Wartime Last Will and Testament

Awards of Good Conduct Medal

Robert N Johnson, Pfc, is listed third from the bottom.

Drink Coffee and Eat Aspirins

July 2, 1945

Dear Marie,

This is all the paper that's handy at the moment, and I have a little spare time.

I'm geting the baby things off this mail. Sorry not to have done it sooner. Ruth has some of the things and has been up at Stanwood for a couple of weeks. I've been waiting for her to come home, but her arrival has been delayed several times. I'll get your shirts and the other socks and send along later. I've copied the blouse pattern and that is included. The skirt is all straight seams. I don't have a pattern - just measure.

Melody has three accomplishments now. She can wave "bye-bye", measure "how big", and "patty-cake". She still has a very good disposition. 

Roxy has developed a lot since you were here. The other day I askd her what Daddy was going to do when he came home. "Drink coffee and eat aspirins" was the reply.

I made Marty quite the paper route because he didn't get home on time. Now he's working in the berry fields. He's only been out two days, so I don't know how long he'll last. He's no more ambitious than ever.

I've been awfully busy lately. Sounds trite but I really mean it. You'd think so too, if you were here.

This is all the paper I have, so I'll close. Write when you can - I'll do the same.

Love & stuff,

L.

Thank you very much for paying my electric light bill

Oakland, Nebr.

June 6, 1945

Lars - 

I received the letter post-marked May 7th. I am not sure if I answered it or not. I remember writing before Martin's birthday to you ad to let you know what I thought would be a nice present to give him. I wish you would let me know in the next letter please. I sent him a few things and also the birthday card. I haven't received any letter from Lottie for some time. I didn't even receive any card from her for Mother's day. 

I received the letter post-marked June 3rd to-day. I am glad to know you are all right this rainy weather. be sure and wear your rubbers and enough warm clothing. And please take care of your health. As if I didn't need to keep some of that advice my-self.

Do you go over to Pierce St. to see if there is any-thing down on the porch in the way where the water runs? Please go over and look for me Lars and I will be very thankful to you. You will won't you for old time's sake?

I am glad Marie sent you the bed-lamp. Please try and put it up now. How would next Sunday be?

I received the $3.00 enclosed in letter and many thanks. I needed it very much indeed.

I will tell you about the house when I come to the city. I intend to go to Omaha soon. Thank you very much for paying my electric light bill which I appreciate highly.

Please Lars don't work too hard. 

I feel tired this damp weather.

Thank you Dora for writing. Please write soon and answer questions. Thank you. I am Ruth.

P.S. When I wrote I wish you would let me know in your next letter please, I meant, to write and let me know what you sent Martin for a birthday present.

They'd probably think you were dead

July 14, 1945

Dearest Lottie,

I'm sending you a letter which reached me just this afternoon. I could readily see that it demanded some prompt action and wanted to get it out to you as soon as possible.

Poor Ree! I don't envy her right now. How do you suppose the pioneers ever had babies?

We are going to move August 1st. At long last we've found a larger apartment. Other advantges include washing facilities, a telephone, a better landlord (the l.l. works at Meier & Frank) and a nearness to Reed College. You know I told you that I plan to go to Reed this fall if we can swing it. Our new address will be 1531 SE Carlton.

Marie has said that she will telegraph us when the addition arrives. I'll phone you as soon as possible.

We are going on our vacation about August 4th. We intend to go to Parma, Idaho to visit Morgan's sister and mother. The doctor has said it will be OK for me to be out of town for two weeks, but has said "No" to Barb's suggestion that we take a plane ride (She's a flying enthusiast.)

I guess that covers the important news from the Pritchett household. Please write soon as let us know how you, Marty, Bob, Roxy, and Mellie are. (I wrote to Bob a while back, but haven't received a reply.)

By the way, don't you ever write to Mom or Pop either? Shame on you! Every letter from them says "I haven't heard from Lottie for so long. How is she?" I hadn't dare tell them I haven't had nary a note since April - they'd probably think you were dead.

I still love you even if you are a terrible correspondent.

Love, Bets

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.

Elin Wanted to Go and See Santa Claus

Omaha, Nebr.

Dec. 11, 1945

Marie -

I haven't received any letter from you since I wrote to you. I hope you received my letter in which I thanked you for the $2.00.

I sent a Christmas card to my cousin Anna in Chicago. I also wrote a letter and said that you were leaving Chicago after graduation. And that I hope that you can her could arrange for a visit some time.

Marie you did not answer me about whether or not you went to see if you could find 100 Home Avenue. I would so much like to have you let me know.

