Category Archives: Foster

Blue Monday (Roscoe)

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Letter transcription:

Jan 11, 1943

Dear Mother,

Just another blue Monday – in fact a little more so because I’m stiff and sore from too much exercise at the beach. It’s like this a fellow goes out there and squats and bends picking up shells then walks a little ways further and the same thing over again and in the course of an hour it’s a pretty good class exercises. Then a swim afterwards and that’s just too much but the whole thing will wear off by tomorrow. Then in a few days will do the same thing again.

Dr. Loop of Lafayette is spending part of the day. He ate chow with us and is now out with someone else he became acquainted with. I think you probably have heard me talk of him.

So far today I’ve gotten a letter Christmas greeting combination from

[page 2] Uncle Wess written Dec. 10. Our other mail must be stacking up someplace around. I’ve said that so many times that I’m not going to mention mail anymore until it comes thru (Promise).

I’m still working on that shell thing for you. It’s another necklace [necklace]. I forgot to tell you those things may be rather fragile and won’t stand much wear and tear and in case the string breaks they have to be strung only from one end. You’ll understand if you ever try to string them. These I’m making now are the same way. As I told you before, it’s a harmless past time which I starta sorta get a kick out of s bear with me.

Fred is puttering around trying to fix the corners of our tent, so that it won’t leak. I guess that is the first you knew I lived in a tent again. We had complications in the hut so Dr. P., Fred and I moved into a modernized tent.  Everything modern but running water and toilet. Even the water runs for we have a big china

[page 3] picker [pitcher] the mess boy fills each morning. And it has a gauze cover to keep out the dust & flies. And we also have two stainless steel wash basins – nothing slow about that. And two steel lockers to keep our clothes in. My Blues are still in that pulman bag I bought in Norfolk. I put plenty of moth balls in with them and haven’t seen them for weeks. Hope they are still ok. Why we needed blues and whites is more than I can say but we have them just the same.

So far today it has been pleasant very little rain and considerable wind, but by evening it could be raining cat and dogs. It sometimes turns out like that. – – – Evening and not much rain – Just didn’t have one. The Chaplin was here for a short time and shot the bull but he didn’t stay long. He is a pretty good

[page 4] egg but not much on the sermons. I think he was used to preaching longer sermons than he is supposed to and to condense into 10 min or less is hard for him to do. We do sing lots and of course that adds to the service. The whole thing lasts about 45 min.

Dr. Loop gave me a pretty good idea where all the Drs. around Lafayette are located. He didn’t join the Navy until late in Oct. I believe he said. He knew about you being in the hospital. Well, I’ll have to stop writing so I’ll have room to put the address at the bottom – since I forgot to put it on the top.
So 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

P.S. The amount of money taxable after I got in the Navy was $1317.79. Dr. P. was writing his home and I thought I’d send this again. This is the correct amount.

©2013 copyright owned and written by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/10/22/blue-monday-roscoe/

You aren’t the “flighty” type (Gladys)

1 Reply

Letter transcription:

Kentland Ind
Jan 11 – 1943

Dear Daddy –

Rec’d your Jan 1, 2 & 3 letters this morning. You had my letters up to Dec 12 and I had told you about Mark being sick – well this seems to be a vicious circle – after Mark had his round, John got the bug and then I had it and still struggling with my sinus but my throat seems well now. It did keep bothering me but seems fine now. Well to get back to the circle, Mark got wet thru and came in and I told him to go upstairs and take a warm bath & put on dry clothes. Of course he protested on the both so I said well get dry clothes on which I thought he did – That was supper time – and I didn’t know he had just put on dry pants until after started to run a temperature. He wore his wet underwear all evening then went to school next day and played out in the snow – even got his face washed in snow twice I learned later so no wonder he got sick but he is much better now. As soon as I discovered he had fever I started him on sulfa and called Dr. Cole & he said give him a whole tablet of sulfadiozine every 3 hrs. I am giving one every 4 hrs today because his temp is down and he is getting lively

[page 2] He was around the baby before I knew he was feeling bad and now the baby is coughing of course it is hard to say how the baby got his since I have been having so much throat & sinus trouble. However, I keep in close touch with Dr. C. and he told me to give David ¼ sulfadiozine every 4 hrs. He has just a slight temperature. He seems to feel fine and takes his regular feedings. Weighed 13-3 this A.M. – which shows a 10 oz gain since last Monday. Now please don’t worry about us because if anything serious should develop I would go directly to St. E. but Mark’s temp is receding and since I started to write this I stopped to feed David and had to change him and took his temp. which was 99 4/5 rectally – which you know isn’t much. Right now he is trying to get his whole fist in his mouth and is very mad because he can’t. He acts very much like he is trying to cut teeth but 3 ½ mo is a little early – – –

