I think this is the only picture of Roscoe, Gladys, their three sons and all five of their grandchildren that was ever taken. Also included are their two daughters-in-law, two Korean foreign exchange students and their foster daughter and her husband.
Letter transcription:
MRS. R. S. YEGERLEHNER
KENTLAND
INDIANA
2-5-43
Dear Daddy- Your letter of Jan 16 came today after all up to the 26th – was so glad to get it because you mentioned several things you hadn’t in other letters. I took my checks to the bank (I get two each month – 170 & 30) and asked about a safety deposit box but they haven’t any for rent so that settles that. Went to Lafayette today – Took Arlene & Donnie – she wanted to get his shots started. Mrs. Zell & Martha went along – also Mother & David. It was just like spring – warm and sunny. Tried to get a buggy but there were only a few for sale and they were 25⁰⁰ and up – thought that was too much, so will look for a used one someplace but they are scarce too. Mrs. Shirk is going to loan me a play pen. It won’t be long until we will need one. Had to get material to recover the studio couch. It was worn thru all along the edge. Saw Helen Heindle in Loebs and her husband is somewhere in the South West Pacific, You might see him sometime. You might also see Hickey too. Have you ever written to him or heard from him? Jimmy Staton has been sick – thought he would have pneumonia but he was better yesterday. Mr. Marvin died this week. They had taken him to the hospital for observation. John is working on an essay – I told him I wouldn’t help him & he said he didn’t want any help. Mark is reading the paper and listening to Joey Brewster. David is tucked in and I am going to turn in soon. I am a little tired after the trip. I sent you a registered letter yesterday with our pictures – also sent you a valentine. Will send you a box next week. Have some more sardines.
Love Mother
©2013 copyright owned and/or written by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/12/15/went-to-lafayette-gladys/
Letter transcription:
MRS. R. S. YEGERLEHNER
KENTLAND
INDIANA
2-4-43
Dear Daddy- No letter today but have had eight this week – the last dated Jan 27. Can’t say much about the weather today – not bad but may get cold by evening. I got the figures down on paper to give to Agnes and also the tax blank came today for the Federal. After Agnes gets it figured will send you the am’t. I am not paying the bal. of ’41 as I have told you before but have bought bonds to take care of it if and when – Just paid bills and with Feb. check deposited have a balanced of a little over 200⁰⁰. There is nothing to be paid now and your next Hancock which comes in Apr. Mailed our pictures registered letter today. Found some sardines (4 cans) and if I can find two or three more will send a box. Mrs. Plummer wants to send something in this time. I saw Mrs. Tobias and she said Marvel Byfield is talking about going into some branch of service. Geo & the other brother are both in – back to finance – when your uniform money comes I will pay the Ins. loans – but can’t pay much on them unless I get the uniform money. I don’t want to get too low with the bank bal – besides our monthly bond (I have bought one for each month) and the boys each have one I bought 6 – $37⁵⁰ and that took some of that surplus. I have repeated this several times. Had the piano moved out of the den – and none too soon – after taking up the rug I noticed the floor bulged in front of the piano – evidently the piano’s weight sagged the floor where it sat. There is a definite slope to the floor now. We are all feeling good. John is practicing sax and Mark is looking at airplane model books and David is asleep. Mother piecing quilt. Boomershine is in Navy now. Lt (jg).
Love – Mother
©2013 copyright owned and/or written by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/12/13/eight-letters-this-week-gladys/
The Book of Me – Written by You is a weekly blog prompt created by Julie Goucher of the blog Angler’s Rest. This is a fifteen month writing project to highlight my life so that I will have something to leave behind for my descendants. Week fifteen’s prompt is Snow.
__________________________________
Christmas Is All Very New
By David Yegerlehner (alias ‘papa’)
Our daughter, named Deborah, is now just past two.
So this business of Christmas is all very new.
First came the snow, and what a delight;
Debbie looked out the window to find the world all white!
The snow set the mood,
And even mama and papa could not be subdued.
So we got in the car—all three,
And very shortly came home with a beautiful tree.
We moved the couch and shoved away the chair,
And left a great big spot bare.
