It Is The Same Story

Lincoln, Nebr. 

Dec. 6, 1955

Dear Marie - 

I received your welcome letter and I was glad to hear from you. Thank you very much for the clippings which you sent me.

First I wish to say please excuse me for writing with pencil.

Glad to hear that Frank has a better position now. It must be quite interesting work also and more along his line of work that the other (job) as you called it. I hope also that his position in the church will be permanent and that Frank will like the church and the members in the church. It must remind Frank of other places where he has worked along similar lines. 

I will excuse you for not writing sooner. If only you would answer my questions how thankful I would be.

No I haven't yet been to the ear Dr. but still wish to go when I have the opportunity.

No I haven't hear form Martin for months. Your father heard from him this summer and he was on his way to Germany. I wish Martin would write to me as I am very anxious about him. I hope he returned safely and is well. Perhaps you could write to his address at Seattle, Washington. I hope they will know there where to forward any letters to him.

Marie could you please try and come to see me because it is hard to write about my problems.

I have a nice blue dress and it is size 16 1/2. Also some new shoes that cost $10.95. Also new bed room slippers, and a house-coat.

I have sent all your sister and wash cloth with the initial.

I haven't heard from Betty for some time. I sent her a birthday card and a box of cookies but so far I have not had a line from her to let me know if she received what I sent to her. Has she moved with her family again and why was the reason? I am intending to send Betty something for Christmas also you. I have sent Lottie something. I sent it and had a return card made out to sent back to me but so far I haven't received it.

Marie I asked a question in my last letter about the hospital but you didn't answer me. It was important.

So please will you answer me about this question? Being my brother wrote that he supposed it was all right for me to have my freedom. Help me to get my freedom?

You wrote and asked if I could get another job if the one I have is not satisfactory. 

I want to find a job out in Seattle and that is it exactly. I will wait for Martin. Seattle is the home base for him. This is between Martin and my-self. Read your letter over as I am writing to you.

Dec. 5th I received your welcome letter post-marked Dec. 2nd to-day. And I was finishing my work when your father and Dora came. We all went and had some-thing to eat together. I hadn't had time to open your letter so did so when we were out in the car. I let your father read your letter.

I am so glad your father's eyes are better and that he read your letter without glasses.

Marie I called Mrs. Durand last Friday and she said she had heard from you. I asked her if she wrote to you that she would sent you the money for your fare and she said she would. I think it is the most sensible way for you to come on the bus and bring your youngest child. I am sure your father will be delighted to see you.

I called Lottie over long distance several weeks ago. I asked her to come but she had some excuses. I could hardly keep back the tears as I heard her. I was thinking that I would mention - that suppose you write and ask Lottie to come to your house and stay while you come here.

When I talked to the social worker she said that my children have to come here for me. It is the same story.

Now about the way the lady I work for. She said it don't matter if you wrote that you would sign a second signature if necessary. She wants her way. And what do you think last July she didn't pay my any wages. I went to the State Capital for my birth certificate about the 11th of August and the 19th of August. I gave it to them to send in. But so far they haven't done so, so I can draw my social security. 

When I have asked the social worker about another job she just don't care to help me. So Marie the way is for me to go to Seattle and get some kind of work there. As long as my social security hasn't started it will add up to more money.

Now please let Mrs. Durand help you with a bus ticket one way. Then when you came we will talk this over with your father.

I asked your father if he will help me? This is what he said and I wrote it down.

Quote - If you write Marie and ask your father to help me. And if you can't afford to send enough money he will help and do his share. Un-quote.

Please excuse pencil.

So now Marie please, please come between Christmas and New Year's.

When I meet Martin we will talk things over. When he came out to the hospital to see me we didn't have time to talk over about the future. I could just cry.

I have enough money saved from my wages to pay my fare out to Seattle, Washington.

Now if you will write and don't change your mind no matter what others say. I am your mother. I have cried more than once when I have talked to the social worker but that hasn't change matters any. You are the one who must come and assist me at this time. 

