Tag Archives: Elizabeth Zell

First Birthday (Gladys)

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: September 23, 1943 envelope

: September 23, 1943, p. 1

: September 23, 1943, p. 2

: September 23, 1943, p. 3

: September 23, 1943, p. 4

Letter transcription:

Kentland Ind.
Sept. 23 – 1943

Dear Daddy –

David’s birthday & party over. Lucile brought Jimmy Ed, Arlene Bobby & Donnie, Clarice & Myra Jane. The two older Zell girls, Jimmy Staton, a Mrs. Bowen & baby from Kent apts., Mark brought Tommy Britton home from school. We took pictures of the party then I took a picture of David by his cake. He put his hand in the icing just as I snapped the picture but in rolling the roll off it got off the track so part or all of the film may be ruined. Dorothy took some movies of David too. He received $15⁰⁰, a sailor doll, a cat, an elephant, four suits, four pr. sox, a pull toy with Donald Duck on it, dusting powder puffs & two cards. Zells’ wanted to pay the hospital bill when David was there but I said no, so they gave him $10⁰⁰. You sent $2⁰⁰, your Mother sent $1⁰⁰, Statons $1⁰⁰ & Mrs. Plummer $1⁰⁰ – I am going to buy him another bond with all his money. He seemed to enjoy his party very much. I hope the pictures are all good. He had a pretty nice birthday. I weighed him just before bedtime and as close as I could get it he weighed 21 lbs. & measure 30 in. He reaches over and plays with the scale and it’s a hard job to get it correct.

David sticking his finger in the cake icing

[page 2] He gets three meals a day now with a glass of milk in between. Breakfast about 8 0 orange juice at 9:30 or 10 – Dinner at 11:30 – Milk about 3:30 & supper at 7 – I started him on that schedule yesterday & he has done fine on it. It saves a lot of time not to give him that big meal at 3 in the afternoon. He goes to bed soon after supper. Sometimes he cries about it, but usually settles right down. He still sucks his left thumb but not much.

Glen went to Laf. today to see Mother. He says she is so weak she can hardly take a drink of water. I intend to go down Sat. afternoon. Glen thought if we could have taken her to Mayo they might have been able to do something for her. I told him they are just Drs. and with a case like hers I believe Cole is doing everything that can be done. Mother told your Mother she had not felt right for sometime – that I did not know. I knew she didn’t have as much pep when she came back in May but at her age I didn’t think so much about it. I know when Cole first saw her he didn’t think she had a malignancy but didn’t have x-ray done because of her bowel condition. Probably couldn’t have gotten any better x-ray then than they did later.

[page 3] I am at Zells. Mr. is out to a meeting & Mrs. wanted to go out & three girls are in bed. Mrs. Zell has always helped me out when I needed her so I thought I could sit here & write while they are gone. I left just in time to miss washing dishes. John had homework so Mark was to help. Glen is all chocked up this evening. He doesn’t know what to do about going home. He hates to leave now with Mother so low & is about out of money. I don’t believe I told you before what he had been doing – He was a bartender, but got a notice from his draft broad to get into essential work. They had enough saved for him to come on the train but he wanted to bring the family. He got gas to make the trip so that is how they all come. He of course intended to go back much sooner but as Mother isn’t getting any better hates to leave. I hate for him to go too. He says he has a job on the police force when he goes back. He should go because his asthma is beginning to bother him quite a lot. He has been telling tales about what he used to do when he was a kid – things that happened when I was too young to remember about them. He has an art to telling those things. I told him

Chicken Every Sunday

[page 4] they would make a good book and I believe you could write the book if you had the information. What gave me the idea – John was reading a book review from Reader’s Digest & I said I believe Glen’s tales would make better reading. The book I mentioned was “Chicken Every Sunday,” and the true story of a boarding house written by the daughter of the lady who had the boarding house. If you get a Sept. 1943 Digest you will read it.

Yours of Sept. 11 & 14 came today. I am still sending some v-mail, but not as much as air. I saw in the paper that Capt. Dye has returned to Hawaii. He was home for 10 days. That would be nice but I would rather wait a little longer and have you home longer.

