Tag Archives: genealogy

A dentist arrives (Roscoe)

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: June 6, 1943 envelope

: June 6, 1943, p. 1

: June 6, 1943, p. 2

: June 6, 1943, p. 3

Letter transcription:

6/6/43
Lieut R.S.Yegerlehner USNR
Navy 60 F.P.O. San Fran.

Dear Mother,

Yesterday one of our old group from Noumea came into camp. One of the dentists that was there while we were there – So it was just like a homecoming. Had lots to talk about for he had seen many of our group coming and going and a few for one reason or another were back in the U.S.A. but only a very few. We of course know nothing of the length of the tour of duty but we have hopes. We had a little party for him last night

[page 2] onion sandwitches and sardines. Of course I don’t believe he appreciated them so much since he just came from civilized Noumea. If you want to call it that.

Today is Sunday and time for a letter to the folks. I’ll have a little to write because two letters both v-mail came from them and also the box of chewing gum etc. It always helps to have a thread to use as subject matter for a letter.

One of these days I’ll break down and write the boys again

[page 3] but paper and stamps have been a little hard to get. And of course all envelopes are stuck when they get here and after tearing them open the mucilage is no good and mucilage in bottles out here is about as unheard of as numerous other things one could mention.

I see the mess boy coming to clean out the tent so had better give way because it looks pretty messy this A.M.

Love Daddy

Russell Islands
Image by Kelisi at Wikipedia.com (Wikipedia Commons license)

© 2014 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2014/07/25/a-dentist-arrives-roscoe/

No thoughts came (Roscoe)

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: June 5, 1943 envelope

: June 5, 1943, p. 1

: June 5, 1943, p. 2

: June 5, 1943, p. 3

: June 5, 1943, p. 4

Letter transcription:

June 5, 1943
Lieut R.S. Yegerlehner USNR
Navy 60, F.P.O. San Fran.

Dear Mother,

Up to now I’ve sat here about 5 min. and no thoughts came so maybe with a line for stimulation I’ll get an idea or two. I’ve written so often of our weaknesses such as sardines onions and the likes of such that to dwell on it more would be very boring indeed, but in passing we still do those things.

Yesterday evening late, I got a letter from Mr. Healy and that he said was the second letter he had written – also got a letter from Hicky Reinhart

[page 2] and again our letters passed on the way – maybe after a time we will be able to correspond regularily. Mr. Healy said he missed me coming in the back of the drug store – wonder if he thinks I miss coming in.

Yesterday morning a letter came from Mom. A v-mail dated May 18 which wasn’t bad. She said she had gotten a letter from you and everything was OK but I’d rather get the letters direct. Probably some will come along in a few days.

I see the Chaplin coming this

[page 3] way – don’t know what I’ve done now – no he turned to port and is headed for the head. He is a swell gent and is well liked by all the men and officers. I think he would like to move back to our tent and use his for the library and his office – I don’t mind because he is regular and there is no restraint.

Commander Frericks got two fruit cakes yesterday. They were sent in Dec. as a Christmas present. Strange as it may seem they were really good. Nice and moist – That’s what I call Christmas in June. Some

[page 4] fellows get packages just as nice as the day they were sent but most of mine have been battered and banged into many shapes.

True to the good old Navy custom we had beans for breakfast and also have inspection and that always means I have to tag along as a part of the inspection party which is tiresome before it’s finished.

Well, I did get some written, after a poor start, but and one might say – poor all the way thru –

Lots of Love
Daddy

Russell Islands
Image by Kelisi at Wikipedia.com (Wikipedia Commons license)

©2014 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2014/07/24/no-thoghts-came-roscoe/

Ice Cream (Gladys)

1 Reply

: June 5, 1943 envelope

: June 5, 1943, p. 1

: June 5, 1943, p. 2

: June 5, 1943, p. 3

: June 5, 1943, p. 4

Letter transcription:

Kentland Ind
June 5 1943

Dear Daddy –

Another day without any mail – If I hadn’t rec’d two Tuesday this would have been a blank week as far as mail is concerned.

