Tag Archives: John F. Yegerlehner

USS Sylvania

Letter transcription:

July 27, 1945, p. 1

27 July 1945

Dear Sis & Co.,

We just hit a port long enough to take on supplies and the mail, I had several letters and among them one from you which I now have before me to answer. I need not be in any hurry to answer as it will be three or four weeks before we hit another port but I like to keep my correspondence up to date as I do get lots of letters and I try to write a line or two to Thelma every day or so. Was sure glad to learn that you got John in Northwestern University, bet he is one of their youngest boys. I am going to drop him a line and also send him a birthday card but I seem to have either lost the card I had to send him or else I mailed it already, I believe I wrote and asked you about it so if I did not mail it I will explain it all to him when I write. My, my Sis you do have your troubles now and then, hope David is completely recovered from the pox by now.

Have two letters from Pauline, one from Lovelock and one from Penn. She has left Glenn and says he has made no attempt to get in touch with her or to learn how the boys are. I am going to try to help such as it is from away over the high seas. I just can’t understand why Glenn is acting up so. (James L. Foster CSF)

July 27, 1945, p. 2

[page 2] Things are going along fine on board the Sylvania. While I would much rather be back in civilian life as long as there is a war on I am going to make the best of whatever my lot is. I am enjoying this duty, have plenty of work, keeps me busy all day and sometimes part of the night. I am the plumber, my work is looking after the fresh and salt water lines and the drainage. Also have had quite a bit of piping to do, changing this line and that line and running new pipe lines, I enjoy it tho. Last week a fire main in Officer’s Country broke, flooding several rooms before we got it secured.

Thelma is now in Washington working, she returned to T.H. in June and soon was signed up for a job. I got five letters from her in the mail today, one written on the 19^th stated she was getting ready to leave for Washington the next day so by the time I hear from her again she will be all squared away. I hope Harvey has my car in N.Y. and will keep it until I return. Notice my new address. You should have no trouble guessing about where I am.

Love Jim

[Editor’s note: For more information about the history of the USS Sylvania, click here.]

According to the very last entry in the baby book, David broke out with the chicken pox on June 29th. From a letter which Gladys wrote to her brother Jim in 1983, she recalled the chicken pox adventure, “Well, we got to thinking about during the war, I had gone to Kentland with the children and David broke out with chicken-pox and I could not return on the train, so Jake drove 500 miles to get us, then headed back to Liberty, Mo., without any sleep. He drove 1,000 miles without any rest. We couldn’t even go into a restaurant, so Mark and I went to a grocery store and bought food and we ate in the car.”

USS Sylvania (Photograph in the Public domain, available via Wikipedia)

© 2016 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2016/03/31/uss-sylvania/

David’s 23rd Month and Second Birthday

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Sometime during the month of August or early September 1944, the Yegerlehner family enjoyed a day at a local lake, or perhaps a trip to the nearby Missouri River.

In late September, David celebrated his second birthday. Gladys wrote about the celebration and his presents in the Baby Book.

David’s baby book, September 23, 1944

Liberty, Mo.
Sept. 23 – 1944 –

David’s second birthday – 28 lbs – 35 1/2″ tall

David had a party and received two books from Marylin Moll, sweater from Francis Smith, sweater from Bobby Steinbaugh, Tinker Toys from Mary Lynn Brian, Jeep from Nancy and Jimmy Masek, pull toy (donkey) from Gary Sanders, block from Billy Straup, pull toy from Mrs. Russell, antimated book from Aunt Doroty, books from Mother, Daddy, John & Mark. Airplane from Sheril Thrailkill.

Mother and John made a cake for the party and put two candles on it. Marilyn & Francis blew out the candles for David when they were lighted. All the guests at David’s party were Navy people. All will soon be leaving Liberty, except Mary Lin Brian her mother.

At two years David is quite a big boy – he goes to the toidey by himself. At night he calls when he needs to go and gets out of bed and is in the bathroom before the light is turned on. Still takes an afternoon nap – goes to bed about 8 or 8:30 in the evening.

Lucile Johnson

1 Reply

August 13, 1944, p. 1

Letter transcription:

Sunday Evening
Aug. 13^th

Dear Gladys,

Are you having another siege of this hot weather, too? I have nearly roasted all day. Jimmy and I are planning on going to Monticello tomorrow for a few days so I have worked all day getting ready. Since Mildred is so busy I have been washing my own hair, and I even did that task today.

