I can't believe I've rambled into the third page. But do hope I've brought you up to date on the Colville situation, and a little bit more. We are thinking of all three of you...Ken included. Thanks for your ongoing concern..we'll try to keep in touch.

Fondly, Roz

The Geneology Project

1997

Dearest Lottie -

I'm happy we've had several good "get-to-gethers." Seeing all the family has been great - you know you are so loved by every one.

Ruthie, Sock & Mark have been recruited as "point persons" for the geneology project. I'm going to enter all the data I have and then send each of them a packet to help fill in the gaps. I'm sure Mark will be talking with you.

I hope to see you before going to Ashland about April 16, but if that can't be worked out, we can get an extension on your tax and file before the end of April.

Katie is in Portland this week while Kayla has another week of tests and observations.

Lots of love

Bets & Ken

Friday Photo: Reunion in Yakima

As directed in Ruth's letter...

1943 - Yakima, Washington

Martin Jensen, Elin Jensen Johnson, Merrilyn Johnson Koslin

Frank Durand, Marie Jensen Durand, Charlotte Jensen Johnson, Stan Johnson

Ruthie Durand Dent, Roxanne Johnson Cumming

I have been here now over 11 1/2 years

Lincoln, Nebr.
May 31, 1965
1149 South 17th Street

Dear Marie -

Well first I should write that I returned safely from Omaha. I left Lincoln on a Saturday morning. When I arrived in Omaha I took a taxi out to your father's place and I think it cost $1.35 for the fare. After dinner we all went up to Blair to see my brother at the nursing home. He seemed pleased to see us.

The next day being Sunday I went out to Hilda's in the forenoon and had dinner. I had not seen her for some times and it was like old times and it was like old times to visit. Remember that picture which was in a colored photograph who was her grand-daughter? Well Hilda's grand-daughter is now 23 years of age and an R.N. out in San Francisco, California, when the earth quake happened. And that same evening he granddaughter called Hilda over long distance telephone to say how scared she was. Hilda's granddaughter is keeping company with a Doctor but don't intend to marry for quite a long time.

Well to get back to my trip I returned Sunday evening about 7 o'clock. Dora sent some green onions from the garden for Mrs. Schultz.

The other evening when I called over the telephone and Johnny answered - well it was a good thing that I payed for the call before I began talking.

You know I said that I wrote to Stanley about asking Elin to come this summer for a visit. Well I received a letter from Stanley's wife. And this is what she wrote - Quote "Stan received your letter, and we spoke to his mother and urged her to make the trip to Omaha. She didn't sem to have made any plans as yet. We offered her severeal suggestions concerning ways to make the trip, and she is now thinking about it. Stan's dad would like her to go to see you, too, so maybe we can all convince her to do it." Un-quote

Now Marie I was thinking of an idea and how would this sound? If Ray wasn't coming also why then couldn't Ray go with her as far as your place. And then come with Becky. I don't know how Becky intends to travel coming here. That is something I had intended to ask you over the telephone. The reason is that perhaps Elin wouldn't like to travel by her-self is the reason I mentioned this. If Elin could come with Becky.

Marie I hope I can talk to Dr. Palmer real soon and that I can be released from the State Hospital.

I wish I could be sort of organized at Randolph and visit with Elin and Becky and her family there.

Marie my friend Edna has been waiting for me for over 2 years now. I am hoping that what Lottie wrote and also your letter will be satisfactory. But I have to find out. Now in case I need more evidence I hope I can call on you and Frank. The social worker at the hospital said "I should stay close to my family." Well this is the nearest because I have known Edna since I was a child. Also the social worker said that the hospital would co-operate with Dr. Palmer. Now I wish to take all my belongings with me and Edna and a relative will come for me when I get permission. I am writing all this so there isn't any guessing about my plans.

Please keep this letter in a safe place so you can read it over later.

I wish to leave here just as soon as possible. I have been here now over 11 1/2 years and I am 75 years of age.

