She shows little insight into an understanding of her condition

And with some news that is good to hear

Lincoln, Nebraska

May 25, 1952.

Dear Marie -

I wrote to you last Sunday but I have not heard from you in answer to my last letter. I would like to explain a little more about you coming here so excuse me for writing to you again. Now I hope I can explain matters to you again I asked the Dr. who comes on this ward about the expense about the fair for you to come here. And now if you can not afford the price of railroad fair your father must help you. You know your father has helped with expenses to travel at other times in the past. And also that it was for the staff here at the hospital to decide about a ticket for me. Also Marie the Dr. said you have to have a willingness for me to come out there to your home. And also the attendent on this ward said you were the only one who could help me out from this hospital.

Now Marie you know that in the past you have come when I needed you.

I was reading an article in a magazine about a young lady who had a problem. And this is what she worte Quote - "If you love me, please help me. It has to be."

I still have the same glasses  and they give me a headache. That is something important also for you to go with me and have my eyes tested for new glasses.

I attended the services at the hospital chapel this afternoon.

I have been reading the Reader's Digest for April 1952 and in it is an article about President Truman. And I will write a few lines from page 160. Quote - When I was 12 I had read the Bible all the way through twice. I spent a lot of time on the 20th Chapter of Exodus and the 5th, 6th and 7th Chapters of Matthew's Gospel.

I have read the above in the Bible as there are more than 1 Bible on this ward. Try to teach your children to read the Bible where I mentioned the above Chapters. And try to read the Reader's Digest for last April also. Also read Bible where I have writen about.

And please will you write a few lines and let Betty know that I receive the Mother's day card and what was enclosed. I will try to write soon. Also please remind Lottie to write to me.

I hope you answer real soon. And with some news that is good to hear.

With love

As ever,

I am,

Your Mother.

Man is by nature - sinful and corrupt.

Man is by nature - sinful and corrupt.

Dec. 24, 1967. By a minister.

Jan 3rd 1968 - By a lady on Joe Pyne show. In a school about 200 - and about a 4th of the girls had to leave school because the girls became pregnant. And sex in America was like the dark ages. Or could be compared to the dark ages.

On Don McNeil program

Hope we could find a way

Good news travels by oxcart and bad news travels with the wind
-One Joe Pyne Show - Jan. 4 1967

Jan. 29, 1968
20 or 25 years Guy Lombardo has known Lawrence Welk.

Jones beach
1938 American citizen

Water Pigeon
from Canada

No Out-siders

Lincoln, Nebr.

May 1962

To whom it may concern -

I Mrs. Ruth Jensen have been employed at the Schultz Rest Home for over 8 1/2 years and it was that number of years the 1st of April 1962.

I wish to be discharged from the State Hospital at Lincoln, Nebraska. I wish to leave this place of employment as soonas possible. I also wish for my social security check to be mailed to me in my own name - Ruth Edith Jensen.

If any problems come up I woud like to talk to my brother at Blair, Nebraska. And that no out-siders to send me to any institution.

I will support my-self and pay my own bills.

Mar 23, 1954

Dear Marie -

I received your welcome letter. I am sending your children some Easter candy. Also some leather to put in the back part of those shoes I sent. There is glue on 1 side and wet it, then paste it along the heel part. It should be hot water. If you still don't want to shoes don't send them back to me. You may send them to Elin. If she can't wear them perhaps they would fit Marilyn. Write and ask Elin first.

If you wish to send me something for Easter you could send me some money.

Let me know if you received the blouse I sent. One of the ladies here gave it to me.

I will answer your letter later.

P.S. The heart-shaped candy box was for your children to play with.

As ever, Mother.

Monday Mystery: Wahoo, Nebraska

My mom thinks these relatives might be related to my grandfather, Robert Johnson. Any ideas?

I did not attend church services to-day, in case some-one came to visit me

Lincoln, Nebr.

Sept. 30, 1951

Dearest Marie -

It was such a nice way to address me at the beginning of your letter so I will do the same. I received your letter dated Sept. 13 and I was indeed pleased to hear from you. I did not attend church services to-day, in case some-one came to visit me. And being I did not heave any company I sat out on the lawn. I wrote to your father last Sunday and also to Martin. Yes I got the coat and I wrote and thanked Mrs. Durand but received no answer.

Marie why didn't you answer my letter, in which I wrote and asked you if you received the bill for the storage of my house-hold goods? I thought that you would think it important to me which it is. I am anxious to hear if you or your sisters have payed any money toward the bill and please write and let me know.

