Holiday Activities at the Lincoln State Hospital

(click to enlarge)

Now I Am Able To Take Some Kind Of Job

Nov. 9, 1952

Lincoln 1, Nebraska

Dear Marie - 

I received the little card about the birth of your baby. Why didn't you write a letter as it is your turn to answer my letter? But I suppose you have had so many things to think about. Hope you and the baby are as well as can be expected. It should please your father what you named your baby. Who is the baby's first name after if any-body because such a common name?

I am still here as you can see by this paper. Your father has not been here since the last part of May. And I have not been down town for about a year now. I wish to send you something I made but would rather sent it my-self the way I like. Now Marie it seems you could help me if you knew how import an it is to me, if you would co-operate. I was nice of you to write that I had your permission to go to Lincoln but could you write and ask if I could have town patrol as it it called? You could write this in the letter to me and I will show it to the Dr. who comes on this ward. I told him about you and your baby.

Marie there is something else I wish to write to you about. Now I am able to take some kind of a job. I can iron well as you know. Then plain sewing. And lately I have learned how to sew carpet rags a new way. I would not expect much for my work but would be so thankful if you will write to me that I have your permission to take a job. I don't suppose you would consider me to come to live with you even though I could help you with your house-work and I would not expect any money just room and board.

Please let me know if you have heard any news about Martin. I am worried about him. 

Pardon me, but if you should wish to send me any gift, would you send me some money. That is what I need as I still have not got any glasses for my eyes which I need very much. Please write to your sisters to send me money in case they desire to send me any-thing. Thank you very much.

Now please write as soon as possible. I did not attend church services to-day. I was reading the papers this afternoon. So much of interest to read about the past election. Who did Frank vote for and did you vote? I was wondering if Martin went to vote too?

Hope this letter finds you blissfully happy. I will now come to a close and remind you to write and answer my questions.

Best wishes to all.

As ever,

Your, Mother.

P.S. Marie if you can not afford o send me any money please write that you give permission to get town patrol and also that I may take a job.

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.

Please Drive By The Town Where Martin Is And Bring Him With You

Lincoln, Nebraska

May 27, 1951

Dear Marie,

I sent you a blue scarf I had made and I hope that you received it. The crocheted lace around the scarf is made with the thread that you sent me.

I received the fan which you send and thank you all very much. 

Your father was here to visit me last Sunday and D. and 2 other ladies. I was glad to see them. Your father had some good news. He had Martin's address and so I wrote to him last Sunday. I hope he receives my letter and pays attention to what I wrote. And also the other news was that he had heard that you were coming on a visit to Omaha. Oh I hope it is a fact and that you will really come Marie. I hope you will come soon after school lets out. I will be so delighted to see you all.

Marie I am wondering if you know what Martin's address is. I hope you know what company he is working for. I you don't know find out by calling your father. The address is Martin M Jensen, Tooele, Utah, General Delivery.

Marie would you and do you think you could do me a favor? That is I was thinking if you would please drive by the town where Martin is and bring him with you? I am so lone some to see him. I suppose you are all coming in an automobile. Please write and let me know. I am so anxious to hear about what plans you have and please come as soon as you can and remember drive very carefully.

It is now bed time and I will close.

With love,

I am,

Your Mother.

P.S. We will talk things over when you come.

Requested Articles of Clothing

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.

Do You Sing Softly As You Send Your Babies To Sleep?

Lincoln, Nebr.

Sept. 11, 1949

Lottie dear - 

I will write a few lines as I am sending you a birthday greeting card. I hope that you received the card I sent to Roxanne. Two weeks ago I wrote to Betty and sent her a card also. I hope that Betty is with you at the present time and will stay and help you with your work as long as you need help and until you feel stronger. 

Have you heard from any of your sisters or Martin? I wish Martin would write to me. If you happen to know what Martin's address is I wish you would send it to me.

I sent my brother Garfield a card as it was his birthday the 7th of September. 

Betty is about the same age as Margaret Truman and only about 6 month's difference.

I read that in England they consider a child a baby until it is 2 1/2 or 3 years of age. And that they take such good care of their little children. By the way do you sing softly as you send your babies to sleep. These was a line in a baby lullaby song which went as follows - "And baby has fallen a sleep." Lullaby means - a song to quiet infants.

You remember surely when the song "On the Isle of Capri" was so popular. Well I read in Time magazine about Margaret Rose taking a journey to Capri and she had 3 chaperons. In the article it said "I don't think she's much of a threat to the other girls."

I wish to send you a sauce dessert and I wish you or Betty would let me know how it turns out. (1 1/2 cups light brown sugar, 2/3 cup light corn syrup, 1/2 cup water, 1/4 cup better, 2/3 cups cream, little sale, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla, and chopped nuts if desired. Put sugar, corn syrup, water and butter into a pan, stir well, then boil to a soft ball stage. Cool and beat in the cream, salt, and vanilla. Serve on ice cream or pudding.)

