I Can Do My Own Washing

May 18, 1952

Dear Marie - 

I received your welcome letter and mother's day card also the money and thank you very much dear. Thank you for wishing that last Sunday was a pleasant day for me. Yes I remember when we were together when it was Martin's birthday on mother's day.

Marie you wrote that it would be nice to see me soon. Yes indeed it would and Marie you must arrange to come. I talked to the Dr. who comes on this ward after I had received 1 of your letter. I said something about the expense and the Dr. answered in a way as if that would not make any difference. I spoke to the Dr. whom you talked to last summer. Now Marie the Dr. worded the answer in a way that seemed to mean that somebody would send you the cost of a ticket here. I hope to be excused if I am mistaken. I was in hopes of talking to the social worker again and see if she knows. And that time when the social worker was here on the ward to see me I gave her your address. I thought she intended to write to you about me. 

Marie the reason I want you to come is because it seems very necessary. Because I wish for you to help me be dismissed from this hospital and please, please Marie could I stay with you until 6 months are up. You know different members of the family have visited with you. I can do my own washing and ironing as I am doing here also mending my clothes. You know Marie the patients have to have some 1 of their family to take them out. I have waited so long for your father to come and to-day is a nice day and I wonder what the excuse is that he hasn't come.

I hope that you can tell him your-self what you think be should do and may-be he will listen to you. So that is another good reason for coming and also to take a vacation. So Marie as soon as school is out try to prepare to come. Perhaps you could have some lady stay with your 2 little girls and Frank could help care for them at home. And so if you and the youngest child came it would be easier for you dear. I wish you could travel on the train. Yes and Marie I wish for you to help me with new glasses. I also still have the apron I made for you and have not sent it.

Now Marie please write as soon as possible and arrange to come for it has to be this way it seems. Mother.

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.

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.

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

A Better Way

From Ruth

Love

Notes from Ruth

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.

How I wish we had taken along that spaghetti

Omaha, Nebr.

Feb. 23, 1969

Dear Lottie,

Hope you arrived back safely and thank you so very much for taking me to Portland. I hope you didn't have car trouble returning to Tacoma. You must have been very tired.

I returned safely. Betty took me to the bus depot which left at 3:30 P.M.

How I wish we had taken along that spaghetti and in that little white pitcher was some soup. This would have tasted good when we came to Portland. And I was thinking how we could have bought some hamburgers to go with the spaghetti to bring along. Let me know who ate the spaghetti when you write.

I will be anxious to hear how your plans turn out. Did all your company come that you were expecting?

Now in case you don't go to that distant place to work will you please come to Nebraska? I asked Betty to come when school was out and she said she would try. So how about you and Betty coming? Hope you can stay at Durand's. Or at your father's house. We can figure that out later.

Lottie I was thinking about explaining something. It is this - when you come home from school sit down and take off your shoes. Then take your mail to the bedroom and by this time you have taken off your coat. Well then lie down and read your mail because you know you need the rest.

Have you heard how Jean is by this time? I intend to send her a get-well-card. 

I haven't been over to see your father yet but plan to in the near future. 2 days after I returned in snowed.

I had some of the Danish lunch meat to-day and I fryed it just a little like you did. 

When Betty comes be sure and show her the blue pillow I fixed. Excuse writing as now I am finishing this on my lap. Write soon and tell me if there is any news. With love and best wishes. I am 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.

Storage, 1949

I Bought Cement and Paint

This is written on a 3x3 scrap of paper.

Cheery Valentine, 1961

I Am Now Receiving Help From The County

Omaha, Nebr.

Dec. 1, 1946

Marie - 

I received your letter and the letter from Frank and I was glad to hear from you both. I have intended to write sooner but seems I haven't got started. And now the days are growing shorter as you know.

I have just finished writing to Betty and I hope you write to her quite often. And I was thinking about that baby comfort that Betty made for you baby would you mind parting with it? Don't you think it would be a nice gift to give Betty? But first wash and press it real well. I thought I would remind you in time so you can think it over Marie.

Perhaps you are tired of it by this time and it will be very new again for Betty and those so near to her.

I receive $2.00 a month from your father and he helps me with coal and a few other ways. I am now receiving help from the County to buy groceries. I appreciate this very much indeed for one cannot exist without food. Not long ago the visitor who visits this district called. She wanted the address of each of you children. Over and over again I am asked questions. I wonder some-times if they ever think that each person has his worth and a right to demand it.

Yes I think you wrote that you were going to that conference. Were you just listening to the speeches that were being made? Did they serve good food?

Do you have a furnace in the house where you live? I don't remember if you have written how your house where you live is heated.

You have't answered if you have locks for your dresser drawers. Yes I will say you much write more frequently. I wish you were not so far away as I just wrote to Betty. 

Oh Marie if you intend to send me a Christmas present do you mind if I mention what I would like and need very much? It is some stockings cotton ones size 10 1/2 or 11. 

Thank you very much.

That lady that I pointed out to you at the Union station when we were in the restaurant was the visitor that I have. I wasn't sure if it was her or some-one who looked like her. She told me later that she worked there part-time.

