Tag Archives: James L. Foster

Armistice Day 1943 (Gladys)

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: November 11, 1943 envelope

: November 11, 1943, p. 1

: November 11, 1943, p. 2-3

: November 11, 1943, p. 4

Letter transcription:

Kentland Ind.
Nov. 11 – 1943

Dear Daddy –

No mail but had your message Nov. 9. The last letter I had was of Nov. 2. It came the 7^th. I suppose it will be several days before I get any more letters.

I didn’t go to the school program for Armistice Day. Instead I was busy watching the furnace. It got a little off with this new coal, but Mr. Monroe came out this morning and adjusted the feeding gauge and seems to be doing as usual now. I washed and it was nice enough to hang things out, after our preview of winter yesterday. Had quite a snow storm for a few minutes. It didn’t last long but was quite a snow for a little while.

[page 2] I took David out of doors for a while this afternoon – The sunshine was so nice I puttered around in the garage and parked the Taylor Tot just outside so he would be satisfied – He is a wee bit spoiled about having company, but I needed fresh air too & the garage needed attention so it all worked out. I worked around the driveway a little trying to cover up the coal spilled the last time I had coal put in. The sky looks like it is clouding again. Not much sunshine this week.

I took David to have his picture taken yesterday. There were several there with groups, Doris Wilson with their three, Jean Ford with their three, Mary Childress with Blanchard Jr. – and others going after I left. The photographer wasn’t my idea of a person to work with children. He expected David to sit still & then stand

[page 3] still while he fiddled (sp) around getting ready to snap the camera. Well, David doesn’t sit or stand still for anyone. He finally got some poses but I have my doubts about how good they will be.

Boonie is sending the Democrat to all men & women in service from Kentland, so you should start receiving it soon, if not already.

Had a letter from Jim and his rating has been changed to Chief Steam Fitter and expects to be sent to a Ship Yard soon. Said the quota at Norfolk was full. He will have to take a 6 mo. course wherever he goes, so won’t be leaving the county for a while, unless he had his information wrong when he was home last.

It’s about time for J. & M. to come home from school and

[page 4] raid the cookies. I made some two days ago. Put them in the oven in a tin box and they couldn’t find them yesterday when they came home – that is why there are some left today.

I have to have a clinker can emptying this evening. This Ind. coal seems to produce more than the other did. Bun Walkup was supposed to come weeks ago & haul away what has accumulated but he hasn’t been here yet.

Joe Woodruff is home on furlough. He is from Camp Peary but says he will soon be sent out. He told John he got thru boot camp pretty easy because he could play the trombone – However he said he discovered when he was told to learn so much music by the next day – the officer in charge meant business – He didn’t learn it the first time and found himself doing K.P. so after that learned what he was told to learn.

Love – Mother

©2015 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2015/06/05/armistice-day-1943-gladys/

A Letter from Sis (Roscoe)

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: November 9, 1943 envelope

: November 9, 1943, p. 1

: November 9, 1943, p. 2

Letter transcription:

Lieut. R.S. Yegerlehner USNR
USN Base Hosp. #4 Navy 133
F.P.O. San Francisco Calif.
Nov. 9, 1943

Dear Mother,

A letter from Sis came today informing me that your Mother had passed away. I’m very sorry and feel badly that I couldn’t be there to assume the responsibilities with you but that just was not possible. From your letters I knew pretty well what the final outcome would be. As I wrote before you must be very careful now because you have been going on nerves and the let down will have its affect.

Ruth praised you highly in the way you are carrying on. All of which I felt sure of, but it sure makes me feel good to hear it from others. I think I’ve written that before but I don’t mind repeating on a subject of that type.

I hope Jim could come home and help you but Ruth didn’t say if either Glenn or Jim were there. You probably have written all the details but the letters just haven’t made the rounds. Her letter was dated Sept. Oct. 17 and it does seem strange that that should come thru and none of yours. Perhaps you didn’t have time to write as often as you wished.

It seems that D. is still a favorite with

[page 2] his aunt Ruth because she described some of his doings while she was taking care of him. Of course Mark & John came in for their share and she also said that people around there said she looked like me. How terrible for us both!!

