Category Archives: Foster

November 1, 1942 (Roscoe)

: November 1, 1942 Envelope

: November 1, 1942, p. 1

: November 1, 1942, p. 2

Letter transcription:

Nov. 1, 1942

Dear Mother,

Sun P.M. after chow and just writing before it gets dark and before church time. There was some mail came in but this seemed the first time I’ve missed. There wasn’t much but nevertheless I didn’t get any. I’m not blaming you of course because I feel that you are writing each day. Maybe things will break in a few days.

Today being your birthday I’ve thought lots about it and really wish you a very happy birthday. Of course, I’ve done that before but take this time to do so again. Hope you have had a good birthday.

This has been a rather dull day with work to do all day and couldn’t go swimming or get away from tent or hospital grounds – but I’ll get to sleep in a bed with springs again, which is better than on the usual canvas and thin mattress, but the other night when I slept on the bunk bed my back was very sore guess I wasn’t used to such comfort.

So far today the sun has been very bright with only a slight sprinkle now and then but most of the time it’s the hot blistering sun, and the wind still blows pretty hard in the P.M.

Some officers came in from someplace else and seem to be making our tent a place to drink beer. They haven’t had any for ages so I guess it won’t hurt them to break loose a little and of course they won’t get enough to get into the gutter. We hope.

I’ve been reading another story – The Five Keys to Mystery and while reading it I rolled up the side of the tent and got a sun bath – got some tan now – Maybe will get more if the rains don’t came to often and too long in one period of time.

I’m going to write to the folks again this Eve. if I don’t have

[page 2] outside interference. And before long I’ll have to write Ruth & Ira. I’m about out of paper so I’ll have to go bumming again. This typewriting paper is OK but it’s too long and too flimsy – but air mail paper has to be thin and light.

Haven’t played bridge for several nights now. In fact since our new roomer moved in with his radio we listen to the news and that breaks right into the middle of the bridge time. One gets a little tired of the same thing each night but it’s better than just sitting around and thinking of things that have been or will be. But one gets tired of doing things all day long in the same way and at the same place and under the same conditions. This whole letter is all chopped up and uninteresting I know but it’s just one of those times when one feels down a little and mostly blank as far as mental action is concerned.

Well, I’m all run out maybe I can add a little later.

Four letters just came in 2 from you one from Clarence Y and one from Mother. Everything seems to be OK. Mom sent me 7 air mail stamps and Clarence sent 4 so I’m pretty well supplied with what I have on hand.

Must get going
Love
Daddy

P.S. Your letter was dated Oct 10,

Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/05/29/november-1-1942-roscoe/ ‎

Happy Birthday Gladys! (Gladys)

2 Replies

Letter transcription:

LT (J.G.) R. S. Yegerlehner
Navy SSA (White Poppy) M.C.
c/o Post Master
San Francisco – Calif.

Mrs. R.S. Yegerlehner
Kentland Indiana
11-1-42

Dear Daddy-

Sunday and my birthday. Besides your gift I rec’d a flower from Dorothy, a box of yardly soap from the boys – an apron and bowl set from Mother and $5⁰⁰ from Mrs. P. – also several cards. The Ladies Aid brought me an African Violet last week so I counted that in my gifts. It was meant for me when I came home but they forgot it then. I took David out to show him to Mrs. P. today. She has been ill and not able to be out and wanted to see him. The boys are both writing you V-mail letters. They wrote regular letters last time. I sent you several pictures of the baby and all of us do hope you get all the letters. Also sent some in the Christmas box. Rec’d the negative of yourself. Am having it printed. It will make you seem a little closer – having a “fresher” picture. If it is good I’ll have one made for your mother. I sent Dr. L. pictures in your birthday box. Don’t know when you will get it. Hope before Christmas. Mark has gone with a group to Goodland to a youth fellowship meeting. John didn’t go – is listening to Quiz Kids. Said since it is my birthday didn’t want to go. This is the first V-mail for some time. Sorry I didn’t keep sending them but will write them regularly now. Will see if you got the “clippers” letters any sooner if so will send more of those. David needs some attention so must change him.

