Tag Archives: Arlene Funk

Pumpkin Pie (Gladys)

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: November 2, 1943 envelope

: November 2, 1943, p. 1

: November 2, 1943, p. 2-3

: November 2, 1943, p. 4

Letter transcription:

Kentland, Ind.
Nov. 2 – 1943

Dear Daddy –

Yours of Oct. 26 came today – The 24 & 25 are still enroute – and will be glad to get them so I will have all up to date. Sometimes those back numbers contain things you don’t repeat, that I would hate to miss. Again I rec’d flowers via Lt. Palmer. He wrote Bergens & they gave me the letter. His address is Portland, Ore. I think I shall drop him a thank you note.

It is cloudy & chilly this afternoon. The sun was shining & I should have taken David out but had quite a few things I wanted to do in the house so I missed the

[page 2] sunshine. It really looks like it will snow. The leaves have all fall – about all I mean. The yard is covered but won’t rake because they will probably blow away & if not make good fertilizer.

Tonight is stunt nite and I should go but haven’t anyone to stay with David and unless I get someone soon (it’s 3:30 now) will definitely stay home. I would just as soon stay home and catch up on a few things but should go because John is in the 8^th grade act.

I made a batch of cookies and 4 pumpkin pies this a.m. I promised Bud yesterday when I gave him a shot that I would bring him a pie. John gave me a very large pyrex pan. I sued for one pie & I am going to take it to Bud. You probably wouldn’t care for any because I was out of cinnamon & used extract of cinnamon.

[page 3] The boys said it was good but tasted a little synthetic. I noticed it didn’t keep them from seconds. I got 21 qts. of pumpkin out of the 5 we cut up. I gave Arlene a qt. – having one t. more than could be cooked in 3 batches (8-8-4).

I heard yesterday that Louise is coming back to stay with Arlene until after the baby comes. Dean thinks he will be sent out and Louise is going to have a baby and will have to come home anyway.

David is taking a nap. He gets so tired since he roams all over the house so much. I was trying to clean & he wanted to follow right after me. I couldn’t get much done so put him in bed & he went to sleep. He jabbers so much & gets a word out now & then. He wants to feed himself but can’t quite make it. Also tries to hold his glass which is a little better done. Still says Da-da & Mom-mom a lot.

[page 4] Mrs. James told me yesterday that Irene went to the Presb. Hosp. in Chicago & stayed 10 days – They found a thyroid condition & are giving her iodine. I do not know the Dr. she went to but someone Mr. Davis knows.

Art Kenny is home & told Dorothy he was coming out to see me. Jack Byrnes said yesterday he hadn’t seen Art yet so he must be pretty busy seeing his relatives. If he comes & I find out anything – I mean if he knows what he is going to do, will let you know.

I must write to Jim & Glen & others. Seems like I spend a lot of time writing, but sure is nice to get letters, especially from you.

“Love Mother”

©2015 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2015/05/19/pumpkin-pie-gladys/

Surprise Visitors (Gladys)

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: October 29, 1943 envelope

: October 29, 1943, p. 1

: October 29, 1943, p. 2

Letter transcription:

Kentland Ind
Oct 29 – 1943

Dear Daddy –

Yours of Oct. 23 & one for Mark came today. John’s came yesterday. I was very busy this a.m. – washing, getting lunch started and things upside down in the kitchen – clothes I had washed Wed. piled on the table, when in walked your Mother, Dad, Ruth & Floyd. I didn’t mind the condition of the kitchen but usually someone comes when things aren’t straight – I had spent a little time taking David out & in and had just brought him in and put him to bed a short time before they came & he was asleep. Floyd said they couldn’t stay for lunch because he had to get to Wilmington before the bank closed and he didn’t know when the bank there closed. They wanted to get some movies of David and it was such a grand day for picture taking I took David up. He didn’t mind, got up smiling – went right to Grandma & Grandpa. Your Mother can’t carry him very far – says he is too heavy. We took him out into the front yard and Floyd took several we hope good shots. We tried to get him to stand along but he wouldn’t – walked around the Taylor Tot. The folks went on then and are to come back here Mon. I said we could drive over Sun. and have part of a family gathering. Your Mother said Dolores was married last night and called home to talk to Ralph & Faye. Her name is Stevens. Faye said last week they were going to be married as soon as Steve got back from Cuba. Will try & get a wedding gift sent to them but haven’t the slightest idea what to get.