This scurry to rearrange (Debbie’s look seemed to say)
Is certainly all very strange—
And she wondered even more
When we brought that big tree right through the door.
But soon that big bare space was no longer bare,
For the beautiful tree was standing right there.
And now, all covered with balls and with lights,
It is truly a sight with thrills and delights.
Each hanging ball is a colorful mirror,
So Deborah gazes into each tiny sphere.
“Debbie! Debbie!” she coos when she sees her reflection,
And so we now know the tree passes inspection.
Our daughter, named Deborah, is not just past two,
So this business of Christmas is all very new.
Growing up in Massachusetts, snow was a common occurrence during the winter. I have spent the last 20 years in California in an area where snow is not common. The central valley is basically at sea level. I still don’t completely understand the science behind this phenomenon, but we are too low in elevation for it to snow. The temperatures can be below freezing but it. just. doesn’t. snow. I think there have been two instances in which it actually snowed here. It was a passing illusion that delighted the local children before it quickly melted. My hometown of Worcester, Massachusetts has an elevation of around 500 feet and I remember it always snowing when I was a kid. I guess geography does really play a part with weather conditions. Less than fifty miles to the east of where I currently live, in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, it does snow. We often hear on the weather reports at what elevation the rain changes to snow. During particularly cold storms, the snow might reach as low as 1,000 feet above sea level.
David the day after The Blizzard of ’78
My father wrote the above poem about me in December 1971. I don’t really recall the first time I saw snow. I just remember it always being part of winter. For me, snow is winter. In some ways, moving to California has definitely disrupted my annual rhythms. As much as I enjoy the slightly warmer temperatures (and the lack of shoveling), I yearn for snow. My children will never know the joy of a snow day or experience the anticipation of sitting by the radio, waiting to hear if school was cancelled for their district or not. They will never know the true silence that comes during a snowfall or the sense of isolation. I often talk about the Blizzard of ’78 and how we missed school for three weeks. I think the concept is inconceivable to them.
We make a point of visiting the snow at least once a winter. Because the snow only comes to the mountains, there are inherent difficulties in reaching the snow. Many of the local roads are closed if the snowfall is too heavy. Chains are also required for driving (which is another difference from my childhood). In California, there are designated snow parks which are open on a daily basis in favorable conditions. Parking requires a permit which can only be purchased away from the snow. Our favorite snow haven is outside of Yosemite National Park at a very nice hotel at the southern entrance of the park. Once we get there, we can spend the weekend sledding down their hills or skating at their rink. Last year, the snow was gone by the time we arrived so we headed further up in elevation to Badger Pass, a ski area within Yosemite. Some years, when camping at Lassen Volcanic National Park for Memorial Day weekend, we have also enjoyed the snow.
I love snow. I miss it. If I still lived in an area where snow was more common, I might miss it less. I definitely don’t miss shoveling or driving on icy roads. Watching falling snow is one of the most peaceful experiences I have ever had. I consider snow to be one of nature’s gifts. It is truly a joy and a delight for me.
©2013 copyright owned and written by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/12/13/book-of-me-prompt-15-snow/
Spoiler Alert!
If you look closely at the envelope, you will notice that the address has been crossed out and another “Cleanslate – Special Detail 1 – Wave #1” has been added. Looking at the back of the envelope, there are multiple cancellation stamps. On March 12th, this letter ended up in New York. It has certainly been around the world. I am not exactly sure when Roscoe ended up getting this letter, but stay tuned and we will eventually find out.
Letter transcription:
Kentland Ind
Feb 4 – 1943
Dear Daddy –
Here are the pictures I have been talking about. Two of D and one each of the rest. Look inside the front packet for a laugh. Those are the first we had taken of J – M – & myself – and you can see why we had another sitting.
It is about time for the P.O. to close so have to hurry – as I want to register this.
We are all fine – am sending a v-mail also today.
[page 2] To date haven’t rec’d the uniform money – got the regular monthly check today.
Excuse the briefness but have to hurry.
Love
Mother
P.S. – John said for you to look at those proofs and not let that happen to you.