Love
Mother

Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/06/01/happy-birthday-gladys/

Protected: Halloween in the South Pacific (Roscoe)

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Halloween (October 31, 1942) – Gladys

3 Replies

Today’s letter features some great re-capping on Gladys’ part. At this point in the letters, Gladys knew that a chunk of letters were missing in action. We learn a bit more about the night David was born and Gladys finally has the news that Roscoe was aware of David’s birth. She provided a lot of answers to questions that Roscoe had been asking over the last month or so. How much money was in the bank account? Who was helping around the house? Who had enlisted and who was still in town?

: October 31, 1942 Envelope

: October 31, 1942, p. 1

: October 31, 1942, p. 2

Letter transcription:

Kentland, Indiana
Oct 31-1942

Dear Daddy-

At last I received a letter from you saying you had the news about David – and the middle name is Anthony – I wrote all the details in a letter while I was in the hospital but just in case it was lost I will try and give you a brief resume .

My water broke at 11 P.M. – without any pain. I called Dr. Cole & he said to come to the hospital. I called Bob & then Dorothy – Clarice also went along. After we started I began having hard pains and Bob drove as fast as he could. We were on 4^th floor by midnight. David was born at 2:03 and I had ether as soon as they got me strapped down so didn’t know much about the pain at the last. I was just beginning to get very hard pains when they took me in to the delivery room (1:30) so you know I got thru in fine shape and of course no tears inside or out because the little fellow only weighed 6-11. I suffered more with my breasts than I did having him. I tried to nurse him and he kept losing weight – he went back to 6 lbs – and my breasts were well stimulated. They gave me stilbestrol and I had to take twice as much as I did the last time. Dr. C. made me stay in the hospital two weeks. When we came home David weighed 6-3 ¼ and now weighs almost 8 lbs and he will be 6 weeks old Wed (Nov. 4). When I left the hospital I sent for my bill and the nurse came in and said it had already been taken care of. We are feeding David Carnation, Dextri-Maltrose – orange juice & Oleum Per.

Everything here is going along pretty good now that I am able to be up and doing again. The furnace is O.K. So far the boys have been taking care of it with help from the neighbors now & then. Link has taken the clinkers out and Mr. Zell cleaned the soot & clinkers out once. I think the boys & I will be able to keep it in shape now. Joe got the storm windows put up and after the leaves all fall I will have the guttering cleaned. I think everything has been attended to. I had antifreeze put in the car & winter oil put in. I keep the tires checked. The bank acct. at present is around 700⁰⁰ that includes the birthday gift. I have paid the coal bill and of course ins. as it comes due. There are a few drug bills to pay but altogether they won’t amount to 100⁰⁰. I will pay those one day when I take a

[Written on side margin] Jim’s address is still Camp Bradford Norfolk but he is moving to another location so don’t know what it will be.

[page 2]notion. They don’t bother me much with statements maybe if they did I would pay them.

Tomorrow is my birthday. Mrs. P. sent me 5⁰⁰ and a gift to David (3⁰⁰). Dorothy Krull sent me a potted plant. Mother brought me a gift when she came in Sept and gave it to me then – a set of bowls. She is still here and I don’t know when she is going home. Nothing has been said about it lately. I tried to get help with housecleaning but “no go.” I will do it myself as I have time & feel like it. I am not going to make myself sick doing it however.

The boys (John & Mark) are taking Sherman oral vaccine. Maybe that will keep them from taking cold. John had a slight head cold when he started taking the pills & after two his cold was gone. He had a sneezing all thru hay fever tie. I was of the opinion he had some allergy.

If all my letters get to you, you will get all the local news because I tried to put all of interest in my letters. So many have gone into service – here is a list – Art Kenney – Paul Bruck, Kenny Jones, Emery J. Jr., Eddie Britton, Leo Yose, the two Mullen boys, the Myers twins (Al didn’t enlist). There are many others but I can’t think of them now. I think I told you Newell Lamb has the office. He was appointed Prosecuting Attorney due to the present one going to service. Clifford S. as you know is running for election on the Dem. Ticket. He didn’t do much with our collections. I saw A. Taylor yesterday & he gave me a check for 9⁰⁰. He said he thought that was all he owed. I told him I would send him an itemized statement. He said if I was right he would pay the rest.

