J.F. Christensen letters, 1945 July 31 - 1946 December 29

The Christensen family papers, 1945-1986, consist of letters written by John Francis (J.F.) Christensen to his wife, Alcyone Christensen, and mother-in-law, Nellie Condon, from 1945 to 1947. The letters to Alcyone update her on his health and experiences in new cities, discuss plans to move the family to the Canal Zone, and refer to her letters about their children, Helen and John. The first letter addresses Alcyone by name, but all others begin with "Dear Buddie" and end with "Buddie" to signify the relationship between husband and wife. The March 1947 to July 1947 letters discuss J.F.'s growing health issues and the long wait to return to Pensacola, Florida. The two 1945 letters to Nellie Condon ask about Alcyone, the children, and his father-in-law, Thomas Condon. J.F. updates Nellie about his current location and upcoming work assignments. These letters begin with "Dear Nellie" and end with "Chris."

The collection includes certified copies of Alcyone's and J.F.'s birth certificates and baptism records as well as a certified letter confirming their 1926 marriage. Thomas Condon's 1954 death certificate and a copy of Alcyone's 1971 will are enclosed as well. The collection also includes Sister Helen's autograph book from Mount Saint Agnes College, containing well wishes and goodbye messages written by fellow classmates. The autograph book folder contains newspaper clippings commemorating Bob Hope's 100th birthday in 2003. Since J.F. and Alcyone were born in 1903, Sister Helen may have kept these clippings to acknowledge their 100th year as well.