But Don't Eat Too Much

1962

Thanks for the xmas letter. Margaret and I are doing fairly good. Hasn't snowed for a while. Earn lots of money but don't eat too much. Greetings to all.

Uncle Garfield and Aunt Margaret

Nobody In Jail. Thank God.

A grocery store on the corner. A car that starts, has gas and no flat tires. A swing in the back yard. Five kids. Nobody in jail. Thank God.

Charlotte Johnson

Tacoma

Please Use The Word Mama Instead Of Mom

Omaha, Neb.

Jan. 7, 1948

Marie - 

I wish to thank you for the birthday card I received yesterday. It would have been nice if you had enclosed a pretty handkerchief. I hope you have received the apron and hot pan holder by this time. If you had already received it at the time when you sent the birthday card why didn't you write a few lines and let me know? You must write me a long letter and let me know about the way you spent Christmas out there.

I am enclosing some clippings I thought you would be interested in reading. The reason I am sending that little one with the girl wearing an apron is because I think you should make your little girls jumpers with a piece in the front. Can you still make the jumper that way and try and make the sleaves in the blouses longer? And why were you and Frank not in the picture also? I like the hair ribbons in their hair but why not remind them to close their mouths?

Will you please write and ask Betty to let me know if she received the apron I sent her? Also send her the clipping about Good morning breakfast program. 

I received the letter from you with the Christmas card. 1 card from your children with pictures drawn on the back of the card. 1 card from little Rebecka. I mentioned I received the money order before I think and the stockings as well as the photograph of your little girls.

I am glad I heard from all my children.

Marie I hope I can leave the hospital in the near future. But I don't know yet where I can go from here. I will write a few lines to Frank on the back of this letter. Please write very soon. You did not enclose any-thing with the birthday card did you?

From Mother.

~~~~~~~~

Wednesday Afternoon.

Frank - 

This afternoon from 2 to 3 is visitor's day but Marie's father did not come out as I hoped he would. And he did not bring me a birthday cake or flowers, not even a card. You could write and remind him how neglectful he was...

Frank, I received a Christmas card from your parents. Will you kindly write them that I sent my thanks to them. And thank you for your card also.

I hope you will think this clipping about Arizona interesting.

From Mrs. Ruth Jensen.

~~~~~~~~

Tuesday, Jan. 13, 1948

Marie - 

I received your card yesterday an all though I had a letter written to you, I will add more to my letter. I am glad you received the apron I sent, but you didn't mention the hot pan holder. How do you like it?

Did you have the flu about the time that Katherine D. was there for a visit?

At Christmas season there was a tree on this floor. Some of the patients made some decorations. At one time a number of school children came in a group and sang Christmas songs. Another time a number of adult people came and sang.

There are some young people who came out each Sunday evening and sing and we enjoy hearing them. Christmas morning present were passed out to the patients. I receive a pair of anklets.

Marie did you send a Christmas card to my cousin in Chicago? I received a pretty one from her. If you don't remember her address you may ask me next time you write. If you write to her please send her a nice handkerchief with your card. Thank you.

Did you have any letter from Elin? I wish that she would write to me. And will you write to Elin also Betty to write to me? I surely get lonesome staying here for days, weeks and months. To-day I have been here 8 months. I was hoping your father would come out last Sunday and being me a few things. Marie will you write and ask Lottie if she received the Nursery chair and tool box which was Martin's?

Now about the candy, you may send a few milk chocolates, and chocolate nougat candy, also hard candy and gum drops. Now you could buy about 1/2 lb. of each Marie. It could be for a belated birthday gift. Also if you wish you could send me a few pretty handkerchiefs and the Mc Call's magazine. If the magazine has been used it doesn't matter and remember December number for 1947.

Now Marie I hope you can take time and sit down and write out the list what I have asked you, to do for me. And please don't want any time and answer my questions by reading over my letter as you write. 

Thanking you again for all that you have sent me Marie. I hope you feel that it is a pleasure to do these things for me. So good-by for this time. I am, Your, Mother.

P.S. Please use the word Mama instead of Mom.

Marty Was Put Back In The Fourth Grade

October 10, 1943

Dear Marie,

This will probably be just a note, for I haven't much time, but thought you'd rather have a note than nothing at all.

We received all three of your letters this week - on three successive days. First we got the Sept. 27th letter - it had no "Rt. 7" on it, and had bounced all over before it was delivered here. Next the "Pony Express" letter, and then your last one of October 3.

I wrote you last Sunday, but we had mislaid Frank's card, and had no other address, so we sent it on to Betty for her to forward.

Roxy is starting to walk - she crawls between tries, but can stand up (and get up) in the middle of the floor unassisted. She can bloe we whistle and call "Marty" (like I do) and can feed herself and drink from a glass. I'll bet this just sounds like bragging to you  but we are proud of our little Roxy.

Brace yourself for a good shock - guess whose going to have a baby? Ruth Haakensen. They've been married 19 years or so. With only Lynn so far. It's supposed to be born in April.

I think the arrangement of $10 a month is just fine. I've lined up a drum teacher and though we'd take the $1.00 a week out of that allowance. I'e made an appointment with Dr. Clay, the child specialist who takes care of Roxy, for Martin. The earliest open day was October 30, so we'll just have to wait till then to have him checked.

As I said in the last letter, we got new glasses for him - frames & all. $23.00 but I hope it was worth it.

Marty was put back in the fourth grade this week. I hope he will do better. The teacher wrote a note home saying that in the Achievement tests the class took, Marty classified himself in the third grade. Again I say, I hope he can snap into meeting his responsibilities.

