Narvik 28-6-1948

Kjære Alma og Mor.

Atter hjertelig takk for brevet Alma.  Du er meget flink til å skrive.  Ingen er så snar til å svare på brevene som du.  På De pungt lingner vi hverandre også meget godt.  Ja De er sant at Du har meget å ta vare på.  Ikke bare Dit eget hjem.  Men du har også Mor å hendes hjem og ordne med.  Dertil kommer alle Di andre ting som Du blir plaget med.  Du har hadt mange ekstra vendinger med alle Disse spørsmål angående Disse penger som er sendt.  Vi har ennu intet hørt fra Axel om Dette.  Men som jeg ser så har Du atter sendt en skrivelse, med underskrift og attestasjon fra flere personer.  Og Da skulle vell Den saken engang komme ut av Verden. Ja jeg gjentar hvad jeg før har sagt, jeg synes at De var rart at John ordnet De på en slik måte før han døde.  Men han er nu Død og jeg vill ikke si mere om Den sak.  Men unnerligt synes jeg De var, og serlig Dette at hans hustru Din Mor ikke fik vite noget om De.  Forresten så fårekommer De mig at Olav Holm er også en uforståelig Mand.  Så jeg forstår nær sagt ingen ting av nogen av Dem.  Vell, Så snart vi får høre noe fra Dem, så skal Du få høre De.  Her er fremdeles lidt vanskelig med mange ting.  Ensjønt De er vell ikke så ligetil Der i Amerika heller.  Kostbart alt Der også både Mat og klær.  Vi har hadt bra med Mat her, og har De fremdeles.  Men klær og særlig Da Arbeidsklær er De tungt å få noe av.  Jeg har Derfor måttet gji mine sønner en del klær, og særlig da benklær (bukser) til Arbeisbruk.  Og jeg er glad for at jeg kunde hjelpe Dem.  Ja kjære Dig Alma.  Du må ikke ta De alt for hårt med strevet og Arbeidet.  For De kan jo bli for meget for Dig også.  Om vi hadde vært Dig lidt nermere, sa ville vi så gjerne ha hjulpet Dig lidt.  Karen har nu sendt brev til Dig.  Greta har vist også skrevet.  Edvard er nu ferdig med Skolen og har nu Middelskoleeksamen.  Greta skal Konfirmeres nu Søndag 4de Juli, så tiden går svært fort til alle barna blir voksen.

Ja så må Du hilse all Dine ijen, og særlig Da Mor,  Hanna sender Dig en særlig hilsen.  Vi ville så gjerne ha sendt Dere noen foto billeder av oss, men de er nær sagt umulig for tiden å få tatt nogen billeder.  For De finnes ikke film sier Fotograferne.

Ha De bra og lev vell alle.  Tusen takk for alt Dit stræv.

Deres Hanna og E. Eidum

Narvik 28-6-1948

Dear Alma and Mother.

Again many thanks for your letter Alma.  You’re very good at writing.  No one is as quick to reply to the letters as you are.  In That Respect we are also very much alike.  Yes It’s true that You have a lot to take care of.  Not only Your own home.  But you also have Mother and her home to see to.  In addition there’s all The other things that You’re being bothered with.  You’ve had many extra turns with all These questions regarding This money that were sent.  We‘ve still heard nothing from Axel about This.  But I see You have once again sent a statement, with signatures and certifications from several persons.  And Then That matter should be out of the Way.  Well I repeat what I’ve said before, I think It was strange that John arranged It like that before he died.  But he’s Dead now and I won’t say any more on That matter.  But I do think It was odd, and especially The fact that his wife Your Mother wasn’t told about It.  Besides it seems to me that Olav Holm is also an incomprehensible Man.  So I don’t understand anything about any of Them so to speak.  Well, As soon as we hear something from Them, we’ll let You know about It.  It’s still a little difficult here with many things.  Though I guess It’s not so simple There in America either. Everything expensive There too both Food and clothing.  We’ve had enough Food here, and still do.  But clothing and especially Work clothes are hard to get.  Therefore I’ve had to give my sons some clothes, and especially pants for Working in.  And I’m glad that I’ve been able to help Them.  Well dear Alma.  You mustn’t Work and toil too hard.  Because It can get to be too much for You too.  If we’d been closer to You, we would gladly have helped You a little.  Karen has sent a letter to You now.  I think Greta has also written.  Edvard has finished School and now he has his Middle School exam (this should be more or less equivalent to the U.S. Junior High School).  Greta is going to be Confirmed this Sunday July 4^th, so it won’t be long till the children are adults.

Say hello to all of Yours again, and especially Mother, Hanna sends You a special greeting.  We would so much have liked to send You some pictures of us, but it’s just about impossible to get pictures taken these days.  Because there is no film the Photographers say.

Keep well all of you.  Thanks a lot for Your hard work.

Yours Hanna and E. Eidum

Oslo 14/12-47

Kjære onkel John!

Mange takk for den fine pakken du sendte meg.  Det var kjærkommende ting å få.  Tøflene passet meg utmerket, og de vare meget pene.  Jeg har dem på meg hver dag, når jeg kommer hjem fra arbeide.  De er så gode og varme.  Fyllepennen skriver jeg med nu, og både den, og blyanten skal bli meget brukt, både når jeg skriver til Amerika og til alle mine i Trondheim.  Hjertelig takk onkel, for alt, det var pene og gode ting.  Pakken fikk jeg den 10/12-47.  Takk også for den deilige sepen.  Jeg skulde ønsket jeg kunne sende deg noget, men alt dere har er jo bedre enn hva vi har.

Ja nu står julen for døren igjen, og snart kan vi skrive 1948.  Jeg skal reise hjem til Trondheim å være i hele 12 dager, så får jeg være med i min søsters Evelyn bryllup.  Da blir det bare meg igjen som ikke er gift av oss søskene.  Jeg er jo den ynste (skrivefeil), og det har gått etter tur og orden, så jeg får vel vente litt.  Jeg håper du får tilsendt misjonsbladet “Tro og Liv” regelmessig nu, hvis ikke må du varsle meg.

