Category Archives: World War II Letters

Making Plans (Roscoe)

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September 19, 1945 envelope

Letter transcription:

September 19, 1945, p. 1

19 Sept. 45

Dear Mother,

Wed. PM and no orders or further word on anything. The only thing that makes me feel good at the moment is the fact that the commander who wrote the long telegram it seems will have to go out. He has never been out and then to put up such a “squak” made me mad.

I called Vince this AM and he wants me to come out a while this eve. He is coming after me at 1900. I’m afraid he is just being nice and don’t mean for me to accept all of his invitations but I’ll have that out with him tonite.

I really don’t know when I enjoyed myself as much as the short time I was home. It was dulled only by the fact that I had to

September 19, 1945, p. 2

[page 2] leave again so soon. I’m glad now that I didn’t try to go to town and see a lot of people, etc. Maybe if I’m here a month or so I can get another such leave, at least I’ll try. I may have to take a more or less uninteresting one just to get the Great Lakes again. At least that is one thing to look forward to.

We have a new chief nurse – came while I was gone and in order to give her a send off they are having a cocktail party for her tomorrow night in the lounge of our quarters. I know it will be a grand success. Just about like some of the ones Mrs. P. used to throw. It being here on the base most people will be in a stuffy mood. I can always go to my room and shut the door.

September 19, 1945, p. 3

[page 3] I sure had a good night last night since I hadn’t sleep but very little the night before. I think when I hit the bed I was asleep and didn’t awaken until 715 this AM. In all probability I snored pretty much but no one said anything this AM. I do remember turning once and bumping my elbow on one of those buttons on the mattress. I didn’t look to see if there was blood this AM but at the time it felt something like an amputation.

The radio seems to work pretty good but Bun told me to get a long areal which I haven’t done yet but if I hold on to the short one that is there it does pretty

September 19, 1945, p. 4

[page 4] good. I’m going over to the shops in a little while and see if I can talk them out of several feet. There was a note on the repair bill which said we owed Bun $2.00 so you might drop in and pay him and that will give you another excuse to ask him about the burner.

I haven’t done much with the office plans yet, but I’m beginning to believe a hallway down thru the middle of the front room might be better than along the west side. If it were along the west side the rooms would be much longer than wide. I’ll have to get down to work on

September 19, 1945, p. 5

[page 5] the thing and maybe get something definite settled. If you see Nick you might ask him about the heat situation again. If that were settled one wouldn’t have to plan on a space for the heater nor for the oil tanks, it might be simpler to plan.

I don’t know when to expect the first letter from you. I suppose you wrote first on Tue. so I should get a letter by the end of the week.

Well, I’m almost run down and I guess I’d better write David a little note for his birthday –

Lots of Love,
Daddy

©2016 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2016/05/25/making-plans-roscoe/

Broken Jaw (Gladys)

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September 19, 1945 envelope

Letter transcription:

September 19, 1945, p. 1

Sept. 19 – Wed. afternoon

Dear Daddy –

I am sitting on the front step – it is so nice out today I didn’t want to stay inside any longer. I have done a number of things today – washed, ironed, baked and a few other odds & ends. We didn’t do to Lafayette – Dorothy called and said she was suffering with a sinus infection and she sounded like she felt terrible. I wasn’t particularly wanting to go but J. & M. both had things they wanted me to get for them. Dorothy said something about going tomorrow. David is playing with an old egg cutter. He is pulling grass and putting it in the cutter but it doesn’t work. He went over to Zells this morning and got a doll and buggy without asking so I am keeping him strictly under guard the rest of the day. I tried to explain to him that he is not to go into anyone’s house. He seems to enjoy pushing that doll buggy – I think if I could get him a fair size wagon he could pull around with some satisfaction it might help. However wagons are hard to find.

The upholstery man was here today and to get the davenport done in a good tapestry it would cost nearly $100.00 – However he would completely rebuild it any style. I told him I would let him know later.

It is so warm and sunny today it seems like summer again. I hope it stays this way for a while.

