"We've ordered a trained one"

Jun 12, 1978

Dear Mom & Dad

Thank you for all the goodies you've given Road King. I'm sure the baby won't need diapers or pins or wipe ups since we've ordered a trained one. Just in case, though...the quilt and pillow are really sweet. I've got them in the crib just waiting for what's his name. Thanks also for the plastic pants, bag & bottle stuff, and for coming all this way to the shower and for ths pictures.

I love you.

Minne Bill & Sara

Dad - Thanks for helping on moving day & for loving me still when I got rude.

I'd like to order No.1

One Foot in Heaven

Note Jill listed as a stage person...

And I love that someone got a bit bored at some point in the evening...and doodled...

"I am anxious to hear from you"

Aug 1945

Monday evening.

Marie - I hope you received my last letter which you have not answered as yet. Please write as I have looked for a letter from you. Let me know how you are at this time. I am anxious to hear from you. Mother.

Dora's Death

Photo Friday: Prom Night

"Ice cream, which we ate with bananas and stale cake"

2509 Pierce Street

Omaha, Nebraska

July 4, 1938

Dear Marie,

Just a line on the Fourth, while Bob's here reading the paper. Martin and Betty went out to Vensalyst Park with Dora and Pop.

I washed Martin's hair this morning, gave him a bath, cleaned and cut his nails and dolled him up in clean clothes fit to kill. He really looked nice.

Nothing new since we saw you last. Bob was over Sunday and stayed for supper. Afterwards, he bought some ice cream, which we ate with bananas and stale cake

By the way, enclosed is a little item I found in today's paper which I thought you might like to see.

Well, I can't think of anything else to say so guess I'll just shut me up.

Say "hello" for me to Mrs. Dolph, Hilda, the rest of the kitchen gang, Kay, Shirley, Chiyo, and the other counsellors.

Drop us a line, won't you?

Loads of Love,

Lottie (and family)

"I don't really like Freeways except for their convenience"

Sept 1, 1991

Dear "L" -

Greetings on a cloudy and a bit cooler day in the Valley. The monsoon is trying to make its way in, but now very successfully. It's two weeks late and if we don't get rain now we'll probably have to wait until January. But, tomorrow is Labor Day - and sometimes we have "doozies" on Labor Day. One year there were some tragic floods. We don't want that!

It's Sunday. LouBelle is taking a late afternoon nap. "Not that I have to - I just want to!" Well, that's good enough reasoning for a retired person.

Afterwards, she plans to arise - and do some "book work." It has already been annouced that supper will be quite late. So? -

We attended two Services this morning: the early Service at First Cong. and the late Service at Creighton. LouBelle is Chairman of the Altar Guild so she had to pass out assignments to members of the Guild for this September/October duties on the Brass/Flowers. And Parsements committees [And we had newspapers & crushed soft drink cans to dispose of.]

Wih the new crosstown freeway in place, the trip from First to Creighton took 15 min as compared to the previous thirty min. I don't really like Freeways except for their convenience. So - that's why I use them.

It has speeded up trips to church and the airport considerably. Like them or not there they are and so what? Why not use them. We have also discovered new faster ways to Luke AFB (PX shopping) and Sun City.

There is another freeway leg that has opened on the Superstition that extends all the way to U.S. 60 out at Apache Junction & offers a new "quick" alternate route to Greer. But LB is not that fascinated with transversing the Salt River Canyon. We would like to cut down on the time it takes to get to Greer and it appears we can. We will be going up in mid-September to "close up" for the winter.

In the meantime we have been utilizing LB's cabin at Prescott - only two hours away. All of the family have utilized the Green cabin this year - and that is good.

Now - Isn't all of the above exciting & fascinating?

I just finished shampooing my hair (in the middle of the day?) Which fact both confounded and pleased LouBelle. Now, maybe I should start gathering the correct type of clothes hangers for our October cruise, which will come upon us before we realize it. It will be our anniversary cruise and the ship already knows it. There will be something special on October 6. It's already on the ship's agenda we note from papers we have received to date.

Which brings me to Japan. I will have more details Tuesday, Sept. 2 when Orpheus begins rehearsals. And there is a "travel meeting" coming up in mid-September. But if you, & Jill & Larry are still interested in going, one way is to send $100.00 (refundable) each pronto & impress them with your alacrity & interest & reserve a place. Could you inform Jill & Larry for me? Thanks.

Don't know what's new here to report that you haven't heard from Becky.

I am interested to know how the wedding of Nathan & Patty went at the Johnson Chapel. And I'm interested to hear more about my new great-great-nephew with the long name. Congratulate them for us - even if we have already done so. Assuming we read the address right on notices we have received from them and they received our cards.

