Please Use The Word Mama Instead Of Mom

Omaha, Neb.

Jan. 7, 1948

Marie - 

I wish to thank you for the birthday card I received yesterday. It would have been nice if you had enclosed a pretty handkerchief. I hope you have received the apron and hot pan holder by this time. If you had already received it at the time when you sent the birthday card why didn't you write a few lines and let me know? You must write me a long letter and let me know about the way you spent Christmas out there.

I am enclosing some clippings I thought you would be interested in reading. The reason I am sending that little one with the girl wearing an apron is because I think you should make your little girls jumpers with a piece in the front. Can you still make the jumper that way and try and make the sleaves in the blouses longer? And why were you and Frank not in the picture also? I like the hair ribbons in their hair but why not remind them to close their mouths?

Will you please write and ask Betty to let me know if she received the apron I sent her? Also send her the clipping about Good morning breakfast program. 

I received the letter from you with the Christmas card. 1 card from your children with pictures drawn on the back of the card. 1 card from little Rebecka. I mentioned I received the money order before I think and the stockings as well as the photograph of your little girls.

I am glad I heard from all my children.

Marie I hope I can leave the hospital in the near future. But I don't know yet where I can go from here. I will write a few lines to Frank on the back of this letter. Please write very soon. You did not enclose any-thing with the birthday card did you?

From Mother.

~~~~~~~~

Wednesday Afternoon.

Frank - 

This afternoon from 2 to 3 is visitor's day but Marie's father did not come out as I hoped he would. And he did not bring me a birthday cake or flowers, not even a card. You could write and remind him how neglectful he was...

Frank, I received a Christmas card from your parents. Will you kindly write them that I sent my thanks to them. And thank you for your card also.

I hope you will think this clipping about Arizona interesting.

From Mrs. Ruth Jensen.

~~~~~~~~

Tuesday, Jan. 13, 1948

Marie - 

I received your card yesterday an all though I had a letter written to you, I will add more to my letter. I am glad you received the apron I sent, but you didn't mention the hot pan holder. How do you like it?

Did you have the flu about the time that Katherine D. was there for a visit?

At Christmas season there was a tree on this floor. Some of the patients made some decorations. At one time a number of school children came in a group and sang Christmas songs. Another time a number of adult people came and sang.

There are some young people who came out each Sunday evening and sing and we enjoy hearing them. Christmas morning present were passed out to the patients. I receive a pair of anklets.

Marie did you send a Christmas card to my cousin in Chicago? I received a pretty one from her. If you don't remember her address you may ask me next time you write. If you write to her please send her a nice handkerchief with your card. Thank you.

Did you have any letter from Elin? I wish that she would write to me. And will you write to Elin also Betty to write to me? I surely get lonesome staying here for days, weeks and months. To-day I have been here 8 months. I was hoping your father would come out last Sunday and being me a few things. Marie will you write and ask Lottie if she received the Nursery chair and tool box which was Martin's?

Now about the candy, you may send a few milk chocolates, and chocolate nougat candy, also hard candy and gum drops. Now you could buy about 1/2 lb. of each Marie. It could be for a belated birthday gift. Also if you wish you could send me a few pretty handkerchiefs and the Mc Call's magazine. If the magazine has been used it doesn't matter and remember December number for 1947.

Now Marie I hope you can take time and sit down and write out the list what I have asked you, to do for me. And please don't want any time and answer my questions by reading over my letter as you write. 

Thanking you again for all that you have sent me Marie. I hope you feel that it is a pleasure to do these things for me. So good-by for this time. I am, Your, Mother.

P.S. Please use the word Mama instead of Mom.

You Could Borrow Some Money

Aug. 8, 1951

Dear Marie - 

To-day is Wednesday evening. I hope that you received the letter I wrote Sunday and received the important notice from the Central Van and Storage Co, about my personal property so to speak. I also wrote to Mrs. Durand about calling the Storage Co., for me because I want to pay the bill. But Marie you know that I need some help. I was thinking that you could borrow some money or take a loan on your automobile and perhaps some other way. I don't know but this idea came to me. Then perhaps Betty or Elin could help but I don't know about Lottie. And being that time is nearing the date it is most necessary that you think real serious about this problem. I was thinking that you wouldn't need to send me any money at Christmas or for some time. Instead help me at the present time. So kindly will you send a telegram to each of your sisters for me. Or Frank could word them for you, I mean (telegrams).