Mrs. Plummer came out today to bring David’s birthday gift & John a belated $1⁰⁰ – She gave David a plate, cup, spoon & fork & $1⁰⁰ – I forgot to mention the set before. I hadn’t seen her since before Mother got down but I couldn’t go much of any place all summer.

Arlene is surely carrying this baby well – She doesn’t look any larger than she did several weeks ago or either her dress was clever enough to makes her look small. Donnie walks alone now & weighs 25 lbs. He really is a big boy.

Ruthie sent David the Navy doll so I must write & thank her.

“Love Mother”

P.S. Jim gave me $100⁰⁰ to help with Mother’s expenses.

September 23, 1943 Birthday guests

©2015 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2015/02/27/first-birthday-gladys/

Almost Gone (Gladys)

2 Replies

: September 10, 1943 envelope

: September 10, 1943, p. 1

: September 10, 1943, p. 2

Letter transcription:

St. Elizabeth Hospital
Sept. 10 – 1943

Dear Daddy –

Am writing from Mother’s room. She had a bad spell this morning. Dr. Cole called me – said he had come in to give her a hypo – was giving her shots of Betalin complex – and when he came in the room she was almost gone – she told me the gas was hurting her so – but he said it was her heart. Anyway he gave her coramin injection as soon as possible and she came to. I met Juanita at the train this morning at 4:25 so we came down together. Dr. said he thought I should come down. I tried to get Clara Molter to stay with David & Dannie – she couldn’t come till noon but Mrs. Zell said she would stay till Clara came. Their two older girls are in school & Mr. Zell could take the youngest girl with him. We got down here about 10:30 – Mother is awfully weak & pale. Dr. Cole is sure she has an obstruction but McClelland says no – However she is bloated and I think Cole is right – there is an obstruction there causing the distention. We went out to get some lunch & of course the Dr. came while we were out. However I think he will be back – says he has two O.B. cases going here today, so I’ll probably see him sometime before we go back home. I called him before we went out to eat and I talked to him over the phone, but I want to see him personally.

It is cool today – a coat feels very good. I hope Chet gets some coal in soon. We have enough to last a while but if this cool weather continues it will soon exhaust our coal supply. I have had an order in for coal – weeks or maybe months, but Chet hasn’t been able to get any. I hear that Harlan’s did have some but I imagine he had more orders than he could fill. I was going to have him send me some but Van Scoyck told me he had me down for coal as soon as a shipment came in so I

[page 2] didn’t say anything to Harlan.

I thought Juanita & I would get the washing done & clean up the house and come down this afternoon but when I got the call this morning – before I was up – we got ready & come one. Dr. Cole said I had better stay all day. I told Juanita I was in the garden yesterday evening and didn’t have time to get all the things gathered that need to be – She said she would dig potatoes tomorrow. There are beans & tomatoes that need to be picked. This cool weather is pointing toward an early frost, if it doesn’t warm up soon. Was almost that cold this a.m. Mark’s garden wasn’t quite what it would have been had he had better supervision – but I couldn’t devote the time I wanted to and as much as he likes to do things he needs someone over him all the time. I told Juanita I felt like we got our seed back. We didn’t have to buy any vegetables all summer, canned more than 30 qt. green beans, so far several qts tomatoes & more coming on. Had some cabbage & onions all summer. Will have carrots to store for winter and tho the potatoe crop wasn’t very good have had potatoes to use along. I found in digging yesterday that the hills didn’t have very many potatoes in them. Mark wants to do things but needs company when he does the. His nervousness is at present is completely gone & he has a better appetite. I believe the tonsils were guilty of that trouble because he runs & plays just as hard as ever and has no reaction, so from all appearances the tonsils were harboring infection.

