Category Archives: World War II Letters

Those letters mean a lot (Gladys)

Letter transcription:

MRS. R. S. YEGERLEHNER
KENTLAND
INDIANA
5-1-43

Dear Daddy – Sat. morn – Mark and I are getting ready to have breakfast – John has gone to the band contest at North Manchester – I didn’t have to take a load and was glad because I have been house cleaning this week and I am tired. Clara got sick and couldn’t help me so had to do most of it with J. & M.’s help. David is going to sleep for his nap before bath time. Lucile & I entertained Cosmopolitan Club yesterday. That is the first time I have done any entertaining since you left and I wouldn’t have done that except for it being a church organization. I am to have the S.S. class meeting this month and that will take care of my social obligations for another year. The woman’s Club has most meetings in the club room this year to eliminate the necessity of entertaining in homes – which used to require refreshments (that is practically nil now). So much for that. Two letters just came, yours of Apr. 8 & 9 – and that raised my morale lots. I must say those letters mean a lot to my old morale – and here I am at home with the boys all around me – so I know what letters from here mean to you. – but this is the longest stretch without mail when you weren’t moving – so evidently they aren’t coming by air – or maybe the Air Service is so overworked it just takes longer now. – Well I feel much better now and have some clothes ready to hang out. It is sunny this a.m. – and I want to get out of doors – We are still having some cool weather and this is May 1 – Too bad you can’t be here – you would relish the spring this year.

Love – Mother

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

©2014 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2014/05/15/those-letters-mean-a-lot-gladys/

Writing Paper (Roscoe)

1 Reply

: April 30, 1943 envelope

: April 30, 1943, p. 1

: April 30, 1943, p. 2

Letter transcription:

March
Apr. 30, 1943
Lieut R. S. Yegerlehner USNR
Navy 60
Fleet Post Office
San Francisco Calif.

Dear Mother,

You will note the writing paper. It came thru the mail from Uncle W. Arrived just one day after the letter telling me he had sent it. I’m not too fond of writing on this type paper but beggars can’t be to critical. We can buy paper now but most of it is heavy and if I can swipe a note pad from the office I’d rather use that.

I’m writing and sweating because it is hot and sticky but that isn’t unusual only I have to have something to write to fill up space. We were talking yesterday about how drab and boring our letters must be to those who read them but there isn’t anything more that can be written and I think you folk understand that – at least we hope you do. For a while we could write more fluently but that has been stopped as you have noted.

[page 2] Yesterday Commander Fredricks got a box from home filled with sardines and shrimp. So you can imagine what we did. He ate one can and I the other – or rather the contents of one can. He makes one feel good at time by the things he says. He knows the number of children we have and more or less my life’s history as I know his. So he writes home and tells his wife about us. Then he tells me what he has written. They live in Cleveland Ohio and have one daughter 20 years old.

My Reno pals are still getting along OK but the fellow from Missouri got orders to leave. I guess that is the way it will be one at a time orders out and someone new come in to take that place.

I had most of my laundry down but this AM two pairs of pants were still there and boom down came a big (frawn) (Spelling) cocoanut leaf or limb and “busted” the line but the pants were dry enough that they didn’t have to be washed again. We “sorta” have to watch those things while walking around.

I must write Uncle W. thanking him for the paper and letter –

So solong
Love Daddy

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/2014/05/14/writing-paper-roscoe/

Pinkie Came Home (Gladys)

1 Reply

Letter transcription:

MRS. R. S. YEGERLEHNER
KENTLAND
INDIANA
4-29-43

Dear Daddy – It is cloudy & raining some today. Not cold but just in between. Didn’t get my mail again today. It has been more than 2 weeks now since yours of Apr 6 came – I think I have most of the letters you had written up to that date. Maybe by the time you get this I will have heard again – I hope – Hope my letters are getting to you. We had a little excitement – Pinkie came home (for Mr. Steinbaugh’s funeral) in an Army plane. He flew over town several times – too low for any good. Mark wrote you a letter about it. Floyd & Ruth have moved to Bluffton – In case you haven’t rec’d any word about his rejection the Draft Bd said he was too nervous – now beat on your chest again and let out a Tarzan yell. I may have to take a load of band members to North Manchester Sat for the contest. John was to go with Washburns but Angus has the measles. I had D. out in the yard a long time yesterday and he got quite a tan. It is too cloudy & wet to take him out today – He is a happy little fellow most of the time – no teeth yet. I think John & Mark will have him talking long before he really does. I am to go to Ruth M’s in May and take sweet potatoe plants. She said they were anxious to see D. again. It is getting near his 2 P.M. feeding and he is getting hungry, I think. This is a band concert at the H.S. tonight and I want to go if I can find a nurse maid. John will play so I should go.

