Category Archives: Foster

Here’s the money (Gladys)

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Letter transcription:

Kentland Ind
December 1, 1942 –

Dear Daddy –

Received the three money letters this morning and two others – Thanks – You certainly made two little boys happy – I was glad to get the gift but didn’t have quite the reaction Mark had. John was more quiet about his tho no less appreciative. Mark thought of more ways to spend his and had to take it to school to show off, then so he could stop at the P.O. on his way home and cash it. We had been looking for those letters since last Wed and the mail man came along just as Mark had started to school. He came dashing back in the house with his hands full of letters and so excited – He said “here’s the money.” Then I had to go to the door and sign for mine and David’s. David isn’t much interested in his – his main interest is in that bottle every 4 hrs. I couldn’t get his orange juice down him this morning. Now don’t think I am like some of those Mothers you used to get out of patience

[page 2] with when I do get the juice down he throws it right back up – so what’s the use? I’ll consult Dr. C. about giving Vit C by tablet.

Raymond Bower is home. I saw him in town yesterday but didn’t’ have time to talk to him so don’t know anything about his duties or where he has been.

It was cloudy yesterday and the wind was icy cold but I took David out for an airing. He was wrapped except for his face. I think he should get fresh air every day if possible and I think the walk to down does me some good too, since I haven’t much social life now.

You mentioned receiving the birthday cards. I sent a letter – mailed it the same time as the cards and that was why I didn’t write a note because had just written a separate letter but in the future I’ll write something if there is occasion for a card. I wish you would get your birthday box. Maybe if I had just sent a box of candy like Boonie did you would have rec’d it by your birthday.

I can’t give you a financial statement in this letter but will have the bank statement by tomorrow and after I get the allotment and add the gift I got today will give a full report.

[page 3] Clara Molter is here today cleaning some. She ironed the chair covers and has washed the kitchen walls and venetian blinds and is about to get through out there. It is after 3 P.M. and I suppose she will soon want to go home but it was a load to get that much done. I cleaned up the basement somewhat last night. It was so dirty. I don’t know whether this coal is dirtier or whether it was because there had been any cleaning done down there for so long. I do wish we could have finished closing off the furnace room and gotten a little more finishing done, but what’s the difference – since things are as they are now? That will be something for us to do when you come back. I am about to make a slight change in the den. Since I have to use it for a nursery in the day time it is so crowded and hard to keep the rug clean, think I’ll take the rug up and move a few things out. Will let you know what I do when and if I do anything. I won’t spend much money whatever I do but think I can make the necessary improvements without much expense.

[page 4] You should be getting the Enterprize. Bart has been sending it for several weeks. He also has written you – said he gave you all the gossip he could think of. I am short on that kind of news. You should be getting letters regularly – I send them all by air mail and use this thin paper so won’t exceed the ½ oz. Just hope you get our Christmas box. As I said before it isn’t much but as good as we could do with restrictions being what they are. If I had know about the mosquito cream, sardines, & crackers I could have included them in the Christmas box. I’ll try and get sardines if I can. Clara said she got some at the Grab – it Here store, so I’ll try there.

Arlene said they sent you a letter with some pictures and also a pen & pencil set but you have never mentioned receiving anything from them. She called today for your address. Their baby is almost a month older than David but much larger. However he was larger when he arrived – and David isn’t doing bad. He weighed 10-3 this morning and is 10 weeks old. He is making a more rapid gain now than he did at first. To be 6 – 3 ¼ when we came home 8 weeks ago I think he is doing OK.

Will try to dig up some news next time – Thanks again for the gifts

& Love – Mother

©2013 copyright owned and written by Deborah Sweeney

Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/08/01/heres-the-money-gladys/

Missing letters (Roscoe)

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Letter transcription:

Nov. 30, 1942

Dear Mother,

Another Monday almost gone and it’s about the same as usual other than I got 4 letters one from each of the older boys and 2 from you. These today were all dated Nov. The latest being either the 15th or 16th the other the 8th. V-mail is now about one week behind the ordinary air mail. You or the boys or both might send a V-mail now and then because they’re not bad. So far I’ve saved all my letters or rather yours – all but those first few, and I’ll give you the dates of which I have as yet not received mail. All in Aug I’ve received not received in Sept. 9, 16, 17, 18, 21, 22, 23, 24, 28 – Oct. 1-10-22-26-29-30-31 – Nov. 5, 6, 7, 14. Sundays of course I didn’t expect any mail so I crossed those dates off. I got your pictures. The one of the boys and you. All that you have sent. When the Christmas rush is over I wish you would get a picture taken say about 4 in square of yourself and send it. Something about the size of the one I had in the office. It would be nice to have but not too large to handle.

