Fencing, Manure, and Tansy

Private First Class Robert N Johnson

Friday Photo Mystery #2

Ina Litsey?

Who is she?

Ina appears elsewhere amongst the boxes in the basement. But still no clues as to who she is...

Garfield had someone in his house - housekeeper? - named Ida. Perhaps the same person?

Friday Photo Mystery #1

There is no name or date on the back of this photo.

Ideas?

Love forever, Minne your favorite

The Little Stranger

All that gladdens

The baby is doing well, too.

Feb. 9, 1954

Dear Marie

Happy Birthday! Happy Valentine's Day too!

I'm here at Betty's you know. And glad for the opportunity to return the baby care favor I've owed her since Jill was born.

Betty is getting along very well. She seems so much stronger than when Randy was born. She is up and dressed every day although she takes it pretty sensibly easy.

The baby* is doing well, too. She still wakes up two or three times during the night. But it is to be expected from a baby so small. She doesn't eat much at a time, but she likes to eat often.

I brought Jackie with me the rest of the family are "batching it". Mark is in kindergarten and goes only a half day, but Ruth feeds him lunch and watches out for him for the afternoon until the girls come from school. Bob has to be out of town a day or two each week - and on those days, all of them will stay overnight at Haakensons.

Randy and Jackie have been really good pals. There's enough of an age difference to avoid the quibbling of comtemporaries. Randy has been under the weather yesterday and today has had a temperature of 100 degrees or over. He seems lively enough most of the time and it's probably nothing serious. He'll probably stay home from school tomorrow though. He really has it handy here. His school is just over the back fence.

Just realized I haven't written you since Christmas and thanked you for the lovely things you sent us. Betty opened her gift from you first. (They were at our house) and I just drooled! So I was most pleasantly surprised to find my gift was the same. I wear ear rings all of the time - even around the house - so they will be put to good use. I have a new cobbler's apron just the same shade of scarlet, too.

Bob's tie is just perfect! I made him a navy blue checked vest for Christmas and your tie was a perfect complement. He has worn both constantly.

The children really appreciated their gifts too. We made this a very "practical" Christmas this year, so the toys you sent were most welcome indeed! One could easily see you have children for you picked gifts perfectly suited to their age interests. And how nice it was for Ruthie and Becky to include their very own gifts! And made by themselves too, I'll bet. The little sachets are tucked away lovingly in their drawers.

How is Frank and his work. Any tempting job offers? Wouldn't it be fun if he found a good opportunity in Portland?

*The new baby is Robin Pritchett Church, born January 25, 1954.

Friday Photo: Melvin Johnson

Melvin Johnson

1940

brother of Robert Johnson

Friday Photo: Ella Ensign

Ella Nora Ensign Johnson, mother of Robert Johnson

Falls City, Nebraska

1927

...and be sincere dear

Aug. 17, 1952

Dear Marie -

I received your welcome letter a few days ago and I will now answer it. I have been writing to Lottie and I will write parts of my letter which I wrote to her, to you also. Hope you take it good naturally.

Marie I am so disappointed that Martin had gone over to Seattle. Please will you call Lottie by telephone and find out if he is still there. Then please write with-in 3 days to your mother as perhaps Lottie may not be prompt in writing. I also sent Lottie a paper about Teck High school to her and I haven't heard if she received it. I wish she would send the paper to you and if Betty hasn't seen it, send the paper to her. I have not had any company to-day. I could cry when I read your letter. Being I am here I wish your letters were written more often. Why didn't you write before that Martin had gone to Seattle? Why can't we have more of an understanding? You know Martin don't care to write and you should have written to Lottie in my interest that she should let me know about Martin which she hasn't done so far.

I thought surely Martin was still staying with Lottie and Bob. At one time when Lottie or Bob wrote to me it was mentioned what work Martin did and I was glad that he could help about the place, and do out-door work that is necessary where they live.

Marie I would be pleased if you could write 1 letter and not mention your family, or work for a chance. The next to answering my questions is if you would write that you wish we could meet and have a pleasant visit. Then I wish you would write to the Dr. and say you are interested in my welfare and that you would be glad to know that I may be dismissed, which I may, when some-body comes for me. And next how I wish you would write something along religious lines. And next instead of buying a greeting card with a nice verse composed by strangers you would write a few lines equally as attractive as the words in-side a card. Oh and then as long as it is written by you I can not help but think it is meant just for your mother and be sincere dear.