Took David to Cosmopolitan Club today and he had quite a time walking around chairs & getting picked up & and made over by the ladies. He acted very nice most of the time. After I came home with him Mark got him to take a few steps along. He stood alone several times today & stood alone in the yard yesterday. I suppose he will soon learn he can walk along, then he will get into more things than he does now. His favorite place to play is in the pan drawers in the stove. You can imagine how quickly he can fill the floor with pans – and me trying to work – but he can’t hurt anything and I rather like his company in the kitchen. Arlene still keeps Donnie in his pen but with another baby due in less than two months she almost has to keep him in his pen. She hasn’t any permanent help yet. Neither has Mary & she is home from the

[page 2] hospital with her new baby girl (Mary Margaret). You mentioned the Schultz baby – yes I remembered what you wrote about & did think of that when I knew she was going to get another baby.

You said you didn’t remember Doris Green – she is the girl (welfare) who used to live with Geo. Tilton’s and went to high school here. She was going to State when she got married. Tilton’s had to put glasses on their little boy. He was wearing a patch over one eye today. As far as I know Wilsons haven’t done anything about Susie’s eyes. Probably won’t for a while if Ellsworth has to go to the Army. Doris’ sister Juanita got married (Maurice Sargent) and is back here working for Ellsworth.

Mark had quite a good time at the school Halloween party this afternoon dressed in my old finery. However he didn’t get first prize he had hoped to get. He brought home a sack of popcorn – cookies, candy, etc. The S.S. class is having a party at Helen Bartlett’s tonite but I didn’t feel up to that kind of a party. I suppose by the 31^st coming on Sun. the children will be out Sat. night playing their pranks, or whatever they do (I don’t mean ours, but the crowds that always go out).

Just had to go upstairs and see about David. He was stirring around and of course was uncovered. I tucked him back in and he quieted down.

Mark is getting ready for bead – think I will too.
Love Mother

Dolores and her husband, James W. Stevens, c1940s

©2014 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2015/05/13/surprise-visitors-gladys/

Mark’s Bug (Gladys)

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: October 8, 1943 envelope

: October 8, 1943, p. 1

: October 8, 1943, p. 2

Letter transcription:

Kentland Ind.
Oct. 8 – 1943

Dear Daddy –

No letters today but have up to Sept. 29 this week. Mark’s bug must have bit me. When I went to bed last night I couldn’t rest because of discomfort in my bowels. About 12:45 the explosions started and kept up until 4 a.m. – When I got up I was so weak I had to call John to help me and had to lie down. I began taking the white stomach medicine and didn’t eat anything ally day. Alma W. was going to Laf. with me but since I was unable to go she came out and took care of D. Got lunch for J. & M. – went home & came back after noon. She wanted to do the washing because it was such a nice day so I told her how to operate the Bendix and she took the sheets down & put in one tub. I had done a tub yesterday so there wasn’t but one to do today. She thought the Bendix pretty nice. I chilled and had fever alternately all afternoon & slept lots. She put D. to bed and went home a little past 4 then J. & M. came home & took over. Alma had the same thing – the first part of the week. I ache all over but think by tomorrow I’ll feel better. John fixed me some tea & toast and I feel better after getting something in my stomach. There is an epidemic around & several children in the grade school were sick. I just hope David doesn’t get it but he certainly has had ample opportunity. I had been having so much trouble with his bowels being lose until I changed him to pasteurized milk. I think the canned milk was too rich for him. He had just one B.M. yesterday & I thought the situation was well in hand but this afternoon he had two loose stools and I thought he was getting what I had but up to bed time

[page 2] he was feeling fine and ate a good supper. John fed him and got along pretty good. He was covered with cereal but was undressed for bed anyway so the cereal was removed with his clothes. Alma took him out for an hour this afternoon. It was so warm out today. I kept him out most of the day yesterday. I like to keep him out of doors as much as possible this warm weather because it will probably turn cool in a few days. I took up the glad bulbs yesterday – They didn’t amount to much but I thought maybe they would do better next year. I had them by the garage and that soil isn’t very good for flowers.