I wonder if I'll go to bed earlier tonight? This getting up early (like I did today) really help wake me up and not be so rushed to get to church - or fall asleep during the sermon. I couldn't today anyhow. The Pastor Emertius at First Cong. spoke this morning. He's a sensible orator. He was LouBelle's minister for 17 years - and I have known him through my various civic & church activities.

I might take another nap to help guarantee the arising early by getter all the sleep out of my system. Or it may be that my "sleeper machine" with its new "whisper valve" will be so effecive that I will garner enough rest. LouBelle reports I don't snore. I'd blow one of my own gaskets or one of the machines!

Maybe I'd better stop & do what LB is doing - bills & records.

Love ya,

Scaldabonco

[Frank Durand]

"My guardian was the man to see"

Lincoln, Nebr.

Jan 15, 1954

Dear Marie -

I received the pretty birthday card, letter and the $1.00 enclosed. Thank you dear very much and I appreciate what you sent.

Perhaps you have hear from Betty since you wrote. And excuse me if I repeat anything which you may already have heard. I was so glad to talk to Betty over the telephone and I could hear her so plain. Also her boy talked to me. Betty said she would pay for the telephone call and call it a birthday present from her. Wasn't that lovely of her?

Now I wrote and asked Betty in my letter what I would ask her over the telephone. One question was - "That I may go and see my guardian in Omaha, that it is all right with you. Thank you dear very much."

Now Marie I asked Betty to give her consent. But she said she would write to you about it which I hope she has done by now You see it is necessary. I told Betty how I had not heard from Martin and I wish to go out West and find him. Betty said that he docks in San Francisco. So I better go out there Marie. Don't you think so?

I am going to see about the Social Security card this week. When you filled out your card (which I suppose you did) did you write my middle name? It is Edith.

Yes it certainly was interesting about that Swedish lady. I wish I could talk to her again. She had lived in Chicago she said. I received a card from my cousin in Chicago and she also wrote. So I read some to this Swedish lady what my cousin had written about Chicago.

I am going to send you a few things soon. I was down to the city yesterday and I bought some apron material for you.

I have not been to the eye Dr. yet. I wish to go see a Dr.

Now Betty seemed to think that you would know what I have written about giving me permission to go to Omaha. I wish to go as soon as possible. And I can't tell you how anxious I am about Martin. I have marked  this way so you can be reminded again. And please say I may go on the train or bus by my-self. Perhaps I can return the same day. Oh I shall be so thankful to you Marie for helping me. And now please write with-in 3 days dear. You see it takes 3 days or more for a letter from you to get here. Thank you Marie for writing that you were thinking of me espeically the day of my birthday. And you were prompt to answer. I shall try to remember to pray that you will grant my wishes in your letter to me. The main wish to write that it is all right with you that I may go and see my guardian in Omaha. Last summer when I talked to your father I said that I wanted to talk to my guardian and see him. Your father said "my guardian was the man to see". I have waited so long and I have been as patient as a mother can be.

I am sending this special delivery as I consider this an important letter.

I will now close. Excuse any un-neatness.

I remain,

Your Mother.

address: 1149 South 17th Street, Lincoln Nebraska

Household Hints from Lottie

Household hints:

"Go with this"

"I'm doing this now"

"This is enough - time to quit"

Clean one drawer a day. Empty! Throw away whatever is beyond hope* in the frig - don't wait for the "big clean out"

*you see it

If you open it; close it

If you turn it on; turn it off

If you get it out; put it away.

Do 3 levels of work every day:

(a) Routine (dishes, pick-up, etc.)

(b) Secondary work - vacuum, wash clean frig, pay bills

(c) Progress: Paint, fix something, buy major purchase, project stuff

Always keep a project "in mind" - work on one thing at a time. Finish, clean up, pat yourself on the back and move on.

Letters/Phone calls - do when you think of them - don't stack up & make this a big chore

Gift Ideas

Lincoln, Nebr.

Dec. 10, 1964

1149 South 17th Street

Dear Marie -

Enclosed you will find a greeting card to express my thanks to you for paying for the telephone calls. Also some clippings I thought you may like.

Marie I forgot to mention what I thought would be nice to send you father for Christmas. It is some food - Danish kind. Like a few of different kinds. If you go to a Danish bakery you may find what you think your father would care for. But don't send any clothes as he don't need any I don't think. And you know they have company on Christmas and something extra to eat would be like an appetizer.

I hope you remember to send  my brother Garfield something. A 1/2 lb. of hard candy I am sure would be welcome.

Marie I am sure disappointed that you are not coming as I had hoped you would.

I started to think what I could do next. And then it dawned on me - why not call the social worker at the State Hospital? And this I did with good results. Lottie may have let you now that were talked to this social worker at 2 different times last summer. 

