Things on the Back of Kiddie Artwork

(Click to enlarge)

Where I Could Receive Fare Wages

Lincoln, Nebr.

Sept. 23, 1956

Dear Marie -

I have been waiting to hear from you. But I wish to send you the 2 letters enclosed so I will write a few lines.

I wrote to Lottie and answered her letter. I wish to keep matters straight so I will repeat to you what is so important to me.

That being Lottie is working at the college couldn't she see if I couldn't get work there washing dishes and doing some cleaning the same as I am doing here? And if not, that if she wrote the social worker to please find a place for me where I wouldn't need to work such long hours where I could receive fare wages and attend church on Sunadys. I haven't heard from Martin. I wrote another letter to one of the company's in New York. Marie if we hear from the company's he works for or from Martin we could let him know that we would like to have him come out to Phoenix, Arizona.

Marie it would perhaps be some time before there would be any letter from Martin or the company as you can very well imagine. Now I was going to suggest that I come out there with-out Martin and he can come later if Martin don't come here.

I wish to talk to the superintendent and hope that I can some time next month. I will let your father know about what time so that he can take me there. Just at present the superintendent isn't out at the Lincoln hospital.

Now if I don't hear from Lottie during next month or anything from Martin or New York and I don't get a different place to work I surely want to come out to Phoenix. Is that all right?

I sent you the superintendent's address. Did you write to him? Did you get the letter from the social worker?

As I have said I want to go to Omaha from here as I wish to visit a few places. I wish to go and visit and see my aunt Addie. You can read Garfield's letter and see why.

I wish you would write to the company Martin works for. Here is the address -

The National Maritime Union,

346 West 17th Street

New York 11, New York

Please write that it so long since you have seen your brother and that you would like to have him come out and see you. And please have him come this way to Lincoln and bring me with him to Phoenix. You see some one could talk to Martin and explain details. And see that he has the money to travel with. Because your father says Martin isn't very good at taking care of his money. I must help him with taking care of this earnings. And wish you could help Martin also.

I will call you some time next month and please say that I can come as I have tried my best to explain matters to you.

Hope you answer this letter as you haven't answered my other letter.

And please read over my letters as you write. And thanking you very much in advance Marie.

Best wishes.

I am,

Your

Mother.

I'm sorry my kids are such slobs.

Monday

Hi -

Just heard another horror story - Mari left her clothes on the floor, made Grandma slip and break "10 plates and a bigger plate that meat goes on...or maybe nine. They all busted but one." Oh, God, is that a true story?? Also heard that after Marian got yelled at she hid her clothes under the sink. For the 100th time, I'm sorry my kids are such slobs.

Thank you from Stan for the hair dryer. It's just perfect. And thank you for the potatoes and zuchinni. Froze all the Z today for zoup. Tomorrow I can 40 lbs of beans. And thank you for the sewing machine belt. Poor Elisabeth is so patient.

Here's the zuchunni zoup. Nah, never mind. I'll put it on a recipe card.

Wasn't Sunday at Jill's lovely? The river was perfect. The girls were asleep before the end of Jill's driveway.

love,

Jacque

Why don't you write?

Lincoln, Nebr.

Sept. 16, 1953

Dear Marie -

I hope that you received my last letter. Why don't you write? It has been quite some time since I have heard from you.

I am wondering if you have heard from Martin. Please let me know as I am anxious to hear.

I had an X-Ray taken recently and the attendant said that my chest X-Ray was all right. I am hoping I may be released from the hospital real soon.

I sent Betty a short letter as a birthday greeting last Sunday. I also wrote to Lottie and sent her a card. I hope you remember to send your sisters each a greeting card.

I also wish to remind you to send Marilyn something as a remembrance.

I am intending to send you a handkerchief when I go to the city with the social worer. Please let me know when you have received it.

In last Sunday's paper there was this article which I am enclosing. Please send it to Betty and ask her to send it to Lottie.

Best wishes.

From Mother.

Restrain From Doing the Following

Breakfast: Anything but Alcoholic Beverages

Remind Martin to Keep His Mouth Closed

Thursday Afternoon

April 23, 1942

Marie -

On my way home last night I stopped at the drug store and bought some stamps.

There was so little time to talk over things last night. Do you think I could come over Saturday? Perhaps you could take a taxi to work and then let me know. I mean just come to the door and tell me while the taxi waits for you.