I'm sending a little package this week. Buttons, tacks, some socks of Roxy's (partly worn, just as they are) and Roxy's bedroom slippers. I'm withholding the slips and white shoes until I hear from you. Can you exchange the slips in Chicago?

Love, L.

Mary Line

It Is His Duty Toward Mother To Help Her

Lincoln, Nebr.

Nov. 14, 1956

Dear Marie - 

It is your turn to write. I should think you could find some time if you would only try.

Your father said he was still sore but has started to drive his car. How I wish he would rest but I suppose Dora wants him to help her with selling Christmas cards. You know people who used to make believe they were his friends could show it by helping him at this time. 

Didn't he like to show how he would help people when there was an opportunity? Do you know anyone in Omaha whom you suppose could drive your father's care for him?

Please write as soon as possible to Bob and explain about Martin. Bob should be willing to do what I asked for Martin. I would make matters so much easier if those who are in the family and related would co-operate. This for the welfare of those who are close to one another.

Please write as nice a letter as you can to Martin. Say it is his duty toward mother to help her. You are supposed to be a Christian I thought. Then please show some kindness in time of need.

Now if Bob can go to New York when Martin is there it would be the best way possible.

Martin's address - 

Mr. Martin Miles Jensen

Z-1 018 625-D1

Wiper Steamship Transpacific

% Tak Shipping Corporation

30 Broad Street

New York,

New York.

I wrote to Martin Nov. 6th 1956. Also to one of the concerns who sent Martin's address.

Your father said there is a letter at his house for Martin.

When you write to Martin mention that his father was in a car accident. And that his father would sure like to see him as he said so.

Please write and answer this letter.

And thanking you for your intention in write to Bob for me.

I will now close.

With best wishes.

As ever

I remain,

Your Mother

P.S. Enclose you wil find 2 stamps for Martin's collection. Also handkerchief for you.

Graduation - Jill

Daughter Is Born

Awards of Good Conduct Medal

Robert N Johnson, Pfc, is listed third from the bottom.

I have the best sister anyone ever had

Pierce St.

Omaha, Nebr.

Sept. 29, 1936

Dear Marie,

Thanks a million thanks two million for that dollar you sent me! I realize you had to work long and hard for that, I want you to know I appreciate it very much. I have the best sister anyone ever had and anyone I tell about you things I'm pretty darn lucky to have a sister like you.

I'm glad you're getting your teeth fixed. Did I tell you I have 12 fillings in my mouth? This dentist put in 11.

Well, you were wrong about your confidence in me, concerning Student Council. I was defeated. But, I don't think by very much because I asked several kids and all of them said I led in their home room except one. The vote in our H.R. was, Jean 10 - me 19. Not bad, eh?

I still have a chance, however, in Cogide. Alice doesn't want to, Grace is too busy, and Mary is on already.

I asked Miss Jelen and she was so glad to think you'd write to her. She wrote her address on "Silas Marner" and I left it in my locker. I'll write you a 1 cent post card tomorrow on the way home from school and send you her address. You'll probably get it the day after you get this.

Speaking of "Anthony Adverse", Mrs. Gearing said she knows a lady who read it in one day. That's no fib, either.

You know I was invited to Doris Richardson's wedding. I didn't go, mainly because I've never been to one and wouldn't know how to act. I think I'll wait until you get married, and then I can be maid-of-honor. I made a cute little note to send to Doris and it just took Mrs. Gearing's breath away, so she said. It was all decorated with wedding bells and spring flowers with some swell printing in black ink.

Enid Jorgensen invited me out for Sunday dinner but I didn't go because I decided to stay home. I'm sure glad I didn't go because it so happened that the lady she works for died Saturday night.

I don't know if I'll go to camp Oct. 10 or not. They said we have to bring Saturday's lunch and the price is still 60 cents. Tech has to furnish the eats for Saturday night's party, so all we get out of the 60 cents is our dinner and bed. Do you think its worth it? If I go, it will be only because I want to wear my new brown knickers.

I think I'll get a "1" in all of my classes except type. If Rye feels good, she may give me a "4", otherwise I'll get a "5" sure.

I saw Ruth Pfleager tonight, coming home from school. She was going home from work as a steno.

Well, I guess I'll close now, hoping to hear from you soon. Bring all your letters when you come next time.

Love,

"L"

Please Drive By The Town Where Martin Is And Bring Him With You

Lincoln, Nebraska

May 27, 1951

Dear Marie,

I sent you a blue scarf I had made and I hope that you received it. The crocheted lace around the scarf is made with the thread that you sent me.

I received the fan which you send and thank you all very much. 

Your father was here to visit me last Sunday and D. and 2 other ladies. I was glad to see them. Your father had some good news. He had Martin's address and so I wrote to him last Sunday. I hope he receives my letter and pays attention to what I wrote. And also the other news was that he had heard that you were coming on a visit to Omaha. Oh I hope it is a fact and that you will really come Marie. I hope you will come soon after school lets out. I will be so delighted to see you all.

Marie I am wondering if you know what Martin's address is. I hope you know what company he is working for. I you don't know find out by calling your father. The address is Martin M Jensen, Tooele, Utah, General Delivery.

Marie would you and do you think you could do me a favor? That is I was thinking if you would please drive by the town where Martin is and bring him with you? I am so lone some to see him. I suppose you are all coming in an automobile. Please write and let me know. I am so anxious to hear about what plans you have and please come as soon as you can and remember drive very carefully.

It is now bed time and I will close.

With love,

I am,

Your Mother.

P.S. We will talk things over when you come.

Requested Articles of Clothing

A Better Way

From Ruth

Now, for the REAL pumpkin trick