Hard a card from Glen & Pauline and they were in Iowa the 6^th Left here the 4^th so I think they are making good time so far. I’ll be glad to get word they are safely home. Pauline said James L. wasn’t so good going back. I think he learned some tricks from David while here. He was such an inactive baby but had begun doing things.

I see in the paper that Gretchen Dixon’s husband has a medical discharge from the Army & has been in a hospital several weeks. Also Bus Daily has been discharged from the Marines & is home. Arlene called me this a.m. and said they think Louise’s husband is going to be sent out – Louise is going to have a baby so can’t work for Arlene this winter. Arlene was depending some on her but said now she would look seriously for someone else. Arlene is almost 7 months now & isn’t feeling so good. This help situation gets worse & worse.

Had a letter from your Mother today and she said she would like to come up. She had a chance to come with Geo. Wolf once not long ago – He said he would be down there again soon and she could come then but I don’t know when that will be. Had a letter from Ruthie and she said a letter Floyd wrote in the spring had been returned. Must have been about the time I sent one that was returned. She said she was going to keep it as evidence that he had written. Ruthie is working & after taxes, etc., are taken out nets $20⁰⁰ wk.

I must write to your Mother yet so will call this a letter.
Love – Mother

©2015 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2015/03/30/marks-bug-gladys/

One Day Arlene Said (Gladys)

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: September 30, 1943 envelope

: September 30, 1943, p. 1

: September 30, 1943, p. 2

Letter transcription:

Kentland Ind.
Sept. 30 – 1943

Dear Daddy –

Writing from the hospital again. Glen, Pauline, J.L. & D. came along. Pauline is entertaining the babies in the car. I can hear David’s voice. J.L. is going to sleep. David takes one nap a day during the middle of the day then he is ready to go places. Goes to bed at 7 in the evening & doesn’t get up until 7 a.m. or after. J.L. has to have about three naps during the day. Mother seems about the same as when we were here Tues. Said she has been sick at her stomach. Dr. Cole said the x-ray showed a bunch of gall stones – I wonder if her nausea isn’t caused from that.

This being Jewish new year most of the stores are closed in Laf. today. The store in Kentland is closed too. The stores in Kent are going to close on Thurs. afternoon until Dec. I suppose they can sell all their stock in 5 ½ days so why keep open all week. Just like Nick & Dorothy about their restaurant. Why stay open 15 hrs when they can sell all they have in 8 hrs.

Annie Rhudie asked me if she could ride home with us today. She was going to take advantage of the holiday & come down last night & spend the day here. If she goes back with us we will have a load. Glen & P. don’t know her – they have a surprise in store.

Tues. when in Loebs, I saw Helen Heindle. She said to tell you hello – she is afraid Dan won’t get home very soon. She is still living with Forrest & Gertrude. I image that gets tiresome for both, because Judy & Larry are both so full of pep.

I saw Arlene downtown yesterday. She isn’t getting so large so far. She still doesn’t have regular help. One of the Sondergrath girls works after school. She thinks maybe Louise might come back if Dean has to leave the country but there isn’t much certainty there. Bobby was in our garage this morning & at noon he told Mark he had stolen a rope. Mark said it didn’t amount

[page 2] to much, but he told Bobby he musn’t seal – Bobby said, “Well, I did.” He has an answer for everything. One day Arlene said, “Bobby how would you like for us to have another baby?” – he didn’t answer for a while then said, “Let’s talk about something else.”

Thanks again for the roses, pictures & check. I dep. the ck. the day it was rec’d.

