Tag Archives: Jimmy Ed Johnson

Sunday Afternoon (Gladys)

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Letter transcription:

Kentland Ind
Jan 24 – 1943

Dear Daddy –

Sunday afternoon and not much doing. John is improvising at the piano. Mark is upstairs dallying around, David is asleep. Mother is trying to fix the fire and I decided to write. It is more like spring today than the weather we have been having. The snow is gone only in places where the sun doesn’t shine directly on. It is very soft underfoot as you can imagine after all the ice and snow that has been on for so long. I took Jimmy Ed’s buggy back home so can’t take David for a ride until I get another. We got the proofs of his pictures today and they are very good. As soon as we get them finished – and the rest

[page 2] of ours finished will send the folder you want. I had mine taken yesterday too but don’t like the results so will have another sitting. John & Mark had theirs taken today so don’t know yet what results will be.

Yesterday when I took the buggy back it was about 5 P.M. and Lucile was asleep – When she came to the door she looked like she was still needing sleep. She wanted to know how long before David slept through the 2 a.m. bottle – when I told her he was about 3 mo. she didn’t take it so well. She said she is trying to break Jimmy Ed now (3 weeks). She said “you didn’t try to break David, did you.” I said “no I just let him do it on his own.” Jimmy Ed had a better start than David and I felt it meant more to him to have that 2 a.m. than for me to get that sleep – Everybody to their own opinion. However Jimmy Ed

[page 3]didn’t sleep thru. She let him sleep after his 6 P.M. bottle and he didn’t awaken until 11 – for the next and she thought he would go thru until 6 – but at 2:45 had to be fed.

At this writing I am still having some sinus trouble – but by the time you get this will probably be all over it (I hope). This has hung on for several weeks. I had been going to Ade but the trips every other day were too hard on me. I went down to Dr. M. He has a motor that pumps salt water thru the sinus and I have had that done several times but can’t say whether it has helped me or not. I still have a yellow drainage all the time. I don’t stop up but the drainage keeps coming whether I do anything or not. I have been using some Glucofederin and that cleans my head out good but hasn’t so far checked anything. I wrote you a letter telling you about Dr A. opening and washing it out once. I suppose it

[pge 4] will gradually get less & less – as it isn’t as bad as it was.

–I went down to Funks a while this afternoon and took David. They thought David looks older than Donnie – tho Donnie is at least 4 lbs heavier. I think they look about the same as far as expressions are concerned but Donnie can hold on to things better. They were getting ready to go to Carl’s for dinner – and were taking both children along. Rosemary is to have her baby in April. Mary & Bernard’s girl is beginning to stand alone but I think Donnie is about as big as she is. Arlene had seen a picture in the paper showing some tall corn grown in New Caledonia. It was being inspected by an Army man. She cut the picture out to use for her topic – New Caledonia at Literary Club in Feb.

I started to tell you about taking Sulfa – Dr. M. told me to take sulfadiaizine three or four day s and maybe it would help to stop this sinus condition – Well I had taken it for 3 days and I had started to itch – then

[page 5] I was talking to Alma W. and she has been getting sinus treatments from Dr. R. at Goodland and he had given her a prescription for Paredrine Sulfathiazole Suspension – I had some samples and thought I would try it. Well, the diazine had got me started and putting the thiazole drops in my nose was the proverbial straw – I was worse – just stopped me up so I couldn’t breathe – After waiting a while I used Glucofederin and that cleared me up so I could get my breath thru my nose again. Now I know I can’t take sulfa long enough to get results. Now don’t worry about me I am getting along and thought I would just relate the above since I didn’t get a bad case of allergy from the diazine. I probably would have if I had kept on taking it another day.

The boys (J & M) have gone to the Sunday evening meeting and we have The Quiz Kids tuned in – they now broadcast on Sun evening instead of the original Wed. I may get some wise answers in this. However I hardly feel that clever

[page 6]Mon morn Jan 25 – I didn’t get this finished in time for the boys to take to the box last night – Had 3 letters this morning – Well you can do some more showing pictures in the near future – I hope – I hope they get to you before they are a month or two old. Our baby is doing things. I tied the handles of the basket together with a rattle suspended for him to watch and he kicks it. Also he braces his feet against the handles. Had quite a time this morning before bath time. He laughs now and I discovered a ticklish spot while bathing him. I was doing an extra good job under his arms and he laughed and giggled. He laughs for Mark when he talks to him and that makes Mark very proud.