The watch situation is Ok. If I need one I’ll send but nothing expensive. Many have sent good watches home and have inexpensive ones sent out. Mine is doing fine so I don’t have to think of that at present at least.

I suppose we will have another show tonight but as usual we don’t know what it will be. Guess don’t make any difference.

We are getting an extension on our living quarters today so have been bothered with lots of flies, but

[page 2] it is about closed up now.

Still don’t have any of the packages you talked about. Those seem to be very slow in coming in but maybe it hasn’t been long enough yet. I guess I’ll have to send the pictures on to Lentz. Too bad they couldn’t get here before he left.

I want to write to Uncle Wes but I’m not sure of his address guess it would come back. I keep thinking his letters will come but you will note that during the time when he wrote the mail wasn’t coming. Again about that tax. I believe the last payment was to be Jan. 1. Maybe you can make them both at that time. I know expenses are heavy around about that time but that was last year’s tax. I’m afraid they will come and get me and put me in jail. What do you think? I really believe there would be a penalty on last years. Well, I’ve said all that before etc.

You can tell Mark his letters are coming along and I do really appreciate them. And if they write at different times my chances of receiving mail more often will be increased. They don’t need to wait for me to write each time for often it’s all I can do to get one letter per day written and too I have several others to write to.

Well, I’ll try to add more later but in case I forget –

Solong

Love Daddy

P.S. Got another V-mail from you dated Nov. 9 and you said you had sent stamps – I haven’t received them nor the commission.

©2013 copyright owned and written by Deborah Sweeney

Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/07/30/missing-letters-roscoe/ ‎

Last day before gas rationing begins (Gladys)

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Kentland Ind
Nov 30 – 1942

Dear Daddy,

Monday and the last day to buy all the gas without limit. I have the tank full so am that much ahead. Mrs. Roberts just left. She wanted to come yesterday but couldn’t. She still doesn’t know where Joe is, but thinks he is in the same area as you are in. He wrote to her not long ago that he saw a Dr. from Chicago that used to go to Watseka & operate for Wiseman – can’t remember his name – but he is in the Army. I think she said he is a Gynocologist, but he was in a jeep and drove up to hospital where Joe is. She says Joe has to wear his blue – and of course white shirts, so he is where he must “Dress.”

I wrote you some time ago that when I left the hospital I was told that my bill had been taken care of – Don’t know whether you ever got that letter – but this is what I have been thinking of – I think it would be fitting and

[page 2] proper for you to write the Sisters of St. E and thank them – (or do you think you should?) I am going to send them a Christmas greeting and add a note of thanks myself, but thought they would also appreciate a word directly from you. Dr. Cole took your address so I suppose you will hear from him sometime soon.

The Parrs were in Kentland yesterday and stopped here a few minutes. I didn’t ask Harlan whether he thought he would be sent abroad but Dorothy told me last summer they expected he would be (I think that last was bad grammar).

The heavy snow on the trees and shrubs fell off and left a coating of ice. Looks very scenic. I took a picture of the house yesterday. I should take another today as thinks look a little different. The evergreens in front of the house look like they are decorated for Christmas.

I rec’d two letters this A.M. – one dated Nov 19 & 22. The letters you sent the money in – and the way I have it figured from previous letters – were mailed Nov 17 – haven’t come yet I hope you sent money orders,

[page 3] so if they get lost – we won’t lose the money – I am not being mercenary but after all you haven’t enough to lose, and I feel like I must be as saving as possible while you are away because you will need plenty to start on again when you come back. As I have said before – don’t have much desire to spend money while you are away. I have about given up on collections – Seems like all those acct’s are so many names with amounts after them. I wish I could find a collecting agency. It is a funny thing that the people left here at home making regular salaries and enjoying their regular home life routine are so thoughtless of obligations of this kind. I certainly would enjoy telling some of them off – but don’t suppose that would do any good either. I don’t understand how they have the nerve to speak to me (some don’t) Some few seem to have a guilty look – or maybe that is my imagination.