I am looking forward toward being released real soon so I would appreciate if you will write as I have mentioned before. I hope you are in a good spirit.

I am writing this letter wearing the same glasses which give me a head-ache.

I wrote this letter while there was talking so excuse writing.

Best wishes to all the members in your family. Remember to send your sisters a birthday remembrance.

Mother.

Jill and Mark both play the piano. Not well, but loud.

July 12, 1958

Dear Marie,

Betty sent your letter up to me last week. It was so good to hear from you, but I can't tell you how terribly sorry I am to hear of Frank's trouble. I wish you might have told us sooner - perhaps there's nothing we can do, but at least we could have prayed and listened.

I hope so sincerely that Frank may have a real comeback to his old self. It sounds like you have the very best of medical help. Have faith and hope, and trust. Remember, the Lord only ask those to carry a cross whom he knows will be strong enought to carry it. I'm sure you've been told, "Take each day as it comes." The hour is always darker before the dawn.

You're so smart to go back to school. Even if you don't have or want to go back to work, you will have the peace of mind in knowing that you are trained for a well-paying job that you can step into at any time.

I'm sure you're grateful for the Durands being with you. The children will have that extra leaning post while you're busy. And if things work out that change, if location is desirable, I hope you'll consider the Northwest. You know both Betty and I would be happy to have you and your family nearby.

I haven't written you in a long time either. Althought it seems trite, I'll try and catch you up on news from here.

Bob is still working for the N.P. Railroad. This Spring he was transferred to the Seattle office. It was a promotion, so we can't complain, but it means driving back and forth 30 miles each way. The children won't hear of moving, and since real estate is higher over there it's hardly feasible. Bob doesn't mind driving - and sometimes he has riders which help defray expenses.

I'm still working at PLC as a baker. The boarding students now number over 800 - three meals a day. I have one helper and we put out all desserts and breads - also the "prepared mixes" used by the cooks. We do not make all of the bread, but usually put out one homemade bread a day - rolls, biscuits, variety yeast bread, or quick bread. In addition, we cater to a lot of campus activities. Fancy cakes, decorated cakes - that sort of thing for receptions and teas.

I go to work in the morning with Bob - that's 5:30 A.M. now - used to be 7:15 when he worked in town. The kids have to get themselves ready for school - that's the only bad part, but I'm usually home by 2:00 or 2:30 - so I'm here when they come home. I don't work very much in the Summer; just a few dys here and there for conventions.

This summer my project is finishing the East bedroom upstairs - the one where we kept Bob's tools when you were here. I have a carpenter coming next week to do part of the work, but I plan to do quite a bit myself. Bob is working on an outdoor fireplace for the patio, so I don't want to distract him. Besides he really has very little time, and on top of that, he's not very ambitious.

This summer Roxy and I are trying to learn to drive. I've been "learning" for three years or so, but haven't  gone over to take my license test. In Washington, a student driver may get a "learner's permit" for 50 cents which is good for 60 days. I've put more money into permits that I like to admit. A student is allowed to operate a car with a licensed driver in the car - and no one else. Last summer we bought a 1950 Chevrolet, but we still have the old '41 black Chev. that we had when you were here. If Roxy and I can learn to drive, at least we'd have transportation.

Roxy hasn't been very well the past year. Her trouble is a sense of too much responsibility and too much conscience - trying to be too much to too many people. Being the oldest, we always expected a lot of her - and at school and church and in music circle, at 4-H it was the same. She is a natural leader with a lot of talent. She is fast, efficient, and dependable, and expects perfection from herself. She has an extremely high I.Q. - and rated 17th grade (past college) on one test. Only last year one of her teachers whome I didn't know, looked me up specially to say that Roxy was the happiest, and best adjusted child she had ever known. Now, she is often moody, and inclined to go around with a chip on her sholder. Having worried over this problem the past year, I can easily understand your more serious trouble with Frank.

