Tag Archives: James L. Foster

Report Cards (Gladys)

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1943-04-09Letter transcription:

MRS. R. S. YEGERLEHNER
KENTLAND
INDIANA
4-9-43

Dear Daddy – No letter today but have rec’d three this week (Tues). The boys got report cards and they can write you their grades. We can’t work in the yard this eve so they will have time. We raked and tried to clean the back yard but didn’t have time to do it all last evening so will just have to wait now. Had quite a hard rain this morning. Had clothes ready to hang out but they are still in the basket. Everything is beginning to grow and the yard it beginning to recover from the “beating” it took from the weather. The ground was frozen so hard for so long the lawn is bumpy but couldn’t get it tolled at the proper time – Maybe it will smooth out this summer. David is beside me in his high chair trying to turn around and raise a fuss in general. He has one bootee off trying to eat it. I gave him prune juice this a.m. and he kept it down – and he drank it from a cup. It is still rainy looking so won’t get to take him for his afternoon stroll. Had a letter from Jim and he said he might be shipped out any time. Sent me a little memento for our Wedding Anniversary – Floyd Hoover is in charge of the Loan Co. Tommy Thompson did run. Tommy has gone to his father’s farm to help put in crops. The war bond quota for this county is $290,000. Each child is asked to buy three times as many stamps as they had been buying. I have filed a mortgage exemption. It didn’t have to be filed till May 1 but I thought I wouldn’t wait until last minute. D. is beginning to sound a hungry signal so will have to feed him.

Love – Mother

Yegerlehner home, E. Dunlop Street, Kentland, circa 1943

Yegerlehner home, E. Dunlop Street, Kentland, circa 1943

©2014 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2014/04/05/report-cards-gladys/

April Fool’s Day (Gladys)

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1943-04-01Letter transcription:

MRS. R.S. YEGERLEHNER
KENTLAND
INDIANA
4-1-43

Dear Daddy – The first day of Apr and Mark has been busy all morning before going to school trying to get everyone fooled – However he didn’t really fool us much. I told him to run out and kill a snake by the garage and he fell for it. It rained last week but the sun is shining bright this morning. After school yesterday we raked the front yard and I sowed some grass seed. Couldn’t get any vigaro to put on – there just isn’t any this year. There is a Victory Garden fertilizer but it is not to be used on lawns – so that is that. I got the seed on just in time for the rain. I am going to Wilmington to get Ruth M. this afternoon or would work in the yard this P.M. – but the boys can do the raking after school. – Mail just came but no letters from you today – Maybe one tomorrow – Had a letter from your Mother and she had yours of Mar 14. Kenneth is in camp in Ark. – is in the band. He will get along where ever he goes. I hear David – just took a nap before his bath time. He sat in the buggy and watched up work in the yeard. He likes to be out of doors – So do I since such a long winter. I hope it stays warm for our trip. I am tiried of wearing heavy clothes. Mother is going to stay in T. H. a short while and then she is coming back here to live. She wants to do some visiting before she comes to stay. Jim wrote that Thelma has the mumps. He is getting more time off now and sees her quite often – but has to cross the bay every time he goes to see her. He is trying to find work for her in Richmond. He is in Camp Perry near Williamsburg now. Ed Barce is still stationed in Kokomo. I left the car at Sondergrath’s for a going over before making our trip.

Love – Mother

E. Dunlop Street, Kentland

Yegerlehner home, E. Dunlop Street, Kentland, circa 1943

© 2014 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found:

The Motherlode (Roscoe)

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Letter transcription:

Mar 21, 1943
Lieut R. S. Yegerlehner MC USNR
A.P.O. 43
% P.M. San Fran. Calif.

Dear Mother,

Mail came this A.M. and we spent much time reading and re-reading. 18 letters, 4 papers and two packages. The letters were from: Statons, Allgood, Sykes, Mom, Boonie (2), Wayne W., C. J. Easley, Bob H., The Earl park Walkups, The packages from Dr. M. and Floyd. I snitched this paper from the office and will try to answer a few providing I can get some stamps and envelopes. Your letters were of the latter part of Jan and the first part of Feb. So the letter I got the other day dated Feb. 19 is still the latest. Our mail has to be

[page 2] re forwarded and that always takes time. Your Valentine missed St. Pat’s day 5 days so you weren’t far from wrong right.

