Category Archives: Foster

Medical Advice (Roscoe)

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: October 6, 1943 envelope

: October 6, 1943, p. 1

: October 6, 1943, p. 2

: October 6, 1943, p. 3

: October 6, 1943, p. 4

Letter transcription:

Lieut. R.S. Yegerlehner USNR
Navy 60
F.P.O. San Fran. Cal.
Oct. 6, 1943

Dear Mother,

Your letter of Sept. 17 came yesterday. The letters seem to come OK but in a little reverse order but never-the-less they are eagerly received. Many of the “frazzled” ends are picked up by the late letters.

You have mentioned several times about John having pimples. That of course goes along with his age, but have him wash his face good each night with soap and a soft wash cloth. Not squeezing

[page 2] any of the pimples – nor picking them but breaking them only with the wash cloth. Then have one of the drug stores fix up that prescription I used to use with sulfa ointment and carbonis detergens. Kenney’s should have it. Now after a rough wash with the wash cloth and a good cold rinse apply that ointment massaging it in well before going to bed. Use that for 3-4 nights in a row and after that for a few nights leaving off the ointment use some Burrow’s solution. And

[page 3] don’t worry too much and cut out the chocolate cake & candy. As I remember he is very fond of that flavor and it is bad. That might also account for some headache – a type of allergy. Now will you have him follow that or will it be like Dr. VanB’s bromides? I think you were exactly correct in not getting the bromides because his skin would probably be worse if you had given it to him. You have learned well from being exposed to my M.D. degree. I’m not kidding

[page 4] either. Again I think you scored a bull’s eye in using good common sense.

I think if you swabbed your throat with a little merthiolate – (half water) about 2-3 times per day it would help remove some of that irritation. That is in between your treatment by Dr. Ade and as I used to say. Don’t blow your nose if you get a cold – just brush it off as it runs down or snuf it up and spit it out.

Well, you certainly have received a lot of good medical advice. Hope it works –
Love Daddy

Russell Islands
Image by Kelisi at Wikipedia.com (Wikipedia Commons license)

©2015 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2015/03/27/medical-advice-roscoe/

Too many wieners (Gladys)

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: October 6, 1943 envelope

: October 6, 1943,p. 1

: October 6, 1943, p. 2

Letter transcription:

Kentland Ind
Oct 6 – 1943

Dear Daddy –

Writing from the hospital again. I came down today with Mrs. Vanscoyck & Dot. Thought I would save our car a trip. I have to meet them downtown to go back. Mother is about the same, except her abdomen is awfully distended today and she doesn’t eat & keeps losing more weight if that is possible. It is awful to see the condition she is in. Thru it all she seems [to] keep her faculties and talks more than you would think she could. She was very sensible about Glen leaving. Said she knew it would be better for his health to go back. She isn’t getting any medicine now except sleeping pills. She said she wish[ed] she could go back home but I told her I can’t take care of her myself & doubt if I could find any help. She throws up now when she eats more than a few bits of anything. If I could only do something for her. They have a rubber ring under her she is so thin.

I took Mark John & David with me to Sheldon yesterday to get meat then when we came back stopped at Krull’s – The usual 5 o’clock crowd was there – also Louise. She was sitting and I didn’t notice anything but she leaned back and I saw she had on a maternity dress. I looked at her and said “That again.” – She laughed & said “yes” – When I was leaving, I said, “I am glad to see you in such good health again.” She reached up & chocked me. Her boy John is past two now & as large as a 4 yr old. He will be tall like his parents. Lucile was there with Jimmy Ed. He has a cold and she had been to the Dr. & had some pills. Jimmy doesn’t smile as much as David but is cute when he does. He looks almost as old as David & is as heavy – David runs his weight off. He hasn’t had such a good appetite since his vaccination but he does good enough. This vaccination finishes David’s shots.

Mark went to a wiener roast at Taylor’s after school yesterday and couldn’t go to school today. He may have to have something in the way of a laxative if he doesn’t feel better by evening. After he felt too sick to go to school I had to find someone to stay with him so left David at home too. He didn’t want anything to eat –

[page 2] I fixed him some orange juice & that was all he wanted. I told him the next time he couldn’t go to a wiener roast if he couldn’t keep from making himself sick. He didn’t have any temperature. This is the first he has missed school. He has been so good since recovering from his tonsillectomy – but I think this is due to too many wieners.

