Our Growing Family

Kitty and I had six children. Here is a picture of us when Kitty was pregnant with Nora on December 30, 1952. Nora was born 2 days later on January 1, 1953.

Here we are -- Christmas 1956. The children are Jack, Nora, and Elsie. Kitty is expecting our fourth child Kit.

Now our family is complete with six lively children - Jack, Nora, Elsie, Kit, Joe, and Charlie.

Easter Sunday 1945 - Hotel Negresco

This is a favorite picture in my family. It is me as a soldier during WWII enjoying R&R on the balcony, overlooking the sea at the Hotel Negresco in France. I was given a 4 day pass.

My children have posing me in the same position in later years.

My Daughter Kit's Birthday on 3-18-07

It was a most happy time to get together with my family to celebrate my #3 Daughter's birthday. Kit is recovering from emergency surgery. My Granddaughter Lila surprised us with a visit from Florida. She is in the top picture hugging my Great grandson Austen.

To Grand Dad on his 86th Birthday

My family wrote some wonderful things about me for my 86th birthday on July 27, 2003.

Melissa - #1 Grand daughter
I love his bright blue eyes that always seem to be taking everything in. I love that he has been so strong and started walking again.

John Connor - #1 Grand son
For taking his #1 grandson to the fire station and putting him in the truck.

For trips to McDonald’s and buying me my first Big mac. You told me I wouldn’t finish it and you were right.

For being there when I found out that Kate was born.

Kelly Rachel Mann #4 Granddaughter - Age 12

Everytime Granddad saw me in a play, he would tell me "You are going to Broadway". I liked that a lot.

John Edward Mann - #6 Grandson - Age 11

Granddad is nice and talkative. I am named after him. I have watched football with him. I have always liked playing with Granddad's cane.

I was very happy Granddad came to my First Communion when he was sick. It showed he cared and that he liked me a lot. I remember walking up to Granddad and giving him a big hug. I was so happy.

Nora - #1 Daughter

I remember being the only kids in the neighborhood who went to the People's drugstore soda fountain every night. We rode in the Chrysler Imperial like princesses. We got bakery donuts every Saturday morning, with a special bun for Mom.

I don't think I ever woke up without Dad being awake and ready to hear about everything going on in my life. Each morning Dad and I would go to six am Mass with a stop at the bakery for a treat. It made me feel like an only child for the morning.

By far, I had the best Dad and a wonderful childhood, not to mention adulthood. I am so glad I still get to enjoy my Dad. He has been very brave to go through all these health problems without a complaint.

Kit - #3 Daughter
Dad is optimistic. He looks on the bright side. He always has something to look forward to.

We went on great vacations all over the country - Colorado, Kansas, Florida, Atlantic City, Ocean City, New York, Roanoke.

Dad took us on MANY day trips to Ocean City, Maryland. We would stay all day riding the waves. At night, we would walk the boardwalk and go on the rides.

He writes the best letters and stories. He is a great storyteller. I loved hearing the WWII stories - how Dad utilized a quart of water every day - using the last of it to wash out his socks.

He has the best quotes “This house will be here when you are dead and gone.”

He made me feel like a princess. On Valentines Day, he would give Mom a BIG box of candy and 3 little boxes to Nora, Elsie, and me. We felt very special.

We grew up in a wonderful house. In the early 60s, Dad was able to buy a house with 4 bedrooms, two bathrooms and AIR CONDITIONING. Not many Dads were able to do that.

After dinner, Dad would take us out for Cokes so Mom could have some peace and quiet.

He wrote detailed directions for my OPM exam. He described the tunnels and circles, when to get into certain lanes.... I did not get lost.

He taught me how to ride a bicycle. The first time I tried, I fell and cried. Dad told me it was OK, and to get back on the bicycle.

To stop my tears when I was 5 years old, he told me I was going to be a pretty lady - as pretty as the lady who was walking by us. I stopped crying immediately.

He gave me great pep talks for taking my drivers test.

He consoled me when I was upset. He knew just what to say.

We went to many parades, the funeral parade for JFK - the welcome home parade for John Glenn....Dad picked me up from school for the John Glenn Parade. I felt like a movie star when I was called out of class.

Many times Dad would ask me to join him for a Coke at Peoples, where he would give me ideas on living, working, loving, and being charitable to others. Dad took care of people during his daily routine - Francis, Billy Edwards, and many others. He taught us by example, to be charitable to others.

We went to Hot Shoppes every Sunday with Grandma.

We went to the Drive-in movies in the station wagon wearing our pajamas. We brought a HUGE bag of popcorn and a jug of Kool-aid.

We ate ice cream on Sunday evenings on the grass at the University of Maryland.

When Dad got a bonus, he shared it with us. He put the money in little brown envelopes with our names printed on it.

He has never missed an opportunity to tell how much he loves us.

Joe - #2 Son
Dad sent me encouraging letters, along with cash, when I was struggling to be a dancer. Dad took me to the Kennedy Center to see Edward Villela. Afterwards, he went up to Edward Villela and introduced me to him.

