Category Archives: Foster

Labor Day 1943 (Gladys)

Letter transcription:

MRS. R.S. YEGERLEHNER
KENTLAND
INDIANA
9-6-43

Dear Daddy – Yours of Aug. 22 came today – This being Labor Day there was no delivery but Mark went to the P.O. to mail some things & got the mail. You mentioned in your letter about when you were 13 and Armistice Day you got out of school and had to shuck corn. John said he had to do so much today it reminded him of your holiday. We washed and John had to mow the lawn. The lawn is hard to work on now – the back yard is full of crab grass. Mark picked enough tomatoes to can several qts. I was looking for rubber gloves to work in them. My hands being tender from the recent attack I am about over & I am afraid to put them in tomatoes. I did intend to go to Laf. tomorrow but may wait until Wed. Dr. Cole said he would call me when they get a report. They were to give Mother barium again this a.m. by mouth to try and get an X-Ray. I am afraid the way her abdomen looked Sun. she has a bowel obstruction. That is what Dr. Cole & Baylee both say. I saw Mrs. Dye today and her husband is back in the States and is getting to come home for ten days. He has been in Hawaii all the time. To hear of anyone else coming back gives me hope of your early return. Gail was so happy – it made me feel good to see her so elated. David is tucked in bed for the night – John & Mark are washing dishes. I have some ironing to do – J. & M. go back to school tomorrow for a few days before County Fair interrupts.

Love Mother

©2015 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2015/01/24/labor-day-1943-gladys/

New Meat Locker (Gladys)

1 Reply

: September 5, 1943 envelope

: September 5, 1943, p. 1

: September 5, 1943, p. 2

: September 5, 1943, p. 3

Letter transcription:

Kentland Ind.
Sept. 5 – 1943

Dear Daddy –

Went to the hospital today. I stopped on the way in to see Dr. Cole at his house because I wanted to talk to him directly. He said they tried to give Mother an enema for X-ray & she couldn’t retain it long enough to get a picture. He said they had ordered the barium given by mouth and when I got there she had had it and thrown it right up. I noticed her abdomen looked distended – Dr. Cole had Baylee & McC. See her. Baylee says she has a bowel obstruction – I believe she has from the looks of things. I called Cole when I left the hospital to come home and told him about the throwing up. He said he would order no breakfast & see if she could keep it down without food. The other [order] was given shortly after her dinner today. I intend to go back again Tues. Marie Steinbaugh has to go for her X-ray treatment at the clinic & she may go along with me. If you missed my letter about her – she had one breast removed (cancer) and has to take treatment regularily now.

I saw Mary McGee Arnott in the hospital this afternoon – She has a baby girl – her husband was shipped out

[page 2] and she didn’t know where – when the baby was born and doesn’t know yet for sure but is guessing on England. She was permitted to send a cable however – more than we could do. – so maybe he will know he has a daughter and not the son he wanted, before you knew about our David. I believe you got the word about D. Oct. 20 & he was a month old Oct. 23.

I was going to take the family along this afternoon but Dorothy asked to keep David then Mark said he would stay too so John & I went to Laf. and D. & M. stayed at Krulls. When we got back Nick & D. had their dinner ready & invited us to eat with them so we had dinner at the restaurant – They are closed all day Sun. They had just had their breakfast when we left for Laf. this afternoon. They had a pork roast, mashed potatoes, cauliflower, baked squash, gravy, bread & butter. They told me Tom Spencer has bought the Shell Station. He was running the Crown Dairy – but evidently not too good. Cochrans are closing down now & Spencers are reopening Sept. 14. This restaurant business around Kentland isn’t what it used to be. You can’t drop in any place, any time, any more and get a meal. It is almost to the point of getting to eat by appointment. Maybe not that bad but not what it used to be.