It’s about time for me to start back to town. Yours of Sept. 27 came yesterday –
Can’t think of any interesting news items just now – maybe I will next time –
Love Mother

©2015 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2015/03/26/too-many-wieners-gladys/

Blue Suit (Roscoe)

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: October 5, 1943 envelope

: October 5, 1943, p. 1

: October 5, 1943, p. 2

: October 5, 1943, p. 3

Letter transcription:

Lieut. R.S. Yegerlehner USNR
Navy 60
F.P.O. San Fran. Cal.
Oct. 5, 1943

Dear Mother,

Yours of Sept. 21 & 23 came yesterday. Those were the ones with the family pictures. All pictures were good but of course the ones of you and D. were best. And you know I agree with you as to how D. compares with other children and why not? Glen hasn’t changed much as I remember him and Jim hasn’t either. His blue suit does look good – sure wish I had a chance to wear mine. I’ve only wore that suit twice. Once in the Eve, when I got to San Fran., and also in the morn, and each time just long enough to

[page 2] eat a meal. Reports that we get back from our clothes are good. Those who have seen them say they are dry, etc. Looks like mine might dry rot before I get back, but every dog has his day so mine should come.

I suppose you will be sending me a financial statement again one of these days. Remember what I said about bills on your Mother’s illness – String them along so you will always have some money on hand. Pay a little on the hospital bill every month. I don’t think anyone will be too severe.

I’m sending you another picture of the natives and myself – I’m in the picture

[page 3] but there isn’t much you can see of me – only what I’m doing. Not the skirt has to be pulled down instead of up. We learned that fast. More The natives are more modest in some ways than the American women. In other ways I would say much less that way especially the brest works. Glamour girls.

A letter came from Boonie yesterday. Seems he is a little money mad in his many enterprises, but maybe it’s just human nature.

Well, lots of Love
Daddy

Glenn holding James L., Jim, Gladys holding David September 14, 1943

©2015 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2015/03/25/blue-suit-roscoe/

Are You Tanned? (Roscoe)

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: October 4, 1943 envelope

: October 4, 1943, p. 1

: October 4, 1943, p. 2

: October 4, 1943, p. 3

Letter transcription:

Lieut. R.S. Yegerlehner USNR
Navy 60
F.P.O. San Francisco Calif.
Sept. 4, 1943 [sic October]

Dear Mother,

About your picture again – are you tanned? That picture suggests you have a heavy coat of tan – possibly it’s the way you have your face turned away from the light. I would have no comment either way if you were only I was just inquisitive. It’s still a very good picture.

Today was supposed to be native day but we changed it to Sun. In order to catch more at home and it works out a little

[page 2] better for us. They of course like to have treatment but are not too interested. As I said before they lead a simple life but I don’t get it. Day after day just sit with nothing to do but roam around and watch the ocean and wander thru the jungle. That all seems fine for a time but I suppose even that will would in time be very monotonous. They even have their troubles. The chief’s wife died some time ago and he married a slip

[page 3] of a thing and she ran off and left him – just the same old story.

With summer time coming on our radio isn’t so good. Just like at home in the summer time. We do manage to get at least one good news program during the evening. As a rule the Jap programs are good but they even failed us last night.

Well, I’ve some work to do so solong until tomorrow
Love Daddy

Russell Islands
Image by Kelisi at Wikipedia.com (Wikipedia Commons license)

©2015 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2015/03/23/are-you-tanned-roscoe/

Started West (Gladys)

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Letter transcription:

MRS. R.S. YEGERLEHNER
KENTLAND
INDIANA
10-4-43

Dear Daddy – Yours of Sept. 26 came today. Glen & family started west this afternoon about 2 o’clock. They figured they would be in Rawlins, Wyo. By Thurs. in case I would want to reach them on their way home. We were all down to see Mother yesterday and she was feeling very uncomfortable. Glen hated to go home but was so chocked up all the time and needed to get back to work because of their low finances. I told you before I gave them the old washing machine & rug I took out of the den. They had both things tied onto the car. Glen made a crate for the machine & had it fixed on the back on a little platform. The rug was on the running board. I will be glad to hear they are home – that is such a long trip. – I gave you a little report on our finances but will repeat my bal. after paying current bills should be around $125 – I said $170 in my other letter but forgot about the piano. Next month there won’t be any large amts. for Ins. Jim will help out on the hospital expenses when I need it. I am keeping all bills paid so far and will as long as I have the money. Haven’t bought any bonds since July but we have 21 – $18.75 & 6 – $37.50 & each boy has 2 – $18.75. I forgot – D. has 3 & J. & M. each have 2. – The Music Dept. is having their opening luncheon tonite & I am intending to go with D.K. I feel it may help me to get away from the house for awhile. The only places I go is the hosp. and to the stores when necessary. I didn’t go to the club opening luncheon in Sept. – went down to the hospital instead. John is baking a cake.

Love – Mother

©2015 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2015/03/22/started-west-gladys/

Being Interesting (Roscoe)

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: October 3, 1943 envelope

: October 3, 1943, p. 1

: October 3, 1943, p. 2

: October 3, 1943, p. 3

: October 3, 1943, p. 4

: October 3, 1943, p. 5

Letter transcription:

Lieut. R.S. Yegerlehner
Navy 60
F.P.O. San Fran Cal.
Oct. 3, 1943

Dear Mother,

Your letters of Sept. 17 & 18 came yesterday P.M. The one of the 18^th had a picture of you holding D. It really is a swell picture of both of you and I really enjoyed it very much.

In that letter you said something about my letter of Aug. 28 being interesting – I’m at a loss to know just which particular letter that was. If it was interesting or good I must have been off the beam that day so not remembering that particular letter I don’t know what to be proud of. You see that was over a month ago now and my memory

[page 2] isn’t too long.

Floyd wrote a big long letter which came yesterday and I also received a birthday greeting and letter from Mom. Seems she was a little early. She also said she was sending a package and it’s no need for me to go into the package sending again.

The Aug. 12^th issue of the Newton Co. E. came and all that I could find there except what I already knew was this family and that family going on vacation and spending a couple of weeks at this lake or at the resort. All of which made me feel real good. I’m not

[page 3] just sure how I mean that but after alls said and done I guess it’s not right to be jealous of other people nor use that their happiness to feel sorry for ourselves for there are numerous other families in our same position and some much worse.

Just had another look at the picture and I do believe you are better looking now than a year ago – No not what you are thing – pregnant and all. Let’s say a little before that – D. sure looks like an up and coming young American also.

I believe the diagnosis of

[page 4] your mother’s case is as clear as can be but they are just being kind to you in not telling you the actual facts. From the tone of your letter it seems you were just a little critical of yourself because surgery was not done. Maybe you aren’t and you should not be. If the truth were known I believe your mother had some trouble or indication that she wasn’t well when she came to you first last winter but she just wouldn’t come out with it. Then would have been the time but you had no way of knowing since of course she would not tell. As near as I see the thing you are doing the very best you know how and should not feel that a thing has been left

[page 5] undone. I hope the boys feel that way also because I wouldn’t want them to think that we had slipped in taking care of her. In Jim’s letter he still was very confident that she would recover.

We are having a slight drizzle this A.M. It makes it a little cooler because the sun just doesn’t get there.

If there is anything I write worth reading, I mean other than about you and the family, as you said I did on Aug. 28, save it because I’d like to know what it really was.

Thanks again for the picture it really was swell –
Love Daddy

©2015 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2015/03/21/being-interesting-roscoe/

Pasteurized Milk (Gladys)

5 Replies

: October 3, 1943 envelope

: October 3, 1943, p. 1

: October 3, 1943, p. 2

Letter transcription:

Kentland Ind
Oct. 3 – 1943

Dear Daddy –

We are in Laf. again today. Glen & Pauline want to start home tomorrow so we all came down. J. & M. came along to help take care of the babies. David makes so much noise I didn’t want to bring him in. Mother just seems about the same – only weaker. She didn’t eat anything yesterday except a little breakfast and ate only some broth at noon today & a little ice cream – Says she doesn’t want any supper. I think she is having pain in her abdomen now. She moans some & that is so unnatural for her to do any like that. She had a B.M. a few minutes ago. For no more food than she takes her bowels moved pretty good. Her abdomen is quite swollen today.

