Category Archives: World War II Letters

Point System (Roscoe)

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August 29, 1945 envelope

Letter transcription:

August 29, 1945, p. 1

Aug. 29, 1945
USNRN
San Fran. (12)
Calif.

Dear Mother,

No mail today – It must be the Sunday. No mail blank from Kentland. So possibly I’ll get two letters tomorrow.

I didn’t get the invite out to dinner as I thought last night but did for tonite. He is coming to pick me up at 1800. I wanted to eat here and save the points and work but he insisted so I’ll see what gives.

I wanted to find out the low down on the insurance I carry in the Navy so went to the insurance officer and found he was a good Indiana man – used to work out of Indianapolis – so we had quite a chat – he advised keeping up the Navy insurance and told me how much I’d have to pay, etc. I’m keeping the figures so that that can be done if & when. This, that I have now is term insurance and will have to be converted before 1950 so maybe that will give time to catch the breath after the war is over and

August 29, 1945, p. 2

[page 2] should say after I get home. But all the insurance stuff can wait only I was just checking to see what sort of an investment it would be. It’s the first chance I’d had to talk with anyone who knew.

I finally got a letter off to the folks. Wrote it last night and mailed it this morning. The show last night was a stinker again. Tonight’s show is Captain Eddie but I’ll not get back in time and anyway I don’t think I’d care much to go. Sounds funny hearing me write of the shows – you’d think I was a great movie fan.

I’m about half way thru my latest Charlie Chan book but I just read that a few hours in the eve – just before bed time.

I told the officer in ships service that I’d take that watch for $34.00 but by meeting these other fellows I may get one at a better bargain. I’m to find out tonite. They have plenty of watches but I’m afraid of the brand. Most of them I’d never heard of before.

Just taking on a coke – Jr. decided that

August 29, 1945, p. 3

[page 3] for us. Someday I’ll write an essay on that subject.

Right now we are very low on patients and not much doing but one never knows – one hour from now we may be full and overflowing. If our present rate of outgoing keeps up and the present rate of incoming keeps up I’ll be out of a job.

We hear the point system discussed pro & con very frequently and we know that it must be changed if anyone is to get out – Many of the Dr. around here would have to be in 3-4 years to meet the points and if the Navy is to be cut down like the papers say it would be composed of only doctors – and off hand that would be a decided mistake – I wonder sometimes.

I guess the boys will be starting to school before long. I’m not sure whether that will be a help or a hindrance as far as David is concerned. I looked again and I find I don’t have one single picture of any of you. I’d like one of each if possible.

August 29, 1945, p. 4

[page 4] There don’t seem to be too much Old Salt around here. I can’t even get up a good game of A.D. I’ve taught one fellow how to play but he hasn’t been able to beat me so my instructions haven’t been too good or else I improved in teaching him. Most of the men in the B.O.Q. are just beginners and are a little timid or are studying pretty much – in fact I think they are what one might call “eager beavers” up to now. Possibly they will get more careless as they grow older in the service. There is one boy here who interned in K.C. General and there is a Dr. here from Kansas City. I have to be a little careful when I’m around them for they think that place in 4-O.

Well, I’ve about run down but I can still say lots of love from
Daddy

©2016 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2016/04/25/point-system-roscoe/

One Injury After Another (Gladys)

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August 29, 1945 envelope

Letter transcription:

August 29, 1945, p. 1

8-29-45

Dear Daddy –

Sons 1 & 2 got started in school and purchased books available. Cole wanted John to come back this afternoon to discuss band. I think John has consented to play the piano for the band. He doesn’t talk much and was so unhappy about the way school has been changed since he was here I didn’t try to get much out of him. I told him the only thing to do was make the best of things. There is no good in encouraging him to be unhappy. I think after he gets started things will iron out. Mark not having been there before didn’t have any complaints to make.