My throat is still bothering me but this being Thurs. I can’t see Dr. Ade today – Will have to see him the next time I come. This throat trouble seems to be very persistent, but maybe it will clear up soon.

It’s supper time here & about time for us to start back to Kent.

Love Mother

©2015 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2015/03/14/one-day-arlene-said-gladys/

First Birthday (Gladys)

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: September 23, 1943 envelope

: September 23, 1943, p. 1

: September 23, 1943, p. 2

: September 23, 1943, p. 3

: September 23, 1943, p. 4

Letter transcription:

Kentland Ind.
Sept. 23 – 1943

Dear Daddy –

David’s birthday & party over. Lucile brought Jimmy Ed, Arlene Bobby & Donnie, Clarice & Myra Jane. The two older Zell girls, Jimmy Staton, a Mrs. Bowen & baby from Kent apts., Mark brought Tommy Britton home from school. We took pictures of the party then I took a picture of David by his cake. He put his hand in the icing just as I snapped the picture but in rolling the roll off it got off the track so part or all of the film may be ruined. Dorothy took some movies of David too. He received $15⁰⁰, a sailor doll, a cat, an elephant, four suits, four pr. sox, a pull toy with Donald Duck on it, dusting powder puffs & two cards. Zells’ wanted to pay the hospital bill when David was there but I said no, so they gave him $10⁰⁰. You sent $2⁰⁰, your Mother sent $1⁰⁰, Statons $1⁰⁰ & Mrs. Plummer $1⁰⁰ – I am going to buy him another bond with all his money. He seemed to enjoy his party very much. I hope the pictures are all good. He had a pretty nice birthday. I weighed him just before bedtime and as close as I could get it he weighed 21 lbs. & measure 30 in. He reaches over and plays with the scale and it’s a hard job to get it correct.

David sticking his finger in the cake icing

[page 2] He gets three meals a day now with a glass of milk in between. Breakfast about 8 0 orange juice at 9:30 or 10 – Dinner at 11:30 – Milk about 3:30 & supper at 7 – I started him on that schedule yesterday & he has done fine on it. It saves a lot of time not to give him that big meal at 3 in the afternoon. He goes to bed soon after supper. Sometimes he cries about it, but usually settles right down. He still sucks his left thumb but not much.

Glen went to Laf. today to see Mother. He says she is so weak she can hardly take a drink of water. I intend to go down Sat. afternoon. Glen thought if we could have taken her to Mayo they might have been able to do something for her. I told him they are just Drs. and with a case like hers I believe Cole is doing everything that can be done. Mother told your Mother she had not felt right for sometime – that I did not know. I knew she didn’t have as much pep when she came back in May but at her age I didn’t think so much about it. I know when Cole first saw her he didn’t think she had a malignancy but didn’t have x-ray done because of her bowel condition. Probably couldn’t have gotten any better x-ray then than they did later.

[page 3] I am at Zells. Mr. is out to a meeting & Mrs. wanted to go out & three girls are in bed. Mrs. Zell has always helped me out when I needed her so I thought I could sit here & write while they are gone. I left just in time to miss washing dishes. John had homework so Mark was to help. Glen is all chocked up this evening. He doesn’t know what to do about going home. He hates to leave now with Mother so low & is about out of money. I don’t believe I told you before what he had been doing – He was a bartender, but got a notice from his draft broad to get into essential work. They had enough saved for him to come on the train but he wanted to bring the family. He got gas to make the trip so that is how they all come. He of course intended to go back much sooner but as Mother isn’t getting any better hates to leave. I hate for him to go too. He says he has a job on the police force when he goes back. He should go because his asthma is beginning to bother him quite a lot. He has been telling tales about what he used to do when he was a kid – things that happened when I was too young to remember about them. He has an art to telling those things. I told him

Chicken Every Sunday

[page 4] they would make a good book and I believe you could write the book if you had the information. What gave me the idea – John was reading a book review from Reader’s Digest & I said I believe Glen’s tales would make better reading. The book I mentioned was “Chicken Every Sunday,” and the true story of a boarding house written by the daughter of the lady who had the boarding house. If you get a Sept. 1943 Digest you will read it.

