I couldn't muster the graciousness to accept

Afgans seem rather popular now

May 21, 1949

Marie dear -

I receive the Mother's day card and short letter also that $1.00 enclosed. Thank you very much and I appreciated what you sent me. I also had a Mother's day card from Lottie and Betty and also a nice gift from each. Also your father came and brought a few things for me. Marie I am glad that you receive my letter and I hope that you answer soon. I am anxious for you to send me a copy of Martin's letter as you mentioned in your letter as he had not written to me. I surely hope that he receives the kodak pictures you sent him.

Have you head from Elin since you sent her some pictures? I did not hear from her or receive a mother's day card from her. I hope you write and let her know any news about points of interest.

Marie when you write be sure and let me know if you have heard from the Storage Co., since you sent the money for me. If they write and say that there is more due please Marie send it. I hope that you don't mind. Remember how much my family helped me when you were young and growing up. I wish my brohers would help me now for I feel so lonely. I should have those who care for me come and help me. You wrote that all of you will be thinking of me on Mother's day and on your card were expressed about the kindly things I have done. So please, please help your mother and I hope you and Frank will have luck and find an unfurnished house. It seems in my letters I please as though you didn't understand.

I was going to write to Lottie to-day but instead I am writing to you.

In the magazine for Jan. 1949 Woman's day it describes how to make an afgan on a small frame. I wish I could send you the magazine and you could teach your little girls to weave the squares. The magazine costs only 5 cents and perhaps you can find one at some second-hand book store in Phoenix. Perhaps you have some afgans made with yarn. I think I like light blue with a darker shade of blue. Afgans seem rather popular now.

I have been writing this with paper on my lap and excuse pencil.

Best wishes to you and family and thank you for what you sent.

As ever,

I am,

Your,

Mother

Friday Photo: Coloring

Anna Burkhalter

Elisabeth Burkhalter Rosson

Aphid Declares...and Minne too

Spring is really here

March 5, 1942

Dear Mason Street Family,

I was so glad to hear from you. Betty and Marie, and to hear that you could come out here in June. We will be looking forward to seeing you. I do hope your coming will not disrupt your household too much - so far as Martin is concerned, I mean.

In regard to Betty's coming a few days early - it's very generous of you, but not necessary; and since her presence is needed in Omaha, it will be time enough for her to leave when the baby arrives. Thank you, though.

We had a letter from Jean today. She seems to be getting better all the time. She mentioned that she saw Marie during lunch the other day. Melvin is slated to go into the army or navy this month.

I have written Mom at least three letter without hearing from her. Tell her to write when you see her. I also wrote Pop this week. I sent the letter to his apartment address - hope he receives it all right.

Tuesday evening I had quite an unfortunate experience. At a Guild meeting in the church basement I brushed my coat against a heating stove and burned the back of my coat very badly. I'm quite afraid - beyond repair. It's awfully disappointing because it's a good coat and was new last year. It's a tan polo coat and shows no wear at all.

This afternoon my landlady and I went visiting an elderly neighbor - you know little ray of sunshine. Can't you just see me - sipping tea and exchanging tatting patterns?

Spring is really here. The crocuses are blooming just outside our backdoor, and are so beautiful when the sun shines. I'm going to plant a garden this year.

Write soon!

Love, Lottie & Bob

And I like your husband too.

Bancroft, Nebr

Oct 21. 74

Dear Marie & Frank -

Just a few lines to let you know I rec'd your lovely letter. Thanks so much for the nice things you said.

It really made me very happy that you all had lunch at my house the day of the funeral. My boys were glad too.

And I also heard the plane when it went over my house. Of course I didn't know who it was. It was flying low. You should have dropped in for a cup of coffee.

I also rec'd a copy of the Oakland Independent this week. I need to write Betty and thank her. Also must drop Lottie a few lines. You girls are all so sweet. And I like your husband too.

Joe, Betty, Willard and Liz were over last Sunday and put up a new chimney for my house.

And my two sisters came last night and spent the Night at my house. They had to walk. And its about 6 blocks. So it was quite a walk for both of them.

I have so many leaves to rake. But I have a lot more yet to come down so I'm just going to wait. I hire some one to do it for me.

Did you hear from Elin or your brother?

I'm so shaky this AM. I spose you will have a hard time reading this.

Will close for now.

Love, Write again,

Auny Blanche

I called Marie the evening of the funeral. She felt had to hear the sad news. She had visited your Mother once or twice when she was back.