I hope you excuse me for coming to the point in explaining about my need for money. Marie I don't like to write you about money and please don't be nervous. But sit down and talk over about money step by step. The money should be sent direct to the Storage Company. 

I am worried and you should show that you wish to do this for me because I have did so much work for you in the past.

Now please write and let me know if you have received the notice from the Storage Co., and send your letter air-mail. Marie now pay attention to what I have written. You wouldn't like to have some man who knows about legal matters come to see you would you?

Thanking you in advance. Best wishes to you all.

As ever,

I am,

Your Mother.

Well There Is No Turning Back Now

Oakland, Nebr.

June 29th, 1944

Betty dear - 

I received your telegram yesterday. When I opened it I tryed to be brave. Well there is no turning back now. Please write me a long letter and let me know the interesting details. Will you?

What are your plans? I hope you will stop over in Omaha. I want to greet you and the one who will be at your side. If you let me know I could try and be in Omaha at the time.

I also hope you will step over at Lottie's house and also at Elin's house. And may I remind you to have some nice pictures taken together. Bur don't look at the camera.

Betty you didn't answer all my questions in the last letter. You must not have read it over as you wrote to me. Did you destroy the letter?

I suppose Marie wishes you would stay longer with her. It seems such a short time compared with the time you spent in the hospital.

Betty dear please write at once so I will get your letter in time to go to the city.

Please take good care of your-self. Your health is so important.

Oh by the way if you go by the way of Tacoma could you take Lottie's mirrow with you? Think it over. 

Good-by and sweet dreams.

As ever,

I am,

Your Mother.

P.S. Please go and visit my cousins and Marie has their address. Greet them from me. Perhaps Marie could go also as she knows which way to go. Thank you.

Mar 23, 1954

Dear Marie -

I received your welcome letter. I am sending your children some Easter candy. Also some leather to put in the back part of those shoes I sent. There is glue on 1 side and wet it, then paste it along the heel part. It should be hot water. If you still don't want to shoes don't send them back to me. You may send them to Elin. If she can't wear them perhaps they would fit Marilyn. Write and ask Elin first.

If you wish to send me something for Easter you could send me some money.

Let me know if you received the blouse I sent. One of the ladies here gave it to me.

I will answer your letter later.

P.S. The heart-shaped candy box was for your children to play with.

As ever, Mother.

I did not attend church services to-day, in case some-one came to visit me

Lincoln, Nebr.

Sept. 30, 1951

Dearest Marie -

It was such a nice way to address me at the beginning of your letter so I will do the same. I received your letter dated Sept. 13 and I was indeed pleased to hear from you. I did not attend church services to-day, in case some-one came to visit me. And being I did not heave any company I sat out on the lawn. I wrote to your father last Sunday and also to Martin. Yes I got the coat and I wrote and thanked Mrs. Durand but received no answer.

Marie why didn't you answer my letter, in which I wrote and asked you if you received the bill for the storage of my house-hold goods? I thought that you would think it important to me which it is. I am anxious to hear if you or your sisters have payed any money toward the bill and please write and let me know.

Yes it certainly was good news to hear about Martin. I addressed my letter to Ogden, Utah and General delivery as you wrote it. I hope that he receives my letter. Did he write and tell you what the name of the Company is that he is working for? Please write and let me know if  he has answered your letter Marie will you?

Have you heard from Lottie, Betty or Elin? I sent Lottie and Betty a birthday card. I have not heard from either one of your sisters for quite a while. You could write to them and remind them to write and answer my letters.

