Tag Archives: John F. Yegerlehner

We Scored Again (Gladys)

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: June 10, 1943 envelope

: June 10, 1943, p. 1

: June 10, 1943, p. 2

: June 10-, 1943, p. 3

: June 10, 1943, p. 4

: June 10, 1943, p. 5

Letter transcription:

Kentland Ind
June 10 – 1943

Dear Daddy –

We scored again on mail today – Yours of May 20 & 21 came with the travel check. I am sending John to the bank to dep. it and mail this when I finish. Your letters were very refreshing – you had had some from me and answered some questions and commented. First I’ll talk about the furnace & coal situation. Up to now the furnace has been doing “OK.” We keep it well cleaned and Mr. Monroe keeps a record on the oiling and comes every 60 days to go over the oiling job. I have kept coal put in and have a standing order for coal. When I paid the cast coal bill yesterday Chet said he had me down for a fill up the next car that comes in. I was going to have Harlans

[page 2] bring a load but since coal is getting to be so hard to get thought I had better let the order stand at the Lumber co. I can get some later from Harlans. I think you would be proud of our job taking care of the furnace. When we came home from Ruth’s (May 24), I cleaned the furnace out before I started a new fire. It will have to be cleaned again soon because day before yesterday when John & I cleaned the basement we burned a lot of papers & bones.

About Johnson’s baby – he seemed some better last week when Lucile went to Laf. with me to get Mark. However they had to keep his arms & legs covered with long stockings to keep him from digging. I haven’t seen or talked with Lucile since then but will in a day or two. They are giving him S.M.A. and did give him lamp treatments. Ellsworth Wilson’s baby had eczema so bad but it finally left and Lucile is hoping Jimmy Ed will outgrow it too – I saw Ellsworth yesterday – He

[page 3] had Eddie Ray with him. I think they keep him home all the time, or take him with them when they go – He looks pretty good, but after a fracture like he had, I suppose they have to keep a close watch on him (my own observation).

David is in his bed following his his bath & cereal. He can pull up to his feet now. He is so much to climb I can hardly hold him on my lap – he wants to climb right up. Tries to climb out of anything that offers the opportunity – like his buggy or play chair. It is raining today so he can’t go out of doors. His two lower teeth show up very good now. He is due for his last shot but I am going to wait until tomorrow evening – the last one he had in the morning and he was cross all day. I used to leave him in bed with me after he had his 6 a.m. bottle and he would take a nap but he won’t be still now – Just as soon as he gets thru – he turns over and tries to climb up on the head of the bed – Mother gets up about the time he finishes

[page 4] his bottle so she brings him downstairs. Sometimes we wake him up when we go to bed but he just smiles, turns over, takes his thumb and goes back to sleep.

I went down to Funks last night. Arlene had been to Laf. and had a wisdom tooth pulled. She has learned to drive so she drove their car down. Don’t worry, about a gift for Carl’s baby – I gave “Tommy” a present. I haven’t seen him yet but Arlene & I are to go one afternoon soon and see him.

John is practicing a lot this morning – The recital is tonight – – Buddy came out before Mark was up this morning – I didn’t let him disturb Mark – he just waited until he did get up. They are around the house some place now playing. I think Buddy has been out here every day except Sun. since Mark came home from the hospital. I think Mark’s throat is about normal again. He doesn’t chew quite so much aspergum. He has a good appetite and says he has gained back all he lost while in the hospital. Last night when we were ready for bed he weighed 61.

Had a letter from Ruth M. today

[page 5] She was going to Tat Coan’s wedding. Tat went into the Catholic Church and had quite a large wedding. When we were over there they were having several showers for her. Ruth had been invited to one. Tat and Helen came to see us while at Ruth’s – of course they wanted to see D.

I just looked at the clock and see it’s 11:30 so must get busy and stir something for lunch. I bought potatoes again yesterday. We don’t buy by pecks anymore. It’s by the 10 lb. – (73¢ for 10 lbs). I got 2 lbs hamburger and it was 31¢ lb. I ran out of meat – still have chickens, bacon (and the strawberries I put in Tues). Brands said they had a quarter I could have but it didn’t materialize. Parttens have promised me a quarter but they won’t butcher till fall, so I got caught with my locker almost empty. However Zells’ frys are ready and I am going to put a dozen in the locker. I must stop and write your Mother a line.

