Tag Archives: Arlene Funk

Long Cold, Slow Spring

1966-04-29 (GRY), p. 1 Letter transcription:

April 29, 1966

Dear David and Bonnie:

Yours received. In spite of all you have to say in defense of the magazine and the man behind it all, I still think you could spend your leisure time in a better way than with that sort of thing. It just doesn’t fit into my pattern of thinking. Somehow I can’t quite see it as a part of your way of life. There are many other ways in which I would rather spend my time. This weekend we have planned to spend with John. Two baby cases are in Dad’s way, so he has told me to go without him, which I am planning to do. He got a baby this morning, but for Dr. K who is out of town. John has tickets to “Little Me,” a production of U. of I., and we are going to have dinner at the Lincoln Hotel. Bob and Lea are going to be with us also.

Wednesday I went to Indianapolis with Norma and two other women to attend the Conference meeting and installation for Conference Officers. The Bishop was there and gave the afternoon address and officiated at the installation. I told Sharon Howe yesterday that I got to shake hands with the Bishop and she grabbed my hand and said she wanted to touch the hand that had touched the Bishop’s hand. As a matter of fact, I shook hands more than once. He was in the church office, and I started to use the telephone (I wanted to call Thelma) and we met. I was sure he wouldn’t remember me from last June, but I said I was Mrs. Yegerlehner, Rev. Yegerlehner’s mother. He very graciously acted as if he knew who I was. Since there is only one Rev. David Yegerlehner in the Methodist Church, maybe he did know me.

After a long cold, slow spring, today seems like warm weather is here. The grass is so green—and has been mowed several times. The redbud trees are in bloom and the magnolia is still pretty. Where the digger went along the south side of our lot—I mean outside our lot limbs were broken on our trees and some of the scotch pines look like they may not make it. I think I could be safe in saying millions of violas are coming up. I had a border along the west side of the garage last summer and there are so many new plants, it looks like an impossible task to thin them out. I probably will decide it is too much work and just let them go.

The high school produced South Pacific. We went to see it last Thursday. It ran 3 nights. We thought they did a very good job, but also thought it was too much work for a group of high school students. Margaret Eva Funk, who has had voice training, and who has been with a singing group from Purdue (they traveled to Europe one summer on a singing tour) had the lead. However, the entire cast did a very good job we thought and the scenery and all the props were very good, but they had many people besides high school girls and boys working on it.

The book on Theology came and I am in the process of reading it. Thanks for sending it. I will try to decided before you come home what I want for the rest of my $. The missionaries we visited in H.K. are going to be here June 12^th to see us and on June 13^th in the morning I have to go to Evanston to attend a School for Conference Officers. I think your schedule called for you to be home June 13^th. Do you suppose you could manage to come home a day early, or stop and see me at Kendall College in Evanston? I would much rather see you here at home and I am sorry my time is working out that way, but it is something I can’t help. I will have to be in Evanston from 13^th to 17^th.

We are getting a new amplifier (again) and we are going to try it to see if it will be better than the one we have now. The new one is made by Fisher (supposed to be the best in Stereo). It should be here this week. However, if it doesn’t come today, it won’t matter too much, because if I have to go to Champaign alone, I am going to leave in the middle of the afternoon, and won’t have time to listen to it. Tonight we are having the Funks come. We have some slides of them to use (at a program Arlene is in charge of) at the Catholic School Thursday (I had promised to give the program for her, but then discovered that was our day to go to Chicago) and we are going to show them how to use the projector. I sent for slides of the Rose parade and also the records—which I taped—with the background sounds and commentary on each float. I have used it several times for programs and when Arlene knew we had the program wanted to use it.

We have to get our passports renewed, because they run out Aug. 9^th and we won’t be back in USA until Aug. 22^nd and thought it would be a good idea to get them renewed. We had some pictures taken. For once Dad got a good picture. We will save one for you. We have tickets to Hello Dolly and also want to go see the children. We intend to take the entire day off next Thursday.

1966-04-29 (GRY), p. 2 Last Tuesday evening I attended a Tea given by Jr. Women’s Club. Miss Lenore Winters was sitting by and I told the Presbyterian Minister’s wife that Miss Winters had both you and Mark in first grade. She told Mrs. Watson she thought you were one of the most beautiful children she had ever known. That was saying a lot—because she taught quite a few children before she retired.