May I remind you to serve oysters once in a while for health's sake and the children may learn to like them. Hope you have a nice birthday cake and wish you many happy returns of the day.

Lottie I hope I may be dismissed now very soon and I am so lonesome. I surely have been very patient. I wish you would be kind to write soon and fine the fine and have the ambition. 

When you write describe the jumper for me but don't sent it as I don't need it. 

Best wishes to all.

I remain,

From,

Your Mother.

P.S. I wish I had some stamps.

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. 

Mrs. Schultz wants me to wash my hair every week

Lincoln, Nebr.

June 13, 1955

Dear Marie - 

I hope that you received my letters. I have been waiting to hear from you. Why don't you write? Your wrote a nice letter dated May 16, 1955.

I was so glad about Martin. The birthday card you sent him I hope was received. The letters and handkerchief I sent him was not returned to me so he must have received them. I surely hope Martin will help me. I wish he would write to me. I hope that it cane be arranged that I can go out to Seattle if I don't go out to Phoenix where you are. I am waiting to hear from you in answer to my questions. Excuse me for repeating anything in my letters.

When the social worked was here she said she would see me in 2 or 3 weeks. And it was 3 weeks ago yesterday since she was here or 4 weeks next Wednesday.

I have had some nice letters from the case-worker in Omaha. I wish I could talk to her but she wrote "that it was un-likely that she could come to Lincoln to visit me." I think that is the way she worded the sentence.

Marie you know I wrote that I would like for you to put in writing "that I may be released from the State Hospital." I would like for you to come to Lincoln and see about me being release if it is necessary. If you can't come perhaps it can be arranged for Martin to come here.

I can't explain how difficult it is to work here. Mrs. Schultz wants me to wash my hair every week and talks about having my hair cut and curled. My hair is coming out and is so thin now. But Mrs. S. just goes on and on about the different things she wants me to spend money on. Please, please help me. I have been thinking that I would call up Frank's parents in Omaha and ask if they have heard anything from you.

There are several reasons why I don't like it here so it would be the best answer to leave here.

In the letter I had from Lottie dated May 3, 1955 she wrote Quote "How are things going now where you are working? Write again. If you are still unhappy there, I see no reason why we can't write to the social worker to see if she can find another job for you. Sometimes a change is good for a person." Un-Quote.

I cam enclosing a letter I received from my second cousin Anna. You don't need to return her letter.

Hope you like the clippings. And please write soon and answer questions.

Excuse mistakes and any un-neatness. Best wishes.

From, Mother.

She shows little insight into an understanding of her condition

And with some news that is good to hear

Lincoln, Nebraska

May 25, 1952.

Dear Marie -

I wrote to you last Sunday but I have not heard from you in answer to my last letter. I would like to explain a little more about you coming here so excuse me for writing to you again. Now I hope I can explain matters to you again I asked the Dr. who comes on this ward about the expense about the fair for you to come here. And now if you can not afford the price of railroad fair your father must help you. You know your father has helped with expenses to travel at other times in the past. And also that it was for the staff here at the hospital to decide about a ticket for me. Also Marie the Dr. said you have to have a willingness for me to come out there to your home. And also the attendent on this ward said you were the only one who could help me out from this hospital.

Now Marie you know that in the past you have come when I needed you.

I was reading an article in a magazine about a young lady who had a problem. And this is what she worte Quote - "If you love me, please help me. It has to be."

I still have the same glasses  and they give me a headache. That is something important also for you to go with me and have my eyes tested for new glasses.

I attended the services at the hospital chapel this afternoon.

I have been reading the Reader's Digest for April 1952 and in it is an article about President Truman. And I will write a few lines from page 160. Quote - When I was 12 I had read the Bible all the way through twice. I spent a lot of time on the 20th Chapter of Exodus and the 5th, 6th and 7th Chapters of Matthew's Gospel.

I have read the above in the Bible as there are more than 1 Bible on this ward. Try to teach your children to read the Bible where I mentioned the above Chapters. And try to read the Reader's Digest for last April also. Also read Bible where I have writen about.

And please will you write a few lines and let Betty know that I receive the Mother's day card and what was enclosed. I will try to write soon. Also please remind Lottie to write to me.

I hope you answer real soon. And with some news that is good to hear.

With love

As ever,

I am,

Your Mother.

No Out-siders

Lincoln, Nebr.

May 1962

To whom it may concern -

I Mrs. Ruth Jensen have been employed at the Schultz Rest Home for over 8 1/2 years and it was that number of years the 1st of April 1962.

I wish to be discharged from the State Hospital at Lincoln, Nebraska. I wish to leave this place of employment as soonas possible. I also wish for my social security check to be mailed to me in my own name - Ruth Edith Jensen.