In the mean time remind Martin to keep his mouth closed and also after washing hands to shake that tooth. Please. Also another thing I noticed those shoes he was wearing looking tight. Don't you think they are most too short? Don't you think he should have a new pair? I mean for everyday wear.

I wish Betty would take the bus home. She looked tired. Perhaps a touch of spring fever.

Well may-be Martin will get over this spring and not catch measles. Perhaps next spring.

Also I don't think your father should take the children to shows during the week. Talk to him about it and insist that it be on Friday or Saturday night.

If I don't hear from you before Saturday I take it for granted that I may come up Saturday as I have several things to talk about.

Good-by,

Your Mother

P.S. Excuse pensil

Did you find out yet who the young lady was who caled Easter Sunday?

The Condition of Mr. Lars Jensen

Durand, Wiltbank win LCSD seats

The Regency on Laurie Lane

Nov 10, 1986

Dear L & Bob -

Greetings! It is evening. It has been a beautiful Autumn day. Our mums are beautiful, the orange tree continues to grow apiece (and oranges too), and this year there are more lemons hanging over the neighbor's fence into our yard. This afternoon Marie & I moved the sundial to its new location in the west flower garden. New petunias were planted around it (Fun - working outdoors!)

Where it formerly stood in the back yard there is now a 7' 6x6 redwood post atop of which rest a 50 lb. school bell I purchased as a gift to Marie. It symbolizes her two decades plus of teaching. Yes, it rings. Loudly enough to awaken the dead (asleep in their beds)!

Marie is sound asleep on the couch having been lulled to sleep by the relaxing work in the warm Autumn sun. (It seems that each time I write she is resting or sleeping, but that is because I relax by writing. So we engage in our mutual resting periods.) We paid a visit to Dr. King (regular appointment) and I'm happy to report her SMAC, vitals, blood counts are all in the normal range, and that girth and weight remain constant. Today I visited the store and purchased ingredients for some holiday cookie baking. M-M-M! I can hardly wait. She makes such delightful goodies!

And this morning I took my car into a Glendale body shop for some slight body refurbishing due to a brush with an aspen tree while campaigning in Greer. Marie and I are gearing up psychologically to tackle finishing up the work in the garage. I had hoped we could get around to getting out to purchase a sweater (or 2) and new tennis shoes for Marie today, but we didn't make it.

Today they canvass the votes in Greer, The elections supervisor in St. Johns assure me it dealt with write-in votes only. My win still stands (unless someone contests it). I got the most votes in a field of six candidates. Jack Wiltbank, a life-long Greer resident, received the second most votes. So it looks like we two have a four year term on the Little Colorado Sanitary District Board. It was sort of fun seeing it reported on the front page of the White Mountain Independent. "Durand, Wiltbank win LCSD seats."

Ruthie and Jane took us to the Renaissance Fair at their church Saturday. It was fun. The staff and church members were attired in Elizabethan costumes. There were jugglers, archers, farmers market, handcrafts and a processional of HRM Elizabeth I led by Scottish bagpipers & including the Archbishop of Canterbury, Lord Burghley, Sir Francis Drake, William Bradford, a pilgrim, etc. There was a short drama depicting the religious history of the time with HRM cautioning the Puritans that they were being carefully watched. Wm. Shakespeare and Anne Hathaway recited parts from William's play.

This morning I understand they had an Elizabethan period worship service follow by a feast in the patio on velvet table cloths covered with lace. Fun, huh?

Haven't hear from our busy Becky the last couple of days, but did have a visit from Rick, Kim, and that oh so bright chunk of a great-grandson, Collyn. Marie & Kim had a discussion about raising children who won't want to sleep and Rick made a payment on his car loan. Our dancing sisters are busy teaching and preforming this terpsichorean arts.

Stevie & Stephanie celebrated their birthdays together. We attended one segment: lunch after church and present opening at Steve's home afterwards. It wasn't the most joyous occasion. Steve seems terribly tired and uptight - he has us all worried. A letter from you and from Bob might be appreciated by him. But don't mention we told you of his "weariness", please!

