Dr. R. S. Yegerlehner
Physician and Surgeon
Kentland, Indiana
Dear David –
Here’s hoping you have a happy birthday.
Love
Dad and Mother
[postmark Sept. 21/1960 Wright 521 – David’s handwriting]
©2016 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2016/09/05/eighteenth-birthday/
September 19, 1960
Letter transcription:
Kentland Indiana
September 19, 1960
Dear David:
Yours received this morning. You didn’t mention it, but I presume you have received the letter I sent with the plastic bag enclosed.
I saw Mrs. Fields in church yesterday and she said to tell you she misses you. Mark had evidently recovered from his cold and sore throat. He was as peppy as ever. There were several large bouquets of flowers at church – from the open house at the bank Saturday. The bank looked more like a flower show Saturday than a bank. We attended the open house and had a tour of the building.
We did some transplanting last Thursday. You will be happy to find everything taken care of by the time you come home (I hope). We plan to transplant the roses sometime this week. Last Thurs. we took the redbud tree from the three that you and Dad planted on the south side of the east lawn, and reset it on the east side. The ground was so hard we were able to get it out with a ball of dirt and the roots intact. The leaves on the tree didn’t wilt from the transplanting. We had a hard rain, so the lawn will have to be mowed again this week.
Mark called yesterday. It seems Shirley isn’t getting along so well. We would have gone up to see them, but there are three baby cases due here, so Dad thought he shouldn’t leave. One of those cases went to the hospital this morning, but Dad was home for lunch, so no results so far. I hope we can go to Chicago Thursday afternoon, because I am getting anxious to see the baby and Shirley.
We are waging a war on crickets. I have never seen so many as are around here this fall. The front patio is practically covered with them. I have swept them off several times, but they keep coming back.
I decided to wash your bedroom window this afternoon and before I finished washing windows I had washed all the windows on the outside. I also carried in the wood you didn’t remember to carry in. It wasn’t such a big job. I loaded the wood into the garden cart and pushed the cart right up to the living room.
You didn’t say where you attended church, or how you liked it. Have you made any contact yet with the Wesley Foundation?
We received a letter from John last week. He said he had some film ready to mail home. It hasn’t arrived yet. Unless it comes air mail, I won’t get it before another month.
The Stonecipher twin who goes with Collins boy is getting married October 9th. The Stonecipher twins and Carol have been coming into my S.S. class. We also had two new members this past Sunday. The Prudential Ins. man and his wife. They live in H. Schlatter’s house.
How is your money holding out. Let me know.
Love Mother
Wright Quadrangle, Indiana University (Image courtesy of the Indiana Digital Memory Collection)
©2016 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2016/09/04/transplanting-plants-around-the-house/
Just about fifteen years after Gladys wrote her last letter to Roscoe in 1945, Gladys wrote one of her first letters to her youngest son, David, when he went away to college. The baby of the family, born in September 1942, was now almost 18 years old and attending Indiana University at Bloomington. Mark, the middle son, had married and his firstborn child, a daughter, had been born just four days prior to the following letter. Gladys and Roscoe’s oldest son John was living and working in Indonesia. Having earned a PhD in linguistics, John had worked on several projects related to Native American languages during the 1950s.
September 14, 1960
Letter transcription:
Kentland, Indiana
146 W. Graham Street
September 14, 1960
Dear David:
First to answer your questions
(my) Place of birth: Terre Haute, Indiana, November 1, 1905.
(Dad’s) (Roscoe Schiele Yegerlehner) Clay County, Indiana, November 25, 1904
Dad has: B.S. degree from Indiana State Teachers College
M.S. degree from Indiana University
M.D. degree from Indiana Univerity (9 years)
I had two years business college.
Mr. Floyd Yegerlehner (or Mrs.) 1603 Garfield, Lebanon, Indiana.
Mrs. Earl Mutchler, Wilmington, Illinois. (115 East Street)
Or you could give
Mr. Mark Yegerlehner, 6107 N. Kenmore, Chicago, Ill.
Or you could give Dr. John Yegerlehner, Malang, Indonesia. (just joking)
In case you look for your suit, I hung it at the north end of your closet on a hook, a little lover than the road. Why don’t you use that laundry case for your clothes hamper – well that might be a little unhandy. I will send you a plastic bag, since I have so many of them here, but won’t have time to make any cookies to send along.
Received a letter from John. I will quote you something from his letter. “Kate Garvey and I have been giving a five-week seminar (10 sessions of two hours each) for high school English teachers here: modern methods of teaching English. When I think of the lies I was told about the English language by that old crock Kitsmiller…well. (Really the teaching of English is in the stone age in America. It would be as if they taught alchemy instead of chemistry in high school) We should be able to do better here.” He had received my birthday card, but since you didn’t send yours it couldn’t get to him.
Mark called Monday evening to tell us not to try to come up this week. Because of the hospital rules, we couldn’t get in to see Shirley and the baby, so maybe we can plan to go next week. Mark is going to Traders Point Friday to get Mrs. Ward, so he will stop here on his way.