Just had callers – Mrs. Roberts & two boys were here.  She had come over with someone else and stopped in to say hello. She had some pictures of Joe. He has shaved off his mustache and was not wearing his glasses. He looked quite

[page 3] different. He had a little boy in the pictures with him that looks very much like their smallest boy, John. He was in bathing trunks so evidently had been in swimming, but if he has written you probably has told you what he does. In one of his letters he told Mrs. R. his picture might be in the papers. The Army & Navy Officers Club was having a dance and he was holding the mistletoe over a couple and a picture was taken of the scene. Mrs. R. said she would watch all the papers for said picture. The aforementioned club may not be current but he was attending a social function around Christmas time.

Clara M. is here today helping. I have been having her come once a week to do ironing, etc., and since this week-end was such a strenuous one I was glad I had told her to come today. She washed, ironed and is now cleaning the living room. I want to stay away from any dust with this sinus condition. It has been draining all day but I don’t want to aggravate it. Of all times to get a sinus condition – oh well, I’ll get rid of the bug – I “betcha.”

After the snow, wind, drifting, haze, and everything Sat & Sun, the sun is shining today and that always makes a person feel better. The snow wasn’t very deep this time and is melting

[page 4] around the edges. There isn’t any haze today so we can see out again. I believe this is the “wintryst” winter we have had – well in so many years I can’t remember how far back. You know I never cared for winter weather but this is 1/3 of Jan. gone and Feb is a short month, then Mar. – so in a few short weeks spring will be here again and we will forget all about this weather and cold “bugs.” I hope I can manage to work in the yard this spring. I want to have flowers in front of the shrubbery like last year. I think I can get some full grown Spirea. Clara says if it is on her place – (she isn’t sure – may be on Mrs. Perry’s – the property line doesn’t seem definite) I can have it – she wants it taken away. So we may have some full grown shrubs in our back yard this spring.

I gave you all the figures you asked for in three previous letters. I will talk to Agnes and we will take care of the ’41 Federal, also figure up the ’42 and give you the amt that will have to be paid after deductions, etc. I hope this letter hasn’t been too much on the drippy side but I think you want to know how things are and as I said before if anything serious should develop you know I would

[page 5] get to St. E. immediately, but since you aren’t the “flighty” type I think you would rather know our little up & downs. As Gildersleeve says – “this is one of my bad days” – seems this has been one of our bad times but we are all feeling better today and hope by tomorrow everyone will be so-so again. Even with a temp. it has been a job keeping Mark in bed. John was very much “put out” with Mark. He said it was unnecessary for him to get sick – knowing how it all came around. I said “Poor Mark is in the dog house even when he is sick.” However John’s comment didn’t disturb our Mark.

John got his report card today. He can write you a V-mail & give you the results. He is practicing on the sax now. He is getting better all the time but he likes it and you know when he likes to do a thing that means everything.

David is chewing on his hands again and looking at a toy I fixed on his basket. He is the squirmiest little fellow – just turns & twists around most of the time when he is awake. Gets plenty of exercise. Will try and get those pictures taken and sent out as soon as I can stick my nose out in the air again.

Love
Mother

©2013 copyright owned and written by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found at:https://genealogylady.net/2013/10/21/you-arent-the-…ty-type-gladys/

1/2 dozen fresh eggs (Roscoe)

1 Reply

Letter transcription:

1/10/43

Dear Mother,

I’ll start this now but I know it will have to be finished later because sick call is at 1300 and that is only a few minutes away. I’ve just written the folk their weekly (weakly) letter.

I didn’t tell you all that happened last night – we were given ½ doz. eggs – fresh- (Our eggs are all powdered and that isn’t good if you know what I mean). So we decided about 2100 to fry those eggs – with a hot plate and an improvised frying pan we set to work after begging butter, bread and onions. Fred’s egg was first. Dr. P next and mine last in that order. The first round was 100% perfect. The second round was 66 2/3 % because when my egg the last was dropped in the frying pan of hot sizzling butter it was bad all black and runny. I grabbed

[page 2] up the frying pan and got it out before the odor was too bad. Somehow I believe the fresh part of the egg deal was misrepresented. Anyway we had lots of fun. Sorta simple fun but something different. Fred had most of his second sandwich down so Dr. P. divided his with me.

