Category Archives: Foster

Military Monday – Dear Mother (Roscoe)

1 Reply

: January 20, 1943 Envelope

: January 20, 1943, p. 1

: January 20, 1943, p. 2

: January 20, 1943, p. 3

: January 20, 1943, p. 4

: January 20, 1943, p. 5

: January 20, 1943, p. 6

Letter transcription:

Jan 20, 1943

Dear Mother,

The cool that I wrote of in yesterday’s letter is still with us and very welcome – along with that is a pretty good breeze so that also takes care of the mosquitoes for if they don’t take cover they will be bashed to misquitoburger. Along with the cool it is also cloudy. Last night after finishing your letter I wrote Ed. Johnson – answered a Christmas greeting from the Mullen family and also one from Helen Salter. I’ve been trying to write a short note to all who sent greetings. Those I mail free because they only put 3¢ stamps on them and free is in the same status. One of these days I’m going to get another

[page 2] box ready to send home – really haven’t gotten everything made as yet. These things will be something when done or will they you can be the judge only it probably will be several days before they get there. I guess by now you know the new ruling on packages. If you don’t the P.O. will inform you when you try to mail them.

Up to now I have had two occasions to stop this letter. The first was nature in one of its calls. The second was a boy with a nose cold. While out I noticed that “Old Baldy” our mountain was completely hidden by a rain and what is ordinarily the long stretch of blue. The ocean was also a hazy smudge. These scenes around here are enough under ordinary times to make

[page 3] one really be in awe but in war time and under our present conditions Baldy is a big pile of dirt and the stretch of blue is just a big drink. In other words there ‘aint’ no romance. In some places these mountains remind one of our eastern range. That is there is a fair amount of vegetation and in other places the western range. I never did say much about the airplane trip to the west coast but I know there is some of the most desolate looking places in some of those states.

I’m still wondering about the uniform money and I won’t send in another letter until about the last of this month so that will give you time to give me word in case you should get it. That is if word of any kind ever gets here from you again – Seems as if

[page 4] our mail is no better than at Christmas time. There were lots of Christmas packages in the P.O. yet this AM and I never have received a calendar but maybe in time those things will come. I’ll finish later.

Will wonder never cease – Your letter of Jan 7^th came today – Now my mail is like this Dec. 17 – Dec. 30 & 31 and Jan 7. All the others is are missing.

Now to get down to your letter – First let’s take you. I think your treatment has been swell. My only diff suggestion would have been Sulfadiazine grains 15 every 2 hours the first day. Every 3 the next and about 2 after each meal for a few days. And don’t use too much stuff in your nose. It can get too irritated. Then another thing as you have heard me say often – Nervousness and anxiety does help those things, so try to be as calm as you can I know you must worry etc but don’t on my account

[page 5] and as long as the baby gains and keeps taking his food he is OK. Even though he does run that slight temperature don’t worry – Rectal temperatures are always one degree higher you know. After your course of neoprontisil provided you aren’t better – get some capsules of propradiene (may be misspelled) hydrochloride gr 3/8 and take on 3 times each day with an A.P.C. compound every 3 hours, by the time you get this I hope you won’t need the advice. And don’t blow your nose. Now about D. Throw the thermometer away as long as he eats and gains. And again on you – get some unicaps or similar vitamins and take about 6 or 8 each day for the first week and then cut down and if you can keep from it don’t stew too much. I know it takes all your reserve and strength and your recuperative power is low but it you will do the above I think things will be OK.

[page 6] Don’t feel that I’m bawling you out I’m trying to help long distant. Our letters made the round trip in 22 days – which is very good if things would just keep up that way – but we have no way of telling which is coming and which is not. This letter today I was very glad to get since it answered lots of questions an gave me conditions at home – and I do really hope & pray that you are better by now.

You mentioned the Johnson baby of course that was the first I knew – You didn’t say what day. It was only a mention and the name.

