Tag Archives: Indiana

Office Plans (Gladys)

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September 22, 1945 envelope

Letter transcription:

September 22, 1945, p. 1

9-22-45

Dear Daddy –

It is a rainy Sat. We have been cleaning the house getting ready for David’s party. I washed the wall in the hall where I had used the paint and it washed nicely. The dirt came off easier with a brush. I am not planning to paint the hall now because it looks good enough as is. Will just wait until spring and maybe we can have a painter do the whole house. David rec’d a birthday card from Sherill Thrailkill and one from Ruth & Floyd. John asked David what he wanted for his birthday and he said a card, so John is going to give him a dollar with a card. Mark got a magic slate for him. Lucile bought a telephone for him one time while we were shopping together in Laf. I got the horses for him but he found it and has played with it two weeks. I thought I would buy him a wagon – there is a war model at the variety store, but Norma gave him the old tin wagon their girls had – she says they don’t play with it. Dorothy never did make the trip to Laf. so I didn’t get a chance to shop there. John wanted me to go today but I have been so busy getting ready for the party and since it has started to rain would rather not make the trip.

The boys are listening to a football game but there is quite a lot of static (Illinois & Pittsburg at Champaign).

September 22, 1945, p. 2

[page 2] Just heard Ind. is leading Mich. 13-0 at first half. J. & M. went to the ball game here last night. Mark got to play in the 7^th & 8^th grade game. John asked him who won and he said it was a tie. I stayed at home and knitted. I started Bobby Krull’s snow suit. I finished the jacket & cap and Dorothy seemed well pleased. She is still having some cold, but was downtown yesterday afternoon.

I went to Cosmopolitan club yesterday at Mrs. Harry Hufty’s and met Phyllis Merrill’s mother. She said she had met me once before in C.C. I attended a Past Matrons meeting at Mrs. John Gilsons – (you remember or do you). Mr. Gilson works for the Lbr. Co. in C.C. I remember attending the meeting, but don’t remember Mrs. Merrill. There were a number of people there from Hymera.

John Krull is having his opening the 26^th – pretty good time after the fire. He should have plenty of business – especially at noon, since Nick still closes from 11 to 3. The Nu-Joy site is about cleaned off. Just curious to see if they rebuild there.

You said something about a central hall thru the back room – I still think the hall at the west side would be better because it would lead directly to the door that goes over into the room back of Mildred’s place. I am enclosing two plans, and you can see there would have to be a turn in the hall if it goes thru the center.

David is cutting waste paper to amuse himself – it’s hard on him to stay in – he seems to be the outdoor type.

Love,
Mother

©2016 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2016/06/01/office-plans-gladys/

A Letter From Mom (Lovina)

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September 22, 1945 envelope

Letter transcription:

September 22, 1945, p. 1

Sept. 22

Dear Roscoe,

Well how are you? Hope you [are] well and can come home soon. I baked a cake this morning to take to the church tomorrow. They have the homecoming. I don’t feel very much like working. I’ve not felt very good for a while. I had rheumatism or something in my right ankle about all week. I could hardly walk but is better now. Pop is out fixing fence.

September 22, 1945, p. 2

[page 2] They round Doyle Cordell. They say he is alright and well. Willis is with him. I don’t know where he was but he is Manilla now. You might get to see him when he comes through there and Hershel Steiner is on his way home. He was in Okinawa. He wrote the 5^th of this month he would leave the 7. He is in the 34 Batt. Minnie told me yesterday evening his folks didn’t know where he was till now. Don Kirkling was gone so long before Minnie heard from him. He was in Norway and Scotland.

September 22, 1945, p. 3

[page 3] He thought he would soon be back over here. Ralph is laying the brick for his hen house. Clarence has some of his soybean down. It’s been so cloudy and rainy can’t put them up. If we know you were at Kentland last Sunday some of us would of come up. I have my canning all done. We haven’t had any frost yet but it’s been pretty cool. I must get my dinner ready, want to go to town this after

September 22, 1945, p. 4

[page 4] noon. We had our dinner for town.
Love Mom

[Editor’s note: Doyle Cordell was reported missing in March 1943 while serving in the Philippines.]