Love Mother

Yegerlehner home, E. Dunlop Street, Kentland, Indiana, June 1943

©2014 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2014/08/01/we-scored-again-gladys/

Clay City News (Roscoe)

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: June 9, 1943 envelope

: June 9, 1943, p. 1

: June 9, 1943, p. 2

: June 9, 1943, p. 3

: June 9, 1943, p. 4

Letter transcription:

June 9, 1943
Lieut. R. S. Yegerlehner USNR
Navy 60 F.P.O. S. F. Calif.

Dear Mother,

All done with morning chores and the most terrific thing I could do was take a fellow’s finger nail off. He had a little infection back of it that wouldn’t heal so I just jerked it off.

I think I told you about receiving a letter from Rev. McCloud some time age and I just got to thinking of some of the things he wrote. He explained that Kentland was having dim outs or black outs and that he and Chet L. were the big bosses

[page 2] in their block. That’s a laugh. I don’t mean the He and Chet but the black out – business. From our stand point or view point it is amusing but in a way it isn’t so bad because it gets the people at home in a better frame of mind. I remember at Norfolk when Mr. “Such a Nice Man” had a dim light on in his upstairs room and was bawled out something terrible for not turning it out. And also one wasn’t allowed to smoke even on the porch, but such is life in different places

[page 3] and under different circumstances. We’ve been here now for some time as you know and we’ve enjoyed what we are doing and I might say almost all have gotten a kick out of doing it.

I haven’t heard from Joe R. or Hicky since writing them but I expect an answer very soon because as I’ve said before we aren’t far apart. Of course I could be mistaken.

Yesterday two Clay City news came and some cigarettes from Ruth M. The cigarettes were in A-1 condition. Not a mark or mar

[page 4] on the entire package. I really don’t get much kick out of the C.C. news because many of the names are foreign to me. However there was three items about the family – Wilma graduating, Floyd moving and Mrs. R. S. Yegerlehner and three sons visiting. They were the Apr. 16 and 23 issues, and of course I knew all of those items before. I did see where lots of the boys were home on leave which makes one wish more than somewhat.

Well parts of this have been very vague but as strong as I could make them –

Love Daddy

Russell Islands
Image by Kelisi at Wikipedia.com (Wikipedia Commons license)

©2014 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2014/07/31/clay-city-news-roscoe/

Another Day Without Mail (Gladys)

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: June 8, 1943 envelope

: June 8, 1943, p. 1

: June 8, 1943, p. 2-3

: June 8, 1943, p. 4

Letter transcription:

Kentland Ind
June 8 1943

Dear Daddy –

Another day without any mail – Last Tues. a week ago we rec’d yours of May 17 & 18.

John has gone to the high school building to “swing band” practice. The K. of P. Lodge is sponsoring “same.” With his oboe, piano, lessons & two band practices he is quite busy. Mark is still on the resting list. He had company this afternoon – Buddy & Sammy W. I think he played too hard – he

[page 2] was seemed a little tired. He has a good appetite – I looked at his throat today and it seems to be healing. He said he didn’t see Dr. Cole when they took him into the operating room, and was wondering if Dr. Cole did the operating. I hold him he didn’t need to see him, but he was there. Dr. Mary Ade gave the anesthetic to the little girl in the next bed. I thot she had done the operating but the mother said Dr. Clippinger.

It has been raining again and cool too, but the sun set clear this evening so maybe it will be warmer & sunny tomorrow.

Bob Hope was given a program to the SeaBees at Camp Peary*. I wonder if Jim was there or if you were able to hear it.

Wed Morn – Well I got a letter this morning – the one written May 24. Still several en route – and the one with the $100⁰⁰ hasn’t arrived yet – Way back there May 17 you said the letter you mailed the day before (May 16) should get here quicker because of the way it was mailed – but you also added if the fellow kept it in his pocket it wouldn’t – It hasn’t arrived yet and this is June 9.

