Tag Archives: Doris Wilson

Human Rights in World Perspective

Letter transcription:

O’Hare Field

Aug. 1 – 1967

Dear David & Bonnie –

Up at 6 o’clock this a.m. to get a plane from Purdue to O’Hare. I had heard Lake Central is not very reliable as to time schedule, but I can’t complain today. We were on our way not more than 10 minutes late. After arriving here I had to walk at least a mile, or so it seemed to get to T.W.A. I met two other women in the T.W.A. lounge headed for the same meeting “National Seminar – Human Rights in World Perspective” to be held at St. Paul School of Theology in Kansas City.

I really hated to be away just now, but when we started the remodeling, it was to have been finished and we were to have carpeting down and everything moved into new part by Aug. 1 – but we are going to be doing good if we get ready (the way I wanted it to be) by the 22^nd. However, I am sure we will all enjoy being together whether the house is right or not. We should be ready for overnight guests by the time you come. When the new part is finished, we will have 3 bedrooms for company. I won’t tell you any more, let you see when you come. I talked to Lea and Bob. Mark and Shirley probably won’t make it until the end of the week. Mark’s vacation ends Aug. 21, but they will be with us probably the end of the week. We haven’t been able to have the children up this summer because of the remodeling mess. When we get the place the way we want it, Kirk, Becky, and David should have plenty of play space.

Sunday we were in Kentland to attend the 40^th wedding anniversary celebration of the Washburns. After the reception I went out to the hospital to see Mrs. Myers. I didn’t know she was in the hospital until I went to her apt. and found the place empty. I made some inquiries and was told she had been in the hospital since the middle of the week. I was not surprised. The last time I saw her her legs were so swollen they looked terrible. She got an asthmatic attack and had to have oxygen. Dr. K. sent her to the hospital – the only thing to do under the circumstances. Sunday her legs were down to normal and her breathing normal and she thought she would go home by Wed. I hope you remember to send her a birthday remembrance. She said she was sure she would hear from you on her birthday. I have a card ready to mail from K.C. to her. Also told Dad to send flowers.

Pat Owens took two years at Indiana State, then took a beauty course. She is now working in a shop in West Lafayette and lives just two blocks from us. She came over last evening and set and styled my hair. She is engaged

[page 2] and thinks she will be married in about a year. Her fiancé is attending Indiana State, but is thinking of transferring to Purdue. Doris has closed her shop and is spending the summer at their cottage on the lake in Monticello. Harold also spends much time there. He has moved his office to the house. Pat was so happy that her mother had quit work. Harold still looks after Mrs. Myers. I told her about the nursing home about a mile from where we live, but can’t get her interested. Dad even made a concession – he said he would take care of her if she would to W. L. She just can’t bring herself to the idea of a nursing home, but I am afraid the time is coming when she won’t be able to stay alone.

As of now, we have no one to take over the office – so Dad says he is going to close Sept. 1 and sell the building.

I thought you should have the enclosed tax receipt.

Love Mother

©2017 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2017/04/08/human-rights-in-world-perspective/

Summer Break

1 Reply

Letter transcription:

[Wright 533 – handwritten by David]
5-21-63

Dear David:

We received a letter from John yesterday. He plans to come home July 21 and return to Indonesia the 17^th of August – that is, leave the states on that day. I am glad you will be home this summer (for several reasons). I think you will enjoy being with John again.

We received our finished itineraries. The first one was dated from Jan. 25^th and this one is dated from Jan. 10^th. I am looking at it from time to time. I intend to have it memorized by the time we are ready to leave. (I said itineraries, because we have two copies).

Dad finally got over his tooth trouble. He had to have one tooth pulled and another one filled – then the filling dropped out and he had to go back and have another filling put in. He really didn’t feel very good for several days, but is about back to normal. He says he wants to mow the lawn this evening and then it will be your job from then on, so you had better plan to get home as soon as possible. Luckily, we are having a little cool weather. Maybe the grass won’t grow so fast.