Love Mother

(over)

I have quit taking books from Book-of-the-Month, but had one coupon left, so got Dead Sea Scrolls by M. Burrows. Do you think it is worth reading? I know you had said at one time, it would be years before the Scrolls could be evaluated.

©2017 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2017/03/12/long-cold-slow-spring

Sewer Work

1 Reply

Letter transcription:

November 7, 1965

Dear David and Bonnie:

Sunday evening and I am alone for the present. Dad had to go to the hospital to give an anesthetic. We have had a restful afternoon, which we needed I think I should be able to face next week.

One night last week the weatherman said we would be able to see the comet at about 4 AM, so Dad set the alarm, but since Chicago is on standard time and we are on eastern time, Dad set the alarm too early. At any rate we started at about 4 o’clock to watch and after going out several times, Dad finally gave it up, but I went out one last time and by standing in the shadows of the trees on the north side of the lawn and looking to the southeast I thought I could discern a faint light, like a beacon, so I came back in and told Dad. We both went out again and decided that must be it. We should have driven out south of town and I am sure we would have gotten a better view. There is a good picture taken of it from a mountain in Hawaii – in Life magazine this week. Also Life has an article about Tillich.

I have been stopping to see Mrs. M. almost every day. I think she is gradually getting back to normal, but she still isn’t quite as strong as she was before.

Last summer when attending School of Mission I took the tape recorder along and recorded the lectures on “Acts-Then and Now.” I used the tape in teaching the book in my S.S. class. I became careless one day and said I would give the lessons to R. Zell’s class and they voted today to have me do just that. Now I have to make arrangements to have someone take my class for the next 5 weeks. I feel a little better about the class today than when I wrote last. The attendance was up today and the group was in a discussing mood, which always helps.

We are back where we started from on the hifi. It was too much trouble to keep the records changed at the office and the record player wasn’t being used enough to keep it there, so we brought it back home. However, we aren’t out of the stereo market yet. I think Dad will build one. Bun tells me that is the best way to get a good stereo. I am not interested in buying an expensive piece of furniture, when we have plenty of cabinets in which to place a record player. We brought all the records back home, including of course the new popular records. If Dad can get the parts, we will probably have a stereo by the time you come home for Christmas.

Joy Funk is going to be married Jan. 8^th. Some of Arlene’s friends are having a shower for her Saturday afternoon and I have been invited. It is a linen shower and that means I will probably have to go to Lafayette to get something. Did I write that Don and Nancy were married Oct. 2^nd? They are living in Rensselaer and Don is going to school. Jim Johnson had to make a trip east for the Company he works for and we gave him your telephone number. His dad said he tried all day to get you, but without any success. I didn’t know just when he was going or I would have let you know the exact time he would be in Boston.

The company that has been installing the sewer tile is about ready to leave town. They are supposedly putting the street back like they found them, but all it amounts to is a little strip of paving down the center, or in some cases, one side of the street. Our town still looks pretty torn up from the work this past summer. We never did get anything out our way. I think we will probably be hooked up as is. There is quite a story back of why they didn’t work out here. Seems our neighbor to the east wouldn’t give their consent to have the digging machine go near their back yard. Dad says however, they couldn’t have stopped them if the Company would have gone right ahead and dug. Right of eminent domain. I think the trouble was that our Town Board didn’t quite know what to do. They didn’t secure easements. They just took for granted that they had easements all over the town. Quite complicated. The sewage plant is being built and most of the town will be hooked up to it when it is finished, even if our end of town isn’t.

The United Church Women (I am Secretary-Treas.) had a meeting last Friday. World Community Day and one of the projects was to make sewing kits. I have to get those ready to send in the mail today to Napanee, Ind., so must get busy.

Love Mother

Your check received – sorry I forgot to mention it.

©2017 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2017/02/20/sewer-work/

Life Goes On (Gladys)

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[Editor’s note: This is the last letter written by Gladys during the World War II era. Hundreds of letters also survive from the 1960s, 1970s, 1980s and 1990s. In the near future, I will begin organizing and transcribing those letters and we will hear from Gladys again! Until then, keep reading as I post Roscoe’s few remaining letters and a series of letters written in late 1945 and early 1946 by friends and family.]

October 20, 1945 envelope

Letter transcription:

October 20, 1945, p. 1

Sat. Oct. 20 1945

Dear Daddy –

No letter this a.m. and since the P.O. closes at 1 p.m. I probably won’t get any until Mon. I contacted Arnold last night on the phone and he is going to look at the heating plant Mon. evening, so maybe by Tues. I can give you an idea whether he will take on the job. Vincent worked Wed. & Thurs. evenings and is going to work again starting Mon. He says he will soon have it done.

