Category Archives: Foster

Got a big box of goodies (Roscoe)

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Letter transcription:

Dec. 16, 1942

Dear Mother,

The mail so far today hasn’t been so bad for me. Got a big box of goodies from Ruth M. and the Newton Co. Enterprise dated Nov. 12. I don’t believe there was a thing of news in it that you already hadn’t written about. The box Ruth sent was a mixture of candied fruit, cookies and some rum jelly. Maybe the packages you sent will finally get here but I’m afraid if you didn’t wrap them pretty good they won’t get here because most of them look pretty taggy by the time they are delivered.

So far today we have had very little rain but last night it sure rained plenty but luckily we have a little limestone and stuff which keeps the mud to a minimum, and of course since we don’t live in a tent it isn’t so bad either. We really haven’t had rain like we had those six days way back

[page 2] there.

Had a pretty good show last night as I told you and we sat right thru the rain – with rain coat and hat on it isn’t so good since the rain came toward our faces and it’s hard to sit with eyes open and the rain coming, but we still sit thru the whole thing. Now the sun is shinning so maybe it will be nice for tonight’s show. We hope. Don’t know why everyone likes the shows so well unless it because that is the only kind of amusement we have. Just like reading a story and you don’t have to hold the book. There has been a bunch of fellows in and out while I’m writing this so I’ve only been here in thought about half the time.

Had a Dec. issue of Readers Digest this A.M. Dr. Porterfield got it from home. I think maybe someone sent it to him. I’ve finished the Nov. issue so as soon as he gets thru with the Dec. issue I’ll start on

[page 3] that.

Since you wrote asking me for another piece of coral I haven’t been over toward the ocean. I keep thinking each day I’ll go but something always seems to come up to prevent it. Some day on the spur of the moment I’ll slip over. It just like anything else when we get started we keep on and then get out of the habit and it’s hard to start over again – Just like the bridge playing we used to do have. Haven’t seen a game in ages. Then we started domino and that has almost fallen thru. Only once in a while we play a game when things are a little dull otherwise.

I’ll add more later – after the P.M. mail. It is now 2200 and the show is over. There isn’t much more to report. More mail came in but it isn’t sorted so we will have to wait until tomorrow. Maybe will have more to report tomorrow. This isn’t much of a letter but it’s the best for the present.

Lots of Love Daddy

© 2013 copyright owned and written by Deborah Sweeney

Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/08/31/got-a-big-box-…goodies-roscoe/

There is a blizzard raging (Gladys)

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Letter transcription:

Kentland Ind
Dec 16 – 1942

Dear Daddy –

Received a letter today that was a little behind time but was glad to get it even tho it wasn’t the latest. The first letter you wrote was I think, the seventh I rec’d – It came “Sept 22” – the day I started to the hospital – I left here about 11:15 Sept 22 and it was 12:05 Sept 23 when I arrived on the 4th floor St E.

Dorothy came out this afternoon and we went to Sheldon and I got a supply of beef. The pork isn’t in the drawer yet. Will be next week. When we came back to town we stopped to see Mrs. P. and she gave me our Christmas gifts. I wanted her to see the baby. She said she would keep him any time in the afternoon for me. She said the gift was for you too – So since I sent you a box last week won’t send anything right now – I’ll wait until you mention something you want. I’ll wait until after Christmas and if you don’t get any of the boxes sent

[page 2] to you will send you something else to make up for them.

I have been thinking about the surplus in the bank and since I haven’t spent the gifts you sent to me will put that specific amt. in a saving acc’t and do you think I should buy more bonds than one a month?

The gift from Revlon came today – and thanks again for another gift. Dorothy was here so I opened it and showed it to her. I also opened the brush set and showed to her. She thinks they are both nice gifts.

Arlene just called me and invited me to a Christmas party Monday night. I should go to the band concert but I would rather go to the party – so that is where I decided to go. John gave me his consent. Arlene keeps asking me if you rec’d the letters they sent but you have never mentioned any. I think you would answer them if you did receive a letter.

I am sending St. E. a greeting and hope you have sent or are sending one from there.

[page 3]Had a letter from Ruthie today. They had your letter. They want to come over here Christmas Eve and take us in our car to C.C. for Christmas and come back Sun. following. I haven’t decided yet – I am not much in favor because I am afraid it will be too hard on the baby and his mother. Your mother said something about whopping cough down there and I certainly don’t want to get close to that. If it weren’t for that I might consider the trip – since the baby is on Carnation and his milk wouldn’t have to be changed. The baby is getting along so fine I certainly wouldn’t want him to get anything.

