Tag Archives: Dorothy Krull

Haven’t Any Ambition (Gladys)

1 Reply

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/

Mark’s Birthday (Gladys)

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: 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/

Death of Rev. McCloud (Gladys)

1 Reply

February 20 & 21, 1944, p. 1

Letter transcription:

Kentland Ind.
2-20-44

Dear Daddy –

Another wintry Sunday P.M. I was going to take David out for a walk but a fine snow is coming down – so fine it is almost a rain, so unless it lets up we will stay in or go in the car. I thought we might go out to the greenhouse. Rev. McCloud died yesterday and I would like to send flowers. Rev. McCloud suffered a heart attack last week and I understood he would have to be in bed for sometime but he was up getting his breakfast yesterday morning when he died. As active as he had always been I never thought about him having heart trouble. He used to play tennis every summer –

The snowing stopped so I walked for a while with David & Mark then we came back and went out to the green house and ordered flowers to send to McClouds. Then we stopped at Plummers. Mr. P. was in bed – had been sick with near pneumonia. They won’t get to go to Fla., because they were to go about the time he got sick a week ago, and he isn’t able to be up yet. I think Mrs. P. is rather disappointed because they can’t go. She has been working pretty hard since he has been down, taking care of the chickens, furnace, etc. Then they got a quarter of beef and she canned it. I hadn’t seen her since Christmas eve and didn’t know about Mr. P. being ill. I thought

February 20 & 21, 1944, p. 2

[page 2] they would be in Fla., but saw the flowers in the window so knew they were home.

We came back home and listened to the radio all evening. David Diedam came about 7 P.M. and played with Mark a while. Mrs. Z. came over and invited us to eat fried chicken with them tomorrow evening. They have kept chicken in their refrigerator since the middle of Jan. We had baked chicken today that we put in the locker almost a year ago.

Mon. A.M. Yours of Feb. 8 & 9 came today. Had a leak in the upstairs bathroom. Had to call Mr. Monroe – The leak was from the flush box. It had run out on the floor and soaked down on the ceiling in the dining room before I discovered it but it is fixed now and not much damage done. The other side of the dining room ceiling has water marks from the bath tub. I hope to get some painting done this spring & cover the water marks.

It is nice out today. Sun shining and snow melting. I want to take David out after he wakes from his nap. He was a little busy body this morning. Wouldn’t stay put anyplace – just kept going from one thing to another, getting into things he knows he should stay out of. He is beginning to talk more. When he wants to do something to get attention, he gets your picture and says “Da.” He knows he won’t get scolded

February 20 & 21, 1944, p. 3

[page 3] for that. He has been saying Ma-Ma the last two days. We are trying to get him to say mother. He can say John & Mark, not quite plain, but we know what he is saying. I have to keep the bathroom door closed (downstairs) to keep him from playing at the lavatory. He climbs up on the clothes hamper and does things.

Irene borrowed some coffee this morning – Said her mother is away but I didn’t ask any questions. I suppose she has gone to Ft. Wayne to stay with Margaret. Irene isn’t working now – Dorothy said Irene was to rest a month before she goes back to work. I can’t imagine Irene staying home and doing hum drum house work. Not that it is that to me – but I am geared differently from Irene. I imagine she will return to the factory.

I have been wondering what the men getting married in foreign lands will do about their wives when they are ordered back to the States. Will Bob be able to bring his bride back with him if he is sent back here before the war is over? He won’t mind staying down there now but what a situation to be ordered back here soon and have to leave his wife. Of course it isn’t any worse than your situation but it would seem a little ironical if he got traveling orders now when that is what you want. I think I hear little David getting awake.

February 20 & 21, 1944, p. 4

[page 4] I knitted a suit for James L. – I want to get it mailed today. I wanted to send it for his birthday which was in Jan., but I didn’t get it started in time. I made this suit in dark blue. I want to make one for David in red. He still has dark brown hair and his eyes are so dark they almost look black, so he should wear red. D. & Jimmy make a good contrast. Jimmy is so fair and his hair is so blond it is almost white.

–Pause to take D. up and set him on the toidey – it worked – saved a diaper. He is busy now playing with a box – much more interesting than a toy – Toys are something to throw down and leave on the floor while a good box is playing with.

I am afraid this letter has been rather jumbled, but I started on it so many times & I didn’t have a very good train of thoughts any time I started.

