Tag Archives: Dr. Joseph Roberts

The mail was better today (Roscoe)

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Letter transcription:

Dec. 13, 1942

Dear Mother,

Nick Krull, circa 1960

Nick Krull, circa 1960

The mail was better today. Got two letters dated Nov. 25 from you, and one dated Oct. 14 from you – a package from Boonie – (a box of candy) a letter from John – V-mail and two birthday greetings from Nick & Dorothy. One of the greetings wasn’t very nice and Dorothy wouldn’t have her name to it so she sent another with both their names. I guess all of our mail will finally get here. John said he was down in the dumps because didn’t have meat for dinner. After all if a fellow is hungry he isn’t very happy.

I’ve written the folks their usual weekly letter today. Wrote it just before chow and it is after church now. We had a visiting Chaplin give the sermon tonite a change now and then is pretty good.

Today has really been hot. I believe it’s the hottest day we have had even in our hut it was hot. We’ll have to get us an electric fan now – maybe – again it seems pretty definite that we probably will stay here for some time – and now that you

[page 2]know where we are it won’t be so bad. Today’s letters were the first with the new address and I suppose the next ones will have the addition that were attached a day or two after the first address came out. Fred got a package from his wife – Had – candy – nuts a pipe – cigarettes etc. The peanuts were very tough but still good. I’ll have to write the Krulls and the Boones and I almost forgot – Otto Paul. His letter would come thru. I’ve already wrote you about that so you tell Boonie and he can send him the stuff and I won’t have to write.

I wrote Joe Roberts the other day but didn’t have to use all the address left off the San Francisco part. The P.M. told me here it wasn’t necessary to send it back to San F. If Mrs. R. don’t know where he is you should tell her because I wrote it to you. Wish I could go over from Christmas but it’s to[o] far to paddle a row boat. He should get my letter in pretty short order, but it would be as hard for him to get over here

[page 3] as me there.

Dr. Huth took some pictures the other day and we developed them in the Xray tank and today we tried printing some of them. I’d almost forgotten how it was done but we got a few out. Our fixer solution isn’t quite right for pictures because they turn yellow around the edges. It seemed I was the only one who knew anything about printing and that wasn’t much because it‘s been years & years since. I had the carpenter make the frame. I think I told you something of that last night – well we had no glass so we just had two boards one with a hole slightly smaller than the film. In time we should get pretty good – especially if we can get the Corpsman to do the work. I’m going to have to have a Corpsman when I get home to do the work for me. It’s just like having a colored maid. Maybe I’ll get over being lazy. I hope.

Have a boy in the hospital now with hands just like yours used to be. Of course, we have no zimocol but I’m giving him Hcl just the same. He got his washing his hands

[page 4] in some kind of soap he thinks. Or maybe he had to wash dishes. Could be the same as yours and maybe not.

The original four members of the Rotary Club: Paul Harris is on the far right, while Silvester Schiele (Roscoe’s uncle) is second from the left.

Guess you were somewhat honored to have Paul Harris as your guest even though it wasn’t but a little time. Wish I could have been – there- It’s a little late now but you must get that in the paper. I mean it – call Bart and tell him Uncle was along and Paul H. The founder of Rotary was with him. Make a nice little story. Things like that don’t happen every day. Maybe you have already done so – if not do it. I can read it too if and when the paper gets here.

Well, must stop and rest – work or write another letter – don’t know which –

With lots of Love

Daddy

©2013 copyright owned and written by Deborah Sweeney

Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/08/25/the-mail-was-b…r-today-roscoe/

First Anniversary of Pearl Harbor (Gladys)

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Letter transcription:
Kentland Ind
Dec 7 – 1942
Dear Daddy –
After receiving four letters this morning I should be able to write a little better – also I went to Music Club this afternoon. My first Club meeting since Sept 22 – then I only attended the luncheon. Mrs. Shirk told me while I was at club that they called Dr. M. and he refused to go. Also several have told me similar stories. I didn’t know this until Clara M. worked for me last week but Mrs. Cunningham said he wouldn’t come when she called him for Frank and she called Dr. G. In case you missed my letter telling you Frank died. Some people seem to think it is your patients Dr. M. is independent with, but he always talks about missing you and wishing you were back. There is something funny.
We are still “enveloped” in winter weather – and tonight that is literally the truth. When I came home about 5 P.M., I noticed a fog rising off the snow and it kept moving up and over from the meadow across the street, and it is all around now. This makes such dangerous driving. I heard that all the hotel rooms are full tonight. I suppose anyone reaching town after the fog started