The baby has been tossing his orange juice to some extent, but I keep giving it to him every day. Some days he keeps it down. I suppose if he keep on losing it I will have to give him

[page 4] vitamin C in tablet form. He has such strong odor from his diapers. Dr. Cole gave me instructions on the washing. He has a little pamphlet printed that tells why the ammonia odor and what to do. I am supposed to put baric acid in the rinse water. I am going to town this afternoon and get some baric acid in bulk if I can because it takes 2 tbsp to the qt of water.

It is 4 P.M. and the boys (John & Mark) will soon be coming in. Mark has enjoyed the snow very much. To John it is something to look at and admire but to Mark it means snowballs, etc. They wrote you last week about their report cards. Mark promised to raise his grades next time. I hope he does – since he had a drop this time.

I must get this finished so I can get ready to go to town. “My Day” seems so short I never get all done I want to do but I get David taken care of and that is the most important.

Love Mother

©13 copyright owned and written by Deborah Sweeney

Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/07/29/last-day-befor…-begins-gladys/

I still think of you folks lots (Roscoe)

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Back in June, I alluded to my upcoming vacation. I generally do not like to publish when I am going to be away from home after my in-laws suffered from identify fraud several years ago while they were away on vacation. I have been back for a little while and now I am ready to share.

The trip’s two main purposes were to see my Dad and to visit many of the places I lived in my youth. My children had never been to New York or New England. Overall I think the trip was a great success. The only negative memory was the car rental agency. We disembarked from the train in Boston only to be told that no cars were available. Luckily, the problem was quickly solved by taking a taxi to another location.

Me with my ancestor Capt. Finney Leach at Burial Hill, Plymouth.

Me with my ancestor Capt. Finney Leach at Burial Hill, Plymouth.

The trip was not intended to be a genealogical journey. I had promised my children that we were not going to spend lots of time trudging through cemeteries. As it ended up, we spent one Sunday in two cemeteries, Old Burial Hill in Plymouth, Massachusetts, and Wendell Cemetery in Holbrook, Massachusetts. It was a somewhat miserable day to begin with due to the extremely high humidity. My children whom I love dearly do not like spiders or bugs. In New England, there were many new species of insects that they had previously not been introduced to. They accompanied me through Burial Hill but the bugs quickly became too much for my son to handle. In Holbrook, they just stayed in the car.  I was able to take new pictures of many of the stones I had photographed 15 years previously. Wendell Cemetery is where my great grandparents are buried. We took many annual trips there when I was a child to plant flowers on their graves for Memorial Day. As I have delved deeper into my family genealogy, I have discovered the many other generations of the family buried there including dozens of cousins. I specifically wanted to photograph the grave of one of my Revolutionary War ancestors who is buried there.

Future projectsWhile visiting my Dad, I packed up seven boxes of family photographs and documents. He was the keeper of his parents’ vacation slides from many of their trips around the world in the 1960s-1970s. Now it is my task to view and scan them as well as decide which ones  should be preserved. Another treasure that my Dad had recently discovered was the Kentland Newton County Centennial book which was published in 1960. The book has pictures of many of the people mentioned in the letters as well as all sorts of information about Kentland. We will seeing some of these pictures soon in future blog posts.

Letter transcription:

Nov. 29, 1942

Dear Mother,

To begin with I’m pretty sure I forgot to finish yesterday’s letter. I thought about it after it was sealed and sent out. Maybe I didn’t anyway if I did I hope you understand.

There is another ball game this P.M. but it was too hot to walk down and I can see it a little from our front porch. We watched the boxing bouts from the porch last night. It’s a little far but I don’t think much farther that one would be from the ringside in a big bout in the states, and we could hear the band pretty well here also. Didn’t have a movie last night – nor none tonite. Guess none tonite on account of church.

We had chicken again today but it isn’t nearly as good now as it was at first. It is probably just as good but after having it once each week and turkey in between time it isn’t such a novelty. Once in a while we draw a poor meal but for the most part we have been fed very good. In fact we get much more than we need.

[page 2] This seems to be a typical lazy Sunday afternoon but I don’t know why because every day is very much the same except church and chicken but it’s just something that makes one want to take a nap. I’ve already written to the folks and want to write C.J. yet before sleep over comes me.

I’ve told you about many of our Drs. leaving to other locations and I wouldn’t be a bit surprised to see others do likewise and I wouldn’t be a bit surprised if I wasn’t one of them. I’ll write you if I am – but won’t be able to tell you when or where. I think we I will know before long if I’m to be transferred. It seems as if the whole bunch will be broken up. Must have been a rotten bunch.

