Birth Announcement...Mailed Off to War

Dependency Benefits

Note the date of the application...and the date of Melody's birthday...

...yes, she was born the day he had to leave for War

Orders to Report

Well There Is No Turning Back Now

Oakland, Nebr.

June 29th, 1944

Betty dear - 

I received your telegram yesterday. When I opened it I tryed to be brave. Well there is no turning back now. Please write me a long letter and let me know the interesting details. Will you?

What are your plans? I hope you will stop over in Omaha. I want to greet you and the one who will be at your side. If you let me know I could try and be in Omaha at the time.

I also hope you will step over at Lottie's house and also at Elin's house. And may I remind you to have some nice pictures taken together. Bur don't look at the camera.

Betty you didn't answer all my questions in the last letter. You must not have read it over as you wrote to me. Did you destroy the letter?

I suppose Marie wishes you would stay longer with her. It seems such a short time compared with the time you spent in the hospital.

Betty dear please write at once so I will get your letter in time to go to the city.

Please take good care of your-self. Your health is so important.

Oh by the way if you go by the way of Tacoma could you take Lottie's mirrow with you? Think it over. 

Good-by and sweet dreams.

As ever,

I am,

Your Mother.

P.S. Please go and visit my cousins and Marie has their address. Greet them from me. Perhaps Marie could go also as she knows which way to go. Thank you.

We Will Miss You, Betty!

Betty Caroline Jensen Pritchett Light

Sept. 14, 1924-June 4, 2012


Former Gresham resident Betty Caroline Jensen Pritchett Light died June 4 in Springfield. She was 87.

A service will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, June 17, at Bateman Carroll Funeral Home, 520 W. Powell Blvd.

Betty was born Sept. 14, 1924, in Omaha, Neb., to Lars and Ruth Norby Jensen. Betty graduated from Omaha Technical High School and married Morgan Pritchett in 1944. They moved to Oregon.

Betty earned a bachelor’s degree from Portland State University, a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Oregon, and a doctor of education in community college education from Oregon State University.

Betty was a founding faculty member of Mt. Hood Community College, becoming chairwoman of the business division a year later. She retired from Mt. Hood in 1986 as dean of communications, arts, humanities and social science.

Morgan preceded her in death in 1982. In 1985, she married Kenneth Light.

Betty served on the Gresham City Council from 1983-1986. She was very involved in civic life, both as an individual and in connection with Mt. Hood.

Her husband, Kenneth, preceded her in death in 2003.

Survivors include her son, Randall Pritchett of Gresham; daughters, Robin Church of Lowell and Royce Bishop of Auburn, Wash.; five grandchildren; two step-grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Mt. Hood Community College Foundation, 26000 S.E. Stark St., Gresham, 97030; Planned Parenthood, 3727 N.E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Portland, 97212; or The Salvation Army, 8495 S.E. Monterey Ave., Happy Valley, 97086-7844.

Bateman Carroll Funeral Home is handling arrangements.

Burning Desire: A Day and the Life

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

Our work here grows more interesting by the day

UNITED STATES ARMY

28 Oct 1944

Dear Durands -

Thank you so much for your combined letter - and my apologies for not being more prompt to answer.

Melvin was down for a weekend, and we had quite a visit. It was good to see him again, and it was pretty rough on us both to say goodbye. He is back on his ship, and by this time may be in action again.

Our work here grows more interesting by the day - We are studying all phases of communication, attending classes day and night, and the training I am receiving will be valuable after this affair is finished.

Jean wrote that you had called, and she was pleased to have the opportunity of talking with you.

Things at home are going smoothly, according to L's letters. Melody Jean is feeding well, and growing pre schedule.

I'll not try, however, to give you the news from Tacoma - L can do that much beter than I.

I was happy that you, Marie, could take Ruthie to Tacoma with you. I feel certain that her presence had a great effect on Roxy, and helped her grow - for she has developed so much in the past few months.

Must write a lot of letters, and time is limited, so 'bye for now - Let me hear from you when you have an opportunitity - please!

Sincerely,

Bob

War Bonds

So I can't iron this letter before I send it.

Omaha, Nebr.
Feb. 10, 1944

Marie -

I have written 1 letter and sent a card Tuesday but haven't heard from you lately. Why don't you answer my letter? I remember your birthday is Saturday so I thought I would write a few lines and wish you a happy birthday. When you were born it was cold and snow like we are having in Omaha at the present time. It began snowing last night and has been snowing all day it seems. I haven't been out doors at all today. This snow reminds me of a poem which goes like this - The snow had begun in the glooming, And busily all the day, Had been heaping over ledge and highway.

