Tag Archives: Harriet (Minckler) Stanich

To the Show or Not to the Show (Roscoe)

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October 14, 1945 envelope

Letter transcription:

October 14, 1945, p. 1

Oct. 14

Dear Mother,

Sunday eve and I haven’t decided whether to go to the show or just stay home. The show is “River Gang.” Doesn’t sound very good.

After I finished your letter last night, the Staniches called me and I went out to their place for chow and then we came back to the show here. They came up to our lounge and sat a spell. Just he & her – Jeff stayed at one of the neighbors.

I’ve been thinking over the heating problem, etc., and as yet can’t seem to make much of a decision. Maybe if I had some figures it would be different. It really shouldn’t cost much to have that heat piped over and I guess we could make the change over at a later date. All the radiators and the heating unit itself will have to be removed for the carpentering so maybe it won’t be a problem until I get home.

I have to get my physical exam tomorrow for my promotion and then have to buy a new set of shoulder boards for my gray. Those shouldn’t cost so much but I’ll have to get some gold put on this one suit of blues.

October 14, 1945, p. 2

[page 2] I think the whole thing for the blues will cost $4.00. I’m also going to try to find out a little more definite about the Nov. 1 date for the discharge. Yes, I haven’t forgotten that that is your birthday, but I’m practically certain I won’t be home by that date.

I think we discussed this before but just in case – I don’t believe I’d have a thing done to the back room on the other side until I get home. Those rooms we have there if finished properly will be sufficient for the time being, but again don’t fuss and stew, because it won’t take long when I get there and a couple of weeks won’t make much difference in years.

Tomorrow is pay day but I’m not certain how much I’ll draw since I should have some draft money coming. I’ll draw it before I come home however.

Well, I didn’t go to the show, played a game or two of Acey Ducy after starting this letter.

Lots of Love,
Daddy

©2016 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2016/07/03/to-the-show-or-not-to-the-show-roscoe/

Office Plans (Roscoe)

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September 25, 1945 envelope

Letter transcription:

September 25, 1945, p. 1

25 Sept. 45

Dear Mother,

Yours of Sept. 22 came this AM. It was the one with the plans. Yours seem OK and I again think the Hall should come along the west side but I want a few more rooms than either of your plans show. However, maybe you didn’t know that and too there is the other room to be divided. I don’t seem to be able to get anything on paper but have thought lots about the whole things. What I wish you would do is try to figure, if you can, what our heat bills amounted to and make a pass at Nick to get his reaction about furnishing heat. So much for that and I will try to get some plans on paper.

Now – I may have to go to Klamath Falls again this weekend in order to get my bid in to the Lakes. There is nothing certain as yet about the Lakes so no plans can be made at present, but I’ll try to let you know in plenty of time. If you do meet me I believe if you came up 45 you could do your own driving unless you particularly wanted someone. It is always nice to have someone in case of a flat tire, etc.

Our weather here has been very pleasant the past few days. Not even fog. Yesterday pm Mrs. Stanich brought Jeff over to have his eyes tested.

September 25, 1945, p. 2

[page 2] I met them and helped them thru the process. They seemed to be very pleased. Jeff’s eyes were OK. He is an only child and is a little spoiled and I think tried to pull a fast one a time or two on his parents. They want another child pretty bad but can’t seem to get going. At least they claim they have tried since Jeff came and he is past 7 now.

Another Dr. and I tried to get tickets to Carmen tonight but all seats are sold. In the future there are several now that aren’t sold out but we can’t take chances on buying ahead.

My friend (Jr.) got his orders this AM so he will be leaving in the next few days. From here he goes to San Bruno and then outside, but he is a (jg) just one month in the service. I’m holding my breath for another month or two and then maybe I’ll have too many points or something. There is always hope so long as the orders aren’t here.

All my 132 beds are filled now but they will start leaving in a day or two.
Well, so long for now –
Lots of Love,
Daddy

©2016 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2016/06/09/office-plans-roscoe/

Incoming Patients (Roscoe)

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September 24, 1945 envelope

Letter transcription:

September 24, 1945, p. 1

Sept. 24

Dear Mother,

You will note both Sun. & Mon. letters. It seems a number of events kept me from mailing the Sun. letter as I planned. In the first I found that the only mail out on Sun. is 0830 and then I thought I could mail it the first thing this AM but I was rudely called at 0645 to meet a ship bringing in patients. I really wasn’t on that duty but it seems there were several ships so I was called and hence the two letters in one.

I got patients from 2 ships. They always have a band at the pier to play and of course there is lots of yelling – cat calls, etc. The boys are all pretty glad to be back – strange but true.

Since we had several ships in this AM we are a little busy this PM in fact there are several coming in and out as I’m writing but Junior is taking care of them so I can get this finished.

Mrs. Stanich is bringing Jeff over to have his eyes examined. I’m supposed to meet them at the gate and show them where to go.

