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Protected: Christmas in Kentland 1942 (Gladys)

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Cold & Flu Season (Gladys)

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: December 13, 1942 Envelope

: December 13, 1942, p. 1

: December 13, 1942, p. 2

: December 13, 1942, p. 3

: December 13, 1942, p. 4

: December 13, 1942, p. 5

Letter transcription:

Kentland Ind
Dec 13 1942

Dear Daddy –

Sunday afternoon and while David takes his exercise on the bath table in the sun will try to write – John and Mark are in the living room and John is reading to Mark. Mark had only two degrees fever and that I think is just the afternoon rise because he didn’t have any this morning. He was very hungry when we ate lunch and ate like he had been working. He seems to feel fine and it is a job to keep him quiet but I told him he couldn’t go to school in the morning unless he is entirely free from a temperature. Since it is so cold I think I will keep him home tomorrow unless he can ride to school. Mr. Zell often takes the children. I would do that myself but can’t very well and leave the baby alone and I don’t want to take him out. He has had a slight cold. I mentioned the rattle in his breathing. It finally came down and he had quite a bit of mucos in his nose. I didn’t want anything serious to develop so I called Dr. Cole

[page 2] The baby was running a little temperature but not much, however with both the mucos condition and temp. I thought something should be done. Dr. Cole said to give him sulfa-diazine and use manneus oil in his nose and grease his chest with camphorated oil. I followed the instructions and the mucos condition is better – however he still has a little but it drains and doesn’t bother his breathing . He still has a slight temperature in the afternoons but by evening it recedes and is normal. He has seemed to feel fine and has taken his formula every day and gained right along so he must be “ok.” I didn’t mention any of this before because I didn’t want you to worry about it and too If I had written every day you might have gotten a letter or two and missed one, and that would have made you wonder about how things were and since he seemed so good through it I didn’t want to make a mountain out of a mole hill – When I would take his temperature and watch it so closely I would remember how you used to get so disgusted with certain anxious mothers who were always taking their children’s temp. and wish they would break the thermometer

[page 3] once or twice his temp. did rise to 100 but it usually kept around 99 to 99 3/5. All the aforementioned took place during the past week. He slept every night except for his regular feedings and in the day time too. He wasn’t off schedule any. I will confess I was pretty worried about him but kept telling myself since the temp. was slight and that he could breath[e] easily it wasn’t serious. I knew too if necessary I could call Dr. Cole which I did do twice and if necessary could go down to Laf. with him A baby is so helpless and delicate as far as medication is concerned. I was some “put out” that he would get a cold, but there is so much cold around that it really isn’t any wonder. I had a little sinus condition myself and my throat bothered me some – so he could easily have gotten the bug from me, But I keep asking myself – how could he keep from it when I have to handle him myself. I keep gargling but it doesn’t entirely get rid of it. I went down & had Dr. M. swab my throat and it seemed well for a day or two. It doesn’t bother me any except it feels raw at times – Oh me – I hope I haven’t been too boring about all our aches and pains because we are all able to be up and going. In fact I feel better than I have felt in a long time and as I said about the baby he seems to feel first rate weighs 11 lbs now

[page 4]It is colder today and of course there is still the snow we had two weeks ago plus several additional layers. I helped John with the furnace last night and took out clinkers. I go down nearly every day and stir things up. I leave the coal heaving to the boys.

Arlene came to see me for a few minutes yesterday. She brought two suits Donald had outgrown – he weighs over 15 lbs now. She told me Rosemary is to have a baby in April. Just as Arlene left Parttens’ came. They thought the shells pretty nice and the necklace makes a hit with everyone who sees it. I got a quarter of beef from Harold so paid him. Mary said people who have their own meat won’t be held to meat rationing. We now have ½ of 265# hog and 122 lbs beef in the locker (the beef less two pieces I took last Sat.) Zells have chickens and when they are large enough for frys I think I’ll get a dozen or so and put in the locker.

The brush & comb you sent came Sat. I like it very much and I will probably have to get the boys a set so they will leave mine alone.

We got the tree decorated last night. I let Mark come down and watch. We put those lights on that we used outside last year.

The boys are upstairs now listening to The Shadow and I am trying to listen to Wm L. Shirer but David is awake and wanting attention so must close

Love Mother

Over

[page 5]Mon noon and everybody fine. Mark didn’t go to school but he hasn’t any temp. and it is pretty cold so thought I would keep him home till noon – He feels fine.

Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/08/24/cold-flu-season-gladys/

A tree eleven feet high (Gladys)

1 Reply

: December 10, 1942 Envelope

: December 10, 1942, p. 1

: December 10, 1942, p. 2

: December 10, 1942, p. 3

: December 10, 1942, p. 4

Letter transcription:

Kentland Ind
Dec 10 – 1942

Dear Daddy –

Received two letters today dated Nov 30 & Dec 1 – Always makes me feel better when you have rec’d mail. Maybe by now you have the last bunch of pictures I sent. I thought they were better of David and too he could pose a little better. I put another one in yesterday’s letter and tho it isn’t very clear you and compare and see his is growing. We took several but that was the only one on that roll that turned out. There was one a double exposure but you wouldn’t be able to tell much about it. I have those sardines & crackers & cream (mosquito) to send but haven’t packed them yet – will try to do that this afternoon. I haven’t been in a hurry about it because the Christmas mail is so heavy I don’t believe it will travel very fast.

We had some more weather this morning. At least it is warmer. There was another light snow and now it looks like a thaw is starting. If it doesn’t freeze now. It would be awfully slick if we would have a freeze before this snow leaves. This has been unusual weather for the early part of December.

I haven’t been in town since Monday so don’t know if there are any Christmas decorations. I doubt if there will be much done this year.

[page 2] I told Mark we would get a tree this afternoon after school. He is so anxious to get one and since it is just two weeks till Christmas eve it isn’t too early.

You mentioned the tax business again. You surely didn’t get the letter in which I explained about it. Agnes advises not to pay it but if you insist I will go ahead and take care of it.

It is getting lighter outside – I think the sun is about to shine thru – Maybe it will come out strong enough to melt the snow. After several cloudy days – the sunshine is very good to see. I thought I would get the car out but may walk. I haven’t been out due to a scratchy throat but I feel O.K. today and think I need some air.

The packages Ruth M. sent came today and Mark is to bring them home as he comes from school. He is getting the usual thrill from anticipating Christmas. He has set 10 P.M. Christmas eve as the time to open gifts. I am glad he is so cheerful about it. I am afraid things would be a little flat around here at times if it weren’t for Mark. Not that we droop around – I don’t believe in carrying my feelings on my sleeve, but he is always so gay it does help a lot. I was amused at the way he wrote you about his report card – if you got the letter – he said he was afraid you weren’t going to like it very well because he had lower grades than the first 6 weeks.

It is about time for J & M to come home from school and D. is waking from a nap so will probably need dry pants.

[page 3] 9:30 P.M. went to the drug store and did some Christmas shopping. I got Jim a box of writing paper and a box of soap. The soap has a military design on it. I also got a box of cologne & talc to send Thelma. I told Jack Byrnes I was sending you a box and he said, “Will you do me a favor?” and walked over to a box he was unpacking and took out a box of chewing gum – he said their week’s allowance. You know chewing gum is scarce here too. Maybe this will be enough to last you a while. The little container of dental floss is one I found in your old brown suit the last time I went over your suits. Sorry to say the moths had nested in two pr of pants but they aren’t beyond repair – and there are extra pants of the ones they worked on. I have your closet well fortified now so think I have the little beggers taken care of. I went thru your things earlier in the fall and all was well, but I didn’t re-spray them or put in any moth crystals and we had so much warm weather so long that I think of lots of things took second growth, hence the visit to your closet by the pests.

You will probably get tired of reading about the baby’s orange juice – but as I mentioned before I tried orange, then

[page 4] tomato and he would toss it every time. You recall I wrote I talked to Dr. M. about the juice question. He said put him on prune juice – I did – but he didn’t like it either and since I have his bowels regulated with the dextri-maltose I don’t favor prune juice – also not much Vit C – so I am staring him on Vit C tablets. He gets A & D from the Oleum Percom.

Mark brought home a tree eleven feet high (or tall) and I didn’t favor paying 2⁰⁰ for a tree then cutting it off – so sent it back and now we have one that is just the right size. We put the lights on but no decorations yet. We aren’t supposed to use lights this year so we won’t decorate the front door like we did last year.

About the money situation – as I have repeated several times and as you can tell by the bank bal I am not spending anything – only living expenses – so the bank acc’t is really getting the lion’s share. I feel like we should live as carefully as possible so when you come back we will have a substantial reserve fund. I really haven’t any desire to buy anything while you are away – and too we are urged every day on the radio not to do any un-necessary buying – to put everything possible in bonds. I feel the same as you do about not wanting to start out again with our “noses to the grindstone” – so much for that. It is time for David to get awake for his 10 P.M. feeding.