The rain has been off and on most of the day very hot at times and cool if the sun isn’t shining.

No mail so far today. Some of the fellows have gotten V-mail letters much later than air and I know you will write those again when you get the word that I passed a few letters ago that they would be more speedy. The above was before 1300 – Now it is 2100 – and the show over and no mail. Dr. P. got a registered letter from his daughter. His father is very ill and he thinks his wife is sick due to the fact his daughter wrote. Those are things we out here fear most of all – sickness in the family, but

[page 3] it’s something we can’t help because there is bound to be more than one heartache from home here and out here back home so we just have to make the best of the whole thing. Keep busy and hope for the best.

Dr. P and I went shelling and swimming again this P.M. I should say shelling and swimming. I’m making you something else out of shells. You said the other thing was a hit so my ego is further again aroused and I’ll try something else. It gives me something to do in my spare time and time passes more rapid so you’ll have to accept them whether you like them or not.

We went to church tonite and to the show afterwards. There was a short Popeye feature and then Blondie & Dagwood. They of course were both good and funny and fun is what is needed here more than anything else.

[page 4] It rained some during the show but we were prepared with rain coats and hat so didn’t mind very much and what if we did get wet it is only a hop skip & jump to dry clothes and bed. And there is something about a show in the rain try it sometime – very romantic or I should say rheumatic.

Wish you could send us a doz. fresh eggs. Maybe I’d better not make that suggestion. It might be like the coke. Along with that same fresh-lettuce, cabbage celery etc. When those things are absent continually one sorta misses them.

Well dear don’t think I’m blue today – really I’m not. Not nearly as much as I have been –

Anyway lots of love
Daddy

Warning: The following Popeye cartoons were made during World War II in the early 1940s. By our modern standards and sensibilities, they are considered offensive. However, as a historian sharing history, I submit that sometimes we need to be reminded of how things really were.

©2013 copyright owned and written by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found at:https://genealogylady.net/2013/10/20/12-dozen-fresh-eggs-roscoe/

John is listening to the opera (Gladys)

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Letter transcription:

Kentland Ind
Jan 9 – 1943

Dear Daddy –

Your letters of Dec 30 & 31 received today – I think I have all the letters you have written and again I will tell you the first letter you wrote came Sept. 22. However I had rec’d six later ones before it came. There is one more box for you to get and that will be all I have sent and by the time you get this you will probably know there has been a restriction put on sending boxes to men abroad, so that settles that. Even if you hadn’t decided you didn’t want me to send anymore. I may send one more before the 15th if I can get some suitable things together.

This being Sat. afternoon John is listening to the Opera so there isn’t much work to be gotten from him till the opera is over, but he will make up for it after it is over and since he enjoys it so much I would feel like an old meanie not to let him listen without interruption. He sent you his arrangement of Star Spangled Banner this week. He went with me to Lafayette yesterday and got a book on Opera he saw while in Loebs. It’s a good thing we went yesterday – if you haven’t the letter I wrote yesterday you won’t understand. It was clear yesterday but we are having weather again today. It has been snowing and blowing and I can’t see very far north or south – there is just a white haze.

[page 2] Driving would be difficult today because the snow drifts so much. Of course the snow plows keep busy. You can look at the Lentz pictures and get a good idea what it has been like here most of the winter. It has been very scenic much of the time but I haven’t enjoyed it as much as I would had I been able to get out more but before Christmas it was too cold to take the baby out then I got the throat & sinus infection which hasn’t entirely cleared up yet – however it is, much better. Just having sinus drainage now – which may last some time.

Again – The uniform money hasn’t come yet. Your ins. policy hasn’t either. I received a notice that it would be sent but to date is hasn’t arrived. Our bank bal to date is around 500⁰⁰ but I have to pay your John H. ins, taxes and all those first of the year things – and I mentioned this before but will tell you again I got a new coat – at Loebs which I put on the acc’t and that will have to be paid next month ($108⁰⁰). It is plain black seal but I like that kind and to get one of different fur would run well into 200⁰⁰ and I didn’t see anything I would pay the difference for. I asked you in two previous what you think about getting a used piano for

[page 3] $100⁰⁰. It has been out 3 years and is like the one Ruth Mutchler has. I mean in size. I didn’t know until it was sold, but I missed getting a good piano last fall. Seems I missed two good buys but I can get this one now if I want to take it. In case you have the other letters don’t think I am “harping” on the subject but since you haven’t rec’d all letters in the past I just repeated for that reason.