[page 2] decided to stay over rather than try to drive – since the roads are so slick. I don’t know how 41 is beyond town but in town it is covered with filmy packed frozen snow and is slick as glass. I won’t try to drive until the roads are safe.
The Lbr. Co. sent more coal out today – but Bun didn’t deliver it. Denver Perkins was helping. I don’t know who the other was. So we will have enough coal to meet the demands of this cold weather.
You keep mentioning the Federal tax so you surely haven’t rec’d my letters explaining about it. Agnes advises not to pay it – says it may be cancelled after the duration, but if you still insist on paying it I will. I just turned the papers over to her and she sent them in. If you get this – and want me to pay – mention my letter of this date (Dec 7).
Mrs. Roberts called and she had a letter from Joe and he wants you to write to him. I suppose you have since I sent you his address.
Mrs. Tilton told me this afternoon that Bob has entered officer’s training. I was trying to talk to someone else when she told me so didn’t catch all the details.
Red gave Coke a new record player for Christmas and she is going to have John over to hear a complete opera. The opera is on in Chicago now and I wish I could take John but with travel as it is now he will have to get his over the radio & on record.

[page 3]Tues. A.M. Will write a few lines more while D. takes a nap before bath time. If you have been getting my letters in which I mentioned the weather you will think I am a little strong on the subject but every day it is a little different. Last night I mentioned the fog – now this morning all the trees and shrubs are so thick with snowy ice they look like they have cake frosting on the. It is very beautiful. I can’t remember when we have had so much snow and weather like this so early in Dec. Maybe reading this will make you feel a little cooler.
Dorothy and Mildred Morton were going to Indpls [Indianapolis] today but I doubt if they go. There is still a lot of haze in the air and I imagine the roads are still slick as glass.
I am ordering Mark’s Christmas gifts today – Now I know you won’t approve but he wants ice skates and I am not keen on getting them but he wants them so much. Maybe I should be firm and say No! but if you could hear him. He says if he can’t have anything else he still wants skates. I am also getting him a tool chest and hope I can get him interested in doing shop work.

[page 4] They are buy stamps at school today. You know I got them to agree to buy $5⁰⁰ each out of their tens. They get such a big “kick” out of buying stamps in large quantities at school.
You said you had your mother’s box and I was trying to count how many were sent to you. I sent three (one was your laundry). Ruthie one, Ruth M. one, the Clubs of Kentland one, Boonie another one, and the Statons said they were sending one but don’t know whether they did. The Funks sent the pen & pencil set and I can’t think of who else, but these are the ones can recall now. But, all those had you first address except one or two of mine had “White Poppy” but since they were sent in Oct you should get them.
It is time to bath & feed the baby, then get lunch and do a few other necessary things.
Dr. Bushnell from Chicago is the one Joe met. Bushnell is in the Army.
Love Mother
P.S. – The V-mail greetings to J. & M. came today
©2013 copyright owned and written by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/08/14/first-annivers…-harbor-gladys/

Well the lecture is now over (Roscoe)

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Letter transcription:

Dec. 6, 1942

Dear Mother,

Sun. P.M. and rainy – It hasn’t been a solid day of rain but fine and clear one minute and rain the next. The ground dries very rapidly but not fast enough for these showers. I’m wearing my brown oxfords inside of four buckles today and will continue – Taking the overshoes off at the door. Our deck needs swabbing but it’s no use for the time being. We’ll just scrape it off and shovel it out.

I wrote the folks already today just thought I’d get it off hand in case too much business came about. Which is not too likely. This is shortly after noonday chow, and it was a good had creamed turkey – peas – asparagus mashed potatoes, choc. Pie and soup really I think it was better than Thanksgiving day. Got another carton of cigarettes one cake of soap and ½ doz penny boxes of matches. That all

[page 2] goes in our regular monthly mess bill. All the tobacco I’ve bought was some when we first arrived the rest has been supplied.