I talked to Mr. Molter this morning and he said you would not have to make a special trip home to register, but that you could take care of it when you come home for Thanksgiving vacation. You don’t have to wait until Thanksgiving to come home if you want to come, but he said you didn’t have to make a special trip just to register.
Mrs. Fields called this morning to talk to Dad about Mark. He is still have some difficulty and she was to take him to the office at 10:20.
John’s first dividend check from Standard Oil came today – $27.50. Also your dividend check from GM ($2.00) which I will deposit in your account. Put that down on your check book, to keep your balance correct.
It is about time for Dad to come for lunch, so must get things ready.
Love Mother
P.S. Decided to enclose sack.
[handwritten notation on back in David’s handwriting – Received Friday AM Sept 16]
Wright Quadrangle, Indiana University (Image courtesy of the Indiana Memory Digital Collection)
©2016 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2016/09/03/a-new-chapter/
Letter transcription:
Kentland March 13
David Dear –
I have intended getting a letter off to you but have been ill & have done nothing. I will write a letter soon as I can. Your Mother & Mark came to see me yesterday after the big party at the gym. It must have been a lovely affair. They also had a carry in dinner for them at the church yesterday. Your mom looked so pretty. Mark said the kids are all sick with flu. I am simply devastated without your Dad & Mom. How I miss them. You seem to be working too hard – both of you. I love your letters.
Much love to you & Bonnie
Grandma
[Editor’s note: This is the last letter from Ruth Myers to David in the collection. The big party at the gym is one of the retirement celebrations the town of Kentland gave to Roscoe and Gladys when they moved away. Roscoe had accepted a position at Purdue, attending to the medical needs of the university’s students and they moved to West Lafayette.]
©2016 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2016/09/02/simply-devastated/
November 24, 1966 envelope
Letter transcription:
November 24, 1966, p. 1
Thanksgiving Day 1966
David, My very Dear
The book which you so kindly purchased for me arrived, and can’t tell you how grateful I am for your getting it to me, and also, I hope you will forgive me for asking you to purchase your own Christmas gift, but you don’t know what it meant to me. I am enclosing check, and I had thought it would be more.
I have a gift for Bonnie, and your mother is going to include it for me in a mailing to you both before Christmas.
I am at home alone today, very disappointed because I wanted to see baby David, whom I have not yet met. Your Mom invited me for Thanksgiving dinner, and Mark and Shirley and the kids and Lea and her husband, and John. Last night about ten o’clock Gladys called me on the phone and said that both the little kids had broken out with chicken pox. Becky had had it a couple of weeks ago and they thought the two little children were not going to get it, and when they arrived in Kentland your Dad discovered they were in full bloom. So of course, my never having had it, they did not think it wise for me to come. Gladys brought me my dinner, which I am going to eat in a short while. Mark, Shirley and the children were returning to Indianapolis this evening because Mark must work tomorrow.
The day is very gloomy and overcast, but not cold. Looks as if it might do something. There are so many things I would love to discuss with you, but I do not have the strength to write what I would like to. I look forward every week to your letter, and you will never know how I appreciate it. I know your time is very precious to you, and it is wonderful thing for you to take part of it to write to me.
My very dear love to you and Bonnie, and I am sure she is thrilled to have her folks here.
Always your
Grandma
P.S. Gladys said she would write you about the Nizer book. Your Dad does not have it, but you will hear from her about it.
©2016 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2016/09/01/thanksgiving-1966/
December 5, 1965 envelope
Letter transcription:
December 5, 1965, p. 1
Sunday, December 5, 1965
Kentland, Indiana
David and Bonnie
My Very Dear Ones
I hope you are not thinking that your Grammaw has become senile, but I really have been quite ill, and am just now beginning to feel stronger. My fingers are quite stiff, but will try.
David will never know how I have appreciated his wonderful letters, and how I have looked forward to them. I love the pictures and thank you so very very much for them. I also appreciate your Hebrew messages, and my wonder at your ability to do such, leaves me helpless to express myself. You two are so wonderful, working so hard and accomplishing so much it makes me proud to know you.
I was quite touched with your story of your visit to the museum, and it jolted me into realizing that I owe you some money, which at this time of year becomes something to think about. I am making the check for $8.00 which I hope will cover whatever tax you had to pay and maybe postage if you care to mail the album. If not just bring it, either way you wish.
Your mother tells me she is getting a new record player. She took the one she had to the office, as something went wrong with the radio. She invited me to have Thanksgiving dinner with then, and I had looked forward to it, but when the day came I was unable even to get dressed. I spent the day in bed. Mark & Shirley and the kids were there, also John and Lee and her husband, and your Aunt Ruth. She stayed several days. Gladys brought her to see me. She drove to get her and also took her home.