The Rotary Club members are entertaining their wives for dinner at the Sportsman Hotel at Monticello tomorrow nite. Wish you and Doc were here to go with us.

Yesterday we moved your meat. I am enclosing the agreement that Ed signed for you. We will just keep the keys here until you come to Kentland. Mr. Brand said you had the keys to the locker in Sheldon and wanted you to send them to him. We took some round steak from your supply and had lovely baked steak for dinner. It was so tender you could cut it with

August 13, 1944, p. 2

[page 2] a fork. We have enough left for dinner tomorrow. Thanks for the steak!

About all of Kentland is either in Wisconsin or are expecting to go there within the next week or so. The Bowers, Geo. Dale Tiltons, Doc. Limps, Pauline Dennis and the two younger boys and Greta Dixon left early Sat. morning. The Sammons are already there. I understand the Foulkes are going to their cottage this wk. The Funks and Krulls are leaving Thurs. P.M. of this week. Nick is closing the Restaurant for two weeks. I understand the Funks are staying for a month. I guess several other people from Funks are going to Wisconsin, too.

Arleen entertained Bridge Club two weeks ago last Tues. and had a shower for Dorothy. She received such lovely gifts: a big blanket from Arleen; a carriage robe from Cecelia Donahue; a chenille bed spread from Sarah Glenns Dowling; two Percale crib sheets from Rose Bruck; a carriage pillow and lovely hand made pillow case from Pauline Dennis; Marie

August 13, 1944, p. 3

[page 3] gave her a beautiful pink satin quilted “cuddle nest.” That was something new to me. You can use it in the carriage sort of like a Bunting. I had Margaret Kruman knit her a darling pink sweater, hood and booties. (Of course, you knew it was to be a girl!) Dorothy has been buying some things recently. She got some shirts, receiving blankets and some pads. Had to leave an order at Loeb’s for curity diapers. You should see her. She is as big as a barn, but still serving beer at the Restaurant on Sat. nite. Nick doesn’t have any help on Sat. nite so she still works. I wouldn’t do it. He could close the place first.

Jimmy attended a birthday party last Wed. David Dennis was 5 years old. I baked him the Birthday cake and Jimmy kept yelling all forenoon – “Davie’s cake!” He talks constantly now. Is putting words together at last. He says, “Daddy come on.” “Down town, market!” He loves to go shopping. If he is in the room where I am and wants to go after something he says,

August 13, 1944, p. 4

[page 4] “right back.” He tells a whole story in about three words – “Haircut – coke – penny!” That means he had a haircut, that we had a coke afterwards because he was a big boy and didn’t cry, and that he had to give the man a penny for cutting his hair. All silver are pennies and he has no use what so ever for folding money.

Jimmy had half of his first whooping cough shot Thurs. A.M. Doc was afraid he would break out, but we have had no reaction. He is to take the other half of the first tomorrow and if he doesn’t have any reaction from that he is going to give the others in full shots. I tried my best to get him to give him a full one the first time but he wouldn’t do it. Jimmy’s nose had been running, he sneezes so much and his eyes are so watery red and swollen, and I am afraid he may have hay fever. Doc thought perhaps it was just the dry, dusty weather. I don’t know when we have had a rain. I certainly hope he doesn’t have hay fever.

August 13, 1944, p. 5

[page 5] Ed says that is a rich man’s disease. We can’t afford to go to Wisconsin for a couple months. Jimmy still has several (many I should say) – toilet accidents yet, so disgusted with him I don’t know what to do. I think he still be having accidents when he starts to school.

If Doc gets a leave and you come to Kentland, we would be glad to put up Doc, you and David, but I don’t know where we would put the other two boys unless it would be under the bed, and it might be a bit dusty there.

Would love to see you. I’ll bet David has changed considerable. I know Jimmy has. We had his 18 mos. pictures taken. We thought they were real good.

Your meat is all moved so you can rest easy on that score, and we were glad to do it for you.

Hope to see you yet this month in Kentland.

Love,
Lucille

©2016 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2016/03/12/lucile-johnson/

David’s 22nd Month

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Baby Book, July 23, 1944

Transcription:

July 23 – 1944

David’s 22nd month – 27 lbs – 34 3/4″ tall

David is learning the words we spell – know when we spell “car.” Has finally learned to drink orange juice. Also likes to sip Coke when we drink one. Says, “Coke” very plainly. We now have a piano for John to practice on and he likes to play on it. John is trying to teach him (David) a beginner’s piece. While I take a sun bath he likes to get a handful of sand and pour on my back.