(I wish to thank you for senidng the letter Dora wrote. I wish that your father would be come this way when out driving on his vacation. When the weather is so pleasant as it has been to-day I should think that your father could come to Lincoln. I hope that when I remind him the next time I write, that for him to come that he really will come. When you write to him your could copy the above paragraph starting where I made the mark.)

Please be more prompt in answering this letter. It was so nice of you to write that you "have thought a lot about my recently". Also will you read over my letter as you write. And also you could send me some money if you wish. Thank you very much.

When you write your address on the envelope will you remember to write what Street or Avenue you live on?

Best wishes to you and your family.

My Address is on the envelope.

From, Mother.

Marie's husband and Mr. Jensen came for me in Mr. Jensen's car

Lincoln, Nebr.

Feb. [1965]

Dear Elin -

I received the lovely Christmas greeting and letter from you. I hope that you received what I send before Christmas to you. When you receive something from me I surely would appreciate if you would let me know as soon as possible.

The 26th of January Marie's husband and Mr. Jensen came for me in Mr. Jensen's car. We went out to dinner and then started out for Omaha. While in Omaha Mr. Jensen and I went up to Blair on the 27th of Jan. 1965 brought my brother some cut flowers, candy and some Oakland papers. Garfield seemed cheerful and we spoke about you. I returned on Thursday Jan. 28th to Lincoln.

The next day here it snowed, on Friday.

My brother was in bed when we were up to see him. I wish he would have a stand by his bed to put some of the things he needs.

The guardian was the man to see

Lincoln, Nebr.

August 3, 1953

Dear Marie -

I thought that I would write again and remind you that it is your turn to write to me. I hope that you received my last letter.

Your father was here for a short visit a few weeks ago.

I don't suppose you intend to come to Nebraska this summer. I have written about suggestion in coming here you know.

When your father was here he said that they had been up to Blair about a month or 6 weeks before they were here. My brother expressed the same views as those which he had written to me. And that is that my children should help me and if you don't believe me why don't you write and ask my brother. I do my very best in explaining about why I am staying here because some one from my family has not come for me.

I have written to Elin also and she wrote and said "Perhaps one of the other children could look into this. Have you wrote and asked any of them? I haven't heard from any of the girls for a long time." Un-Quote. This letter as dated July 22nd 1953. Marie please cooperate in helping me to be released from the hospital. Elin wrote that she guessed that Marilyn would graduate in September. I would like to be out there then in Washington state then. So please write at once to Elin and Ray.

Now when your father was here I said that I would like to see my guardian. For as you perhaps know a guardian was appointed for me. Now you said that when you were here that the Dr. told you that somebody from Nebraska needs to sign for me. Your father said the guardian was the man to see.

It is necessary for me to have a place to go to when leaving the hospital. If Elin can not come here I wish that Martin would. I haven't written to him since you send me his address, which I wish to thank you for Marie.

I hope Lottie has written to you about Martin because Martin had been to visit Betty. Lottie's letter was dated July 20, 1953.

Marie I was thinking I would ask you to write to the office from where Martin is in service or rather where you got his address. To ask if they would talk to Marin and ask him if he would come back here and take me out to Washington. So please write to Elin and ask her to please say I may come or call her by long distance or send a telegram and have an answer from her. May-be I could go out there along if I don't find any other way. Please write by the 10th of August for it is important to me.

From, Mother.

P.S. If I should her from anyone of the family I will let you know the next writing day.

The Dictionary

Lincoln, Nebr.

May 1, 1966

Dear Lottie -

I have intended to write to you before this and please excuse me. I thought perhaps you would let me know that you had received what I sent and how did Mark like the lunch box?

I have had free time this afternoon so I arranged pictures. When you send kodak pictures you don't write the name or date on the back of each. I am not sure which is Mark. So please try to remember to write the name instead of Mom.

I wrote to Betty and I hope she will let you read the letter.

When I was in Omaha 2 weeks ago I called Mrs. Mininni and she was so glad to know it was I. She wanted to know where you and your sisters were living. Also how many children each had. Just think after all these years our conversation was familar talking. I would like to go and visit her this summer and how about you going with me?

