Friday Photo: 50th Anniversary

April 1989

Bob & Lottie Johnson

50th Anniversary

Eddie Haddard is going to sing a song for me next Sunday

Postmark: 14 Jan 1966

Dear Lottie & Bob and Family

See by Betty's letter you had another big time for your Xmas. Sure is so nice that you and Betty are close together so you can go see each other real often. Too bad Marie cant join the circle too.

Well Lottie that campus blanket was one of the nicest Xmas presents we ever got and I mean it too. He went out to clinic and said he would only be short time so we parked up close in front and I set in car for its only 30 min parking and I wrapped myself all up in that blanket and I didn't get very cold he was gone nearly an hour then when he was delivering cookies I took that along and I kept warm for some mornings it was pretty cold setting there in car - and Id wrap up and keep warm and now he uses it at night wraps his feet up in it for they do get so cold we have the electric blanket turned on but his feet are just freezing so the blanket helps there. So you see I use it days and him nights so its really very useful dont ever say again that a present isn't appreciated for we sure do love that blanket then when he lays down in daytime I throw it over him and I also use it myself when I take a nap in day.

Oh it sure is snowing this A.M. I didnt get up till 9:00 and he isnt up yet I did take coffee to bed but he didnt want to get up so I said I didn't care he could just sleep all day. Been such wonderful weather and now its snow yesterday was his birthday your mother sent a half of angel food cake down and box of mints and I baked a date loaf cake only mine turned out to be cupcakes for me like them best and so took some of each up to Jean's she made coffee and she had to go to work so didn't have time to come here so we drove up there stayed about an hour we enjoyed it too but Friday she's off so shes going to fix dinner we will go up then they will take us home Hank drives our car and she takes theirs then Lars don't have to drive at night

Celebrate all the birthdays with one big dinner for Lars is the 10th Jeans 15 mine 18 and Kathys 22 so we have one big dinner for all of us.

Lottie can you get KETV on your T.V. Eddie Haddard is going to sing a song for me next Sunday he is on at 5:30 here in Omaha don't know if you can get it there or not Ive known Eddie for so many years and I just phoned and talked to him wonder how it will sound.

Lars is taking a nap and so think Ill go take one too.

Write when you can lots of love. Thanks for the check too but special thanks for that campus blanket we both love it.

We are prety good one day sick next fine next sick so thats way it is.

Love Dora and Dad.

The Dictionary

Lincoln, Nebr.

May 1, 1966

Dear Lottie -

I have intended to write to you before this and please excuse me. I thought perhaps you would let me know that you had received what I sent and how did Mark like the lunch box?

I have had free time this afternoon so I arranged pictures. When you send kodak pictures you don't write the name or date on the back of each. I am not sure which is Mark. So please try to remember to write the name instead of Mom.

I wrote to Betty and I hope she will let you read the letter.

When I was in Omaha 2 weeks ago I called Mrs. Mininni and she was so glad to know it was I. She wanted to know where you and your sisters were living. Also how many children each had. Just think after all these years our conversation was familar talking. I would like to go and visit her this summer and how about you going with me?

I was intending to mention what Dora would like being she don't have any. It is a dictionary and she said she wished she had one. A dictionary with a paper back costs less than a dollar I think. Now as for your mother - I would like some plain white writing paper. No envelopes please. Thank you.

I sent Elin a birthday card. Had a letter from Merrilyn recently.

Now again about coming this summer. I would suggest you visit for at least 3 weeks. You could get rested up and do some sewing if you felt like it. I sewed on the sewing machine when I was in Omaha. And I have 2 dresses which you could help me with. Hope you are in cheerful mood.

I am sending the article about Fritz Johnson - well his second wife was a native of Falls City. An announcer said over the radio that his mother came to see him in Omaha and that he said he coulnd't have found a nicer Mother if he had gone looking for one. As ever, Your Mother.

P.S. Excuse writing.

Let Betty read this letter. I talked to Marie over the telephone a few minutes ago. She said it would be in August when she could come. And to tell you and Lottie that. Hope to see you in August, then. Mother.

And on the back of the envelope...

(Never too old to try something new)

Postmark: 13 May 1966

Dear Lottie and Family.

Received your beautiful Mothers Day card and the nice Dictionary. Thanks so much for them. How did you know I wanted a dictionary. Then Martin was here he wanted one twice but I didn't have any and we wished we did. So you see its what we wanted.

Booh its reel winter here even it snowed Sunday May 8. can you imagine and oh its so cold we just dread to go outside.

I fell Friday May 6 cut my hand and really did hurt my dignity too.

I put two bandaiaids on the cut so Sunday I pulled them off wrapped it in soft whitecloth but had to unwrap and look at it and pretty soon I had it open again. Lars said here let me fix it so he put two new bandaids on it said now you leave it along so now I cant even look at it or baby it.

