Category Archives: Foster

November 16, 1942 (Roscoe) Part III

: Letter to Mark: November 16, 1942, p. 1

: Letter to Mark: November 16, 1942, p. 2

Letter transcription:

Nov. 16, 1942

Dear Mark,

I’m writing you first this time. Last time I wrote John first so will switch it around and make it turn about.

You will find enclosed a little Christmas present that Mother will tell you how to get the money from it. This is yours to spend or keep as you like but let Mother suggest and help you with it. If you haven’t enough money stamps to buy a bond I’d suggest that you use some of it that way. Or you might use some for clothes but some of it you can spend as you see fit.

Surely by this time you have had some pretty cool days

[page 2] but we have had hot weather almost all time.

I suppose now that David is there you have extra work to do and I do hope you will help Mother where ever you can because she has lots to do and think about while I’m gone and she depends upon you and John for help.

I’m sending John a present also and in case one would get lost and the other gets there I want you to divide yours with John equally. I’m sure you would be willing to do that and I’m going to ask him to do the same for you.

I’m sending David a present with Mother’s.

Lots of Love
Daddy

Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/06/18/november-16-19…oscoe-part-iii/

November 16, 1942 (Roscoe) Part II

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: November 16, 1942 Envelope front

: November 16, 1942 Envelope back

: November 16, 1942, p. 1

: November 16, 1942, p. 2

: November 16, 1942, p. 3

Letter transcription:

Nov. 16, 1942

Dear Mother,

I sneaked away from work for a short time in order to write letters. I wanted to get the presents out to you and the boys so I’ve written both John & Mark – won’t write Davy. I’m sending his $10 in your check. You can buy clothes – stamps or whatever you like for him. I thought the boys would get a kick out of the money orders, and I want them to spend some of it as they see fit. Yours you can do the same. Apply it to that I have sent etc. The last figures you sent me on the bank acc. were pretty good so I see no reason why you need spend this or that which I sent you for your birthday on things for the house – use it for yourself.

We still don’t have any mail today

[page 2] must be because of heavy Christmas mail or simply because it hasn’t come.

I finished your letter in a big hurry this A.M. because I wanted to get it off today. I didn’t tell you that after church we had a show and as of olden times I was called away to go to town for some work. Our show house is simply on the hillside with a screen down the hill and the projector up the hill and the seats are the ground in between.

While in town I had banana ice cream on apple pie. Then when I got home I had a bottle of beer and my stomach almost soured on me during the night – didn’t sleep good. Won’t try that combination any more for some time. I’m just not used to things like

[page 3] that.

We listened to the Jap broadcast last night and some of the things they said were downright funny especially to us who know. So in case you hear some of the things don’t believe them until you are very sure. The news all over as far as we are able to get it is good, hope it keeps going that way.

I must get back to the hospital – will add more if mail comes. Guess I’d better not because I want this letter registered and I must do it before the P.O. closes. I’ll sign the check to you and you won’t have to use your power of att. but no one can cash it but you.

Well, I’ll have to do the registering now after I get the whole thing censored.

Love Daddy

Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/06/18/november-16-19…roscoe-part-ii/ ‎

November 16, 1942 (Gladys) Part I

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: November 16, 1942 Envelope

: November 16, 1942, p. 1

: November 16, 1942, p. 2

: November 16, 1942, p. 3

: November 16, 1942, p. 4

Letter transcription:

Kentland Ind
Nov. 16, 1942

Dear Daddy –

Two letters today so that bring my mail up again (in 9 days). All letters in order according to dates. Today we are having another high wind. I was going to take the baby out today for the first in the Johnson buggy but it is getting cloudy. I will wait until about 3:30 or 4 to see how it is then. I just had to go out and take some clothes off the line. The wind had whipped them around so. It feels warm out and much like rain. In case you don’t get those other letters Lucile is getting ready for a new baby and has a buggy and loaned it to me until she needs it in the early spring. I sent you a Nov. & December calander off my desk and will send you a complete one for 1943 as soon as I can get one. I have one from Mennens on the back of an O.B. chart but thought I could find a better small one than that. Today is Buddy Krull’s birthday. I baked a cake & decorated it. Mark took it to the restaurant as soon as he finished his lunch. Thanks to the mixer I can now make a cake I can send to someone for a gift. Wish I could send you one but that is out of the question now. Maybe I’ll make one and we will celebrate for you here. We will think about you especially on the 25^th (as if we don’t all the time). I think you know you are in our thoughts and conversations

James L. Foster in his sailor uniform. Photograph courtesy of Gerry McCarroll.