I was intending to mention what Dora would like being she don't have any. It is a dictionary and she said she wished she had one. A dictionary with a paper back costs less than a dollar I think. Now as for your mother - I would like some plain white writing paper. No envelopes please. Thank you.

I sent Elin a birthday card. Had a letter from Merrilyn recently.

Now again about coming this summer. I would suggest you visit for at least 3 weeks. You could get rested up and do some sewing if you felt like it. I sewed on the sewing machine when I was in Omaha. And I have 2 dresses which you could help me with. Hope you are in cheerful mood.

I am sending the article about Fritz Johnson - well his second wife was a native of Falls City. An announcer said over the radio that his mother came to see him in Omaha and that he said he coulnd't have found a nicer Mother if he had gone looking for one. As ever, Your Mother.

P.S. Excuse writing.

Let Betty read this letter. I talked to Marie over the telephone a few minutes ago. She said it would be in August when she could come. And to tell you and Lottie that. Hope to see you in August, then. Mother.

And on the back of the envelope...

upcoming Winter Break

Laurie Lane

1-26-86

Dear Lottie & Bob,

Got your nice great-grandparents card. Already put it in Collyn's own book - better system than I had for any of my own kids or grandkids. Where did you ever find such an appropriate, specialized card?

About the dud of a phone. I dug up the sales slip, called the Federated Group at 5220 Indian School - 245-1900 - explained the problem and whereabouts of the phone. No problem (so the young man said) just take the sales slip and the phone to any Federated Group and everything will be taken care of. So - enclosed find sales slip. Transaction must be done prior to Feb. 16.

The Feb. 20 to Mar. 7 dates for your "winter break" are fine - a little bit skimpy but better by far than nothing. We'll just use the time optimally. It was 79 degrees yesterday and just as lovely today - hope the weather is as fine for you - be sure to tell Bob.

Now about the check. You returned the one for $130, dated 12-2-85, and kept the one for $25 dated 12-17-85. NO FAIR! Besides you crossed out the check in INK so I haf'ta wite a whole new check - FOR SHAME!

Betty called yesterday. She seems very happy and is planning a trip to Michigan in Feb. Will get to stop-over in Detroit to see Ken's school play hockey and on to his home for a special dinner for 8 (Betty cooking) and a reception on Feb. 14 with 50 or 60 invitations sent out. She's using up her vacation time - GOOD!

Gave Elin a call yesterday. Jan. 16, 1932 was their wedding date. I asked her to write down her early recollections and send them to us. She sounded obliging and same as always. Ray is making a special plow to use in the garden.

We're going along as usual. Sorted and stored Christmas decorations - making some serious moves to corral the garage. Made arrangements to take Joel for a balloon ride on his real birthday, Jan. 31 - also fulfills a promise to Frank for last year's birthday gift from me.

Lots more to chit-chat about but about out of paper.

Love - to both of you

Marie & Frank

Marty will have to do the best he can at Parkland

January 9, 1943

Dear Folksies,

It's Sunday night, and sorry to say, many Sunday nights have gone by since we've written any letters. We haven't quite gotten settled down after Christmas.

We've all had colds. Mine, I guess is the worst, I've had it for over a month and can't seem to shake it. Roxanne has been sick this week - stomach flu. The same thing as when she was ill in Yakima. She's been on a very light diet, and just as cross as two sticks. Today she felt better, so I put her back on a partially straight diet, and she simply ate like a horse.

Roxy says quite a few words now. Such as "see, dropped it, here it is, here you are, where, hello, hi, boo, peek, bye, mamma, daddy, Martin" and understands, and will carry out a simple commands. Like "shut the door, put this back, put it in the hamper, come here, and go see so-and-so"

I had a wisdom tooth pulled this week too. Hurt for a few days but is all right now.

A Christmas card came from Hastings and thought you might be interested. Needless to say, I do not intend to send one back, so I'm sending it on to you.

