Tag Archives: Glenn E. Foster

Blue Suit (Roscoe)

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: October 5, 1943 envelope

: October 5, 1943, p. 1

: October 5, 1943, p. 2

: October 5, 1943, p. 3

Letter transcription:

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

Dear Mother,

Yours of Sept. 21 & 23 came yesterday. Those were the ones with the family pictures. All pictures were good but of course the ones of you and D. were best. And you know I agree with you as to how D. compares with other children and why not? Glen hasn’t changed much as I remember him and Jim hasn’t either. His blue suit does look good – sure wish I had a chance to wear mine. I’ve only wore that suit twice. Once in the Eve, when I got to San Fran., and also in the morn, and each time just long enough to

[page 2] eat a meal. Reports that we get back from our clothes are good. Those who have seen them say they are dry, etc. Looks like mine might dry rot before I get back, but every dog has his day so mine should come.

I suppose you will be sending me a financial statement again one of these days. Remember what I said about bills on your Mother’s illness – String them along so you will always have some money on hand. Pay a little on the hospital bill every month. I don’t think anyone will be too severe.

I’m sending you another picture of the natives and myself – I’m in the picture

[page 3] but there isn’t much you can see of me – only what I’m doing. Not the skirt has to be pulled down instead of up. We learned that fast. More The natives are more modest in some ways than the American women. In other ways I would say much less that way especially the brest works. Glamour girls.

A letter came from Boonie yesterday. Seems he is a little money mad in his many enterprises, but maybe it’s just human nature.

Well, lots of Love
Daddy

Glenn holding James L., Jim, Gladys holding David September 14, 1943

©2015 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2015/03/25/blue-suit-roscoe/

A Nap Today (Gladys)

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: October 5, 1943 envelope

: October 5, 1943, p. 1

: October 5, 1943, p. 2

: October 5, 1943, p. 3

Letter transcription:

Kentland Ind
Oct 5 – 1943

Dear Daddy –

Yours of Sept. 27 & 21 came today. You mentioned giving the 4^th person money to send me flowers in time for my birthday – well I have rec’d 16 beautiful roses over a week ago – so that is one to make off your list. You also mentioned a white baby in a picture. Of course we wondered about it – It did look conspicuous there.

It is a beautiful fall day – warm in the sun. I put David out for a little ultra violet but he isn’t liking it by himself. He got used to having James L. around. Also he just woke up & not in a very good humor – his arm is red around the vaccination – It is taking good but not too hard. I think that is why he has been a little touchy lately. Doesn’t want to drink his milk so well as when he took it from the bottle but I think he will drunk when he gets hungry enough. At breakfast he drank a cup of milk besides a large serving of cereal but at noon didn’t want much milk but ate plenty of think chicken soup. It had vegetables of several different varieties in it. When he woke up I beat an egg up and put that with this milk and added a little sugar but he didn’t want much. Yesterday however at 3 he drank a cup of egg & milk. Mark is going to a wiener roast at Taylor’s farm. All the 5^th grade is invited. He wanted to ride the bike but I told him I didn’t think you would approve so he finally gave up the idea after John expounded on the

[page 2] idea that he would be too tired to enjoy himself after he got there also would be awfully tired after riding home, etc. John, as I have said before gets more like his Daddy every day in his logical reasoning. I think Mark goes the other way. He gets a “screwy” idea, then I have to talk him out of it, then he sees my way. Sometimes it takes quite a lot of talking to change his mind but when he changes he is just as convinced as if it had been his idea all along. He has been leaving his bike out by the sidewalk & I told him if he didn’t put it in the garage every time he has thru with it I would take it away from him. Today when he went back to school he didn’t ride it because they are riding out to Taylor’s with John Krug. I found the bike in the front yard just where he left it when he came in to lunch – I hid it in the garage – he won’t get home till nearly dark and won’t think about it – He is going to awfully surprised when he gets ready to go to school – I run the bike in back of the screens (storm windows are all one – Glen put them on). I haven’t been to the hospital since Sun. (This is Tues.) I intend to go again tomorrow. I called Dr. Cole today & he said there was no drastic change but that Mother is gradually getting weaker. He isn’t giving her anything now but sleeping medicine. Said she has quite a lot of distention of abdomen.