I rec’d a long letter from Marie Mace this morning. They probably have written to you about their cows & calves. I can manage two sheets of paper to daily to you but when I try to write as much to anyone else I seem to run out before I get thru. I should write Marie a long letter in return for her’s but I doubt if I will. I owe several letters but with going to Laf. every other day the past week I manage only to get yours out. I did get one to my Mother this week. After I finish this I am going to write to your folks & maybe Ruth M. Haven’t had any word from Floyd & Ruth since they were here last week-end.

– – – Steve McKinley came this afternoon and paid their bill $5⁰⁰ – It was her OB checks. He said to tell you hello for them. They has a boy – born last July – I don’t know whether he had been born before you left or not – Somehow I don’t remember much about it.

[page 4] but in July last summer a lot of things could have slipped my attention.

I am sitting in the den (nursery) and saw Red Foulkes shoveling snow off their driveway – Wish he would come up this way and clean off our walks but after it quits blowing maybe we can get it done. There isn’t much use to try to clean the walks as long as the snow drifts the way it has today. The last snow we had we didn’t get our walks cleaned off good – I mean the first snow way back around Thanksgiving, then it is kept snowing more all the time & freezing and our front sidewalk wasn’t very easy to walk on.

John is getting ready to take this & other mail to the P.O. so must get it finished (Mark went yesterday). I was going to scan over the papers & give some local news but won’t have time now. Will try to do that tomorrow – Maybe I’ll have more time. If there is anything of interest (which I doubt) Will try & get some pictures in next week’s letters.

Love Mother

P.S. David weighed 12 lbs 15 oz today.

©2013 copyright owned and written by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/10/19/john-is-listen…e-opera-gladys/

Bucket Baths are in vogue (Roscoe)

4 Replies

Letter transcription:

1/9/43

Dear Mother,

You should be able to smell me now for I’ve just had a bath from head to foot. The water has been off some 10-12 days and bucket baths were in vogue but somehow the water came on today so a good bath. The water supply has been temperamental and bathing has been irregular but luckily there aren’t many women around a good bucket of water on a hillside and a naked body is something.

So far today we scored a little mail – got a Christmas greeting from Tommy Thompson and family. That was dated Dec. 7. There is another delivery today so maybe things will be better. We hope.

Just had and am still having a glass of tomato juice. That is one thing

[page 2] we have very little of and I’m surprised because it is a good source of Vitamin C and most people like it. I think Fred & Dr. P. swiped this as they came from taking a bath. I took my bath first and then they went while I held forth.

I’ve been thinking about the number of bonds you are getting and other papers around there whether it wouldn’t be a good idea to rent a safety deposit box. First of all I don’t know how much the rental is but you might investigate or you might talk to Nick who has one I think and ask him about the cost. The boys each have a bond and with ours also it might be worthwhile. Along with all of our insurance policies, etc. The policies can be duplicated in case – but it would be better – Maybe this a just a wild

[page 3] thought of mine which I got from censoring a letter this morning. Do what you think best.

After writing you last night I wrote to Joe R. and to Clarence Y. but I still have several letters to answer. I’ve been stringing them out some. Ed Johnson hasn’t written for a long time. He wrote twice and I answered right the same day but maybe his letters this way are lost in the pile the same as yours. I’ll bet if those persons who have to handle the mail were out here for a while they would be a little more prompt but their job is a big one and around Christmas it’s much more than at other times.

And I just happened to think again. Have you received any the uniform money? I haven’t and if you have tell me in every letter until I reply back because I want to send a tracer thru again if

[page 4] it doesn’t show up. All the others that I knew at that time have gotten theirs long ago.

We have had pretty strong winds today but so far we are still on the hill. This is the time of year for storms. Just like July & Aug at home. Hope you haven’t been snow bound too much.