By the way, I have heard not one scratch from that darned photographer in Yakima. I sent the proofs in the first part of October and have written again some weeks ago asking about them but have heard nothing at all. May I suggest that you write Rev Blickenstaff and ask him to do a little bird-dogging on the deal. I had planned to write the Better Business Bureau, but a personal contact with them and the photographer would be much better. Mom wrote that you and Elin had offered to chip in on the bill. That is not necessary; we set aside the money for this months ago. However, I'd appreciate it is you would write Rev. B - you know them better, so it would be best for you to do it. (If you think it's a good idea.)

The research on Martin seems to have petered out. Neither the doctor or the principal thought Martin would be any better off at Marymount - so that seems to be out. The doctor thought Martin should be analyzed by the school analyst in town, but Mr. Ford (the principal) didn't think the analyst knew her business, and knew personally of too many cases in which she was wrong. He asked if Martin had even been psychoanalyzed, and I said "yes". He thought that would have been much more thorough that the regular school analyst. There were two schools discussed - one a class at Roy (a small town near here) but this was really for feeble-minded kids and Mr. Ford didn't think he belonged there. The other was a class at Central Grade School in town which dealt with problem and handicapped children, and seemed to be just the thing for Martin. However, it's way in town, and impossible and impractical from a standpoint of time and transportation. So I guess Marty will have to do the best he can at Parkland. There is just nothing else to do.

Sometimes he's good at home, and sometimes he's terrible, but on the whole I think he's improving. Spontaneous obendience is what we're working on more than anything else for that's the root of most of his trouble.

Here I am already to the fourth page and have not thanked you for your nice Christmas gifts. The rugs Mrs. Harris made are perfect. They are a beautiful blue, and go well with everything in Roxanne's room. The photograph book is just what she needs and we hope we can get those pictures put in in? the not too distant future. (Incoherent, isn't it?)

Bob appreciated the tie rack as did Martin. He put it up himself on his closet door, and was pleased as punch with his effort. God job, too. We are reading "Robin Hood" to him at night when he is a good boy. We're half way through, so you see, he's been pretty good. He eats up every word too.

Thanks again for all your nice gifts. I'm afraid ours to you this year were very meager. And by the way, did you get the other package of your slips and shoes? I had them both insured so let me know if you didn't get both boxes. Marty's bathrobe with baseball mitts and the baby mittens came too. Thank you.

Better close now, it's nearly ten-thirty, and I've got to take a bath before I go to bed. So adios.

Marty said he would write, but don't expect his letter till you get it.

L.

The Lars and Ruth Jensen Family

click to enlarge

I don't think the picture good

Omaha, Nebr

Wednesday

Mar 21, 1946

Marie -

I received your letter and the family picture also the hot water bottle and the $5.00 money order. Thank you very much for all of them. Marie I don't think the picture good and don't have any made like them again. Have some pictures taken by another photographer and this time please have your mouth closed. Don't look at the camera and wear a dark dress. Please try and arrange to have them taken soon and then send one to my cousins if you will. Thank you. I am enclosing a card to thank you again for what you sent.

If you like the card don't you think it would be a good idea to put them in a scrap book?

The clippings that I sent that I thought looked like Robert Taylor was that Fred Knotts?

Marie I thought you could take a taxi cab and go and see where Home Ave., used to be. I have written that I would like to know that the house looks like and if the same house is there.

Mrs. Lyons dies a few weeks ago at the Imanual hospital. Last fall she sold her house to Minnie's for 2 thousand dollars cash. The house is now rented for 28 dollars a month to some people who don't have any children.

I have been trying to do some washing to-day. Also airing some bed clothes.

Marie being that I try and answer your questions why don't you answer a question I have asked 2 or 3 times before. It is this about the furniture I have here. I would wish for you to take some of the pieces and we can decide that when you some which I hope you will Marie.

I certainly wish that you could come to Omaha for a few weeks and help me with some work. You could leave the children with Mrs. Durand and I don't think it would be so hard if you only will try.

The weather is pleasant here now. You know you havea few things here. Try and inquire where you think you are doing to be sent from Chicago.