I must go boil bottles & mix formula – so it will be ready for the next feeding – and look in on the young man. He is in his bed in the den and keeps his covers kicked off if not watched. I will be glad when spring comes and he won’t have to be covered all the time – More cold weather today From spring yesterday to 10 above today.

Love Mother

© 2013 copyright owned and written by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/11/17/sunday-afternoon-gladys/

With Love Jeanette McDonald (Roscoe)

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Jan 22, 1943

Dear Mother,

Noon chow over and Sick Call over – so now for a period or relaxation. I’ll repeat what I said about the taxes. Pay the last two installments of 1941 and forget about 1942. If there is money on hand buy bonds and those can be cashed in to pay the taxes, when the time comes. Just keep all figures. If you haven’t paid those two installments – do so with a note signed by Agnes M. that the lateness is due to my being out of the states. However, if it isn’t paid and they don’t charge interest for that – I mean 1941 – Just skip it also. Now I’m going to

[page 2] stop talking about taxes.

It’s clear today but we have a rather strong breeze and our tent flaps and bangs and sometimes we wonder if it’s going to stay or go – so far it has stayed.

I got the pictures of Funks OK. and wrote them thanking them for the same. Guess Arleen has told you about it by now. I found out about the Johnson baby several days sooner than about D. I knew about their baby on the 20. And it took at least one full month for D. arrival to be sent to me. Really seemed longer than that.

I still haven’t found out what I wanted to know about the first letter. When did you get mail from me first? The first letter you I wrote you said

Image courtesy of Wikipedia Commons

[page 3] arrived on Sept. 22. Now on what day did you first receive mail? It isn’t important only curious. Dr. P. got a package from home this A.M. with air mail envelopes, stationary a large candle, pictures and newspaper clippings. I got the C.C. news & Fred scored a blank. Dr. P. got letter pictures of his children of the boys’ girl friends and of his Dad and dog. And also one of Jeanette McDonal on which his wife had written – with Love from Jeanette McDonald. He got the joke but also swore a little too because I think he would rather have had his wife’s picture. It was in a folder with the rest. The folder was about like the one you sent me.

We have plenty of stationary etc so don’t try to send anymore. In fact I think you

[page 4] won’t be able to send anything unless I give you a written order signed by the commanding officer and since I don’t particularly want anything the order won’t be sent.

I’m going to try to write to the boys today. Answering John’s letter I don’t know if Mark wrote or not but I’ll write just the same – he may have written V-mail or his letter might have been waylaid as others have been coming this way.

Everything I’ve sent you you have received except the last package which was sent along the latter part of Dec. It was before Christmas probably you have that by now. If I can find a suitable box I’m going to send the next stuff tomorrow. I’ll describe those things in a later letter after I definitely mail them.

Last night’s show was Carolina Moon

Image courtesy of Wikipedia Commons

[page 5] not too good. Night before last Joe Penner in The Boys From Someplace. I can’t remember – It was pretty funny. Martha Ray was in it.

Later after the show – got a Christmas greeting from Fischers at Clay City. Your letter sent on from the Sisters and a V-mail letter from Sykes. Sykes letter was dated Dec. 30. So that V-mail is still not as fast as your air mail. I wish some of that Dec. mail would come in of around Christmas time and just before.

Well, it’s way past bed time so must hit the hay –
Lots of love
Daddy
P.S. I’ve written both the boys so if one gets mail and the other doesn’t they will understand.