I can’t send you any more of our local papers because it has been discontinued because the editor has been transferred – even that bit of news isn’t available any more. Well, I’ll finish later but in case I forget – Lots of Love Daddy

P.S. Later – no mail – we had ½ dozen fried eggs bought them in the country and we pilfered onions  from and bread from the galley and did we eat – only the last egg was spoiled and it was mine so Dr. P. divided his with me. So long until tomorrow

Love again
Daddy

©2013 copyright owned and written by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found at:https://genealogylady.net/2013/10/18/bucket-baths-a…n-vogue-roscoe/ ‎

I feel better (Gladys)

1 Reply

Letter transcription:

Kentland Ind
Jan 8 – 1943

Dear Daddy –

Another day to Laf- and that means not much done at home. Dr. Ade said my nose & throat looked better and they feel better so maybe I will be thru with treatments now – might have to go back once. I feel better so maybe I can get over this thing. It seems to drag out but it would since I have to go so far for treatments. I am glad I have been going to Dr. A. because if I had been going to M. I probably would have gotten discouraged and changed anyway (psychology). I have been to Laf. every other day since last Sat. Dorothy was going with me today and when I called her this morning she said the roads weren’t safe, but I knew the other day when we went (Mrs. Zell & I) the

[page 2] snow plows were working both sides of the pavement and I didn’t see how they could get bad no more snow than we have had. I knew she didn’t want to go, so I called her back and told her I was going to leave before she could get away from the restaurant. I decided I would try it and if it wasn’t safe I would come back but Mr. Zell had to do to Laf. to get some things for the office so John & I went with him and Mrs. Zell kept David. When we got to 41 it was dry and all cleaned off – as clean as in the middle of summer. So I got a trip to the Dr. on the County Agent’s gasoline. I still have 24 gal to use by Jan 21 and this is the 8th. Dorothy called me about 6 P.M. to find out how I made the trip. I don’t know where she got her information but she was so sure the roads were slick. Now don’t worry about me driving when the roads aren’t safe. If I had

[page 3]taken our car and the pavement had been slick I wouldn’t have tried to drive. So much for that. I got the Johnson baby a gift today, but didn’t have time to get it wrapped and ready for Ed to take to the hospital this evening. I have been “dripping” along with this nose & throat condition so haven’t visited Lucile at the hospital. I probably won’t get to see her until she gets home.

While in Loebs today I saw Alice & Stilly Berry – they stopped and talked but didn’t mention the balance of their account. They showed me the picture of their baby. They wanted Algood’s address.

Mead’s sent us a 50 cc bottle of Oleum Percomorphum. I talked to Byrnes over the phone about writing to the Co. and I thought he understood I wanted Dextri-Maltose, Pablum & Oleum but he just asked for the Oleum. If I had known

[page 4] that I would have written the letter myself but this 50 cc bottle will last a long time.

Monday when I was in Dr. Cole’s office & his nurse made a blood count the Hemoglobin percent was 81 red count 4,160,000 – and I had a shot of Liver & Vit B so I should be in pretty good shape. Mrs. Cole came in with Dr. Cole’s lunch while I was there. I think she does that every day. He asks about you every time I go in. I think I mentioned all this in other letters but maybe you missed them.

The uniform money hasn’t come yet. The bank bal. without the Ins. & taxes, etc., paid is around 500⁰⁰. I told you in a previous letter I got a new coat – $108⁰⁰. Last week I bought 6 bonds (37⁵⁰) – In yesterday’s letter I asked you about getting a piano I have a chance to get for $100⁰⁰. It is a small one like Ruth Mutchler’s. Let me have an opinion.

Mrs. Roberts called me last night. She hadn’t had a letter for over a week and was wondering why. I haven’t had one since Wed but probably will get two or three or tomorrow.

Love Mother

Your first letter came Sept. 22

©2013 copyright owned and written by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/10/17/i-feel-better-gladys/

Five months since we left Moffett Field (Roscoe)

1 Reply

Letter transcription:

Jan 8, 1943
Lt. (jg) Yegerlehner
Receiving Station
U.S. Naval Advanced Base
c/o Fleet P.O.
San Francicso Calif.

Dear Mother,

According to date it is now just five month since we left Moffitt Field. In some ways it fu seems a long time and in other ways it seems only a short time. Anyway we are here.

Mail was a little better today got your letter of Dec. 13 in which you told of the boys being sick. Of course by now it is too late but I still worry about them. Don’t be to fussy about them. Watch their temperatures and if they go to high then do something. As long as temperature is only around 100° don’t worry. Give them Sulfadiozine as per instruction of

[page 2] Dr. Cole but not too long at any one time give with plenty of fluids. If they get too sick take them to the hospital for a time, but don’t stew and get yourself down.

