Mrs. Schultz wants me to wash my hair every week

Lincoln, Nebr.

June 13, 1955

Dear Marie - 

I hope that you received my letters. I have been waiting to hear from you. Why don't you write? Your wrote a nice letter dated May 16, 1955.

I was so glad about Martin. The birthday card you sent him I hope was received. The letters and handkerchief I sent him was not returned to me so he must have received them. I surely hope Martin will help me. I wish he would write to me. I hope that it cane be arranged that I can go out to Seattle if I don't go out to Phoenix where you are. I am waiting to hear from you in answer to my questions. Excuse me for repeating anything in my letters.

When the social worked was here she said she would see me in 2 or 3 weeks. And it was 3 weeks ago yesterday since she was here or 4 weeks next Wednesday.

I have had some nice letters from the case-worker in Omaha. I wish I could talk to her but she wrote "that it was un-likely that she could come to Lincoln to visit me." I think that is the way she worded the sentence.

Marie you know I wrote that I would like for you to put in writing "that I may be released from the State Hospital." I would like for you to come to Lincoln and see about me being release if it is necessary. If you can't come perhaps it can be arranged for Martin to come here.

I can't explain how difficult it is to work here. Mrs. Schultz wants me to wash my hair every week and talks about having my hair cut and curled. My hair is coming out and is so thin now. But Mrs. S. just goes on and on about the different things she wants me to spend money on. Please, please help me. I have been thinking that I would call up Frank's parents in Omaha and ask if they have heard anything from you.

There are several reasons why I don't like it here so it would be the best answer to leave here.

In the letter I had from Lottie dated May 3, 1955 she wrote Quote "How are things going now where you are working? Write again. If you are still unhappy there, I see no reason why we can't write to the social worker to see if she can find another job for you. Sometimes a change is good for a person." Un-Quote.

I cam enclosing a letter I received from my second cousin Anna. You don't need to return her letter.

Hope you like the clippings. And please write soon and answer questions.

Excuse mistakes and any un-neatness. Best wishes.

From, Mother.

You Are All So Slow

Aug. 24, 1952

Dear Marie -

I answered your letter and I asked you to write with-in 3 days but so far I have not had any reply. I wish to thank you for the short letter I received from your little girl. I may write an answer to her letter and you can read it to her later. I am still here and may go out out-of-doors each day. The letter pleased me very much and thank your little girl for me for it was news to me.

Marie you kniw it is Lottie and Betty's birthday in a few weeks. I intend to sent them something I make for a gift. I thought that it would be as well as sending a birthday card. But it seems you are all so slow about letting me know when you receive something from me. So I was intending to wait until the social worker can mail them for me and have a return card made out. You see all the extra work for me because you don't abide by my wishes. I have explained this to the attendants and others here. I still have you package tied and ready to send. When I do write and ask you about this which I may have wrote, you don't answer. I get weary of writing the same over again.

When I write about if you can please help me about being dismissed you have never written than you will do all you possible can have you? And yet you are well educated. Do you like to ignore my writing and asking you about being dismissed? When it is my wishes that I write about why can't you consider them serious?

I thought I would copy a few lines from my cousin Anna's letter and pardon me if I have written it before. Quote "I sincerely hope you will soon be able to join your family/" Unquote. Then in another letter cousin Anna wrote in part "But, Ruth, dear now I must talk about you. I am wondering how you are and if everything turned out as you expected and wanted it to." Then in another letter cousin Anna wrote in part, "You did not say anything about your health and I have asked specifically about it in my last two letters to you. The fact that you did not say leads me to believe that you are now every much better as you spoke of soon going home. I sincerely hope that you have improved greatly and that you will be able to enjoy these nice spring days."

Now in my cousin Anna's family that are devoted to their family. What would my relatives think if they knew how I have asked you to be of help to me and especially when I may leave here and you or the other members of my family don't come for me.

Please write about Martin to me or remind Lottie.

From Mother.

P.S. This is Sunday evening and your fathr did not come here to-day.

