Tag Archives: Dr. Ira Cole

November 16, 1942 (Gladys) Part V

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: November 16, 1942 Envelope (#2)

: November 16, 1942, p. 1 (#2)

: November 16, 1942, p. 2 (#2)

: November 16, 1942, p. 3 (#2)

: November 16, 1942, p. 4 (#2)

Letter transcription:

Kentland Ind
Nov – 16 – 1942

Dear Daddy –

I wrote one letter today but thought I would start another one this evening. Went to town this afternoon after I wrote to you. I kept watching the sky and decided it wasn’t going to rain. Had a nice walk – went to town and paid the telephone bill and saw several people on the streets. Everyone wanted to look at the baby. He slept thru it all. He was asleep when I took him up to put him in the buggy and slept until after we came home. He is asleep again now – He usually fusses between 6 and 10 – hope he doesn’t get his hours mixed up and want to stay awake after 10. He weighed about 8-14 this morning. He has been gaining more this last week. While he took his last bottle I re-read the two letters that came today. I suppose you do the same thing yourself. While in town I saw the Dyers & Prues – Mrs. D. said Rosemond’s husband was sent to Ireland and they are afraid he is being sent on somewhere – Mrs. Dyer said “into the thick of things.” I saw Marjory Wilson Ryan. I was rather surprised as her baby is hardly 3 weeks old and Dr. Cole tells his OB’s to stay in 3 weeks after leaving the hospital – but she is young and must have gotten along very well. That sounds like I am putting myself in the old lady class but I think you understand. I really feel good now, but I think it is because I did go slow at first.

[page 2] John was coming home from school when I started to town so he walked with me. He was rather amused at the comments – first one would say, “My, what a tiny baby,” then the next would say, “Why he isn’t small.” It is amusing to hear people and the difference of opinion. Arlene was in town too, but she has company and had gone to Club – her sister and a friend. She isn’t able to walk much so they had gone in their car. This was my first trip to town walking and I enjoyed it very much. I stopped at the dress shop and got me a new girdle – I am a little pouchy (I think) and I want to get ironed out again. I wonder if I will wear the garment – also got a new blouce. I didn’t have time to do much shopping because by the time I got to the dress shop it was getting close to bottle time.

John has gone to band practice tonight. He had to get a strap today (1⁰⁰). He said “there goes two week’s allowance.” They had to have this extra practice to get ready for their broadcast Sat. at Purdue.

The Kindig boys – Jack & Calvin are both in hospitals. Jack is in Watseka and Calvin in Michigan somewhere. I don’t know what ails either one but from comments both are very ill.

So many popular radio programs are being sent by short wave to service men overseas. I wonder when I hear the announcers tell that if you are getting the programs. Hope you can get some of your favorites. However

[page 3] you said you couldn’t get Red Skelton. I listen to news reports every day and wonder if you get the same. We get Gregor Z. from Cincinatti at 6:15 and sometimes I get him at 10:15 while giving the baby his bottle.

In one of those letters away back there before I went to the hospital I wrote you about the septic tanks. A man came around wanting to clean them. Link & I decided not to have the tanks cleaned. However Funks & Foulks did. I also wrote to Jim and he wrote back that it shouldn’t be necessary for several years yet. Jim said the only reason would be that if the plumber hooked the sink drain to the tanks which shouldn’t be done – the grease would cause trouble. I think Mr. Monroe knows enough not to have done that.

Now that you are receiving some of those back dated letters maybe they will all get to you, except some few I put regular 3¢ stamps on. I put air mail on most of them and on all after I received your letters telling me to.

In your Christmas box I put in a candy bar – let me know if it gets to you in good shape. We weren’t supposed to put in anything but hard candies. I put in everything you asked for and everything else we could think of which didn’t seem like much after it was all packed – but a shoe box doesn’t hold much and that was the size box we were permitted to use. I would like to get you a good wrist watch. Let me know if you want me to send you one.

In a previous letter I sent you Joe R. address. He would like to hear from you I know as much as you from him. The last time I saw her she was pretty worried about him.

[page 4] Again I will tell you we received the first box you sent and enjoyed it very much. I want to mount the coral & use it for a decoration for the mantle or coffee table.