Glad people like the necklace [necklace]. I think I have an idea for another only I’ll have to get some more shells. Maybe we’ll be able to get there and get some other varities [varieties] and kinds. I have several kinds now but not enough to send home.

We had one of those real real rains last nights – everything is soaked and muddy but things are a little better now than before because there is some crushed limestone around and as long as one is able to stay on that it doesn’t bother but one miss step and you are in the yellow. After the rain today the sun came out and was it hot. It has been hot and steamy all day long.

Glad to hear the boys are still listening

[page 3] to the shadow. Keeping the old family tradition going. Our radio news are about nil and I haven’t heard of anyone getting the radio programs. We were told not to bring radios along and we can’t send for them – oh we could but when would they get here. Some few did smuggle radios – small ones and Australia is all that can be gotten and we are not in a position to listen when the programs are going on.

Don’t know if we will have a show tonite or not but I’m afraid the hillside will be too sick and wet, but if they show one we’ll probably go rain or moon shine. It’s not moon light now so that is one privilege we don’t enjoy even though we do have movies.

It is now about 1700 and almost chow time so will finish later. Later after the

[page 4] show. The title “Fugitive From Justice.” It was OK but very short.

There was no mail this P.M. that 2 Newton Co. Enterprizes and one CC News came. The Newton Co. Enterprise had been opened and censored, but nothing was blanked out but it was only a 2 page paper when before it was 4. Everyone’s mail is late so try V-mail again as I’ve repeated in my previous letters.

I’m still far behind in my letter writing but if I keep on writing and no mail coming in I’ll catch up.

Well, don’t worry too much about the boys and keep yourself in good health –

Lots of Love
Daddy

©2013 copyright owned and written by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/10/16/five-months-si…t-field-roscoe/

The 7th day of the New Year (Gladys)

3 Replies

Letter transcription:

Kentland, Ind
Jan 7 – 1943

Dear Daddy –

On the 7th day of the new year and I wonder what I have done with this first week – nothing much it seems. This afternoon is a little on the gloomy side. It has been snowing and it is foggy. Not so cold but not the kind of weather to get out in after a throat infection. I am going to welcome spring with open arms. I believe I am getting tired of winter and Jan & Feb yet to go. I feel pretty good toady. My throat feels better but I am going to be careful about going out for a while – Will see Dr. Ade again tomorrow. Maybe another treatment will clear things up.

John is working on the music I told you about some time ago. He forgot to copy it off and so did I but he is doing it now and will mail it – his version of Star Spangled Banner. I don’t know whether his vacation from exams is going him much good. He had to wash dishes and take care of two washes of clothes for David. He is going with us to Laf. tomorrow so maybe that will make up for his work today. He doesn’t seem to mind. Mark decided he wanted some oysters so he went to town & got a pint. I didn’t know how

[page 2] much they were and when he told me I almost swooned (.55¢). John doesn’t care for them so Mark & I will do the pint justice. I feel like I should make several meals out of them at that price. The last time I priced creamery butter it was about .60¢ lb so I just stick to G.L. I don’t know what meat costs in the stores but know it is very high. Oranges are 45¢ dz and sometimes more. So much for the high cost of eating.

Mark tried to skate yesterday but he didn’t have his shoes laced tight enough and he couldn’t do much. Some of the children made fun of him and he was in a bad mood but I explained to him that he would have to lace his shoes very tight so he thinks maybe he will do better this evening. It is cold enough that the pond is well frozen over. Now that exams are going the children who are exempted are skating – some of them. John wrote you that Angus Washburn, Ina May Walkup & he were the only ones entirely free from exams – Betty Lou & Carol Josserand were here on their way to the pond. Betty L. had to take all but Arith. I must change the subject or you will think I am being a proud mama.

I started adding egg yoke to David’s formula today. 1/8 tsp a day until he gets a whole yolk a day. I see he has his

[page 3] covers kicked off. He has found his hands and spends much of his time looking at them. –

As usual no local paper today (Thurs) so can’t scan over for local news, which probably wouldn’t be much anyway. I worked on the bank statement last night, I mean I checked with my balance and with no taxes or ins. (except mine) paid we have a bal. of around 500⁰⁰ – I bought 6 37⁵⁰ bonds last week – but after I decided to get a coat thought I had better go slow on further investments until after Ins & taxes, car license, etc are all paid. I have a chance to buy a piano for $100⁰⁰. It is a studio, about the size of Ruth M’s. What do you think about getting it? It is about 3 yrs old and is a Wirrletzer. It isn’t a first rate brand but about the same kind as we have, only it is practically new and would be much better for John to practice on. Let me have your opinion if you get this letter.