Dorothy came out this afternoon with Bobby. She is on a diet (Nick calls it a lazy person’s diet). She wouldn’t drink a coke with us. She has a booklet and is supposed to lose so many pounds in so many days.

We are still canning, but not enough to hurt anyone. Arlene had some tomatoes she couldn’t take care of, so after dinner this evening I put six quarts in the oven to cook. It didn’t take me long and makes good juice. The twelve qts. I have canned were all very ripe so should be better than the ones we canned last year. [written on side] The Ration Bd. issued us 35 lbs. canning sugar.

David got over his ear bit and got two on his forehead between his eyebrows – he has twin headlights. Yesterday he ran into a door

August 29, 1945, p. 2

[page 2] and got a black eye. This afternoon he was playing his “notas” and I heard him cry – I ran in to see what the trouble was – he had slipped over the back edge of the piano bench but his left foot was caught under the edge of the piano and he was practically hanging by his left foot. Tonight he was supposed to be in bed asleep when we heard him yell – John went up and he had fallen out of bed. I said he was probably riding the side of his bed.

It’s 11 PM and I should get to bed. No school tomorrow because of teacher’s institute but school Friday. David wanted to go to school with J. & M. this morning.

Thurs. a.m. We have 6 qts. of corn ready for the locker and that’s enough corn. Yours of Aug. 26 posted the 27^th came this a.m. Also a letter from Mrs. Moneyhan asking for certificates of vaccination for Bud (Francis Jr.) & Madelyne – She wants separate certificates. She needs Madelyne’s by Sept. 6 – her address is Mrs. Madelyn Moynihan, 19 Mt. Vernon St., Somerville, Mass. She wants you to write to Mont – his address is Lt. Francis C. Moynihan U.S.N.R. Staff Air Pac – Sub Com Fwd ℅F.P.O. San F. Calif. Box 24. Madelyn says she misses Mo. and would love to be back there (OH Brother!!). Their new baby is a girl. [written on side] she says it was last Aug.

Well Daddy, I hope your new duty is soon over. From what we are hearing in the news, it won’t be long – Of course we are so anxious, any time will seem long.

Love Mother

©2016 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2016/04/24/one-injury-after-another-gladys/

About Two Things (Roscoe)

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August 28, 1945 envelope

Letter transcription:

August 28, 1945, p. 1

Aug. 28, 1945
USNRH

Dear Mother,

Yours of Aug. 23 & 25 came today. The one with all that stuff from Mead J. & co. had me excited. I thought it was pictures. I don’t believe I have any pictures at all. You see I never have fully unpacked because we have been told we were going to move into the new place as I told you before.

Now about the two things your letters covered – one the furnace. I think that sounds like a good deal. I don’t know how Geo. M. would feel about it but I guess we have always paid him, etc. The firing by hand can be carried on in case Chet doesn’t get around to work when he thinks he will. I guess you can just keep on his tail until he does come across. Of course burners may be a little

August 28, 1945, p. 2

[page 2] slow in coming on the market. If you have enough guts you might call Monroe and tell him you have a much better deal – don’t think I could maybe you can – otherwise I’d tell Chet to go ahead.

Now about the petition – Just hold off if nothing has been done up to now. I believe things will break in a month or two and I’d rather have it that way. “In the first place” if things like that get back to Wash. it might work in reverse and then too whoever was the big shot in getting the ball rolling might feel that we were under obligation to him. I firmly believe it won’t be too long and I’m willing to wait another month to see what develops. After that I may do something myself but I would rather give the bureau a chance to act first. The point system I feel will be applied to the M.C. and I think I’ll stand a good chance then. I’d like nothing better than to be coming home right now but I don’t like to rush things so don’t push things. However, if someone around

August 28, 1945, p. 3

[page 3] there does do something you can’t stop them but don’t encourage – Just yet.