I hope you put some leftover turkey in your freezing section and you can have it for Easter dinner. Your mother has been doing some shopping for me and she is so good to me. I am not even attempting to mail cards this year. No David, I hardly every stay up to watch Johnnie anymore, I just get too tired.
Thank you again for your dear letters, and will be anxious to see you.
Much love
Grandma
©2016 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2016/08/31/thanksgiving/
10-7-65
David Dear
Forgive me for my seeming procrastinating. Taint so. There are days are such that I cannot do much. I thank you so very much, you will never know, how I have loved your letters. I am so thrilled about your Hebrew. I heard Dann Thomas sing (chant) Kohl Nidhr. It was beautiful.
Please buy the $7.00 record for me to give to Gladys. We did that last year and she loved it. I will send you a check the first of next week including tax and postage. I am so thrilled about your teaching, and so is your mother. She came in to show me a doll she had brought for Becky from Disney Land.
Love to Dave & Bonnie
Grandma Ruthie
©2016 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2016/08/30/loved-your-letters/
Sept. 8
Dear Ones
Thank you for your grand newsy letter. You will never know how much I enjoyed it. I am so happy you are comfortably settled and so interested in all your new purchases. Have not heard from your Mother & Dad as yet. It is dry and hot today and the dust is impossible. Have the place closed and fans on. When you have time I will be thrilled to hear from you.
Much love
Grandma Ruthie
©2016 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2016/08/29/a-quick-note/
September 18, 1964 envelope
Letter transcription:
September 18, 1964, p. 1
Kentland, Sept. 18, 64
David, My Dear One
It seems too bad to start out with asking you to forgive me, but I must. First I want to thank you two darlings for the dear little spinning wheele. I just adore it, and please accept my belated thanks. I just love it.
At the time of my birthday, Aug. 4th, we had a heat wave to end all heat waves. Back in the old days in Mattoon we used to have much higher temperatures, but I guess this was the first time I have been 75 years old, and I did “suffer with the heat” this year. Then, I have had company, you know the woman I told you about who is a real democrat, my husband’s cousin. Then I had another, my own cousin, who is one of the few relatives I have left, and she became ill while here, and I had to employ a man and wife to take her home. She lives in Pekin, Ill. and is a friend of Everet Dirkson. I have been having a little more than I am able to cope with.
I want you to know how much I did appreciate your two letters David, more than I can say. You and Bonnie are very dear to me, and I hope you will forgive me for not writing to you.
David, you have always been a bright spot in my life, and I miss you this summer. I am so thankful you have your dear Bonnie.
I find it hard to sit in a straight chair to write letters. I had Harold take me to Dr. Curtis this afternoon to have my glasses adjusted.
I feel the same as you do David, about Goldwater, but it hurts me to have you cast your first vote for a dem., but I can’t blame you. This time I am thankful that I have lost my right to vote. Please forgive my poor typing, my hands are very crippled. I am so confused about the political situation; I don’t know what is right.
I would love to hear from you when you have time, and please I want you and Bonnie to know how much it means to me to hear from you.
God Bless You
Grandma
©2016 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2016/08/28/birthdays/
March 18, 1964, envelope
Letter transcription:
March 18, 1964, p. 1
March 18, 1964
Kentland, Indiana
David, My Dear
Please, please, forgive your delinquent Grandma. I loved your letter, and have read it many times and while I cannot comment on all you have told me, I appreciate every word of it. I am so very happy that you are on the Dean’s list and your Mom and Dad will be there next May.
I had a nice letter from Bonnie about the book, but David, I am so thrilled about the work you are doing. I hope you will let me know about the Boston School of Theology.
I did not go to the hospital, but I have not been at all well, and the simple mechanics of living have taken all I could do. I can prepare what little food I eat, and keep myself reasonably well groomed, and of course I have to have help to clean my apartment and I do not get out except to get over to Mildred to get my hair done.
I have been in a sort of lethargy, and don’t seem to have strength enough to write letters or do so many things I used to do. When your Dad gets home we will check on me.
I had Doris take me down to see Dr. Stahl about my hip, and he said there was nothing he could find that would be causing unusual pain, which I had been having, except of course, advancing arthritis.
I am so proud of you and the work you are doing, and am very happy about your moving into Dr. King’s residence. It must be a very nice thing for both of you. I should think they would be very happy to have you a part of their household. I am sure the home cooking is a pleasant change for you. I suppose Bonnie is back in Bloomington by now.
I have had some very interesting cards from your mother. The last one was enroute to Jerusalem. I wonder if they were not in Athens at the time of King Paul’s funeral. The pictures they will bring home will be something to see. She said they had been able to buy more film.
Please forgive my seeming delay, it was not from the heart, I will be so anxious to hear about Boston School.
Dearest love to you and Bonnie
Grandma
March 18, 1964, p. 2
(over) David, You will probably get this on Sat. March 21st, which will be my 50th wedding anniversary. I was married on Sat. afternoon, March 21, 1914. I hope you and Bonnie may spend your 50th together.
©2016 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2016/08/27/lethargy/
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