September 24, 1945, p. 2

[page 2] Your letter of the 20^th came this AM and one from Mom. She said they would have driven up had they known but as it stands I guess we didn’t know. I’m wondering if you’d like me [to] come home again on one of those drafts. With our increase in patients we will have more drafts and there has been two since I came so maybe in a week or two I’ll be coming that way again. I’ll try to let you know ahead of time and plan on meeting you at the gate just like we did before – we can write of that later however.

Well, I think I’d better help a little and then get this to the P.O.
Love Daddy

©2016 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2016/06/06/incoming-patients-roscoe/

Illinois vs. Pittsburg (Roscoe)

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September 22, 1945 envelope

Letter transcription:

September 22, 1945, p. 1

Sept. 22, ‘45

Dear Mother,

Three letters today – Sept. 18, 19, 20. Now maybe that the mail has started it will keep coming regular.

Right now we are listening to the Ill.-Pitt. football game. It is 1230 and it is almost at the half. There was a game in Berkeley this PM which we could have attended for free but I decided I’d rather listen on the radio and not have to buck the crowd, etc.

Well, we had another gossip visit at Stanich’s last night. We had meat loaf, baked potatoes, etc., a very good meal and I really enjoyed it. Mrs. Stanich said she would like to have you come out which sounds like a good idea but I’m not so sure it is practical at present. There is no news as to orders, etc. Of course, I think I wouldn’t forget to mention things like that.

I was glad to get all the news from home in your letters – What was Mr. Smith doing when he fell? Some people I would have been suspicious but not Smith.

I suppose it would just be our luck to have the oil strike cut off the oil supply just about the time we get the oil installed. Maybe the situation isn’t as bad as the newspapers here make it, at least, I hope not.

September 22, 1945, p. 2

[page 2] I’m try to listen to the game and concentrate on writing but I’m not having too much luck at either. You can substantiate the writing angle – I should wait until after the game but I’m afraid it would be too late for the mail. It is just now time out in the game so if I hurry maybe I can get a few thoughts in.

One of the Drs. here wondered if there was any athletic gear we might use. I looked at him with a very disgusted look and he said we don’t all creak like you do. Seems as if I’d heard things like that before but it makes no difference to me “I yam what I yam.” I suppose Mark is listening to Great Lakes or some of the local games. I just heard Ind. is ahead of Mich. This radio seems to be doing pretty good even though I haven’t gotten a longer areal.

Bill Stern announcing the fame said it is raining in Ill. We had a fairly heavy rain this morning, the first I’ve seen since coming here. It was really more than one of those heavy fogs, and strangely enough, there hasn’t been any fog for a couple of days, but it has been rather cool.

Well, I hope I have a few little things in this letter other than football – I was glad to hear you say or rather write that you had a good time over the weekend. It sure was mutual and I’m looking forward to better times –

Love,
Daddy

©2016 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2016/06/02/illinois-vs-pittsburg-roscoe/

A1 Condition (Roscoe)

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September 21, 1945 envelope

Letter transcription:

September 21, 1945, p. 1

21 Sept. 45

Dear Mother,

Probably will have time to write before the regular weekly inspection. Inspection is always held here on Fri. PM. That is the word inspection – they don’t have personnel inspection here only every 3-4 months – I’ve been here for one so maybe will miss the next one.

There has been no new news on orders – navy policy, etc., since yesterday. So we just sit and wait and expect. I think I told you I was going out to Stanich’s again tonite for dinner. I feel I should take them out to dinner someplace one of these days but I don’t know where to take them. We will see about that as “time marches on.”

September 21, 1945, p. 2

[page 2] The party last night was about what one would expect. I went to the show afterwards but it was rotten – something about “Wild Geese Flying.” The guest of honor was a Lt. Cmdr. Nurse and I think she was properly “recepted.” I’d say she is near 50 and looks the part very much. She used to be at Great Lakes while I was there so when she talked with me I put on the dog and reminded her that we were “old shipmates.” I’m not just sure what I mean by old but I don’t think she caught the word at least her eyebrow didn’t twitch when I said old. She and I were quite a bit alike – neither of us

September 21, 1945, p. 3

[page 3] danced – we just let that to the younger generation. I always say I like to see the younger set enjoy themselves, they always seem so “gay” as digger might put it.

The ship’s service have some very nice pursers here – alligator hide. They are supposed to be very, very good. The prices range from $25.00 up. Now would you be interested in one at that price? If so tell me about the color – size, shape, etc. Or if you can suggest some other articles – you know your birthday. That seems a little high for a purse since possibly styles change but

September 21, 1945, p. 4

[page 4] if you think you could trust my judgment in selection and want to part with that much “doe.”

I sometimes wonder if this ship service here isn’t on a regular civilian price scale. They sell a little bag of peanuts for 25₵ which I believe can be bought for 19₵ at any cut rate drug store.

Well, I guess I don’t have to buy anything there if I don’t want to.

It is almost time for that inspection to come off so must get out and go over the ward and see if everything is in A1 condition.