As I told you yesterday I wrote Joe R. and I think it will go directly to him rather than all the way back to the States. I wonder if Mrs. R. knows where he is or did you get to tell her yet?

Let’s go back to that birthday money of yours – If you don’t feel like spending it now at least get it out of the bank account because we might want to buy something for the home or office when I get back and you are supposed to have that and please don’t buy a piano and put a big monthly payment business on the financial end of the family. There are other things more important than an expensive piano. I don’t object to a small model but also a small price. Hold on to the do re-me now because it’s going to be hard to get

[page 3] when this thing is over. Well the lecture is now over. Do as you think best for all concerned.

If you take David to Dr. C for the shots you had better offer to pay him for his material used or just offer to pay him – he might get tired of the whole business. I’d suggest you give him the diphtheria vaccine you have in the ice box but it’s been too long since it was used so you had better throw it out. He might not use that kind anyway.

Just stopped for a time to have a bottle of beer and a session – In the discussion the subject of washing machines came up. And I think I sold another Bendix. Hope ours is still working. The way that topic came up – we were discussing an electrician here. He reminds me very much of all those I’ve ever known – puts in one device and talks long enough to wire a house in between times. He is always talking about inventing something but it’s too much trouble

[page 4] to fix it up. I was comparing him to Bun S. and that’s the way the whole thing came about.

There has been no mail yet today but it isn’t time as yet. I’ll save space in order to let you know if any comes. I’m beginning to believe the Christmas packages were just a myth or did you send something. I guess those things will be along in time to come.

Fred is writing a letter now and Dr. Porterfield is sleeping. Just a typical Sunday P.M. in the summer time with the weather a little rainy.

Well I’ll drop you a little more later on in the evening but just in case I forgot So Solong

Love Daddy

P.S. got your letters of Oct. 28 and Nov. 14. Also one from Mom one from Sykes and one from Allgoods. I know what the bank balance is now for sure so you won’t need to repeat it unless it goes way up or down but take yours out as I’ve said. Get some interest

©2013 copyright owned and written by Deborah Sweeney

Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/08/12/well-the-lectu…ow-over-roscoe/

Keeping the chin up (Roscoe)

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In today’s letter, we FINALLY learn Dr. Fred’s last name and we learn the name of the “boss”. In case you haven’t noticed, Jake has been censoring his own letters lately. Perhaps some of the news from this letter will explain why.

Letter transcription:

Dec 5, 1942

Dear Mother,

A day of rain and all that goes with it – mud wet etc – but it isn’t so bad living in a hut, only we have two leaks in our roof – but luckily they don’t come over my bunk. We still have to get in the mud to go to chow and to the P.O. but we can do them both at the same time.

I counted the letters both V-mail and others and to date I have received 77 from you. All others I destroy so don’t know how many I’ve gotten all together. I’ve just about decided to write to Dr. Joe and Reinhart. I put those letters away and had to search for them so I found them today. To get the address.

Your attitude on the keeping the chin up is admirable because that after all is the best way. You don’t see many families around home in

[page 2] circumstances as similar to ours but I see and am around many men in exactly the same state of affairs as myself, and we are no better than they and all have a part to play and a duty to do. For example one of my roommates has two children – the oldest just a little older than John and the youngest about Mark’s age. Then Fred has one son 19 months old and Dr. Porterfield our boss has three children – Two boys and a girl – His two boys are both in the service – And he doesn’t know where one is – the other is in Calif. at present or was at the last writing. Dr. (Fred) Williams and Dr. Porterfield both were asking me about my family last night and they both talked as if they were asking their wives to write you. I thought I would not suggest you write them first. I did for Dr. Walsh but you haven’t said if you heard from her or not. They suggested their wives write to you so maybe you’ll be hearing from

[page 3] them, but that is getting away from my original story. I know a first class hospital corpsman who has a child about 3 years old and plenty of others in the same boat and then we also run into men who haven’t been home for 20-26 months – So our lot isn’t any worse than others and I’m glad you are taking it as you say and as I know you can. I’m not cheerful and happy about the whole things but I’m trying to do the same thing you are.