I talked to Rev. Fields about writing to you and he said he would. However, since you will be home within a week, I am not too sure you will hear from him. He was wondering if you would be able to teach on Sunday June 2. If you will drop me a line so I can tell him. He said they had a discussion with the MYF group as to what they want in the way of lessons, but he didn’t say what had been decided. He has finished the series of lessons he was giving them.

I have a club meeting to attend this morning – the last one for this season and am I glad. I have so much to do before Jan. 10 that I have to get a little bit done each day. When I think of all the things we will have to take along I think I am not starting too soon.

Doris told me that Bill was coming home to get the car to bring his things home. You didn’t mention Bonnie in your last letter. Are you still planning for her to come with you? Let me know.

I have to be at my meeting by 10:30, so must get ready and go. – I almost forgot to tell you, Jim Egan died yesterday afternoon. Doris Marvin’s mother Mrs. Ethel Herriman was buried last week. I forget you get the paper and get all these news items.

Love Mother

P.S. We notified the janitor to turn his key in May 24. We will empty the wastebaskets Saturday and hope you will be here to do same on Monday.

©2016 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2016/11/12/summer-break/

New Window

1 Reply

Letter transcription:

[Wright 533 Postmark Jan. 9, 1963 – handwritten by David]

Dear David –

It doesn’t seem possible this can be Jan. 8, but here we are. Dad is having to spend most of the day – or the morning at least in the hospital. He has been getting a few evening at home however. He brought the drawers, from the cabinet where we keep the change box out to the house and after a sanding and varnish job they book like the rest of the drawers Kitterman put in. He also hung a door in front of the safe. Someone backed into our aluminum railing and bent it out of shape, and broke the base of the post on the north side – the post that rested on the bottom step. Dad had just secured the thing at the top, now we have to have one new post put in. We have no idea who caused the damage but, they had to be “away out” to manage to bank into it.

We are to get a new window put in a week from Thursday. The Insurance adjustor told Doris Wilson he could get it installed by a firm in Lafayette for at least $30.00 less than it has been costing. We said fine, you take care of it. It sounds like we have been “had” on all the other replacements – or the Insurance Company, since they have paid for all of the windows.

Mark called last night and while he was talking to me he said “Becky, stop that” – I, of course, asked him what she was doing. She was hitting Kirk in the face. In about a year, I think Kirk will probably be returning the blows. The way he is growing I think he will be able to take care of himself. They are coming

[page 2] down for the weekend. Taxes to figure and Mark wants to have his car worked on.

I have to attend a meeting this afternoon, so must get myself a bit of lunch and get a few things done before I go.

Love Mother

©2016 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2016/10/29/new-window/

Going Too Smoothly (Gladys)

1 Reply

October 19, 1945 envelope

Letter transcription:

October 19, 1945, p. 1

10-19-45

Dear Daddy –

It is cloudy with some rain. I ordered a load of stoker coal from Harlan. Just hope Monroe can get a new auger soon. Since the weather isn’t favorable for drying clothes I didn’t wash.

I went down to the office and worked a while last night. I didn’t try to save much from the drug room. I possibly threw away something of value but I doubt it. I had Mark go over to Kenny’s and get a large box and we just dumped things into that. Now when Vincent gets the carpentry done I can go and clean that room since I cleaned out most of the junk last nite. Vincent said he wouldn’t work anymore this week, but is going to get it finished next week. Monroe said he would move the heating plant when Vincent finishes so I think things will get along very well. Nick took a case while we were there and said he would soon have it all out of the way. I asked him about Mildred and he said he had a card from her and she will be gone 2 more weeks. She should have had someone fixing her side while she is away. I went out in the back to find a broom and it isn’t so bad back there. There is plenty of junk to be moved out but it not as bad as it has been at times. Mrs. Krull said she was going to have Lontz clean it out and even mentioned having it white washed. I found a good toilet seat in the drug room. I have no idea where it is from, but it may be used on the toilet in back. I also found a box of glasses & drinking tubes which I think Geo. Tilton left. He had things stored in there last year and the box had Kentland Frurn on it.