Yes it certainly was good news to hear about Martin. I addressed my letter to Ogden, Utah and General delivery as you wrote it. I hope that he receives my letter. Did he write and tell you what the name of the Company is that he is working for? Please write and let me know if  he has answered your letter Marie will you?

Have you heard from Lottie, Betty or Elin? I sent Lottie and Betty a birthday card. I have not heard from either one of your sisters for quite a while. You could write to them and remind them to write and answer my letters.

(I wish to thank you for senidng the letter Dora wrote. I wish that your father would be come this way when out driving on his vacation. When the weather is so pleasant as it has been to-day I should think that your father could come to Lincoln. I hope that when I remind him the next time I write, that for him to come that he really will come. When you write to him your could copy the above paragraph starting where I made the mark.)

Please be more prompt in answering this letter. It was so nice of you to write that you "have thought a lot about my recently". Also will you read over my letter as you write. And also you could send me some money if you wish. Thank you very much.

When you write your address on the envelope will you remember to write what Street or Avenue you live on?

Best wishes to you and your family.

My Address is on the envelope.

From, Mother.

Prince Charles

June 29, 1969

Not long ago, it was maliciously whispered in London that the sad truth was that Prince Charles wasn't very bright, and that his brothers and sister were like wise unpre-processing. It seems nearer the truth to say that the public knew little of the royal children.

The rearing of royalty has long posed almost insoluble dilemmas. How can any crown prince have a normal boyhood when he grows up among geneflections and knows - how badly he misbehaves - that he wil become king?

Marie's husband and Mr. Jensen came for me in Mr. Jensen's car

Lincoln, Nebr.

Feb. [1965]

Dear Elin -

I received the lovely Christmas greeting and letter from you. I hope that you received what I send before Christmas to you. When you receive something from me I surely would appreciate if you would let me know as soon as possible.

The 26th of January Marie's husband and Mr. Jensen came for me in Mr. Jensen's car. We went out to dinner and then started out for Omaha. While in Omaha Mr. Jensen and I went up to Blair on the 27th of Jan. 1965 brought my brother some cut flowers, candy and some Oakland papers. Garfield seemed cheerful and we spoke about you. I returned on Thursday Jan. 28th to Lincoln.

The next day here it snowed, on Friday.

My brother was in bed when we were up to see him. I wish he would have a stand by his bed to put some of the things he needs.

Lincoln, Nebr.

June 18, 1950

Dearest Marie -

You asked in the short letter you wrote dated June 1st whether I received the mother's day greeting from you. I hope you received the letter which I wrote 2 weeks ago to-day in which I thank you for the telegram. I also received the underwear and anklets and they fit all right and thank you very much.

Don't send the other things you mentioned as I don't need them. At the close of this letter I'll let you know what I need and I would appreciate if you wish to send the articles.

Marie I have been hoping to hear from you and I talked to the Dr. and he said he sent my letter. I suppose you know that the patients' letters are first read before they are sent. Marie would you do me a favor and write to the Dr. and ask him if I may be dismissed? If you write to the Dr. he said he will take the letter over to the hospital staff. The Dr.'s address is Dr. Davis, Box 271, Lincoln, Nebraska.

Now if you are coming to visit me why then you don't need to write to Dr. David because you can talk to him when you get to this hospital.

When I had a letter from one of my brothers over a month ago he wrote as follows - Quote "Why do you not try to leave the hospital that when you write to your children have one of them take you home? You have 4 daughters married they could make a home for you could they not? Well I am interested in your welfare." Unquote.

I haven't heard from Lottie since I wrote to her. I wrote about the house that Bob has been building. If you are intending to come by care I wish you could go by the way of Tacoma and visit Lottie and family and see the house. If you don't plan to travel by car don't you think you and the children could come on the train? Please think of a way about the far for ["Where there is a will there is a way"] as the saying goes. And besides you should be anxious to see your brother Martin. No doubt the Durands will be glad to welcome you. Your father said they were out to visit you a few months ago.

I would like a small jar of Shasta cream to use when I wash my hair. Look for a Good Housekeeping seal on the bottom. Also you may send some candy and money.

I read where "There is magic in just changing one's surroundings." Thank your children for the drawings you sent.

Before you come find out which is the best way to travel that is if you are coming.

From, Mother.

I will support my-self

Lincoln, Nebr.

1963

To whom it may concern -

I Mrs. Ruth Jensen have been employed at the Schultz Rest Home for over 9 years.

