Wartime Last Will and Testament

I'll Never Go To College So I Might As Well Give Up My Teacherly Ambitions

Omaha, Nebraska

August 28, 1936

Dear Marie,

We received your cards not long ago on the same day and were sure glad to hear from you.

I'm going up the Tech about Wednesday or Thursday of next week and change my program card to the Secretarial course. I've decided the Art course isn't the one for me and I'll never go to college so why take College Prep and get out of school and work in the dime store or domestic work? Thelma Gaspar's mother was over the Pregler's the other day and said it cost about $900 a year to send Thelma to school in addition to her scholarship. At that rate I'll never go to college so I might as well give up my teachably ambitions. If you have any objections to my changing my course as previously stated, please write soon and tell me. I'll have to drop Cooking and Sewing too I think because it will cost too much for Sewing.

Toby gave me a plaid dress recently and I cut it off and put some sleeves in it to form a blouse. I have finished it, and am now working on a white skirt which is nearly finished.

I have been downtown twice for Toby and I got this stationary. How do you like it as well as the monogramming? The letters are my own idea. By the way, I got 18 sheets of paper and 18 envelopes for 5 cents each.

When I was downtown, I got 2 pairs of knee hi socks, a big Nursery Thyme Book for Martin and a sort of a History like book for Betty as well as a pair of sun goggles for Marty.

Does this letter smell perfume? Pleas don't say "no" at the expense of my feelings, for I'm doing my darndest to make it smell like the perfume Toby gave me. 

What are you plans for this fall? Are you going to college, go to work, take a P.S. course at Tech or keeping working where you are.

I received a lettter from Ruth Erkman the other day as well as from Sara Jane and Virginia McMillan. I called up the latter today from Pregler's and she said she was in an automobile accident and had three teeth knocked out. She is going to have some false ones bridged in soon.

Pa got some new glasses a while ago on a discount three Murphy's at Columbia Optical Co. This discount is OK (20%) for all members of their family - I am going to get some new ones in about two months when pa pays for his ($4.50).

Love, Lottie

Nobody In Jail. Thank God.

A grocery store on the corner. A car that starts, has gas and no flat tires. A swing in the back yard. Five kids. Nobody in jail. Thank God.

Charlotte Johnson

Tacoma

Please Use The Word Mama Instead Of Mom

Omaha, Neb.

Jan. 7, 1948

Marie - 

I wish to thank you for the birthday card I received yesterday. It would have been nice if you had enclosed a pretty handkerchief. I hope you have received the apron and hot pan holder by this time. If you had already received it at the time when you sent the birthday card why didn't you write a few lines and let me know? You must write me a long letter and let me know about the way you spent Christmas out there.

I am enclosing some clippings I thought you would be interested in reading. The reason I am sending that little one with the girl wearing an apron is because I think you should make your little girls jumpers with a piece in the front. Can you still make the jumper that way and try and make the sleaves in the blouses longer? And why were you and Frank not in the picture also? I like the hair ribbons in their hair but why not remind them to close their mouths?

Will you please write and ask Betty to let me know if she received the apron I sent her? Also send her the clipping about Good morning breakfast program. 

I received the letter from you with the Christmas card. 1 card from your children with pictures drawn on the back of the card. 1 card from little Rebecka. I mentioned I received the money order before I think and the stockings as well as the photograph of your little girls.

I am glad I heard from all my children.

Marie I hope I can leave the hospital in the near future. But I don't know yet where I can go from here. I will write a few lines to Frank on the back of this letter. Please write very soon. You did not enclose any-thing with the birthday card did you?

From Mother.

~~~~~~~~

Wednesday Afternoon.

Frank - 

This afternoon from 2 to 3 is visitor's day but Marie's father did not come out as I hoped he would. And he did not bring me a birthday cake or flowers, not even a card. You could write and remind him how neglectful he was...

Frank, I received a Christmas card from your parents. Will you kindly write them that I sent my thanks to them. And thank you for your card also.

I hope you will think this clipping about Arizona interesting.

From Mrs. Ruth Jensen.

