How I wish we had taken along that spaghetti

Omaha, Nebr.

Feb. 23, 1969

Dear Lottie,

Hope you arrived back safely and thank you so very much for taking me to Portland. I hope you didn't have car trouble returning to Tacoma. You must have been very tired.

I returned safely. Betty took me to the bus depot which left at 3:30 P.M.

How I wish we had taken along that spaghetti and in that little white pitcher was some soup. This would have tasted good when we came to Portland. And I was thinking how we could have bought some hamburgers to go with the spaghetti to bring along. Let me know who ate the spaghetti when you write.

I will be anxious to hear how your plans turn out. Did all your company come that you were expecting?

Now in case you don't go to that distant place to work will you please come to Nebraska? I asked Betty to come when school was out and she said she would try. So how about you and Betty coming? Hope you can stay at Durand's. Or at your father's house. We can figure that out later.

Lottie I was thinking about explaining something. It is this - when you come home from school sit down and take off your shoes. Then take your mail to the bedroom and by this time you have taken off your coat. Well then lie down and read your mail because you know you need the rest.

Have you heard how Jean is by this time? I intend to send her a get-well-card. 

I haven't been over to see your father yet but plan to in the near future. 2 days after I returned in snowed.

I had some of the Danish lunch meat to-day and I fryed it just a little like you did. 

When Betty comes be sure and show her the blue pillow I fixed. Excuse writing as now I am finishing this on my lap. Write soon and tell me if there is any news. With love and best wishes. I am Mother.

The touch of a typewriter

Alice, Texas

March 28, 1967

My dear Bob and Charlotte and family:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Most sincerely, Jean

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

Tea for Fourteen

Here's to you, dear cousin Angie! We unpacked the family china. (Follow the link for the story.)

Birth Certificate - Jean Johnson

Thank you for the lovely daffodils

How I wish we had taken along that spaghetti

Omaha, Nebr.

Feb. 23, 1969

Dear Lottie,

Hope you arrived back safely and thank you so very much for taking me to Portland. I hope you didn't have car trouble returning to Tacoma. You must have been very tired.

I returned safely. Betty took me to the bus depot which left at 3:30 P.M.

How I wish we had taken along that spaghetti and in that little white pitcher was some soup. This would have tasted good when we came to Portland. And I was thinking how we could have bought some hamburgers to go with the spaghetti to bring along. Let me know who ate the spaghetti when you write.

I will be anxious to hear how your plans turn out.

Did all your company come that you were expcting?

Now in case you don't go to that distant place to work will you please come to Nebraska?

I asked Betty to come when school was out and she said she would try. So how about you and Betty coming? Hope you can stay at Durand's. Or at your father's house. We can figure that our later.

Lottie I was thinking about explaining something. It is this - When you come home from school sit down and take off your shoes. Then take your mail to the bedroom and by this time you have taken off your coat. Well then lie down and read your mail because you know you need the rest.

Have you heard how Jean is by this time ? I intend to send her a get-well-card.

I haven't been over to see your father yet but plan to in the near future. 2 days after I returned it snowed.

I had some of that Danish lunch meat to-day and I fryed it just a little like you did.

When Betty comes be sure and show her the blue pillow I fixed. Excuse write as now I am finishing this on my lap. Write soon and tell me if there is any news. With love and best wishes.

I am Mother.

Law School Graduation

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

By tonight I'll be a bloody mess

February 6, 1948

Dear Marie,

First of all, thank you so very much for remembering us all at Christmas. The girls were delighted with their little silk panties with lace! I've enjoyed the tablecloth immensely - we've used it several times. The pink and green dishes in my pattern set just match the colors in the tablecloth, and makes a very nice bright-looking table. Thanks again!

I've been wondering about how the tentative plans to visit the Northwest panned out. I hope you're still working on the deal, and that you can still make the trip. I know it would be awfully expensive - may we contribute a little? We can't afford much right now with the baby and a house in the offing, and my not working, but I'm sure we can contribute ten or fiften doolars to the "cause". After all, it's been three and a half years since you've been this way.