I wish you were coming vacation time so I could talk to you in person.

Hope you got the calendar with the clippings. When Becky comes I could show her what it is I intend to give her.

I will try to call you over the telephone next Friday evening., June 4th, 1965.

As ever,
Mother.

Trip to Nebraska

June 29, 1959

Dear Marie,

I'll just write a note - I want to get out several in time for the postman.

I talked to Betty on the phone twice, and she's pretty well sold on making the trip to Nebraska this Summer. Tentative plans are for the last two weeks in July.

I'm writing to Elin, too. Doubt if it would do any good, but I'll write anyway. Had a nice letter from Sock this week - he's in Virginia taking more training before his first assignment.

Betty's present idea is to take Robin and Royce with her, and I'm taking Jacque. They will get along well. [We're thinking of sharing a motel for the week we're there.]

Surely hope you can work something out so you can make the trip too. It would be fun to get together. Too, I know it would mean a lot to Mom and Pop. They are getting older - why not go now when they can appreciate our visit.

Hope to hear from you soon. Let's hear any suggestions you might have as to time or arrangements.

Love,

L.

Johnsons' Journal * Volume IV * December 1966

"But please don't neglect your mother."

Lincoln, Nebr.

July 4, 1965

Dear Marie -

I received your type-written letter dated June 17th. I was pleased to hear from and thank you for your welcome letter. I hope you all enjoyed being together.

I was wondering if the gift package I sent to Betty's children arrived while you were at Betty's house. I sent Betty something later and hope she has received it. I also hope the package I sent to you containing drinking glasses was received.

Marie, I do wish that you could take time to come and help me. I would be so pleased and I would not mind helping you with expenses. So please Marie will you keep in mind that when I know more I will let you know about the details. Perhaps you could arrange to come with Becky comes.

Now Marie didn't you leave me when I wasn't feeling well? So do me this favor and come when I let you know. I am glad you went out to see Betty and Lottie. But please don't neglect your mother. Oh I haven't hear anything from Stanley about Elin coming. Perhaps you could call Elin over the telephone and find out what she says being she hasn't answered my letter. Will you call Elin pretty please? Elin's telephone no. is MV46240.

Then when I call you, you can let me know. I will call you when I receive my money.

I was reading an article in a magazine by - quote - Faith Baldwin - The Open Door. And in part - more light, said Goethe. And we need it always; we need it in our physical lives but even more in our hearts and spirits, and shed upon our paths. We need to carry it with us, so that we can give it to others, friends and strangers; the light of hope and courage, the light of knowing the everlasting mercy of God. Un-quote. And this article is for July 1965.

I will call some evening after 6 oclock and hope you will be at home. Hope you all liked the news-paper articles I sent. Let me know when I call.

With love and best wishes.

I remain

As ever

Your Mother.

In haste.)

"We are anxious to see see your Norby story"

"When you hear from your relitives and friends"

Northport Wash

Dec 17th 1956

Dear Mother:

Well I guess its been my turn to write for a long time. Now that its Xmas a letter in a Xmas card always is welcome with the Xmas greeting card.

We are all O.K.

I have enjoyed the Oakland paper very much. There is a lot of news of different ones I used to know years back.

Thanks a million for sending it.

The town must of changed a lot in recent yrs according to the paper.

The weather is quite nice here for the time of the year. Last year was such a hard winter.

I am thankful we have plenty of good wood to burn. Ray got a lot of wood this fall so we were prepared for winter.

I got a nice letter and Xmas card from Elizabeth. I was so happy to get it. Two of her boys are in the service. One is in the Air Force and one in the Coast Guards. Her girl lives in Calif.

She has 4 children 3 boys and one girl. The youngest one is home. He must be about 15. They live at Grand View Wash. I guess its close to the coast.

I think Xmas is the most wonderful time of the year when you hear from your relitives and friends.

