Tag Archives: David A. Yegerlehner

Mother’s 71st Birthday (Gladys)

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Letter transcription:

Kentland Ind.
Nov. 14 – 1943

Dear Daddy –

Sunday afternoon and cloudy. Quite chilly out of doors. John & I took David to S.S. this morning. Brought him home, then went back to church. Mark said he had a sore throat but I couldn’t see any signs of such, but didn’t insist on him going to S.S. & church. He stayed with David while J. & I went to church. Mark didn’t have any temp and seems [to] feel fine now so he must have been “gold bricking.” He insists he didn’t feel good but now is apparently fine.

Jim sent me money for flowers to take to the cemetery – this would have been Mother’s 71st birthday. Mrs. Zell stayed at the house the day of the funeral so is going with me this afternoon to take the flowers.

My sore throat seems to be cleared and sinus not bad. I took sulfadiazine

[page 2] twenty hours and didn’t break out any. I could have taken another dose but my throat felt good and I didn’t want to take until I got a reaction. It must have been a small bug – but I believe it was starting like it did last year & I nipped in the bud (I hope). Virginia Zell also had a sore throat and was in bed yesterday. I think we were both getting it at the same time. She came over for me to help her with her knitting, then she went out & raked leaves in the cold, which didn’t do her any good – Of course, hanging out clothes Fri. didn’t help me any either. I am debating in my mind if I will hang out tomorrow if the sun shines – don’t worry, I won’t if it’s very cold.

David is playing in the nursery, Mark is in his room supposed to be modeling airplanes, John has the Sunday Symphony on and I am trying to write – you will excuse these two letters together but must confess, forgot to mail yesterdays – I have a good excuse, I had to stay in due to my throat and didn’t send the boys to town for anything in the P.M.

Here’s hoping you get both –
Love Mother

©2015 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2015/06/11/mothers-71st-birthday-gladys/

Cooking Utensils (Gladys)

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Letter transcription:

Kentland Ind.
11-13-43

Dear Daddy –

Yours of Nov. 4 came yesterday but none today. I had a little throat bug, so in order to nip it as soon as possible went down to Dr. M. He swabbed my throat & told me to take sulfadiazine. I am allergic to sulfa at times but decided I could itch a little in order to get my throat well. So far I have taken 5 tablets & no reaction. My throat is better today but still feels scratchy. I have been lying down this afternoon because of taking the sulfa. I feel pretty good but know one should go slow when taking any kind of sulfa. This morning John stirred up a choc. Cake, a batch of oatmeal cookies and I made two pumpkin pies. I sent

[page 2] one pie to Zells. I used their cookie sheet & baking pan. The cookie sheet I have makes things burn and there is such a scarcity of cooking utensils now doubt if I could find a new cookie sheet.

Mark has gone over to Zells now to help Mr. Z. load trash on his trailer. He is going to haul for both of us. Bun Walkup was supposed to come weeks ago & haul clinkers and they have piled up now to the place we have to have them hauled. I haven’t started putting them in the furnace yet – there are so many by spring I hate to start that so soon.

Had a letter from your Mother. She had rec’d yours and told me your new address & was hoping you would see Herschel. I had written her two days ago telling her about receiving your message and she no doubt rec’d it about the time I rec’d hers. She said Carolyn had a bad throat & that Clarence was going

[page 3] to have her tonsils out in the spring. I knew when we were down there she needed something done – she has such a nasal tone.

John is listening to Notre Dame & North Western foot ball game. He understands it. He & Mark talk foot ball a lot. That being the big game here they are interested.

David is in his bed playing with his toy kitten. Trys to say kitty – does pretty good job too. The way he drools, he keeps his front wet if he doesn’t have a bib. Now he is throwing everything out of his bed. Betty Zell came over and he waved bye-bye to her. He does that sometimes. I got some Libby baby food – a combination of vegetables – pumpkin, tomatoe & green bean – believe me it doesn’t taste bad – any way he eats it. Mark took him out for a while after his dinner. It is nice & sunny, cut pretty crisp. Mark hung some things out on the line & they froze so it has to be below freezing for that.

