Tag Archives: David A. Yegerlehner

Finding A House (Roscoe)

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April 24, 1944 envelope

April 24, 1944, p. 1

Letter transcription:

Apr. 24

Dear Mother,

The day passed without too much happening – Joe seems to have gotten settled fairly well but will be worked pretty hard if no more Drs. are attached to their place. He has the nose & throat work of the station.

I got a call today about a house but decided not to do anything about it. It was a large house which rented for $150 per mo. and the gal thought since I’d said the Roberts and us wanted to be near one another we could take the house but I’m afraid that would have its drawbacks. The biggest probably being the chance that one or other might be ordered away leaving the other to hold the bag or rather the house at $150 per mo. I’ve given two Drs. who live in Chicago the word to keep looking in their area for vacancies – maybe if there are enough strings out one will be fastened to something. So we’ll keep

April 24, 1944, p. 2

[page 2] looking and inquiring. One of the fellows wants me to ride into Chicago with him and look around. He really wants me nearby so we can share cars – a pregnant idea for all concerned.

When I was talking about not giving D. any sulfa drug with measles I didn’t mean it shouldn’t but in case ears or throat develops then it would be OK. I’d also forgotten. I looked it up last night – The contagious period may run up to 16-21 days rather than the usual 10 days to 2 wks. so it may be longer before he takes them if he does. Watch for the knots behind his ears. Those appear first.

Well, I’m going to see if I can find a book to read tonight, and relax for a while –
Love Daddy

©2016 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2016/01/28/finding-a-house-roscoe/

Birds and Bees (Gladys)

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April 24, 1944 envelope

April 24, 1944, p. 1

Letter transcription:

Kentland Ind.
4-24-44

Dear Daddy –

Another “gray Monday.” It has rained and there is quite a wind today. My neighbor braved the weather and hung out clothes, but I didn’t wash any today.

We came home about 4 o’clock yesterday. After we came back I was going to take David for a walk, but the wind was so strong we didn’t stay out very long. I don’t want to do anything that might not be so good for him if he is taking measles. This is the 8^th day and no signs so far, but I’ll watch him closely. I would like to go to Laf. sometime this week. I didn’t get to town this morning to see Mr. Rinard about my glasses, but

April 24, 1944, p. 2

[page 2] I doubt if he can fix them. I will try to go down this afternoon. I think I’ll wait until J. & M. get home from school, so I won’t have to take David. I don’t want to expose anyone, and we might do that if we don’t keep David home.

Yesterday on the way home Mark asked me how a Dr. could tell when a woman was going to have a baby. I told him a woman had to tell the Dr. first, then he wondered how the woman knew. I was floundering around for a suitable answer and he said, “Oh I get it, after a woman gets married, she gets a seed that grows.” Now the next time you are home I want you to do some more explaining to Mark. That was the first time he had asked such a question and I wasn’t very well prepared to answer him.

David is in bed, but hasn’t gone to sleep yet. His bowels were normal again this morning. I put him on the toidey after breakfast

April 24, 1944, p. 3

[page 3] and he had his stool. So far that has been all today. He wanted to go bye-bye this morning. He could see the car in the garage and would point to it and say “car.” Once this morning he took his overalls off and put them in the drawer. I think he is going to sleep now, after an hour of playing in his bed.

I opened the box of candy yesterday and it is quickly vanishing. Maybe it is just as well for me to have help on it – I might eat too much if I didn’t have help.

I wrote Mrs. Stanish a letter and will get the M.O. to put in it this afternoon. I didn’t mention the flowers. I suppose if Vince wants her to know how they were ordered he can tell her. I wrote Reader’s Digest your new address. Called Monroe & left word for him to come out and look at the belt. So far he hasn’t come.

April 24, 1944, p. 4

[page 4] David is awake and I measured him – he is 33 ¾” – ¾” taller than a month ago.

I am cleaning out the desk and found T. J. Murphy’s letter – his address is 1508 Banks Place – Lakeland Fla. – in case you want to write to him.

I found the coal bills – $25 & $22 – should I pay them? I paid the Hancock Ins. $70.70 and Mrs. Stanich and our balance is $184.00 – However in another week the $200.00 will come and I can dep. $170.00. Maybe we should pay those bills now (?)

