Daughter Is Born

No Degree of Disability Was Granter

I Am Now Receiving Help From The County

Omaha, Nebr.

Dec. 1, 1946

Marie - 

I received your letter and the letter from Frank and I was glad to hear from you both. I have intended to write sooner but seems I haven't got started. And now the days are growing shorter as you know.

I have just finished writing to Betty and I hope you write to her quite often. And I was thinking about that baby comfort that Betty made for you baby would you mind parting with it? Don't you think it would be a nice gift to give Betty? But first wash and press it real well. I thought I would remind you in time so you can think it over Marie.

Perhaps you are tired of it by this time and it will be very new again for Betty and those so near to her.

I receive $2.00 a month from your father and he helps me with coal and a few other ways. I am now receiving help from the County to buy groceries. I appreciate this very much indeed for one cannot exist without food. Not long ago the visitor who visits this district called. She wanted the address of each of you children. Over and over again I am asked questions. I wonder some-times if they ever think that each person has his worth and a right to demand it.

Yes I think you wrote that you were going to that conference. Were you just listening to the speeches that were being made? Did they serve good food?

Do you have a furnace in the house where you live? I don't remember if you have written how your house where you live is heated.

You have't answered if you have locks for your dresser drawers. Yes I will say you much write more frequently. I wish you were not so far away as I just wrote to Betty. 

Oh Marie if you intend to send me a Christmas present do you mind if I mention what I would like and need very much? It is some stockings cotton ones size 10 1/2 or 11. 

Thank you very much.

That lady that I pointed out to you at the Union station when we were in the restaurant was the visitor that I have. I wasn't sure if it was her or some-one who looked like her. She told me later that she worked there part-time.

I haven't heard from Lottie for some time. Weil you please write to her when you receive this letter and remind her to write to me. Or if some one will write me how Lottie is I will appreciate it.

I must now close and say good-night. Again may I remind you to write very soon.

I am, As ever, Your, Mother.

P.S. Thank Frank for his letter. The clipping I am enclosing for you are for Frank as well.

Have you heard where Charles Worley is now?

Would you be interested to hear about Corine Hedrick, Josephine Cannon used to be Louis Palmo and his sister?

I Feel Like An Old Beer Horse

October 16, 1946

Dear Marie,

Sorry to be so long in answering  just one of those cases where "tomorrow" would be a better day to write.

Thank you so much for the box of things you sent. Your black dress has been worn and worn. It is certainly comfortable and flattering.

Thank you too, so very much, for your very kind offer to come and help when the baby arrives. I especially realize how inconvenient a time it would be - Thanksgiving to pre-Christmas - such a busy season in the church. However, things seem to look like they're shaping up. Good old Betts still says she's coming up. Her doctor OK'd the idea if she were to come as "supervisor" but not to work too hard. I have a woman lined up (not absolutely definite) to come in to do the washing, possibly ironing and cleaning. Also Bob and Martin will have to assume some evening responsibility with dinner, dishes, and bedding down the small fry. And, after all, I'm not helpless. By the time you have three babies, one learns to take things much more in stride.

As usual, i have lots to do before I go to the hospital. Right now I'm making Roxanne a coat. I still have pajamas to make for everyone, some dresses to make for the baby, and sewing for the Bazaar.

Now to look over your letter - Thank you so much for your very kind offer to get shirts and nighties. I have already bought shirts, and it will have an assortment of half-worn nighties, but possibly one new one wouldn't be a bad idea. Third babies are strictly utility, you know.

Thank you for the salt and pepper shears. They're darling!

Marty was in Portland a week. I went down with the kids last month for a week too. Marty does have a good winter coat.

Just a trace of alburmen (?). I feel like an old beer horse.

Write when you can.

Love, L.

Get Well Wishes

from Mother Jensen, January 2946

I don't think the picture good

Omaha, Nebr

Wednesday

Mar 21, 1946

Marie -

I received your letter and the family picture also the hot water bottle and the $5.00 money order. Thank you very much for all of them. Marie I don't think the picture good and don't have any made like them again. Have some pictures taken by another photographer and this time please have your mouth closed. Don't look at the camera and wear a dark dress. Please try and arrange to have them taken soon and then send one to my cousins if you will. Thank you. I am enclosing a card to thank you again for what you sent.

If you like the card don't you think it would be a good idea to put them in a scrap book?

