Now It Just Goes On And On And It Is Politics

Lincoln, Nebr.

Dear Marie - 

I received the package which you sent me and many thanks dear. I haven't opened it yet.

The wash cloths that I sent, well I started to sew them together or a dish-cloth and then I thought that it made them too thick. I marked 1 so that if you want to sew it together you can. The little box I sent you is greetings cards and I meant to write before,  that you could open the box as you may wish to send come of the cards away.

I wish to thank you for writing the 2 letters in my behalf. Your letter was written Nov. 29th.

I am sorry to hear that you were bothered with your ears. I hope your ears are better now and do go to a Doctor as soon as possible. 

Marie there were different matters I wished to discuss with you. But you and your sisters had so much to talk about. I didn't like the way we had to hurry that last day at all. Pardon me if I repeat anything.

Marie I heard that if a patient had left the hospital and had been out and employed for 2 years that the hospital wouldn't have anything to say (the hospital I mean) would leave the patient alone. Now it just goes on and on and it is politics. When I talked to the minister I asked him if he knew if when a patient had been employed for 5 years if they could be released? He answered "that the hospital had had me under their thumb long enough."

I like to have Mr. attorney know that facts and be on my side. So I call him because I can not receive any letters from any attorney while I am here. Both Mr. and Mrs. Schultz just go into a rage and tell me that I can just go back to that hospital. I have stood mis-treatment here because I never want to again live there. I have told the attorney that I will pay him for services. Now I asked the attorney to please ask if there is a place so I can stay at the Blair hotel. I want to leave here the second week in January. I will be 70 years of age Jan. 6, 1960. Please, please Marie write to Mr. attorney that you give your consent to let me go to Blair and rest for a few weeks. And that I don't need to be supervised by any-body. That as time goes on I will talk matters over with my family.

I don't see how I make this any plainer. And if you would like to see me happy you will oblige my wishes. Thank you.

Marie when you father and I were first married we would visit with the relatives. The relatives showed me a picture of your father when he was a little boy about Johnny's size. And your father was holding a hat seemed to me and not smiling. It was a real photograph. Now Marie I am asking you to have your little boy's picture taken that way. Also put in a little frame and send it to your father for his birthday Jan. 10th. 

Clean and Thorough in Every Way

Phoenix, Ariz

Aug. 17, 1959

Dearest Mother,

I was just thinking of you, so I thought I'd write you a note.

It was so good to see you this summer. Wasn't it wonderful that we could all be together? We owe a vote of thanks to Lottie for arranging things. I suppose the biggest surprise was Martin. He has matured in many ways and has made an adjustment to his work.

I have Martin your note regarding the belt and other things. He said he would take care of the things you requested.

We got home from Lincoln without difficulty. Martin's bus didn't leave until 1 a.m. so we saw him to the depot.

Each of the girls got off as scheduled. Then I had a couple of days to rest up and leisurely visit and get ready to return to Phoenix.

I have been home about 10 days now. it has been very hot, though today it rained and cooled off. The girls and I have been trying to get a few things done before school starts in two weeks. Today we did some ironing and mending.

I know it is going to be time to return to the classroom before we get everything done. But then I guess one never does get done when there is a family to look after.

I hope that the social worker is able to help work out happier arrangements for you. Let me know what develops. We all are anxious that life be as happy as possible for you.

I want to congratulate you on your neat, clean appearance. You really looked nice in that hat and white gloves. Your room was immaculate too. I know you are good in your work - clean and thorough in every way. I think the Schultz's are lucky to have you there.

I hope Martin writes to you and helps you in any way he can. He is good-hearted, and I know is really fond of you.

Did you buy your little plant yet? Wasn't it fun to eat at the tea room? You should go there often on your afternoon off.

Well, Mother, I must close for now. Do write as soon as you can. I think of you often.

Love,

Marie and All

Don't call Mrs. Schultz

Lincoln, Nebr.

