Tag Archives: John F. Yegerlehner

Plane Crash (Gladys)

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September 4, 1945 envelope

Letter transcription:

September 4, 1945, p. 1

Sept. 4 – 1945

Dear Daddy –

It’s nearly 10 o’clock and I have an ironing to do and cabbage to cut for kraut, but the mail just came with yours of 8-31 & 9-1 so I am going to write now and work later. Also had a letter from the Moores. I wrote them and sent the baby’s pants. B. said J.B. had a letter from you. She said 8 of the boys went out on points (and very happy). David seems normal this morning. He didn’t run any temp. yesterday, but this morning he called me at about 7:30 and wanted a glass of drink – I had been up with him at 4 too for same. It was so chilly this morning I thought he must have a temp. to be wanting a drink so early, but he doesn’t have and is playing around here very happily. It is too cool for him to go out – that is, there is no sunshine and it is damp & chilly so I am keeping him in. Last night John was going upstairs with him to put him to bed and somehow he fell down the stairs. John said he just sort of slid down on his “bottom end.” He was scared some and John had to carry him back up and then David refused to even walk from the bathroom to his bed. He told John “I might fall.” However he seems to have forgotten – has been back upstairs by himself this morning.

Statons took Mark with them to the fair last night. Jimmy wanted someone along with him. Mark saw a piper cub crash out there and was quite impressed. I don’t believe he will be so

September 4, 1945, p. 2

[page 2] anxious to take plane rides now. It really quieted him down on the subject.

John got his course straightened out finally. He is taking speech this year instead of English, and Smith is his teacher. He takes Latin and has Kitsmiller. Smith told him if he takes speech it won’t be necessary to take English. He is much happier about school now. He mowed the back yard after school yesterday. I paid Mark $2.00 to clean up the yard the first time because it was such a job, but I am putting them back on a monthly basis and told then it was both their job now.

– – The sun has come out and it’s nearly noon. I stopped to get a few things done. I had promised an upside down cake for today so had to get it baked for lunch.

I am sending your mother one of David’s pictures today for her birthday the 6^th. I hope you remembered to send her a card or letter.

– – had to stop again – the boys came in for lunch. John was rattling off something from speech class. He is really enjoying it. Mark had a piece of fabric from the plane that crashed last night. Someone had it at school and you know how he likes souvenirs. David is taking a nap. He would not go to sleep yesterday but today he dropped right off without any fuss. I was feeling somewhat guilty about his mosquito bites – however I try to kill them every night before I go to bed – but it seems everyone has some. Statons’ baby & Jimmy, Joy Funk had so many but so far she hasn’t had any reaction from them. I think they get them in the daytime while they are out playing as well as at night.

I suppose you have all the low-down on discharges, that is, what has come out in the papers & over the radio – Let’s hope they soon get to you.

I love you – Mother

[Editor’s Note: An article about the plane crash made the front page of the Brook Reporter on September 6, 1945.]

©2016 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2016/05/06/plane-crash-gladys/

High Temperature (Gladys)

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September 2, 1945 envelope

Letter transcription:

September 2, 1945, p. 1

9-2-45
Dear Daddy –

Our David is running a temp. Last night when I went upstairs I went into his room and he was awake but not saying anything. I thought it was odd that he wouldn’t be raising a racket. I thought he felt hot and took him into our room and took his temp. I couldn’t get an exact reading but in the short time I could keep it under his arm it went up to over 100. I kept him in bed with me. He didn’t sleep for a long time. I got up and got half an aspirin for him. Once he looked up at me and said, “You have brown eyes.” Finally after 2 a.m. he dropped off to sleep. He woke up this morning at about 8:45. He didn’t have but 101 2/5 when I took his temp. this a.m. but now (2:15) he has 103 – rectally. He has a number of mosquito bites and that is all I can diagnose so far. I am sure his throat isn’t sore because he wants to eat. There are mumps around but he hasn’t any swelling. I called Dr. M. and told him all about David, but didn’t ask him to come out yet. If his temp. continues I’ll ask him to come out and see him. There is summer flu around too so he may be having a round of that, or it may be all those bites. We have sprayed and swatted but he still gets bites.