I guess Stanley and Marilyn will be home for Xmas.

Stanley goes to college here in Wash & Marilyn is nursing in Spokane. This is Stanley's 2nd year in college. He wants to be a doctor. I really think he's got it in him. He says the studies are getting awful hard but I know he's putting all he's got into it. How is the weather in Nebr.?

It usually is pretty cold this time of the year.

I hope you hear from all the family this Holiday season. Here's wishing you a very Merry Merry Xmas & may the New Yr hold a lot happiness for you.

By Now & Again

Merry Merry Xmas

Love Elin and Family

Question: Is Elizabeth a friend or a relative?

Happy Birthday...email-style

click to enlarge

"It seems so much like home here."

Northport, Wash

Dec. 17th 1957

Dear Mother:

Well here we are at the Xmas season again remembering our relitives and friends.

It doesn't hardly seem possible we will be in the year 1958.

The weather here is nice for this time of the year just about freezing, but then it can change as we get closer to January. Instead of snow we have had rain which is very unusual for this country.

I have gotten the Oakland papers for the whole year of 1957 and really have enjoyed the Home Town paper. A lot of the old times have passed on in this paper. I suppose you get the paper too. I know you enjoy reading what goes on in the Town just like I do.

We are all fine here. Stanley is home from school for the Xmas season.

Merrilyn Jean won't be home as this is a busy time for her. She is air line stewtress now. She enjoys her work very much. Meets all kinds of people.

Ray and I are both fine. We have been around Northport quite a while now. It seems so much like home here.

We are right next to the Canadian line. Hope you hear from the rest of your children this Xmas season. Hope you had a nice visit with Lottie this summer when she was in Neb.

Well I guess I'd better make this short so I can get in the mail. I'm just getting started on writing my cards & letters.

Here's hoping you will have a Merry Merry Xmas and a bright New Year.

Love Elin and Family

"One of their favorite games is to play 'train'"

Portland, Oregon
Dec. 16, 1959

Dear Mother,

Enjoyed hearing your voice on the phone. I didn’t send your Christmas package although it is all bought and wrapped. Please let me know what your plans are and when you would like me to send you the gift.

Our new house is very much like the other one except that it is somewhat smaller. Morgan wanted some money to invest in his business and selling our home seemed the easiest way to get it.

This house is very comfortable and I think it is going to be much easier to keep. I really was a chore to keep that big house as long as I was working.

We certainly enjoyed the trip to Nebraska. The girls often talk about is. One of their favorite games is to play “train.”

Robin is very happy in kindergarten. She’s very interested in school and is learning to read.

Lottie and Jill were down for the weekend a couple of weeks ago. Lottie had a letter from Elin saying Sock wanted them to come to Tacoma for the holidays. Sock will be home from the service for Christmas and Jeanne should be back from Europe.

Were also invited to Tacoma for Christmas so we might have quite a gathering there. Guess we’d better bring sleeping bags.

Jeanne has been touring Europe for two months. She stopped by in September and had dinner with us. She and a friend were between planes on their way to New York and Europe. They were planning to visit about 15 countries. I called Lottie on the phone and got the addresses of the relatives in Denmark & Sweden. Jeanne was going to try to visit them. If Jeanne is in Tacoma for Christmas it will be interesting to hear about her tour.

Well, Mom, guess that about brings you up to date with the Pritchetts. Hope you have a very merry Christmas and that you’re staying well. Do take care of yourself.

Lots of love,
Betty

Incoming Commander

INCOMING COMMANDER

STANLEY R. JOHNSON, LIEUTENANT COLONEL

CORPS OF ENGINEERS

Civilian and Military Education: LTC Johnson earned a Bachelor of Science degree in General Science from Eastern Washington State University in 1959. He also received a Master of Arts degree in Transportation Geography from the University of Iowa in 1966. He graduated from the Army Command and General Staff College in 1970 and has completed courses at the Special Warfare School and the Defense Language Institute.