Melody is picking raspberries this summer. She makes an average of $1.50 a day. Not much, but life is just one big social whirl to Melody, and this keeps her busy. She will be going into the ninth grade this fall. She is taller than either Roxy or I. She's very pretty, but right now has one of those "fad" urchin-type haricuts that looks like heck. She's very popular with both boys and girls, and gets more phone calls in a day than all the rest of the family put together.

Jill, Mark, and Jacque have been at camp (Lutherwood) this week, but are coming home today. Jill is as tall as I am now. She and Mark both play the piano. Not well, but loud. Jacque took lessons, but says she's too lazy to learn notes, and just wnts to play dolls and read and listen to other people play the piano.

I'm planning on going over to see Elin in a couple of weeks. Also down to see Betty one day soon.

I must go - Roxy has two friends staying overnight. They're up now, and I have to go fix breakfast, then get to the work done before the little kids come home this afternoon.

Keep your chin up, Marie. And do write. We are interested in you.

Love,

L.

Baptism: Jean Marion Johnson

new English teacher

Central Storage & Van Co.

Almost have a girlish figure now.

18 Dec 1944

Dear Marie & Frank

Just finished a short note to Bets - received a Christmas card from her today - the first word since she married! Of course she has written L.

Says she is working four hours per day - good news for the doctor wouldn't allow her to work at all if it were not safe.

We finish training here this week, and I'll have a new address very soon. In fact, my month furlough is supposed to start next Friday or Saturday, so there is a chance I may be home sometime Christmas Day!

After ten days at home, only the Lord knows what or where! At any rate my address will change - I'll let you know when I can just what it will be.

Ruthie must be growing up to be talking and everything! L wrote that Roxanne can carry on a conversation of sorts now - and even Mel is getting so she laughs aloud when she's pleased with the world! What a whale of a change just a few short months can bring about in children.

Saturday (day before yesterday) we returned to camp after two weeks work in the field. While running over those d--- hills I lost another eight pounds. Honest, I've lost over 30 lbs since coming into the army! Almost have a girlish figure now.

From the schedule of work Frank briefed me in his letter, you folks much really be busy. Be careful - enough is enough. Don't think you can gain by doing too much work - you end up loser.

There's no letter to write about that letter writing is a chore - I hope you will consider this when you letter becomes too boring. All my work here is uninteresting to anyone not familiar with it, and no doubt L keeps you well posted on doings at Tacoma.

I will take this opportunity, tho, to wish you all the Merriest Christmas ever - and may the year to come be prosperous and joyous.

Sincerely

Bob

Posted from Camp Roberts, California

I Hop Had A Marry Chistmas

Jan. 1952

Dear Marie & Frank

Thanck you For the Dollar you sent me For Christmas. Pop sent me one too. All to gather I got For Christmas Was a Dollar Frome Pop and Dollar Frome you. Two Shairt and two pair oF Jeans Frome Charlotte and Frome Betty I got two pair socks and a shairt. On yes two pair socks Roxy and Mel too. I Thack you and Frank once more For Cosiner For the glass. I Hop Had A Marry Chistmas

love,

Marty

I was the only one in my English class to get a "1"

Omaha, Nebraska

Sept. 22, 1936

Dear Marie,

I suppose you're rather surprised to hear from me now, since you just got one of my letters. You see, I just felt like writing, so I thought I'd write to you.

I went down to the "Y" last night for a fashion show put on my Brandies French Room. They really should call that department the economy section, for they had a lot of dresses reasonably prices at $95. Refreshments were served free. Beth (Campbell, Camel) played three numbers on the violin. She looked very nice in a streaming red formal.

I saw Virginia Koopman, and you ought to hear her apologize for neglecting her correspondences so long. She promised to write me one of these days and she even got some new stationary for the occasion. She said that her cousin had rented a cabin right next to yours in Minnesota. In describing you to her (she, he) said, "Her last name was Jensen, she had blonde hair, and looked and acted just like a boy." Was this cousin a girl or boy?

I also saw Ruth Eckman Harriett Wren and Johnson, Rhea Snyder, and Doris Smith. I think that's her name (the girl Erman runs aound with).

The presidents and vice presidents had a meeting in Main Library this morning to select nominees for Student Council. Jean Edwardson, and myself were chosen for the girls with Barbara Garrett acting as alternate in case Jean or I have poor grades or something. I really think Jean will get it because she is quite popular and peppy. She is that lame girl you know. Ben Miller, Thomas Janda, and Alvin Terry were selected from the boys. I know Thomas and Terry so I hope they don't get it, even if Alvin nominated me. I think Ben would be better.