Mark has gone with the Washburns for the afternoon. They have an exhibit (or two) at the Fair. I think tomorrow is the first day officially, but you know there is always a crowd on the Sun. before. John stayed home from S.S. & church this morning to help me. I didn’t come downstairs until time to get dinner – John insisted he bring my breakfast up to me so I just stayed upstairs with David all morning.

Yesterday we cleaned and waxed all the floors downstairs. Mark did the most of that work.

September 2, 1945, p. 2

[page 2] I washed blinds and John cleaned windows. The floors look pretty good now. The upstairs need to be done but that will have to wait a little while. One blind slat to the front living room window had been broken, but repaired. A glass had been broken out of the front door and one piece of the quarter round (or whatever it is that holds the glass in) had been broken in taking it out, but painting will take care of that. Also that window we broke in the kitchen door has been broken and different piece used to put it back. All these minor things are showing up as I clean. Nothing serious.

Jimmy Ed is still under the weather – now that it is cool again maybe he will get better. I hope the tests he takes from Dr. Ade will help them find relief for him next summer.

Hazel Farris called from Goodland today and wanted to know if you were back. Said she heard you were to open your office the first of Sept. She said she wished you were back because she wanted you to take her case. She just returned from the hospital – had X-rays made for something.

I suppose it is reasonable to assume that there will be Drs. released each month with the Officers (11,00 in Sept.). I wonder if they are going to release according to your entrance – if so, you should be one of the first. I guess time will give us the answer.

Tomorrow is Labor Day but there is school. I wish John could have gotten the course he wanted. He seems to think Smith hasn’t worked out things as well as his predecessor did. It used to be that Band could be taken by anyone – now the schedule conflicts so much that some can’t take band every day. Some of the members can only be in band Mon. & Fri. I try to keep neutral on the subject, but it seems “our John” hasn’t taken to the new Supt. Maybe he heard too much from others before school started.

Sun 5:45 PM David’s temp. is down and he is acting normal – must have been the mosquito bites, since nothing else has shown up. It’s time to “stir up” something to eat. Have cream of wheat for David.

Love Mother

September 2, 1945, p. 3

Mon. morning & Labor Day. J. & M. are at school. David has no temp. this a.m. and seems normal. Must have been the bites. It’s fairly cool this morning – fair and the temp it to raise. I noticed an article in the paper that gives the figures by month for Officers release – Sept. 11,000, Oct. 16,100, Nov. 21,100, Dec. 26,000 – Jan. to July ’46 – 256,900 monthly.

I called Smith yesterday and talked to him about John’s course and he suggested John take Jr. English so he could take Latin – since it’s soph. English that conflicts with Latin. He was to go talk to him this morning. I do hope he gets it changed. I had quite a little chat with Bertha too.

Arlene just called to borrow some bacon – She is preparing for a picnic for this evening – said they were going out with Bernards. I have borrowed sugar from her and she has borrowed eggs, cake flour & now bacon. She sent the eggs back with the girl when she came for the bacon. Her girl, Donna is high school age but doesn’t care to go. She is a little lonesome. I told Arlene she needed someone her own age to be with. I think we will have a picnic in the backyard and have her come up.

It’s time for me to get lunch started.
Love Mother

©2016 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2016/05/04/high-temperature-gladys/

Word from the Philippines

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September 1, 1945 envelope

Letter transcription:

September 1, 1945

Manila, P.I.
1 Sept. 1945

Dear Sis & Co. –

Just a line to let you know where I am. Enjoying good health even tho it is hot down this way. Enclosing some Japanese occupational money for the Boys think they will enjoy receiving. Most of it is for the Philippines but some is Dutch money. The value is

Centavos = ½ ₵
100 centavos = 1 peso
1 peso = 50₵

I am not sure as to the value of the Dutch money but I think a gulden is the same as our dollar.