When you come as I trust you will you can hep me pack my clothes.

When I talked to Lottie and asked her to come she answered, have you asked Marie?

You don't need to send me any-thing for Christmas as you can save that money to spend on your trip to Nebraska dear.

When I write to my brother Garfield about helping me her answer that your father is the one who should help me. That we lived in my brother's house and didn't pay any rent.

Please answer at once.

Mother

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.

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

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:

Finances and inertia are holding them up

April 8, 1955

Dear L and Family,

Just a brief note to accompany the pictures I finally got developed from our stay with you last summer. The enclosed two were the only ones worth sending. The few others we took were pretty punk - you know how kids look in the shade with wet hair. The enclosed two are swell for the record, don't you think?

Will you be going down to Portland when the new Pritchett arrives?

I'm enclosing a letter from Pop and Dora. It is in answer to the proposal that he take his extended tour of his kids this spring and summer. I get the idea that finances and inertia are holding them up. Do you think there would be any chance of we kids chipping in to help make the trip possible? Frank said he would rather do that then put money on a fancy tombstone someday. Anyway let us know if you have any ideas.

We're ready for Easter with a fresh outfit around (not everything new, but everything freshened & presentable). The girls have their first nylon dresses. Today it is Ruthie's birthday. We must get ready soon now, for we are going out to dinner & taking her favorite girl friend along.

Main news from our family is that Frank started a new job this week. Running the Children's Home, though a very rewarding experience, was far too time consuming. it really was a 24 hr a day responsiblity. Frank is now an audio-visual sales engineer to churches & schools. It is a good deal with a guaranteed wage plus commission.

Are you working, L? Does Bob still like his job?

Happy Birthday to Mark! I remembered his birthday was April 7! Wish we could all be together more often.

Love, Marie & all

Feb 16 1955

Dear Marie and Family.

Received your card and letter and two dollars yesterday and thanks so much for them. Dollars are sure money to us now - we get by and thans about all.

Got a letter from Martin today and one from Albert so we were both happy for I was waiting for a letter and when it dont come I get so blue.

Lars got more medicene today from the Dr he caught cold and I told him he best do something before it gets bad then it hangs on so long.

Well Marie I just dont know what to tell about his eyes I put those drops in every night only missed twice since he started so I've done best I could. sometimes it seems he sees better he says it clearing well I sure hope so.

Now that trip sounds so nice but guess its only a dream cant see how we can take it he said if his eyes get so he can work then we can go next year.

Sure glad you had a nice visit with Bill & family.

Guess your like we do love company never too much for us.

Martin didn't write much. Said he got a letter from Ruth and would write to her too.

Lars laughed when he called her Ruth.

I wrote and gave her Martins last address but we havent heard from her since I wrote.

Lars didnt give her his right address and her letter come back then she wrote and I ans. and copied the address.

Well I sure hope he does write to her.

Sure has been cold here we took car out two weeks ago & shopped & paid bills and then we stayed home then Monday we went out paid more bills & got pumpernickel and some groceries it was such a beautiful day but hes been in so cold so he had to take cold then we went out yesterday and this A.M. so hoarse so I thought it was best thing to do he isnt sick but I didnt want him to get bad.

Just cant get him to go to a Dr so I won.

Friday A.M. Well its raining this morning so maybe some snow - will go I do hope so for its piled on each side of the road or street.

My arm bothers me I think I hurt it before Xmas hanging up clothes I have to reach so high to reach the ends of line and I had a big wash so needed lots of line next day hurts and now if I reach up for put arm back of me sure hurts I havent hung my coat up since Xmas he does it for me and he ties my apron too. he says it just rheumatism well maybe. But I use the dust mop and mop the kitchen I mopped all over the house other two days then waxed floors and it didn't hurt and when snow come I took snow shovel and cleaned part of walks and it didn't hurt a bit but if I reach with my right arm I nearly scream hurts so bad so I think I hurt it. At the time our Dr was in hospital several weeks and I was waiting for him then snow come and we didn't go out so there always an excuse.