I want to start planning flower gardens for spring. I haven’t thought much yet about a vegetable garden. It is nice to have vegetables all summer but almost more work than I care about. If the boys could carry on without my supervision, but they couldn’t last year. John doesn’t like gardening and Mark won’t work consistently unless he has someone with him all the time – It is almost compared to getting blood out of a turnip – except that he can work but doesn’t care to.

Love – Mother

: February 20 & 21, 1944 (envelope front)

: February 20 & 21, 1944 (envelope back)

©2015 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2015/12/19/death-of-rev-mccloud-gladys/ ‎

Continued (Gladys)

2 Replies

February 19, 1944, p. 1

Letter transcription:

Sat. Afternoon

Dear Daddy – to continue with the letter I wrote last nite after I came home from the class party. Susan Clark has measles. She went to school long enough to expose the first grade when she was about ready to break out. I thought last year’s epidemic took care of measles for a few years but maybe David won’t get them. The immune globulin we gave him last year was for six months so if he is exposed will probably have them. I haven’t had him out in crowds lately so hope he hasn’t had an exposure. John is a little worried about himself. He says he supposes he should have them before he is grown but doesn’t want them now.

Helen (Kline) and her husband Dan Heindel (Photograph courtesy of Judith Bowen)

Helen (Kline) and her husband Dan Heindel, 1942 (Photograph courtesy of Judith Bowen)

I saw Helen Heindle yesterday. She is taking her children to Calif., so evidently she is expecting Dan to reach the States next month. She says she is going to be there to greet him when he gets in – however she didn’t say anything specific about when she expects him. I would like to do that too but think we had better stay here until we find out where you will be sent when you get back.

We got more coal this a.m. – from Harlans this time and it is much better than what we got from the Lbr. Co. Monday. If

February 19, 1944, p. 2

[page 2] Chet V. hadn’t said it was Ky. Coal and charged me for same I would have said what he sent was a poor grade of Ind. coal. This load is much cleaner. There wasn’t any dirt I could notice from the unloading. If you didn’t get my letter about the other the whole basement was black from what we got Monday. We have about 4 ½ tons now and won’t have to have any more put in for a while. However as hard as it is to get I think it’s a good idea to get a ton or so when we can.

It has continued cold. We had a little warm spell for a day or so and the snow started to melt then the temp dropped to a little above zero and the streets are very rough from the frozen slush. This snow has been on for more than a week.

A week from today is Mark’s birthday. He is telling me what he wants. In Laf. yesterday I got John a new corduroy cap and that is just what Mark wants. John lost a cap at school so had to have another.

Dorothy told me she went to Billings with Marie Steinbaugh. She goes regularly for X rays checks. She has a spot on her lung that is supposed to be from the cancer on her breast. Doroty said the Dr. said Marie’s case is 35% curable. Marie took X-Ray treatments at St. E. after her operation and the X-Ray supposedly scattered or rather drove the cancer in – that is Dorothy’s interpretation. She as a bad heart, too.

Love Mother

: February 19, 1944 (envelope front)

: February 19, 1944 (envelope back)

©2015 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2015/12/17/continued-gladys/

Where’s Daddy? (Gladys)

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: February 5, 1944 envelope

: February 5, 1944 envelope

: February 5, 1944, p. 1

: February 5, 1944, p. 2-3

: February 5, 1944, p. 4

: February 5, 1944, p. 5

Letter transcription:

Kentland Ind.
2-5-44

Dear Daddy –

No letters since Wed. If I thought it meant one thing I wouldn’t care but am almost afraid to build upon that idea. I will hope just as I have been all along.

It is windy today but not very cold. However it may get cold. The weather has been unusually warm for this time of the year. Some days the grey overhanging sky seems very bleak and I long for sunny days and to putter around in the yard.

David just awakened from his nap and Mark took him to the bathroom. He doesn’t show much tendency toward helping us train him. If we take him to the bathroom at the right time we save a diaper, otherwise it has to be washed. Mark & I were in the nursery with him and Mark said, “Where’s Daddy?” David was on the couch and got down as quickly as possible and went to the living room I such a hurry we followed to see where he was going.

[page 2] He went to the table and tried to get your picture. I gave it to him and he pointed to it and said “Da.” His picture & yours sit side by side but he seems to know which one to get when we say, “Where’s Daddy?” He understands so many things we say, we have to go around spelling things that concern him. I suppose he will soon catch on to the spelling.

John is listening to the opera and doesn’t want to be bothered. Mark and I are keeping David in the nursery, because you can’t concentrate on much when he is bothering around. Mark is entertaining him while I write. Now it isn’t as bad as it sounds, but he is a live wire.