Be sure to let me know where Jake is sent. This is someplace, all shot up, in almost complete ruins. Our next stop is Japan.

Love Jim

Jim Foster’s letter with the enclosed money

©2016 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2016/05/02/word-from-the-philippines/

Demobilizing the Navy (Gladys)

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August 31, 1945 envelope

Letter transcription:

August 31, 1945, p. 1

8-31-45

Dear Daddy –

We had quite an electrical storm last night and it’s beginning to blow this evening. The lightning and thunder kept me awake until after 2 o’clock. I would just get to sleep, when bang a crash of thunder would awaken me. I felt a little dragged out this a.m. I am sleep now, so think I’ll turn in pretty soon. Lucile called me today and said Jimmy was so bad last night he couldn’t sleep. They were up with him all night. I told her if she wanted to go someplace with him I would keep Karen. She said they would wait now since the season is so near over. I think the people who go away come back about the second week in Sept. Angus is to come back Sept. 8. Lucile had me buy a toy lamb for Jimmy today and I stopped to leave it when we came home. She had all the doors and windows closed and fans going. Jimmy was lying on the studio couch. Karen was raising a howl, but Lucile just lets her howl. She wants her eats when it’s time and it was just past 6 PM. Now John’s glasses are taken care of. He is to get them one day next week. We took David along and he was a little “dinker.” We bought Donnie Funk a birthday gift – and David could hardly wait to take it to him this evening. We missed his birthday by two days but he was very pleased to get something. Little Joy is growing up as rough & tumble as the boys. She is so short – much shorter than David and

August 31, 1945, p. 2

[page 2] she would run up to David and push him. We measured David & Donnie and David is as tall as Donnie but much lighter. David would soon learn the art of self preservation if he played with those children. They are a lively lot.

The town seems to be going for Bendix laundrys. Nick & Dorothy said they were to get the first and today Arlene says they have one ordered. Bill took Arlene’s washing machine to the Lodge and now she is without one. Coke Foulkes tried to get a B. right after the war started but couldn’t so I suppose she will be ready for one soon. All of those people could have had one when we got ours. In some ways we are smart, eh what?

Mark went with the Washburns to the Fairgrounds this evening for a little while. I suppose they were taking things out for display. John says he doesn’t care to go at all. I don’t either and certainly don’t intend to take David.

John talked to Smith today about changing his course and carrying two solids he wants to take – (Latin instead of Geography). He would have to take Latin every other class & English likewise, because Jr. Latin & Soph. English meet at the same time. Smith said no – John says he knows he could do it. I wish you could have contacted Smith that day you & John went over there. Maybe you could have helped to iron things out. John is going to play the oboe for band and piano for the Glee Club.

You rec’d a bulletin from the U. of Buffalo on Postgraduates Course for Practitioners – Sept. 24 & 29. You also rec’d some adv. from Cole Chem. Co. on Derfule, etc., etc. Those companies are not going to miss an opportunity if they can help it. Seems good tho, to get things thru the mail for Dr. Y.

Love Mother

August 31, 1945, p. 3

I’ll finish my letter on this. Yours of Aug. 29 came today. We heard some good news this afternoon. Adm. Denfeld – head of demobilizing the Navy talked on a program. He said 11,000 officers would be released in Sept. – I wonder if you will be in the first group??? At any rate so many more will be released

August 31, 1945, p. 4

each month – the number to be increased every month and by Navy Day in Oct. a huge figure. 24,000 is the goal for Dec. Those are some of the figures I caught. Maybe you heard that broadcast too. It’s logical to assume that as the force is decreased the Drs. will be too. Had a letter from Ruthie Y. They haven’t gotten their apt. yet, but living in a room at

August 31, 1945, p. 5

the Methodist minister’s home. She went to Dr. Kizer for a check-up. He said not so much any one thing as a number of things – low blood count – low blood pressure. He is giving her medicine and she is to rest every day. Her chest hurt so they made an Xray

August 31, 1945, p. 6

but everything was OK. I think she must have the chest pain like I had from a run down condition. I have to go with Mrs. Wood to the church at 4 and it’s 3:45 now. Here’s hoping for your early return