[page 4] Mark has been planning our Thanksgiving dinner – (on your birthday). Wants us to bake a chicken and pumpkin pie. Other than that I don’t know what he has on his mind. So many people now say David looks like Mark. Mrs. Zell says he looks just like “David.” I think so too however at times I can see he looks like John, the Mark – but mostly like you.

John’s class made up a box of gifts to send to Ina May Walkup. She just returned from a hospital in Chicago where she had surgery done on her neck. Her head was drawn to one side.

I understand Bill Zimmerman had to take his physical Oct. 1 – he is still in the store – I don’t know whether he was rejected – but haven’t the “nerve” to ask them – I have an idea he was – don’t you? Bob Schurrter (ag teacher) was to have joined to Navy but he is still teaching.

I think David needs dry clothes both top & bottom so will take care of our young son.
Love Mother

©2015 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2015/06/09/cooking-utensils-gladys/

Knitting Squares (Gladys)

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Letter transcription:

Kentland Ind.
11-12-43

Dear Daddy,

Yours of Nov. 4 came today – Just hope they keep coming. It has been a chilly winty day with some sunshine. I hung a washing out and got everything dry. Also got the ironing done too. Don’t feel tired so guess I didn’t do too much. I told Mrs. Zell I would keep their girls next week two days while they go to Indpls. And want to get my work out of the way. They have (are) been such good neighbors. I like to be able to return favors. Last winter when I had so much throat & sinus trouble they were both very helpful.

In glancing over the local paper I see Mrs. F. Ferris died. They were living in Goodland – Alma told me some time ago that Hazel & her mother had disagreed

[page 2] and Hazel had gone to Ky. but left the children here.

Mark is out helping the Zell girls rake leaves in their back yard they didn’t get last week. John is taking care of David. I have a little sore throat & don’t want to be too close to him. He gets a little dissatisfied along this time in the evening. He gets tired & hungry & doesn’t know what he wants. We feed him at 6 & put him to bed. Here he comes toward me now, carrying his panda. His walking is still pretty unsteady.

I just glanced thru the paper to see if I could jot down some local happenings. I see that Annabell White has been in St. E. recovering from a serious operation. Wonder what for this time. Also see that the Remsbergs

[page 3] have another addition to their family. They had been living in Fowler and the news of a baby there was quite a surprise. We can’t be surprised at any new arrivals in this era because it seems they come from the most unexpected places (families).

Mark’s room is making squares for cap robes to send to the hospitals. Mark said I could teach them how to knit so I have a job next week teaching the 5th graders how to knit. I have been helping Virginia. She is on her second square now. I tried to teach John how last year – his class made an afghan and they were all so interested in knitting but you know how awkward he is with anything like that – result he didn’t learn much about knitting.

David is raising a howl and it’s getting near his

[page 4] super time so will get this finished so I can get him ready for bed.

The sky is cloudy – looks like the clouds are full of snow. Mark hopes so but John isn’t so enthused. I would just as soon have not so cold weather for a while.

Love Mother

©2015 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2015/06/07/knitting-squares-gladys/

Armistice Day 1943 (Gladys)

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Letter transcription:

Kentland Ind.
Nov. 11 – 1943

Dear Daddy –

No mail but had your message Nov. 9. The last letter I had was of Nov. 2. It came the 7th. I suppose it will be several days before I get any more letters.

I didn’t go to the school program for Armistice Day. Instead I was busy watching the furnace. It got a little off with this new coal, but Mr. Monroe came out this morning and adjusted the feeding gauge and seems to be doing as usual now. I washed and it was nice enough to hang things out, after our preview of winter yesterday. Had quite a snow storm for a few minutes. It didn’t last long but was quite a snow for a little while.