Well as you said I’ve rambled over lots of space but haven’t said much but Dear I hope you are better and Lots of Love

Daddy

P.S. I’ll send in again about the uniform money. I’ve answered the question about the extra money.

© 2013 copyright owned and written by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/11/10/military-monda…-mother-roscoe/

10 Below Continued…(Gladys)

1 Reply

Letter transcription:

MRS R.S. YEGERLEHNER
KENTLAND
INDIANA
1-20-43

Dear Daddy – I am writing 2 of these today. They told me at the P.O. I am allowed 3 a day and I felt like writing more today than one holds. In case you didn’t get the other it is 10 below today. Blizzard yesterday and no school. I am quoting again figures I sent several times you asked for. To May 31 – #3120.45 – June 260.25 July 253.28 Aug 33.75 – total 3667.73. Agnes and I will get all the tax business taken care of so don’t worry about it. The uniform money hasn’t come yet. The last box you mentioned hasn’t either. Some of your Rotary friends asked if all you had to do was make a necklace – I told them you do that on Monday evening since you can’t attend Rotary. No letters today but had 5 Mon & 1 Tues. If you get all my previous letters hope you don’t worry about our colds. They boys are all over theirs and as full of pep as ever. The last time John started to sneeze I gave him the oral vaccine as you instructed – six in one day and it worked – cold all gone. I still have a sinus condition but I am able to be up – tho I am not trying to do anything unnecessary – Mother is here and takes care of the kitchen work. David is now taking 13 oz. carnation 16 oz water – 2 ½ tbsp Dextri-Maltose – 1 egg yolk – in formula – 3 tbsp pablum. He has now doubled his weight – at 3 mo 3 wks – is good. Holds on to things now and responds to attention. Took some more pictures today – Will send them if they are good. Will write a real letter next time – so I can ramble more.

Love Mother

10 Below (Gladys)

1 Reply

Letter transcription:

MRS R.S. YEGERLEHNER
KENTLAND
INDIANA
1-20-43

Dear Daddy- No school again today. The blizzard drifted the snow yesterday so the busses couldn’t travel. There isn’t much wind today but very cold – 10 below. Our furnace runs most of the time but we are keeping it well looked after. The boys being home have time to keep the hopper filled and take clinkers out. In case you missed some of my Dec & Jan letters we are having one of the coldest (with more snow) winters in years. It started Thanksgiving and hasn’t let up much since. It is too cold today for veteran skaters. Even Mark would rather stay in than go out today. Yesterday he went to town once to go to the P.O. and said the town was full of transport trucks. The road north was blocked and they were held up here. We saw some going over 24 so maybe they tried another route. It is very bright and sunny today so will try to get some pictures taken. Haven’t gotten to the photographer yet – it is too cold to go now but will try to go as soon as this weather breaks – I still have Jimmy Ed Johnson’s buggy – but I hardly think he will need it yet – He is just two weeks old so guess his mother won’t take him out in this sub weather. David hasn’t been out since early in Dec but there has been so much snow couldn’t push the buggy thru it and it has been too cold to do a small baby any good taking him out. What’s your opinion? Even with a fur coat it’s too cold for me.

Love Mother

©2013 copyright owned and written by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/11/09/10-below-gladys/

A Heck of a Long Summer (Roscoe)

1 Reply

: January 19, 1943 Envelope

: January 19, 1943, p. 1

: January 19, 1943, p. 2

: January 19, 1943, p. 3

: January 19, 1943, p. 4

Letter transcription:

Jan 19, 1943

Dear Mother,

About the middle of the P.M. and the weather a little cooler – we have had a few clouds and the wind is blowing so that helps, but it sure was hot before that. I’ve just been thinking that this has been a heck of a long summer. When I reported in at Norfolk in May it was very hot and here it is 8 or 9 months later and still hot of course we have had some warm cool weather but mostly hot. Really I don’t think I’d like to live like this all time – I mean the warm weather – a change to the cold winds and frosting mornings is most desirable.