I saw Juanita Schneider yesterday and gave her her gloves and got mine back. She said she wishes you would take to the Dr. who has been taking care of her husband when you get back to G.L. They are planning to come to Kentland when he can leave the hospital and she thought you would like to know something of his case history. She gave me his name, etc.

I went to the beauty parlor this a.m. and got a new perm. Emma is booked ahead so far I couldn’t get an appointment for shampoo & set for 10 days. She won’t try to work in extra appointments.

Mark is practicing his music lesson. He was playing foot ball with Jimmy Sammons and came in and wanted to go to town with John to find someone. He hadn’t practiced any today and is to take a lesson at 4:30 so I told him he had better come in for a while. He got awfully angry and wasn’t being treated right, etc. He hasn’t done a thing around here today so I told him to go ahead and spend the day with his friends but forget about an allowance – that slowed him down a little. I hate to be so mercenary but I don’t think he needs to spend all his time playing. He went over to school this morning and helped decorate

October 20, 1945, p. 2

[page 2] for a dance they are to have Mon. I let him go to the Attica game last night. He went with Tooles. This morning he was telling me how Mrs. T. & Robert used so much swearing in their conversation. He seemed to think it wasn’t very good to listen to. He just asked me if he could go to the next out of town football game then he promised without any soliciting, to practice if I would let him go.

David just came in with his hair tangled with burrs. I asked him how they got there and he said Jimmy S. put them in his hair. Fortunately I had cut his hair this week and it was so short I could slip the burrs out without doing any cutting. Mark got into a “froth” and was going right over and do things to Jimmy, but I quieted him down and sent him back to practice his music. After I got the burrs out without any difficulty I told him no harm was done.

John is over at school this afternoon working on the school paper. He took a piano lesson this morning. He is to take an organ lesson tomorrow. He will want to go practice a while this afternoon – if he gets thru with his “editorial work” in time.

I haven’t been to see Bobby yet but thought I would go this afternoon when they get their naps over. The whole house (except the maid) takes afternoon naps. Arlene was having a little difficulty explaining to Bobby why his throat was sore. He thought they weren’t going to take his tonsils out.

David has gone to the basement – Mark is down there now working on an airplane – so I must go get David or he will be black.

Love Mother

Dr. Pippenger sent you your Indiana State Medical Association card, so in case you want to attend the Indiana State Medical Association you will have your card. I’ll keep it unless you want me to send it on to you.

©2016 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2016/07/13/life-goes-on-gladys/

Going Too Smoothly (Gladys)

1 Reply

October 19, 1945 envelope

Letter transcription:

October 19, 1945, p. 1

10-19-45

Dear Daddy –

It is cloudy with some rain. I ordered a load of stoker coal from Harlan. Just hope Monroe can get a new auger soon. Since the weather isn’t favorable for drying clothes I didn’t wash.

I went down to the office and worked a while last night. I didn’t try to save much from the drug room. I possibly threw away something of value but I doubt it. I had Mark go over to Kenny’s and get a large box and we just dumped things into that. Now when Vincent gets the carpentry done I can go and clean that room since I cleaned out most of the junk last nite. Vincent said he wouldn’t work anymore this week, but is going to get it finished next week. Monroe said he would move the heating plant when Vincent finishes so I think things will get along very well. Nick took a case while we were there and said he would soon have it all out of the way. I asked him about Mildred and he said he had a card from her and she will be gone 2 more weeks. She should have had someone fixing her side while she is away. I went out in the back to find a broom and it isn’t so bad back there. There is plenty of junk to be moved out but it not as bad as it has been at times. Mrs. Krull said she was going to have Lontz clean it out and even mentioned having it white washed. I found a good toilet seat in the drug room. I have no idea where it is from, but it may be used on the toilet in back. I also found a box of glasses & drinking tubes which I think Geo. Tilton left. He had things stored in there last year and the box had Kentland Frurn on it.

I called Emma about a perm but she said she was booked two weeks ahead, then she had a cancellation for tomorrow so it took it. I was going

October 19, 1945, p. 2

[page 2] back to Mildred but she won’t be back for two more weeks and my hair gets more uncurly every day. I read the boys part of your letter with the “pun” about the frames and you can guess their reaction. It wasn’t exactly complimentary to your humor, but you know our boys.