My letters may have been interesting but anymore there is nothing to write about. Description is out – Traveling is not as extensive as the last place and activities not for publication are more numerous. So the letters to  in answer to those today will be short and not very “ready.”

The newspapers were all the Newton Co. E. so I was able to catch up on a few things. Jim sent a Norfolk paper dated Sept. 23, so that was pretty old reading. I hate not to write

[page 3] all those people but if I see I’m going to be caught short I’ll just skip them.

All writing has to be done in the daytime because each night there is a total blackout and even the lighting of a smoke has to be done under cover. So you see there isn’t as much time to write as before.

I’ve ceased worrying or even thinking of the taxes but and wish I could get some extra money home but that is impossible at present – Maybe later that can be arranged.

I’ll try a few letters to others now after writing the folks
So solong Love Daddy

©2014 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2014/02/28/the-motherlode-roscoe/

News from the neighborhood (Gladys)

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1943-03-04Letter transcription:

MRS. R. S. YEGERLEHNER
KENTLAND
INDIANA
3-4-43

Dear Daddy – A windy March day & cold. Mrs. Zell took the children to school this a.m. and I am going to get them at noon. I wouldn’t be so particular but Mark has been exposed to the measles and I want to keep him from getting a cold if possible. It must have been below zero again this morning. By Mark having the flu in Jan he hasn’t too much resistance and I am trying to keep him from any undue exposure. I will certainly be glad for warm weather so he can get out in the open. He is planning big on his garden this summer. I think he and I can manage one. John isn’t a bit enthused about taking care of the yard – that is to be his job this summer and Mark is to care for our garden. Now don’t laugh up your sleeve – we are very serious about our garden. I think we can get enough space back of Zells by Link & Bill’s gardens. I saw Irene in the restaurant yesterday. She said her mother is better – she has had a bad cold. Dorothy & Nick have only two waitresses now so they have to work nearly all day. Lois W. had an operation and won’t be able to work for a while. Nick bought Floyd’s tools for Buddy. Mark couldn’t understand why Uncle Floyd didn’t give him those tools. I told him it was just a little matter of $50⁰⁰. Dorothy is going to take the dining room furniture we have stored in the basement. They are putting a bathroom where their pantry is and she needs space to store her dishes. Jim writes that Camp B is being moved to Camp Perry and they are trying to find a place for Thelma to live in Richmond. However he thinks he may be sent out. He may get a leave this month and if so will come home. We are planning to go to C.C. while Dolores is home in April. She will get to be home on her birthday. I think Ruth M. will go with us. I hope we have mild weather then. We are all well and hope we can escape the measles –

Love – Mother

©2014 copyright owned and/or written by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2014/01/25/news-from-the-…borhood-gladys/

Fair and Colder (Gladys)

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1943-02-11Letter transcription:

MRS. R. S. YEGERLEHNER
KENTLAND
INDIANA
2-11-43

Dear Daddy – It is fair and colder. Had snow flurried this a.m. but not much snow fell. I would rather have the cold now than the warm days like we had the first of the week. I am hoping we have an early warm spring. Should have good lawn this summer if the rain & snow of this winter will help. Mark is writing to you. John is talking to D. D. didn’t sleep much until after his 2 P.M. feeding then woke when Mark came home. He chewed his fingers like a tooth may be coming thru but I won’t believe it until I see one. If D. does everything J. & M. try to teach him he will be a super – quiz kid. John is trying to get him to patty cake now.—Had an accident – that is J. & M. did – Mark was using the ink and was writing on a chair with the ink on the floor & John upset it – I had to mop up so my hands are stained. Just wrote Mead’s thanking them for the 5 lb can Dextri & Pablum. Haven’t been out much this week so short on news. Papers didn’t come today (as usual). Mr. Boomershine leaves for the Navy tomorrow. He got a (j.g.) I don’t know where he is to go – except someplace in the East. Will write all the details you ask for in a registered letter but you may be slow in getting it – will try to explain things fully. Must send Jim something for his birthday – that is – sending something for Mother. I sent him a card. It is too cold to take D. out today so will go to town in the car.
Love Mother

