The Hansen Brothers (Hansen)

  The Hansen boys grew up in beautiful Grass Valley on the Ranch near the Idaho-Maryland Mine in the late 19-teens, 20's and 30's.  They grew up with a sense of patriotism and love for their country which continued into their adult lives when it came time to serve in WWII.   I love this letter as it shows how they played  their part in WWI.  Jack was 12, Bob was 9 and Harold was 8 years old. I'm sure either their father John or their mother Clara was there with them, helping them do their part. 

                                                                                        Jack Hansen 1908/09

                                                            Jack Hansen Grass Valley High School Graduation 1924

                                                             Robley (Bob) Hansen growing up in Grass Valley

                                                     Robley (Bob Hansen) Grass Valley High School Graduation 1926

                                                               Harold Hansen (third from left) with friends

Harold Hansen Junior Class Grass Valley High School 1927 (second row, 4th one from left)

                                                                              Harold, Jack and John Hansen mid 20's

When it came time to serve their country in WWII, all three boys signed up.  Jack was not married, but Bob and Harold were already married with children.  It was a huge  sacrifice for all three men.  Their lives and the lives of their families were forever changed.  Their father, John passed away while all three were in the service. 

                                       Bob, Jack and Harold Hansen at Jack's retirement from Nevada County in 1972

I will continue the next post with more detail on the brothers' service in WWII, and share a few letters from Norway with interesting details of German occupation during the War.......