Vi har litt sne her, men det er ikke så kalt.  Nydelig vær med sol.  Jeg syns vinteren er også vakker, og det er herlig å komme ut om morgenen i dette nydelige været.  Juletreet er reist foran Universitet (skrivefeil) og ved treet sitter en julenisse som samler inn klær og penger til byens fattige.  Vi har meget å takke for vi som har gode poster å tjener penger selv.  Det beste av alt er jo at vi har helsen og er arbeidsdyktig.  Så lenge man er friske er det ikke farlig sier far alltid, og det tenker jeg ofte på.  Rikelig med mat og klær har vi jo også, så vi er heldige vi mot mange andre land i Europa, hvor de både sulter og fryser.  Gleder meg meget til å få være sammen (med) mine foreldre og søsken og alle mine venner i Trondheim i julen.  Jeg setter mere pris på mor og far og alle sammen når jeg har vært borte fra hjemmet en tid.

Kjære onkel John, det skulde vært morsomt å fått hilse på deg og snakket litt sammen, jeg syns jeg kjenner deg alerede godt.  Du må være så snild og skrive til meg igjen.  Det gleder meg alltid å få brev i fra dig.  Hils tante fra meg, og ha det riktig bra selv også.  Så vil jeg ønske deg og dine en Velsignet julehelg, og ett riktig godt nytt år, med fred på jorden.

Hjertelig hilsen din niese Effie

Min adr. er nu:  Effie Holm, Sentralbordet, Fornebu Lufthavn  Norge.

Oslo 14/12-47

Dear uncle John!

Many thanks for the nice package you sent me.  Those were very welcome things to get.  The slippers fit me perfectly, and they were very nice.  I wear them every day, when I get home from work.  They’re so nice and warm.  The fountain pen I’m writing with now, and both that, and the pencil will be used a lot, when I write to America as well as when I write to my family in Trondheim.  Thank you so much uncle, for everything, they were nice and good things.  I received the package on 10-12-47 (Dec. 10).  Thank you also for the wonderful soap.  I’d wish I could send you something, but everything you have is better than what we have.

Well now Christmas is at the door again, and soon we can write 1948.  I’m going home to Trondheim and will stay as long as 12 days, so that I can take part in my sister Evelyn’s wedding.  Then there will be only me left who’s not married of us sisters.  I’m the youngest and one after the other has gotten married, so I’d better wait a while.  I hope you get the mission magazine “Tro og Liv” (“Faith and Life”) sent to you regularly now, if not you must let me know.

We have a little snow here, but it’s not very cold.  Lovely weather with sun.  I think the winter is also beautiful, and it’s wonderful to come outside in the morning in this lovely weather.  The Christmas tree has been put up outside the University and by the tree there’s a Santa Claus who collects clothes and money for the city’s poor.  We have a lot to be thankful for those of us who have good jobs and earn money ourselves. Best of all is the fact that we have our health and are able to work.  As long as one is healthy nothing’s too bad father always says, and I often think about that.  We also have plenty of food and clothes, so we’re lucky compared to many other countries in Europe, where they’re both starving and cold.  I’m very much looking forward to being together with my parents and sisters and all my friends in Trondheim this Christmas.  I appreciate mother and father and everybody more when I’ve been away from home for a while.

Dear uncle John, it would be fun to meet you and talk with you, I feel I know you well already.  Please write to me again.  It always pleases me to get a letter from you.  Say hello to auntie from me, and keep real well yourself too.  I wish you and yours a Blessed Christmas, and a very happy new year, with peace on earth.

Besten wishes your niece Effie

My address is now:  Effie Holm, Sentralbordet, Fornebu Lufthavn  Norge

Trondheim den 17 aug 47

Kjære onkel!

Takk for brev og gode aviser.  Det gleder meg å se at du er så frisk og åndsfrisk tross din høye alder.  Samme dag avisene kom hit hadde vi vår pastor fra den frie kirke vi står tilsluttet hjemme hos oss og han kjente begge aviser fra Amerika, og selv får han dem tilsent derfra regelmessig.  Jeg har lest litt i den ene og jeg fikk et meget godt inntrykk.

I sommermånedene bor vi i vårt sommerhus som ligger 7 km fra Trondheim og høyt oppe omgitt av gran og furuskog.  Da vår leilighet i byen er liten og trang, er det godt vi har dette sommerhus som er stort og rommelig.  Det blir for tungvint og bo her om vinteren desverre.  Overalt i vårt land hersker det stor husnød, men ellers er tilstanden på mat og klær riktig bra, men svært kostbart er jo alt hva vi skal kjøpe.

Far har vært bortreist en stunn.  Han har aldri vært i Nord-Norge så iår tok han seg en liten ferie.  Det er den første ferien hans på mange år.  Han har vært borte i tre uker, men mor venter ham hjem en av de første dager.  Nervene hans er ikke bra, så han plages av hodepine og gikt.  Hadde far vært frelst så hadde han ikke vært så urolig og nervøs som han ofte er.  Jeg tror han ofte gruer for døden nu når han kjenner alderdommen sige innover seg.

Ja, det er godt å være frelst å vite at om man lever eller dør hører man Herren til.  Men man går og kjenner på at man gjør så altfor lite for å få de andre med.  Vi skulle vær aktive kristne som arbeidet mens det var dag  natten kommer da ingen kan arbeide

Så må du hilse dine kjære og lev så vel. 

Din niese Sonja

Senner et billede som er tatt ved huset vårt ifjor sommer.  Har satt et kryss over meg selv med Berit 1 år på fanget.  Gerd min søster med en liten 1 åring på fanget ved siden av.

Trondheim the 17^th of Aug. 47

Dear uncle!

Thank you for your letter and the good newspapers.  It pleases me to see that you are so well and alert in spite of your old age.  On the same day the newspapers arrived we had the pastor from the free church which we belong to visiting us and he recognized both the newspapers from America, and he himself gets them sent to him from there regularly.  I’ve read a little bit in one of them and got a very good impression.

During the summer months we live in our summer house which is located 7 km from Trondheim and is high up surrounded by spruce and pine trees.  As our apartment in the city is small and crowded, it’s good to have this summer house which is large and spacious.  It would be too bothersome to live here in the winter time unfortunately.  Everywhere in our country there’s a great shortage of housing, but other than that the food and clothing situation is very good, but everything we want to buy is very expensive.

Father has been away for a while.  He’s never been to the North of Norway so this year he took a little vacation.  It’s his first vacation in many years.  He’s been gone for 3 weeks, but mother is expecting him home shortly.  His nerves are not good, so he’s bothered with headaches and arthritis.  If father had been saved he wouldn’t have been as restless and nervous as he often is.  I think he often dreads death now that he feels old age coming over him.

Yes, it’s good to be saved and know that whether you live or die you belong to the Lord.  But one feels that one does much to little to get the others to join in.  We should be active Christians who worked while the day is here  the night will come when nobody can work

Say hello to all your loved ones and keep well.