You mentioned the furnace. When I take out clinkers I always poke to the bottom and stir things around. I pull up the rings that form. Not long ago I cleaned it out and started a new fire and cleaned out the soot & silt too. I am going to put some baby things in the Bendix this evening and while down there for that take out some clinkers. Took out a few last nite.

[page 4] I am not up on local “gossip” – so can’t be very newsy in this letter. The paper will probably be out tomorrow but this will be in the mail by then. We are still having plenty of winter. It isn’t so awfully cold but lots of snow and ice. Seems no one can remember when we have had such an early winter. Nick said they had burned more coal so far this winter than all last winter. I can’t tell how much we have used – but will be able to figure out after winter is over. The coal in July was 69⁰⁰ and last week was 28⁰⁰. There is still room for more but Chet says they will get coal all along.

Fri nite is the class party and I will know who my mystery pal has been. I got Hannah a cake plate for her last gift. I haven’t anyone to stay with the baby, but I am going to the party & stay til 10 o’clock then if I haven’t anyone will come home. He sleeps after his 6 P.M. bottle until 10 – so think I can leave him with the boys that long.

If you go swimming again & can get it I would like some more coral. Also if you can manage – send your Mother a box

Sorry you didn’t like our pictures. Maybe if we keep on can get some good ones – I’ll have one made of myself after Christmas & send.

Love – Mother

[page 5] Thurs. morn – This weather again. There is a blizzard raging this morning and no school. It is coming from the south and the windows on the so. Side of the house are covered with snow & ice. I am certainly thankful for a good warm house and plenty of modern conveniences. I wrote to Mom & Ruthie and told them if this weather continues I know I won’t plan to do anything but stay home. In fact I don’t much like the idea of going now because of the weather and the baby being so small. I think we would be much better off at home and we can have our Christmas right here. I hear the baby cooing or making some kind of gurgling sound. He has been making a lot of changes this week – I think I mentioned he “chews” his left thumb.

The “bliz” is still going strong.

Love Mother

©2013 copyright owned and written by Deborah Sweeney

Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/08/30/there-is-a-bli…-raging-gladys/ ‎

Packages – a goodly number (Roscoe)

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Letter transcription:

Dec. 15, 1942

Dear Mother,

Up until the present I’ve received (today) one letter from Bart, the Clay City News and a Chicago Sun from Boonie. All of course were appreciated. The Chicago Sun was dated Nov. 11 and had many interesting news items. The Clay City was the mine as far as I was able to tell. It was dated Nov. 13. Bart gave me some of the low down but most of his news had been given me by you previously. There were no packages so my fun is still coming. Lots of the fellows have their packages – a goodly number came in today. Maybe mine will come this P.M.

We’ve been getting lots of magazines some dated as late as Nov. 25. Those of course are put out several days early and that makes some difference. We have copies of Life, Liberty, Colliers etc – So we have plenty reading and not too old.

We’ve had a very decided change in the weather and a welcome one at that. The

[page 2] sky has been overcast all day and rain has been the order – coming in spells and spurts, but it is cool – even a jacket wouldn’t feel badly. It hasn’t rained much but the mud is still pretty sticky.

Today was supposed to have been pay day but due to something or other we only get paid once per month now and that is the first. So won’t be paid now any more this year – but I should get along OK unless we have to pay mess bill again. I’ve forgotten when it was paid last.

I sometimes wonder if you can hear our loud speakers thru these letters. Seems it keeps going most of the time. Making announcements and calling men for this and that etc. Something like the loud speaker in the hospital only more noisy and too they put out a squeak each time it comes on to attract attention. They have never called Dr. Kildare yet but I’m looking for that to happen almost any day now.

Well, I wonder how the weather is up

[page 3] there now. I think of that very frequently along with other things of course, but that is a queer thing this weather when one thinks of it. At least right now it is for it is raining to beat the devil, but it may be over in 2 min. Good pickle showers back in the U.S.A.