The Yegerlehner boys, July 1944, Liberty, Missouri

The following picture appears courtesy of Gladys’ niece, Gerry. It was originally mailed to Gladys’ brother Glenn in Nevada and remained with his family’s photographs.

Baby Book, August 8, 1944

Aug. 8 – David started running a temperature on the 10th he started to break out with measles (3 day). By 13th he was over them. Lost a finger nail – got it mashed and after two weeks it started coming loose.

Big Push Tomorrow (Gladys)

4 Replies

June 11, 1944, p. 1

Letter transcription:

Kentland Ind.
6-11-44

Dear Daddy –

Sun. evening and the boys are in after a game of croquet with the Zell girls. David is asleep – Just went up to see bout him and he had taken off his sleepers. I want to retire early because have lots to do next week. I intend to pack dishes, etc., but the men who do Lyon’s moving will move the rest out into the attic. I told Mr. L. we couldn’t lease the house but he said he didn’t expect a lease but would like a 30 day notice. Their refrigerator won’t fit into our kitchen so that won’t have to be moved. They will use ours. I don’t know about the stove, but it they don’t use ours, I will tell them to store it in the attic.

June 11, 1944, p. 2

[page 2] I gave Mr. L. a few instructions about the furnace but will tell him more before we leave.

As far as I know we will leave here on the 5 a.m. train and the 10 a.m. out of Chicago. I haven’t tried to get anyone to take us to Chicago in a car. I don’t like to ask anyone to make a trip that far unless they would be making it anyway. I haven’t seen much of Krulls. I called D. and went down to the restaurant one day but seems they were insulted because you didn’t go past and say good-bye – She wasn’t very friendly – in fact I had to make any conversation that went so I haven’t been back. I was entirely unaware of offending them but found out something was wrong and after getting the “freeze-out” decided to leave her alone until she thaws out.

I was out walking and stopped to see Arlene. She is having to rest quite a bit now. Her heart was bothering her, but she is feeling better.

June 11, 1944, p. 3

[page 3] They (Bill & Arlene) had a family picture made – It was very good. The picture man was around last Mon. but I didn’t have any take of David – Thought we would wait until he is 2 for a photographer picture.

Mark took his exams and got his report card. Got better grades on the exams than he had on his last term. When Al was out he said he told Miss W. he would go over her head and promote Mark, but I felt it wouldn’t hurt Mark to take the exams, then there wouldn’t be any questions or hard feeling on Miss W. part. Or course, I felt Al was right in the way he “put it” – He said “we graduate the Seniors who enter service, after one day of school,” so why not promote Mark, who had only one week to finish – so much for that.

June 11, 1944, p. 4

[page 4] I am tired of doing nothing all day so will turn in and get rested up for the big push tomorrow.

Love Mother

©2016 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2016/03/02/big-push-tomorrow-gladys/

Invasion (Gladys)

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: June 6, 1944 envelope front

: June 6, 1944 envelope back

Letter transcription:

June 6, 1944, p. 1

Kentland Ind.
6-6-44

Dear Daddy –

Well about all we have heard today has been invasion. Mr. Zell went to Delphi to a Rotary meeting and was going to find out about the train from Laf. and reservations but he didn’t have time when he came home to give us the info but will when he comes home this evening. In case we can’t get train reservation we can get bus connections from here to Chenoa, Ill., and change there. That bus goes thru Quincy and into Kansas City but the bus trip all the way would require 18 hours. I thought

June 6, 1944, p. 2

[page 2] You could possibly meet us in Quincy if we have to go by bus, but we will come by train if we can get seats.

It is so cold today, the heat kicked on, but I turned the therm. down so it wouldn’t get so hot.

Mildred Morton’s mother died yesterday. She was in St. E. and was recovering, satisfactorily they thought, and her death seemed to be rather unexpected.

We had a dust storm yesterday and it was warm enough to have all the doors open and the house is very dusty throughout today. I washed some things today. The water got hot enough – the hottest it has been for a long time.

June 6, 1944, p. 3

[page 3] I went to the dentist & took Mark along. He said there was nothing to do about Mark’s teeth in front, but he did put some filling in. My tooth was just sensitive and nothing to be done now.

Lucile said they couldn’t get lumber enough to build Jimmy a play sand box so I told her to come out & see if they could find enough here. They came, but while we were looking Lucile thought about the supper she left cooking on high so they left before we found anything.