Your niece Sonja

I’m sending a picture which was taken by our house last summer.  I’ve put a cross above myself with Berit age 1 on my lap.  Gerd my sister with a little 1 year old on her lap next to me.

Sluppen den 26. Okt.

Min gode kusine Alma.

Tusen tak for brev, jeg kan ikke forstaa at du ikke faar brev fra mig  jeg har skrevet tre brev og sent i flypost til dig, et naar vi fik pakken som min datter var saa frygtelig glad for, hun hadde nogen venner hos sig den dagen pakken kom men hun blev helt vill, saa glad var hun, for den var aldeles nydelig og nu er den i bruk alt hun fik.  Hjertelig tak for alt.

Min datter fik en datter den 26 sept, helt mørk og en pen pike.  Det var morsomt det blev pike for min yngste datter har to gutter.  De bor hjemme hos mig nu, for leiligheten er ikke færdig enda.  Det er meget og gjøre saa mine hænder er saa onde om nættene, for nu er vi 6 mennesker, jeg hænger i fra 6 morgen til 10-11 hver dag.  Skal hilse fra ma (jeg tror hun mener mormoren sin) til onkel Jon, han er bare spræk og rask tross sine 80 aar.  Ja nu lakker det mot vinteren og jeg gruer for det gaar saa meget brensel og dyrt som alting er.  Min ælste gut som er 19 aar er paa jernbane i lære, er saa rolig og stødig og det er jeg glad for.  Svenn Alfred som er 13 aar gaar siste aaret paa skolen, han er flink  jeg skal forsøke og la ham fortsætte. Den frakken som jeg fik skal jeg sy og forandre til ham, for nu er han opraad for alt slags klær baade over og under, jeg maa vel ha en raad.  Det er bra med klær her nu naar bare man har penger nok, ikke undertøi for tykke damer som mig ha ha.  End om du har hatt anledning til å besøkt os til sommeren, det er en nabo som faar sin kusine paa besøk til sommeren her som jeg bor, men det koster vel mange penger.  Tante Laura bor 3 mil herfra og onkel Aksel bror til jon bor ogsaa der  hans kone er syk  hun har lagt paa sykehus i 3 aar nu stakkars henne.  Min mans familie er fra Skogn eller Levangernesset, min svigerfar het Paul Paulsen Krogstad.  Min mand hadde 13 søsken, store svære mennesker alle.

Vi reiser til Levanger i ferien. for der er det saa trivelig.  Her i byen er det oppussing av alle offentlige hus nu for alt er saa forfalt paa alle aara som er gaat siden krigen.

Ja nu sitter Svenn og venter på kveldsmat saa nu maa jeg slutte med en rigtig god jul og godt Nytaar.  Jeg skal sende dere en julehilsen siden.  Ha det rigtig bra og hils onkel og alle dine, haaber han har faat mit brev.

Deres Klara.

BREV FRA KLARAS DATTER:

Kjære Alma

Hjertelig takk for pakken du sendte mig.  Du kan tro den kom vel med, og jeg blev særlig glad for den deilige flanell og trøier.  Alt sammen kom vel med, og jeg er dig meget takknemlig.  Ja, nu er det hele overstått og jeg fikk en velskapt pike.  Forferdelig lik sin far.  Hun skal hete Berit  Et riktig norsk navn.  Skal sende dig billede av henne.  Vi skal flytte inn i egen leilighet om 14 dager.  For tiden bor vi hjemme hos mor, da huset ikke er ferdig enda.  Det er meget vanskelig om hus her i Norge, så du skjønner vi har vært heldige.  Vi har det meget bra her i landet nu, men alt er veldig dyrt, men vi har nok av mat og det er det beste.  Og min mann er heldig og har bra arbeide.  Skal hilse så meget i fra ham og enda en gang tusen takke.

Hilsen fra

Mary og Bernhard(?).

Sluppen the 26^th of oct.

My good cousin Alma.

Thank you so much for your letter, I can’t understand that you don’t get letters from me  I have written three letters and sent them air mail to you, one when we received the package which my daughter was so terribly happy about, she had some friends over the day the package arrived but she went completely wild, from joy, because it was absolutely beautiful and now it’s in use everything she got.  Many thanks for everything.

My daughter had a daughter on Sept. 26, completely dark and a pretty girl.  It’s fun that it was a girl because my youngest daughter has two boys.  They’re living with me now, because the apartment isn’t finished yet.  There’s a lot to do so my hands hurt so badly at night, because now there’s 6 of us, I keep at it from 6 morning till 10-11 every day.  Ma says hello to uncle Jon (I think she means her mother’s mom), he’s still going strong in spite of his 80 years.  Well, now winter is approaching and I’m dreading it because we use so much fuel (fire wood?) and everything is so expensive.  My oldest boy who’s 19 years old is at the railroad as an apprentice, is so quiet and steady and I’m glad of that.  Svenn Alfred who’s 13 years old is in his last year of school, he’s clever  I’m going to try and let him continue.  The coat I received I’ll alter for him, because now he’s in need of all kinds of clothes both over and under, I guess I’ll come up with something.  You can get clothes here now if you only have enough money, not underwear for fat ladies like me ha ha.  Just think if you had the opportunity to visit us next summer, there’s a neighbour who’s getting her cousin over next summer here where I live, but I guess it costs a lot of money.  Aunt Laura lives 3 miles from here and uncle Aksel jon’s brother lives there too  his wife is sick  she has been in the hospital for 3 years now poor her.  My husband’s family is from Skogn or Levangernesset, my father in law’s name was Paul Paulsen Krogstad.  My husband had 13 siblings, great big people all of them.

We’re going to Levanger for the holidays.  Because it’s so pleasant there.  Here in town there’s renovations going on of all the public buildings now because everything has fallen into such a state of disrepair in all the years of war.

Well Svenn is sitting here waiting for his food so now I must end this with a very Merry Christmas and happy New Year.  I’ll send you a Christmas greeting later.  Keep real well and say hello to uncle and all yours, hope he has received my letter.

Yours Klara.