Called John to let him know of my "victory" at Greer. John was very warm & congratulatory & expounded on the importance of my new post. All goes well there. "Their" candidate won handily in W.F. first Republican in the history of the county. The newspaper blamed his victory on "right wing extremists" and "big bankers." Since John invested quite a bit of cash into the campaign he figures he is one of the "big bankers" - but "right wing extremist!" - that made John really bristle!

And now a brief extra content statement or two from the older German Baptist preacher - Dunker Durand - or Dee Dee, for short.

1. My proclamation today is "Enter into God and one never leaves. Reading the lives of mystics they speak of a glory they experience. This glory is come remarkable way appears to be the essence of the experiencing individual." "Essence" = the permanent as contrasted with the accidental element of being.

2. Someone once described me as a quiet bull in a china shop: a repressed aggressiveness. Don't wave a red flag in front of me. Maybe they are right! I'll bet LCSD Chairman, Kellis, is sorry he was rude to me on the plan last June. The bull in me went into action and I burst into the Board's front door & broke some of their china!

3. How would you guys describe yourself: towering sunflowers or demure creeping vines (or periwinkle) - blossoming early like the crocus - or late like the Chrysanthemum? Well, better turn Mon night football off!

Bye, Love Frank

Honorable Discharge

(click to enlarge)

We Made a Barn

Late 1950s

by Mark Johnson

I have saved the state and county a lot of money

Omaha, Nebr.

May 8, 1946

Marie -

I received your letter to-day and I thought I would answer right away. I wish to thank you for the money as I surely need money and so far your father has gave me $2.00 for this month. You know don't you that he was supposed to pay me $4.00 a week.

The last 2 Fridays I have gone to the Creighton because the County Assistance told me that if I wasn't strong enough to work I should see a Doctor. Then last Friday I went back because the first time April 26th I had the X-Ray taken. I wish to receive a certificate about my health and I talked to Miss Larson about it yesterday and I hope to receive such a paper in a few days. I certainly deserve one for it is now over 7 years ago since I was taken sick. I have saved the state and county a lot of money by taking care of my-self as much as I have. You know every-person has his worth and right to demand it.

Don't forget that it is Martin's birthday next Saturday. I intend to send him something but I don't have it ready. Have you heard from Lottie recently? You know she got a writing desk for Christmas but little writing she sits down and writes to me by the desk.

Really after reading your letter I couldn't help but cry. No I know you didn't write that you knew where you were going to move but didn't write that I wish you could be somewhere in Nebraska? And now you write you intend to move so far away. It is just this that I think you do little real thinking. Even if you were considering going out West would that have stopped you from writing to me about your planning before your decision.

It seems to me that you go about to settle a great problem of life by being emotionalism. But don't forget all laws are based on the protection of the innocent as the saying goes. Because look back on the years when you attend the University and think how many of your plans did you discuss with me?

Well I will enclose this clipping below for your attention please.

DEALS are the most practical things in the world for they determine conduct and conduct makes world history. - Charles M. Sheldon

Quote - By Malcolm W. Bingay -

No great thing is created suddenly and more than a bunch of grapes or a fig. If you tell me that you desire a fig, I answer you that there must be time. Let it first blossom then bear fruit, then ripen. Un-Quote.

I am very glad that you are going to visit my cousins. They were very devoted to their mother. I wrote to Anna before Easter and ask her if she received my letter. Now I will write a few words about Mother. Quote by Thomas M. Macauley the history once said "Children look into those eyes, listen to that dear voice, notice the feeling of even a single touch. Make much of it while yet you have that most previous of all good gifts a loving mother with you. In after life you may have friends - dear friends - but never will you have again the inexpressible love and gentleness lavished upon you which none but a mother can bestow." Un-Quote.

I hope you will like the clippings I am enclosing.

Did I mention that if you have any old clothes you don't want I wish that you would send them to me for Mrs. A. in Oakland. Good-by Mother.

Record of Support for Mrs. Ruth Jensen

To Elsie

Trip to Nebraska

June 29, 1959

Dear Marie,

I'll just write a note - I want to get out several in time for the postman.

I talked to Betty on the phone twice, and she's pretty well sold on making the trip to Nebraska this Summer. Tentative plans are for the last two weeks in July.

I'm writing to Elin, too. Doubt if it would do any good, but I'll write anyway. Had a nice letter from Sock this week - he's in Virginia taking more training before his first assignment.