The new bond drive is on & John wanted me to buy him a bond – or rather give him the money to buy one at school – I told him I would give him his allowance in advance but he said he just wanted it outright – however I think he was just trying me out – I told him he could buy our (yours & mine) next bond for us – he said couldn’t he add another name[?]. I said that wouldn’t be fair to Mark & David. Jim sent your letter on to me – Thanks for all the nice things you said about me – so

Love – Mother

St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, Lafayette, Indiana

©2015 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2015/02/02/almost-gone-gladys/

A Real Old Fashion Dose (Gladys)

1 Reply

: September 3, 1943 envelope

: September 3, 1943, p. 1

: September 3, 1943, p. 2

Letter transcription:

Kentland Ind
Sept. 3 – 1943

Dear Daddy –

Yours of Aug. 18 – 20 & 21 came today – The one of the 18^th was the best – you were complimenting me all thru it and of course I always feel better when I get such compliments, especially from you. In rereading – the one of Aug. 21 was pretty good too. Don’t worry about tiring me with such letters when you feel like writing that way.

I haven’t done much today due to my hands – Yes I have a real old fashion dose of it this time – I had been eating peaches and then made lemonade a few times and now I just have to sit and not so much – I am taking H.C.L. acid each meal. The food was partly to blame but usually this condition is the culmination of something else. I was more or less worried about Mother and taking care of her along with David’s care and having company – it’s all adds up. Well Mother is in the hospital now, the company is gone for a week, J. & M. are in school and

[page 2] David & I can take things easier. I have rested twice today – that is lying down. After lunch I took him out in the yard and we enjoyed the sunshine about an hour and a half. I think a few days like today will clear things up. Fortunately I didn’t have on the ring I have had cut off before. Dorothy came out a while to see David. They still close from 11 to 3 – so she doesn’t have to be there during that time. They haven’t any help so Nick cooks & she serves. Bob said yesterday the Shell is going to close – I suppose due to help shortage. The bakery put on a new front about are ready to open for business again. They closed during their remodeling.

Chet Hall is painting Link’s house and if I am any judge of paint jobs it’s not as good as some I have seen. Can’t be too critical I suppose with the man power shortage.

I’ll give you the financial figures in next letter – haven’t the bank statement yet.

David is out in the yard with Mark & Zell girls entertaining him. John went to play for the Newton Co. Home Ec. Club at Mrs. John Simons after school. He didn’t relish the idea but consented – Said he didn’t want to play for a bunch of women.

Love – Mother

©2015 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2015/01/19/a-real-old-fashion-dose-gladys/

Teeth Like Yours (Gladys)

1 Reply

: August 13, 1943 envelope

: August 13, 1943, p. 1

: August 13, 1943, p. 2

: August 13, 1943, p. 3

Letter transcription:

Kentland Ind
Aug 13 – 1943

Dear Daddy –

Another hot Aug. day but a cooling breeze – The upstairs is very comfortable. Just went up to see Mother. She says she hasn’t any pain or soreness in stomach or bowels – but one spot in the bowel is shore – not being a Dr. or knowing too much about the anatomy I would say it is her colin [colon] that is sore. She was a lot of gas but I think that is due to not eating enough solid food. Her diet is more on the liquid order. I feed her the canned foods I give David. At noon I thickened some bouillon and gave you some pudding. She drinks milk every meal. Mrs. Jarrel had a chance to come up yesterday & go back today so she is here. Spent the night and has had a nice visit with Mother. I think your Mother is coming next week. Jaunita is planning to come sometime. I have the idea to let J. stay here and run things a few days and let me get a little vacation – not that I am feeling sorry for myself or anything of the sort but I am beginning to get a little tired and feel I should get away for a change. Dr. Cole said he would take the cast off David’s

[page 2] leg next Sat. – a week from tomorrow – and that will be a relief to me as well as to D. He should be easier to handle then – He is getting a little spoiled as things are now. However he has been very good thru it all. Dr. Cole didn’t make it here yesterday so I suppose he will come Sun. He said either Thurs. or Sun.

Emmett Miller & Olene were at Statons last night – they were going to spend the night and today here but got a call from Emmett’s home to come immediately – his father wasn’t expected to live thru the night. I haven’t heard any further about his father. They think E. will soon be sent out. He is to go to Tenn. next. By leaving so unexpectedly I didn’t get to see them.