 LETTER FROM KLARA’S DAUGHTER:

Dear Alma

Thank you so much for the package you sent me.  It really was welcome, and I was particularly happy about the lovely flannel and the shirts.  Everything was welcome, and I’m very grateful to you.  Well, now everything is over with and I had a healthy daughter.  Looks a lot like her father.  She’ll be named Berit  A real

 Norwegian name.  I’ll send you a picture of her.  We’re moving into our own apartment in 14 days.  Right now we’re living at mother’s, as the house isn’t finished yet. Housing is a big problem here in Norway, so you understand we’ve been lucky.  We’re doing very well in this country now, but everything is very expensive, but we have enough food and that’s the best of all.  And my husband is lucky enough to have a good job.  He sends his best wishes and once again thank you so much.

Greetings from

Mary and Bernhard(?).

Tr.heim 14-7-46

Min eiegode Broder.

Ja fik jeg igjen 2 Pakker næsten samtidig.  Ja du er mer end snill.  Det er slig stor hjelp for os i disse trange tider  priserne på alt er 5 gange så stor som før krigen så det er umulig altsammen.  Jeg ser at også der borte er det frygtelige priser, og mye spetakel  Verden er forvirret.  Skoene og tøflene var for små for mig, men jeg har mange som vil ha dem, så du skal ha hjertelig tak allegevel.  Verktøy (wrenches) har jeg bra med.  Jeg kunne sælge noe men ingen har råd til og kjøpe noe nu, det er penger som mangler.  Slik deilig fin såpe dere har  det er gode ting og meget nyttig for os, foresten skal du ha tusind tak for hver enkelt ting, alt er så hjertelig velkommen.  Det er så spendende intresant og få Pakker, det er som med ungene, når dem får forundrings pakker.  Ja du blev virkelig snill på dine gamle dage.  Du liker kanske ikke høre at du er blit gammel.  å nei det er foresten frygtelig trist også.  Jeg er så lei mig for at jeg er blit så gammel og træt men hvad skal man gjøre?

Her er lige vanskelig om varer Klædevarer.  det ser ikke ut til og bli bedre. folk reiser, og reiser på visitter og (vacations)  ingen vil arbeide mere.

Jeg har forsøkt og skulle få fatt på en “hverdags” suit”, men ikke, og ingen Skrædder som vil Sy. alt er så dyrt og dårlig.  Vi har det desuten bra nu bra med mat.  alle vores folk er frisk og bra. så jeg har ingen nyheter.  Vi er glad for at vi for være frisk, og har lit for hver dag, og det er den største velsignelse på jord.  Jeg tænkte og reise en tur nordover til Narvik, har aldri vært så langt nord men får la det være det blir for kostbart, det er så meget andet og bruke pengene til.  Jeg har ikke hørt fra “Florence” på længe, men håper det er bra med henne.

Det har været en dårlig sommer hittil men nu er det lit bedre.  Kroppen (årveien) ser bra ut.  Håper det er bra med Kona ligedan med Alma og hennes.

Du må hilse alle så meget.  Så for jeg da avslutte denne gang igjen, med vor aller hjerteligste tak fra os alle for din godhet mod os.  Gud velsigne dere igjen det er min bøn.  Tak da for alt kjære John.

Deres Olav

(Håper og få høre snart igjen)

Tr.heim 14-7-46

My kind hearted Brother.

Received 2 Packages again almost at the same time.  You are more than kind.  It’s such a big help to us in these hard times  the prices on everything are 5 times as high as before the war so everything is impossible.  I see that you have terrible prices over there too, and lots of hullabaloo.  The world is confused.  The shoes and slippers were too small for me, but I know of many who would want them, so thank you so much anyway.  Tools (wrenches) I have enough of.  I could sell some of it but nobody can afford to buy anything now, there’s a lack of money.  What a wonderful fine soap you have  they are good things and very useful to us, so thank you so much for every single thing, everything is so very welcome.  It’s so exciting and interesting to get Packages, it’s like the kids, when they get surprises.  Yes you turned really kind in your old age.  Maybe you don’t like to hear that you’ve gotten old.  oh well, and terribly sad it is too.  I’m so upset that I have gotten so old and tired but what can you do?

Here it’s still difficult with regard to goods  Clothes.  it doesn’t look like it’s getting any better.  people travel, and travel on visits and (vacations)  nobody wants to work anymore.

I’ve been trying to get a hold of an “everyday suit”, but no, and no Taylor who will make one.  everything is so expensive and bad.  Otherwise we’re fine now with regard to food.  all of our people are healthy and well. so I have no news.  We’re glad that we can stay healthy, and have a little bit for every day, and that’s the greatest blessing on earth.  I thought I’d take a trip up north to Narvik, have never been that far north but will have to leave it  it’ll be too expensive, there are so many other things to spend the money on.  I haven’t heard from “Florence” for a long time, but hope she’s well.

We’ve had a bad summer up until now but now it’s a little better.  The crops look good.  Hope the Wife is doing well and likewise Alma and hers.

Give our regards to everybody.  So I must end this again for this time, with our warmest thank you’s from all of us for you kindness toward us.  God bless you again  that’s my prayer.

Thank you then for everything dear John.

Yours Olav

(Hope to hear again soon)

Sluppen den 24. februar

Kjære onkel Johan.

Hjertelig tak for Julehilsen jeg fik i gaar.  Ser av det at tante har været syk, men efter en slik sykdom saa gammel som hun er, er det fint at det har gaat saa fort.  Ja onkel nu er det meget rart siden vi hadde brev fra hverandre.  Jeg er saa gla for at vi ingen fly alarm faar mere saa du kan ikke tro det, mine nerver var paa bristepunktet naar sirenene gik og vi maatte gaa i kjælleren.  Vi har det bare bra  nu har jeg bare guttene igjen, mine døtre er gifte og har flyttet fra mig, jeg har en søn som er 19 aar i sommer, han har gaat mekanikerkurset saa nu er han kommet sig inn paa jernbanen.  Min yngste gut er 13 år i sommer  han gaar paa skolen enda, selv holder jeg og vasker der min mand arbeidet saa det gaar da bra bare vi faar være frisk.  Ma er frisk og kjæk, hun har sluttet og vaske paa skolen nu  er bare hjemme og steller for min bror Erling som er 38 aar den 3 mars.  Hennes ma altsaa min bestemor lever ennu  hun er 94 aar i sommer  hun bor hos sin datter i nærheten av mig, har eget hus dem.  Det er nu meget bedre i mat og litt klær er det å faa men de er saa daarlige saa jeg har ikke kjøpt no særlig av dem, i sær strømpestrik er en saga blot  vi bruker papirhyssing.  Vi faar være taalmodige, det blir vel litt efter hvert nu.  Jeg ser av bildene Alma sente mig du har det pent og trivelig.  Husker du onkel at jeg skulde faa komme til dig, det snakker jeg meget om, men min skjebne var vel ikke slik. 