Two Stars

Five Sweet Little Children

I have sent for a social security card

Lincoln, Nebr.

Feb. 2, 1954

Dear Marie -

I received the return card yesterday from you and I thought that I would write and send the birthday card also. I wrote to you and sent my last letter air-mail and also special delivery. Did you receive the letter? I asked you to write with-in 3 days Marie.

The material I sent you is for an apron. I hope you like the shoes and that they fit you all right. The little change purse I sent you is one that one of the ladies who work here gave me. I thought your children could use it. I sent for an apron pattern and had it addressed to you. If you haven't received it wait until you get the pattern as I thought you could make the apron with the material I sent you. Perhaps you can make the apron by Feb. 12th. Remember when I was at the hospital that I wrote about having your girls wear jumper dresses. I picked a pattern that I thought would be ideal and you could make one for each of your girls. Did you receive the pattern?

On January 28th I had an X-Ray taken.

I have sent for a social security card but haven't received any yet.

I attended church services Sunday evening with one of the ladies who work here. I gave 20 cents in collection. The lady I work for wishes for me to get my hair curled. Please write your consent as I would like to know what your opinion is. I wish I could wait until I hear from you to have my hair curled.

The social worker was here to call and I had a visit with her. You see I haven't yet been to an eye Dr.  And I told the social worker about it and she said she would see and I think that was the answer.

The church that I went to Sunday was a United Brethren Church. I wondered it it was the same as your church. There was a play there and it was called "Your church and mine." Marie I am going to try and attend church on Sundays and will that please you?

When I receive my social security card I will let you know. But I hope I receive it soon and the man here says that they are sent to Kansas City now.

Marie you know my things are in storage and the bill will be more as time goes on. When I talked to the social worker about that she hardly answered me about my interests. Marie you know you have the best education of any of your sisters and there fore I ask you to come to my assistance. It will seem strange at first to have a social security card. And now when I do get it and my X-Ray is O.K. is will seem all more too good to be true. I was going to write and say that I thought the understanding was when I came here was that after I had worked here for 6 months I would be free to leave here. Now the 6 months will be up the 1st day of April. Now I expect I will have some money to pay my own way. I don't mean for you to help me with money. Please Marie kindly let me come out there and I can do so kind of word. Perhaps you could let me sleep out in the children's play house at first. I am not particular you know.

The social worker said she is trying to find work for some patients who are out at the hospital. So if I leave here some other lady from the same hospital will no doubt take my place.

I received a card from Portland about Betty's new baby. I wrote and asked her if she needed any-thing for the baby to let me know. I will try to buy what ever she writes that she would like.

Marie the telephone number here is 3-4627. How wonderful is would be for you to call me up and tell me that you have thought it over and that you consent to me coming and it could be an Easter present from you and family.

Please excuse pencil.

Marie don't you think it would be an idea for me to talk to a minister? Best wishes and greetings are expressed within the card.

As ever, Mother.

Small-Scale Home

$58.20 Interest Check

Washed: 37 diapers (accurate count)

Omaha, Nebr

August 3, 1936

Dear Marie,

I just finished a letter to Sara Jane and Betty Nicholson. I received them a couple of days ago and I wanted to answer them myself before passing them on to you and you know it takes quite a bit of will power to write three letters after 9 P.M. I answered Dunkin's letter a couple of days ago.

Interruption - while I holler to mama to go get your letter so I can answer it.

Well, Marie, I'm getting along O.K. at Preglers. Oh, I'm not pretending to like the job of anything drastic like that. You know I'm just doing it for the money. Today's work is as follows:

Dressed Arvin

1. Made breakfast for the whole family

2. Washed dishes

3. Went over the floors with the dust mop

4. Ironed Art's skirt.

5. Made the large bed

6. Went over the floors with the vacum sweeper

7. Dusted the furniture

8. Washed the baby's bottles

9. Made lunch - set table etc.

10. Washed dishes.

11. Made some Jello for Dinner

12. Washed: 37 diapers (accurate count), 2 shirts, 2 gowns, 2 blankets, 1 pad, 2 pr Arwin's stockings and 1 pr. his underwear.

13. Made dinner (I do all the cooking.)

14. Started to wash dishes

15. Prepared a second dinner for some "Uncle Sam" and "Freddie" who Toby called up to come over and get dinner. Aren't they some relation to May?