Brought Mark home yesterday – He feels pretty good today. Dr. Cole said to have him chew aspergum. There was a box here that had come for you, so we are getting it used up. When it came I didn’t know what to do with it, so just kept it. Mark wanted to chew it but I told him it was for people needing relief from pain

[page 2] so now he has a good opportunity to try it out. He has the living room full of airplanes to build, comic books and what not. Zells said they were going to bring us a fry. He though he wanted it today but we had hamburger and he couldn’t swallow it so well, but ate peas, bread & butter. He now wants ice cream so when I finish this, John is going to town to get him a cone. That is the only way we can buy ice cream (except at Boones). Commercial ice cream can’t be sold only in containers. The drug stores & restaurants can sell ices in quantities but not cream.

The latest canned goods to be on the ration list is milk, but I think I’ll keep David on canned milk thru the summer. We can now buy homogenized milk here and when I change him over, think I’ll use that.

John and I had to work in the garden a while this afternoon,

[page 3] then we had a shower and had to come in. It was time to feed David – We got rid of a lot of weeds. John thought we should have arranged the tonsillectomy so it wouldn’t interfere with Mark’s garden work. We have spinach, lettuce, onions & radish ready to use. Our carrots are coming along nicely as well as the peas & potatoes.

Mary Largent finally had an appendectomy. She has been having attacks for some time. She is home from the hospital. I forgot to mention it before.

It isn’t so hot today. It has been cloudy and cooler, but the sun is shining again and Mother is sitting out in the yard with David. I hate for him to miss a day in the sunshine. He is so nicely tanned I want to keep him that way. He certainly enjoys being out of doors.

[page 4] John is reading the funny books Mark got and I can’t get much work done when he lapses into a funny book, but he has done quite a lot already today. He has done most of the work around here so far, because he has done the lawn all alone and now helps in the garden.

Catherine Tilton has had another operation on her arm. She and her Mother, and I suppose Libby too are living with Geo in the Barr house, Geo bought. The Barces have rented their home and moved to Fowler with Mrs. Harrington. Hilda was working at the factory but quit. Said they couldn’t meet expenses on their income. Mrs. Dieter was with Francie, coming home when they had an accident. Mrs. D. sustained a broken leg. They were in St. E. with her Thurs. evening getting an X-ray and cast put on. I saw Mary & one of her brothers in the lobby. Mary said they were going to put on a walking cast, so she won’t have to stay in bed. About out of paper so will sign off –

Love – Mother

Yegerlehner home, Kentland, Indiana, June 1943

©2014 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2014/07/23/ice-cream-gladys/

Chewing Gum (Roscoe)

1 Reply

: June 4, 1943 envelope

: June 4, 1943, p. 1

: June 4, 1943, p. 2

: June 4, 1943, p. 3

: June 4, 1943, p. 4

Letter transcription:

June 4
Lieut R.S. Yegerlehner USNR
Navy 60 F.P.O. San Fran.

Dear Mother,

Yesterday P.M. a box came from Mom. It had chewing gum, a can of peanuts and some lifesavers. It was in a tin box with no wrapper and just my name and Noumea address but no stamps or indication of postmarks. It looked as if someone might have brought it but it came in the mail. The content was in A-1 condition.

The mail in general is not very good and I’m not sure it it’s

[page 2] v-mail, air mail or why anyway write a few of each.

I just stopped long enough to write a letter to Dr. Porterfield. It had been some time since his last letter came and I just got the urge all at once.

Was invited out for noon day chow yesterday – Had roast beef and then at home we had roast beef again so I was pretty lucky all around. You will note I’m back on the eating again. Which next to the weather is a good topic to write about.

Yesterday while reclining on the bunk I saw a huge lizard about 8 in long on one of the rafters.

[page 3] I pointed it out to my new tent mate and he was rather disturbed. He wanted to kill it right there and the only thing he could find was a spade but since the thing was so fat he was afraid it would “squish” all over on to his bunk. So after much deliberation I chased it higher with our fly spray and so far as I know he is still squirming around over head. I felt something cold hit me last night while sleeping in the raw but I’m not sure if it was a lizard or what. I just brushed my hand over

[page 4] the spot, rolled over and went back to sleep.