Didn’t have any snoring difficulties last night – I got both sides of the story and tried to explain the whole situation so maybe we won’t come to blows. We hope. On

Our picture printing wasn’t so much a success. The fixing solution wasn’t just right and the pictures turned yellow. We are going to change solutions and maybe that will help. If we ever get good ones I’ll send them home. We just this minute got some new developer fluid and fixer. So will probably try again soon.

Our chow has been a little on the scant order the past few day but with Christmas candy it won’t bother if it is a little scant. I’m trying to reduce. I’ve

[page 4] gained 2-3 pounds and can’t let that happen. It’s a lot the starchy diet we have and too I think our  muscles have gotten more firm. In fact my trousers are more loose than they were when in the States but my muscles harder I suppose because we walk up and down the hills etc pretty much.

The way it looks now I doubt if we have show tonite because I’m afraid we would slip off the hillside – but if it stopped raining ½ hour the ground drys rapidly so we may still have a show since it’s only 1500.

Well, I’ll save the rest of the space until later but in case I forget –

Lots of Love

Daddy

P.S. Did have show and you’d think it very important because we sat thru hard spells of rain – Rain coat and hat. It’s fun – No more mail.

Love again Daddy

©2013 copyright owned and written by Deborah Sweeney

Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/08/29/packages-goodly-number-roscoe/

This is “unusual” weather (Gladys)

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Letter transcription:

Kentland Ind
Dec 15 – 1942

Dear Daddy –

Tues eve. and just before time for Fibber – will try to get something written. I went to Club this afternoon and then did some Christmas shopping. Clara Molter stayed with the baby. He fussed yesterday after his 2 P.M. bottle and acted hungry so today I put a full can of carnation in his formula. He was much better today. Clara was giving him his bottle when I left and when I came back about 5:30 she said he had been good all the time I was gone. In fact she was able to do the ironing. When I have her stay with him I have some work to be done because he isn’t any trouble and that way I get a little lift which I always seem to need. I never seem to get caught up but I suppose I do as much as the average person with a small baby and two others to think about. I know if you were here I would have to keep help – which I would gladly do if you could be. It seems to me I am not very efficient, but when I

[page 2] stop to think about it – you helped so much when John was a baby and we always had extra help after Mark came, so maybe I am not so slow after all. I do spend a lot of time with David, but after all he will grow up so quickly I must give him all the attention possible. He weighed 11 lbs 2 oz this morning.

Marks is about normal again. He didn’t want to go to school this afternoon. I took his temperature and it was exactly 98 6/10 – so I told him he should go because there really wasn’t any excuse for him staying home. He went and I saw him going home after school (I was uptown) and he seemed to feel as gay as usual. I ordered a new suit for him for Christmas and it came today. It is supposed to be a Navy uniform but I hardly think the color of blue would conform to Navy regulations. It seems more a cross between a Navy & Army uniform because it has a leather strap across the front & back with a leather belt. It looks like the Army uniforms Earl Roberts had on. His tool chest came but it wasn’t complete – due to shortage of certain things containing metal.

[page 3] The band is giving a concert Monday, so I will try to go and hear John play. He has sold me a ticket. Clara has promised to stay with the baby. The High School gave the entertainment at Club this afternoon. 7th grade sang, Glee club sang and the band played. I think they have a good band teacher this year.

Hume Sammons died today about noon. They were taking him to the hospital. I didn’t know he had been sick.

Mrs. Plummer called to tell me she had a letter but I had yours of 5 – 6 – 7 – and knew you had written her. She said she was going to write you and enjoyed your letter very much. She said for John to stop on his way home from taking his piano lesson Sat. for something – which makes me think of Christmas shopping. I am going to give potted plants this year which will relieve me a lot running around, wrapping, etc., trying to find something suitable for everyone. – – a pause – – went down to take some clinkers out of the furnace. I don’t like to trust the boys to that job all the time. Maybe I should hire someone to do the job but it doesn’t take much time once a day or so. I was thinking about how much I have written about

[page 4] the weather – but it snowed again today, but it isn’t quite so cold. Unless we have an early spring this is going to seem like a long winter. It has seemed long already and the really cold weather started Thanksgiving day. This is “unusual” weather for Ind because we would ordinarily have had a thaw by now.

Wed Morn – I went out and started the car this morning to see if it would still go. – I haven’t had it out for over a week and was afraid the battery would be down – but it started. I must get some meat so think I’ll have Dorothy go with me to Sheldon. It is so slick around town I don’t like to drive alone – The sun is shining this morning and it isn’t too cold. I am trying to get the humidity up but that seems like a big job I have pans of water on the radiators but that isn’t very effective. Wish we had regular humidifiers. Up until this cold weather the humidity outside was sufficient.

David is sucking his thumb trying to go to sleep. He takes a short nap before his bath every morning. I must go mix formula and get ready for his bath & bottle, and I am trying to get this ready for Carl to take when he delivers the mail.

Love – Mother –

© 2013 copyright owned and written by Deborah Sweeney

Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/08/28/this-is-unusual-weather-gladys/

It’s too darn hot (Roscoe)

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In 1942, Roscoe and Gladys would not have been familiar with Cole Porter’s musical “Kiss Me Kate.” The musical did not premiere on Broadway until 1948. Roscoe’s letter reminds me of the song “Too Darn Hot.”

Letter transcription:

Dec. 14, 1942

Dear Mother,

It’s almost too hot to write but I’m doing it anyway. Here while back when I was writing about hot it just hadn’t started yet and besides that breeze don’t seem to know how to blow anymore. It’s about like that Sunday we spent at Norfolk only hotter if one gets out in the sun and too the humidity seems to be high – Towels don’t dry and unless clothes are hung in the sun they don’t dry and even then it may take some time to get a heavy towel dry.

Seems as if we might be having a little domestic trouble last night. One of the boys started snoring and one of the others got up and went over and poked him and woke him up and he didn’t like it very well. Guess one can do things like that at home but the wife poking isn’t like a stranger. The fellow said I was going um puf – – – but that didn’t bother him so I wasn’t

[page 2]disturbed. Thanks. Seems a shame to awaken one fellow so the other can go to sleep. Hope nothing comes of the whole situation. Don’t believe I would wake anyone even if I couldn’t sleep all night long.

I only got one letter written last night besides yours and that was to the folks. Seems I wasn’t in the mood and when that happens I just as well not try. The next letter I’m going to write will be to the Krulls but I’m not in the proper frame of mind just yet. Getting temperamental don’t you think. May not that – could be just the weather.

A November Reader’s Digest just came into our possession and I’ve practically finished it in the last day or two. Nov. isn’t very late – guess you have the Dec. and possibly the Jan. by now. Or has the subscription run out? It’s up to you now if you

[page 3] want to renew it. We seem to get them here Ok, but a little old but what’s the difference. It sprinkled just a little this A.M. We don’t know if that is the beginning of the rainy season – which is supposed to start sometime this month or whether it’s just another sprinkle. We could stand some rain but I’m afraid when it starts will be wishing for sunshine in a big way.

J. Edward Barce, circa 1960

J. Edward Barce, circa 1960

I never did hear from Ed. Barce while at Moffett Field. I wrote him a letter but didn’t get an answer and of course I didn’t know his address. I didn’t write H. Reinhart either. I just supposed that he probably was gone and the letter would have to be forwarded. Don’t you think that’s a pretty good excuse? The best I can think of on the spur of the moment. It’s a little hard to write when there isn’t much to write about as you will note I’ve been doing the past few days, but writing home is different. I’d be glad to get a letter from you even if

Henry W. Reinhart, circa 1960

Henry W. Reinhart, circa 1960

[page 4] you only wrote the date etc.

Of course, more is appreciated but I know it must be hard for you to compose each day. Even John’s letter was appreciated and about the only thing he told me was that you didn’t have meat for dinner that day. It’s hard for them to write much on V-mail because their writing is large and those pages are small. Hope you have the money letters by now. Seems as if that those letters were the only ones missing from your list when your last letter came.

There was no mail this A.M. but this P.M. delivery may be better to us. We hope. So Solong

Love Daddy

P.S. No mail this P.M.

©2013 copyright owned and written by Deborah Sweeney

Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/08/27/its-too-darn-hot-roscoe/

The mail was better today (Roscoe)

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Letter transcription:

Dec. 13, 1942

Dear Mother,

Nick Krull, circa 1960

Nick Krull, circa 1960

The mail was better today. Got two letters dated Nov. 25 from you, and one dated Oct. 14 from you – a package from Boonie – (a box of candy) a letter from John – V-mail and two birthday greetings from Nick & Dorothy. One of the greetings wasn’t very nice and Dorothy wouldn’t have her name to it so she sent another with both their names. I guess all of our mail will finally get here. John said he was down in the dumps because didn’t have meat for dinner. After all if a fellow is hungry he isn’t very happy.

I’ve written the folks their usual weekly letter today. Wrote it just before chow and it is after church now. We had a visiting Chaplin give the sermon tonite a change now and then is pretty good.

Today has really been hot. I believe it’s the hottest day we have had even in our hut it was hot. We’ll have to get us an electric fan now – maybe – again it seems pretty definite that we probably will stay here for some time – and now that you

[page 2]know where we are it won’t be so bad. Today’s letters were the first with the new address and I suppose the next ones will have the addition that were attached a day or two after the first address came out. Fred got a package from his wife – Had – candy – nuts a pipe – cigarettes etc. The peanuts were very tough but still good. I’ll have to write the Krulls and the Boones and I almost forgot – Otto Paul. His letter would come thru. I’ve already wrote you about that so you tell Boonie and he can send him the stuff and I won’t have to write.

I wrote Joe Roberts the other day but didn’t have to use all the address left off the San Francisco part. The P.M. told me here it wasn’t necessary to send it back to San F. If Mrs. R. don’t know where he is you should tell her because I wrote it to you. Wish I could go over from Christmas but it’s to[o] far to paddle a row boat. He should get my letter in pretty short order, but it would be as hard for him to get over here

[page 3] as me there.

Dr. Huth took some pictures the other day and we developed them in the Xray tank and today we tried printing some of them. I’d almost forgotten how it was done but we got a few out. Our fixer solution isn’t quite right for pictures because they turn yellow around the edges. It seemed I was the only one who knew anything about printing and that wasn’t much because it‘s been years & years since. I had the carpenter make the frame. I think I told you something of that last night – well we had no glass so we just had two boards one with a hole slightly smaller than the film. In time we should get pretty good – especially if we can get the Corpsman to do the work. I’m going to have to have a Corpsman when I get home to do the work for me. It’s just like having a colored maid. Maybe I’ll get over being lazy. I hope.

Have a boy in the hospital now with hands just like yours used to be. Of course, we have no zimocol but I’m giving him Hcl just the same. He got his washing his hands

[page 4] in some kind of soap he thinks. Or maybe he had to wash dishes. Could be the same as yours and maybe not.

The original four members of the Rotary Club: Paul Harris is on the far right, while Silvester Schiele (Roscoe’s uncle) is second from the left.

Guess you were somewhat honored to have Paul Harris as your guest even though it wasn’t but a little time. Wish I could have been – there- It’s a little late now but you must get that in the paper. I mean it – call Bart and tell him Uncle was along and Paul H. The founder of Rotary was with him. Make a nice little story. Things like that don’t happen every day. Maybe you have already done so – if not do it. I can read it too if and when the paper gets here.

Well, must stop and rest – work or write another letter – don’t know which –

With lots of Love

Daddy

©2013 copyright owned and written by Deborah Sweeney

Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/08/25/the-mail-was-b…r-today-roscoe/

Cold & Flu Season (Gladys)

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Letter transcription:

Kentland Ind
Dec 13 1942

Dear Daddy –

Sunday afternoon and while David takes his exercise on the bath table in the sun will try to write – John and Mark are in the living room and John is reading to Mark. Mark had only two degrees fever and that I think is just the afternoon rise because he didn’t have any this morning. He was very hungry when we ate lunch and ate like he had been working. He seems to feel fine and it is a job to keep him quiet but I told him he couldn’t go to school in the morning unless he is entirely free from a temperature. Since it is so cold I think I will keep him home tomorrow unless he can ride to school. Mr. Zell often takes the children. I would do that myself but can’t very well and leave the baby alone and I don’t want to take him out. He has had a slight cold. I mentioned the rattle in his breathing. It finally came down and he had quite a bit of mucos in his nose. I didn’t want anything serious to develop so I called Dr. Cole

[page 2] The baby was running a little temperature but not much, however with both the mucos condition and temp. I thought something should be done. Dr. Cole said to give him sulfa-diazine and use manneus oil in his nose and grease his chest with camphorated oil. I followed the instructions and the mucos condition is better – however he still has a little but it drains and doesn’t bother his breathing . He still has a slight temperature in the afternoons but by evening it recedes and is normal. He has seemed to feel fine and has taken his formula every day and gained right along so he must be “ok.” I didn’t mention any of this before because I didn’t want you to worry about it and too If I had written every day you might have gotten a letter or two and missed one, and that would have made you wonder about how things were and since he seemed so good through it I didn’t want to make a mountain out of a mole hill – When I would take his temperature and watch it so closely I would remember how you used to get so disgusted with certain anxious mothers who were always taking their children’s temp. and wish they would break the thermometer

[page 3] once or twice his temp. did rise to 100 but it usually kept around 99 to 99 3/5. All the aforementioned took place during the past week. He slept every night except for his regular feedings and in the day time too. He wasn’t off schedule any. I will confess I was pretty worried about him but kept telling myself since the temp. was slight and that he could breath[e] easily it wasn’t serious. I knew too if necessary I could call Dr. Cole which I did do twice and if necessary could go down to Laf. with him A baby is so helpless and delicate as far as medication is concerned. I was some “put out” that he would get a cold, but there is so much cold around that it really isn’t any wonder. I had a little sinus condition myself and my throat bothered me some – so he could easily have gotten the bug from me, But I keep asking myself – how could he keep from it when I have to handle him myself. I keep gargling but it doesn’t entirely get rid of it. I went down & had Dr. M. swab my throat and it seemed well for a day or two. It doesn’t bother me any except it feels raw at times – Oh me – I hope I haven’t been too boring about all our aches and pains because we are all able to be up and going. In fact I feel better than I have felt in a long time and as I said about the baby he seems to feel first rate weighs 11 lbs now

[page 4]It is colder today and of course there is still the snow we had two weeks ago plus several additional layers. I helped John with the furnace last night and took out clinkers. I go down nearly every day and stir things up. I leave the coal heaving to the boys.

Arlene came to see me for a few minutes yesterday. She brought two suits Donald had outgrown – he weighs over 15 lbs now. She told me Rosemary is to have a baby in April. Just as Arlene left Parttens’ came. They thought the shells pretty nice and the necklace makes a hit with everyone who sees it. I got a quarter of beef from Harold so paid him. Mary said people who have their own meat won’t be held to meat rationing. We now have ½ of 265# hog and 122 lbs beef in the locker (the beef less two pieces I took last Sat.) Zells have chickens and when they are large enough for frys I think I’ll get a dozen or so and put in the locker.

The brush & comb you sent came Sat. I like it very much and I will probably have to get the boys a set so they will leave mine alone.

We got the tree decorated last night. I let Mark come down and watch. We put those lights on that we used outside last year.

The boys are upstairs now listening to The Shadow and I am trying to listen to Wm L. Shirer but David is awake and wanting attention so must close

Love Mother

Over

[page 5]Mon noon and everybody fine. Mark didn’t go to school but he hasn’t any temp. and it is pretty cold so thought I would keep him home till noon – He feels fine.

©2013 copyright owned and written by Deborah Sweeney

Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/08/24/cold-flu-season-gladys/

Things about the same (Roscoe)

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Letter transcription:

Dec. 12, 1942

Dear Mother,

Sat. P.M. and things about the same as usual. Same old hot etc. This is about the middle of the P.M. and nothing much to do for some time. Last night show was The Aldrich Family – pretty good show but like the radio – don’t think I’d like it too often. There probably won’t be a show tonight due to a combination smoker and boxing show between army and navy. I’d rather have a movie rather than the smoker but I guess it isn’t what I’d rather have. Anyway I don’t have to go unless I want to so I’ll suit myself.

I have a comic book to read – read one yesterday P.M. and saved this one until today. It’s mighty heavy work but I guess I can take it. Hope it’s not the same as the one you said you were sending or I thought you said you were sending. Some of the surprise will be taken out of the

[page 2] Christmas package if it’s the same. There has been no mail again today but we hear that there is plenty around but being around doesn’t help much.

Wrote to the Walkups last night and I don’t owe anyone any letters at present. In fact I’ve gotten so few since Dec. 1 that is isn’t hard to answer what few that have arrived. Maybe more will come thru the latter part of Dec. We still have the 5:00 P.M. delivery today and that may bring something.