Ellsworth is back. I haven’t seen him yet but he has been back several days. I saw Doris and she said I had gotten Juanita’s gloves the day we were together (the day I met you at the Lakes). Juanita is working this week so Emma Plummer can take a vacation.

John worked on his school paper last night. They have to mimeograph their paper this year for a while. John says the Supt. Isn’t interested in the paper so he doesn’t try to help them. I do wish there was more co-operation between the Supt. & student body, but I doubt that there will be. Mr. S. seems to be disliked by every one over there.

I think we are going to have some fair weather – the sun is shining now, so I think I’ll go put in a washer of clothes. – – It’s now 1:30 – I have put all the washing on the line, had lunch & dishes washed. It’s very nice out but a little chilly.

Geo. Monroe came about one o’clock and said he wouldn’t be able to do the work at the office, so now I am going to try Arnold. If Jim would come up he could do it if he had tools to work with. I’ll see if I can get Arnold. Vincent won’t be thru before the middle or last of next week so I should be able to get it done after that. – I thought everything was going too smoothly. (pessimist)

Arlene brought Bobby home. Dr. Ade took out both tonsils & adenoids. He said the adenoids were so large he didn’t see how Bobby could breathe thru his nose. The letter you wrote the 16^th – mailed the 17^th came yesterday the 18^th.

Love,
Mother

: Medical Society Program (exterior)

: Medical Society Program (interior)

©2016 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2016/07/11/going-too-smoothly-gladys/

Saving Coal (Gladys)

1 Reply

October 16, 1945 envelope

Letter transcription:

October 16, 1945, p. 1

Oct. 16 – 1945

Dear Daddy –

We are enjoying another glorious day and to be practical about it – saves coal – etc., etc. – since we are still not permanently fixed about our heating arrangement.

Vincent is to begin work tomorrow evening on the office. I hope I am doing what you want in having the partition moved up 3’. I just wish I could talk to you over the phone but maybe I’ll get things done right (I hope). In talking to the Loughridges about an oil burner for the office, Chet said the present set-up Nick has wouldn’t carry the office unless he changed something. He says the system Nick has at present is heating all it can. I still think it will be better just to use the heating plant even with coal until you can get an oil burner put in. It won’t take up enough space in the back room to bother you and it will furnish heat for that room.

Yesterday I went with Arlene to see Dr. Ade about Bobby. Dr. A. says his hearing is just about 50% in both ears. He says it is because of enlarged adenoids and advised Arlene to have them out at once. I think they are going to take him down this week. Dr. Ade has (of course) a machine to test hearing (ears) and said both ears were about the same.

I bought a new pair brown shoes yesterday and stretched my shoe budget to $10.95 and when I got home with them discovered they had been slightly used so I writing Loebs. I wouldn’t complain

October 16, 1945, p. 2

[page 2] on a pair costing $5 or $6 but $10.95 is too much to pay for even slightly used shoes. I suppose you will say “lady stuff.” I took back that sweater and tried to get one a little more my style but couldn’t find the right color so came back without a sweater.

So far no letters from you, but I am going to inquire at the P.O. when I mail this. Maybe one will have come in during the day.

My throat condition seems to be a little better. I think it’s sleeping in a cold room that is keeping it a little irritated.

Irene told me they were thinking about opening a baby shop out here in their home. I think a baby shop would have been a paying thing in the past few years, but wouldn’t predict either way on it in the future. However, according to the latest information a lot of babies are on the way.

David is out in the yard, so I must look out and see what he is doing.
Love Mother

P.S. We tried two of our T-bones Suri [?] and they are so large two was more than three (I mean four) of us wanted. Two covers the broiler pan.

©2016 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2016/07/05/saving-coal-gladys/

Going Ahead (Gladys)

1 Reply

October 14, 1945 envelope

Letter transcription:

October 14, 1945, p. 1

Oct. 14-1945

Dear Daddy –

I didn’t write yesterday – I was waiting for your wire and it didn’t come until after mailing time. At any rate I am going ahead with the office as we planned. Vincent called me and said his estimate for labor and material would be $113.00. That he said would include everything he would do. Of course Mr. Monroe would (will) have another bill. Mr. Monroe came out to the house Sat. and asked me what we wanted – I told him and he said he would look it over and see what would have to be done. I am going ahead with our heating plant – because I am afraid it would cost more to pipe the heat across the alley than to use our own heating plant. Mr. Monroe asked me how we were getting along with the furnace. I said we were hand firing and since you were coming home we may just have the auger fixed. Mr. M. said he couldn’t get any burners yet. They didn’t have anything yet last week.

