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Gladys Dear

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January 1, 1961 envelope

Letter transcription:

January 1, 1961, p. 1

January 1st, 1961

Gladys Dear

New Year’s Day, and I am thinking about what a happy day I spent with you folks in your home on Christmas Day.

I felt I must thank you again for having me and to tell you how much I enjoyed being with you. You cannot imagine what it means to one with no family ties left, to have dear friends on such a day.

Thank you again for a lovely dinner and companionship, and for the lovely sweater and ear rings.

Thanks, too, for dear David’s kindness to me on the occasion of our trip to Lafayette. I love him dearly.

When thanks are in order, I always think of Doctor’s kindness to my dear Lloyd, which I assure him will never be forgotten.

May the New Year bring continued happiness to all your dear ones and you, and a special prayer for Becky.

Most sincerely
Ruth Myers

(over)

January 1, 1961, p. 2

Forgive me useing the typewriter, but it is so much easier for me than trying to hold a pen for any time. My fingers just don’t seem to want to do it.

Ruth

© 2016 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2016/08/05/gladys-dear/

Lots of Love, Daddy Update

4 Replies

I have been spending the bulk of my summer vacation working on getting the next World War II letters book ready for publication. I return to work at the end of the week and the book is almost done. One of the most labor intensive parts of writing a non-fiction book is creating the index. The letters mention hundreds, if not thousands of individuals. Lots of Love, Daddy which covers the fall of 1942 includes over 300 people, including three presidents, several radio and screen personalities, military personnel and, of course, many citizens of Kentland, Indiana.

As an early teaser (and potential lure for future readers), I am posting the full index of the book. Perhaps you will find someone you know in the index!

**Index (of Lots of Love, Daddy)**

The following is an index of the people mentioned in the letters. Roscoe and Gladys, as well as their three sons, John, Mark and David, have not been included in this index as they are mentioned in virtually every letter.

Ade, Charles H., Dr.
180, 184, 195, 200, 212, 213, 233

Ade, Mary E. (Keller), Dr.
213

Allgood
141, 145, 282

Allgood, Lorene L. (Morphew)
25, 60

Ash, Dorotha M. (Williams)
25, 50, 64, 86, 92, 122, 219, 265

Ash, Herman H., Dr.
22, 28, 32, 50, 64, 86, 92, 166, 196, 211, 232, 234

Baer, Walter B.
70

Bair
326

Baker, Kenny
375

Barce, J. Edward
13, 28, 184, 278, 317, 360

Barr
387

Barrymore, Lionel
358

Bartlett, Helen (Cox)
25, 363

Bartlett, Ward K.
46, 58, 145, 168, 172, 230, 236, 252, 313, 321, 331

Baze, Shirley A. (Neary)
194

Beard, Paul H., Dr.
114

Beaver
316

Beaver, Helen Elizabeth “Betty” (Neher)
101

Beekman, Evelyn (Muir)
242

Beekman, Sharon
242

Benny, Jack
278

Boone, Jean
25, 162, 312, 355

Boone, Otto E. “Boonie”
25, 36, 70, 131, 132, 134, 162, 164, 171, 220, 223, 236, 251, 259, 284, 286, 290, 311, 312, 321, 333, 346, 355, 362

Bower, Raymond
251, 360

Brands, Fred A.
160, 263

Brands, Maude (Westvay)
160

Britton, Edward L.
116, 121, 270–71

Britton, Louise (Strader)
102

Britton, Thomas S.
270

Bruck, Paul J.
116, 121

Burge, Lucile (Schlinsog)
194

Bushnell, Dr.
245, 284

Byrne, John C. “Jack”
102, 113, 192, 264, 290, 297, 301, 346, 380

Calvert, Raymond R., Dr.
32

Carroll, Babe
41

Cast, Alvin C.
41, 79

Cast, William H.
79

Coan, Earl
25

Coan, Emma J. (Miller)
25

Coffel, Dorothy J. (Teague)
103

Coffel, Melvin H., Dr.
103

Cole, Ira, Dr.
6, 8, 9, 15, 19, 29, 32, 50, 54, 86, 90, 95, 98, 102, 112, 116, 117, 120, 154, 167, 172, 184, 190, 200, 233, 234, 241, 245, 246, 251, 258, 259, 264, 271, 281, 301, 302, 309, 310, 336, 346, 355, 372, 379, 380