I may go out this eve. Remember the wife you sent the flowers too last Easter a year ago. Well I called him yesterday and they are living very near and he told me to call and come out. Or rather he would come and get me – Stanish is the name. I’ll let you know tomorrow what happens. Geo. Wingfield is in S. Calif. on temporary duty from here so maybe I’ll get to see him and Howell who now is a commander is also around here – He lives in Reno also. He and his family are living out this way now. I called him yesterday and he came out to talk with me. He is quite a big wind – but he told me if I wanted transportation all I needed to do was call him. I don’t think I’ll try it because he talks and I’m afraid his cars are not

August 28, 1945, p. 4

[page 4] as good as his word.

This is a little ragged. I mean the letter but maybe you can get what I’m trying to say. I’m writing and listening at the same time. There is a fresh new (jg) here with me and he sometimes talks while I’m thinking. We have two wards together so we both use the same office.

Irene’s trouble may not be a phlebitis and again it may. I’m a little inclined to believe it will be present after she comes back especially if she plays golf, etc., as she has been. The rest and elevation will probably do more good than the penicillin. I told her when I was home to exercise less but it didn’t seem to have any affect. But why am I making 2,000 mile diagnosis?

Well, keep a stiff upper lip and lots of love –
Daddy

©2016 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2016/04/23/about-two-things-roscoe/

Jello in a Little Dish (Roscoe)

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August 27, 1945 envelope

Letter transcription:

August 27, 1945, p. 1

Aug. 27, 1945
San Fran (12)
Calif.

Dear Mother,

Monday just after noon day chow and the chin strap and buttons came but no letter. I’ve forgotten what day I wrote you for those things but they seemed to have made good time.

I sent my gray suit to the cleaner and my laundry out. The suit is supposed to be back in 24 hours and the laundry by Thur. Not bad if true.

Kennry came back this AM after his trip east and

August 27, 1945, p. 2

[page 2] set about getting himself detached for oversea duty he thinks. Of course, he has been here for some time and was due for a little trip in that direction. He had an 18 hour lay over in Chicago and some of his brothers and his wife came up.

The show last night was “Caribbean Mystery” and it was as rotten as the one the night before. The plot was thin and the acting was possibly a half step above high school dramatics. The one tonite doesn’t even sound

August 27, 1945, p. 3

[page 3] good so I think I’ll continue with my mystery novel reading. We don’t have an officer club here so there isn’t anything to do but read. Maybe that is a good thing.

I’ve about half way contracted for a watch – $34.00. Maybe that isn’t too much to pay. It seems to be a good deal. Did Mark ever find that old watch of mine or has he forgotten all about it?

How cold has it been there? Last night I had to go to bed to get my feet warm. The decks are several feet off the ground

August 27, 1945, p. 4

[page 4] and that cold wind sure keeps the lower part of the room in a semi frigid condition. There was an earthquake this AM at 6 but it didn’t seem to disturb me. So far as I know it was just a little wriggle – like Jello in a little dish. Maybe it was the Yanks taking the nips.

Well, I must get doing something before I fall asleep or something less “exciting.” Lots of Love and all that Stuff

Daddy

©2016 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2016/04/22/jello-in-a-little-dish-roscoe/

Enough Playing (Gladys)

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August 27, 1945 envelope

Letter transcription:

August 27, 1945, p. 1

8-27-45

Dear Daddy –

Will write this evening while I have time to sit down and concentrate – if that is possible with the radio going. J. & M. listening to Dr. I.2. I sent your khaki pants & shirt and in another package David’s picture wrapped in last week’s hometown papers and a family picture. I was downtown and saw Ellsworth. He was quite confident you would soon be home. Said he didn’t have enough points. We heard more news over the radio about Navy men being discharged. You said you were going to be traveling today, so in case you missed it – we heard it twice – a very large number of enlisted men and officers are to be released and that the point system is to be revised, that is, overseas duty to receive extra points. I suppose you have heard the whole thing. You should get your gold braid by now since it went out Sat. afternoon.