I just had a thought, idea or what have you. In case you would find an apt. now and would have to take it in order to get it, maybe we could come up for a week-end, even if you had duty – Just an idea, in case something comes our way. I think I could drive thru without assistance of anyone else. Of course the chances are we won’t get one so soon, but in case we do it would be a pleasant way to spend the week-end.

John & Mark are home and I must go to town –
Love Mother

©2016 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2016/01/27/birds-and-bees-gladys/

Home for the Weekend

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Roscoe did indeed make it home for the weekend. David reached the milestone of his 19th month while “Daddy” was home. Without an exchange of letters, the only remaining details of the weekend were recorded in the baby book.

David’s baby book, dated April 23, 1944

April 23, 1944

David’s 19th month – 26 1/2 libs – 33 3/4″ tall

Daddy is on duty at Great Lakes (reported Apr. 13) and got to come home for the weekend – was home the 23rd the day David was 19 months old. We took some pictures of Daddy and David together. David has learned to say, “No” and shake his head accordingly when asked if he wants to be put in his bed for misbehavior. He is saying Mammy at present for Mother but we hope to teach him to say Mother correctly. He says “tee” for train. He doesn’t try to tell us when he has to toidey. Still has [to] wear thumb guards – Apr. 24 – David doesn’t wear thumb guards now – We put “Thum” on his thumbs and he quit putting them in his mouth – Now wears training panties but doesn’t cooperate much. Apr. 26 – climbed up on the radio in John and Mark’s room, pulled it over on himself – cut his lip and had to have two stitches taken. One upper front tooth is pushed back out of line.

Walk to Town (Gladys)

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April 19 & 20, 1944 envelope

April 19 & 20, 1944, p. 1

Letter transcription:

Kentland Ind.
4-19-44

Dear Daddy –

I wrote one letter this morning but thought I would start one this afternoon while I was thinking about what I wanted to write.

I took David out for a walk and he kept going until we were on Main street so I got the paper & a few articles I needed at the drug store. I saw Coke and she wanted to know about when you would be home. Said they wanted to see you, etc. I asked her about Dr. Baer and he is a MacIntyre. They live in a town close to Great Lakes, but it isn’t Lake Forest. She told me the name but I don’t remember. Maybe it was Highland Park. I am not sure. At any rate coke wants you to see Dr. B. He is a Commander now. I saw Alma and she said the evening we tried to call them was the only evening they were away from home, and on Wed. evening

April 19 & 20, 1944, p. 2

[page 2] before you went to G.L. they didn’t go to the show, but were downtown. We just didn’t see them.

I stopped to see Mrs. Krull and she says the suits wouldn’t make over for John. Says she wouldn’t tackle the job and a tailor would charge $15.00 to do the job. I was wondering if Ralph or Clarence could use a suit or two. Mrs. K. just made one of Nick’s old suits over for Dorothy. I wish I had used one of yours for myself instead of buying the one I did. I still would like to have a black suit and could take the pin strip and have one made for myself.

I stopped at Johnsons and Jimmy had been sick. I saw someone sitting in the living room and opened the door and David ran in. Lucile came and said Jimmy had been sick but was feeling better and temp was normal. He was quite sick last night and had a temp of 104 4/10 (rectally). He had a convulsion last night

April 19 & 20, 1944, p. 3

[page 3] but seemed perfectly normal today. The Dr. thought he might be taking measles or something but evidently not or he would be breaking out. His throat was sore and the Dr. swabbed it. David was with him Sun. & Mon. afternoon and Lucile thinks he was starting a temp Mon. so if he has anything D. has a good chance of getting it from being with him Mon. Of course at the time Lucile didn’t know he had a temp, but we were in the restaurant together and before that she had Jimmy out here, and when she started home from the restaurant with Jimmy, said he got fussy and she had to carry him home. I hope he doesn’t develop anything. Are children who are subject to allergies more apt to have convulsions than others? The thought just occurred to me, because of Jimmy and the Wilson baby, Michael, was like Jimmy when he was small (covered with eczema) and he is subject to convulsions. Or is it due to the high temperatures?