Love Mother

©2016 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2016/04/30/demobilizing-the-navy-gladys/

A Smelly Evening (Gladys)

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August 30, 1945 envelope

Letter transcription:

August 30, 1945, p. 1

8-30-45

Dear Daddy –

I just wrote Madelyn M. and told her I had forwarded her request to you. Thought I would start another letter to you. It is hot today – supposed to get to 90°. Last night we were sitting peacefully in the living room when we got the awful odor of skunk. I went out in the yard – John wouldn’t venture out – but I told him it wouldn’t be that close. I saw Irene out – she was smelling “Mike.” I told her if he had been around a skunk she couldn’t get that close to him. It finally cleared, but I was beginning to believe it would last all night.

The Ration Board sent me coupons for 35 lbs. sugar. I was surprised. I only had 3 -13 stamps to turn in. Lucile J. said she wouldn’t humiliate herself to ask for sugar. This Board hasn’t been too nice to some people. I guess we haven’t any complaints to make. I saw Harold P. yesterday and he is going to have a beef killed killed in Oct. so we will soon have meat. Hope we get our oil burner by Oct., too. I will be so glad to get that basement cleaned, but it’s no use as long as we keep burning coal. After we get the oil put in then it can be cleaned & kept clean.

August 30, 1945, p. 2

[page 2] David is taking his nap and must have gone right to sleep. It was so warm this morning he just wore panties. He will soon get his sun tan deepened if this weather continues.

Mark told us that he promised Mr. Cole he would play in the band. He got his horn out this morning and wants to polish it. I made him practice his piano lesson, two or three times. He at present is out riding with Sammy Washburn on his bike (each boy on a bike).

The news about the Navy is good we think. I just wonder if after they get Japan signed, they will start demobilizing rather rapidly. We heard a lot about the subject last night. Of course, every time we hear anything coming on a newscast concerning the subject we sh everyone so we won’t miss a word.

Arlene was picking flowers this morning to take to the Country Club. The Funks (Wm.) and Casts were on the decorating committee. It’s celebrity day and I think there is a dinner tonight.

Fri. afternoon – Yours posted 27 & 28 came. You should have David’s picture (& ours) by now. The gold made good time if you got it Mon. I didn’t mail it until Sat. afternoon. I am waiting for the car. Sondergraths are working on it. Something wrong with the distributor. I am taking John back to Dr. Ade for recheck. Maybe he should have gone on the bus, but school is in session and it takes so long to go on the bus. The appointment was made for today by the office girl when I called for the first appointment. They do that as routine. Jimmy Ed was pretty bad last night. They were up with him all night. Also there was an electircal storm and that didn’t help matters any. It’s hot & humid today.

Love Mother

©2016 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2016/04/28/a-smelly-evening-gladys/

Mouse Traps (Gladys)

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August 29, 1945 envelope

Letter transcription:

August 29, 1945, p. 1

8-29-45

Dear Daddy –

Son 1 & 2 went to school this a.m. John was up early. He had set the alarm, but David was awake early so the alarm never rung. John said he still couldn’t see much but they will just get their assignments this morning and go buy books, so by the time he is ready to study I think he will be able to see. Did I tell you Dr. Ade is making a slight change in his glasses? Dr. Ade now has one nurse and another woman who takes appointments. She dresses in white but I hardly think she is a nurse. I was standing at the appointment window waiting on her and she answered the telephone – she was talking to Dr. Hunter and she said Mr. Hunter, then corrected herself and said Dr. Hunter.

Martha is over here playing with David. They are out in front with a trike and a wagon. I took David’s table & chairs out and Martha took some of the toys but they aren’t interested in them. I would like to get David a wagon, but it’s not the best time to buy now – prices are still too high and materials aren’t as good as they should be a little later. Zimmerman has a wagon $5.00 – large enough to do David a long time – but it’s made of wood and won’t stand the “gaff” I am afraid.

