It Is His Duty Toward Mother To Help Her

Lincoln, Nebr.

Nov. 14, 1956

Dear Marie - 

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

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

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

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

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

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

Martin's address - 

Mr. Martin Miles Jensen

Z-1 018 625-D1

Wiper Steamship Transpacific

% Tak Shipping Corporation

30 Broad Street

New York,

New York.

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

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

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

Please write and answer this letter.

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

I will now close.

With best wishes.

As ever

I remain,

Your Mother

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

Missing Martin...again

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

A Dressmaker in Lincoln

Phoenix, Ariz.

July 17, 1956

Dearest Mother,

It has been nice to hear from you several times lately in different ways. Quite a while ago you sent some papers with interesting clippings. You also sent a box with several things including a very nice dress from Lottie. Thank you for everything. The dress is too big for me too but perhaps it can be altered. It is far too pretty a dress not to be made good use of.

As something of a return favor I was thinking that if you find a dressmaker in Lincoln to make up the material you have I will pay you to have the work done. Why don't you try to find someone?

While we lived on Diamond St. I also received a special delivery letter from you. We were in the process of moving and I just didn't have the time to answer it. Moving is such a terrific job. The worst part of it is over now. We are well on our way to being comfortably settled. The bedrooms and storage space are quite crowded here but the kitchen and living room are a little larger than in our other house. There are so many people that come here everyday for one reason or another. I can see where we will be living quite a public life. It isn't quite like living in one's own home. But this is Frank's work and we can all have fun working in this community. The children have found some friends already.

It was good to hear your voice on the phone. I think I answered all your questions over the phone. Last Monday we had such a poor connection and my ears were so plugged up I had difficulty hearing. Under the circumstances I just don't think it would work out or be practical for you to come to Arizona just to have a dress made. I think my idea of paying a Lincoln woman to do the sewing a better one.

You mentioned wanting to go to be with Martin. This sounds 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.

Another possibility would be changing jobs if the present one is unsatisfactory. Have you looked into this matter?

I promised to send you a dollar to help with the overtime charges. I don't think you should call me so often. It is too expensive for you. I pratically never feel I can afford to make a long distance phone call. It is good to hear your voice though.

My ears are much better now. We are going to have a few days off soon and will be able to take just a brief vacation in the nearby mountains.

Please write again soon.

Love, Marie & Family

I also received your recent letters. Our new address is 4416 North 31st Avenue, Phoenix, Ariz.

SS Bulkcrude

We cannot hurry the National Maritime Union in their reply

Martin is Still? Once Again? Missing

(click to enlarge)

Salk Polio Vaccine: Jill

Salk Polio Vaccine

We now have four birds

Sept. 10, 1956

Dear Mother,

Thank you so mcuh for the piece of material you sent for my birthday. It will be just right for a blouse. It's such a pretty color too.

Well, summer is over, and I don't know where it went. I spent the time sewing and cleaning and taking the children places. Oh, and I painted the trim on the outside of the house. That was a big job - took me two weeks. I had to do a lot of sanding and puttying first - then gave it two coats.

Betty, Morgan, and the kids were here for a couple of days the last of August. They left the baby here for a couple of days while they went on for a short trip up to Canada. Our youngsters are very fond of Betty's little girls - they're as cute and pretty as can be. Melody especially enjoys all babies.

Roxy has been very busy this summer - doing various odd jobs and baby-sitting. She earned enough to help pay for some of her school clothes.

The three older girls sing in the choir at church - their first practice of the season was yesterday. Roxy and Jill like singing the most. Roxy enjoys playing the piano.

School started last week and with it all the extra activities that keep them (and their parents) busy.

I went back to work last Friday. My hours are "school hours", so the childen are not left alone. I do the baking at the college, just as last year, and prepare desserts and breads for over 700 students - three meals a day.

We now have four birds - all of them were given to us, for one reason or another. They are all parakeets - one talkes but doesn't say much. Bob and Melody are the ones who really enjoy the birds. They really sing and make a commotion early in the morning.

I didn't get a chance to go to Portland or to Elin's this summer, I'm sorry to say. It just didn't work out.

Have you heard from Martin? How is everything at the home? Do you want me to write the social worker to see what can be done? If you can specific complaints about the Schultz's, I wish you'd tell either one of us, or the social workers. Unless you are very specific in your facts, it is impossible to do anything.

Again, thank you for the birthday gift.

