All About Marilyn

With Mama Norma Jeane's time with the Bolender family came to an end in 1933, when Gladys found her daughter in a state of hysteria after the neighbor savagely murdered her puppy. Gladys saved enough money to purchase a small home near the Hollywood Bowl at 6012 Afton Place. They rented out the lower rooms to a British couple, actors George and Maude Atkinson to help make ends meet. After all, it was close to Gladys work, and she was feeling well enough to be a mom. This would be the start of the push-pull relationship Marilyn had with anyone brave enough to get close to her. Gladys and Norma Jeane, about 1933 Norma Jeane was happy to live with her mother for the first time ever. Since her mother was working, she had time to herself. She was able to indulge in the fantasy play that Ida would never allow. She was even allowed to go to the movies and try on the handprints of the world's most famous people at the Chinese Theater which thrilled the child, even if ...

The Bolender Years "...As I grew older, I knew I was different from other children, because there were no kisses or promises in my life.." ~Marilyn Monroe I don't want to paint the picture that Norma Jeane had a completely miserable early childhood. Ida and Albert were decent to her, the best way they knew how to be. Hell, they were paid to be. They were true bible thumping Christian Scientists, and convinced Gladys to be one too. She had Norma Jeane Mortenson baptized as Norma Jeane Baker as a child. by Amie Semple McPherson. This would be the first of many name changes. And, as we can see from the 1930 census record, it looks like Gladys stayed on at least one occasion.  Here we find Gladys Baker listed as a boarder with her child, 2 year old Norma Jean [sic] Baker. However, information could have been given by a neighbor, as they also listed Ida as Edna.   “I used to think as I looked out on the Hollywood night, ...