A tussle with civilization (Roscoe)

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: January 17, 1943 Envelope

: January 17, 1943, p. 1

: January 17, 1943, p. 2

: January 17, 1943, p. 3

: January 17, 1943, p. 4

Letter transcription:

Jan 17, 1942 [1943]

Dear Mother,

This is one of those hot windy days that come in July or Aug at home when the wind blows and the leaves on the trees and the corn leaves wilt and one feels very worthless and no matter where it’s still hot. A good cold drink of water would sure be fine but ice is so scarce that cold water is out of the question.

There was no mail this morning and I don’t look for any this P.M. only a box of candy came from Boonie. You said something about cigarettes. Those have been cut off our ration so we have to buy our own and in case someone asks tell them it is OK. If anyone wants to send – Those peanuts in sealed cans are about as welcome as anything, but there really isn’t much we want besides the states and there isn’t anyone going to send them.

Today I had my first real tussel with civilization. I now have and have a had a table with drawers in

[page 2] one drawer and it got so full I couldn’t get it open. You know how that is – just keep putting stuff in and then when the drawer is pulled out the things catch. That and having a deck rather than the ground floor is another thing for a floor always requires a broom and there is work attached to an implement of that type – Just the curses of civilization but I could stand more curses.

Just wrote to the folk – Their weekly weakly letter. I don’t know how often they write but I don’t get letters from them very often but their mail is probably like yours doing a double shuffle some place along the line –

Image courtesy of Wikipedia

Our show last night was The Pied Piper. It The story was given in short in the Readers Digest sometime ago. The picture followed the story a great deal as I remember it. Don’t know what is on tonite but it will be after Church. We

[page 3] always hurry from Church to get a good seat, and sometimes don’t fare so good, but that only happens once each week. (I’m going to take a bath).

Both over – mail over Church over and Show over – got two letters – one from Mom and one from Ed. Johnson. I just wonder about them and their encounter. I suppose as you said I’ll know about theirs just a few days after it happens. His letter was dated Dec. 14 but the folks was Dec. 28. It wouldn’t be bad if we would get mail say every 2 wks if it were regular. Maybe now that Christmas is over things will be better. Mom said you didn’t come down Christmas so that is one thing I learned from her I didn’t from you because you didn’t know. Your letters weren’t coming thru. We

We happened – I mean Fred happened to

[page 4] have a can of deviled ham and he opened that and with some crackers we are having a snack after the show. So if there are grease spots there is where they came from.

You will have to give the furniture etc into the assessor this year so cut it down I can’t give you any advice on that. The car has a certain set value as well as the radio washer etc. but try to keep it down. He will be around in Mar. I think but don’t know how this mail is going.

Dr. Porterfield has a daily verse bible like things which he puts down the number of days and it is now 180 days since leaving Norfolk. He was in the hospital there. Practically ½ year. Does it seem longer? Yes to me – Must finish Mom’s letter so lots of love –

Daddy

©2013 copyright owned and written by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/11/02/a-tussle-with-…ization-roscoe/

Sunday’s Obituary – James E. Foster

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Terre Haute Tribune, Saturday, January 29, 1954, p. 2

JAMES E. FOSTER

James E. Foster, 85 years old, died at 1 o’clock Thursday afternoon in Warren, Pa. Surviving are two sons, James of Indianapolis and Glenn of Cheyenne, Wyo: one daughter, Mrs. Gladys Yegerlehner of Kentland; two sister, Mrs. Cora Miller and Terre Haute and Mrs. Lizzie Johnson of Largo, Fla., and one brother, R. W. Foster of Sharpsville. The body will be brought to Cross Funeral Home where friends may call after noon Sunday and where services will be at 10 o’clock Monday morning. Burial will be in West York, Ill.