How do you like the clippings I am sending about Santa Claus? I remember at one time Elin came down from Oakland. And Elin wanted to go and see Santa Claus. And you went and talked to Santa Claus while Elin and I looked on. Do you remember the time? And so as you read about Santa that I am sending you it will no doubt remind you of a time when you were a child.

Please answer and let me know if you received my letter.

Mother.

I an going to By a second-Hand Bike

My mother's house has now been sold.

July 3, 1945.

Marie -

I have been waiting to hear from you. How are you? Please answer my letter Marie. My mother's house has now been sold. In writing to me you may ask questions.

I returned to Omaha last Friday afternoon.

Again may I remind you to write.

From

Your Mother.

2507 Pierce St.

Omaha, Nebraska

"They'll come to dirty windows and con-webby ceilings!"

April 19, 1945

Dear Marie and Frank,

Just a note to send along with a check for the shoes. Thanks a jillion for getting them! I'm enclosing a few cents extra for postage - I hope it covers. I didn't notice it on the package. The shoes are perfect!

Did you receive the package of maternity clothes? The box wasn't packed too well. I was rushing to meet the mailman. I had planned to send only the maternity things now; the bed jackets and baby things for later. But there was extra room in the box, so I quickly gathered up things even though they weren't in the condition I would have wished to send them. Your other baby things will come later. By the way, I shall send along four of Melody's shirts with yours (very good condition - small size). Just thought I'd tell you so you wouldn't buy any more.

The Round Robin hasn't gotten to Susana yet. Are you the guilty one? Doubtless you know Betty and Morgan were here for Easter. We had a grand visit. However, I made the mistake of deciding to do the spring housecleaning the week prioor to their coming. So I wore myself to a frazzle and was too tired to enjoy the visit as much as I should. Next time, so help me, they'll come to dirty windows and con-webby ceilings!

Bob was assigned to the Adjudent General's Office in Hawaii. They finally caught up with his blood pressure, and when the assignments for his outfit were passed out, he drew a desk job. This is really a lucky break, for he may miss combat altogether. His address is - oh fiddle; I'll just tear off a piece from an envelope. Please write him. Letters mean so much.

Tomorrow Evelyn Paul is coming out to spend the day and sew. I cut three little dresses out for her youngest girl, and I'm going to help her with them. She is leaving her two kids at home and Ruth is going to take care of R and Melody, so with a quiet, peaceful day we ought to accomplish something.

Write - you.

Love & stuff,

L.

"I am anxious to hear from you"

Aug 1945

Monday evening.

Marie - I hope you received my last letter which you have not answered as yet. Please write as I have looked for a letter from you. Let me know how you are at this time. I am anxious to hear from you. Mother.

"Do you mind meeeting so many strange people?"

Oakland, Nebr.

June 10, 1945

Marie -

I received your letter and I was glad to hear from you. I also received the sweater. It fits me and I like it very much. Thank you many times for it. I think it is quite similiar to Betty's sweater that is I mean her black one. Don't you think Betty's sweather was beautiful as you remember it?

Wel how are you feeling now after moving? Did you move very far from Chicago? Do you mind meeeting so many strange people?

I haven't written to my cousins yet.

Did you see your friend Katherine before you left Chicago? What is she doing this summer? It is now about a year ago since she and Betty came to Chicago isn't it? Are you going to send Betty any reminder the last part of this month?

I am still here and now the lillies are in bloom. I am waiting to have the furniture sold. This house was sold on May 22nd to a real estate man.

The white cat is still here

I still go over to see Mrs. Anderson. But to-day she wasn't at home so I came back to write this letter to you.

Marie if you can spare any money will you please send me what you can? Thank you.

If you wish to send you father any present for father's day I could suggest a book for kodak pictures. Did you send Martin any-thing for his birthday? I sent him a gift box and I wish he would try and write a few lines to me.

I am going to write a few lines to Bancroft also. I am sending a birthday card to my brother Joe. It is his birthday June 14th and he will be 51 years old.

Do you ever hear from Charlie Clark?

You may send the page to Betty as it is about Camp Brewster.

I must now say good-by.

Please write soon.

I am,

As ever,

Your Mother.

"The sewing machine didn’t seem to work"

Omaha, Nebr.
Nov. 16, 1945.

Marie –

I received your letter dated Nov. 5th and I was glad to hear from you. Thank you very much Marie for the $2.00 enclosed. I received a bill for personal taxes which was $3.35. I would like to pay this bill very much. Marie, do you think that you could send me 1 dollar and 35 cents in the next letter? Thanking you in advace.