[page 2] I took David out of doors for a while this afternoon – The sunshine was so nice I puttered around in the garage and parked the Taylor Tot just outside so he would be satisfied – He is a wee bit spoiled about having company, but I needed fresh air too & the garage needed attention so it all worked out. I worked around the driveway a little trying to cover up the coal spilled the last time I had coal put in. The sky looks like it is clouding again. Not much sunshine this week.

I took David to have his picture taken yesterday. There were several there with groups, Doris Wilson with their three, Jean Ford with their three, Mary Childress with Blanchard Jr. – and others going after I left. The photographer wasn’t my idea of a person to work with children. He expected David to sit still & then stand

[page 3] still while he fiddled (sp) around getting ready to snap the camera. Well, David doesn’t sit or stand still for anyone. He finally got some poses but I have my doubts about how good they will be.

Boonie is sending the Democrat to all men & women in service from Kentland, so you should start receiving it soon, if not already.

Had a letter from Jim and his rating has been changed to Chief Steam Fitter and expects to be sent to a Ship Yard soon. Said the quota at Norfolk was full. He will have to take a 6 mo. course wherever he goes, so won’t be leaving the county for a while, unless he had his information wrong when he was home last.

It’s about time for J. & M. to come home from school and

[page 4] raid the cookies. I made some two days ago. Put them in the oven in a tin box and they couldn’t find them yesterday when they came home – that is why there are some left today.

I have to have a clinker can emptying this evening. This Ind. coal seems to produce more than the other did. Bun Walkup was supposed to come weeks ago & haul away what has accumulated but he hasn’t been here yet.

Joe Woodruff is home on furlough. He is from Camp Peary but says he will soon be sent out. He told John he got thru boot camp pretty easy because he could play the trombone – However he said he discovered when he was told to learn so much music by the next day – the officer in charge meant business – He didn’t learn it the first time and found himself doing K.P. so after that learned what he was told to learn.

Love – Mother

©2015 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2015/06/05/armistice-day-1943-gladys/

Greetings (Gladys)

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Letter transcription:

Kentland Ind.
11-10-43

Dear Daddy –

No letters today – but I believe there was no mail delivered due to this being the Marines Birthday. However I rec’d your “greetings” last night. Bess read it to me over the phone but I am going to get a copy of it today. The message really made me feel very good, tho it didn’t contain but the one word.

David is walking now, discovered yesterday he could go on his own power and has been having a grand time covering the house. Goes into the “powder room” and shuts the door, then I have to go carefully open it to keep from bumping him

[page 2] because he always stands right there waiting for me to come & open the door for him. I just put him in his bed for a nap but he is standing up looking out the window now. I was so proud of my success with him this a.m. – didn’t have a diaper all morning, but got him on the toidy – then he spoiled his record, but he can’t talk yet so can hardly expect much yet.

Mrs. Zell asked me to go with her to a Tea at Hiestands – It is a Christian Church affair. I see a few snow flakes falling but that shouldn’t keep us home. I like to get David out every day if possible. He has learned to go in the car and gets so excited about going. One day I backed the car out of the garage just to sweep out – he was in his Taylor Tot in the yard and when he saw me backing the car out without him he began to cry.

[page 3] J. & M. are so thrilled about his walking alone. He still does a lot of jabbering but few words. He certainly is determined about things he wants to do. Is a little difficult at meal times, sometimes, especially so if he is pretty tired, but on the whole not too spoiled. He will walk around and clap his hands. John wondered why he did that & I said because he was happy about walking. There is a photographer at the Arcade Hotel today, sponsored by the Democrat. I think I’ll take David down for a picture – if I get a good one will send you one for Christmas. I haven’t had a photographer’s picture taken since he was 9 mo. old & he is almost 14 now.

You may get Christmas greetings from some of the school children. Two different ones called me this a.m. for your address.

[page 4] Mrs. R. called me last nite just to chat & see if there was any news. I told her I might see her Thurs. Dorothy said she may go to Watseka & if so I could go along & visit Mrs. R. You can imagine her surprise when Ii told her you were wearing your blues. It’s a good thing you didn’t send your clothes back.