Dec. 9, 1959

Dear Sir -

I am very thankful that my daughter Marie has written to you.

I was thinking that if you will see my brother don't you think it would be a good idea if he would come with you to Lincoln? Perhaps you could come in my brother's car with him.

Now when you go to the hospital the first time I hope it will not be necessary for me to go out to the hospital. The reason is because I don't want the lady I am employed by to know about me going to leave here when I am working. Her name is Mrs. Schultz and she will just go into a rage and tell me that I can just go back to the State Hospital. I am positive I never wish to again be a patient there as I was there for 5 1/2 years. So please ask the social workers and Doctors to be as quiet about my case as it is possible to be. Don't call Mrs. Schultz over the telephone. The superintend's name is Dr. Gray and the social worker's name is Mrs. Hardin. These 2 I would like for you to talk to if it would be possible for me to sign for myself to be released from the State Hospital at Lincoln.

Then the second time you come which I said I would like for you to come the 28th of Dec and I would like for my brother to come with you. Tell him I will pay for his time please. My brother knows where I am working and then come here first. Then the 3 of us go out to the hospital and talk to the Dr. and social worker whom I have mentioned. When my brother comes as I hope he will and ask my brother to say that he came to visit and may go down town. It would also be best to come as early in the morning as possible Monday through to Friday. Then after we have seen the Dr. and social worker I wish to come here for my belongings for certain.

Oh I remember Mrs. Hardin goes to Omaha on Wednesdays.

I will pay you for services I promise. I sent 5.00 the 8 of Oct. Hope you received it and am enclosing $5.00.

This will be the best arrangement. And be sure and see about where I can go either to the hotel in Blair or if my brother will let me come to his house. Tell him it will not be very long if he should ask. We are older now and should it be sensible.

I will call in about a week so you can let me know about my plans.

That is instead of a plant dear.

Lincoln, Nebr.

March 10, 1959

Dear Lottie -

It is your turn to write. I wish you would let me know if the fruit cake I sent you was in good condition when you received it.

Lottie I was going to mention that if you wish to send me something for Easter - would you mind sending me some money? That is instead of a plant dear.

I was thinking it would be nice for you and Bob to have your picture taken - like the picture of the enclosed clipping.

I remember now some-body in Omaha asked me if Bob had been married before.

I am sending you some clippings about Art Linkletter. I watch his programs sometimes. I like especially these sentences where I marked quote and un-quote.

You can take it seriously or not. But remember your own childhood at the same time. And then your own children which are growing up. If your children had a party I would say 10 o'clock is long enough for them to stay. None of this party p - stuff. That would be out if I were giving a party.

I talked to your father a few days ago and I told him that the 1st of April (I mean 1959) I have been employed here for 5 1/2 years. And he said "That is the longest time you ever worked at a place isn't it?" I asked your father if he had heard from Martin and he said "No." But that he had received Martin's income tax papers.

Now what I favor about the article in Art Linkletter's family Quote - "The period you run into trouble is when children turn 12 and 13 and start going to other kids' homes. They come back with different behavior ideas observed in other households. That's when you've got to put your foot down and say, 'This is how we do it in our house darling.

We even have a party when my mother-in-law visits us from San Diego. I'm probably the only man in the country who can make that claim.

In the Linkletter family we look for events to celebrate."

Un-quote.

I have a very nice letter from Mrs. Durand in Omaha. Frank is still in Omaha I think and is under the care of a very good Dr. and the Durands in Omaha are paying the bills.

I intend to send Mrs. Durand in Omaha a nice Easter care and handkerchief. Why don't you send her an Easter card also? The street no. is 4971 Miami Street, Omaha.

Enclosed is some stamps and Easter greeting card.

Excuse my writing as I am going to mail this when I have finished this letter.

Hope to hear from you soon.

As ever

I remain,

Your Mother.

Daily Chatter

Human Talking Machine

I receive 28 dollars each month social security income

Lincoln, Nebr.
May 16, 1959

Dearest Marie -

I was very glad to receive your letter and the check for $5.00 for Mother's day. Thank you very much dear.