I’m almost afraid to say this but it now looks as if there will be only 3 of us remain here – Williams, Porterfield and myself. Porterfield is boss being a Lt. Comdr – while Fred is a (jg) like myself. We aren’t entirely sure but the latest gossip is to that affect and we should know in a few days. Of course we don’t know for how long but for the present at least and possibly indefinitely. That is, as

[page 4] far as the Navy is able to be definite. That last isn’t very clear, but it looks as if it will be sometime. There are other places much worse that this so we won’t complain.

No mail today but we have hopes for tomorrow. That is what keeps us going and after all that is what keeps the whole world going.

The dentist is scraping a fellow’s tooth and it isn’t a pleasant sound. He has sinus trouble so I get him down in his chair and work on him then he works on me – That way we are both careful not to be too rough.

The show was very good last night – funny as well as a fair plot. The ground is too wet tonite so won’t see another until Mon. as there is none on Sun. night. The shows are fine but it sure breaks in on the letter writing period.

Well, I think you and I have looked at this whole business in a sensible manner and and I hope we can continue to do the same –

With Lots of Love

Daddy

©2013 copyright owned and written by Deborah Sweeney

Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/08/10/keeping-the-chin-up-roscoe/

Who showed them how? (Roscoe)

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Letter transcription:

Dec. 4, 1942

Dear Mother,

Just a little time now so this is the first try – maybe will be able to finish maybe not. Last night I answered the greetings I received yesterday and also wrote a short note to Dr. Matthews. As I said before don’t know if he is peeved or not but I wrote just the same. I’ll try to write a short note to each person who sends me a greeting. Just happened to think the other day that I hadn’t written to Reinhart or Dr. Roberts yet so will before long when I’m more in the mood [for] that right now. Last night after the show I felt like writing. Today not so much that way.

No mail yet today – weather hot good breeze and some few clouds. That takes care of the usual things we say about those common topics of conversation. We still have hopes of mail because it isn’t 5 P.M. yet.

You mentioned that you and the

[page 2] boys were taking care of the furnace. Who showed them how? And you should stir around the retort frequently to remove any clinker because it might burn out the retort and I don’t believe you would be able to buy a new one now. Maybe one of the neighbors would look after it once in a while.

There was one question I asked you several times and haven’t received an answer yet – and that was the date my first letter arrived. It is of no importance only just interesting so if you can remember let me know. You might have sent it in one of those missing letters, which I hope catch up with us some day. I’ve tried to save all of your letters but the burden may get too great as time goes along. All the other letters I destroy in a few days after I’m sure I don’t want to refer to them again.

The bridge games I used to talk about are no more – too many of the players are gone and we don’t seem to have the

[page 3] interest we once had. Fred, Our boss and I pay [play] a game of domino now and then – very exciting. These are a little different. They run up to double nines and the addition sometimes goes beyond or [our] limited counting range. Maybe we haven’t gone into that bad a mental slump but I sometimes wonder – Don’t worry about that last sentence it’s the weather or something.

Just had a little argument. Some fellows say the war will be over by Feb. or Mar. Sure wish I had that much good outlook about things. Maybe they are right – hope so. It could be wishful thinking.

Just back from the P.O. Three or 4 letters air mail and one V-mail. The reason I said 3 or 4. You had two letters in one so that the reason. The latest letter was Nov. 24. The V-mail Nov. 7 so you see which is best.

About those pictures – David wasn’t hardly in the picture and I thought the rest of you folk took [look] terrible all except Mark standing back of you in the front door.

[page 4] John looked like a native of here in that one taken in the back yard. The last bunch were much better but John still couldn’t be natural, possibly his glasses. Have him look off to the side at some disinterested object next time.

Hope by this time you have the money orders and check I sent. I had forgotten about those. And I don’t believe I would burden the bank acc with any expensive piano – no baby grand now. I still think a coat would be a good idea anyway you had better get it out of the bank acc. Either in bonds or on interest because if it stays in the bank acc it won’t draw any interest and before long it will just sorta be attached and you’ll not have  it as I had planned. If you don’t want to get a coat see what interest you will be able to get at the Building and loan or in Bonds. No use to let the Bank get the interest. That is if you don’t need it otherwise. Hope that uniform money get thru – That will help some. This is about all the space I’m allotted now so solong until tomorrow

Lots of Love
Daddy

©2013 copyright owned and written by Deborah Sweeney

Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/08/07/who-showed-them-how-roscoe/

Many Happy Returns (Gladys)

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Apparently Gladys wrote a second letter on December 2nd. It escaped my notice until last night. Luckily we are not too far ahead, only a day or two. Included in this letter was another letter. Roscoe had privileges at the Iroquois Hospital in Watseka, Illinois as well as St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in Lafayette. Kentland is situated about halfway between the two. Dr. Joseph Roberts, who is often mentioned in the letters, was a doctor at Iroquois Hospital. Conveniently the hospital letterhead lists all the doctors who were part of the medical staff in 1942. Mr. Knisely was writing Roscoe to wish him a happy birthday on November 25th.