The rejected proofs no longer exist. Gladys was only wearing the shell necklace in the rejected proof so at this point we don’t know what it looked like. The string broke afterwards. Mark is wearing his military style jacket that he received at Christmas.
©2013 copyright owned and/or written by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/12/12/here-are-the-pictures-gladys/
Letter transcription:
MRS. R.S. YEGERLEHNER
KENTLAND
INDIANA
2-3-43
Dear Daddy – If there is anything to the ground hop seeing his shadow we are realizing it today. It was clear all day yesterday (Feb. 2) and just like spring – but today it is typical of what we have had all winter – instead of now it is raining & blowing – Just finished with D. – bath, pablum, etc. He has gone to sleep with his left thumb in his mouth. 14 lbs 9 oz this a.m. The telephone rung about 8:30 and frightened him – he was asleep – I said that wouldn’t have happened if you had been home – he would be used to the telephone any and all times. Arlene and I planned to go see Lucile this P.M. and take our babies but I am sure we won’t walk if this weather continues. I mailed a valentine to you but you probably won’t get it on time. I remember last valentine day – I was a little on the nausea order. Had the flu, etc. This little fellow is worth all the discomforts. You will say so when you come home. Will get our pictures today and send out. I am getting the den floor finished – moving out the piano and making a real nursery. I am sure I can dispose of the piano if I get another one. Will inform you if and when we get one. The uniform money hasn’t come. Had a letter from Watsons – Ethel told me Mark Wayne’s grades so I’ll have to write her about J & M. Mark’s A+ in band and spelling was all he thought necessary. They got your letter and will answer with valentines. The two I got yesterday were dated Jan 26 & 27 – good time. Bank bal at present is around 300⁰⁰ but will have to pay boys ins this month. I didn’t get a Jan. bond so will have to get two this month – Haven’t a safety dep. box yet. Haven’t figured the 42 tax yet.
Love Mother
©2013 copyright owned and/or written by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found at:https://genealogylady.net/2013/12/07/the-groundhogs-shadow-gladys/
Letter transcription:
MRS. R.S.YEGERLEHNER
KENTLAND
INDIANA
2-1-43
Dear Daddy – Re-read your six letters rec’d today so I could think a little better in answering. Don’t worry about the taxes. I am buying bonds – besides one each month have 6 – 37⁵⁰ – so they can be used to pay any taxes that have to be paid after the duration – but I will repeat – Agnes M. talked to a Federal man and he said not to finish the ’41 payments now – and if it has to be paid will have the bonds to take care of it. I was glad you prescribed but in case you don’t get some of my later than Jan 7 letters – I tool sulfathiazole drops – but had been taking the “diazine” and use the “thiazole” drops and I began to itch and nose was worse. I was so stopped up I could hardly breathe – I then used Glucofedrin and that opened me up – but I was careful about using drops because I knew it would irritate. Dr. Ade washed the left sinus out. I didn’t seem to get any better so quit all treatments and it seemed to leave finally. David did have a cold and I was I suppose over anxious about him but I was afraid it would develop into something serious. He is fine now. Has a coming appetite and gains an ounce or more a day. Now gets Pablum and vegetable soup – 1 can carnation – one egg yolk (dextri M & water) Vit C tablet & oleum (6 drops) every day. I tried giving him a drink of water from a cup today. I think he will learn easily. He holds on to things and rolls around in his bed, got turned around today and had his feet against the head of the bed. He won’t stay in a basket anymore. Took the bed upstairs so will have to put him on the studio couch downstairs now. Your J.A.M.A. is still coming and I save every one. I also save other medical magazines. If you don’t want them when you come back can chuck them. John & Mark are bathing. I am getting sleepy so will have to quit due to space.
