Piano Lessons

Blood pressure 120

Please Dr. could I sign my-self out of the hospital? Because I have worked at the Rest Home so steady. I have only missed 6 days from work in over 5 years.

Don't my patrol expire the 1st of this month?

I want my family to co-operate because I believe they should stand by each other.

I wish a complete release from the State Hospital. I wish to have my social security check mailed to me in my own name. Mrs. S. has my food handler's card and can I have it when I leave?

Oct. 25th 1957 I talked to Dr. Loden and I asked him if I could talk to attorney and he said I could. I said tell Dr. S. and Dr. Loder said he would.

June 13th 1958 Mrs. S. talked to Mrs. Leopold and the latter said I could talk to Dr. Coats. June 19th 1958 X-Ray at State Hospital.

The Red Cross lady said to talk to the State Hospital and she told me to "keep trying."

Weight 127 lbs.

Blood pressure 120

Looking for Martin (1964)

Lincoln, Nebr.

March 15, 1964

Dear Sir -

I wish to write to you about my son- Martin Miles Jensen as far as I know my son is still employed by the maritime unions.

My son's number is Z-1018 625 - D1.

I hope you can find out where my son is at the present as I haven't heard from him for months. I hope this information will explain about my son.

His next of kin - father is Mr. Lars P. Jensen, 2511 Emmet Street, Omaha, Nebraska.

I talked to Mr. Lars Jensen over the telephone a few days ago and we agreed to try to find out about our son.

We would like to know what his address is when he comes to New York. That is if still employed by a shipping company. Now at Christmas time when I received a gift from him he wrote his return address to his father's address in Omaha, Nebr. Also some-time ago when he wrote to me he gave his address as -

Martin Miles Jensen

Sea man's Unit

General Delivery

New York, New York.

Now back in 1957 my son was employed as wiper on the SS Transpacific. When I wrote about my son about that time I heard that I could discuss ths matter with some-one from the Red Cross. Do you suppose you could see about this problem?

I hoe I have hear from you very soon.

There is sickness in my family and I would like for my son to return to Nebraska.

Thanking you very much.

I am

Respectfully,

Mrs. Jensen

They won a Blue Ribbon

March 11, 1957

Dear Mother,

Sorry not to have written sooner. I keep awfully busy with the house, the children, and working, it's hard to find time when it's quite enough to write a letter.

You asked for Merrilyn's address. It is: Miss Merrilyn Johnson, West 423 4th Avenue, Spokane, Washington.

As you notice, she spells her name a little differently.

This past week we've been busy at our house with a Meal Preparation Contest which Melody had entered under a 4-H program. She and a partner planned, served, cooked, and cleaned up for a luncheon of six people. The contest was held at the High School. They won a Blue Ribbon, and did a very nice job.

This week Roxanne and her partner are practicing for thie contest which will be held next Saturday. It's the same deal.

Jill isn't a 4-H-er, but rather a Girl Scout, and this week she's busy selling cookies. If she sells the most in her troop, she will get a week free at camp this summer. So she's hustling, and hoping.

Mark drew a pacture of a horse for you, but it has been temporarilty mispaced. If he finds it by the time I'm through with this letter, I shall enclose it. (He can't find the horse, but here's a weasel instead.)

I haven't written to Marie about your plans to go there, and I haven't heard from her for a while. As you know, I have said my plans for next summer are not definite. It was conversation between Betty and I. No definite plans have been made, so please don't get excited about tentative plans. Next summer is a long way off. I have a home, a job, and five children, and a trip is mighty expensive. Please don't keep harping on the subject - or you'll take all the fun out of it before I do go. Don't try and make plans for me - I know how myself.

Whether you know it or not, you are really quite lucky to have a job and social security too. Prices are pretty high on the "outside" - board and room is a big item. Try to be pleasant and cheerful where you are. Remember, no place is perfect, no person is perfect. The best any of us can do is to try to adjust ourselves to our surroundingings. You try to do the adjusting - I'm sure many people in your life have tried to accommodate you, haven't they? Remember, you get back what you give.

The weather here is as changeable here as Spring usually is. The early flowers are starting to bloom, andthe lawns are getting greener. One day, we have snow flurries, and the next day the sun shines. As soon as it really warms up they'll be so much to do outside. I'd like to put in a new lawn this year - and that's a big deal.

Thank you for sending the box of cereal and the money for a rose bush. The only trouble was that the kids are up the cereal the day it arrived, and by the time I got your letter explaining the box top was gone. However, I shall try to get seomething for the yard with the money. Thank you, I'll let you know what we get.

What did you buy with the $10.00 we sent for Christmas? I intended for you to get a dress, or underwear, or a pair of shoes - things I know you need. Let me know what you did with the money.

As ever,

Lottie

I Really Should Write My Thank You Notes...