I see we have a small leak around my chewing gum patch so will have to get another patch fixed up.

Last night Commander Fredricks, Geo and I had onion and sardine sandwiches. Two or three sardines between a couple slices of onion. That was the night cap. It really is amusing the way we go after those things.

Well, hope your mail is getting there more regular as to mine I’ve almost given up –
Love Daddy

Russell Islands
Image by Kelisi at Wikipedia.com (Wikipedia Commons license)

© 2014 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney.
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2014/07/22/chewing-gum-roscoe/

Brave Little Boy (Gladys)

1 Reply

: June 4, 1943 envelope

: June 4, 1943, p. 1

: June 4, 1943, p. 2

: June 4, 1943, p. 3

: June 4, 1943, p. 4

Letter transcription:

Kentland Ind.
June 4, 1943

Dear Daddy –

No letters today – in fact none since Tues. when I rec’d yours of May 17 & 18 – but probably will get a lot at once. The 100⁰⁰ ck hasn’t come yet but likely will come with the rest of the delayed mail.

I am going to get Mark this afternoon. He got along fine, so with proper rest when he gets home should be in good shape soon. As I told you before the adnoid wasn’t bad but tonsils were. He was a brave little boy thru it all and didn’t cry or act up like the little girl in the next bed did. Last night or rather evening at 5 – when

[page 2] I left he was trying to eat ice cream. I told him he would feel much better today and could eat.

I was very tired when I came home last night and still feel tired today but I think after another good night’s rest I’ll be rested up.

Mother has David out in the front yard in the sun. He is so full of pep – I wish I had some of it. He woke me at 6:30 this morning by pounding on the head of his bed. His two new teeth show up good now. I have to get him a new pr. of shoes – but his aren’t rationed. His ration tickets give us an extra in case someone should need it.

I promised Mark yesterday I would get him a new slack suit, so will have to go shopping before I go to the hospital.

[page 3] I wrote your Mother about his trip to the hospital, several days ago, so he rec’d a card from her today. She sent John a card when he was supposed to have measles & didn’t – but she didn’t send Mark a card when he had measles and didn’t like that very well, so she was careful to correct her error this time.

John is helping Zells out today. He is mowing their lawn. Mr. Zell has been [helping] farmers run tractors and with his own garden doesn’t have time to do his mowing. John will be kept pretty busy – our garden will have to be worked – our peas are blooming – spinach, lettuce & radish ready to eat – The potatoes are coming along fine – also the carrots & onions. We planted corn & beans Sat. & the beans are up.

[page 4] Mrs. James said she was trying to clean house and Bobby is there on his tricycle & he and Jimmy keep fighting so Mrs. J. isn’t getting much done but refereeing. I have to mix formula – Have the water boiled and bottles washed, so must go boil bottles & mix things. Lucile is going with me today and we are to leave at 1 P.M., so I will have to get busy. Oh yes – Dr. Holliday had a patient in Pediatrics yesterday – Had an emergency operation. I must quit writing & get busy with things around here.

Love Mother

Yegerlehner home, E. Dunlop Street, Kentland, Indiana, June 1943

© 2014 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2014/07/21/brave-little-boy-gladys/

Tickling Lizards (Roscoe)

1 Reply

: June 2, 1943 envelope

: June 2, 1943, p. 1

: June 2, 1943, p. 2

: June 2, 1943, p. 3

Letter transcription:

June 2, 1943
Lieut R. S. Yegerlehner
Navy 60 F.P.O. San Fran.

Dear Mother

Finished my morning chores a little late again this A.M. and then had a few complaints about flies in the mess hall so had to try to see if that could be fixed up. Seems as if there is always something. Flies in the mess hall, mosquitoes in the shower rooms or flies in the heads. We have been very fortunate in having screens and squirt guns to aid in the cause.