16. Finished dishes

17. Took down diapers

18. Went home & wrote three letters

P.S. No exaggeration

You know May, Art's sister, Dottie and Millard went to California for a two weeks' visit. Before she left, they had a hired girl May didn't like very well because she was sort of a vamp. May was afraid she would snatch her husband or Freddie while she was away so she fired her and called up Toby to she if she could get ahold of you to work for her while she was in California. Now, I ask you Ladies and Gentlemen, where is the so-called unemployment?

I am (including, enclosing) Sara Jane's, Betty Nicholson's, and Jane Dunkin's letters. Please also find a picture of Sara Jane which she sent us. In her letter you'll notice she seems quite anxious that we come and visit her. Now really, when she asks us so politely, we should honor her by our presense at her household some time in the near future. I wrote and told her you would "figer" things out so we can come and visit her. You will, won't you?

I am directly insulted!! Reading over your letter to answer it I find you asked about Betty's finger and you didn't ask about my hands!! I have the sum total of 8 cuts on my hands. One of them is just where it makes it inconvenient to write. I received five of the cuts while opening a can of Crosco this morning (The Crisco can wrapper is full of blood) the other three being contracted over a period of nearly a week washing dishes.

I made a great big Chocolate Mocha cake at Pregler's last Saturday. It was very good and they thought so too. Last Thursday I made 2 lemon pies. They were pretty good too.

By the way, I threw up at Pregler's last Friday (I ate some spoild cantaloupe for breakfast)

Betty  keeps Martin nice and clean. I bring them something every night.

Toby gave me a dress the other day and said she had promised it to you but being I was working there now she would give it to me. And did I tell her!! I made it clearly undrstood that she couldn't give anything to me that had been promised to you and told her that the dress rightfully belonged to you. I then went on to say that I would write and tell you of what you had fallen heir to. (You have never seen the dress). It is a white silk backless thing with peach colored straps. Of course I'll keep the dress, but I just said that so she wouldn't think she was giving me anything.

Well, Marie, I really must close for it is exactly 20 minutes after 11 and I must get to bed. Please excuse the scribbly writing but you can't expct much else at this time of the night. I'm writing with my knees propped up in bed.

Love, Lottie.