We are enjoying a lively fire in the fireplace. We bought some coal up and it lasts so much longer than logs. David is in bed – he was so tired this evening he was cross and cried at everything. John is up in the attic looking for Reader’s Digests – he wants

October 14, 1945, p. 2

[page 2] an old number for something. He took his first organ lesson yesterday ($1.50 hr.) and I went to the church with him for one hour practice this afternoon. He can only use the church when it’s warm and now that is only Sat. & Sun. He also took a piano lesson yesterday afternoon. Miss Smith is discouraged with Mark and told John he was wasting his money & her time – however I think when you get back and can help him he will improve. We got all the storm windows on yesterday – all but the doors, but they won’t be much of a job.

Jim called me from Great Lakes yesterday. He is getting his discharge in a day or two, then he is going to N.Y. to get his car – Washington to get Thelma – back to Terra Haute then up here to see us. Maybe you will get back about the same time.

I am wondering if you will be sent back to G.L. for discharge – but maybe your first letter will answer some of my inquiries. I wish now we had arranged for you to call – then I could have given you the estimate on the office, but I am assuming you want me to get it done.

Emmett Miller is home. I called Lila and she doesn’t know about Joe – but now that he has enough points he will surely be home soon.

It is cooler today. Rained a little and stays chilly. I looked out a few minutes ago and saw a bright moon, so it must be clear. Just hope is doesn’t get too chilly before we get this furnace fixed one way or another.

Love Mother

P.S. Kenneth is on his way home.

October 14, 1945, p. 3

[page 3] Mon. morn – Arlene called me last night and asked me to see if I could get her an appointment with Dr. Ade (first she asked if you were home). It seems Bobby is losing his hearing. He has been having some ear trouble and Arlene is quite alarmed over his condition. I called Dr. Ade this morning & he said to bring him down this afternoon. I called Loughridge this morning but Bun didn’t know much. I am afraid we will have to get this furnace fixed or I will get a bad cold. I am bordering on a throat condition now and it’s so much cooler

October 14, 1945, p. 4

[page 4] and takes the house so long to heat up in the morning. I went down and burned a lot of trash to build the temp up and I finally have it up to 66. (10:45) I have to go to the store to get a few things. Maybe it will be up by the time I get back.

It is nice and sunny today so maybe the temp will get up before the day is over.

Will try to have more info about everything this evening.

©2016 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2016/07/02/going-ahead-gladys/

A Nice Visit (Gladys)

1 Reply

September 30, 1945 envelope

Letter transcription:

September 30, 1945, p. 1

Kentland Ind.
Sept. 30, 1945

Dear Daddy –

It’s past 3 o’clock (peace time) and our company has gone home. Ruth & Earl came at noon. I didn’t know what time they would get here so we didn’t wait dinner for them and we were just about thru but we had a roast & gravy so there was plenty for them. They brought a watermelon and we cut it for dessert. They left for home about half an hour ago. I thought we were to set the clocks back tonight so we didn’t have ours back and got up and went to church at 8:15 – I wanted to go early to get the Sunday School things in order and maybe it was a good thing I did because some of the children came early and someone needed to be there to keep order. I am sleepy – I fought mosquitoes until past midnight and then David got me up early so I didn’t get the benefit of the extra hour. I went to bed two or three times before I got rid of the mosquitoes.

Ruth & Earl had quite a nice visit on their trip home. They got to see a lot of the relatives. Ruth & Floyd were down home for the week-end so got to see them. Mom forgot David’s birthday last week, so she sent a card and book by Ruth.

It is cloudy and cold and raining a little. I am glad we have the coal – which I hope lasts until we get the oil installed. We heard over the radio today that the Standard Plant at Whiting was settling their strike. Just hope it all gets settled. I would hate to get an oil burner & no oil.

Arlene asked me to come to come down last night, since she was alone with the children.