Again if you have the papers I’d like for you to pay the Federal Tax for last year. That we know will always have to be paid and I think will cause less trouble if taken care of now. I’m going to write on the back

[page 3]  because I want to send a copy of our paper on Thanksgiving Day. You can see the whole menu we had that day. I tried to get one on Thanksgiving Day but they seemed to be too few, but I did find one later.

I’m going to finish this and leave a little space in case things develop – because I don’t like to leave them unfinished. I can also add a line if mail comes which it didn’t this A.M.

I th still think of you folks lots and love you more and put in a little prayer each night for your welfare –

I love you

Daddy

P.S. I didn’t mean to be a softie at the end. It’s just the way it happens.

P.S. Got 2 letters from you dated Nov. 12 & 13. Got lots of stuff – some repeat – but that’s the first I knew of your hospital trip etc –

© 2013 copyright owned and written by Deborah Sweeney

Post originally found at:  https://genealogylady.net/2013/07/29/i-still-think-…ks-lots-roscoe/

A beautiful snow (Gladys)

1 Reply

Letter transcription:

Kentland Ind
Nov 29 – 1942

Dear Daddy –

Dunlop Street - abt November 1942 #2Sunday afternoon and nearly time for Gildersleeve. John is working on his composing and Mark has gone out to get some snow to make ice cream. We had a beautiful snow beginning yesterday late in the afternoon & lasting through the night. It is the scenic kind and the shrubs were bending over from the weight. I took two pictures of the house and if they are good will send you one so you can think about our weather and maybe it will help you to imagine a cold Christmas now. We also took some pictures of the baby in the Den but don’t know whether the reflection from all the snow outside will make enough light. David weighed 10 lbs this morning and is really beginning to show signs of getting fat. Dr. Cole gave me a list of things to start him on beginning with his third month – egg yolk (3d mo.), cereal (4 mo.), vegetables (5 month) & fruit (6 mo). He said for me to take him off the 2 am feeding but he still wakes

[page 2]up for it and seems so hungry – I am still giving it to him but hope he will drop the habit himself. Last night (or rather this morning) when I was feeding him I noticed the furnace kept running – so I went down to see what was wrong. The top door was open so of course the temperature couldn’t build up. I shut the door and everything was “OK” again. Mark blew a fuse so our lights were out upstairs last night. I had Mr. Monroe come out to fix a drain and he said he wanted to look over the furnace again – He had checked it while I was in the hospital so it is in good running order now.

Statons were gone over the week-end and when they came home this evening had to stop before entering their driveway – due to the heavy snow covering it. I think Mrs. James & Jimmy had taken a vacation over Thanksgiving – due to gas rationing starting Tues – they like a lot of other folks took one last trip. I don’t know what rating Link will get – having to drive to work but he will get more than the 4 per we will get. Earl was worrying about not being

[page 3]get enough to drive to work – but I think he will be taken care of.

John & Mark have gone to the Sunday evening youth fellowship meeting. There is to be a social hour to follow so don’t know how long they will be gone.

Lucile Johnson went with us to Laf. Fri. She said she had been on a milk diet – her urine showed a trace of albumin and the Dr. wouldn’t allow her to have anything but milk for four days. She was very hungry and said she didn’t like diets and this would be her last pregnancy. I told her she wouldn’t feel that way about it after it is all over. Mrs. Beekman had her baby this week – I thought she would have her baby before I had David. Dr. M. said she had him worried because she gained 50 lbs.

It is less than a month till Christmas. I don’t know what we will do – due to gas rationing Ruth & Earl won’t be able to go anyplace and I don’t want to

[page 4] take the baby away from home as young as he is. Haven’t heard from Ruth & Floyd for a week so don’t know what they are thinking about doing Christmas. Floyd will be able to get more gas so they may go home.

Had a letter from Jim and he is trying to get a furlough to start Dec. 30 – so they won’t be here till after Christmas – if he does get to come. I have been trying to write this through several radio programs so am not sure whether I am making sense or not, and I haven’t been out since Fri so don’t have any news.

I will send a box this next week and maybe you will get it by Dec 25. I’ll put in the mosquito cream, and a few other odds & ends.