I waited to talk to Mr. Zell before finishing this and didn’t get it mailed Tues. He found that we could

June 6, 1944, p. 4

[page 4] get a train out of Laf. at 1:30 a.m. that would get us into Kansas City sometime around 11:30 or 12. I called Chicago and there are no day trains out of Chicago to K.C. or Liberty, so I think we will go from Laf.

It is some warmer today but was very chilly yesterday. The sun is shining today again.

I am forwarding a letter from Geo. Wingfield – why don’t you write him and ask him to stop off in Liberty and see us while he is on his way to Chicago? Here is another v-mail from Lentz – am trying to sew, so will sign off.

Love Mother

Your first letter came today –

©2014 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2016/02/24/invasion-gladys/

Listening to the News (Roscoe)

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June 6, 1944 envelope

Letter transcription:

June 6, 1944, p. 1

6/6/44
NFPS
LIBERTY MO

Dear Mother,

Most of the day was spent by the radio listening to the radio news. There is a radio in sick bay and we used it most all day.

I’m just wondering what day you have for reservations or rather what day you plan on coming. We may have to park you and the boys in the streets. The Dr. here isn’t planning on leaving until the 14^th or 15^th and then the lady wants a couple of days to redecorate before she vacates the house for us. This hotel is so crowded. I got the only room vacant Sun. but if you come before the house is ready I guess we can do something.

I talked to the supply officer and we think best that you buy your tickets and ship the stuff and then we will put in for your expenses later. If we knew which train, etc., we could get the tickets but we believe it best for you to get your tickets which best suit you as to time and route.

I’m listening to the radio and scratching ciggers and I’m not able to concentrate. And I might say the ciggers have an almost upper hand. I’m going to try to devise something to keep the little pests away if and when we have another garden party.

June 6, 1944, p. 2

[page 2] It has been so cool here since Sunday. I was really cold all day. Guess I’ll get warm in bed tonight.

Our house is one Kansas street and I think the number is 324 but I’d better check that before I give that to you for our permanent address. I got a letter from Mom, one that was sent to USNH Great Lakes today. So far no letter from you but maybe you haven’t written since we made the telephone calls.

As soon as you can tell me when you have your train reservations I’ll see what and how I can arrange to take care of you until the house is available.

Well, the news goes on and one. Most of it now is repeat but one keeps the radio one in case something new comes on.

Up to now this is about all I can think of tonight so
Lots of Love
Daddy

342 W. Kansas Street, Liberty, MO (Image courtesy of Google street view)

Cokes Would Be In Order (Gladys)

1 Reply

June 4, 1944 envelope

Letter transcription:

June 4, 1944, p. 1

Kentland Ind.
June 4 – 1944

Dear Daddy –

Will start a letter this evening and maybe I’ll have something to add tomorrow – Howard & Ursula came to see me this afternoon. Helen is home and is going to come over and see me. She lived in Kansas City, Mo., 10 yrs. If she comes tomorrow I’ll tell you anything that might be of help to us. Howard asked me if we would rent our house. I told them our little attempt with Smiths – They agreed with me our house is well worth $45.00 – said they were getting $40.00 for theirs in the country. Mrs. W. said she thought our house should be worth $50.00 – The new

June 4, 1944, p. 2

[page 2] Ag teacher is looking for a place & Mrs. Z. asked me if we were considering renting. I told her I didn’t know yet – we would have to see about “Mo.” first.

Arlene came up and Lucile brought Jimmy so we really had “open yard” this afternoon. Mark got the idea cokes would be in order so he & Virginia loaded up some bottles and went to the Station and bought cokes with his money – without consulting me. I had the same idea so was glad he had acted before I told him to. Jimmy Ed & David both got a share of their mother’s cokes – Jimmy is a veteran coke drinker but David seems to like the stuff pretty well too – Arlene has a new girl – one that seems to be the answer to all her desires for a helper – She even lives there and so Arlene has a little more time off.

June 4, 1944, p. 3

[page 3] When Arlene loaned us the “Thum” bottle, she decided to pour a little out in something in case she might want to dab a little on Donnie “in case” – The only thing she saw at the time was a “shot glass” so poured some in it. She told Bill what she had done and he told everyone she was trying to break him by putting “Thum” in his glass. I am certain that would break anybody of anything – after getting the tiny bit in my eye.

I wrote to Ruth M. today. You should drop your folks a line now and let them know you are in your new location. As soon as I get news from you of a house I’ll call for train reservations.

Love Mother

June 4, 1944, p. 4

[page 4] Monday afternoon –
So far I haven’t talked to Helen. I saw Coke this morning and strange as it may seem they haven’t any K.C. connections. I thought perhaps they would know someone there.