©2013 copyright owned and/or written by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/12/25/fair-and-colder-gladys/

Three letters today (Gladys)

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1943-02-10Letter transcription:

MRS R. S. YEGERLEHNER
KENTLAND
INDIANA
2-10-43

Dear Daddy – Three letters today – yours of Jan 30 – Feb 1 & 2. Also Mark’s birthday money. He will write you a reply. You had seen Dan Heinkle – I saw Helen in Laf. last Fri. of course didn’t have your letter then. I will write a registered letter and give you all the info you ask for. It always makes me feel better when I get a letter saying you have had mail of any kind, and especially from here. I am anxious to get your reaction to the pictures I sent by registered letter last week. The weather has turned on us again and from the spring we have had Sun Mon & Tues it is raining & blowing and a forecast for cold again. It was pouring down when the children went to school. Mr. Zell took all 4 to school – their two & our two. Had a valentine from Jim – he is still at Camp B. and I told you before Thelma is there now. Just re-read your letters to help me write things you asked about, but will send reg. air – registered full of details. The boys are going to the father & son banquet tonight. Warren Unger and Powell are taking them. John saved enough and I advanced Feb allowance so he got another bond yesterday at school. Mark isn’t as careful with his money so doesn’t put as much in stamps as John. David slept all night – after his 6 P.M. bottle until time for his 6 o’clock bottle this morning. I hope he makes that regular. He is getting vegetable soup now. The Mead J.[Johnson] Co. sent me a 5 lb. can of D.M.[Dextri-Maltrose], a large box of Pab. [Pablum] and a bottle of Vit C tablets besides the 50 c.c. bottle of Oleum Percomorph. Mother is hanging up some of D’s clothes so I must get lunch started and formula mixed. Telephone just rung but it was a false alarm. There is a little storm in the air and makes the line pop. Same old telephone service – if you know what I mean. Had the coal bin filled again ($34) this time.

Love Mother

©2013 copyright owned and/or written by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/12/22/three-letters-today-gladys/

Friday’s Faces from the Past – A young Jim Foster

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Foster, James and others - Clay City, Indiana, c1920s

Click to enlarge

I only know one definite thing about this picture. It was taken in Clay City, Indiana. It was most likely taken during the 1920s. In the back row, the man second from the right appears to be James Foster. I don’t know what James Foster would be doing with a group in Clay City since he was from Terre Haute. The picture looks like an obligatory office picture, the salesmen, clerks and secretaries. James was a plumbing supplies salesmen after World War II. In the late 1920s, James was a clerk for Crane Co. in Terre Haute. He worked there for many years, eventually becoming a salesman.Then again, I could be completely wrong. But I do know the picture was taken in Clay City, right?

The original photograph is from the collection of Deborah Sweeney.

©2013 copyright owned and/or written by Deborah Sweeney

Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/12/12/fridays-faces-…ung-jim-foster/‎

Friday’s Faces of the Past – Family Funeral?

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The three above pictures appear to have been taken on the same day. The two single portraits were clearly taken at the same location. The group photo shows Gladys and the older woman wearing the same clothing as their individual pictures. Everyone appears to be wearing black or dark colors. Hence my assumption that the photograph was taken around the time of a family funeral. I date the picture circa1925. Gladys was born in 1905 so she would have been 15 in 1920 and 20 in 1925. Gladys’ haircut is straighter and less wavy than it was later in the decade. Her skirt length is short which moves the date further from 1920.   The older woman is wearing a dress styled from the late teens. It was quite common for older people at that time to wear clothes that were more “old fashioned.” Even today the trend continues.