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.

I have received 3 Christmas cards

Note the red censor pen

Dec. 19, 1948

Marie dear -

I sent you a Christmas card with the letter I wrote and hope you received it. I have received 3 Christmas cards so far and I wonder if I will receive as many as I did last year. Don't you wonder if you will receive the high number of about 100 that you received last year?

I sent my brother Joe and Blanche a greeting card and enclosed that article you sent about Joe Norby.

Marie I wish to remind you that I don't want you to forget to send Martin the dictionary. And please pick one out that has plain and large letters. Now please pay attention and respect my wishes. Send the dictionary and the kodak pictures to Martin to your father's address. Also sent to kodak pictures for me to 2511 Emmett Street. Thank you.

I am hoping that I may be dismissed when Martin comes. It is now 5 1/2 months since you were here Marie. How I wish I could breathe some fresh air. (?) It seems almost embarrassing to mention in each letter that I write about being dismissed from the hospital. But I wish that there wouldn't be some excuse brought up. I feel so weary at the present time. (?)

You haven't answered my question if you have written to Mr. Mullen. I wish you would pause and think about my problem. Must I remind you again to please respect my wishes. Is it to much to ask? But if I may be dismissed when Martin comes I shall try to remember to write you as soon as possible. And I will tell you then about my belongings which are in storage. Oh I hope my things are safe.

I had a nice card from my brother Garfield and I am wondering if he will help me and if I can stay at his house. He has enough room. 

Please write soon Marie and perhaps you had better send your letter air-mail. I must close with Christmas greetings to your all. Be sure and send my cousin Anna in Chicago a card and handkerchief.

From Mother. 

Recipes: Fried Chicken, Pork Chops, and Lemon Sauce

Feb. 10, 1952.

Dearest Marie -

I have written to you but I have received no answer. So being that it is your birthday Tuesday I thought that I would write and wish you a happy birthday. I would like to see you a greeting card but I don't think I have any at the present time. I have hemmed 2 dish towels and did some fancy work on them. Now I am making a white apron which I intend to send you and excuse me that the gifts will be late for your birthday but hope I may send them when I have the apron ready. That is mail them myself.

As you see by the stationary I am still here. I wrote to Martin and Lottie last Sunday also my cousin Anna in Chicago. I have not heard from Lottie when Bob was here a month ago yesterday. Would you please write a few lines to Lottie to answer my letters. Thank you.

When I wrote to Lottie I sent her a recipe for beef soup and I hope she will send the recipe to you and please remind her when you write to her. Being that it is soon your birthday I thought you may want to prepare something special and maybe have chicken.

Lemon sauce.

3 egg yolks

1/4 cup sugar

1/3 cup melted butter

Juice 1 lemon

1/3 cup whipped cream

Directions. Beat egg yolks slightly; add sugar and cook in top part of double boiler over boiling water, stirring until thick. Pour in melted butter, and let stand until cold. Add lemon juice then whipped cream.

Fried chicken.

Chicken should be rolled in salted flour, browned in butter, steamed slowly for 1 hour, hot water added, then cooked down low with the lid off until brown.

Pork chops

Should be rolled in salted flour and cooked in a deep skillet with plenty of fat. Then fried quickly to a rich brown, turned and browned on other side, steamed gently for 20 minutes.

Hope you will like the above recipes Marie.

There has been so much in the papers about the royal family and I have been reading what was of interest I thought. Have you read the news from England in papers out there?

Thank you again for writing that you give me permission to go to the city. I surely hope I may soon. And oh will you kindly write to your father to some for me as he said he would. Or call him by telephone. Marie if you write very soon could you send me 1 or 2 dollars please. Thanking you in advance. Best wishes. And please write soon.

As ever, Your Mother.

P.S. Please may I remind you to write Street or Avenue after Diamond.



Elin Wanted to Go and See Santa Claus

Omaha, Nebr.

Dec. 11, 1945

Marie -

I haven't received any letter from you since I wrote to you. I hope you received my letter in which I thanked you for the $2.00.