I talk to Mrs. R. rather often. She calls me or I call her. I told her you hadn’t had news for a long time & didn’t know about the baby. Earl stopped there en route to an Army Camp in Pa. and she told him. He came to see me and was going to help me get word to you when I got your letter saying you at last had my V-mail letters. I sent several while I was in bed at home and in the hospital. I don’t believe you rec’d all. If you get my previous letters this will be a rehash.

I tried to call Mrs. Ash while in Laf. But didn’t get an answer. I haven’t talked to her since she saw me in the hospital. I didn’t write to Mrs. W. Sorry he had to go, because I know you enjoyed his company from your letters.

I rec’d two letters yesterday and six today which brings things pretty much up to date for me. Hope you get the Christmas boxes being sent. We sent one. I am sending another for your birthday but don’t know when you will get it.

Love
Mother & Boys

[written on side margin] I wrote yesterday explaining the radio-gram.

Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/05/30/halloween-octo…31-1942-gladys/

October 30, 1942 (Roscoe)

2 Replies

I think this letter is about as sentimental as my grandfather would get. He actually mentioned the “L” word.

: October 30, 1942 Envelope

: October 30, 1942, p. 1

: October 30, 1942, p. 2

Letter transcription:

Oct. 30, 1942

Dear Mother,

Just wrote a letter to the Sykeses and I find that I’m practically out of paper. I’m going to write on both sides of this and hope none is cut out. In fact the censors are Drs. and don’t read each other’s mail only ask if there is anything that shouldn’t pass, and we are supposed to be smart enough not to put anything of a military nature in a letter.

We just bought a case of beer and are drinking it tropically warmed because the ice boxes are full of more essential things and it isn’t so bad. There is some coke around here but so far I haven’t seen any of it. I believe beer warm is better than Coke that hasn’t been cooled.

I just happened to think – you said Lucille was losing her girlish figure. Which Lucille – I must have missed part of your letters. With all those pregnant women I should be there but I’m not so there. That isn’t the reason I’d like to be there. My tent mate asked me the other day while I was writing a letter if I told you I loved you and I said “no” she knows that and really it isn’t necessary because you are well aware of that fact and know that it will always be that way. It’s not the beer that is affecting me because I’ve only had two bottles, and that won’t affect me that way. You know how much you are missed and I know that the same is true in this direction and that makes things easier, but when one goes to bed at night and thinks it really makes one yearn for home. And sooner or later will be there. So much for that.

No mail today so far – There are still wild rumors, but those can be false just like others we have had.

We got our news cast again last night as I told you and in about ½ hour it will be time again. I’m on duty and won’t be in my usual bunk tonite and am debating whether or not to take my mosquito netting along. Maybe I can cover up with the sheet. I hat those durn little dickens as you already know. My bed will be on springs tonight and that should be a treat at least something different – probably won’t be able to sleep at all.

Some of the boys from California claim that this weather here reminds them very much of theirs at home. Hot sun in the day time and cool at nights. There has only been one night to hot to sleep without a blanket, but this should compare to the last of May weather in the north.

[page 2] If I can get some more paper I’m going to write Ira D. again, but it’s very hard to write when one can’t give him news and views – Right now things in this locality, judging from filtering news, don’t seem so bad but things can change very rapidly.

Are you having any Halloween parties? I suppose (know) we won’t have much here. Hope no one pushes our back house over because we only have one. We can use coconuts for pumpkin faces. They might be a little harder to carve but more of a permanent nature. I’ve never been able to pick up one of those things but I have seen plenty of them growing – from the size of a pea to the regular size. I think they are gathered and the milk and inside used while green. There are supposed to be some bananas here some place but I haven’t seen them yet.

We had sauerkraut, wieners etc for evening chow and I asked for seconds and of course got them.

I’ll finish later maybe mail will crop up. No mail – got news in pretty good. Everything peace & quiet. Didn’t play bridge – just listened to news.

