Iris wrote many letters of cheer and encouragement (her terms) to people who were called in mid-20th century "shut-ins".  Aptly called, because at that time many were literally shut in.  She raised money so that one man could simply get a wheelchair.  A more normal life was just not handicapped accessible.

She published their news and poems in a monthly newsletter typed on what's now quite an antique typewriter.  Special ink from the original paper penetrated a hard jelly-like material in an 8 1/2 X 11 inch tray.  Moistened sheets placed on that material produced copies.  Later a printer made the copies.  

Every Christmas with kids help she made pamphlets to send from cut-up cards (collected year-round) with inspiring messages.  She wrote thousands of letters to people from around the world. 

Iris believed (food science at that time) in the four food groups.  Eating your fruit (often canned and sugary...who knew...) was mandatory.  If not eaten for breakfast, it showed up at lunch, and if not then, better be eaten by dinner!

Each day of the week was a particular breakfast, alternating between cereals and cooked food.  Sunday dinner was either chuck steak or more likely chicken chow mein and egg foo young from the local Chinese restaurant.

Every night at 9pm it was repast time.  Cup of coffee and ice cream, cake, or a pastry.

Whenever grandchildren came they always left with a treat bag. 

Iris loved playing the piano and singing.  Elementary schooldays Paul would come home for lunch.  Young Marcy would help to fix lunch and have it ready before he came.  Then Iris and Marcy would go to the piano in the sunroom to play and sing songs.  Almost every Friday shrimp was on the menu.  When they saw Paul coming up the stairs they'd play "Shrimpboats a' Comin'".

The family grocery store sold much food on credit.  One family who decided to move on and had few options to sell their home gave their home to Swan as payment.

A small grocery store came up for sale and Iris wanted to buy and run the store.  Unfortunately, the idea of a young businesswoman just wasn't part of those times.

Iris joined a group of young people who sold things door-to-door.  Sometimes they would travel together and go to different cities and towns.  It was a time of discovery and didn't really feel like a depression to her.   

Iris' father Swan was born in Sweden.  With an older brother to inherit their family farm, little future for him there.  He came first to Chicago where he worked as a florist.  When he sent for Hulda she replied she was now dating a Danish policeman and wouldn't be coming.  He sailed back to get her.  They opened a grocery store near Deaconess Hospital.  Named Florence at birth, Iris is oldest of Swan and Hulda's three children.  Their home was first in the neighborhood.  A nearby cave was great for play.  At an early age she began helping at the family store.  Driving to high school in the grocery van, she made deliveries after school.  While in high school, a girl with physical disabilities often followed her around.  She just didn't have much time, though, and regretted not having enough time to be friends with the girl.  Maybe this was what started her later work with what was then known as "shut-ins".