[page 2] In other words buckets of snow would be good or maybe acess to snow would be better. Several years ago in Indianapolis along about this time it was so cold – The heating plant in Elmer D. house froze up when you were up to see me and all those troubles – Remember. Well skip all those things.

Even our mail censoring job has fallen off. Just too hot for fellows to write. I thought I’d write others yesterday – but yours is the only one I’m able to get out each day. Sweat just pours out and gets the paper wet and the old thinking apparatus don’t work. It’s Thundering now. The second time I’ve heard that

[page 3] since leaving Norfolk. The other time is rained for 6 days straight – Hope it doesn’t do that this time.

I’ve taken five pictures all together. Fred and Dr. P. don’t know it but I’m taking candid pictures of them. Just started today and it’s a little hard to get one that the other don’t know it. I’m just trying to surprise them. Oh Yes. I’ll get some of myself on one or two to send you also. Those that I take of them are something of camp life.

I feel like working on some shells or something so I’ll finish later after the P.M. mail time – You notice I didn’t say after the P.M. mail.

Yes the mail has arrived. One letter for me from Wayne W. dated Dec. 14, so while it wasn’t a complete black out it wasn’t exactly what was expected. Of course I wouldn’t

[page 4] tell that to Wayne – but I’d much rather hear from you. So far we aren’t sure about a show tonite because it’s trying to rain and this is before the show so it may not be started. It is now 7:15 and the show generally starts at 7:45. Even with all the thundering etc. It didn’t rain much this P.M. just sprinkled now and then.

There is one thing I forgot to tell you and that is to file to mortgage exemption. I’ve forgotten what time of year to do that. It may be too late now. Ask Link or Ira or Boonie. Funny how one forgets those things but it sure happens that way. Guess it’s the continuous summer time.

Well, I’m thru for today except for lots of Love –

Daddy

P.S. went to the show after all. It rained but rain coats were in order.

©2013 copyright owned and written by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/11/07/a-heck-of-a-long-summer-roscoe/

Another Blizzard (Gladys)

2 Replies

Letter transcription:

MRS R.S. YEGERLEHNER
KENTLAND
INDIANA
1-19-43

Dear Daddy – Another blizzard and no school today – Probably hard for you to believe we are having such weather. If you get all my letters maybe you will get a fair idea what it is like here. I wish you could see the way the snow is drifted across the front yard today – It looks like rock formation. The boys are playing pick-up stick this A.M. David is asleep. Just had both pablum & milk. Weighted 13-6 this morning. He is holding things now. John calls him the “personality babe” Had a wire from Glen that they have a baby boy named him James L. – They are living in Winnemucca Nev. now. Had one letter this A.M. – Yours of Jan 11 – I am anxious to see the new necklace – The lace box you mentioned hasn’t come yet – Neither has the uniform money. I am taking sulfadiozine for my sinus infection. Have been taking treatments but the thing won’t clear up with spraying & irrigation. Never had such a time with it. The baby’s cold hangs on too and I think it’s because of my condition. However he hasn’t felt bad – and I do hope he doesn’t. Mother is knitting him a pr of bootees. Oh for spring and warm weather again.

Love Mother

Homes - 508 E. Dunlop Street, Kentland, Indiana, 1942-12-20

The house after a previous snowstorm

©2013 copyright owned and written by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/11/06/another-blizzard-gladys/

Just Hot Period (Roscoe)

2 Replies

: January 18, 1943 Envelope

: January 18, 1943, p. 1

: January 18, 1943, p. 2

: January 18, 1943, p. 3

: January 18, 1943, p. 4

Letter transcription:

Jan 18, 1943

Dear Mother,

Yesterday I wrote you of it being hot and windy and sticky and today it is just Hot period. The wind doesn’t blow today so it’s hot and sticky.

We are all in our quarters in trunks and shoes and I feel like taking off my shoes. Fooled you that time you thought I was going to say trunks. The flies crawl a little heavy but you can’t tell if it’s sweat running or flies crawling so it doesn’t make any difference.