That is all I remember at present.

I wish you would send me that poem type-written. I thought of it after I had written the few lines about snow.

Have you had any snow in Chicago?

I am glad your father brought me some coal yesterday.

Last Friday Feb. 4th I went to the Creighton dispensary and then the following Tuesday had an X-Ray taken of my chest. Before I had the X-Ray taken I went to the T.B. association and received a letter. I don't remember if you have been there or not. I know Betty has. So now I have been through that. After I had been to dispensary I went to see the lady who has charge of family welfare. She has given me some assistance. I told her what your address was. I hope you didn't mind. Have you heard from her? Well I sincerely hope you can arrange to come to Omaha for good reasons. Just think it is now over 2 years since I began living alone. Do you remember? I am glad I have been able to have the elective light during this time. But right now my iron cord don't work. So I can't iron this letter before I send it. I'll put the letter on the table light and hope it destroys all germs.

Oh by the way have you called at my cousin's address. Please answer about this as I asked you in letters I have written before.

And please answer about those pictures you had taken out at Yakima Washington last September. I haven't received any of those pictures taken. And please have a stamp picture taken and send it to me this time. Marie you must have neglected to send your father any birthday gift.

Tuesday evening we went out to the Admiral and saw "Ida Lupino and Dennis Morgan in 'The Hard Way". It was really quite good and your father thought so too.

I read some time ago where Ida Lupino lives her roles. And that she has insomnia. Also has a great dane (dog). She seems so serious and oh she can certainly dish it out. In this picture also was an actress who could have been about my age. I heard somebody else say that they had notived how along all the late pictures there is some-one in the picture of an older generation. Oh yes that is perhaps to show the younger people how they may look at about middle age. No-body stays the same do they? But I heard one time that men don't. Well at any rate it goes on and on from one generation to another. Did you ever read or hear how France and Germany have had wards for the last 5 hundred years? Your cousin Joseph is out at Fort Ord, California. I gave Betty the address so she could write him a letter if she wishes to do so.

Oh there is so much snow in front of my back door I can't open it.

Oh your father told me the last time I saw him that Corrine H. was in the hospital. Had a baby boy but it didn't live. That was a case where it didn't take much brains to get married. The man she married had been married before and had one child.

This is from a story I read Quote "It is astonishing how little training or brains a girl needs to get married." Unquote.

Please answer me about the apron.

Did you ever stop to think you have to be reasonable what I mean is when you begin thinking things out?

You really should write your father after each time that you receive the money.

Have you asnwered Elin's letter?

I can hear the wind blowing to-night.

I must close and do I need to remind you to write?

As ever,
I am,
Your Mother.

P.S. Could you please send my mother some doughnuts? Thank you.

Friday Evening.

Marie -

I didn't send this letter yesterday so I will add a few more lines. I thought perhaps I would hear from you to-day.

I thought of a few lines of a poem and it seems quite the way I feel.

Lead kindly light amid th enclustering gloom,
Lead Thou me on,
I do not ask to see the distant scene,

The night is dark and I am far from home.
One step enough for me
Lead Thou me on.

Please correct mistakes.


And now wishing you many happy returns of the day.

Do you still have that pretty birthday card I have you back in 1940? It was pretty enough to frame.

Certificate of Fitness

Marie -

Please answer my letter. I received your card. Betty would like to hear from you too. Easter greetings to you.

From Mother.

Post Office No. is 5.

Honorable Discharge

(click to enlarge)

"And I will try and explain about the taxes."

Don't forget...tomorrow is TAX DAY! (Figured this letter was an appropriate reminder...)

Omaha, Nebr.
March 9, 1944

Hello Marie and Frank –

Received your card to-day. And I will try and explain about the taxes. I was down to the internal revenue office to get my tax form filled out the other day. According to law I can not get more than 25 dollars exemption for both children. And this is no matter how much I pay. If I pay over $25.00 it is considered a gift. This is because the children are not living with me and are not in my name. And as for mother I can not get an exemption either because she has no claim on me. What I give her will also be considered a gift. So you and Lottie will have to fix up your income tax report according to this. Now isn’t this about the same as it was last year?

I am glad to hear that Frank arrived in Chicago all right. I am sorry I was not at home when he called Sunday afternoon. Last Sunday I had to go to East Omaha to collect some rent money for Dora’s house.

I received the nice apron and I appreciate it very much. Thank you.

I will send you some money next week.

Please write to Lottie and ask her to write to me.

I am tired and must come to a close and say good-night.

Wishing you much happiness. And write soon.

From
Pop

"Remember this card?"

Omaha, Nebr.

