PREFACE
This writing grew out of a request from my daughter, Anita, that I write to her concerning me, my family, my parents and their families; how we lived, how we grew up; our ideals, our customs, and our social life.
The original writings were in the form of letters written to Anita during the last few years. When my sons, Dennis and Larry, learned of the letters, they also asked for copies.
As I began writing, I soon realized that I knew very little about the details of the lives of my parents and grandparents.
So I set out to tell my children a few things about myself and to leave unmentioned some things which I do not want them to know about me. I also included some things about a few kinfolks and neighbors who had a part in molding the character whom my children now refer to as "Dad."
It was hoped that the letters would aid in their better understanding of how certain teachings and ideals had been handed down through generations, and that they might better understand why they grew up under those rules and customs.
Others also may be interested in the way one family lived in the
Southwest around the turn of the century and later.
Clarence Edgar Johnson
(Drawing) The house where I was born
(Photo) Smokehouse at the Flint farm. Clarence, Earl, Joel,
Albert, and Susie.
(Photo) Our Exum home
(Photo) The lake by our front yard
(Photo) Sunday morning, going to church
(Photo) At the Exum farm. Joel, Clarence, Earl, Albert
(Photo) Our merry-go-round
(Photo) At our home on the plains. Mama, William Robert, Ollie
Mae, Clarence, Albert, Joel, Earl