Yours of Sept. 11 & 14 came today. I am still sending some v-mail, but not as much as air. I saw in the paper that Capt. Dye has returned to Hawaii. He was home for 10 days. That would be nice but I would rather wait a little longer and have you home longer.

Mrs. Plummer came out today to bring David’s birthday gift & John a belated $1⁰⁰ – She gave David a plate, cup, spoon & fork & $1⁰⁰ – I forgot to mention the set before. I hadn’t seen her since before Mother got down but I couldn’t go much of any place all summer.

Arlene is surely carrying this baby well – She doesn’t look any larger than she did several weeks ago or either her dress was clever enough to makes her look small. Donnie walks alone now & weighs 25 lbs. He really is a big boy.

Ruthie sent David the Navy doll so I must write & thank her.

“Love Mother”

P.S. Jim gave me $100⁰⁰ to help with Mother’s expenses.

September 23, 1943 Birthday guests

©2015 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2015/02/27/first-birthday-gladys/

Another Chilly Day (Gladys)

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: September 15, 1943 envelope

: September 15, 1943, p. 1

: September 15, 1943, p. 2

: September 15, 1943, p. 3

Letter transcription:

Kentland Ind.
Sept. 15 – 1943

Dear Daddy –

Another chilly day. The sun did shine and we got a washer of clothes dry. We have to wash every day with 2 babies in the house. James L. is so different from David. James L. will stay put any place. He can be left on the bath table, couch, bed, play chair, Taylor Tot or anywhere – David climbs out of anything but his bed & play pen and has for months. This evening Pauline was holding David and said James L. is much easier to hold. David won’t sit still – just wants to climb all over a person. I often wonder what his Daddy would do about his urge to move around all the time – Maybe just like we do – just try to keep him from getting a fall. I put a pr. of corduroy overalls on him today and J. & M. thought he looked like a boy should look. He still has long hair, but it curls up around his neck & his Mother can’t cut

[page 2] it off – she keeps saying she will give him a hair cut when he is a yr. old. I think I know what Daddy would say – “give that boys a hair cut.”

Uncle Wes & Aunt J. were here enroute to C.C. this a.m. – Uncle has lost 30 lbs. & doesn’t look so good. Has had a bronchial cough that has taken him down.

J. & M. have gone to the fair tonite with Zells. They had grand stand seats. I made them wear wraps. It is so cool they need heavy coats – but didn’t want to wear anything. It’s hard to think it is so cool this early in the fall. Mrs. Zell said today it looked like snow. Of course it didn’t snow but the clouds would look like snow clouds sometimes.

I have to meet Glenn in Laf. tomorrow & see Mother. David seems to have a little cold or it may be an allergy – I can’t tell and I want Dr. Cole to see him. Since John has his fall allergy too or it may be just a cold. This cool weather so early is a good excuse for colds.

Arlene called me today. She hasn’t any help yet and it keeps her busy doing everything. I asked her to go to Laf. with me but said

[page 3] it was so hard for her to get away now. She has to have everything prepared for meals before she leaves. I really feel sorry for the girl because she isn’t too strong and with this other baby coming has her hands full.

I havne’t had time to get John & Mark down to writing you again but will try over the week-end to get them to. John has a teacher (Band) Clements from Jasonville – He knows Floyd & says he knew of you. He and John had quite a chat one evening after school. I know only a few teachers so far – Al had to hire so many new ones this fall.

My hands are all over the “spell” they had but are tender and burn this evening from running out to the clothes line today. Pauline is cleaning house for me while they are here. She got the little bedroom cleaned today & wants to clean the boys’ room tomorrow. She is a hard worker & clean. A lot different from Norma. She wasn’t much on the work order. She says Glen will take the screens down & put on the storm windows. He wants to wait a few days to see about Mother before they start back. He is much heavier than he used to be. His asthma isn’t as bad now that is it cooler.