Just received a letter from Jean this morning. She enclosed a clipping about Al Harris (remember the young doctor who was best man at our wedding). He has been in Sioux Falls, South Dakota (for years, I gathered) doing cancer research. He had just perfected a very simple, inexpensive method for determining cancer. It is still in the experimental stage, although it has been tried on 1500 cases successfully. After announcing his findings in a medical journal, be became ill and died shortly of a cancerous brain tumor. He died without knowing that other doctors had used his test on him to determined the nature of his illness. The article stated he left a wife and four children - so he must have married again.

Everyone is fine at our house, though we have had more than our share of colds and flus - Baby Jill and Bob especially. Martin has been going to the dentist lately - he had to have one tooth pulled, and scads of fillings. It will cost close to a hundred dollars for repair work.

I've been housecleaning late - beating the spring rush. I washed the walls and woodwork in the kitchen yesterday - I'm going to do to ceiling and hang the curtains this afternoon. I shouldn't, though. The stuff I'm using is so strong it eats holes in my hands. By tonight I'll be a bloody mess and stiff and sore. Remember that hip trouble I had before? It bothers a lot espeically when I do anything like that. Bob's boss' wife is having a shower for me tonight. I should try and look glamorous instead of an old hag.

Hope you can make that trip - we have a very comfortable, large sofa, so we can stretch our sleeping space. Also Martin has a bunk house out in the feed-room where he can sleep.

Love & stuff.

L.

P.S. Thanks heaps for the dresses!

Martin is still here, and is the main reason for this letter

Monday

January 28, 1952

Dear Marie & Frank -

Just a few lines this time - I am probably the world's worst correspondent and even a short letter is an effort for me.

Arrived home last Tuesday night from Omaha, where I had a fine visit with my sister Jean, and Melvin, my brother who lives in Falls City.

The trip was supposed to last two weeks, but stretched to seven - and in the process I acquired a nice set of upper teeth. Seems the old ones were worn out - absessed and dangerous to keep. Am also on a rigid diet - must get weight down under 170 - but quick! The doctor set a 90 day deadline to accomplish this.

Found everything well in Omaha, but while I was there Pop fell and cracked some ribs. He was off work a week, but was back on the job when I left, and getting along okay. He and Dora have a comfortable house, and are happy, but the years are taking their toll, and Pop will not be able to work too many more years.

We (Pop, Dora & I) went down to see your mother one afternoon, and had quite a visit. She is in good health, but still obsessed with the idea of getting outside again. She is now hoping for Garfield to assume the responsibility of her guardianship!

Martin is still here, and is the main reason for this letter. It is utterly out of the question for him to stay here any longer, for a variety of reasons. I found one job for him working in the woods, but that is gone now - the two fellows for whom he worked finished and left. He is working today for a friend of mine but only for one day. He (Martin) talks of getting a job, but will do nothing about it, and I cannot spend my time looking for work for both of us. Still shows no initiative, and must be watched constantly or he sits down. That's all - sits.

While I was gone he "helped" Charlotte - in doing dishes he shattered, chipped or cracked every piece in a dinnerware service for eight, besides cereal bowls, glasses, pitchers, etc. But enough of this. It does no good to rehash what is done.

My problem now is his disposition. The unknown trying part of which I am adjustment (?) can furnish him transportation to his "home" - and the only question is where to send him. There are no jobs in this part of the country. Right now over 1700 carpenters alone out of an union are looking for work - other trades are in the same condition, and with several thousand skilled men looking for jobs and untrained youth has no chance at all. I talked at length with Dora and Pop about this problem. Dora cried and begged me not to send him to Omaha, for Lars' sake. They both believe that if he comes back there he will get to running with the same friends he had before, and end up in jail or the penitentiary. Also, while he was there he sold his clothes for spending money, took every cent he could wheedle out of Lars, and still owes Dora money he borrowed from her. He left Omaha wtih a lot of new clothes, sold them en route, and showed here here broke, in borrowed rags, lousy and filthy. I have tried to talk to him, impressing him with the necessaity of supporting himself - but he just says "okay" - then sits down to read a comic and smoke many of my cigareets.