Cole, Mabel M. (Biser)
234, 336

Cummings, R. Ray
162

Cunningham, Frank E.
157, 282

Cunningham, Winifred F. (Booty)
157, 282

Curtis, Delmar E.
190

Curtis, Rosamund E. (Dyer)
190

Davis, William E.
138–39

Dennis, Donna
302

Diedam, Dorothy “Dora”
386

Disney, Walt
362

Dixon, Ira
88–89, 104, 110, 119, 123, 128, 134, 148, 171, 265

Donahue, Carl J.
177, 250, 321

Durbin, Deanna
334

Dye, George
12, 69, 79, 373

Dye, Letha L.
140

Dye, Linda
373

Dye, Velda (Good)
12, 69, 373

Dyer
190

Dyer, May K. (Prue)
190

Easley, Charles J.
162, 239, 243

Easterly, Aileen
60

Eddy, Nelson
366

Evans, Nannie
343, 374

Fellman/Feldman
22

Fletcher, Emma (Cox)
172, 355

Fletcher, James B.
20, 172, 355

Fletcher, Joseph B.
303

Flickinger, Daniel W.
209, 226

Foster, Emily H. “Emma” (Lawhead)
3, 11, 25, 33, 34, 37, 41, 55, 57, 74, 78, 90, 91, 95, 109, 113, 121, 125, 130, 140, 144, 154, 158, 163, 167, 168, 170, 171, 172, 177, 184, 255, 262, 291, 328, 329, 343, 351, 358, 382

Foster, James L.
3, 13, 28, 41, 46, 53, 86–87, 122, 144, 184, 191, 207, 242, 255, 291, 297, 300, 302, 328, 343, 378, 382

Foster, Thelma (Mayrose)
13, 46, 53, 255, 297, 302, 328, 351, 378

Foulkes
60, 85, 191, 359, 364

Foulkes, Cora T. “Cocoa” (Trautmann)
25, 277, 283, 343, 347, 352

Foulkes, Harold “Red”
283, 343

Funk
159, 191, 213, 284, 380

Funk, Arlene (Nelson)
3, 8, 25, 45, 50, 60, 74, 109, 155, 159, 190, 198, 200, 210, 252, 271, 288, 291, 293, 310, 324, 328, 329, 343, 346, 351, 374, 380, 385

Funk, Bernard
198

Funk, Carl E.
192, 338

Funk, Donald E.
8, 45, 50, 73, 74, 76, 143, 155, 198, 252, 271, 288, 310, 328, 346, 347, 364, 374

Funk, Edward J.
338

Funk, Evelyn
198

Funk, Robert W.
45, 65, 210, 329, 342, 346, 347

Funk, Rosemary (Robinson)
25, 60, 310

Funk, William E.
159, 199, 342, 343, 351, 380, 385

Gardiner, James W., Dr.
239, 295, 300, 339

Garrigus, George
382

Gilman, Page
265

Gilmore, Claude D.
303

Gilmour, Alex L.
264

Gilmour, M. Jean (Spindler)
210

Glenn, John
178

Glenn, M. Louise (Krull)
60, 116, 178, 200, 271, 328, 346

Glick, Orval E., Dr.
282

Good, Beulah (Eaton)
69, 373

Good, Edward
69, 373

Gordon, Gale
265

Hall, Donald W.
177

Harlan, Charles C. “Chuckie”
113, 198

Harlan, Chester C.
113

Harlan, D. Lorene (Nicely)
113, 198

Harris, Paul
225, 229, 313, 348

Harris, Phil
278

Healy, Harry H.
192

Heindel, Daniel M.
213

Heindel, Helen G. (Kline)
213, 222

Hiestand, Pauline (Markley)
45, 335

Hoover, Floyd E.
207

Hufty
60, 316, 335

Hufty, Clarice M. (Bartlett)
8, 9, 25, 37, 53, 120

Hufty, Robert L., Sr.
8, 9, 53, 112, 120, 151, 167, 220, 223, 265, 380, 389

Huth, Frances E.
275

Huth, Ralph L., Dr.
32, 239, 275, 295, 300, 306, 307, 312, 339

Huth, Ralph L., Jr.
275

James, Cora (Hufford)
25, 57, 60, 65, 241

Johnson, Edward
92, 93, 152, 153, 160, 220, 223

Johnson, James E. “Jimmy Ed”
167, 183

Johnson, Lucile
3, 7, 25, 50, 60, 118, 152, 160, 167, 171, 183, 242, 291, 293, 360, 366, 383