James Edward Foster was born 3 May 1869 in York Township, Clay County, Illinois. He was the eldest surviving son of James B. and Lydia (Dicks) Foster. James and Lydia were the parents of thirteen children of whom only five survived to adulthood. James grew up on his parents’ farm, and after the death of his father in 1887 (when James was 18), he worked as a farm hand. Later he worked as a traveling salesman and a clerk. At the end of his life, he appears to have worked as a gardener.

On 29 February 1896, James married Emma Lawhead in Hutsonville, Illinois. They were the parents of five known children: Lydia Allie, Glenn E., Forrest, James L. and Gladys R. Of the marriage little is known. According to Gladys, her father was an alcoholic. Eventually Emma got tired of James’ behavior and kicked him out. Whether they were officially divorced or not is unknown.

Foster, James E. - St. Louis, Missouri, 1924-05-03

James E. Foster
St. Louis, Missouri
May 3, 1924

©2013 copyright owned and written by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/11/03/sundays-obitua…james-e-foster/

Book of Me – Prompt 10: Unexplained Memories

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The Book of Me – Written by You is a weekly blog prompt created by Julie Goucher of the blog Angler’s Rest. This is a fifteen month writing project to highlight my life so that I will have something to leave behind for my descendants. Week ten’s prompt is Unexplained Memories.

Do you have an unexplained memory or memories?

Items
Places
People

Things and times you can remember, but not sure how they fit into your past.

I really don’t have any unexplained memories that I can think of. So instead of this week’s prompt being easier or more reflective for me, I found it rather frustrating, mostly because I want to write and I have nothing to write about. Instead, I shall share a memory that I have that I know happened but the adults involved deny it occurred.

When I was six, my parents experienced a life shattering event. After years of denying his feelings, my father decided that he needed to accept who he was. This was during the mid seventies and the world was very much different then. One of my favorite childhood albums was Marlo Thomas’ Free to Be You and Me. This message resonated throughout the house on many levels. It was much harder to come out of the closet then as it is today. After ten years of marriage and two children, my father chose to finally come clean. Amongst the family papers that I have now become steward of, I have copies of my parent’s divorce papers as well as letters that were written to and from my father from different family members. I always cringe when I read the divorce papers. My mother sued for divorce citing “intolerable cruelty.” My father is a gentle and kind man. I have never known him to be cruel or intolerable. So it hurts when I read those cold, legal words. Even during this turbulent time in my family’s history, my father (in one of his letters) tried to explain how my mother was suffering. To her, it was if her husband had died.

During this time, we were living in the Methodist parsonage in Shrewsbury, Massachusetts. The house had a basement with stairs that led down from the kitchen. One of the improvement projects that my parents had done on the house was to finish part of the basement. The front half of the basement was a den or family area with old couches and chairs. On this particular day, the day of my memory, my parents were having a huge row in this part of the basement. Since I generally don’t even remember my father ever yelling, most of the noise must have been coming from my mother. My younger brother and I had heard the argument upstairs and had snuck down the steps to see what was going on. He was only three so I sincerely doubt he remembers these events. I recall that we sat there for a while listening and then quietly tiptoed upstairs before we were discovered.

Years later I mentioned this event to one or both of my parents. No one had remembered that this had happened. Or they denied it in order to protect me. Since it was such an emotional and traumatic time in our lives, I am not surprised that no one recalls this particular fight.

Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/11/02/book-of-me-pro…ained-memories/

Our street was a sheet of ice (Gladys)

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Letter transcription:

MRS RS YEGERLEHNER
KENTLAND
INDIANA
1-17-43

Dear Daddy – Sunday evening and the family in bed except me and waiting for D. to take his 10 PM before I turn in. Mayrose’s brought Mother up today. The weather was fair for the trip and it is snowing some this evening and when the boys came home from Youth Fellowship said was so slick they couldn’t stay on their feet. I noticed cars going very slow. Our street was a sheet of ice yesterday. The ice is so thick some children skate on it going to and from the pond. I hope it is better by morning as I need to go to town and I don’t want to walk. Since having this sinus trouble I try not to go out in the cold air any more than necessary. It is better this evening. Should clear up soon now. I hope it doesn’t continue indefinitely. John and Mark are both up and going again but John still has a little stiff neck. He was able to take care of the furnace today. Mark is as lively as ever. They have the electric train hooked up in our bedroom and have been playing with it this week-end. I suppose they will leave it there until I get tired walking around it. Mark has been trying to think up some of the things David will get into when he begins to get around. John says he isn’t going to worry about such things. Thanks for the letter about your trip and I might add, you do a good job telling things.

