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.

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.

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.

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

I Feel Like An Old Beer Horse

October 16, 1946

Dear Marie,

Sorry to be so long in answering  just one of those cases where "tomorrow" would be a better day to write.

Thank you so much for the box of things you sent. Your black dress has been worn and worn. It is certainly comfortable and flattering.

Thank you too, so very much, for your very kind offer to come and help when the baby arrives. I especially realize how inconvenient a time it would be - Thanksgiving to pre-Christmas - such a busy season in the church. However, things seem to look like they're shaping up. Good old Betts still says she's coming up. Her doctor OK'd the idea if she were to come as "supervisor" but not to work too hard. I have a woman lined up (not absolutely definite) to come in to do the washing, possibly ironing and cleaning. Also Bob and Martin will have to assume some evening responsibility with dinner, dishes, and bedding down the small fry. And, after all, I'm not helpless. By the time you have three babies, one learns to take things much more in stride.

As usual, i have lots to do before I go to the hospital. Right now I'm making Roxanne a coat. I still have pajamas to make for everyone, some dresses to make for the baby, and sewing for the Bazaar.

Now to look over your letter - Thank you so much for your very kind offer to get shirts and nighties. I have already bought shirts, and it will have an assortment of half-worn nighties, but possibly one new one wouldn't be a bad idea. Third babies are strictly utility, you know.

Thank you for the salt and pepper shears. They're darling!

Marty was in Portland a week. I went down with the kids last month for a week too. Marty does have a good winter coat.

Just a trace of alburmen (?). I feel like an old beer horse.

Write when you can.

Love, L.

Dependency Benefits

Note the date of the application...and the date of Melody's birthday...

...yes, she was born the day he had to leave for War

Robert Nathan Johnson (1915-1989)

Commencing - RJC

The Dean's List and Three Awards

(click to enlarge)

Well-Baby Check-Ups

Friday Photo: School's In Session

Roxanne Johnson, front row, 5th from left

Hair & Teeth

Envelopes...

1945

1948

early 1950s

They'd probably think you were dead

July 14, 1945

Dearest Lottie,

I'm sending you a letter which reached me just this afternoon. I could readily see that it demanded some prompt action and wanted to get it out to you as soon as possible.

Poor Ree! I don't envy her right now. How do you suppose the pioneers ever had babies?

We are going to move August 1st. At long last we've found a larger apartment. Other advantges include washing facilities, a telephone, a better landlord (the l.l. works at Meier & Frank) and a nearness to Reed College. You know I told you that I plan to go to Reed this fall if we can swing it. Our new address will be 1531 SE Carlton.

Marie has said that she will telegraph us when the addition arrives. I'll phone you as soon as possible.

We are going on our vacation about August 4th. We intend to go to Parma, Idaho to visit Morgan's sister and mother. The doctor has said it will be OK for me to be out of town for two weeks, but has said "No" to Barb's suggestion that we take a plane ride (She's a flying enthusiast.)

I guess that covers the important news from the Pritchett household. Please write soon as let us know how you, Marty, Bob, Roxy, and Mellie are. (I wrote to Bob a while back, but haven't received a reply.)

By the way, don't you ever write to Mom or Pop either? Shame on you! Every letter from them says "I haven't heard from Lottie for so long. How is she?" I hadn't dare tell them I haven't had nary a note since April - they'd probably think you were dead.

I still love you even if you are a terrible correspondent.

Love, Bets

I bought a bicycle

Roxanne Marie

June 28, 1942

Dear "Blue Windows" Family,

It seems an age since I wrote you, but I suppose Betty has kept you informed of this part of the family.

Roxanne and I came home from the hospital last Friday, and today is Monday. We're getting along just swell. Betty washed this morning, and is cleaning the refrigerator right now. Tomorrow she plans to go into town.

I'm still supposed to be in bed, but get up for meals, to take my bath and give Roxanne hers, and take care of her, mostly.

I don't like to ramble on about my health, but being you asked about the "complications" this was it. In the first place, I gained only six pounds (usual increase - and loss - is twenty). I was sick most of the time, had a kidney and bladder infection, and later developed a case of toxemia. This necessitated the elimination of absoultely all salt in my food. No butter, bread, bakery goods, canned vegetables. Not much left but fruit and milk. Then too, the baby was in backwards, and was born feet first. Due to the inverted position of the baby, the doctor thought it best to induce birth rather than to let it get any larger. In a breach birth the baby has to be born very quickly, or it will suffocate or stranglt. Also to facilitate a quick birth was a long incision, which is the reason why I can't sit down without a pillow. I had the best obstetrician in the city and everything went off just swell. Roxanne was born in less than 55 seconds.

The young-un is doing just fine. She regained her birth weight in one week and had gained 3.5 ounces when we left the hospital after ten days. Babies always lose the first few days and do not usually regain their birth weight until they are two weeks old.