I’m glad my Mother could come and be with you for awhile. I know she must have felt badly because I believe she thought lots of your Mother. I suppose we were very fortunate in having the mothers we had and I cannot sympathize with you because mine is still with us even though we have been miles apart for some time now.

Glenn surely picked a very good time to come home because he was able to see his mother before it was too late and I’m sure she was very much pleased with his visit.

Don’t worry about finances, etc., because they will be taken case of as time goes along and worry will only make thinks more severe for you.

I’m very anxious to receive your letters of the past few weeks for I know you have written as often as possible.

All my sympathy Dear and
Lots of Love
Daddy.

©2015 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2015/06/02/a-letter-from-sis-roscoe/

Raking Leaves (Gladys)

1 Reply

: November 5, 1943 envelope

: November 5, 1943, p. 1

: November 5, 1943, p. 2-3

: November 5, 1943, p. 4

Letter transcription:

Kentland Ind.
11-5-43

Dear Daddy –

Yours of Oct. 24 & 25 came today – a little old after having Oct. 30 but appreciated just the same. It has cleared off & the sun is shining very bright. About time to hang up clothes this a.m. it got cloudy but I hung out clothes just the same so feel now like it was the thing to do. I don’t want to hang things in the basement yet. David is awake now after a short nap so I think I’ll get him ready to go out for some of this fall sunshine. He hasn’t been out yet today and likes to go out so well. – Have been out & gathered in clothes. It is very nippy in spite of the sunshine which doesn’t seem to warm very much. I suppose this sounds funny to you.

[page 2] I didn’t get this finished when I started and since have been to cosmopolitan club to Bergens to get a flower for Mrs. Plummer (the cake I baked was somewhat a flop as far as size was concerned so we ate it and got her a potted plant). I went to Plummers then to town to mail some things – I ordered those cold tablets for Marie & they came today so forwarded them to her. You remember I got some for them last year. Dave said he didn’t want to take them but Marie, Isla & Mrs. Mace take them. – While in town I stopped in the Restaurant. Saw Phyllis eating and asked her where Art was keeping himself. She said in Goodland & Monticello. He told Dorothy he was coming to see me but I haven’t seen him yet. Elsaleah isn’t teaching there this year. I don’t know who Phyllis goes around with now that Art & Elsaleah are gone. I see her a lot in the late afternoons when I happen to be in town.

[page 3] I noticed the latest group to enter the Army from this county includes Lowell Ford. He was the only one I knew out of five.

I slipped upon the town election. Saw in the paper that it was all G.O.P. but the entire vote was only 39 so I wasn’t the only one who didn’t vote. Link Trustee from first ward, Reed for Ward two and Harry White for W. three. Bob H. re-elected as Clerk Treasurer. I think the new Hufty baby will arrive sometime in Jan. I don’t know the Wilsons date but Doris has to wear maternity dresses now. Mrs. Gilmore has been ill and Lucile is home from Fla. She said this is the first time in 3 yrs she has been where it is this cold. However she said it felt good. She gets very tired of the weather down there – said it gets monotonous, warm all the time. Now I can’t imagine getting tired of warm weather – I really mean that, and you would so welcome some good vigorous cold snappy weather.

[page 4] Our boys & Zell’s girls finished raking our leaves this evening & burned them. They are going to rake Zell’s back yard tomorrow & pile the leaves on the garden. There were too many leaves to not rake. It is good to leave some on but not as thick as they were. I left them around the shrubbery in front and back too. We didn’t rake too clean – left some for fertilizer. Not all the trees have lost their leaves so with the winds we have will still have some.

So far the Ind. coal has been burning very well. It makes more clinkers but not bad. I scrubbed the furnace room last nite. Was afraid to sweep because of my irritated throat & sinus. At any rate the room is clean and without raising a dust. Jim cleaned the soot out of the furnace when he was here. I suppose it will need to be cleaned quite often with this new coal. At that I had to pay $7⁰⁰ a ton, so it is not cheap.