~~~~~~~~

Tuesday, Jan. 13, 1948

Marie - 

I received your card yesterday an all though I had a letter written to you, I will add more to my letter. I am glad you received the apron I sent, but you didn't mention the hot pan holder. How do you like it?

Did you have the flu about the time that Katherine D. was there for a visit?

At Christmas season there was a tree on this floor. Some of the patients made some decorations. At one time a number of school children came in a group and sang Christmas songs. Another time a number of adult people came and sang.

There are some young people who came out each Sunday evening and sing and we enjoy hearing them. Christmas morning present were passed out to the patients. I receive a pair of anklets.

Marie did you send a Christmas card to my cousin in Chicago? I received a pretty one from her. If you don't remember her address you may ask me next time you write. If you write to her please send her a nice handkerchief with your card. Thank you.

Did you have any letter from Elin? I wish that she would write to me. And will you write to Elin also Betty to write to me? I surely get lonesome staying here for days, weeks and months. To-day I have been here 8 months. I was hoping your father would come out last Sunday and being me a few things. Marie will you write and ask Lottie if she received the Nursery chair and tool box which was Martin's?

Now about the candy, you may send a few milk chocolates, and chocolate nougat candy, also hard candy and gum drops. Now you could buy about 1/2 lb. of each Marie. It could be for a belated birthday gift. Also if you wish you could send me a few pretty handkerchiefs and the Mc Call's magazine. If the magazine has been used it doesn't matter and remember December number for 1947.

Now Marie I hope you can take time and sit down and write out the list what I have asked you, to do for me. And please don't want any time and answer my questions by reading over my letter as you write. 

Thanking you again for all that you have sent me Marie. I hope you feel that it is a pleasure to do these things for me. So good-by for this time. I am, Your, Mother.

P.S. Please use the word Mama instead of Mom.

Marty Was Put Back In The Fourth Grade

October 10, 1943

Dear Marie,

This will probably be just a note, for I haven't much time, but thought you'd rather have a note than nothing at all.

We received all three of your letters this week - on three successive days. First we got the Sept. 27th letter - it had no "Rt. 7" on it, and had bounced all over before it was delivered here. Next the "Pony Express" letter, and then your last one of October 3.

I wrote you last Sunday, but we had mislaid Frank's card, and had no other address, so we sent it on to Betty for her to forward.

Roxy is starting to walk - she crawls between tries, but can stand up (and get up) in the middle of the floor unassisted. She can bloe we whistle and call "Marty" (like I do) and can feed herself and drink from a glass. I'll bet this just sounds like bragging to you  but we are proud of our little Roxy.

Brace yourself for a good shock - guess whose going to have a baby? Ruth Haakensen. They've been married 19 years or so. With only Lynn so far. It's supposed to be born in April.

I think the arrangement of $10 a month is just fine. I've lined up a drum teacher and though we'd take the $1.00 a week out of that allowance. I'e made an appointment with Dr. Clay, the child specialist who takes care of Roxy, for Martin. The earliest open day was October 30, so we'll just have to wait till then to have him checked.

As I said in the last letter, we got new glasses for him - frames & all. $23.00 but I hope it was worth it.

Marty was put back in the fourth grade this week. I hope he will do better. The teacher wrote a note home saying that in the Achievement tests the class took, Marty classified himself in the third grade. Again I say, I hope he can snap into meeting his responsibilities.

I'm sending a little package this week. Buttons, tacks, some socks of Roxy's (partly worn, just as they are) and Roxy's bedroom slippers. I'm withholding the slips and white shoes until I hear from you. Can you exchange the slips in Chicago?

Love, L.

Mary Line

Daughter Is Born

I have the best sister anyone ever had

Pierce St.

Omaha, Nebr.

Sept. 29, 1936

Dear Marie,

Thanks a million thanks two million for that dollar you sent me! I realize you had to work long and hard for that, I want you to know I appreciate it very much. I have the best sister anyone ever had and anyone I tell about you things I'm pretty darn lucky to have a sister like you.