Last night I walked home from school with Alvin Terry. I had more fun! You see, he is in love and you sure can tell it - in fact he's engaged - to some girl from North by the name of Betty Jensen. Honestly, I got the biggest kick hearing him rave about his girl friend. He even has given her an engagement ring and  paid cash for it - $21.50. She has even persuaded him to go to church and save his money, so it must be love. He raves about her like Lil does about Wayne.

By the way, I was the only one in my English class to get a "1" for the first two week's work. So there, now tell me my composition on Camp wasn't good!

Well, guess I'll close and hope you don't mind two letters in a row cause if you're any relation to me you wouldn't mind any number of letters in a row.

Love,

Lottie

P.S. Sara Kolnick says, Hello. She sold 7 tons of cool yesterday.

When Grandchildren are Here

Things to do when grandchildren are here

1. Spray paint flower cart

2. Sort canning jars

3. Learn cake decorating

4. Fill sand box

5. Point Defiance

6. Nisqually train

7. Point Defiance zoo

8. Clean out greenhouse

9. Paint patio furniture

10. Reorganize front porch

11. Wall paper, paint kitty room

12. Treasure House craft ideas

13. White Mountain Bus Farm in Graham - Jim Murphy - open Sundays 

Places to go/fun things to do when grandchildren are here:

1. Ohop farm

2. Meeker

3. Make gift tags

4. Write poetry

5. Wild Waves

6. Varnish pine cones

Soon Bed Time will be Called

Nov. 4, 1951

Dear Marie -

This is Sunday evening and just remembered that this is letter writing day. By the way why haven't you answered me by this time? It seems to me that you could find time to write a few lines.

I wish to write and let you know that another lady from the hospital and my-self went to the city to-day and I enjoyed it very much. First we attended church services at St. Paul Methodist church. Then we went and had dinner, and afterwards when over to the Y.W.C.A. and rested a little while. Then we walked over to the N University and saw the museum which was interesting.

Last Sunday I wrote to Lottie and Betty. I wrote to Betty that I thought she should think over before she and Morgan move again. Don't you think you would like to see their place?

I wish Elin too could visit her and I am not sure whether or not Lottie has seen their present place. I hope Betty writes to you soon and if you write to her and remind her to write to her mother I will appreciate it? Thank you.

I hope you have heard from Martin again and please let me know. I don't wish to write and ask you the same questions I asked in my other letter.

When you write don't forget to write Diamond Street or Avenue.

I need glasses very much.

It is now 25 minutes to 10 and real soon bed time will be called.

Now please sit down and write when you receive this letter. I did no get any mail this week at all.

Don't forget when you write that you may enclose some money. I am glad that I may go to the city and buy what I like my-self. You know how people do have different taste.

I will close for this time and say good-night. And also could you remind your father to come and visit me as I am still waiting.

Best wishes to you all.

As ever, I am,

Your,

Mother.

Fifteen Years of Great Endurance

April 14, 1954

My dear wife -

There is a possiblity that you will receive this on our anniversary - at least that is my hope - just to remind you that I have not forgotten that tomorrow will mark fifteen years of great endurance on your part.

Some people consider that an occasion of this sort should be marked with platitudinous ponderosities and great gushings of sentimentality, but I can only say that I still love you, even more than the first time I ever told you.

We have been fortunate in getting by all these years with so few great differences on opinion. I have honestly tried ot make them happy years for you, and I will be the first to acknowledge that you have made them good years for me.

I am about to break a sacred trust. The kids - Roxy and Mel - have been planning for weeks to surprise you with a few people in on Saturday night to help us celebtrate. Please don't let me down - they will be heartbroken if they find out that I let the cat out of the bag. Just act as surprised as you can. And in case I bring home a few extra groceries Friday evening, just ask no questions.

Must go now and get some work done.

Yours,

Bob

Just in Case You Get Audited...

Have you done your taxes yet?

Yesterday was our first wedding anniversary

June 28, 1945

Dear L

Enclosed is a letter I received from Marie a while back. I've been meaning to send it on to you ever since it came, but somehow never "got round to it" til now. Excuse pleez.