Well, I’ll try to get more paper and write better next time.

Love
Daddy

Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/05/29/october-30-1942-roscoe/

October 30, 1942 (Gladys)

3 Replies

John on October 24th, 1942

This letter gives another reference to the photograph of John, taken by Ruthie, in his new coat, on October 24th. Apparently there were two pictures. Thankfully, at least one survived through time. Maybe the second one will surface someday.

: October 30, 1942 Envelope

: October 30, 1942, p. 1

: October 30, 1942, p. 2

: October 30, 1942, p. 3

: October 30, 1942, p. 4

Letter transcription:

Kentland, Ind
Oct 30-1942

Dear Daddy,

I sent a letter marked “clipper” yesterday but Tony said he didn’t know whether it would be sent that way or not. If so you should have rec’d it in about a week. If you do get it that soon I’ll send all via clipper. I haven’t had any letters since Mon. but tomorrow is Sat and maybe there will be a “flock” then.

I took the drapes down and cleaned the ones in our bedroom but just put the rest out to air. I took Mark back to school at noon so went on down to Perkins and Thelma promised to come tomorrow and do some cleaning. If I can just get help a day or so, think we can get the housecleaning situation in hand.

Mon. when I took the baby to Dr. C. he weighed 7-9

[page 2] This morning when I bathed him he weighed 8 lbs – not bad for a 6-11 – losing 11 oz and starting at 6 lbs. He was 5 weeks old Wed. so I think he is doing well enough. He tried to gag when I gave him his Oleum Percomorphum today but I gave him orange juice as soon as I could and he kept it down. He made an awful face when he got a taste of the oil.

I am enclosing some pictures Ruthie took with her camera. The two pictures of John with the over coat shows how it can be worn. The light side for rain & the dark for cold. Maybe before long we will be able to get a good (or better) picture of David. I hope you have the pictures we sent last week. Several of the baby were very good we thought. He rec’d another present today – a knit suit from Louise Glenn – she said on the card “to small fry.” That makes eight suits given to him. He is wearing one today. They are really much nicer for boys than dresses and warmer too.

I feel like I have an apology to make about your birthday but hope you get the cards we sent. I should have sent

[page 3] your birthday box out long ago but going to the hospital when I did (Sept 23) I didn’t think about sending it before then and since I have been home it seems like I am so busy with the baby & getting back on my feet again. I am afraid you won’t get it until after Christmas what with so much Christmas mail to be handled now. I hope you get it or the cards because we have thought about it and of course think about you all the time.

Art K. is due in Great Lakes Mon. I stopped in the drug store at noon and saw him. I wanted to pay him. He said he would come out and settle up before he leaves, but I don’t think he will. There were twelve from Newton Co. left for Indpls. Among those Paul Bruck, Leo Yost & Eddie Britton.

Marjory Wilson Ryan has a baby boy. She went to see Dr. C. Monday and stopped at the hospital to see about a room. She wasn’t due

[page 4] until Nov. 7. I told her to make it Nov. 1 – but guess she couldn’t wait.

The Equitable sent you the name of an examinee and I returned their letter with a note to the effect you are in Service. I had a letter to inform me that your status as examiner would be retained when you return.

School is out and the boys are home. I have quite a bit of mail to go out so will have to get busy and get it to the P.O. “My day” is certainly full – I can do just so much before I stop & rest – and it seems I never get caught up – but I would rather be busy. That doesn’t keep me from thinking but it helps me. I have so many letters that should be answered – but yours comes first and if I have any time left will answer others.

Love
Mother

P.S. I missed your Dad’s birthday but sent a gift later

Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/05/28/october-30-1942-gladys/

Military Monday – October 29, 1942 (Roscoe)

1 Reply

Happy Memorial Day to all our veterans, past and present!

: October 29, 1942 Envelope

: October 29, 1942, p. 1

: October 29, 1942, p. 2

Letter transcription:

Oct. 29, 1942

Dear Mother,

Just finished chow and will try to get this written before it is necessary to draw out the candle. Imagine our surprise to wake up this morning and find the sun shining very bright and it sure was welcome after 4-5 days of almost continuous rain. Immediately after breakfast everyone who didn’t have work to do set out to do his laundry, and in a few hours clothes were flying on lines all over the place. About 10:30 it began to look like rain but it cleared up and hasn’t has remained clear all day.