Must get this ready to mail.
“Love Mother”

©2015 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2015/05/24/raking-leaves-gladys/

Pumpkin Pie (Gladys)

1 Reply

: November 2, 1943 envelope

: November 2, 1943, p. 1

: November 2, 1943, p. 2-3

: November 2, 1943, p. 4

Letter transcription:

Kentland, Ind.
Nov. 2 – 1943

Dear Daddy –

Yours of Oct. 26 came today – The 24 & 25 are still enroute – and will be glad to get them so I will have all up to date. Sometimes those back numbers contain things you don’t repeat, that I would hate to miss. Again I rec’d flowers via Lt. Palmer. He wrote Bergens & they gave me the letter. His address is Portland, Ore. I think I shall drop him a thank you note.

It is cloudy & chilly this afternoon. The sun was shining & I should have taken David out but had quite a few things I wanted to do in the house so I missed the

[page 2] sunshine. It really looks like it will snow. The leaves have all fall – about all I mean. The yard is covered but won’t rake because they will probably blow away & if not make good fertilizer.

Tonight is stunt nite and I should go but haven’t anyone to stay with David and unless I get someone soon (it’s 3:30 now) will definitely stay home. I would just as soon stay home and catch up on a few things but should go because John is in the 8^th grade act.

I made a batch of cookies and 4 pumpkin pies this a.m. I promised Bud yesterday when I gave him a shot that I would bring him a pie. John gave me a very large pyrex pan. I sued for one pie & I am going to take it to Bud. You probably wouldn’t care for any because I was out of cinnamon & used extract of cinnamon.

[page 3] The boys said it was good but tasted a little synthetic. I noticed it didn’t keep them from seconds. I got 21 qts. of pumpkin out of the 5 we cut up. I gave Arlene a qt. – having one t. more than could be cooked in 3 batches (8-8-4).

I heard yesterday that Louise is coming back to stay with Arlene until after the baby comes. Dean thinks he will be sent out and Louise is going to have a baby and will have to come home anyway.

David is taking a nap. He gets so tired since he roams all over the house so much. I was trying to clean & he wanted to follow right after me. I couldn’t get much done so put him in bed & he went to sleep. He jabbers so much & gets a word out now & then. He wants to feed himself but can’t quite make it. Also tries to hold his glass which is a little better done. Still says Da-da & Mom-mom a lot.

[page 4] Mrs. James told me yesterday that Irene went to the Presb. Hosp. in Chicago & stayed 10 days – They found a thyroid condition & are giving her iodine. I do not know the Dr. she went to but someone Mr. Davis knows.

Art Kenny is home & told Dorothy he was coming out to see me. Jack Byrnes said yesterday he hadn’t seen Art yet so he must be pretty busy seeing his relatives. If he comes & I find out anything – I mean if he knows what he is going to do, will let you know.

I must write to Jim & Glen & others. Seems like I spend a lot of time writing, but sure is nice to get letters, especially from you.

“Love Mother”

©2015 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2015/05/19/pumpkin-pie-gladys/

Labor Shortages (Gladys)

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Letter transcription:

MRS. R.S. YEGERLEHNER
KENTLAND
INDIANA
10-30-43

Dear Daddy –

Sat. P.M. – the boys are out in the yard playing football with Dean. John seems to get quite a thrill out of the game. Of course Mark plays it all the time he can, at school & at home. I have been out watering the new shrubbery. We haven’t had much rain so far this fall. It was very warm & sunny today. The yard is full of leaves but why rake them – the wind will blow them away. The Zells are finishing the room upstairs for their girls. Due to labor shortage they are doing the work themselves. Mr. Z. & our boys are going to get some sacks of Ind. coal & fill the hopper to see if we can use it. We will have to do something because no Va. coal is being shipped in. I heard over the radio last nite more coal strikes are being called. Everyone is indignant about such things at a time like this but as I told Mrs. Z. that doesn’t solve the problems or hasn’t so far. We have to go to Sheldon to get some meat. We haven’t used much lately – due to chicken we brought home. Had a letter from Jim today. He doesn’t know what he is going to do – thinks he will possibly be sent out – but I am beginning to think he won’t be, but again you never can tell about such things.