I am getting hungry – don’t know whether I can hold out for the boys to come back – We had baked chicken & dressing for dinner so there is plenty to pick on this evening.

I owe several letters so will try to get some written this evening.

Love Mother

©2013 copyright owned and written by Deborah Sweeney

Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/07/27/a-beautiful-snow-gladys/

The first package arrives (Roscoe)

1 Reply

Letter transcription:

Nov. 28, 1942

Dear Mother,

I’m hanging around on duty tonite and maybe will have time to write a letter all at once – went to a baseball game this P.M. between the army and navy so have to hang around. The Navy won.

You can tell Mark I got a letter from him today Nov. 8 and was glad to get it. If the boys keep writing at different times it will increase my chances of getting mail. The last latest mail I have received from you was Nov 2 and that was several days ago. So there is lots yet to be gotten. In fact I have never received those that were written when David arrived.

I received a Christmas birthday box from Mom today. She had some stick candy and some various other kinds and the whole mess was sticky. This hot damp weather seems to simply melt candy but it’s pretty good. She also sent some butterscotch rolls and 5-6 packages of chewing gum and one box of menthol cough drops. C. J. Easley included 2 Indianapolis Stars and a package of V-mail envelopes. Do you have to pay for those things? We have plenty of

[page 2] those can get all we want at the P.O. Maybe I can use them – I’ll write him and thank him for them. The box was open at one corner and if the candy hadn’t been sticky one sack would have leaked out. I sorta shudder to think what the candy will be like you sent because I believe you said it was a little soft. And boxes must be tied very good because the best of them look bad when they arrive.

I’m rooming with two dentists and our quarters are in back of the dental office. And I’m writing at a desk in the back of their office and just now one of them is in the process of pulling a fellow’s tooth and I think it broke off and he is scraping it out from the sound of things. Sorta makes my teeth feel on edge to hear that scrape. I ran the above all together with ands because he was scraping pretty fast.

A Lt. Commd that used to be our big boss was promoted to Commander today and he treated the officers to cold beer at evening chow. It went pretty good the weather being as hot as it was today. As long as there is a breeze and one can find shade it’s OK.

[page 3] but just get in the sun without the breeze and it is hot.

I’ll have to write C.J. and Mom tomorrow and thank them for the package and hope to get yours in the next few days. I believe she sent hers before you did. I’m really more interested as much in packages as letters because news from home are most important but don’t mistake me I appreciate the packages also.

Fred got a package yesterday and carried it all around showing it to everyone and he also asks you to listen to parts of his letters etc. I don’t care anything about those things and I don’t read any of mine to him. He is a fine fellow to get along with but he does have peculiar ideas. He is an only child so I suppose he gets some of his peculiarities from that.

I’ll add a line in the A.M.

©2013 copyright owned and written by Deborah Sweeney

Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/07/26/the-first-pack…arrives-roscoe/

Still more to do (Gladys)

1 Reply

Letter transcription:

Kentland Ind
11-28-42

Dear Daddy –

3 P.M. and still more to do today than I’ll get done but somehow it doesn’t worry me. We didn’t get up until 8:30 this morning and had to give David his orange juice first thing then after we had breakfast it was time to mix formula & bath D. Had some washing to do then it was lunch time – never a dull moment, but as I have said before under present circumstances it is better to keep busy. No letters this morning but probably will get several Monday (I hope). I called Mrs. Roberts this morning – was going to have her bring her children & come over tomorrow but said she was going to Cisna [Cissna] Park. However she promised to come Monday if possible. She asked for your address so she could send it to Joe. I told her I had sent his to you. Maybe you two will get to corresponding some day. I went into the Drug Store to get a stamp and saw Charlie Largent. He is home on leave just before departure for parts unknown. Said he had a letter from Henry Reinhart. You should be getting one – as I sent him your address

[page 2] Had a letter from Uncle Wes and he said he sent you a number of Tribune maps. He also said he would send more so I won’t try all send a box of sardines, crackers & mosquito cream. That is if I can get the sardines. You know sardines and salmon are two things not being sold wholesale any more. I have one can of salmon – I don’t know what I am saving it for, but know I can’t get any more.

Had a caller – Clara Molter. She is going to come Tues & help me & I hope to get the housecleaning finished. Since I started writing this it has started to snow & there is a thin white coat on the ground. Don’t think it will last long tho. It melts when it light on the sidewalks.