Jones, Dale S.
41

Jones, Kenny
41, 121, 207

Juventia, Sister
8, 12, 51

Kenney, T. Arthur “Art”
27, 34, 36, 102, 113, 116, 121, 123

Kildare, James, Dr.
322

Kindall, Mrs.
25

Kindig, Curtis B.
191, 206

Kindig, John E. “Jack”
191, 206

Kline, Forest S.
213, 219

Kline, Gertrude (Tjepkema)
25, 60, 213, 219

Knollin, Helen (Washburn)
292, 330, 335

Knollin, Loyal C.
330

Knowlton, E. Mary (Gibson)
60

Koon, Carl D., Sr.
143

Koon, Carl D., Jr.
143

Koon, Helen M. (Arbuckle)
143

Krug, Paul A.
288

Krull
229, 312, 315, 317

Krull, Dorothy (Jackson)
3, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12, 13, 24, 25, 29, 37, 60, 98, 120, 121, 125, 167, 173, 180, 225, 284, 291, 292, 311–12, 315, 320, 324, 329, 335, 352, 373

Krull, Elizabeth L. “Betty Lou”
23, 60, 68, 151, 195, 198, 201, 302, 354

Krull, John
177

Krull, Nicholas P. “Nick,” Sr.
11, 25, 110, 151, 177, 180, 272, 302, 311, 325, 335, 340

Krull, Nicholas P. “Buddy,” Jr.
151, 183, 238, 302, 315, 335, 354

Kruman, Margaret (Servies)
50

Lamb, Newell A.
121, 197, 210

Largent, Charles
237

Lentz, Edmund T., Dr.
4, 18, 47, 52–53, 55, 70, 80, 85, 114, 127, 136, 153, 171, 181, 187, 192, 194, 196, 247, 330, 371, 372, 376, 384, 389

Ley, Earl F. “Bud”
108, 222

Ley, Inez L. (Kline)
108, 222, 334

Ley, John Ed
108, 222, 334, 338

Ley, John P.
108, 222, 334, 338

Ley, Nadine
222

Lincoln, Abraham
305

Lontz, William Howard
265, 349, 356

Loughridge, Bun
281

Mace, David A.
40, 46, 101, 113, 256, 329, 338, 339, 378

Mace, Marie (Smith)
40, 46, 101, 256, 329, 338, 339, 378

Marx Brothers
375

Mathews, Alta (Bittles)
277

Mathews, Wilbur C., Dr.
20, 41, 160, 216, 242, 258, 273, 277, 278, 282, 298, 310, 355, 360, 364, 380

McConnell
75

McCray, George W.
270, 356

McQueary, Charles E.
222, 225

Molter, Agnes
24, 115, 157, 197, 216, 231, 256, 283, 297, 334, 378

Molter, Clara
238, 251, 252, 272, 280, 282, 319, 320, 329, 342, 350, 372, 373, 378, 382

Monroe, George
15, 29–30, 54, 191, 241, 344, 381

Morris, Mrs.
193

Morton, Mildred M. (Hopkins)
159, 284

Mullen, C. Patrick
69, 113, 121

Mullen, Joseph W.
69, 113, 121

Mutchler, John Earl
25, 46, 50, 68, 83, 199, 242, 328, 329

Mutchler, Romaine
50, 83

Mutchler, Ruth E. (Yegerlehner)
3–4, 24, 25, 46, 50, 58, 60, 68, 73, 74, 76, 83, 87, 101, 123, 128, 131, 132, 134, 145, 177, 213, 215, 232, 242, 280, 284, 287, 291, 297, 300, 302, 305, 326, 328, 329, 333, 336, 343, 358, 359, 365, 387

Myers, Alba O.
34, 121

Myers, Keith W.
121, 172

Myers, Kenneth J.
121, 172

Nesbitt, Sarah E. “Betty” (Cooper)
53

Nesbitt, Thomas D.
53

Oliver, Dorothy J. (Yagerline)
192

Oliver, Jane
192

Oliver, Robert J.
192

Openshaw, James F., Dr.
32

Oppy, James
303

Paul, Otto A.
209, 285, 312, 346, 355

Parr, Dorothy (Widmar)
34, 245

Parr, Harlan
245, 364, 365

Pence, Thaddeus W.
303

Penner, Joe
330

Perkins, Denver R.
116, 283

Perkins, Thelma M. (Duttenhaver)
116

Pfeiffer, Helen (Coan)
380

Plummer, Ethel (Taylor)
121, 125, 126, 232, 255, 260, 285, 320, 324, 329

Plummer, John W.
255

Poe, Edgar Allen
269

Porterfield, Billy M.
165, 275

Porterfield, Catherine E. (McLuckie)
165, 275

Porterfield, Marvin H., Dr., Sr.
4, 161, 165, 208, 221, 273, 275, 276, 282, 300, 306, 327, 330, 331, 339, 341, 353, 356, 361, 366, 371