Jack Byrne and Mr. Healy are now running Art’s drug store. Byrnes are living in the new addition in one of those houses close to Carl Funks.

I think I forgot to mention, I had a card from Jewell that Dot has a baby girl – Jane weighed 6-11 – same as David. Born in Oct. Her husband is in Class 1-A – Jewell said it looked bad so evidently he will have to go soon.

I am jumping around from subject to subject but just had a thought. John had been playing the “Star Spangled Banner” until I thought I would scream – that is he was working on it, then he told me he had written his version of it. Miss Smith told me she was so thrilled over it – and told him it was the best thing he had done yet. He is scoring some onion skin and is going to copy it and send to you and if you have a piano around and someone to play it – or possibly you could – maybe Lentz – you can hear what I have been listening to. You would probably appreciate it more than I did when he was working on it, because it does get a bit tiresome to hear the same thing over & over – that is when he is working out something. I will stop and leave a space for Tues A.M. Just finished the baby’s bath & bottle. He has the hiccoughs – seems to be a habit of his – but doesn’t seem to bother him much. Rec’d two letters this morn – were posted Nov. 8 and 9^th. Will answer those last two when I write tonight. Thought of something else to tell you when I have more time & space so will do that tonite –

Love Mother

Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/06/19/november-16-1942-gladys-part-v/

November 16, 1942 (Gladys) Part I

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: November 16, 1942 Envelope

: November 16, 1942, p. 1

: November 16, 1942, p. 2

: November 16, 1942, p. 3

: November 16, 1942, p. 4

Letter transcription:

Kentland Ind
Nov. 16, 1942

Dear Daddy –

Two letters today so that bring my mail up again (in 9 days). All letters in order according to dates. Today we are having another high wind. I was going to take the baby out today for the first in the Johnson buggy but it is getting cloudy. I will wait until about 3:30 or 4 to see how it is then. I just had to go out and take some clothes off the line. The wind had whipped them around so. It feels warm out and much like rain. In case you don’t get those other letters Lucile is getting ready for a new baby and has a buggy and loaned it to me until she needs it in the early spring. I sent you a Nov. & December calander off my desk and will send you a complete one for 1943 as soon as I can get one. I have one from Mennens on the back of an O.B. chart but thought I could find a better small one than that. Today is Buddy Krull’s birthday. I baked a cake & decorated it. Mark took it to the restaurant as soon as he finished his lunch. Thanks to the mixer I can now make a cake I can send to someone for a gift. Wish I could send you one but that is out of the question now. Maybe I’ll make one and we will celebrate for you here. We will think about you especially on the 25^th (as if we don’t all the time). I think you know you are in our thoughts and conversations

James L. Foster in his sailor uniform. Photograph courtesy of Gerry McCarroll.

[page 2] all the time. Had a letter from Jim this morning. Said he was asking for a leave to begin Dec. 30 until Jan. 9. The boys often mention what Jim said last Christmas. Do you remember? Said you & he would be in uniform this Christmas. Ed Barce had a few days leave and came out to see us Sat. nite. He has finished at Norfolk and is waiting for orders. I think he is in Indpls [Indianapolis] at present. He drives a station wagon and takes other (comm.) officers around. He was wearing a blue uniform and it looked very good on him. Which reminds me to tell you to keep looking at yours from time to time (and air it once in a while). Maybe this is unnecessary advice but you might moth or mold. I took your clothes out of the closet and even with spray and moth bags the little “fellars” had gotten in and eaten two or three holes in those green pants (if you remember) and a black pr. but not too bad to be mended.

Mother went home last Fri and so far we have been getting along fine. I had been doing most everything before she left anyway. I am feeling fine and have been trying to take care of myself and rest enough. I am still taking shots but think I’ll start on something orally. I am going to see Dr. C. I think Sat and he will probably write a prescription for me. John is going to

Silvester and Jessie Schiele (Roscoe’s maternal uncle)