I think I told you about Amal Taylor giving me a check for $9⁰⁰ and that it “bounced” – I just took it back to the bank and left it in case he deposited any money, so on this month’s statement – I mean Dec. statement it came thru. That is $9⁰⁰ I didn’t have much hope of getting.

[page 4]The uniform money has not come. I think I told you your policy came but it hasn’t yet – there was a slip advising me it would come but as yet it hasn’t. This slip is to take the place of the policy until it is written or sent out. I would think it would be issued by this time. I am enclosing a calendar for Jan. I cut it off a blotter. If you get Geo Tilton’s letter you will get a full year’s calendar – also if you get one of the boxes I sent you will get one (Rexall).

I have given you Jim’s address several times but here it is again – Ship’s company Camp Bradford, Norfolk, Va – James L. Foster S.K.C. Thelma got a release from her job in T. H. and is working for the Army in Norfolk.

David has had a nap and is now awake and John seems to think he needs his mother’s attention, so will have to see if dry pants are needed. The boys have tried to do that for him but are a little awkward and I am afraid they might hurt him. When he gets a little older they will learn to handle him but they seem to think he will break if they try to pick him up.

Love
Mother

©2013 copyright owned and written by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/10/15/the-7th-day-of…ew-year-gladys/

What Difference Does It Make? (Roscoe)

1 Reply

Letter transcription:

Jan. 7, 1943
Receiving Station
U.S. Naval Advanced Base
Noumea New Caledonia
c/o Fleet P.O.
San Francisco Calif.
Lt (jg) Yegerlehner

Dear Mother,

So far it seems more like what a rainy season should be – rains for a period then clears and then the whole thing over again and still not much rain. And not clear either. Just makes one carry a rain coat where ever he goes.

I think our mailing address has been lost again or something because we are lost as far as mail is concerned. It’s been that way ever since we’ve arrived so we sorta get used to things and hope for the best. One fellow got a letter early that his wife would cable him Christmas but as yet the cable hasn’t arrived so

[page 2] that business isn’t good either. Guess the wires are chucked full of stuff & stuff so that messages more or less personal don’t have a chance.

I haven’t had much ambition for writing people lately – have several to answer but just keep putting it off from day to day. When I get in the mood I’ll sure bat out several in one night. Once in a while I write V-mail to some people but not very often. You write V-mail frequently I believe it will be faster – I’ve said that before but just repeating.

I wasn’t so brow beaten with chow today – Breakfast was fair – and noon day chow was overly good – good roast beef, mashed potatoes, stewed tomatoes and peaches for dessert – along with soup as a starter. This Eve – we’ll probably have spagitti and some other nonsense. If you get what I mean. As long as we have

[page 3] as good as we are getting now I shouldn’t complain. Just a good old American gripe.

I finally sent two shirts out to have them laundered – got them back in 8 day – pretty good job at 6 francs or 15 cents per shirt. Francs are figured in fractions and if they don’t come out even these natives just make it even to the nearest zero or five – generally going to the one above. I should say always to the one above.

The last Life mag. I’ve seen featured or gave Ind. U some few pages. The only thing I noted that was familiar was the plack [plaque] in the floor of the Union building. Way back there I paid 5⁰⁰ toward that building so I looked at one little speck and claimed it as the 5 bucks worth.

New things and different are hard to think of to write about for as I’ve said

[page 4] many times before things are alike from day to day. At breakfast this A.M.I said something about what day it was and almost got mobbed for even asking because everyone said (asked) “What difference does it make?” I kept still.

I’ll check off now and hope there is mail later this P.M. Later about 3 hours no show tonight due to bad weather so I’ll try to get some letters out to other people maybe the letters will go out even if we don’t receive them. In other words no mail again this P.M.

I just got thru taking a complete bath. Our showers have been turned off for several days and spit bathes have been in order. Sure don’t like to wash my head that way but did anyway.