John had a committee meeting to attend for a party the young people of the church are having. Buddy is here playing with Mark. Buddy just told me he thought David a pretty baby. We agreed with him. Right now David is having a little trouble getting comfortable – seems to be squirming around a lot.

I must write to your mother and it is about time to send this to the P.O. so will excuse myself for a short letter and promise to write a long one tomorrow (Sunday) –

Love Mother

Had 2 letters 11-25-42
No mail again today

©2013 copyright owned and written by Deborah Sweeney

Post originally found at:

A case of cold beer (Roscoe)

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Destry Rides Again is a movie staring Jimmie Stewart and Marlene Dietrich. The movie has a rather infamous fight scene between Marlene Dietrich and Una Merkel and Jimmie Stewart. Although I have never seen the movie, here’s a clip of the big fight from the movie.

Letter transcription:

Nov. 27, 1942

Dear Mother,

The dates on my letters are a little confusing since I write in the P.M. The letter goes thru the censorship routine the next morning and to the P.O. about noon then to the main P.O. in the P.M. and then leave the next day so you see a letter is about 3 days off old before it really leaves the island but I guess that doesn’t make much difference in the long run because of the length of time it takes them to get there. I never seal the envelope until it is ready for censorship so if anything important comes up I can add it and that takes off one day. There is no point to the above whatever only just telling you the procedure.

I’ve been very lazy in the letter writing business the past few days. It seemed that when I wanted to write there was something else that had to be done and when I had time I wasn’t in the mood. The nightly shows cut into my writing schedule but they are pretty good past time. Last night’s show was a little odd. I guess. The name “Destry Rides Again.” Don’t know what the one is tonite we always have pretty good house even if the title isn’t

[page 2] known ahead. Most everyone goes even if they have seen it before. And many persons who go to the movies often have seen them, but as for me they will have to hunt pretty hard if they find one I have seen, as you are well aware.

Our living quarters are pretty good now. We – Three of us – have a space 12 feet by 16 feet. Have Iron bunks with springs. And electric lights. I’ve told you that before but I’m so pleased. We were up last night until 11:00 P.M. We seem to be in a part of the outfit where lights out don’t affect. So we can read write etc. And too the mosquitoes aren’t so bad but we still use our nets at night because the little bugs slip in some way.

Today outside the heat is very oppressive and the sun really burns. Inside the hut it is rather comfortable and there is a slight breeze, but standing perfectly still in the sun is almost unbearable.

So far today I received a copy of the Newton County Enterprise dated Oct. 22 and two V-mail letters one from you and one from John – Yours was dated Nov. 5 and John’s Nov. 3. That’s two V-mails from John and none from Mark. The one I got from John on Nov. 1 sounded more like Mark but it had John’s name.

I haven’t written Bart yet about the paper

[page 3] but I intend to in the very near future and I also intend to write Boonie again. I got his letter 3 days ago but wasn’t in the mood to write and have been a little busy what with moving etc.

Was interrupted for a time – Have just been to the P.O. but no mail or packages. I brought two packages for another Dr. but none for myself. Guess mine will be along sooner or later. It is now 1700 and still the sun is very hot. It’s supposed to be the dead of summer or very near it and by 1915 it is dark enough to start the movies so that proves the period of twilight is shorter here than there because it still very light there at 1915 in the Eve. As I remember it.

Just got a case of cold beer and is it good. Most of the time it is warm but once in a while we are able to get a cold one. Our beer supply is running low and I’ll be sorta glad because it put on too much weight.

Well, I’ll save the rest of the space until morning. It isn’t morning yet but the show was short. The name “Gold Rush Mazie”. It was about as good as it sounds. I’ll add more in the morning.

Nothing new. Very warm at 7:30 A.M. – will start another letter today

Love Daddy

©2013 copyright owned and written by Deborah Sweeney

Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/07/24/a-case-of-cold-beer-roscoe/

Doctor Check-ups (Gladys)

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Letter transcription:

Kentland Ind
Nov 27 – 1942

Dear Daddy –

Went to Laf. today and had the final check for John’s eyes. Had to get new lenses (8⁰⁰). I didn’t see Dr. Ade because I took David out to Dr. Cole so don’t know just what was the matter but he told John something but John couldn’t remember what he said. On Dr. Cole’s scale David weighed 9 lbs 13 oz – and one ago he weighed 7 lbs 9 oz down there. So he is gaining fast enough now. He is taking 5 oz at a feeding and the formula is now 12 oz carnation 18 oz water. I had Dr. C. give me an authine [?] for feedings including egg, cereal, fruit etc. as it is time – because it is too much of a job to take the baby down in this kind of weather and the size he is now. I will have to take him when he is old enough for shots but that won’t be till spring. Mark went along with us today. He went to a 10¢ store and got a model airplane and is studing it now.