Love Mother

©2015 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2015/05/14/labor-shortages-gladys/

The Woman’s Club (Gladys)

1 Reply

Letter transcription:

Kentland Ind
Oct. 27 – 1943

Dear Daddy –

Yours of Oct. 17 came today – the 18, 19 & 20 came yesterday. You were writing about my throat. I haven’t had any actual soreness for some time but have a hoarseness all the time and keep spitting mucos & have some sinus drainage all the time. I don’t want to look for a sore throat but am a little afraid I will be inclined to have some infection there if this condition continues. Thought I would see Dr. Ade sometime soon if it doesn’t clear up. I don’t want to have a tonsillectomy if it can be avoided. Maybe with sufficient rest it will clear up.

David is on a high horse today. I think I can see two teeth (stomach) about through. He woke me up about 2 a.m. just sucking his thumb & making a little noise he often makes when going to sleep. He won’t stay covered. Try as I will to secure him under his blankets he wiggles out and I find him on top & sometimes at the other end of the bed. He has been going some tall jabbering today – sounds like “Greek er something.” I told him he was a bad boy & he jabbered right after me what sounded like “bad boy.” John said I was stretching my imagination. However when he says something that sounds like “John,” then John says he is calling him. Mark agreed with me that David said “bad boy” so that is how it stands. John is having his troubles at school. Had such a long assignment last night he was carrying on something terrible about Miss K. I told him if he didn’t quiet down I would tell her and he took me right up on it & said he wished I would. Of course I wouldn’t tell her anything, because she has taught school a good many years & I believe is better qualified as to assignments than I would be. That is all the trouble there was but if you could have heard him go on about it you would have thought he had troubles. The band teacher resigned and student directors are going to try & keep the band going. I am glad now I didn’t invest in a horn for Mark because the Jr. band can’t carry on. They were too far behind the Sr. band to combine the two. Mark hardly ever touches his trumpet anyway and I believe it would be the same with anything he would have.

[page 2] The sun was shining this a.m. and I hung some white clothes out. Was going to take David out for a bit of sunshine but it’s cloudy now. Just typical fall weather.

The Woman’s Club had Prof. Phillips from Purdue speak at the meeting last night. Mrs. Zell & I went together. He gave a very interesting talk about what we will do after the war. He reviewed the events following World War I and touched upon the crime waves that have followed all our wars. In the course of his talk he mentioned Time magazine & how it had stooped to vulgarity – It was quite a coincidence – you had mentioned about the same thing in one of the letters I had from you yesterday. In fact you whole letter had run along the same vein he had talked on. I wanted to go tell him about your letter & how it tied up with his talk, but I didn’t. There was a business meeting following his address, so I sat where I was and the visiting men talked to him after he was thru. There were quite a number of men present. Prof. Phillips talked at Rotary once – I believe that was while you were here – or was it – I remember the French woman was on the program you attended.

Dorothy was out yesterday and said Ralph Bower had been appointed Judge. Seems Newell Lamb might have been but for a member of the Committee – That is just gossip and I don’t know enough about it to be certain. At any rate Newell & Ellsworth are supposed to be next up to go the Army and being Judge would get a deferment. D. said Ellsworth was going to try & get a 6 mo. deferment because Doris is going to have another baby.

Had a letter from Jim today & there is a possibility he may be sent to Joliet – in case his rating isn’t changed to Chief Steam fitter. In that event he will be sent to a ship yard. He left his top coat here & I have to send it to him.

I cooked the chicken your mother gave me and besides having two meals from it canned 5 pts. I thought it would be handy to have for quick meals.

David is quiet for some reason. He had a long nap and wish he would take another so I could get one.
“Love Mother”

©2015 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2015/05/08/-the-womans-club-gladys/

Indiana Coal (Gladys)

2 Replies

: October 25, 1943 envelope

: October 25, 1943, p. 1

: October 25, 1943, p. 2

Letter transcription:

Kentland Ind
Oct. 25 – 1943

Dear Daddy –

About all I have done today besides get lunch is write letters. I baked a cake and John & Mark assured me I am the best cake baker. John came in & when he saw the cake & steak hugged & kissed me. I told him he was like Dagwood in the funnies. He saw what was “cooking” before he embraced me. However I appreciated the gesture anyway. Had a letter from Jim & Pauline (she writes for Glen & Co. now) this a.m. and an Ins. receipt. Also rec’d a jar of Morruguant I ordered from Massengill salesman last week. That is the best ointment, bar none, I ever saw for burns. I give “dabs” to the neighbors when they have burns & thought I had better get a new supply. I smeared it over a place on my arm I touched on the hot grill & presto! No burn. It works like magic.