I am planning to take John to Laf. tomorrow. Lucile wants to take Jimmy down and see Dr. Ade if possible. He is still having quite a lot of asthma & hay fever. Dr. M. increased the phenobarb to ½ tablet a dose instead of ¼.

Mark is to take a music lesson tomorrow. He really hasn’t practiced enough but I think maybe I’ll get him setted a little more after school starts. He was gone nearly all day with Buddy & Sammy. He cut the lawn early, then the three went to Washburns until noon then this afternoon they went down to Krulls to help Bud cut the lawn so he could play. I told Mark he had to stay home tomorrow. Two days in a row is enough playing (Sun. & Mon.).

Funks were to come home Sun. but so far I haven’t seen any of them. I imagine they will get home in time for school Wed.

I sent the Russells David’s picture and wrote them a letter. Also answered Mrs. Thrailkill.

August 27, 1945, p. 2

[page 2] We have been fighting mosquitoes. I sprayed with flytox last night and thought I had all, but I was nearly asleep and heard one. I thought I got it but evidently I missed – David got a bite on his left ear and it was swollen today but not quite as bad as the one he had when you left.

Gen. De Gualle spoke over the radio from Chicago this evening. We listened, but since he spoke in French we didn’t get much until the interpreter came on. John caught a few words.

Krulls came out last night to get Buddy. He came out to play with Mark after supper. Bobby had quite a time crawling around and the fuel pot by the fireplace was the first thing he started for. I put it back of the screen. Dorothy allowed him to play out of his pen while they were away, so I think she won’t be able to keep him in it now. He likes to get around too well to stay in a pen.

Next day – Back from Laf. Lucile talked to Dr. Ade and made an appointment to take Jimmy down Sept. 11 for allergy tests. She didn’t have an appointment to see him today but I took her in with us and she talked to Dr. while he was getting ready to work on John. He says John’s lenses need a slight change. He is to go back Fri. for a recheck. You will probably not get this letter when you should because it is too late for it to go on the regular mail, but will send it out on the late train. The piano tuner came today. Nothing had to be done but the regular job. He was thru by 11 o’clock. He was going to do Zells & Shirks too.

Irene is back from the hospital. She said they got rid of the blood clot, but the Dr. didn’t give her any hope as to when she would be rid of phlebitis. Irene says she is going to start a petition. If you are tired of me talking about that – let me know. Arlene came up today. She is looking fine – says she feels rested now. She has a girl staying with her from Wisconsin. Bobby starts to school tomorrow. Mark is a little worried about starting at the high school.

Love Mother

©2016 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2016/04/21/enough-playing-gladys/

Mobile Hospital (Roscoe)

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August 26, 1945 envelope

Letter transcription:

August 26, 1945, p. 1

Aug. 26, 1945
USNRH
San Fran. – 12

Dear Mother,

Just after noon day chow – veal cutlets, asparagus, watery mashed p., celery & a salad & ice cream. Now what to do for the rest of the day?

The show G.I. Joe is a stinker, I think, and the theater here also leans to that side. Last night was the first show I had a chance to see. The other times I planned something came up.

Tomorrow will be one full week and I’ve been outside the main gate once and that to Hunter’s point where I found the meat points. For all practical purposes this place could be on a south P. island. It was intended to be one of the mobile hospitals for overseas but it was stopped here and located in a place which in the future is to be a water storage place for San Francisco. In other words, it is a large valley. The main part of the hospital is down in the very bottom with

August 26, 1945, p. 2

[page 2] the wards and living quarters on the hill sides. All the buildings are temporary, just bolted together – no windows, a flexi-glass with screens – Just like overseas but for the small gas heater in each room. It gets very cold at night even with the windows and doors closed. There is no mail delivery today and no mail pick up so far as I’ve been able to find out. So maybe this letter will be a little short. I should write the folks but at the moment I’m not in the mood, maybe later on yes. I still haven’t written to anyone other than J.B. Moore. I just wanted to find out how things were going.