Love – Mother

Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/08/19/a-tree-eleven-feet-high-gladys/

First Anniversary of Pearl Harbor (Gladys)

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: December 7, 1942 Envelope

: December 7, 1942, p. 1

: December 7, 1942, p. 2

: December 7, 1942, p. 3

: December 7, 1942, p. 4

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/

Over the past year a lot has happened (Gladys)

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: December 6, 1942 Envelope

: December 6, 1942, p. 1

: December 6, 1942, p. 2

: December 6, 1942, p. 3

: December 6, 1942, p. 4

: December 6, 1942, p. 5

Letter transcription:

Kentland Ind
Dec 6 – 1942

Dear Daddy –

Sunday afternoon and while David takes a nap I will start a letter. John has gone to a special band practice and Mark is looking at funny papers. We had another snow yesterday and it covered up the soot and smoke on our week-old snow. It was just the right kind to cling to the trees and live wires. It was tied up country traffic a lot. Cocoa Foulkes said this morning they could get only about 1/3 of the farmer’s products into the plant. They boys came home after Sunday School and I went to Church. The first time since last August. They had a special service today. We have heard a lot on the radio today about “Dec 7” (41). Looking back over the past year a lot has happened in our family.

You mentioned Dr. M. in one of your letters – Well, I saw Mrs. M. on the street one day this week and she said the Dr. said anytime we needed him to call. The baby doesn’t take orange juice very well – as a matter of fact he has gotten so he can’t retain it so I went down to his office and talked

[page 2] to him about it and asked him about giving tomato juice or tablets. Mark was in the car with the baby and when I went in and found the office empty took the baby in. He asked me what I was feeding him and when I told him dextri-maltrose he proceeded to tell me in not too diplomatic terms that Karo is the only baby food. Well I would have put him on that but they had already started him on D.M. before I knew it and since it agrees with him what difference does it make whether I use K. of D.M. I hope you didn’t talk to people like that – I remember what Dr. R. said when he put John on D.M. – he said “Mead Johnson makes only baby food, and in his opinion they knew more about what is good for babies than a Co. than doesn’t specialize – – so much for that.

The older boys have been to the youth fellowship and are back again. Had to coax Mark to go, then he came back and said he was glad he went. After they came home John made the remark that Mark is good looking. Right away Mark was interested and asked for my confirmation. I told him if he would eat and fill out he would be, so now he says he is going to start in the morning at breakfast with a large bowl of cream of wheat, and eat a lot.

Jack Benny, Phil Harris and the cast of the Jack Benny Show (Image courtesy of Wikipedia)

[page 3] Tonight Jack Benny announced that Phil Harris & his band have joined the Merchant Marines and this was their last night on the show. In case you didn’t hear the show, Phil was telling about his physical. They told him to go over to the Dr. and get a shot. He went to the Dr. & said, “OK Where’s the bourbon?” By the way, Dr. M said to tell you he wished you were back here. He isn’t the only one.

Ed Barce was here to get your address today. He thinks he is going to be sent out soon. He has been in Rennsalaer this week and was able to come home every evening. You will probably be hearing from him soon.

Now that we have weather cold enough to keep the pond frozen we have the usual traffic of skaters. Mark has been over a time or two but doesn’t stay long – says he gets cold. We saw a sleigh so past this afternoon. It was a large one with a dozen or more in it. This must seem very foreign to you at present with your hot sunshine and general summer weather. I am thinking about the big slush we will have when this snow melts. It will be very wet. Of course it will have to warm up quite a lot for such a thaw. I got the car out of the garage yesterday but was afraid I would get in a snow bank backing out.