The clippings that I sent that I thought looked like Robert Taylor was that Fred Knotts?

Marie I thought you could take a taxi cab and go and see where Home Ave., used to be. I have written that I would like to know that the house looks like and if the same house is there.

Mrs. Lyons dies a few weeks ago at the Imanual hospital. Last fall she sold her house to Minnie's for 2 thousand dollars cash. The house is now rented for 28 dollars a month to some people who don't have any children.

I have been trying to do some washing to-day. Also airing some bed clothes.

Marie being that I try and answer your questions why don't you answer a question I have asked 2 or 3 times before. It is this about the furniture I have here. I would wish for you to take some of the pieces and we can decide that when you some which I hope you will Marie.

I certainly wish that you could come to Omaha for a few weeks and help me with some work. You could leave the children with Mrs. Durand and I don't think it would be so hard if you only will try.

The weather is pleasant here now. You know you havea few things here. Try and inquire where you think you are doing to be sent from Chicago.

I haven't seen your father for about 2 weeks now. At that time he gave me 20 cents. Now Marie I need money again so please could you send me more. I don't like to ask you and I don't each much. But I need to eat some food and I am supposed to drink milk.

Please answer soon as possible Marie. Have you heard from Lottie or Elin recently?

I must now close and say good-night.

I am, Your Mother.

That money is almost used up now

Omaha, Nebr.

Feb. 24, 1946

Marie -

Well I thought I would write a few lines to you being this is Sunday afternoon. I hope that you received the last note I sent with the birthday greeting card. Did you have a happy birthday? Please write and let me hear how you passed the day before you forget. I have been looking for the water bottle Marie which you wrote in your letter that you would send as soon as you get a chance to go shopping. I hope you are not working too hard so that you can't find time to go out and take a walk in the fresh air.

And how is Frank and the children? No doubt you are looking forward to summer when you are leaving Chicago.

Marie please try have a family picture taken and please don't any of you look at the camera. And don't wear your glasses. Answer me when you write Marie about pictures.

I was thinking that I thought it would be nice if Betty and Morgan could come for a visit to you when Frank graduates in June. You can be thinking this over and then write Betty.

Yes I was over to Fremont to see Dave as he stays there. Well I wanted to see him about having some repairs made to the house here. Hasn't there been a great deal printed in the news-papers about housing conditions?

Now about my utilities, you know there is only one water meter. So the people up-stairs pay the bill and that is taken out of their rent. And your father pays the electric light bill. Also he has brought me package coal this winter. Now about food, I have had some money which I have spent for food but that money is almost used up now. So Marie do you think you could send me some money what you can spare? You don't need to send the water bottle if you haven't already bought it. You may send the money instead and please Marie will you send money just as soon as possible?

Yes Lottie, Betty, and Martin sent me something for Christmas as well as Elin. But Marie I have had some personal taxes that should have been paid a long time ago. And your father didn't want to pay them for me. So with some of the money you sent me at Christmas I paid taxes with.

Now about 100 Home Avenue I wish that you or Frank could take a taxi some time and go out and se about about how big the house is. But first Frank could look up and see where it is being the street name has been changed.

Thank you for sending the letter from my cousin. I hope that you can visit them real soon and see how my cousin is who had injured her knee.

There are many divorces in Chicago isn't there? Even Sonja Henie and do you take any dayly paper? And so many young brides coming to America from England. I read that this was a greatest number of youmg woman coming to this country in 2 hundred years. But that they would be an asset to the States. The biggest number of women and children at one time. Marie I have written you about coming to Omaha and why can't you answer me about this. You know you have some things here still.

I wish that you would write and answer questions. I try to answer your questions. I hope I will hear from you this week.

So good-by,

I am,

Your

Mother.

P.S. You may sent any letter you have received from your sisters. Did you received the valentine box I sent with a few cookies? If you wish you may send me a pair of stockings.

Jill's Baptism

click to enlarge

Today is mid-summer's day

Omaha, Nebr

June 21, 1946

Marie -

I received your letter yesterday and I was glad to hear from  you. I suppose by the time you were through packing you were very tired. You didn't mention in your letter what day you left Chicago. I suppose you can notice if the air is fresher there than in Chicago. Especially after the rain one can notice how clean the air seems. We have had rain here also and the roses down at Neff's are very pretty. You know how nice their yard is in the summer time. That reminds me that today is mid-summer's day which means that it is the longest day in the year. In some foreign countries they have quite a celebration on the 21st of June.

