I Bought Cement and Paint

This is written on a 3x3 scrap of paper.

The touch of a typewriter

Alice, Texas

March 28, 1967

My dear Bob and Charlotte and family:

First, I want to thank you for the lovely daffodils. They arrived in excellent shape and were beautiful until East Sunday when they did look a little on the droopy side. Mr. Mullen, Helen, Pique and I left a week ago Tuesday for Hot Springs, Arkansas where the Mullen clan gathered for a reunion on Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Holy Saturday and East Sunday. All four of the boys, their respective spouses and all children were present, plus Clancy's boy friend from Seattle who attends Gonzaga, and Pique and me as extras. There were twenty nine in all, and a splendid time was had by each and every one. The flowers arrived the day after I left, but Jack and his family were just leaving and they brought them to Hot Springs. Isn't it a wonder that they kept so well, traveling so far? Anyway, accept my sincere thanks. We all enjoyed them. 

Helen made the trip by car both up and back, and needless to say at the moment is down with the count. On top of sheer exhaustion, she has contracted a bad sinus infection. She just doesn't have any stamina. As long as she keeps her regular routine, things go fairly well, but anything out of the ordinary is that much more than she can take.

We had a letter from Frenchy Mullen, the Captain in the Navy whom Mame reared, Jim Mullen's younger son, today telling us that Mame has moved into a one bedroom apartment out in her old neighborhood, and for the first time since December 23, 1965, is on her own. Early this year a pace maker was connected to her heart because of her heart condition, and Frencie says it has been very successful to date. Bob, if you have the time to drop her a line. Her address is 2928 North 83rd, Omaha, Apartment 240. It is just down the stree from where she used to live - the first block north of Maple Street. They are new apartments, so she should be quite happy.

I had a letter from Mary Line when I got back from Arkansas. She said they have had a bad winter with lots of snow and ice. Sounds from the weather report today that the midwest is in for more bad weather by tomorrow too. We have had quite a bit of cold but no rain and only one four inch snow which lasted a day. Today it is 90 and yesterday the mercury climbed to 94. Hot in anybody's language.

Charlotte, I did enjoy your Birthday card and note. You have paid the loan in full and I am only too glad to have been able to give you an assist when you needed it. I am glad, too, that you are enjoying the little car so much.

We are still not completely furnished in our new offices. The drapes are in the process of being made, and my desk as yet, has not showed up. At home Helen has new drapes for the front room and dining room, and new wall paper for the dining room. She put for new carpet in mid December. Pat made the drapes and picked out the wall paper - so you can imagine that they will be quite elegant because he spares no expense for anyone!

Pique still remembers Pat. She was very fond of him when they had her and when she sees him she always cries a little, then runs in circles like she is trying to get his entire attention! After all, we have had her six years last December and she will be eight the 25th of May.

I bought myself a new fishing reel the other day, and Ambassadeur 6000 - a real keen one but as yet haven't quite mastered the art of casting with it. I have a spinning reel, a Garcia Mitchell 300 which I like very much too. Fishing is a really great sport - I am only sorry I didn't take it up much earlier in life.

The last two times I have been over to Padre Island, fishing in the Gulf of Mexico I have been really quite fortunate catching fish. They haven't been very large, but until the new Ambassadeur reel my gear has been too light to catch anything of any size. However, if I even just catch a minnow I am happy.

My typewriter sounds like it is just about to conk out - it works fine for a little while, then sort of "flutters" instead of acting normal. Mr. Mullen just spent $40 on it. Someone has been fooling with it, and I have been raising hell about it - the touch on a typewriter is about as personal as the point of a pen in my book. And there is absolutely no reason for someone fooling with it or even using it. I have issues that ultimatum - we will see what happens!

I must get to other duties, so will bring this to a close for now. Again thanks for the lovely daffodils. Keep up your good record of writing - your letters are certainly enjoyed and appreciated.

Much, much love to each and every one of you. Hope all the family - children and grandchildren are getting along fine too. As usual, my sincere love to Margaret.

Most sincerely, Jean

P.S. Bob, what has transpired as to the N.P. RR and other or others merging? I've been watching the Wall Street Journal but haven't seen anything recently. 

Births: Mrs. & Mrs. Robert N. Johnson, a daughter

Hospital Bill, 1949

Happy Birthday, Jacque!

Cheery Valentine, 1961

Graduation Congratulations to Marie

Top 20%

click to enlarge

I Am Now Receiving Help From The County

Omaha, Nebr.

Dec. 1, 1946

Marie - 

I received your letter and the letter from Frank and I was glad to hear from you both. I have intended to write sooner but seems I haven't got started. And now the days are growing shorter as you know.