Letter from Merton E. Knisely, Director of Iroquois Hospital

Letter from Merton E. Knisely, Director of Iroquois Hospital

November 25, 1942
Dr. Roscoe S. Yegerlehner
Kentland, Indiana

Dear Dr. Yegerlehner:

Many happy returns!

Likely you’ve been so busy in the service of others that this important anniversary almost slipped by un– noticed.

In spite of the concern of war times, I hope this past milestone has brought you joys and satisfactions of accomplishment. What an opportunity there is today for service to our fellowmen.

May your life be abundantly enriched and your efforts blessed with success as a new year opens before you. Be assured of my hearty best wishes.

I want to remind you that I think your Birthday Anniversary is well worth celebrating. Many more of them to you.

Sincerely yours,
Merton E. Knisely
Director

Letter transcription:

Kentland Ind
Dec. 2 – 1942

Dear Daddy –

Mennen’s Baby Oil advertisement, circa 1947

While waiting for David to get ready for his 2 P.M. bottle will try to write. It is hard for me to concentrate when he is awake – for although he is good while awake I am continually doing something for him – mainly keeping his pants changed. I wrote you before about his diapers having such a strong ammonia odor and I keep him changed as often as necessary while he is awake. Dr. Cole’s pamphlet prescribed rinsing the diapers in boric acid solution after the regular wash but that is difficult for me to do with our washing facilities. Today I used Borax with the soap and will see if that will do the trick. I got a hamper to put in the “powder room” as that is the most convient [convenient] place downstairs but the hamper is willow so won’t hold water. I got a metal waste basket that set down inside the hamper and am going to put a fresh solution of Borax in the can each day to drop the diapers in as they are removed. I have used Mennen’s oil on David more than water and as strong as his urine has been, believe that has kept him from getting sore. In my letter I

[page 2] finished this morning I mentioned his “rattle.” It sounds like his nose is full of mucos but it isn’t because I keep all visible mucos cleaned out and he has no trouble breathing. I tried again this morning to give him orange juice. He took about half of the daily requirement. I think I’ll see Dr. M. and ask him about the Vit C. tablets. I wonder if some of the oranges we get have adequate Vit C to meet the need. – The pause that refreshes the baby – the 2 P.M. bottle. He has been fed, changed and is now lying on the bath table taking his daily dozen. You mentioned his night feedings. Well, I had one thermos to sour and went back to using the bottle warmer – but I now put the bottles in a wall drawer – and you can believe they stay cold. Dr. C. said to quit giving him the 2 A.M. bottle but he wakes up so hungry and I don’t believe he would go back to sleep with just a drink of warm water and thinking back, we gave Mark his 2 A.M. bottle until he was about 3 mo old so I will keep giving David his until he quits on his own.

Mark has been so elated over his 10⁰⁰ he can’t wait to do his shopping. He got me a cake saver for 1.19 and gave it to me. He wanted to get David something for Christmas right now so I told him to go ahead and get it since he is enjoying his spree so much. He stopped at the drug store at noon and got a Panda. He was wondering what to get for John and I suggested war stamps and that met his approval so he will soon be thru shopping. He saw a globe in the drug store and wanted to get it so I consented. I told him he had to put 5⁰⁰ in stamps and now he has less than a dollar

[page 3] to spend. John still has most of his. He isn’t in such a hurry to spend it as Mark. However he wants to buy some good records and since those are something he will keep I think it will be a good way for him to spend his.