[page 2] all the time. Had a letter from Jim this morning. Said he was asking for a leave to begin Dec. 30 until Jan. 9. The boys often mention what Jim said last Christmas. Do you remember? Said you & he would be in uniform this Christmas. Ed Barce had a few days leave and came out to see us Sat. nite. He has finished at Norfolk and is waiting for orders. I think he is in Indpls [Indianapolis] at present. He drives a station wagon and takes other (comm.) officers around. He was wearing a blue uniform and it looked very good on him. Which reminds me to tell you to keep looking at yours from time to time (and air it once in a while). Maybe this is unnecessary advice but you might moth or mold. I took your clothes out of the closet and even with spray and moth bags the little “fellars” had gotten in and eaten two or three holes in those green pants (if you remember) and a black pr. but not too bad to be mended.

Mother went home last Fri and so far we have been getting along fine. I had been doing most everything before she left anyway. I am feeling fine and have been trying to take care of myself and rest enough. I am still taking shots but think I’ll start on something orally. I am going to see Dr. C. I think Sat and he will probably write a prescription for me. John is going to

Silvester and Jessie Schiele (Roscoe’s maternal uncle)

[page 3] play with the band to broadcast and intend to make an appointment for him with Dr. A. I told you all this before but just in case you don’t get my last letter repeat this. I also told you I had a letter from H. W. Reinhart, Ylc CUB Two Moffett Field – Calif. He wants to hear about you so you write to him. Had a letter from Ruthie and they were in Hannah. Floyd had to have his blood test but she didn’t say anything about whether the Co. would be able to keep him or not. They are coming over sometime because Floyd sold all his shop equip. to Mr. Zell and will bring it over. Also had a letter from Aunt Jessie. Just a hello note – said they are intending to come down to see us soon. I had forgotten all about the microscope but will keep it – as you say. Sometimes I wonder if I am forgetting something important but hope I am not. Keeping a baby clean & fed is a large order but it is better to keep busy under the circumstances. Don’t worry about the furnace. We are taking care of it. I am keeping the Ins. paid because you know those notices come and I won’t forget any of that and the bank takes care of the rent so that is that. David is kicking and trying to go to sleep to. He showed a definite demonstration of temper last night. He was in his basket and I was writing to you and he was crying. I reached

[page 4] over and patted him – but didn’t take him up – well you should have heard him – I took him up and he stopped as quickly as he had started. Maybe I shouldn’t have taken him up. I often wonder what you would say about one thing and another regarding his care. Maybe we spoil him just a little, but that is another natural thing under the circumstances (do you agree?) He isn’t too spoiled because he sleeps a lot. I am afraid the weather is against our going out, looks definitely like rain.

I do hope you get all those letters you listed even if the news is old you will enjoy them. I will put the radiogram in the scrapbook. I haven’t received a reply – only from you (that is enough for me).

John and Lovina (Schiele) Yegerlehner (Roscoe’s parents, c1946)

I thought your Mother would try to come up before the gas rationing but she will have to come this week – if she does. That is too much a trip with the baby now, or we would have gone down this week-end.

It will soon be time for the boys to come home from school. “My day” is so full I just go from one thing to another. I didn’t have much lunch for them so that means a good full supper. John gets so hungry. Mark does too by spells.

I must quit and do a few odds & ends. I hope you can read this – believe my writing gets worse.

Love Mother

Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/06/30/november-16-1942-gladys-part-i/ ‎

November 15, 1942 (Roscoe)

1 Reply

: November 15, 1942 Envelope

: November 15, 1942, p. 1

: November 15, 1942, p. 2

: November 15, 1942, p. 3

Letter transcription:

Nov. 15, 1942

Dear Mother,

Pre World War II (c1930) – 10 Yen

To begin with I sent you some Japanese money in yesterday’s letter, that according to the censors is OK. You probably won’t be able to spend it for anything or at least a very small amount of what it was worth at one time. I never did know what it was worth but some said it was the same as $5.00. Don’t ask how or where I got it, because I won’t tell. Not now. I have some other money but it isn’t passable just now then today was pay day so I have some other USA money and I’ll send you a check in tomorrow’s mail I think. It might be Tue. and I’m also sending each of the boys a little for Christmas. Yours and David’s will be together – but the other boys will get theirs in a letter. Now that’s the third time I’ve told that to you so hope you get the whole business and needless to say I’d like a report on it when it arrives.