April 19 & 20, 1944, p. 4

[page 4] Bobby came up with 25₵ and asked Mark to buy him a plane to build so Mark is at Funks now making Bobby a plane. John asked me if he should go to a party Sat. nite, since you were planning to come home he wasn’t sure it would be the thing to do, but I told him he could see you Sun. and I thought he should attend the party since he stays home most of the time.

It is 6 PM by the living room clock, so that means chow time for David. He should have a good appetite after walking to town and back. I thought maybe he had walked too much and John said, “Do you realize if he had been home he would be walking around here all the time?”

Thurs. a.m. – the mail hasn’t been delivered yet – I am finishing this for Mark to take as he goes to school. It is cloudy this morning and looks very much like it will rain anytime. I did have ideas of washing some but now have a good excuse not to.

Love Mother

P.S. Highland Park is right.

©2016 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2016/01/24/walk-to-town-gladys/

Strong Woman (Gladys)

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April 19, 1944 envelope

April 19, 1944, p. 1

Letter transcription:

Kentland Ind.
4-19-44

Dear Daddy –

The mail carrier was around earlier than usual – in fact before we had breakfast, so I had your letter mailed yesterday to read before breakfast. It is nice and sunny today. I will have to take David out for a walk. He does love to go out of doors. Martha came over to ask if I wanted anything from town (her mother was going) and David cried when Martha left. I gave him a cookie and that fixed things up pretty fine. I have been upstairs cleaning some this a.m. I didn’t go into spring cleaning, just dusted and straightened and cleaned the bathroom floor. I think I’ll have to get back on my vitamins. I feel a little out of pep after I work a while.

April 19, 1944, p. 2

[page 2] I just have one unicap left. I think I’ll get another bottle. I believe they help me as much as anything I have taken. I think I forgot to tell you I got a heart reaction from the last liver & Vit. B shot I took, so am afraid to try that again for a pick-up.

Our neighbors arrived home from Fla. yesterday. It was nice in the morning but by mid afternoon it had clouded up, turned cool and rained, but the weather is ideal this morning so maybe they won’t feel a chill.

Mrs. Zell had their car yesterday and I went to town with her and got David’s milk. She was having dinner guests (Shanlaubs) so I helped her get ready for them. She didn’t have the house straightened up at 4 PM and I didn’t have anything in particular to do so helped her. She is having a birthday party

April 19, 1944, p. 3

[page 3] for Virginia after school today. It is for the girls in the 5^th grade. This is one party J. & M. will miss, no boys invited.

I think I’ll go see Mrs. Krull today about cutting a suit down for John. I wish I knew someone your size who would buy some of those things and just buy John a new suit. I am going to have to do something soon if he keeps growing because his legs & arms are getting too long for the suit he has now.

Bun Walkup delivered some peat moss to Statons yesterday. I told him to haul our clinkers the next time he hauls trash. He was asking about you. Thought you hadn’t been home long enough to be back on duty. He said Iva Jean wondered how I held up under your being away. I suppose she was greatly

April 19, 1944, p. 4

[page 4] relieved that Bun didn’t have to go. I told Bun to tell her I am a “strong woman” – however I don’t feel that way at all sometimes, but I don’t go around sounding off my weakness. She would find out like anyone else whose husband is in Service who we stand it. It isn’t easy.

So far today David hasn’t had any accidents in his panties, but that isn’t his fault. I have been trying to watch him. He woke up about 1 a.m. and I put him in bed with me. He was wide awake and kept bothering me so I put dry pants on him and put him back in his bed. About 7:45 he woke me and I put him on the toidey. He had a B.M. After breakfast I put him on and he went, then again while I was working upstairs. It is time to check again – He just ran by me and I missed it – pants wet. I made thumbs stalls but didn’t get them just right – he can slip them off – but he hasn’t been bothering his thumb at all so maybe our battle is about over.

Love Mother

©2016 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2016/01/23/strong-woman-gladys/

Haven’t Any Ambition (Gladys)

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April 18, 1944 envelope

April 18, 1944, p. 1

Letter transcription:

Kentland Ind.
4-18-44

Dear Daddy –

Just finished breakfast and thought I would write you before the mail man comes around so he can take this up when he comes. Mark has gone to school so can’t send it by him. It is cloudy today & forecast for rain. David isn’t going to like this I am sure. He was out so much yesterday. I had him out in the yard in the morning then in the PM. Lucile came out with Jimmy and we walked to town. I banked $235.00. Our bal. according to the bank was $75.00 but surely some check wasn’t in yet because I am sure there was a ck or two I hadn’t put down. Well, I’ll find out when the statement comes.

