Graduation - Jill

Daughter Is Born

Happy Halloween!

Welcome to October!

Happy Birthday, Allen!

Robert Nathan Johnson (1915-1989)

Piano Lessons

To a Wonderful Father

Happy Father's Day!

Family Photos, circa 1985 (Part 1)

Sara Mossman, Minne Isley, Erin McDougal

Bill Isley, Benson Isley

Bob Young, Jill Mattingly, Allen Barteky

The Dean's List and Three Awards

(click to enlarge)

The Ironing Board and The Hammer

Omaha, Nebraska

May 20, 1970

Dear Lottie -

I received the beautiful mother's day greeting. Also the check. One letter is dated April 23rd and the other May 4th. I answered the letter for April and then after I had written I received the last letter from you.

You asked me if my neighbor is home again? No she is still down in Georgia.

I did  no know that the Durand's had taken a trip to Europe. How could they afford it? I think they should try and look up their ancesters in England and France. Don't you? When they are abroad.

I am pleased to hear that you will be staying at Betty's house and I am sure she is looking forward to your stay.

I seems like a good arrangement for Jean to stay in your  house while you are in Portland. I suppose Jill and Bob will be there over the weekends so to speak.

I was over to see your father's house and I may have written that in my other letter.

I surely hope that betty could take care of the money your late father let Wiens borrow. They could pay back in small amounts. Don't you say so? Just because a person is good hearted is no sign another should take advantage. Did you know both of the Wiens girls are married?

I was glad that I was here when the census papers came to be filled out. Later a lady came to ask questions.

I haven't heard from Dora's relatives. I been thinking about writing to Albert and ask if he got his late mother's wedding ring. I talk to the Grievious once in a while. They are polite don't you think so? I suppose Mattie still has late Dora's ironing board and some-one has the hammer that was in the pantry drawer.

I hope about the social security that it will come my way. So much to consider.

Be sure and save that magazine I sent with the Lennon family picture on the cover. There is a reason.

I saw Johnny Cash on the last program of the season. He sang a song that he sang when he was 12 years old in a church. His moher played the organ whle he sang. Real nice.

And now for a different subject. Hope you don't mind. There is a a who write a column in the Benson paper. In part writes -

Quote "I can't recall having discussed common-law marriages in the past and I shall now take care of this oversight. A common law wife is as you probably know a woman who lives with a man for a number of years with neither one ever having energy or ambition enough to get around to aplying for a marriage license. the law makers of many states felt sorry for such stupid misguided women and decided they needed protection. Consequently, if you can prove you lived as a man and wife for seven years or more, you're alsmost as good as married and entitled to inherit" Un-quote.

Write soon and let me know that you have received this letter. With love and best wishes and thank you again for check, letters, and greeting cards.

As ever

Mother

(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.

Think of me - I never had a sister

Omaha, Nebraska

August 18, 1969

Dear Lottie - To-day I have lived here 3 years.

I received the postal card post-marked Oklahoma. Also letter and the clipping about Jackie. Then also invitation from Jacqueline and thank her from me. Also I don't have her present ready, but please write and let me know what her favorite color is.

I am pleased that you had enjoyed your vacation.

I will have to sew some more on the sewing machine to see about the stitch. I haven't quite finished the blue dress and thanks for helping me with it.

When you were in Chicago how I wish you could have gone to see my second cousins, you could have called me by telephone here and asked me about their number.

That was sad about Esther's sister passing away. She must not have been very old. I wrote to Esther August 3rd. I have a greeting card I'll send later. Has Esther returned to Phoenix yet?

How is your daughter Jill? It would be nice if she would live closer to you. Don't you think so too?

I am so disappointed that Marie couldn't stay 1 more day and grant my wishes. I had talked over the telephone about going out to Saunders County.

I have not heard from Marie or Betty since you all were here. I had a note from Martin asking if I had been to see your father? I haven't yet, it has been such hot weather here.

I wish Marie would move to Portland. That way you Marie and Betty could see more of each oher. You and your sisters have so much to talk about when you get together. Think of me - I never had a sister.

You know if a rather impersonal way I said to Jackie years ago that she should help you and I think, stay at home.

I also talked to Steven about the same way before he went away to California to attend college. Well you know how history turned out. Didn't your father used to say like pouring cold water on a duck's back?

I wish to thank you for all the different things you gave me while in Omaha.

Oh and would you do me a favor? Tell me about how it turned out when you all went to see Wiens. You know how careful your father was when it came to giving me any money. At present in Omaha a person can go and get advise in such cases.

Well you will have to write and tell me about the wedding. I suppose Betty will be there. If she comes would you mind lettering her read this letter? So why not put it in a good place where you know where it is.

Write soon.

I must close for this time. With love and best wishes.

As ever

I remain

Your Mother.

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

Easter Greetings

Salk Polio Vaccine: Jill

Hair & Teeth

Envelopes...

1945

1948

early 1950s

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.

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!