Love – Mother

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

© 2014 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2014/05/13/pinkie-come-home-gladys/

New Washing Machine (Roscoe)

3 Replies

: April 29, 1943 envelope

: April 29, 1943, p. 1

: April 29, 1943, p. 2

Letter transcription:

Apr. 29, 1943
Lieut R.S. Yegerlehner USNR
Navy 60
Fleet Post Office
San Fran. Calif.

Dear Mother,

Yesterday I had to forgo the washing because the machine was new and had to be adjusted but we got things going today. One of the fellows from Reno used to sell this machine so he knew what to do and we pooled our washing. His shirts are all 15 ½ and his pants are accordingly large so we had no trouble separating the finished product. Of course we took our work very serious and did the whole thing very thorough. Even to rinsing the thing twice and using the agitator to get the soap out and wringing the final twice. Now if

[page 2] just had an iron we’d be all set and maybe in time we will have those things.

We had a little party last night to celebrate the departure of one of our gang – sang songs and drank a little beer. And everyone was sober when the thing was over. We really needed some onion sandwitches to make things more complete but there was none to be had. Wish I had about one pound of onion sets but they would spoil before getting here.

Yesterday P.M. got a v-mail letter from Uncle W. saying he had sent some writing papers. His letter came thru without being photo – because he put his address in both places on the inside and left mine off. So it had to come that way.

Well must get going – Love Daddy.

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/2014/05/12/new-washing-machine-roscoe/

Victory Gardens (Gladys)

1 Reply

Letter transcription:

MRS. R.S. YEGERLEHNER
KENTLAND
INDIANA
4-28-43

Dear Daddy – No mail again today – the last I rec’d was dated Apr 6 – I mean the latest date – sometimes I get some back dates – but nothing has come so far this week. – – We are having a spring day with a few clouds that look like your – Have had quite a lot of rain this spring – That will make the victory gardens grow – as well as the weeds etc. The dandelions are in full bloom now. They are everywhere so why worry. I am still cleaning house and the ground is too wet to work in and it’s too early to set flowers out. The tulips are blooming and are very pretty (red). I was snapping my fingers to amuse David and he acted like he tried to snap his fingers. Mark wanted me to write that down in the baby book. I said no one would believe me if I told that but it’s true. If I wrote down everything Mark wants me to I wouldn’t have much time to write letters – David is developing I think about normal. Of course J. & M. think everything he does is unusual. Donnie Funk is still three or four lbs heavier but I think 18 lbs for a 7 mo old baby is heavy enough. He has been so well and as a good disposition so that makes him a pretty fine fellow – John & Mark have gone back to school and D. is sitting in his buggy by the desk doing things. Lucile & I are going to have Cosmopolitan Club Friday. I am going over there tomorrow to make cookies. She just called me & said Betty Lohr’s mother died. Mr. Steinbaugh was buried this morning. I wonder who will run the Democrat now.

Love Mother

©2014 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2014/05/11/victory-gardens-gladys/

Big Wigs (Roscoe)

2 Replies

: April 28, 1943 envelope

: April 28, 1943, p. 1

: April 28, 1943, p. 2

: April 28, 1943, p. 3

Letter transcription:

Apr 28, 1943
Lieut RS Yegerlehner USNR
Navy 60
Fleet P.O.
San Francisco Calif.

Dear Mother

This will include the letter of Apr. 27 also. For the past few days I’ve been out with some of the big wigs of the Profession who have been looking the situation over in general and as a result my writing in the daylight hour whas was impossible but now that that is over I think things can be carried on in the usual manner.

Last night late I received

[page 2] your v-mail letters of Mar 31 and Apr 1. Other fellows have gotten regular air mail later than that but I have given you that word before and I think my mail will be better when you switch back to air mail.

We have a nice new washing machine and if I don’t get tropical lead in my pants before I’m going to wash my laundry which has been piling up in anticipation of the washing machine.

I haven’t received any seeds as yet but am very anxious because I believe I can do

[page 3] OK and would surely like to sink my fangs into a nice crisp carrot or radish. We had fresh liver for chow last night but on onion for those few we had the other day have long gone the way of all strong onions.

I Don’t remember whether I mentioned it before or not but I have run on to a man here from Marion Ind. and a Dr. from Logansport and also a Dr. from Evansville Ind. so maybe the old State is kicking thru.

Well, I still feel like doing laundry so here goes –
Love Daddy.