I sent a Christmas card to my cousin Anna in Chicago. I also wrote a letter and said that you were leaving Chicago after graduation. And that I hope that you can her could arrange for a visit some time.

Marie you did not answer me about whether or not you went to see if you could find 100 Home Avenue. I would so much like to have you let me know.

How do you like the clippings I am sending about Santa Claus? I remember at one time Elin came down from Oakland. And Elin wanted to go and see Santa Claus. And you went and talked to Santa Claus while Elin and I looked on. Do you remember the time? And so as you read about Santa that I am sending you it will no doubt remind you of a time when you were a child.

Please answer and let me know if you received my letter.

Mother.

Death of Cousin Charles

Lincoln, Nebr.
Jan. 17, 1958

Dear Marie -

I wish to thank you for the book you sent about Arizona Highways. Also for the box of candy and green page and a few lines written by you.

You know Marie how I wondered why my cousin Anna didn't write. Did you hear from her at Christmas time? Well in case you didn't I will quote in part from her letter. Anna sent me a lovely Christmas card and within she wrote - To dear Ruth, and this in print on the card -

A Merry Christmas

and

Smooth Sailing

In The New Year

(signed

          Anna

Quote
"I have just not been able to get my-self to write to anybody. After the loss of our dear brother Charles. His passing was such a shock to us for never did he complain of any sickness. He was out "sturdy oak". Then all of the sudden, when he was helping in taking care of another sick member of our family, he got what seemed to be indigestion. After having it for several days, a Doctor was called and he was taken to the hospital and put under oxygen for several weeks. I think the illness lasted only five or six weeks, altogether. We sure miss our dear brother very much and have many periods of deep grieving." Un-quote.

Please write to Anna and let her know I have written to you and send your sympathy. You must have met Charles when you visited Anna.

I am intending to send you a few things and how I wish you would let me know when you have received any-thing which I have sent to you.

I am enclosing some elastic, you may use it to tie on a pencil by your telephone and tie the other end to a nail or hook. Then you have a pencil handy when necessary. You can use what you think is the right length and cut it off. I fixed a pencil that way for the lady I work for.

I had a Christmas greeting card from Mrs. Durand in Omaha. She wrote in part "We are sorry that you are unhappy in your work. Time is much more pleasant if we like what we are doing." Also "I'm sorry that Martin isn't more help to you."

Marie - "A family should stand by each other."

When we were living in Omaha I remember you asked Martin "If I should need help at some time you would help me wouldn't you? And Martin answered that "he would." Now if Martin understood what my situation was I am sure he would do as I ask him. To help me leave this place. I don't think your father heard from him at Christmas time.

Marie I was going to suggest something while I think of it. You know your father's parents pictures that were taken out of the frame? Well they should be put in a frame. I was wondering if you would care to buy one that has 2 separate frames for the pictures and send it to your father. It could be a late birthday present or else you could plan to give him the gift as a father's day present.

Please write soon. And what about the apron? Have you sent you sisters any apron.

You don't need to worry over me dear.

Lincoln, Nebr.
March 9, 1962

Dear Marie - Enclosed you will find an Easter card.

Didn't you thnk it would be a good idea what I wrote about the material for an apron? I mean to cut the material  and use an old apron for a pattern. My machine is out of order so I can't sew now on it. What sewing I do I sew by hand.

I hope you are all well and don't take more colds.

Do you have your children's pets out-of-doors?

I enjoyed reading that green page about at the close of the old year. Thank you for it.

I sent the 1 page to Hilda which was intended for her.

When I was down town I looked for a photograph book but didn't find 1 that I liked. I was thinking that when I find 1 I will let you know. Then you can send me those kodak pictures and I can place them in the book and give it to her. I wrote to her recently and also talked over the telephone to her. She was at home, said she was very weak.

Marie, I was down town last Wednesday and I stopped to see Mr. Elmen. He said "you wrote a very nice letter to him." Thank you dear. He had been out to the hospital and talk to the Doctors, he said.