While feeding David I re read your 4 letters rec’d today to see if there was anything to be answered specifically. Just mention the pictures again. Hope you get all we sent because some are better than others. We keep your picture you sent on the desk. I had two enlargements made and sent one to your Mother. I showed that picture to several people around town and most everyone said you looked heavier – Now be careful of that waist-line – As I told you in a previous letter Boonie just mad a guess when he mailed the box to you. Before you sent your present address when asked where you were I told everyone about the same thing – your destination was a secret. Several different ones around town guessed the location, but it was pure guessing. I am glad you got my letter giving Joe’s address. I think I understand his mail being stamped N.Y. because the money orders you sent to John & Mark had CUB – bu- 13 N.Y. on them. I wonder if you have heard from Henry Reinhart Jr. I wrote to him in answer to his inquiry about you and gave your “White Poppy” address.

The boys are going to Jr. choir practice directly after school so won’t be home till later. It is so cold I won’t try to take David out. When this cold I don’t think he needs the fresh air as much as to stay in and keep warm. He is always warm when out in the buggy, but I am afraid it would be too cold for his face and I know I couldn’t keep warm the way the wind blows. I can’t give you a financial report in this letter because I haven’t been able to get the Bank statement and couldn’t get my money all deposited. Will send it by Mark in the morning.

[page 4] The boys came home early – due to the wind blowing snow into drifts the school busses had to leave earlier than usual so the boys were home by 3:30. Mark wanted a cake to put in the cake saver so John made a cake. I was busy otherwise so he did it mostly by himself. Mrs. Roberts said she had talked about what good boys we have to help and someone from Watseka was driving around Kentland and saw the boys taking diapers off the line and decided this was our home. Since I have been feeling normal again they don’t have to do so much but help me when I need them.

I sent Mrs. Plummer an African violet for their wedding anniversary and she called me to thank us. She said to give you their regards. I told her when this weather lets up I would bring her over to spend the day. It is too cold do anything now but stay home. Tho the house is warm I feel the cold. My hands are so dry, but that is partly due to having them in water so much. I mentioned your laundry – meaning what came from Norfolk and some said “Does he send his laundry home?” – Now isn’t that good for a laugh – However, wish you could – so I could iron your shirts but don’t know when I would find time as it crowds me to keep what little ironing I have done. Don’t have any ironing for David. He wears knit suits and they require only washing and of course these gauze diapers need only to be folded when dry.

Had a letter from Ruthie today. They were in North Judson when she wrote but thought they would be back in Flora by the week-end. She wanted your new address so she can write to you. They won’t know until the first of the year whether Floyd will have to go into Service. I have filled a lot of paper but still don’t feel like I have done a very good job writing. Not very newsy – mostly talky-talk. If the Enterprize comes tomorrow maybe will have some news.

Love Mother

P.S. Thanks for the newspaper

©2013 copyright owned and written by Deborah Sweeney

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Last day before gas rationing begins (Gladys)

2 Replies

Kentland Ind
Nov 30 – 1942

Dear Daddy,

Monday and the last day to buy all the gas without limit. I have the tank full so am that much ahead. Mrs. Roberts just left. She wanted to come yesterday but couldn’t. She still doesn’t know where Joe is, but thinks he is in the same area as you are in. He wrote to her not long ago that he saw a Dr. from Chicago that used to go to Watseka & operate for Wiseman – can’t remember his name – but he is in the Army. I think she said he is a Gynocologist, but he was in a jeep and drove up to hospital where Joe is. She says Joe has to wear his blue – and of course white shirts, so he is where he must “Dress.”

I wrote you some time ago that when I left the hospital I was told that my bill had been taken care of – Don’t know whether you ever got that letter – but this is what I have been thinking of – I think it would be fitting and

[page 2] proper for you to write the Sisters of St. E and thank them – (or do you think you should?) I am going to send them a Christmas greeting and add a note of thanks myself, but thought they would also appreciate a word directly from you. Dr. Cole took your address so I suppose you will hear from him sometime soon.

The Parrs were in Kentland yesterday and stopped here a few minutes. I didn’t ask Harlan whether he thought he would be sent abroad but Dorothy told me last summer they expected he would be (I think that last was bad grammar).

The heavy snow on the trees and shrubs fell off and left a coating of ice. Looks very scenic. I took a picture of the house yesterday. I should take another today as thinks look a little different. The evergreens in front of the house look like they are decorated for Christmas.