During the damp weather the laundry in town wouldn’t take any clothes so that made an accumulation, so I just washed my shirts, pants & everything. I took the shirts and pants when they were slightly damp and tried to cold iron them with my hand and believe it or not they don’t look too bad. Lots of the fellows wash their own so not too many look spick & span. Many of the laundries don’t use any starch so those clothes that come from there don’t look too good. Anyway they don’t smell when we get thru with them. I had a shirt and a pair of pants come back from the laundry and the I don’t believe they ever saw any rinse water, so you can imagine the smell.

I think I told you last night you didn’t need to send those clothes. You might send the underware, the knit ones pants and shirts. Keep the others until I write for them.

It is now 5:30 P.M. and the sun is well up in the sky. There, at this time of year if I remember it is getting pretty well toward dark. However, it is cool

[page 2] here tonight almost need a sweater or windbreaker. I guess I told you I bought a windbreaker before leaving Calif.

We are just now waiting for the 6 P.M. news from San Francisco. It comes in pretty good. Dr. Beard from Indianapolis just stopped in. He was going for a walk said he hadn’t gotten any exercise during the rainy days. It was a little to cold to go swimming today. That is it was for me – Lentz and some of the boys went.

No mail so far today. We again have wild rumors of some but long ago we learn that the rumors are often untrue. So we just wait. I believe the 15^th of Oct. is the latest. That was yesterday. Mine yesterday was the 12^th. While a few days before that I got the 14^th so you see what the mail situation is. The V-mail is much behind the ordinary regular air mail now.

I’ll finish later – stopped to listen to the radio and then went to play bridge – got beat tonite. While we listened to the news I just looked around. There was a fellow from Mich, one from Ky, one from Maryland and one other fellow from Ind. What a bunch way out here in kingdom come.

We went to bed last night about 8:00 PM and I got tired before morning so I’m staying up until about 10:00 tonight. No use getting bed sores. This mattress is powerful thin and there are no springs. Just 2 in. of mattress or canvass.

Well, no mail in camp today. Just happened to think – Have Agnes Molter get the income tax fixed up but that doesn’t come until Mar. and one the state tax ~~get Davie~~ don’t count travel money and don’t forget David’s deduction on the federal. I suppose you have thought of all that-

Lots of Love
Daddy

Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/05/27/military-monda…29-1942-roscoe/

Halfway Point!

8 Replies

At the end of this last week, my blog hit a quiet milestone. With this post, I have been posting for 184 days, just over half a year. I can hardly believe that I have been at this for six months. Yesterday (May 25^th) was my grandparents’ 84^th wedding anniversary. I would like to thank everyone who has been following their correspondence for the last six months and to welcome those who have recently followed their story. Here’s to the next six months!

: October 29, 1942 Envelope

: October 29, 1942, p. 1

: October 29, 1942, p. 2

: October 29, 1942, p. 3

: October 29, 1942, p. 4

Letter transcription:

Kentland Ind
Oct 29 – 1942

Dear Daddy-

Another day and no letters from you but maybe they will come tomorrow. There were two Mon and this Thurs so still Fri & Sat.

Our weather has changed a little. It was raining so hard this morning I took ours & Zell’s children to school. John had tow horn cases to carry and books so he could hardly manage walking. He brought the large saxophone home yesterday and had to take both horns back this a.m. He likes the regular sax much better than the straight one he had. David is sleeping now. He seems to like the 4 hr schedule as well as the 3 hr. He didn’t wake up until 3:30 this am for the 2 am bottle. I think maybe he will soon sleep right through although I don’t mind feeding him at 2 until he is some heavier. He weighed 7-9 on Dr. Coles’ scales Monday and will no doubt be

[page 2]past the 8 lb mark by Sat. He takes his cod liver oil & orange juice every day and so far both agree with him.