It is blowing today & cloudy. I was going to take David out in the sunshine but don’t see any now. There was some around noon but he was asleep and I was busy getting lunch ready. It feels like winter is blowing its cold breath the way it comes in around even the windows & storm windows. I am going to try a stoker full of Indiana coal. Chet says he has some that is pretty good. I have had our order in since last spring & no Va. Coal has been rec’d here. Floyd said Bluffton was the same way. I saw a load of stoker coal going out at Garrison’s, Earl Pack. I called Bun Walkup about getting me some there but he said he wouldn’t have it so it must be like the kind McCartney had that time. Now I wish we had an oil burner because there seems to be plenty of oil around here. But wishful thinking won’t do any good, so will do the next best thing & try Indiana coal.

David is taking a nap. He is some tired from his visiting. He doesn’t walk alone yet, gets tired of his pen and has too many spills out in the broad open spaces, so little fellow has a hard time once in a while. He certainly has a mind of his own about what he wants to do. I just wonder if Daddy wouldn’t spank a little more than Mother does. So far he hasn’t gotten very many but I think he will get them in time.

[page 2] I have a roll of film so will get some pictures in a day or so, depending on the sunshine. I would take the whole roll & send them this week but don’t know when I can get more so will make this roll last longer.

Today was music club but hardly felt up to social gatherings. Thought I would take David for a walk & mail the letters I have written but it seems so chilly, don’t know whether to take him out or not. He is still asleep – his second nap toady – but I think he was pretty tired from all our visiting around.

J. & M. can write you about their grades. John is getting ready for stunt night. He has a part in the 8^th grade play. Mark plays football all the time. He is trying so hard to get a muscle & get heavy – by the way he is in the 5^th grade this year.

Love Mother

Letter to Jim (Roscoe)

5 Replies

[Editor’s Note: This letter to Jim Foster was included in Roscoe’s letter to Gladys of October 22, 1943. It is unique to the collection because it is likely the only letter that Roscoe wrote to someone other than Gladys and the boys that survives. Faithful readers will notice a definite change in writing style and tone. The letter’s survival is due the the fact that it was mailed to Gladys, whether intentionally or by mistake.]

: October 22, 1943, p. 1

: October 22, 1943, p. 2

Letter transcription:

Lieut. R.S. Yegerlehner USNR
Navy 60
F.P.O. San Francisco, Calif.

Dear Jim,

Your v-mail written Aug. 1^st arrived today so I’ll hurry and return one – The letters you wrote before took about 6 mo. to get here and I was certain you would be moved before I could return a letter to you – anyway thanks for writing me and I’m duly ashamed for not writing to you sooner.

I’m truly sorry about your mother but I’m at a loss to give her my medical service because of distance, etc. Financially I think Gladys has enough to give her the medical attention she needs – It really was fine that you could get home to see her if it was only for a few days.

I have plenty of shoulder brass so no need to send more – and anyway out here it would not make any difference. In fact I didn’t wear any for some time for I didn’t want to be a prize package. It’s quite customary in certain

[page 2] regions for all officers and men to wear the same uniform. However, we are very much civilized now that is in comparison to our first month or two.

I suppose you are interested in seeing some of the old world and are anxious to get out. I was just that over one year ago but somehow I’ve seen more than somewhat and that good old flat land around Kentland would be a sight for sore eyes. The tour of duty here has never been clearly stated so I’ve no idea how long I might be here. If it’s going to be a long time I do hope I can push forward because monotony is a slow way to pass time. I had some hope of getting home by Christmas but it begins to look doubtful. Anyway I can’t ask favors because other have been out as long as I have and they have vital interests at home the same as I.

Gladys sure has been a Dear in keeping things going and has been assuming the home responsibilities in a great big way and believe me I’m proud of her and desperately in love with her as much so as say 15 years ago – pardon the romantic side of an old salt.