I ARE LONESOME IN THIS BIG UGLY CITY

ITS FIVE THIRTY


HIYA MOMMA I'M AT WORK AND THIS IS THE FIRST TIME IVE GOTTEN TO SIT DOWN SINCE TWELVE THIRTY. I SURE HOPE THIS LETTER GETS TO YOY CAUSE YOU SAID IT WOULD TAKE FOR DAYS AND ITS THE FOURTEENTH TODAY RIGHT? WELL YES. I HATE MY JOB PER USUAL BUT ITS OKAY. I DECIDED THAT I WILL LIKE STANLEY STEAMER ALL SUMMER AND THEN I WILL GET THINGS DONE. SEE, IF I GO OUT IN SEATTLE I WONT BE HOME AND I WILL BE INEFFICIENT. AS IT IS, I GET A LOT DONE WITH STEAMER OUT ON LUMMI ISLAND PLAYING WITH THE FISHIES AND THE INDIANS. YESTERDAY I WENT TO THE STORE TWICE AND MADE TWO BATCHES OF CHOCOLATE CHIP CAKE COOKIES THINGIES AND FIRED OOPS FRIED A CHICKEN (IT TOOK AN HOUR SO I WOULD BE SURE IT WAS DONE) AND GAVE SARA A BATH AND CLEANED MY ROOM AND DID THE DISHES TWICE AND WENT FOR A WALK AND WROTE A THANKYOU NOTE TO MRS BURKHALTER. HOW ARE MARIE AND FRANK AND YOUR NECK? SAY HELLO TO THEM AND CONGRADULATIONS OR WHATEVER. I HOPE YOUR NECK DOESNT BOTHER YOU TOO MUCH. HELLO AUNT MARIE HOW ARE YOU? HELLO UNCLE FRANK HOW ARE YOU? WHY DONT YOU TWO COME UP AND SEE ME SOMETIME? ESPECIALLY IF YOU ARE SICK I WILL TAKE CARE OF YOU HOWEVER I WOULD RATHER YOU WERE WELL EVEN IF THAT MEANT I COULDN'T SEE YOU. HMM. I WORK IN THE EMERGENCY COMPOUNDING THE RED TAPE THAT SURROUNDS COUNTY INSTITUTIONS. I CIRCLE THINGS, CHECK THINGS, X THINGS, TYPE THINGS, ADMIT PEOPLE THINGS AND THE LIKE. AND I MAKE LISTS. THAT PART I LIKE SINCE IM A LISTMAKER FROM WAY BACK. NOW I WILL GIVE YOUA LIST OF WHAT PRESENTS MINNE WANTS FROM BIGMOMMA: SOMETHING LEATHER, NO FURTHER COMMENT. THATS WHAT SHE SAID. SHE DOESNT WANT A SWEATHER I GUESS. I WAS THINKING IF YOU COULDN'T GET A BLUE SWEATER YOU COULD GET A GRAY AND WHITE SWEATER. THAT MIGHT BE NICE. I RUNNED OUT OF THINGS TO SAY. DONT LET AND FOREIGNERS PINCH YOU. ONLY UNCLE FRANK. BRING YAKKY LOTS OF GOODIES. I BET IF YOU SENT THEM IN THE MAIL THAY WOULD GET HERE. MARC SAID HE WOULD DRIVE ME TO TACOMA TO GET THE CAR ON HIS MOTERCYCLE. MINNE AND MARC BOUGHT A RED 1961 VOLKWAGON, AND A HOUSE. YESTERDAY THEY BOUGHT FTHE CAR FOR A THOUSAND DOLLARS. THEY GET IT TODAY MINNE IS ALL EXCITED. NOW THEY WILL HAVE TO GET INSURANCE. THEY PUT A DOWNPAYMENT ON A FARM HOUSE (NOT THE ONE THE ORIGINALLY WANTED_THIS ONE IS MORE RUN DOWN) THIS SUNDY THEY WILL GO TO POULSBO TO SEE IT AND STUFF. MARC IS GOING TO SUMMERSCHOOL. I HAVEN'T GOTTEN MY GRADES YET. SARA GOT SEVEN NEW PAIRS OF TRAINING PANTIES AND SHE WET ALL OF THEM IN ONE DAY AND RAN AROUND NAKED HALF THE DAY. SHE HASNT QUITE GOT THE HANG OF IT YET_AND I DONT THINK SHE WANTS TO: SHE KEEPS BRINGING US DIAPERS TO PUT ON HER. SHE DOESNT LIKE THE PANTS CUZ WHEN SHE WETS IT RUNS DOWN HER LEGS INSTEAD OF REMAINING WARMING UNSIDE HER DIAPER. TOUGH LUCK KID. THERE WAS A MISTAKE LAST SUMMER ABOUT MY RETIREMENT BENEFITS AND I MIGHT BE GETTING ABOUT FIFTY MORE DOLLARS. YIPPEE. WHEN I WENT TO THE STORE IT WAS VERY SAD BECAUSE I HAD NO MONEY AND I WANTED TO SPEND SOME. I MOSTLY WANTED TO BUY SOME MATERIAL TO SEW. I STARTED TO KNOT ON MY SWEATER OF LAST SUMMER AGAIN. IM UP TO THE ARMPITS. GOODIE I WILL BE RICH SOMEDAY. JUST YOU WAIT THEN YOU CAN GO TO EUROPE EVERY SUMMER ON YAKKYS MONEY JUST LIKE YAKKY IS GOING TO SCHOOL EVERY WINTER ON MOMMAS MONEY. THE MOST BEAUTIFUL INTERNIN THE WORLD GOT MARRIED LAST WEEK. WOE IS ME.


THIS IS PARAGRAPH TWO. I TAKE CARE OF THE BLOOD BANK HERE. THATS FUN I TAKE THE BLOOD TO THE OPORTATING ROOM OR WHAT EVER AND I CALL THE BLOOD BANK FOR BLOOD AND STUFF. THATS IN MY SPARE TIME...BUT I DONT HAVE ANY. I HAVE TO EAT LUNCH WITH THE GIRL WHO STINKS BECAUSE I DONT KNOW ANYONE AND BEING MY USUAL OUTGOING SELF I DONT TALK TO ANYONE. THIS YEAR THERE ARE MANY PEOPLE MY AGE -- EVERYONE EXCEPT THE GIRL WHO STINKS AND THE SUPERVISOR -- BUT IM NOT MUCH LIKE ANY OF THEM AO I DONT SAY MUCH. THEY HAVE NO REVERENCE FOR THEIR PATIENTS. ALL THEY DO IS SIT AROUND AND SMOKE AND SAY ROTTEN THINGS AND TAKE HOUR AND A HALF LUNCH BREAKS WHILE I WATCH THEIR DESK. I THINK THE TAKE ME FOR A DOPE BECAUSE I DONT TALK. THEYLL GET THEIRS BOY. HO HO HO