Tomorrow evening is Recital night at the library. John is to play two solos & one duet with Helen Hoover. Since Mark’s tonsillectomy he hasn’t done much

[page 4] of anything, but I want him to get well over it before trying to get any work or studying out of him. He is working on arithmetic and reading this summer.

I am a little tired today – John & I cleaned the basement yesterday and it was very dirty. After having such a long sinus infection in the winter I was afraid for a long time to do such a dusty job – but feel pretty good now and yesterday was the kind of a day to do basement work – I am going to try and get that partition around the furnace finished so we can keep the dirt in one place. Every time I clean up that coal dust, ashes, etc. I wish for oil – but won’t complain, I am glad we have such a good heating plant but as you said once, just a good old American gripe.

Love – Mother

Yegerlehner house, E. Dunlop Street, Kentland, Indiana, June 1943

*Bob Hope performed at Camp Perry, Williamsburg, Virginia on June 8, 1943 for the Sea Bees Battalions. Bob Chester and his orchestra also played for the performance.

© 2014 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2014/07/30/another-day-without-mail-gladys/

Wordless Wednesday – Double Breasted Jacket

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John and Mark Yegerlehner, circa 1930s, possibly Terre Haute, Indiana.

Photographs from the private collection of Deborah Sweeney.

Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2014/07/30/wordless-wednesday-double-breasted-jacket/

Finally Got Some Mail (Roscoe)

2 Replies

: June 8, 1943 envelope

: June 8, 1943, p. 1

: June 8, 1943, p. 2

: June 8, 1943, p. 3

: June 8, 1943, p. 4

Letter transcription:

June 8, 1943
Lieut. R.S. Yegerlehner USNR
Navy 60 F.P.O. San Fran.

Dear Mother,

Finally got some mail from you – your air mail letters of May 15-16 and May 17, and v-mail of May 12, 21 and 22. The v-mail was latest but Geo and another fellow got air mail dated May 28 – somehow it just doesn’t seem I score as well as I used to, but I won’t complain as long as they keep coming, but as I advised write each every other time if possible to do so. Mark’s letter was in with yours of

[page 2] May 15 but John’s v-mail hasn’t arrived as yet.

The garden seen you sent is still on the way someplace and it might be like the package I sent you from Noumea. The seeds I did sow don’t seem to be doing to well. I think it’s too shady. That might be hard for you to understand but have you ever been in a cocoanut area? There is pretty much of an umbrella growth over head and try as you may there aren’t any areas but what are like that only on the beach and that

[page 3] is hardly the place for a garden. Your letters came late yesterday and I had a hard time getting them read. The interference I had wasn’t the same as yours but I believe more annoying but that’s the way things go, so what?

I don’t believe I would make Mark work any arithmetic out of his L. pad. Encourage him to read for pleasure and a good little problem once in a while involving some of the principles concerned would be OK, but don’t make

[page 4] it a burden for him in the summer time. The cornet idea is good and should be purchased for him if the money is there and maybe a few private lessons if the cash is available. That might help keep him in line as much as hard & cold arithmetic problems.

Lentz and a few of my former friends have been sent to New Zealand for a rest. That was some months ago. Hope they don’t do that to me. I’d rather go thru here and serve my time and then head for U.S.A.

Well, that about takes care of the present –

Love Daddy

A new runway, Russell Islands, 1943

©2014 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2014/07/29/finally-got-some-mail-roscoe/

Strawberry preserves (Gladys)

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Letter transcription:

MRS. R.S. YEGERLEHNER
KENTLAND
INDIANA
6-8-43

Dear Daddy – First will mention Father’s Day which comes on the 20^th of this month, but I suppose you won’t get this till much later. I have thought about Father’s Day several times but haven’t mentioned before. I haven’t had any mail for a week, but keep looking. John is mowing the lawn – David is in his buggy looking on & Mark is supposed to be watching David. I think his throat is healing nicely from the tonsillectomy because he can still make the machine gun noise. He is still on the recuperating list and John has to do most of the work. Mark dries dishes but that is all. It is warmer but not hot yet. After the hard rain Sunday it turned very cool. I bought a case of strawberries yesterday – put 12 qts in the locker. Make 12 pts of preserve and we ate the rest. They weren’t very good and the price is twice as high as last years. Local crops aren’t very promising this year. I got spinach, lettuce & radish from our garden for dinner. Our potatoes are growing good, as well as everything else. I think most farmers got their corn in last week. The corn field north of us seems to be lying idle this year. So far it has been plowed but not planted.