I called Emma about a perm but she said she was booked two weeks ahead, then she had a cancellation for tomorrow so it took it. I was going

October 19, 1945, p. 2

[page 2] back to Mildred but she won’t be back for two more weeks and my hair gets more uncurly every day. I read the boys part of your letter with the “pun” about the frames and you can guess their reaction. It wasn’t exactly complimentary to your humor, but you know our boys.

Ellsworth is back. I haven’t seen him yet but he has been back several days. I saw Doris and she said I had gotten Juanita’s gloves the day we were together (the day I met you at the Lakes). Juanita is working this week so Emma Plummer can take a vacation.

John worked on his school paper last night. They have to mimeograph their paper this year for a while. John says the Supt. Isn’t interested in the paper so he doesn’t try to help them. I do wish there was more co-operation between the Supt. & student body, but I doubt that there will be. Mr. S. seems to be disliked by every one over there.

I think we are going to have some fair weather – the sun is shining now, so I think I’ll go put in a washer of clothes. – – It’s now 1:30 – I have put all the washing on the line, had lunch & dishes washed. It’s very nice out but a little chilly.

Geo. Monroe came about one o’clock and said he wouldn’t be able to do the work at the office, so now I am going to try Arnold. If Jim would come up he could do it if he had tools to work with. I’ll see if I can get Arnold. Vincent won’t be thru before the middle or last of next week so I should be able to get it done after that. – I thought everything was going too smoothly. (pessimist)

Arlene brought Bobby home. Dr. Ade took out both tonsils & adenoids. He said the adenoids were so large he didn’t see how Bobby could breathe thru his nose. The letter you wrote the 16^th – mailed the 17^th came yesterday the 18^th.

Love,
Mother

: Medical Society Program (exterior)

: Medical Society Program (interior)

©2016 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2016/07/11/going-too-smoothly-gladys/

A Petition (Gladys)

2 Replies

August 25, 1945 envelope

Letter transcription:

August 25, 1945, p. 1

Aug. 25 – 1945

Dear Daddy –

Yours of Aug. 21 & 23 came this a.m. – so the air mail really gets here the quickest. I went over to Lucille’s last night to watch the wedding – Doris Wilson & Goog Marvin were married at the church at 8 PM. It was a very pretty affair. Bethel was bridesmaid & wore blue – Doris in white, of course. Jimmy Ed has hay fever & asthma too (at least he sounds like Glen does) and was so stopped up he could hardly breathe. All Dr. M. had given him was Phenobarbital – ¼ of 1½ gr. every three or four hrs. He got to coughing and threw up one dose – Ed called the Dr. and he said to repeat. I didn’t stay long – Ed had Jimmy on the glider and after he had the last pill acted like he was going to quiet down. I haven’t talked to Lucile today so far so don’t know how they got thru the night. I went over to Mildred Gerricks to class party about 9 o’clock. After the party I talked to Pauline Hiestand. She said Mary Childress came to her and asked her if she would be willing to sign a petition. She said she would be more than glad to. However, I am not so sure of thinks. Lucile told me some things Dr. M. said to her, that he claimed he said to you while you were here and I told Lucile he had not said anything at all to you of the kind. The only time I know of that he talked to you was in front of the barber shop the day Dorothy was with us.

August 25, 1945, p. 2

[page 2] Well he told Lucile that he told you to come and see him and he would see what he could do for you. All I can remember hearing him say was, “Sorry you have to go back to San F.” He also told Lucile if you got back now, it would have to be thru him. I think he meant a petition would have to go thru him. So I don’t know what to do if anything. I think I’ll go talk to him and ask him if he has any “info” from the Amer. Med. Assn. – I suppose they will have something if there is anything out on the situation.

