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.

You Could Borrow Some Money

Aug. 8, 1951

Dear Marie - 

To-day is Wednesday evening. I hope that you received the letter I wrote Sunday and received the important notice from the Central Van and Storage Co, about my personal property so to speak. I also wrote to Mrs. Durand about calling the Storage Co., for me because I want to pay the bill. But Marie you know that I need some help. I was thinking that you could borrow some money or take a loan on your automobile and perhaps some other way. I don't know but this idea came to me. Then perhaps Betty or Elin could help but I don't know about Lottie. And being that time is nearing the date it is most necessary that you think real serious about this problem. I was thinking that you wouldn't need to send me any money at Christmas or for some time. Instead help me at the present time. So kindly will you send a telegram to each of your sisters for me. Or Frank could word them for you, I mean (telegrams).

I hope you excuse me for coming to the point in explaining about my need for money. Marie I don't like to write you about money and please don't be nervous. But sit down and talk over about money step by step. The money should be sent direct to the Storage Company. 

I am worried and you should show that you wish to do this for me because I have did so much work for you in the past.

Now please write and let me know if you have received the notice from the Storage Co., and send your letter air-mail. Marie now pay attention to what I have written. You wouldn't like to have some man who knows about legal matters come to see you would you?

Thanking you in advance. Best wishes to you all.

As ever,

I am,

Your Mother.

She shows little insight into an understanding of her condition

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.

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.

Friday Photo: Class Photo, 1951 (Minne)

1951 - Parkland School

Melody "Minne" Johnson Isley - front row, far right

Friday Photo: School's In Session

Roxanne Johnson, front row, 5th from left

I could cry.

August 5, 1951

Dear Marie,

I received your welcome letter dated July 24th and was glad to hear that you all arrived back to your home safely.

To-day is Sunday and I have been to church services. I wore the white waist Lottie made for me and the black jumper. Also carried the fan which you sent me.

Thank you for writing to Martin. I wish that you could have gone by the way where he is, on your return to Arizona. How I wish that he would write to me or to you. I am worried about him and can not help but wonder how he is. And remember how dear he was to us all when a baby.

Marie I thought that your father would come to visit me to-day but I did not have any company. I could cry. Will you please write at once and ask him to come by next Sunday. It is important. It seems that I write about this over and over again. When you were here I thought you were the one I could depend on but I am disappointed. I hope when I write next time my letter will sound cheerful.

I don't think you should write that about Dora. Did you think she acted that way when we were all together? Have you ever heard Dora say that she didn't think we could get along? That is an excuse. I want to go and see about my things before the 15th for it is important. I wish you would send a telegram to your father when you get this letter and ask him to come for me next Sunday. Please Marie do this. When I was at the County hospital your father would come out and bring what I asked him to in the letters which I wrote.

I will explain to your father where to take me when he does come to visit. How long I must wait here!

Now I hope you will do as I asked you what I have already written. Pay attention as the time is nearing the 15 of August.

I must now close for I have not much time to finish this letter to you. And don't forget to hurry. Best wishes.

As ever,

I am,

Your,

Mother

Central Storage & Van Co.

Soon Bed Time will be Called

Nov. 4, 1951

Dear Marie -

This is Sunday evening and just remembered that this is letter writing day. By the way why haven't you answered me by this time? It seems to me that you could find time to write a few lines.

I wish to write and let you know that another lady from the hospital and my-self went to the city to-day and I enjoyed it very much. First we attended church services at St. Paul Methodist church. Then we went and had dinner, and afterwards when over to the Y.W.C.A. and rested a little while. Then we walked over to the N University and saw the museum which was interesting.

Last Sunday I wrote to Lottie and Betty. I wrote to Betty that I thought she should think over before she and Morgan move again. Don't you think you would like to see their place?

I wish Elin too could visit her and I am not sure whether or not Lottie has seen their present place. I hope Betty writes to you soon and if you write to her and remind her to write to her mother I will appreciate it? Thank you.

I hope you have heard from Martin again and please let me know. I don't wish to write and ask you the same questions I asked in my other letter.

When you write don't forget to write Diamond Street or Avenue.

I need glasses very much.

It is now 25 minutes to 10 and real soon bed time will be called.

Now please sit down and write when you receive this letter. I did no get any mail this week at all.

Don't forget when you write that you may enclose some money. I am glad that I may go to the city and buy what I like my-self. You know how people do have different taste.

I will close for this time and say good-night. And also could you remind your father to come and visit me as I am still waiting.

Best wishes to you all.

As ever, I am,

Your,

Mother.

I wore my hat

April 29, 1951

Dear Marie -

To-day is Sunday afternoon and I may write if I wish. First may I thank you for the pretty Easter card and the money enclosed which you sent me? I attended church services to-day from 2 to 3 o'clock and I wore my hat which was given to me when I attended a style show.

It is Betty's turn to write to me and I hope she and her family are all well. Have you heard from her recently? I did not have any letter from her at Easter time.

I sent Elin a birthday card last Sunday. Would you write to her and remind her to send me a Mother's day card?

Lottie sent me an Easter card also and later I received a box of cookies. Will you kindly send a few lines to her and let her know that I received them and thank her very much.

Thank you for sending an Easter greeting card to my cousin Anna.