I haven't seen your father for about 2 weeks now. At that time he gave me 20 cents. Now Marie I need money again so please could you send me more. I don't like to ask you and I don't each much. But I need to eat some food and I am supposed to drink milk.

Please answer soon as possible Marie. Have you heard from Lottie or Elin recently?

I must now close and say good-night.

I am, Your Mother.

Jill and Mark both play the piano. Not well, but loud.

July 12, 1958

Dear Marie,

Betty sent your letter up to me last week. It was so good to hear from you, but I can't tell you how terribly sorry I am to hear of Frank's trouble. I wish you might have told us sooner - perhaps there's nothing we can do, but at least we could have prayed and listened.

I hope so sincerely that Frank may have a real comeback to his old self. It sounds like you have the very best of medical help. Have faith and hope, and trust. Remember, the Lord only ask those to carry a cross whom he knows will be strong enought to carry it. I'm sure you've been told, "Take each day as it comes." The hour is always darker before the dawn.

You're so smart to go back to school. Even if you don't have or want to go back to work, you will have the peace of mind in knowing that you are trained for a well-paying job that you can step into at any time.

I'm sure you're grateful for the Durands being with you. The children will have that extra leaning post while you're busy. And if things work out that change, if location is desirable, I hope you'll consider the Northwest. You know both Betty and I would be happy to have you and your family nearby.

I haven't written you in a long time either. Althought it seems trite, I'll try and catch you up on news from here.

Bob is still working for the N.P. Railroad. This Spring he was transferred to the Seattle office. It was a promotion, so we can't complain, but it means driving back and forth 30 miles each way. The children won't hear of moving, and since real estate is higher over there it's hardly feasible. Bob doesn't mind driving - and sometimes he has riders which help defray expenses.

I'm still working at PLC as a baker. The boarding students now number over 800 - three meals a day. I have one helper and we put out all desserts and breads - also the "prepared mixes" used by the cooks. We do not make all of the bread, but usually put out one homemade bread a day - rolls, biscuits, variety yeast bread, or quick bread. In addition, we cater to a lot of campus activities. Fancy cakes, decorated cakes - that sort of thing for receptions and teas.

I go to work in the morning with Bob - that's 5:30 A.M. now - used to be 7:15 when he worked in town. The kids have to get themselves ready for school - that's the only bad part, but I'm usually home by 2:00 or 2:30 - so I'm here when they come home. I don't work very much in the Summer; just a few dys here and there for conventions.

This summer my project is finishing the East bedroom upstairs - the one where we kept Bob's tools when you were here. I have a carpenter coming next week to do part of the work, but I plan to do quite a bit myself. Bob is working on an outdoor fireplace for the patio, so I don't want to distract him. Besides he really has very little time, and on top of that, he's not very ambitious.

This summer Roxy and I are trying to learn to drive. I've been "learning" for three years or so, but haven't  gone over to take my license test. In Washington, a student driver may get a "learner's permit" for 50 cents which is good for 60 days. I've put more money into permits that I like to admit. A student is allowed to operate a car with a licensed driver in the car - and no one else. Last summer we bought a 1950 Chevrolet, but we still have the old '41 black Chev. that we had when you were here. If Roxy and I can learn to drive, at least we'd have transportation.

Roxy hasn't been very well the past year. Her trouble is a sense of too much responsibility and too much conscience - trying to be too much to too many people. Being the oldest, we always expected a lot of her - and at school and church and in music circle, at 4-H it was the same. She is a natural leader with a lot of talent. She is fast, efficient, and dependable, and expects perfection from herself. She has an extremely high I.Q. - and rated 17th grade (past college) on one test. Only last year one of her teachers whome I didn't know, looked me up specially to say that Roxy was the happiest, and best adjusted child she had ever known. Now, she is often moody, and inclined to go around with a chip on her sholder. Having worried over this problem the past year, I can easily understand your more serious trouble with Frank.