Well please be at home next Sunday and I will explain about the conversation. To me it was good news.

Please excuse my writing. Hope you receive this by Saturday.

With love and best wishes.

In haste) I am, As ever, Mother.

 

"Gigantic pile of steaming chicken shit"

Hi Mom and Dad -

It's countdown 'til spring break! And we have enough "things to do during vaction" to last a whole month. Typical.

We have a gigantic pile of steaming chicken shit and sawdust in our front yard. One of Stan's track kids asked him if he would like a truckload - "Of course!" We didn't know that their truck was a very large dump truck FULL!!! Aren't you jealous, Dad?

Good stuff, too - it's ready to go on the garden now.

Elisabeth hasn't worn her 20 dollar shoes since you gave her those 99 cent slippers!

We'll be down either Saturday afternoon or evening or Sunday morning for Easter. Whenever. Let me know if it makes any difference.

Come visit us if you're bored during your vacation (ha ha). We'll be hangin' around shoveling you know what! (Very editorial "we" - good old "Let's" will have the shovel."

Anna wants to write...

Once about a time there was orange blue yellow green red grey black already. We ate our soup and took a nap. One green painted and one grey and one blue painted their roses. Red red look at me. Blue blue paint our foots. Grey paint your tummy. Green green paint your face. That's all the story.

A real thriller, huh?

Thanks again for all the nice things.

Love Jacque

And the thank you note from yours truly (another thriller, to use my mother's words)...

Boots!

Factory!

Digger!

Slippers!

Shirt!

Chair...

Teddy Bear! And Elisabthe's Teddy Bear!

Thank you

I been playing with the factory.

We have a new babysitter. I love her cuz I like her.

Can I put it in the envelope now?

I don't want to say the rest of it.

We went to the park and slided and swinged.

Love,

And more great fun from the Burkhalter household...

This is last month's I forgot to mail.

Say:

Grandpa first, now Grandma.

Now mailman. There was a mailman. He put the letter in the mailbox and she got it. That's what the mailman says (does). The mailman put it in funny Grandma & Grandpa's mailbox and she got it and brought it into the house and says "Oh, here it is!"

Thank you. I'm gonna say "thank you" for the fuzzy sleeper and they're gonna say "welcome".

Let's talk on the telephone. In'a say thank you for Elisabeth's white shirt.

Bye,

Anna. Elisabeth too.

And Daddy and Mommy.

Consider Your Letter Included

Going through these boxes uncovers many things: some mundane, some funny, some important. And some, like this blue file folder speak for themselves. This file folder, with "Personal notes, etc. to write" penciled in at the top, was full of letters from people who loved my grandmother and made a point to tell her during the last months of her life. She kept your letters. She responded to your letters. She just didn't quite get to the last few.

Cow Manure

I can think of many other ways I'd rather spend $48.51...

"No water, no lights, no heat, no nothing"

January 31, 1951

Dear Marie and all,

Thank you so much for our wonderful stay in Phoenix. You made our visit very pleasant indeed. I love your house - I know you're going to be very happy in it as the children grow. They are darlings, too. Give them each a hug for me - especially my little pal, Stevie.

We had an uneventful trip home, except that the electricity at Betty's house was turned off when we arrived on Saturday night. It was bitter cold. No water, no lights, no heat, no nothing. Morgan got them to turn on the juice Sunday morning and all was well.

Thanks again Marie. Now it's you're turn to come and see us!

Love,

L

Photo Friday: Nate's "Treehouse"

Nathan Johnson

Jacque Johnson Burkhalter

Marian Burkhalter Sanchez  "Look, Dad! I'm standing near the edge!"

Nate Johnson

1983

"well why didn't you say so"

Omaha, Nebr.

June 3, 1946

Marie -

I received your letter dated May 27th and the kodak picture of your baby. Also the program and thank you Marie. I mention the above so as to keep things straight. And Marie I sent you a letter a few days ago after you wrote the other letter the one before the last one. Didn't you receive it?

I remember I inclosed a little clipping about high ideas make world history and another about the minister who has probaly married more people than any other because he has married the couples at the Little Church Around the Corner in New York City. Also I sent some clippings about the University. Please let me know if you received the letter Marie.

Yes I can just image how busy you have been lately and still are. I hope you have some help around the house. I don't like to see you rush so fast and then not get things done right. Please go about your work calmly and don't try to do more than possible.

Yes there can be a system in moving no matter how modern the times are. This is my own definition pretty good don't you think?

I am so glad that you went to see my cousins and that you had a pleasant visit. Didn't they come to visit you any time during your stay in Chicago? I am so glad that Freda is walking again and I am sure that all were also. remember to tell me more when you reach Omaha. But perhaps you had better call them up before you leave Chicago and mention that you have heard from me at the same time.