Porterfield, Marvin H., Jr.
165, 275

Porterfield, Susan V.
275

Portteus
272, 310

Portteus, G. Harold
108, 311

Portteus, James J.
108

Portteus, Mary A. (Brown)
60, 108, 311, 383

Portteus, Ruth
108, 383

Pratt, Ralph F.
380

Prue
190

Puetz, Florence (Bower)
329

Puetz, Jim L.
329

Puetz, Raymond G.
329

Rea, Judith A.
342

Reinhart, Grace (Barsaloux) Kenefick
292

Reinhart, Henry W., Jr.
171, 184, 237, 260, 273, 275, 292, 317

Rentschler, Lewis C., Dr.
15, 278

Reynolds, Irvin
20

Rinard, Charles A.
255, 351

Roberts, Carol
237, 256, 374

Roberts, Earl L., Dr.
121, 320, 352

Roberts, John
237, 256, 374

Roberts, Joseph M., Dr.
4, 46, 59, 97, 112, 133, 183, 192, 221, 230, 231, 237, 244–45, 260, 273, 275, 281, 283, 284, 312, 345, 371, 374

Roberts, Leila M. (Locke)
4, 46, 53, 54, 59, 60, 69, 112, 121, 133, 163, 180, 183, 192, 221, 230, 237, 244–45, 256, 260, 281, 283, 312, 352, 374