Yours of Aug. 25 (mailed 26^th) came just now and I had to stop and read it. Mark isn’t working on the picture – he got it out and had

August 29, 1945, p. 2

[page 2] the long table in the basement all to himself – but after he got the materials scattered out all over the table, just left it. I kept after him to work on it but he wouldn’t so I finally told him if he wasn’t going to work on it, to put it back in the box. I knew if he didn’t it would gradually all get lost. If you want it I’ll send it to you. I wish you had started on that project a little sooner – you could have had several nice pictures for the living room – but you didn’t – so that’s that. I was “sort” of casting around yesterday for pictures for David’s room, but didn’t have much time for browsing. We have hung the one Jan sent him for Christmas – the glow in the dark.

I haven’t started on any “project” yet this a.m. Have the beds made & dishes washed – I think I’ll wash the dirty clothes – just have a yen to use that Bendix. Nick & Dorothy think they should get theirs soon. – I think I’ll browse around a little in the attic. I am sure Mark got the mouse holes fixed. I set traps and caught two mice after he closed up the holes and the traps are still set. That’s a relief. I put that good mattress out there and I would not like for the mice to use it.

My canning spree seems to be about over. What with 20 qts. beans, 6 tomatoes, 16 qts. Peaches & 7 qts. corn in the locker I have about reached the end. We haven’t tried to do anything to the floors yet. I think some bruce cleaner & wax is about all they need. Your travel money will more than cover your Laf. Life prem. $60.52 due Oct. 7.

I haven’t been down town yet so haven’t any late news.
Love Mother

©2016 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2016/04/26/mouse-traps-gladys/

Point System (Roscoe)

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August 29, 1945 envelope

Letter transcription:

August 29, 1945, p. 1

Aug. 29, 1945
USNRN
San Fran. (12)
Calif.

Dear Mother,

No mail today – It must be the Sunday. No mail blank from Kentland. So possibly I’ll get two letters tomorrow.

I didn’t get the invite out to dinner as I thought last night but did for tonite. He is coming to pick me up at 1800. I wanted to eat here and save the points and work but he insisted so I’ll see what gives.

I wanted to find out the low down on the insurance I carry in the Navy so went to the insurance officer and found he was a good Indiana man – used to work out of Indianapolis – so we had quite a chat – he advised keeping up the Navy insurance and told me how much I’d have to pay, etc. I’m keeping the figures so that that can be done if & when. This, that I have now is term insurance and will have to be converted before 1950 so maybe that will give time to catch the breath after the war is over and

August 29, 1945, p. 2

[page 2] should say after I get home. But all the insurance stuff can wait only I was just checking to see what sort of an investment it would be. It’s the first chance I’d had to talk with anyone who knew.

I finally got a letter off to the folks. Wrote it last night and mailed it this morning. The show last night was a stinker again. Tonight’s show is Captain Eddie but I’ll not get back in time and anyway I don’t think I’d care much to go. Sounds funny hearing me write of the shows – you’d think I was a great movie fan.

I’m about half way thru my latest Charlie Chan book but I just read that a few hours in the eve – just before bed time.

I told the officer in ships service that I’d take that watch for $34.00 but by meeting these other fellows I may get one at a better bargain. I’m to find out tonite. They have plenty of watches but I’m afraid of the brand. Most of them I’d never heard of before.

Just taking on a coke – Jr. decided that

August 29, 1945, p. 3

[page 3] for us. Someday I’ll write an essay on that subject.

Right now we are very low on patients and not much doing but one never knows – one hour from now we may be full and overflowing. If our present rate of outgoing keeps up and the present rate of incoming keeps up I’ll be out of a job.

We hear the point system discussed pro & con very frequently and we know that it must be changed if anyone is to get out – Many of the Dr. around here would have to be in 3-4 years to meet the points and if the Navy is to be cut down like the papers say it would be composed of only doctors – and off hand that would be a decided mistake – I wonder sometimes.

I guess the boys will be starting to school before long. I’m not sure whether that will be a help or a hindrance as far as David is concerned. I looked again and I find I don’t have one single picture of any of you. I’d like one of each if possible.