It’s about time for the boys to come home from the fair.

Love – Mother

©2015 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2015/02/10/another-chilly-day-gladys/

Family Photographs (Gladys)

1 Reply

: September 14, 1943 envelope

: September 14, 1943, p. 1

: September 14, 1943, p. 2

: September 14, 1943, p. 3

Letter transcription:

Kentland Ind
Sept. 14 – 1943

Dear Daddy –

No letters today but rec’d 5 yesterday and David’s birthday letter. I’ll put that $2⁰⁰ toward another bond for him. He & James L. keep things lively around here. Jim wanted his car at Norfolk but he & Thelma were afraid to risk driving it back so they are to start back this afternoon by train & Glenn is bring the car for them, and come back on the train. He is to be in Laf. Fri. This is Tues. We plan to go to see Mother tomorrow then again Fri. & meet Glenn too. Pauline wants to do some shopping tomorrow for J.L.

Alma Walker called me this afternoon to inquire about things and told me before if there is anything she can do, will be glad to, so she is going to stay here tomorrow afternoon with the babies. They are both good and not as hard to take care of as two yr. olds. Alma had Dr. Van B. work on her nose Sat. & said he tortured her. She said she still has a headache from it. John sure had hay fever – or whatever it is he has – this morning. Said he hated

[page 2] to go to school – he was sneezing so – his eyes were red and he coughed. I believe we will have to do something about his condition in another year. Last fall he had a mild case. – This year it’s more pronounced. I imagine it will get worse every year unless we can do something for him. I had picked some flowers for Glenn & Jim to take to the hospital and had some marigolds. Glenn said he could feel the pollen from them the minute I brought them into the room. Said it just seemed to go right up his nostrils. I haven’t yet found anything that bothers John but I suppose it is some kind of vegetation. Probably marigolds. Arlene said they couldn’t raise them in their garden because of Bobby’s hay fever.

We took some pictures today before Glenn & Jim left of all of us with the two babies – that is Jim, Glenn, Pauline & I. J. & M. were in school. I do hope they are good so I can send you a few. We are out of film so Boonie loaned us his Kodak with five shots left on the roll. Jim was wearing his blue uniform. He had to get has coupons from the ration board to drive the car to Va. Thelma got them at T.H. but he needed gas to get from here to T.H. so had to go to the board here. They gave him coupons for 10 gal.

[page 3] Mrs. Roberts called me last night to inquire about the family. She has kept in touch with me all summer either by phone or coming over. I have called her too but haven’t been over but once early in the spring. Of course we always talk about you & Joe & wonder when you will get to come home.

Mark has green beans, carrots, Swiss chard, onions and cake on exhibit at the Fair. He got a free pass by exhibiting for 4-H. He did the baking entirely by himself – no one was in the kitchen when he made the cake.

David is in the play pen making a little fuss & James L. is in the play chair banging things around. Yesterday morning I called to John to get David’s bottle and David said “dah, dah” right after me so we have been trying to get him to say John. Once in a while he will say “dah” after we say John. He is making a fuss now so I’ll have to see about him. He pulls everything down he can get his hands on if we don’t watch him. I was talking over the phone & he was in the Taylor-Tot and I turned around just in time to catch him – He won’t stay put in anything he can climb out of.

Love Mother

: Glenn holding James L., Jim, Gladys holding David September 14, 1943

: Glenn holding James L., Gladys holding David, September 14, 1943

: Jim Foster with his nephews, James L. and David

Spiders (Gladys)

4 Replies

: September 7, 1943 envelope

: September 7, 1943, p. 1

: September 7, 1943, p. 2

: September 7, 1943, p. 3

Letter transcription:

Kentland Ind.
Sept. 7 – 1943

Dear Daddy,

Yours of Aug. 23 came today. It has been cool today. My hands are in the pealing stage & very tender. This cooler weather makes them very rough & sensitive. However I think in a few days they will be normal again. At least I think they won’t swell again.