September 30, 1945, p. 2

[page 2] Her “maid” is still with her. She married Shorty Davis but he lives in a trailer and I imagine she would just as soon work some place as stay in a trailer all day. She hasn’t said anything about leaving Arlene and Arlene is planning to go up to the lodge for a week and leave the children with Francis. John Funk was at the lodge working for Bill and he got sick and Bill had to go up so he wants Arlene to go up there for a week. Arlene was down to see Dr. Cole Fri. and said she invited the Coles to the lodge for a vacation. She said after she extended the invitation she thought about Rosemary who is due to go to the hospital anytime. She didn’t want to withdraw the invitation and she didn’t want to take the Dr. away from Rosemary. Arlene also told me that Bernard’s baby had been in the hospital 10 days under Van Buskirk’s care and that they had brought him home and are going to take him to Cole now – they aren’t satisfied with his condition. He still has a rattle – he almost had pneumonia.

Mrs. Mathews asked me as we were leaving church when you were coming home. She said she was hoping you would get home before winter.

David is full of pep this afternoon. He wants to push chairs around and has his little chair going around in circles. He has a hard time when he has to stay in.

Love Mother

Mon. morn – Yours of Sept. 26 came today but yours of the 27 came Sat. so I don’t feel like I have the latest news. Maybe the next one will be in this evening. I’ll go see when I mail this. Still raining and raining. At least it is warmer and that is something. Clarence Simmons came to see me this morning. He wanted to know if you wanted to get “out” and if so they need a Dr. in Mulberry & they would get the Procurement Board to let you come there.

©2016 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2016/06/19/a-nice-visit-gladys/

I’ll Be All Ears (Gladys)

7 Replies

September 29, 1945 envelope

Letter transcription:

September 29, 1945, p. 1

Sat. 29 – 1945

Dear Daddy –

Yours of Sept. 27 came today and you mentioned the possibility of another trip to G. L. next week. Well I’ll be all ears waiting to hear. I wrote you a long letter yesterday and pretty well exhausted my news supply, but will do the best I can. Our rain seems to be over but it’s cold now – not just chilly but cold. We have a good fire going in the furnace. John needed a Latin book he couldn’t get here, so this being Sat., we went to Laf. He got his Latin book and I got a pr. hose and a replacement on the Jiffy mop that went to pieces and that was about all – except a box Fannie May caramels. The town was so full of Sat. shoppers we couldn’t get waited on in so many of the stores, we just gave up and came home. Lucile went along and stopped at her sister’s in West L. I tried to get material to put a new cover on the studio couch but couldn’t find but one piece I would consider and it was $1.50 yd. – it would cost at least $10.00 and I would rather wait and see what we can do on new furniture. If I can find material later that suits I may get it but there wasn’t any choice today. Mrs. Tobias called me and said Mrs. Byfield was there so I went over to see her. Geo. is in Europe and expects to be home by Christmas. He has a little boy 2 yrs. old and Mrs. B. has been visiting with George’s wife. She (Mrs. B.) still lives in that apt. on Penn Ave. in Indianapolis – her son who is a musician has a daughter studying music in Indianapolis and she lives with Mrs. B. Marvel is in Hawaii and is to come home soon.

September 29, 1945, p. 2

[page 2] David was tired this evening when we came home so he has retired. Everything made him cry. Last night he woke up when we were getting ready to go to bed. He went to the toidey then said “I want to sleep with you tonight,” so I let him. However I won’t let it get to be a habit. He said, “I won’t suck my thumb.” One time I told him he couldn’t sleep with me if he sucked his thumb. I put his clean clothes out on the cedar chest before I go to bed and when he gets up (which is always before anyone else) he gets dressed. He used to run around in his pjs but this way he gets his clothes on and is ready to go down when we are dressed.

Arlene just called me and asked me to come “and sit a while.” Bill is out of town and she is alone – I mean except for the children. I’ll take my knitting and go down for a while.

Mark brought a football at Woolworth’s or one of the 10₵ stores – you know he loves to spend money regardless of value rec’d. I think he paid $1.89.

John wanted a new shirt and some sox but couldn’t find either at Loeb’s so decided to wait and see what B & B has.

Mark is waiting to take this to mail so must get it finished.