Mark was so afraid he had been exposed to Rabies he was ill. Fri. morning he said he didn’t feel like going to school so I let him remain home. I tried to tell him he couldn’t get rabies from just touching Sammon’s dog, but he was too scared to

[page 3] be convinced. Buddy & Betty are having to take shots because their dog died from Rabies. Fortunately Mark hadn’t been around Krull’s dog recently. Tommy Britton seems to [be] very glib in telling stories. He was telling that Buddy had rabies. Dorothy was so angry with Tommy she said he was a little so and so and she would like to slap his face, etc., etc., etc.

– My nurse maid ran out on me and D. is up on the couch climbing around me and how long I can write before I stop and put him down is a question.

I saw Nick’s car pull in down at his Mother’s. I suppose he was bringing her back from her mother’s funeral which was held this morning in Rensselaer. Mrs. Ramp was visiting here with Mrs. K. when she died Thurs.

Dorothy Cobb Stevens’ husband is in the Navy and at present is in Base Hosp. #5. She doesn’t know where he is except in the S.W. Pacific. He had an operation recently for hernia.

The sun is shining faintly so think I’ll put D. out in his buddy and let M. watch him. Mark is out skating with Virginia.

[page 4] We baked a cake and cookies this A.M. – John mixed the cake before he went to take his music lesson. It is chocolate. That isn’t good for John’s pimples – he still has a few but we go lightly on the choc. most of the time. The Gym Class took some new exercises this week and John was sore for a day or two. They took a hike around Kent Pond. I told him it was a good thing for the class to do something like that, otherwise he wouldn’t and I think he needs more exercise than he takes.

Zells are still working on the upstairs. They are going to put a dormer in the front where that little decoration on the roof is. They will have quite a nice room when they get it finished. Mr. Z. had to take a physical but doesn’t know whether he will have to go because Purdue says the Co. Agents are to be deferred for occupation. However it is known that he has taken the exam and the stories are circulating. One story Dorothy told Lucile for positive was he had enlisted in the Navy. Lucile said she didn’t think he had but D. said it was so. Well the truth is he hasn’t enlisted and didn’t have any intention of doing so. When

[page 5] he talked about enlisting he was told he should remain on his job as it is considered very essential. He isn’t taking all the “gossip” very well. He says he wishes he had gone to Brookville and gone with that group and no one here would have known anything about it. He is registered at Brookville.

I haven’t seen Art Kenny. He has been home several days. His mother is very ill and he probably is spending most of his time with her, because he is on his way “out.” He says he will be in the South Pacific.

I haven’t heard from Jim but once since Christmas. I wrote him not long ago and told him to let me know if he is sent out. In that event Thelma would return home and I am sure would let me know.

I must get this finished so it can be mailed.
“Love Mother”

©2015 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2015/11/20/wheres-daddy-gladys/ ‎

Open House (Gladys)

1 Reply

: January 30, 1944, p. 1

: January 30, 1944, p. 2-3

: January 30, 1944, p. 4

Letter transcription:

Kentland Ind.
1-30-44

Dear Daddy –

This being Sun. evening, we are all sitting in the living room listening to the radio – Charlie MC is on now. John and Mark are studying, in a way – but I believe the radio has the most of their attention. We had the Zells come to dinner today. I was going to have them remain for some supper, but they had company come and had to go home before supper. Mr. Zell has to go to Indpls. Tues. for his physical. He has to go thru all the formality but he may not have to go. Purdue is trying to keep their county agents home. You know P.U. is really “boss” of the agents and should have enough to say about such matters to carry weight. We will see. Mr. Z. will go if he has to – he isn’t the kind to try for deferments, but if is kept home thru his employment, that is another matter. Lucile says Ed won’t ask for deferments but the company has had him deferred so far. His last one is about up and

[page 2] he may have to go. Lucile said she thought she would stay on here for a while even if Ed does go. She was out a while today with Jimmy Ed. He and David are about the same size. D. is just about an inch taller and a lb heavier. David at present takes everything away from J. Everything J. gets D. wants. I think in time J. will correct that situation.

Dorothy & Nick came out for a while this P.M. Since they have their Sundays off are at liberty to go out together. I think they do a lot of sleeping on their days off.

Mr. Z. and Ed Johnson worked on Mark’s train and got it in running order again. They set it up in our bedroom this afternoon (Mr. Z. & Mark) and we had a lot of noise until David’s bedtime then Mark had to quit for the evening.