Funks came back yesterday. I took the birthday gifts I had for Bobby & Donnie & had a chat with Arlene. She was wearing slacks and didn’t look any larger than three weeks ago. She says she thinks it will be a girl this time because so far she isn’t as large as before. Bobby didn’t have hay fever while they were at the Lake but has a little now. He was out this morning looking for someone to play with. Donnie walks alone now but Arlene keeps him in the pen. He is so heavy (25 lbs.) he broke the bottom out of the pen. Arlene says he is learning to climb and thinks he won’t stay in much longer. I was going to the groc. store so did some shopping for Arlene. She said the lost three

[page 2] of their ration books while away. I don’t know whether they can get replacements or not. Fords were closed – saw in the paper they would be closed Sept. 6-7-8 – for what reason I don’t know – but when we went to town Arlene wanted her groc. from Bairs – and people were crowded in there, (that 5 P.M. rush you can remember) mostly around the meat counter – and for cold meats – Bairs just don’t have much any more but prepared meat. While in there I saw Ruth Dixon and she said it was the first time she had seen David. I noticed Tommy and his teeth are nearly all decayed in front – I suppose the back ones are the same. He is growing but still small. I was introduced to a Mrs. Lyons (living in Barce house). I thought I was back in Va. – when I told her you hadn’t seen David she said “ah declare.” Mrs. Lyons was with Cecil Dixon – Must be a southerner.

I didn’t go to Laf. today, but plan to go tomorrow. Mrs. Zell wants to go and said she would drive their car so ours can get a rest. – however I haven’t driven much lately – to Laf. & back last Sun. – and that was the first time down there in two weeks. I just hope the Dr. will have some definite report to give on Mother.

Jim called last night. He has plane reservations and is coming to Indpls. Sat. or Sun. He will have his tal car taken to Indpls. And will drive up to Laf. from Indpls. & we will meet him there at the hospital when he gets there. He is to call us upon arrival.

[page 3] As cool as it is I wouldn’t be surprised at an early frost and we still have beans & tomatoes in the garden. We have lots of carrots and I noticed Swiss chard that I thought wasn’t going to do anything. There will be enough for a meal or two. I haven’t had much time to go to the garden – went out to see about tomatoes yesterday but didn’t try to pick any – left that job to Mark – I was afraid to touch a tomatoe vine.

Yesterday I was sweeping the spider webs out of the windows on the outside – they had covered the kitchen, dining room & living room windows and found a large yellow spider that Mark & Virginia captured in a jar & took to school. Mark found a black & yellow one on Funk’s shrubbery today and has it penned up in a jar to take to school. I told him to get it out of sight but it is on the desk.

John is doing homework – David is in bed asleep and I feel like I could go to sleep right now. I woke up some time in the early morning – got up to see about D. He was wet so I changed him – he woke up so had to put him in bed with me to quiet him down – he didn’t cry after I put him in our bed but would jabber – so I couldn’t go to sleep until he did – then I overslept – and David was warm and he overslept. It was 8:15 when I looked at the clock – you can imagine the scramble to get J. & M. off to school – J. didn’t recover from the rush all day –

Love – Mother

Teeth Like Yours (Gladys)

1 Reply

: August 13, 1943 envelope

: August 13, 1943, p. 1

: August 13, 1943, p. 2

: August 13, 1943, p. 3

Letter transcription:

Kentland Ind
Aug 13 – 1943

Dear Daddy –

Another hot Aug. day but a cooling breeze – The upstairs is very comfortable. Just went up to see Mother. She says she hasn’t any pain or soreness in stomach or bowels – but one spot in the bowel is shore – not being a Dr. or knowing too much about the anatomy I would say it is her colin [colon] that is sore. She was a lot of gas but I think that is due to not eating enough solid food. Her diet is more on the liquid order. I feed her the canned foods I give David. At noon I thickened some bouillon and gave you some pudding. She drinks milk every meal. Mrs. Jarrel had a chance to come up yesterday & go back today so she is here. Spent the night and has had a nice visit with Mother. I think your Mother is coming next week. Jaunita is planning to come sometime. I have the idea to let J. stay here and run things a few days and let me get a little vacation – not that I am feeling sorry for myself or anything of the sort but I am beginning to get a little tired and feel I should get away for a change. Dr. Cole said he would take the cast off David’s

[page 2] leg next Sat. – a week from tomorrow – and that will be a relief to me as well as to D. He should be easier to handle then – He is getting a little spoiled as things are now. However he has been very good thru it all. Dr. Cole didn’t make it here yesterday so I suppose he will come Sun. He said either Thurs. or Sun.