Du maa hilse tante fra mig og mine og ha det rigtig bra.  Jeg har sent brev til Alma for en tid siden.  Jeg faar vel brev fra dig jeg ogsaa nu, men kanske du har sluttet og skrive.  Ha det bra, og vær hjertelig hilset fra din bror datter Klara.

Sluppen the 24^th of February

Dear uncle Johan

Thank you so much for the Christmas greeting I got yesterday.  I see from that that auntie has been sick, but after an illness like that as old as she is, it’s good that it has gone so quickly.  Well uncle a lot of things have happened since we had letters from eachother.  You can’t imagine how glad I am that we don’t get air raid sirens anymore, my nerves were on the point of bursting when the sirens went and we had to go to the basement.  We are doing just fine  I only have the boys left now, my daughters are married and have moved away from me, I have a son who turns 19 years old this summer, he has taken the mechanics class so now he has gotten a job with the railroads.  My youngest boy turns 13 this summer  he’s still going to school, as for me I’m still cleaning where my husband used to work so we’ll be fine as long as we can stay healthy.  Ma (that’s the word she uses) is healthy and doing well, she has quit cleaning at the school now, and is just at home keeping house for my brother Erling who turns 38 years old on March 3.  Her ma that is my grandmother is still alive  she’ll turn 94 this summer  she lives with her daughter nearby me, they have their own house.  There is a lot more food now and some clothes are to be had but they are so bad that I haven’t bought much of them, especially elastic for stockings is a thing of the past  we use twine.  We’ll have to be patient, little by little now there’s bound to be more.  I see from the pictures Alma sent me that you have a nice and cosy place. Do you remember uncle that I was supposed to come visit you, I talk about that a lot, but my fate wanted it otherwise.

Give our regards to auntie and keep well.  I’ve sent a letter to Alma a while back.  I guess I too will get a letter from you now, but maybe you’ve quit writing.  Keep well, and be heartily greeted from your brother’s daughter Klara.

Hegra 3/2-46

Kjære Alma Vilson!

Jertelig tusin tak for dit kjærkomne brev, og fotografier.  Det var morsomt og faa høre i fra Ammerika.  Her i Hegra er det fredelig nu.  Det er mere madt nu, bare den som har penger nu, saa faar vi i madt, men de er saa frigtelig dyrt aldt sament.  Af klær er der ingen ting og faa fat paa, uvist er det om de blir noget ogsaa, ja det ser mørgt ut.  Jeg har 9 barn, jift er dem alle sammen  dem har det rigtig bra alle sammen.  Jeg Ventet Odd til Jul men han kom ikke heim.  Han er nu paa reise til Sidishave met forsiniger til Valfangerne en reise som tar 3 maaneder  Odd siger at han kommer heim til jul.  Det er over 8 aar siden vi saag Oddeman.  Odd er en rigtig snil gut  Det er rigtig et nydelig brudepar du sente mig, brudgommen er saa lik min søn Jarl  akurat som jeg ser ham.  Vordan staar det til met onkel Johan og hans frue.  Du maa hilse dem titusen ganger.  Jeg er alene her jemme og de er trist, det er meget trist efter Conrad, det er et stort savn efter ham, det var 3 aar 6 januar siden han døde.  han døde af Tuberkolose  naar man faar den sykdommen er det ingen redning.  Har du aldrig haft lyst til og ta dig en tur til Noarge Alma?  Du er vel føt i Ammerika du Alma?  kan du snakke nork?  kan du snakke nork?  (hun sier det samme to ganger)  er du datter til Johan?  (hun var datter til Johans bror Olaf.  Johan giftet seg med Olafs enke, Almas mor).

Du skriver saa pent du  jeg skriver saa stygt, jeg må slutte nu, hils alle dine. Mange hilsninger til Johan og frue.

Ha det rigtig bra og du er

Jærtelig hilset fra Olava Holm

Hegra 3/2-46

Dear Alma Vilson

Many thanks for your welcome letter, and photographs.  It was fun to hear from Ammerica.  Here in Hegra it’s peaceful now.  There is more food now, if you only have money, you can get a hold of food, but everything is so terribly expensive.  As far as clothes there’s nothing to be had, it’s also uncertain whether there will be any, yes things look bleak.  I have 9 children, they’re all married  they’re all doing well.  I expected Odd for Christmas but he didn’t come home.  He’s now on his way to the Antarctic Ocean with supplies to the Whalers a trip which takes 3 months  Odd says that he’ll be home for Christmas.  (He was able to come home that spring).  It’s been over 8 years since we saw our Odd.  Odd is a really kind boy  It’s a very beautiful couple you sent me, the groom looks so much like my son Jarl  just like seeing him.  How is uncle Johan and his wife.  You must greet them ten thousand times.  I’m on my own here at home and that’s sad, it’s very sad after Conrad,  he’s terribly missed, it was 3 years on January 6 since he died.  he died of Tubercolosis  when you get that disease you can’t be saved.  Have you never wanted to take a trip to Norway Alma?  I suppose you’re born in Ammerica Alma?  can you speak Norwegian?  can you speak Norwegian?  (written twice) are you Johan’s daughter?  (she was the daughter of Johan’s brother Olaf.  Johan married Olaf’s widow, who was Alma’s mother).

Your handwriting is so pretty  mine is so ugly, I must end this now, greet all of yours.  Many greetings to Johan and his wife.

Keep well and you are

warmly greeted from Olava Holm

TRONDHEIM SEPT. 1-1945

Kjære Broder

Ja du kan tro jeg blev glad da jeg fik Pakken “med Frakken” (Overcoat) Så Solid som den er og tænk den passer akurat.  Jeg synes det er for mye og takke for, men hva andet kan jeg gjøre, Så du må ha så mange tusind tak, og jeg ønsker du må bli “lønnet” for dine gode gjerninger, av ham, som ser, og som vet om alt.  Jeg det er herlig og få noget derfra nu, her går det sent med og få orden på noget, men det begynder og blir bedre med mat.  Det er bare bra med vores  Søster Laura var hos os en par dage nu igjen, med sin Søn han er over 30 år, har ikke arbeidet en skikkelig dagsarbeide enda, er bortskjæmt av henne og så er han lit fjollet (Folish) og hun liker best, og løpe i Husene og tøise.  Hun får lit Pension, efter hennes Mand fra Sverige.  Ja det er mye rart men dette må ikke snakkes om.  Krigen har fordrævet Moralen og alt især iblant unge folk.  Det er helst Dans drik, kortspil, dem intreserer sig for.  Jeg er så glad for jeg har mine så vel off.