August 29, 1945, p. 4

[page 4] There don’t seem to be too much Old Salt around here. I can’t even get up a good game of A.D. I’ve taught one fellow how to play but he hasn’t been able to beat me so my instructions haven’t been too good or else I improved in teaching him. Most of the men in the B.O.Q. are just beginners and are a little timid or are studying pretty much – in fact I think they are what one might call “eager beavers” up to now. Possibly they will get more careless as they grow older in the service. There is one boy here who interned in K.C. General and there is a Dr. here from Kansas City. I have to be a little careful when I’m around them for they think that place in 4-O.

Well, I’ve about run down but I can still say lots of love from
Daddy

©2016 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2016/04/25/point-system-roscoe/

One Injury After Another (Gladys)

1 Reply

August 29, 1945 envelope

Letter transcription:

August 29, 1945, p. 1

8-29-45

Dear Daddy –

Sons 1 & 2 got started in school and purchased books available. Cole wanted John to come back this afternoon to discuss band. I think John has consented to play the piano for the band. He doesn’t talk much and was so unhappy about the way school has been changed since he was here I didn’t try to get much out of him. I told him the only thing to do was make the best of things. There is no good in encouraging him to be unhappy. I think after he gets started things will iron out. Mark not having been there before didn’t have any complaints to make.

Dorothy came out this afternoon with Bobby. She is on a diet (Nick calls it a lazy person’s diet). She wouldn’t drink a coke with us. She has a booklet and is supposed to lose so many pounds in so many days.

We are still canning, but not enough to hurt anyone. Arlene had some tomatoes she couldn’t take care of, so after dinner this evening I put six quarts in the oven to cook. It didn’t take me long and makes good juice. The twelve qts. I have canned were all very ripe so should be better than the ones we canned last year. [written on side] The Ration Bd. issued us 35 lbs. canning sugar.

David got over his ear bit and got two on his forehead between his eyebrows – he has twin headlights. Yesterday he ran into a door

August 29, 1945, p. 2

[page 2] and got a black eye. This afternoon he was playing his “notas” and I heard him cry – I ran in to see what the trouble was – he had slipped over the back edge of the piano bench but his left foot was caught under the edge of the piano and he was practically hanging by his left foot. Tonight he was supposed to be in bed asleep when we heard him yell – John went up and he had fallen out of bed. I said he was probably riding the side of his bed.

It’s 11 PM and I should get to bed. No school tomorrow because of teacher’s institute but school Friday. David wanted to go to school with J. & M. this morning.

Thurs. a.m. We have 6 qts. of corn ready for the locker and that’s enough corn. Yours of Aug. 26 posted the 27^th came this a.m. Also a letter from Mrs. Moneyhan asking for certificates of vaccination for Bud (Francis Jr.) & Madelyne – She wants separate certificates. She needs Madelyne’s by Sept. 6 – her address is Mrs. Madelyn Moynihan, 19 Mt. Vernon St., Somerville, Mass. She wants you to write to Mont – his address is Lt. Francis C. Moynihan U.S.N.R. Staff Air Pac – Sub Com Fwd ℅F.P.O. San F. Calif. Box 24. Madelyn says she misses Mo. and would love to be back there (OH Brother!!). Their new baby is a girl. [written on side] she says it was last Aug.

Well Daddy, I hope your new duty is soon over. From what we are hearing in the news, it won’t be long – Of course we are so anxious, any time will seem long.

Love Mother

Enough Playing (Gladys)

1 Reply

August 27, 1945 envelope

Letter transcription:

August 27, 1945, p. 1

8-27-45

Dear Daddy –

Will write this evening while I have time to sit down and concentrate – if that is possible with the radio going. J. & M. listening to Dr. I.2. I sent your khaki pants & shirt and in another package David’s picture wrapped in last week’s hometown papers and a family picture. I was downtown and saw Ellsworth. He was quite confident you would soon be home. Said he didn’t have enough points. We heard more news over the radio about Navy men being discharged. You said you were going to be traveling today, so in case you missed it – we heard it twice – a very large number of enlisted men and officers are to be released and that the point system is to be revised, that is, overseas duty to receive extra points. I suppose you have heard the whole thing. You should get your gold braid by now since it went out Sat. afternoon.