©2016 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2016/05/31/a-letter-from-mom-lovina/

You Must Do This Again Soon (Gladys)

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September 21, 1945 envelope

Letter transcription:

September 21, 1945, p. 1

Fri. Sept. 21

Dear Daddy –

I dated yesterday’s letter the 19^th so consider it the 20^th – if you can tell which one dated the 19^th was the 20ths. It is very nice today. Just hung out a washing and David is out on the front sidewalk playing with an old trike Mrs. Z. loaned. He doesn’t use the pedals yet but it’s a little hard to propel that way. So far he just puts his feet on the ground and pushes along that way. I am sure there are no trikes on the market yet – If there were I would get him one for his birthday. Yours of the 18^th & 19^th and David’s came. I read him the letter and he enjoyed the faces. We put the money in his piggy bank – (sticking out) and I put the bank up where he couldn’t get it. I’ll put the money in something he needs for his birthday. If Dorothy wants me to go to Laf. today I may find something down there. She may have called while I was out hanging up the clothes, but otherwise I haven’t heard from her about going. I called her last night to tell her I have Bobby’s snow jacket & cap finished but Betty Lou said she had gone to the show with Nick, so her cold was better (I would think).

The mornings seem to go so fast. It is 10:55 and that means time to start lunch. They aren’t going to like it but they get leftovers in meat. I baked a peach cobbler yesterday and Mark said, “You must do this again soon.” John was telling me about a conversation with Miss Sizelove – she said Mark had made a B on a test and was well pleased. She said he could have made an A if he had tried. She insists that he has a good mind, if he would use it – in other words, he is a little lazy.

September 21, 1945, p. 2

[page 2] Gail Dye told me yesterday that she is to meet her husband (Sat. I think) in Chicago. He is to go to Camp Atterbury for his discharge and that it that. It’s been nearly two years since he was home – a year ago Christmas for 10 days. Well his long term away is about over and he can resume his regular work. I didn’t ask her any questions, but they own a home in Valpo so they may go back there to live.

Jimmy Ed is having asthma again. Lucile & Karen both have colds – there seems to be quite a cold epidemic around – just hope I don’t get it – not with my sinus – the way it can act at times. My thumb is in the peeling stage now and very tender where the new skin is exposed. I still can’t bend it very far, but it doesn’t bother me.

Our first light bill came and it $2.91 for 13 days. There is a charge of $1.95 for the stove switch but I think the electric part is about the usual amount – according to the way our bills always run.

I still have a washer of colored clothes to run, so I must run and get lunch – however I am not going to hurry as much as I sound like. The boys helped me change the beds this morning before we came down so I haven’t had to do any big rushing.

Love,
Mother

©2016 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2016/05/29/you-must-do-this-again-soon-gladys/

Strings Attached (Gladys)

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September 19 (or 20), 1945 envelope

Letter transcription:

September 19 (or 20), 1945, p. 1

9-19-45 [sic 20?]

Dear Daddy –

After a warm day yesterday we had a thunderstorm last night. It is sunny today and brisk after the rain. David is playing out in the sunshine and getting along very well by himself. Martha doesn’t come over so much. He is learning to grab and hold on and when he doesn’t give up to her she tells him she will go home if he isn’t nice to her. This morning he didn’t seem to mind her leaving. He stayed with me in the kitchen while I was getting lunch ready. I had to go get groc. before lunch. Saw Dorothy and she was still not so good. She said she needed a good Dr. I also saw Geneva Simons and she said they had all had the flu and I asked if they had ever had the baby’s tonsils taken out – she said no, they were waiting for you to come back.

The Gas Co. sent us our meter refund less the $1.53 – guess they woke up after so long. They hadn’t rec’d my not when this was mailed. The whole amt. was $8.36 – less $1.53 – ck. for $6.83.

Had a letter from your Mother. Our letters crossed too. I had written her Tues. Uncle Wes wrote her that you were coming home so she knew something about it before getting my letter.

Last night Arlene called me and asked if I could come down. Bill was out of town but came home while I was there. He said they got Dale Jones discharged. However he had been in the Army 3½ yrs. with 23 months overseas.

September 19 (or 20), 1945, p. 2

[page 2] Bill had been in Indpls. Yesterday and had called on the Gov. He said the Gov. didn’t get up to the Lodge with Ira Dixon’s party – but Bill said a number of his “Henchman” did. (That’s what he said.) Bill seems to think he could so something. However I told him I didn’t think so. Anyway I would rather just wait – because thinking of the past, people around here didn’t think much of the trips to Wash. to keep certain corn men out of service. I think you have expressed the same feeling in the past – just wait and get out on your gown then no strings attached. I think some people would enjoy reminding you that they had done so much for you. What am I yapping about? You haven’t suggested anything like that.