[page 3] play with the band to broadcast and intend to make an appointment for him with Dr. A. I told you all this before but just in case you don’t get my last letter repeat this. I also told you I had a letter from H. W. Reinhart, Ylc CUB Two Moffett Field – Calif. He wants to hear about you so you write to him. Had a letter from Ruthie and they were in Hannah. Floyd had to have his blood test but she didn’t say anything about whether the Co. would be able to keep him or not. They are coming over sometime because Floyd sold all his shop equip. to Mr. Zell and will bring it over. Also had a letter from Aunt Jessie. Just a hello note – said they are intending to come down to see us soon. I had forgotten all about the microscope but will keep it – as you say. Sometimes I wonder if I am forgetting something important but hope I am not. Keeping a baby clean & fed is a large order but it is better to keep busy under the circumstances. Don’t worry about the furnace. We are taking care of it. I am keeping the Ins. paid because you know those notices come and I won’t forget any of that and the bank takes care of the rent so that is that. David is kicking and trying to go to sleep to. He showed a definite demonstration of temper last night. He was in his basket and I was writing to you and he was crying. I reached

[page 4] over and patted him – but didn’t take him up – well you should have heard him – I took him up and he stopped as quickly as he had started. Maybe I shouldn’t have taken him up. I often wonder what you would say about one thing and another regarding his care. Maybe we spoil him just a little, but that is another natural thing under the circumstances (do you agree?) He isn’t too spoiled because he sleeps a lot. I am afraid the weather is against our going out, looks definitely like rain.

I do hope you get all those letters you listed even if the news is old you will enjoy them. I will put the radiogram in the scrapbook. I haven’t received a reply – only from you (that is enough for me).

John and Lovina (Schiele) Yegerlehner (Roscoe’s parents, c1946)

I thought your Mother would try to come up before the gas rationing but she will have to come this week – if she does. That is too much a trip with the baby now, or we would have gone down this week-end.

It will soon be time for the boys to come home from school. “My day” is so full I just go from one thing to another. I didn’t have much lunch for them so that means a good full supper. John gets so hungry. Mark does too by spells.

I must quit and do a few odds & ends. I hope you can read this – believe my writing gets worse.

Love Mother

Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/06/30/november-16-1942-gladys-part-i/ ‎

Teen Age Draft Bill (Gladys)

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The Teen Age Draft Bill was working its way to President Roosevelt’s desk on November 13, 1942. The bill that required men to register for the selective service lowered the age requirement from twenty to eighteen. The war effort needed assistance from men as well as women, persons of color, and individuals of every age. A month previously on October 12, 1942, President Roosevelt returned from a two week tour of the country. He shared his new hopes and visions with the nation in a Fireside Chat. In this speech, he spoke of lowering the age requirement. He felt that this was necessary for a more speedy victory of the war. A month later, Roosevelt signed the Teen Age Draft bill into law.

I am including two links to audio recordings of this speech:
The first link is to the Miller Center in Virginia which includes a rough transcript of the speech. The link to the audio is on the right hand side of the page.
http://millercenter.org/president/speeches/detail/3329
The second link is to My Old Radio which has many of Roosevelt’s other speeches in its archives as well as many old radio shows and commercials. http://www.myoldradio.com/old-radio-episodes/fdr-set-prejudices-aside/16

: November 13, 1942 Envelope

: November 13, 1942, p. 1

: November 13, 1942, p. 2

Letter transcription:

Kentland Indiana
Nov 13 – 1942
(Fri)

Dear Daddy –

Got up early this am (but went back to bed) David slept thru the 2 a.m. feeding then woke up at 5 – and then Mother wanted to get up at 5 because she was going to T.H. [Terre Haute] with Servies and they were coming for her at 6. I got part of washing done yesterday & finished today. With a little “fellar” there is always a washing to do. I am still able to hang things out but when it gets too cold I will put them in the basement.

Rec’d a letter this morning – and you were somewhat out of sorts when you wrote. Well maybe by this time you have a few more letters and know I am receiving yours and have all you have written to date. That is, the one I rec’d this a.m. was dated Nov. 4 & this is the 13^th so that brings it to date. Now that you have rec’d some of those “back numbers: maybe you will get all or most of them. Remember you asked for your comm. & I sent it. Sorry, those two letters I wrote Oct 24 & 25 didn’t mention receiving your letters regularly, because I did mention it in most of my letters.