Love Mother
©2013 copyright owned and/or written by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/12/05/re-read-your-s…letters-gladys/
Letter transcription:
MRS R. S. YEGERLEHNER
KENTLAND
INDIANA
2-1-43
Dear Daddy – Six letters today and one each for J. & M. – Also the box with the cat eyes & shells. I think the cat eyes very pretty & unusual. The name is right. Mark was thrilled over the shells. John looked at them but they didn’t mean so much to him as Mark. Your letters today were in answer to some you from me and it was the kind I like to get – of course you can’t write like that until you get some to answer. We are all over our colds – so hope you haven’t spent too much time worrying over us. We did have a long siege but seems like past history now. Mother is ironing and Clara M. is doing some cleaning. I am not trying to do much but take care of David. I think that comes first and tho he is very good it takes just so much time to do all that has to be done for him – and I am a little on the ragged end after such a long sinus infection. I am feeling good but not much extra pep for doing cleaning. There has been so much smoke this winter because of the extreme cold weather everything gets so dirty. We took the rug out of the den (nursery). It was getting so worn & hard to keep clean. I am going to move the piano into the living room so the den can be David’s room. That is where we keep him most of the time and it is too crowded now. There is sunshine today after yesterdays gloom. Some thaw too. Ruthie wrote that the movies they took were good so when you come home you can see what David looked like at 3 months. Will send pictures this week – Love – Mother
©2013 copyright owned and/or written by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/12/03/six-letters-today-gladys/
Letter transcription:
I got some letters a week before the first one you wrote came.
Kentland Ind
Jan 31-1943
Dear Daddy-
The last day of this month and more weather. It is very gloomy – rain – There is a little snow left and it isn’t very picturesque. I don’t know how cold it is but looks very uninviting out – like a person would rather stay inside. I called Mrs. Plummer this morning and asked her if she would come over this afternoon – I am going over after her in a few minutes – in the car of course. – – a few hours later
Have had our guest and taken her home again. We had a nice visit. She hadn’t seen the baby since before Christmas and was so glad to spend an afternoon with him. Said he looks like you. She had a “snapfolio” Ruth Padgett gave her to send to you. It has two pictures of the Padgett baby – you remember him. The photo holder
[page 2] was just what I was wanting to send our pictures in – Ruth wanted you to have it to keep David’s pictures in. She told Mrs. Plummer she used 100 cans of S.M.A. – amounting to $100⁰⁰ for “Tommy.” At 10 months he weighs 24 lbs – and wears 3 yr old size suits. He is a baby like Donnie Funk – however our David isn’t so slow. He weighed 14-7 this morning – 4 months & 1 week old – gets Pablum, egg yolk & vegetable soup in addition to 1 can milk every day. He seems to know when to behave just right. He was as good as could be while Mrs. P. was here. He usually is but has his days.
The wind is blowing this evening – You know how it can blow around here – as well as there – The boys – (John & Mark) – came in from Youth Fellowship and John said it’s not so good out. It was freezing when I took Mrs. P. home. There were snow flurries about 5 o’clock – but they didn’t last long.
Bought car & drivers license yesterday $9.75 altogether. Have a bal in the bank now of 296 – but have the Jan bills to pay – coal 28.64 – The boys ins next month & David’s new policy
[page 3] Our new 1943 license is a little plate that is attached to the old (rear) but a new number 541-198. The balance I quoted has the Feb rent deducted – and the Feb check hasn’t been added yet. – Also I have to pay for my coat yet. – Maybe I’ll still have margin enough after everything taken care of to play your ins. loan – then mine. I think those two paid off would be the best investment because of the 6%. I bought those 6 – 37⁵⁰ bonds I mentioned several times before – and about that 1941 tax again. The Federal man advised not to pay it – because it won’t have to be paid – if at all – until six months after the duration and there will be no interest – and we have our bonds to use for payment later on – now does that sound like a wise play or not? Since we are being urged to buy more bonds all the time – and the bonds will be ready for use when you (we) need them to pay taxes, etc., when you are ready to start up again. If this plan doesn’t suit you you can write and tell me to go ahead & pay said taxes.