I was thinking of something you said over the telephone. "That something worries you." You don't need to worry over me dear. Just think how I have had to adjust to my problems.

And how I wish I could see Martin and that he would write at times. Do you suppose Martin was in New York at Christmas time or that his mail was kept for him until his return? I hope Martin received your letter.

Marie this is what Mr. Elmen said - "To tell the hospital that you will be responsible for me - your mother."

Please write the words to Mr. Elmen and then he will tell the Doctors at the State Hospital. When you write please ask Mr. Elmen to call me over the telephone when he has talked to the Doctor that I can be discharged so I can leave Lincoln.

Thanking you very much dear. I will try to call you next Thursday about the time I called you last time.

Last Wednesday when I was down town I bought a gift and card for Merrilyn.

Please don't delay dear about Mr. Elmen. Mrs. Schultz wants to buy another dress which I do not need. I wish to leave here as soon as possible.

I called my cousin Anna by telephone and I told her you were to visit me last summer. She said you had a nice family.

I wish you would send her an Easter card and perhaps a kodak picture of your-self.

As ever,
I am
Your Mother.

"Please excuse any un-neat-ness."

Lincoln, Nebr.

Dec. 31 1953.

Dear Marie -

I received the package with the cake on Christmas morning. I was out sweeping the walks when the box was delivered. Thank you dear very much and I appreciate the work you did in preparing the cake.

There was an old Swedish lady here, but she left to-day. I let her taste the cake and gave her some. She said in Sweden they kept the cake a long time and she said her mother used to make it.

Marie when I was down to city I bought a birthday card for you. It has light yellow roses on the cover. I was thinking that when you buy a birthday card for me - please buy one that has a white rose or roses on the cover.

Marie before Christmas I sent you a part of the Omaha newspaper. Did you receive it? I can't remember what there was of interest in-side, that I thought you would like to read.

It is Betty's little boy's birthday 1 of the first days of Jan. I thought I would remind you so you can send something or maybe 1 of your children would like to send their cousin a remembrance.

Marie it was so nice of you to send me the money for Christmas and to word it the way I asked you to about it.

I was down to the city yesterday but I hardly had time to go and see an eye Dr. I was thinking that perhaps I should go and talk to my guardian in Omaha. I don't know if this is news to you or not. So Marie would you write this - "My mother, Mrs. Ruth Jensen has my consent to go to Omaha and talk to her guardian." "Mrs. Marie Durand." Please write this in a letter when you send me a birthday card. Remember my birthday is Jan. 5th. Please be on time this year in sending me a birthday card will you dear?

I had a nice Christmas greeting card from my cousin Anna in Chicago. I hope that you sent her a card and wrote also.

I had a card from Elin and she wrote on one side of the greeting card. Elin did not send anything else.

I am thinking of asking for a social security card.

I have not heard from Martin. I thought if I went out West I could find some work which would not be too hard for me.

I would like to stay at the Y.W.C.A. when I first come out West. Do you happen to know anyone working at the Y.W. in Portland, or Tacoma? I was thinking that I would like to stay it one of those places. Please answer me about the dear when you write.

I received a few presents here and among them a bill fold.

My brother Garfield sent me a very nice greeting card and a box of candy. The lady I work for gave me the book I am enclosing.

I thought this picture of a blouse would be nice for you to get an idea from when you make a blouse for your little girls. I mean to wear under jumpers for school.

Perhaps you would like to read about children in the little article I am sending.

My wishes are expressed with-in the greeting card for the New Year.

Please excuse any un-neat-ness.

Again thank you for the cake, money, pin cushin and letter.

Answer soon as possible.

As ever, I remain,

From, Mother

"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.

"To-day this house was sold at Tekamah Nebr."

This is the first comment I have seen anywhere about Tekamah. Hmm...

Oakland, Nebr.
May 22, 1945

Marie –

I received your letter this morning and I was very glad to hear from you.