If you ever get the letters I wrote while in the hospital and letters others wrote, you will know we tried to send you a cable – well in your letters to me you said you hadn’t had any news for so long, so Bob Hufty contacted the Red Cross field man and he said he would get a radiogram to you if it was possible – I suppose by this time you will have received it and know why it was sent. I would have done that in the first place had I known we couldn’t send a cable – and that you wouldn’t get our letters – but we all thought you would surely get our letters in at least two weeks. After they told us we couldn’t cable you I thought the only thing left was a letter and when your letters kept coming and you weren’t getting your mail Bob decided it was high time something should be done.

Mrs. R called me this morning just to talk and wanting to know if I had any late news. She rec’d a cable three weeks ago

[page 3] but no news since then. Before the cable he had written three letters on board ship. He was detailed to the Southwest Pacific fleet, so she hasn’t the faintest idea where he is other than the S.W. Pacific.

There is a high wind today and we had a casualty. The west storm window in the boys room blew off and broke the bottom pane. I hadn’t gotten them all fastened and that particular one seems to be in a current that flips it off. Link is coming over this evening and help me get the rest fastened. I can’t even get some of the windows up. Joe should have fastened those the day he put them up but he was in a hurry to finish by noon and I haven’t felt strong enough to wrestle with the windows – but will get it done before any more blow out.

John has filled two stamp books so I am going to buy him a bond (as pledged) and he is going to get

[page 4] it at school so his grade will get credit. Mark still has a few stamp to buy before he fills his book but I will get him a bond before the year is over. I should buy David a $5⁰⁰ stamp with his gift from D. Mace.

I see in the paper that Bethel Wilson has been sent to Daytona Beach, Fla to a new camp. The Mullen boys are being sent to Ft. Bragg, N.C.

Harlan’s had Chuckie operated on for his eyes. They took him to Indpls but I don’t know who did the operating.

John Byrne is the man operating Art’s drug store. I knew his face but not his name. His family will occupy the Ross property on West Carroll St. (if you know which property that is – I don’t).

Mother had a head cold – started yesterday evening – so I made her take some Rhinitis – all I had was the child size so have her 4 last night – got a bottle at the drug store this morning and gave her a full size one – her cold is better now.

I must sign off-
Love Mother

This post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/05/26/halfway-point/

Another mix-up (Roscoe)

1 Reply

I just had one of those moments when I realized that page 1 DOES NOT go with page 2. I jumped ahead to Roscoe’s letter dated October 29^th but those pages fit together just fine. I went back to his October 27^th letter and realized that the transition between the two pages was off. I am surprised no one mentioned how choppy it sounded. So let’s redo the last letter with this letter. The pages are now in the correct sequence for both letters.

: October 27, 1942 Envelope

: October 27, 1942, p. 1

: October 27, 1942, p. 2

Oct. 27, 1942

Dear Mother,

This being Tue it rained all day and it being a raining day omits Tue – Don’t pay attention to that I just tried to tell you in a complicated way that it rained all day today up to now and it is now about 1615 and no sign of letting up. About the middle of the afternoon I was very ambitious went to the shower thru the rain Took a complete bath and came back thru the rain. I didn’t know whether to wear a rain coat or to take my clothes off and wrap a towel around me. I chose the latter so was ready for soap when I got there. The shower needless to say was cold but very invigorating. It was the first time I’d changed for some time and I think it helped to raise my moral by getting out clean clothes etc. It has been out of the question to have laundry done because it has been raining almost continuously since Fri night and in that time we haven’t seen the sun not even a peep.

I wrote both the boys this A.M. and put their letters in separate envelopes so if they don’t get there at the same time you will have to explain. Possibly I should have sent them in one so they would either have or had not together. It was a little hard to write to them because news are so scarce and I try to write all I can to you but I managed to fill a couple pages each.

I haven’t said anything to you about the fellow here who graduated from Indiana whose folks lived at Morrow [?]. He is still with us and

[page 2]came in to shoot the breeze. I mentioned him in a letter I wrote back at Moffett Field. His name is Coffel. We talked for some time about mutual friends & class mates at Indiana. U. He is now married and was practicing in La. His wife is from the South also.