About Mark – I couldn’t get him a bike unless I found one second-hand – because you have to have a requisition from the ration board and I am afraid I wouldn’t have any reason for getting him one. I think I could get him a Jr. bike but that would be foolish because he wants a full size. He is learning to play the cornet and Mr. Webster says he is doing fine. That he has a better tone range than most of the band children. The only thing he lacks is perseverance. I have been bragging on him and he has been practicing a little better this week. I told him if he learned to play the cornet I would buy him a better horn but I didn’t want to invest anything is a horn if he wouldn’t stick with it. He can blow Taps & Silent Night. I am going to get him a tool set for Christmas and fix him a work shop in the basement. He would do something worthwhile I am sure if he had some help. That is what he says he wants and has one picked out in the Sears holiday book. John is doing as usual. He is playing a large Sax now and still takes piano lessons. He was in a play that is a ”stunt” by the 7^th grade. When he came home last night I had to clean make-up off his face. Mother went to see it and said the 7^th grade stunt was the best. Now I wonder why she thought that (or do I wonder so much)

[page 2] By Mother getting to go home before her birthday I had to go to town and get her something yesterday evening since she left at 6 a.m. today. While in town I saw Lucile Johnson and she said I could use the baby carriage she has until she is ready for it. The one Zell’s have will require so much work however I may fix it up so I can use it when L. wants hers. I saw Ira D. and he said he had another letter from you. I told him he could keep you posted on the local gossip – and he promised to do that. Ellsworth [Wilson] was in the drug store at the time and I talked to him about the Ins. policy for David and he is going to write it in the Laf. Life. He said that was a good company. Hope that meets with your approval.

Had a letter from Henry R. – Jr. today and he wanted to know about you. Evidently he is still at Moffett Field because his letter came from there. Here is his address – you write to him. his address is H. W. Reinhard, Ylc, CUB Two, Moffett Field Calif. He said “would like very much to know something about Jake.”

I sent you a birthday box and put the Lentz pictures & films in it. By getting Boonies candy as soon as you did you should get the box I sent. Again I’ll quote the present bank bal (721). I get my checks each month. It comes in two since you made the additional after you reached Calif. I haven’t done any spending yet this fall. Got the boys some new clothes, but haven’t paid that bill yet (50⁰⁰). That includes some things I got for Mother. I also gave her 10⁰⁰ this morning when she left. The bank bal. of course includes the birthday money. If you get all the letters I have made repeats in you may be sorry you asked for “rehash.”

The baby had a crusty formation in his eyebrows and I was afraid it might be impetigo – how he could get anything at all is beyond me because you know my “mania” for keeping clean. I had been using water on his face but but he got a rash or something so just used oil and the rash cleared but this thing started in his eyebrow – so decided to use some samples I rec’d – “Pragmusal” I applied it three nights in succession and it cleared up. I read the label on the tube carefully and decided it would not be too strong for his skin even if it didn’t help – but it did the trick. Of course if it had gotten worse & spread would have taken him to Dr. C. but didn’t want to make an unnecessary trip. I am not due to go back for more than a week yet. I want to make the trip just before gas rationing but then after that will have to make trips because will have to get David started on his shots when he is old enough.

The Myers twins were just sent to Laf. to the Naval Station there. They had enlisted in Aug. – 18 went from Newton Co. Nov. 6 – Jim Fletcher’s widow [Emma Fletcher] is working at Sharps. Just put in the above from glancing at the Enterprize. You should be getting it soon as Bart is sending it every week.

Have to register for gas ration card next week. Hope this finds you with all the letters you should get

Love Mother
(hope you can read all this)

Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/06/23/teen-age-draft-bill-gladys/

November 12, 1942 (Gladys)

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: November 12, 1942 Envelope

: November 12, 1942, p. 1

: November 12, 1942, p. 2

Letter transcription:

Kentland Ind
Nov. 12, 1942

Dear Daddy –

Rec’d two letters this a.m. – That puts them all in order now, one a day. Sometimes they get mixed up in their order of arriving but now they are all here. Some have been missent to other towns. Some come in 6 days & some take 10 day to 2 weeks. I wish I could remember some of the things I wrote you in Sept – but at best the letters up to Sept 22 weren’t too interesting because I was in bed so much and wasn’t out for a month. I had gotten up and went to the Opening Club luncheon Sept 22 then rode to Sheldon & back and that was my first time out – and I think that was what brought things on sooner. Just in case you haven’t gotten any letters about it – My water broke at 11 p.m. and I called Dr. C. He said to come to the hospital. I called Bob & Dorothy & we were on our way by 11:15 and at 12 – I was in the hospital and by 2:03 we had another son. It was very “easy” this time. My breasts really gave me more pain – over a longer period of time and then after pains last longer but it is all over now and I have regained my strength and have even done most of the cleaning with the help of the boys. So far the boys have been able to take care of the furnace and it isn’t necessary to hire anyone to take care of it. And I think we can get along on our own power now. Mother is going back to T.H.[Terre Haute] tomorrow. Servies are going & she is riding with them. I decided that was too much of a trip to make now with the baby so small. It is so hard to find house help that I will do what I can and let other things go – however I have the cleaning done and it isn’t so hard to keep things going with the help of the boys & conveniences.

[page 2] John & Mark are home and Mark is practicing on his horn and I am having a little trouble concentrating. David has started a noise. I gave him his orange juice & he went to sleep for about 2 ½ mi. The Lucile I was referring to was Johnson. Her baby is due in Jan. Surprised? So was I and a lot of other people here. With all bills paid the bank bal. is 731. That includes the birthday money. I get My allowance comes every month or that word is allotment. I told Bart to send you the Enterprize so you could get all the town news every week in case I forget some item. I have tried to tell you the news in each letter & list the men who have go into service so I am really in a muddle trying to rehash what I have already written. Maybe all those letters will get to you and you will have all the news you care for. If you get Ella’s paper you should get Bart’s.

I am enclosing a good picture of David. Will send one in each letter. If I put in more afraid it won’t go “air.” Will get a calendar in the mail as soon as I can find one. Wish I had known that sooner. I could have put in your birthday box – if you get it. You mentioned your watch – what kind have you now and would you want me to send you a “good” wrist watch – Let me know. I have to make a trip to town and do some shopping – get mother a birthday gift. Hope this finds you in receipt of lots of letters & your laundry & birthday box.

Love – Mother & our sons

Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/06/21/november-12-1942-gladys/

Gas Rationing (Gladys)

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Click to enlarge

Gas rationing was big deal for the people on the home front. For Gladys and the boys, living in Kentland, they did not need to use the car much. In most situations, the family could walk to their destination. Rationing did limit visits to relatives in Terre Haute and Clay City or trips made to Lafayette for shopping or doctor’s appointments. Had Roscoe been at home, he would have received a different rationing allowance for his occupation. It is hard to imagine only using 4 gallons of gas a week. In 2013, the typical American uses many times that in a single day.

V-mail dated November 9, 1942

Letter transcription:

Lt. (J.G.) R.S. Yegerlehner
Navy S.S.A. (White Poppy)
c/o Postmaster
San Francisco Calif

Mrs. R.S. Yegerlehner
Kentland
Indiana
11-9-42

Dear Daddy –

It was raining rather hard at noon so I took the boys & Zell girls back to school. Stopped in town and got some groceries – Also was able to get ¼ lb coffee. That is how scarce it is here. I haven’t been drinking coffee since I was in the hospital so didn’t need it for myself but got it for Mother. I understand gas rationing will start Nov 22 – and we will get 4 gal a week. Of course people having to drive to work will get more. I think we will have enough for the driving we do. I take the car out enough to keep the battery charged. Will have to make a trip to Laf. Soon to take the baby down to Dr. C and have John’s glasses checked. The baby weighed 8-6 this morning. He shows a gain of about 14 oz in two weeks. That according to your letter is enough. He is getting regulated pretty good now – sleeps lots & is good when awake. He won’t take orange from a bottle so I give it with a spoon. I think that will help when I start him on Pablum – he will have an ‘idea’ of what a spoon is for. I am going to teach him to drink out of a cup as soon as possible. He is so tiny yet compared to Funks baby. He weighs over 13 lbs and it just 3 ½ weeks older than David. Arlene said they sent you some pictures. I have too but don’t know whether you have rec’d all or not. I sent you stamps twice. I rec’d two letters today & two Sat. The boys each rec’d theirs and answered. Hope you get all the letters with stamps & pictures & your commission. I have rec’d all the letters you sent I am sure.