716 East 128 St

Tacoma 44, Wash

Dec. 28, 1957

Dear Durand cousin's

Thank you, for the jump rope, it work's real good. I got a whole lot of things I got a big doll and she's 30 inches long. I hope you had a merry Christmas.

your cousin

Jacqueline

716 E. 128 St.

Tacoma (44) Wash

Dec. 28, 1957

Dear Durand cousins

Thank you for the aluminum set. I have done two of the pictures. Here is a list of thing I got for Christmas

I got a hammer a ukelele the Alumincom set from you a belt a shirt a fun ball and a comb a bike basket a magnet and a Tresure Island book

Love

Mark

Dec. 28, 1957

Dear Aunt Marie & all,

I had a real nice Christmas, and I hope you had a nice one too.

Thanks for the pens, they're real neat. I got a bucket bag, a scatter pin, a pair of brown knee socks, a mystery book, a game, It's called "clue", a petticoat, a set of 3 ???, bubble bath, jakcs, a cutex set of nail polish, cuticle remover, polish remover, hand cream, & lipstick, and files.

Love,

Jill

Dec 28, 1957

716 East 128

Tacoma 44, Wn/

Dear Durands,

Thankyou for the three reversable belts. It was just what I wanted, and needed! All of the colors go with all my skirts and dresses.

Roxy and I got a typewriter for Christmas but I didn't get to write with it because I don't know how to use it very well.

Love,

Melody

December 31, 1957

Dear Durand Cousins,

Thank-you all so very much for the set of convertable belts! I have something to ear with each one of them. They're just what I needed.

I hope you had as nice a Christmas as I had. Happy New Year!

Sincerely,

Roxy

A Book Report (I think)

click to enlarge

You Just Have the Wrong Attitude

Lincoln, Nebr.

Oct 23, 1957

Dear Marie -

I have been waiting to hear from you. I wish you would take time to write a few lines and answer my letters.

I was going to write and let you know about my-self. On Oct. 7th 1957 the book-keeper who takes care of the books for the people I work for was here. I talked to her about my social security. And she told me that I could draw 30 dollars a month if I was unemployed. And $25.00 if employed.

Now Marie you said quite some time ago that I could come out to Arizona and I have been planning to come now that Frank is better I am glad to hear that.

Marie I could pay you for what you will do for me.

And something else I have cut out some aprons and one I have basted stitches on temporarily. That way it wouldn't be difficult to see how I wish the aprons sewed. And the one can be an example for the others. Now I would like for you to sew the aprons and hoping it isn't asking too much. I was thinking they could be Christmas gift for each of your sisters and one for you and my-self one. You see I don't have a machine to sew on here.

Take out the basting stitches a few at a time. The pockets are different and you could sew bias tape around them. You can sew the kind and pick out the pocket you like best for your-self. I hope you don't mind me writing that I intend to send you the aprons before asking you. But you are so slow in writing. It must be about 5 months since I heard from you.

I wrote and mentioned to Lottie that I would like a black fountain pen. This pen isn't very good.

I wrote to the Coast Guard but haven't received any answer about Martin. I don't think the Red Cross can help me as I had hoped they would. Have you any suggestions about Martin? I think you should have taken far more interest in Martin when Martin was with you and then living with Lottie. You should have talked things over seriously. Now according to the dictionary - serious means - thoughtful, grave in manner or disposition; not jesting, in earnest, as I am serious about this; gravely important, as we have suffered serious losses. I haven't heard from Martin for a long time.

Will you kindly write to your father to come to Lincoln as soon as possible please? It is important, something I wish to see him about. I thought that when I could come out to Arizona you could see how I get along in 2 weeks. That is what they said out at the hospital when I was there years ago now. Then if a patient got along all right they could stay on the out-side as the hospital people called it.

Now when I talked to Mrs. Leopold she said that she had heard from you, and that you said I would still be under the hospital. Why, was I ever surprised Marie about you. I could hardly believe it. You just have the wrong attitude. When I think of all the education you have and then how wrong you are in important matters. It don't seem to do any good to try and explain. I have wished for you to understand me better by the clippings. I have sent you or my point of view.

Oct. 7th 1957 the lady I work for said to me, "Quote - You have one son-in-law who is a lawyer and one son-in-law who is a minister. They are supposed to teach what is right." And I couldn't remember all she said but she can talk on that subject on and on.

I am so unhappy here so weary I can't keep the tears back as I write this.

When you receive this letter please write a few lines to your father asking him to come to Lincoln to see me. You know he may pay some attention to you when you write to him.

Let me know how you like the clippings.

Not so long ago there was an article in the paper about how people should sign for a person who was on parole. The article was by a Doctor.

Please answer as soon as possible and read over my letter as you write. Thank you.

I would like my freedom from the hospital.

The articles about the churches and prison are for Frank.

Please excuse me if I have repeated anything.

I will now close for this time.

As ever,

I am

Your Mother.

Easter Greetings (yes, a week late)

"It seems so much like home here."

Northport, Wash

Dec. 17th 1957

Dear Mother:

Well here we are at the Xmas season again remembering our relitives and friends.

It doesn't hardly seem possible we will be in the year 1958.

The weather here is nice for this time of the year just about freezing, but then it can change as we get closer to January. Instead of snow we have had rain which is very unusual for this country.