If any problems come up I woud like to talk to my brother at Blair, Nebraska. And that no out-siders to send me to any institution.

I will support my-self and pay my own bills.

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.

Lincoln, Nebr.

June 18, 1950

Dearest Marie -

You asked in the short letter you wrote dated June 1st whether I received the mother's day greeting from you. I hope you received the letter which I wrote 2 weeks ago to-day in which I thank you for the telegram. I also received the underwear and anklets and they fit all right and thank you very much.

Don't send the other things you mentioned as I don't need them. At the close of this letter I'll let you know what I need and I would appreciate if you wish to send the articles.

Marie I have been hoping to hear from you and I talked to the Dr. and he said he sent my letter. I suppose you know that the patients' letters are first read before they are sent. Marie would you do me a favor and write to the Dr. and ask him if I may be dismissed? If you write to the Dr. he said he will take the letter over to the hospital staff. The Dr.'s address is Dr. Davis, Box 271, Lincoln, Nebraska.

Now if you are coming to visit me why then you don't need to write to Dr. David because you can talk to him when you get to this hospital.

When I had a letter from one of my brothers over a month ago he wrote as follows - Quote "Why do you not try to leave the hospital that when you write to your children have one of them take you home? You have 4 daughters married they could make a home for you could they not? Well I am interested in your welfare." Unquote.

I haven't heard from Lottie since I wrote to her. I wrote about the house that Bob has been building. If you are intending to come by care I wish you could go by the way of Tacoma and visit Lottie and family and see the house. If you don't plan to travel by car don't you think you and the children could come on the train? Please think of a way about the far for ["Where there is a will there is a way"] as the saying goes. And besides you should be anxious to see your brother Martin. No doubt the Durands will be glad to welcome you. Your father said they were out to visit you a few months ago.

I would like a small jar of Shasta cream to use when I wash my hair. Look for a Good Housekeeping seal on the bottom. Also you may send some candy and money.

I read where "There is magic in just changing one's surroundings." Thank your children for the drawings you sent.

Before you come find out which is the best way to travel that is if you are coming.

From, Mother.

I will support my-self

Lincoln, Nebr.

1963

To whom it may concern -

I Mrs. Ruth Jensen have been employed at the Schultz Rest Home for over 9 years.

I wish to be discharged from the State Hospital at Lincoln, Nebraska.

I wish to leave this place of employment. I also wish for my social security check to be mailed to me in my own name - Ruth Edith Jensen.

If any problems come up I would like to talk to my brother at Blair, Nebraska. His name is Mr. Garfield Norby. And no out-siders allowed to send me to any institution.

I will support my-self and pay my own bills.

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.

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

I wait and I wait

Lincoln, Nebr.

Jan. 14, 1951

Dearest Marie -

Since you started your letter to me in a sincere way I will do the same also. I will read over your letter as I write. First I wish to thank you for the gifts you sent me in a box. I received the Christmas card, the pictures and the money and I appreciate all you sent very much and thank you. Why didn't you and Frank be on the pictures with your children? It was nice of you to write the 1st letter to me at the holiday season. And I wish to thank you for the pearl cotton thread you sent me and it was what matched the other I had. I am not finished yet with the scarf I am making for you.

I have been to church services this afternoon. I suppose you all attend the same church each Sunday.

Your father, Martin and Dora were here to visit me about 3 months ago. Your father said he would try and come some day during the week perhaps on a Wednesday. I have been looking for him to come and now during this nice weather we are having. In the letter that D. wrote post-marked Jan. 1st she wrote that "we will come down some nice Sunday." So I wish that the 3 of them will come real soon. I wait and I wait and how glad I will be when the come to visit and I can talk over about my problem. Would you please write a few lines to your father and remind him about what I have written dear?

Marie I have had the same glasses for years and I should have them exchanged perhaps, for some time. I was wonderful if you could help me with the expense. The frame part is all-rght except they need to be a little tighter over the nose and I would like a new case to keep my glasses in. When you write let me know if you think you can spare what money it would cost. But first I should find out how much it would be. You know it was my birthday Jan. 5 and I received 5 greeting cards.

Yes there were Christmas programs here at the hospital for the patients. You wrote that your little girl had a short piece to speak. I remember when 1 of my children spoke at a church and you could teach it to your childetn. It is, "I give my feet to Jesus to walk in wisdom's way."

You may let any one in the family read this letter. Hope you answer very soon. My address is on the envelope and may I remind you to read over my letter when writing.

P.S. Please write if it is Diamond St. or Ave.

With love,

From,

Mother.

War in the middle of Greyhound

Ruth's travels took her to Phoenix and Tacoma...

...Colville and Portland...

...Omaha to Lincoln and back again...

And then you find a tidbit about Martin heading off to war...