Roberts, William
237, 256, 374

Roosevelt, Eleanor
215

Roosevelt, Franklin D.
169, 215

Runyon, Damon
36, 47

Ryan, Marjorie L. (Wilson)
51, 65, 98, 117, 190

Ryan, Richard R.
51, 98

Ryan, Richard S.
51, 98, 117, 190

Sammons, Hume L.
320, 329

Schiele, Jesse (MacDonald)
34, 60, 185, 229

Schiele, Silvester
24, 81, 173, 185, 225, 229, 237, 248, 302, 313, 348

Schlegel
270, 354

Schlegel, Agnes G. (Bond)
354

Schuh, Anthony
115

Schurtter, Dorothy (VanScoyk)
342

Schurtter, Robert
65, 255, 342

Schurtter, Steven J.
342

Servies, Goldie E. (Couger)
163, 167, 170

Servies, Voris B., Rev.
163, 167, 170

Shandy, Clifford O.
24, 121, 140, 340, 387

Shaw, Artie
22–23

Sherman
256

Shirer, William L.
311

Shirk, Chafee W.
108

Shirk, Sara (Terry)
108, 282

Simons, Charles M.
108

Simons, Eleanor O. (Robinson)
336

Simons, Geneva E. (Holley)
108

Simons, John W.
303, 336

Simons, Robert R.
108

Skelton, Red
111, 191, 286

Smith, Frances E. (Liggitt)
180

Smith, Gertrude M.
180, 192, 336, 374

Smith, Jean
180

Sparks, Anna L. (Moffitt)
25

Staton
60, 241, 284, 358, 359, 364

Staton, Irene A. (James)
25, 57, 132, 343

Staton, James L.
65, 178, 241, 358

Staton, Lloyd K. “Link”
87, 112, 120, 178, 191, 230, 242, 343, 358, 381

Steele, Birdie B.
352

Steiner, Henry J.
131

Stevens, Clarence V.
199

Stevens, Dolores L. (Yegerlehner)
109, 329

Swartz, Mrs.
193

Sykes
34, 73, 76, 78, 81, 87, 104, 110, 117, 282, 345

Sykes, D.
46

Sykes, Ethel M.
76, 82–84

Sykes, John T.
82–84

Taylor, Amel
121, 130, 229

Temple, Shirley
331

Thompson, David
65, 358

Thompson, John Doss
358

Thompson, Mary (Davidson)
65, 98, 358, 364

Tilton, George D.
264, 272, 340, 343, 387

Tilton, Lloyd E.
387

Tilton, Mabel (Stewart)
283, 387

Tilton, Robert L.
283

Towers, Eleanor G.
255

Towers, Emory F., Jr.
41, 121

Van Scoyk, Chester L.
157, 325

Virgin, Max E.
79

Voglund, Arthur A. “Art”
207

Voglund, Vivian T. (Murphy)
207

Walker, Alma L. (Ford)
60, 159

Walker, Wayne
302, 352, 360, 373

Walkup
141, 145, 294, 308

Walkup, Bernard W. “Bun”
9, 19, 164, 266, 283

Walkup, Carolyn J.
9

Walkup, Iva J. (Schluttenhofer)
9, 12, 19, 164

Walsh, Mary E. (Robbins)
15, 81, 88, 122, 276, 343

Walsh, Maurice R., Dr.
4, 15, 81, 88, 122, 221, 276, 343

Washburn
60

Washburn, Howard C.
343

Washburn, Mary M. (Caldwell)
25, 335

Washburn, Ursel (McCoy)
343

Washington, George
305

Watson, Ethel K. (Lloyd)
25, 60, 329

Watson, Wayne P.
25, 48, 51, 58, 60, 149, 153, 156, 329, 345

Webster, George L.
108, 170, 219

Weissman, Marvin F., Dr.
245

White, Dorothy L.
41

White, Ruth (Simons)
336

Whiteakker, Hannah C. (Smith)
206

Wilborn, Priscilla
25

Williams, Fred M., Dr.
4, 161, 208, 211, 221, 227, 240, 273, 275, 276, 282, 285, 295, 300, 312, 330, 339, 341, 353, 354, 356, 361, 365, 366, 371

Williams, Donnas B. (Loughery)
221, 275, 285, 312, 359, 365

Williams, Frederick B.
275

Wilson, Robert H.
347

Wilson, Bethel
113

Wilson, Donald R. “Bud”
347

Wilson, Doris I. (Cooley)
159, 198, 343

Wilson, H. Elizabeth (Compton)
347

Wilson, Ellsworth E. “Socky”
27, 159, 171, 198, 343, 344

Wilson, Gretchen J. (Dixon)
51

Wilson, Howard E.
51

Wilson, Juanita Suzanne
198

Wilson, Lida M.
11, 24

Wilson, Michael E.
159

Willson, R. Meredith
265

Wimple, Mr.
194

Woodruff, M. Joe
45, 65, 79, 113, 120

Wood, Kenneth
365

Yagerline, Jewell E. (Ratcliff)
192, 386

Yegerlehner, Clarence
64, 129, 132, 134, 232, 306

Yegerlehner, Earl
69, 213

Yegerlehner, Esther M. (Zurcher)
109

Yegerlehner, Floyd
3–4, 25, 46, 54, 59, 68, 69, 74, 79, 95, 98, 108, 123, 144, 151, 158, 161, 184–85, 206, 213, 215, 232, 242, 254, 261, 265, 287, 306, 324, 337, 342, 345, 347, 350, 364

Yegerlehner, John H.
3, 24, 43, 52, 72, 97, 128, 153, 158, 183, 215, 218, 230, 232, 243, 265, 280, 291, 312, 317, 341, 342

Yegerlehner, Lovina (Schiele)
3, 24, 43, 52, 54, 64, 68, 72, 97, 101, 109, 127, 128, 129, 132, 141, 146, 153, 156, 158, 162, 181, 183, 185, 195, 199, 206, 213, 215, 218, 220, 222, 223, 225, 230, 232, 239–40, 243, 255, 259, 265, 269, 279–80, 282, 284, 291, 302, 312, 317, 324, 326, 328, 341, 342, 343, 347, 358

Yegerlehner, Paul
69, 213

Yegerlehner, Ralph
232, 306

Yegerlehner, Samuel A.
213, 232, 306, 338

Yegerlehner, Ruth (Salter)
3–4, 25, 46, 54, 59, 68, 69, 74, 79, 81, 91, 95, 98, 101, 109, 116, 123, 151, 158, 161, 184, 206, 207, 213, 215, 242, 254, 256, 261, 265, 280, 284, 287, 324, 326, 328, 337, 342, 343, 345, 347, 364

Yost, Leo J. “Pete”
116, 121

Zell
163, 171, 272, 311, 342, 359, 364

Zell, Elizabeth A.
111, 154, 230, 255–56

Zell, Martha J.
230

Zell, Norma (Hibbs)
20, 25, 45, 144, 159, 181, 255–56, 272, 329, 351

Zell, Russell L.
54, 65, 108, 120, 177, 181, 185, 206, 213, 230, 256, 266, 309, 351, 364

Zell, Virginia M.
111, 154, 230, 255

Ziemer, Gregor
191

Zumbrum, Mrs.
264

—, Abigail (Dr. Fred M. Williams’ aunt)
295

—, Cracker
214

—, Ella
168

—, Hannah
325

—, Nellie
271, 280

—, Thelma
52

Lovina

1 Reply

[Editor’s note: This is the last letter in the World War II collection, and the last from the 1940s. There are many, many hundreds of letters from the 1960s and beyond. I am currently working to finish the next volume of World War II letters titled Lots of Love, Daddy. This volume covers the letters written during the fall of 1942. I will currently be taking a short break from daily blog posts in order to finish the book. Stay tuned for more information regarding the book’s release and the next batch of letters from the family archive.]