One of our tent mates have moved out so we aren’t so crowded but probably someone else will move in. It really doesn’t make any difference because ¼ is all we need or use anyway and what wants more than ¼ of a 16 foot square place anyway? I really wish you could see the place. I think you would think it very lovely or something. This reminds me of someone who took a camping trip and it rained the entire week they were there. The only thing we aren’t fishing or hunting nor trying to get our own meals. Don’t even have to make our own bunks. And once in a while the boy even brings us a bucket of water, but the toilet is still just as far up the slope.

No mail yet today. That’s all I’m going to say. I had been wearing my heavy shoes around, but I got out my four buckle overshoes today just to see how they would work. They probably will slip better but maybe won’t feel so damp. When Wish we had a small oil burner to help get the damp feeling cleared away. Well, its almost chow time finish later.

Later- got 2 letters one from Ira Dixon dated Oct 12 and a V-mail letter from Sykes Oct. 4 but none from you. Played bridge my partner & I won 5140 to 1550 had a good run of cards. Played 3 rubbers

Lots of Love Daddy

: October 28, 1942 Envelope

: October 28, 1942, p. 1

: October 28, 1942, p. 2

: October 28, 1942, p. 3 (written on the back side of p. 2)

Wed Oct 28, 1942

Dear Mother,

It was cloudy all day today but not nearly so much rain – just a few sprinkles now and then. It has been dry enough so that the mud stiffened somewhat and doesn’t stick to the shoes quite so badly, but it looks like more and harder rain any minute now.

Just like all good housekeepers we decided to rearrange our furniture. My bunk formerly was East and West but now it rest North and South. I can’t explain the whole situation but it makes us have lots more room. Two of our former tent mates are gone and one new one has moved in and with only three it makes more room. The roommate I told you about the other day finally left. I think he was pretty badly frightened and all shook up but maybe he will get over that in time.

Ira said there probably would be meat rationing as well as other things in the near future back there. And the way he talked there were lots of boys leaving and business was very dull and I can’t imagine Nick’s being closed on Sunday, but if gas is rationed I suppose people don’t travel as much as before and everyone will have to stay home. We had roast lamb for dinner – Don’t know if that was a result of the meat rationing at home or not. I’ve been wondering about the locker and if you will be allowed to buy meat

[page 2] in that way.

The Sykes seemed OK. They had just bought the first load of coal they ever had to buy and it cost 15°°. They thought that was pretty high – guess they had always been furnished their coal before. Your mail between Aug 29 and Oct. 14 is still on the way. It doesn’t bother so bad now since we get a few letters now and then. So far I don’t believe I’ve missed on any mail delivery yet. Some of the boys are envious, of course I didn’t get one from you yesterday but did get the other two.

The reason we got such a big bridge score last night wasn’t our good playing so much as it was our opponents’ poor bidding. They were both better than we but we doubled them four times and one time they went down four doubled and they were vulnerable so you see that counts up. Then twice the doubled us on bids of 3 diamonds and clubs and we made both bids so that doubled us into game. I know that sounds funny for me to be talking about bridge but it’s either that or go to bed at dark and it’s all in fun. Some of these men are good. I’ve seen bids of little slam and even grand slam made. Me I’ve never been able to do that yet. Last night was the first time my partner has been able to hold any cards. We don’t have the same partner. Just four fellows get together and draw to see who plays who etc. It’s raining pretty hard. I’ll leave the space for further developments. Later, Just received your letter air mail of Oct 12. It was older than the letter by 2 days than the one Sun. This one did answer a few questions and it had David’s picture. If you haven’t sent the laundry just keep it until I write for it.

Our new tent mate has a radio and we got California

[page 3] at 1:00 AM. Sounded pretty good. I think that is the first real radio reception since leaving home. Red Skeleton was on but we couldn’t get him.

We had half roast chicken for supper and let me tell you those bones were picked clean. It was also our regular time to get cigarettes. We get two cartons per month on our usual ration pay and that about does one for cigarettes.