The Nu-Joy wreckage is getting cleaned up fast. They were burning some of the debris yesterday and there was such a high wind, they had to call the fire dept. So much of the equip. that wasn’t entirely burned was moved up to the Nu-Joy hotel or barn.

David is pestering around so I must go out in the yard with him (as promised).

Love,
Mother

©2016 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2016/05/27/strings-attached-gladys/

Broken Jaw (Gladys)

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September 19, 1945 envelope

Letter transcription:

September 19, 1945, p. 1

Sept. 19 – Wed. afternoon

Dear Daddy –

I am sitting on the front step – it is so nice out today I didn’t want to stay inside any longer. I have done a number of things today – washed, ironed, baked and a few other odds & ends. We didn’t do to Lafayette – Dorothy called and said she was suffering with a sinus infection and she sounded like she felt terrible. I wasn’t particularly wanting to go but J. & M. both had things they wanted me to get for them. Dorothy said something about going tomorrow. David is playing with an old egg cutter. He is pulling grass and putting it in the cutter but it doesn’t work. He went over to Zells this morning and got a doll and buggy without asking so I am keeping him strictly under guard the rest of the day. I tried to explain to him that he is not to go into anyone’s house. He seems to enjoy pushing that doll buggy – I think if I could get him a fair size wagon he could pull around with some satisfaction it might help. However wagons are hard to find.

The upholstery man was here today and to get the davenport done in a good tapestry it would cost nearly $100.00 – However he would completely rebuild it any style. I told him I would let him know later.

It is so warm and sunny today it seems like summer again. I hope it stays this way for a while.

Chas. Smith (Supt.) fell and broke his jaw – I don’t know the particulars but he isn’t feeling so well. John had to go see him at his home this morning about the school paper. He said his teeth were bothering him more than anything. He isn’t able to be at school. Rosemary is teaching Speech for him. I thought she had a job someplace away from here, but she has been here this week taking the speech class.

September 19, 194,5 p. 2

[page 2] When I bought groceries at Bair’s yesterday Mrs. Bair was telling me she had had a run in with Dr. M. She seems to think he is lacking in ethics. If I remember correctly they never did doctor with him in the past and you know he has a way with people like that (so I have heard).

I heard a radio newscast this morning about the “squacking” that has been raised about the Drs. being held and that the Army & Navy have promised quite a large number to be released by Christmas.

David had a glass jar with rocks in it and just dropped it by my feet – Now I have to clean up broken glass and rocks. I can’t make him do it because I am afraid he will cut his hands. His cold is better but he still has some. I think the warm weather should help clear it up.

Irene had the baby out for a little airing and came over here. He seems to be OK – Ma said earlier today that he still had green stools, but otherwise no sign of cold.

I must go see if the fire is still going. It was in good shape this morning but I got too busy to go back down and it has probably burned out. I know I’ll appreciate that oil more than ever.

Love Mother

©2016 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2016/05/24/broken-jaw-gladys/

Back Home (Gladys)

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September 18, 1945 envelope

Letter transcription:

September 18, 1945, p. 1

9-18-45

Dear Daddy –

We arrived back home just as the bell was ringing 6 o’clock. John said Mrs. Zell was expecting us for dinner. It was very nice to sit down to a hot roast beef dinner. After we finished dinner John brought David home and bathed him and put him to bed. I helped Norma with the dishes, against her wishes – she said she knew I must be tired. I was and went to bed early. I dropped off to sleep then had bad dreams. We all over slept this morning but the boys were up in time for school. They still have some cold but all are better, as least not worse. Dorothy called this a.m. and said Bobby has a very ‘runny” nose but no temp. She asked me to go to Laf. with her tomorrow. I have nothing in particular to go for, but return what is left of the Jiffy mop for a replacement. Of course I can always see something to buy. It is cloudy today and I don’t believe the sun is coming through. I washed one tub, but hung the things in the basement. The coal was delivered while I was away yesterday. Half a ton made an awful dust around the basement. Some of the Saturday’s clothes were still hanging but were dry so they didn’t seem dirty from the dust. The furnace has been running today. I have noticed the air turning on several times.

September 18, 1945, p. 2

[page 2] John had such a fire going when I got home and it lasted all night – the house was hot all night and it was warmer outside. I suppose with all that good coal he had to take advantage of it.

My thumb is gradually decreasing in size. There will be an awful lot of skin to come off around the joint. I am glad I didn’t get a reaction all over my hand.

Mrs. James returned some bread they had borrowed and I asked her about the baby. She said he was much better. She told Mrs. Zell yesterday they were so glad you were here Sun.

