Tag Archives: Chet Loughridge

Done for the Day (Roscoe)

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October 18, 1945 envelope

Letter transcription:

October 18, 1945, p. 1

Oct., 18, 1945

Dear Mother,

I’m practically all done for the day except just now waiting for evening chow.

I’m very certain now that there will be nothing done to have our papers started before Nov. 1 because the Capt. took a 15 day leave beginning as of the 17^th and didn’t sign our papers before leaving but the yeoman assured me that he would sign them as quickly soon as he came back and he also thought the Capt. would be back a few days early. Anyway since this 53 is not in affect until Nov. 1 we can hardly squawk too much but after that – anyway that subject need not be kicked around for a few days.

Now to get on with your problems. It seems to me it might be wise to get Monroe to put an auger

October 18, 1945, p. 2

[page 2] in the stoker, but I suppose it would take a few days to get that and the auger and the oil burner would probably come at the same time. Someone told me about som cutting those and welding them. Maybe I dreamed that, however, we didn’t put forth much effort to get coal so maybe there won’t be any coal even if you did get the furnace fixed. I think possibly if you had a good fire in the eve and then turn the thermostat down so that the house would have to cool a bit before it kicked on – Say so that the furnace ran only a small bit during the night it might work.

The office work seems to be progressing pretty well. This It will possibly be ready before I am.

Maybe Chet could put in the oil tank at the house and use that burner which he thought he

October 18, 1945, p. 3

[page 3] could use for the office temporarily. It might cost a little extra for instillation, etc., but it would keep the house a little warmer. It does los seem of as if there should be one oil burner someplace we could use.

The $113 doesn’t seem like such a terrible price but that does not include the back room. I hope if Mary K. does clean out the back room none of my X-ray sink developer or that sink back there gets on the trash heap. I wish also that she wouldn’t be in a hurry about the new toilet because I might have a different idea of where it belongs, but if that room it is in is cleaned up that wouldn’t be so bad. Seems as if I have lots of ideas but not very firm on

October 18, 1945, p. 4

[page 4] any of them.

We are to receive approximately 2,000 patients over the weekend so that means lots of extra work. I had said that I wouldn’t take another draft but maybe I could be persuaded especially with time not being used as I’d like for it to be used. The last one was such a rat race that I swore I’d take no more but with all that group coming in it might be different. What do you think?

Well, it is almost chow time so I’d better stop and take care of the inner man –
Lots of Love
Daddy

©2016 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2016/07/10/done-for-the-day-roscoe/

Saving Coal (Gladys)

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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/

The Furnace (Gladys)

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September 6, 1945 envelope

September 6, 1945, p. 1

Letter transcription:

9-6-45

Dear Daddy –

The sons one and two are off to school. David is trying to find something to do – I don’t have to look for anything – there is plenty to do, but I am not doing too much. I knitted on Bobby’s snow suit yesterday and got the jacket ready for the sleeves. It was so nice out in yard so after David had his nap we went out and enjoyed the scenery. David plays in the driveway in the rocks. He enjoys that as much as a sand pile. Coco came to see us while we were in the yard. She seemed very glad to see us, and I think she was. They just returned home Tues. evening.

Things are at a stand still on the furnace. The air stopped working and I called Loughridge but couldn’t get Chet. Bun promised to come out and see if he could locate the trouble, but he didn’t come. I called again and he said he was covered up with work and his Dad was out of town. He said to call Monroe or Arnold. I told him since they were going to make the change over I would rather they would come out. I wouldn’t bother with it but I can’t even heat water as it is now. It would click, but the air wouldn’t turn on, so I disconnected the fuse, until someone can look at it. We can get along without hot water until we need to wash.

–Yours of Sept. 2 & 3 came and the regular checks. Also some adv. from Carr Drug, Pit-Morian, M. & R. Dietetic Lab & Sherman. They must think you will soon be back. Hope they are right.

September 6, 1945, p. 2

[page 2] Norma was going to town so I went along – The stores will be closed this afternoon and I wanted to get a few necessities. Tomorrow school will be out and one of the boys can go if necessary. I banked one ck. and cashed the other. Have to give the boys their allowance so we can get back on schedule.

