Martin showed up in Tacoma last week

December 5, 1951

Dear Marie & all,

Martin showed up in Tacoma last week. I knew you'd be anxious to hear from him.

He arrived stone broke - not even carfare to get here. His luggage had been stolen in Utah and he had only the clothes on his back (which I am sure had been there for a couple of months without change). He had been sleeping in missions, and had lice. We had to burn his shoes and most of his clothing. Bob got some stuff to kill the lice, and medicine for his athletes foot. We got him some shoes, a jacket, and some other warm, but used, clothing at a rummage sale. Bob found him a job up in the woods cutting hop poles. It was a board and room deal, but Martin didn't pan out so well and we have to go up and get him this evening.

Bob is going back to Nebraska for two weeks to visit Jean and Melvin. Martin will stay here while he is gone, and after that we have a half-way promise of a job for him on a small cattle ranch near here. It's a fellow we know (and who knows of Martin). They offered him board and room, plus ten dollars a month. Marty is afraid of animals so I don't know how well it would work out, but it's the next thing we'll try.

Martin is still about the same. He looks seedy (even after a bath and a hair-cut) and has no confidence in himself. He is polite and good to the kids, but no more responsible than ever. He has the mentality of about an eight-year old child. I hope we can get him a job on a level that he can hold, but that's pretty hard to do.

Write when you can -

Love L.