I told you about taking Sulfa for my throat. I am allergic to said sulfa and this morning I noticed

[page 3] my right hand was a little swollen and thumb showing a few water pimples so the sulfa is out and my sinus is still draining like a sugar tree. No need to worry as long as it drains, just so it doesn’t get worse. If it isn’t better in the morning I’ll go down and have Dr. M. give me a treatment.

The warm weather last week brought the tulips up so I’ll have to get out and cover them up because Feb. will surely bring colder weather. I knew it was very warm for Jan. but didn’t think it would bring the tulips up.

I sent you some more pictures taken around David’s 16^th month. They are all very good of D. and not bad of the rest. I just reflected when I looked at those pictures about David’s smile. He is smiling in most of his pictures. We were discussing the difference between J.E. and D. this afternoon – David is so spontaneous with his smile that he will smile or laugh at

[page 4] most anything but J.E. is more conservative and sober most of the time. They had some pictures made of J.E. last week and Lucile said they couldn’t get him to smile in but one picture.

Irene was here a few minutes – Jimmy came over to see Mark’s train and she came to get him. I didn’t get to talk to her much. Dorothy & Nick came before she left. She did say she went to see the Dr. in Chi. Yesterday, but I didn’t ask her any questions. I don’t know whether she is working at the factory or not.

It sounds like we had open house today. I don’t know when so many different ones have been here in one day. Don’t suppose it will happen again for days.

Will write again tomorrow and since no mail goes out on Sun. will put both in one envelope.
Love Mother

David, January 1944

©2015 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2015/11/07/open-house-gladys/

Stitch in Time (Gladys)

1 Reply

: January 29, 1944 envelope

: January 29, 1944, p. 1

: January 29, p. 2-3

: January 29, 1944, p. 4

Letter transcription:

Kentland Ind.
1-29-44

Dear Daddy –

Yours of Jan. 18 & 20 came today. This is a lazy Sat. a.m. John isn’t taking a music lesson. He stayed home from school yesterday with a cold. I gave him sulfamerazine and the cold is about gone. He still coughs, but so many do. David still coughs too. David is so full of pep he can wear any of us down. I got a little throat bug yesterday – so started sulfamerazine and feel better. It is down too deep to have it swabbed so thought the best thing to do was take something to nip it before I got something in my sinus. I could hardly go to sleep last night my throat kept filling up, but that is better now. We really don’t take sulfa all the time. This is the first John

[page 2] and I have taken any since last fall but rather than let anything get too bad thought a “stitch in time” would be better than waiting for something worse to develop. It was sunny and windy out yesterday and I hung clothes out on the line and think I got my throat irritation when out in the high wind.

Again I’ll repeat that the taxes was the gross I pd. One quarter I quit paying after that because we don’t pay taxes anymore that is while you are out of the states. Service people don’t have to pay any gross and when you get back home we can see about the Federal.

Irene is home from the hospital but I haven’t seen much of her. Link took her job at the factory so I don’t know whether she is working now or not. Your diagnosis seems to be correct. One day I went to see Coke about

[page 3] some knitting and she brought up the subject of Irene’s condition. I wasn’t going to say much but Coke said she thought the thing Irene needed now was to see a psychiatrist. She also said I wouldn’t be sick or think she was sick so much if she had a husband like Red. She said if Irene didn’t think she was ill every time she had a little pain, etc., etc., etc. She really sized the situation up pretty well. She said she told Mrs. James she thought Irene need[ed] to see a psychiatrist. Red told her she would get herself in trouble if she wasn’t careful, but in her opinion it was time for someone to say something. Dorothy said Link told Nick the Dr. said there wasn’t anything the matter, all in her mind. – Well so much for that. The way I got started

[page 4] was the remark you made in your letter.

We have had lunch and dishes washed since I started this, besides baking a cake & 7 dz. cookies. John wanted me to try a cake receipt he saw in a magazine.

The Myers twins & Bob Wilson made the paper this week. The twins are in training at Pensacola and Bob is a Lt. in the 13^th A.A.F. in the S. Pacific. Mary & Al Myers have moved to either Whiting, Gary, or some city around Chicago. The Josserands are living in the Myers house now. V. is still going around as usual but doesn’t have many friends, it seems, I see her so often by herself or with her little Susan. There is a Horn family living here and she does go around with Mrs. H. some.