Love Mother

Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/06/05/gas-rationing-gladys/ ‎

October 30, 1942 (Gladys)

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John on October 24th, 1942

This letter gives another reference to the photograph of John, taken by Ruthie, in his new coat, on October 24th. Apparently there were two pictures. Thankfully, at least one survived through time. Maybe the second one will surface someday.

: October 30, 1942 Envelope

: October 30, 1942, p. 1

: October 30, 1942, p. 2

: October 30, 1942, p. 3

: October 30, 1942, p. 4

Letter transcription:

Kentland, Ind
Oct 30-1942

Dear Daddy,

I sent a letter marked “clipper” yesterday but Tony said he didn’t know whether it would be sent that way or not. If so you should have rec’d it in about a week. If you do get it that soon I’ll send all via clipper. I haven’t had any letters since Mon. but tomorrow is Sat and maybe there will be a “flock” then.

I took the drapes down and cleaned the ones in our bedroom but just put the rest out to air. I took Mark back to school at noon so went on down to Perkins and Thelma promised to come tomorrow and do some cleaning. If I can just get help a day or so, think we can get the housecleaning situation in hand.

Mon. when I took the baby to Dr. C. he weighed 7-9

[page 2] This morning when I bathed him he weighed 8 lbs – not bad for a 6-11 – losing 11 oz and starting at 6 lbs. He was 5 weeks old Wed. so I think he is doing well enough. He tried to gag when I gave him his Oleum Percomorphum today but I gave him orange juice as soon as I could and he kept it down. He made an awful face when he got a taste of the oil.

I am enclosing some pictures Ruthie took with her camera. The two pictures of John with the over coat shows how it can be worn. The light side for rain & the dark for cold. Maybe before long we will be able to get a good (or better) picture of David. I hope you have the pictures we sent last week. Several of the baby were very good we thought. He rec’d another present today – a knit suit from Louise Glenn – she said on the card “to small fry.” That makes eight suits given to him. He is wearing one today. They are really much nicer for boys than dresses and warmer too.

I feel like I have an apology to make about your birthday but hope you get the cards we sent. I should have sent

[page 3] your birthday box out long ago but going to the hospital when I did (Sept 23) I didn’t think about sending it before then and since I have been home it seems like I am so busy with the baby & getting back on my feet again. I am afraid you won’t get it until after Christmas what with so much Christmas mail to be handled now. I hope you get it or the cards because we have thought about it and of course think about you all the time.

Art K. is due in Great Lakes Mon. I stopped in the drug store at noon and saw him. I wanted to pay him. He said he would come out and settle up before he leaves, but I don’t think he will. There were twelve from Newton Co. left for Indpls. Among those Paul Bruck, Leo Yost & Eddie Britton.

Marjory Wilson Ryan has a baby boy. She went to see Dr. C. Monday and stopped at the hospital to see about a room. She wasn’t due

[page 4] until Nov. 7. I told her to make it Nov. 1 – but guess she couldn’t wait.

The Equitable sent you the name of an examinee and I returned their letter with a note to the effect you are in Service. I had a letter to inform me that your status as examiner would be retained when you return.

School is out and the boys are home. I have quite a bit of mail to go out so will have to get busy and get it to the P.O. “My day” is certainly full – I can do just so much before I stop & rest – and it seems I never get caught up – but I would rather be busy. That doesn’t keep me from thinking but it helps me. I have so many letters that should be answered – but yours comes first and if I have any time left will answer others.

Love
Mother

P.S. I missed your Dad’s birthday but sent a gift later

Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/05/28/october-30-1942-gladys/

Halfway Point!

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At the end of this last week, my blog hit a quiet milestone. With this post, I have been posting for 184 days, just over half a year. I can hardly believe that I have been at this for six months. Yesterday (May 25^th) was my grandparents’ 84^th wedding anniversary. I would like to thank everyone who has been following their correspondence for the last six months and to welcome those who have recently followed their story. Here’s to the next six months!

: October 29, 1942 Envelope

: October 29, 1942, p. 1

: October 29, 1942, p. 2

: October 29, 1942, p. 3

: October 29, 1942, p. 4

Letter transcription:

Kentland Ind
Oct 29 – 1942

Dear Daddy-

Another day and no letters from you but maybe they will come tomorrow. There were two Mon and this Thurs so still Fri & Sat.