Well, I hope but this time next week something will be a little more settled but I doubt it. Personally I think ??? I’ll stay right here until they finally decide what is to be done with old fuddy duddies like me and that could be a long time.

Anyway lots of love
Daddy

©2016 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2016/04/20/mobile-hospital-roscoe/

Football vs. Band (Gladys)

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August 26, 1945 envelope

Letter transcription:

August 26, 1945, p. 1

8-26-45

Dear Daddy –

Sun. evening and David just tucked in. He was ready to go to bed for a change. Had a nap this afternoon but didn’t sleep too long. Yesterday afternoon I went down to Dr. M office and asked him if he had any late data on Drs. being discharged. He said he knew nothing – but in the course of conversation he said he had inquiry from the “procurement” (whatever it is) about a Dr. being needed at Remington or Goodland and he told them to send a Dr. Now “methinks” he could tell the procurement office or whoever it is, that he needs you here. I saw Mrs. M outside and she said Dr. was so anxious for you to get back before winter – She also said Dr. V hadn’t been any help – says he doesn’t leave home until 10 a.m. – and by that hour her husband has been at work 2 hrs. Also she says he doesn’t have office hours at night, etc., etc., etc. This morning driving home from church I saw Mrs. Washburn and talked to her a while. She wanted to know about your coming home and I told her the people here would have to get a petition and get you back. This afternoon David wanted to take a walk so we walked past their house and stopped to chat a while. Dr. Dorsey came while we were there and they went on an inspection tour (The Washburns, Dr. Dorsey & his Sec’y). Mark was there playing with Sammy. He has been with him all afternoon – and is still down there. He came with Sammy a while ago eating a ham sandwich. I said something about real ham and in a little while here came Mark & Sammy with some ham for me. They said Mr. Washburn had sent it. Howards came

August 26, 1945, p. 2

[page 2] back from Wisconsin over the weekend. The Krulls came back, too. I went down and took the things I had washed – and their silverware. I told Nick about the oil burner and the difference in figures. He said I had better have Loughridge because Monroe doesn’t service oil burners. Without waiting for you reply I am going to tell Loughridge to proceed with ours. Of course he can’t get it until Oct., but can be getting the new wiring done. I hope this meets with your approval.

Going back to Washburns – I was glad Sammy was in town this afternoon. Mark was all excited over a piper cub pilot taking up passengers. I tried calmly to talk him out of it but he couldn’t see anything but getting to take a ride in a piper cub. I finally had to say flatly no, then he went to Washburns and played football with Sam & Buddy Krull and apparently forgot about the plane ride. I told him I knew you wouldn’t approve – so if you will write him a little letter it will help out in case anyone else comes around offering rides for 75₵. I told him to wait until he can go somewhere in a passenger plane.

I went out with John this afternoon and he did pretty good. I told him he would have to practice a little more often. School begins Wed., so he won’t have much time. John isn’t very happy about his high school program. One must is either Shop, Ag, or Geography and he chose Geography. He would rather take Latin but they just have Soph. & Jr. latin and since he has had first yr. Latin would have to take with Jrs., but it would conflict with one of the Soph. subjects. He takes History, English, Geometry & Geography. Maybe he can get a change somewhere so he can take Latin but I doubt it.

Mrs. Zell gave us a basket of tomatoes – the boys are going to prepare them for the cans and won’t have to touch them.

August 26, 1945, p. 3

[page 3] Pauline Hiestand said they had some chickens to sell so may put a few in the locker. So far we have 16 qts. peaches & 7 qts. corn in our locker. With our beans (20 qt.) and tomatoes to can tomorrow our food supply is counting up. Mrs. Z said we could have more corn this week. Mr. Z is going to Mich. and bring back peaches so I told her I would take a bu.