©2013 copyright owned and written by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/11/14/with-love-jean…cdonald-roscoe/ ‎

Military Monday – Dear Mother (Roscoe)

1 Reply

Letter transcription:

Jan 20, 1943

Dear Mother,

The cool that I wrote of in yesterday’s letter is still with us and very welcome – along with that is a pretty good breeze so that also takes care of the mosquitoes for if they don’t take cover they will be bashed to misquitoburger. Along with the cool it is also cloudy. Last night after finishing your letter I wrote Ed. Johnson – answered a Christmas greeting from the Mullen family and also one from Helen Salter. I’ve been trying to write a short note to all who sent greetings. Those I mail free because they only put 3¢ stamps on them and free is in the same status. One of these days I’m going to get another

[page 2] box ready to send home – really haven’t gotten everything made as yet. These things will be something when done or will they you can be the judge only it probably will be several days before they get there. I guess by now you know the new ruling on packages. If you don’t the P.O. will inform you when you try to mail them.

Up to now I have had two occasions to stop this letter. The first was nature in one of its calls. The second was a boy with a nose cold. While out I noticed that “Old Baldy” our mountain was completely hidden by a rain and what is ordinarily the long stretch of blue. The ocean was also a hazy smudge. These scenes around here are enough under ordinary times to make

[page 3] one really be in awe but in war time and under our present conditions Baldy is a big pile of dirt and the stretch of blue is just a big drink. In other words there ‘aint’ no romance. In some places these mountains remind one of our eastern range. That is there is a fair amount of vegetation and in other places the western range. I never did say much about the airplane trip to the west coast but I know there is some of the most desolate looking places in some of those states.

I’m still wondering about the uniform money and I won’t send in another letter until about the last of this month so that will give you time to give me word in case you should get it. That is if word of any kind ever gets here from you again – Seems as if

[page 4] our mail is no better than at Christmas time. There were lots of Christmas packages in the P.O. yet this AM and I never have received a calendar but maybe in time those things will come. I’ll finish later.

Will wonder never cease – Your letter of Jan 7th came today – Now my mail is like this Dec. 17 – Dec. 30 & 31 and Jan 7. All the others  is are missing.

Now to get down to your letter – First let’s take you. I think your treatment has been swell. My only diff suggestion would have been Sulfadiazine grains 15 every 2 hours the first day. Every 3 the next and about 2 after each meal for a few days. And don’t use too much stuff in your nose. It can get too irritated. Then another thing as you have heard me say often – Nervousness and anxiety does help those things, so try to be as calm as you can I know you must worry etc but don’t on my account

[page 5] and as long as the baby gains and keeps taking his food he is OK. Even though he does run that slight temperature don’t worry – Rectal temperatures are always one degree higher you know. After your course of neoprontisil provided you aren’t better – get some capsules of propradiene (may be misspelled) hydrochloride gr 3/8 and take on 3 times each day with an A.P.C. compound every 3 hours, by the time you get this I hope you won’t need the advice. And don’t blow your nose. Now about D. Throw the thermometer away as long as he eats and gains. And again on you – get some unicaps or similar vitamins and take about 6 or 8 each day for the first week and then cut down and if you can keep from it don’t stew too much. I know it takes all your reserve and strength and your recuperative power is low but it you will do the above I think things will be OK.

[page 6] Don’t feel that I’m bawling you out I’m trying to help long distant. Our letters made the round trip in 22 days – which is very good if things would just keep up that way – but we have no way of telling which is coming and which is not.  This letter today I was very glad to get since it answered lots of questions an gave me conditions at home – and I do really hope & pray that you are better by now.

You mentioned the Johnson baby of course that was the first I knew – You didn’t say what day. It was only a mention and the name.

Well as you said I’ve rambled over lots of space but haven’t said much but Dear I hope you are better and Lots of Love

Daddy

P.S. I’ll send in again about the uniform money. I’ve answered the question about the extra money.