Buddy is here this afternoon playing with Mark. Mark had to go to the dentist this P.M. Had one pulled & some fillings. He said Dr. Limp said his teeth are like yours – he can stand to have drilling done – and was he proud to think he is like Daddy about having his teeth fixed. Speaking of teeth – I am going to try & get a good picture of D. now with all his 5 teeth shining – they make him look even cuter – and his hair lays in soft ringlets all over his head – you can imagine the ah’s & oh’s he gets about his hair. Mary Parttens said it was a shame to waste that beautiful hair on a boy but I

[page 3] disagreed with her. I said that was just part of being “David.” Then she said yes it did help to make him cute – She says he is the cutest baby she has ever seen. Listen to the proud mother run on & on.

The detassling camp is broken up – They had some bread left over & Arlene sent the neighbors each a loaf. Bobby delivered. Donnie will soon be big enough to do things. Just think this time next year they should have a baby 8 mo. old.

The breeze seems to have stopped and am I sticky – I had such a big washing today – have to get Mark’s clothes ready to go to camp Monday.

We are to have a black-out next week but think I had better skip lightly over the subject. Just don’t tell anyone I told you.

Mr. Zell has to go with the 4-H group next week – Virginia is going to camp too, Mrs. Zell, Betty & Martha Jane are going to her mother’s so with Mark gone, we should have a quiet time from Mon. till Thurs. When all the children in the neighborhood get together it gets noisy around here.

David has awakened from a nap and John is in talking to him. He should talk early if talking to him will help.

The papers have come this week but I will try to relay the news in the next letter.

Love Mother

Mark (January 1943)

©2014 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2014/12/06/teeth-like-yours-gladys/

Hospital Trip (Gladys)

2 Replies

: July 26, 1943 envelope

: July 26, 1943, p. 1

: July 26, 1943, p. 2

: July 26, 1943, p. 3

: July 26, 1943, p. 4

Letter transcription:

Kentland Ind
July 26 – 1943

Dear Daddy –

Home with David from the hospital – He is doing fine. I asked Dr. Cole about the break this morning & then went up to X Ray & looked at the pictures. Dr. Cole said it wasn’t a bad break – I’ll draw a picture at the end to show how small a thing it was. However small it still has to be in a cast. I wrote you all the minute details yesterday and hope you get the letter. I supposed the first thing people would say that we were careless and you might know the first one to say anything was D.K. She called shortly after we came home today to inquire about David and right off started to tell me what she would do to me if she ever caught me letting children handle the baby again. I was tired from two restless nights and two days in the hospital standing over David trying to keep him quiet and in no mood to take any scolding from anyone and especially from her, so I told her right off it was an accident and we weren’t careless with D. and everyone sorry it

[page 2] had happened – the main thing now is to get the break mended which it will no doubt do in due time. Dr. Cole said to bring D. down in another week for him to see. I am enclosing a picture of Virginia with David. She feels so badly about it. She baked a cake & brought it over this afternoon. She is a nice little girl. She has two younger sister – one three years old. She is so used to handling children was the reason I would let her hold David – She is the same age as Mark and he is used to taking care of David. I wouldn’t allow Betty, who is seven, to handle David any. As I said yesterday none of the children handled him much because he played in his bed and pen a lot. The children would often push him in the buggy, but as much as they wanted to hold him I always reminded them we didn’t want him spoiled – (too much).

Yours of July 5-6-8-9-10 came today so that was a lift – I got a kick from yours telling me to spank D. He had has been getting some correcting – I don’t want him to be “rotten” when you come home – or any time. I’ll admit I was a little low and I needed a few letters from Navy 60. The boys got letters too but haven’t had time to read them

[page 3] You mentioned money in one of your letters rec’d today – I was trying to figure out how much you get a month now but haven’t quite figured it yet. Our bank acc’t is low now but the Ins. loan is paid and all bills. I am still trying to figure a way to get the piano I mentioned. I suppose I shouldn’t think about it but they are so hard to find and this one is in first class condition. I’ll let you know what I do. As I said I probably won’t get your reply until after I have decided what to do.

Mrs. Washburn came up this afternoon to see David – That family has the breaks too. She can’t get over how much fuss John & Mark make over David. John said they were so much in love with D. because he looks like you. Adding that David is the best looking baby & you the handsomest man – Beat your chest.