Chas. Smith (Supt.) fell and broke his jaw – I don’t know the particulars but he isn’t feeling so well. John had to go see him at his home this morning about the school paper. He said his teeth were bothering him more than anything. He isn’t able to be at school. Rosemary is teaching Speech for him. I thought she had a job someplace away from here, but she has been here this week taking the speech class.

September 19, 194,5 p. 2

[page 2] When I bought groceries at Bair’s yesterday Mrs. Bair was telling me she had had a run in with Dr. M. She seems to think he is lacking in ethics. If I remember correctly they never did doctor with him in the past and you know he has a way with people like that (so I have heard).

I heard a radio newscast this morning about the “squacking” that has been raised about the Drs. being held and that the Army & Navy have promised quite a large number to be released by Christmas.

David had a glass jar with rocks in it and just dropped it by my feet – Now I have to clean up broken glass and rocks. I can’t make him do it because I am afraid he will cut his hands. His cold is better but he still has some. I think the warm weather should help clear it up.

Irene had the baby out for a little airing and came over here. He seems to be OK – Ma said earlier today that he still had green stools, but otherwise no sign of cold.

I must go see if the fire is still going. It was in good shape this morning but I got too busy to go back down and it has probably burned out. I know I’ll appreciate that oil more than ever.

Love Mother

©2016 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2016/05/24/broken-jaw-gladys/

Back in San Francisco Again (Roscoe)

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September 18, 1945 envelope

Letter transcription:

September 18, 1945, p. 1

18 Sept. 45

Dear Mother,

Sent the telegram about noon and had to get all the dope on the draft squared away so may not have time to write all I want to.

There was a letter here from Mom and one from J.B. Moore – I knew about all that Mom wrote and J.B. didn’t say much either, only he seems to think Liberty will be closed down in pretty short order.

We went over Liberty yesterday just 2 hours and 10 min. after we left Chicago – I didn’t get to see much of the place because I was on the wrong side but by the river and all I knew just about where we were. The time from Kansas City to Olathe was so short that I thought we were landing at Fairfax. I think he started down just as we left K.C.

We made a stop in Texas, one in Arizona, and one in S. Calif. It was a nice trip but I didn’t sleep much. The seats were not comfortable enough for that even though the air wasn’t a bit rough.

There didn’t seem to be any orders – in fact

September 18, 1945, p. 2

[page 2] no one has received any orders since I left and the commander I told you about still has no word. Anyway don’t send that blue suit of mine as yet. I’ll give you the word and in the meantime I’ll stay home. You see I now have more stuff here that I brought in the beginning so I don’t want too much to drag along.

Well, I’ll see if I can mail this and promise to get started earlier tomorrow –

Love
Daddy

©2016 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2016/05/23/back-in-san-francisco-roscoe-again/

Back Home (Gladys)

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September 18, 1945 envelope

Letter transcription:

September 18, 1945, p. 1

9-18-45

Dear Daddy –

We arrived back home just as the bell was ringing 6 o’clock. John said Mrs. Zell was expecting us for dinner. It was very nice to sit down to a hot roast beef dinner. After we finished dinner John brought David home and bathed him and put him to bed. I helped Norma with the dishes, against her wishes – she said she knew I must be tired. I was and went to bed early. I dropped off to sleep then had bad dreams. We all over slept this morning but the boys were up in time for school. They still have some cold but all are better, as least not worse. Dorothy called this a.m. and said Bobby has a very ‘runny” nose but no temp. She asked me to go to Laf. with her tomorrow. I have nothing in particular to go for, but return what is left of the Jiffy mop for a replacement. Of course I can always see something to buy. It is cloudy today and I don’t believe the sun is coming through. I washed one tub, but hung the things in the basement. The coal was delivered while I was away yesterday. Half a ton made an awful dust around the basement. Some of the Saturday’s clothes were still hanging but were dry so they didn’t seem dirty from the dust. The furnace has been running today. I have noticed the air turning on several times.

September 18, 1945, p. 2

[page 2] John had such a fire going when I got home and it lasted all night – the house was hot all night and it was warmer outside. I suppose with all that good coal he had to take advantage of it.