May 1946, p. 1

Letter transcription:

Monday morning [undated likely Spring 1946]

Dear Gladys and all,

Well it is raining again this morning. Rained about all day yesterday, the ground is awful wet[?] don’t know when the men will get their crop out. The river was out last Sunday over everything. Mary Hixon came down on Friday was going home on Sunday afternoon. She stayed till Tuesday afternoon. She said she didn’t want to drive through water. She said it was the first time she saw the water out. I was so sick on Friday and Saturday while she was here. My back and side hurt so awful I went to the Dr. Saturday afternoon. His medicine look just about like what Roscoe gave me I’ll have

May 1946, p. 2

[page 2] to go back today. I just hate to go, always have to wait so long I waited from 1 to 4. I thought I’d growed fast to the chair I was so tired.

Pop is taking the ashes out of the furnace. It looks like we have to have fire all summer.

The strawberries are rotting in the patch didn’t have very many yet. Verna Zurcher was operated on last Tuesday. She nearly died before they took her out of the room they give her too much dope. She is getting along all right now. Clarence and Clara were to see her yesterday they were in Terre Haute, attended the Baccalaureate service of the nurses of the Union Hospital. Verna Z. is at the Union. Clarence wants us to go with them to the commencement Friday evening. I told him I didn’t know till the time came to see how I felt. Wilma will have

May 1946, p. 3

[page 3] to go till this fall sometime she was off so much when she had that itch on her feet and hands we didn’t wash it’s too rainy. Is Mark’s arm all right? – I hope it is I must get to work get the house cleaned up and get dinner I haven’t cleaned any house yet. Maybe I will sometime if I get to feeling better and Pop will help some.

Hope your all well everybody is well and wadding mud
Love Mom

Pop got his medicine. He wants to know how much it was.

Barbara Moore

2 Replies

[Editor’s note: Barbara (Mothersill) Moore was the wife of John B. Moore. He was a university professor of economics and served in the Navy during the war. Roscoe and Gladys knew the Moores while they were living in Missouri. This letter actually appears to be two letters. The first letter may have been written prior to Christmas 1945 as John was released from active duty in February 1946.]

May 13, 1946 envelope

Letter transcription:

May 13, 1946, p. 1

Thursday

Dear Gladys,

Please forgive me for not writing sooner and for the haste in which I write now.

Yesterday the last boys left and very soon the school will be closed, and I hope John will be out of the Navy. Just how long it will take to get his orders I don’t know. He hopes to have them soon after Christmas. When and if he gets out, we will go to the Univ. of Mo. to finish his P. H. D. or phd whichever it is, the very next move we make.

There is just Wells and John

May 13, 1946, p. 2

[page 2] here now. Wells might to leave soon. We have been [tp] your old house just once since you left. The Weathralls have been very busy. Eleanor has been working in John’s office since Ruth left. Ruth is now head of the Red Cross in this District. Some stuff. Has a car furnished and everything.

Please excuse this letter. I know there is a million mistakes but I’m in such a hurry.

Poor little R.A. has such a bad cold and feels tough. John has one also and I have a little one.

Please let me know right away how large you want your tablecloth. Maybe in the very near future I can finish it.

It’s just about the same kind of a day that it was a year ago. R.A. is a year old. I know you must be very happy to be together in your own home again. Lots of luck and good wishes.

Barbara & John

May 13, 1946, p. 3

[page 3]

May 13, 1946

Dear Friends,

This is really terrible of me not to have written to you long ago, but really and truly I have been as busy with my own kid as you are with your three. Of course I know that doesn’t speak very well for my management, but then you know that ever was any good anyway.

How have you all been? I certainly hope doing better than we have. We all have had terrible colds. R.A. the worst ones I ever saw a little one have. He has very large and bad tonsils and adenoids. I hate to think of going through what we have this last four months, until he is old enough to have them out.

Mary 13, 1946, p. 4

[page 4] I took R.A. and went to St. Louis to visit, the week before Easter and stayed till the Tuesday after Easter. Mother & Dad were there, staying at the Roosevelt Hotel, so they got me a room. We got the see most of our old friends, and I got to show them R.A. I’ve just been [?] to do that every since R.S. arrived. This was my last chance. The Folks were leaving for Minn. Soon and I knew that we would be leaving for parts unknown in the fall. My brother and his wife received their little girl not long ago, and she is a darling. Two years old, blue eyes, blond hair, short and fat. Butch thinks she is wonderful and is now, very much, one of the family.