Things have been quiet and not much to do. A few days ago another (jg) and I had a 107 patients to take care of. We of course were responsible to a higher up

[page 2]but it was our job to take care of them and that’s a pretty good sized job. For that’s as many as we often had in St. Elizabeth Hospital. And it about twice as many as could get into Iroquois Co. Hospital.

Had chicken for chow at noon – ½ chicken per person and seconds if necessary, mashed potatoes gravy – asparagus tips, pea soup and apple pie. So you see that isn’t half bad and today was the day for another carton of cigarettes. That comes in our monthly mess bill. Doesn’t sound like rationing here.

No mail yet today but we still have hopes. It’s just about time now for the usual delivery but have [not] seen or heard anything. There is always a disturbance when it comes in.

Took a bath this P.M. Sewed a pair of pants, washed my head and now have my dirty clothes soaking for tomorrow’s laundry. Pretty busy Sunday P.M. but we are always busy in the morning, up to noon, and those things have to be done when we have time.

Last night when I went into the Hall to

[page 3] write your letter it was clear – with the moon shining and all at once it began raining like the duce. We all ran because our tents were open all around – reminded one of closing windows back in civilization.

Did you ever give Dr. Joe’s wife my address for him? I have never heard from him, so can’t write him unless I’d write to her and have it forwarded, but I’d rather write direct.

Maybe mail will come and I’ll write to the folks now.

No mail. I’ve written to the folks but it is now Monday morning. We were busy up until light went out will write more this Eve.

Love Daddy

Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/06/17/november-15-1942-roscoe/

November 15, 1942 (Gladys)

1 Reply

Click to enlarge

Things in Washington were not always too serious as President Roosevelt occasionally provided some light hearted humor. The president apparently became a bit flummoxed and mixed his metaphors during a press conference. As usual, the press corps were merciless.

On a more serious note, November 15th was the day that Roosevelt made a speech concerning the Philippines. The speech commemorated the 7th anniversary of the Philippines becoming a commonwealth. Gladys might have heard this speech on the radio:
Roosevelt Speech regarding the Philippines 11-15-1942

: November 15, 1942 Envelope

: November 15, 1942, p. 1

: November 15, 1942, p. 2

: November 15, 1942, p. 3

Letter transcription:

Kentland Ind
Nov 15 – 1942

Dear Daddy –

Sunday evening and just finished giving David his oleum & orange juice. He got a little off schedule this morning and missed getting it at the regular time. He slept thru his 2 a.m. feeing but woke at 4 instead. This afternoon we drove over to Watseka to see Mrs. R [Leila Roberts] but she wasn’t home. On our way back John wanted to stop & see Miss Smith so we did. Her sister-in-law was there with her baby – 5 mo. old. She thought David looked so small but then she said she had almost forgotten her baby had been so small. We also stopped at Krull’s – Dorothy had a headache and is going down to see Dr. Ade Thursday. Since they are closed on Thurs that is the best time for her to go. Nick has a dishwasher and Dorothy operates it and he cooks. They haven’t any other kitchen help. I must get John to Dr. A this fall. He went to see him in Aug. but Dr. A said then his glasses would do him until about Christmas. The band is going to Purdue to broadcast Sat. and I may arrange to have him go then.

[page 2] Wish you could hear the broadcast – of course you wouldn’t be able to discern John’s blowing from the rest but maybe it would help to hear it. John is practicing now & Mark is washing the dishes. They went to the Youth fellowship meeting and we didn’t eat supper until they came home. On the advice of Mr. Zell and much to the boys delight we are going to leave the leaves on the grass except where they have bunched up and are causing the grass to die. There is quite a pile on the terrace so it will have to be raked but that is about all. We have had so much wind recently that it wouldn’t do much good to rake. Mrs. Zell says this wind is something they aren’t used to – they used to live close to Cincinatti and of course they wouldn’t have so much there. Seems to me it has been unusually windy this fall – but maybe that is like the Californians say about their weather. I didn’t get a letter Sat so will be looking for two or more Mon. They came every day last week until Sat. I sent your Mother an enlargement of the picture you sent. I told you that before but repeat just in case. The bank bal. is around 700 – that includes the birthday gift. I am afraid you are going to get tired of this but I decided after the last two letters I had better repeat certain things in every letter. Allotment comes every month. Notice of your insurance policy came too – policy to follow. That came some time ago.