He isn't up yet but Im getting so hungry Ill starve if he dont get up pretty soon. He watches T.V. till 12:00 then sleeps next A.M. nothing to get up for so why get up then he was sick up and down all night so hes ready to sleep today he is sick an awful lot his stomach hurts so much.

Well he got up and dressed and then laid down so now wonder when he will get up so I went out ate a big dish of oatmeal and he can eat his when he gets up again. rest do him more good than eating. I got six Mothers Day cards a nice geraneum and a basket of flowers and a Dictionary and two checks, but Ill use them to pay my Goodman insurance for another year is 17.32 and checks 15 so I can pay it now, and then forget it for another year is way I do. Did Jill send you the big write up and pictures that were in the Abundant Life Magazine I read it so did Mr. Grievious. Its really intresting when you read about somebody you know that was really them well I dont know him but guess I do too for isn't he part of the family.

Tues I was in store got four lamb cutlets and fried two for dinner and they were real good . we both enjoyed them. First time I think I ever tasted lamb in all my life Mrs Potter had some one Sunday when we were out there.

Mamma's father raised sheep and they are plenty and Mamma hates the taste of it She was in front seat with Lars one day passed some on side of road. She said my father raised sheep.  But I do hate mutten and so we never had any and after I had my own home I never got any but Mrs Grievious got some told me how nice it was so I just got some to try and we liked the trial so have an idea we will have some more, some day. (Never too old to try something new)

Martin sent him a cane real classy too its black real pretty he used that one of Marvins and it was odd shape. Martin didnt like shape of it so when he went back he got the new one for him. Ruth come down stayed two days here and idea she will want to come again anything just to get away from there. She got big thick juicy steak cooked it for Sunday dinner I was sick so she went to store got what she wanted and he paid for it and didn't dare say booh with me its I'm so extravagent (get the Dictionary please) but I just get what I want let him howl I dont even hear him.

He sure is snoring loud but I could hear him if Ill go in kitchen. Must quit write soon lots of love. Thanks for card and Dictionary sure is nice.

Dora and Dad.

Friday Photo: Joanna Marie Kathrine Larsen Paulsen

(Joanna) Marie Kathrine Larsen Paulsen

some information lists Christine for middle name, rather than Kathrine

1868 - 1955

mother of Lars Jensen

photo taken in 1938

very very merry merry

The kids are counting the seconds

Postmark: 7 May 1955

Dear Everybody.

Lars leaves here Sunday am at 1.40 am and gets in Tacoma at 11 a.m.

And wonders if some one will meet him.

I said dont worry they will be there O.K. and the kids are counting the seconds till you get there.

Love from

Dora.

Well-Baby Check-Ups

It has been a while since I wrote letters

Omaha, Nebraska

Sept. 8, 1969

Dear Lottie -

I received the pretty greeting card, dated Aug. 3rd from Tulsa. Also letter dated Aug. 13th and enclosed clipping about Jackie. Thank you very much.

I had a nice letter from Esther and I intend to send her a sympathy card. Write more about - your visits on the trip - where you went.

It has been a while since I wrote letters so excuse me if I seem to be out of practice.

I intent to send something to Jackie, but haven't got it ready yet. Being I sew or make something, it is quite different than buying a present. It takes time.

I suppose you are rather tired. I wish to thank you for everything you gave me while in Omaha.

I had a short letter from Martin. Thie morning I received a postal card from Betty.

When I called up at the hospital to ask how your father was the answer was that he had been transfered to the other hospital. So later I went out to see him out at 80th and Dodge and he is in special care center as you perhaps know. I talked to him and he answered. He asked about Martin. Now in case you would like to call the hospital here is the number -

397-3000

Extension 3864

I supposed you wrote to your father's sister and then let her know about your father. And when you write please ask her if - she received my letter and I enclosed a handkerchief?

I was over to Dora's one day and I put up some curtains.

If you wish to call Mattie about any-thing here is her number - 451-8183.

Please write soon.

With love and best wishes.

As ever,

I am

Your Mother.

Clippings enclosed...

Birth Certificate - Jean Johnson

Thank you for the lovely daffodils

Photo Friday: Happy Birthday Angie!

September 1969

Angie's 2nd Birthday

All I need is an opportunity.

April 2, 1965

Dear Lottie -

In-closed you will find the paper I mentioned to you over the telephone. Also some clippings.

I was down town to see Dr. Palmer yesterday which was Thursday. She said she had not heard from you. Were you waiting for the paper I have written?

I am supposed to go out to the State Hospital and talk to the social services department and discuss this matter.

I mean that I can go up to Randolph, Nebraska.