© 2013 copyright owned and written by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/11/10/military-monda…-mother-roscoe/

10 Below (Gladys)

1 Reply

1943-01-20 #1Letter transcription:

MRS R.S. YEGERLEHNER
KENTLAND
INDIANA
1-20-43

Dear Daddy- No school again today. The blizzard drifted the snow yesterday so the busses couldn’t travel. There isn’t much wind today but very cold – 10 below. Our furnace runs most of the time but we are keeping it well looked after. The boys being home have time to keep the hopper filled and take clinkers out. In case you missed some of my Dec & Jan letters we are having one of the coldest (with more snow) winters in years. It started Thanksgiving and hasn’t let up much since. It is too cold today for veteran skaters. Even Mark would rather stay in than go out today. Yesterday he went to town once to go to the P.O. and said the town was full of transport trucks. The road north was blocked and they were held up here. We saw some going over 24 so maybe they tried another route. It is very bright and sunny today so will try to get some pictures taken. Haven’t gotten to the photographer yet – it is too cold to go now but will try to go as soon as this weather breaks – I still have Jimmy Ed Johnson’s buggy – but I hardly think he will need it yet – He is just two weeks old so guess his mother won’t take him out in this sub weather. David hasn’t been out since early in Dec but there has been so much snow couldn’t push the buggy thru it and it has been too cold to do a small baby any good taking him out. What’s your opinion? Even with a fur coat it’s too cold for me.

Love Mother

©2013 copyright owned and written by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/11/09/10-below-gladys/

Last day for regular air mail (Gladys)

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Letter transcription:

Kentland Ind
1-15-43

Dear Daddy –

Today is the last day for regular air mail to men overseas, so after this I will probably use mostly V-mail. However at the rate you have received my letters I don’t believe they went by air. I will write a few regular & the rest V-mail. Will have to use regular for pictures. It was announced over the radio that the restriction to send boxes out is for Army & does not apply to Navy or Marine.

We are having more “weather.” It began to snow then sleeted a while now it is clear but we have more snow to shovel.

Mark went back to school today but John is still lying around with stiff neck. He has missed two days of school. He seems to feel well otherwise.

[page 2]Dorothy White called this morning and wanted to know if Dr. M. could borrow your microscope. She came out and got it. Dr. M. is buying a new one and has turned his old one in and is temporarily out of one. She said Dr. sent you a box and was wondering if you would get it. I told her now that the Christmas mail is delivered I thought you would get it.

Dorothy wanted me to ask you what it was you used to give Nick when he had the pain in his elbows, etc. You told him it was caused from going out in the cold from the hot kitchen. It was a white tablet. If you can remember let me know and I’ll tell them. So far the Johnson baby has been doing some night crying. Of course coming home in a week doesn’t help matters.

[page 3] I suppose they will get the little fellow regulated after a while. They are a little late with their child experience. We had ours before we had time to settle into a “groove.” Of course David has been good and staying in the hospital 2 weeks I think helped. He seemed to know when to sleep. I see Link is driving their car around with Irene & Jimmy on a sled in back. Bobby Funk has his sled out too. We have had plenty of sledding & skating weather. We just get rid of one snow when another one comes along. I suppose this kind of weather will last till spring since it started at Thanksgiving. I think Thanksgiving was the last time I hung clothes out in the yard. Probably will be some time before I do again.

It is about time for D. to have a bottle & the rest of us to eat too.

Love
Mother

P.S. These letters the boys wrote somehow didn’t get mailed when written.

©2013 copyright owned and written by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/10/29/last-day-for-r…ir-mail-gladys/

When it rains it pours (Gladys)

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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/

Will try this again (Gladys)

5 Replies

1943-01-12Letter transcription:

MRS R S YEGERLEHNER
KENTLAND
INDIANA
1-12-43

Dear Daddy –

Will try this again. The boys have been using V-mail and I used just air mail but since you asked for this, here ‘tis. We are all better today. Mark has to stay in bed but he has only a slight temperature 4 points in the red. I told him if he kept quiet this afternoon he could get up in the morning. John will be glad of that because he has been waiting on him and doing his work and Mark’s too. David is on his bath table but isn’t liking it too well. He usually likes to lie and kick, but I just put him back in his bed and now he is ‘singing.’ The way he moves when he is awake makes me think of perpetual motion. I don’t know how cold it is today but the storm windows on the south upstairs were frosted over. I noticed Zell’s south windows were frosted too. The J.A.M.A. came today. Do you want that renewed? I asked you once or twice before but no answer. Got a letter from Uncle Wes this A.M. He said he sent you some maps and was sending an atlas. Lucile Johnson came home from the hospital today – Jimmy Ed is a week old but they are so crowded over there (Watseka). I stayed just a week longer than she did. I sent Jimmy Ed a gift and wrote her a letter and she answered. Said she thought she had better write letters before she comes home. Catty Wilson is going to stay with them for a while. At one week J.E. has gained 5 oz. and at that rate he will soon be a heavy weight. My right sinus is OK but there is some infection in the left but it keeps draining all the time, so maybe it will soon get cleared up.