Love – Mother

© 2014 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2014/07/28/strawberry-preserves-gladys/

Another Lazy Sunday (Gladys)

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: June 6, 1943 envelope

: June 6, 1943, p. 1

: June 6, 1943, p. 2

: June 6, 1943, p. 3

: June 6, 1943, p. 4

: June 6, 1943, p. 5

: June 6, 1943, p. 6

Letter transcription:

Kentland Ind
June 6 – 1943

Dear Daddy –

Another lazy Sunday afternoon. It is inclined to cloud up at intervals and very close & hot. Had David in the buggy but he got tired – the buggy hampers his style too much so put him in his pen. So far the mosquitos haven’t bitten him but they are awfully thick out in the yard around the shrubbery. We have not been bothered much with flies in the house, but every time any one sees a fly we go after it like it is a dragon “or something – “ but as far as the baby is concerned a fly can be as dangerous. The last of the week it was so hot he broke out around his neck and shoulders with heat, but it is better now, and it’s getting hot again.

Mark is coming along nicely from his tonsillectomy. He seems to be hungry all the time – hope that

[page 2] is a good sign. He is so anxious to gain and get big muscles. I should get some myself from the work I do in the garden & flower beds but so far haven’t noticed any.

There is an item in the paper about getting new telephone rates (higher). Our phone has been going dead ever so often. The service man was here one day but it has been out a time or two since then – so we wondered what we would be getting higher rates for, but I suppose it costs the co. more to operate now.

–a pause—went over to Zell’s & fed their chickens – They are away for the day – The chickens are ready for market, but I don’t want many at the present price – however they aren’t as expensive as steak. The ceiling on chickens to dealers – and that is what they would charge me – being a neighbor is .35¢ – I sent to town for sirloin steak yesterday – it was .45¢ a lb. I didn’t want to drive to Sheldon so thought I would try “store meat” once again – It was good enough but not as tender I thought as what we have had.

[page 3] The last quarter of beef I got was cut into roasts & boiling meat mostly so we are out of steaks at present. I ordered another quarter put in the locker – but Brands can only by a limited amount now and I have to wait my turn. Parttens will have a beef ready for fall, but we will need some before theirs are ready. We will have plenty of coupons – with five books. We have plenty for canned goods too. I want to can beans, carrots & tomatoes this summer. The first carrots I sowed are up and I am going to put in more.

Bobby Funk is here – Bill and Arlene left in their car – We heard Bobby crying very loudly – Mark and I were pushing the carriage trying to get David to sleep and Bobby came out – Betty Muscleman [Musselman] came out after him – we told her we would take care of him – since she had to stay with Donnie. Mark is working on a model airplane and Bobby is admiring him very much. Bobby said, “My Daddy is teaching my mommy how to drive, ha! ha!”

That little ha ha he sometimes

[page 4] adds to his sentences sounds like he means more than I know he can.

Joe Bill Mullen has been commissioned a second Lt. at Field Artillery Officers Candidate School at Ft. Sills, Oka. That is where Emmett Miller is stationed. He rec’d a promotion to Capt. Some time ago. Eddie Steinbach is now a second Lt. in the Medical Administration Corps, Camp Barkley, Texas. Pat Mullen is a corporal now – he has a N.Y. address.

There is a new Auto Ins. law – anyone operating a car has to carry $11,000 liability – July 1 – our policy expires in Aug but will have to see about it to make sure we are carrying the correct amt.

Mark just got caught in the closet – the door knob doesn’t turn from the inside – Bobby let him out. John was listening to a musical program but it was so noisy with static I insisted he turn it off – so he went upstairs.