Melody is picking raspberries this summer. She makes an average of $1.50 a day. Not much, but life is just one big social whirl to Melody, and this keeps her busy. She will be going into the ninth grade this fall. She is taller than either Roxy or I. She's very pretty, but right now has one of those "fad" urchin-type haricuts that looks like heck. She's very popular with both boys and girls, and gets more phone calls in a day than all the rest of the family put together.

Jill, Mark, and Jacque have been at camp (Lutherwood) this week, but are coming home today. Jill is as tall as I am now. She and Mark both play the piano. Not well, but loud. Jacque took lessons, but says she's too lazy to learn notes, and just wnts to play dolls and read and listen to other people play the piano.

I'm planning on going over to see Elin in a couple of weeks. Also down to see Betty one day soon.

I must go - Roxy has two friends staying overnight. They're up now, and I have to go fix breakfast, then get to the work done before the little kids come home this afternoon.

Keep your chin up, Marie. And do write. We are interested in you.

Love,

L.

Soon Bed Time will be Called

Nov. 4, 1951

Dear Marie -

This is Sunday evening and just remembered that this is letter writing day. By the way why haven't you answered me by this time? It seems to me that you could find time to write a few lines.

I wish to write and let you know that another lady from the hospital and my-self went to the city to-day and I enjoyed it very much. First we attended church services at St. Paul Methodist church. Then we went and had dinner, and afterwards when over to the Y.W.C.A. and rested a little while. Then we walked over to the N University and saw the museum which was interesting.

Last Sunday I wrote to Lottie and Betty. I wrote to Betty that I thought she should think over before she and Morgan move again. Don't you think you would like to see their place?

I wish Elin too could visit her and I am not sure whether or not Lottie has seen their present place. I hope Betty writes to you soon and if you write to her and remind her to write to her mother I will appreciate it? Thank you.

I hope you have heard from Martin again and please let me know. I don't wish to write and ask you the same questions I asked in my other letter.

When you write don't forget to write Diamond Street or Avenue.

I need glasses very much.

It is now 25 minutes to 10 and real soon bed time will be called.

Now please sit down and write when you receive this letter. I did no get any mail this week at all.

Don't forget when you write that you may enclose some money. I am glad that I may go to the city and buy what I like my-self. You know how people do have different taste.

I will close for this time and say good-night. And also could you remind your father to come and visit me as I am still waiting.

Best wishes to you all.

As ever, I am,

Your,

Mother.

Danish Camp

Aug 2 (mid 80s)

Dear Lottie

Enclosed are prints of some pictures taken on the trip. You probably have some similar shots but thought you might like to have them anyways.

I've sent the three taken in Colville to Elin also. I'll sent a couple of Mike's wedding after I have some prints made.

We've been busy as usual. In the process of putting in the back yard & the deck. Did quite a few things inside to make the house more "homey". Also have made two trips to the cottage & did some work up there.

We've also had 4 batches of out-of-town company. The last was Ken's grandchildren. We took them to the cottage which they dearly love.

Danish Camp was a success with Kate & Morgan. Hope Marian & Elisabeth enjoyed it also.

Much love

Bets

The impatients and window box plants are beautiful! Thanks so much!

P.S. We have the second guest bedroom in operation. I'm framing the 4 Renoir cards to hang on the wall.

That money is almost used up now

Omaha, Nebr.

Feb. 24, 1946

Marie -

Well I thought I would write a few lines to you being this is Sunday afternoon. I hope that you received the last note I sent with the birthday greeting card. Did you have a happy birthday? Please write and let me hear how you passed the day before you forget. I have been looking for the water bottle Marie which you wrote in your letter that you would send as soon as you get a chance to go shopping. I hope you are not working too hard so that you can't find time to go out and take a walk in the fresh air.

And how is Frank and the children? No doubt you are looking forward to summer when you are leaving Chicago.

Marie please try have a family picture taken and please don't any of you look at the camera. And don't wear your glasses. Answer me when you write Marie about pictures.

I was thinking that I thought it would be nice if Betty and Morgan could come for a visit to you when Frank graduates in June. You can be thinking this over and then write Betty.