I enjoyed talking over about my problems with the Doctor. Did I mentioned that I met her at the State Hospital years ago?

Well I hope you received my last letter.

Now if you haven't written to the Doctor would you do me a favor? Simply write the what my mother wants to do I will go along with it.

I certainly hope I am not asking too much. Please write.

With love and best wishes.

As ever

Mother.

Lincoln, Nebr.

1149 South 17th Street

Feb. 1965

I Mrs. Ruth Jensen -

Was a patient at the State Hospitcal for 5 1/2 years. Now I have been employed at a Rest Home for over 11 years and 4 months. I wish to please be discharged from the State Hospital. I have only had a work patrol as I understand it. For wages I receive only my social security which is 33 dollars a month. My number is 508-xx-xxxx.

Now for years I have bought a part of my food. One month it was $8.62.

I intend to pay my own bills.

I wish for my social security check to be mailed to me in my own name.

I want my family to co-operate because I believe they should stand by each other.

All I need is an opportunity.

In all the time I have been here I have only had 30 1/2 days off. I am down in the kitchen about 6:30 in the morning. I have been un-happy here from the first and the reasons are several.

July 17, 1958 - I had letter from my daughter Marie in which she wrote - You mentioned wanting to go to be with Martin. This sounds like is ought to have possibilities. If you get social security you would not be totally dependent on him. I think it would be worth finding out.

I am positive I never wish again to be a patient at the State Hospital and please no out siders can send me to the State Hospitcal. If any problem should come up I wish to talk to my children.

I should have retired 10 years ago.

I went with-out different things so my children could have a home.

Probation - test or trial of character and responsibility; the period over which such a test extends, as I am employed on probation.

 

That is instead of a plant dear.

Lincoln, Nebr.

March 10, 1959

Dear Lottie -

It is your turn to write. I wish you would let me know if the fruit cake I sent you was in good condition when you received it.

Lottie I was going to mention that if you wish to send me something for Easter - would you mind sending me some money? That is instead of a plant dear.

I was thinking it would be nice for you and Bob to have your picture taken - like the picture of the enclosed clipping.

I remember now some-body in Omaha asked me if Bob had been married before.

I am sending you some clippings about Art Linkletter. I watch his programs sometimes. I like especially these sentences where I marked quote and un-quote.

You can take it seriously or not. But remember your own childhood at the same time. And then your own children which are growing up. If your children had a party I would say 10 o'clock is long enough for them to stay. None of this party p - stuff. That would be out if I were giving a party.

I talked to your father a few days ago and I told him that the 1st of April (I mean 1959) I have been employed here for 5 1/2 years. And he said "That is the longest time you ever worked at a place isn't it?" I asked your father if he had heard from Martin and he said "No." But that he had received Martin's income tax papers.

Now what I favor about the article in Art Linkletter's family Quote - "The period you run into trouble is when children turn 12 and 13 and start going to other kids' homes. They come back with different behavior ideas observed in other households. That's when you've got to put your foot down and say, 'This is how we do it in our house darling.

We even have a party when my mother-in-law visits us from San Diego. I'm probably the only man in the country who can make that claim.

In the Linkletter family we look for events to celebrate."

Un-quote.

I have a very nice letter from Mrs. Durand in Omaha. Frank is still in Omaha I think and is under the care of a very good Dr. and the Durands in Omaha are paying the bills.

I intend to send Mrs. Durand in Omaha a nice Easter care and handkerchief. Why don't you send her an Easter card also? The street no. is 4971 Miami Street, Omaha.

Enclosed is some stamps and Easter greeting card.

Excuse my writing as I am going to mail this when I have finished this letter.

Hope to hear from you soon.

As ever

I remain,

Your Mother.

Think of me - I never had a sister

Omaha, Nebraska

August 18, 1969

Dear Lottie - To-day I have lived here 3 years.

I received the postal card post-marked Oklahoma. Also letter and the clipping about Jackie. Then also invitation from Jacqueline and thank her from me. Also I don't have her present ready, but please write and let me know what her favorite color is.

I am pleased that you had enjoyed your vacation.

I will have to sew some more on the sewing machine to see about the stitch. I haven't quite finished the blue dress and thanks for helping me with it.

When you were in Chicago how I wish you could have gone to see my second cousins, you could have called me by telephone here and asked me about their number.

That was sad about Esther's sister passing away. She must not have been very old. I wrote to Esther August 3rd. I have a greeting card I'll send later. Has Esther returned to Phoenix yet?

How is your daughter Jill? It would be nice if she would live closer to you. Don't you think so too?

I am so disappointed that Marie couldn't stay 1 more day and grant my wishes. I had talked over the telephone about going out to Saunders County.