NOW THAT I HAVE VENTED MY EMOTIONS I SHALL AGAIN BE MY CHEERY SELF. SOON IT WILL BE TIME TO GO HOME AND I AM GLAD. IN THREE HOURS I WILL BE IN BED. THE ELEVATORS DONT WORK VERY GOOD HERE AND I AM AFRAID OF THEM  so i walk UP THE STAIRS. TWIICE TO THE TENTH FLOOR TONIGHT. DUMB KIDS -- THATS THE PEADIATRICS FLOOR. I LIKE IT THE BEST.


I THINK I SHOULD HAVE DOUBLE SPACED THE LINES BECAUSE IT IS RATHER HARD TO READ. MAYBE I WILL DOUBLE SPACE THE WORDS IN STEAD, A  L  R  I  G  H  T   N  O  W   T  H  I  S   I  S   B  E  T  T  E  R  . NO ITS NOT. FIND SOME CUTE BOY AND SEND HIM HOME TO ME. I ARE LONESOME IN THIS BIG UGLY CITY. ID RATHER BE IN THE WOODS OF THE OCEAN IN BELLINGHAM AND SURROUNDING AREAS. TOUGH LUCK. SEND A POSTCARD IN YOU HAVE TIME. I HAVE TO GO TAKE CARE OF MY BLOOD NOW. LOVE TO ALL --- YAKKY

To Marie

Your Son, Martin

1/11/74

DEAR MOTHER

I AM SENDING YOU $5000 DALLAR MONEY ORDER FOR NOVEMBER AND DECEMBER, 1973 AND $20.00 FOR THE T.V. REPEAR BILL.

YOUR SON,

Martin

P.S. AND $30.00 FOR JANUARY AND FEBRUARY 1974

Love Always

Friday Photo: Lottie in the 60s

Charlotte Johnson

1965

I could end up in Timbucktoo for all I know.

Dear Grandma

I apologize that this letter of thanks is so late, but I have been meaning to write for awhile. I wanted to thank you so much for the wonderful trip to Phoenix. I had a great time & I am so glad we were able to spend some quality time together. You were so generous to give me this wonderful trip & then to also help me find some new career clothing - I cannot thank you enough!

School is going well this semester. I'm busy working 21 hours a week as well - plus working on finding a job. I actually have most recently gotten a contact at ASU, so you never know - I could be returning to Arizona sooner than I thought. Actually, Phoenix may be the perfect answer for me. It is a new environment for me, but I would have a wonderful family around me. The part of moving away that scares me the most is leaving my family, so the idea of still having family around me is very inviting. But we shall see what happens. I could end up in Timbucktoo for all I know.

It is a rather scary thought that I have no idea where I will be in 4 months. I really think I need to move on right now, so I could be anywhere...just hopefully not Arkansas.

I plan to be at Minne's on the 10th, so I look forward to seeing you there. Again, thank you. I had a wonderful time, & hey, perhaps I have discovered some place I may want to live!

I love you much & hope your back & health are improving.

Anna

Not Sure What the Three Toys Represent

Martin should come to Omaha to stay with me

How Har you Marie and Fran

Nov 21, 1943

Der Marie

How Har you Marie and Fran. Was atofe the Mome in fellne Beki. I me fing.

Love Martin

P.S. Atofe the ralrood tickse momey.

Dear Marie

How are you, Marie and Frank?

What about the money in (the) National Bank? I am fine.

Love, Martin

P.S. How about the railroad ticket money?

Above is a translation of your brother's attempts at correspondence. The words are his - seems he is slightly memenany (?), but even so, the  efforts above represent two hours' labor.

Charlotte intends to write you later and bring you up to date on the local news.

We are still wondering what has transpired between Frank and the draft board. Remember, our invitation to join us is still open, and we would love to have you here in the event he is called to camp.

Attack of the Cucumbers

I love you mother for all your tips

Cumulative GPA: 3.32

I shoud be intilted to work on W.P.A

Early 40s?

Sept 22

To whom it may concern

1923 I bought a house at 2507 Pierce Street the sole purpose for my sister Mrs Jensen to live in.

So by doing I owned realesate in Douglas County of which I have to pay taxes now I figure because I have to pay taxes I shoud be intilted to work on W.P.A. My mother is a widow my father died when he was 39. now I never married alawys helping us as much as I can my mother so she could get a long.