I wish to be discharged from the State Hospital at Lincoln, Nebraska.

I wish to leave this place of employment. I also wish for my social security check to be mailed to me in my own name - Ruth Edith Jensen.

If any problems come up I would like to talk to my brother at Blair, Nebraska. His name is Mr. Garfield Norby. And no out-siders allowed to send me to any institution.

I will support my-self and pay my own bills.

Clean and Thorough in Every Way

Phoenix, Ariz

Aug. 17, 1959

Dearest Mother,

I was just thinking of you, so I thought I'd write you a note.

It was so good to see you this summer. Wasn't it wonderful that we could all be together? We owe a vote of thanks to Lottie for arranging things. I suppose the biggest surprise was Martin. He has matured in many ways and has made an adjustment to his work.

I have Martin your note regarding the belt and other things. He said he would take care of the things you requested.

We got home from Lincoln without difficulty. Martin's bus didn't leave until 1 a.m. so we saw him to the depot.

Each of the girls got off as scheduled. Then I had a couple of days to rest up and leisurely visit and get ready to return to Phoenix.

I have been home about 10 days now. it has been very hot, though today it rained and cooled off. The girls and I have been trying to get a few things done before school starts in two weeks. Today we did some ironing and mending.

I know it is going to be time to return to the classroom before we get everything done. But then I guess one never does get done when there is a family to look after.

I hope that the social worker is able to help work out happier arrangements for you. Let me know what develops. We all are anxious that life be as happy as possible for you.

I want to congratulate you on your neat, clean appearance. You really looked nice in that hat and white gloves. Your room was immaculate too. I know you are good in your work - clean and thorough in every way. I think the Schultz's are lucky to have you there.

I hope Martin writes to you and helps you in any way he can. He is good-hearted, and I know is really fond of you.

Did you buy your little plant yet? Wasn't it fun to eat at the tea room? You should go there often on your afternoon off.

Well, Mother, I must close for now. Do write as soon as you can. I think of you often.

Love,

Marie and All

Marie's letter in part (from Ruth)

Oct. 2 1955

Marie's letter in part.

Dearest mother -

I often think of you and wonder how you are. Please write soon.

It was wonderful to hear that you had passed all the physical examinations this spring. You have made a remarkable recovery from your illness of 15 years ago.

Have you heard from Martin?

With much love,

Marie

July 17, 1956

Dearest Mother -

You mentioned wanting to go to be with Martin. This ounds like it ought to have possibilities. We girls are all married and have our families. Martin is all alone and has no one. If you get Social Security you would not be totally dependent on him. So much depends upon Martin. Is he ready to settle down in one place? Can he find steady work? I think it would be worth finding out.

Please write again soon.

Love, Marie and family

Blood pressure 120

Please Dr. could I sign my-self out of the hospital? Because I have worked at the Rest Home so steady. I have only missed 6 days from work in over 5 years.

Don't my patrol expire the 1st of this month?

I want my family to co-operate because I believe they should stand by each other.

I wish a complete release from the State Hospital. I wish to have my social security check mailed to me in my own name. Mrs. S. has my food handler's card and can I have it when I leave?

Oct. 25th 1957 I talked to Dr. Loden and I asked him if I could talk to attorney and he said I could. I said tell Dr. S. and Dr. Loder said he would.

June 13th 1958 Mrs. S. talked to Mrs. Leopold and the latter said I could talk to Dr. Coats. June 19th 1958 X-Ray at State Hospital.

The Red Cross lady said to talk to the State Hospital and she told me to "keep trying."

Weight 127 lbs.

Blood pressure 120

A Dressmaker in Lincoln

Phoenix, Ariz.

July 17, 1956

Dearest Mother,

It has been nice to hear from you several times lately in different ways. Quite a while ago you sent some papers with interesting clippings. You also sent a box with several things including a very nice dress from Lottie. Thank you for everything. The dress is too big for me too but perhaps it can be altered. It is far too pretty a dress not to be made good use of.

As something of a return favor I was thinking that if you find a dressmaker in Lincoln to make up the material you have I will pay you to have the work done. Why don't you try to find someone?

While we lived on Diamond St. I also received a special delivery letter from you. We were in the process of moving and I just didn't have the time to answer it. Moving is such a terrific job. The worst part of it is over now. We are well on our way to being comfortably settled. The bedrooms and storage space are quite crowded here but the kitchen and living room are a little larger than in our other house. There are so many people that come here everyday for one reason or another. I can see where we will be living quite a public life. It isn't quite like living in one's own home. But this is Frank's work and we can all have fun working in this community. The children have found some friends already.