[page 3] I sent Lentz pictures & films in your birthday box – hope you get it. It is getting late so must finish this & get it to the P.O. so it will go out early in the morning,

Love Mother

©2013 copyright owned and written by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/06/17/november-15-1942-gladys/ ‎

November 14, 1942 (Roscoe)

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The United States military created many films during World War II. Some were for the folks back home, while others were for the service members. This film was made to highlight the army’s activity on New Caledonia. While this film does not specifically reference anything in which my grandfather would have participated, it does show the terrain of New Caledonia. If you watch all the way through to the end, you will be honored with some native dancing. This film was made in 1942, most likely just prior to Roscoe’s arrival.

: November 14, 1942 Envelope

: November 14, 1942, p. 1

: November 14, 1942, p. 2

: November 14, 1942, p. 3

Letter transcription:

Nov. 14, 1942

Dear Mother,

Sat. nite and I suppose there is the usual Sat. nite crowd in town, but it doesn’t seem as if it makes any difference here. We don’t even have boxing shows here anymore so as usual all we have to look forward to is going to bed. Again today we have had the gale which seems to get a little stronger each day. Hope it doesn’t get too stout. It sure makes the sun from being so hot. At night the breeze sure blows over us but with a sheet, blanket and spread it isn’t too cold.

No mail again today – That seems to be getting the usual procedure again, but of course we are spoiled now since we had been getting the back wash so regular. But it is rather discusting [disgusting] to know there is mail coming and none here.

You know this letter writing is getting to be a problem because one day is so much like the last and the ones before etc. I did go to town today and one thing I noticed was

Amborella, a native species of New Caledonia (Image courtesy of Wikipedia Commons)

[page 2] the increase in green, that seems to be the result of the rains we had here while back and the warm weather. Then too there were odors. I couldn’t distinguish the flowers th it was coming from but it was very noticeable along the way. There are also some very beautiful flowers – deep colors etc. Most of the flowers are small, and all the trees around here are small and there are no jungles in our parts, but plenty of young mountains. In fact our toilet is practically on top of one of them or maybe it just seems that way when we start up in a hurry. I’ll be able to walk all the way to town when I get back without complaining. I haven’t had my oxfords on but a few times since we landed. Always heavy marine shoes and heavy grey socks. Those light back [black] ones I used to wear at home are too thin for heavy walking.

Bridge playing waxes and wanes. I haven’t played any for several days but will start

[page 3] agin [again] one of these days.

Tomorrow is pay day and I’ll try to send some money home. Yours & Davids I’ll send in one chunk, but I’ll send Johns & Marks separately. I’m telling you this so you can check on it. I told you about it once before so that should be enough until after I send it. Guess you have to take care of the folks because I don’t know what I could do.

We lost another tent mate today. He was with us about one week. Here today gone tomorrow, but we seem to stick on the same old stamping ground. Don’t know if that is good or bad. I won’t even hazard a guess.

Well, I haven’t asked for anything so far and I’ve filled up about the usual space so will sign off with Lots of Love,

Daddy

Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/06/27/november-14-1942-roscoe/

V-mail from John

4 Replies

Click to enlarge

At this point we have read several letters from Roscoe to his older boys, but we have not really read any of the boys’ letters to him as not many of them survive. Today’s post is a V-mail that John wrote to his father. In the United States, meat rationing was about to begin. Adults and children over the age of 12 were limited to 2 1/2 lbs of meat per week. Children under 12 received an even smaller portion. There were exceptions. Less choice cuts of meat were not included under the 2 1/2 pound per week rule. Check out the above article which lists the non-restricted meats. Two recipes are also included.