I saw Al Cast and he told me Socky had seen you and forgotten himself for a minute and greeted you rather loudly. According to Al, Socky was afraid he would be seen by someone who would not approve of his behavior – anyway he was scared for a minute or two. I saw Tibby Tilton and he was inquiring as to your address.

April 18, 1944, p. 2

[page 2] He has to be back Sat. morning and wanted to look you up, so you may have a caller some time Sat. I told him you were coming home after duty Sat. I saw several boys (sailors) on the street yesterday. I think Emory Richards was home and Jr. Morton.

– – Your letters of yesterday & Fri. just came. The one was posted the 15^th and posted again the 17^th at Hobart so must have been mixed up with some other mail. You explained your meeting with Socky in your Fri. letter.

In one of your letters you mentioned something about Joe – I had been thinking about when he would go up and if he is in a hurry to report in, it will cut your visit home short, since you won’t get here until late Sat. nite. Do you want me to contact them and make arrangements for you to go back with Joe? Of course if you can’t come home, I’ll be anxious for Joe to go early, but I am hoping you get to come home if only for a short while.

April 18, 1944, p. 3

[page 3] I think I have a bladder irritation but won’t take any medicine but the water treatment. I will drink lots of water today and I’ll see what that will do. Other than that I feel pretty good. Washed what clothes were dirty yesterday and ironed last night while J. & M. did arith. I was very tired when I got thru but went to bed and slept good all night so feel pretty good now. David is feeling fine this morning. He had 2 B.M.’s before I got him downstairs. He ate a lot of applesauce yesterday. I am going to give him cottage cheese today and try to stop him up a little.

The sun is breaking thru a little so David may get his play out in the yard. His new lower molar is thru enough to show up when he smiles.

I saw Marg Carlson yesterday and I hadn’t sent in the form for her scrapbook. I asked her what kind of a picture she wanted so think I’ll give her the picture we kept on the table, take in Noumea.

April 18, 1944, p. 4

[page 4] That is a good face picture and that is what she wants. I should give her one like you carry in your billfold – (or should I?).

I must get to work – not that I have any particular ambition today – it’s too early in the day for my pep to rise – I missed the mail man so will send this by Mark at noon.

Dorothy is taking Marie S. to Billings this week for a treatment. I was in the restaurant a while yesterday and she was talking about going up. Lucile said she would possibly have their car a day or two this week and if she does we plan to go to Laf. about Fri. and do a little shopping. I tried to get a new collar for the black dress. (I finally got the flowers off) at the dress shop but they didn’t have anything, so I have an excuse to go to Laf.

As I said before I must get busy, tho I haven’t any ambition yet.
Love Mother

©2016 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2016/01/21/havent-any-ambition-gladys/

The Easter Candy (Gladys)

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April 17, 1944 envelope

April 17, 1944, p. 1

Letter transcription:

Kentland Ind.
4-17-44

Dear Daddy –

Yours mailed yesterday came this a.m. with the M.O.’s. I will go to the bank this afternoon and deposit the most of it. Will keep out a few dollars for daily use. I am so glad you are planning to come home Sat. Just hope nothing turns up to change your plans. It is sunny so far today but there are grey clouds hanging around and the weather forecast is for rain tonight. I hung out two washers of clothes. Took David out in the yard with me. Jimmy & Martha ran around and played with him and he had a good time. He is still having a time, but in his bed. I put him down just before J. & M. came home from school and he got too much attention when he shouldn’t have had any. He is tearing his bed up but will quiet down and go to sleep after John goes back to school. John is practicing now.

April 17, 1944, p. 2

[page 2] Mark has gone back to school. He always has so much play to get done before the bell rings. John is keeping his report card so you can sign it before he takes it back.

I had a little experience with the Bendix. I was trying to push some soap thru that I had cut up on the grader. I pushed too hard, was using a blueing bottle for the pusher, and the metal screen pushed thru. It dropped to the drain and I got it out thru the little drawer at the bottom, where the drain is cleaned. I didn’t try to put it back in place. Thought I would save that job for you. However I hardly think you will have much time for things around here, since you won’t get home until Sat. nite.