As ever,

Lottie

There is good in everyone - look for it

Dec. 20, 1956

Dear Mother,

Here it is - Christmas again. It seems the seasons roll around so fast. We have been busy, the children are active in school; and I'm still working.

Last night, the grade school put on their Christmas program. Jill and Melody were in it. Then tonight, the high school had their Christmas program. Roxanne is the accompanist for the glee club, and also sings in the chorus.

Of course, everyone is excited about Christmas. Betty and her family are coming up for the holidays. Yesterday was my last day at the college until after Christmas, so I will have a few days to get caught up.

I wrote to the Social worker some time again. She explained that the reason for the cut-back in your salary is beucase Mr. Schultz had to advance quite a bit of money to the Social Security in order to qualify you for a pension. So part of your salary is being withheld to repay that loan.

I had asked her to try to find another place for you, but she was not very encouraging. She said situations were practically impossible to find, and she was afraid that if you wanted to leave there, the only alternative would be to go back to the hospital. I know you don't want to do that, so I hope that you can adjust yourself to your surroundings. Try to like the people around you. There is good in everyone - look for it. Usually, if you are nice and thoughtful, you'll be returned in kind.

I haven't heard from Elin as yet this Christmas, but we had a Christmas card and a note from Marilyn. She is in Spokane working in the same hospital in which she trained.

I haven't heard from Martin. We do not have his address either. Next time you write, will you send his present address?

Had a note from Marie recently, but she didn't have any special news. I suppose you knew that Frank took a job as assistant pastor at a Methodist church.

I'm enclosing a little check for your Christmas. I hope you will buy something to wear. I'm sure that you can use a pair of shoes or a new dress. Write and let me know what you get with the money. Don't just put it in the bank. You need it for something to wear. And it will make you feel good to get something new that really fits you.

Thank you for the gifts you have sent recently - at least, since last I wrote. My intentions are good to write promptly, but I don't seem to find the time.

A very Merry Christmas to you - and a Happy New Year. Do join in with the folks there at the home and try to enjoy Christmas. You'll find it's fun, if you put forth the effort to try. Good luck to you!

As ever,

Lottie

Polio Vaccine

click to enlarge

A Birthday-Time Greeting

Mrs. Schultz wants her name on my bank book

Lincoln, Nebr.
May 14, 1956

Dear Marie -

I received your most welcome letter post-marked May 5th and also the short letter with the greeting card and $2.00 enclosed.

I had a mother's day greeting card from Lottie and Elin also. I am enclosing Elin's letter as I am sure you are interested to read it over, you don't need to return it to me.

Thank you Marie for writing that you want to do all you can for me by letter. Before I sent you the air-mail letter I had written I think it was 2 letters which were un-answered. I would just like to know if you received them? So don't over-look to let me know when you write please Marie.

You wrote in your last short letter that "you hope things are working out for me." Well I have not talked to the social worker so far. I wish very much that I could talk to my guardian. Could you please write in your next letter that you will give me permission to see him? Then I will ask the social worker if it is all-right.

That was thoughtful of you to write to Mrs. Leopold and some-body else. But Marie it seems that it depends on you to come here and take my part. You remember when we went to the court-house in Omaha to get my birth certificate? Well it sure was the thing to do as I needed it when my papers were sent in for my social security. We could see the man who knows my guardian.

It is so difficult to explain how Mrs. Schultz wants her way. One time she tells me something and then she will change to something different. But Mrs. Schultz wants her name on my bank book. It just frightens me. Mrs. Schultz just talk on and on as though I had no rights. She said she is some Jewish nationality. I try my best to please Mrs. and Mrs. Schultz. But they don't change their ways.

Your father didn't come to Lincoln yester - which was Mother's day. I asked your father if he would send you some money for train fare. He said he would but wanted you to write and ask him for the money. So Marie now don't be too proud but write and ask him at once.

I have wrote and asked Elin and Lottie if they would send you some money also which I hope they will do. Please Marie it is important for you to come as I have written before.

When I have wrote and asked my brother Garfield if he would help me he answers - That your father should help me because we lived in my brother David's house for years. And you know how we didn't pay rent like we should.

So don't feel sorry for your father because he draws over 1 hundred dollars a month. But I know he has worked hard. Don't forget he, lived in my brother's house when social security started back in 1935.