Love Mother

©2013 copyright owned and written by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/10/23/will-try-this-again-gladys/

I feel better (Gladys)

1 Reply

Letter transcription:

Kentland Ind
Jan 8 – 1943

Dear Daddy –

Another day to Laf- and that means not much done at home. Dr. Ade said my nose & throat looked better and they feel better so maybe I will be thru with treatments now – might have to go back once. I feel better so maybe I can get over this thing. It seems to drag out but it would since I have to go so far for treatments. I am glad I have been going to Dr. A. because if I had been going to M. I probably would have gotten discouraged and changed anyway (psychology). I have been to Laf. every other day since last Sat. Dorothy was going with me today and when I called her this morning she said the roads weren’t safe, but I knew the other day when we went (Mrs. Zell & I) the

[page 2] snow plows were working both sides of the pavement and I didn’t see how they could get bad no more snow than we have had. I knew she didn’t want to go, so I called her back and told her I was going to leave before she could get away from the restaurant. I decided I would try it and if it wasn’t safe I would come back but Mr. Zell had to do to Laf. to get some things for the office so John & I went with him and Mrs. Zell kept David. When we got to 41 it was dry and all cleaned off – as clean as in the middle of summer. So I got a trip to the Dr. on the County Agent’s gasoline. I still have 24 gal to use by Jan 21 and this is the 8th. Dorothy called me about 6 P.M. to find out how I made the trip. I don’t know where she got her information but she was so sure the roads were slick. Now don’t worry about me driving when the roads aren’t safe. If I had

[page 3]taken our car and the pavement had been slick I wouldn’t have tried to drive. So much for that. I got the Johnson baby a gift today, but didn’t have time to get it wrapped and ready for Ed to take to the hospital this evening. I have been “dripping” along with this nose & throat condition so haven’t visited Lucile at the hospital. I probably won’t get to see her until she gets home.

While in Loebs today I saw Alice & Stilly Berry – they stopped and talked but didn’t mention the balance of their account. They showed me the picture of their baby. They wanted Algood’s address.

Mead’s sent us a 50 cc bottle of Oleum Percomorphum. I talked to Byrnes over the phone about writing to the Co. and I thought he understood I wanted Dextri-Maltose, Pablum & Oleum but he just asked for the Oleum. If I had known

[page 4] that I would have written the letter myself but this 50 cc bottle will last a long time.

Monday when I was in Dr. Cole’s office & his nurse made a blood count the Hemoglobin percent was 81 red count 4,160,000 – and I had a shot of Liver & Vit B so I should be in pretty good shape. Mrs. Cole came in with Dr. Cole’s lunch while I was there. I think she does that every day. He asks about you every time I go in. I think I mentioned all this in other letters but maybe you missed them.

The uniform money hasn’t come yet. The bank bal. without the Ins. & taxes, etc., paid is around 500⁰⁰. I told you in a previous letter I got a new coat – $108⁰⁰. Last week I bought 6 bonds (37⁵⁰) – In yesterday’s letter I asked you about getting a piano I have a chance to get for $100⁰⁰. It is a small one like Ruth Mutchler’s. Let me have an opinion.

Mrs. Roberts called me last night. She hadn’t had a letter for over a week and was wondering why. I haven’t had one since Wed but probably will get two or three or tomorrow.