[page 3] It doesn’t bother us any because we eat at home. Which is a problem I will have to work on next week with Glens, Juanita & possibly Jim coming. I am going to turn in my meat coupons for the beef I am getting so will have to collect meat tickets from the guests. It puts me in a spot – I have to turn in the meat stamps before I can use any of the meat but I think we will get along. There is a locker to be put either in Kentland or Brook. I have signed up & pd. $10⁰⁰. If it isn’t built here we get our money back & continue with Sheldon. The Government is allowing just so many to be guilt & I think there can’t be one here & at Brook so the town that hurries the fastest will get the locker. There has to be 300 signers.

I slipped up on your Mother’s birthday gift but am sending her a towel, wash cloth & hankie. She will get it a day or two late but she will know we thought about her. I was getting the package ready at the store and the P.O. closed before I got it finished. Then too Mon. being Labor Day there won’t e any mail delivery so guess it will get to her just as soon mailed tonight.

I sent you some pictures in yesterday’s letter. Your latest was Aug. 21. Rec’d Fri last. It is getting late and I want Mark to take this to the P.O. tonight so it will go out early in the morning. My hands are much better. Guess the H.C.L. still works. I am beginning to peal off – still some places yet to dry up but it doesn’t bother me.

Love – Mother

Gladys (January 1943)

©2015 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2015/01/23/new-meat-locker-gladys/

Going Native (Roscoe)

1 Reply

: September 4, 1943 envelope

: September 4, 1943, p. 1

: September 4, 1943, p. 2

Letter transcription:

Sept. 4, 1943
Lieut. R. S. Yegerlehner USNR
Navy 60 F.P.O. San Fran. Cal.

Dear Mother,

Your air mail written Aug. 17 and v-mail written Aug. 18 came yesterday – Those were a day behind the letter received yesterday. We seem to be in one of those periods when mail comes in very regular and I’ve gotten my fingers crossed about the next few days but maybe it won’t be so bad – we hope.

Yesterday I had occasion to see and go thru a native village. I had been to one before but not as thorough as yesterday. Before they were more sky and it was only when leaving did any of the women show up but they in the village we visited yesterday went on about their affairs. The amusing thing to me was the humaness of these people. Little boys about 5-10 years old – running around laughing just like any other kids – and girls in their early teens giggling just like in the U.S.A. All men & women of course clothed only to

[page 2] the waist line but a perfect indifference relative to breasts. The only inhibition I saw was in a woman was her quick removal of her pipe from her mouth when the chief of the tribe asked her to show her baby to us. This she inserted dagger like between her skin and the belt of her skirt. Life in that village seems simple and free. Those people are free from worry but I have a feeling that only half of them are there. I mean the death rate is probably very high and only the fittest survive. Their 24 hours seems to be divided into two parts dark & daylight. Fruits growing wild, wild sweet potatoes, fish and a meager garden are their industries. They don’t like to work and will not unless forced to do so and they aren’t forced at present. A few of the most enterprising make grass skirts and mats to sell to gullible service men – So far I haven’t bought any because too much uncleaniless to suit me and dust collectors later on – or would you like to wear a grass skirt?

It seems I went native today
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/2015/01/22/going-native-roscoe/

Moving the Furniture (Gladys)

1 Reply

: September 4, 1943 envelope

: September 4, 1943, p. 1

: September 4, 1943, p. 2

: September 4, 1943, p. 3

Letter transcription:

Kentland Ind
Sept. 4 – 1943

Dear Daddy –

This is a typical Sept. day. It is raining – not hard but has been raining most all day. The humidifier shows “high” (60). It isn’t cold, but just pleasant. I am feeling better than when I wrote yesterday. My hands are going down – due partly to H.C.L. and rest. I didn’t do much yesterday. This being Sat. J. & M. are home and we have been doing some furniture re-arranging – The grand piano caused that change – otherwise I wouldn’t be moving things. I think they look right one way and don’t care to keep shifting. The piano is in front of the French doors, davenport at other end of room. The two slip covered chairs where the davenport used to sit with the gateleg table between with magazines for reading. The blue barrel chair is on the north of the fireplace with footstool in front. The radio sits on other side of fireplace. John says he doesn’t like the new

[page 2] arrangement, but I felt crowded with davenport next to the piano. The desk is now in dining room where antique table was sitting – antique table now sits in n.w. corner of living room. John wanted to place the radio where it is so we had to move your smoking stand away – That bothered him so I placed it by the wing chair – which sits next to the piano now. A lot of “lady stuff,” John would say.