Jim & Thelma came about 9 P.M. yesterday. They came to the hospital to get me today. They have to be back Thurs. eve, so will have to leave here tomorrow. Jim’s new uniforms are very good looking. He first got his when the new color came out but he says he can use it another year yet. I’ll do my drawing on the back.

Love –
Mother

Virginia Zell holding David, July 1943

©2014 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2014/11/01/hospital-trip-gladys/

Neighborhood News (Gladys)

1 Reply

: June 26, 1943 envelope front

: June 26, 1943 envelope back

: June 26, 1943, p. 1

: June 26, 1943, p. 2

: June 26, 1943, p. 3

: June 26, 1943, p. 4

: June 26, 1943, p. 5

: June 26, 1943, p. 6

Letter transcription:

Kentland Ind
June 26 – 1943

Dear Daddy –

Another hot sultry day. It looks like rain and once in a while there is a breeze but days like this makes Mother awfully weak. I stopped in to see Dr. M. and asked him about her and he said Bepron was a fine tonic and for her to keep on taking it. While I was there he asked me if I wanted to see the X-Ray of Ruthie Parttens – He showed it to me and was he mad – Mary wanted a bone specialist to see her a few days after Dr. M. had taken care

[page 2] of her and that insulted him but he told them to get someone else – they had Berkhiser from Chicago and he said everything had been done that could be – Dr. M. said he got so sick and tired of people spending their money on specialists. At any rate he says Ruthie is getting along first rate and the rumor that she wouldn’t walk again was rumor there was nothing to it. She is so lively they can hardly keep her in bed. I want to go over and see her but the car is in the garage today. Couldn’t start it yesterday so we pushed it and got it started and stopped at Sondergrath.

[page 3] Will report later on the trouble.

Had a letter from Ruth M. and she wants me to send J. & M. over for a week or so and then the rest of us come for the 4^th but Mother doesn’t feel well enough to go any place now and as hot as it is I really would rather stay home with David. Zell’s are going away Wed. for a week and they want J. & M. to mow the lawn while they are gone. However if they want to go to Ruth’s I won’t keep them home. Ruth & Floyd are going to C.C. for the 4^th & wanted us to got too so they could take some more movies of David, but I don’t want to go on such a long trip when it’s so hot, and I can’t plan to go

[page 4] any place while Mother doesn’t feel so well. She said for us to go ahead & go but I wouldn’t want to leave her alone.

Glenn called us yesterday. He talked and his wife talked – he talked to all of us. Had the baby by the phone and we could hear him. I wrote and told him Mother didn’t feel so well and I think he was pretty worried about her. He wanted your address; you may hear from them. His wife’s name is Pauline. The picture enclosed is I think good of David but John says David is better looking than the picture. However I think you can get a good idea what he is like because he laughs so much. After his bath he

[page 5] has curls but after a while they fall down. There are two teeth in front but one show plainer than the other. He is in his bed now singing a song. It is time for him to take a nap so he is in the nursery alone.

Parr’s were in town yesterday. Harlan is having a vacation but has to be back in Tuscola July 4 for work. He is very tan and so is Carolyn, more so than Dorothy & Nancy. They thought David was a pretty fine boy. Harlan still wants a boy. Dorothy said she thinks she has all she can do to take care of two girls.

[page 6] Dorothy Krull said yesterday that Bill Funk wants them to go on a vacation trip together. Dorothy said they would have to close the restaurant and she doesn’t know whether they will or not. I told her if they go to be sure Bill knows where he is taking them.

Had to stop and take baby clothes off the line – a storm was brewing and what a storm – this one took a good portion of the tree by Statons driveway – They have gone to Indpls. And will have to get the tree off their driveway before they can get in when they come back.

[page 7] Mrs. James & Jimmy went along and Bobby was sent home from Zells for misdemeanor so before the storm the neighborhood was rather quiet. It vibrates at times when things get going good.

After the rain started Mark put on his bathing trunks but he didn’t stay out long. It is cooler now since the rain – something we all appreciate. If this summer continues like this we have a lot of hot weather to look forward to. I had to repot a cactus plant – It was on the window sill and the strong wind blew it over and knocked the cactus out of the pot.