We haven’t heard anything in the past few days about Navy releases but I think the info in the Chicago Tribune is authentic because it is the same as we heard Sat. on the radio, given out by Adm. Denfield, head of Navy Demobilization. So I think something will be done as soon as it is possible. Dolores said so many changes had to be made over night that it will (may) take a little time to get releases started. However if 11,200 is the goal for Sept. someone should be getting theirs soon. I just scanned over the Democrat and see that John Krull has been discharged. They are getting ready to open their restaurant. Also see the Paul Yost is to be discharged soon. I’ll send the papers to you and you can do your own reading. I think you will enjoy that more.

I just checked the bank statement. Our present bal. with the $170 deposited is $369.27 (plus $47). The Laf. Life will have to be pd. this month or before Oct. 7 but you will send some by then.

I talked to Geo. Tilton about the linoleums this morning and he is going to see about fixing them. They split the place where it is bulged – put in cement and weight it down until it dries, then it should stay – and he says shows no mark.

Lucile just called ma and said she was going to cancel her appointment with Dr. Ade next week. She was to take Jimmy down for allergy tests – he has not been so good the past week and she thinks the trips down and the tests would be too hard on him now – I told her too, to wait a while because Dr. Y would probably have an outfit like that and she could get it done right here. She agreed that it would be much easier.

As you advised me, keep your chin up and I love you,

Mother

P.S. Bun just came out and found the trouble – the wire leading to the air was cut so he fixed it and now I have a fire going and soon will have hot water and burn the garbage. He seemed to think they would soon have the oil burners, so I tried to impress him with the fact that he can’t get it in too soon.

David “Anthy” is still wide awake after being in bed since lunch time and it’s now past 2:30. I think he is not going to sleep at all and I did want him to have a nap since we are to go to Funks for a wiener roast tonite. When anyone asks him where Daddy is he says San Franciko. Coco asked him who was who in our group picture and he was very emphatic about, “my daddy.”

©2016 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2016/05/10/the-furnace-gladys/

No Radio (Roscoe)

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September 3, 1945 envelope

Letter transcription:

September 3, 1945, p. 1

Sept. 3, 1945

Dear Mother,

I’m on the ward but wouldn’t have to be since it is Labor Day but in order to get breakfast one has to be there by 0830. It is now about 1000 but I want this to be sure and get off in the mail which I suppose leaves around 12 as it does on Sun.

In one of your letters you mentioned the fact that I heard all of the discharge stuff over the radio. I haven’t heard a radio since I left home. They have them on the wards but my room is too far from it and anyway they don’t listen to much news.

I see by this AM paper the army is cutting down on the points and lowering the age. I just don’t know how or when the navy is going to start but they will have to before long if they intend to get rid of all they plan on in the

September 3, 1945, p. 2

[page 2] next few months. I do get very discouraged at times but it just can’t last indefinitely since the “shootin’” has stopped and these new boys just coming in certainly will have a tour of duty. We have right here at this station about 8-10 brand new. There are also several fellows just like me who have been out before and are wondering what is coming next.

The show last night was “Bedside Manners” – pretty good. Tonight – “Ten Men from Westpoint.” I saw it on the Islands – again in N.Z. so I hardly think I’ll see it again because in the first place it wasn’t good. I didn’t recognize the name the second time in N.Z. so just stayed thru for lack of something else to do.

September 3, 1945, p. 3

[page 3] So far today there has been no mail but I’m hoping it arrives by 1030 as it does on other days.

I think in a few days I’ll be able to send some dough home but I’m not sure when the travel money will come and I still don’t have that watch. The ship store officer is a Jewish Dr. and I’m not certain. Their watches are two prices – one around $30.00 and the next up to $77.00. That seems a little high. I think before I pay that I’ll use the old N.Z. one I now have.

I wrote the folks yesterday – wishing Mom a happy birthday also. I haven’t been off the place to buy a card. It seems that

September 3, 1945, p. 4

[page 4] was about all the letters I could scrape up in one PM.

I’d keep reminding Chet once in a while about that burner. He should know all about that type furnace since it is practically the same as Nick’s down to the controls, etc. He claims he is going to reduce the heat bill for Nick. I believe I’d try to get the fuel oil from either Standard of Schub – unless you could work out a 3 way deal. I’ve thought of the burner because it is so cold here, seems like the dead of winter only without snow.