I received a mother’s day card from Elin and a handkerchief. From Betty I received also a card and a box of candy. I am so pleased to know that you have bought a sweater and I surely hope it is the kind I like. I don’t remember ever buying any sweater for myself. Thank you for being so nice about finding what I want and the time it took to find it. I am anxious to receive it you may be sure. You may send it to me at Oakland as I am still here and will be for about a week or so.

To-day this house was sold at Tekamah Nebr., at the court house. A real estate man bought it for 4 hundred and 75 dollars. The furniture hasn’t been sold yet what is to be sold.

I was down to my grand-father’s place (used to be) and looked around the old familiar scenes. I wish to go again before I leave Oakland. It is quite a long ways down there. The last time I was to see the place Betty was with me a long time ago. As we walked along the road it seems to be we got sand in our shoes. We were tired of walking and hoped some body in a car would stop and give us a ride. But no-body did ask us.

That was nice of Betty and Morgan to send a book for the birthday present. I sent Martin a gift box for his birthday and a card. If you wish to send him a gift may I suggest what to buy? It is a book for Kodak pictures and a package of corners.

Thank you for sending the bed-lamp to your father. Has he sent you the machine yet? Do you think you will want to waite and have it sent to you after you get back to Chicago if the machine hasn’t yet been sent? Please take time to write to your father about this. Also let me know in your next letter.

I am sorry that my cousins didn’t come to visit you. When I write to Anna I will let her know I have heard from you. When you write to Lottie remind her to answer my letter. Thank you.

Perhaps you had better have the package with the sweater insured with a return card made out.

I must close now and say good-night.

As ever,
I am,
Your Mother.

P.S. I have gone over this letter with a hot iron.

"You know how he will talk sometimes just to show off"

Omaha, Nebr.

March 24, 1944

Marie -

I received your letter dated Feb. 20th in the green envelope with part of the apron pattern. Then the other letter was dated Feb. 23rd and I received them at the same time as I did the doughnuts. Also received the 2 postal cards and thank you for all. Also received the letter mailed March 20th and I thought I would explain before I start to write to you. That way you know, and I should have written and answered sooner. Pardon me please.

I washed all my dishes this evening and now I am rather tired. I began reading a story last night, and it was interesting. I didn't finish and I hope that I will be able to read after I have finished this letter.

Oh many thanks for the apron and it fits me very well. Did you buy the material that is in the front of the apron? I mean the white part.

I went to the Creighton the 4th of Feb. and I was told that I could have a X-Ray taken. So I went down then on the 8th of Feb. Then I was to return and hear how my condition was Feb. 25th and Miss Larson told me that now I was well enough to be out of the hospital. I received some assistance from the family welfare and now I receive $2.50 for a week for food. The lady at the County assistance wanted your address as well as Elin and Lottie's. I tryed to answer the many questions I am asked to the best of my knowledge. Some times I wish I could have more time to think about the answers. It seems a person has no privacy and I hear that in the moving pictures as well. It seems to me that when I was growing up if people would have asked such personal questions they would have been considered rude. I think I am still some what nervous after living with your father for so many years. You know how he will talk sometimes just to show off and answer sometimes with out scarcely thinking whether or not it is the best answer.

I suppose you received the letter that I wrote for him to you. But really I don't agree with all that I wrote.

I haven't received any picture yet. I wrote to Lottie and asked her if she would please have the picture insured when she send it or else have a return care made out. That way I will need to sign for the picture. Then if I am not here the mailman can bring it back to the Post Office and I can call for it. I have wanted months for the picture. It is a pity that you couldn't get them before you left Yakima Washington. Don't you think so too?

I saw the moving picture "True to Life" and I like to see Dick Powell. Wasn't it funny when Moore who was the air raid warden told T. Tone he could lie down in the gutter? No I certainly don't like war pictures. It seems to me if they had shown some pictures I have been recently during the last war, people would have stood up and walked out. A week ago last Sunday I was to a moving picture show and saw "Don Ameche" in "Happy Land". It was real good. In the picture the actor has a son who goes in the service. Later he receives a telegram saying regret to inform you and the rest. He grieves very much for his son and then a minister comes to see him. The minister say that "pain and suffering are a part of all of us."