McCammon, Lydia & Jesse with Minerva Metcalf

Minerva (seated) likely 1916

Many years ago I sent a copy of the picture of the older woman to my father’s cousin. She identified the woman as Minerva, Emma’s twin sister. Since the cousin knew Minerva, I generally take her word for it. However, I still say “the older woman,” because I am not 100% sure that she was Minerva (Lawhead) Metcalf.  I have only seen two pictures of Minerva and they are of a somewhat younger woman. The earlier photograph was taken about 1908 and Minerva was plumper and would have been about 36 when the picture was taken. The second photograph was taken about 7-10 years later between 1915-1919. Again the picture shows Minerva with a fuller figure.  Minerva would have been in her early to mid 40s at this point.

Which brings us back to the pictures at the beginning of the post. Do you think that the older woman is Minerva? She seems to have aged too much to be in her 50s. But times were different then. For someone who did hard manual farm labor, they could have aged more harshly. I know she is related to the Foster/Lawhead family. She bears a striking resemblance to Jim Foster (Gladys’ brother). When my grandmother was near her end and Alzheimer’s had robbed her memory, she thought the picture was of her brother Jim. So what do you think?

©2013 copyright owned and written by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/11/29/fridays-faces-…family-funeral/

When it rains it pours (Gladys)

1 Reply

Letter transcription:

Kentland Ind
Jan. 14 – 1943

Dear Daddy –

I didn’t get the line added to yesterday’s letter so will just start another and put both in same envelope. I don’t make a habit of this but we were so late getting home from Laf. last night I didn’t get my letter on the night mail as I sometimes do. The old saying about raining and pouring seems true. John had a stiff neck this morning and had quite a time getting up but finally made it. He is much better but his neck still is a little sore and he moves around very carefully. He and Mark have both been home today and are getting pretty noisy. I think they can both go back to school tomorrow, but I thought another

[page 2] day at home would do Mark more good than going back to school. He is feeling about normal now. It is warmer and I think he can be turned out by tomorrow.

Had a letter from Mother today and she said she would come back up. I am going to call her and tell her to come on the bus to Laf. and since I have to go down tomorrow will meet her there. I think since Thelma has gone to Norfolk to live she feels a little left out in T. H. Not that she saw much of Thelma, but she knew as long as T. was in T.H. Jim would come back when possible and now that she is in Norfolk he won’t try to come so often – Mother thought Jim was coming back for Christmas and she stayed in T.H. for that reason but instead of Jim coming back Thelma went there – and stayed.

I had a letter from Jim, he had written on the back of their camp – “Bee Lines” – official publication of the “Seabees.”

[page 3] I talked to Agnes Molter again today about that tax business and when I get straightened out over this sinus infection will go down to the office and she is going to write you a letter about that 1941 tax payment. She still insists that we let that payment go – but I’ll let her do the explaining and also about 1942. She wrote in about that payment we didn’t make and received a reply – but when I talk to her will get it all straight.

My sinus is still draining and the drainage isn’t very good tasting. I am going back tomorrow and get another treatment. Also I am going to take the Baby down to Dr. Cole and let him check him over. He feels pretty good today – hasn’t any temperature but coughs some. It doesn’t bother him while he sleeps, but I will be glad when he gets rid of it. I think he is as good as John or Mark but I am afraid we are more apt to spoil him. However he still lies in his bed or on the bath table and watches his hands for long periods at a time.

[page 4] Dorothy is here and is getting ready to go to town so will let her mail this for me. She is going with me to Laf tomorrow. She was telling me the Johnson baby kept Ed up the first night they were home from the hospital. Ed was in the restaurant for breakfast and a little sleepy.

This is Thurs & she has to take food home to fix for supper – the proverbial Busman’s holiday.