Sure hope this storm is just a rain but radio last night said blizzard so I'm dreading it.

Time to put news on and give him his morning coffee in bed then he can ge up and have breakfast. We enjoy that mornng coffee in bed.

Must close now - write soon.

love to all

Dora and Dad.

He goes to an eye specialist Dr Maynard Greenberg in Medic Arts Building he supposed to be one of the best in Omaha. He bought him a new norelco electric shaver yesterday and he tried it out this A.M. sure likes it fine he wansted one but said couldnt afford it I said theres going to be money when you and I are gone and why not get it now if you want it.

From Pops and Dora

The kids are counting the seconds

Postmark: 7 May 1955

Dear Everybody.

Lars leaves here Sunday am at 1.40 am and gets in Tacoma at 11 a.m.

And wonders if some one will meet him.

I said dont worry they will be there O.K. and the kids are counting the seconds till you get there.

Love from

Dora.

Fairy Swing Song...Jill Johnson

All that gladdens

Please, please try to come

Lincoln, Nebr

May 22, 1955

Dear Marie -

I received your welcome letter and I was glad to hear from you. I was especially pleased to hear what you wrote about Martin. But it seems to me we should try and have him really show that he will help me. Frank could write to the company he works for. Explain about me (his mother) how much I need him now. Then they could talk to him and I would like for him to come here. I would rather that you or Frank wrote to the company than that the social worker would write to Martin. I don't know how he would take it. And also Marie if you are to take a vacation couldn't you arrange to come with Martin? Please, please try to come.

I would like for you to help me with picking out a few clothes. And clothes don't cost quite as much in Omaha as they do in Lincoln.

The day passed here on Mother's Day like any other.

I didn't mean by helping me that I come to your house to live. I wish to find some kind of employment like a seamstress or some kind of housework. Then later I intend to apply for social security after I come out West.

Yes indeed, I hope, I hope Martin and I can help one another as you wrote.

I hope you read over my other letter which I sent a few days ago and answer it also when you write to me.

I wish that you or Frank would write to the company that Martin works for right away. And ask them to let you know as soon as possible. Then you could write to the social worker that which you wrote me that you hope Martin and his mother can help each other.

Please don't write to the social worker what you wrote to me. About Frank's new job and your four children. The social worker will just tell the lady I work for and then the lady I work for will throw it up to me. I am almost afraid of her at times.

Would you please write and ask your father to come to Lincoln as I wish to talk matters over.

Also please may I remind you to write and ask Lottie if she received some maerial from me for a housecoat? Thank you.

If you came you could help me pack my clothers. You could help me by bring some extra suit cases to put some of my clothes in. I still have the suit-case you gave me for Mother's day years ago. It is bent some.

Please excuse me for repeating any-thing in my letter or letters.

I have been here 20 months the 1st day of next month.

Excuse my write as the pens I have been using are not extra good. And excuse any unneatness and writing.

When you write to the company ask them for information. And when you hear from them answer at once or perhaps sent a telegram about Martin. This is importnat.

Write please and don't delay dear.

Best wishes and thanking you again.

As ever

I am,

Mother.

Mark is artistic...

Little Brown Bear

Jackie - first day at school. Sept '55

Martin M. Jensen, Seaman Unit

June 11, 1955

Dear Marie and Frank.

I have received your letter. When you get this letter I will be on a ship. But for 3 weks Only (3/12/55 to 7/2/55). IF POP is comeing to see you I might come to Phoenex to see you and Pop. That is if you want me to come and if pop is comeing to see you and if he is still ther when I come back. Plese sent me a letter and tell what the problem is? got a letter from "L". she tell me that he is going to Betty and then to Rays. But L Did not tell me if Pop is comeing to see you too. I will be back in San Franciso by 3rd or 4th for shure. Plese the send letter to

Martin M. Jensen
Seaman Unit
Rincon Annex
San Francisco, Calif.