I am enclosing pictures taken for David’s 11^th month and John’s 13^th birthday. He had jarred the camera several times taking my picture so when we saw his this time he said, “Now who jarred the camera?” You can see Glenn’s baby along with David. As I told you David is taller. James L. will sit where he is put (8 mo. old Sept. 11) and can be put on the bath table and left – we couldn’t leave David on the bath table unguarded from the time he could turn over. Can’t leave him anyplace now except in bed or pen without watching him. He wants to reach or climb all the time. His hair curls up on rainy days – however the curls don’t show up in any pictures. I wish I could get a good picture of the back of his head so you could see how curley it is. It’s a gold brown color now. Doesn’t look like it will turn as

[page 3] bond as John & Mark’s did at this age. He just awakened from a nap and seems to be a little unhappy about something. He loves to get out of his pen and walk around things – note the picture of him by the lawn chair – does he love to be turned out in the yard to walk around the chairs.

I started writing cks. today – haven’t pd. The groc. bills yet but pd. my ins., auto ins. & a few other little items. Have a bal. of 213⁰⁰ but still have to pay your Laf. pol. (Oct. 7) and the groc. Bills so that bal. will be taken down some. I just opened the bill from Loebs and it’s 50⁰⁰ but I had to get the boys some school clothes and got myself two pr. of shoes at once because I found two pr. that would fit. I am not going to try & pay Ruth & Earl anything yet – but will keep buying bonds and maybe we will have enough bonds to pay them off some day – so far we have 21 – 18⁷⁵ and 6 – 37⁵⁰ – John has 2 – 18⁷⁵ David has 2 – 18⁷⁵ & Mark almost has two. He has one and enough stamps for another. It looks like the sun is coming out but afraid it’s too late in the day to dry clothes.

Had a letter from Ruthie and they think Floyd will be up for examination again. So many men around here are feeling the breath of the draft bd. on their necks. Well this is war so we can expect to see them go.

Love Mother

John on his 13th birthday, August 1943

©2015 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2015/01/21/moving-the-furniture-gladys/

4 Striper (Roscoe)

2 Replies

: September 3, 1943 envelope

: September 3, 1943, p. 1

Letter transcription:

Sept. 3, 1943
Lieut. R.S. Yegerlehner USNR
Navy 60 F.P.O. S.F.C.

Dear Mother,

Yours of Aug. 18 came yesterday. You mentioned my mother being there and that you were going to Lafayette to have the cast removed from D.’s leg. I’ll bet that is a relief for you as well as for him.

The picture you sent I thought was very good of you but not so good of D. It wasn’t bad of him – He was in a cute pose.

I’m in a pretty big hurry again this morn. So probably won’t be able to write any lengthy or verbose letter because I’m holding up a 4 striper again and that doesn’t go over so big especially from his direction.

So will promise my to do much better next time
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/2015/01/20/4-striper-roscoe/

A Real Old Fashion Dose (Gladys)

1 Reply

: September 3, 1943 envelope

: September 3, 1943, p. 1

: September 3, 1943, p. 2

Letter transcription:

Kentland Ind
Sept. 3 – 1943

Dear Daddy –

Yours of Aug. 18 – 20 & 21 came today – The one of the 18^th was the best – you were complimenting me all thru it and of course I always feel better when I get such compliments, especially from you. In rereading – the one of Aug. 21 was pretty good too. Don’t worry about tiring me with such letters when you feel like writing that way.