March 12, 1944

Marie - I received the 2 cards. Also letters and I intend to write real soon. Remember this card? Bood-by. As ever, Your Mother.

"You know how he will talk sometimes just to show off"

Omaha, Nebr.

March 24, 1944

Marie -

I received your letter dated Feb. 20th in the green envelope with part of the apron pattern. Then the other letter was dated Feb. 23rd and I received them at the same time as I did the doughnuts. Also received the 2 postal cards and thank you for all. Also received the letter mailed March 20th and I thought I would explain before I start to write to you. That way you know, and I should have written and answered sooner. Pardon me please.

I washed all my dishes this evening and now I am rather tired. I began reading a story last night, and it was interesting. I didn't finish and I hope that I will be able to read after I have finished this letter.

Oh many thanks for the apron and it fits me very well. Did you buy the material that is in the front of the apron? I mean the white part.

I went to the Creighton the 4th of Feb. and I was told that I could have a X-Ray taken. So I went down then on the 8th of Feb. Then I was to return and hear how my condition was Feb. 25th and Miss Larson told me that now I was well enough to be out of the hospital. I received some assistance from the family welfare and now I receive $2.50 for a week for food. The lady at the County assistance wanted your address as well as Elin and Lottie's. I tryed to answer the many questions I am asked to the best of my knowledge. Some times I wish I could have more time to think about the answers. It seems a person has no privacy and I hear that in the moving pictures as well. It seems to me that when I was growing up if people would have asked such personal questions they would have been considered rude. I think I am still some what nervous after living with your father for so many years. You know how he will talk sometimes just to show off and answer sometimes with out scarcely thinking whether or not it is the best answer.

I suppose you received the letter that I wrote for him to you. But really I don't agree with all that I wrote.

I haven't received any picture yet. I wrote to Lottie and asked her if she would please have the picture insured when she send it or else have a return care made out. That way I will need to sign for the picture. Then if I am not here the mailman can bring it back to the Post Office and I can call for it. I have wanted months for the picture. It is a pity that you couldn't get them before you left Yakima Washington. Don't you think so too?

I saw the moving picture "True to Life" and I like to see Dick Powell. Wasn't it funny when Moore who was the air raid warden told T. Tone he could lie down in the gutter? No I certainly don't like war pictures. It seems to me if they had shown some pictures I have been recently during the last war, people would have stood up and walked out. A week ago last Sunday I was to a moving picture show and saw "Don Ameche" in "Happy Land". It was real good. In the picture the actor has a son who goes in the service. Later he receives a telegram saying regret to inform you and the rest. He grieves very much for his son and then a minister comes to see him. The minister say that "pain and suffering are a part of all of us."

I think it would be a good idea to sew that chroched lace on some pillow cases and that way you can better keep track of them.

Thank you so much for the dime for the paper.

I asked Betty if she didn't miss that magazine you know that Mrs. Hollister had sent her for a Christmas present. Betty said "kind of" because you know it is a very good magazine. I don't suppose you could send her any of the back numbers since Jan, 1944. There was a continued story in the Dec. issue and I sure wish I had it. But you can let me know about it. Thank you.

I am so glad that you intend to come to Omaha. I can assure you that I am looking forward toward the time. Think of it I have lived alone for over 2 years taking care of my-self. I didn't think that was the way it would turn out when I returned to Omaha from Oakland. I don't want to think about it. Don't you think I have saved Douglas County and the State of Nebraska money by taking care of my-self? I feel now like I would like a nice long rest. Rest "Sweet happy rest, Jesus will give you a rest" goes these lines in a song. I wish you could come as soon as you possibly can. Please. I hope that you don't have to hurry the way you did when you moved to Yakima. Try and plan to pack early what-ever you can.

That was very kind of you to send some doughnuts to my mother and I wish you thank you. I don't know if I thank you for the stamp picture. It has a good place I think and no doubt you will agree with me when you see it when you come to Omaha.

I have read your letter over and answered I think all questions. Now I will answer the last letter I received a few days ago. You dated the letter March 13th and did you sit down and write after you arrived home? Yes indeed it was a eventful day that you really did go and see my cousins. I can hardly realize it. Yes I surely wanted to hear all about your visit. That was nice how Anna spoke about her mother weren't you impressed by it? I knew that the late Mrs. Swanson's children were devoted to her. It was nice of Anna to explain things to you wasn't it? I should have been there with you but here I am indisposed. You know I have never seen any relatives on my mother's side in person. I am so glad that Anna was at home when you came. When I read the part where you wrote that all were very hospitable I could hardly keep back the tears. Yes I will let Betty read the letter. I am sure my mother will be pleased to hear from you about the visit.