Love
Mother

©2013 copyright owned and written by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/11/01/our-street-was…-of-ice-gladys/

Happy Birthday Gladys!

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Today is the 108th anniversary of Gladys’ birth. She was born in Terre Haute, Indiana, the youngest child of James E. Foster and Emma H. (Laughead) Foster. She was an amazing women who lived through extraordinary times. Happy birthday Gladys!

Photograph from the private collection of Deborah Sweeney

©2013 copyright owned and written by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/11/01/happy-birthday-gladys-2/ ‎

Wholesome and American (Roscoe)

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: January 16, 1943 Envelope

: January 16, 1943, p. 1

: January 16, 1943, p. 2

: January 16, 1943, p. 3

: January 16, 1943, p. 4

: January 16, 1943, p. 5

Letter transcription:

1/16/43
Dear Mother,

Almost evening chow time and though possibly I’d better get started before it became too late. It’s been too hot today to do much but I’ve been destringing shells and sitting around on time off. I’ll have a bunch of shells and things ready to send in a few days or weeks. I’ll send things in smaller bunches like I have been so if they get lost they won’t all be lost at once.

Fred and I went to the shore and picked up a few shells this A.M. He at last is started on a neclace but where I bore two holes he is using a type where he just uses one hole – of course I think mine is best and he thinks his is – so that’s the way things stand. It’s a pretty good attitude – wholesome and American. We got some shells that

[page 2] still have stuff inside and the smell in warm weather and of course they draw flies also – guess something will have to be done about this. I put some in acid this A.M. to eat out the inside but it ate the whole shell in some instances for I forgot and left them too long and the acid was stronger than I thought. It must seem to you that all we do is play but since I can’t write about the work all I can write about is play. Hence you hear about that.

Just finished taking a bath and changing clothes and it sure makes one feel different – we have a little shower up on the hillside- just big enough for one person at a time and head and shoulders stick out when inside. So truly one can say an open air job – and with the wind blowing

[page 3] one hardly needs use a towel because of the drying affect of the sun & wind combination.

Bonds build Ships. Buy More Bonds, 1943
Artist: George Picken
Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division

Some hours later- The mail came and there were three letters and a Christmas greeting – Two letters from you dated Dec. 30 & 31 and one from Boonie dated Dec. 9 and the greeting from Dr. M. and Dorothy. Of course you had no way of knowing that those 2 would come thru and no more. In them you told me the amount of money for the year and that you had bought the Bonds. Your judgment was very good I think and in a letter or two ago I suggested something to that affect. Was very sorry to hear you had a cold and do take care of yourself. Evidently you have heard nothing from the uniform money yet or was that the money you used for the bonds? Also I didn’t get anything about your Christmas since you

[page 4] didn’t know those other letters didn’t make it. You will just have to repeat in a few letters, and write a few V-mail letters also.

The I’m not sure if I got all the packages. There was so much confusion. I got candy & chewing gum in the box with the mess. The camera and peanuts in another. Was it a box of chewing gum? If so I haven’t received it. It’s been some time and I got boxes from Boonie, Ruth M., Ruth & Floyd (birthday), one from Mom. So I’m not sure now I just thought everything came and so dismissed the whole thing. Possibly they all came – The coke in one – The flash light in the other and the camera in the other – Was that all of them?