[page 2] I bought the chest of drawers today from Sears that I mentioned before. I am going to get two sections of book shelves to match, for the den. The chest for the baby clothes.

Dr. Cole was so busy today. I was there about 12:30 and was about to see him when he had to rush over to the Home hospital and do a section – Mrs. Cole had brought his lunch to him and he did take time out to eat before doing the operation – but we went back to town because he couldn’t see any patients until after 2 P.M. I went back out about 3:15 and waited until about 4 or maybe a little sooner. However we were home by 6 P.M. Dr. C. said Dr. A. had written to some Dr. in Laf. and he had told Dr. C. he was about 1 mi & ½ from your camp.

I have to take this to town to mail at the hotel because I didn’t get it written in time to send via P.O. I didn’t have time to write this A.M. and we left about 11 A.M. – hence missing the regular mail.

I will apologize for this letter because there isn’t much to it but promise to do better next time. (Haven’t rec’d the money letters yet)

Love – Mother

© 2013 copyright owned and written by Deborah Sweeney

Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/07/23/doctor-check-ups-gladys/

Thanksgiving in the South Pacific, 1942 (Roscoe)

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On November 26, 1942, Eleanor Roosevelt wrote in her “My Day” column her thoughts about celebrating Thanksgiving during wartime. A transcription of her thoughts are found at the FDR Library’s website. Transcriptions of all her “My Day” thoughts can be found at the The Eleanor Roosevelt Papers Project.

Letter transcription:

Nov. 26, 1942

Dear Mother,

I’m going to write this early in the P.M. because we have a pretty full evening ahead – chow then hospital rounds then another show and then we plan on putting up some shelves in our new home. We are now living in the back end of a q. hut have electric lights and everything – bed with springs but no water. I took a shower bath this A.M. and had to go about ½ mile so here after I’m going to take a bath out the back in a bucket at night, by the time I walked back from the bath I was as sweaty as before. The toilet is still about as far away as it was and the mess hall is farther but the electric lights are a great improvement and a good smooth deck is really something.

I mailed out Christmas greetings last night to Mrs. Plummer and to the folks and to all the brothers & sister. So I suppose I’ve done all the Christmas shopping I’m going to do. I’ll probably be wishing you a Merry Christmas & Happy New Year in several letters to come and will

[page 2] send you some new greetings if another type comes out.

I was at Dr. Ash’s place today – had a long talk with him. Their mail hasn’t been coming in so good lately it’s really been like ours. I’ve gotten mail about 2 wks later than his.

I don’t know if I got all our new address on last night but I’ll get it on tonite for sure.

It rained hard last nite but today has been clear and hot and our very welcome wind has slowed down lots and we are suffering some from the heat and it isn’t so cool in the hut as it is in a tent with all the sides up.

Well I’m going to the P.O. now and I suppose it will be after the show before I get back again.

Got one letter dated Oct. 13 and it was mailed regular mail rather than air mail. I just wondered if you gave up writing air mail for a spell. There is more in but we’ll have to wait until morning.

I suppose there was a big to do made about the men in the armed

[page 3] forces getting turkey etc for dinner – we did – really was a swell feed. Had fruit cocktail in the beginning, Turkey soup then the main course of turkey sage dressing but the sage was very very light – mashed sweet potatoes asparagus tips, pear sweet pickle and pumpkin pie. So you see it was really worth talking about.

I’ve slipped this last in between chow & hospital time.

I wish you would have paid the remainder of that federal tax. If you still have the papers and have the money I wish you would pay it for I’m afraid that might cause trouble, but you can do as you like about next years. That will make too much to pile up. So do that if you can see clear.

Lots of Love Daddy

Receiving Station
U.S. Naval Advanced Base
Noumea New Caledonia
c/o Fleet P.O. San Francisco Calif.

©2013 copyright owned and written by Deborah Sweeney

Post originally found at:https://genealogylady.net/2013/07/22/thanksgiving-i…ic-1942-roscoe/