I can look out the dining room window & see the clothes Mrs. Zell hung out & it looks like they won’t get dry – the snow is coming down fast & the wind is blowing. Just a regular winter day.

Love Mother

©2015 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2015/06/03/greetings-gladys/

A Letter from Sis (Roscoe)

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Letter transcription:

Lieut. R.S. Yegerlehner USNR
USN Base Hosp. #4 Navy 133
F.P.O. San Francisco Calif.
Nov. 9, 1943

Dear Mother,

A letter from Sis came today informing me that your Mother had passed away. I’m very sorry and feel badly that I couldn’t be there to assume the responsibilities with you but that just was not possible. From your letters I knew pretty well what the final outcome would be. As I wrote before you must be very careful now because you have been going on nerves and the let down will have its affect.

Ruth praised you highly in the way you are carrying on. All of which I felt sure of, but it sure makes me feel good to hear it from others. I think I’ve written that before but I don’t mind repeating on a subject of that type.

I hope Jim could come home and help you but Ruth didn’t say if either Glenn or Jim were there. You probably have written all the details but the letters just haven’t made the rounds. Her letter was dated Sept. Oct. 17 and it does seem strange that that should come thru and none of yours. Perhaps you didn’t have time to write as often as you wished.

It seems that D. is still a favorite with

[page 2] his aunt Ruth because she described some of his doings while she was taking care of him. Of course Mark & John came in for their share and she also said that people around there said she looked like me. How terrible for us both!!

I’m glad my Mother could come and be with you for awhile. I know she must have felt badly because I believe she thought lots of your Mother. I suppose we were very fortunate in having the mothers we had and I cannot sympathize with you because mine is still with us even though we have been miles apart for some time now.

Glenn surely picked a very good time to come home because he was able to see his mother before it was too late and I’m sure she was very much pleased with his visit.

Don’t worry about finances, etc., because they will be taken case of as time goes along and worry will only make thinks more severe for you.

I’m very anxious to receive your letters of the past few weeks for I know you have written as often as possible.

All my sympathy Dear and
Lots of Love
Daddy.

New_Zealand_Cities

©2015 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2015/06/02/a-letter-from-sis-roscoe/

Snowed Yesterday (Gladys)

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Letter transcription:

Kentland Ind
Nov. 9 – 1943

Dear Daddy,

Yours of Nov. 2 came today – again I’ll repeat about letters last week – you didn’t put on Navy 133 and I addressed several letters like that so they may be returned. I just but Base Hosp. #4.

It is a cloudy, chilly day. It snowed yesterday & some during the night. The school children had enough snow to make snow balls but it nearly all gone now. John surprised me by wanting long underwear and in order to get them before he changed his mind I took him to town after school yesterday and outfitted him for winter. Underwear, sox, corduroy pants, sweater

[page 2] gloves and he had a wool cap he is wearing so that takes care of him pretty well. I think the cold snap yesterday brought most of the boys around to head gear of some sort. When we were in B. & B. store Rose said the change in weather had caused a rush in the store all day.

David just walked alone from the N.E. corner cupboard to me here at the desk (south wall of dining room). He was rattling something and I told him to get out – held out my hand and he made the journey without a tumble. He is in the drooley period again. Has seven teeth and another trying to come thru. I bought him a pr. of brown shoes (4 ½  – coupon 18) yesterday. The white no. 4’s were getting to short & since he walks around so much thought he should have more room for his feet. This is the first pr. I have had to give coupon for.

[page 3] The coffee rationing is over but it never did bother me. I still make slightly weak coffee in the old perculator. How I have wished I had let you get me the coffee maker that time in Sears when you wanted to, but that is nothing to cry about.

David has now journeyed to the kitchen and is throwing everything out of one of the stove drawers. I just looked his way and he has both drawers open, and taking out everything. Helen Salter said you would know more about D. by me writing about him all the time, than some men at home with their children. I do hope I have given you a good word picture all along.