John F. Yegerlehner, c.1942

Letter transcription:

LT. (J.G.) YEGERLEHNER (M.C.)
NAVY S.S. A. (WHITE POPPY)
c/o POSTMASTER
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIF

JOHN YEGERLEHNER
KENTLAND
INDIANA
11-14-42

Dear Daddy,

It is a sunny Saturday afternoon and I feel kind of down in the dumps. I believe it is because I haven’t had any meat today. We had a very light dinner because Mother had company before noon and didn’t get a chance to fix a very big one. I was taking my music lesson so I couldn’t help her. – Mother is on the studio couch writing and David is at the other end of the couch sleeping peacefully but with a frown on his face. Mark just came in and is causing general confusion. Guess that’s about all

Your loving son
John

Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/06/17/v-mail-from-john/

More Local News (Gladys)

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Although Gladys makes no mention of it in her letters, Roosevelt’s Teen Age Draft Bill is now officially the law of the land. The new law affected a large number of young men. An estimated 2,500,000 boys were eligible to be drafted into the armed services as well as thousands more who were close to their eighteenth birthdays. One exception to the new draft was for those who were regularly engaged in essential agricultural positions. Producing and harvesting food was considered to be an integral part of the war effort.

Meanwhile in Roscoe’s part of the world, the Navy was engaged in fighting another major series of battles around Guadalcanal Island. For a more in depth breakdown of the battles that occurred during this week in 1942, check out Wikipedia’s page. Or you can watch this military video about the Victory At Sea – Guadalcanal (although it tells more of the story of the first offensive in August 1942). The documentary also includes some great military propaganda, showing everyone working together at home and abroad in the war effort.

: November 14, 1942 Envelope

: November 14, 1942, p. 1

: November 14, 1942, p. 2

Letter transcription:

Kentland Ind
Nov 14 – 1942

Dear Daddy-

Another sunny fall day. However a little crisp. The boys are home today but haven’t worked very much because I did most everything yesterday. Now that Mother has gone back to T.H. [Terre Haute] they have to wash dishes but can’t work together so good – so they take turns. I didn’t receive a letter this a.m. but will probably get two or three Mon. (I hope). This week they have been coming every day. Last week they came in bunches. I have decided to give you the bank balance in every letter & be sure to mention whether or not I received any letters from you. Now the bank bal is around 720 – that includes the birthday gift. I get my allotment checks every month – (now if that everything I should mention?) We have a new mail carrier – Carl Donahue. The Hall boy had to go into service. You said something in one letter about Nick being closed on Sun. He closes Thurs & Sun and Johnny closes Wed. After gas rationing I wonder if there will be as much restaurant business. The traffic certainly has slowed down on 41 – If the baby weren’t so small and gas rationing coming in I would plan to go places this fall but with both I think I’ll stay home (except for the four gal per). I may go to Ruth M’s later on.

[page 2] The telephone had to ring this morning just when I was talking a little cat nap before getting up, ant [and] it caused David to give a little cry like he was frightened. So far noises haven’t bothered him. Then the party had the wrong number. Grrr! This being Sat. we weren’t in a hurry to get up. Our neighbor Zell is going into the chicken business – Had a chicken house moved to the north side of his lot this morning. He I think is more “your idea” of what a county agent should be. Louise Glenn came to see me this a.m. She brought Johnny along. He certainly is a live wire. She had to move everything from the coffee table. I had some washing soaking in the lavaratory & Johnny upset the box of Duz over the floor. I showed Louise the shells & coral. She agreed that the coral would be very attractive mounted & set on the coffee table or somewhere. I wouldn’t care if you could send more. The second box hasn’t arrived yet. Will let you know.

Link got a load of wood this afternoon. He tried burning hard coal in his fireplace but couldn’t get it to burn. I told him we had soft coal for ours last winter. He took Jimmies boat bed and set it back of the garage to put coal in. They got a new bedroom suite for Jimmie’s room. I am enclosing the last two months from my desk calendar and hope you get them before Nov is past. Will find a small new one for next year and send to you.

David weighed 8 lbs 10 oz this morning and is 7 ½ weeks old. He took 5 oz milk at 2 p.m. which is an increase of ½ to 1 oz over what he has been taking. John & Mark are both “OK.”