I think it would be a good idea to sew that chroched lace on some pillow cases and that way you can better keep track of them.

Thank you so much for the dime for the paper.

I asked Betty if she didn't miss that magazine you know that Mrs. Hollister had sent her for a Christmas present. Betty said "kind of" because you know it is a very good magazine. I don't suppose you could send her any of the back numbers since Jan, 1944. There was a continued story in the Dec. issue and I sure wish I had it. But you can let me know about it. Thank you.

I am so glad that you intend to come to Omaha. I can assure you that I am looking forward toward the time. Think of it I have lived alone for over 2 years taking care of my-self. I didn't think that was the way it would turn out when I returned to Omaha from Oakland. I don't want to think about it. Don't you think I have saved Douglas County and the State of Nebraska money by taking care of my-self? I feel now like I would like a nice long rest. Rest "Sweet happy rest, Jesus will give you a rest" goes these lines in a song. I wish you could come as soon as you possibly can. Please. I hope that you don't have to hurry the way you did when you moved to Yakima. Try and plan to pack early what-ever you can.

That was very kind of you to send some doughnuts to my mother and I wish you thank you. I don't know if I thank you for the stamp picture. It has a good place I think and no doubt you will agree with me when you see it when you come to Omaha.

I have read your letter over and answered I think all questions. Now I will answer the last letter I received a few days ago. You dated the letter March 13th and did you sit down and write after you arrived home? Yes indeed it was a eventful day that you really did go and see my cousins. I can hardly realize it. Yes I surely wanted to hear all about your visit. That was nice how Anna spoke about her mother weren't you impressed by it? I knew that the late Mrs. Swanson's children were devoted to her. It was nice of Anna to explain things to you wasn't it? I should have been there with you but here I am indisposed. You know I have never seen any relatives on my mother's side in person. I am so glad that Anna was at home when you came. When I read the part where you wrote that all were very hospitable I could hardly keep back the tears. Yes I will let Betty read the letter. I am sure my mother will be pleased to hear from you about the visit.

Yes I heard the good news that Betty can go out and she is looking forward toward the time. And as the time draws nearer you should plan for her. It has certainly been nice of Mr. Durand to help Betty with her work. At first you know I thought it was going to be too hard for Betty to take that course. But it seems it has worked out all right. If you have any plans for her will you write about them and that way we can compare notes. It should help to know so far in advance. Marie I was thinking that if you wish to send my mother something I would let you know what it is. Because it is something she needs and would be wonderful if you would be so kind to try and buy it and send to her. It is a little clock for the kitchen and I think she would like the numbers big. If you do buy one for her it would be best to have the clock insured. Did my mother send you a rug when you lived on Davenport Street? Please answer me about the clock.

When you write to Lottie please ask her to write to me. Also to let me know if she received the box I sent with some things. Mrs. Bergquist gave me a pair of over-shoes that had been Jackie's. I had them fixed cost 50 cents. I thought Martin could wear them untill he can get a new pair. I want him to wear overshoes when it is necessary.

Oh yes I almost forgot to write and thank Frank for the $1.00 he left over at your father's house. That was thoughtful of him.

Saturday afternoon

As I didn't finish this letter last night I will add a few more lines. To-day is a sunny day and I feel better when the sun is out. I have been to the oil station and bought a half gallon of kerosene. Oh I don't mean to complain but I wish I had gas instead. But then that would cost money. I was reading a story and an old lady said in part "God made the land. God did not make money."

I returned to Omaha from Oakland Sept 24th 1941. Don't you think it is remarkable how I have taken care of my-self since then which is 2 1/2 years ago? And during that time I haven't received any County assistance untill now last month from the family welfare. I received the 2 last orders from the County assistance. Oh how I wish I had never lived all those year in Omaha. I regret it more than I can express in words.

