Happy Birthday, Allen!

To a Wonderful Father

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.

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.

Please let's hear from somebody in the Nothwest! That is a command.

Easter Greetings

Oh sometimes I get so sick and tired of the T.V.

Postmark: 21 Mar 1966

Dear Lottie, Bob, and Family.

I wrote to Marie and Albert. Now must write to you, Betty, and Ira. Sometimes I feel just like I counldnt write then again I dont mind, but if I expect to get letters I must write. There sure was a big write up about that son-in-law-of yours. I want to send paper to Ruth then Ill send it to you unless they sent it to you - picture of him and Jill. I hope Jill sent paper to you. I meant to wrte and see if I could get couple extra papers but I just didnt write.

Still having wonderful weather. Imagine 81 on March 16. I went to Salvation Army Golden Age Club on Wednesday had a nice program and an awful crowd every seat was take and they brought in folding chairs to have seats enough. Sure wish Lars could go too but he cant. Me or he rather raked yard and I picked up trash and burned it and oh that night I dont think there was a single mustle in my whole budy that wasnt sore. And I sure ached but he didnt even complain did say he was tired and I know - I was.

Well so your grandma at last, I told Lars now he was great grandpop now.

Oh sometimes I get so sick and tired of the T.V. seems he puts it on so loud it just roars and then I turn my ear phone off. Havent heard from Martin last letter he was on vacation and wanted his history magazines by air mail. I keep them until I hear from him sometimes I air mail one others its 9 to 5 but I keep them until he writes and says send them by return air mail so I do. I take care of all his papers that come here then I air mail them to him when he says to.

Well today is Sunday and we have been home alone all day seems every one has forgotten we even exist. Lars complains his stomach hurts so bad but he wont go to Dr. Just takes Alka Seltzer and Asperin but I just now fixed him some water vinegar and Soda and he said it didn't even make him belch so what can I do.

Planned on going to Lincoln this nice weather but weather man keeps saying rain this PM.Well Ive been caught in rain coming from Lincoln and I dont care to start when it says rain so best stay home.

We are sick one day well next and sick next

Well how does it work to be grandparents. Feel any different. Well 30 years from now they dont even know you exist. Oh well wait another 40 then be there turn.

Must close now. Write soon.

Guess Im just in a disagreeable mood today. Got letter from Marie and she sent pictures of Betty anf family and Ruthie and Kathy she sure is a sweet little Redhead a perfect doll.

love to All

Dad and Dora

Thanks for the Valentine too.

We aren't so crude as to make you sleep on the floor

May 13 (1966)

Folks -

It's about time you wrote. We had already given up on you.

Jack - I hope you could come to the youth seminar - you can fly half fare, you know. All you have to do is apply for an ID card from the air-line! You get your card and you can fly half fare. It's great.

If you people come next summer: Mother, we aren't so crude as to make you sleep on the floor in sleeping bags. We have plenty of sheets and bed-space. Besides our day-bed in the dining room we do have a sofa bed that folds out and is quite comfortable. You needn't worry about that. And, if you wish, you may even sleep on the sun-porch. It's quite nice out there.

The drive from Phoenix to Tulsa is absolutely beautiful. You'll enjoy the scenery very much. Reminds me very much of Eastern Washington, in fact. Very pretty. By the way, it's a two-day drive.

Sorry to hear about Judy (Beeson) Syvertson's bad luck. Sounds like she really has had a bad time of it all. Very sorry.

Tibor and I are doing just fine. So is the baby. He kicks real well. I'm doing just fine, except my blood pressure is going up quite a bit and I'm swelling some. Today I wore a yellow dress to work and Tibor said I looked like a fat little daffodil.

I'm going to quit my job on June 3. Between now and then my boss is hiring someone and I have to train her. It's gong to be a pain in the neck trying to show someone in one week what I've done for the past several months.

The weather around here is being "typically Oklahoma". One day it will be clear, shining and 90 degrees, then the next day will bring tornado watches and thunderstorms. We love every minute of it. Because the weather is usually nice.

Glad to hear about Jak being assistant editor of the annual next year. Do a good job, Jak! So what is this big "complication" that might stop her from going to school at the U for a week?

Who is Mary Jean Tollefson marrying? And when?

That's nice Joan & Rick Lorenz are having a baby. It's happens often, you know.

Please write again sooner. God bless all of you.

Love from

Jill & Tibor

I bought a bicycle

Friday Photos: Graduation Portraits

Roxanne Johnson Cumming

1961

Melody/Minne Johnson Isley

1962

Jill Johnson Mattingly

1964

Mark Johnson

1966

Jacque Johnson Burkhalter

1967

Oklahoma's corn and tomato crops

July 14 1966

Dear Dad -

Good to hear from you. Happy to hear all the news from up there.

You mentioned Mel was visiting Rox on Orcas Island. What are they doing there? Did they move or something?

As of today we have received two very indefinite postcards from Mother and Jacque. We sure hope to hear more soon. We'd better.

By the way - why hasn't Mark cashed that check we sent him in April. He'd better do it before it gets too old. Besides, it tempts me to overdraw on our account when I know there is still that two hundred to back up a hot check. Thanks.