I haven't heard from Lottie for some time. Weil you please write to her when you receive this letter and remind her to write to me. Or if some one will write me how Lottie is I will appreciate it.

I must now close and say good-night. Again may I remind you to write very soon.

I am, As ever, Your, Mother.

P.S. Thank Frank for his letter. The clipping I am enclosing for you are for Frank as well.

Have you heard where Charles Worley is now?

Would you be interested to hear about Corine Hedrick, Josephine Cannon used to be Louis Palmo and his sister?

Happy Birthday, Lottie!

Domestic Work

Notes from Ruth...this one makes me sad...

If Mrs. Jensen's Belonging Are Here...

It Is The Same Story

Lincoln, Nebr. 

Dec. 6, 1955

Dear Marie - 

I received your welcome letter and I was glad to hear from you. Thank you very much for the clippings which you sent me.

First I wish to say please excuse me for writing with pencil.

Glad to hear that Frank has a better position now. It must be quite interesting work also and more along his line of work that the other (job) as you called it. I hope also that his position in the church will be permanent and that Frank will like the church and the members in the church. It must remind Frank of other places where he has worked along similar lines. 

I will excuse you for not writing sooner. If only you would answer my questions how thankful I would be.

No I haven't yet been to the ear Dr. but still wish to go when I have the opportunity.

No I haven't hear form Martin for months. Your father heard from him this summer and he was on his way to Germany. I wish Martin would write to me as I am very anxious about him. I hope he returned safely and is well. Perhaps you could write to his address at Seattle, Washington. I hope they will know there where to forward any letters to him.

Marie could you please try and come to see me because it is hard to write about my problems.

I have a nice blue dress and it is size 16 1/2. Also some new shoes that cost $10.95. Also new bed room slippers, and a house-coat.

I have sent all your sister and wash cloth with the initial.

I haven't heard from Betty for some time. I sent her a birthday card and a box of cookies but so far I have not had a line from her to let me know if she received what I sent to her. Has she moved with her family again and why was the reason? I am intending to send Betty something for Christmas also you. I have sent Lottie something. I sent it and had a return card made out to sent back to me but so far I haven't received it.

Marie I asked a question in my last letter about the hospital but you didn't answer me. It was important.

So please will you answer me about this question? Being my brother wrote that he supposed it was all right for me to have my freedom. Help me to get my freedom?

You wrote and asked if I could get another job if the one I have is not satisfactory. 

I want to find a job out in Seattle and that is it exactly. I will wait for Martin. Seattle is the home base for him. This is between Martin and my-self. Read your letter over as I am writing to you.

Dec. 5th I received your welcome letter post-marked Dec. 2nd to-day. And I was finishing my work when your father and Dora came. We all went and had some-thing to eat together. I hadn't had time to open your letter so did so when we were out in the car. I let your father read your letter.

I am so glad your father's eyes are better and that he read your letter without glasses.

Marie I called Mrs. Durand last Friday and she said she had heard from you. I asked her if she wrote to you that she would sent you the money for your fare and she said she would. I think it is the most sensible way for you to come on the bus and bring your youngest child. I am sure your father will be delighted to see you.

I called Lottie over long distance several weeks ago. I asked her to come but she had some excuses. I could hardly keep back the tears as I heard her. I was thinking that I would mention - that suppose you write and ask Lottie to come to your house and stay while you come here.

When I talked to the social worker she said that my children have to come here for me. It is the same story.

Now about the way the lady I work for. She said it don't matter if you wrote that you would sign a second signature if necessary. She wants her way. And what do you think last July she didn't pay my any wages. I went to the State Capital for my birth certificate about the 11th of August and the 19th of August. I gave it to them to send in. But so far they haven't done so, so I can draw my social security. 

When I have asked the social worker about another job she just don't care to help me. So Marie the way is for me to go to Seattle and get some kind of work there. As long as my social security hasn't started it will add up to more money.

Now please let Mrs. Durand help you with a bus ticket one way. Then when you came we will talk this over with your father.

I asked your father if he will help me? This is what he said and I wrote it down.

Quote - If you write Marie and ask your father to help me. And if you can't afford to send enough money he will help and do his share. Un-quote.

Please excuse pencil.

So now Marie please, please come between Christmas and New Year's.

When I meet Martin we will talk things over. When he came out to the hospital to see me we didn't have time to talk over about the future. I could just cry.

I have enough money saved from my wages to pay my fare out to Seattle, Washington.

Now if you will write and don't change your mind no matter what others say. I am your mother. I have cried more than once when I have talked to the social worker but that hasn't change matters any. You are the one who must come and assist me at this time. 

When you come as I trust you will you can hep me pack my clothes.

When I talked to Lottie and asked her to come she answered, have you asked Marie?

You don't need to send me any-thing for Christmas as you can save that money to spend on your trip to Nebraska dear.

When I write to my brother Garfield about helping me her answer that your father is the one who should help me. That we lived in my brother's house and didn't pay any rent.

Please answer at once.

Mother