Had a letter from Dolores – her husband is back in Cuba. She is hoping he will get another furlough in the spring so they can go home together.
Love – Mother

Senator Van Nuys (Gladys)

1 Reply

: January 25, 1944 envelope

: January 25, 1944, p. 1

: January 25, 1944, p. 2

: January 25, 1944, p. 3

Letter transcription:

Kentland Ind.
1-26-44 [sic 1-25-44]

Dear Daddy –

Yours of Jan. 13 & 14 came today. So glad some late mail finally reached you. Now if David’s pictures just come thru. He is still on the sick list – that is he still coughs and that makes him feel not so good. He isn’t running any tem. But coughs a good bit. Early in the morning he has quite a siege. I think I’ll have Dr. M. give him a shot – he had his whooping cough shots last summer but one now may clear this cough up. I could have gone to Laf. today with Mr. Z. but didn’t want to leave D. while he feels so touchy. He has such a good reputation for being such a pleasant baby I wouldn’t want to spoil his record by leaving him with anyone while he feels this way. Dorothy would keep him and her Mother is with her now but I think I should keep him home another day or two. I think this cough is a culmination of a condition that has been present since before Christmas. He had a cold way back then and has had a hang on cough ever since. He seems to be alright otherwise.

I went to town to mail letters and get groc. after school yesterday and stopped in the restaurant to tell Dorothy I wouldn’t go today. Pinky and Marg were there. Pinky was on the funny side. I think he had been drinking a little. He said when you were in Frisco he waited two months for you to come and see him. I told him you were there one week and that you couldn’t go see anyone. He wouldn’t have it that way and kept going on about not seeing you. He said if he had known you were at Moffett Field he could have flown over to see you. Marg didn’t seem to think so but he insisted. I don’t know just what happened to him,

[page 2] but I was told that he had been grounded because he smashed up a $75,000 job – at any rate whatever the truth of the situation he doesn’t seem to be getting places very fast. He has a desk job now – at least that is what I heard. Marg stayed out in Calif. with him then I think they were in Colo. But since he has been closer home she has remained here, tho she doesn’t see him very often. It may be that she feels she should stay here and help her mother run the newspaper. She has quite a nice column in the paper every week for service people.

The new license application came so now I will get the car tagged for another year. They were late in getting the blanks out this year. I saw a notice in the paper that some may be delayed yet. I was surprised to get ours this soon.

I have a washing going today, should have put the line out and hung things out but I resorted to the easier way. I figured it probably wouldn’t be this warm the next time I wash and what good would one day do. Sometimes the things get covered with smoke from the trains across the way so they look better when dried in the basement than out of doors.

Dr. Messman talked to Dorothy yesterday. He said to tell you he has been discharged – nervous condition – I didn’t talk to him myself so don’t know just where he has been or what brought about the condition necessary for a medical discharge but maybe you know something about it. Those things get around and I know when I wrote to you about Dr. H.in Laf. you knew something about it. I am glad you are in good health. As much as we want you home, I would rather you stay well than have to be sent home sick – don’t you agree?

[page 3] Mr. Z. took my glasses to Laf. to get the left lense replaced so I am going without them today. I just hope I don’t get a headache, but have been having one some days anyway so maybe it won’t be so bad if I don’t knit or read. I probably won’t have much chance to do either. David keeps me pretty busy these days. I left him with John when I went to town yesterday and John was about worn out trying to keep him quiet. He said he finally just walked around with him – carrying D. of course – I told him D. would get over that when he feels a little better –

The temp in Chi this am at 7:30 was 49 – so you know how unseasonably warm it is. It is more like a spring day – windy, sunny and sometimes a little cloudy.

I hear the washer – it’s about ready to stop, so I much stop and get things done. I put D. up in his bed while I went down to put the things in and he went to sleep. Have to make hay while the sun shines.

Love Mother

P.S. Heard over the radio at noon that Senator Van Nuys died suddenly this morning.
It is warmer this afternoon but didn’t take D. out. Thought maybe I should keep him in out of the wind. He is full of pep this afternoon. I have him in the nursery. He has a box of toys I can hear him dumping.