Love Mother

Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/06/25/more-local-news-gladys/‎

Phases of the moon (Roscoe)

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Roscoe brings up an interesting scientific question about the moon. In case you are wondering, here is a link that will answer the question for you: http://museumvictoria.com.au/planetarium/discoverycentre/faqs/moon-phases-on-other-side-of-earth/

: November 13, 1942 Envelope

: November 13, 1942, p. 1

: November 13, 1942, p. 2

: November 13, 1942, p. 3

Letter transcription:

Nov. 13, 1942

Dear Mother,

Just about 1700 or ½ hour before Chow. This was my P.M. off and again all I’ve done is sprawl on my bunk and finally took a bath. Nice bath and fine rest. I can’t say anything about the weather other than the sun is still very very hot and I don’t believe there was a cloud in the sky today – Just the clear blue all day long with the saving feature – The breeze. It’s really more than a breeze almost a gale. When making that ambulance trip the other night I noticed the moon shining over the water and it just reminded me of the South Sea Islands we often read about. I believe the romance that is often referred to the South Sea is true, but needless to say it is wasted on a bunch of stags but one can still dream.

Mail came today but I was the little man who wasn’t there. Not even a V-mail. It’s sorta disappointing but not your fault. I think they just grab a bunch and if

[page 2] mine isn’t there it is too bad. Some letters were dated as late as Nov. 2. So we do keep up, but I didn’t score. And all those letters that I was supposed to get about David’s arrival have never showed up. Not even a one. I believe you said Dorothy wrote an air mail and Uncle Wes & others but none have arrived. That space of about 4-5 days has never arrived. I’m going to chow – and it may be 8:00 or 9:00 before I finish.

Planes Blast Enemy’s Ships

Again – It’s not as late as I expected. Now 7:45 P.M. Got the news and according to our source it’s just a repeat over last night. Locally we have none to be given.

There is one thing I’ve wondered about for a long time. Whether the moon is in the same phase there as here. It’s beginning to get about ½ moon here now. Of course by the time you get this you will have no way to check on it. Maybe I can get a penna alamanac. That probably is spelled wrong, but you know what I mean. I’m afraid things would be different here than there.

[page 3] So far this Eve I have thought of nothing to ask for but as things come along I’ll probably be asking for them. I saw some more Christmas cards yesterday – 3 for one two dollar – but I’m too much of a Scotch to even pay that. They are nothing but water colored pictures on a piece of folded drawing paper. And a fellow bought a boor’s tusk – which was polished and paid better than $15⁰⁰ for it for his wife. He wouldn’t say how much but he did say it amounted to more than $15. I can’t see that maybe I’m still hard hearted. I’ll send the do-re-me and you can by [buy] a good Dress for that.

We are spending the Eve in the lighted mess recreation hall because the mosquitoes are pretty bad but the wind is blowing so hard they are all blown away or should be.

Will proceed with the news tomorrow
Lots of Love
Daddy

Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/06/24/phases-of-the-moon/

Teen Age Draft Bill (Gladys)

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The Teen Age Draft Bill was working its way to President Roosevelt’s desk on November 13, 1942. The bill that required men to register for the selective service lowered the age requirement from twenty to eighteen. The war effort needed assistance from men as well as women, persons of color, and individuals of every age. A month previously on October 12, 1942, President Roosevelt returned from a two week tour of the country. He shared his new hopes and visions with the nation in a Fireside Chat. In this speech, he spoke of lowering the age requirement. He felt that this was necessary for a more speedy victory of the war. A month later, Roosevelt signed the Teen Age Draft bill into law.

I am including two links to audio recordings of this speech:
The first link is to the Miller Center in Virginia which includes a rough transcript of the speech. The link to the audio is on the right hand side of the page.
http://millercenter.org/president/speeches/detail/3329
The second link is to My Old Radio which has many of Roosevelt’s other speeches in its archives as well as many old radio shows and commercials. http://www.myoldradio.com/old-radio-episodes/fdr-set-prejudices-aside/16

: November 13, 1942 Envelope

: November 13, 1942, p. 1

: November 13, 1942, p. 2

Letter transcription:

Kentland Indiana
Nov 13 – 1942
(Fri)

Dear Daddy –

Got up early this am (but went back to bed) David slept thru the 2 a.m. feeding then woke up at 5 – and then Mother wanted to get up at 5 because she was going to T.H. [Terre Haute] with Servies and they were coming for her at 6. I got part of washing done yesterday & finished today. With a little “fellar” there is always a washing to do. I am still able to hang things out but when it gets too cold I will put them in the basement.