P.S. I know what I told Betty But will have money when I come back.

love to All,
Martin

Would you like some more clippings?

Lincoln, Nebr.
March 12, 1955.

Dear Marie - 

I will write a few lines this afternoon. I have hoped that you would write and let me know if you received the 2 packages I sent you. It was a few weeks late after your birthday. I had them insured. The 2 patterns I thought you could perhaps use. I know they are too big for you, but you know how to cut by them so according to fit you.

I am sending some stamps to you which are enclosed. You know how Martin enjoyed stamps. So will you please keep them for him until you see him and can give them to him. In case Martin don't want them you may keep them.

Please write and let me know how you liked the articles I sent you as soon as possible.

Would you like some more clippings?

I hope you answer my other letter where I asked you questions.

I will now close for this time.

As ever,
I am,
Mother. 

Happy First Day of School!

"We have a dozen kids between us."

Phoenix, Ariz

April 28, 1955

Dear Betty & Family,

Lottie and Family too - if she's in Portland

This note to both of you - hoping it arrives when you are together. Wish I could be there too, to see the new wee one & give a helping hand. We have a dozen kids between us. Haven't discovered any of that "cheaper" part that is supposed to come with the "dozen." We all like the name of the youngest Pritchett - haven't heard of Royce as a girl's name, but really like it. Now you have the three "R's" - Randy, Robin, Royce. I was hoping you would have a girl. She and Robin will have swell times together. Congratulations to the Pritchetts! I was glad for your letter with all the news.

The new house sounds keen. Cheers for Morgan for going out more on his own.

I am enclosing a letter received a few days ago from Pop's doctor. I guess I told you I was writing to him to get accurate information to determine the real condition of his eyes & the advisability of an extensive trip. The letter is self explanatory, though not heartening. I think it is urgent that we make immediate plans. I don't like to push anyone - each of us has heavy financial responsibilities. It would be so much easier if we could talk. Since we can not, please each of you be frank about what you think & do write immediately.

Now for a plan. It is not a hard & fast plan but just a starting point from which to work. Do make suggestions or changes. Suppose each of us contributes $100, that would make $300 for sure. It wouldn't cover all the expenses but it would be a good start and I think enough of a boost so that Pop & Dora would feel that we really wanted them to come. I think they have some money they could put in too. I will contact Elin & Dora's son, Albert, too if you think it is a good idea but I wouldn't be too hopeful for contributions.

Frank's Dad could go with Pop to the station to make reservations & would be helpful in advising us. I know that the Golden State, crack coach train, to Phoenix would be comfortable. There is a good train over to Calif from here, but I don't have any knowledge of trains in the Northwest. Maybe Bob could make suggestions.

I think a nice way to handle the contributions to Pop would be for each of us to mail him a check & invitation letter to reach him by May 15 - is that a good & reasonable date? Dad Durand could pitch in to help make necessary arrangements and the trip ought to start June 1, 1955.

Immediately, I will write to the doctor & ask him to put in a personal word of encouragement to Pop to take the trip. I will wait on writing to Elin, Albert, & Dad Durand until I hear from you two gals. We ought to let Marin know Pop will be coming out when plans materialize farther. We have a Seattle address for him.

I think the psychological affect of Pop's receiving a letter from each of us on May 15 would be an excellent one.

Now, I think we should guard the seriousness of Pop's eye condition from our children & Mom for they are apt to say the wrong thing to Pop - doctor's advice. Also for Mom's sake, I don't think she should know the full extent of our help to Pop. I want sometime to do the right thing for Mom, but there are lots of factors involved.

I could write more about Frank's new job, Ruthie's extensive Campfire activities, & a few projects of my own, but right now I had better get this in the mail.

Please do respond immediately, kid. If the $100 is too steep just say so. We could make some adjustments.

Again congratulations on Royce Marie.

Love Marie & All

Betty: If "L" isn't there please see that she gets this information & outlined plan.

"Dad Jensen's eye situation is not very encouraging."