I was able to find enough flowers in my flower beds to bring a nice bouquet. The marigolds don’t smell good but make a pretty showing. I was thinking about the frost not bothering them yet. This time last year we had had snow. I was in the hospital in Sept. & there was snow on Sept. 25. It is a little chilly today but the sun is shining. I hope G. & P. have nice weather for their trip home.

I am going to put D. on pasteurized milk if you think I can give it to him without boiling it. If I have to boil it will just keep him on carnation. I was checking over a baby manual given me when he was born. He was ahead of nearly all the things he was supposed to do at 3-6-9 months – however

[page 2] at 12 mo – the questions were – walk alone, ride on a kiddie kar, climb steps – He doesn’t walk alone yet, doesn’t ride a car but he gets around and one day I sat him on the stair way to put his wraps on and he started upstairs on high. I think he is doing alright. He was much more advanced in everything than J.L. at the same age. The only thing J.L. does that D. didn’t or rather wouldn’t do was hold his bottle. Of course D. doesn’t get a bottle now – drinks out of a cup.

I saw Bill Funk yesterday & he said he was going to write you another letter. He has taken your address several times – Took it so he could write you while on vacation, but I’ll bet he didn’t write then.

Zell’s finished the outdoor fireplace Parr’s started and had a hamburger fry last night. They asked J. & M. to eat with them. They have canned meat & don’t use many of their ration stamps so can have extra meat for company. Mr. Z.’s father lives on a farm & furnishes them with most of their meat. Portteus’ are going to butcher a hog soon & Mary said I could have half of it. If I can get enough points we’ll take it. I used 988 for the beef which took several weeks ahead. However, when buying meat in quarters or half, the point value is lower. The beef should last us until after we have points to use again.

While in Laf. I can hear planes going over all the time. They certainly are getting lots of practice all the time. Mark watches planes & identifies every one he sees. I don’t know whether he knows or says he does. I think his tonsillectomy was the best thing he could have done. He still isn’t much heavier but has a good appetite & isn’t nervous.

Love Mother

P.S. – Something new has been added – I see interns in the hospital again.

©2015 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2015/03/20/pasteurized-milk-gladys/

Swellest (Roscoe)

1 Reply

: October 2, 1943 envelope

: October 2, 1943, p. 1

: October 2, 1943, p. 2

: October 2, 1943, p. 3

: October 2, 1943, p. 4

Letter transcription:

Lieut. R.S. Yegerlehner
Navy 60
F.P.O. San Fran. Cal.
Oct. 2, 1943

Dear Mother,

Just another Sat. a small rain last night helped lay the dust but makes the atmosphere a little more sticky.

Your letter dated Sept. 19 and posted Sept. 20 came yesterday. You had just gotten back from the hospital and told me your mother couldn’t seem to take what you thought was ammonium nitrate. You never have given a definite report on the x ray findings – but that probably can is in the letters from Sept. 14 to Sept. 19 which at present are missing. A letter also came from the Folks yesterday.

[page 2] they seem to be coming along pretty good. Mom used to write with a very nervous hand but anymore her writing is very steady. In this letter she again praised you in how you were carrying on. I hope you don’t get tired of me harping on the subject but it sure means a lot to me that other people can see how you are doing.

I guess the problem of putting in the storm windows was solved easily and early since Glenn so kindly put them in for you. It makes me feel good to know that the weather is cool someplace – cool enough to even think of glass for windows. I haven’t seen any glass windows

[page 3] for ages. Windshields are the only glass one ever sees. Pardon me always referring to cool weather but I hope you understand.

I’ve mentioned several times about Drs. getting orders, etc. All those fellows have spent less time in the Pacific that I and they are just being changed to more desirable locations. I seem to be in between and sometimes I wonder if my name hasn’t been lost in the rush. Of course I don’t mind for I’m enjoying this type work and am willing to stay until my tour of duty is over whenever that might be. Maybe I shouldn’t be writing this stuff all the time but it is the most interesting conversation

[page 4] we can carry on. There is a certain satisfaction in us old timers getting together and projecting ourselves into the future. You should hear what some plan and desire when they return. I’m just silent on that score because my only plans and more plans are to come back to the swellest three boys I know and “The Mother” who has carried on with these boys first and foremost. Those are the swellest plans I can think of. Maybe I’m getting too sentimental for an old crust who never was much of a romancer.