Here is a bit of news we are

May 13, 1946, p. 5

[page 5] very happy about. Last Thursday John got a telegram, asking him to come to Denver Colorado Univ. for an interview. He left and got back Sunday. There were to let him know as soon as the Dean had approved. Monday morning he got word that the job was his if he wanted it. So we are about to find ourselves on our way to Colo. in the fall. The whole set up is a nice one and we are very happy about it. Now our worry is finding a house. Our family is considerably larger than before and we will have to have a large place. Mother Moore is quite thrilled, as she has some friends and a sister not far from Denver.

My Mother is a little anxious

May 13, 1946, p. 6

[page 6] about our going, as she is afraid it’s too high and will affect my heart. What do you think about that Doctor? You know as much about my condition as anyone. John talked to several people while he was there, and they didn’t seem to think it would make any difference. Would really like to have an answer from you though.

I hope by now you have your tablecloth altogether and that it is plenty large. I would like to have had the time to finish it myself, but just couldn’t. I’m sure you found it larger when pressed. Please let me know how it came out.

Did the Doctor’s office ever get finished? That certainly was a terrible thing to happen. We were very sorry to hear it.

May 13, 1946, p. 7

[page 7] Mother M. and I have been sewing like mad. I had to have several house dresses. R.A. had to have overalls. Mother M. had to have house dresses, afternoon dresses and slips. While I was in St. Louis, I got one new dress, material for a housecoat pink and while material for slips and Aunt Min. had just made herself a [?] formal, and didn’t like it, so she sold it to me for the price of the material. When I got it home I didn’t like the neck or the sleeves, so made it over. It sure was a job, but I think it’s very pretty now.

Did you hear that Eleanor is expecting? I never was so surprised. They are in K.C. now. He has a mine job. Eleanor’s brother was here to see us not long ago. He will be here in school next fall.

May 13, 1946, p. 8

[page 8] This is just about all the news I know for now.

Hope you are all well and happy. Please write soon.
Our best wishes to all of you from all of us.
Barbara

Aileen Easterly #3

2 Replies

April 4, 1946 envelope

Letter transcription:

April 4, 1946, p. 1

Los Angeles, California
April 4, 1946
Thursday afternoon 3:00

Dear Gladys:

I am so ashamed to think I haven’t answered your letter dated Feb. 20^th – I haven’t written to anyone except Mother, and that was just a note each day since I’ve come home.

Was in the hospital two weeks, came home on the 28^th of Feb. It was just 7 weeks ago today that I had the operation – am so happy that much time has passed. I won’t go into a lengthy account of it because I know how boring the stories of operations can be to others. I had two tumors, each the size of an orange, my uterus and appendix removed. Everything else was in perfect condition for which I was very thankful. The doctors and nurses were amazed because I didn’t have pain, etc., that most patients have with such an operation. Three things in particular, for instance, I urinated from the very beginning, passed gas naturally (had no pains whatsoever) and didn’t have to take laxatives. Those three things helped considerably or so they told me. What do you think Jake? However, I was awfully weak for the first 10 days – didn’t care to read or didn’t want any company. I often sent Tom home after a 10 minute visit – all I wanted to do was lie there and rest and sleep.

We had engaged a lady to care for me the first two weeks after I came from the hospital, but the minute the landlady heard of it she insisted upon nursing me. Tom cooked my breakfast and she prepared my lunch and dinner – it really worked out beautifully that way because I still couldn’t stand to have too many people around. The landlady was in and out during the day. We live in a double apartment (one bedroom) so we really couldn’t accommodate someone all the time.

April 4, 1946, p. 2

[page 2] The doctor thinks I’m getting along very well. I take 9 vitamin, and liver and iron tablets a day – should gain weight and look normal soon. I lost 10 pounds – before the operation I weighed 125, now weight about 119. I have to report to the doctor next Thursday and perhaps he will release me then. Of course I will not go to work immediately – intend to take my vacation and then ask for a month on my own time. Will possibly go back to work around June 1^st, really don’t want to go back at all – am going to give it some thought.

We are still planning on our trip East during the month of May, provided my doctor approves. Tom’s vacation is scheduled April 29^th to May 26^th inclusive. We are both looking forward to the trip and hope we won’t be disappointed by not being able to go.