I work at private jobs when I can do so in 1939, have only worked 4 months out of the 9 months. now I am again out of a job so I owuld be real thankful if I could get on the W.P.A. in one sense of the word. I support my mother she gets $10 a month old age pension now it is time I get some rent up stairs. If the renters are behind in there rent and the plaster came down so what in the world do I make on the renters? the money I get goes back on repairs on house and taxes so; do not make any thing on that. Well kind reader I am now living at my mother's home because I have no other place to be when I am not working. if I could get steady empolyment on W.P.A. in Douglas County I would live here with my mother upstairs in this house 2507 Pierce St.

Yours turly

David Norby

Streamline Express

Intellectual Autobiography

If only I could be so eloquent...

(click to enlarge)

I suppose you know that your father had an accident

Lincoln, Nebraska

Jan. 2, 1952.

Dearest Marie -

I received the birthday greeting card and $1.00 enclosed also letter and thank you very much Marie. It was nice that you remembered me and those in your family did also, you wrote. I hope I can pick out a birthday card for you before your birthday is, as it is only a few weeks until then.

I am intending to send you 2 dish towels. They are not finished yet and I sew on them when I go to O.T. I go to O.T. 3 times a week.

Well I suppose you know that your father and Bob also Dora were here to visit me the 9th of Jan., I think it was. I was surely glad to see them and Bob showed Kodak pictures of the children. I was so pleased to hear about Martin being out with Lottie and her family and I am glad for the interest they show. Aren't you too?

Thank you for writing that you give permission for me to take an occasional trip to Lincoln. I hope I may go soon.

And I am so pleased that you wrote to my cousin in Chicago. I hope she answers your letter. When you write again please send a nice handkerchief. Again I am thinking how I wish you had gone with Betty to visit my cousins when Betty was in Chicago.

Oh yes I am glad that you called Betty up over the telephone being Betty's little boy had had a birthday. Glad to hear Betty's little boy is improved now.

I suppose you know that your father had an accident. I hope he isn't working yet. When he is able to drive a car he said he would come to Lincoln. I hope he takes his time about doing any work and will try to get rested up. Especially now that it is winter. I wish you would write the same as I have written above to him. Perhaps he will think it over that it would be a good idea. I sent you father a pretty gretting card last Sunday. Hope you remembered to send him a birthday card or belated birthday wishes. If you wish to send something you may sent me a soap dish, one that has a cover. Also some hard candy with soft centers. Thank you very much.

Marie you wrote that your best wishes went with your letter and card for a happy year. It will be that when your father somes and I may leave. You know how I have written about how I wish I could be dismissed. I shall be so glad and thankful to the stars above. So when you write your father don't over look to write plainly about me. Oh thank you so much in advance dear.

I must close and answer soon.

As ever,

I am,

Your Mother.

P.S. Excuse any un-neatness.

Horse, Sheep..and a Swan?

I'm not sure who did these drawings, but I'm guessing its from my sisters (or myself). Red barn-looking house...and those swans...

Ideas, anyone?

Friday Photo: The First Apartment

On Back:

Jacque & Stan in their new apartment

Sept. 1969

Bellingham

I mean full length and not just the bust...

Omaha, Nebr.

Feb. 1, 1947.

Marie -

I sent you a letter recently and hope you received it.

Marie I intend to send you a birthday present real soon. I hope you have a birthday cake for your birthday with all the trimmings. I received a nice little gift from my friend out in Monterey, California. She wrote that all her children went together and bought her a new gas stove as a Christmas present. This lady is only 5 months older than I am.

Marie if you don't mind would you send me money for the whole month, that is $10.00? I need it very much. It is real winter weather here with snow and around zero in temperature. I suppose the weather out there is about like California weather.

Marie, have your picture taken like the young lady's picture below. And have a photograph taken of all of you on one picture and how about planning to have it taken on your birthday when you will be 29 years old? It would seem like an occasion for celebrating. Please answer soon as you receive this. Mother.

P.S. Marie don't tell any one it is your birthday and plan out how to arrange your plans. Just some plain pictures but have full size, but not big pictures. I mean full length and not just the bust as the little girls pictures are you know from head to toe. You can sit down and Frank, you hold the baby on your lap and Ruthie standing in the middle. Don't wear your glasses. Please write and don't delay.

P.S. Pictures about size of this sheet of paper. Thank you.

And the clipping (referencing the photo):

And interesting article on the back of said photo: