Category Archives: Foster

Keeping the chin up (Roscoe)

In today’s letter, we FINALLY learn Dr. Fred’s last name and we learn the name of the “boss”. In case you haven’t noticed, Jake has been censoring his own letters lately. Perhaps some of the news from this letter will explain why.

: December 5, 1942 Envelope

: December 5, 1942, p. 1

: December 5, 1942, p. 2

: December 5, 1942, p. 3

: December 5, 1942, p. 4

Letter transcription:

Dec 5, 1942

Dear Mother,

A day of rain and all that goes with it – mud wet etc – but it isn’t so bad living in a hut, only we have two leaks in our roof – but luckily they don’t come over my bunk. We still have to get in the mud to go to chow and to the P.O. but we can do them both at the same time.

I counted the letters both V-mail and others and to date I have received 77 from you. All others I destroy so don’t know how many I’ve gotten all together. I’ve just about decided to write to Dr. Joe and Reinhart. I put those letters away and had to search for them so I found them today. To get the address.

Your attitude on the keeping the chin up is admirable because that after all is the best way. You don’t see many families around home in

[page 2] circumstances as similar to ours but I see and am around many men in exactly the same state of affairs as myself, and we are no better than they and all have a part to play and a duty to do. For example one of my roommates has two children – the oldest just a little older than John and the youngest about Mark’s age. Then Fred has one son 19 months old and Dr. Porterfield our boss has three children – Two boys and a girl – His two boys are both in the service – And he doesn’t know where one is – the other is in Calif. at present or was at the last writing. Dr. (Fred) Williams and Dr. Porterfield both were asking me about my family last night and they both talked as if they were asking their wives to write you. I thought I would not suggest you write them first. I did for Dr. Walsh but you haven’t said if you heard from her or not. They suggested their wives write to you so maybe you’ll be hearing from

[page 3] them, but that is getting away from my original story. I know a first class hospital corpsman who has a child about 3 years old and plenty of others in the same boat and then we also run into men who haven’t been home for 20-26 months – So our lot isn’t any worse than others and I’m glad you are taking it as you say and as I know you can. I’m not cheerful and happy about the whole things but I’m trying to do the same thing you are.

I’m almost afraid to say this but it now looks as if there will be only 3 of us remain here – Williams, Porterfield and myself. Porterfield is boss being a Lt. Comdr – while Fred is a (jg) like myself. We aren’t entirely sure but the latest gossip is to that affect and we should know in a few days. Of course we don’t know for how long but for the present at least and possibly indefinitely. That is, as

[page 4] far as the Navy is able to be definite. That last isn’t very clear, but it looks as if it will be sometime. There are other places much worse that this so we won’t complain.

No mail today but we have hopes for tomorrow. That is what keeps us going and after all that is what keeps the whole world going.

The dentist is scraping a fellow’s tooth and it isn’t a pleasant sound. He has sinus trouble so I get him down in his chair and work on him then he works on me – That way we are both careful not to be too rough.

The show was very good last night – funny as well as a fair plot. The ground is too wet tonite so won’t see another until Mon. as there is none on Sun. night. The shows are fine but it sure breaks in on the letter writing period.

Well, I think you and I have looked at this whole business in a sensible manner and and I hope we can continue to do the same –

With Lots of Love

Daddy

Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/08/10/keeping-the-chin-up-roscoe/

More about babies and meat rationing (Gladys)

3 Replies

: December 4, 1942 Envelope front

: December 4, 1942 Envelope back (I wonder how long it took for this one to make it?)

: December 4, 1942, p. 1

: December 4, 1942, p. 2

: December 4, 1942, p. 3

Letter transcription:

Kentland Ind
Dec 4 – 1942

Dear Daddy –

Yours posted Nov. 26 rec’d this morning – along with the Christmas greeting & picture card. I think your artist and poet are to be congratulated. Mark said, “Isn’t it beautiful?’ He was very indignant with Tommy Britton because Tommy told Mark his father is in New Caledonia. Mark said, “Tommy no longer than your father has been in the Army he couldn’t be in N.C. yet.” I saw in the paper that Eddie is stationed at Camp Grant in Illinois, so I told Mark and that calmed him down some. Personally, the positions could be reversed and I wouldn’t mind but they aren’t so we must make the best of things as they are. We are still “snowbound” and it has been on long enough it is losing some of its beauty due to the smoke & soot settling over it. It is bright and not quite so cold but still not warm enough to take the baby out and my throat is a little scratchy so must keep myself in too. I have been gargling and think I can hold it down.

I haven’t been anyplace except to see Dr. C. and did a little shopping on one trip down since. I went to that Club luncheon Sept. 22 so am planning to go to a Tea at Nellie’s next Monday. It is the Christmas meeting of the Music Club. I was on the Christmas meeting committee in the Literary Dept. and forgot all about the meeting until it was over but didn’t feel bad

[page 2] about that because I talked to the chairman sometime ago and told her not to count on me. In the first place they shouldn’t have put me on the program till later in the club year.

I saw Arlene yesterday and she had just mail[ed] a V-mail to you. You never mentioned getting their other letter with the pictures, so I suppose it was in the Oct 27 to Nov 11 gap. While I was there Louise took Donnie up. He is 3 mo old and can almost sit alone – weighs 15 lbs. David can do a lot of things we think good for a 2 mo old baby but he isn’t developing as rapidly as Donald but Donald is an unusually large baby for his age. John was watching David this morning and said he hear him coo. He smiles at us when we talk to him. Right now he is not in a very good humor but I think he will soon go to sleep – – he did.

Since you have started to receiving the Enterprize they should get to you regularly and you can get every detail that I can’t put in the letters I write. I imagine you read it pretty thoroughly.

I got a quarter of beef from Parttens – they didn’t want to sell any more and half a hog to be put in as soon as it is ready – to be butchered next Tues. Zells are taking the other half and I am going to let them use the locker while it lasts. However they won’t have much to put in because they are going to take

[page 3] their sausage home and Mrs. Z is going to can it and they will take their cured meat. Nick had been using the locker but hasn’t had anything in for a long time and I think he has his own now. I don’t know how they will manage rationing locker meat. Maybe we are on our honor to do our own rationing. I bought a chicken and on Sunday we had it baked – Monday sliced cold – Tues – chipped with noodles – and had an extra for Tues dinner – Clara Moulter helped me that day so I think we did well enough with that. I cut a sirloin steak in half at noon and we each had a piece – tho John & I could have eaten more – we get along. Meat rationing won’t bother Mark.

David’s bottle is warm and it is 10 P.M. – and I must get to bed – or I will be so sleepy in the morning I won’t want to get up. This 2 A.M. business gets to be a habit – but it makes me awfully sleepy when I should get up.

Sat morn – No letters this morning but hardly expected any today since I got one yesterday and that brought them up to date. John has gone to take his piano lesson. David had had his bath & 10 A.M. bottle and Mark is waiting to go to town so must sign off and get lunch started. I am enclosing the end off a blotter in case you haven’t a better calendar. Geo. Fulton is going to send one.

Love Mother

Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/08/09/more-about-bab…tioning-gladys/

Christmas Greetings (Gladys)

1 Reply

: Christmas Card, p. 1

: Christmas Card, p. 2

: Christmas Card, p. 3

: Christmas Card envelope

Letter transcription:

Dear Daddy – I just finished writing a letter, but since it is uncertain as to when you will get this, and wanting you to have it by Christmas thought I would send it now. It is very simple and not in the least pretentious but I thought the verse would convey my feeling about Christmas. We go from one Christmas to another and build our own little traditions around it perhaps without fully realizing how important those traditions have become to us. It is unnecessary to say how much we will miss you this year, and our Christmas Eve guests, the trip to C.C. [Clay City]

[page 2] but we must have Christmas tho not as usual, and hope the next one will be different than this. So as the little verse says, we will honor Christmas in our hearts and our thoughts will be with you and hope you will enjoy your festivities there, because I am sure you will make special observance of the day. I am not gifted in putting my inner thoughts on paper but hope I have conveyed my feeling to you for this special occasion. I feel more words are unnecessary

With All My Love
Mother

Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/08/08/christmas-greetings-gladys/

Who showed them how? (Roscoe)

2 Replies

: December 4, 1942 Envelope

: December 4, 1942, p. 1

: December 4, 1942, p. 2

: December 4, 1942, p. 3

: December 4, 1942, p. 4

Letter transcription:

Dec. 4, 1942

Dear Mother,

Just a little time now so this is the first try – maybe will be able to finish maybe not. Last night I answered the greetings I received yesterday and also wrote a short note to Dr. Matthews. As I said before don’t know if he is peeved or not but I wrote just the same. I’ll try to write a short note to each person who sends me a greeting. Just happened to think the other day that I hadn’t written to Reinhart or Dr. Roberts yet so will before long when I’m more in the mood [for] that right now. Last night after the show I felt like writing. Today not so much that way.

No mail yet today – weather hot good breeze and some few clouds. That takes care of the usual things we say about those common topics of conversation. We still have hopes of mail because it isn’t 5 P.M. yet.

You mentioned that you and the

[page 2] boys were taking care of the furnace. Who showed them how? And you should stir around the retort frequently to remove any clinker because it might burn out the retort and I don’t believe you would be able to buy a new one now. Maybe one of the neighbors would look after it once in a while.

There was one question I asked you several times and haven’t received an answer yet – and that was the date my first letter arrived. It is of no importance only just interesting so if you can remember let me know. You might have sent it in one of those missing letters, which I hope catch up with us some day. I’ve tried to save all of your letters but the burden may get too great as time goes along. All the other letters I destroy in a few days after I’m sure I don’t want to refer to them again.

The bridge games I used to talk about are no more – too many of the players are gone and we don’t seem to have the

[page 3] interest we once had. Fred, Our boss and I pay [play] a game of domino now and then – very exciting. These are a little different. They run up to double nines and the addition sometimes goes beyond or [our] limited counting range. Maybe we haven’t gone into that bad a mental slump but I sometimes wonder – Don’t worry about that last sentence it’s the weather or something.

Just had a little argument. Some fellows say the war will be over by Feb. or Mar. Sure wish I had that much good outlook about things. Maybe they are right – hope so. It could be wishful thinking.

Just back from the P.O. Three or 4 letters air mail and one V-mail. The reason I said 3 or 4. You had two letters in one so that the reason. The latest letter was Nov. 24. The V-mail Nov. 7 so you see which is best.

About those pictures – David wasn’t hardly in the picture and I thought the rest of you folk took [look] terrible all except Mark standing back of you in the front door.

[page 4] John looked like a native of here in that one taken in the back yard. The last bunch were much better but John still couldn’t be natural, possibly his glasses. Have him look off to the side at some disinterested object next time.

Hope by this time you have the money orders and check I sent. I had forgotten about those. And I don’t believe I would burden the bank acc with any expensive piano – no baby grand now. I still think a coat would be a good idea anyway you had better get it out of the bank acc. Either in bonds or on interest because if it stays in the bank acc it won’t draw any interest and before long it will just sorta be attached and you’ll not have it as I had planned. If you don’t want to get a coat see what interest you will be able to get at the Building and loan or in Bonds. No use to let the Bank get the interest. That is if you don’t need it otherwise. Hope that uniform money get thru – That will help some. This is about all the space I’m allotted now so solong until tomorrow

Lots of Love
Daddy

Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/08/07/who-showed-them-how-roscoe/

Many Happy Returns (Gladys)

5 Replies

Apparently Gladys wrote a second letter on December 2^nd. It escaped my notice until last night. Luckily we are not too far ahead, only a day or two. Included in this letter was another letter. Roscoe had privileges at the Iroquois Hospital in Watseka, Illinois as well as St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in Lafayette. Kentland is situated about halfway between the two. Dr. Joseph Roberts, who is often mentioned in the letters, was a doctor at Iroquois Hospital. Conveniently the hospital letterhead lists all the doctors who were part of the medical staff in 1942. Mr. Knisely was writing Roscoe to wish him a happy birthday on November 25^th.

Letter from Merton E. Knisely, Director of Iroquois Hospital

November 25, 1942
Dr. Roscoe S. Yegerlehner
Kentland, Indiana

Dear Dr. Yegerlehner:

Many happy returns!

Likely you’ve been so busy in the service of others that this important anniversary almost slipped by un– noticed.

In spite of the concern of war times, I hope this past milestone has brought you joys and satisfactions of accomplishment. What an opportunity there is today for service to our fellowmen.

May your life be abundantly enriched and your efforts blessed with success as a new year opens before you. Be assured of my hearty best wishes.

I want to remind you that I think your Birthday Anniversary is well worth celebrating. Many more of them to you.

Sincerely yours,
Merton E. Knisely
Director

: December 2, 1942 Envelope

: December 2, 1942, p. 1

: December 2, 1942, p. 2

: December 2, 1942, p. 3

: December 2, 1942, p. 4

Letter transcription:

Kentland Ind
Dec. 2 – 1942

Dear Daddy –

Mennen’s Baby Oil advertisement, circa 1947

While waiting for David to get ready for his 2 P.M. bottle will try to write. It is hard for me to concentrate when he is awake – for although he is good while awake I am continually doing something for him – mainly keeping his pants changed. I wrote you before about his diapers having such a strong ammonia odor and I keep him changed as often as necessary while he is awake. Dr. Cole’s pamphlet prescribed rinsing the diapers in boric acid solution after the regular wash but that is difficult for me to do with our washing facilities. Today I used Borax with the soap and will see if that will do the trick. I got a hamper to put in the “powder room” as that is the most convient [convenient] place downstairs but the hamper is willow so won’t hold water. I got a metal waste basket that set down inside the hamper and am going to put a fresh solution of Borax in the can each day to drop the diapers in as they are removed. I have used Mennen’s oil on David more than water and as strong as his urine has been, believe that has kept him from getting sore. In my letter I

[page 2] finished this morning I mentioned his “rattle.” It sounds like his nose is full of mucos but it isn’t because I keep all visible mucos cleaned out and he has no trouble breathing. I tried again this morning to give him orange juice. He took about half of the daily requirement. I think I’ll see Dr. M. and ask him about the Vit C. tablets. I wonder if some of the oranges we get have adequate Vit C to meet the need. – The pause that refreshes the baby – the 2 P.M. bottle. He has been fed, changed and is now lying on the bath table taking his daily dozen. You mentioned his night feedings. Well, I had one thermos to sour and went back to using the bottle warmer – but I now put the bottles in a wall drawer – and you can believe they stay cold. Dr. C. said to quit giving him the 2 A.M. bottle but he wakes up so hungry and I don’t believe he would go back to sleep with just a drink of warm water and thinking back, we gave Mark his 2 A.M. bottle until he was about 3 mo old so I will keep giving David his until he quits on his own.

Mark has been so elated over his 10⁰⁰ he can’t wait to do his shopping. He got me a cake saver for 1.19 and gave it to me. He wanted to get David something for Christmas right now so I told him to go ahead and get it since he is enjoying his spree so much. He stopped at the drug store at noon and got a Panda. He was wondering what to get for John and I suggested war stamps and that met his approval so he will soon be thru shopping. He saw a globe in the drug store and wanted to get it so I consented. I told him he had to put 5⁰⁰ in stamps and now he has less than a dollar

[page 3] to spend. John still has most of his. He isn’t in such a hurry to spend it as Mark. However he wants to buy some good records and since those are something he will keep I think it will be a good way for him to spend his.

While feeding David I re read your 4 letters rec’d today to see if there was anything to be answered specifically. Just mention the pictures again. Hope you get all we sent because some are better than others. We keep your picture you sent on the desk. I had two enlargements made and sent one to your Mother. I showed that picture to several people around town and most everyone said you looked heavier – Now be careful of that waist-line – As I told you in a previous letter Boonie just mad a guess when he mailed the box to you. Before you sent your present address when asked where you were I told everyone about the same thing – your destination was a secret. Several different ones around town guessed the location, but it was pure guessing. I am glad you got my letter giving Joe’s address. I think I understand his mail being stamped N.Y. because the money orders you sent to John & Mark had CUB – bu- 13 N.Y. on them. I wonder if you have heard from Henry Reinhart Jr. I wrote to him in answer to his inquiry about you and gave your “White Poppy” address.

The boys are going to Jr. choir practice directly after school so won’t be home till later. It is so cold I won’t try to take David out. When this cold I don’t think he needs the fresh air as much as to stay in and keep warm. He is always warm when out in the buggy, but I am afraid it would be too cold for his face and I know I couldn’t keep warm the way the wind blows. I can’t give you a financial report in this letter because I haven’t been able to get the Bank statement and couldn’t get my money all deposited. Will send it by Mark in the morning.

[page 4] The boys came home early – due to the wind blowing snow into drifts the school busses had to leave earlier than usual so the boys were home by 3:30. Mark wanted a cake to put in the cake saver so John made a cake. I was busy otherwise so he did it mostly by himself. Mrs. Roberts said she had talked about what good boys we have to help and someone from Watseka was driving around Kentland and saw the boys taking diapers off the line and decided this was our home. Since I have been feeling normal again they don’t have to do so much but help me when I need them.

I sent Mrs. Plummer an African violet for their wedding anniversary and she called me to thank us. She said to give you their regards. I told her when this weather lets up I would bring her over to spend the day. It is too cold do anything now but stay home. Tho the house is warm I feel the cold. My hands are so dry, but that is partly due to having them in water so much. I mentioned your laundry – meaning what came from Norfolk and some said “Does he send his laundry home?” – Now isn’t that good for a laugh – However, wish you could – so I could iron your shirts but don’t know when I would find time as it crowds me to keep what little ironing I have done. Don’t have any ironing for David. He wears knit suits and they require only washing and of course these gauze diapers need only to be folded when dry.

Had a letter from Ruthie today. They were in North Judson when she wrote but thought they would be back in Flora by the week-end. She wanted your new address so she can write to you. They won’t know until the first of the year whether Floyd will have to go into Service. I have filled a lot of paper but still don’t feel like I have done a very good job writing. Not very newsy – mostly talky-talk. If the Enterprize comes tomorrow maybe will have some news.

Love Mother

P.S. Thanks for the newspaper

Post originally found at:

Just before chow (Roscoe)

1 Reply

: December 3, 1942 Envelope

: December 3, 1942, p. 1

: December 3, 1942, p. 2

Letter transcription:

Dec. 3, 1942

Dear Mother,

Just before chow and before the last mail delivery for the day so don’t know what if anything might come. There hasn’t been any mail come into camp for the past two days neither air nor otherwise so one of these days things should break loose with a big bang we hope. My latest has been around the 15^th of Nov. Some have gotten some mail as late as Nov. 18^th.

I’ve just about finished the candy mom sent so by the time yours gets here will have a fresh supply only I’m afraid it won’t be very fresh unless it’s wrapped in paper because all other kinds seem to get soft and sticky and you said something about removing it as soon as it gets here and that doesn’t sound good.

The Pit and the Pendulum (Image courtesy of Wikipedia Commons) Illustration by Harry Clarke, 1919.

The ax has again fallen for now there are only about 10 of our original bunch here. It reminds one of the story by Poe (I believe). The Pit and the Pendulum. If you haven’t read it you won’t get what I mean. It’s a short story I read in H.S. years ago. Anyway that’s the way we feel now, but it wouldn’t be so bad to be sent on to where some of the rest of our bunch have gone. It would be a kind of an old time get together. I don’t know if the good or the bad ones are remaining here. Who knows?

Did my washing and ironing today – we now have

[page 2] an iron of our own and we can make shirts and pants look half way presentable. Only there is no starch for the shirts, but at that I believe they look about as good as when I had them done the last time I was home – you remember.

Our home is in the back of the dental office. There are two chairs and we can hear someone grinding ever so often. I’ve had mine partially cleaned but it seems I can’t them finished and I have one small filling to be done.

Have been to the P.O. got two Christmas greetings. One from Schlagel’s at C.C. and one from George McCray. I’ll try to get an answer back to each of them possibly a V-mail letter. Those were both mailed with regular 3¢ stamps so it didn’t take them so long as they were mail the last day of Oct.

I just happened to be reading one of your old letters today and in it you said David didn’t like orange juice from the bottle. Many is the time I’ve told women they were lazy for giving their babies orange juice that way. You have the right idea about the spoon business and if it isn’t too much trouble start him on the cup before long. I can give good advice when I can’t be there to help – don’t you think?

Well, it’s about time to go to work. Then the movie – maybe I can add a little tomorrow, but in case I forget –

Lots of Love
Daddy

P.S. Fri A.M. no new developments

Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/08/05/just-before-chow-roscoe/

A news update (Gladys)

1 Reply

: December 3, 1942 Envelope

: December 3, 1942, p. 1

: December 3, 1942, p. 2

: December 3, 1942, p. 3

: December 3, 1942, p. 4

: December 3, 1942 postscript

Letter transcription:

Kentland Ind
Dec 3 – 1942

Dear Daddy –

No letters today but I hardly expected any since yesterdays mail brought up to the 20^th of Nov. So glad when you say you get mail and find out the things about us you want to know. I just checked the bank statement and we now have a bal of 797.47 – but that includes the money you sent for my birthday & the Christmas check. There will be some Ins. due this month and I have to pay the grocery bill but even then we will still have a good bal. Haven’t paid for the last quarter of beef I ordered from Brandt. He didn’t have it in the locker last week. I am going to try and get some more pork to put in. John has been somewhat worried over meat rationing but I think he will be able to get along. I have to buy coffee this week or wait five more weeks to get any. I could get along without it but since I am entitled to the amount rationed am going to get it in case we should have guests who like it or just in case I decide to drink it myself (does that make sense?) I won’t be able to use my gas ticket this week if it stays so cold because who wants to go anyplace in this weather? I must drive the car enough to keep the battery up if possible. We didn’t get the snow shoveled off the driveway and

[page 2] since all the snow it has remained so cold the snow stays. Makes it look like Christmas time. I suppose by the 25^th it will be warm and no snow, but I would just as soon have a little warmer weather. David is raising a little racket. Had his two P.M. bottle and I put him on the bath table to kick in the sun, but he got tired of that and I put him in his basket again. I gave him orange juice again this morning and he kept it down. He weighed 10-6 this morning. We measured him yesterday and he is 23” long. He doesn’t look fat and I suppose that is due to the growth in length, because he has gained 4 lbs 3 oz since we came home 8 weeks ago. – – – a few hours later – After John came home I went to town. Mark went with me and John stayed with David. Still too cold to take him out. I hadn’t been out for two days and thought I needed some fresh air, and after a trip to town I can usually write a little letter because I usually hear something or make observations. While in Sears Alex Gilmour happened to be there and gave me a check for $23²⁵. Wish I could pick up a few more like that. I stopped at the Kentland Furniture to get one of their small desk calendars to send to you & Geo said he would send you one. I gave him your address and also gave it to Jack Byrnes. I went in there to get a prescription filled. I had been taking liver & Vit B shots but thought I should be able to get along on oral dosage now, so told Dr. C. and he gave me a prescription. I think it was Betron – anyway it contains liver, vit B, iron, etc – I also got the boys a bottle of Vi –Delta. They like that

[page 3] and I think they should have it along with their cold shots. I got awfully tired taking shots and thought I would try the tonic and if I feel I need shots later still have liver & Vit B and can take them. So much for the family health program. I clipped a few items from the Democrat I thought might interest you. The Enterprize didn’t come today, as usual. Also you will note the Blondie strip. We are still having the singing advertisements so we got quite a “kick” out this particular cartoon.

This is being purely catty – but I saw a woman in town with a black eye – you remember the Zumbrums – no doubt – Now I wonder how she got that shiner, or do I? they still owe their bill so she isn’t too anxious to speak to me. Perhaps I imagine that because those kind are seldom bothered by their obligations.

Bob Hufty called me today to tell me he had a letter from you. I saw Ira D. in town and he said he had written. He will give you all the low down. Bob said he told you about a boy from Kentland in New C. – but he is the Army so you probably don’t know him – I mean you don’t see him. I never did get to talk to Mrs. Ash. I tried to call her once when in Laf. but didn’t get an answer. She wrote to me once and I answered.

I sent a subscription order in for Reader’s Digest for your Mother & Dad’s Christmas gift. I couldn’t think of anything they needed and I won’t have time to do much shopping. Ruthie said Floyd wanted to send them “Look,” so if they do that they can keep up with the news in print & pictures.

Meredith Wilson later became well known for his beloved musical “The Music Man” (Image from Wikipedia Commons)

In listening to Maxwell House Coffee time this evening learned that Meredith

[page 4] Wilson the orchestra leader has enlisted in the Army. Mayor Latrivia on Fibber’s program appeared for his last program Tues before going into Service and Jack of “One Man’s Family” was on for his last show Sunday evening. Maybe you can get some of those programs I imagine you would enjoy hearing them. Wish you had the radio from our bedroom – or any radio that you could get good reception over. Now why didn’t we think of that and a dozen or so of other things before you left.

Mr. Zell came over this evening and asked if there was anything he could do for us. He thought we might need some help with the furnace. There was a large ring that he broke up and took out. I had worked on it earlier but didn’t hit it hard enough. It was just like a rock but red hot. I saw Bun in town and asked him when he would bring out more coal. He said they had a letter from you. The coal pile has quite a hole in it so I am going to have it filled up again.

The boys have gone to bed – they did stay up until 10 – when I take David up but they got so they couldn’t wake up very gracefully so I put a new rule into effect – 9 P.M. Bed time. There isn’t any use for me to try to go to bed before 10 – because of that bottle feeding but I sleep till 7:30 usually so don’t need to go to bed so early. I am about to run out of space and anything to say so will wind this up and start getting things ready for going upstairs, because when D gets awake he wants his bottle and it will soon be time.

Love Mother

P.S. am buying bonds every month

P.S. 2 just rec’d the greeting & post card

Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/08/04/a-news-update-gladys/

The Country Side is Pretty Fine (Roscoe)

1 Reply

: December 2, 1942 Envelope

: December 2, 1942, p. 1

: December 2, 1942, p. 2

Letter transcription:

Dec. 2, 1942
Dear Mother,

Just after evening chow – so maybe I can get this off before work because I can’t miss a show. Don’t know what it will be but as I’ve said before that doesn’t matter.

Red bottlebrush tree (Photograph from http://www.new-caledonia-photos.com)

I was out two directions from town today. On business this time and the country side is pretty fine. There are some large widly [wildly?] spreading trees which have a bright red flower and they are real pretty – just a mass of red. Every once in a while the odor of Gardenias can be smelled and that’s pretty fine only it’s sorta spoiled by the bust because it’s been ever so long since we’ve had rain. People don’t seem to suffer from lack of rain however. They have a crude system of irrigation. Most of the gardens rather fields are small and on hillsides and about the middle of these there is a series of barrels one set lower than the next in line. Ech Each is connected by a trough and it seems the top barrel is filled until it runs into the next and so on. From each of these pipes lead sideways or they carry water in buckets. Where the water comes from at the top I’m not sure. When you drive past these the odor of human manure is pretty strong, so I have a suspicion they don’t buy fertilizer. And I

[page 2] also don’t want any of the green vegetables. In fact I’ll take the dried food from the U.S.A. It may be worse but I don’t know that.

Our breeze has been good again today but the sun hot. I’ve said that so much you are probably tired of hearing it but it still is true and fills up space. No mail today – none came into camp – just one of those no letter days. Of course we are always expecting and when we get mail regularity for a few days it seems very hard when it doesn’t come.

The coffee rationing must be hard on your mother. She won’t have enough to go more than 2-3 days out of the week. We have plenty of coffee here – In fact the Navy lives on coffee. A pot is brewed in some divisions both morning and afternoon. I haven’t gotten the habit that bad yet.

It’s almost show time so I’ll try to add the remainder after that. Thur. morn – put my laundry to soak last night and didn’t get back to finish this letter. Not much to add. The name of the show was “Topper Returns.” It was about like some of the Shadows programs over the radio. Fantastic but entertaining.

So Solong

Love Daddy

Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/08/04/the-country-si…ty-fine-roscoe/

Real Winter Weather (Gladys)

2 Replies

: December 2, 1942 Envelope

: December 2, 1942, p. 1

: December 2, 1942, p. 2

: December 2, 1942, p. 3

: December 2, 1942, p. 4

Letter transcription:

Kentland Ind
Dec 1 [2] – 1942

Dear Daddy –

We are enjoying (?) real winter weather. After the snow there has been an icy wind. I took David out for a walk – I know he was warm enough but my hands got so cold I decided I would have to get some woolen mittens to wear when pushing the buggy this winter. The boys had to get their money orders cashed and have written you letters of thanks. Mark went right to town and bought my Christmas gift and gave it to me. He got such a thrill from giving it I accepted and nothing said about giving it so soon. It is a cake saver and very nice one too. While in own got the sardines, crackers and mosquito cream. I will get a calendar and anything else I can think of and get the box sent out this week, maybe tomorrow.

When Jim was home he had brought Thelma a Navy Insignia pin. Mother thought it was just the thing and I thought Jim would get her one but

[page 2] when I wrote and asked him about it he said he was going to give her money for Christmas and for me to get the pin. I looked around but couldn’t find one, then asked Mr. Reinard if he could order one and I think it is just like the one Thelma has. It is a little difficult to get Mother something because she has everything she needs and I know she wants the pin. Maybe I should get one for your Mother too – give me your opinion. I thought I would send a year’s subscription to your folks of Reader’s Digest for their Christmas gift.

John has ordered his present from the Foster Shop and I am going to get Mark’s from Sears so my shopping this year is going to be simplified. I think I will get David a bond and a few little odds & ends, since he should have a $10⁰⁰ gift from the check.

It is 10 – and time to go upstairs. Just happened to remember – Tomorrow is the Plummer Wedding Anniversary and I ordered an African violet delivered to them tomorrow. Will write more in the A.M.

Wed morn – and it is cold – I don’t know how low it got but Eleanor Towers called me about Jr. choir practice and said it was 8 below early this morning. Mrs. Zell was going to take the children to school but got

[page 3] stuck in the snow trying to back the car out of the garage, so Mark walked. John had gone on but he doesn’t have so far to go. Bob Schurtter called a few minutes ago and said he would go get Mark & Virginia Zell. The 6-yr old Zell girl has been sick. Mr Z. said she is susceptible to chest cold. So far we have all been well. The boys are still taking the oral cold shots, and they must be effective. When David & Marie came up to see the Baby and the rest of us I told them about those cold tablets. David said he wished he could get some so I ordered a bottle from Sherman and sent on to him. Had a letter from Marie and said they were both taking them as prescribed. You probably will chuckle at my dispensing medicine – but I wouldn’t do that for just any one.

I got three letters today dated 23 – 24 – 25 and one back the 10^th. I thought I had all but looking back thru my file of your letters don’t have one postmarked Nov 10 – so guess I slipped on that one. I always look at the dates before opening so I won’t get ahead of your news.

Now about those pictures – I’ll admit some taken when I first came home from the hospital weren’t so “hot” but I did send several I thought were good. Maybe by now you have some

[page 4] better ones. I have a roll in the camera now and will finish it and send any good ones that turn out. We took several of the baby we thought should be good.

About that tax business. I wrote this before but again Agnes advises not to pay it, that after the duration it may be cancelled – and if not there won’t be any interest to pay on it.

Rec’d my checks today, your 4 letters, one from Mother and one from Ruthie. Also there was a birthday letter came from Iroquois Hospital and a notation to please forward. I’ll send it in the next letter. I have these things I mentioned yesterday, sardines, etc. but it is too too cold to go to the P.O. today – Will try to get them in the mail this week tho.

It is about time for the noon rush so will finish this so Mark can take it to the P.O. on his way to school. It really is too cold to take David out. He doesn’t have any cold but he has a “rattle” in his head – Mrs. Roberts said their children sounded like that too, so since he eats, sleeps, has no temperature, and has only the sound in his breathing I mentioned I suppose there is nothing to worry about. Thanks again for the money –

Love Mother

The boys have written thanking you too

Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/08/02/real-winter-weather-gladys/

Topics for conversation (Roscoe)

1 Reply

: December 1, 1942 Envelope

: December 1, 1942, p. 1

: December 1, 1942, p. 2

Letter transcription:

Dec 1, 1942

Dear mother,

I’m starting this early after noon day chow – Don’t know why – just didn’t have anything else to do. Our weather contrary to the past few days has been very cool. In fact last night we almost had to go to bed to get warm. Of course the sun is still hot but there is a much better breeze than the past few days. Weather always makes good conversation and since there isn’t much to write about it sure takes a beating.

Number two topic is mail but so far today that is a blank – but we never give up with that until after 1700. So I’ll save space near the end to give the latest report on that. Comparing my mail with many of the others around here I’m far ahead of them.

We have most of our rearranging done and now we have a room 16’ x 16’ with only three of us. There is a small dormer on each side about 4 feet wide which gives us a pretty good cross breeze.

Govt Got paid yesterday and had to pay my months mess bill. My pay for the half month was 46 – and the mess bill was 16.50 so I should have enough left for beer, tobacco, etc. In a few months I can send a little more home again but it takes time to build up much of a reserve. My share now amounts to about 92-3 $ per month and mess etc comes out of that not to forget stamps and writing paper which you’d be surprised how it counts up. So you see you are getting the lion’s share of the salary. But then you have everything to keep up so why not.

[page 2] We really can get along financially better than when I was at Norfolk because expenses are much less here.

We have a loud speaker here now for announcements. Something like in a hospital and it seems to be going most of the time. Even the bugle was blown over it this A.M. and there was no doubt about it being heard.

I suppose by now the stores are all getting ready for Christmas and are they putting up the town decorations this year as of old? I haven’t been to town for some time so don’t know what it being done here. It will be interesting to see what they do do during this time of year.

If I don’t get too lazy I’m going to write Floyd & R. this P.M. but I feel like first of all I should have a little relaxation. I’ll finish later.

The show is over – “The Magnificent Fraud” was pretty good. The winds blew pretty hard in our open air show house but the stars are pretty over head and since there is no moon now they stand out very pretty.