Yes it will be all right to leave the sewing machine in Omaha until you want it sent where you intend to live. Did you borrow or rent a machine in Chicago that you have been using?

What color is the outfit that you have been making for Ruthie which you mentioned in your letter?

Marie you wrote that you expect to be in Nebraska after graduation. Will you leave Chicago immediately after? Marie, I have been thinking that in that case you could use most of the best furniture that is here and the curtains that is here. And the curtains which I believe Betty picked out and you both sewed on. So why not plan this way as I have written above? Please answer it in your next letter. I surely hope that you can move some-where a little ways from Omaha. Then you could come and help me with getting things ready like we worked on the sewing machine. Isn’t this a good idea? I hope you agree with me Marie.

Will you please write and ask Lottie and Elin to write to me. Ask Lottie when you write to send you any baby clothes her baby may have outgrown. Do you know how Martin is getting along? Please answer.

Jorgensen’s have a for sale sign on this house facing the school. Please let me know how you like the clippings I am sending.

From Mother.

P.S. The sewing machine didn’t seem to work. The land lady fixed it so your father said. Bought a new needle for it as there was the wrong kind in the machine.

If you should find Marilyn’s letter will you please sent it to me.

I think it would be nice of you if you would write Betty and Morgan to visit Chicago when graduation time comes. Just thought I would remind you so that you could let them know in plenty of time. Write real soon.

Sewing Machines, Electric Irons, and Bed Lamps

Omaha, Nebr.

Feb. 17, 1945.

Marie -

I have been here a few days in the city. I intend to return to Oakland to-night. There were some things here that I needed to look after.

Marie I let your father take the sewing machine over to his apartment yesterday. After a certain time your father is to send it on to you. I made it clear that that is the way to do. Being it is all ready here. Your father was saying he knew of a man who bought a sewing maching for 60 dollars which was 20 years old. I did some more work on the sewing machine and 1 thing was to make a little curtain for the back of the machine and another was to open the drawer which was closed too tight.

I read in the paper about an electric iron which was sold at a farm sale in Iowa for $48.00.

When you write please answer any questions I may ask. Thank you.

Now your father needs a bed lamp to read by. I remember I gave you one and Betty had 1 out to the hospital. Could you please send him the one you have but get it in good order first. If you can't do this write and ask Betty if she could spare the bed-lamp if she still has it. I hope you will follow these instructions.

Please write soon and address the letter to Oakland.

Don't forget to let me know about the plaid jacket for Martin.

Good-by,

I am,

Your Mother.

"To-day this house was sold at Tekamah Nebr."

This is the first comment I have seen anywhere about Tekamah. Hmm...

Oakland, Nebr.
May 22, 1945

Marie –

I received your letter this morning and I was very glad to hear from you.

I received a mother’s day card from Elin and a handkerchief. From Betty I received also a card and a box of candy. I am so pleased to know that you have bought a sweater and I surely hope it is the kind I like. I don’t remember ever buying any sweater for myself. Thank you for being so nice about finding what I want and the time it took to find it. I am anxious to receive it you may be sure. You may send it to me at Oakland as I am still here and will be for about a week or so.

To-day this house was sold at Tekamah Nebr., at the court house. A real estate man bought it for 4 hundred and 75 dollars. The furniture hasn’t been sold yet what is to be sold.

I was down to my grand-father’s place (used to be) and looked around the old familiar scenes. I wish to go again before I leave Oakland. It is quite a long ways down there. The last time I was to see the place Betty was with me a long time ago. As we walked along the road it seems to be we got sand in our shoes. We were tired of walking and hoped some body in a car would stop and give us a ride. But no-body did ask us.

That was nice of Betty and Morgan to send a book for the birthday present. I sent Martin a gift box for his birthday and a card. If you wish to send him a gift may I suggest what to buy? It is a book for Kodak pictures and a package of corners.

Thank you for sending the bed-lamp to your father. Has he sent you the machine yet? Do you think you will want to waite and have it sent to you after you get back to Chicago if the machine hasn’t yet been sent? Please take time to write to your father about this. Also let me know in your next letter.

I am sorry that my cousins didn’t come to visit you. When I write to Anna I will let her know I have heard from you. When you write to Lottie remind her to answer my letter. Thank you.

Perhaps you had better have the package with the sweater insured with a return card made out.

I must close now and say good-night.

As ever,
I am,
Your Mother.

P.S. I have gone over this letter with a hot iron.