I haven’t done much today due to my hands – Yes I have a real old fashion dose of it this time – I had been eating peaches and then made lemonade a few times and now I just have to sit and not so much – I am taking H.C.L. acid each meal. The food was partly to blame but usually this condition is the culmination of something else. I was more or less worried about Mother and taking care of her along with David’s care and having company – it’s all adds up. Well Mother is in the hospital now, the company is gone for a week, J. & M. are in school and

[page 2] David & I can take things easier. I have rested twice today – that is lying down. After lunch I took him out in the yard and we enjoyed the sunshine about an hour and a half. I think a few days like today will clear things up. Fortunately I didn’t have on the ring I have had cut off before. Dorothy came out a while to see David. They still close from 11 to 3 – so she doesn’t have to be there during that time. They haven’t any help so Nick cooks & she serves. Bob said yesterday the Shell is going to close – I suppose due to help shortage. The bakery put on a new front about are ready to open for business again. They closed during their remodeling.

Chet Hall is painting Link’s house and if I am any judge of paint jobs it’s not as good as some I have seen. Can’t be too critical I suppose with the man power shortage.

I’ll give you the financial figures in next letter – haven’t the bank statement yet.

David is out in the yard with Mark & Zell girls entertaining him. John went to play for the Newton Co. Home Ec. Club at Mrs. John Simons after school. He didn’t relish the idea but consented – Said he didn’t want to play for a bunch of women.

Love – Mother

©2015 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2015/01/19/a-real-old-fashion-dose-gladys/

Collection of Pictures (Roscoe)

1 Reply

: September 2, 1943 envelope

: September 2, 1943, p. 1

: September 2, 1943, p. 2

Letter transcription:

Sept. 2, 1943
Lieut. R.S. Yegerlehner USNR
Navy 60 F.P.O. S.F.C.

Dear Mother,

I believe summer is returning for it seems the weather is more continuously hot than previously – maybe it’s just my imagination.

A few days ago I received a letter from Red & Ruby Brewer – It was the second one. I answered the first and in it I said I was surprised that they remembered me. And she said there was never a day passed but what my name was mentioned because Charles in his prayers each night asked my protection and she said it was a mouth full but he got it out. She is going to send a picture of him. I’ll really have a collection of pictures, Funks, Walkups, the Warrick grandson. I can remember that name – you know out north of town – Seems so darn funny but those names get away so easy but then I forget it’s been well over 1½ years since I’ve seen many of those people or about 1½ years I guess.

[page 2] Took dinner out last evening – Their food wasn’t any better than ours but it was a change. It was a group of medical men only – I almost felt out of place since most of my dealings have been with line officers. At least we have no medical arguments when only line officers are present.

There has been some U.S.O. men with us the past few days. Ray Whitley a singer of cowboy sons as well as a movie actor in the same class is with them. They are good if you like that kind of entertainment and the men sure go for it in a big way and I suppose that justifies the program. Men only are sent – I’m sure if women were on the program it would take more guards than somewhat to keep the crowd from overrunning the entertainers because these kids are as a rule pretty women crazy and some of the officers like to brag as to what might happen when once back to civilization which I think only makes more dissatisfaction.

Love Daddy

Back From St. E. (Gladys)

1 Reply

: September 2, 1943 envelope

: September 2, 1943, p. 1

: September 2, 1943, p. 2

Letter transcription:

Kentland Ind
Sept. 2 – 1943

Dear Daddy –

Just back from St. E. We took Mother down in the ambulance. She stood the trip very well. Bob has a rubber sponge mattress on the cot & put a feather bed on top of that. We left the feather bed at the hospital. I asked the sister at the desk if we could put it on Mother’s bed & she consented. Also took her pillows along. She seemed very comfortable when I left. Dr. Cole came & ordered her some glucose. She was getting it when I left. He is having Baylee & McClelland see her tomorrow. I will let you know the report when I get it Sunday.