If you have any concrete suggestions I would appreciate hearing from you at once. I have exhuasted my limited patience, and have determined that he will be gone from here by the end of this week. If he or no one else comes up with any specific destination, it will be necessary for me to just turn him loose on the highway. We have bought clothes for him, both wok and dress, and I'll provide an army-type bag to carry them in, and $5 to feed himself as long as he can.

You may, and probably will, condemn me as un-charitable and un-Christian, but the peace and welfare of my household dictates my position

I trust and pray this letter finds you and your family in good health and spirit. Belated thanks to you also for the Christmas gift. The pipe rack is beautiful and useful, and occupies a space of honor in our living room and in my heart.

Sincere regards -

Bob

I bought a bicycle

Baptism: Jean Marion Johnson

1910 Census: Deuel Johnson household

click to enlarge...see 2nd post for close-up view

Atchison, Kansas

Johnson, Deuel - head - age 43 - married, 6 years - born Ohio - father born Ohio - mother born Ohio - Operator, Telephone

Johnson, Ella - wife - age 31 - married, 6 years - 2 children - born Iowa - father born Pennsylvania - mother born Pennsylvania

Johnson, Geo (Melvin George?) - son - age 5 - born Kansas

Johnson, Gene (Jean?) - daughter - age 1 - born Kansas

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

Jill's Baptism

click to enlarge

I am still in the dark

May 21, 1942

Dear Mason Street Family,

It was good to hear from you again - and just think I'm answering only two weeks later. Quite a record for the Jensen family.

Your proposed schedule for coming out sounds find. It will be convenient to us and if it is to you too, that's swell. By the way, what is the arrangement for Martin for the summer? Are Marie and Frank going to be in Omaha?

Jean wrote that she had seen Marie one noon hour. Said Marie promised to call her and have lunch together sometime. Have you had an opportunity to get together yet?

Mom wrote that Pop has changed jobs and is now working for the Omaha Bakery. How come? And since when?

By the way, what happened to all the branches of the Parrish family when they moved out. I hadn't even known Mr. Parrish had died.

That's pretty good about Frank's brother getting married. Marie and Frank should be right in their glory and make the most of the situation.

Now I don't want to hurt anyone's feelings or seem ungrateful, but frankly, I don't think much of the names Lobert and Bertie. I still think Hepsibah is much nicer. Incidentally, we still aren't decided on a name.

I sent a little polo shirt for Martin's birthday. Let me know if it came all right. I am now working on his others.

Our friend, Mrs. Kitchen was sick in bed for two weeks, so Bob and I moved over and kept house while she was incapacitated. They have two little kids and Meade (Captain Kitchen) was not home. He just arrived Saturday after three months at Fort Knox. Evelyn is all well now and we came home Friday. I had Martin's present all wrapped and ready to mail over there, but no address. That accounts for his birthday gift being late - I had to wait until we got home to look up 3151.

Mom wrote that she disapproves of your coming out. I hope you can iron out this difficulty. Knowing how set of mind she can be, I know that is not easy. She gave us no reasons for not wanting you to come, so I am still in the dark as to why. I wrote her this morning, and did my best to win her over. We are still expecting you, but if there should be any change, let me know as soon as possible.

By the way did I tell you I got a new watch for our anniversary? And did I thank you for your sweet telegram? I meant to, of course, for it was certainly nice of you.

Anyway Betty - hope to see you the middle of June sometime.

Love,

Bob & Lottie

I don't mean to be snotty

Monterey Cabins #3

Pacific Highway R. 7

Tacoma, Wash

Dear Marie -

Just a note -

I just received a letter from Jean, and she said she saw Mrs. Thompson on the street and she said that Mrs. Pulles is fairly frantic over her dress that you promised to finish.