Well, lots of love
Daddy

©2016 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2016/05/05/no-radio-roscoe/

About Two Things (Roscoe)

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August 28, 1945 envelope

Letter transcription:

August 28, 1945, p. 1

Aug. 28, 1945
USNRH

Dear Mother,

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

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

August 28, 1945, p. 2

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

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

August 28, 1945, p. 3

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

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

August 28, 1945, p. 4

[page 4] as good as his word.

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

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

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

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

Off Until Monday (Roscoe)

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August 25, 1945 envelope

Letter transcription:

August 25, 1945, p. 1

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

Dear Mother,

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

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

August 25, 1945, p. 2

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

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

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

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

August 25, 1945, p. 3

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

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

August 25, 1945, p. 4

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

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

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

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

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

Replacing the Furnace (Gladys)

1 Reply

August 23, 1945 envelope

Letter transcription:

August 23, 1945, p. 1

8-23-45

Dear Daddy –

Mr. L came out this evening and after looking over the heating plant said flatly he would install everything complete and wouldn’t miss $200.00 over $10.00 either way. That includes one 270 gal. tank – the same size Statons have – and wiring – everything – He said it wouldn’t take but a day to make the change over. He was in Chicago Mon. and the Delco people said he could get all necessary equipment in Oct. so he said he could have it all installed by Nov. 1. I told him I would let you know and then I would give him an answer. Shall I have them go ahead and start the process to make the change?

After Lucile Burgee left I finished my afternoon letter and took it to the P.O. John Parr said air mail should be here or there in two days. Since no mail has come this week I am wondering if you are sending them air mail.

I went over to Statons to borrow some mouse traps this evening. I didn’t

August 23, 1945, p. 2

[page 2] ask Link directly about what he had said he would do, but he was rather evasive about anything. I wonder if he could do anything or not. I am rather doubtful.

I talked to Blanchard this morning when I bought some gas. He said I should do something, but I said I thought other people should. I have been waiting to hear from you and no letters.

We got the back yard furnace all cleaned out and if we can find a grate will be able to have some picnics in our back yard. We could have wiener roasts without a grate.

The Jr. Woman’s Club called for your address for forwarding the Digest and they will have it sent here and I’ll forward it. The latest Rotarian came and I looked up the International Officers to find Uncle Wes. Treas. You had told me.

I must write to Jim. He picks up mail when they hit a port. Said he had a letter from me the last time they stopped.

Fri. a.m. Yours sent by air mail Aug. 22 came today the 24^th so please use air mail – this is the first letter we have rec’d from you. Had a letter from Dolores. She has been transferred and said she didn’t know anything. She isn’t in the same bldg. and doesn’t know anyone personally where she used to be. She says so many changes had to be made so quickly she doesn’t think you will go “out” again.

August 23, 1945, p. 3

[page 3] John has started a fire this morning. We didn’t watch it closely enough yesterday and it went out. I will be so glad to be rid of that firing business along with all the dirt involved.

I do hope you get to take a draft to Great Lakes. Just wish they would do something about releasing. Surely something will start before long.

The account of Maybelle Tower’s wedding was in the paper this week. Last Sun. we were at Johnson’s and I saw Rev. Servies drive by, going home, and I just wondered if he had been to a wedding. Maybelle was married to the band instructor. When John & Mark went over to register, John asked about seeing the band teacher and the office girl said he would be away for a while. John thinks he wants to play the oboe again. I think it will be a good thing for him to be in the band. He didn’t get to talk to Gertrude Wed., but she said she would see him today. He wants to take organ lessons from her. I saw

August 23, 1945, p. 4

[page 4] Rev. Servies yesterday and he said he thought it would be a good thing for John to take lessons so he can help at church when they may need him.

David is playing with Betty Zell this morning in their sand pile. Last night when Chet Loughridge was here I had gone to the basement with him to show him the furnace and I heard David at the front door calling for me. I didn’t want to go up so called for John to go help him – by the time John got to him it was too late – John came down & asked me if I could come – I said “take his clothes off and give him a bath” – well he didn’t want to argue with me in front of someone so he took care of David. However, he undressed him in the bathroom downstairs and left the mess there and took him up to the tub to bathe him. I think he used yards of toilet paper to clean him off, from the looks of the toilet. He told David this morning he was “bachie” last night. David can let himself out the front door but can’t get in. We had corn day before yesterday and it was too laxative for David. I am not going to cook any more. I am enclosing some “stuff” from Meade.

Love Mother