I have just finished writing to Betty and I hope you write to her quite often. And I was thinking about that baby comfort that Betty made for you baby would you mind parting with it? Don't you think it would be a nice gift to give Betty? But first wash and press it real well. I thought I would remind you in time so you can think it over Marie.

Perhaps you are tired of it by this time and it will be very new again for Betty and those so near to her.

I receive $2.00 a month from your father and he helps me with coal and a few other ways. I am now receiving help from the County to buy groceries. I appreciate this very much indeed for one cannot exist without food. Not long ago the visitor who visits this district called. She wanted the address of each of you children. Over and over again I am asked questions. I wonder some-times if they ever think that each person has his worth and a right to demand it.

Yes I think you wrote that you were going to that conference. Were you just listening to the speeches that were being made? Did they serve good food?

Do you have a furnace in the house where you live? I don't remember if you have written how your house where you live is heated.

You have't answered if you have locks for your dresser drawers. Yes I will say you much write more frequently. I wish you were not so far away as I just wrote to Betty. 

Oh Marie if you intend to send me a Christmas present do you mind if I mention what I would like and need very much? It is some stockings cotton ones size 10 1/2 or 11. 

Thank you very much.

That lady that I pointed out to you at the Union station when we were in the restaurant was the visitor that I have. I wasn't sure if it was her or some-one who looked like her. She told me later that she worked there part-time.

I haven't heard from Lottie for some time. Weil you please write to her when you receive this letter and remind her to write to me. Or if some one will write me how Lottie is I will appreciate it.

I must now close and say good-night. Again may I remind you to write very soon.

I am, As ever, Your, Mother.

P.S. Thank Frank for his letter. The clipping I am enclosing for you are for Frank as well.

Have you heard where Charles Worley is now?

Would you be interested to hear about Corine Hedrick, Josephine Cannon used to be Louis Palmo and his sister?

Happy Birthday, Jason!

Happy Birthday, Betty!

Happy Birthday, Lottie!

He and Mrs. Jensen Seem Rather Confused

Domestic Work

Notes from Ruth...this one makes me sad...

She's More Entertaining Than The Television

Tacoma, Washington

Feb. 11, 1953

Dear Marie & All,

Tomorrow is your birthday; I hope you have a very happy Day!

We were so glad to hear from you at Christmas. The girls wrote you "Thank You" notes but I didn't get them mailed. I'll enclose Roxy's in this letter. Thank you for the very nice toys you sent the youngsters. And for the ice cream scoop. What a wonderful idea! I know I shall enjoy it. Thanks too for the cup and saucer set. Bob just finished a built-in desk, bookcase and record player compartment for our play room. The cups and saucers fit in so perfectly on one of the shelves. We are enjoying them muchly, and think of you.

Betty & Morgan & Randy were here for Christmas. We had a nice visit, event though they were only able to stay for just one day.

Everyone at our house is just fine. Roxy has been home with the flu for a couple of days, but otherwise we have all been well this winter. Roxy's so big, you wouldn't know her - she is almost as tall as I and weighs nearly ninety pounds - a rather chubby ninety pounds, I might add.

The three older girls take piano lessons - with relative degrees of interest, enthusiasm, and proficiency.

Mark is a cowboy and television hound. Also likes to cook. Jackie is full of fun and cute as a bug's ear. As Melody says, "She's more entertaining than the television."

The club has been operating on a "week-ends" only schedule since the first of the year. So I only work three days a week now. Bob is working at the Northern Pacific Railroad - in the office, as secretary to the Superintendent. I don't know how long it will last - seniority is so important in the railroad, and Bob has none.

Haven't heard a word from Martin, have you?

Had a letter from mom the other day. Nothing new - although she has been doing some sewing. Which is somewhat of an adjustment, I guess.

Heard from Pop at Christmas time. They sent a box of stationary - very apropos for me.

We have had a very milk winter here. The primroses and stocks have been blooming all winter. he Pachel Oil Co. ae crying the blues.

Ruth Haakenson was over yesterday and gave me a home permanent. Lynn is a slim your teen-ager with a horse,  steady beau and a sweater girl figure.

Just took time out for a Valentine treat. Margaret and Phil - my bosses at the club sent the children five huge chocolate hearts, with their names on them. This was the unveiling. Roxanne changed the name on her heart to "Daddy" and put it under his pillow for a surprise. She's not being entirely unselfish - just figure conscious. Ten years old and counts calories!

Write!

Love & Stuff.

L

Happy Birthday, Allen!

I Wod Like A Capy of Frth Hou

(see translation written in the margins)