Dad drove to Baltimore to pick up my favorite book - Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

In 1989, Dad drove me to Baltimore to get my drivers license. Because I forgot my birth certificate, the DMV said I couldn’t get a license. Dad told the skeptical clerks that he could vouch for me - as I was his son. The lead clerk quizzed Dad. Even with 6 kids, Dad was able to give the clerk my full name and date of birth. I was able to get the license without the birth certificate. After my performance, Dad always clapped and shouted Bravo. He was very proud of me.

Charlie - #3 Son
He got me in the Electricians Union. He told me exactly what to say to the Interview board. I did just what he said and was accepted at a time when the Union had few slots.

Many Saturdays, Dad took me to the stock car races along with Jimmy McGrath and Bobby Werking. None of their fathers did that. I felt very fortunate.

He saved me from drowning many times.

Letters to my daughter Nora -- 2003/2004

I have a notebook for each of my 5 children. Here are some letters I have written to my #1 daughter, Nora.

2-22-03

"Nora, the Hula Dancer of the Mann Family"

I well remember picking you up at the Dance Studio and would watch you, as you danced all of the steps with ease and had such good rhythm with each different step.

"Love Dad"

J.M.J.

Dear Nora,

Mom was very pleased with the improvement in you and David's Home.

Kit drove us down and back. Mom and me enjoyed the visit and the special foods you had for us.
It was sad as Mom died, with a heart attack, in her sleep that night.

Mom thought I would die 1st. It happened for the best as her suffering is over now.

You have done a great job as executor, plus the birthdays, etc., and I appreciate it.

Love
"Dad"

Dear Nora,

I was very proud of how you got over your foot surgery so quickly + the 12 classes of therapy.

It took a lot of hard work and you came thru like a champ, and you look like a million.

LOVE
"Dad"

4/2003

Dear Nora,

Thanks again for handling all the bills, the birthdays for the grandchildren + Jack, Ellen, Charlie, Celie, Elsie. (Your love for Joe was great as you told him I'm on my way to New York. He was alone and needed you.)

Handling the estate I appreciate so much. Mom was happy when you would come on Thursdays for dinner and cheer her up and explain the bills to her (as those bills can scare anyone.)

Take Care
Love,
"Dad"

JMJ

Dear Nora,

I enjoyed seeing you and David and the delicious ham dinner at Kit's new condo. + Dave's new Harley Motor Cycle. It was a nice time with Charlie, Celie, Kelly, Charlie Jr., and John.

You and Charlie were a great help in the Dishes and clean up.

Take Care
Love
Dad

7/18/03

Dear Nora,

We missed you this past Wednesday in the dining room as you had to work.

Kit joined me and one lady thought Kit was you. So she said "Speak to me (as you usually speak to her and many ladies)

Thanks for the shoes, but I had to stop wearing them as the right toe is too tight.

They tell me there are special stores that sell them named Richeley. I will call you and see you next Wednesday and see if I can get a pair.

Love
"Dad"

JMJ Labor Day

Dear Madam Promoter,

I was so impressed at your very successful 2-day Labor Day where 100 or more people had such a wonderful time, plus all the bands, especially the $300 one. I just sat back on your and David's estate and enjoyed all the music and games going on. My Mom and Dad would have seen another world (if they were still living).

The characters Mr. and Mrs. Raghead were a show in itself.

In closing, you make me a very happy man all the way.

Thanks for such a great party.

Lots of love,
"Dad"

JMJ

9-20-03

Dear Nora,

Thank-you so much for all the work on getting me a place to move. It is a long drive up here from the Plains, VA.

Also for being the Administrator for our Will and keeping with the bills.

My job as Business Manager was very little compared to the large amount of work you do for Mom and Me.

Love you lots,
Dad

JMJ

Dear Nora

Thanks so much for your wonderful help.

Taking me out to see the Sun Rise Home next to Leisure World and our 1st apartment to see old friends and workers at the Charter House.

Good luck on your foot operation this next Wednesday.

You are in my prayers -

With the wires and screws out, you will not feel the rain and rough weather.

Love you lots
Dad

4/6/2004

Dear Nora,

How is my Business Manager today?

I appreciate the wonderful assistance you take of my bills, and mail and so many things that come up.

Many times I think about you growing up. We took you many places to my parents' home where my Mom and Dad (another Nora) would have cookies and Coke as well as my relatives who enjoyed seeing you (and knew of Mom and I's trip to St. Ann De Vo Pray).

Your 1st Football game of Notre Dame in Baltimore.

I will close to a very lovely daughter.
Lots of love
"Dad"

5/5/2004

Dear Nora,

I enjoyed our dinner this evening. One of the fellows said on the way out "It is nice to have a young person to dinner", and I agreed with him.

Thanks so much for fixing the medicines for next week.

I'll close for now.

Lots of love,
"Dad"

JMJ
7/11/2004

Dear Nora,

I enjoyed Stephen and Melissa's engagement party, along with my 87th birthday party.