Since you didn’t say anything about Christmas I don’t know if all yours arrived or not. Then was three items – Finger nail set. Comb & brush & Flowers. You mentioned two of them but nothing about the third I mean I haven’t letters to that affect. Possibly the other letters will arrive in due time. I hope.

[page 5] I wrote you about the finances debts etc. So do what you wish about what is left, and if things hold up buy a bond each month either 18 or 37 – depending on the cash you have – and get that safety deposit box if it isn’t too expensive.

And remember what I said about the liver shots – have a Dr. give them to you after a period of time without them.

Well, I always feel better after mail and always have more to write about and really feel more like writing.

The grand total as I have it figured for the year for taxes less deductions is 1985.52 but from that deductions can be made. I really don’t know what is given for dependents etc. so do what you think best about them. If not much pay it because the greater amount was made before I joined the Navy. So that will have to be paid even if the other should be canceled. However, you might pay only on the 3667.73 less deductions and play like that was the whole amount until after the duration. Well, dear it’s really good to hear from you and so long lots of love

Daddy

©2013 copyright owned and written by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/10/31/wholesome-and-american-roscoe/

Hot as the duce (Roscoe)

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: January 15, 1943 Envelope

: January 15, 1943, p. 1

: January 15, 1943, p. 2

: January 15, 1943, p. 3

: January 15, 1943, p. 4

: January 15, 1943, p. 5

Letter transcription:

1/15/43

Dear Mother,

Jan 15 and hot as the duce except we have a gentle breeze and the shady spots are cool. I’ve said that dozens of time before but it’s just another way of getting started. And since there isn’t much to write about something has to be said. I should think you would be able to read my letters by just holding them and reciting the things I say from day to day. Just like John used to do in reading the his stories from the pictures, but with all I’ll continue to write each day in the hope that these will keep you informed somewhat of what’s “cookin’.” I’ve been trying to say it’s difficult to write of things when the same thing goes on day after day. I guess the same thing is true as far as you are concerned also because things are more or less the same each day

[page 2] for you. Although I always enjoy your letters very much but maybe it’s because they don’t come so often. Anyway they are most welcome when and if they do arrive.

I haven’t done much with shells today because the thing I bore holes with slipped and nicked a little skin off my finger. Did[n’t]cut thru but just made it thin where I hold on to the shell.

Dr. Loop was here this A.M. and left a Lafayette paper – dated late in Nov. There wasn’t any news of Kentland in it. There was of other towns – saw where Vic at Brookston had been to some sort of a supper. I guess life goes on as per usual around most places especially in the smaller towns and other than a few ration cards one doesn’t think of war and all its horrors and hurrying. Guess I should have stayed

[page 3] in the school teaching racket – but I’m not sorry yet for things won’t always be this way.

Just happened to think you said you had a little surplus money. You might – this is just an idea – pay some on the insurance to John Hancock. The old policy on which we borrowed the money that would be about the best interest we could get because after all we pay 6% on that and the best we could anyplace is 2.9 on those bonds. Do what you think best. I’m not talking about your money maybe that is what you meant by surplus, but if the 250 uniform money ever gets there that would pretty well clear up that Ins. policy and save up us something like 15-16 dollars interest. I’m not so much interested in paying off the loan on yours but that too is costing us and I really don’t know how much either of them amount to – but again do as you think best. But I really do think a few debts paid off would be better

[page 4] than having it there and letting the bank get the interest. If nothing else by buy more bonds. You can always cash them if if necessary – those that you have had 6 mo. Just keep enough money in the bank to keep the rent etc paid up. Your expenses should be fairly stable now so you can figure about how much you will need – Maybe. I don’t mean your ability to figure I know that’s OK but I mean the insurance is always the same rest the same – except Nov. & Dec. Well I shouldn’t be butting in to affairs when I can’t remember all of them but I’m just trying to help. So cut the bank balance down, preferably for bonds rather than building & loan. That is if you think best.