Assignment Highlights: LTC Johnson recently completed a tour with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. His previous assignments have included tours with the Baltimore District of the Corps of Engineers and Project MASSTER at Fort Hood, Texas. He has served overseas with the 24th Division in Germany and has completed two tours in Vietnam, one as the Senior Advisor to the 40th ARVN Engineer Group, and one as S-3 of the 84th Engineer Battalion.

Awards and Decorations: LTC Johnson has been awarded the Bronze Star with two Oak Leaf Clusters, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Air Medal, the Army Commendation Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster, the Vietnamese Technical Services Honor Medal First Class, and wears the Parachutist Badge.

August 5, 1977

(hand written at top of last page)

News from Oregon

Dec. 17, 1956

Dear Mother,

I didn’t mean for my letter writing to become an annual affair, but I guess that is just about what its degenerated to.

I think of all the family often, but there never comes time to get a note off. Maybe I just hate to write.

We have had a busy fall & summer, though we took a trip to Canada on my vacation in August. We drove to Tacoma & left Royce with Lottie while Morgan, Randy, Robin, & myself went on North. We had a lovely trip around the Island, through the Strait of Juan de Fuca, and in Vancouver, B.C.

Later on in August Melody came & spent a week with us. She’s getting to be a big girl & we certainly enjoyed having her. She’s awfully good with the little girls.

In September Jeanne Johnson, Elin’s oldest, called up & said she was in town. She came out & stayed three weeks. She had been in Hawaii for almost two years and was on her way home. She’s a very nice, intelligent & good-looking girl. Elin can be very proud of her. After she left here, she went home for a while and then back to Spokane where she’s now nursing in a hospital.

Jeanne said that Stanley is in his second year of college and is studying pre-med. Apparently he’s a very capable fellow and should do very well for himself. Jeanne said that Elin is the same as ever but Ray still isn’t able to do much. He receives compensation for injuries he received several years ago and still has trouble with his back.

In October things were settling down a bit when Morgan’s mother had a stroke. She was moved to a hospital and seemed to be recovering when she suddenly had a second stroke and passed away. Since her other son lives in California and her daughter in Arizona, we were responsible for all the funeral arrangements and details that go with this sort of thing. It was my first experience of this nature.

To keep things in a state of confusion we had another turn of excitement last month. Morgan was in a automobile accident and suffered a broken arm and cut on the forehead. He and two other fellows made a trip to Eugene, Oregon and on the way home the fellow that was driving missed a turn and the car went out of control and rolled down a bank. Morgan was thrown out of the car or he might have even been hurt more seriously. The driver wasn’t hurt at all but the third fellow has a broken back. He’ll be laid up quite some time. Morgan is feeling quite perky now. He still has his arm in a sling but probably he can do away with that before long. The accident was had enough but he could so easily have been killed that we feel pretty lucky.

I’m still working but have received a promotion. My duties are now confined exclusively to burying and managing the notions and soft goods departments in the three stores. It’s a big job but I enjoy it.

The children are growing by leaps and bounds. Randy now comes above my shoulder and weighs over 70 lbs. He’s in the fourth grade and does well. He started wearing glasses last month because he was having trouble focusing his eyes for reading.

Robin is almost three and looking forward to Christmas. She wants a “pepano” (piano) and a dolly. She’s definitely a little girl rather than a baby. She says “Royce is little, but I’m big!”

Royce is a fat happy little butterball. She’s walking now and talks quite a bit. She’s shorter than Robin but weighs almost as much. They are very good companions.

We plan to go to Tacoma for Christmas. We won’t be able to say very long but at least we’ll have a little time to visit. I haven’t seen Lottie since last summer.

Guess that just about takes care of the news at this end. Hope this letter finds you well & that you have a Merry Christmas.

Thanks for the papers you send a while back. I enjoyed reading them. Thanks also for the other package.

B.