I hope you can go to visit my cousins again before you leave Chicago. I wish you could ask them all to come over to your house and visit with you in the near future. How about setting a day when your baby's birthday is? That way you could look forward toward the time and plan.

When Lottie's baby was a year old they took the baby's picture and she was sitting in her high chair opposite her birthday cake.

Your father wanted me to write and let you know that when he sent the last money order, he had written a letter, and be forgot to enclose the letter. Instead he left the letter at the post-office.

Please write soon.

Good-by,

As ever,

Your Mother.

P.S. I was thinking whether you and Frank have a good Kodak now. Now if my cousins come over could you please have some films? And take a picture and send to me? Don't stand too far only about 6 ft. from the person or persons whose picture you are taking. Thank you.

As soon as you receive this letter would you kindly send me a card saying you have received it. Then you can write a letter later.

Thursday evening.

Marie -

I hope you received my letter. I was out to see Betty Sunday evening. She was wearing the blue bed room slippers you had sent. She seemed very pleased about them.

Marie I was going to ask you if you could buy a letter opener for Betty. You know they are long something like a nail file. She needs one and if you can't buy any could you get the next thing similar to open letters. Thank you.

Write soon.

From, Mother.

A Clock and Two Spoons

Lincoln, Nebr.

April 16, 1957.

Dear Marie -

It is your turn to write to me again.

I hope you send Martin a birthday card. Don't forget the date May 11th.

I intend to send you a few things. Don't have them just now ready. The clock is one that was given to me. Now I don't need it as I have another one. I think it needs oiling. Perhaps the children can make use of it. Hope it arrives in good condition. The spoon that has the red string on it I thought could be for me when I come out to visit you. The other one is for you.

I hope you can be at home on Mondays as I may call you up dear.

Hope Frank is improved by this time in health.

Now Marie when I come please don't think of me as a visitor. I wish to help you with your work you know that in ways that I can. Perhaps by this time you cant think of what my cousin Anna's brother's names is. I mean besides Elmer. Please let me know dear.

The picture of the ladies with the scarfs is to show you how you can make one for yourself with the material I sent.

With love,

Mother

Cousin Anna Swanson

While there's obviously tons of letters left to go through, this is the first mention - and my knowledge - of Cousin Anna Swanson. Through these letters there is such a great treasure trove of information and insight. From the daily life in the 1940s to death announcements to celebrations to simple questions we all now ask on Facebook, email, or texting. Though never so eloquently, it seems.

AB

Oakland, Nebr.
Jan. 30, 1945

Marie –

I received your letter dated Jan. 5th and I was glad to hear from you. I have intended to write before and thank you for the $1.00 you sent.

I had a nice Christmas card from my cousin Anna Swanson. She wrote a nice note with the card. I will write at this time a few lines that she wrote. Quote – May God help you through this sad time. We too are very sorry that she has gone. (meaning my mother). And now I will write what Anna wrote about you. Quote – We had such a nice visit from Marie. She is a darling girl and it was out intention to have her and her husband out to see us long before this but her address was lost for a long time. Then after, found the curtains ect. Were not ready ect. – Unquote. So when you see her which I hope you will please be considerate. Because her intentions are good and I hope that if you invite them over to your apartment that they will be able to come. Won’t you invite them for me and be as patient as you can?

Have you heard from Lottie since you wrote to me? Did she write that she had received the plaid jacket for Martin?

Don’t forget to read over my letter and answer questions please.

I am still here part of the time.

Marie, if you wish you may send me some money please.

Have you heard from Betty lately? I hope that she is happy don’t you?

I hope that you write real soon.

I must close now and say good-by.

As ever,
I am,
Your Mother.

P.S. Marie I have a friend in Mpls and I have written to hear about my mother. Could you please write for me the sad news. You could write the letter on the type-writter. Whan became of Betty’s type-writter? The lady’s address is Mrs. Almanda Larson ... Would you mind asking her to write to me at Oakland, Nebr.