The Merrit Woods are going to Monticello to live. He sold out business & house to Simison. There was a farewell dinner at the church for them today. I didn’t get anything prepared to take before S. School so we came home to eat. Mr. Servies asked me to help in the Primary Dept., and I didn’t want to be late to Sunday School so had to forego the dinner. Mrs. Wood has been Supt. of the Primary Dept. for some time. They asked me to take over for her, but Mrs. McCarty has been assisting her and I said I would help Mrs. MC.

It’s past 9:30 so think I’ll get ready for bed. I thought I might read but my eyes are burning and I don’t believe I had better. – Just while I think of it. I air mailed your “gold” in the lighter box Sat. – so you should get it soon.

Mon. a.m. Yours of Aug. 24 (date on envelope) rec’d this morning. Just hope there is something in the air about discharges. David’s pictures came today. I’ll send yours so you can have a picture with you. I think we forgot to give you any at all.

Have 6 qts. tomatoes in the oven to cook.

August 26, 1945, p. 4

[page 4] Father Fallon’s mother died Sat. from a heart attack. She was on a train going to visit her daughter.

Sammy & Buddy are here, but Mark is mowing his lawn just the same. He will soon be thru and they can go play. Mrs. W & Angus are staying is Wis. until Sept. 8 – because of Angus’ hay fever.

It’s a lovely day if a little cool – not as cold as last night. I have been sleeping under a light woolen blanket.

John went over to the school this morning and talked to the band instructor. He is going to let John have the oboe. The band is short of cornets. Maybe Mark will go in the band, too. He says he wants to play football and that it conflicts with band, but we may be able to get him to forego football – since the band is thru the year & football is only seasonal.

Well I have to go to town and get groceries so will sign off.
Love Mother

©2016 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2016/04/19/football-vs-band-gladys/

Off Until Monday (Roscoe)

1 Reply

August 25, 1945 envelope

Letter transcription:

August 25, 1945, p. 1

25 Aug. 45
Receiving Hosp.
San Francisco (12)

Dear Mother,

Sat. PM and we are now off until Monday AM. I’m not sure what I’ll do but I’m pretty sure it will be nothing. This place is just about 6 mile from downtown and the only way to get here is by street car and then walk eight block – (mostly uphill) so I’m not too interested in going. A taxi would cost too much and anyway they won’t come this far out. I may if I can get someone interested go on out to the edge of town by foot tomorrow.

Three letters came today – yours of 21, 22, & 23. So far I have heard nothing from Harold P. so maybe he has decided to have Van or someone else give them the word. If I were you I don’t think I’d work too hard at that canning, etc., because I don’t believe you save enough

August 25, 1945, p. 2

[page 2] to warrant it and the points are off now so take it easy.

I don’t know what to tell you about the furnace since Chet seems so hard to contact – maybe if you keep on he will finally come across. I suppose if he doesn’t you will have to have Geo. M. go ahead. The only trouble with Geo. is the electric. He will have to get someone for that and that will probably be an extra $25. Do what you think best and I know it will be OK. I should be able to send some money home when I get my travel money but they don’t seem to be in a hurry about fixing that. I’ll probably get transferred again before that is fixed and that will complicate matters more.

If Jim should happen to come into the S.F. area and you get a letter be sure to let me know, as if you wouldn’t.

I bought ½ doz. pair of black socks and 2 ties today. I’m going to try to get my

August 25, 1945, p. 3

[page 3] laundry out Mon., but I’ll always be a little afraid that I’ll have to leave some behind. They say it’s 3 day service but I’ll have to see before I believe. Twenty four hours on dry cleaning. I’m going to take my good grey down on Mon. morn. Both the laundry & dry cleaning is here on the base. Our meals are 25₵ per and we check each time we eat and this is deducted from our pay. Some meals are not worth it but most of them are more than —.

Especially the steak meal and yesterday the chicken. However, the chili & rice and the spag. & meat balls are a total loss. I do sorta mess a little with them but go very light. There is always milk & coffee and bread which will do until the next meal if chili happens too often. We had shrimp salad with tomato sauce today

August 25, 1945, p. 4

[page 4] noon – very good. Also roast beef – turnips and cabbage with watery mashed potatoes. I didn’t take any of the potatoes – too anemic.