Yes I heard the good news that Betty can go out and she is looking forward toward the time. And as the time draws nearer you should plan for her. It has certainly been nice of Mr. Durand to help Betty with her work. At first you know I thought it was going to be too hard for Betty to take that course. But it seems it has worked out all right. If you have any plans for her will you write about them and that way we can compare notes. It should help to know so far in advance. Marie I was thinking that if you wish to send my mother something I would let you know what it is. Because it is something she needs and would be wonderful if you would be so kind to try and buy it and send to her. It is a little clock for the kitchen and I think she would like the numbers big. If you do buy one for her it would be best to have the clock insured. Did my mother send you a rug when you lived on Davenport Street? Please answer me about the clock.

When you write to Lottie please ask her to write to me. Also to let me know if she received the box I sent with some things. Mrs. Bergquist gave me a pair of over-shoes that had been Jackie's. I had them fixed cost 50 cents. I thought Martin could wear them untill he can get a new pair. I want him to wear overshoes when it is necessary.

Oh yes I almost forgot to write and thank Frank for the $1.00 he left over at your father's house. That was thoughtful of him.

Saturday afternoon

As I didn't finish this letter last night I will add a few more lines. To-day is a sunny day and I feel better when the sun is out. I have been to the oil station and bought a half gallon of kerosene. Oh I don't mean to complain but I wish I had gas instead. But then that would cost money. I was reading a story and an old lady said in part "God made the land. God did not make money."

I returned to Omaha from Oakland Sept 24th 1941. Don't you think it is remarkable how I have taken care of my-self since then which is 2 1/2 years ago? And during that time I haven't received any County assistance untill now last month from the family welfare. I received the 2 last orders from the County assistance. Oh how I wish I had never lived all those year in Omaha. I regret it more than I can express in words.

I hope you can go to visit my cousins again before you leave Chicago. I wish you could ask them all to come over to your house and visit with you in the near future. How about setting a day when your baby's birthday is? That way you could look forward toward the time and plan.

When Lottie's baby was a year old they took the baby's picture and she was sitting in her high chair opposite her birthday cake.

Your father wanted me to write and let you know that when he sent the last money order, he had written a letter, and be forgot to enclose the letter. Instead he left the letter at the post-office.

Please write soon.

Good-by,

As ever,

Your Mother.

P.S. I was thinking whether you and Frank have a good Kodak now. Now if my cousins come over could you please have some films? And take a picture and send to me? Don't stand too far only about 6 ft. from the person or persons whose picture you are taking. Thank you.

As soon as you receive this letter would you kindly send me a card saying you have received it. Then you can write a letter later.

Thursday evening.

Marie -

I hope you received my letter. I was out to see Betty Sunday evening. She was wearing the blue bed room slippers you had sent. She seemed very pleased about them.

Marie I was going to ask you if you could buy a letter opener for Betty. You know they are long something like a nail file. She needs one and if you can't buy any could you get the next thing similar to open letters. Thank you.

Write soon.

From, Mother.

"It is my birthday Jan. 5th"

Cousin Stan emailed me last week with a question about when Ruth was born. As I transcribed this letter this evening I was shocked (or really should I be?) that I had an answer. Still missing a year, but I found the month and day. I truly just pulled this letter out of a stack without reading it.

Ask and ye shall receive...

Oakland, Nebr.

Jan. 1945.

Marie -

I received the Christmas card and the box of cookies that you sent and thank you very much. Also the $2.00 enclosed and I can assure you that it will help me here during this cold weather. I am still here and I didn't know my-self that I would be here this long.

I sent Elin's card with the last letter and hope you received it all right. Elin has moved again you know. I received a nice box of candy from her and $1.00 with a Christmas card. I was glad to hear from her and I hope she wrote a letter to you and answered your letters. Please answer the above question.

So far I haven't heard from my cousins. I would appreciate it if you would send them my address. You could send them a Happy New Year card at the same time if you don't mind. Thank you in advance.

I suppose there was a lot of noise in Chicago when the New Year came in. Were you up as the old year went out? I was in bed when the church bell rang at mid-night and the New Year came in.

I had dinner at the lady's house where I stay part of the time on Christmas. Also at New Year's Eve and yesterday being New Year's day. It was the first Christmas for me with-out my parents.

Did you receive any Christmas card from Garfield? Did you send him any greeting at Christmas time?

Please let me know if Lottie has written you that she received that plaid jacket for Martin. And if you wish you may remind her to write and let me know. I do get tired of waiting to hear if some-thing has been received that I sent. I think it is impolite not to let one know and to keep one in doubt about whether or not the person to whom an article was sent received it or not.