I am planning to take John to Laf. tomorrow. Lucile wants to take Jimmy down and see Dr. Ade if possible. He is still having quite a lot of asthma & hay fever. Dr. M. increased the phenobarb to ½ tablet a dose instead of ¼.

Mark is to take a music lesson tomorrow. He really hasn’t practiced enough but I think maybe I’ll get him setted a little more after school starts. He was gone nearly all day with Buddy & Sammy. He cut the lawn early, then the three went to Washburns until noon then this afternoon they went down to Krulls to help Bud cut the lawn so he could play. I told Mark he had to stay home tomorrow. Two days in a row is enough playing (Sun. & Mon.).

Funks were to come home Sun. but so far I haven’t seen any of them. I imagine they will get home in time for school Wed.

I sent the Russells David’s picture and wrote them a letter. Also answered Mrs. Thrailkill.

August 27, 1945, p. 2

[page 2] We have been fighting mosquitoes. I sprayed with flytox last night and thought I had all, but I was nearly asleep and heard one. I thought I got it but evidently I missed – David got a bite on his left ear and it was swollen today but not quite as bad as the one he had when you left.

Gen. De Gualle spoke over the radio from Chicago this evening. We listened, but since he spoke in French we didn’t get much until the interpreter came on. John caught a few words.

Krulls came out last night to get Buddy. He came out to play with Mark after supper. Bobby had quite a time crawling around and the fuel pot by the fireplace was the first thing he started for. I put it back of the screen. Dorothy allowed him to play out of his pen while they were away, so I think she won’t be able to keep him in it now. He likes to get around too well to stay in a pen.

Next day – Back from Laf. Lucile talked to Dr. Ade and made an appointment to take Jimmy down Sept. 11 for allergy tests. She didn’t have an appointment to see him today but I took her in with us and she talked to Dr. while he was getting ready to work on John. He says John’s lenses need a slight change. He is to go back Fri. for a recheck. You will probably not get this letter when you should because it is too late for it to go on the regular mail, but will send it out on the late train. The piano tuner came today. Nothing had to be done but the regular job. He was thru by 11 o’clock. He was going to do Zells & Shirks too.

Irene is back from the hospital. She said they got rid of the blood clot, but the Dr. didn’t give her any hope as to when she would be rid of phlebitis. Irene says she is going to start a petition. If you are tired of me talking about that – let me know. Arlene came up today. She is looking fine – says she feels rested now. She has a girl staying with her from Wisconsin. Bobby starts to school tomorrow. Mark is a little worried about starting at the high school.

Love Mother

Football vs. Band (Gladys)

2 Replies

August 26, 1945 envelope

Letter transcription:

August 26, 1945, p. 1

8-26-45

Dear Daddy –

Sun. evening and David just tucked in. He was ready to go to bed for a change. Had a nap this afternoon but didn’t sleep too long. Yesterday afternoon I went down to Dr. M office and asked him if he had any late data on Drs. being discharged. He said he knew nothing – but in the course of conversation he said he had inquiry from the “procurement” (whatever it is) about a Dr. being needed at Remington or Goodland and he told them to send a Dr. Now “methinks” he could tell the procurement office or whoever it is, that he needs you here. I saw Mrs. M outside and she said Dr. was so anxious for you to get back before winter – She also said Dr. V hadn’t been any help – says he doesn’t leave home until 10 a.m. – and by that hour her husband has been at work 2 hrs. Also she says he doesn’t have office hours at night, etc., etc., etc. This morning driving home from church I saw Mrs. Washburn and talked to her a while. She wanted to know about your coming home and I told her the people here would have to get a petition and get you back. This afternoon David wanted to take a walk so we walked past their house and stopped to chat a while. Dr. Dorsey came while we were there and they went on an inspection tour (The Washburns, Dr. Dorsey & his Sec’y). Mark was there playing with Sammy. He has been with him all afternoon – and is still down there. He came with Sammy a while ago eating a ham sandwich. I said something about real ham and in a little while here came Mark & Sammy with some ham for me. They said Mr. Washburn had sent it. Howards came

