping in Denmark but a few days. We are hopeful of meeting any relatives that may still be in the area.

Would you be so kind as to try to deliver the following letters to any of the following people or their families? I should appreciate it if this could be done very soon since I will be leaving here in about a month from now and would like to hear from them before I go.

Thank you for your courtesy.

Sincerely,

Charlotte L. Johnson

Marinus Paulsen, born 1895. Believed to be a barber.

Mrs. Paula Pedersen, both 1898, husband George, deceased. In transfer business.

Holgar Paulsen, born 1900, worked in Post Office.

At last information, these people were living in Aalborg, Denmark.

A Rose Mystery

This is a small (8x4 inches) wooden decorative item. It looks like it once had mounting strips on the top and bottom of the back.

I'm not sure who Ina? or Florence Raymond are...Anyone?

Happy Birthday to

Ina from

Florence Raymond

Jan. 18 1892

Leadville Colo

*Ina? Lena? Ida?

3 Year Subsciption to Histroy Today

Sept 26, 1963

Dear Pop and Dora.

Got yorr your git you sent me. Hopt you and Dora are OK. Please send me the 1962 withholding Tax statment Please - Thank You. I am still on the ship S.S. CONSTITUTITON But do Not know how long be hear on this ship. Please send me All the back coppy of Histroy Today Please. And if more coppy of then come, Please Hold Them For me Please. (I put For 3 Year subsciption last month.) Hope You and Dorar are well.

Yor Son,

Martin

P.S. Please Send Then to.

Martin Miles Jensen

Seamna's Unit

General Delivery

New York N.Y.

P.P.S. (Post Post Scrit) I am send $1 dollar For Postige the stampes.

Martin

Johnson Gardens

In honor of the first day of spring...

Inventory - 1982

Receipt Book - 1986

Based on the date of the receipt page, I'm guessing Marian colored this page.

Photo Friday: Marinus & Agnes Paulsen

The eldest brother to Lars Peter Jensen:

Marinus Paulsen and his wife Agnes

Happy and memorable

50 years day

Valborg og Christiany

Census Numbers

In honor of the Census this week, a few notes from Ruth...

Population growing by census man.

China

India

Souvi Union

U.S.A.

Nov. 19th 1967.

Date at age 12 or is it 10 over radio at between 8:30 and 9.