Category Archives: Foster

Navy 60 (Roscoe)

Letter transcription:

4/16/43
Lieut R. S. Yegerlehner USNR
Navy 224 60
% Fleet Postmaster
San Francisco

Dear Mother,

You will again note the change in address – just remove the 224 and put 60 in its place. I know that must be a little vexing or amusing the number of addresses I’ve had but there is a reason. This last one did not mean a change in location however.

Yesterday your v-mail letter of Mar 17, 18, 19 & 20 came and I’ve read them but will reread again before the next letter. Also got one from Ruth Y. – Floyd doesn’t do the writing in their family. I enjoy her letters OK and I understand how Floyd hates writing. I also got a

Yegerlehner, Floyd & Ruth - c1930s

Floyd & Ruth Yegerlehner (Photo courtesy of Tom Yegerlehner)

[page 2] card from the Clarence Prue family which was written way back in Jan. From the looks of the thing I think it must have traveled all over the U.S. before it came here.

Ruth M. sent me an extra stamp and sheet of paper so I used that in answering her letter.

There is a boy here from Gary Ind. We have been together since leaving the U.S. He is a Pharm. Mate 2nd class so at times we do have some things in common to talk about. All my Dr. friends are scattered but I hear fom some of them once in a while. I have a feeling that Dr. Walsh is back there some place. He was a little disappointing late to me in some ways.

I had room to put your pictures

[page 3] in the folder with the others you sent.

Again let me say write air mail more often with a v-mail also – say maybe every other day with each. I remember you mentioned in one of those v-mails the guessing that went on in Noumea (we can again use that name) when I first landed in Noumea. I suppose that is going on again and they may hit it by mere guessing.

If I get around to it I shall write you a v-mail today to get the new address to you and to see which goes faster.

Well for now I must get going –
Lots of Love
Daddy

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

Russell IslandsImage by Kelisi at Wikipedia.com (Wikipedia Commons license) 

© 2014 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2014/04/18/navy-60-roscoe/

He certainly does show off (Gladys)

1943-04-15Letter transcription:

MRS. R. S. YEGERLEHNER
KENTLAND
INDIANA
4-15-43

Dear Daddy – Two letters came this a.m. (Mar 20 & 24). I am getting that missing week I told you about. I have Mar 31 & Apr 1 – came the first of this week. Had a letter from Jewell – she said Bill had written you and they had a letter from you. She said Dottys’ baby will be 6 mo old the 28th of this month & weighs 14 -10 so our David is some larger. He balances the scale around 18 and isn’t quite 7 mo. He certainly does show off – but why shouldn’t he – the boys are always fussing around him. When we were in C.C. they said Carolyn Mary wanted to follow them around – I said ‘just wait David will to when he can get around.” D. has just awakened from a short nap (I think they get shorter all the time) and is trying to tear his bed down. – – I went to Chapter last nite and Cecil D. said they brought Ira home from the hospital but had to take him back – I didn’t get to ask her what is trouble is. Maybe someone else has written you about him. – – After all the snows and wind yesterday it is calm & sunny today. I have a washing out to dry (baby things) and if it keeps warming up want to work on my flower beds and get them ready for seeds. I have sown some grass seed but think I’ll sow more. The fall grass left large areas in our back yard that are bare and the side yard too. The front wasn’t so bad, but there was so many weeds down by the front walk. It is time for D.’s bath & feeding and he is getting a little whine in his voice so I’ll have to give him the “works.” Have a roll of film so will get some pictures for his 7th month (next Fri)

Love – Mother

Yegerlehner home, E. Dunlop Street, Kentland, circa 1943

Yegerlehner home, E. Dunlop Street, Kentland, circa 1943

© 2014 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2014/04/17/he-certainly-does-show-off-gladys/

 

Weather conditions fair and warmer (Roscoe)

Letter transcription:

4/15/43
Lieut R. S. Yegerlehner USNR
Navy 224
% F. P. M. San Fran.