We still live in the temporary quarters but expect to move into new ones about the first. I don’t know what those will be like. These are good enough but the furniture isn’t good.

I have an Ellery Queen story book which I think I’ll have a date with for the next few hours. I read two stories in it last night but there are several still waiting and in reserve I have a Charley Chan book. I think with those I’ll be pretty busy until show time tonite. The show is the story of G.I. Joe and it’s only just down the hill.

Well it’s the week end that get’s you isn’t it?
Lots of Love
Daddy

P.S. Is Mark working on the enlaying [?] picture, if not I may want it later.

A Petition (Gladys)

2 Replies

August 25, 1945 envelope

Letter transcription:

August 25, 1945, p. 1

Aug. 25 – 1945

Dear Daddy –

Yours of Aug. 21 & 23 came this a.m. – so the air mail really gets here the quickest. I went over to Lucille’s last night to watch the wedding – Doris Wilson & Goog Marvin were married at the church at 8 PM. It was a very pretty affair. Bethel was bridesmaid & wore blue – Doris in white, of course. Jimmy Ed has hay fever & asthma too (at least he sounds like Glen does) and was so stopped up he could hardly breathe. All Dr. M. had given him was Phenobarbital – ¼ of 1½ gr. every three or four hrs. He got to coughing and threw up one dose – Ed called the Dr. and he said to repeat. I didn’t stay long – Ed had Jimmy on the glider and after he had the last pill acted like he was going to quiet down. I haven’t talked to Lucile today so far so don’t know how they got thru the night. I went over to Mildred Gerricks to class party about 9 o’clock. After the party I talked to Pauline Hiestand. She said Mary Childress came to her and asked her if she would be willing to sign a petition. She said she would be more than glad to. However, I am not so sure of thinks. Lucile told me some things Dr. M. said to her, that he claimed he said to you while you were here and I told Lucile he had not said anything at all to you of the kind. The only time I know of that he talked to you was in front of the barber shop the day Dorothy was with us.

August 25, 1945, p. 2

[page 2] Well he told Lucile that he told you to come and see him and he would see what he could do for you. All I can remember hearing him say was, “Sorry you have to go back to San F.” He also told Lucile if you got back now, it would have to be thru him. I think he meant a petition would have to go thru him. So I don’t know what to do if anything. I think I’ll go talk to him and ask him if he has any “info” from the Amer. Med. Assn. – I suppose they will have something if there is anything out on the situation.

Link took Irene to Chicago yesterday. Atkinson said she had a blood clot – he put her right in the hospital and elevated her leg and applied heat. She has to take penicillin too for “phlolitis.” (incorrect spelling) I don’t know how long she will be in the hospital. I wonder why her Dr. at Sheldon couldn’t diagnose her case?

It is very cool here. I have washed and now have corn to put in the locker. It isn’t such a job tho. Just cut is off the cob and put it in the boxes – It has to be dipped in boiling water then cold before its cut off. It will be easier than cooking it tho.

Miss Smith was here yesterday and thinks John should attend a conservatory in Chicago Saturdays for piano lessons this winter. She is going to Chicago soon and said she would go to the conservatory and see about making arrangements. The place she has in mind is close to the bus station, so he could go up on the bus.

A letter came from your Mother this a.m. She says she isn’t feeling so well – I’ll enclose the letter. She sent us some red points.

Our magazines came to Kentland, so the change of address is in effect now.