Must close –
Love
Mother

©2013 copyright owned and written by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/10/27/when-it-rains-it-pours-gladys/

The 7th day of the New Year (Gladys)

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Letter transcription:

Kentland, Ind
Jan 7 – 1943

Dear Daddy –

On the 7th day of the new year and I wonder what I have done with this first week – nothing much it seems. This afternoon is a little on the gloomy side. It has been snowing and it is foggy. Not so cold but not the kind of weather to get out in after a throat infection. I am going to welcome spring with open arms. I believe I am getting tired of winter and Jan & Feb yet to go. I feel pretty good toady. My throat feels better but I am going to be careful about going out for a while – Will see Dr. Ade again tomorrow. Maybe another treatment will clear things up.

John is working on the music I told you about some time ago. He forgot to copy it off and so did I but he is doing it now and will mail it – his version of Star Spangled Banner. I don’t know whether his vacation from exams is going him much good. He had to wash dishes and take care of two washes of clothes for David. He is going with us to Laf. tomorrow so maybe that will make up for his work today. He doesn’t seem to mind. Mark decided he wanted some oysters so he went to town & got a pint. I didn’t know how

[page 2] much they were and when he told me I almost swooned (.55¢). John doesn’t care for them so Mark & I will do the pint justice. I feel like I should make several meals out of them at that price. The last time I priced creamery butter it was about .60¢ lb so I just stick to G.L. I don’t know what meat costs in the stores but know it is very high. Oranges are 45¢ dz and sometimes more. So much for the high cost of eating.

Mark tried to skate yesterday but he didn’t have his shoes laced tight enough and he couldn’t do much. Some of the children made fun of him and he was in a bad mood but I explained to him that he would have to lace his shoes very tight so he thinks maybe he will do better this evening. It is cold enough that the pond is well frozen over. Now that exams are going the children who are exempted are skating – some of them. John wrote you that Angus Washburn, Ina May Walkup & he were the only ones entirely free from exams – Betty Lou & Carol Josserand were here on their way to the pond. Betty L. had to take all but Arith. I must change the subject or you will think I am being a proud mama.

I started adding egg yoke to David’s formula today. 1/8 tsp a day until he gets a whole yolk a day. I see he has his

[page 3] covers kicked off. He has found his hands and spends much of his time looking at them. –

As usual no local paper today (Thurs) so can’t scan over for local news, which probably wouldn’t be much anyway. I worked on the bank statement last night, I mean I checked with my balance and with no taxes or ins. (except mine) paid we have a bal. of around 500⁰⁰ – I bought 6 37⁵⁰ bonds last week – but after I decided to get a coat thought I had better go slow on further investments until after Ins & taxes, car license, etc are all paid. I have a chance to buy a piano for $100⁰⁰. It is a studio, about the size of Ruth M’s. What do you think about getting it? It is about 3 yrs old and is a Wirrletzer. It isn’t a first rate brand but about the same kind as we have, only it is practically new and would be much better for John to practice on. Let me have your opinion if you get this letter.

I think I told you about Amal Taylor giving me a check for $9⁰⁰ and that it “bounced” – I just took it back to the bank and left it in case he deposited any money, so on this month’s statement – I mean Dec. statement it came thru. That is $9⁰⁰ I didn’t have much hope of getting.

[page 4]The uniform money has not come. I think I told you your policy came but it hasn’t yet – there was a slip advising me it would come but as yet it hasn’t. This slip is to take the place of the policy until it is written or sent out. I would think it would be issued by this time. I am enclosing a calendar for Jan. I cut it off a blotter. If you get Geo Tilton’s letter you will get a full year’s calendar – also if you get one of the boxes I sent you will get one (Rexall).

I have given you Jim’s address several times but here it is again – Ship’s company Camp Bradford, Norfolk, Va – James L. Foster S.K.C. Thelma got a release from her job in T. H. and is working for the Army in Norfolk.

David has had a nap and is now awake and John seems to think he needs his mother’s attention, so will have to see if dry pants are needed. The boys have tried to do that for him but are a little awkward and I am afraid they might hurt him. When he gets a little older they will learn to handle him but they seem to think he will break if they try to pick him up.

Love
Mother

©2013 copyright owned and written by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/10/15/the-7th-day-of…ew-year-gladys/