I am wondering if you have done anything about the housing situation and if so what the results have been. I know you haven’t had much time yet.

April 17, 1944, p. 3

[page 3] No mail today except your letter and Colliers. I can’t understand Jim’s silence. I suppose we will hear from him when he gets around to writing. I think I wrote to him about a week after you came home.

– – I resumed my duties such as washing dishes & clothes. Had a few of David’s things to do and didn’t want to do them by hand so gathered up enough others to put in the Bendix. It is all clear and sunny now. No dark clouds hanging around. I feel that way myself. That is what your letter did for me today. What a man.

Have you seen or heard anything about the neighbor’s brother-in-law? I would have thought he would be in the hospital where you are. So far as I know our neighbors are still vacationing in Fla. I suppose they will be coming back soon, now that the weather seems to be warming up. Hope it warms up for you so you can change uniforms. Purely mercenary thought.

April 17, 1944, p. 4

[page 4] David finally went to sleep and is still snoozing. I would like to grab 40 winks myself before he gets awake.

You remember the Easter candy? I took it all out of the box and put it in a desk drawer – to keep the wolves away. I just left the box & empty papers on the sewing cabinet. J. & M. made several trips to the empty box (force of habit). Finally Mark said this box of candy was a gyp. I didn’t say anything. They never did find my hiding place. I knew if they did it would soon be gone – This way I can have a nibble once in a while – Now am I an old meanie?

Shall I send Vince’s wife a check or money order for $34? What shall I say about the money? I don’t believe we settled on that. This mail service is something, eh what? Write one day, you get it the next and vise versa. I’ll not write to Mrs. Stanich until I hear from you.

Love Mother

©2016 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2016/01/18/the-easter-candy-gladys/

Busy (Gladys)

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April 15 & 16, 1944 envelope

April 15 & 16, 1944, p. 1

Letter transcription:

Kentland Ind.
4-15-44

Dear Daddy,

I wrote one letter this a.m. Have been keeping busy all day and thought I was feeling pretty good but during supper John said, “We got used to Daddy being gone before, but this is awful.” I asked him if he was lonesome and he said, “very.” Mark said something about going down to Grandma’s to spend the summer. John said, “Who wants to go down there? I want to be with Daddy.” I thought John acted rather casual Thurs. morning when you told him good-bye, but I suppose that is his way. He doesn’t say much at the time or demonstrate but it comes out sooner or later. He is playing records now. We listened to the radio for an hour then the programs didn’t suit us so he decided to play some Beethoven. Mark is busy with his drawing.

April 15 & 16, 1944, p. 2

[page 2] He keeps talking about taking lessons this summer. I hope it can be arranged.

David was getting restless around 5 o’clock and I thought maybe a haircut would divert his attention. It rained most of the afternoon and he didn’t get his play out in the yard and he missed that quite noticeably. To go on with the haircut, he objected to the clippers right off, so I used the scissors & comb. Finally we coaxed him into letting me use the clippers but he wouldn’t hold still – results a little cracky, but looks better than it did. I gave him his supper about 6 o’clock then put him down and fixed ours. I had put a plate of hamburger on the table and looked around in time to see him grab some hamburger and cram it into his mouth. To keep him in good humor while we ate, I gave him one pea at a time. He would run into the dining room to eat the pea then come back for another. I taped his thumbs good enough last night he didn’t get the guards off once. I cut them off to give him his bath tonight. I may not have done as good a job on the new ones but haven’t heard him chewing on his thumbs yet.

April 15 & 16, 1944, p. 3

[page 3] Sunday afternoon

To continue the letter I started last nit. We have had dinner & washed dishes. Mark is at a loss for something to do. Says he is lonesome. Seems to be contagious around here. I am at one end of the dining room table and he is at the other. He is drawing something. He wanted me to take a walk but it is either raining or will be, so that let’s that out. It is very chilly. Took David to church. He behaved very nicely. It was Communion Day and Rev. Servies asked the Juniors first so John took David out after that and kept him in the vestibule. Lucile was at church and asked us to bring David over to see Jimmy. Ed was still in his robe and pjs. Said Jimmy saw David going to church and got very excited. They haven’t taken Jimmy to church yet. I don’t mind taking David when he behaves as

April 15 & 16, 1944, p. 4

[page 4] well as he did today. He doesn’t want to go to sleep now. After he finished his dinner I put him to bed and he is still fussing around and it’s past 1:30.