I’ll send the gold braid & shirt & pants.
Love Mother

Letter from Lovina, dated August 23, 1945, p. 1

Aug. 23

Dear Gladys and boys

Received your letter. Glad you got back in your home again. I guess you have heard from Roscoe since he got out to San F. Hope he won’t have to stay long. It’s real chilly this morning, raining all morning. I canned some peaches yesterday not doing anything but cleaning up the house this morning. I’m not feeling very good (Haven’t felt good for nearly two weeks.) I’m going to the Dr. this

Letter from Lovina, dated August 23, 1945, p. 2

[page 2] afternoon. My hearts been bothering me so then I have the headache so in the back of my head. Pop wanted to finish digging potatoes today but it rained him out. We haven’t washed this week yet. We had to take the wash machine to town to get it worked on. Hope we can get it this week yet so I can wash some things. I’ll send you a few red points. I don’t have any news now to tell you. Hope your all well. Etta Campbell came out Tuesday, brought her cooker. We canned 24 pts. of corn. That’s all I want to can. Will have more in a few days. It’s no use to can so much. We don’t eat much corn.

Love Mom

An Old Man (Roscoe)

1 Reply

August 24, 1945 envelope

Letter transcription:

August 24, 1945, p. 1

Aug. 24, 1945
USN Receiving Hospital
San Francisco (12)
Calif.

Dear Mother,

So far there has been no mail but I guess it isn’t hardly time as yet – this has really been one long week and tomorrow is just Sat.

My trip to Corona, Calif., with the draft is all off. There was is a Dr. here whose wife is going to be there at that time and he asked me if I would let him have the draft and I could see no reason why, so we had it fixed so he could go. Later he told me he had six children so I’m not so sure it was such a good idea. He is an eye man also he is going to teach me some eye refraction so I felt it was OK to trade. However, if a chance comes for one to Great Lakes I won’t be so anxious to give up. There is one going next week but the

August 24, 1945, p. 2

[page 2] Dr. taking it has been waiting for months. He lives in Wisconsin so I can’t feel too badly.

Last night – my first on O.D. wasn’t good – Had an epileptic who went on leave and threw fits and a drunk arrested. Between the two I was up a greater part of the night.

I don’t know if I told you or not but Kenney has his orders again which look much like overseas orders but he hasn’t returned as yet.

This “du-hinkey” I was telling you about on points yesterday may or may not have any bearing. Some few have more points than I, but not many. One Dr. has 57½ but there is nothing he can do, at least nothing has been done but maybe that thing was a beginning. We hope.

I have the entire PM off but this was inspection day and since I’d never been here for inspection I stayed until it was over at 2:30.

I went with a Dr. to Hunter’s Point this AM

August 24, 1945, p. 3

[page 3] to the commissary to buy groceries. He wanted someone to go along for the ride. It isn’t nearly as nice as the one at Great Lakes but the meat counter was loaded with all kinds. There was stacks of sides of bacon. While there I looked down in front of the counter and there lay 5 red tickets – H1 thru M1. I think they are all good. I’m sending them to you. Maybe you don’t need them. I’m sure I don’t.

Last night at 10 PM we went over to the Gally for the usual snack before bed time. The cook had taken out the tenderloin – That part next to the t-bone – He fried each of us a fine thick slab for a sandwich and because he didn’t have any lettuce or tomato he fried an egg to go over the steak. It was all very good but that slab of onion I had on mine didn’t taste so good later when I had to get up for those

August 24, 1945, p. 4

[page 4] patients.

I feel like I’m an old man around here because there has been 8 or 10 Drs. come in since I did. A large percentage are brand new (jg)s – their first duty in the Navy – Some seem to be rather sky and other are pretty bold – they all learn as time goes along.

I thought when I was planning on going to Corona I’d have to buy a new chin strap for my cap but now I can wait for the one you are sending.

Our rooms aren’t too comfortable at present but not bad for the price we pay – (nothing). There is only one chair, two beds, two metal stands, and two standing clothes lockers. No desk so I’m writing on my lap.

The wind had been really blowing today but it is fairly warm but Oh! Tonight. I have two wool blankets and I’m still not too warm, but by leaving the heater on until bed time the room doesn’t get too cold.

Well, Dear I’m about run down and I think I’ll lie down and try a nap –
Lots of Love
Daddy