Dear Mother,

Your letter of Mar. 26 just arrived and this is the P.M. of the 14th but I dated it the 15th since I’ll probably finish – That is as far as I got on the 14th. This A.M. weather conditions fair and warmer just like always.

Later yesterday I received a letter from Ruth M. Dated Mar. 24 – So you C our mail isn’t so slow when things work out right. I sure was glad to hear the measles situation is better and of course was more than glad to get the pictures. I didn’t quite get what you mean about the

[page 2] dividends on the J. Hancock prem. but I am sure you will take care of it in the right way. This I believe is the last year for payment on that old J. Hancock policy at any rate they will let you know or stop send [ing] you the semi a.[annual] statements.

Yes the uniform money did not come here either so we still can’t spend that.

The septic tank needing cleaning is a surprise to me – And I still believe there probably was a hitch in the original construction for they are supposed to go longer than that.

Again I wish you would write more air mail because I feel it would come just like

[page 3] always, I mean some would come by air other by ship. The V-mail isn’t so good as yet but keep writing some of that also.

I’m not writing to so many people now but will occasionally drop a line here and there. The writing situation here is different than before as I’ve said before. However when it comes to censoring the mail I believe the boys write just as often and as much.

Well, I’ll reread your letter today and maybe I can comment more in tomorrow’s letter –

Love Daddy

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

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

© 2014 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2014/04/16/weather-conditions-fair-and-warmer-roscoe/

Sunny but cold (Gladys)

1943-04-14Letter transcription:

MRS. R. S. YEGERLEHNER
KENTLAND
INDIANA
4-14-43

Dear Daddy – It is sunny today but cold, after our snows of yesterday. I went to town yesterday and sent the things you asked for. A week’s letters are missing – I thought they might come today but haven’t seen Carl yet – Maybe he has passed us by. The last I had was Mar 31 & Apr 1. You had added a P.S. to your 31st letter or I wouldn’t have known you wanted anything. Anna Rhude wrapped the package for me, so you thank her too (mentally). D. is waking up after a short nap and is working on his thumb. It hasn’t been nice enough to take him out this week but maybe I can take him out today – Had to stop & give D. his morning routine – and since I started this we have had two snow storms and the sun is shining again – – Ralph Bower told me he is trying to enlist in the navy – he had an exam and was 2 lbs underweight – but he is going to try & gain and take another exam. Hickey wrote them that he wasn’t with you but if he would need medical attention would see you. Did you ever write to him? If you have had any recent news from Joe R. let me know. I enclosed a picture of all of us in the package I sent yesterday. It was such a good one of John and gives you an idea how much he has grown this winter. It was taken when D. was 5 mo. old – I had two taken at the same time but the other wasn’t as good of J. Mark was watching D. and didn’t take good in either. I wanted to work in the yard this week but the weather hasn’t been agreeable so far. I just get used to working outside then I have to stay in and break in all over again. I won’t work too hard.

Love – Mother

1943-02  - Yegerlehner, Gladys, John, Mark and David

Probably not the picture Gladys was talking about, but it was taken when David was 5 months old.

© 2014 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2014/04/15/sunny-but-cold-gladys/

Fingers crossed (Roscoe)

[Editor’s note: This is the first and probably only letter in the entire collection written by Roscoe that will actually be published on the date it was written, exactly 71 years ago today.]

Letter transcription:

4/14/43
Lieut R. S. Yegerlehner USNR
Navy 224
% F. P. M. San Fran.

Dear Mother,

Again just finished the morning chores and sweating like a trouper but that isn’t unusual. There are rumors of mail coming in but I’ll keep my fingers crossed until it does but sure would appreciate some.

We got some news a few days ago that packages would only be sent at the request of the person wanting them and then only if the commanding officer signs the request so I’m wondering if your packages really will come

[page 2] thru. Newspapers can be sent only from the publisher himself. Really the papers haven’t been much help because your letters have the news before the paper arrives. You can still have it sent if you wish but I’m not particular. Anyway I’m not writing Bart anymore letters because I don’t like his reprints.