I took a nap today while D. slept – the first time I have done that in a long time. I couldn’t manage it while I had company. I feel pretty good and don’t’ always feel like I need a nap but the urge was so strong today I dropped right off to sleep. When J. comes home from school we will go to Sheldon for meat. I’ll be glad if & when they get the locker built here. I suppose it will be several months yet because of the red tape they have to go thru to get the materials to build with but it will be worth waiting for. I have been sitting in the garage door by David to keep him quiet since I started writing. He certainly isn’t like J. & M. were in respect to sitting still – even with sitting here by him he

[page 3] isn’t satisfied. I have a strong urge to use a little hand power on his seat. He keeping wanting everything I have – paper, pen, etc. I brought out toys for him & he threw them down. – I just scolded him & he is crying –

Well this is an “off” day so will have to overlook his disposition – It is usually pretty good –
Love Mother

Some beautiful roses…

©2015 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2015/03/24/a-nap-today-gladys/

Started West (Gladys)

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Letter transcription:

MRS. R.S. YEGERLEHNER
KENTLAND
INDIANA
10-4-43

Dear Daddy – Yours of Sept. 26 came today. Glen & family started west this afternoon about 2 o’clock. They figured they would be in Rawlins, Wyo. By Thurs. in case I would want to reach them on their way home. We were all down to see Mother yesterday and she was feeling very uncomfortable. Glen hated to go home but was so chocked up all the time and needed to get back to work because of their low finances. I told you before I gave them the old washing machine & rug I took out of the den. They had both things tied onto the car. Glen made a crate for the machine & had it fixed on the back on a little platform. The rug was on the running board. I will be glad to hear they are home – that is such a long trip. – I gave you a little report on our finances but will repeat my bal. after paying current bills should be around $125 – I said $170 in my other letter but forgot about the piano. Next month there won’t be any large amts. for Ins. Jim will help out on the hospital expenses when I need it. I am keeping all bills paid so far and will as long as I have the money. Haven’t bought any bonds since July but we have 21 – $18.75 & 6 – $37.50 & each boy has 2 – $18.75. I forgot – D. has 3 & J. & M. each have 2. – The Music Dept. is having their opening luncheon tonite & I am intending to go with D.K. I feel it may help me to get away from the house for awhile. The only places I go is the hosp. and to the stores when necessary. I didn’t go to the club opening luncheon in Sept. – went down to the hospital instead. John is baking a cake.

Love – Mother

©2015 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2015/03/22/started-west-gladys/

Pasteurized Milk (Gladys)

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: October 3, 1943 envelope

: October 3, 1943, p. 1

: October 3, 1943, p. 2

Letter transcription:

Kentland Ind
Oct. 3 – 1943

Dear Daddy –

We are in Laf. again today. Glen & Pauline want to start home tomorrow so we all came down. J. & M. came along to help take care of the babies. David makes so much noise I didn’t want to bring him in. Mother just seems about the same – only weaker. She didn’t eat anything yesterday except a little breakfast and ate only some broth at noon today & a little ice cream – Says she doesn’t want any supper. I think she is having pain in her abdomen now. She moans some & that is so unnatural for her to do any like that. She had a B.M. a few minutes ago. For no more food than she takes her bowels moved pretty good. Her abdomen is quite swollen today.

I was able to find enough flowers in my flower beds to bring a nice bouquet. The marigolds don’t smell good but make a pretty showing. I was thinking about the frost not bothering them yet. This time last year we had had snow. I was in the hospital in Sept. & there was snow on Sept. 25. It is a little chilly today but the sun is shining. I hope G. & P. have nice weather for their trip home.

I am going to put D. on pasteurized milk if you think I can give it to him without boiling it. If I have to boil it will just keep him on carnation. I was checking over a baby manual given me when he was born. He was ahead of nearly all the things he was supposed to do at 3-6-9 months – however

[page 2] at 12 mo – the questions were – walk alone, ride on a kiddie kar, climb steps – He doesn’t walk alone yet, doesn’t ride a car but he gets around and one day I sat him on the stair way to put his wraps on and he started upstairs on high. I think he is doing alright. He was much more advanced in everything than J.L. at the same age. The only thing J.L. does that D. didn’t or rather wouldn’t do was hold his bottle. Of course D. doesn’t get a bottle now – drinks out of a cup.

I saw Bill Funk yesterday & he said he was going to write you another letter. He has taken your address several times – Took it so he could write you while on vacation, but I’ll bet he didn’t write then.

Zell’s finished the outdoor fireplace Parr’s started and had a hamburger fry last night. They asked J. & M. to eat with them. They have canned meat & don’t use many of their ration stamps so can have extra meat for company. Mr. Z.’s father lives on a farm & furnishes them with most of their meat. Portteus’ are going to butcher a hog soon & Mary said I could have half of it. If I can get enough points we’ll take it. I used 988 for the beef which took several weeks ahead. However, when buying meat in quarters or half, the point value is lower. The beef should last us until after we have points to use again.