Marie I think that will be a good idea if you will come sooner than the Durands and we can visit and talk things over. Then you can take the train and let me know in plenty of time so I can meet you. There was an article in the paper about Frank and I will let you see it when you come as I saved it.

Have you heard from your sisters lately?

I hope you have your pictures along with you.

I suppose this is the first time you have met Frank's aunt. Is there a lake close by?

I hope Marie you will come now by train ahead of the others and please Marie come as soon as possible and I hope you are rested by the time this letter reaches you. Marie I was thinking that it would be better to take a train that arrives in Omaha in the afternoon. So I think that when you receive this letter plan ahead what day you are going to leave and then write and let me know what time the train will be in Omaha. I would rather you come on the train that arrives in the afternoon and if not in the afternoon why in the evening will be all right too. So here is hoping you have the best of arrangements about your trip.

I must close now and walk down to the corner and mail this.

So good-by until I see you in person.

As ever, I am,

Your Mother.

P.S. Your father received a shirt from Betty for father's day, also card.

Happy Birthday, Jill!

Honorable Discharge

(click to enlarge)

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.

"well why didn't you say so"

Omaha, Nebr.

June 3, 1946

Marie -

I received your letter dated May 27th and the kodak picture of your baby. Also the program and thank you Marie. I mention the above so as to keep things straight. And Marie I sent you a letter a few days ago after you wrote the other letter the one before the last one. Didn't you receive it?

I remember I inclosed a little clipping about high ideas make world history and another about the minister who has probaly married more people than any other because he has married the couples at the Little Church Around the Corner in New York City. Also I sent some clippings about the University. Please let me know if you received the letter Marie.

Yes I can just image how busy you have been lately and still are. I hope you have some help around the house. I don't like to see you rush so fast and then not get things done right. Please go about your work calmly and don't try to do more than possible.

Yes there can be a system in moving no matter how modern the times are. This is my own definition pretty good don't you think?

I am so glad that you went to see my cousins and that you had a pleasant visit. Didn't they come to visit you any time during your stay in Chicago? I am so glad that Freda is walking again and I am sure that all were also. remember to tell me more when you reach Omaha. But perhaps you had better call them up before you leave Chicago and mention that you have heard from me at the same time.

I hope you wear your suit while in Omaha because I want to see it. It will be a good time to wear it.

That is nice that you are going to visit Frank's aunt at Clear Lake but I don't remember Frank doing there while you were keeping company with him. I hope you have a nice little rest while there.

Marie I was thinking that when you come that is, when you know what time you are to arrive at the Union Station couldn't you let me know? Could I have the privilege of being the first to greet you in Omaha? So being you don't know the exact date when you are coming I thought I would write what you could do. I think a person can send a telegram what time the train will arrive. After you get here Frank could take a taxi cab to his home and you come later I mean we could visit for a while before you go out to the Durands. How is this and hope you think this is all right and that Frank don't mind. You know you did send me a telegram after you were married, didn't you? I am sorry the pictures didn't turn out well I mean the family picture. May be you can take some pictures in Omaha. But be sure and let me have one of those pictures you had taken of your-self.

I was at home Mother's day as well as Declaration day.

I had a few lines from Martin and Lottie not so long ago. Lottie wrote that they are all fine. I will let you see the letter when you come to visit me. I heard from Betty before May 12th. And Elin sent a nice Mother's day card and a few lines that she would write soon. I wish she would come to Omaha this summer and could meet you before you leave Omaha. Wouldn't you think so? Do you think you could travel by where Lottie lives and stop over and see them? I hope you can arrange this Marie for a long time ago I could stop over for a certain time when I was out West.

Marie there are quite a few things that I want you to help me with. Couldn't you arrange to stay on longer in Omaha than Frank and you go later? You know that there are things I have been waiting for you to help me with.

To do these things all takes time. You know the British wives came later to the U.S. and some have even 3 children. Please Marie I hope you will do this as I have done so many things for you in the past.

Write very soon please.

As ever,

I am,

Your Mother.

P.S. Marie if you are going to let other people meet you at the depot, why in that case I don't wish to be there. I thought I would mention this so that, after-wards you won't say "well why didn't you say so."