Johnsons and Friends

Explore the Cast

Helen filmed her family’s life in the 1920’s and 30’s.

The Johnsons, the Steins, and various family friends appear in Helen’s work.

Below is a reference guide of the individuals who frequently feature in Helen’s photography and films.

Herman E. Stein

Helen’s Father

Opened the Stein Brothers’ Store in Hastings, Nebraska.
Jennie S. Stein

Helen’s Mother
A housekeeper originally from Iowa and the matriarch of the Stein family.
Edmund H. Stein

Helen’s Uncle
Opened the Stein Brothers’ Store alongside Herman Stein.
Louis Stein

Helen’s Younger Brother

Lived in Nebraska with his wife, Gertrude Stein, who shares a first name with Helen’s younger sister.
Riley Stein

Helen’s Youngest Brother
Born in 1896, seven years after Helen. Married Elizabeth Mabry.
Gertrude Stein Mulligan

Helen’s Younger Sister
Lived in California with her husband, a doctor, and their two children.
Elizabeth Stein

Helen’s Sister-in-Law
Married Riley Stein, Helen’s youngest brother.
Gertrude Stein

Helen’s Sister-in-Law
Married Louis Stein. Shares a first name with Helen’s younger sister.

Martha Johnson

Helen’s Mother-in-Law
Mother to Arthur L. Johnson Sr. and the matriarch of the Johnson family.
Arthur L. Johnson Sr.

Helen’s Husband

Married Helen in 1916, at the age of 37. Father to Anna Dagny Johnson and Arthur L. Johnson Jr.
Helen Stein Johnson

Helen Herself
Married Arthur L. Johnson Sr. in 1916, at the age of 27. Mother to Anna Dagny Johnson and Arthur L. Johnson Jr.
Anna Dagny Johnson

Helen’s Daughter
A lawyer for the department of labor. Namesake for the Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park.
Arthur L. Johnson Jr.

Helen’s Son
Former ensign on a destroyer in the Pacific during WWII. Retired as a real estate agent. Had a wife and four boys.
Ruth Fisher

Arthur Sr.’s Younger Sister
Married to Bob Fisher. Likely introduced Helen and Arthur Sr.
Bob Fisher

Arthur Sr.’s Brother-in-Law
A stock broker. Married Arthur’s younger sister, Ruth.
Marion Johnson

Arthur Jr. and Anna Dagny Johnson’s cousin.
Born in 1916. Often pictured alongside Helen’s two children.

Mayme Logsdon

Helen’s Friend
Born in 1881. First woman to receive tenure at the University of Chicago Mathematics Department.
Ruthy Wilkson

Helen’s Neighbor
Lived next to Helen and her family. Recognizable as the very young girl in Helen’s films.
Jim Parmlee

Arthur Jr.’s Best Friend
A former MIT student and marine pilot. His plane was tragically shot down months before WWII’s end.
Mary Alice Rankin

Anna Dagny Johnson’s Friend
A good friend of Helen’s daughter. Famous for her work as a death penalty opponent.