Link took Irene to Chicago yesterday. Atkinson said she had a blood clot – he put her right in the hospital and elevated her leg and applied heat. She has to take penicillin too for “phlolitis.” (incorrect spelling) I don’t know how long she will be in the hospital. I wonder why her Dr. at Sheldon couldn’t diagnose her case?

It is very cool here. I have washed and now have corn to put in the locker. It isn’t such a job tho. Just cut is off the cob and put it in the boxes – It has to be dipped in boiling water then cold before its cut off. It will be easier than cooking it tho.

Miss Smith was here yesterday and thinks John should attend a conservatory in Chicago Saturdays for piano lessons this winter. She is going to Chicago soon and said she would go to the conservatory and see about making arrangements. The place she has in mind is close to the bus station, so he could go up on the bus.

A letter came from your Mother this a.m. She says she isn’t feeling so well – I’ll enclose the letter. She sent us some red points.

Our magazines came to Kentland, so the change of address is in effect now.

I’ll send the gold braid & shirt & pants.
Love Mother

Letter from Lovina, dated August 23, 1945, p. 1

Aug. 23

Dear Gladys and boys

Received your letter. Glad you got back in your home again. I guess you have heard from Roscoe since he got out to San F. Hope he won’t have to stay long. It’s real chilly this morning, raining all morning. I canned some peaches yesterday not doing anything but cleaning up the house this morning. I’m not feeling very good (Haven’t felt good for nearly two weeks.) I’m going to the Dr. this

Letter from Lovina, dated August 23, 1945, p. 2

[page 2] afternoon. My hearts been bothering me so then I have the headache so in the back of my head. Pop wanted to finish digging potatoes today but it rained him out. We haven’t washed this week yet. We had to take the wash machine to town to get it worked on. Hope we can get it this week yet so I can wash some things. I’ll send you a few red points. I don’t have any news now to tell you. Hope your all well. Etta Campbell came out Tuesday, brought her cooker. We canned 24 pts. of corn. That’s all I want to can. Will have more in a few days. It’s no use to can so much. We don’t eat much corn.

Love Mom

©2016 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2016/04/17/a-petition-gladys/

Mark’s Birthday (Gladys)

1 Reply

: February 26, & 27, 1944 (envelope front)

: February 26 & 27, 1944 (envelope back)

February 26 & 27, 1944, p. 1

Letter transcription:

Kentland Ind.
2-26-44

Dear Daddy –

Yours of Feb. 15 came today. So glad you finally rec’d David’s Christmas pictures. He does, I think, resemble your baby picture. So many people around here comment on how much he looks like you. Mark has him out now getting some fresh air and some sunshine – however the sunshine is a little pale now. It was brighter this morning. It is very warm and windy. Last night I was awakened by thunder & hail. It was quite a storm while it lasted. The hail was very bad for a while. The north windows showed the effects of the storm – especially the kitchen windows are covered with dirt.

I am having a little party for Mark at 4 P.M. Buddy is here now walking around with Mark while he pushes David around. I tried to keep the party a surprise but John didn’t know it was to be such and began talking about the party. John wanted to play a trick on Mark, so he sent him a birthday card and signed a girl’s name. This girl is in Mark’s room and according to Mark is poison ivy, or something equally unpopular. He says she is very ugly and he dislikes her very much. He suspected John as the sender and was ready to tear him apart. John told Miss Smith about it and she in turn told him about something she did when in high school. There was a girl who wasn’t very popular

February 26, & 27, 1944, p. 2

[page 2] and didn’t have dates – a certain boy she admired from afar – Well Miss S. sent her an invitation to the prom and signed this boy’s name. She said the girl wrote him a note accepting his invitation – The boy was very angry – but I don’t know whether he took the girl to the prom or not. I think John felt a little badly about sending Mark the card until Miss S. told her story, then he didn’t think he had done as much as she had.