I understand Dr. Van K. didn’t want to leave the Army but had to because of a blanket order retiring a number of older men. John said he talked at school this morning. I didn’t ask him the topic – I was very busy when he told me & didn’t go into detail about it.

[page 4] I had a letter from Ethel W. today. Wayne was gone when we went thru T.H. going to C.C. and we went back by Brazil. She said he hated so missing us. Mark W. is growing just like J. & M. I don’t think Mark has grown like John but J. certainly has shot up this last year. I got size 16 pants for him yesterday – because that was the only size left & they are just a wee bit large.

I had the radio going this a.m. (something unusual) and heard Churchill talk from London then heard Roosevelt speak about the U.N.R.A. (United Nation’s Relief) A conference is opening in Atlanta City and the President gave the introductory speech from Washington.

I must go see about D. He has drooled thru his bib, shirt, etc., and is still tossing pans around.

Love Mother

©2015 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2015/06/01/snowed-yesterday-gladys/

Starter Offer (Gladys)

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Letter transcription:

Kentland Ind.
Nov. 8 – 1943

Dear Daddy –

Yours of Oct. 31 & Nov. 1 in one envelope rec’d today. In one of your previous letters you omitted the Navy 133 so you may not get a few of those letters. I had the letter I wrote yesterday ready to go out but didn’t get it mailed so will put it in with this and add 133 to the envelope.

Winter is upon us in full force today. It isn’t so cold as it looks and sounds but chilly enough for a “starter offer’ for winter. The temp. in Chicago this a.m. was around freezing. It has been spitting a little snow, we have had a little sunshine, and lots of high wind.

Art Kenney finally got out to see me. He is in the Marines

[page 2] now. Was transferred to a Malaria control unit & wears the forest green uniform that looks more like an officer – (He is Petty O. 1st Class now), than the white & blue middies. I think he likes the Marine uniform better than he did the other. He says they are getting ready to go out & is pretty certain it will be the S.W. Pacific. Wishes he had been sent on foreign duty right at first and have that much over with. Would like to see you out there if he gets out before you come back. However I think he would gladly forego such a pleasure to see you get home. He says the 18 mo. tour of duty for S.W. Pacific is correct. I hope I am not building upon that for a let down. He told me that a contingent of Marines that were first sent out are back in N.C. where he is stationed and that they were sent to New Zealand

[page 3] first before coming back here.

This is the first day this fall I have hung clothes in the basement but the weather is so uncertain outside (and too cold for me) that I did what I thought sensible. Last fall we hung things out until Thanksgiving day – which by the way is on your Birthday this year. You won’t get much from us this year for your birthday – we have all sent cards but you may not get them in time. I have a roll of film to finish taking – I thought I would take them for David’s 14th mo. then send you the pictures. Maybe you will get them for Christmas. Anyway you know we are all wishing you a happy birthday.

I am having a little difficulty with John about wearing something on his head. No one else at school wears anything and he doesn’t

[page 4] want to either. I told him if he gets a cold & passes it around he won’t be very popular around here. Last year their coach told them to wear long underwear & he thought that was good advice – I wish someone like that would suggest headwear now. He did consent to wear his fingertip coat this morning. I asked him at noon how cold it was and he said “cold,” like it really was but says it’s not cold enough to wear anything on his head.

I hear Jimmy Staton – He must have been turned loose – It rained most all day yesterday so he had to stay in. I think Bobby must be out too. Jimmy, Bobby & Martha Zell make a trio. The Zell girls all are tomboys & can make as much noise anytime as boys.