Just now there is a political argument going on – mostly Fred just trying to get an argument started but we agree just to keep from putting out the effort to argue.

[page 2] We have arguments just for argument sake to pass the time and relieve the tension.

I’m writing this rather early because I have other letters to write and I must get after them. Boonie Ira, Ed J. etc. I always write yours first so that if anything comes up your will be on its way because it doesn’t make much difference about the others for in a day or two things don’t seem to change much.

We have heard that there is to be something passed that will prohibit the sending of packages, magazines & newspapers outside of the U.S.A. Really that I believe would be a good thing for our mail and after all most packages aren’t too valuable after they get here – So I’m very much in favor if it will speed up the regular mail. Dr. P. got a registered letter this A.M. dated Jan 5. That is pretty

[page 3] good for now. His wife writes registered once each week and I think that is about all for her mother is with her and is sick and his father is sick in a hospital and she has arthritis so I guess she has her troubles also. His registered letters have been coming thru pretty good but hadn’t been much better than regular air. You might try one now and then – with air mail, V-mail and registered mail I should hear something. There was no mail this A.M. but his registered letter.

The show last night was Ann Southern in “Magic of the Ringside” or some such thing. She looks like Gladys – Jim’s first wife only her hair is much more blond. We also had some news the other night – picture news – it was sometime late in Aug. It was good however. We saw a small item about Martha Ray and some others going to Africa to intertain the

[page 4] boys but nothing like that has showed up out here as yet. I suppose the glamor of the gals of the South Sea Islands is supposed to intertain the boys. That is all make believe unless New Caledonia isn’t included in the glamor. Not that we have looked but sooner or later one would see them if they were here – with Syphilis, G.C. and a few other things glamor isn’t what it’s cracked up to be.

I took a few pictures yesterday with the new camera and I think we can get them developed here. If so I’ll send some only don’t look to soon as we have to depend on friends to develop them and it might be some time. There is no place for that in town.

Later – Shows over – Wallace Berry in something – No mail this Eve. This A.M. got a Christmas greeting from Helen Salter –

Well The mosquitoes are bad so I’m getting inside my net for tonight

Love Daddy

©2013 copyright owned and written by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/11/05/just-hot-period-roscoe/

Tried to get new overshoes today (Gladys)

7 Replies

Letter transcription:

MRS R.S. YEGERLEHNER
Kentland
INDIANA
1-18-43

Dear Daddy – Monday and more snow. There is a thick coating of ice under the snow so it makes walking as bad as driving. I took Mark to school so he wouldn’t get snow all over him – being sick last week from exposure I am going to keep him in pretty close for a while. – Have been to Music Club since writing the first – It was at the M. Church. The first time I have been any place (socially) since in Dec. I still am having sinus trouble but I thought it would lift my morale to go out again. Have 5 letters today – Jan 5 to 9 – The uniform money has not come yet. I will try this week to get some tax figures made. I am going to see Agnes and she will help me. I sent you the figures you asked for in three previous letters. Maybe you will get them some day. I haven’t bought the new dresses yet, but will wait now until spring – since I have a new coat & hat. I tried to get Mark some new overshoes today but couldn’t. He is wearing rubbers but we are having too much snow for low cuts. He wore a hole in the high ones he had. John is wearing your old zippers. All this snow should be good for the grass etc. Will try and write a real letter tonight.

Love Mother

A word from Mark (Mark)

5 Replies

Letter transcription:

MARK YEGERLEHNER
KENTLAND, IND
Jan. 18, 1943

Dear Daddy, everything is just fine. But we have all been sick. Today I was playing with Davie and he hit me in the nose, as hard as he could. It was so funny that I laid down on the floor and laughed till I cried. In my grades at school I made A+ In spelling, A+ A+ A+ I band C+ in Arithmetic, b+ in English. That is all I can think of

Mark

A tussle with civilization (Roscoe)

3 Replies

: January 17, 1943 Envelope

: January 17, 1943, p. 1

: January 17, 1943, p. 2

: January 17, 1943, p. 3

: January 17, 1943, p. 4

Letter transcription:

Jan 17, 1942 [1943]

Dear Mother,

This is one of those hot windy days that come in July or Aug at home when the wind blows and the leaves on the trees and the corn leaves wilt and one feels very worthless and no matter where it’s still hot. A good cold drink of water would sure be fine but ice is so scarce that cold water is out of the question.