While in Laf. I can hear planes going over all the time. They certainly are getting lots of practice all the time. Mark watches planes & identifies every one he sees. I don’t know whether he knows or says he does. I think his tonsillectomy was the best thing he could have done. He still isn’t much heavier but has a good appetite & isn’t nervous.

Love Mother

P.S. – Something new has been added – I see interns in the hospital again.

©2015 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2015/03/20/pasteurized-milk-gladys/

Swellest (Roscoe)

1 Reply

: October 2, 1943 envelope

: October 2, 1943, p. 1

: October 2, 1943, p. 2

: October 2, 1943, p. 3

: October 2, 1943, p. 4

Letter transcription:

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

Dear Mother,

Just another Sat. a small rain last night helped lay the dust but makes the atmosphere a little more sticky.

Your letter dated Sept. 19 and posted Sept. 20 came yesterday. You had just gotten back from the hospital and told me your mother couldn’t seem to take what you thought was ammonium nitrate. You never have given a definite report on the x ray findings – but that probably can is in the letters from Sept. 14 to Sept. 19 which at present are missing. A letter also came from the Folks yesterday.

[page 2] they seem to be coming along pretty good. Mom used to write with a very nervous hand but anymore her writing is very steady. In this letter she again praised you in how you were carrying on. I hope you don’t get tired of me harping on the subject but it sure means a lot to me that other people can see how you are doing.

I guess the problem of putting in the storm windows was solved easily and early since Glenn so kindly put them in for you. It makes me feel good to know that the weather is cool someplace – cool enough to even think of glass for windows. I haven’t seen any glass windows

[page 3] for ages. Windshields are the only glass one ever sees. Pardon me always referring to cool weather but I hope you understand.

I’ve mentioned several times about Drs. getting orders, etc. All those fellows have spent less time in the Pacific that I and they are just being changed to more desirable locations. I seem to be in between and sometimes I wonder if my name hasn’t been lost in the rush. Of course I don’t mind for I’m enjoying this type work and am willing to stay until my tour of duty is over whenever that might be. Maybe I shouldn’t be writing this stuff all the time but it is the most interesting conversation

[page 4] we can carry on. There is a certain satisfaction in us old timers getting together and projecting ourselves into the future. You should hear what some plan and desire when they return. I’m just silent on that score because my only plans and more plans are to come back to the swellest three boys I know and “The Mother” who has carried on with these boys first and foremost. Those are the swellest plans I can think of. Maybe I’m getting too sentimental for an old crust who never was much of a romancer.

Well Dear I hope everything is OK with you – I’m still pulling for you to the Nᵗʰ degree.
Love Daddy

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

©2015 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2015/03/19/swellest-roscoe/

Getting A Little Naughty (Gladys)

4 Replies

: October 2, 1943 envelope

: October 2, 1943, p. 1

: October 2, 1943, p. 2

Letter transcription:

Kentland Ind
Oct 2 – 1943

Dear Daddy –

Another day in Oct. almost gone. It is sunny today but cool. Glen & P. are packing to start home Mon. They feel they have stayed as long as their finances will allow. A little longer perhaps, but Glen will go to work as soon as they get home. He isn’t very good here and should get back where the climate agrees with him.

I just looked over the bank bal. and with Ins. pd. (Laf. Life & Hancock), Groc., lights, etc. – and Mother hospital bill pd. tomorrow I’ll have a bal. of about $170⁰⁰ – that bal. includes the ck. I rec’d today & the $250⁰⁰ you sent that I deposited Mon. The Ins. to come out together amts to $133⁰⁰. These amounts we have to pay sure take the balance down, but I still have a wide enough margin and Jim is standing by to help on Mother’s expenses. He gave me a check for $100⁰⁰ when he was here. Today’s or rather tomorrow’s check to the hospital will take all of that. We didn’t go down today but thought we

[page 2] would all go tomorrow so G. & P. can see Mother before they go.

Dorothy took some movies of D. and was wondering if we could send the film to you – if you could have it shown where you are – Let me know. She still has some film left she hasn’t taken – said she was coming out & finish the roll with D.

D. is out in the sunshine right now. He is getting a little naughty at meal times. Doesn’t always want to sit up & act nice, so his Mother is deciding it’s time to do something about it. I remember one time you spanked John and how nice he acted at the table after that.

The roses had to go out today – they began to fall apart so we decided their beauty was gone. They were beautiful while they lasted.