I'm glad you're getting your teeth fixed. Did I tell you I have 12 fillings in my mouth? This dentist put in 11.

Well, you were wrong about your confidence in me, concerning Student Council. I was defeated. But, I don't think by very much because I asked several kids and all of them said I led in their home room except one. The vote in our H.R. was, Jean 10 - me 19. Not bad, eh?

I still have a chance, however, in Cogide. Alice doesn't want to, Grace is too busy, and Mary is on already.

I asked Miss Jelen and she was so glad to think you'd write to her. She wrote her address on "Silas Marner" and I left it in my locker. I'll write you a 1 cent post card tomorrow on the way home from school and send you her address. You'll probably get it the day after you get this.

Speaking of "Anthony Adverse", Mrs. Gearing said she knows a lady who read it in one day. That's no fib, either.

You know I was invited to Doris Richardson's wedding. I didn't go, mainly because I've never been to one and wouldn't know how to act. I think I'll wait until you get married, and then I can be maid-of-honor. I made a cute little note to send to Doris and it just took Mrs. Gearing's breath away, so she said. It was all decorated with wedding bells and spring flowers with some swell printing in black ink.

Enid Jorgensen invited me out for Sunday dinner but I didn't go because I decided to stay home. I'm sure glad I didn't go because it so happened that the lady she works for died Saturday night.

I don't know if I'll go to camp Oct. 10 or not. They said we have to bring Saturday's lunch and the price is still 60 cents. Tech has to furnish the eats for Saturday night's party, so all we get out of the 60 cents is our dinner and bed. Do you think its worth it? If I go, it will be only because I want to wear my new brown knickers.

I think I'll get a "1" in all of my classes except type. If Rye feels good, she may give me a "4", otherwise I'll get a "5" sure.

I saw Ruth Pfleager tonight, coming home from school. She was going home from work as a steno.

Well, I guess I'll close now, hoping to hear from you soon. Bring all your letters when you come next time.

Love,

"L"

Now, for the REAL pumpkin trick

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.

You Could Borrow Some Money

Aug. 8, 1951

Dear Marie - 

To-day is Wednesday evening. I hope that you received the letter I wrote Sunday and received the important notice from the Central Van and Storage Co, about my personal property so to speak. I also wrote to Mrs. Durand about calling the Storage Co., for me because I want to pay the bill. But Marie you know that I need some help. I was thinking that you could borrow some money or take a loan on your automobile and perhaps some other way. I don't know but this idea came to me. Then perhaps Betty or Elin could help but I don't know about Lottie. And being that time is nearing the date it is most necessary that you think real serious about this problem. I was thinking that you wouldn't need to send me any money at Christmas or for some time. Instead help me at the present time. So kindly will you send a telegram to each of your sisters for me. Or Frank could word them for you, I mean (telegrams).

I hope you excuse me for coming to the point in explaining about my need for money. Marie I don't like to write you about money and please don't be nervous. But sit down and talk over about money step by step. The money should be sent direct to the Storage Company. 

I am worried and you should show that you wish to do this for me because I have did so much work for you in the past.

Now please write and let me know if you have received the notice from the Storage Co., and send your letter air-mail. Marie now pay attention to what I have written. You wouldn't like to have some man who knows about legal matters come to see you would you?

Thanking you in advance. Best wishes to you all.

As ever,

I am,

Your Mother.

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.

Do You Sing Softly As You Send Your Babies To Sleep?

Lincoln, Nebr.

Sept. 11, 1949

Lottie dear - 

I will write a few lines as I am sending you a birthday greeting card. I hope that you received the card I sent to Roxanne. Two weeks ago I wrote to Betty and sent her a card also. I hope that Betty is with you at the present time and will stay and help you with your work as long as you need help and until you feel stronger. 