I rec’d two letters this A.M. – one dated Nov 19 & 22. The letters you sent the money in – and the way I have it figured from previous letters – were mailed Nov 17 – haven’t come yet I hope you sent money orders,

[page 3] so if they get lost – we won’t lose the money – I am not being mercenary but after all you haven’t enough to lose, and I feel like I must be as saving as possible while you are away because you will need plenty to start on again when you come back. As I have said before – don’t have much desire to spend money while you are away. I have about given up on collections – Seems like all those acct’s are so many names with amounts after them. I wish I could find a collecting agency. It is a funny thing that the people left here at home making regular salaries and enjoying their regular home life routine are so thoughtless of obligations of this kind. I certainly would enjoy telling some of them off – but don’t suppose that would do any good either. I don’t understand how they have the nerve to speak to me (some don’t) Some few seem to have a guilty look – or maybe that is my imagination.

The baby has been tossing his orange juice to some extent, but I keep giving it to him every day. Some days he keeps it down. I suppose if he keep on losing it I will have to give him

[page 4] vitamin C in tablet form. He has such strong odor from his diapers. Dr. Cole gave me instructions on the washing. He has a little pamphlet printed that tells why the ammonia odor and what to do. I am supposed to put baric acid in the rinse water. I am going to town this afternoon and get some baric acid in bulk if I can because it takes 2 tbsp to the qt of water.

It is 4 P.M. and the boys (John & Mark) will soon be coming in. Mark has enjoyed the snow very much. To John it is something to look at and admire but to Mark it means snowballs, etc. They wrote you last week about their report cards. Mark promised to raise his grades next time. I hope he does – since he had a drop this time.

I must get this finished so I can get ready to go to town. “My Day” seems so short I never get all done I want to do but I get David taken care of and that is the most important.

Love Mother

©13 copyright owned and written by Deborah Sweeney

Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/07/29/last-day-befor…-begins-gladys/

Still more to do (Gladys)

1 Reply

Letter transcription:

Kentland Ind
11-28-42

Dear Daddy –

3 P.M. and still more to do today than I’ll get done but somehow it doesn’t worry me. We didn’t get up until 8:30 this morning and had to give David his orange juice first thing then after we had breakfast it was time to mix formula & bath D. Had some washing to do then it was lunch time – never a dull moment, but as I have said before under present circumstances it is better to keep busy. No letters this morning but probably will get several Monday (I hope). I called Mrs. Roberts this morning – was going to have her bring her children & come over tomorrow but said she was going to Cisna [Cissna] Park. However she promised to come Monday if possible. She asked for your address so she could send it to Joe. I told her I had sent his to you. Maybe you two will get to corresponding some day. I went into the Drug Store to get a stamp and saw Charlie Largent. He is home on leave just before departure for parts unknown. Said he had a letter from Henry Reinhart. You should be getting one – as I sent him your address

[page 2] Had a letter from Uncle Wes and he said he sent you a number of Tribune maps. He also said he would send more so I won’t try all send a box of sardines, crackers & mosquito cream. That is if I can get the sardines. You know sardines and salmon are two things not being sold wholesale any more. I have one can of salmon – I don’t know what I am saving it for, but know I can’t get any more.

Had a caller – Clara Molter. She is going to come Tues & help me & I hope to get the housecleaning finished. Since I started writing this it has started to snow & there is a thin white coat on the ground. Don’t think it will last long tho. It melts when it light on the sidewalks.

John had a committee meeting to attend for a party the young people of the church are having. Buddy is here playing with Mark. Buddy just told me he thought David a pretty baby. We agreed with him. Right now David is having a little trouble getting comfortable – seems to be squirming around a lot.

I must write to your mother and it is about time to send this to the P.O. so will excuse myself for a short letter and promise to write a long one tomorrow (Sunday) –

Love Mother

Had 2 letters 11-25-42
No mail again today

©2013 copyright owned and written by Deborah Sweeney

Post originally found at:

Thanksgiving 1942 (Gladys)

1 Reply

Letter transcription:

Kentland Ind
Nov 26 – 1942

Dear Daddy –

Thanksgiving Day and lunch over – including David’s. He just finished his 2 P.M. feeding. We lunched rather lightly because we are going to Krulls for supper and thought we had better go with good appetites. It is cold today but sunny. We did a small washing and the clothes froze while hanging them out so that can give you an idea of how crisp it is. Yesterday it was warm enough to hang things without gloves on. This kind of weather make me want a warm coat but really haven’t had an opportunity to get one yet. The mail was delivered this morning but no letters from you. I am anxious to get the letters you sent the money in so I can report to you. The one mailed the 18th came yesterday but there are three or four previous to that date that haven’t come yet. They often come in such a manner. Yesterday one came dated the 11th and I had already received the 12-13-14-& 15th.