It’s about time to begin preparing supper – That is a job, to cook for so many, twice a day. I just let everyone get breakfast as they want it. So much of the time Glen doesn’t feel like eating early in the morning & I like something to eat after I feed David.

This was in the Newton Co. E. about David’s birthday party – a few mistakes but that is to be expected –

“Love Mother”

Newton County Enterprise - 1943-09-30 David Yegerlehner 1st birthday

Newton County Enterprise (Kentland, Indiana) 30 September 1943, p. 5, col. 4

[Editor’s Note: The original newspaper clipping was not saved in this letter. I was able to obtain a copy of the article from the Indiana State Library. I can only say how grateful I am to the wonderful library technicians who work there. They are amazing!]

©2015 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2015/03/18/getting-a-little-naughty-gladys/

First of October (Gladys)

3 Replies

Letter transcription:

MRS. R.S. YEGERLEHNER
KENTLAND
INDIANA
10-1-43

Dear Daddy – The first day Oct. and two letters from you of Sept. 22 & 25. It was warm today until about 4 p.m. then the wind started to blow and it has cooled off. Looked like a storm was brewing but it blew over. I was hoping we would have warm weather for a while due to the coal situation. Anne Rhudie told me that she & Helena are going to close their home & take rooms this winter due to the coal shortage. We won’t be the only ones wanting coal because no one has any yet. I do hope we get some soon and I suppose we will before we are out. J. & M. have gone to a football game. I think Glen & Pauline are going to walk over that way. Both babies are sound asleep. J. L. is getting more active all the time. I think he has been observing David. David can stand along until he discovers it, then he sits down. He gets around very good but not alone yet. Just so he has something to hold on to. I still haven’t cut his curls off yet. I gave J.L. a hair cut but his hair is very straight & needed a trim. You may think David’s needs a trim too. We didn’t go to the hospital today. I didn’t talk to Dr. C. yesterday but Mother seemed about the same except for getting bed sores. I hate to see those start. Had a letter from Jim & he said to go to the Red Cross & see if I could get him an extended leave and he would come home and help me take care of Mother. I hate to do that but he said he was thinking of my health in the matter & with the boys to look after I need help.

Love Mother

One Day Arlene Said (Gladys)

1 Reply

: September 30, 1943 envelope

: September 30, 1943, p. 1

: September 30, 1943, p. 2

Letter transcription:

Kentland Ind.
Sept. 30 – 1943

Dear Daddy –

Writing from the hospital again. Glen, Pauline, J.L. & D. came along. Pauline is entertaining the babies in the car. I can hear David’s voice. J.L. is going to sleep. David takes one nap a day during the middle of the day then he is ready to go places. Goes to bed at 7 in the evening & doesn’t get up until 7 a.m. or after. J.L. has to have about three naps during the day. Mother seems about the same as when we were here Tues. Said she has been sick at her stomach. Dr. Cole said the x-ray showed a bunch of gall stones – I wonder if her nausea isn’t caused from that.

This being Jewish new year most of the stores are closed in Laf. today. The store in Kentland is closed too. The stores in Kent are going to close on Thurs. afternoon until Dec. I suppose they can sell all their stock in 5 ½ days so why keep open all week. Just like Nick & Dorothy about their restaurant. Why stay open 15 hrs when they can sell all they have in 8 hrs.

Annie Rhudie asked me if she could ride home with us today. She was going to take advantage of the holiday & come down last night & spend the day here. If she goes back with us we will have a load. Glen & P. don’t know her – they have a surprise in store.

Tues. when in Loebs, I saw Helen Heindle. She said to tell you hello – she is afraid Dan won’t get home very soon. She is still living with Forrest & Gertrude. I image that gets tiresome for both, because Judy & Larry are both so full of pep.

I saw Arlene downtown yesterday. She isn’t getting so large so far. She still doesn’t have regular help. One of the Sondergrath girls works after school. She thinks maybe Louise might come back if Dean has to leave the country but there isn’t much certainty there. Bobby was in our garage this morning & at noon he told Mark he had stolen a rope. Mark said it didn’t amount

[page 2] to much, but he told Bobby he musn’t seal – Bobby said, “Well, I did.” He has an answer for everything. One day Arlene said, “Bobby how would you like for us to have another baby?” – he didn’t answer for a while then said, “Let’s talk about something else.”

Thanks again for the roses, pictures & check. I dep. the ck. the day it was rec’d.

My throat is still bothering me but this being Thurs. I can’t see Dr. Ade today – Will have to see him the next time I come. This throat trouble seems to be very persistent, but maybe it will clear up soon.

It’s supper time here & about time for us to start back to Kent.