"He has dreamed of taking a trip to see all of us "

Phoenix, Arizona

Feb. 11, 1955

Dear L & Family,

This seems to be my "family writing spree." I have written to the Durands, Mom, Pop, Betty - and now you. Actually, I find letter writing the hardest job I have. There are so many interruptions with two pre-schoolers (and their pals) plus the ever present, on-going routine that letters are set aside. However, my conscience twitches hard enough, sometimes to overcome the inertia. This is one of those times. I really find it fun to write once I get started.

First, we all want to thank you for all the keen Christmas gifts. The tools were an ideal gift for Stevie. He feels quite important to lend me his pliers or screw driver. He has become an expert "measurer" himself. The tape has inspired him to learn his numbers. Somehow inches and pounds are interchangeable words. He measured the telephone and announced "six pounds."

John loves his soft black lamb. It is the nicest stuffed toy the children have ever had. I think the girls would secretly like to have it for their beds. However, they are happy with their lovely collars. Ruthie will wear hers with a plain white nylon slip-on sweater & fall shirt when she plays in the 28 Piano Festival next week. Did you make the collars? They show evidence of your skillful work.

The candle holders from Norway are just right on our reed organ. Thanks again for everything. By the way, we have had your organ stool refinished & it looks beautiful!

We think many times of the enjoyable times we had in the Northwest last summer. It is really too bad that our children can't see more of one another. Both you & Betty have keen kids. Your roomy house and huge yard are ideal to raise a family. We will be interested to hear of your activities as you go along, for now it is easier to picture the setting.

Dora probably wrote to you that Pop's eyes have been failing & do not seem to be responding to treatment too well. He has another appointment April 24. I have urged that he get the best help available, regardless of cost. Pop is now 71 years old.

You know he has dreamed of taking a trip to see all of us & Dora's family around Taft, Calif. I am afraid that if we don't push him to make a definite decision he will never get that trip taken. He has never seen any of yours or Betty's children. I do want him to see Johnny Lars, especially. Here is the plan, in general., I have suggested to Pop & written about to Betty too. If you think it possible you might encourage him to carry it out. I suggested that he come by Golden State coach train to Phoenix sometime in May. That will be after his eye examination & before it gets really hot here. By the time he visits with us & in California, he can come on up to the Northwest. Betty ought to be feeling perky again by then, & I tell him he might as well see all the grandchildren possible. He certainly should not drive.

Mom sent me a nice Valentine & note. She is still concerned about Martin's whereabouts. Also got a nice letter from Elin at Christmas.

We are all fine except for mild colds. Frank & the girls attended a Father-Daughter Campfire banquet last night. They looked cute in fresh uniforms. Ruthie is president of her C.F. group. Becky is president of her class.

Thanks again for the Christmas. Love to all of you - especially those swell kids.

Marie & All

Recipes, Cakes, and Social Security

Lincoln, Nebr.

Feb. 7, 1955

Dear Marie -

I am enclosing a cake recipe which I had intended to send to you before. I hope that these few lines reach you in time so that you can make the cake for your birthday. If the cake turns out good may I ask a favor from you? Would you make a cake from the same recipe and send me the cake? I had thought of sending this recipe before as I may have mentioned when I wrote to you. But I thought you were busy about Christmas time so I delayed in sending it to you. I like a recipe which calls for brown sugar.

Hope you like the valentine I send you.

I thought being I did not hear from you when it was my birthday you may have overlooked the date. So if you bake a cake for me when it is convenient for me when it is convenient for you I will appreciate it very much. The other cake you sent me arrived in real good condition.

Letter will follow.

My wishes are expressed with-in the greeting card.

Mother

"On the contrary...the average person who researched 65 in the year 1954 is physically, mentally, economically and socially in much better condition - than when 65 was selected as the standard retirement age for the Social Security program 18 years ago." Dr. Anderson said.

Thank You Note

A follow-up to the correspondence from March 1955. I love it when I find these connected letters!

"Persons in Sweden"