Rec’d a letter this morning – and you were somewhat out of sorts when you wrote. Well maybe by this time you have a few more letters and know I am receiving yours and have all you have written to date. That is, the one I rec’d this a.m. was dated Nov. 4 & this is the 13^th so that brings it to date. Now that you have rec’d some of those “back numbers: maybe you will get all or most of them. Remember you asked for your comm. & I sent it. Sorry, those two letters I wrote Oct 24 & 25 didn’t mention receiving your letters regularly, because I did mention it in most of my letters.

About Mark – I couldn’t get him a bike unless I found one second-hand – because you have to have a requisition from the ration board and I am afraid I wouldn’t have any reason for getting him one. I think I could get him a Jr. bike but that would be foolish because he wants a full size. He is learning to play the cornet and Mr. Webster says he is doing fine. That he has a better tone range than most of the band children. The only thing he lacks is perseverance. I have been bragging on him and he has been practicing a little better this week. I told him if he learned to play the cornet I would buy him a better horn but I didn’t want to invest anything is a horn if he wouldn’t stick with it. He can blow Taps & Silent Night. I am going to get him a tool set for Christmas and fix him a work shop in the basement. He would do something worthwhile I am sure if he had some help. That is what he says he wants and has one picked out in the Sears holiday book. John is doing as usual. He is playing a large Sax now and still takes piano lessons. He was in a play that is a ”stunt” by the 7^th grade. When he came home last night I had to clean make-up off his face. Mother went to see it and said the 7^th grade stunt was the best. Now I wonder why she thought that (or do I wonder so much)

[page 2] By Mother getting to go home before her birthday I had to go to town and get her something yesterday evening since she left at 6 a.m. today. While in town I saw Lucile Johnson and she said I could use the baby carriage she has until she is ready for it. The one Zell’s have will require so much work however I may fix it up so I can use it when L. wants hers. I saw Ira D. and he said he had another letter from you. I told him he could keep you posted on the local gossip – and he promised to do that. Ellsworth [Wilson] was in the drug store at the time and I talked to him about the Ins. policy for David and he is going to write it in the Laf. Life. He said that was a good company. Hope that meets with your approval.

Had a letter from Henry R. – Jr. today and he wanted to know about you. Evidently he is still at Moffett Field because his letter came from there. Here is his address – you write to him. his address is H. W. Reinhard, Ylc, CUB Two, Moffett Field Calif. He said “would like very much to know something about Jake.”

I sent you a birthday box and put the Lentz pictures & films in it. By getting Boonies candy as soon as you did you should get the box I sent. Again I’ll quote the present bank bal (721). I get my checks each month. It comes in two since you made the additional after you reached Calif. I haven’t done any spending yet this fall. Got the boys some new clothes, but haven’t paid that bill yet (50⁰⁰). That includes some things I got for Mother. I also gave her 10⁰⁰ this morning when she left. The bank bal. of course includes the birthday money. If you get all the letters I have made repeats in you may be sorry you asked for “rehash.”

The baby had a crusty formation in his eyebrows and I was afraid it might be impetigo – how he could get anything at all is beyond me because you know my “mania” for keeping clean. I had been using water on his face but but he got a rash or something so just used oil and the rash cleared but this thing started in his eyebrow – so decided to use some samples I rec’d – “Pragmusal” I applied it three nights in succession and it cleared up. I read the label on the tube carefully and decided it would not be too strong for his skin even if it didn’t help – but it did the trick. Of course if it had gotten worse & spread would have taken him to Dr. C. but didn’t want to make an unnecessary trip. I am not due to go back for more than a week yet. I want to make the trip just before gas rationing but then after that will have to make trips because will have to get David started on his shots when he is old enough.

The Myers twins were just sent to Laf. to the Naval Station there. They had enlisted in Aug. – 18 went from Newton Co. Nov. 6 – Jim Fletcher’s widow [Emma Fletcher] is working at Sharps. Just put in the above from glancing at the Enterprize. You should be getting it soon as Bart is sending it every week.

Have to register for gas ration card next week. Hope this finds you with all the letters you should get

Love Mother
(hope you can read all this)

Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/06/23/teen-age-draft-bill-gladys/