I hope you wear your suit while in Omaha because I want to see it. It will be a good time to wear it.

That is nice that you are going to visit Frank's aunt at Clear Lake but I don't remember Frank doing there while you were keeping company with him. I hope you have a nice little rest while there.

Marie I was thinking that when you come that is, when you know what time you are to arrive at the Union Station couldn't you let me know? Could I have the privilege of being the first to greet you in Omaha? So being you don't know the exact date when you are coming I thought I would write what you could do. I think a person can send a telegram what time the train will arrive. After you get here Frank could take a taxi cab to his home and you come later I mean we could visit for a while before you go out to the Durands. How is this and hope you think this is all right and that Frank don't mind. You know you did send me a telegram after you were married, didn't you? I am sorry the pictures didn't turn out well I mean the family picture. May be you can take some pictures in Omaha. But be sure and let me have one of those pictures you had taken of your-self.

I was at home Mother's day as well as Declaration day.

I had a few lines from Martin and Lottie not so long ago. Lottie wrote that they are all fine. I will let you see the letter when you come to visit me. I heard from Betty before May 12th. And Elin sent a nice Mother's day card and a few lines that she would write soon. I wish she would come to Omaha this summer and could meet you before you leave Omaha. Wouldn't you think so? Do you think you could travel by where Lottie lives and stop over and see them? I hope you can arrange this Marie for a long time ago I could stop over for a certain time when I was out West.

Marie there are quite a few things that I want you to help me with. Couldn't you arrange to stay on longer in Omaha than Frank and you go later? You know that there are things I have been waiting for you to help me with.

To do these things all takes time. You know the British wives came later to the U.S. and some have even 3 children. Please Marie I hope you will do this as I have done so many things for you in the past.

Write very soon please.

As ever,

I am,

Your Mother.

P.S. Marie if you are going to let other people meet you at the depot, why in that case I don't wish to be there. I thought I would mention this so that, after-wards you won't say "well why didn't you say so."

Lottie awarded a fellowship!

(click to enlarge)

The Runaway Rainbow

"Do you mind meeeting so many strange people?"

Oakland, Nebr.

June 10, 1945

Marie -

I received your letter and I was glad to hear from you. I also received the sweater. It fits me and I like it very much. Thank you many times for it. I think it is quite similiar to Betty's sweater that is I mean her black one. Don't you think Betty's sweather was beautiful as you remember it?

Wel how are you feeling now after moving? Did you move very far from Chicago? Do you mind meeeting so many strange people?

I haven't written to my cousins yet.

Did you see your friend Katherine before you left Chicago? What is she doing this summer? It is now about a year ago since she and Betty came to Chicago isn't it? Are you going to send Betty any reminder the last part of this month?

I am still here and now the lillies are in bloom. I am waiting to have the furniture sold. This house was sold on May 22nd to a real estate man.

The white cat is still here

I still go over to see Mrs. Anderson. But to-day she wasn't at home so I came back to write this letter to you.

Marie if you can spare any money will you please send me what you can? Thank you.

If you wish to send you father any present for father's day I could suggest a book for kodak pictures. Did you send Martin any-thing for his birthday? I sent him a gift box and I wish he would try and write a few lines to me.

I am going to write a few lines to Bancroft also. I am sending a birthday card to my brother Joe. It is his birthday June 14th and he will be 51 years old.

Do you ever hear from Charlie Clark?

You may send the page to Betty as it is about Camp Brewster.

I must now say good-by.

Please write soon.

I am,

As ever,

Your Mother.

Happy Birthday, Martin! (Legitimate: Yes)

CERTIFICATE OF BIRTH

City: Omaha

Street: 2507 Pierce St.

FULL NAME OF CHILD: Martin Miles Jensen

Sex: Male

Full term: Yes

Legitimate: Yes

Date of Birth: 5-11-1931

FATHER

Full Name: Lars P Jensen

Post Office: 2507 Pierce St.

Color or race: White

Age at Last Birthday: 47 years

Birthplace: Denmark

Trade, Profession: Truck Driver

MOTHER

Full Name: Ruth Edith Norby

Post Ofice: 2507 Pierce St.

Color or race: White

Age at Last Birthday: 41 years

Birthplace: Nebraska

Trade, Profession: Housewife

Number of Children of this mother (at time of this birth and including this child): 5

CERTIFICATE OF ATTENDING PHYSCIAN

I hereby certify that I attended the birth of this child, who was Born Alive at 1:30 PM

Chalie...Charlie for short

Note to the Reader: Yakky = Jacque

(click to enlarge)

Final Denmark Arrangements

(click to enlarge)

"Love Your Mother, You'll never have another"