I'm getting bigger every day! My abdomen measures 41 inches now - even bigger than my rear end! My clothes are getting bigger, though I've lost weight. Hooray! I'm feeling good for the most part, but I'm having a few distressing problems: I'm perpetually water logged and I tore a muscle in my back - right between a couple of ribs. It hurts, and now I can't lft or stretch until it healds - about another month to six weeks. I tore it at work lifting some books while taking inventory about a month ago. I'll learn better some day.

This heat wave were having certainly is bad. Oklahoma's corn and tomato crops are pretty much gone. It's too hot for me. I do wish it would rain.

Must go - I see the postman down the street. God bless you! Write again soon!

Much love from

Jill

Friday Photo: Ruth

Happy 1 Year Anniversary to the Blog!

Hope you've enjoyed reading Ruth's letters...and a few other things...

Ill throw my oatmeal at him

Postmark: April 20, 1966

We have the life time refills for our ???
I too lazy to change

Dear Lottie and Family,

Haven't heard for so long wonder why.

Did Jill and Tibor send you the pictures of them and the big story I read every word of it and I enjoyed the story too. I made Lars listen to best part of it.

Say whats that about a trip to Hawaii. I can't even spell it let on go see it. I heard you Betty, Marie & Frank were going well just as well tell us all about it for now we are curious. I need a new pen. Have you got any laying around. Im still sick I had flue one night I didn't think I could make it I just fought to get my breath several times doped up with vicks my chest and throat then sick in bed all next day except long enough to cook him some oat meal and thats all I did cook him rest of day. I didn't eat a bit or even drink a cup of coffee. Kept taking vicks 44 then next day Jean come over and said change your dress your going to Dr. she went to phone called for an appointment. Oh he was so mad he wanted me to go to the Clinic at University hospital but I wouldn't go said no was paying Dr. O.K. he went to Arthritis Clinic next week charged him 2.00 and 25 to get in Parking then walk three blocks up that hill last tome I went with him. I had to stop and rest so many times. And the Dr. charged 3.00 he tell Drug store they sent medicene up helped me to but I need some thing to strengthen me. I do all my work but I creeh your mothers phoned come to Lincoln I said I cant I'm sick. Will you write ask Mrs Schultz if I could come to Omaha so I did. She got nice steak and carrots cooked them of they were so good I sure did enjoy them lot meat left and Im eating it its so good. I'm like Betty I love meat but Lars and Martin dont care for meat they can go a year and never miss meat but I want meat once a day but he dont so we dont have much meat only when I get lunch meat and eat that I just get it put it in refrigirator and when I want it get it but a nice piece of steak or hamburger sure tasts good.

He makes me so mad he loves Hawian Punch I get it when I was sick he went had to pay 34 for it had a fit. I thought you got it for 25 I said no the punch costs 34. Well don't buy any more we can't afford it then. Jean phones Im coming up anything you want to eat so I have her list and punch on it so tomorrow I open the punch for breakfast and he wont even say a word if he does Ill throw my oatmeal at him. No I better not do that or I wont have any to eat Ill just say boo hoo keep still and he will forget it till I go to store. Then Ill get a good lecture about your not happy unless you can find some way to spend all of that money and we can end up in the Poor Farm. Our kids arent going to see and if there isnt us out there. So you just as well shut up for I wont.

Well Lottie theres some good laughs in this letter and some heart aches too.

Write soon we get so lonesome. Lots of love from (Lars) and Dora.

Keep You Busy Knitting Booties

Happy Birthday Lottie.

Well first you didn't have any grandchildren now. You have three. Thats pretty good if you keep it up keep you busy knitting booties for all of them. Glad you had a good time here. Lars took Martin to Blair and to Lincoln I didn't go to Blair. He put some flowers on Garfield's grave. He seemed to enjoy his visit here, but he refused to take his mother back with him. Said I'm gone from two to four weeks at a time and you better stay here. She didn't like it. Said she was going to Elan's. Martin said better write first make she has no place for you. Then the fight was on again.

She brought her machine back with her from Blair so now she can sew when she wants too.

Write soon love from both of us. Rained Saturday and now its cold OK I dread the winter.

Sure rained Friday when we went to Lincoln.

Love from Dad & Dora.

Johnsons' Journal * Volume IV * December 1966

$58.20 Interest Check

"I am Ruth"

Question #1: Who is Margaret? Margaret Norby?

Question #2: How did this letter make its way to Lottie or Marie (and then into the boxes of items in the Basement)?

Observation #1 (confirmed from multiple letters): Taking turns on letter writing was quite important to Ruth!

Omaha Nebr.

Dec. 20, 1966.

Dear Margaret -

It is really your turn to write to me. If you are rested and feel beter why don't you try to write letters?

I am now living in Omaha. I sent you a number of Oakland papers and hope you looked them over. I do not take the Okalnad paper any more. I read Omaha papers.

I hoe you can go out-of-doors and take walks. The weather is wonderful at the present time.

Marie and Lottie were here to visit me this summer. Both are school teachers.

I thought I would send you the enclosed greeting card because it reminds me of the scenery down by the old mill in Oakland. But I don't suppose you remember it or the bridge by the mill.

Hope you will write and let me know that you have received the greeting card from me and this short letter.

My address is on the envelope.

Sincerely,

I am Ruth

P.S. Excuse writing