My thumb is gradually decreasing in size. There will be an awful lot of skin to come off around the joint. I am glad I didn’t get a reaction all over my hand.

Mrs. James returned some bread they had borrowed and I asked her about the baby. She said he was much better. She told Mrs. Zell yesterday they were so glad you were here Sun.

It’s past 3:30 and I am still waiting for a wire or phone call. I thought about you at nine o’clock and wondered if you were about to arrive in Oakland. While we were eating dinner at Zells (about 7 PM) we figured you should be having dinner in Olathe – or did we over rate the speed you made?

Mark helped me set the barberry bushes out. The ground at the north side of the garage was very easy to work in so for temporary I think that is a good place. Mark “dillied” around with Buddy until I got home and forgot to finish Staton’s lawn, but I put him to work. He still has some to do this evening. Our lawn needs some attention too.

Love Mother

It was a wonderful weekend.
P.S. 4:05 – Your wire just came.

©2016 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2016/05/22/back-home-gladys/

Thank You from Aunt Jessie

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Letter transcription:

Chicago, Illinois
Sept. 12, 1945

Dear Gladys: We arrived at our own door just 4:30 P.M. every thing unpacked, our dinner over, dishes washed a fire in the grate and now to write notes (no cards) thanking all who were so kind to us giving us such a good time. It was splendid to be in your home again and have the visit and admire the blessed boys – only regret that Roscoe so far away yet this moment he is coming closer. We do hope you will have time for a good visit and that soon he will be home to stay. Silvester feels a bit tired but we will retire early and the morning will find him ok. Again our thanks.

Much love,
Jessie and Silvester

September 12, 1945

©2016 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2016/05/21/thank-you-from-aunt-jessie/

Plans on Schedule (Roscoe)

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September 10, 1945 envelope

Letter transcription:

September 10, 1945, p. 1

Sept. 10, 1945

Dear Mother,

Well is seems the plans are going along on schedule. I’m to leave here on Sept. 12 at around 1000 – should be around the Lakes about Sat. noon but that isn’t very definite. I’ll wire you on the way. My roommate has an apartment in Chicago and his wife is here so she is writing them telling them to let us have their place. Does that sound OK? Or are you planning on coming into Chi.? Of course you won’t be able to get me an answer here but I’ll try to call en route. I don’t know how many layovers we

September 10, 1945, p. 2

[page 2] will have because I think probably this is a special military train and they probably do not make the regular stops but I can at least send a wire. I think the best plan would be to meet me at the North W. depot or some such place and then get a hotel or that apartment. I don’t know what the address is, or Evanston, etc. I know I’m trying to take all this in my hands and not giving you any chance to say but I want to see you even if I can’t see the boys and I’m afraid I might not get enough time to come down and it would be dreadful to be pestered by those patients clear across the country and

September 10, 1945, p. 3

[page 3] then have to turn around not seeing you. Think the whole plan out and when I call tell me what you can do best. It would be such a hard trip to try to bring the boys up. You wouldn’t get much of a rest, but maybe our good friends won’t want to keep them. Do the best you can Dear and I hope you do get some rest or at least a change in the few hours we will be together. I’ll write again tomorrow if anything turns up. Bring a little money. My Khaki cap. My bath robe.

The new point system doesn’t seem to help out much. I’ll still have to spend about 10 mo. in this man’s navy, but maybe

September 10, 1945, p. 4

[page 4] there will be another change sometime in the future. In fact there are darn few around here that it does affect. Some of the fellows have as much as 3-4-5 years.

Well, I’ll write tomorrow but I’ll call or wire in the meantime
So love
Daddy

© 2016 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2016/05/20/plans-on-schedule-roscoe/

So Excited (Gladys)

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September 10, 1945 envelope

Letter transcription:

September 10, 1945, p. 1

9-10-45

Dear Daddy –

Yours of Sept. 6, 7, & almost the 8^th came this a.m. I am so excited over the prospects of your trip to Chicago. If you do get to come, I think I’ll have Dorothy drive me up and stay with her mother until I am ready to come back. However, I’ll plan when the time comes. (I mean for her to stay at her mother’s).