There was no mail this morning and I don’t look for any this P.M. only a box of candy came from Boonie. You said something about cigarettes. Those have been cut off our ration so we have to buy our own and in case someone asks tell them it is OK. If anyone wants to send – Those peanuts in sealed cans are about as welcome as anything, but there really isn’t much we want besides the states and there isn’t anyone going to send them.

Today I had my first real tussel with civilization. I now have and have a had a table with drawers in

[page 2] one drawer and it got so full I couldn’t get it open. You know how that is – just keep putting stuff in and then when the drawer is pulled out the things catch. That and having a deck rather than the ground floor is another thing for a floor always requires a broom and there is work attached to an implement of that type – Just the curses of civilization but I could stand more curses.

Just wrote to the folk – Their weekly weakly letter. I don’t know how often they write but I don’t get letters from them very often but their mail is probably like yours doing a double shuffle some place along the line –

Image courtesy of Wikipedia

Our show last night was The Pied Piper. It The story was given in short in the Readers Digest sometime ago. The picture followed the story a great deal as I remember it. Don’t know what is on tonite but it will be after Church. We

[page 3] always hurry from Church to get a good seat, and sometimes don’t fare so good, but that only happens once each week. (I’m going to take a bath).

Both over – mail over Church over and Show over – got two letters – one from Mom and one from Ed. Johnson. I just wonder about them and their encounter. I suppose as you said I’ll know about theirs just a few days after it happens. His letter was dated Dec. 14 but the folks was Dec. 28. It wouldn’t be bad if we would get mail say every 2 wks if it were regular. Maybe now that Christmas is over things will be better. Mom said you didn’t come down Christmas so that is one thing I learned from her I didn’t from you because you didn’t know. Your letters weren’t coming thru. We

We happened – I mean Fred happened to

[page 4] have a can of deviled ham and he opened that and with some crackers we are having a snack after the show. So if there are grease spots there is where they came from.

You will have to give the furniture etc into the assessor this year so cut it down I can’t give you any advice on that. The car has a certain set value as well as the radio washer etc. but try to keep it down. He will be around in Mar. I think but don’t know how this mail is going.

Dr. Porterfield has a daily verse bible like things which he puts down the number of days and it is now 180 days since leaving Norfolk. He was in the hospital there. Practically ½ year. Does it seem longer? Yes to me – Must finish Mom’s letter so lots of love –

Daddy

Our street was a sheet of ice (Gladys)

1 Reply

Letter transcription:

MRS RS YEGERLEHNER
KENTLAND
INDIANA
1-17-43

Dear Daddy – Sunday evening and the family in bed except me and waiting for D. to take his 10 PM before I turn in. Mayrose’s brought Mother up today. The weather was fair for the trip and it is snowing some this evening and when the boys came home from Youth Fellowship said was so slick they couldn’t stay on their feet. I noticed cars going very slow. Our street was a sheet of ice yesterday. The ice is so thick some children skate on it going to and from the pond. I hope it is better by morning as I need to go to town and I don’t want to walk. Since having this sinus trouble I try not to go out in the cold air any more than necessary. It is better this evening. Should clear up soon now. I hope it doesn’t continue indefinitely. John and Mark are both up and going again but John still has a little stiff neck. He was able to take care of the furnace today. Mark is as lively as ever. They have the electric train hooked up in our bedroom and have been playing with it this week-end. I suppose they will leave it there until I get tired walking around it. Mark has been trying to think up some of the things David will get into when he begins to get around. John says he isn’t going to worry about such things. Thanks for the letter about your trip and I might add, you do a good job telling things.

Love
Mother