Hope you get to stay in the good old USA because I know Thelma will appreciate it lots. Best wishes to Thelma and Regards.
Jake

In Clay City (Gladys)

1 Reply

: October 21, 1943 envelope

: October 21, 1943, p. 1

: October 21, 1943, p. 2

Letter transcription:

Clay City, Ind.
10-21-1943

Dear Daddy –

You will note from the heading I am in C.C. We went thru T.H. yesterday & left J. T. at Mayroses. We left Kent about 2 PM & started for C.C. about 5 – then I happened to think I wanted to see Ethel W. It was a good thing I did because Wayne was at Teachers Convention and Ethel was going to take Mark & go home today. I didn’t have time to visit long because all three boys were anxious to get going but at least I saw her a few minutes. We got almost here & had to detour past Dietz – they are oiling 59 and all the traffic has to come this way. Your mother certainly is getting the dust when the wind is from the south. She is hoping it will change so the people on the south side of the road will get part of it – or that she won’t get it all. She & Dad slept upstairs last nite. I had to sleep down because of the baby’s bed so she thought I wouldn’t rest well on the davenport. I slept pretty good until 3 a.m. then was awake off & on until time to get up. I still feel tired but I think I will for a while.

We are going to town this afternoon and do some visiting. Faye asked us down to dinner tomorrow – then the next day will be Sat. & Sun. we go back. Time soon flies. It was cloudy this a.m. early & we had a shower but it’s cleared off now and seems very pleasant out. John is with Dwane & Mark with Glendon. Glendon was going nut hunting and of course that suited Mark but not John. John got his report card yesterday. He had 3 – A+’s, 2- A’s, 1 – B+ and two S’s. S is for satisfactory and Phy. Ed & Citizenship have just two grades – satisfactory or D which is below passing. John, Angus, Ina M. Walkup

[page 2] and Evelyn Mingle in the 8^th grade were on the honor roll.

David is taking a nap. He has been having a good time this morning. I brought the Taylor Tot along & he can get around in it. The pen is too big to fit in the back of the car & is a nuisance to take along – anyway he doesn’t like to stay in it so the Taylor Tot was the best to bring, then when we go to town we can put him in it while we shop. He can’t walk along & is too heavy to carry. Besides he doesn’t like to be carried – squirms down when he takes a notion he would rather walk.

J. & T. will start back Fri. for Norfolk. He may be there for a while yet or may be sent to another shipyard if he gets changed to Chief steam fitter.

Mom is mashing potatoes, so must go help.
Love,
Mother

John and Lovina Yegerlehner in front of their farmhouse (Clay City, Indiana) in the 1910s.

New Tree (Gladys)

2 Replies

Letter transcription:

MRS. R.S. YEGERLEHNER
KENTLAND
INDIANA
10-19-43

Dear Daddy – Yours of Oct. 12 & 13 came today. I was downtown this afternoon 5 P.M. & saw Barry the Mass. Salesman. He had pictures of his twins. They really are some boys. Barry of course wanted to know when you were coming home. He saw David and thought he was growing very much. We saw Lucile & Jimmy Ed. Jim, Thelma & I walked to town for some fresh air. I have been so tired – I thought I would lie down a few minutes this afternoon and went to sleep and John woke me up when he came in from school. He, Mark & Jim have gone to the football game. They were planning on Uncle Jim buying hot dogs for them. They said what fun is a foot ball game without hot dogs. I am not used to cooking for Jim. It’s just like shoveling coal into a furnace to feed him. I don’t see how he stays so streamlined as much as he eats. Thelma told me he has to go back to school Oct. 25 if he doesn’t get his rating changed. He has applied Chief Steam fitter and if he gets that will be sent to some ship building yard – he says the quota where he is is full. The Onarga Co. finally replaced the tree & I had some more shrubs put in the back yard. I had Jim water all of them today – want him to water them before we leave tomorrow. They said that one tree was too dry. It is on a little hill but it was guaranteed so should be replaced. The new one is very nice looking. We are still having nice weather. Hope it lasts this week. It’s about time for the boys to come home.

Love Mother