It’s past 3:30 and I am still waiting for a wire or phone call. I thought about you at nine o’clock and wondered if you were about to arrive in Oakland. While we were eating dinner at Zells (about 7 PM) we figured you should be having dinner in Olathe – or did we over rate the speed you made?

Mark helped me set the barberry bushes out. The ground at the north side of the garage was very easy to work in so for temporary I think that is a good place. Mark “dillied” around with Buddy until I got home and forgot to finish Staton’s lawn, but I put him to work. He still has some to do this evening. Our lawn needs some attention too.

Love Mother

It was a wonderful weekend.
P.S. 4:05 – Your wire just came.

©2016 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2016/05/22/back-home-gladys/

Thank You from Aunt Jessie

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Letter transcription:

Chicago, Illinois
Sept. 12, 1945

Dear Gladys: We arrived at our own door just 4:30 P.M. every thing unpacked, our dinner over, dishes washed a fire in the grate and now to write notes (no cards) thanking all who were so kind to us giving us such a good time. It was splendid to be in your home again and have the visit and admire the blessed boys – only regret that Roscoe so far away yet this moment he is coming closer. We do hope you will have time for a good visit and that soon he will be home to stay. Silvester feels a bit tired but we will retire early and the morning will find him ok. Again our thanks.

Much love,
Jessie and Silvester

September 12, 1945

©2016 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2016/05/21/thank-you-from-aunt-jessie/

So Excited (Gladys)

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September 10, 1945 envelope

Letter transcription:

September 10, 1945, p. 1

9-10-45

Dear Daddy –

Yours of Sept. 6, 7, & almost the 8^th came this a.m. I am so excited over the prospects of your trip to Chicago. If you do get to come, I think I’ll have Dorothy drive me up and stay with her mother until I am ready to come back. However, I’ll plan when the time comes. (I mean for her to stay at her mother’s).

I was downtown this a.m. and saw Ed Barce. He said to tell you he has another office and will get out as soon as you come back. I saw Betty & Jack Yost. Jack has been discharged.

We hear that Mr. R. is going to put the Nu-Joy out here – that is if this new road goes thru. It’s very early to get any definite predictions on the situation so I am not taking that as “whole cloth.” After having one old trap of a building burn, I would think no one would want to put a business like the restaurant in that old Kent house.

I put some corn in the locker this morning and that winds up my food preparation. I want to save the space for the beef in Oct. We heard over the radio this a.m. that meat rationing will be off Oct. 1 so we won’t have to worry about points for our beef.

It’s 2:15 and since noon I have cleaned the stove and little bathroom. Geo. Tilton

September 10, 1945, p. 2

[page 2] promised to get someone to fix our linoleums, but I am not going to get excited about how soon he fulfills his promise. I think if I went in and gave him an order for some new furniture he might send someone out, but I don’t believe he is in much of a hurry as it is. If he doesn’t act soon I am going to try and get someone myself. The bathroom should be fixed soon.

When I talked to Ed Barce I thought he might have some information but he seemed to know nothing. I wonder if he could find out anything – Nothing has been said that we have heard over the radio or in the papers about Navy Drs. However, the Army has announced that a number of Drs. are to be let out soon.

If you do get to go to Chicago you won’t get this until after I see you.

I hurried to town and hurried home this a.m. so didn’t hear any news.

Will be anxious for a letter tomorrow –
Love Mother

Nu-Joy Restaurant (Gladys)

1 Reply

September 9, 1945, p. 1

Letter transcription:

9-9-45

Dear Daddy –

We had quite an exciting afternoon. The Nu-Joy Restaurant burned to the ground. The fire started in the kitchen and the fire Dept. wasn’t called soon enough, so the story goes. All the fire trucks around here came but about all the good they did was to keep the garage from burning and the Kentland Café building. John & Gladys are back and getting their place ready to open. I suppose they will step up their work to get opened sooner now that the Nu-Joy is gone. The Harlan Parrs were in town and had come out this way so they took David and me down. J. & M. were already down watching the fire. We parked by Childress Station and watched a while, then I asked them to take be back home. There was such a mob gathering I thought I would rather be home. Traffic had to be re-routed out this way to 24. There were cars parked on 24 out past here. Ed J. took John out for another driving lesson this evening and he told John what the Electric Co. had to do when they knew how the fire was going. Ed was on the scene most of the time – until after the fire was really over. I could see smoke for a long time.