I have gotten the Oakland papers for the whole year of 1957 and really have enjoyed the Home Town paper. A lot of the old times have passed on in this paper. I suppose you get the paper too. I know you enjoy reading what goes on in the Town just like I do.

We are all fine here. Stanley is home from school for the Xmas season.

Merrilyn Jean won't be home as this is a busy time for her. She is air line stewtress now. She enjoys her work very much. Meets all kinds of people.

Ray and I are both fine. We have been around Northport quite a while now. It seems so much like home here.

We are right next to the Canadian line. Hope you hear from the rest of your children this Xmas season. Hope you had a nice visit with Lottie this summer when she was in Neb.

Well I guess I'd better make this short so I can get in the mail. I'm just getting started on writing my cards & letters.

Here's hoping you will have a Merry Merry Xmas and a bright New Year.

Love Elin and Family

"I suppose that you arrived home O.K."

Blair Nebr

June 1 - 57

Ruth -

I just finished writing a few lines to Lars suggesting that he get in touch with Martin to establish a home or any other help that he might do.

I am sending what pictures turned out good. Some were spoiled.

I suppose that you arrived home O.K.

Your brother Garfield

"All the kids are looking forward to Christmas."

Dec. 13, 1957

Dear Mother,

Please note the address – we haven’t moved. Once when I wrote I put the store address on by mistake. I’ve received the mail from you, though, at the store.

Hope you’re well & looking forward to Christmas. I’ve enjoyed talking with Lottie and hearing about her trip to Nebraska. Glad that she could make it even if I wasn’t able to.

Glad you like the sewing machine. I was happy that Lottie & Pop could make the arrangements.

We’re all well & busy. I’m still working and taking care of things at home, too. I’m now doing all buying for the store and enjoy my work.

Randy is busy with swimming lessons, Cub Scouts, Church Choice, Sunday Schools’s school. He’s almost busier than I am.

The girls are definitely not babies any more. I’m enclosing a picture we took just last week in front of the fireplace.

All the kids are looking forward to Christmas. We brought a new bicycle for Randy which he isn’t expecting so he’ll be quite surprised.

Jeanne Johnson has stopped by to see us several times in the past few months. She’s now a stewardess for Northwest Airlines and lives in Seattle. Every so often she has a few hours in Portland between flights and so comes out. She’s going to be here most of Christmas Day.

I’ve invited the Johnsons down for Christmas, too, but I don’t know whether or not they will make it. We visited them at Thanksgiving. All of them are well and the kids getting by. ... Melody is bigger than I am, & Jill is coming up fast. They are good kids – Lottie can certainly be proud of them.

Haven’t heard from Marie for a year. Have you had a letter from her? She’s as bad a correspondent as I am.

Haven’t heard from Martin either. Don’t have the slightest idea where he is.

Well, Mother, hope you have a Merry Christmas. We’ll be thinking of you.

Love
Betty

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

I Am Sure Lottie Needs A Vacation

Lincoln, Nebr., March 21, 1957

Dear Marie -

It is your turn to write, but begin I am enclosing Lottie’s letter I will write a letter to you also. I was pleased to hear from Lottie and I know you will like to read her interesting letter.

I am sure Lottie needs a vacation. You know last summer she intended to go and visit her sisters but stayed home and worked with different house-hold duties. Lottie knows by this time that you have given me permission to come. And I think it will be wonderful for Lottie to come here to Nebraska.

I can’t express in words how thankfull I will be. I have talked to your father about it and he said that when Lottie comes can she stay at your house? And he said that will be all right or something long that order. Now this is what I wrote to Lottie – quote – “I think that is seems to be the best arrangement that you come here and then both of us go out to Arizona. Don’t you?” un-quote.

So please write a nice letter and explain to her that I may come, that you want someone to travel with me, that you don’t want me to travel alone. And when I think of traveling I would like for some-one of my family to be along. That way we can talk of things which are of interest to us.

I would like for you to write to Lorrie so that she can be at ease and which means – freedom from distress or embarrassment. Also that she can get ready before time. Like if she wishes to put certain things in a suit-case.

And I hope Lottie can take a Kodak with her if she has one. Other-wise could I borrow your Kodak? Don’t forget to answer this, as I forgot to mention about taking pictures when I wrote to her.

Also a relative of mine wishes for me to send a picture of my-self.

Also Mrs. Schultz – who is the lady I work for has said she would buy me a trunk when I am going to leave. So will you please write to me as I have mentioned that I can come? I think it would be all right if you write to Lottie that you have gave your permissions and then Lottie can write me.

When Martin had that skin trouble I took him to the C. clinic. Do you remember? And Dr. Borghoff was the Dr. he studied for a year over in Germany. Read notice below.

I forgot to mention that Dora’s sister said I could stay at her place when I go to Omaha.

Did you write to Martin? The stamps are for his collection.

Please write soon.
With love,
Mother.

P.S. Marie I sent you some papers and clippings 2 different times lately or since I head from you. Did you receive them? Please read over my letter as you write. I am so patient waiting to head from you.

As ever,
I remain,
Your Mother