It was good to hear your voice on the phone. I think I answered all your questions over the phone. Last Monday we had such a poor connection and my ears were so plugged up I had difficulty hearing. Under the circumstances I just don't think it would work out or be practical for you to come to Arizona just to have a dress made. I think my idea of paying a Lincoln woman to do the sewing a better one.

You mentioned wanting to go to be with Martin. This sounds like it ought to have possibilities. We girls are all married and have our families. Martin is all alone and has no one. If you get Social Security you would not be totally dependent on him. So much depends upon Martin. Is he ready to settle down in one place? Can he find steady work? I think it would be worth finding out.

Another possibility would be changing jobs if the present one is unsatisfactory. Have you looked into this matter?

I promised to send you a dollar to help with the overtime charges. I don't think you should call me so often. It is too expensive for you. I pratically never feel I can afford to make a long distance phone call. It is good to hear your voice though.

My ears are much better now. We are going to have a few days off soon and will be able to take just a brief vacation in the nearby mountains.

Please write again soon.

Love, Marie & Family

I also received your recent letters. Our new address is 4416 North 31st Avenue, Phoenix, Ariz.

SS United States

(click to enlarge)

Week o' Notes: Education

Week o' Notes: My Way

Week o' Notes: Don't Give Your Love Away

on the back: See the light of a better way.

Week o' Notes: Successful Home

They can't put together a successful home

Week o' Notes: Freedom

Week 'o Notes: Safety

Week o' Notes: Domestic Work

Notes on Selling Garfield's House

Mr. M,

I was going to ask you if a person should have it was all right to have the electricity the way it is or if it should be changed? in the meter?

And then I was going to say I think the neighborhood has improved some in the last few years. I hope my brother can will come to Omaha before long so he can talk it over about this property.

A person has 6 months notice after a house is sold haven't they? My brother and I must agree about selling this property - then there won't be any need for regreting selling

He has made progress in being self-supporting and holding a job.

Phoenix, Arizona

Dec 1, 1955

Dearest Mother,

Thought I'd drop you a few lines this morning before I get busy on my work of the day. It has been a long time since I've heard from you. I got to wondering if you had moved & may not have received my letter.

Mrs. Durand wrote that you had phoned her regarding your wanting to leave your present place. Have you asked your Social Worker if she can find you another job if the present one is not satisfactory? Martin is on the move so much that it hardly seems practical to try to locate with him.

Mrs. Durand indicated that you would like to have me accompany you to Seattle to locate Martin. Yesterday I got a note from Dora. It said, "Martin's new address is General Delivery; Norfolk, Virginia, but he expects to ship out soon as hard tell where he is now." So you see even if Martin has good intentions it would be difficult to organize one's life and situation around him. It would be a waste of money (which we honestly don't ever have) to travel so very far without assurance that satisfactory arrangements can be made there. Martin is still young. He has made progress in being self-supporting and holding a job. It may be that his next step will be to settle down and establish a residency. Do you write regularly to him? I think it might be well if you did.

The Durands are now living on a modest retirement income. They can not send us money.

Let us hear from you. We wish you the best this holiday season. I hope you can get out to some services and hear some of the lovely Christmas music. Also there will, no doubt, be some good television programs. The children are already making Christmas preparations at school.

Love,

Marie & Family

Included in the envelope:

Don't call Mrs. Schultz

Lincoln, Nebr.

Dec. 9, 1959

Dear Sir -

I am very thankful that my daughter Marie has written to you.

I was thinking that if you will see my brother don't you think it would be a good idea if he would come with you to Lincoln? Perhaps you could come in my brother's car with him.

Now when you go to the hospital the first time I hope it will not be necessary for me to go out to the hospital. The reason is because I don't want the lady I am employed by to know about me going to leave here when I am working. Her name is Mrs. Schultz and she will just go into a rage and tell me that I can just go back to the State Hospital. I am positive I never wish to again be a patient there as I was there for 5 1/2 years. So please ask the social workers and Doctors to be as quiet about my case as it is possible to be. Don't call Mrs. Schultz over the telephone. The superintend's name is Dr. Gray and the social worker's name is Mrs. Hardin. These 2 I would like for you to talk to if it would be possible for me to sign for myself to be released from the State Hospital at Lincoln.