One of the boys just came in with a loaf of French bread. Those long hard crusty loaves. I think the crust OK but the inside isn’t so hot. In fact, I’ve almost stopped eating bread. Probably haven’t eaten over ½ dz slices since arriving on the Island. Even on the boat coming over I didn’t like bread – because it was baked in U.S.A. Then frozen and served

[page 3]  that way and the whole thing tasted much like ice box food. That was true of all the food we had. We have lamb 2-3 times per week and that is pretty hard to get down but it’s fresh meat. Some just won’t eat it but I at least eat some.

This whole letter up to now is a mess but that’s more or less the way I feel right now. You know those days come now and then and then things get better etc.

There was a ball game this P.M. but I had to take a bath etc – it being Sat. Doesn’t take that long for a bath but it is pretty far to walk and return in one afternoon –

I’ll finish later & we did have a show – don’t remember what the name was but something about a Saint. No P.M. mail

Love Daddy

©2013 copyright owned and written by Deborah Sweeney

Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/08/24/things-about-the-same-roscoe/

Keep the home fires burning (Roscoe)

1 Reply

Letter transcription:

Nov. [Dec.] 11, 1942

Dear Mother,

Esquire magazine cover - 1940s

Esquire magazine cover – 1940s

Up to now there is no mail but we still have the P.M. delivery as this is now early afternoon chow. I’m writing this just prior to a slight nap I think. Have to be like the natives – take a nap in the heat of the day. I was just reading in Esquire magazine where all great men seemed to become greater with the coming of snow – Washington at Valley Forge, Lincoln in the last winter of the war and I can’t see where one would get much “pazaz” in this kind of weather. That wasn’t all I read in Esquire. Really is a good magazine for tired worn out sailors. There was another article but I can’t seem to remember it – guess it wasn’t really worth while coming from the Esquire as it did.

It’s really fun to look at some of our magazines – Some 1927 etc. The adv. are funny. Especially women’s hats and automobiles. There is some similarity between those and our today’s models.

[page 2] and too they generally tell what is being advertised. Don’t know what got me on to this line. Just the heat I suppose.

I wrote Ruth M. last nite in answer to her greeting and letter combined. I think I answered her last letter but couldn’t think of a thing I had written but I remember addressing an envelope. It would be real funny if they got an empty envelope. It’s almost time for some new mail from you because now it has been 7 days since getting late mail. And still no packages. It will probably be that way until after Christmas.

Two weeks from today is Christmas and I hope you have the money and things by then. You told me the boys had their bonds before the money I sent had a chance to get there but I suppose they will have other things in mind and if they are saving stamps they will no doubt buy a few out of the ten. V-mail must be slow going in the direction. I haven’t written much but it

[page 3] seems ages in going. I sent each of the brothers and sister a V-mail greeting but haven’t had a chance to hear from them as yet. Guess I told you that before.

Dr. Huth (Dentist) as taken some pictures and we are trying to get some printing paper to have so that we can print them ourselves. We can use the Xray solutions. We don’t have a printing frame fixed up yet because of lack of glass. I suppose we could get some in town but that would cost us, and glass is something you don’t need in tents or huts, so we can’t even break a window to get a piece.

Our beer is now extinct except for some isolated cases – like the one I have hidden under my bunk. There was quite a bit here but it didn’t last long. There are still some cokes left but I don’t care for warm coke. Just about as some have warm water. Occ – we get a glass of cold water but as a rule it’s warm. Even in the showers it isn’t cold. Seems the water mains are so near the surface and the sun so warm it warms the water. And why

[page 4] put the pipes deep in the ground because it never freezes.

Last nite just about Sun down Dr. Porterfield and I walked up over a little hill and off in a distance we could see a heavy blanket of clouds. We were looking down on it – out of this cloud comes a mountain top. Was real pretty but I can’t describe it.

I suppose I’d better take this opportunity to wish you a very Merry Christmas because the mail may be a little slow even this may not get there. I’ll miss being there you’ll know but I’m thankful I can still write you and you me. So keep the chin up and the home fires burning as I know you can do.

Lots of love and best wishes
Daddy

P.S. no mail today – Some got old mail but I already have that.

Camera 616

Please send me a roll of films 2 ½ x 4 ¼ The camera 616 – 8 exposures. Those will fit Dr. Huth’s camera and maybe I can get some good pictures for you. Thanks.