I was downtown this a.m. and saw Ed Barce. He said to tell you he has another office and will get out as soon as you come back. I saw Betty & Jack Yost. Jack has been discharged.

We hear that Mr. R. is going to put the Nu-Joy out here – that is if this new road goes thru. It’s very early to get any definite predictions on the situation so I am not taking that as “whole cloth.” After having one old trap of a building burn, I would think no one would want to put a business like the restaurant in that old Kent house.

I put some corn in the locker this morning and that winds up my food preparation. I want to save the space for the beef in Oct. We heard over the radio this a.m. that meat rationing will be off Oct. 1 so we won’t have to worry about points for our beef.

It’s 2:15 and since noon I have cleaned the stove and little bathroom. Geo. Tilton

September 10, 1945, p. 2

[page 2] promised to get someone to fix our linoleums, but I am not going to get excited about how soon he fulfills his promise. I think if I went in and gave him an order for some new furniture he might send someone out, but I don’t believe he is in much of a hurry as it is. If he doesn’t act soon I am going to try and get someone myself. The bathroom should be fixed soon.

When I talked to Ed Barce I thought he might have some information but he seemed to know nothing. I wonder if he could find out anything – Nothing has been said that we have heard over the radio or in the papers about Navy Drs. However, the Army has announced that a number of Drs. are to be let out soon.

If you do get to go to Chicago you won’t get this until after I see you.

I hurried to town and hurried home this a.m. so didn’t hear any news.

Will be anxious for a letter tomorrow –
Love Mother

Nu-Joy Restaurant (Gladys)

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September 9, 1945, p. 1

Letter transcription:

9-9-45

Dear Daddy –

We had quite an exciting afternoon. The Nu-Joy Restaurant burned to the ground. The fire started in the kitchen and the fire Dept. wasn’t called soon enough, so the story goes. All the fire trucks around here came but about all the good they did was to keep the garage from burning and the Kentland Café building. John & Gladys are back and getting their place ready to open. I suppose they will step up their work to get opened sooner now that the Nu-Joy is gone. The Harlan Parrs were in town and had come out this way so they took David and me down. J. & M. were already down watching the fire. We parked by Childress Station and watched a while, then I asked them to take be back home. There was such a mob gathering I thought I would rather be home. Traffic had to be re-routed out this way to 24. There were cars parked on 24 out past here. Ed J. took John out for another driving lesson this evening and he told John what the Electric Co. had to do when they knew how the fire was going. Ed was on the scene most of the time – until after the fire was really over. I could see smoke for a long time.

Jimmy Ed is much better. I took David and stayed there while John & Ed were driving. Jimmy seems normal. Lucile says he chokes up some at night, but while we were there I didn’t notice any signs of hay fever or asthma. Maybe what was bothering him a week ago is gone now.

Joe Bill Mullen was in church this

September 9, 1945, p. 2

[page 2] with Gloria Blanke and his mother. He has to go back to the hospital for more treatment. I have heard there is to be a wedding, but I don’t know when.

The Foulkes were entertaining dinner guests at the Nu-Joy when the fire started. I think they left before they had finished eating. No one was caught in the fire but Katie told me all they could get out was the money. I heard later that some other things were saved – some 5^ths. One fireman was supposed to have taken 3 cases of beer.

Olene Miller says Emmett wrote her not to send him any more packages, so she things he will soon be coming home.

Lila called me tonight. She said Joe is still in N. Africa. He got his promotion so is now Comdr. She doesn’t know anything about when he will get home and wondered if you knew anything.

Mrs. Glick was at church this a.m. She asked me how soon you were coming home. I told her I didn’t know. Dr. G. seemed to think it would be soon, or something to that effect.

I got the boys started back on their regular monthly allowance again. Mrs. Koon came out Sat. and paid the bal. of the rent $15.00 – so that helps out the petty cash fund.

The Statons were gone from home today and came in on 24 and turned to come up the short street so didn’t see what had happened. You can imagine their surprise when we told them what had happened.