Well, I must write to Sis and a few others so Solong
Lots of love

Daddy

©2013 copyright owned and written by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/10/14/what-differenc…it-make-roscoe/

Answering questions (Gladys)

4 Replies

Letter transcription:

Kentland Ind
Jan 6 – 1942 [1943]

Dear Daddy –

Yours mailed Dec 31 (Dated 29) rec’d this morning. You will surely get lots of mail now. I called Funks to tell them about their letters and gifts rec’d but Arlene & Bill are in Missouri but will be back tomorrow or next day. They will probably write to you again. I just read your letter again to be sure and answer questions. The uniform money hasn’t come. I have had Mr. Monroe out twice to look at the furnace. I will have him go over the radiators again. He keeps it oiled. I have been keeping the car checked at Childress. I will have him take a look at the battery this week. In case you missed the letters I mentioned the baby’s feedings, I am giving him Vit C tablets. Now 3 tbsp pablum at 10 AM plus 5 oz milk. He acts like he is going to get fat

[page 2] but he has a good appetite and there isn’t much to do with a baby but satisfy their hunger. However he doesn’t take half the dextri-maltrose the Mead chart calls for. I am afraid he would look pudgy if I put in 6 tbsp instead of 2 ½ – 6 is what the Mead chart gives for 3 mo. old. I asked Jack Byrnes to write to Mead Johnson about baby food – since we use pablum dextri & oleum. I rec’d a letter from the Co. and said they were sending a bottle of Oleum but didn’t mention anything else. I haven’t talked to Byrnes about what he wrote asking them for. There seems to be a shortage of canned milk. I could only get 12 cans from Knowltons, 3 from Bairs, 2 from Fords, that is of Carnation. I went to Laf. again today so got a dz cand of Pet at a store there. If you get all my letters you will wonder about all the trips to Laf. I have been going to Dr. Ade for throat & sinus treatments. I asked him today why it was dragging along so and he said it was

[page 3] the nature of the “bug” that is around this year. I am not sick enough to go to bed but my throat & sinus keeps bothering me. I have been staying in very close – only go out to make the trips – I went Sat, Mon, today (Wed) and am to go Fri. I didn’t drive during Dec so still have enough gas tickets to make several trips is necessary. He told me today to take neopronticil. I told you in yesterday’s letter I am giving neo to the baby. Dr. Cole says he has a sore throat. He runs a little temp but seems to feel fine. His temp was running 100 every day and now since I have been giving him Neo it has dropped to 99 2/10. I suppose when I get my throat all well he will get over his. It doesn’t bother him. He sleeps good and after the 10 P.M. bottle sleeps till 7 A.M. (next morning). At present gains 1 oz a day, sometimes more. I sent you several picture just before Christmas. Maybe you have them by now. You didn’t mention the pictures Arlene sent, or did you get them?

[page 4] John doesn’t have to go to school tomorrow or Fri – due to exemptions from all exams. Now if you were the bragging type you would tell everyone that. Mark of course has to take all exams because that isn’t done in the grade school. John is going to do David’s washing in the morning – if you can call it that – putting the things in the Bendix & then taking them out – and by the way – the Borax does the trick for the ammonia diapers – we dissolve ½ cup borax and pour it in the last rinse and then we have no odor, otherwise the smell is bad the next time we remove a wet diaper. I am not bragging – just stating a fact. Mark tried out his skates today but didn’t do so well. We are having cold weather again. Just before Christmas it turned warm & the snow melted but it is cold again and there was snow today. Made slow driving but the snow plows were working both sides of the pavement. It seems like we are going to have plenty of cold weather this winter. The snow isn’t as heavy, unless it keep snowing, as it was before Christmas.

The Johnson’s named their heir

[page 5] James Edward or “Jimmy Ed.” I would like to go see Lucile while she is in the hospital but won’t go unless I get rid of this head condition. Now I’ll have to return the buggy and I only used it a few times. Unless the weather gets a lot warmer won’t need one till spring. I rec’d the comb & brush manicure set & flowers for Christmas. I told you that before in several letters – Also the money you sent. Do you think I should put all our money, we don’t use for expenses, in war bonds – Let me know. The bank only pays 1% – the Bldg L. – 4% or they did but that may be cut now. After I get the insurance & taxes taken care of – and all the other first of year expenses will send you a financial report.

Seems like I have covered a lot of paper & not said much either but it is hard to write when the boys (two eldest) are asking questions & talking all the time but I keep hoping I’ll do better next time.

Love
Mother

©2013 copyright owned and written by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/10/13/answering-questions-gladys/