I have not heard from Marie or Betty since you all were here. I had a note from Martin asking if I had been to see your father? I haven't yet, it has been such hot weather here.

I wish Marie would move to Portland. That way you Marie and Betty could see more of each oher. You and your sisters have so much to talk about when you get together. Think of me - I never had a sister.

You know if a rather impersonal way I said to Jackie years ago that she should help you and I think, stay at home.

I also talked to Steven about the same way before he went away to California to attend college. Well you know how history turned out. Didn't your father used to say like pouring cold water on a duck's back?

I wish to thank you for all the different things you gave me while in Omaha.

Oh and would you do me a favor? Tell me about how it turned out when you all went to see Wiens. You know how careful your father was when it came to giving me any money. At present in Omaha a person can go and get advise in such cases.

Well you will have to write and tell me about the wedding. I suppose Betty will be there. If she comes would you mind lettering her read this letter? So why not put it in a good place where you know where it is.

Write soon.

I must close for this time. With love and best wishes.

As ever

I remain

Your Mother.

Friday Photo: Class Photo, 1951 (Minne)

1951 - Parkland School

Melody "Minne" Johnson Isley - front row, far right

Shorthand with Champagne

Lincoln, Nebr.

June 9, 1966

Dear Lottie -

I received the writing tablets and I am writing on some paper now which you sent. Thank you very much and thank you for the mother's day card. Also your letter which was written May 10th 1966.

I am so glad that you are Jackie are coming. If you don't mind would you try to bring that corsage pin? Also would you see if you can try to find a pair of toe-rubbers? I have a pair of rubbers I will give you in exchange.

I am enclosing a greeting card for Mark. Your father is supposed to send him a gift. Also your father I hope sends the same kind to John - Marie's boy.

I didn't mean about work to do like house-work when you come. I was thinking about suggestions in sewing. Like for instance if you would voice your opinions should I try a dress on.

I am pleased to hear from your letter that you have some help with your lawn. Don't try to do too much your-self.

I am enclosing a clipping.

I wish that you would move either to Portland to be nearer to Betty or move to Phoenix to be inthe same city as Marie and Becky and their families. Talk this over when you are together why don't you?

Now to write something different. Rememebr I thought that shorthand wasn't a worthwhile subject to take in high school. Then later when I knew more about it I thought it was good. Then I wished you had studied more along those lines. Well I was thinking that I would write about what I saw on television. A lay was being interviewed as she has written a book and the name - Shorthand with Champagne. This lady is a public stenograph at Beverly Hills hotel in Hollywood. Well she was asked to see Barbara Hutton and that she is the wealthiest woman in the world. The stenograph's fee is $10.00. Perhaps some time you could try to borrow the book. Oh and the stenogprah's picture is on the cover.

Now if you buy any toe-rubbers for me would you see that they are for low heels?

I hope that you get as early a start on your trip as possible. And no need to hurry so that you are all exhausted. I hope you can stay more than a week. May-be one of your daughters can stay at your house while you are away.

I am looking forward toward your visit. One of my wishes is that we can talk over my problems sensibly.

Hope you have a safe trip and happy landing.

Thank you again for the mother's day presnet. I have a dress I intend to give you when you come.

With love and best wishes.

I am As ever, Your Mother.

How I wish we had taken along that spaghetti

Omaha, Nebr.

Feb. 23, 1969

Dear Lottie,

Hope you arrived back safely and thank you so very much for taking me to Portland. I hope you didn't have car trouble returning to Tacoma. You must have been very tired.

I returned safely. Betty took me to the bus depot which left at 3:30 P.M.

How I wish we had taken along that spaghetti and in that little white pitcher was some soup. This would have tasted good when we came to Portland. And I was thinking how we could have bought some hamburgers to go with the spaghetti to bring along. Let me know who ate the spaghetti when you write.

I will be anxious to hear how your plans turn out.

Did all your company come that you were expcting?

Now in case you don't go to that distant place to work will you please come to Nebraska?

I asked Betty to come when school was out and she said she would try. So how about you and Betty coming? Hope you can stay at Durand's. Or at your father's house. We can figure that our later.

Lottie I was thinking about explaining something. It is this - When you come home from school sit down and take off your shoes. Then take your mail to the bedroom and by this time you have taken off your coat. Well then lie down and read your mail because you know you need the rest.

Have you heard how Jean is by this time ? I intend to send her a get-well-card.

I haven't been over to see your father yet but plan to in the near future. 2 days after I returned it snowed.

I had some of that Danish lunch meat to-day and I fryed it just a little like you did.

When Betty comes be sure and show her the blue pillow I fixed. Excuse write as now I am finishing this on my lap. Write soon and tell me if there is any news. With love and best wishes.

I am Mother.