[page 8] The storm has let up and the Zell girls & J. & M. are out playing hide & seek. There is still a lot of thunder so maybe it will rain more.

Your mention of the shells makes me think of the box you sent from Noumea that didn’t come. The one that had the necklace you thought prettier than the one I rec’d. I doubt if it ever comes now – it has been so long.

I must get this ready to mail, so John can do to the P.O.

Love Mother

Mother comes to stay (Gladys)

3 Replies

: May 16, 1943, p. 1

: May 16, 1943, p. 2

: May 16, 1943, p. 3

: May 16, 1943, p. 4

Letter transcription:

Kentland, Ind
May 16, 1943.

Dear Daddy,

Sunday evening and just got the boys in. They were running around in circles – getting a sweat up and going a lot of damage to coupon 17 (shoes). It has been such a grand day they have been outside most of the time. Mayroses brought Mother up today and she came to stay this time. I got a chicken out of the locker and we had baked chicken for dinner. And I ground up the leftovers and made sandwiches for a supper. It is light so late now they weren’t in any hurry to start home so decided they could eat before starting out. Those chickens certainly are handy to have all ready to use,

[page 2] after all the rain yesterday, it came down in sheets & torrents last night. They started to come up on highway 63 but the water was so deep over the road they had to go back and cross over to 41, which made them a little late in arriving (12:30). Mark was about the only one to suffer – he thought he would starve before we could get dinner on. We sat out in the yard after dinner. Put David in his buggy so he got a good sunbath. John, Mark & the Zell girls decided to play croquet and Mr. Mayrose looked on.

Mark’s grades weren’t very good this last period and his exam grades were worse I going to try to get him to read a lot this summer and also work on arithmetic – He made C – on his arth. Exam. His Lennes pad [an arithmatic workbook] wasn’t nearly finished

[page 3] so I am going to get him to finish it. He can get his work if he takes time. I had him read to me last night and he does very well, but keeping him at it is what he needs. John is practicing on his recital piece. The recital is to be the 28^th of May.

You remember the girl we went to see out on Ocean View last summer whose husband is a Navy officer? Well she is in Sheldon with her parents. She has a baby girl eight weeks old and she was several weeks getting word to her husband of the baby’s arrival. Her name was Sipe – married John Hamm. Miss Smith keeps me posted on them. I didn’t ask about his location, I suppose it is not to be known.

Link and I were working on the flower bed that divides our yards Fri evening and both intended to resume our work

[page 4] Sat. but the rain kept us from doing so but I noticed he was out this evening finishing his side. If it doesn’t rain tonight or in the morning I want to get out tomorrow and finish our side. This reminds me of the seeds I sent you. I looked up to see when I mailed them and it was Apr 13 so you should have them by now. Your Mother wrote that she sent you several packs, so if you get them all should be able to farm in a big way –

The competition I have now is almost too much. Mark is sitting by me reading & John is practicing – Mark is going thru the patent leather hair phase – keeps his hair soaked all the time and is trying to get a wave trained – and what’s worse he uses brilliantine on it. That is hard on the pillow slip – had to soak the last one I took off to get the oil out. Well I give up for this time and will try to finish tomorrow when I hope I can find it a little more quiet here.

Love – Mother

YEG1943-05 Gladys and David with Mayroses

Gladys holding David, with Mr. and Mrs. Mayrose

Emma, Mr. and Mrs. Mayrose, and David

[Editor’s note: Mr. and Mrs. Mayrose were the parents of Thelma Mayrose. Thelma was the wife of Gladys’ brother, Jim.]