The Hufty’s ambulance in which the grand trip to Lafayette was made. (Photograph courtesy of the Hufty family)

[page 4] I have gossiped along and not really said much. The bank bal. at present is 786.55 – that includes Dec allotment – Birthday gift & Christmas gift. I have been buying bonds regularily – but will have to buy two this month since I missed Sept & Oct – bought 2 in Nov. The boys each have one and thought I add to David’s 10⁰⁰ and get him another one. John & Mark are now saving 25¢ stamps and have 4 each in their books. They buy a stamp a week from allowance. Mark has practically spent his 5⁰⁰. I allowed him to spend out of his 10⁰⁰. I suggested they each put 5⁰⁰ out of their ten in stamps & they agreed. He was simply reeling with delight at the idea of spending 5⁰⁰ as he pleased. John bought a special needle for the phonograph and a reed for his sax and I think he has the rest of his money. By the time I do a little Christmas shopping I will lop the bank bal. down some, but will try to hold it down to a “loud roar.” I am going to send to Sears tomorrow for Mark’s tool chest and I think I’ll also him a new suit. – Mon morn – busy as usual – John said this morning – “Mother, what do you do all morning?” – Meaning it seems to me you would have time to bake a cake – I didn’t this A.M. 4 letters came and I have to read them. I did that while giving D. his 10 A.M. bottle. So glad you have at last learned about the grand trip to Laf Sept 22. Also glad you got your Mother’s box – Do hope you get the three I sent – the one Ruth M. & Ruth Y. sent. Have baby clothes in Bendix and must got take out –over-

[page 5] am going to a Christmas Tea at Nellie’s this P.M. Clara Molter is going to stay with Baby

Love Mother

Thanks for the space [?]

Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/08/11/over-the-past-…appened-gladys/

Who showed them how? (Roscoe)

2 Replies

: December 4, 1942 Envelope

: December 4, 1942, p. 1

: December 4, 1942, p. 2

: December 4, 1942, p. 3

: December 4, 1942, p. 4

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

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

Many Happy Returns (Gladys)

5 Replies

Apparently Gladys wrote a second letter on December 2^nd. 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 25^th.

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

: December 2, 1942 Envelope

: December 2, 1942, p. 1

: December 2, 1942, p. 2

: December 2, 1942, p. 3

: December 2, 1942, p. 4

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

Post originally found at:

A beautiful snow (Gladys)

1 Reply

: November 29, 1942, p. 1

: November 29, 1942, p. 2

: November 29, 1942, p. 3

: November 29, 1942, p. 4

Letter transcription:

Kentland Ind
Nov 29 – 1942

Dear Daddy –

Sunday afternoon and nearly time for Gildersleeve. John is working on his composing and Mark has gone out to get some snow to make ice cream. We had a beautiful snow beginning yesterday late in the afternoon & lasting through the night. It is the scenic kind and the shrubs were bending over from the weight. I took two pictures of the house and if they are good will send you one so you can think about our weather and maybe it will help you to imagine a cold Christmas now. We also took some pictures of the baby in the Den but don’t know whether the reflection from all the snow outside will make enough light. David weighed 10 lbs this morning and is really beginning to show signs of getting fat. Dr. Cole gave me a list of things to start him on beginning with his third month – egg yolk (3d mo.), cereal (4 mo.), vegetables (5 month) & fruit (6 mo). He said for me to take him off the 2 am feeding but he still wakes

[page 2]up for it and seems so hungry – I am still giving it to him but hope he will drop the habit himself. Last night (or rather this morning) when I was feeding him I noticed the furnace kept running – so I went down to see what was wrong. The top door was open so of course the temperature couldn’t build up. I shut the door and everything was “OK” again. Mark blew a fuse so our lights were out upstairs last night. I had Mr. Monroe come out to fix a drain and he said he wanted to look over the furnace again – He had checked it while I was in the hospital so it is in good running order now.

Statons were gone over the week-end and when they came home this evening had to stop before entering their driveway – due to the heavy snow covering it. I think Mrs. James & Jimmy had taken a vacation over Thanksgiving – due to gas rationing starting Tues – they like a lot of other folks took one last trip. I don’t know what rating Link will get – having to drive to work but he will get more than the 4 per we will get. Earl was worrying about not being

[page 3]get enough to drive to work – but I think he will be taken care of.

John & Mark have gone to the Sunday evening youth fellowship meeting. There is to be a social hour to follow so don’t know how long they will be gone.

Lucile Johnson went with us to Laf. Fri. She said she had been on a milk diet – her urine showed a trace of albumin and the Dr. wouldn’t allow her to have anything but milk for four days. She was very hungry and said she didn’t like diets and this would be her last pregnancy. I told her she wouldn’t feel that way about it after it is all over. Mrs. Beekman had her baby this week – I thought she would have her baby before I had David. Dr. M. said she had him worried because she gained 50 lbs.

It is less than a month till Christmas. I don’t know what we will do – due to gas rationing Ruth & Earl won’t be able to go anyplace and I don’t want to

[page 4] take the baby away from home as young as he is. Haven’t heard from Ruth & Floyd for a week so don’t know what they are thinking about doing Christmas. Floyd will be able to get more gas so they may go home.