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/2014/05/10/big-wigs-roscoe/

Snake Commando (Gladys)

1 Reply

Letter transcription:

MRS. R. S. YEGERLEHNER
KENTLAND
INDIANA
4-27-43

Dear Daddy – Another day without any mail – the last dated was Apr 6 and that came about 2 wks ago. Last week I got 4 Mar letters. Maybe air service has stopped for us and your letters are coming by boat. I’ll keep looking every day. – It is a windy day – looks like it might rain – Had a hard rain last night. Sure is good for lawns, gardens, etc – – We are cleaning house but I am going to take time out to go to Club this afternoon. Arleen Sondergrath is coming to stay with David. – She hasn’t any classes after 1:30 so she can come. I’ll be glad when Mother gets back – I won’t have to get nurse maids then. Mother is coming back in May – Thought the measles were all gone but they seem to be breaking out again. Angus W. has them now, so maybe John will get them yet. The band contest at North Manchester is Sat. and John is hopig he won’t get them till after that if he has to get them. Do hope they won’t catch up with D. – but since he had the immune Globulin may be won’t get them. One of the Zell girls found a nest of snakes so Mark took his hatchet and went snake killing – He calls himself the snake commando now. He really enjoyed himself working on those snakes. There seem to be several around this spring – – The youngest Zell girl is sick. Dr. M. thought she had a kidney infection yesterday. Hilda Barce & Amelia Virgin are working at the coil factory. Ed is still stationed at Kokomo – Recruiting station. Hope you heard from him?

Love Mother

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

©2014 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2014/05/09/snake-commando-gladys/

It is still a jabber to me (Gladys)

1 Reply

Letter transcription:

MRS. R. S. YEGERLEHNER
KENTLAND
INDIANA
4-26-43

Dear Daddy – Monday morn and no mail – The last dated was Apr 6 – Maybe some will come tomorrow. Will hope. It is bright sunny warm day – after the rain of yesterday – The ground is very wet so can’t do any work outside – I have the drapes down – cleaned some and airing the rest. Trying to get house cleaning done this week. Everything is dirty after such a long cold winter. I heard this morning that Mr. Steinbaugh died. I didn’t know he was ill, except he always looked pale. Ira D. is still in the hospital – They are giving him sulfa – He needs an appendectomy but has a kidney infection (or something) and they can’t operate yet. I’ll bet he has lost lots of weight since he has been sick. John wrote you a v-mail last night – I told him I doubted if you would be able to read it. He says he can’t write good – he has too much to do – I’ll be glad when he learns to play the oboe so it will sound like something – if it ever does. David is taking a nap – I will take him out this afternoon – He loves to be out in his buggy. He can sit alone now but can’t get up when he topples over. He reaches for things and has a good grasp so we have to be careful where we park him. J. & M. say that he says words – but it is still a jabber to me. He makes lots of sounds so maybe he will talk early. It is about time for J. & M. to come bounding in for lunch. School will soon be out (May 12) – and that should give me lots of help around here. I think I will be able to get along without Clara by then. They are going to help clean house after school this evening.

Love – Mother

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

Easter in Kentland (Gladys)

1 Reply

Letter transcription:

MRS. R.S. YEGERLEHNER
KENTLAND
INDIANA
4-25-43

Dear Daddy – Easter Sunday and about bed time. It rained most of the day but wasn’t cold. David is used to being out of doors and it was too cloudy to try and take him out in the buggy so I walked around in the yard with him. He was a bit disappointed when we came back so soon. I looked our garden over – there is spinach, peas, lettuce & radishes up. Bill F. said we are to have a heavy frost May 15 – The Seed Com House has a weather indicator and that is where he got his information – He says it isn’t always accurate. I didn’t go to Church today – but listened to several radio church programs. It is a little hard to manage the baby’s bath & 10 a.m. feeding. He is as regular as a clock on that 6 a.m. bottle. I hope I get some mail tomorrow. The latest I have is of Apr 6 – Just 4 letters came last week and they were Mar 27-28-29-30. I was cleaning out a place & found the v-mail you wrote to Mark Sept. 20 – 1942 J. & M. just have 3 more weeks of school. John mowed the lawn for the first time yesterday – I think several around here did their first – then it rained so the grass has a nice start. Ours isn’t so nice, but can’t buy lawn fertilizer this year so it will have to get along without. I worked on the shrubbery myself – I separated some of the larger bushes and filled in some blank spaces. If they bloom as good this year will take a picture and send.

Love – Mother

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

Easter Sunday (Roscoe)

1 Reply

: April 25, 1943 envelope

: April 25, 1943, p. 1

: April 25, 1943, p. 2

: April 25, 1943, p. 3

Letter transcription:

Apr. 25, 1943
Lieut R. S. Yegerlehner USNR
Navy 60
Fleet P.O.
San Francisco Calif.

Dear Mother,

I’m starting this letter before breakfast. Just happened to be up a little early and time on hand. The talked of furniture is finished and I’m using it as a writing table at present – chow time

It is now 24 hours later hence your letter of 26^th now beginning. Things came up that I just couldn’t get to writing again yesterday and I really feel badly but it just couldn’t be helped.

[page 2] I didn’t even have a chance to get my weekly letter out to the folk. It of course being Easter Sunday.

We had fresh meat yesterday and ice cream. I mean those were the unusual things and of course we enjoyed them very much.

I heard indirectly from Dr. P. & W. and everything back there seems to be as tough as it used to be. We just can’ help but feel sorry for them and

[page 3] really mean it.

It is now chow time again I had better get this thing wound up and into the mail before it lays for another day.

So solong
Love Daddy