My hands are almost back to normal. There is still some peeling but no new places starting. They feel very tender and sensitive to water, but I think in a week I will be able to resume routine work, like washing dishes, etc., without any ill effects.

The Zells went to Oxford today and Mark went over to feed the chickens about 1 PM. Mr. Z. said if the sun came out to open the west door. I told him he was very optimistic. He was, because it is raining and looks like it will for quite a while.

John is listening to his regular Sun PM programs. He has a new piece of music that cost $1.50 however he hasn’t paid for it yet. I haven’t any money. I thought I would wait until your ck. comes and when I deposit it get some cash. I paid the telephone bill yesterday. It was $4.72 but the San F. tolls were not on it. The calls I made to Wilmington & C.C. were on it. I wonder why the two you made weren’t included.

April 15 & 16, 1944, p. 5

[page 5] I was glancing over the ck. book and the bal. is $70.17 but I think there were some cks. cashed by you & me that aren’t recorded, so we probably have less than $70.00. I will call the bank in the morning and check on our balance.

Verna Burns just called from Watseka and wanted to know if you could appear on a luncheon program for a sorority meeting as a speaker. I told her in the first place you weren’t permitted to do any public speaking and the second place you were on duty and wouldn’t be available at that time (May 5 – 1 PM). Correct me if I am wrong. I told her Dr. R. was home and she said she knew it. I wonder why she did [not] try to contact him. Maybe she doesn’t know him personally.

David finally gave up and went to sleep. He got his thumb guards

April 15 & 16, 1944, p. 6

[page 6] off once but I put a new one on. I haven’t made the kind you suggested yet, but will try to get that done tomorrow. I have done a few other things since you left tho. After baths last night I dried the wall around the tub. So far no signs of water seepage around the putty. I am “right proud” of your work. It certainly makes the bathroom look much better. I want to get the lower half of the “Powder Room” painted or maybe I should save that job for you.

I haven’t been away from home since you left so haven’t been out news gathering – if there is any. Somehow I don’t relish the idea of having people ask questions about this & that. I hope you get next Sun. off so you can come home. If not I am coming up. I wish we could arrange something for the week-end if you can’t come home, if not I’ll come with Joe. This month is having a long beginning. I hope it doesn’t seem as long as the first few days have. I had a notion to call you last night but didn’t. We all miss you

Love Mother

Four Pages With What Have You (Gladys)

1 Reply

April 15, 1944 envelope

April 15, 1944, p. 1

Letter transcription:

Kentland Ind.
4-15-44

Dear Daddy –

Your letter written the 13^th and post marked 4 PM Apr. 14 came this a.m. I sent out a letter yesterday and hope you get it by today. When your letter came the boys gathered around to listen and got quite a “kick” out of the 23 little men. John decided we needed a cake, “now that Daddy is gone,” and is mixing one now. Mark is putting bon ami on all the windows. It is raining and he can’t play out so I thought this would be a god job for him. He (Mark) slept with me last night. This a.m. David was awake and very insistent about some attention. Mark brought him to me and he was wet and had had a B.M. which was very soft and extensive. I suppose he had too many green beans yesterday. Mark got up and went to the store and got a few things we needed – and a qt. of cottage cheese. I gave David some and will give him some each meal today. That has always acted as a “builder upper” for him. When I

April 15, 1944, p. 2

[page 2] started to dress him after breakfast he reached into the drawer and got out the pink knitted suit I made for him last year so he looks a little like a sissy in his pink and needing a hair cut.

The weather cleared up about noon yesterday and we had sunshine long enough to get two washes out to dry. It is raining this a.m. so no washing today. I ironed and ironed yesterday and finally got it all done. I even got what was washed yesterday ironed. I was so tired last night I was afraid maybe I had worked off some of my excess fat but this a.m. I still balanced the scales a shade under 100. I won’t work so hard today now that I am caught up on the washing & ironing. I promised Mark we would make a batch of cookies after John gets thru with the cake.