Please write that I may see my guardian when you write. I hope that if you get enough money for the one way to come here I can help you or we can talk that over when you come. It will be just wonderful if we can all cooperate and show a little kindness.

Please write at once.

As ever, I remain,
Your mother.

I don't wish for the lady I work for to have her name with the money

Lincoln, Nebr.
May 2, 1956

Dear Marie -

Inclose you will find the money $10.00 to help pay for the railroad fare to Lincoln.

Mrs. Schultz said she is intending to write to you too. She said to me that when I am ready to leave here she would buy a steamer trunk for me as a gift.

Please write soon as possible and answer me what your plans are.

Best wishes,
I am
Your Mother.

P.S. If you write to the social worker please write I may take care of my own money and that I may put my money in the bank. I don't wish for the lady I work for to have her name with the money which is mine in the bank. Please let the social worker know and her address is

Mrs. Leopold,
In care of State Hospital, Lincoln, Nebraska.

Also please ask the social worker if she will please come out and visit me? And that if I may talk to her in private?

I hope you received the other 2 letters I sent you since I received your letter. If you can't come I must ask Martin to help me. Please write before Mother's day to your Mother.

Parent-Teacher Conferences: Jacque

Parent-Teacher Conference Week: Mark

Where I Could Receive Fare Wages

Lincoln, Nebr.

Sept. 23, 1956

Dear Marie -

I have been waiting to hear from you. But I wish to send you the 2 letters enclosed so I will write a few lines.

I wrote to Lottie and answered her letter. I wish to keep matters straight so I will repeat to you what is so important to me.

That being Lottie is working at the college couldn't she see if I couldn't get work there washing dishes and doing some cleaning the same as I am doing here? And if not, that if she wrote the social worker to please find a place for me where I wouldn't need to work such long hours where I could receive fare wages and attend church on Sunadys. I haven't heard from Martin. I wrote another letter to one of the company's in New York. Marie if we hear from the company's he works for or from Martin we could let him know that we would like to have him come out to Phoenix, Arizona.

Marie it would perhaps be some time before there would be any letter from Martin or the company as you can very well imagine. Now I was going to suggest that I come out there with-out Martin and he can come later if Martin don't come here.

I wish to talk to the superintendent and hope that I can some time next month. I will let your father know about what time so that he can take me there. Just at present the superintendent isn't out at the Lincoln hospital.

Now if I don't hear from Lottie during next month or anything from Martin or New York and I don't get a different place to work I surely want to come out to Phoenix. Is that all right?

I sent you the superintendent's address. Did you write to him? Did you get the letter from the social worker?

As I have said I want to go to Omaha from here as I wish to visit a few places. I wish to go and visit and see my aunt Addie. You can read Garfield's letter and see why.

I wish you would write to the company Martin works for. Here is the address -

The National Maritime Union,

346 West 17th Street

New York 11, New York

Please write that it so long since you have seen your brother and that you would like to have him come out and see you. And please have him come this way to Lincoln and bring me with him to Phoenix. You see some one could talk to Martin and explain details. And see that he has the money to travel with. Because your father says Martin isn't very good at taking care of his money. I must help him with taking care of this earnings. And wish you could help Martin also.

I will call you some time next month and please say that I can come as I have tried my best to explain matters to you.

Hope you answer this letter as you haven't answered my other letter.

And please read over my letters as you write. And thanking you very much in advance Marie.

Best wishes.

I am,

Your

Mother.

At the Beach (by Jacque)

From now on it will be foot ball and elections to read about

Blair Nebr.

Sept 17 - 1956

Ruth -

I haven't gotten around to write to you before but I want to thank you for birthday gift.

I received a card from Joe's but none from any of your girls.

I went to Norfolk on the 7th - my birthday - Margaret was feeling pretty good. Stopped at Joe's and Aunt Addie on the way home. Didn't get a cup of coffee either place.

Blanche had company and we told her that we were stopping at Aunt Addie's place so really can't blame her. And as you probably know Aunt Addie hasn't been feeling so well of late although when we werethere she was dressed and walked around. She had had her supper. We stopped at Lyons at Charlie Swanson's. They gave us coffee. I suppose you remember the blind lady's son, a brother of Gilbert Swanson.

I am going to read meters for the city tomorrow.

I suppose that we will have fall weather soon.

I didn't go to the Fair. From now on it will be foot ball and elections to read about.

No news to write about I suppose that you still get the Oakland paper.

Thanks again

- Garfield