Love Mother

P.S. will be anxious for your next letter

A Tussle with the Weather (Gladys)

1 Reply

September 28, 1945 envelope

Letter transcription:

September 28, 1945, p. 1

Fri. morn.
9-28-45

Dear Daddy –

Yours of the 25^th came this morning. If you do get to bring another draft to G.L. I will meet you as before, but I think I can make it by myself or with the family – Since 45 takes us up that way I wouldn’t have to drive 41 – however since 41 is lane part of the way it isn’t bad, but I think I would rather just go on over to 45 from here. I think if you want me to meet you alone J. & M. can get along here with David, but if you think you would get as much time as before I could bring them along – let me know. I am having a tussle with the weather. I hung the drapes from our bedroom out yesterday with the idea of getting them just dry enough to iron, but it rained before they got dry so I just left them out all night. This a.m. the sun was shining so I changed the beds as usual and washed. I hung one tub full out then decided to bring the drapes back in because it was lightly sprinkling then. I hung them and the next washer of clothes in the basement. When I came up it looked like it was clearing but now it’s cloudy again so I am leaving everything hanging where it is.

Last night I went out to Taylors to the A.B.C. class meeting. I didn’t particularly want to go because it was raining but I wanted to see Freda McCarty about some Sunday School business. They usually play Bunco at those parties and that in my estimation is a waste of time. I figured we could transact our business while the rest played and we were doing that when John called

September 28, 1945, p. 2

[page 2] me and said Ruth & Earl were here. I hurried home of course. Ruth said Elder Oberholtzer had died from a heart attack and they were going down. They decided to come this far and spend the night with us. After visiting a while we decided to go down to the Kentland Café – it was opened for the first day – Earl said he didn’t want to eat anything so he stayed here – David being in bed. Ruth & I took J. & M. and went down. The place was pretty full but we got hamburgers & coke (Mark wanted 2 hambs. But I said at that hour one would do). We saw quite a few people we knew. Lucile, Katie and two other women were there. I think it’s going to be a good thing for the high school group. That is really a nice place for them to go. John was cooking – their night cook got sick (or something) and John had to take over. Gladys was cashier but said only after 9 o’clock. I heard her tell Mr. & Mrs. Kiifner that she had lost 40 lbs. I knew she had lost a lot of weight.

– – We have had lunch since I started this. It is still uncertain – that is the weather. One minute I think it will clear then it looks cloudy. Ruth & Earl slept in the den and got up early this a.m. and left without disturbing anyone. David was up early and downstairs before I was awake. After I got up he said why are the “netion blinds” pulled down. I didn’t know exactly what he meant at first, then I said, “Have you been down in the den?” He said he dad. The binds were closed but he had opened them.

I had a letter from the Moores & one from Van Soyc.

September 28, 1945, p. 3

[page 3] Mrs. M. answered my letter the day she rec’d it. She says the school is going to be out Dec. 15, but Van & Dr. W. are leaving now on points. J.B. is going back to school when he gets out to get his Drs. He is now studying French. Barbara was gone last week to visit Mother Moore and J.B. had a boil on his neck. B. said J.B. spent most of the time in sick bay. Had to have the boil lanced. McClard will leave Liberty when the Navy leaves. He has a job with Stevens College in Columbia. I also had a letter from Jane V. – guess I mentioned that on the last page. She gave me their Kalamazoo address. She said, “Van has applied for discharge since he’d like to enroll the first semester at college.” So sounds like he intends to study more too. The officers are eating Sun. dinner at the galley again.

Ruth took 6 towels and wanted to pay me but I told her I didn’t know what they had cost and that I would find out from you (if you remember) and let her know. She was so glad to get them. We still have enough to last a long time. I don’t dare for white towels so I think some of the white ones are going to get a dye bath.

David has gone out to play with Martha. He is pretty good about staying home. He is getting so he will call Martha to come over and play with him and she runs back and forth between yards but he stays in our yard. Do you remember what Mr. Z. said to me that day

September 28, 1945, p. 4

[page 4] in their yard about David going to the ditch? He hasn’t gone yet – – – I went out to check up and decided to see if the clothes were dry – some were and while I was out the weather finally came to a head – we are having a rain shower with some thunder & lightening. Maybe after this rain is over we will get some clear weather. Martha was with us when the rain started so we brought her into the house with us. She is doing things on the magic slate for David. This has been the wettest week we have had in a long time. Just wish we would had had our new shrubbery in last week so it could have had the rain this week to give it a good start. – – I hope now to get this letter finished. I stopped to run the things thru the ironer I bought in and now they are ready to put away. It stopped raining so Martha went home. It is pouring again but not so dark. In fact it is getting very light.

Dick Bower came home yesterday – he has been discharged – He is to be married soon. He was in the P. O. yesterday when I went in the mail your letter. I wonder if he will get his job back.