I just finished a letter to Poppy. I haven't heard from him for some time and was wondering how he it.

Yesterday was our first wedding anniversary and Morgan came thought most nobly with a beautiful Swiss made, 17 jewel, wrist watch. Wasn't that swell of him. He also took me out to dinner and gave me one rose bush for one year. The rose is supposed to be increased each year till we've been married 50 years and I'll have a pretty decent bocquet.

This is just a note in a hurry - Let me hear from you.

Love

"Bets"

P.S. Love to Marty & the kiddlings

P.S.2. Please send the picture of Ruhtie back if you have one of her at about this age.

I may take a job

Lincoln, Nebr.

Sept 27, 1953

Dear Marie -

I have been waiting to hear from you as it is your turn to write and why don't you take time to send me a few lines?

Marie I may take a job. I am so pleased. Did you receive a letter from the social worker as she wrote to you and asked you about your consent about me working? Please will you write that I consent to my mother taking a job? This is most important to me. The social worker is waiting to hear. Perhaps Frank could write the letter and you sign it. Thanking you very much.

As ever,

Mother

Please, please try to come

Lincoln, Nebr

May 22, 1955

Dear Marie -

I received your welcome letter and I was glad to hear from you. I was especially pleased to hear what you wrote about Martin. But it seems to me we should try and have him really show that he will help me. Frank could write to the company he works for. Explain about me (his mother) how much I need him now. Then they could talk to him and I would like for him to come here. I would rather that you or Frank wrote to the company than that the social worker would write to Martin. I don't know how he would take it. And also Marie if you are to take a vacation couldn't you arrange to come with Martin? Please, please try to come.

I would like for you to help me with picking out a few clothes. And clothes don't cost quite as much in Omaha as they do in Lincoln.

The day passed here on Mother's Day like any other.

I didn't mean by helping me that I come to your house to live. I wish to find some kind of employment like a seamstress or some kind of housework. Then later I intend to apply for social security after I come out West.

Yes indeed, I hope, I hope Martin and I can help one another as you wrote.

I hope you read over my other letter which I sent a few days ago and answer it also when you write to me.

I wish that you or Frank would write to the company that Martin works for right away. And ask them to let you know as soon as possible. Then you could write to the social worker that which you wrote me that you hope Martin and his mother can help each other.

Please don't write to the social worker what you wrote to me. About Frank's new job and your four children. The social worker will just tell the lady I work for and then the lady I work for will throw it up to me. I am almost afraid of her at times.

Would you please write and ask your father to come to Lincoln as I wish to talk matters over.

Also please may I remind you to write and ask Lottie if she received some maerial from me for a housecoat? Thank you.

If you came you could help me pack my clothers. You could help me by bring some extra suit cases to put some of my clothes in. I still have the suit-case you gave me for Mother's day years ago. It is bent some.

Please excuse me for repeating any-thing in my letter or letters.

I have been here 20 months the 1st day of next month.

Excuse my write as the pens I have been using are not extra good. And excuse any unneatness and writing.

When you write to the company ask them for information. And when you hear from them answer at once or perhaps sent a telegram about Martin. This is importnat.

Write please and don't delay dear.

Best wishes and thanking you again.

As ever

I am,

Mother.

In Regard to My Mother, Mrs. Ruth Jensen

A House Full of Wishes

Danish Camp

Aug 2 (mid 80s)

Dear Lottie

Enclosed are prints of some pictures taken on the trip. You probably have some similar shots but thought you might like to have them anyways.

I've sent the three taken in Colville to Elin also. I'll sent a couple of Mike's wedding after I have some prints made.

We've been busy as usual. In the process of putting in the back yard & the deck. Did quite a few things inside to make the house more "homey". Also have made two trips to the cottage & did some work up there.

We've also had 4 batches of out-of-town company. The last was Ken's grandchildren. We took them to the cottage which they dearly love.

Danish Camp was a success with Kate & Morgan. Hope Marian & Elisabeth enjoyed it also.

Much love

Bets

The impatients and window box plants are beautiful! Thanks so much!

P.S. We have the second guest bedroom in operation. I'm framing the 4 Renoir cards to hang on the wall.