Pumpkin Art

Beware of Witches!

She's More Entertaining Than The Television

Tacoma, Washington

Feb. 11, 1953

Dear Marie & All,

Tomorrow is your birthday; I hope you have a very happy Day!

We were so glad to hear from you at Christmas. The girls wrote you "Thank You" notes but I didn't get them mailed. I'll enclose Roxy's in this letter. Thank you for the very nice toys you sent the youngsters. And for the ice cream scoop. What a wonderful idea! I know I shall enjoy it. Thanks too for the cup and saucer set. Bob just finished a built-in desk, bookcase and record player compartment for our play room. The cups and saucers fit in so perfectly on one of the shelves. We are enjoying them muchly, and think of you.

Betty & Morgan & Randy were here for Christmas. We had a nice visit, event though they were only able to stay for just one day.

Everyone at our house is just fine. Roxy has been home with the flu for a couple of days, but otherwise we have all been well this winter. Roxy's so big, you wouldn't know her - she is almost as tall as I and weighs nearly ninety pounds - a rather chubby ninety pounds, I might add.

The three older girls take piano lessons - with relative degrees of interest, enthusiasm, and proficiency.

Mark is a cowboy and television hound. Also likes to cook. Jackie is full of fun and cute as a bug's ear. As Melody says, "She's more entertaining than the television."

The club has been operating on a "week-ends" only schedule since the first of the year. So I only work three days a week now. Bob is working at the Northern Pacific Railroad - in the office, as secretary to the Superintendent. I don't know how long it will last - seniority is so important in the railroad, and Bob has none.

Haven't heard a word from Martin, have you?

Had a letter from mom the other day. Nothing new - although she has been doing some sewing. Which is somewhat of an adjustment, I guess.

Heard from Pop at Christmas time. They sent a box of stationary - very apropos for me.

We have had a very milk winter here. The primroses and stocks have been blooming all winter. he Pachel Oil Co. ae crying the blues.

Ruth Haakenson was over yesterday and gave me a home permanent. Lynn is a slim your teen-ager with a horse,  steady beau and a sweater girl figure.

Just took time out for a Valentine treat. Margaret and Phil - my bosses at the club sent the children five huge chocolate hearts, with their names on them. This was the unveiling. Roxanne changed the name on her heart to "Daddy" and put it under his pillow for a surprise. She's not being entirely unselfish - just figure conscious. Ten years old and counts calories!

Write!

Love & Stuff.

L

Robert Nathan Johnson (1915-1989)

Family Photos, circa 1985 (Part 2)

Mark Johnson, Patty Johnson

Nate Johnson

Stan Burkhalter, Anna Burkhalter

Marian Burkhalter, Jacque Burkhalter, Elisabeth Burkhalter

Burning Desire: To Mark -- On His Twenty-First Birthday

Burning Desire: The Wedding --- 1985

The Dean's List and Three Awards

(click to enlarge)

Friday Photos: 46th Anniversary Party (yes, 46th...)

Lottie Jensen Johnson

Minne Johnson Isley

Bob Johnson

Jill Johnson Mattingly

Marie Jensen Durand

Jacque Johnson Burkhalter

Mark Johnson

left to right

Angie Johnson Hooper

Sara Mossman

?

Minne Johnson Isley

Benson Isley

?

?

Finances and inertia are holding them up

April 8, 1955

Dear L and Family,

Just a brief note to accompany the pictures I finally got developed from our stay with you last summer. The enclosed two were the only ones worth sending. The few others we took were pretty punk - you know how kids look in the shade with wet hair. The enclosed two are swell for the record, don't you think?

Will you be going down to Portland when the new Pritchett arrives?

I'm enclosing a letter from Pop and Dora. It is in answer to the proposal that he take his extended tour of his kids this spring and summer. I get the idea that finances and inertia are holding them up. Do you think there would be any chance of we kids chipping in to help make the trip possible? Frank said he would rather do that then put money on a fancy tombstone someday. Anyway let us know if you have any ideas.

We're ready for Easter with a fresh outfit around (not everything new, but everything freshened & presentable). The girls have their first nylon dresses. Today it is Ruthie's birthday. We must get ready soon now, for we are going out to dinner & taking her favorite girl friend along.

Main news from our family is that Frank started a new job this week. Running the Children's Home, though a very rewarding experience, was far too time consuming. it really was a 24 hr a day responsiblity. Frank is now an audio-visual sales engineer to churches & schools. It is a good deal with a guaranteed wage plus commission.

Are you working, L? Does Bob still like his job?

Happy Birthday to Mark! I remembered his birthday was April 7! Wish we could all be together more often.

Love, Marie & all

Feb 16 1955

Dear Marie and Family.

Received your card and letter and two dollars yesterday and thanks so much for them. Dollars are sure money to us now - we get by and thans about all.

Got a letter from Martin today and one from Albert so we were both happy for I was waiting for a letter and when it dont come I get so blue.

Lars got more medicene today from the Dr he caught cold and I told him he best do something before it gets bad then it hangs on so long.