One of my tent mates moved out of the tent so I moved from

[page 2] one side to the other. He had a dresser for his clothes and I thought it easier to move myself than the dresser. It’s just like you moving the furniture around at home – helps change the surroundings somewhat.

The ground hasn’t been dry enough lately to do any first class gardening so yesterday I sprinkled a few radish and turnips seeds around in some loose dirt hoping that the soil is good enough them to grow. My latest potatoes are up a few inches

[page 3] but some of them rotted.

All our enthusasium (can’t spell that one) for shell hunting has waned and we are still in the process of having the ants eat out the inside of the ones we did collect. I’m going to have a look at mine this P.M. to see if the odor is gone if so I’ll try to make something – Don’t know what but I’ll try.

There is a tiny lizard hardly an inch long crawling around. At that size they are rather cute. They crawl on the outside of the misquito net and I like to get a hair and tickle them on the belly – Some fun to wtch them wriggle – So much for lizard play

Love Daddy

Russell Islands
Image by Kelisi at Wikipedia.com (Wikipedia Commons license)

© 2014 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2014/07/18/tickling-lizards-roscoe/

A Tiresome Day (Gladys)

1 Reply

: June 2, 1943 envelope

: June 2, 1943, p. 1

: June 2, 1943, p. 2

Letter transcription:

Kentland Ind
June 2, 1943

Dear Daddy –

No letters so far today but maybe one or two will come in on the evening mail, before we start for Laf. I am taking Mark to St – E. for his tonsils (to be removed) – Dr. Cole thought it would be better to bring him down in the evening. I am going to stay at Kline’s tonight but will come back home tomorrow. Mark has been eating so he won’t get hungry tomorrow. I told him he wouldn’t be hungry but he doesn’t believe me.
I rec’d 10⁰⁰ from Mrs. Reed today – I could hardly believe it but it’s true. I know it will be hard for you to believe too. That is the

[page 2] first collection to come in since Jan. when Steve McKinley pd 5⁰⁰. This has been a tiresome day – Hot and windy. David has been cross – has some heat on his body and cutting teeth. John and Mark are getting him to patty cake now. He just started doing that yesterday. As yet the second check ($100) hasn’t come but the $150⁰⁰ did. Sometimes letters get delayed and come after later ones.
I can’t seem to concentrate very well just now. Will try to write a better letter tomorrow. Have a few things to do yet before leaving. I saw Carolyn and she said Arvilla is on seonc main so maybe we will get Mark a room on her floor. John is waiting to take this to the P.O. –

So Love Mother

Yegerlehner home on E. Dunlop Street, Kentland, Indiana – June 1943

Just Got Word (Roscoe)

1 Reply

: June 1, 1943 envelope

: June 1, 1943, p. 1

: June 1, 1943, p. 2

: June 1, 1943, p. 3

Letter transcription:

Lieut R.S. Yegerlehner USNR
Navy 60 San Fran
6/1/43

Dear Mother,

I’ve been running around this A.M. trying and finally getting an officer started on his way back to the States due to an eye ulcer. I at least saw him leave our place but don’t know what the big Drs. will say further back the line. The only mistake I made was not making him sick enough too that he would have had to have medical attention on his way.

[page 2] All this running around has slowed down my garden making but maybe I can get started this P.M.

I got a litter from Rev. McCloud last Sunday. It was type written a but not signed. His return address on the outside of the envelope gave me the identity.

Wasn’t so lucky with the wash yesterday for it rained just about the time it was right for ironing – I got in all but two towels and a pair of pants and have them hanging around inside.

[page 3] Just got word that there are two boys in sick bay to see so I’ll have to cut things short – They aren’t very sick from the word I got so maybe I won’t have to hurry to much. If some of these fellows had to pay for every call I’m sure I wouldn’t be nearly so busy. Or I’d be making a high salary.