Mark said Geo. Dinwiddie called his drawing “corny” so our Mark comes back with, “well we are going to live with Daddy this summer and I am going to Chicago and take drawing lessons.” The little Sammons boy and one or two others took up the discussion and said it wasn’t essential and Mark couldn’t drive to Chicago to take lessons. From there on I don’t know what was said, except that in all probability our Mark had

April 15, 1944, p. 3

[page 3] the last work. I had a good notion to tell Mark to tell Jimmy S. that it wasn’t essential for his parents to take a trip to Ga. or wherever it was they went this winter. However I didn’t make any comment. Yesterday after school Mr. Zell asked John & Mark to help him roll his yard. Mr. Z. was a little on the touchy side and Virginia said to Mark, “I’ll bet your Daddy isn’t grouchy.” I asked Mark what he answered – he said, “I just kept my big mouth shut.”

Haven’t heard from Jim yet. All that came Thurs. & Fri. was the Kent papers. Your letter & a letter from Wayne Pharm. Supply Co. was all that came this a.m.

I was thinking about a radio last night and wondered why you didn’t take the kitchen radio with you. We could get along with the one in the living room. If you want it and I come up with Dr. Joe I’ll bring it up. However I hope you get to come home by that time. If not I think I’ll come up as planned.

April 15, 1944, p. 4

[page 4] My hands are peeling off but I can’t close my left hand yet. There are still some water pockets on my left hand but the old places are about gone. I believe the worse is over. I keep my left hand out of the water and am still very careful not to get my right hand in water more than I have to. I keep scaling off all the time. Now believe me I will not touch tomatoes in any form again (soon).

I haven’t been away from home since you left, but have been busy doing things. I would take David for a walk today but it is too wet and I have been taking him out in the yard the past two days and he doesn’t want to come in when I do. Arlene was looking for Bobby Thurs. afternoon and I told her I would keep Donnie out with David but she declined. She looked so tired and said she was having Carl & Rosemary come for dinner. They (C. & M.) are having their house painted (inside). I am afraid Arlene isn’t getting enough rest so soon after she had that repair work done. She has a girl from John’s class come after school and help I think. Louise is past helping her now.

John got into a little difficulty with his cake – he forgot to add the milk and it was so thick he couldn’t pour it into the pans.

For no news I have pretty well filled four pages with what have you. Maybe one of your 23 helped me.
Love – Mother

P.S. John got his report card Thurs PM A+ on hist., arith. & Eng. – A on all the rest except shop B+

Twenty Some Letters (Roscoe)

1 Reply

April 15, 1944 envelope

April 15, 1944, p. 1

Letter transcription:

USN Hospital
Great Lakes, Ill.
Apr. 15, 1943

Dear Mother,

Today’s mail was like the days of the past 20 some letters – most of which were from you – yours dating from Feb. 5 to Feb. 26. One from Wayne W., one from Mark, one from the Brewers, a Christmas greeting from Geo. Wingfield and Dave’s Christmas package. It was in a mess. There was three suits of knit underware, a pipe, a book of thoughts, some candy tobacco, pipe cleaners, stationary, etc. Most of the things were spoiled. The book was OK, the pipe OK, the underware damp & moldy, the candy – you can use your imagination.

I got paid today – $355.00. I’m sending you $250. That did not include the travel money but I understand it takes several days for that to be calculated so will send it later. Our

Our uniform may not be khaki so as soon as it warms up a bit I’ll stop wearing the blue and for the time

April 15, 1944, p. 2

[page 2] will save the price of another blue.

It has been cold and rainy here all day long. This place is large and one has to do lots of walking in the rain.

I think I can arrange to come home next Sat. At least I’m working on that angle. I’m covering for another Dr. tomorrow and he is to take over for me next Sun., if some big Gold don’t enter into the picture. I’ll write more of that later. That of course would be Sat. eve after 4:30 unless I left a little early.

I read all your letters but you had told me everything. I was glad to get the pictures of the snow. The picture of the boys in the back yard were very good I thought. Your letter written Thurs. & Fri. came also today. It was so recent compared to the others.

It’s now 10:00 PM and time for bed. It took me three hours to read all the mail/
So goodnight and Love
Daddy