Marie, I don't mean to be snotty, but for Pete's sake if you haven't got it over there and finished by now, get it done immediately. I know you're busy, and I'm sorry now that I left it for you to do; but it's been over a month now since I left and I don't blame Pully for getting huffy.

However, if you already have it finished and delivered, I want to thank you very much. I appreciate your doing it. You can see, though, what a ticklish position were all in when you delay so. Thanks again.

Greet Pop and the kids. Write soon - I think it's your turn.

By the way, will you look up the address for Antoinette Gabriel? She lives near the end of the 33rd and Parker car line. She works at Woolworth's, but I don't know which one. Thanks.

Please excuse the writing and the messiness. Bob and I had our eyes tested yesterday and the occulist put drops in our eyes. I'm still kinda woosy. We're very lucky, though, enither of us have to have our glasses changed.

Love

Lottie

P.S. Please write me immediately about the status of Pully's dress.

Spring is really here

March 5, 1942

Dear Mason Street Family,

I was so glad to hear from you. Betty and Marie, and to hear that you could come out here in June. We will be looking forward to seeing you. I do hope your coming will not disrupt your household too much - so far as Martin is concerned, I mean.

In regard to Betty's coming a few days early - it's very generous of you, but not necessary; and since her presence is needed in Omaha, it will be time enough for her to leave when the baby arrives. Thank you, though.

We had a letter from Jean today. She seems to be getting better all the time. She mentioned that she saw Marie during lunch the other day. Melvin is slated to go into the army or navy this month.

I have written Mom at least three letter without hearing from her. Tell her to write when you see her. I also wrote Pop this week. I sent the letter to his apartment address - hope he receives it all right.

Tuesday evening I had quite an unfortunate experience. At a Guild meeting in the church basement I brushed my coat against a heating stove and burned the back of my coat very badly. I'm quite afraid - beyond repair. It's awfully disappointing because it's a good coat and was new last year. It's a tan polo coat and shows no wear at all.

This afternoon my landlady and I went visiting an elderly neighbor - you know little ray of sunshine. Can't you just see me - sipping tea and exchanging tatting patterns?

Spring is really here. The crocuses are blooming just outside our backdoor, and are so beautiful when the sun shines. I'm going to plant a garden this year.

Write soon!

Love, Lottie & Bob

Martin showed up in Tacoma last week

December 5, 1951

Dear Marie & all,

Martin showed up in Tacoma last week. I knew you'd be anxious to hear from him.

He arrived stone broke - not even carfare to get here. His luggage had been stolen in Utah and he had only the clothes on his back (which I am sure had been there for a couple of months without change). He had been sleeping in missions, and had lice. We had to burn his shoes and most of his clothing. Bob got some stuff to kill the lice, and medicine for his athletes foot. We got him some shoes, a jacket, and some other warm, but used, clothing at a rummage sale. Bob found him a job up in the woods cutting hop poles. It was a board and room deal, but Martin didn't pan out so well and we have to go up and get him this evening.

Bob is going back to Nebraska for two weeks to visit Jean and Melvin. Martin will stay here while he is gone, and after that we have a half-way promise of a job for him on a small cattle ranch near here. It's a fellow we know (and who knows of Martin). They offered him board and room, plus ten dollars a month. Marty is afraid of animals so I don't know how well it would work out, but it's the next thing we'll try.

Martin is still about the same. He looks seedy (even after a bath and a hair-cut) and has no confidence in himself. He is polite and good to the kids, but no more responsible than ever. He has the mentality of about an eight-year old child. I hope we can get him a job on a level that he can hold, but that's pretty hard to do.

Write when you can -

Love L.

Telegram

I never realized the telegram came on tape and then glued to these forms. But this appears to be just how it was done.

1940 Oct 14

)MA263 11 TOUR=NW SEATTLE WASH 16 339P

JEAN M JOHNSON=

1330 FIRST NATL BANK OMAHA NEBR=

ARRIVED SAFELY NOON TODAY. PLEASE TELL LOTTIE WILL WRITE SOON. LOVE=

BOB.