I received a letter from Dora post-marked April 15. This is the 1st letter I have written since D. wrote about Martin. I have no heard any-thing since. Please let me know if you have heard anything about Martin because I am worried. Surely you understand.

It will soon be Mother's day and I suppose that you wish to send me some gift. I was going to write and let you know that I would appreciate some money. I can then try and see about some glasses for my-self. If you send a Mother's day card there may be space in-side where you could write also on the back of the greeting card. Will you send a greeting card soon as you can and hope that you don't mind if I remind you? It would be wonderful if your father would come for me on mother's day.

My best wishes to you and family.

My address is on the envelope.

Love from your Mother.

Ruth's Christmas Letter, 1951

Lincoln, Nebr.
Dec. 17, 1951

Dearest Marie -

I received your welcome letter and the money enclosed also greeting card. Later received the nice little letter from your little girl [Becky?] and thank you for all. About the money you sent it pleases me very much that you wrote quote "Anything you choose to do with that gives you pleasure will give us pleasure." Un-quote.

I hear from Martin and oh was I ever glad to hear that he is now staying with Lottie. So you may send the present you intend to to send him in (care of Lottie.) I too am going to give him some-thing. I am hoping that your father will come soon and I wonder if you did me the favor I asked of you when I last wrote. It was to call your father by long distance telephone and ask him to come and visit me. I have been staying from church instead of going. The reason so that I would be here if any company should come. At least one reason that I have not been attending as I had been going.

Last week the O.T. department had a program. They gave out little paper dogs and am enclosing the 1 I picked out. Refreshments were served also.

In a letter I received from Lottie she wrote that Bob was going to visit his siter and brother in Omaha. I hope that your father's car is in order and also that your father and Bob will come to visit me for sure. Now when you receive this card if you have not alrady called your father please do so at this season. Thank you dear. And you wrote "Now we all wish you the very best Christmas of all." My wishes are expressed within this card.

Write soon.
Mother.

P.S. The little dog is for Ruthie
Thank your little girl for the penny enclosed.

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.

"So here I am still waiting."

Feb 4., 1951

Hello Lars -

As I haven't heard from you or Martin recently I will write a few lines to-day being I am permitted to write 1 or 2 letters. And you may write if you wish yet you don't care to write to me do you? But then again perhaps you would if you could make up your mind and had a different view-point. I hope you are not working very hard but take time to get enough rest and sleep. I also hope that you wore enough clothing during the cold weather we had. The weather is now much milder and to-day would be a pleasant day to come to Lincoln also Martin to see me. Do I have to remind you that D. wrote a few weeks ago that you will come down some nice Sunday. So here I am still waiting. I did not send you a birthday card for I don't think I have any and I would appreciate if Dora would send a box of assorted greeting cards for all occasions. Also you could send me some money.

I am making a scarf and I wish to send it to Marie for her birthday. I thought perhaps you were intending to send her some gift also and I could send my gift at the same time. So please come next Sunday for certain so I can give it to you. It is dark blue and I have croched lace for the edge. You know Marie sent me a box for Christmas and a few days ago I received 2 small boxes of dates from her. Wasn't that nice?

Let Martin read this and ask him to write as it is his turn. Hope to see you and Martin and D. in person by next Sunday! Ruth.

"Marie was sensible about going to that nice warm clime in Arizona"

Lincoln 1, Nebraska

Dec. 30, 1951.

Dearest Marie -

I received the Christmas greeting card, letter and money enclosed. Also letter written by a type-writter on greenish paper also greeting card from Ruthie and the ornament greeting from Becky and thank the members of your family for all. Your letter was written Dec. 8. It seems to me that I wrote after I received the letter from you. So I will try and write something that is of interest.

I had a greeting card from my cousin Anna in Chicago she wrote that she was wondering how I was and if everything turned out as I expected and wanted it to. Then being she writes about you I will copy it for you. Quote "Marie was sensible about going to that nice warm clime in Arizona. Am not sure of her address so wouldn't know where to reach her. I have written down each one but am not sure which is the last address. I should have made a note of it. Wonder if you write to her often or if she is still down in Arizona." Unquote. So please write a nice letter and send her a pretty New Year card or something like the Season's Greetings. Her address is Miss Anna Swanson, 7412 Harvard Avenue. Chicago 21, Ill.

Marie you answered that it was good to hear that I could spend a day in town. And there was more. But Marie will you do me the favor and write that "Please let my mother - Mrs. Ruth Jensen go down to Lincoln and that it is your permission. And write real soon. Omit in your next letter about writing about your family and for the next letter will you consider it an extra speial letter to follow my wishes? Think it over. You know it is soon my birthday. And Marie I hope you can spare some money for me again because I need some and I wish you could send $5.00. Don't send me any present except money please.

I am wondering if you called your father by telephone as I asked you to. Because your father has not been here yet. Try and think of all the work I did for all of you in the past. Do I have to remind you about respect for my wishes? When your father sent a greeting card before Christmas there wasn't any letter with the card. So will you remind him as I have written. And also write to Mrs. Durand and ask her to to call your father about coming to Lincoln to visit me. And thank you again for the money Marie and write as soon as possible.

As ever, I am, Your Mother.