Received a letter from Mother this morning saying my sister had x-rays taken and that she must be operated on immediately. The gall-bladder is in a very bad condition and has two large stones – they are afraid it might rupture. Her children now have the mumps – everything seems to happen at once.

Well Gladys, I’ll try to write to you before Tom’s vacation and let you know our definite plans – would like to see you if we do make the trip.

Love,
Aileen

Letter from Jim #6

1 Reply

: February 27, 1946 envelope front

: February 27, 1946 envelope back

Letter transcription:

February 27, 1946, p. 1

27 February
In Largo

Dear Sis & Co.:

We are planning a trip to Tallahassee to see if it is possible to find a place there to live. I signed a contract with the A. C. Horn Co., manufacturers of materials for building maintenance and construction to work in twenty counties with the Florida capitol as my headquarters. The field man that interviewed me in Tampa a week ago last Sunday informed me their men make real money so after giving it some thought decided it was a good deal and signed up.

No word from Lovelock, so going on the old saying no word is good word er something. I feel maybe things have righted themselves. Here is the letter I received from the Masonic Lodge. Please return it.

We are all well and feeling fine.

Here are some pictures you may enjoy looking at.

Love Jim

Jim Foster with his aunt Lizzie (Foster) Johnson and his wife Thelma, January 1946, Largo, Florida

Indiana Methodist Children’s Home

1 Reply

INDIANA METHODIST CHILDREN’S HOME
Lebanon, Indiana
Phone 1015
Mrs. J. C. Coons, Supervisor

February 13, 1946

Mrs. R. S. Yegerlehner:

I received the box of Valentines and gave them out to the children this morning. They were quite pleased with them. Some of them organized a Valentine Party at once.

Thank you and the children of your Primary Department very much for your Thoughtfullness.

Very sincerely,
Mrs. J. C. Coons

Orrin Jay Van Syoc

3 Replies

February 9, 1946 envelope

Letter transcription:

February 9, 1946, p. 1

9 Feb. 1946

Dear Yegerlehners,

Hope the Navy thinks the Doctor has enough points to have released him by now. Civilian life seems good even though we don’t have an income at present. The Navy released me on the 5^th of October and we parted ways on 22 November when my terminal leave was finished.

I am in dental school at the U. of M. now. Tried it once before but had to leave because of money. This time Uncle Sam promises to give me nearly enough money to see me through so if I don’t make it there will be only one reason. Gross anatomy at present is making me wonder if I will be here much longer. Do you have any intention of taking any refresher courses, doctor?

We were joined by a daughter on the 30^th of December. She weighed in at 7 lb. 10 ½ oz. and now weighs 10 lb. She seems

February 9, 1946, p. 2

[page 2] to be in good health. Jane is doing well but the diaper business is keeping her plenty busy. As yet I have not done any of it except to change one and then I was so slow that Pamela lost patience with me.

Best of health to all of you
Jane, Jay & Pamela

Aileen Easterly #2

1 Reply

February 9, 1946 envelope

Letter transcription:

February 9, 1946, p. 1

Los Angeles, California
February 9, 1946
Saturday morning 9:45

Dear Gladys:

Received your letter last night. Was so nice of you to answer immediately. Was curious to know what Jake would say, yet I knew the answer too. Thanks for listening to all my troubles.

This is just a note before I go downtown shopping. Everything has been arranged at the hospital and I will have the operation Thursday morning, February 14^th. What a Valentine I’ll be. The doctor asked me to report to work Monday, February 11^th just to pick up my order to enter the hospital – – I will stay home Tuesday and Wednesday to rest. Will go in the hospital Wednesday afternoon at 2:30.

My address at the hospital will be:

Mrs. Aileen Easterly
Good Samaritan Hospital
1212 Shatto Place
Los Angeles, California

I will be there two weeks or longer. Write me a little note there if you find time, will be glad to hear from you, I know.

I will write you as soon as I can again.
Love,
Aileen

Letter from Jim #5

1 Reply

: January 28, 1946 envelope (front)

: January 28, 1946 envelope (back)

Letter transcription:

January 28, 1946, p. 1

Monday morning 28 January

Dear Sis & Co. –

We are here, in Florida. It is real warm. Just how long we are going to stay is a big question. I am looking for work and may take a job for a while anyway just to keep from using any of our savings. Of course I hope to get started in the kitchen plumming business after I have a chance to look over the place to make certain there is a large enough field for it here. It will take a few days to see how well we are going to like it here.

Aunt Lizzie is in very good health and of course wants us to remain here with her. She is very happy to have us so it may work out that we will be here for six months or a year.

Love Jim