You still haven’t said how often my letters are coming but I suppose you have already done so. Well it’s about time for bed. So solong

Love
Daddy

More on the Klines (Gladys)

6 Replies

In this letter, Gladys briefly mentioned Inez. The only Inez that I am aware of at this point in the extended family was Roscoe’s cousin, Inez Kline. She was the daughter of Nancy (McCoy) Walker Kline and the wife of John Ley. I don’t know if John’s nickname was “Bud”, but John and Inez did have a son John Ed[win] Ley. John Ed was the correct age to have served in World War II. In fact, according to his obituary, John Ed served in the Army Air Corp during World War II.

: October 28, 1942 Envelope

: October 28, 1942, p. 1

: October 28, 1942, p. 2

: October 28, 1942, p. 3

: October 28, 1942, p. 4

Letter transcription:

Kentland Ind.
Oct 28 – 1942

Dear Daddy-

I am listening to a symphony – by David. He is a good baby most of the time but as Geneva Simons said about her baby he has his moments and when he decides to cry he just has to cry for it seems nothing we can do will get him to stop. Of course I always see if he is comfortable – that is, if his clothes are dry. For the moment he has stopped and seems to be going to sleep but – I spoke too soon – music started again. He seems to be doing “OK” on his new 4 hr schedule. Yesterday I mixed his formula in such a hurry I put in 10 oz water & 8 oz milk then gave him his bottle. When I went back to bottle the rest of it I discovered my mistake – but the increased milk content didn’t seem to bother him – in fact he seemed more satisfied after that first feeding than later on. However I mixed a new 24 hr feeding and

[page 2] didn’t give him but one feeding from the first mixture. You remember when you were home Geneva S. talked to you about her baby. Well she told me yesterday what the trouble had been. She said she had never told anyone and only she and Bob knew – but when she mixed the baby’s formula when she got home from the hospital she was a little nervous and made the mistake of putting in ½ cup Karo instead of ½ tbsp – Do you can understand why he was so upset. She didn’t catch her mistake until he had taken the entire 24 hr mixture. She said they had to put him on SMA to get him straightened out but have him back on milk now.

Mary Parttens was here a few minutes this morning. She was going to school to get Jim and couldn’t stay long. She has been busy and I think has been helping Harold do farm work, since both Jim & Ruth are in school.

Had a letter from Inez this A.M. She said Bud had finished a course at Chanute Field and is somewhere in Ten. now. John Ed enlisted

[page 3] in Army Air Corps but hasn’t been called yet.

Floyd went to Blue Island again this week but Ruthie didn’t come over, said she had a cold and didn’t think she should be around the baby or me. Floyd is trying to sell his shop equipment and Mr. Zell is talking about buying it. Mr. Zell has taken quite an interest in Mark. He told Shirks he felt so sorry for our boys – the fact that you have to be away – that he was going to do all he can for them. Mark is taking his horn rather seriously. He said Mr. Webster got so disgusted with all the junior band he told them their music “stunk.” Mark said they all admitted they didn’t practice enough so he timed himself last night and claimed he put in 30 minutes. John said today Mr. W. is going to give him a regular sax now. He is doing good enough with this one that he can have a better one. David has dozed off again but don’t suppose it will last. It seems like

[page 4] I can’t get anything done except take care of him. Haven’t got any fall cleaning done yet but I haven’t felt well enough yet to plunge into much work. I am afraid if I don’t take care of myself I might have to go back to bed like Arlene did – and I wouldn’t want that to happen. Mother fell and hurt her right wrist a week ago Sunday and is just getting now so she can use it again. Of course she doesn’t feel like doing much any time so we just do what has to be done and let the rest go.

I have several letters to answer. I didn’t write to your Mother last week- Ruthis was here and she wrote but I must get a letter out this week. I have a letter from Dolores and one from Esther I must answer. I am going to try this week and get some statements out. (I think I told you that before).

If you get this before Christmas – I want you to know we sent you a box – Just hope you get it and all the other boxes and letters being sent.

I haven’t had any mail now for two days but hope I will get some tomorrow – Also hope you get some too. Just wish you could get yours as regular as I get.

Love – Mother