This rain and warm weather is making things look green. The tulips are up so high. I am afraid they will get nipped yet but can’t keep them from growing in weather like this.

I see in the paper the Barces held a reception for Betty & Paul. They spent a week in Missouri on honeymoon. I think Paul has to return to Panama at the end of his furlough.

Kenneth Wood has been in Calif. since he finished his training at Allison, but has been sent to New York. He was in Kent on his way to N.Y. one day this week. Harlan Parr was in Fla. until last fall then sent to Mich., was there a short time, then sent to N.Y. I see in the paper that Frank Morton is working in Nashville. Mildred & Frank Jr. were down to see him. Frank Jr. will soon be in the Navy.

– – The party was quite a success – Two Zell girls, Buddy, Bobby, Jimmy & David Diedam were here. I made a white cake and decorated it will pink candles. John went to the drug store and got strawberry ice cream which carried out the color scheme. I made a punch with grapefruit & orange juice.

February 26 & 27, 1944, p. 3

[page 3] Everybody seemed to have a grand time.

This is Sun. P.M. – I didn’t get to finish this yesterday due to the party, etc. Buddy wanted Mark to eat supper with him after the party and John wanted to go to the show with David Diedam – Mark saw the show Fri. night with Zells – I wanted to take David to the Dr. because of this cough he has had several days. Dr. M. gave him a whooping cough shot and said to bring him back the middle of the week for another. There are so many cough cases and he says the shots are the only thing he has found to help. After seeing the Dr. I went to the restaurant and got my supper. The supper crowd was gone and there was only two or three men at the counter, so I stayed. I wouldn’t have taken David in if there had been a crowd, or several children. David didn’t seem to mind the shot so much. Just cried a few minutes and was able to smile at the Dr. when we left.

According to Dorothy, the reason Doris Wilson didn’t get to the hospital to have her baby (no. 4) she couldn’t find Ellsworth in time. Dorothy said they (several couples) were at Tiltons, after the Bond rally show,

February 26 & 27, 1944, p. 4

[page 4] having refreshments (about 2 a.m.) and Doris called inquiring if Ellsworth was there. She didn’t say why she wanted, so no one tried to find him. He didn’t get home in time to get her to the hospital and the Dr. didn’t get there until after the baby was born. He was expecting her at the hospital. I’ll bet Dr. M. was plenty “sore” about the whole thing. I remember how they started to the hospital when Eddie Ray was born and stopped to see a show on the way.

It was so nice out of doors yesterday – but it’s not quite so inviting out today. The Zell girls, Virginia (11) & Betty (8) are here playing Monopoly with Mark. Martha Jane is the youngest (3) and is home taking a nap. John has been listening to the radio and David in running around the house getting into everything – Just found some of Mark’s cards, so Mark came running to the rescue. David loves to close doors and will close any door in the house he can find that will close for him.

Harold Portteus came yesterday to tell me he might not be able to get a permit to sell us the beef – but I think he will get the permit. If there is any objection I think, I’ll do a little talking. They had had a lot of hospital & Dr. bills the past year and really need to sell. Ruthie was in the hospital several weeks and Harold is just recovering from a hernia operation. He said he was anxious for you to get back. One reason being Jim’s induction into service. He said he was thinking about shots he would have to take and would like for you