I cleaned half the basement this morning – Try to finish the other this evening. David got an ink bottle this morning and spilled ink from davenport to kitchen so J. & M. cleaned living room & dining room floors – however it needed to be done. The house looks like the one at Lake Forest – I have rugs all over the place to catch the black marks –

Hoping to see you soon –
Love Mother

David, Jimmy Ed Johnson & Donald Funk, dated June 4, 1944

May 1944

4 Replies

[There are no further letters during the month of May since Gladys and the boys moved to Lake Forest on May 8th. Their stay by the Lake was short-lived however.]

Baby book – May 23, 1944

May 23 – 1944

David’s 20th month. 26 1/2 lbs. – 34″ tall

On May 8 we went to Lake Forest to live. There were chickens in the back yard and David put his finger thru the fence and a hen pecked it – He cried but went back and tried to entice the hen again. We took David to the beach and he had lots of fun playing in the sand and throwing rocks in the lake. We had a cottage on the lake near Zion but Daddy was ordered to Liberty, Mo., so we had just one day to play on the beach. David is getting a good coat of tan. He tries to say anything but doesn’t say everything correctly. He acts like he is playing the piano, can point to his nose, ears, eyes, hair, mouth, tummy, feet and where he gets spanked when we ask him to.

Roscoe’s new orders were written on May 26th and delivered on May 30th. He had five days to report to Liberty, Missouri. His new duties were at the Naval Flight Preparatory School at William Jewell College.

: Change of orders, p. 1

: Change of orders, p. 2

: Change of orders, p. 3

: Compliance of Orders

Housing Situation (Gladys)

1 Reply

May 1, 1944 envelope

May 1, 1944, p. 1

Letter transcription:

Kentland Ind.
5-1-44

Dear Daddy –

A letter this a.m. You had looked at the cottages with a community pump and chem. Toilets. I told the boys about them and you can imagine John’s reaction. However if we couldn’t do any better I suppose we could struggle along in a cottage, but it would be something to pay $100.00 a month for such unhandy quarters. The water carrying wouldn’t bother me – with J. & M. to furnish transportation. But it would always be the other boy’s turn to carry water you know. David is still taking a nap. It’s 2:30 and I have had 40 winks myself. It is raining so can’t take D. out – unless it clears off. He was out so long yesterday he will miss it today if he has to stay in. He bumped his lip a little again this morning and made a little blood come – about a drop. I’ll be so glad when it’s completely healed. The inside looks like it is healed.

May 1, 1944, p. 2

[page 2] The Carrols are moving here from Brook and taking the house Gerricks live in (Mrs. Shuh’s property). Gerricks are looking for a house but haven’t anything yet. The Greathouses are moving to Fowler – he is manager of a store there – but the Donahue’s are taking the house Greathouses have, and someone already has the Donahue house – so the situation here is as always. Lucile J. asked me how much we could get for ours. I said the payments and she seemed to think that was more than anyone in this town could pay for rent. I imagine Smith’s would pay what we ask to get a place to live. I don’t know whether there are any empty apts. at Kent or not but do know Ira said they were trying to find a place for the Ag teacher too. Tackett didn’t pass his physical, but I don’t know whether he is being hired again this year. He wasn’t very popular with many people and Washburns want to get him off their place. I know if a lot of people around here have their way he won’t be back here to teach next fall.

Last night when I talked to Lila I asked her if she would go to Evanston with me one day, but

May 1, 1944, p. 3

[page 3] she said she didn’t know her way around in Evanston. If I could get someone to go with me and spend the day I should be able to find something but it would have to be someone who knows the town. Dorothy’s mother should be able to help a person out. She lives in her apt. alone – maybe she would let us use a room until we could find something – I am certain we will find something if we try hard enough.

For a few minutes I thought the sun would shine but it’s very cloudy again and looks like rain. We watered the evergreens Sat., but I believe there is enough rain now to keep them damp a day or two. I never did get the dirt loosened up around the shrubbery and spread the manure and now it’s took wet to do much for a few days. Ed was out yesterday, raking and cleaning their yard. They are going to fence in a play yard for Jimmy. They cut out the tree in that little front yard and with it out there will be quite enough space for Jimmy to play in. I do wish we could get a place for the summer with a play yard – but I’ll not complain about anything if we can be together – that’s a promise –

Love Mother

P.S. Smith was here this afternoon – He & Mrs. are coming back Sat. to look at the house.