Our weather has changed a little. It was raining so hard this morning I took ours & Zell’s children to school. John had tow horn cases to carry and books so he could hardly manage walking. He brought the large saxophone home yesterday and had to take both horns back this a.m. He likes the regular sax much better than the straight one he had. David is sleeping now. He seems to like the 4 hr schedule as well as the 3 hr. He didn’t wake up until 3:30 this am for the 2 am bottle. I think maybe he will soon sleep right through although I don’t mind feeding him at 2 until he is some heavier. He weighed 7-9 on Dr. Coles’ scales Monday and will no doubt be

[page 2]past the 8 lb mark by Sat. He takes his cod liver oil & orange juice every day and so far both agree with him.

If you ever get the letters I wrote while in the hospital and letters others wrote, you will know we tried to send you a cable – well in your letters to me you said you hadn’t had any news for so long, so Bob Hufty contacted the Red Cross field man and he said he would get a radiogram to you if it was possible – I suppose by this time you will have received it and know why it was sent. I would have done that in the first place had I known we couldn’t send a cable – and that you wouldn’t get our letters – but we all thought you would surely get our letters in at least two weeks. After they told us we couldn’t cable you I thought the only thing left was a letter and when your letters kept coming and you weren’t getting your mail Bob decided it was high time something should be done.

Mrs. R called me this morning just to talk and wanting to know if I had any late news. She rec’d a cable three weeks ago

[page 3] but no news since then. Before the cable he had written three letters on board ship. He was detailed to the Southwest Pacific fleet, so she hasn’t the faintest idea where he is other than the S.W. Pacific.

There is a high wind today and we had a casualty. The west storm window in the boys room blew off and broke the bottom pane. I hadn’t gotten them all fastened and that particular one seems to be in a current that flips it off. Link is coming over this evening and help me get the rest fastened. I can’t even get some of the windows up. Joe should have fastened those the day he put them up but he was in a hurry to finish by noon and I haven’t felt strong enough to wrestle with the windows – but will get it done before any more blow out.

John has filled two stamp books so I am going to buy him a bond (as pledged) and he is going to get

[page 4] it at school so his grade will get credit. Mark still has a few stamp to buy before he fills his book but I will get him a bond before the year is over. I should buy David a $5⁰⁰ stamp with his gift from D. Mace.

I see in the paper that Bethel Wilson has been sent to Daytona Beach, Fla to a new camp. The Mullen boys are being sent to Ft. Bragg, N.C.

Harlan’s had Chuckie operated on for his eyes. They took him to Indpls but I don’t know who did the operating.

John Byrne is the man operating Art’s drug store. I knew his face but not his name. His family will occupy the Ross property on West Carroll St. (if you know which property that is – I don’t).

Mother had a head cold – started yesterday evening – so I made her take some Rhinitis – all I had was the child size so have her 4 last night – got a bottle at the drug store this morning and gave her a full size one – her cold is better now.

I must sign off-
Love Mother

This post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/05/26/halfway-point/

Amanuensis Monday – October 27, 1942 (Gladys)

2 Replies

Image from http://www.meadjohnson.com

In many letters thus far, Gladys has mentioned Oleum Percomorphum and Dextri-Maltose. Because she was not able to breast feed David, other alternatives for feeding were necessary. Mead Johnson & Company was the producer and developer of these products. We know them today for such products as Enfamil and Enfalac. The company introduced Oleum Percomporphum in 1935. A vitamin A and D supplement, it helped to prevent Rickets. This is not a disease one hears much about these days. Rickets causes a weakening of the bones, especially in children. With our modern vitamin fortified milk, rickets is generally considered a disease of the past.

Mead Johnson & Company developed Dextri-Maltrose in 1911. This carbohydrate power supplement was mixed with milk to help weaker infants gain strength and weight. It was marketed directly to physicians and soon became one of their most important products. Prior to World War I, the compound was created from potato starch which was imported from Germany. In 1916, the company moved production to Evansville, Indiana and changed the basis of the formula from potato starch to corn. Indiana proved to be a prime location for acquiring corn.