Jimmy Ed is much better. I took David and stayed there while John & Ed were driving. Jimmy seems normal. Lucile says he chokes up some at night, but while we were there I didn’t notice any signs of hay fever or asthma. Maybe what was bothering him a week ago is gone now.

Joe Bill Mullen was in church this

September 9, 1945, p. 2

[page 2] with Gloria Blanke and his mother. He has to go back to the hospital for more treatment. I have heard there is to be a wedding, but I don’t know when.

The Foulkes were entertaining dinner guests at the Nu-Joy when the fire started. I think they left before they had finished eating. No one was caught in the fire but Katie told me all they could get out was the money. I heard later that some other things were saved – some 5^ths. One fireman was supposed to have taken 3 cases of beer.

Olene Miller says Emmett wrote her not to send him any more packages, so she things he will soon be coming home.

Lila called me tonight. She said Joe is still in N. Africa. He got his promotion so is now Comdr. She doesn’t know anything about when he will get home and wondered if you knew anything.

Mrs. Glick was at church this a.m. She asked me how soon you were coming home. I told her I didn’t know. Dr. G. seemed to think it would be soon, or something to that effect.

I got the boys started back on their regular monthly allowance again. Mrs. Koon came out Sat. and paid the bal. of the rent $15.00 – so that helps out the petty cash fund.

The Statons were gone from home today and came in on 24 and turned to come up the short street so didn’t see what had happened. You can imagine their surprise when we told them what had happened.

We were up late last night so in order to get the boys settled down early will go to bed myself. Lucile came out late last night to show us Karen’s pictures. She stayed until 11:30. I made a pot of coffee and we ate some of John’s prize cake he baked yesterday morning.

Love Mother

Photograph of the Nu-Joy fire, from the Kentland-Newton County Centennial, 1860-1960. Note the incorrect date!

[Editor’s note: A newspaper clipping regarding the Nu-Joy fire can be found here. Note that both Gladys and the newspaper give the date of the fire as Sunday, September 9, 1945, not September 7th as printed in the centennial book.]

Toss His Cracker (Gladys)

5 Replies

September 8, 1945 envelope

Letter transcription:

September 8, 1945, p. 1

9-8-45

Dear Daddy –

I rec’d two letters yesterday so didn’t get any today. Probably get two or three Mon. They have been coming pretty regularly. Dorothy came out yesterday and said Bobby had gotten some rat poison she had put out for the mice. It was on a cracker and he bit off one corner before she knew he had it. She told me when they came back from their vacation what she was going to do and I wondered at the time if it was wise to put poison out. The cracker he got was in the cabinet under the sink. They tried to get him to throw-up but he never did. She got Babe Carrol & Pauline Dennis and Babe even stuck her finger down his throat but “no go.” Nick went to see Dr. M. and he gave some medicine that should have made him “toss his cracker” but it didn’t work. He seemed perfectly OK when she was here with him in the afternoon. I told her he evidently didn’t get enough to hurt him. She said she knew he got some because she could smell it on his breath. Bernard Funk’s little girl drank iodine and had to be taken to the hospital and have her stomach pumped.

We are having rain today and cool. I am glad we got our washing done yesterday. Mark is trying to finish the lawn. He started this morning but didn’t hurry and had to stop between rains. Sammy has been here and of course he can’t work as fast if he has company.

September 8, 1945, p. 2

[page 2] Mark went to the fair with Zells yesterday afternoon. They stayed until late – saw the stage show. John didn’t go out and I didn’t either. I couldn’t get up any enthusiasm about any part of it.

Had another letter from Jim. It was written Aug. 19 and he didn’t seem to know the war was over. He said they dropped anchor near an island not long ago (before Aug. 19) and picked up a letter from me. Maybe by now he knows. Don’t they have radios on ships and don’t they keep up on the latest?

Uncle Wes & Aunt J. plan to come back Wed. and be here for dinner. Aunt J. sent me a card. Mom had received the picture of D. I sent for her birthday.

We listened to a Comdr. Crum on a radio program today. Thought he might give out something but it was all about Army discharges. However, he promised the points for Navy overseas duty will be given out soon. He said it would probably be ¼ point for each month, which will give you about 5. He invited anyone to write him on any questions they have and he will answer. He said this is a free country so feel free to ask. Anything you want to know. If I thought I would find out anything I would write the big question in our minds.

Dr. Hungess is gone on a month’s vacation and Irene changed the baby’s feeding this week. She put him on S.W.A. Maybe he told her to do that if he didn’t get along – but he is past 2 months old now – I would think a little advanced for that type of feeding.

Mark is waiting to take this –
So Love Mother