Love Mother

Your first letter came Sept. 22

©2013 copyright owned and written by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/10/17/i-feel-better-gladys/

Answering questions (Gladys)

4 Replies

Letter transcription:

Kentland Ind
Jan 6 – 1942 [1943]

Dear Daddy –

Yours mailed Dec 31 (Dated 29) rec’d this morning. You will surely get lots of mail now. I called Funks to tell them about their letters and gifts rec’d but Arlene & Bill are in Missouri but will be back tomorrow or next day. They will probably write to you again. I just read your letter again to be sure and answer questions. The uniform money hasn’t come. I have had Mr. Monroe out twice to look at the furnace. I will have him go over the radiators again. He keeps it oiled. I have been keeping the car checked at Childress. I will have him take a look at the battery this week. In case you missed the letters I mentioned the baby’s feedings, I am giving him Vit C tablets. Now 3 tbsp pablum at 10 AM plus 5 oz milk. He acts like he is going to get fat

[page 2] but he has a good appetite and there isn’t much to do with a baby but satisfy their hunger. However he doesn’t take half the dextri-maltrose the Mead chart calls for. I am afraid he would look pudgy if I put in 6 tbsp instead of 2 ½ – 6 is what the Mead chart gives for 3 mo. old. I asked Jack Byrnes to write to Mead Johnson about baby food – since we use pablum dextri & oleum. I rec’d a letter from the Co. and said they were sending a bottle of Oleum but didn’t mention anything else. I haven’t talked to Byrnes about what he wrote asking them for. There seems to be a shortage of canned milk. I could only get 12 cans from Knowltons, 3 from Bairs, 2 from Fords, that is of Carnation. I went to Laf. again today so got a dz cand of Pet at a store there. If you get all my letters you will wonder about all the trips to Laf. I have been going to Dr. Ade for throat & sinus treatments. I asked him today why it was dragging along so and he said it was

[page 3] the nature of the “bug” that is around this year. I am not sick enough to go to bed but my throat & sinus keeps bothering me. I have been staying in very close – only go out to make the trips – I went Sat, Mon, today (Wed) and am to go Fri. I didn’t drive during Dec so still have enough gas tickets to make several trips is necessary. He told me today to take neopronticil. I told you in yesterday’s letter I am giving neo to the baby. Dr. Cole says he has a sore throat. He runs a little temp but seems to feel fine. His temp was running 100 every day and now since I have been giving him Neo it has dropped to 99 2/10. I suppose when I get my throat all well he will get over his. It doesn’t bother him. He sleeps good and after the 10 P.M. bottle sleeps till 7 A.M. (next morning). At present gains 1 oz a day, sometimes more. I sent you several picture just before Christmas. Maybe you have them by now. You didn’t mention the pictures Arlene sent, or did you get them?

[page 4] John doesn’t have to go to school tomorrow or Fri – due to exemptions from all exams. Now if you were the bragging type you would tell everyone that. Mark of course has to take all exams because that isn’t done in the grade school. John is going to do David’s washing in the morning – if you can call it that – putting the things in the Bendix & then taking them out – and by the way – the Borax does the trick for the ammonia diapers – we dissolve ½ cup borax and pour it in the last rinse and then we have no odor, otherwise the smell is bad the next time we remove a wet diaper. I am not bragging – just stating a fact. Mark tried out his skates today but didn’t do so well. We are having cold weather again. Just before Christmas it turned warm & the snow melted but it is cold again and there was snow today. Made slow driving but the snow plows were working both sides of the pavement. It seems like we are going to have plenty of cold weather this winter. The snow isn’t as heavy, unless it keep snowing, as it was before Christmas.

The Johnson’s named their heir

[page 5] James Edward or “Jimmy Ed.” I would like to go see Lucile while she is in the hospital but won’t go unless I get rid of this head condition. Now I’ll have to return the buggy and I only used it a few times. Unless the weather gets a lot warmer won’t need one till spring. I rec’d the comb & brush manicure set & flowers for Christmas. I told you that before in several letters – Also the money you sent. Do you think I should put all our money, we don’t use for expenses, in war bonds – Let me know. The bank only pays 1% – the Bldg L. – 4% or they did but that may be cut now. After I get the insurance & taxes taken care of – and all the other first of year expenses will send you a financial report.

Seems like I have covered a lot of paper & not said much either but it is hard to write when the boys (two eldest) are asking questions & talking all the time but I keep hoping I’ll do better next time.