I am glad you received the rug because I think you should have rugs or carpets on your floors as much as possible where you walk. Don't you?

Does the young lady come to see you someimtes who stayed with you last summer? I think her first name was Katherine. I suppose that you heard from her lately?

When you write to Elin please ask her to write Martin instead of Marty. You know how your father could not stand nick names.

Please Marie excuse this pencil. There isn't much ink here and I don't want to buy any. Also please write soon. Do you mind reading over my letter to answer any questions I have asked?

It is my birthday Jan. 5th 1945. You may send your next letter to me here at Oakland. With best New Year's wishes.

Good-by,

I am, As ever,

Your Mother

And Elin's postcard attached:

Dec. 5th, '44

Dear Mother,

I received your telegram about the Dresser. Yes I received it O.K. & have it home so don't worry about it. We have moved to Colville Wash. The plant where Ray was working shut down. He has another job now at a mine. This town is about the size of Fremont.

The kiddies started the new school yesterday. I'll write you a letter in a few days. I've been busy getting things straightened around again.

Hope this finds you O.K. Please don't worry about the dresser because it all arrived O.K.

Love Elin & Family

"We played the victrola down at the lady's house"

Oakland, Nebr.
Nov. 9, 1944

Marie –

I received your letter dated Nov. 1st and I was glad to hear from you. I was pleased to hear you arrived in Omaha and later your safe arrived in Chicago.

I am still here and there are still some things about the house which need attention. I am doing the best I can. It seems so sad to go about this work alone. It reminds me of a story we read in school many, many years ago.

Sunday we played the victrola down at the lady’s house. One of the records we played was “There’s a new star in the heaven to-night.” It is pretty I think. Also “When your hair has turned to silver.”

I wish you would write and ask Elin to write me and answer my letter. Also please ask her if she please will try and come soon. How happy I would be if I could receive a telegram from her saying that she was coming. So please write her even if it isn’t her turn to write to you. Thanking you in advance.

I went up to Bancroft last Monday on the bus that left Oakland at 11:1 am. I started out walking from where the bus stopped. I had walked quite a ways when I got a ride with a lady. Later I got a ride with some other people. My aunt was at home and later we went out to Joe’s place. I asked him if there was any-thing he wanted and he said the stand in the kitchen. So now I have got it ready and will sent it soon. Marie if you wish you could send me a little money in the next letter. But please write soon.

Your Mother.

(Excuse pencil.)

"Luck Inside"

Oakland
March 2 1944

Dear Marie

I recieved jour gift the donate 3 vas smeached. I have 4 left I think et is to much trubble to fix and send vhen one has a Baby ho need her Mamma mostly all the time. I all think of Bettie have fast she valked but sicknes is hard an oss but sednes vhen jaung folks has to stand et – my hart is veke and back I have to valk upp town. I hoppe vhen varmer wather comes I fele better – I am so glad that Ruth got over her sicknes only vilh rest. She valks so fast and have abbtid to eat – I have not written to her for capple vicks. She liks letter –

Jau said Chicag is durthis and I shold think also nojsie – her in Oakland and is very guit – Samone folks is sick and some move to other filases only are Lord Herren Jesus is the same only one to trust alive he knovs the best for oss. I have to writ to Garfield alsa. I am so glad jour hasband like to studies –

Agian dear Marie I vill pray and think af jou. I that much af jau.

Love and greeting
From Grandma

(Christine Norby)

Wanted: One Trunk Lock

Oakland, Nebr.
Oct. 27, 1944

Dear Marie –

I hope you arrived in Omaha safely. I also hope you are feeling all right now that you are back with your baby. She must have been so glad to see you when you returned.

To-day I received a letter from 2517 St. Mary’s and money enclosed. I can not express in words how thankful I am.

I also received a nice letter from Lottie and the news about her little family. I had another letter from Elin yesterday. She wrote that her cold was gone.

The dresser was sent to Elin yesterday. I must write Elin too and let her know that it is on the way out there.

Marie there is some-thing I would like for you to buy for me in Omaha. Then you can bring it to Tekamah on Monday and give it to me. Because I can’t buy this in Oakland. It is a trunk lock and key to put on that trunk. Please try and see perhaps a lock-smith like Carl Jar close to 16th and Leavenworth Street would have one. Thanking you very much in advance.

As I didn’t know Durand’s address I am sending this to your father’s address. So good-by until Monday morning.

I am,
As ever,
Your Mother.

P.S. I am making this important because I want you to get it in time so that you can try and buy the lock Saturday afternoon.