I sent you an air-mail letter before I received your letter. I hope you received it O.K. so to speak with the kodak pictures enclosed and the money order for $15.00. Also clippings and Martin's address on brown paper.

First I just must tell you that Lottie had already sent me a mother's day care the same kind of card that you sent. Also received a mother's day greeting care from Elin and Betty.

Perhaps the card that you sent to Martin will be returned. I have sent him letters and greeting cards which have only come back.

I receive 28 dollars each month social security income. I think the best way and that is the way I wrote - Find a room for me and if necessary pay some money down with the money I sent you. That is real thoughtful of you to think about a trailer for me to live in. But wait until I come out there and then we can talk more about plans Marie like that.

And Marie I marked in the want ads the kind of work I would be interested in. But Marie I used to fine my employment through the employment place. That is a better way please Marie then adds. And Marie about an ad which asks for someone to care for an older person, that should be a middle-aged, practical nurse. It is wonderful that you re taking an interest in me and how I appreciate it, is beyond words.

It would be a good idea to inquire about the kind of work which I marked in the Omaha want adds at the employment place. But first find a room as reasonable as possible for me.

I wish to leave here next month as I wrote in the other letter. Please again wait until I come before you plan something for me.

I will call you over the telephone May 24th and please be at home. If I call in the afternoon I wish you would answer the telephone. Now I will ask you when I call -

1. Have you found a room for me?

2. Is it O.K. for me to come next month? If I come in the morning I hope you can meet me at the depot. Other-wise I can call you up when I arrive at Phoenix.

I can't express in words how I appreciate your help Marie. Thank you you very much for what you enclosed in your letter again.

Now please also write to your father that I may come to Phoenix and I will call him up and then he can tell me what you wrote.

I hope it will be all right to have my mail forward to your address. But I don't get much mail.

With best wishes and love.

I remain
Your Mother.

It would be nice if you could find a room for me where the people attend church

Lincoln, Nebr.

May 7, 1959

Dear Marie -

I was glad that I could talk to you last Sunday afternoon. I am so pleased to hear that you are looking for a place for me to stay. Thank you very much dear. I am sending you a clipping about women wanted in Omaha. I have marked a few which kind of work I woudl apply and ask for. Now please Marie inquire - which means to (ask a question and ask about) a place for me to stay. And then pick out the most reasonable room where I could do a little cooking in case I don't do house-work. We can talk about employment when I arrive. But first find me a nice place to stay. It would be nice if you could find a room for me where the people attend church. But Marie, please take care of this matter for me right away. I am enclosing $15.00 as I said I would. You can pay down on the room as soon as I let you know when I will come out to Phoenix. Also enclose is a picture of my-self taken quite some time ago here, or since Lottie was to visit me. And then the front entrance to this house where I am employed.

I called up the Burlington Station about the trains to Phoenix. The train leaves Lincoln about 7 in the morning for Kansas City and then train gets there about one o'clock in the afternoon. Then the train for Phoenix leaves Kansas City at 10 in the evening and then the train arrives in Phoenix the next morning. But I will need reservations from Kansas City to Phoenix. And it will be better to let them know a week in advance. Now being I didn't leave here this month I surely intend to leave about the middle of June, which is next month. Now Marie please write to your father when you have found a room for me. I call him up at times and then he can tell me what you said. And perhaps I will call you about May 17th or May 24th which dates are on Sundays.

I still have the suit-case you gave me as a mother's day present once. But I need to get help for it and for another suit-case.

The lady I work for says she will buy me a trunk when I know that I am ready. Then I need time to pack my belongings. So please dear Marie try to find the place for me by the 24th of May. Then also I need to talk to them out at the hospital. So if you don't write to me, write to you father and I will try to call you by long distance May 24th. And be sure to pick the best you can for me by then. I mean best place to stay.