It was good to see Elsie & Lila too.

I'll miss my dinner partner this Wednesday, but we have a lot of Wednesdays after this one.

I am happy to hear you can get to the gym as it is good to get the weight off.

Thanks so much for all you are doing for me.

Love you
"Dad"

JMJ

Dear Nora,

I enjoyed your company last night along with Kit at the hotel in Mannassas, VA as it was a very good time for all of us + your trip to McDonald's for the tasty ice cream sundays.

It was a nice party for you & me and Kit.

I got tired at 10 pm, but Kit told me that you and her talked til 12.

Thanks again for joining us.

Love Ya,
"Dad"

9/6/2004

Dear Nora,

I had a great time your and David's party. The bands played rock and all kinds of Jam Music.

Dave introduced me to one fellow Dalson who is a Local 5 Plumber. His Father & I worked together (and in the Past as he passed away last week). Everyone had a wonderful time. Today is a good day for you both to rest.

Thanks so much for inviting me, as I enjoyed meeting many of your friends including Mrs. Raghead, plus many more.

I'll close with
All my love
"Dad"
(I'll see you Wednesday for dinner)

9/23/04

Dear Nora,

It was a nice time having you here for dinner talking about Melissa's engagement party. Her new home sounds great with plenty of room.

Cly (Dave's brother) had a close call on his motor cycle and is lucky as it could have been much worse.

It is a treat to have dinner together and it brightens my life.

The people here enjoy meeting you also. As I like saying "This is my 1st daughter Nora."

"Stay as sweet as you are"

Lots of Love,
"Dad"

JMJ
10/24/04 "David's 50th"
Dear Nora,

It was a great time for Dave's 50th.

Dinner was delicious plus a family conversation by all (you, David, Melissa, Stephen, Kit & Jack) 3 of my kids were there also.

I very much enjoyed the whole day.

Your weekly visits plus taking of the bills, the medicines. and having dinner with me each week.

Thanks again
Love ya
"Dad"

12/8/2004

Dear Nora,

I enjoyed you joining Jack and me for the funeral and party for Joe Sheehy.

You were very charming bringing me a plate of delicious food as well as for others (you carried 3 plates one on arm and I was proud of you)

Thank you again so much for taking care of the bills

Say hello to David for me. (Dave has helped me many times and I am proud of him also.)

Lots of love
"Dad"

I interviewed Duke Ellington

I wrote this story for my writing class at my retirement home. Many of my classmates did not believe this story. Duke Ellington made his start in Washington DC. Here is how it happened.


My Fantasy, by Johnny Mann, written Winter 2001

When I was about 21 years old, I was going to Hine Night School three nights a week. During the day I worked my main job as a laborer for the old Washington, D.C. Railway and Electric Co.

On free nights I was a cub reporter for the New Rhythm Band Magazine. My first interview was Duke Ellington, who happened to be at the Howard Theatre at 7th & T., NW in Washington, D.C. I asked to see the manager and asked if I could interview Duke Ellington. He immediately phoned the Duke, who was on a break for 20 minutes, and said "Send Johnny up and we can talk".

Duke told he started as a sign painter and had a good business. The Duke's Dream "was always music". It started as the Ellington Trio. Duke then made a very careful selection of each member of the band.

He had started with a trio. The Duke started in a smaller trio, then added the best music. He moved to the Cotton Club where he became famous and started as a composer of songs. My favorites were "Take the A Train" and "Mood Indigo."

I and my lovely wife Kitty, got married on May 30, 1941 and enjoyed dancing to the three bands at the Madison Square Garden. The name bands were Larry Clinton, Artie Shaw and Harry James.

Duke Ellington met his fantasy of being a successful entertainer.

Kitty and I have a living fantasy of six children and ten grandchildren and we look forward to our 60th wedding anniversary this coming May 30, 2001.

May all of you have many fantasies in your life.

My Dialogue written April 12, 2001

(I wrote this for a writing class in 2001. My wife died July 30, 2001)

My Dialogue started with my lovely wife Kitty, on Mary 30, 1941, and is still going on.

We have been blessed with 6 children, 3 boys and 3 girls, and have had many discussions about sports, school, vacation, jobs, religion, etc. at our daily evening meals.

When our children were young, I made it a point to take the 5 youngest kids every evening but Sunday, to the drug store for Cokes where we would sit on the round top stools. The kids would sit, twirl around, talk, laugh, and enjoy themselves before our grocery store visit.

"Life goes on".

Nora, our oldest girl, and Kit our youngest girl visits their Mother at Holy Cross Hospital where she is recovering from a heart attack. Their sister Elsie from Florida calls every day. Their brothers Jack and Charlie have made many visits to the Hospital. Kit was here yesterday to do the laundry and any help such as doing the weekly grocery store shopping.

Many people do not know the importance of "family" that in later years of life forms a bond of love that lasts a whole lifetime.

I was one of 5 brothers and enjoyed all of it. My brother Jess will be 80 on May 18, and I am 84. We are the last of 2 brothers and still keep up with family parties etc.