"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

"Nice songs have been written about apple trees"

Oakland, Nebr.April 17, 1945

Marie –

I received your letter which I haven’t answered with the Kodak pictures. Thank you Marie and excuse me for not writing sooner. Sometimes it seems a little difficult to sit down and write.
I am glad you received the scarf I sent.
I hope you have sent the bed lamp to your father by this time.
Yes Marie I had a letter from you when I returned to Oakland. It was dated Feb. 13th. Don’t forget to address me as Mother instead of Mom, Marie. Thank you and this is just to remind you. Thank you for the $1.00 you enclosed.
Thank you for writing to Mrs. Larson for me. She wrote a nice letter to me also a postal card.
I am glad that at last I heard that Lottie received the jacket for Martin.
What color is the bed jacket that Betty sent you for your birthday? You didn’t have any before did you? I am glad that Elin sent you some-thing. It is Elin’s birthday the 25th of April. Please will you try and sent her a birthday card and a gift if you wish. Also please remind Elin to write to me. Thank you.
Marie please, I would rather not write at the present time about my health. And now that you are in a delicate condition take care of your-self. Do you have any Dr. Book?
Yes I think I am almost through with what work needed to be done here. I wish you could have stayed here longer when you were here. The white cat is still here with me. Otherwise I feel so much alone in the house. Yes pre-war things sell at a high price.
Marie I didn’t intend to stay this long in Oakland. When I know more about what I plan I’ll try and write about it. I wish we could have a nice visit and talk over about this. But Marie when I need you you are not able to help me. Don’t you think so too, that seems the way it is
No that was not the Dr. Wherry I used to work for, but the same name, Wherry.
Thank you for writing to my cousins. I hardly know what to say about them not answering you. Perhaps you could call them up over the telephone some time. If you do you can tell them I sent greetings to them. Perhaps that is the best way. What do you think?
I suppose you will just stay in Chicago when vacation time comes.
Thank you for the second $1.00 you sent Marie.
The grass is green here and growing quite fast. The plum blossoms are out and now the apply blossoms are out and now the apple blossoms are coming out. Nice songs have been written about apple trees.
Marie I am sending a picture of a sweater on other side. I need a nice sweater now and would like a black one the color of buttons don’t make any difference. Size 42 and the style like the picture on the other side.
I have been wearing the sweater Miss Jones gave me back in 1939 A.D. Well it is ragged in the sleaves now.
I would like medium weight very much like the sweater Betty knitted for her-self at the hospital.
Being Mother’s Day is coming I thought I would mention this and perhaps your sister could help you wish the payments. But now if you do but it save the tag and the sale’s slip in case I would want it returned if it should not fit me.
Thank you Marie in advance.From Mother.

Cousin Anna Swanson

While there's obviously tons of letters left to go through, this is the first mention - and my knowledge - of Cousin Anna Swanson. Through these letters there is such a great treasure trove of information and insight. From the daily life in the 1940s to death announcements to celebrations to simple questions we all now ask on Facebook, email, or texting. Though never so eloquently, it seems.

AB

Oakland, Nebr.
Jan. 30, 1945

Marie –

I received your letter dated Jan. 5th and I was glad to hear from you. I have intended to write before and thank you for the $1.00 you sent.

I had a nice Christmas card from my cousin Anna Swanson. She wrote a nice note with the card. I will write at this time a few lines that she wrote. Quote – May God help you through this sad time. We too are very sorry that she has gone. (meaning my mother). And now I will write what Anna wrote about you. Quote – We had such a nice visit from Marie. She is a darling girl and it was out intention to have her and her husband out to see us long before this but her address was lost for a long time. Then after, found the curtains ect. Were not ready ect. – Unquote. So when you see her which I hope you will please be considerate. Because her intentions are good and I hope that if you invite them over to your apartment that they will be able to come. Won’t you invite them for me and be as patient as you can?

Have you heard from Lottie since you wrote to me? Did she write that she had received the plaid jacket for Martin?

Don’t forget to read over my letter and answer questions please.

I am still here part of the time.

Marie, if you wish you may send me some money please.

Have you heard from Betty lately? I hope that she is happy don’t you?

I hope that you write real soon.

I must close now and say good-by.

As ever,
I am,
Your Mother.

P.S. Marie I have a friend in Mpls and I have written to hear about my mother. Could you please write for me the sad news. You could write the letter on the type-writter. Whan became of Betty’s type-writter? The lady’s address is Mrs. Almanda Larson ... Would you mind asking her to write to me at Oakland, Nebr.