With love and best wishes.

I remain,

Your Mother.

Friday afternoon.

Dear Marie -

Being I didn't send my letter to you yesterday I will add a few more lines.

I was out to the hospital yesterday as Mrs. Schultz went on an errand and I went along.

I talked for a few minutes to the Dr. and I said that I wanted to go to Phoenix, Arizona next month. He said does your daughter want you to come? I hardly knew what to answer. But Marie when you talk to your father please say that "It will be OK for me to come." I need to have matters straight here and see about them right here.

Even Betty said that and I suppose Morgan told her that.

I was going to say if you don't need to pay down anything for a room you may keep the $15.00 for your time in helping me.

I just received a mother's day card from Lottie and a check for $5.00.

Hoping I am not asking too much. And perhaps you could write a few lines to you father also that it is OK for me to come. You know his ways.

As ever,
Mother.

P.S. Please excuse writing. In haste.

Trip to Nebraska

June 29, 1959

Dear Marie,

I'll just write a note - I want to get out several in time for the postman.

I talked to Betty on the phone twice, and she's pretty well sold on making the trip to Nebraska this Summer. Tentative plans are for the last two weeks in July.

I'm writing to Elin, too. Doubt if it would do any good, but I'll write anyway. Had a nice letter from Sock this week - he's in Virginia taking more training before his first assignment.

Betty's present idea is to take Robin and Royce with her, and I'm taking Jacque. They will get along well. [We're thinking of sharing a motel for the week we're there.]

Surely hope you can work something out so you can make the trip too. It would be fun to get together. Too, I know it would mean a lot to Mom and Pop. They are getting older - why not go now when they can appreciate our visit.

Hope to hear from you soon. Let's hear any suggestions you might have as to time or arrangements.

Love,

L.

The 3 of you have your father's way of talking and talking

Lincoln, Nebr. Oct 26. 1959

Dear Marie -

I received your welcome letter and I was very glad that you were at home when I called Saturday. I had to pay for 5 minutes (I think it was) over time.

Yes it certainly was wonderful that we could all be together this summer. Yes and the biggest surprise as you wrote was Martin. I hope Martin really took care of the belt and other things as I wished for him to take care of them.

I am so disappointed that we didn't have more time to visit being it has been so long since we have been together.

Marie if you don't mind me writing it I asked you to be the boss being you are older than your 2 sisters? But you and your sisters had so much to talk about. The 3 of you have your father's way of talking and talking. Elin and Martin take more of my ways and are more quite.

Then Marie when there is something really important with-in the family it seems you can't make up your mind to see about it.

I use to try so hard to teach you the ways which I knew were the most practical. Then your father would say "oh hush up." Now it seems to me you and your sisters not only followed up on that score but also bringing your children up the same. You should know how much manners mean. In words manners means - deportment; morals; and behavior.

Now in your letter you wrote "We are anxious that life be as happy as possible for you." So if you will please write as I ask you to, at the close of this letter.

I intend to send you some clippings and hope that you take time to read them.

Marie I think you could try and plan to move nearer where your sisters live. Now that you are earning a good salary please plan and try to move to Tacoma or Portland. And find a nice house larger than the one where you live. As your daughters grown older and later find employment that can help you pay for the property.

Elin's daughter is helping Elin to pay for the house which they bought and moved to last January.

I am so pleased that we could go to those places together this summer. I thank all of you who made it possible. But Marie we should all gone to places which were so much of interest to me when you were in Omaha. You and your father just talked about it but didn't do anything about it. Now you are in your 40's, and Betty and Lottie in 30's. You were influenced by strangers. Don't you think you should show now that you should consider some obligations toward me?

I hope you try and be as mentality alert as possible. Alert meaning - on the watch. The letter I received from Martin was dated Oct 6th. In part he wrote "Did you get a letter from Marie or Betty about the social security?"