February 26 & 27, 1944, p. 5

[page 5] to give them a statement regarding Jim’s reaction to shots. Dr. M. said he could give them a statement but he knew in some instances the examining Doctors disregarded any such statements. Knowing how Jim is, I would think it would be very risky for him to take shots Army or Navy style. Harold says he thinks they will let Jim remain home until late fall because Harold won’t be able to do much heavy work this summer. Jim will graduate this spring. He is getting thru high school and that is better than some. Romaine’s boy friend will have to enter service this fall and has one more year of school. I would think some provision could be made for those boys who want to finish high school, but since they are taking fathers with several children, maybe it’s better to take some of the younger ones. I still think there are some who should be in and are not – but that’s an old story. I wouldn’t be surprised if Floyd is called up for another physical. He is dissatisfied with his job at present and I don’t think it would take much for him to quit. He was rejected, but just between you and me, I think if he wasn’t working for this co. he would be called up for another examination. Do you get what I mean? He was told his rejection was due to his nervousness, but I really don’t think he is that nervous. Well that is my opinion and I may be wrong. This may all sound like I am wanting him to be in Service, but that isn’t the way I feel. If he can do more here raising tomatoes to feed the Army, he should be where he can do the most good. I am about out of space and feel fun down.

“Love Mother”

Mark’s Birthday Party (back row: Buddy Krull, John, David Diedam, Mark holding David; front row: Virginia Zell, Betty Zell, Bobby Funk & Jimmy Staton)

©2015 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2015/12/29/marks-birthday-gladys/

Chicken-Pox (Gladys)

1 Reply

: February 24 & 25, 1944 (envelope front)

: February 24 & 25, 1944 (envelope back)

February 24 & 25, 1944, p. 1

Letter transcription:

Kentland Ind.
2-24-44

Dear Daddy –

Another beautiful sunny day makes me think spring is just around the corner but I know we have March yet and any kind of weather may come then. This kind of weather makes me want to get out & dig.

I started out with David yesterday and stopped at Funks. Arlene said Joy had chicken-pox. I went in and looked at her and could only see a slight rash – I asked Arlene is she knew what chicken-pox looked like – she said “no.” Well, if Joy has chicken-pox I don’t know what they look like. I asked her if she had had temp. or felt cross the past few day and evidently Joy has been perfectly normal. I think she has a rash. Arlene was puzzled how Joy could get anything, since she hasn’t had her out of the house recently.

Jack Byrnes (Art’s druggist) has two youngsters and last winter they had measles and scarlet fever and now have chicken pox. The little boy is just a little older than David. So far David hasn’t had anything except colds. He seemed to hold on to a cold most of the winter. It seems to come and go. I wonder sometimes if it isn’t an allergy. He has been coughing a little more than usual the past few days, but it doesn’t bother

February 24 & 25, 1944, p. 2

[page 2] his appetite in the least. I have been taking him out every day. It is too nice to stay in.

Sat. is Mark’s birthday and I want to have a party for him. I think I’ll have the neighbor children in for cake and ice cream. I don’t want to have too many because of David. The children around here are all in good health now, so don’t think there will be any danger of them carrying any contagious diseases.

A window light in the basement was blown out the other day when we had a high wind. I got another one yesterday, but haven’t tried to put it in yet. I must get it in, so if we have a cold spell, it will be in. If I could find someone to do the work I would have the partition around the furnace finished to keep the dirt in one place. This untreated coal is so dirty, our basement can’t be kept clean now.

I rather expect Lucile to come out with Jimmy this afternoon. Jimmy and David make a good team. They are almost the same size – – After David woke from his nap I put his sweater & cap on and took him out in the sunshine. I went over to Statons to tell Irene about Mark’s party Sat. When I started out again I saw Lucile coming. She wanted to stop and see Joy Funk so I kept our boys out in the sunshine while she visited with Arlene then I walked to the corner with her when

February 24 & 25, 1944, p. 3

[page 3] she started home. Come back and Arlene had Joy & Donnie out in the yard. She had Joy in her basket. She was sleeping soundly and absorbing sunshine. Donnie was running all around the yard. I was so warm it made us think it was spring. I didn’t finish this letter yesterday and now this is the 25^th. I am not making a habit of this so don’t get alarmed. I am out of V-mail at present or would have written v-mail yesterday. The boys got out of school at 11 a.m. today. It has rained all day and David didn’t get to go out any. The speed burner on the stove was out of order so the serviceman came out to fix it – Ed has ordered a new switch but Michaels said the new switch wouldn’t work, so Ed came out with him. They both worked on it a while and said it was ready for use. I tried it when getting supper and couldn’t get it to turn off, so Ed came out and put a new button on. If that doesn’t work he will put in the new switch.