[page 4] This is the first regular letter I have written in about a week – Have been using v-mail. There is another campaign on for people to use it. I never feel like I get it all said when I use v-mail but since it should be quicker than this will use it most of the time. The P.O. Clerk told me I could send 3 a day but I try to get by with one. At least it will help some if you get a v-mail once in a while – if not all. If you could get one a week you could keep pretty well informed about us here at home. My sinus trouble seems to have cleared up and my throat is well too. The sinus drainage made the throat irritation. John & Mark are on the well list too and David is fine – gains about an once a day – sometimes more. It seemed like we did have a long siege – starting early in Dec and one or the other of us having colds in some form thru most of this month. John having stiff neck two days & missing school. Mark got a cold Mon. last week from the cold school room but he is over it now. – They have gone to bed and I am tired and it’s time to take David up & feed him. Have to move his bed upstairs. He is much too active now for the basket. Will have to fix something for him to be in downstairs. It if were warm weather could put him down in a play pen but since it is cold will have to do something else. Didn’t get a letter Sat. so am looking for one tomorrow –
Love – Mother
P.S. as of this date uniform money hasn’t come
©2013 copyright owned and written by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/12/01/last-day-of-this-month-gladys/
Letter transcription:
1/31/43
Dear Mother,
This P.M. while reading a little I fell asleep and was out for almost one hour. Don’t exactly know why because I was reading one of Daymon Runynon short stories, but I will confess I don’t remember much of the story even though I did finish it.
Image courtesy of Wikipedia
Hasn’t rained any today as yet but the wind blows hard – we are looking forward to a show tonight to help the Eve. pass by. The name of the show is The Queen of the Yukon. Sounds very exciting.
Dr. Loop was in a short time this P.M. Just long enough to say Hello and was gone again. I thought he had gone because it had been some time since he had paid us a visit.
[page 2] Just 6 mo ago today I took my wild airplane ride across the country from Chicago to San Francisco. That was a very hard day’s ride and if you ever want to relax don’t travel so far in a plane because it is very tiresome. I really have to go back a long time to get something to write about but that’s the only way I can think of enough to write. There are lots of things I could ask about but I know you have the answers in the mail that is coming but mail coming doesn’t mean a thing – only that that is here is any good or as an old Yegerlehner saying – a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush. Or maybe that is somebodys else’s saying.
Dr. P. just got a Christmas greeting and a V-mail dated Dec. 26 but that doesn’t
[page 3] help very much – we still have a possibility of mail at 5 P.M. but I think there is no hope for much – but in time things will come along again I hope. Will finish later.
Well things are better – had two shows tonite, and also had mail. Your V-mail letter of Jan 12 came, air mail Jan 14 also air mail Dec. 29, Dec 26 Dec. 24. Your letter of Jan 14 wasn’t too good but I really think now that you have had that washed out it will be OK at least I hope so. I believe if that had been treated often early that wouldn’t have happened – but you can’t get that type of treatment at home unless things have changed since I left there. I truly hope and pray things are better for you now. My mail is at least 6-8 days later than others due to you writing every day. The V-mail is later than most others but this Jan. 14 is the later – keep dropping a V-mail about once each wk.
[page 4] The picture of D. was pretty good – he begins to look as if he is filling out pretty rapidly.
Most of your letters were old and the old ones told of your condition leading up to this last affair but like a continued story all your letters end in critical points. The one on Jan 8 said you were better. The V-mail of Jan 12 said one side was Ok, but the other was acting up. Yours of the 14th said you had a washing out and there is the end. I suppose the next will be 4-5 days later and it probably won’t get here for several days. So I’ll just have to wait worry & sweat until I get the next. Your suggestions about the hospital is fine and I hope you go if things are too bad. Surely someone will take care of J & M in case you have to go.
I’ll be waiting for Agnes M. letter about the taxes – do what you want. Just so you keep me out of Jail & buy bonds
[page 5] to cover the taxes. And Don’t renew the J.A.M.A. I told you that before but just in case the word didn’t get there.
Along with your mail came a V-mail from Allgoods and a Christmas greeting from Guess Who – Amel Taylor. And it was censored – wasn’t that a Joke. The only letter that has even been censored. Really I’ll write them a reply – They I think mean well but their finances are not the best so I’ll answer just to be nice.
I’ll re-read your letters tomorrow and maybe have something more to write but it is now time to turn in so I’ll say solong and hope you are better, much better, by now
Love Daddy
©2013 copyright owned and written by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/11/30/dont-exactly-know-why-roscoe/
Genealogy Lady 