Well Dear I hope everything is OK with you – I’m still pulling for you to the Nᵗʰ degree.
Love Daddy

Russell Islands
Image by Kelisi at Wikipedia.com (Wikipedia Commons license)

Getting A Little Naughty (Gladys)

4 Replies

: October 2, 1943 envelope

: October 2, 1943, p. 1

: October 2, 1943, p. 2

Letter transcription:

Kentland Ind
Oct 2 – 1943

Dear Daddy –

Another day in Oct. almost gone. It is sunny today but cool. Glen & P. are packing to start home Mon. They feel they have stayed as long as their finances will allow. A little longer perhaps, but Glen will go to work as soon as they get home. He isn’t very good here and should get back where the climate agrees with him.

I just looked over the bank bal. and with Ins. pd. (Laf. Life & Hancock), Groc., lights, etc. – and Mother hospital bill pd. tomorrow I’ll have a bal. of about $170⁰⁰ – that bal. includes the ck. I rec’d today & the $250⁰⁰ you sent that I deposited Mon. The Ins. to come out together amts to $133⁰⁰. These amounts we have to pay sure take the balance down, but I still have a wide enough margin and Jim is standing by to help on Mother’s expenses. He gave me a check for $100⁰⁰ when he was here. Today’s or rather tomorrow’s check to the hospital will take all of that. We didn’t go down today but thought we

[page 2] would all go tomorrow so G. & P. can see Mother before they go.

Dorothy took some movies of D. and was wondering if we could send the film to you – if you could have it shown where you are – Let me know. She still has some film left she hasn’t taken – said she was coming out & finish the roll with D.

D. is out in the sunshine right now. He is getting a little naughty at meal times. Doesn’t always want to sit up & act nice, so his Mother is deciding it’s time to do something about it. I remember one time you spanked John and how nice he acted at the table after that.

The roses had to go out today – they began to fall apart so we decided their beauty was gone. They were beautiful while they lasted.

It’s about time to begin preparing supper – That is a job, to cook for so many, twice a day. I just let everyone get breakfast as they want it. So much of the time Glen doesn’t feel like eating early in the morning & I like something to eat after I feed David.

This was in the Newton Co. E. about David’s birthday party – a few mistakes but that is to be expected –

“Love Mother”

Newton County Enterprise - 1943-09-30 David Yegerlehner 1st birthday

Newton County Enterprise (Kentland, Indiana) 30 September 1943, p. 5, col. 4

[Editor’s Note: The original newspaper clipping was not saved in this letter. I was able to obtain a copy of the article from the Indiana State Library. I can only say how grateful I am to the wonderful library technicians who work there. They are amazing!]

The First Act (Roscoe)

2 Replies

: October 1, 1943 envelope

: October 1, 1943, p. 1

: October 1, 1943, p. 2

: October 1, 1943, p. 3

Letter transcription:

Lieut. R.S. Yegerlehner
Navy 60
F.P.O. San Fran. Cal.
10-1-43

Dear Mother,

The first act upon arising this A.M. was to wind the calendar. One doesn’t need a watch just a calendar and it’s a great pleasure to turn the Dr. Miles addition over one leaf.

I’m waiting to use the telephone but it seems the party line is busy so I may have to wait for some time – men gossiping I suppose. I’m not eves dropping to hear what is going on.

[page 2] Another Dr. recently got orders and that is gradually leaving me here with a bunch of new comers. It keeps one guessing from day to day as to what the day might bring. Seems this letter is almost a copy of what I wrote yesterday only stating it in different words.

You can tell no doubt by what I’m writing that I’m in a hurry. It’s that old inspecting story and I’ve got to go when transportation

[page 3] is available and if I don’t get this out before then it won’t make the delivery so some day I’m going to sit down and really write again. I’ll just convey the sentiment by saying

Lots of Love
Daddy