August 26, 1945, p. 2

[page 2] back from Wisconsin over the weekend. The Krulls came back, too. I went down and took the things I had washed – and their silverware. I told Nick about the oil burner and the difference in figures. He said I had better have Loughridge because Monroe doesn’t service oil burners. Without waiting for you reply I am going to tell Loughridge to proceed with ours. Of course he can’t get it until Oct., but can be getting the new wiring done. I hope this meets with your approval.

Going back to Washburns – I was glad Sammy was in town this afternoon. Mark was all excited over a piper cub pilot taking up passengers. I tried calmly to talk him out of it but he couldn’t see anything but getting to take a ride in a piper cub. I finally had to say flatly no, then he went to Washburns and played football with Sam & Buddy Krull and apparently forgot about the plane ride. I told him I knew you wouldn’t approve – so if you will write him a little letter it will help out in case anyone else comes around offering rides for 75₵. I told him to wait until he can go somewhere in a passenger plane.

I went out with John this afternoon and he did pretty good. I told him he would have to practice a little more often. School begins Wed., so he won’t have much time. John isn’t very happy about his high school program. One must is either Shop, Ag, or Geography and he chose Geography. He would rather take Latin but they just have Soph. & Jr. latin and since he has had first yr. Latin would have to take with Jrs., but it would conflict with one of the Soph. subjects. He takes History, English, Geometry & Geography. Maybe he can get a change somewhere so he can take Latin but I doubt it.

Mrs. Zell gave us a basket of tomatoes – the boys are going to prepare them for the cans and won’t have to touch them.

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[page 3] Pauline Hiestand said they had some chickens to sell so may put a few in the locker. So far we have 16 qts. peaches & 7 qts. corn in our locker. With our beans (20 qt.) and tomatoes to can tomorrow our food supply is counting up. Mrs. Z said we could have more corn this week. Mr. Z is going to Mich. and bring back peaches so I told her I would take a bu.

The Merrit Woods are going to Monticello to live. He sold out business & house to Simison. There was a farewell dinner at the church for them today. I didn’t get anything prepared to take before S. School so we came home to eat. Mr. Servies asked me to help in the Primary Dept., and I didn’t want to be late to Sunday School so had to forego the dinner. Mrs. Wood has been Supt. of the Primary Dept. for some time. They asked me to take over for her, but Mrs. McCarty has been assisting her and I said I would help Mrs. MC.

It’s past 9:30 so think I’ll get ready for bed. I thought I might read but my eyes are burning and I don’t believe I had better. – Just while I think of it. I air mailed your “gold” in the lighter box Sat. – so you should get it soon.

Mon. a.m. Yours of Aug. 24 (date on envelope) rec’d this morning. Just hope there is something in the air about discharges. David’s pictures came today. I’ll send yours so you can have a picture with you. I think we forgot to give you any at all.

Have 6 qts. tomatoes in the oven to cook.

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[page 4] Father Fallon’s mother died Sat. from a heart attack. She was on a train going to visit her daughter.

Sammy & Buddy are here, but Mark is mowing his lawn just the same. He will soon be thru and they can go play. Mrs. W & Angus are staying is Wis. until Sept. 8 – because of Angus’ hay fever.

It’s a lovely day if a little cool – not as cold as last night. I have been sleeping under a light woolen blanket.

John went over to the school this morning and talked to the band instructor. He is going to let John have the oboe. The band is short of cornets. Maybe Mark will go in the band, too. He says he wants to play football and that it conflicts with band, but we may be able to get him to forego football – since the band is thru the year & football is only seasonal.

Well I have to go to town and get groceries so will sign off.
Love Mother