My Brother Jesse's memory of his brothers hi-jinks

"One of the really big deals was when mother would buy a live chicken or two and have to ask the kids to kill it for her because she could not stand to do it for herself. Francis usually took control of the hatchet and the rest of us - mainly you and Joe -- would secure the poor bird to the chopping block. Off would go the head and out would spurt the blood. Then -- wonder of wonders - - the headless chicken would run maybe four or five steps -- and keel over. No wonder the people of that time had the saying -- 'you're running like a chicken with his head cut off!'"

My first motorcycle

When I was 14 years old, I saw an ad in the newspaper for a WWI motorcycle for $5. I got $5 together and went around to buy it as it was in the neighborhood. I couldn't believe it. The fellow said he would start it up for me so he could show me that it was running. He started it up with a blowtorch. It was a wonder he didn't kill everybody. I told Kit every time you have gasoline and put fire on top of it, it could blow up. So I walked it home on the side, as I was too young to get a permit. I really just bought it to experiment with it, to take it apart and so forth. I was interested in mechanics at the time. Taking it apart would give me some knowledge of motorcycle repair as I had already done bicycles.

My Grandson Kevin and Kristen

Dear Kevin and Kristen,

It is very enjoyable to write to a tip-top Movie Producer and his special awards Movie Actress girl friend.

Kristen - My friends at the Spring House enjoyed reading and seeing your photo in the news, plus seeing the photos of your nicely packed suitcase for week-end and beach holidays.

You both are on your way. That's important. As you both know the long way to the top.

All my love and prayers,

Granddad
Johnny Mann

John Connor Mann - My 1st Grand Son

His proud parents are Jack and Ellen.

When John was a baby, they would leave him off at our home on Belair Drive while they went to Mass. We made many pleasant stops. We would go to the grocery store where John would proudly read #2 on the can which surprised me. Next, we headed to the Fire Department where the Captain would place John behind the huge steering wheel and chat with him about how powerful the big fire engine was. From there we went to the swim club, where we had a standing view and enjoyed the tennis players giving their best.

Jack and Ellen - we very much enjoyed having you both in our neighborhood.

Love,

Granddad

To my Granddaughter-in-law Carolina

Dear Carolina,

I very much enjoyed meeting your Mother Nora (It was my Mom's name) who met your Mother when you and John were in grade school.

I also met your Dad Miguel as he was the referee at Mike's soccer game. Your Dad stopped the game to examine Mike's eye. Then the game went on.

My Son Jack told me the wonderful story of your expecting on Kitty's birthday - July 31st. That is my joy as Jack will be a grandfather and I a great grandfather.

Welcome to the Mann Family.

Grand Dad
Johnny Mann
Great Grand Dad

To My Granddaughter Melissa

Dear Melissa,

I well remember your staying over at our apartment on Columbia Pike. I would take you to the morning Mass at St. Anthony's Church. You were a very cute little girl. Many of my friends would say "Have you seen John's pretty granddaughter?"

It is great you and Stephen have shared your beautiful home with Austen. He has a great future and he loves it very much.

I will close for now.

Love,

Grand Dad

To My Grand Daughter Kate

Dear Kate (This is a special from your Grand Dad),

Keep that pretty smile.
It got your Grand Father's love many years ago. Grand Mom was waiting all one Sunday to get released from the hospital. All the Mann Family were busy. I was getting an infected foot when you picked up Grand Mom.
I ordered dinner from the dining room at Charter House and we celebrated with a return party for Grand Mom.

You helped us a lot as Charlie and Jack had their families to care for. So you came through for Grand Mom and me.

I love you always.

Grand Dad
XXO