For more information on Mead Johnson & Company and these products, check out these websites:

http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1G2-3480000067.html
http://www.meadjohnson.com/Company/Pages/Our-History.aspx

: October 27, 1942 Envelope

: October 27, 1942, p. 1

: October 27, 1942, p. 2

Letter transcription:

Kentland Ind
Oct 27-1942

Dear Daddy-

Tues eve. and almost 7 P.M. I am tired this evening so after I finish writing will take David and go upstairs. He went to sleep after his 6 P.M. bottle so I should get to bed and sleep while he sleeps so I can catch up some. He still requires a 2 AM bottle and that seems to come around so soon after 10 PM.

Sunday afternoon David & Marie came to see us. They said they wanted to see the name sake and make the trip before gas rationing. It is to start (gas rationing) Nov. 22. David had received your letter and I think they wrote to you also they are going to send you a Christmas box. If all the boxes get to you by Dec 25 you should have several. Betty Beaver told me today she helped wrap a box the different organizations are sending. I sent our box last Sat. Ruthie mailed her box this week. I know your Mother & Ruth M. sent boxes too.

Mark got a blister on both heels from his new scout shoes. He could hardly walk at noon so I took him to school and went to get him this evening. While in town had anti-freeze put in the car, and have winter oils in so the car is in shape now for cold weather.

[page 2] The finances are in good shape. The bills are all paid (except a few drug bills). The bal. now is a little above seven but when the check comes the first of next month it will bounce up. That bal. includes the birthday money. I haven’t spent much money lately due to the fact I haven’t been out much. I am not much in the spending mood at present and can’t think of anything in particular I want right now.

If and when your packages come I will let you know, if and when you get my letters. I hope all my letters get to you because they are like a diary. I tried every day to keep up with the news.

This evening in town I saw so many people – It was Club day and so many club women were in town. Mrs. T. J. [Louise] Britton told me she had some shrubbery she wants to give me.

A former salesman – and I can’t remember the co. he traveled for is in Art’s now, so he must be taking over for Art. Art is to leave Nov. 5. He got rating of mate second class in Navy.

Dr. Cole told me to get Oleum Percomorphum for the baby. He also gets orange juice now. Today was his first day on 4 hr schedule and seems to do just as good. Will see what he does tomorrow. The boys (John & Mark) (I should say the older boys) have started taking oral vaccine you left. John had a cold and took one of those and his cold left. Of course he is still taking them

Love

Mother

First month’s check-up (Gladys)

4 Replies

: October 26, 1942 Envelope

: October 26, 1942, p. 1

: October 26, 1942, p. 2

Letter transcription:

Kentland Ind
Oct 26 – 1942

Dear Daddy-

I am a little tired this evening. Went to Lafayette today to take the baby to the Dr. He increased the milk in his formula and put him on a four hour schedule. He has been so slow in taking his feedings – he thought he would take his bottle better if he is on 4 hrs. After checking him over he said – “besides being bowlegs he is OK.” He weighed 6 – 3 ¼ when we came home 3 weeks ago and today he weighed 7 – 9 so he is making a steady gain. I am to start him on cod liver oil and orange juice tomorrow. His new or increased formula is milk 10 oz – water 18 oz – Dextri Maltose – 2 tbsp. Does that [sound] about right to you or is that too far in your past to remember. Dr. Cole always asks about you when he sees me. He is still very busy in the baby business. I went today with Mary Thompson & Marjory Wilson Ryan. She is due the first week in Nov. Her husband is in Great Lakes Training Station and is getting a furlough the first of next month and they hope it will coincide with the baby’s arrival.

[page 2] Ruthie was here last week and when Floyd came for her Sat. night he said he had to go back to Blue Island this week again and talked like she might come back for this week.

Took the family and went to Sheldon this evening for meat. Ordered another quarter of beef. Brought home several packages and stopped to see Dorothy and they had brought some over for me so we have enough meat to last two or three weeks. We are soon to have meat rationing and we are trying to be careful with our supply.

Rec’d two letters this morning. One letter was missing but it will probably come tomorrow or next day. When I get the packages you sent will let you know. Just hope you get our box we sent to you for Christmas.

The baby is wanting his bottle so must close & feed him.

Love
Mother