Have you heard from any of your sisters or Martin? I wish Martin would write to me. If you happen to know what Martin's address is I wish you would send it to me.

I sent my brother Garfield a card as it was his birthday the 7th of September. 

Betty is about the same age as Margaret Truman and only about 6 month's difference.

I read that in England they consider a child a baby until it is 2 1/2 or 3 years of age. And that they take such good care of their little children. By the way do you sing softly as you send your babies to sleep. These was a line in a baby lullaby song which went as follows - "And baby has fallen a sleep." Lullaby means - a song to quiet infants.

You remember surely when the song "On the Isle of Capri" was so popular. Well I read in Time magazine about Margaret Rose taking a journey to Capri and she had 3 chaperons. In the article it said "I don't think she's much of a threat to the other girls."

I wish to send you a sauce dessert and I wish you or Betty would let me know how it turns out. (1 1/2 cups light brown sugar, 2/3 cup light corn syrup, 1/2 cup water, 1/4 cup better, 2/3 cups cream, little sale, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla, and chopped nuts if desired. Put sugar, corn syrup, water and butter into a pan, stir well, then boil to a soft ball stage. Cool and beat in the cream, salt, and vanilla. Serve on ice cream or pudding.)

May I remind you to serve oysters once in a while for health's sake and the children may learn to like them. Hope you have a nice birthday cake and wish you many happy returns of the day.

Lottie I hope I may be dismissed now very soon and I am so lonesome. I surely have been very patient. I wish you would be kind to write soon and fine the fine and have the ambition. 

When you write describe the jumper for me but don't sent it as I don't need it. 

Best wishes to all.

I remain,

From,

Your Mother.

P.S. I wish I had some stamps.

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. 

Births: Mrs. & Mrs. Robert N. Johnson, a daughter

Hospital Bill, 1949

Happy Birthday, Jacque!

Graduation Congratulations to Marie

Top 20%

click to enlarge

I Am Now Receiving Help From The County

Omaha, Nebr.

Dec. 1, 1946

Marie - 

I received your letter and the letter from Frank and I was glad to hear from you both. I have intended to write sooner but seems I haven't got started. And now the days are growing shorter as you know.

I have just finished writing to Betty and I hope you write to her quite often. And I was thinking about that baby comfort that Betty made for you baby would you mind parting with it? Don't you think it would be a nice gift to give Betty? But first wash and press it real well. I thought I would remind you in time so you can think it over Marie.

Perhaps you are tired of it by this time and it will be very new again for Betty and those so near to her.

I receive $2.00 a month from your father and he helps me with coal and a few other ways. I am now receiving help from the County to buy groceries. I appreciate this very much indeed for one cannot exist without food. Not long ago the visitor who visits this district called. She wanted the address of each of you children. Over and over again I am asked questions. I wonder some-times if they ever think that each person has his worth and a right to demand it.

Yes I think you wrote that you were going to that conference. Were you just listening to the speeches that were being made? Did they serve good food?

Do you have a furnace in the house where you live? I don't remember if you have written how your house where you live is heated.

You have't answered if you have locks for your dresser drawers. Yes I will say you much write more frequently. I wish you were not so far away as I just wrote to Betty. 

Oh Marie if you intend to send me a Christmas present do you mind if I mention what I would like and need very much? It is some stockings cotton ones size 10 1/2 or 11. 

Thank you very much.

That lady that I pointed out to you at the Union station when we were in the restaurant was the visitor that I have. I wasn't sure if it was her or some-one who looked like her. She told me later that she worked there part-time.

I haven't heard from Lottie for some time. Weil you please write to her when you receive this letter and remind her to write to me. Or if some one will write me how Lottie is I will appreciate it.

I must now close and say good-night. Again may I remind you to write very soon.

I am, As ever, Your, Mother.

P.S. Thank Frank for his letter. The clipping I am enclosing for you are for Frank as well.

Have you heard where Charles Worley is now?

Would you be interested to hear about Corine Hedrick, Josephine Cannon used to be Louis Palmo and his sister?