Betty's present idea is to take Robin and Royce with her, and I'm taking Jacque. They will get along well. [We're thinking of sharing a motel for the week we're there.]

Surely hope you can work something out so you can make the trip too. It would be fun to get together. Too, I know it would mean a lot to Mom and Pop. They are getting older - why not go now when they can appreciate our visit.

Hope to hear from you soon. Let's hear any suggestions you might have as to time or arrangements.

Love,

L.

Please Send Me The TV

Danish Museum

May 27, 1997

Dearest Lottie -

I'm writing this from the Philadelphia terminal . We expect to leave for Frankfurt this evening. We stopped along the way to see Barb & Carl (they are fine), Mike & Lisa & family, and the Bill Durands. Lisa & Mike's children are adorable. Morgan is as precosious as ever & Camden is a riot. The baby, Sydney, is still a "baby".

Bill & Maureen organ project is almost unbelievable. I don't know how they ever had the courage for such an undertaking. We had a nice visit and then dinner.

Drove by the house on Pierce St., saw Pop's grave (he did die in 1969) and visited the Jocelyn Art Museum.

We also stopped at the Danish Museum in Elk Horn. It is quite an enterprise. They are encouraging American Danes to submit copies of their geneology projects.

The folks at the Museum and the windmill knew Verda Johnson (nee Ohms). She lives in Elk Horn. I tried to call her but she was not home - did have a chat with her husband. We plan to be gone about 2 wks. Hope to get up to Aalborg and gather more data.

I'll call as soon as we get back to the States.

Very Much Love,

Bets

At the Beach (by Jacque)

Mystery Monday - "Dear Friends" Letter

Omaha, Nebraska

Oct. 26, 1969.

Dear friends,

I was hoping that you would be at home when I stoped at your farm home. And I was disappointed not to see you.

It was indeed sad to hear about Edith's death. Her family will surely miss her.

Also I did not know that Mamie had passed away until I heard about it when I was out to your place. I had not hear from Mamie for quite some time. I think that it was when she first went to the hospital that I heard from her. When Mamie was back to Nebraska for a visit I wished that she would have come to visit me at Lincoln. I even called her up over the telephone at the time. Mamie seemed to be in good health then.

When I would send any greeting cards I did not receive any answer from California. Here are a few lines from a greeting card.

Hoping that friendship will serve as some comfort in these hours of heartache.

Hoping that you receive my letter. I would appreciate an answer.

With best wishes.

I remain

Mrs. Ruth Norby-Jensen

Keep You Busy Knitting Booties

Happy Birthday Lottie.

Well first you didn't have any grandchildren now. You have three. Thats pretty good if you keep it up keep you busy knitting booties for all of them. Glad you had a good time here. Lars took Martin to Blair and to Lincoln I didn't go to Blair. He put some flowers on Garfield's grave. He seemed to enjoy his visit here, but he refused to take his mother back with him. Said I'm gone from two to four weeks at a time and you better stay here. She didn't like it. Said she was going to Elan's. Martin said better write first make she has no place for you. Then the fight was on again.

She brought her machine back with her from Blair so now she can sew when she wants too.

Write soon love from both of us. Rained Saturday and now its cold OK I dread the winter.

Sure rained Friday when we went to Lincoln.

Love from Dad & Dora.

From now on it will be foot ball and elections to read about

Blair Nebr.

Sept 17 - 1956

Ruth -

I haven't gotten around to write to you before but I want to thank you for birthday gift.

I received a card from Joe's but none from any of your girls.

I went to Norfolk on the 7th - my birthday - Margaret was feeling pretty good. Stopped at Joe's and Aunt Addie on the way home. Didn't get a cup of coffee either place.

Blanche had company and we told her that we were stopping at Aunt Addie's place so really can't blame her. And as you probably know Aunt Addie hasn't been feeling so well of late although when we werethere she was dressed and walked around. She had had her supper. We stopped at Lyons at Charlie Swanson's. They gave us coffee. I suppose you remember the blind lady's son, a brother of Gilbert Swanson.

I am going to read meters for the city tomorrow.

I suppose that we will have fall weather soon.

I didn't go to the Fair. From now on it will be foot ball and elections to read about.

No news to write about I suppose that you still get the Oakland paper.

Thanks again

- Garfield