The big day has finally arrived. John is now twelve years old. With his mother being about 8 months pregnant, having a big party was not a priority. It was still early enough in the war that items like chocolate (for the cake) and sugar (for icing) were not too difficult to obtain. The only attendees to the small party were the Krull children, Betty & Buddy, and their cousin Nancy. Buddy must have been Nick, Jr. This is yet another indicator of how close the Yegerlehner and Krull families were.

Today’s newest name to be mentioned is Mrs. Plummer. There was only one Mrs. Plummer in Kentland (1940 census). Ethel (Taylor) Plummer was the wife of John Plummer. In 1942, she would have been about 53 years old. She was a native of England. Her husband John was a section foreman for the railroad. She was born 4 November 1888 and died 24 September 1966. She is buried at Prairie Vine Cemetery in Morocco, Newton County, Indiana.

Also mentioned was Rev. John Edward McCloud. The good reverend would have been about 78 years old in 1942. I have not found anything further on him yet.

Today is a two letter day. The first letter was written by my grandmother. The second was written by the birthday boy himself. John typed his letter on the family typewriter. It is a sweet letter which lists all the gifts he received for his birthday with a wonderful description of the cake my grandmother baked. I found myself wishing there had been a picture or that I could have had a slice.

Letter transcription:

Kentland
Aug 22, 1942

Dear Daddy-
This is John’s big day. He received three cards, a 5 yr diary, and three dollars. He took the dollar you sent and bought a record. I am having Buddy + Betty + Nancy come out this afternoon to help with ice cream and cake. The cake is in the oven now. I bought green and yellow decorations for it and will ice it in white. I called Mrs. Plummer and asked her if she could

(page 2) come out. I am going over and get her about 2:30. She sent him a card and a dollar. I told him I didn’t feel like having a big party for him but I think he is satisfied.
We went to Lafayette yesterday. I talked Dr. C out of going back in two weeks. He said if I felt all right I could wait longer. Everything was normal so as long as I feel so good I don’t think it should be necessary to make so many trips. However if anything should seem not just right I will go down. He said he had

(page 3) received a card from you. Wished he was 15 years younger so he could get in the service.
Dorothy White has a broken finger caused by a window falling on her hand. Bobe Carroll is working for Dr. M. during Dorothy’s absence.
So many people have had colds around here. There has been somewhat of an epidemic. Luik and Irene both have been feeling terrible, and this was Irene’s first week back to work. John sneezes when he gets up but doesn’t seem to get any worse. I suppose he has some sort of allergy since it usually occurs when he gets up.

(page 4) It is still acting like we will get a rain but haven’t had any now for about two weeks. There is a good breeze today but it is hot. The grass is turning brown in places but not enough yet to look bad. I told the boys they wouldn’t have to mow any more if it doesn’t rain. Of course they like to hear news like that however they always get it done.
Rev. McCloud came this morning and brought us a pan of tomatoes. They were very large-some of his prizes I suppose.
It is 1 P.M. and I have to ice the cake and get Mrs. P. by 2:30. Will write tomorrow.
Love Mother

Kentland, Indiana
August 22, 1942
15:15
Dear Daddy,
Today is my birthday.
I got the dollar you sent me. Thanks. Krull’s gave me a diary and Mrs. Plummer gave me a dollar. Mother also gave me a dollar, with which I bought a record.
After awhile Buddy and Betty and their cousin Nancy are coming out. Mother is going to go get Mrs. Plummer.
It is windy and there are some dark clouds to the north. I hope it doesn’t rain but it probably will.
You ought to see the cake that Mother baked. It is chocolate, of course, and has lots of thick icing piled on top and around the sides.
We went to La Fayette yesterday. Mother went to see Dr. Cole.
Both Grandmas sent me a card and Grandma Foster sent me a dime fifty years old. She sent on to Mark forty-five years old.
The temperature here today is about 85° F.
Mrs. Krull sent me a card with a dollar in it.
I miss you an awful lot.
Your loving son,
John