Love
Mother

©2013 copyright owned and written by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/10/13/answering-questions-gladys/

So you got your laundry (Gladys)

2 Replies

Letter transcription:

Kentland Ind
Jan 5 – 1943

Dear Daddy –

Yours of Dec 26, 27 & 28 rec’d. Also John and Mark each received theirs today. Thanks a lot for the picture. Altho I recognized only one face I was glad to get the group picture. That will be something to keep and for you to look at after you are home – You can tell us then all about everything and everybody. So you got your laundry and cokes. I had written that I had a surprise in the box & that was it. I was afraid those cokes would stop off before sailing. The pictures for Lentz was in a box I mailed for your birthday but is was sent before the laundry box so it may be last. In that box I put a camera & two roll of films also various other things. I do hope you get it and all the letters I have written the last two months.

I am trying to rest a little and write at the same time. Clara M. came today to help and I couldn’t relax very well while she was here, but she just left. She is good help and I am having her come once a week now. After having

[page 2] taken so much sulfa I was afraid my blood count would be down but while in Cole’s office yesterday his nurse made a count and it wasn’t bad, but I had my liver & B along so he gave me a shot. He examined David and found he had a sore throat. He had been running a temp again since I had my last “round,” so I am giving the baby neopronticil. What a mess, but his temp is going down – was just 99 2/10 at 2 P.M. The strange thing about it you (I) would never know he had anything wrong if I hadn’t taken his temp. Well he did sound a little nasal and that was why I took his temp. He eats regularily – and takes all his bottle every time besides pablum every morning. I was afraid he would be hard to get along this week because the boys talked to him so much last week but he has been fine. Has found his hands and plays with them so much. He chews his fingers sometimes like he might be getting ready to cut teeth, but there isn’t any sign of teeth. Sucks left thumb. Weighed 12 – 9 oz.

I called Dorothy this morning and she said the Johnson’s have a 8-11 boy.

[page 3] I wanted to tell Dorothy you got the cokes. She knew when I sent them. We were afraid they wouldn’t get to you. John and I decided then we should have sent you some dry ice so you could have them cold – might do that sometime.

I saw Dr. Ade again yesterday and he treated my throat and I am to go again Fri. It feels good but he says he want to see me again. In case you haven’t some of my previous letters I had a throat infection. It would come & go – I thought I was all over it after I tool sulfathiaziole but it came back and I had a sinus infection too – so I went to see Dr. A. and he treated me and now I feel much better. After looking at my throat and treating it he said the baby had good resistance to get by as he did – with only a slight temp & sore throat. Now please don’t worry about us, we are all better and hope to stay well. After this at the first sign of a sore throat I am going to Dr. A. and have a treatment. He and his wife are in the same office now and he has rooms & rooms. The waiting room is very large so they can have several waiting and it doesn’t seem like they are so rushed. However I think he is as busy as ever. I think he said a Dr. Holliday or maybe Halloway is back. He has been

[page 4]abroad and is I suppose home on leave. I mentioned in last night’s letter that I got a new coat. It is just plain black seal but what I liked and it was on sale for $108.95. I looked at several different kinds but this suited me so bought it. Also got a silly hat that will do for spring. You would like it – it is “red.”

Mrs. Zell went with me and did some shopping for their 3 girls. She bought snow suits for each and her total bill was over $40⁰⁰ – but wraps are being made with poorer material all the time and she was afraid to wait until next fall to buy. I should get Mark a new coat now too. He needs one – is wearing John’s old coat now.

I bought a new innersprings mattress for David’s bed (the one Mary Parttens loaned me) and Mark has wanted a new mattress for a long time. He didn’t say much because it was for David but I think he would like one too. I told him I wouldn’t get one for him until he quit jumping on his bed. John doesn’t say much.

David has been good all afternoon and seems to want some attention now. John is practicing on the sax – Mark did practice on the cornet but is now eating candy – about all the Christmas candy is gone —

Love
Mother

©2013 copyright owned and written by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found at:  https://genealogylady.net/2013/10/11/so-you-got-your-laundry-gladys/