Glenn & Pauline & James L. went on to Penna. Today. I didn’t want to take Mother to the hospital while they were here. She says she wants to be back home by the time they come back thru on their way home but I told Dr. Cole to discourage her in that

[page 2] if he thinks she should stay longer. Will see what X-ray shows & what the other Drs. think. Dr. Cole said she had fluid in her bowels this evening when he examined her and it might mean T.B. of the bowel but he wouldn’t say anything definite without X-ray.

Alma W. called me today & said they had tomatoes she couldn’t can so gave me almost a bu. With all the Victory Gardens there still seems to be not enough tomatoes. I canned 9 qt. before going to the hospital. Will get at least 6 qt. tomorrow. I think Alma appreciates you more every day – your absence and other Dr. fees make her appreciate how generous you were. I imagine she things about the many treatments you threw in extra when she give me grapes, tomatoes, etc. She has a cold now & is almost down with it.

I want to go to bed early – last night & the night before I didn’t get enough rest. The boys go to school for a full day tomorrow. It will seem quiet around here with only D. & I. He won’t know what to do with everyone one but me gone. I think we will get along – don’t you?

Love Mother

A New Policy (Roscoe)

2 Replies

: September 1, 1943 envelope

: September 1, 1943, p. 1

: September 1, 1943, p. 2

Letter transcription:

Sept. 1, 1943
Lieut. R. S. Yegerlehner
Navy 60 San. Fran. Cal.

Dear Mother,

I’m not under so much pressure this A.M. so maybe I won’t write so erratic. Yesterday I received a letter from Mom and one from Ruby & Red Brewer. Mom told all about Earl’s wedding and also said she was planning on coming up your way again. I hope she can be helpful to you while she is there.

This being the month of Sept. it will start to be cool again at least you will have some cool spells which should be of some help to you. It at least makes us feel good to think that the weather may be cool again some place.

I don’t believe I mentioned it but I had a letter from Dolores 2 days ago – she had to work on a Sun. just more or less be there so she wrote a real nice long letter. She still seems to like her work real well. Said her boyfriend had been away about 1 year in Cuba and she sure wished he could get a furlough – who else would like something like that? I believe there is going to be a policy adopted relative to

[page 2] tour of duty out here and I’m very tickled that I got out as early as I did, but don’t build too high hopes for too soon a return, this I believe is true. That I can expect to spend as much time in the USA as out here so that is something to look forward to.

As soon as I’m able I’ll send you all the excess money I can – always keeping on hand enough for travel – but I think on the next pay day I’ll be able to send some of course that will not be until about the middle of this month. If you need money you can cash in a few bonds or let bills run until I can send extra money home – don’t let it worry you because they can’t be too tough if we can’t meet expenses right on the dot.

I guess by now D. is out of the cast and as active as ever and that probably is a relief for you.

Well, I’ve written about all I can think of for the moment and I’ve also exhausted the space so
Lots of Love –
Daddy

Earl and Imogene Yegerlehner, 1943

First Day of School (Gladys)

3 Replies

Letter transcription:

MRS. R.S. YEGERLEHNER
KENTLAND
INDIANA
9-1-43

Dear Daddy –

First day of school. Mark sold his books and bought new books this year. Said he wanted new clean books – said those old books last year was the cause of his low grades – Is that a new one? John is using his from last year plus a new one or two. Al finally got new teachers he needed. No school tomorrow due to institute, but school Fri. Glen & family are going on to Penna. Tomorrow & coming back here next week. Mother doesn’t want to go back to the hospital but if I can get an air mattress for her think she will be willing to go. It is awfully hot again and makes her feel so bad. Have been so busy so far today haven’t been up to see how she feels – the rest of the family have done the running up and down today. I’ll go up now and see what she wants if anything. Glen has washed & polished his car & now going to give ours the works. He & Mark are working together. David is looking on from the taylor tot. James L. is asleep in the buggy. Yours of Aug. 19 came yesterday. Alma Walker brought me some grapes. Made juice to can for jelly later. Haven’t gotten any other canning done this week. Not much to can now but tomatoes.

Love Mother