Love Mother

[page 5] Since finishing the letters I started this afternoon had callers, Mrs. Roberts & her children and one of Earl’s. She hadn’t had any recent word from Joe but he isn’t in Noumea now. She doesn’t know where he is. I told her my mail had been slow this week too. She said Joe had written you a note and thought you should have it quite some time ago.

The threatening rain finally came and what a rain. It came down in sheets for a few minutes. It has stopped now but the radio is still noisy and there is thunder. The noise on the radio was more than I cared to listen to so the boys are in their bedroom listening. David of course is asleep – He goes to bed following his 6 P.M. feeding.

–Monday—It turned very cool during the night, following the hard rain. It has been cloudy all day but begins to look like it is clearing away. We have the Bendix going now with David’s clothes.

[page 6] No mail again today – This makes a week without mail – Probably will get a bunch when it does come. David pulled himself up to his feet in his pen this morning. He is in his pen how with one foot sticking out on the floor. Margaret Kruman asked me to give Bud a hypo Wed. She wants to go away for the day and couldn’t find anyone. Since I have given myself shots, I suppose she thought I could give one to Bud. – Well, I’ll try.

Mark is in the baking mood and is mixing a cake now. I think he is coming along nicely from his tonsillectomy. It’s time to get David’s dinner ready so must open a can or two of vegetables.

Love Mother

Yegerlehner home, E. Dunlop Street, Kentland, Indiana, June 1943

©2014 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2014/07/27/another-lazy-sunday-gladys/

A dentist arrives (Roscoe)

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: June 6, 1943 envelope

: June 6, 1943, p. 1

: June 6, 1943, p. 2

: June 6, 1943, p. 3

Letter transcription:

6/6/43
Lieut R.S.Yegerlehner USNR
Navy 60 F.P.O. San Fran.

Dear Mother,

Yesterday one of our old group from Noumea came into camp. One of the dentists that was there while we were there – So it was just like a homecoming. Had lots to talk about for he had seen many of our group coming and going and a few for one reason or another were back in the U.S.A. but only a very few. We of course know nothing of the length of the tour of duty but we have hopes. We had a little party for him last night

[page 2] onion sandwitches and sardines. Of course I don’t believe he appreciated them so much since he just came from civilized Noumea. If you want to call it that.

Today is Sunday and time for a letter to the folks. I’ll have a little to write because two letters both v-mail came from them and also the box of chewing gum etc. It always helps to have a thread to use as subject matter for a letter.

One of these days I’ll break down and write the boys again

[page 3] but paper and stamps have been a little hard to get. And of course all envelopes are stuck when they get here and after tearing them open the mucilage is no good and mucilage in bottles out here is about as unheard of as numerous other things one could mention.

I see the mess boy coming to clean out the tent so had better give way because it looks pretty messy this A.M.

Love Daddy

Russell Islands
Image by Kelisi at Wikipedia.com (Wikipedia Commons license)

Ice Cream (Gladys)

1 Reply

: June 5, 1943 envelope

: June 5, 1943, p. 1

: June 5, 1943, p. 2

: June 5, 1943, p. 3

: June 5, 1943, p. 4

Letter transcription:

Kentland Ind
June 5 1943

Dear Daddy –

Another day without any mail – If I hadn’t rec’d two Tuesday this would have been a blank week as far as mail is concerned.

Brought Mark home yesterday – He feels pretty good today. Dr. Cole said to have him chew aspergum. There was a box here that had come for you, so we are getting it used up. When it came I didn’t know what to do with it, so just kept it. Mark wanted to chew it but I told him it was for people needing relief from pain

[page 2] so now he has a good opportunity to try it out. He has the living room full of airplanes to build, comic books and what not. Zells said they were going to bring us a fry. He though he wanted it today but we had hamburger and he couldn’t swallow it so well, but ate peas, bread & butter. He now wants ice cream so when I finish this, John is going to town to get him a cone. That is the only way we can buy ice cream (except at Boones). Commercial ice cream can’t be sold only in containers. The drug stores & restaurants can sell ices in quantities but not cream.

The latest canned goods to be on the ration list is milk, but I think I’ll keep David on canned milk thru the summer. We can now buy homogenized milk here and when I change him over, think I’ll use that.