Jeg fik brev fra Florence Winters forleden.  Hun lover og sende noget, og det er så bra hvadsomhelst.  Det er så ont at jeg ikke kan gjengjælde på noget vis, for hvad jeg får.  Her begynder og bli høstlig nu surt og kalt.  Tyskerne reiser herfra fort væk men mange igjen enda  håper, vi blir fri alle Fremmede Soldater, det blir ikke bra her før alle er reist, ihvertfal blir en del unge damer utskjæmt, bare til forargelse, og mye misnøie, og Politisk split, og strid er det også.

Håper det er fortsat bare bra med alle dere da.  For slutte for denne gang igjen, jeg husker ingen ting av intresse.  Jeg skal se om jeg kan sende dig en par Billeder som du vistnok har intresse av snart se om du kjenner dem igjen.  Så tilslut min hjerteligste tak for “Coaten” igjen, og jeg glær mig til snart og begynde bruke den.  Hils da Alma og hennes folk. samt din kone

Din hengivne Broder Olav

Trondheim Sept. 1-1945

Dear brother

I was so happy to receive the Packet “with the Jacket” (Overcoat) How solid it is and it actually fits perfectly.  I feel it’s too much to have to thank you for, but what else can I do, So many thanks to you, and may you be “rewarded” for your good deeds, by him, who sees, and knows everything.  Yes getting something from there is wonderful now, getting things back to normal is slow going here, but it’s starting to get better as far as food.  Everything is just fine with ours  Sister Laura was here at our place for a couple of days again, with her Son  he’s over 30 years old, hasn’t worked a decent day of work yet, is spoilt by her and is also a little Folish (Ola’s term) and her favourite thing is running around to people.  She gets a little Pension, after her Husband from Sweden.  Yes there’s all kinds but this must not be repeated.  The war has chased away Morals and everything especially among young people.  It’s mostly Dancing drinking, playing cards, they’re interested in.  I’m so glad I’ve got mine so well off (“vel off” are Ola’s own words).

I had a letter from Florence Winters the other day.  She promises to send something, and anything at all is fine.  It feels so bad that I can’t return the favours in any way.  It’s starting to get fall like here now  cold and miserable.  The Germans are continuing to leave but many are still left.  hope, we’ll be rid of all Foreign Soldiers, things wont be right here until they have all gone, also a few young ladies will be spoilt, only a cause of annoyance and a lot of displeasure, and there’s Political discord and conflict too.

Hope everything is still ok with all of you.  Will close for now, I can’t remember anything of interest.  I’ll see if I can send you a couple of Pictures soon which I understand you’d be interested in  see if you recognize them.  In closing I thank you again so much for “Coaten” (this means the coat – Ola has taken the English word for coat and added the Norwegian singular definate ending en, making it coat’en) and I’m looking forward to wearing it soon.  Say hello to Alma and her people. as well as your wife

Your devoted Brother Olav

Sluppen den 23 Juli.

Min godeste kusine.

Jeg er saa full av jubel over at jeg fik brev fra dig i for gaars, en hjertelig tak for brevet skal du ha, jeg var saa kry saa jeg fortalte det til hele slekten dem jeg traff.  Ser av det at du og dine har det bra  du maa tro jeg har snakket meget om dig og vi har set paa de bilder vi har og undres om dine gutter var ute i krigen.  Ja Alma det har været nogen tussie aar for os, men Guds ske lov vi har da faat beholdt livet, og hjemmet vores.  Om end vi har været sulten for vi har ikke hat smør og ikke sukker og ikke paalæg men heldigvis vi har da hat brød for min datter er paa brødforretning.  Nu er det over og ingen flyalarm men du aner ikke hvor rædd jeg har været flyalarmen for vi bor under et veldig stort apparat som hører tyskerne til det sies og være Nordens største kanoner oppå der.  Du skal tro det var jubel den dagen, flaggene tiltops og graat og glæde og sang vekselvis i flere uker og dager.  Nu er det rolig, men meget frygtelig og se og høre om alt som er foregaat paa denne tid.  Her hos mig er det bra nu, Svenn min minste gut som var 12 aar 12 juli har nettop lagt syk i knut-ros en kjedelig sykdom, men er nu bra, men han ligger og hviler i 3 timer midt paa dagen enda for det er saa farlig for eftersykdom. (Knut-ros er en sykdom som gir smertefulle sår på kroppen, med feber og leddsmerter).  Min største gutt skal bli mekaniker  gaar nu i lære i 4 aar  det er tussi saa dyrt som alting er men faar det vel igjen det vet jeg.  Han er saa sparsom, har arbeidet paa fabrik i ferien sin.  Mary min ældste datter er paa ferie.

Jeg har nu hatt 50 aars dag like før jul 18 december  da hadde jeg min family hos os  23 mennesker var vi  skal senne dig sangen min, det var en koselig kvell  fik en 500 kr og presanger.  Nu har nettop mor (Gjertine) hat 70 aars dag, vi var samlet hele slekten  skal ogsaa sende dig hennes sang, hun er bare bra.  Onkel Aksel er det stor forandring  hans frue er syk og paa hjem i 2 aar snart og den ælste søn arrestert (han var i konsentrasjonsleir en tid) men nu har han tat over forretningen til onkel for han har git i fra sig den og andre 2 guttene rømte til Sverige men er nu kommet hit.

Det er saa meget rart nu at jeg husker ikke halvparten for øieblikket.  Laura er flyttet til Stjørdal, hennes søn er på sykehus.  Vet du at onkel Konrad er død, jeg var i begravelsen, skal senne dig begravelses sangen som han diktet selv i sammen med de andre sangene saa fort jeg vinner det.  Det er stygt og spørge, men har du nogen gamle klær efter dere saa send mig for vi er helt opraad  vi faar ikke kjøpt en traad for her finnes ikke en bite tøi, jeg for min del kan ikke gaa ut og ikke min ælste gut heller snart. Skal snart skrive igjen, hils dine barn saa hjertelig fra os, ha det bra alle sammen.

Deres Klara.

På baksiden av arket:

Jeg har satt huset dit i ramme jeg hadde, du er heldig som har et hjem  det ser koslig ut, det skulde ha været morsomt og besøkt dig, hjertelig tak for bildene, de var festlige.  Mary min datter skal sende dig bilde av sig sier hun.