Betty told us all about your new home, and it surely sounds interesting. I'd like to see it - especially the telephone pole beams and the privy "over yonder".

Our neighbor, Ruth Haakenson, just came in with two huge boquets of flowers. One of foxglove and canterbury bells, and the other a gorgeous arrangement of roses.

I must close now, and feed the babe. Betty, Bob, and Roxanne Marie all send their love.

L.

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



Marty will have to do the best he can at Parkland

January 9, 1943

Dear Folksies,

It's Sunday night, and sorry to say, many Sunday nights have gone by since we've written any letters. We haven't quite gotten settled down after Christmas.

We've all had colds. Mine, I guess is the worst, I've had it for over a month and can't seem to shake it. Roxanne has been sick this week - stomach flu. The same thing as when she was ill in Yakima. She's been on a very light diet, and just as cross as two sticks. Today she felt better, so I put her back on a partially straight diet, and she simply ate like a horse.

Roxy says quite a few words now. Such as "see, dropped it, here it is, here you are, where, hello, hi, boo, peek, bye, mamma, daddy, Martin" and understands, and will carry out a simple commands. Like "shut the door, put this back, put it in the hamper, come here, and go see so-and-so"

I had a wisdom tooth pulled this week too. Hurt for a few days but is all right now.

A Christmas card came from Hastings and thought you might be interested. Needless to say, I do not intend to send one back, so I'm sending it on to you.

By the way, I have heard not one scratch from that darned photographer in Yakima. I sent the proofs in the first part of October and have written again some weeks ago asking about them but have heard nothing at all. May I suggest that you write Rev Blickenstaff and ask him to do a little bird-dogging on the deal. I had planned to write the Better Business Bureau, but a personal contact with them and the photographer would be much better. Mom wrote that you and Elin had offered to chip in on the bill. That is not necessary; we set aside the money for this months ago. However, I'd appreciate it is you would write Rev. B - you know them better, so it would be best for you to do it. (If you think it's a good idea.)

The research on Martin seems to have petered out. Neither the doctor or the principal thought Martin would be any better off at Marymount - so that seems to be out. The doctor thought Martin should be analyzed by the school analyst in town, but Mr. Ford (the principal) didn't think the analyst knew her business, and knew personally of too many cases in which she was wrong. He asked if Martin had even been psychoanalyzed, and I said "yes". He thought that would have been much more thorough that the regular school analyst. There were two schools discussed - one a class at Roy (a small town near here) but this was really for feeble-minded kids and Mr. Ford didn't think he belonged there. The other was a class at Central Grade School in town which dealt with problem and handicapped children, and seemed to be just the thing for Martin. However, it's way in town, and impossible and impractical from a standpoint of time and transportation. So I guess Marty will have to do the best he can at Parkland. There is just nothing else to do.

Sometimes he's good at home, and sometimes he's terrible, but on the whole I think he's improving. Spontaneous obendience is what we're working on more than anything else for that's the root of most of his trouble.

Here I am already to the fourth page and have not thanked you for your nice Christmas gifts. The rugs Mrs. Harris made are perfect. They are a beautiful blue, and go well with everything in Roxanne's room. The photograph book is just what she needs and we hope we can get those pictures put in in? the not too distant future. (Incoherent, isn't it?)

Bob appreciated the tie rack as did Martin. He put it up himself on his closet door, and was pleased as punch with his effort. God job, too. We are reading "Robin Hood" to him at night when he is a good boy. We're half way through, so you see, he's been pretty good. He eats up every word too.

Thanks again for all your nice gifts. I'm afraid ours to you this year were very meager. And by the way, did you get the other package of your slips and shoes? I had them both insured so let me know if you didn't get both boxes. Marty's bathrobe with baseball mitts and the baby mittens came too. Thank you.

Better close now, it's nearly ten-thirty, and I've got to take a bath before I go to bed. So adios.

Marty said he would write, but don't expect his letter till you get it.

L.

Week of Postcards: Mayflower

Dear Mom and Dad -

Today was some sort of Massachusetts hollerday (as Hugh calls our days off). So we and my classmate Adele (who wants to be a dentist) went to the beach for the weekend. The Cape (Cape Cod) was beautiful and the Mayflower is very pretty. Now we're back studying boring physics & chemistry. P.S. I have a 3rd interview at Howard coming up! But don't hold your breath. I might not get into any school, but I'm certainly trying. Love Roxanne. P.S. We found a spcial beach stone for Dad to polish. It's sort of striped.

Week of Postcards: Jamaica

Dear Mom,

Jamaica is beautiful and very mellow in general - we are staying in The Tree House on the Negril Beach and do not plan to explore any further than we can walk. Vendors are persistent. Food good (curried goat, etc). We spend most of our time in the water. Went snorkeling today.

Love, Rox

Daily Chatter