©2013 copyright owned and written by Deborah Sweeney

Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/08/22/keep-the-home-…burning-roscoe/

Mark is upstairs in bed (Gladys)

1 Reply

Letter transcription:

Kentland Ind
Dec 11 – 1942

Dear Daddy –

Mark is upstairs in bed – He said he didn’t feel good when he came home – so I took his temperature and it was 100 – I gave him ½ a sulfadiazine tablet and will give him another before I go to bed. When Dr. Cole examined him while I was in the hospital he said he wouldn’t take his tonsils out but gave him sulfadiazine – so I had Jack Byrne look up the prescription and get the dosage. Mark said he ached so thought I would try to nip the “flu” in the bud. He said he felt like he was taking the flu. He went to town thru the snow without his overshoes and I think he got his feet damp. When he came back and I discovered he didn’t have his overshoes on I made him change his shoes but evidently his feet were cold the “bug” had started to work. They come in thru the garage and leave their rubbers there and I had no idea he had gone out without them. He said, “the sidewalks are cleaned off,” but we can’t get away from the house without getting in the snow because it snowed again today. You

[page 2] mentioned the weather taking a beating. It certainly has from here but this snow is something to write about. Just before noon there was a flurry started and lasted until after the children came home. Great flakes coming down in swirls.

We were going to decorate the tree this evening but since Mark has to stay in bed and I am too tired to bother with it – it will have to wait another day.

I rec’d a card from the Revlon Prod. Corp that you are sending me a Manicure Case. Your Christmas cards are all very nice – (the three rec’d).

I finally sent out your sardine, crackers, mosquito cream, chewing gum – and in case you miss yesterday’s letter – the box of chewing gum was put in by Jack Byrne. He said to tell you that was their weeks allowance since chewing gum is hard to get. I also sent Jim his gifts and a box to Thelma.

I saw in the paper that Wayne Walker is home for a 30 day furlough. He has been in Australia since soon after he enlisted. That give me hopes – Maybe it shouldn’t – that you will possibly get to come home for such a furlough sometime.

[page 3] David is asleep – as usual this time of day. After his 6 P.M. bottle he looks around a while and usually by 7 he is sound asleep. He weighed 10-13 this morning. Two weeks ago today we went to see Dr. C. and he weighed 9-13 so he has kept up his ½ per week average. He should – he takes 5 oz every 4 hrs and it takes 12 oz Carnation for the 24 hrs.  When we came home 9 weeks ago he was getting 7 oz carnation in 24 hrs and now it is almost double that.

The skaters have come into their own this winter. Betty Lou & Donna Dennis went together to skate this evening. Betty said they have a flood light for the night skaters and build a fire too. Nick got Buddy skates last year but he has never learned to skate – said he didn’t like the falls.

You should be getting a letter from Uncle Wes. I can’t understand why you never have heard from him. He was here the day your Mother & Kenneth left – the day your Noumea address came – and he took it down. He said he was going to send you a bunch of maps. In fact I had a note from him and he had sent them. His address is 2028 W. 110th St.

I mentioned this before but will again – I think you should write the Sisters at St. E. and thank them for my care at the hospital. I am going to send a Christmas greeting, and add a thank you.

[page 4] I take it for granted that you got my letter telling you I didn’t have a bill to pay when I left the hospital.

John went to town this evening and bought David’s gift – a plate cereal bowl and cup. Mark got him a Panda. Jim sent him a wooden toy and Ruth M. sent something for him in her box but I think it is some piece of clothing.

I looked thru the paper for some news item to include but don’t see much. Thad Pence is having a public sale – going to retire. C.D. Gilmore & James Oppy are victims of falls, suffering from cracked ribs. Joe Fletcher is moving the auto license branch office in with Prairie Realty Co. John Simons is in St. E. for observation. You will get all this when the Enterprize gets to you.

It has been so wintry this week I haven’t been out much and I have been trying to ward off a sore throat. It comes and goes. I got some powerful gargle at the drug store last night and it is much better.

I am about to run down so will sign off. Maybe there will be some letters tomorrow since there were none today.

Love Mother

Sat P.M. – Mark is better – In fact he is hard to keep in bed and I think by this evening I will allow him to come down and watch John decorate the tree, but will keep him away from David. A greeting came for you so will send it on to you (From St. E.)

[page 5] I am sending you this “Nation’s Business” notice – I hardly think you want it renewed but here it is.

©2013 copyright owned and written by Deborah Sweeney

Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/08/21/mark-is-upstai/