Cosmopolitan was at Cost’s this afternoon, and being vice-president I went, because the Pres. Called and asked me to, she was going to be out of town.

February 24 & 25, 1944, p. 4

[page 4] Coke, Cecil D. & I called on the Wilsons when we left Casts. Their new baby arrived the 23^rd without the services of a Dr. Ellsworth officiated. He said he was going to run an ad in the paper for his services – However he will probably soon be in the Army, his notice came today along with 49 others. Among those I understand Bill Nugent got his call. When asked what the new baby’s name is, he said he hadn’t decided yet. Doris said if he didn’t choose a name by tomorrow she was going to. Coke said, “do you name all the children?” He said since he couldn’t have them the least he could do was name them. Doris said she would gladly change jobs with him.

The Zells took Mark with them to the show tonight – John is practicing and David is tucked in, or I should say he is in bed because he is probably on top of the covers. He sleeps on them, rather than under unless I get up and cover him several times during the night.

John is going to take this up to the hotel to mail for me.

No mail from you today, but had a letter from your mother –
“Love Mother”

Golden Wedding (Gladys)

1 Reply

: January 3, 1944 envelope

: January 3, 1944, p. 1

: January 3, 1944, p. 2-3

: January 3, 1944, p. 4

Letter transcription:

Kentland Ind.
Jan. 3 – 1944

Dear Daddy –

Yours of Dec. 17, 20, 21, 22, 23 came today. Also a letter from Geo. Wingfield. He is in San Diego now. Said some mail just caught up with him and a letter from you asking him to write me. Said after the war we would have to visit Reno and fight the war in retrospect as it should have been. He spoke very highly of you, and I believe he was sincere. He mentioned the flowers so he must have been the one to send the roses in Sept.

I hadn’t had any letters for several days and getting five at one time helped the old morale. I do hope you are getting all mine and hope the pictures I had made of David for Christmas

[page 2] get to you soon. I am sure they will give you a lift. David was rather cross all morning, but I think that one tooth that has been trying to push thru for so long is pretty responsible. One point is thru now so he should feel better soon. He seems to have more cold but can’t “hack & spit” like his mother (tho he tries to imitate me) and can’t get rid of the mucos, only as it runs down his nose. He has no temperature and wasn’t so cross if turned loose, but I was busy trying to work so penned him up in the nursery and he didn’t like that. I handed him a toy and he threw it down as quickly as he could. He has quite a bit of “spunk.” He is so used to being admired – yesterday Mrs. Zell was here and I had David on the toidey – when he had finished I put his pants on and turned him

[page 3] loose – He walked away from us a few steps then turned and looked at us, as if to say “don’t you think I am cute?” with a merry twinkle in his eye. I told Mrs. Zell, or rather asked, who could ask for a girl when they had a boy like D. She said that was always the way she had felt about their girls, but Mr. still wants a boy. I said, really I don’t think it would have made any difference to you whether we had boys or girls. However, having had all boys I don’t know the real answer. Mr. Z. wants a boy so much after getting three girls he wants to try again. Mrs. Z. says she thinks she has all she can take care of and now since fathers are being taken Mr. Z. may have to go. I wrote you that Bob Shurtter had enlisted in the Navy, but evidently his commission didn’t go thru because he is waiting to be called to the Army. He is registered in Laf. and his number was about up when he enlisted or

[page 4] tried to enlist. E. Wilson got a 3 mo. deferment and unless he can get another when it is up will have to go if passes the physical. The new law provides $40⁰⁰ for each child, so anyone with 3 children will get $120. Doris is due to have her baby soon, so that will make her allowance 160.