Idag skal jeg vaske klær for en engelskmann som heter Jackson  jeg har vasket mange ganger men faar bare en liten kjøtboks for alle klærne, de er svært skitten, men det er no engelskmann saa jeg gjør det gjerne.

Sluppen July 23.

My best cousin.

I’m so full of jubilation at having receved a letter from you the day before yesterday, thank you so much for the letter, I was so proud I told all the relatives I met.  I see from it that you and yours are doing well  I have talked about you so often and we’ve looked at the pictures we have and wondered if your boys were out in the war.  Yes Alma we’ve had some rough years, but thank God we’ve kept our lives, and our home. Though we’ve been hungry because we haven’t had butter and not sugar and no sandwich meats but fortunately we’ve had bread ‘cause my daughter works at a bakery.  Now it’s over and no air raid sirens but you can’t imagine how scared I’ve been of the air raid sirens because we live below a very large apparatus which belongs to the Germans  it’s been said that the largest cannons of the Northern countries are up there.  Imagine the jubilation that day, the flags were raised and crying and joy and singing for several weeks and days.  It’s calm now, but horrible to see and hear about everything that has been going on during this time.  With us everything is fine now, Svenn my youngest boy who turned 12 on July 12 has just been sick with “knut-ros” a tiresome disease, but is well now, but he still lies down for a 3 hour’s rest in the middle of the day because there’s a risk of contracting other diseases.  (Knut-ros is a disease that causes painful sores over the body, along with fever and joint pain).  My oldest boy is going to be a mechanic  is in an apprenticeship for 4 years  that’s hard now that everything is so expensive but I know it will be rewarded.  He’s so thrifty, has been working at a factory during his vacation.  Mary my oldest daughter is on vacation.

I have now had my 50^th birthday just before Christmas Dec. 18  I had my family here  there were 23 of us  I’ll send you my song, it was a pleasant evening  got about 500 kr and gifts.  Mother (Gjertine) has recently had her 70^th birthday, all the relatives were gathered  I’ll send you her song too, she’s doing fine.  At Aksel’s there are a lot of changes  his wife is sick and in a home for close to 2 years and the oldest boy arrested (he was in a concentration camp for a while) but now he has taken over uncle’s shop because he has given it up and the other 2 boys escaped to Sweden but are here now.

There are so many things now that I can’t remember half of them at the moment.  Laura has moved to Stjørdal, her son is in the hospital.  Did you know that uncle Konrad is dead, I was at the funeral, will send you the funeral song which he wrote himself along with the other songs as soon as I have time.  It’s not nice to ask, but if you have some old clothes please send me some because we are in such a bind  We can’t buy as much as a thread (of clothing) because there isn’t even a piece of fabric to be had,  as for me I can’t go out and not my oldest boy either soon. Will write again soon, give our warmest regards to your children, keep well all of you.

Yours Klara.

On the back of the last page:

I’ve put your house in a frame I had, you are lucky to have a home  it looks cosy, it would be fun to visit you, thanks a lot for the pictures, they were fun.  Mary my daughter will send you a picture of herself she says.

Today I’m going to wash clothes for an Englishman called Jackson  I have washed many times but only get a small tin of meat for all the clothes, they are very dirty, but he’s an Englishman so I do it gladly.    

Tr.heim, June 4, 1945

Mrs. Wilson.  Dear Niece

Keep cold, I am no a Ghost.  I am the same gay fellow your uncle Ole, still going strong.

I thought I must write you first because I were sure of your adrs.  Certainly I,ll write to you all over there, have something to ask for to anyone.  I been thinking so much of John, been wondering wheter he lives or not, because his geting old, 77 years the 30^th of June.  I be now 67 the 10^th of June still a boy, and I am sick for to take a trip over there.  As you know, so are also we relief from the German Demons that pretty near have starved us to death and punished and murdered a whole lot of our folks for nothing.  I have been runned down so badly.  My nerves been bad before of & on, but the last 2 years I been terrible many times, but I hope it will be little better after awhile with food but not much better yet, because its such a lots of Soldiers yet, from many land.  400.000 Germans yet, and all must have something to eat.  We are in need of everything, but its the worst about clothing.  I wonder how it is about geting anything from there.  I am in such need of an overcoat, soon have we winter again, and nothing to were.  Would you do me the favor and send me a “measure blank” and state price of an good solid “overcoat” this is something that could be sent by mail, also shirts and Suits even shoes we are lack of (nr. 8) even if it was worn some wouldnt make any diferent.  It will take a long time yet before we get anything, by ordinary way.  Well, my wife is fairly well, but tired and geting old.  My 5 daughters all well the 3 oldest are married the 2 youngest are engaged with some very fine fellows, so all of mine is well off and happy.  We have had much of work to those enimies, and made some money too, but the money isnt worth much and nothing to buy, and now after the capitulation, its all stoped up and no materials to get.  I been running my little “Electrical workshop” all by my self, and no one of mine, have had any trouble with them.  I attend to send this by airmail so I can not write to much at once.  Do please send Florence Winters adrs. soon.  Greet John & mother so very very much and don’t forget your whole bunch of your own, also Halvor, Gertie & Betsy, and all good timers, tell’em I am the same “enfant terrible”, only I had some new cloths on my atlatick body.  Well Alma come and se us, and the daylight summernights, is delightful.  While I remember, a young “Dressmaker” (Sydame) wished for an “Fashion Plate(?)” (latest style) (Mote Journal) this for Lady clothings, hope you understand, I commence to forget all your names, but I love to write English but very seldom I have a chance.

Must close for this time with

My hearty greetings to you all.

Write soon please.  Your uncle O. Holm, Nonnegt. 4, Tr.heim.