Well I still haven’t finished my story reading yet so must get busy.

Love Daddy

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

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

© 2014 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2014/04/14/fingers-crossed-roscoe/

He is about to beat something out of his toy (Gladys)

[Editor’s note: This is the first and probably only letter in the entire collection written by Gladys that will actually be published on the date it was written, exactly 71 years ago today.]

1943-04-13Letter transcription:

MRS. R. S. YEGERLEHNER
KENTLAND
INDIANA
4-13-43

Dear Daddy – This is one of those spring day when we have variety – It has snowed several times today but melts as it hits the ground – the sun shines then snow again. I was going to take D. out but it isn’t warm enough – the wind is very chilly. I have given him his afternoon meal vegetables, apple sauce and milk. He is now playing in his bed. He waves his left hand – not at any one in particular but just waves. He shakes his head as if saying “no” and J. & M. think that’s pretty cute. I got your letters of Mar 31 & Apr 1 and you had a P.S. on the 31st letter about some seed. I’ll go to town after school and get what you asked for and send them today (lettuce, radish & carrot). There are a week’s letters somewhere en route (Mar 24 to 30) but they will probably come this week. These today came in 11 days, so maybe they are still coming via air – in fact I suppose they would have to. About the taxes, I gave you the figures several times before but again they figured 159 – and there is a new State ruling on Gross so we don’t have to pay that now. I talked to Agnes and she is going to get all the information on it and let me know but she said for me not to file gross. The blank come but I’ll just keep it. I’ll keep buying bonds so we can pay all those if they have to be paid. I’ll include a folder on the new tax with the seed. I haven’t taken pictures of D. since his sixth month but will get film (if I can) and take some more around his seventh – I have put him in his buggy by the desk and he is about to beat something out of his toy. Hope you have my letters telling you J. & D. didn’t have measles.

Love – Mother

Yegerlehner home, E. Dunlop Street, Kentland, circa 1943

Yegerlehner home, E. Dunlop Street, Kentland, circa 1943

© 2014 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2014/04/13/he-is-about-to-beat-something-out-of-his-toy-gladys/

You could be starving (Roscoe)

Letter transcription:

Apr. 13, 1943
Lieut R. S. Yegerlehner USNR
Navy 224
% F. P. M.
San Fran. Calif.

Dear Mother,

Nothing much to write and so on and so on, but must keep up the daily schedule and as I said yesterday I know our my mail to you will be “bunchy” and I’m afraid you will worry. And this letter won’t be there to tell you not to worry but it will save you that in the future. What I mean is this. The mail won’t be regular but don’t worry it just doesn’t get going. That is I think that is the case.

I’m still very much in the midst of censoring and many of the boys are sending home money

[page 2] orders but for the present I’ll just let mine pile up on the books unless you need it. Of course by the time you get this and back again to me you could be starving but sending money out of here I think is a little to [too] uncertain.

I’m washing again today trying to get the rust stain out of my clothes – used bleach and everything but it’s so hot I can’t get much worked up.

I guess I’m a little late but hope you have a pleasant Easter
Love Daddy

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

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

©2014 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2014/04/12/you-could-be-starving-roscoe/

Diphtheria Shots (Gladys)

1943-04-12 #2Letter transcription:

MRS. R.S. YEGERLEHNER
KENTLAND
INDIANA
4-12-43

Dear Daddy – I wrote one letter today telling you I had your of Mar 16-17-22 – Uncle W & Aunt J stopped at noon a while. Ralph is better so evidently the adjustment helped his back – or something did because he was working again. John played 2 numbers at Music Club this afternoon and got a lot of compliments – however he insists he didn’t play well. Arlene had a good picture of she & Bill & boys and is sending you one. Donnie now weighs over 21 and D. is about 18 – so considering their starts D. is going all right. Rosemary has gone to Laf. to stay with her mother until time for her to go to the hospital. Jimmy Funk fell off the bed and broke his shoulder – but is getting along very good. I heard today Nick has joined the Army but I didn’t get the information from D. She wasn’t at Music Club today. He has been talking about it for some time. John is in Fla. at present and Gladys has gone down there for a visit. Sure looks funny to see Kent Café boarded up and all the filling stations closed at night. The filling St. men can catch up on their home life now – or make victory gardens. Mrs. Williams asked me today if you gave Darlene (the little girl you & Dr. Cole operated on when 6 wks old) Diphtheria shots. They thought that was what she had – but has a bad throat now and didn’t know if it could be diphtheria or strep. They were to bring her back for whooping cough shots then for smallpox so I told her it must have been diphtheria shots.

Love – Mother

©2014 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2014/04/11/diphtheria-shots-gladys/

Give Him Potatoes (Gladys)

1943-04-12 #1Letter transcription:

MRS. R. S. YEGERLEHNER
KENTLAND
INDIANA

4-12-1943

Dear Daddy – Yours of Mar 16-17-& 22 came today – However I had rec’d the one written Mar 23 more than a week ago – to be exact (Apr 2). It takes twice as long for them to come now and longer sometimes but I can’t tell whether they come by air or not – they have all been stamped the same. Uncle W & Aunt J. are to stop here on their way home today – hope they came before I go to club. John is to play so I must go. I went to see Mrs. Roberts yesterday and Joe’s Dad came while I was there. He saw the baby and pronounced him 100% perfect – then added “plus.” I told him D. doesn’t like cereal so he said give him potatoes. Mrs. R. hasn’t heard from Joe for some time so thinks he is traveling. She gave me several nice things for D. her boys have outgrown. I think she has about fitted him out for next winter. It is a little cool & windy this a.m. but the sun is out and I have clothes in the Bendix to hand out soon. I may go see Dr. Ade this week – have been having some headache that feels like my eyes are the cause. I haven’t read or knitted much this week but still I have it. I hate to go down because I’ll have to make at least two trips and if the weather stays nice I want to work in the yard and garden. Clara Molter is giving Mrs. Zell & I a basket of iris – and they are a little prettier in color than what we have. The Bendix has stopped so I must get those baby pants out in the sunshine & fresh air. Jimmy & Bobby are out playing this morning.

Love – Mother

Yegerlehner home, E. Dunlop Street, Kentland, circa 1943

Yegerlehner home, E. Dunlop Street, Kentland, circa 1943

©2014 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2014/04/10/give-him-potatoes-gladys/

Filet Mignon Steak (Roscoe)

Letter transcription:

Apr. 12, 1943
Lieut R. S. Yegerlehner
Navy 224
% Postmaster (Fleet)
San Francisco, Calif.

Dear Mother,

Just finished my morning chores and I believe by writing early I’ll catch an earlier mail, but of course this won’t help only I know that your mail will be “bunchy.” So I hope you don’t worry about not getting letters for a few days. It’s just the way things happen.

Death_in_the_Clouds_US_First_Edition_cover_1935

Image courtesy of Wikipedia

I’ve been amusing myself at off times reading Agatha Christie’s book “Murder in The Air.” It’s a pretty good murder story but my reading time is cut in small pieces.

Yesterday being Sunday we put on a good spread. Had Fillet Mignon

[page 2] Steak – apple with ice cream – corn mashed potatoes, green beans and I almost forgot soup to begin and raisin bread. The bread wasn’t very necessary for me however. Yes I’m in my right mind that is exactly what we had and yes Iced tea with a shot of fresh limes. We do not have things like this every day but we appreciate it when it comes along you can bet.

There has been some delay due to a little argument about things in general and it’s still is going on but I’m turning a deaf ear to things.

Well, I’ll have to start doing something so solong

Love Daddy

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

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

©2014 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2014/04/09/filet-mignon-steak-roscoe/