The A.D. Washburns are celebrating their golden wedding tomorrow. They will receive guests informally at Howards from 2 to 4:30 and 7 to 8. The announcement was in the paper but I received an invitation. Did I tell you Howard bought the Canine farm? The moved some time ago. Mr. Tackett, the new coach moved to the place Howard vacated.

I am upstairs having dried my hair. I hear David. He has been taking his nap downstairs. He didn’t sleep too long, so may be a little touchy.

Love Mother

Armistice Day 1943 (Gladys)

2 Replies

: November 11, 1943 envelope

: November 11, 1943, p. 1

: November 11, 1943, p. 2-3

: November 11, 1943, p. 4

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 7^th. 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

Raking Leaves (Gladys)

1 Reply

: November 5, 1943 envelope

: November 5, 1943, p. 1

: November 5, 1943, p. 2-3

: November 5, 1943, p. 4

Letter transcription:

Kentland Ind.
11-5-43

Dear Daddy –

Yours of Oct. 24 & 25 came today – a little old after having Oct. 30 but appreciated just the same. It has cleared off & the sun is shining very bright. About time to hang up clothes this a.m. it got cloudy but I hung out clothes just the same so feel now like it was the thing to do. I don’t want to hang things in the basement yet. David is awake now after a short nap so I think I’ll get him ready to go out for some of this fall sunshine. He hasn’t been out yet today and likes to go out so well. – Have been out & gathered in clothes. It is very nippy in spite of the sunshine which doesn’t seem to warm very much. I suppose this sounds funny to you.

[page 2] I didn’t get this finished when I started and since have been to cosmopolitan club to Bergens to get a flower for Mrs. Plummer (the cake I baked was somewhat a flop as far as size was concerned so we ate it and got her a potted plant). I went to Plummers then to town to mail some things – I ordered those cold tablets for Marie & they came today so forwarded them to her. You remember I got some for them last year. Dave said he didn’t want to take them but Marie, Isla & Mrs. Mace take them. – While in town I stopped in the Restaurant. Saw Phyllis eating and asked her where Art was keeping himself. She said in Goodland & Monticello. He told Dorothy he was coming to see me but I haven’t seen him yet. Elsaleah isn’t teaching there this year. I don’t know who Phyllis goes around with now that Art & Elsaleah are gone. I see her a lot in the late afternoons when I happen to be in town.

[page 3] I noticed the latest group to enter the Army from this county includes Lowell Ford. He was the only one I knew out of five.

I slipped upon the town election. Saw in the paper that it was all G.O.P. but the entire vote was only 39 so I wasn’t the only one who didn’t vote. Link Trustee from first ward, Reed for Ward two and Harry White for W. three. Bob H. re-elected as Clerk Treasurer. I think the new Hufty baby will arrive sometime in Jan. I don’t know the Wilsons date but Doris has to wear maternity dresses now. Mrs. Gilmore has been ill and Lucile is home from Fla. She said this is the first time in 3 yrs she has been where it is this cold. However she said it felt good. She gets very tired of the weather down there – said it gets monotonous, warm all the time. Now I can’t imagine getting tired of warm weather – I really mean that, and you would so welcome some good vigorous cold snappy weather.

[page 4] Our boys & Zell’s girls finished raking our leaves this evening & burned them. They are going to rake Zell’s back yard tomorrow & pile the leaves on the garden. There were too many leaves to not rake. It is good to leave some on but not as thick as they were. I left them around the shrubbery in front and back too. We didn’t rake too clean – left some for fertilizer. Not all the trees have lost their leaves so with the winds we have will still have some.

So far the Ind. coal has been burning very well. It makes more clinkers but not bad. I scrubbed the furnace room last nite. Was afraid to sweep because of my irritated throat & sinus. At any rate the room is clean and without raising a dust. Jim cleaned the soot out of the furnace when he was here. I suppose it will need to be cleaned quite often with this new coal. At that I had to pay $7⁰⁰ a ton, so it is not cheap.

Must get this ready to mail.
“Love Mother”