Senator Frederick Van Nuys

Joke Box (Gladys)

1 Reply

: January 24, 1944 envelope

: January 24, 1944, p. 1

: January 24, 1944, p. 2

: January 24, 1944, p. 3

Letter transcription:

Kentland Ind.
1-24-44

Dear Daddy –

Yours of Jan. 5 & 12 came today. So glad you rec’d the box but I sent two so maybe you will get another one yet. – It was similar to the other – not much in either but better than nothing at Christmas, however late. Now about those chasers, etc. – Those were John’s idea of a joke. I told him what you wrote about them and he said to tell you it was only for a laugh. They were in the box from the boys. The box I sent didn’t have any in it. David is better – No measles, etc., but he still coughs. Dr. M. was out to see Martha Zell so I asked him to see D. again. He says his cough is bronchial and if it doesn’t ease up in a few days he will give him a whooping cough shot. I am still giving him sulfamerazine today and to give it to him tomorrow – just twice a day. David is somewhat spoiled from this cough. At first when he had temp. we kept him on the couch and entertained him and now he wants me to hold him most of the time he is awake. He is in his bed now and should be going to sleep but is watching a train go by. When J. & M. come home noon and evening they have to let David take their caps off. He puts the cap on his head then expects us to applaud. He is very conscious of his “public” and knows when to act cute. Dr. M. said to give you his regards and to write to him. He has been out several times during this winter to see D. – twice this time.

There is a music club meeting today but I am not going due to David’s “disposition.”

[page 2] He is a little “touchy” and I don’t like leaving him when he feels this way. However I have a change to go to Laf. tomorrow and would like to go for several items. Dorothy’s mother is here visiting and she said they would keep him for me. It all depends on how he feels by tomorrow. Dorothy is home from 11 a.m. till 3 p.m. and that would cover most of my time away. Mrs. Z. had planned to go tomorrow but Martha has a cold and she can’t leave her or take her along.

Had a card from Uncle Wes. They are in Fla. He wants your address so he can write to you. His address is 103 Osceola Ave Clearwater Fla. In case you want to write to him before he writes to you. I am sending him your address today.

It isn’t cold today but cloudy – I am glad for the warmer days. It’s kinder to the coal. The good coal is getting low and no more to be had I am afraid, but maybe we can get along with the other by spring – but I know the pins broken in one month by the Ind. coal.

My Christmas cactus is about as late as your boxes. It is just blooming – but doing better than last year – it didn’t bloom at all.

I just had a “round” with D. I had put him to bed without anything on but pants & shirt but he wouldn’t go to sleep – so I dressed him and put him back in bed. I don’t like for him to cry because it makes him cough so I can see he is going to be a little spoiled by the time this cough is gone. I took his temp. when I dressed him and it’s normal, so he should be in the pink in a day or so, if we can do something to relieve the cough. He certainly doesn’t act like there is much wrong with him, the pep he has.

[page 3] Here’s hoping you do get home at the end of your 18 mo. but if not the only thing to do is be patient – It certainly will be grand when you do get home.

“Love Mother”

Sniffling Sunday (Gladys)

1 Reply

: January 23, 1944, p. 1

: January 23, 1944, p. 2-3

: January 23, 1944, p. 4

Letter transcription:

1-23-44

Dear Daddy – Sun. P.M. Have been indoors all day – David didn’t have any temp. today and felt pretty good. Still coughs some but no sign of breaking out with measles. Must have been irritation from his diaper. It was so nice out today I wanted to go out with him. I stood him in the doorway and took some pictures, this being his 16^th month – Lucile came out with Jimmy, but didn’t bring him in – just stopped to see about D. She was taking J.E. for his airing. He is fully recovered from his attack of flu. David

[page 2] must have had bronchitis (sp?). That’s what Dr. M. said. John was sniffling this a.m. so he didn’t go out either. I gave him rhinitis all day & he went to bed early. Mark spent the afternoon with Buddy and they came out this evening. Buddy just went home. Dorothy was out early this afternoon to see David. She said Link told Nick the last Dr. in Chi. She consulted told them her ailment was all in her mind. Said she probably had someone in their family somewhere she takes after. Link said she has one such aunt. Mrs. James said one time Irene is like her aunt.

[page 3] I have knitted today and now have a headache from too much. Also my glasses need to be straightened. I want to go to Laf. Tues. with Zells and go have my glasses fixed. David broke one lense – I mended it with airplane glue but it is not straight.

Zells are getting more chickens. They sold off the last batch, cleaned out the brooder house and now ready for more.

Virginia spent the afternoon here helping me entertain David. I think he was tired watching J. & M. build block towers – He seemed to enjoy

[page 4] Virginia’s for a change.

Mark is begging to sleep with me tonight. He got that habit way back when, I really can’t put my finger on the exact date but sometime last summer. I think it all started when he had his tonsils out. Last night I put D. in our bed because he was so restless and coughed a lot, I knew I would have to be up all night trying to keep him covered, so to save the getting up & down, didn’t put him in his own bed. I didn’t sleep much so am going to turn in now & try to catch up.

Love Mother