School’s Out! (Gladys)

2 Replies

Letter transcription:

MRS. R. S. YEGERLEHNER
KENTLAND
INDIANA
5-14-43

Dear Daddy – No letters today but hardly expected any – having rec’d 3 yesterday. (Apr 28-29 & 30). Today the boys went to school & got their cards. John grades were A and Mark’s C & B & maybe an A. I told him he would have to work harder next year. Mrs. Zell & girls, J, M, David & I went to Shelton this a.m. After school was out to get meat and take Betty to Miss Smith. The recital is to be the 28^th of this month. Two Zell girls take lessons. I ordered another quarter of beef put in our locker. Mrs. B. said they will take ration tickets to cover the weight of beef I get. As it is I am not using our coupons because of the meat we already have. The price meat is in the stores I am glad we have our locker. Meat isn’t the only thing – I paid .75¢ for ½ peck potatoes this week and could only buy ½ pk. Some of the stores were out. The sun is shining today and we are washing. I am going to take David out for a sunning this afternoon – the first time in over a week. He got his second shot yesterday and is just a little touchy today. The first shot didn’t bother him at all. He says da-da all the time, besides a lot of other things we can’t interpret. Mark has changed into play clothes & got out. He can’t stay in on a day like this.

Love – Mother

Yegerlehner home, E. Dunlop Street, Kentland, circa 1943

Raining Again (Gladys)

1 Reply

: May 10, 1943 envelope

: May 10, 1943, p. 1

: May 10, 1943, p. 2

Letter transcription:

Kentland Ind
May 10 – 1943

Dear Daddy – Yours of Apr. 21 & 22 came today – I looked thru the letters and there are none missing. Wish you could get all of mine. Not that I have so much of importance to say every day but there might be something you would want to know. I wrote a letter yesterday and mailing both in one envelope and hope you get it.

It is raining again this morning. Isn’t cold but very wet. John was unable to get the lawn mowed last week and it is going to be a big job now. I can see our garden from the kitchen window and things are up enough to be seen from here. Mark hoed it and used Zell’s garden plow just before this rainy weather set in and it’s a good thing he did because I am afraid the weeds are going to be plentiful before he can work in it again.

[page 2] David is in his buggy going things. He doesn’t stay put – turns over and gets in some awful shapes, but has a good time so why not. He has been rather noisy this morning singing di-di- and scolding. I weighed him today and he weighs 18 ½ lbs – (7 ½ mo). He isn’t gaining so fast now but he is large enough and has a good apetite. He takes so much exercise he can’t gain like he did a few months ago. I see John running toward the house. Mrs. Zell is going to the grade school to pick up her girls & Mark – – – We have had lunch since I started to write. John said he was exempted from English this morning. He should be exempted from all and I suppose he will be – with an a average. He plays with the band Wed. evening for Commencement so will have to have his blue pants & long sleeve white shirt ready for him. That’s the band uniform in winter & all white in summer. He has grown so much this year – he is about half a head shorter than I am. Mark is taller too but not as noticeably so as John.

It’s about time for Mark to go to school & he is my letter carrier.

Love – Mother

Yegerlehner home, E. Dunlop Street, Kentland, circa 1943

Band Mother’s Dinner (Gladys)

2 Replies

Letter transcription:

MRS. R. S. YEGERLEHNER
KENTLAND
IND –
2-16-43

Dear Daddy – Another cold day – 5 above below this a.m. This can’t last many weeks more because Feb. is over half gone. I took Mark & Zell girls to school – I wouldn’t just for the weather but Mark has a slight head cold – nothing serious but I thought the cold air wouldn’t do any good. I got the unicaps and have been taking 6 a day and it hasn’t been a week yet and I am feeling better – I think I’ll give Mark some to see if he can get over his cold. He is more susceptible than John to colds this winter. He hasn’t any temp, or I would keep him home. We went to the band dinner last night and it was much nicer this time – served buffet style and we all ate at the same time. I took a dish of baked beans. Mary Parttens took chicken & noodles and gave me what she had left over, so you can guess what’s our menu today. Just finished bathing & feeding D. He weighed 15 ½ – I got some Pabena for him – he wouldn’t take Pablum without a fuss. I am going to vary his cereal with cream of wheat etc. He is feeling extra good now with his tummy full. He feels that way most of the time – – About your blue uniform – you had better air it once in a while or it might molder in that humid climate – I have all your suits saturated in moth fumes. Plummers are going to Fla. in Mar. They got your letter and she said to tell you hello. Mrs. Tom Murphy was at the supper and said Tom wishes you were here. They are living in Kent. in Voglund’s house. Art is in a camp in Calif. Vivian is out there too. David chews on the rubber bone you got for Mark – Love – Mother