Emmett Miller & Olene were at Statons last night – they were going to spend the night and today here but got a call from Emmett’s home to come immediately – his father wasn’t expected to live thru the night. I haven’t heard any further about his father. They think E. will soon be sent out. He is to go to Tenn. next. By leaving so unexpectedly I didn’t get to see them.

Buddy is here this afternoon playing with Mark. Mark had to go to the dentist this P.M. Had one pulled & some fillings. He said Dr. Limp said his teeth are like yours – he can stand to have drilling done – and was he proud to think he is like Daddy about having his teeth fixed. Speaking of teeth – I am going to try & get a good picture of D. now with all his 5 teeth shining – they make him look even cuter – and his hair lays in soft ringlets all over his head – you can imagine the ah’s & oh’s he gets about his hair. Mary Parttens said it was a shame to waste that beautiful hair on a boy but I

[page 3] disagreed with her. I said that was just part of being “David.” Then she said yes it did help to make him cute – She says he is the cutest baby she has ever seen. Listen to the proud mother run on & on.

The detassling camp is broken up – They had some bread left over & Arlene sent the neighbors each a loaf. Bobby delivered. Donnie will soon be big enough to do things. Just think this time next year they should have a baby 8 mo. old.

The breeze seems to have stopped and am I sticky – I had such a big washing today – have to get Mark’s clothes ready to go to camp Monday.

We are to have a black-out next week but think I had better skip lightly over the subject. Just don’t tell anyone I told you.

Mr. Zell has to go with the 4-H group next week – Virginia is going to camp too, Mrs. Zell, Betty & Martha Jane are going to her mother’s so with Mark gone, we should have a quiet time from Mon. till Thurs. When all the children in the neighborhood get together it gets noisy around here.

David has awakened from a nap and John is in talking to him. He should talk early if talking to him will help.

The papers have come this week but I will try to relay the news in the next letter.

Love Mother

Mark (January 1943)

Those Two Neighbors (Gladys)

1 Reply

Letter transcription:

MRS. R.S. YEGERLEHNER
KENTLAND
INDIANA
8-12-43

Dear Daddy – Yours of Aug. 3-4-5-6 came today and John’s birthday letter & $2⁰⁰. He has written you. Mark wrote you a v-mail Apr. 13 & addressed it wrong & it was returned today – will put it in John’s letter. It is hot today – was cool & cloudy today but now the sun is shining and we are all feeling sticky – all, but D. I don’t believe he minds it much. He just had his 3 P.M. meal & is in good mood. John is practicing the oboe & Mark is out pulling weeds along the driveway. Dr. Cole said he would come today or Sun. but so far he hasn’t come today. Mother is feeling a little better I think – Dr. C. told me to give her Vit. B. shots and I started Tues. If he comes today will have him give the next one. This hot weather makes her feel worse. Dr. Cole said he didn’t think she had carcinoma. He didn’t have x-ray done due to her frail condition but had the lab analysis of her stool. A week from Sat. Dr. Cole said he would take the cast off of David’s leg. He has been good as could be all along. It seemed a shame to put such an extensive cast on for just a crack but I can see it was the right thing to do. Arlene came up and brought Mother flowers this a.m. She has been so good to come & see Mother all along. Zells have been solicitous too – I am glad for those two neighbors – they certainly have been good to us. Mrs. Z. helps out so much when I have to go to Laf. for medicine or take David to the Dr.

Love Mother