John and I had to work in the garden a while this afternoon,

[page 3] then we had a shower and had to come in. It was time to feed David – We got rid of a lot of weeds. John thought we should have arranged the tonsillectomy so it wouldn’t interfere with Mark’s garden work. We have spinach, lettuce, onions & radish ready to use. Our carrots are coming along nicely as well as the peas & potatoes.

Mary Largent finally had an appendectomy. She has been having attacks for some time. She is home from the hospital. I forgot to mention it before.

It isn’t so hot today. It has been cloudy and cooler, but the sun is shining again and Mother is sitting out in the yard with David. I hate for him to miss a day in the sunshine. He is so nicely tanned I want to keep him that way. He certainly enjoys being out of doors.

[page 4] John is reading the funny books Mark got and I can’t get much work done when he lapses into a funny book, but he has done quite a lot already today. He has done most of the work around here so far, because he has done the lawn all alone and now helps in the garden.

Catherine Tilton has had another operation on her arm. She and her Mother, and I suppose Libby too are living with Geo in the Barr house, Geo bought. The Barces have rented their home and moved to Fowler with Mrs. Harrington. Hilda was working at the factory but quit. Said they couldn’t meet expenses on their income. Mrs. Dieter was with Francie, coming home when they had an accident. Mrs. D. sustained a broken leg. They were in St. E. with her Thurs. evening getting an X-ray and cast put on. I saw Mary & one of her brothers in the lobby. Mary said they were going to put on a walking cast, so she won’t have to stay in bed. About out of paper so will sign off –

Love – Mother

Yegerlehner home, Kentland, Indiana, June 1943

Brave Little Boy (Gladys)

1 Reply

: June 4, 1943 envelope

: June 4, 1943, p. 1

: June 4, 1943, p. 2

: June 4, 1943, p. 3

: June 4, 1943, p. 4

Letter transcription:

Kentland Ind.
June 4, 1943

Dear Daddy –

No letters today – in fact none since Tues. when I rec’d yours of May 17 & 18 – but probably will get a lot at once. The 100⁰⁰ ck hasn’t come yet but likely will come with the rest of the delayed mail.

I am going to get Mark this afternoon. He got along fine, so with proper rest when he gets home should be in good shape soon. As I told you before the adnoid wasn’t bad but tonsils were. He was a brave little boy thru it all and didn’t cry or act up like the little girl in the next bed did. Last night or rather evening at 5 – when

[page 2] I left he was trying to eat ice cream. I told him he would feel much better today and could eat.

I was very tired when I came home last night and still feel tired today but I think after another good night’s rest I’ll be rested up.

Mother has David out in the front yard in the sun. He is so full of pep – I wish I had some of it. He woke me at 6:30 this morning by pounding on the head of his bed. His two new teeth show up good now. I have to get him a new pr. of shoes – but his aren’t rationed. His ration tickets give us an extra in case someone should need it.

I promised Mark yesterday I would get him a new slack suit, so will have to go shopping before I go to the hospital.

[page 3] I wrote your Mother about his trip to the hospital, several days ago, so he rec’d a card from her today. She sent John a card when he was supposed to have measles & didn’t – but she didn’t send Mark a card when he had measles and didn’t like that very well, so she was careful to correct her error this time.

John is helping Zells out today. He is mowing their lawn. Mr. Zell has been [helping] farmers run tractors and with his own garden doesn’t have time to do his mowing. John will be kept pretty busy – our garden will have to be worked – our peas are blooming – spinach, lettuce & radish ready to eat – The potatoes are coming along fine – also the carrots & onions. We planted corn & beans Sat. & the beans are up.

[page 4] Mrs. James said she was trying to clean house and Bobby is there on his tricycle & he and Jimmy keep fighting so Mrs. J. isn’t getting much done but refereeing. I have to mix formula – Have the water boiled and bottles washed, so must go boil bottles & mix things. Lucile is going with me today and we are to leave at 1 P.M., so I will have to get busy. Oh yes – Dr. Holliday had a patient in Pediatrics yesterday – Had an emergency operation. I must quit writing & get busy with things around here.

Love Mother