Shorty Davis and the woman (Frances Smith) work for Arlene were married Sept. 5. Arlene said she heard they had been married but Frances hadn’t said anything the last time I talked to Arlene. Tues. when Arlene attended club she had Louise staying with the children so maybe she had quit then. Arlene has her ups & downs with help. This has been a long drawn out letter and I think I’ll stop now and do something else for a while.

Love,
Mother

Women’s Club 50th Anniversary Year (Gladys)

1 Reply

September 25, 1945 envelope

Letter transcription:

September 25, 1945, p. 1

Tues. Eve Sept. 25

Dear Daddy –

As I noted on the last letter I mailed, I went to the P.O. to mail that letter and was handed the one you wrote the 22^nd while you were listening to the football game – We listened too – or rather Mark listened and I heard it only as background, because I was busy otherwise. I attended club opening with Arlene, Norma, Pauline Dennis and Mrs. Egan. There was quite a crowd, this being opening. There was a guest speaker from Chicago who reviewed the book “Anything Can Happen.” This is the club’s 50^th year. The usual opening luncheon wasn’t held because of the lack of eating places, but that is planned for sometime in the spring – a luncheon to observe the 50^th anniversary. I left David with Lucile. She let Jimmy skip his nap so he could play all afternoon with David. They were having a good time when I stopped to get David. When Lucile wrapped the telephone to bring to the party, Jimmy said he didn’t have a telephone like that, so I had David take it along so Jimmy could play with it. I stopped at Loughridge and paid the radio bill while I was uptown this evening. I think the gas & oil business will be settled before we get our burner. So far the strike, which was in the process of being settled, has not bothered Kentland – at least I was able to get the tank filled yesterday.

I saw Bertha Smith at club today. I asked about her husband and she said he was fine. I knew he was back in school.

September 25, 1945, p. 2

[page 2] She said he walked out of the bathroom and must have fainted because he passed out and fell down the stairway. Their bathroom is at the head of the stairway.

My thumb is gradually getting back to normal. The skin on the underside has to peel and it is a little slow in coming off – I think that is what is keeping it stiff. (I hope.)

So far this has been a cloudy week. It looked for a little while this afternoon like it was clearing but that didn’t last long. I hope it is clear tomorrow so David can go out and pay. He gets so tired staying in the house. I wasn’t in a very happy mood this morning – due to the gloomy weather and no letter in the morning delivery and with him getting unhappy quite often because he couldn’t go out – well let’s hope for sunshine tomorrow (I want to wash some clothes, too.)

I wish I could tell people when you are coming back – you know every time I go to town or attend a meeting, like today, that seems to be the stock question, “When is your husband coming back?” Of course, I know you would like to answer that one too. I heard over the radio that the 3^rd Fleet is leaving Pearl Harbor today (I think.) I understand it is to be here, I mean in, for Navy Day – that is, it will be in before that but will be in for the occasion. This pen doesn’t do so well on this paper. I feel like I have been pushing a heavy load to get this written. Mark has gone up for his bath. John is at a school party and David has been in bed for some time.

Love Mother

September 25, 1945, p. 3

(over) a Courier Journal was left on our step and I looked at the wishing well – for my name it read “Your aim nears.” Of course, I took that to mean your home coming.

September 25, 1945, p. 4

Wed. a.m. I turned David out this morning, tho’ it is still cloudy & foggy – it isn’t raining. He just came in and handed me the mail. Yours of 23 & 24 and a letter from your mother. Also a digest – I’ll mail it on to you. It gives a little “light” to think of the points being lowered. If you can get a draft to bring to the Lakes, I’ll meet you at the gate as before, gladly. I think you are right in your opinion about the “power throwing” & “backfiring on you later.” I felt rather low Mon. & Tues. about our situation but I still didn’t feel like we should seek aid from the aforementioned party. I really think he is a little “punch drunk” from associating with political big wigs. I don’t say I wouldn’t ask others but I haven’t done that yet. After all it’s best to wait a little while and not have any strings attached. Let’s hope you get another trip home soon, if just for the weekend.

I am hoping it will clear today so I can wash the clothes accumulated.

My thumb is almost normal this morning. I can bend it almost as far as the other one.

It’s 9:30 and I was on the hunt of a roach when the mail came. I saw one yesterday but had my hands in dough at the time. I am afraid they will get started so I am going looking for it now.

Love Mother