The above is a matter of high finance but just thought you might want some suggestions. I believe you asked, but I do know this that your expenses around the end of the years are heavy and the surplus might be a deficit unless the uniform

[page 5] money comes.

A fellow just came in with 2 bottles of cold beer and is it good. That’s the first we’ve had for a ling time and this is cold. Don’t know where it came from but it’s good.

I’m going to save the rest of the space for later-

After the show and it was a pretty good one for here funny and lubby dubby stuff – of course the lubby dubby didn’t just exactly fit the surrounds but we can still dream.

It’s about as hot here tonight as it has been. In fact it was a little warm for a windbreaker at the show.

Well, SoLong Love
Daddy

Lt (jg) Yegerlehner MC USNR
Receiving Station
U.S.N.A.B.
Noumea, New Caledonia
c/o Fleet P.O.
San Francisco Calif.

Those Places Thursday – Dolwyddelan Castle

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In June 1991, I spent three weeks with a backpack wandering around Wales, Ireland, Scotland and London. While in Wales, I explored many castles, including Dolwyddelan, in Conwy, northern Wales. This particular castle is off the beaten path although it is a popular site for hikers. Walking, or shall I say, hiking to the top of keep involves navigating through flocks of ranging sheep. I believe the day I was there I had the place to myself. The views from the top were stunning.

Dolwyddelan Castle (Wales) - 1991-06-03 #2

A view from the keep

Photographs taken by the author Deborah Sweeney

Last day for regular air mail (Gladys)

1 Reply

: January 15, 1943 Envelope

: January 15, 1943, p. 1

: January 15, 1943, p. 2

: January 15, 1943, p. 3

Letter transcription:

Kentland Ind
1-15-43

Dear Daddy –

Today is the last day for regular air mail to men overseas, so after this I will probably use mostly V-mail. However at the rate you have received my letters I don’t believe they went by air. I will write a few regular & the rest V-mail. Will have to use regular for pictures. It was announced over the radio that the restriction to send boxes out is for Army & does not apply to Navy or Marine.

We are having more “weather.” It began to snow then sleeted a while now it is clear but we have more snow to shovel.

Mark went back to school today but John is still lying around with stiff neck. He has missed two days of school. He seems to feel well otherwise.

[page 2]Dorothy White called this morning and wanted to know if Dr. M. could borrow your microscope. She came out and got it. Dr. M. is buying a new one and has turned his old one in and is temporarily out of one. She said Dr. sent you a box and was wondering if you would get it. I told her now that the Christmas mail is delivered I thought you would get it.

Dorothy wanted me to ask you what it was you used to give Nick when he had the pain in his elbows, etc. You told him it was caused from going out in the cold from the hot kitchen. It was a white tablet. If you can remember let me know and I’ll tell them. So far the Johnson baby has been doing some night crying. Of course coming home in a week doesn’t help matters.

[page 3] I suppose they will get the little fellow regulated after a while. They are a little late with their child experience. We had ours before we had time to settle into a “groove.” Of course David has been good and staying in the hospital 2 weeks I think helped. He seemed to know when to sleep. I see Link is driving their car around with Irene & Jimmy on a sled in back. Bobby Funk has his sled out too. We have had plenty of sledding & skating weather. We just get rid of one snow when another one comes along. I suppose this kind of weather will last till spring since it started at Thanksgiving. I think Thanksgiving was the last time I hung clothes out in the yard. Probably will be some time before I do again.

It is about time for D. to have a bottle & the rest of us to eat too.

Love
Mother

P.S. These letters the boys wrote somehow didn’t get mailed when written.

Wordless Wednesday – The Mother-in-laws

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Click to enlarge

Elizabeth (Krieble) Schiele and Elizabeth (Schwartz) Yegerlehner, the mothers of Lovina J. (Schiele) Yegerlehner and John H. Yegerlehner. Both were widowed around 1900. They died in 1922 within four months of each other.

Original image from the private collection of the author, Deborah Sweeney