Dear Niece

Rec. your letter today, for which many, many thanks.  You must believe that we were glad (this is kind of cute, translated directly from a typical Trøndelag expression “du må tro vi ble glad”) when we got 2 packages 3 days ago, fine things  It was 1 p. of shoes, a large pair, and 1 that the Mrs. use  little too larged but goes, and slippers, the other p. an over and under shirts, for me real fine.  Gloves & Socks.  Woolenjackets, the smalest will be given to some of aur relations as you say.  I didnt pay any taxes on this, this time.  I am so intrested to se about the “overcoat” which I need worst.  We dont know what to do in exchange for your goodnes to us all.  My girls is so anxius in hope of some “Silk stockings” medium size, here the are not to get however, all the women folks here goes barelegged till late in the falls.  I am sure you are glad that we have full peace all over so you get you boys back again.  Everything will get in shape soon again.  Thank you, for that you sending greetings to me friends, Halvor, and Betsina, how bad about Gertie, please greet’em all.  I dont remember Millie Nelson Lee yet, greet her still.  I se about John, the old gamer, buying houses.  Hope you have rec. the adresses, of our relations here, did you get Conrads wifes?  It is Olava Holm, Hegra, Via Tr.heim, thats all.  Are glad that you all are so healty and well, your Mother also. We are promised to get white bread next month.  We have been eating dark bad bread in 5 years now, we commence to get little more of deferent other things too, in the way of food.  We wish for some Tea, Pepper, and appricots dry fruit, thats something thats to be importet from the south.  We been having a fine aftersommer here but now it soon over so we will have the long cold dark winter  it is so bad for fuel too, not any caol or cox to get yet, and the wood is such awful priced but of course its “lysere tider” og da går det nok bra (it’s brighter times so it will be ok. He also writes the rest of the letter in Norwegian):  Dear, kind you (Norw. way of saying things) Greet John and Mother a lot from us all.  And many, many thanks for being so kind, and “may God reward you for everything”  Will close again for this time.  I’ll write immediately when I receive something again.  My warmest (heartiest) greetings from us all

Yours Olav

Can you send me Hilda, Hattie or Cleos adrses?  (Anna’s barn/Anna’s children)

29-10-38

Goddag min kjære kusine.

Tusen tak for dit længe ventende brev, du skal tro jeg har syntes det var rart at jeg ingenting hørte og jeg har sent dig en 3-4 billeder av min datter Gerds konfirmasjon, men jeg hører du ikke har fåt dem jeg kan ikke forstå det.  Her er alt omtrent som paa det gamle  jeg stræver hver dag for mine barn.  Jeg har tænkt meget på dig og snakket om dig til barna at du må være syk for det glær mig frygtelig og faa brev fra dig saa du ser jeg er stolt over at jeg har faat høre fra dig.  Hvad har du ligget paa sykehuset for?  jeg plages med maven for jeg tåler ikke brunet mat og sterke sauser, men man maa være glad for at jeg faar være oppe hver dag.  Jeg skal hilse fra mor  hun holder på og vasker på skolen enda, det blir 24 aar nu siden hun begynte saa det er mangen dag og vri kluten.  Igaar var jeg hos en nabo i selskap  de er saa hyggelig mot mig for det er saa trist om aftenen naar jeg er alene endskjønt det er sjelden.  Du maa hilse onkel Jon og tante fra mig det er morsomt og se at de er bra friske.  Min bror Olaf har vært på langreise og er begynt paa en annen baat, vi fik en liten ting hver naar han kom igjen.  Onkel Ole er det længe siden jeg snakket  min datter har snakket med en av hans døtre  det er bare bra der  alle hans døtre har gode poster.   Erling min ælste bror fiffer op stuen til mor kjøper nye stoler og ny Radio  han er en slik mamma gut.  Jeg maa nu slutte mit rot for denne gang håper paa svar snarest mulig.

Hils dine fra os

Hjertelig Hilsner

Klara og barna

29-10-38

Goodday my dear cousin.

Thank you so much for your long awaited letter, I can’t tell you how strange I thought it was that I didn’t hear anything and I’ve sent you 3-4 pictures of my daughter Gerd’s confirmation, but I hear you haven’t received them  I can’t understand that.  Everything is more or less as usual here  I toil every day for my children.  I’ve thought about you a lot and talked about you to the children that you must be sick because it pleases me terribly to get a letter from you so you see I’m proud to have heard from you.  What have you been in the hospital for?  I have problems with my stomach because I can’t handle fried foods and spicy gravies, but must be happy that I can stay up every day.  My mother says hello  she still cleans at the school, it will be 24 years now since she started so that’s many a day wringing that rag.  Yesterday I was at a neighbour’s at a party  they are so nice to me because it’s so miserable in the evening when I’m alone though that’s not often.  Say hello to uncle John and auntie from me  it’s fun to see that they’re quite healthy.  My brother Olaf has been overseas and has started on another ship, we got a little thing each when he returned.  I haven’t talked to uncle Ole for a long time  my daughter has spoken with one of his daughters  they’re all fine there  all his daughters have good jobs.  Erling my oldest brother is fixing up mother’s living room  is buying new chairs and a new Radio  he’s such a mama’s boy.  I must end this mess for this time  hope for a reply as soon as possible.

Greet yours from us

Hearty Greetings

Klara and the children   

Trondhjem den Dec. 26-1917

Kjære Broder

Kun nogle ord som en Julehilsen, formodentlig faar du ikke dette brev heller  Jeg tænkte at det er bedre og skrive Engelsk for da kan det lettere passere censuren.

We are all well at present, having fine weather & Moonlight Xmas.  I am still working at “The Harbour arrangements” and making good Money, but toke about Money now the question is Food, of course we been having some yet, but I suppose its going to be smaller rations yet, so you understand that I wouldn’t object if you could send me a “bag” of “Flour” haha.  I hope you are all well, are you still at the same business?  Jertine had goten letter from you.  Our brothers & Sisters here are very well.  Don’t forget to greet Sis. Anna from me, also Oians (Oiens? Øians?) too.  I suppose no use write any more hard telling if you ever get it.  I am certainly anxious to hear from you soon  Will close with best wishes for a happy New Year to you from The girls Wife & Myself

O Holm

Rosenborgsgt 14

Trondhjem

Trondhjem Dec. 26-1917

Dear Brother

Just a few lines as a Christmas greeting, you probably wont receive this letter either.  I thought it would be better to write in English because then it will get through the censor more easily.  (The rest is written in English):

We are all well at present, having fine weather & Moonlight Xmas.  I am still working at “The Harbour arrangements” and making good Money, but toke about Money now the question is Food, of course we been having some yet, but I suppose its going to be smaller rations yet, so you understand that I wouldn’t object if you could send me a “bag” of “Flour” haha.  I hope you are all well, are you still at the same business?  Jertine had goten letter from you.  Our brothers & Sisters here are very well.  Don’t forget to greet Sis. Anna from me, also Oians (Oiens? Øians?) too.  I suppose no use write any more hard telling if you ever get it.  I am certainly anxious to hear from you soon  Will close with best wishes for a happy New Year to you from The girls Wife & Myself

O Holm

Rosenborgsgt 14

Trondhjem