Love Daddy

©2016 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2016/05/30/a1-condition-roscoe/

George Wingfield Jr. Gets A Discharge (Roscoe)

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September 20, 1945 envelope

Letter transcription:

September 20, 1945, p. 1

20 Sept. 45

Dear Mother,

Well I spend last eve with the Stanichs and I was afraid I’ll wear out the welcome but now they insisted I come out for dinner Fri. eve. He is coming after me again. They are perfect strangers to this town and I think have no social life so they appreciate someone even me. I found out last night that Geo. Wingfield is now a civilian and is back in Reno. Got out on the points. It seems Geo. was in some time and of course has a daughter so all in all he had enough points. Stanish has enough points but his C.O. claims he is too valuable to release just now so he is waiting – just like the Drs.

Drew Pearson had another article in his comments again today – more power to him. Maybe something will get stirred up.

Back to the Stanich people – we just sit and talk and the time seems to fly. Vince and I have a couple of drinks and then about midnight Mrs. fixes some coffee, cheese, etc., and then he brings me home. Not too exciting by but it does get one off the hill for a few hours. They never mention playing bridge, poker, etc., so I don’t [know] whether they do those things or not.

One (jg) got orders yesterday but that seems the entire extent of the pack. The scuttlebutt is

September 20, 1945, p. 2

[page 2] now that the third fleet is coming in and we are to be used as replacements. That may or may not be true but if things hold off for a few weeks or months maybe I can talk them out of sending me out.

No mail so far but I hardly expected any this early – I believe there should be a letter tomorrow, at least I hope so.

Our patients are very few again – Right now we have just about as many as Drs. I won’t even be able to take a draft if more don’t come because there won’t be enough to make up one car load.

Kenney left Monday for some place near Japan. I talked with a friend of his who is leaving for the same place tomorrow. I imagine he will enjoy that kind of work. They are going to set up a small dispensary for a recreational center.

Well, with all this monotony there is darn little to write about. But one thing is sure, orders of some kind will have to come thru in time. They can’t just let us sit here indefinitely, or at least I think they can’t.

Lots of Love,
Daddy

[Editor’s Note: George Wingfield, Jr., was an important enough person in the Reno community that his discharge made the local papers. Follow the link to read one article.]

Dinner with the Stanichs (Roscoe)

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August 30, 1945 envelope

Letter transcription:

August 30, 1945, p. 1

Aug. 30, 1945
USNRN
San Francisco 12
Calif.

Dear Mother,

It seems the mail must be crossed up for I didn’t receive any today but I suppose I’ll receive 2 or three tomorrow. I think it’s the way the letters clear out of Chicago or either how they unclear here.

Well, I went out to the Stanishs’ last night and we had a real old get together. It was just he and I but it seemed we had so many things to talk about. They have one boy 7 years old – red headed sandy faced. His mother is a pretty decided blond but not dizzy. They came from a small town in Montana and are just plain country people at heart. He was an engineer before the war and had lived in Los A. for a time.

Their home now is in one of the gov. projects. They have 5 rooms fair size. All utilities furnished for $41.00 per mo. The only drawback is the ice box in the kitchen. It really isn’t what one would want to town but very nice for what they need it for

August 30, 1945, p. 2

[page 2] at the moment. We didn’t play bridge or anything just talked. He came after me at 6:00 and we had a small drink and then about 7 we had fried chicken and all that goes with it. After chow – we talked some more and I thought I should go home at about 11:00 but they said no. So about 12:30 she made some coffee and he brought me home about 1:00. I don’t think they visit much around there so are a little glad to have someone in. They would like very much to have another child but for some reason nothing happens. She has relatives living in St. Louis whom she visits when he is out. He came back before I did but went out again – you remember just before Easter of “43. She thanked you for the flowers and also for the money we sent. Well so much for the people and the visit.

I’m writing this shortly after noon day chow. The mail goes out at 4:00 so I want to go to the P.O. before that time. The only other

August 30, 1945, p. 3

[page 3] delivery collection is at 8:00 in the morn. So if I don’t get there before 4 it just stays in the P.O. over night.

There isn’t much doing around now – I have 12 patients on a 126 bed ward and many of the other wards are the same. I imagine will probably get several patients in the next few weeks – possibly some prisoners from Japan. That is if they are in need of prolonged medical attention. However that is only a guess on my part.

Stanich thinks he will be getting out in a month or so. That was encouraging to me because if they begin to let out line officers they will cut down on the staff before too awful long at least I hope that is true. They seem to be very confident that they will be going back to White Fish, Montana in the near future. I asked what kind of heat fuel they used there and they said “wood”

August 30, 1945, p. 4

[page 4] There is no coal and I guess oil heat hasn’t been adapted around there. They have a gas heater in their house here. It’s just a new house and the lawn is all ploughed up and very dry and when the wind blows the dust sure goes places.

I hope I haven’t bored you with all the talkie talkie about these people but when one gets out for a few minutes and sees something different it’s really news.

There is a clinical conference of all the Drs. this PM at 1:30 – Just the routine hospital staff meeting. Some cases will be discussed and possibly they will have some dope on our moving. I’d like a table to write on and a few little things like that although I have done without before so maybe I shouldn’t complain.

Hope to get some of your back letters tomorrow
Love Daddy