Had a letter from Jim and he is trying to get a furlough to start Dec. 30 – so they won’t be here till after Christmas – if he does get to come. I have been trying to write this through several radio programs so am not sure whether I am making sense or not, and I haven’t been out since Fri so don’t have any news.

I will send a box this next week and maybe you will get it by Dec 25. I’ll put in the mosquito cream, and a few other odds & ends.

I am getting hungry – don’t know whether I can hold out for the boys to come back – We had baked chicken & dressing for dinner so there is plenty to pick on this evening.

I owe several letters so will try to get some written this evening.

Love Mother

Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/07/27/a-beautiful-snow-gladys/

November 22, 1942 (Roscoe)

1 Reply

In this letter, Roscoe mentioned that he wrote a letter to Ruth M. (his sister) and sent a V-mail to each of the boys. Only one of the V-mails appears to have survived, the one to John. These were special V-mail Christmas greetings, and I believe they cost a pretty penny. I have included the card further down within in the letter.

: November 22, 1942 Envelope

: November 22, 1942, p. 1

: November 22, 1942, p. 2

Letter tanscription:

Nov. 22, 1942

Dear Mother,

I’ll have to say I received your most interesting and longest letter to date. This was written on Nov. so you see it wasn’t so old. And you had it full of things that seemed to hit the spot. Maybe it was because I haven’t received any mail for some time. I also got one from Ruth M. which was written on the same day so I really had a big day – as Eleanor – The President’s wife would say – My day. The pen and pencil set will certainly be fine because one would be lost without one and in case these should become lost or broken it would be bad. Many of the boys brought two sets along. Some even brought two watches – so far mine has been OK but one of the boys dropped his while we were on board ship and now he goes by the bugle.

There is just one question I’d like to ask about the baby’s milk. Isn’t it apt to sour after it is warmed? Maybe it won’t. I’m not saying that just so you’ll have to be up longer but I just wonder.

: V-mail in envelope

: V-mail Christmas greeting

I wrote Ruth M. and one V-mail Christmas greeting to each of the older boys and also my usual letter to the Folks today. I should write Ruth & Floyd in answer to the birthday greeting but haven’t gotten to it yet. If I have room and can find a copy of our Sunday paper I’ll send it. Which we are allowed to do now since our address is announced. That is one reason why I’m writing so small. If you have written all the letters like the one today I’m sure you must take lots of time but I sure do enjoy that kind. So far I haven’t received the Enterprise and have received only one copy of the Clay City News.

If a bill comes for my lodge dues you might pay if you have enough money and send me the receipt or have them send it direct. I don’t think I’ll pay my medical dues until I get back unless I get the bill here. I don’t believe they will throw me out of the organization. I haven’t heard from Dr. Mathews since I last wrote maybe he is peeved – have you heard anything to that affect? Guess he’ll just have to be

[page 2] is all I can say.

At church tonight the crowd was so big the foundation gave way under the tent floor and are all dropped. It was only a foot or two so no one was injured but it was a surprise. It is one of those long narrow tents about 16 feet wide and 40 feet long. Some probably was there who hadn’t been for some time and the floor fell instead of the roof.

We had roast duck, peas, mashed potatoes, asparagus tips, cake and soup for dinner today – Really was good. For the most part our meals have been very good lately even though there are more here than when we first came. For supper we had cold cuts and a few things like that.

I’m glad to hear the boys are still working on their music it will be good for them later on if they can just stick with it. As yet we haven’t had any shows.

I think Agnes Molter must be wrong about the State Tax but maybe you didn’t mean that – And I don’t believe there will be much federal to pay you might have her go over it and if it isn’t to much get it off now because I don’t want to come back with obligations because I’d like to take things easy – a vacation in a tent. I don’t even want to see a tent but I do want to not start right back to the grind – a few weeks at least and you can bank on that.

I’m going to see if I can find the paper now and I don’t think it will be too much for the regular air mail. We may get more mail now that it has started again and I’ll be looking for those packages.

And just in case – I’ve sent you and David a check for $110 and John & Mark a money order for $10 each. Just repeating so you can let me know if they don’t arrive.

Hope I get more letters like the one today but I realize you can’t do that every day, but even a line is appreciated – With lots of love

Daddy

Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/07/15/november-22-1942-roscoe/