We were up late last night so in order to get the boys settled down early will go to bed myself. Lucile came out late last night to show us Karen’s pictures. She stayed until 11:30. I made a pot of coffee and we ate some of John’s prize cake he baked yesterday morning.

Love Mother

Photograph of the Nu-Joy fire, from the Kentland-Newton County Centennial, 1860-1960. Note the incorrect date!

[Editor’s note: A newspaper clipping regarding the Nu-Joy fire can be found here. Note that both Gladys and the newspaper give the date of the fire as Sunday, September 9, 1945, not September 7th as printed in the centennial book.]

Back in San Francisco (Roscoe)

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September 8, 1945 envelope

Letter transcription:

September 8, 1945, p. 1

Sept. 8, 1945

Dear Mother,

I’m all back in San Fran. We arrived in Klamath Falls at about 0800 this AM and I was told there were no planes going back to San Francisco so I got all my train reservations and then at chow time a Commodore Peale was coming down. In fact a plane came up after him so he let me come with him. It would have taken me 12 hours on the train but by plane it was only a 2 hour trip. It was really a swell ride – very clear and there was one high mountain with snow all over its top. It’s about 400 miles to Klamath so I did pretty well to make the round trip 800 miles in 24 hours and get all the other things done, I mean, the patients on the train and off, etc., (and $7.00 extra).

Now – about the Chicago draft. So far as I know now it is a go. My name is right on the paper. So be thinking the plans out and I’ll let you know a little more definite about when we leave, etc. I imagine we will leave here on Wed.

September 8, 1945, p. 2

[page 2] night about 8 PM, and we should be in Great Lakes sometime Sat. I haven’t the slightest idea how much time I’ll be able to get off and won’t know until I get there. I think the safest bet if you could arrange is to meet me there and then if I have time we can go on down to K. If not, we will have some time together in Chicago. I mean you can come to Chicago and I’ll meet you there. I’ll either wire or call later in the week so just stand by but be planning just what you think is best. Maybe Dorothy or Lucille will keep D. and the other boys can shift for themselves. Stand by then Dear for word from me. I really want to see you.

Either Geo. W. or Vince Stanich came out to see me this PM but that was before I got back so don’t know which it was – they didn’t leave name nor address.

I’ll mail this so it will go out on the only mail tomorrow and then if anything develops after that I’ll write later in the day.

Yours written Sept. 4 came today – glad D. is better, and hope John is better satisfied and Mark also – I mean about the plane – I want him to ride a plane but to make a real trip and not with just any pilot who may come along. It really isn’t safe. Well, Dear I’m really looking forward to next week this time,

Love,
Daddy

Between San Francisco and Klamath Falls (Roscoe)

1 Reply

September 7, 1945 envelope

Letter transcription:

September 7, 1945, p. 1

Sept. almost 8

Dear Mother,

Riding someplace between San Fra. and Klamath Falls – and it is not Sept. 8 but near it.

I think I have the forty seven Marines pretty well under control. We have the last two Pullmans and they are not supposed to go into the other parts of the train but I’m not too sure – There is one corpsman at the door but I’m not sure how tough he is.

Now – I was notified that I might get a draft to Chicago next Wed. It hasn’t definitely gone thru as yet but I’m hoping. When I get back and I get the correct dope I’ll write right away or possibly call Sunday – However you won’t get this until after that

September 7, 1945, p. 2

[page 2] call unless the mail goes faster than I think. The letter you wrote last Sun. came today. I hope D. didn’t have any more upsets.

More about the draft to Chicago. If I left there on Wed. I get to Chicago on Sat. I’m not sure how much time I’d have, possibly not over 12-18 hours. I just wonder if it would be possible for you to come to Chicago. I’d like to see the boys of course but that would be too much. We could get a hotel in Chicago I think. Sometimes one is able to get a day or two but not too often. I’ll let you know more later and we will see what you would rather do. I’d hate to get that near and have some time but not enough to see you. I mean to come to Kentland.

Well, this train shakes too much for me to write any more –
Lots of Love
Daddy