Now Marie I wish to talk to an attorney as I have told you. And please OK please will you write to him saying - (This for the attorney - ) Please will you see that my mother - Mrs. Ruth Jensen - is relased from the State Hospital. And also kindly write - please let me mother sign her-self out. Thank you. And please write it at once Marie. This is the attorney's address - Mr. Emmet S. Brumbaugh, 330 Aquila Court, Omaha, Nebraska

As ever,

I remain,

Your Mother.

P.S. And Marie please ask in your letter to the attorney to ask about a room for me at the hotel in Blair. Also write to your father saying that perhaps he won't be asked to sign for me.

Thank you.

Mother.

I may call you over the telepone next Saturday or Sunday.

In haste)

"I am back in New York now."

Sept. 26, 1959

Dear Pop and Dora,

Hope you and Dora are O.K.

I am back in New York now.

I do not know how long I will be hear - mabey 2 or 3 week's.

Pop, Did my refund for me income tax money come yeat? (1956-1957-1958). IF SO PLEASE SENT IT TO ME IN NEW YORK. PLEASE SEND BY AIR MAIL.

Dora - Please Give My love to Mother in your next letter for me.

LOVE TO ALL

Martin

Nebraska in the Summer

July 25, 1959 (from postmark)

Dear Family,

Still visiting around. It's awfully hot. I'll start home Thursday morning - and arrive home Sunday at 7:05 (I think) that's the exact time.    - Mother

The Potters: "Of all the people."

Lincoln, Nebr.

Jan. 12, 1959

Dear Lottie -

I received your pretty greeting card and the check for $10 and thank you very much dear. Also the box of candy and silk stockings and I appreciate it all very much. Also thank you for the kodak pictures. I have placed them in the kodak book which you saw when you were to visit me. And also postmarked Jan. 3rd a birthday greeting card which was real pretty.

I heard from Marie, Elin and Betty but not a word from Martin. Also heard from Garfield and he sent me a scarf for my birthday present.

And I had a pretty cake for my birthday which I payed for my-self $2.75. The ladies upstairs had some of the cake with ice cream.

And what do you think? In the evening Marie called long distance to wish me (a happy birthday.) I talked to Marie first then to each of her children the oldest first then each in turn. Then I talked to Marie again. As Marie said it was extra special. And I was so glad to talk to them all you can be certain. Frank is now in Omaha and he stays part of the time with his brother and stays also with his parents. Marie said he had to give up his work. Didn't you receive one of those type-written annual Christmas letters from Marie? I am so pleased that Marie has moved back to her own house again. I hope she will find more time to write and answer my letters.

When your father was in Lincoln to visit me and about your letter. I read it out loud so he could hear and of - course Dora and her sister head what I read. I only wished to correct that you father didn't read it as you wrote.

I had a nice greeting card from Dora's sister. And what do you think about this? That on Christmas when Dora's sister was over at your father's house 6 of the Potter family were there also. Of all the people. Do you remember when we rented from them they wanted the last penny we owed them? And never were we all invited over to their house. I suppose the Potter's want to know all the news they can find out from your father. May-be you were too young to remember much about the situation when we lived on the Potter place where Betty was born.

Well Nebraska has a new Governor now. I am enclosing a clipping about him. When you are through with it and don't care for it any longer you may sent it on to Betty. Then Betty can sent the clipping to Marie. When you read the article you see how even a Governor may like to recall incidents about his parents and his home. I read where he and his wife have no children and that his wife teaches school.

I am going to send you a fruit cake, letter-opener and a handkerchief for each of your girls. I thought they perhaps were good enough to use for school.

You haven't mentioned how you like the clippings I have sent. I read in one article where "Nebraskas are not wealthy people."

Now back to the Potter's. I don't know if you remember the children very well. Lucile was the oldest. She married but has no children. Frank was next and he drowned not very far from his home. He was buried in a vault so Mr. Potter can go down and see him if he wishes. This according to your father.

Oh I sent you some papers not so long ago and I wondered if you received them. I sent them 1st class.