Yes I was over to Fremont to see Dave as he stays there. Well I wanted to see him about having some repairs made to the house here. Hasn't there been a great deal printed in the news-papers about housing conditions?

Now about my utilities, you know there is only one water meter. So the people up-stairs pay the bill and that is taken out of their rent. And your father pays the electric light bill. Also he has brought me package coal this winter. Now about food, I have had some money which I have spent for food but that money is almost used up now. So Marie do you think you could send me some money what you can spare? You don't need to send the water bottle if you haven't already bought it. You may send the money instead and please Marie will you send money just as soon as possible?

Yes Lottie, Betty, and Martin sent me something for Christmas as well as Elin. But Marie I have had some personal taxes that should have been paid a long time ago. And your father didn't want to pay them for me. So with some of the money you sent me at Christmas I paid taxes with.

Now about 100 Home Avenue I wish that you or Frank could take a taxi some time and go out and se about about how big the house is. But first Frank could look up and see where it is being the street name has been changed.

Thank you for sending the letter from my cousin. I hope that you can visit them real soon and see how my cousin is who had injured her knee.

There are many divorces in Chicago isn't there? Even Sonja Henie and do you take any dayly paper? And so many young brides coming to America from England. I read that this was a greatest number of youmg woman coming to this country in 2 hundred years. But that they would be an asset to the States. The biggest number of women and children at one time. Marie I have written you about coming to Omaha and why can't you answer me about this. You know you have some things here still.

I wish that you would write and answer questions. I try to answer your questions. I hope I will hear from you this week.

So good-by,

I am,

Your

Mother.

P.S. You may sent any letter you have received from your sisters. Did you received the valentine box I sent with a few cookies? If you wish you may send me a pair of stockings.

Lars P Jensen, age 85 years

To-day is a beautiful day.

Omaha, Nebr.

Oct. 2, 1947

Marie -

I received your letter dated Sept. 16th and I was delighted to hear from you. I have intended to write sooner. To-day is a beautiful day. I am still here but expect to leave here soon. It will seem wonderful to breath air in the big out-of-doors. I have not been out side very recently. I go to the sewing class in the afternoon except Saturdays. I am now crocheting on a hot pan holder. It is the 8th article I have made. Also I changed the way a dress I have was made in the front.

You asked me in your letter what my intentions were. Well I asked your father to go and talk to the Dr. about my being released from the hospital. He did go one time but I wished that he would go again. I was thinking that I oculd stay out at his house for a short time. But I haven't been out to his house and I wished we could agree about on matters so to speak. So the next time your father comes out I think I will tell him that I may go out to Clearview home which is about 10 miles West of Benson. There was an article in last night's paper about the County hospital which said being this department was crowded some patients is to go to Clearview. I have worded this as near as I can remember. Thank you for writing that my wishes are the main thing to be considered.

Now about shoes I think it would be better to buy them here. So Marie would you send me the money which I will appreciate very very much. Also I need money for other things and you know Marie you haven't sent me any money since I have been here. And didn't you write at one time that you were going to send me $10.00 a month?

So Marie as I will be needing money how about sending me ten dollars the next time you write? The money and valuables are kept in a safe for patients. And I may leave here soon so could you send your letter with the money air mail and have the letter insured with a return card made out? No it would not be a suitable place in your father's garage to store things. My things are stored Marie and I wish I could go and get my sweater you sent me some time ago. I like the long sleaves in it.

It was nice that you had a pleasant vacation on your trip. Were your children with you?

I hope Martin is all right and that he can attend school which is closest to where Lottie lives. I wrote to Lottie but haven't heard from her in answer to my letter. Please write to her and ask her to write to me.

I mush close and please write as soon as you reeive this letter. And also enclose money.

I have been writing this letter with the tablet in my lap.

Also when you write to Betty remind her to write to me some time. I haven't heard from Elin yet.

Good-by for this time.

I am, As ever

Your Mother.

In care of County hospital.

P.S. I hope I can arrange to buy the shoes after you send the money Marie. And thanking you in advance.