Well Marie I just dont know what to tell about his eyes I put those drops in every night only missed twice since he started so I've done best I could. sometimes it seems he sees better he says it clearing well I sure hope so.

Now that trip sounds so nice but guess its only a dream cant see how we can take it he said if his eyes get so he can work then we can go next year.

Sure glad you had a nice visit with Bill & family.

Guess your like we do love company never too much for us.

Martin didn't write much. Said he got a letter from Ruth and would write to her too.

Lars laughed when he called her Ruth.

I wrote and gave her Martins last address but we havent heard from her since I wrote.

Lars didnt give her his right address and her letter come back then she wrote and I ans. and copied the address.

Well I sure hope he does write to her.

Sure has been cold here we took car out two weeks ago & shopped & paid bills and then we stayed home then Monday we went out paid more bills & got pumpernickel and some groceries it was such a beautiful day but hes been in so cold so he had to take cold then we went out yesterday and this A.M. so hoarse so I thought it was best thing to do he isnt sick but I didnt want him to get bad.

Just cant get him to go to a Dr so I won.

Friday A.M. Well its raining this morning so maybe some snow - will go I do hope so for its piled on each side of the road or street.

My arm bothers me I think I hurt it before Xmas hanging up clothes I have to reach so high to reach the ends of line and I had a big wash so needed lots of line next day hurts and now if I reach up for put arm back of me sure hurts I havent hung my coat up since Xmas he does it for me and he ties my apron too. he says it just rheumatism well maybe. But I use the dust mop and mop the kitchen I mopped all over the house other two days then waxed floors and it didn't hurt and when snow come I took snow shovel and cleaned part of walks and it didn't hurt a bit but if I reach with my right arm I nearly scream hurts so bad so I think I hurt it. At the time our Dr was in hospital several weeks and I was waiting for him then snow come and we didn't go out so there always an excuse.

Sure hope this storm is just a rain but radio last night said blizzard so I'm dreading it.

Time to put news on and give him his morning coffee in bed then he can ge up and have breakfast. We enjoy that mornng coffee in bed.

Must close now - write soon.

love to all

Dora and Dad.

He goes to an eye specialist Dr Maynard Greenberg in Medic Arts Building he supposed to be one of the best in Omaha. He bought him a new norelco electric shaver yesterday and he tried it out this A.M. sure likes it fine he wansted one but said couldnt afford it I said theres going to be money when you and I are gone and why not get it now if you want it.

From Pops and Dora

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...

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.

I could send Marian C.O.D. for you.

1981 - Monday

Hi Dad & Mom -

Happy Memorial Day...or is Memorial Day supposed to be happy. Not with this rain, it ain't. We went swimming, indoors, of course. Anna & Elisabeth showed off their new skills to Stan & Marian spent the hour trying to climb whatever "tree" was handy. Mostly me.

Anna is in seventh heaven because a new boy moved in down the street. He even called her today. Twelve more years of this will drive me crazy.

I'm writing to ask you to measure the diameter of your blue coat, and also the back length.

Or I should say, I need to know what diameter you want the new one since you're so skinny now and also the back length you prefer - I know you want it longer. Maybe you'll get it by father's day.

I presume Minne & Bill are back. Ah envy. Do you miss Benson, Dad? I could send Marian C.O.D. for you. Hell, I'd even prepay the freight. And she is housebroken now too. Just say the word...

Only 12 more dys, huh, Ma... Anna's counting, too - I'm surprised that she's sick of school already. Are you having a party?

What time on the 18th are you getting back from Alaska? I've been looking at our summer plans - will you take the girls Aug 3-7 and the weekend on either end? We're going to a workshop at Cal-Poly in San Luis Obispo. Depending on our monetary situation, we'de like to see San Francisco on the way down and LA on the way back. What I was wondering at the beginning of this paragraph is - do you maybe want to plan the Ocan trip the week of the 19th? We have the Burkhalter reunion the 25-26, so we could go straight from the ocean to California, which wouldn't be too restful, among other things. Other things being trying to pack stuff for three different "trips" all in one. On the other hand, you just might like more than a day or 2 to "rest up" and water all your weeds before you go again. Whatever.

Stan's on jury duty again this week. Hates it because of the detailed lesson plans he has to make up. He wrote about a dozen work sheets last night.

We went to a play Saturday nite - Ladyhouse Blues. Do you know when it was written? It was set in the 20's. We wondered because a lot of the jokes wouldn't have been meant as such if it was written back then (world coming to an end, last war stuff)

Le me know your measurements ma

See you soon

Jacque

Hi to Mark - I wrote you a lovely letter, but I lost it - unless Stan mailed it for me, which I doubt.

Fabric sample for the jacket:

Little Green Notebook

Job Interviews!

Original Handcrafted Doors

I do not know when it is your birthday

Dear Jackie,

I thank you very very much for the lovely Birthday card you sent me and I appreciate it very much. I do not know when it is your birthday but if you let me know I will send you one too. Let me know how you are getting along in school from Grandpa Lars

Wish you would say Hello for me to Roxy, Melody, Jill, Mark and Dad & Mom too.

From Grand-Pops

Lars Jensen