Well, guess I’d better see what the score is –
Lots of Love

Daddy

Russell Islands
Image by Kelisi at Wikipedia.com (Wikipedia Commons license)

Fresh Spinach (Gladys)

1 Reply

: June 1, 1943 envelope

: June 1, 1943, p. 1

: June 1, 1943, p. 2

: June 1, 1943, p. 3

: June 1, 1943, p. 4

Letter transcription:

Kentland Ind
June 1 1943

Dear Daddy –

The first day of June and a wind blowing. It looks like rain any minute. John has gone to take his music lesson. He rode Mark’s bike. At first Mark didn’t like the idea but I told him I didn’t want John to walk thru the rain so he decided it would be “OK.” Mark was taking David for a walk (ride) but I had him come in. We have been taking David out of doors so much he doesn’t like to stay in. He is in his buggy now looking out the living room south window. He is so adventurous

[page 2] he has to be watched or will try to climb over the side of his buggy. When in his pen or bed tries to pull up to his feet but hasn’t quite made it yet – but gets up on his knees.

Either the mail is later today or we didn’t get any. Yours of May 17 & 18 came yesterday but to date the letter with the $100⁰⁰ check hasn’t come.

Had the S.S. class meeting last nite. We worked on Red Cross sewing. I didn’t get to bed last night until 11:45 so I was very sleepy this morning. I got David’s bottle and fed him at 6 – then Mother got up and took him downstairs and I went back to sleep and woke up about 9:30 – I was more tired than I realized because I was still tired when I got up, and feel not too peppy yet. I wanted to set out some more flowers today but the

[page 3] rain will keep me from doing that. I am about thru, but it has rained so much I can’t get enough done between rains. Where Floyd (Billy) dug up the septic tank – there was a bald spot – I had to wait for the ground to settle before I could do anything with it – then we cut some sod from the back yard to make larger flower beds and put it on the spot and some of the grass is growing but it looks rough – however I think it will be smother after John mows it some. John started to mow this morning but had to quite to go take his lesson. He has had quite a job so far keeping the grass cut. If we get Mark’s tonsils out I am afraid he will have some garden work to do too. John has grown up so much this past year. Mary Parttens said when

[page 4] you left John was a homely little boy and when you come back he will be a good looking young man. Mark is pretty much the same – it isn’t time for him to make a quick change. However he is hair conscious and combs his hair so many times during the day – He is still trying to get a wave to grow. When I bath David I can work up a few curls and both J & M think it is “cute.” His curls stay pretty good until I put a cap on him. One of the Zell girls came over to see if we want some spinach for dinner. Their garden spinach is ready to use – ours isn’t quite that far along but soon will be.

I will have to get something ready for lunch – I’ll use some of the 7 ½ ¢ lb. potatoes. We don’t eat them every day – but ours will soon be large enough to dig then we can have them often as we want.

In case you missed some of my letters, I got your letter with your suggestions about the lawn –

Love – Mother

Yegerlehner home on E. Dunlop Street, Kentland Indiana, June 1943 (Note: Mark’s bicycle leaning against the tree and one of the boys is sitting with David under the window to the left of the door.)

Which Is Faster (Roscoe)

1 Reply

: May 31, 1943 envelope

: May 31, 1943, p. 1

: May 31, 1943, p. 2

Letter transcription:

May 31, 1943
Lieut. R. S. Yegerlehner USNR
Navy 60 F.P.O. San Fran.

Dear Mother,

Just finished re reading your air mail letter of May 8. That is two days later than you latest v-mail but the v-mail came 3-4 days ago. So I can’t tell which is faster. So I guess maybe if you wrote a few of each it would be better. U

You mentioned about the bank balance – I wouldn’t buy bonds at present with the balance that low, and if I can ever get my money I’ll send it to help. Not being paid since Jan. makes a

[page 2] a little balance on hand. Hope the boys’ colds are better and by this time the warm weather should help.

The second box you sent hasn’t arrived as yet but maybe it will be along. The chicken bones were still in the box but they weren’t in too good condition. All tough and stuck together.

And I didn’t write that v-mail letter like I said I was going to. I forgot whether I told you in yesterday’s letter – I got radish, lettuce, carrot and turnip seed from Mom yesterday.

It’s chow time will write more tomorrow
Love Daddy