Then the second time you come which I said I would like for you to come the 28th of Dec and I would like for my brother to come with you. Tell him I will pay for his time please. My brother knows where I am working and then come here first. Then the 3 of us go out to the hospital and talk to the Dr. and social worker whom I have mentioned. When my brother comes as I hope he will and ask my brother to say that he came to visit and may go down town. It would also be best to come as early in the morning as possible Monday through to Friday. Then after we have seen the Dr. and social worker I wish to come here for my belongings for certain.

Oh I remember Mrs. Hardin goes to Omaha on Wednesdays.

I will pay you for services I promise. I sent 5.00 the 8 of Oct. Hope you received it and am enclosing $5.00.

This will be the best arrangement. And be sure and see about where I can go either to the hotel in Blair or if my brother will let me come to his house. Tell him it will not be very long if he should ask. We are older now and should it be sensible.

I will call in about a week so you can let me know about my plans.

Looking for Martin (1964)

Lincoln, Nebr.

March 15, 1964

Dear Sir -

I wish to write to you about my son- Martin Miles Jensen as far as I know my son is still employed by the maritime unions.

My son's number is Z-1018 625 - D1.

I hope you can find out where my son is at the present as I haven't heard from him for months. I hope this information will explain about my son.

His next of kin - father is Mr. Lars P. Jensen, 2511 Emmet Street, Omaha, Nebraska.

I talked to Mr. Lars Jensen over the telephone a few days ago and we agreed to try to find out about our son.

We would like to know what his address is when he comes to New York. That is if still employed by a shipping company. Now at Christmas time when I received a gift from him he wrote his return address to his father's address in Omaha, Nebr. Also some-time ago when he wrote to me he gave his address as -

Martin Miles Jensen

Sea man's Unit

General Delivery

New York, New York.

Now back in 1957 my son was employed as wiper on the SS Transpacific. When I wrote about my son about that time I heard that I could discuss ths matter with some-one from the Red Cross. Do you suppose you could see about this problem?

I hoe I have hear from you very soon.

There is sickness in my family and I would like for my son to return to Nebraska.

Thanking you very much.

I am

Respectfully,

Mrs. Jensen

SS Bulkcrude

And the other things.

undated

Marie -

Thank you for greetings cards and what was enclosed.

Quite a while ago I sen you a box of cholate candy and did you receive it? Did you receive the package I sent containing your purse? And the other things.

Ask Dora if she will let me see the greeting card Martin send and call her up some time this week.

Did you tell Lottie any-thing I said about her?

Received the birthday card to-day.

I was going to ask have you bought the blanket you wrote about?

What] Received present from Rosanne is that supposed to be.

What those little bulbs supposed to be for?

I wait and I wait

Lincoln, Nebr.

Jan. 14, 1951

Dearest Marie -

Since you started your letter to me in a sincere way I will do the same also. I will read over your letter as I write. First I wish to thank you for the gifts you sent me in a box. I received the Christmas card, the pictures and the money and I appreciate all you sent very much and thank you. Why didn't you and Frank be on the pictures with your children? It was nice of you to write the 1st letter to me at the holiday season. And I wish to thank you for the pearl cotton thread you sent me and it was what matched the other I had. I am not finished yet with the scarf I am making for you.

I have been to church services this afternoon. I suppose you all attend the same church each Sunday.

Your father, Martin and Dora were here to visit me about 3 months ago. Your father said he would try and come some day during the week perhaps on a Wednesday. I have been looking for him to come and now during this nice weather we are having. In the letter that D. wrote post-marked Jan. 1st she wrote that "we will come down some nice Sunday." So I wish that the 3 of them will come real soon. I wait and I wait and how glad I will be when the come to visit and I can talk over about my problem. Would you please write a few lines to your father and remind him about what I have written dear?

Marie I have had the same glasses for years and I should have them exchanged perhaps, for some time. I was wonderful if you could help me with the expense. The frame part is all-rght except they need to be a little tighter over the nose and I would like a new case to keep my glasses in. When you write let me know if you think you can spare what money it would cost. But first I should find out how much it would be. You know it was my birthday Jan. 5 and I received 5 greeting cards.

Yes there were Christmas programs here at the hospital for the patients. You wrote that your little girl had a short piece to speak. I remember when 1 of my children spoke at a church and you could teach it to your childetn. It is, "I give my feet to Jesus to walk in wisdom's way."

You may let any one in the family read this letter. Hope you answer very soon. My address is on the envelope and may I remind you to read over my letter when writing.

P.S. Please write if it is Diamond St. or Ave.

With love,

From,

Mother.