I will now come to a close.

Please write soon.

As ever,

Your Mother.

"One of their favorite games is to play 'train'"

Portland, Oregon
Dec. 16, 1959

Dear Mother,

Enjoyed hearing your voice on the phone. I didn’t send your Christmas package although it is all bought and wrapped. Please let me know what your plans are and when you would like me to send you the gift.

Our new house is very much like the other one except that it is somewhat smaller. Morgan wanted some money to invest in his business and selling our home seemed the easiest way to get it.

This house is very comfortable and I think it is going to be much easier to keep. I really was a chore to keep that big house as long as I was working.

We certainly enjoyed the trip to Nebraska. The girls often talk about is. One of their favorite games is to play “train.”

Robin is very happy in kindergarten. She’s very interested in school and is learning to read.

Lottie and Jill were down for the weekend a couple of weeks ago. Lottie had a letter from Elin saying Sock wanted them to come to Tacoma for the holidays. Sock will be home from the service for Christmas and Jeanne should be back from Europe.

Were also invited to Tacoma for Christmas so we might have quite a gathering there. Guess we’d better bring sleeping bags.

Jeanne has been touring Europe for two months. She stopped by in September and had dinner with us. She and a friend were between planes on their way to New York and Europe. They were planning to visit about 15 countries. I called Lottie on the phone and got the addresses of the relatives in Denmark & Sweden. Jeanne was going to try to visit them. If Jeanne is in Tacoma for Christmas it will be interesting to hear about her tour.

Well, Mom, guess that about brings you up to date with the Pritchetts. Hope you have a very merry Christmas and that you’re staying well. Do take care of yourself.

Lots of love,
Betty

The Fortunes of Traveling to Foreign Lands

I've hiked the hill to see "Big Jesus" in Rio (I know...not politically correct, but that's what it is), been really really hot climbing the temples of Angkor Wat in Cambodia, and been really really cold wading in the North Sea in November (a birthday dip).

I've tasted pie across the state of South Dakota, picked wild strawberries in the Latvia countryside, and rated empanadas across South America (Argentina, hands down).

I've ridden a tuktuk through the streets of Bangkok, sailed the Star Ferry in Hong Kong, and figured out the Tokyo subway system.

I've taken the obligatory photo by the Southern Most Point of Key West, looked up at (and down from) the Eiffel Tower, and walked very very quickly through the Red Light District of Amsterdam.

But something about this simple photo of a father and son makes me pause.

AB

Lincoln, Nebr.
Nov. 24, 1959

Dear Marie –

I am ending you some news-paper articles. Wouldn’t it have been wonderful if Martin and his father could have taken a trip together as the 2 shown here in the picture? Perhaps when your sons grow up they will be fortunate to travel abroad to foreign lands.

I heard from Martin a few weeks ago.

Marie I sincerely hope you wrote to the attorney Sunday afternoon as I reminded you. I hope you wrote that I would like for him to see about arranging for me to go to the hotel in Blair.

I would like to call you up again Sunday afternoon. In case you are not at home will you please tell your family to answer if you have wrote to the attorney about me? Also if you have written to your father about me. That he will or will he come for me when I can leave here? You see I wish to leave here the following day after I am released. That is why I wish to see about where I am going. And as I said I wish to leave here the 1st part of December.

I don’t know if you have heard from Lottie or not recently. I called her up not long ago and the news was that Marilyn – Elin’s daughter was on a trip to Europe and wet with some other girls. Marilyn was on a 2 month’s leave and went on a pass.

I haven’t heard from Elin that is not any letter from her since Mother’s day.

I want to get settled so that I can let those who wish to send me a greeting card at a different address.

Now don’t forget to remind who many answer the telephone to tell me if you have written to the attorney and your father. I would be very much pleased to talk to you next Sunday afternoon if you are at home Marie.

Hope you will enjoy reading the articles I am sending you.

With best wishes and love.

I remain
As ever

Mother.