Love Mother

Paul & Leanna’s Baby (Gladys)

1 Reply

: September 29, 1943 envelope

: September 29, 1943, p. 1

: September 29, 1943, p. 2

Letter transcription:

Kentland, Ind.
Sept. 29 – 1943

Dear Daddy –

Yours of Sept. 18 came today. Also the letter I sent you Apr. 24 came back and I am enclosing it with pictures I had enclosed with that letter. I had addressed it A.P.O. 43 the same as previous letters then but it was returned with all king of markings on it. This is a beautiful warm fall day. Both David & J.L. are out in Taylor Tots enjoying the sunshine. David just took a short nap after his dinner so I put him out as soon as he woke up. Bobby has been out there entertaining them, but got too helpful around Glen & he sent him away – Bobby pushed Martha Zell out of the trailer (they have a trailer to haul things in that stands over by our garden & the children climb around on it). When told to go home Bobby will say, “I don’t have to.” He has an answer for about anything.

Had a letter from your Mother telling about Paul & Leanna’s baby – She has to have a section done. It is a girl Linda Louise. I have three pr. of baby sox I think I’ll send to the new niece. I bought them to give to Mary McGee Arnott but didn’t get them sent out so have decided to send them to Linda instead. I have changed positions – I am sitting out in the yard with the babies. It has been so seldom this summer I have been able to sit down out here. The yard has been nice this summer but the grass isn’t so good in spots now – that crab grass seems to take the back & west side yards every fall. It doesn’t last long but looks awful while it’s here. John finally quit mowing – said he got the biggest job this summer. Mark’s garden didn’t require

[page 2] nearly as much work as the yard. The garden still has beans, tomatoes & carrots we can use. We have enough carrots to store some for winter. Mr. Zell is experimenting with a tile for their vegetables. Buried a tile and filled it with vegetables. I think I’ll just put our carrots in the basement in a jar.

Glen & I sent with Mrs. Zell to Laf. yesterday. I wrote you a v-mail about it. I called Dr. Cole & he said all he was going for Mother now was giving calcium & sedative. He stopped all other treatment because of no results. They have tried ammonium nitrate to reduce the fluid in her abdomen without any results – Insulin to stimulate her appetite – Vit. B shots for the same purpose. Dr. C. said she isn’t good – I thought she looked a little better yesterday but he said it was only temporary.

Glen & Pauline are getting ready to start home. They have been waiting because of Mother but feel they must get back. Glen feels so bad most of the time. Is all chocked up today.

I saw Dr. Ade yesterday for a throat treatment. My throat feels good today but has been bothering me quite a lot since cool weather. I suppose having strep last winter is the cause of this early attack this fall.

I saw Harold Foulkes in town Mon. afternoon and he said his brother-in-law (the Dr.) is back. He was sent South – somewhere around S. America. I heard that Dr. Flack was back from Panama too. However I have not seen anyone yet myself. Just have heard about them being back.

Thanks again for the roses – the pictures rec’d Mon. & the ck. – which I banked that day. When the roses were delivered & Miss Bergen said they were wired from San F. Mark thought you were there and was all excited about it. I told him how it was.

Love Mother

Sixteen Beautiful Roses (Gladys)

1 Reply

Letter transcription:

MRS. R.S. YEGERLEHNER
KENTLAND
INDIANA
9-28-43

Dear Daddy – No letters today but had 5 yesterday up to Sept. 18 – rec’d check & pictures. 16 beautiful roses were wired from San Francisco – so someone remembered. I was in Laf. when they came. They are almost the same color as the ones in the flower bed you set out in ’42. They came as a surprise. It had been so long I didn’t think anyone was going to remember you had asked them to send flowers. Glen & I went with Mrs. Zell today to Laf. Mother seemed a little better today but Dr. Cole said it was only temporary because she won’t eat. All he is giving her now is calcium and sleeping medicine. He was not a bit hopeful about her – just said “it isn’t good.” We left the hospital about 4:45 – she was tired and had had enough company. I went to see Dr. Ade again today – my throat keeps bothering me. He said if it doesn’t clear up the best thing to do would be have the tonsils out – I told him I didn’t see how I could now. He knows about Mother & agreed with me that it would be better to wait – so if it doesn’t get better or keeps getting sore I will just go back for more treatments. I spit up mucos all the way home. Seems my throat & sinus were full. – It was a beautiful Indiana Summer day – so warm & sunny. Pauline stayed home with the babies and kept them out in the sun. Zells got 300 baby chicks today – so we can have frys in two months. Chicken raising is their way to help supplement the meat shortage.

Love – Mother