John and Mark are washing dishes and being very pokey this

[page 2]being a holiday they aren’t very fast doing things. John’s report card was better this month than Mark’s. I mean John raised some of his grades and Mark dropped on his. Mark got A+ on Band but that was the only grade that high.

Uncle Wes stopped again this morning. He and Paul Harris were returning to Chi. Maybe he and Aunt Jessie will come down Sunday to spend the day – since gas rationing will start Monday. He thought I could get a better rating for gas on the strength of collecting bills, but I told him no. He was trying to tell me how to collect some of those accounts but I doubt if anything short of suing would get some – or most. The  check Amel Taylor gave me that bounced I put back in the bank and they are to run it though when & if he puts any more money on deposit. We should be able to collect all those accounts – the way most people are making money now. If I thought it would do any good I would send you a list and have you mail statements from there and make a plea – but I suppose it would be a waste of paper & air mail stamps.

I gave you Dr. Joe’s address some time back but will give it to you again so in case you didn’t get the first you might possibly run into him but that would be almost too good wouldn’t it? I went to see her two weeks ago and she wasn’t home. I should go again before rationing starts.

[page 3] I don’t know why, but it gives me such satisfaction to put a real address on your letters. Maybe you will get better mail service now. I hope. Just hope you get the birthday box & cards we sent.  You should get your Mother’s box before Christmas because she didn’t specify it as Christmas mail. We were instructed to mark all boxes intended for that date as such.

The Zell girls brought some ice cream over for the boys. It had turkey figures on it. They said their Daddy was coming over to clean out our furnace this afternoon. I told them to thank him but John and I had already done the job. I don’t mind having people do things for us we can’t do ourselves but I want to do all we can. Link said he would clean the leaves out of the guttering and I think I’ll let him do that job. Now that the leaves are all off it can be done.

I have been thinking about Christmas gifts for your Mother & Dad and I believe I will send them a subscription for Reader’s Digest. While here this week she read some from ours and I believe she & Dad would enjoy them. Kenneth said he liked to read them. I showed him some articles we had read and he read them and said he thought they were good. That is the most I had been around Kenneth. He certainly is a fine boy. He seemed to enjoy his visit and I [he] never seemed to be bored like some his age would have been without someone his

[page 4] own age to be with.

Bart told me he had written you and filled his letter with town gossip so that takes care of that sort of news and I won’t try to include such in my letters – in fact I don’t know much about the local scandals.

There was a notice from the Laf. Life Ins. to the effect if you want a urine [?] analysis you may have a free examination – but I hardly think you will be interested. There were slips from John Hancock for those dividends we take off our premiums every year. I don’t know whether I am sure about what to do with them or not – as you remember we have had a mix up on that every time. Don’t worry about the taxes. Agnes is taking care of things in that line for us, so just forget about it. I won’t quote the bank bal. today but will give you a report after the checks come the first of Dec. I haven’t been spending anything but am getting a chest of drawers for the baby things. It is in the unfinished wood and will fit in the den with some shelves of the same make. I am getting this from Sears. You know the shelves we wanted to put in the Den when we built the house. Now that we can drive only so far a week and aren’t spending money on much else I thought I could squeeze out enough to buy the things I mentioned and maybe consider would you want me to send you a good wrist watch? Let me know – if so I will

Love –
Mother (over)

J.M. Roberts Lt Cmdr Mobile Hosp #4 U.S.N.R. Fulcrum c/o P.M. San Francisco Calif.

©2013 copyright owned and written by Deborah Sweeney

Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/07/21/thanksgiving-1942-gladys/

November 16, 1942 (Gladys) Part V

4 Replies

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 9th. 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

©2013 copyright owned and written by Deborah Sweeney

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