Your letter came 6₵ due this am.
Love Mother

©2015 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2015/05/30/starter-offer-gladys/

Those Blasted Coconuts (Roscoe)

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Letter transcription:

Lieut. R.S. Yegerlehner USNR
USN Base Hosp. #4
Navy 133, F.P.O. San Francisco Calif.
Nov. 7, 1943

Dear Mother,

Sunday P.M. and I enjoyed a long walk with a couple of other officers. It sure was a relief to see something other than those blasted cocoanut trees and the rolling land is a little more interesting than at the last place. To see paved roads, trains, street cars and autos even thought they drive on the other sided side of the road is a relief which is hard to explain. And another thing, which is different than the above, is fresh milk. I often drink two glasses per meal which you know is unusual for me. All the above sounds more than somewhat like a kid and I’ll probably be “ranting” along those lines for some time.

Mail comes thru to this place about the same as other areas out here but due to this address shifting of mine I’ll probably be a few days behind. V-mail might be a little faster here that at other places but don’t write too much of it – just keep the ratio about as you have in the past. I certainly or should answer

[page 2] lots of letters but it seems about as hard to write from here as from my former home.

You should have that second bunch of flowers which I requested a fellow to send. I’m sure he will send them but I’m not sure of when he will be there. You probably have them by now – I hope.

I almost forgot – today while on that walk I saw some very beautiful Iris and Tulips in full bloom, and strange as it seems they look just like the ones we have back there even though they are about six months late.

I’m having my blue suit cleaned & pressed tomorrow and the extra gold put on the arm. There were no bugs in it but it sure was needed pressing. It’s really cold enough to wear them here and it is we are also required to wear them if we go into town in the Eve. Of course, so far I’ve had no business there but might take in a show now and then to help pass away the time.

Here’s hoping you and the kids are OK.
Lots of Love
Daddy

©2015 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2015/05/29/those-blasted-coconuts-roscoe/

Church Conference (Gladys)

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Letter transcription:

Kentland Ind.
Nove. 7 – 1943

Dear Daddy –

Sun. afternoon – It is cloudy & a little mist in the air. It has rained some during the day but now more of a dampness. We took David to Sunday School this morning & got along first rate. Mrs. Beekman was there with her little girl – who by the way behaved better than David. He did very well for him & first try but she was quieter. Dr. Beck the district Supt. was here today for quarterly conference & they had a dinner at the church. I came home after S.S. and gave David his orange juice & cod liver oil, put him to bed for a nap then prepared our dinner to take back to the church. After he woke up I fed him and by that time J. & M. had come home to help me

[page 2] so we went back for the dinner. I borrowed Lucile’s (Jimmy Ed’s) Taylor Tot to keep David in while we ate. He behaved pretty well. After the dinner Mark kept him in the car which I stayed in for the conference. John came on home to listen to the radio (music program).

David has been on a “tear” this afternoon. We came home about 2 P.M. I put him in his bed to take another nap when Mrs. Kendall came and he wouldn’t go to sleep but kept up an uproar most of the time she was here. He is in his pen now making some kind of noise. It is just one of those days.

I think you remember the Beekman’s. You treated one of them for colds. This Mrs. Beekman was working in Fords, had been some time, when one day not long ago she became very ill – that was about 3 P.M. – by 7 she was in the hospital

[page 3] and operated on soon after. She had a pregnancy in the tube and one in the uterice. The tube had bursted, but they had operated in time. Ruth Ford told me about it and said Dr. Ross said he had only had one case like it in all his practice. Mrs. Beekman is recovering very nicely and is now home from the hospital. The other Mrs. Beekman was the one at church this morning with her baby.

I believe this other coal makes more dust – which doesn’t surprise me but makes more dusting to do. In figuring according to what we burned last winter I think we will have enough to last us thru the worst of the winter if it doesn’t get too cold. I got 8 tons in July and that lasted thru until in Feb. when I had 4 tons put in and we easily have 2 ton of that yet. Of course this Ind. coal burns up faster and probably won’t last as long, as 2 ton of Va. coal would.

I called Dr. Ade yesterday for an

[page 4] appointment for eye examination & he couldn’t give me one until Nov. 16. I have been having headaches that feel like my eyes are the cause.

David is raising so much fuss I will have to quit and see what I can do for him.
Love Mother

©2015 copyright owned & transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2015/05/28/church-conference-gladys/