Tag Archives: John F. Yegerlehner

November 18, 1942 (Gladys)

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: November 18, 1942 Envelope

: November 18, 1942, p. 1

: November 18, 1942, p. 2

: November 18, 1942, p. 3

: November 18, 1942, p. 4

Letter transcription:

Kentland Ind
Nov 18 – 1942

Dear Daddy –

David and I are alone again this evening. John & Mark have gone to band practice. Mark goes along for observation. Betty Lou & Mark were together all afternoon and Betty stayed for supper. After giving David his 2 P.M. bottle we took several pictures and believe got some good ones. Will know tomorrow and if they are good will put one in this letter. It was such a warm sunny day we walked to town and back with the baby. He slept a while then woke up and cried so hard I brought him back home and gave him his orange juice. He was quiet a while then began crying again. I gave him his bottle at 6 and he has been quiet. I put him in the den and turned the light off. He isn’t asleep but isn’t making any fuss. I want him to acquire the 6 P.M. bed time habit.

This wind I have been writing about quieted down but now it is foggy. It was foggy until about noon then cleared off enough to hang out the baby clothes. Now the fog is all around again. The wind took some more branches off the west tree in the front yard. I wonder if there will be any limbs left if we have many more wind storms.

[page 2] I saw Chuckie Harlan this afternoon. Lorene said the operation corrected his eye trouble – however he is still wearing glasses. I didn’t ask her who did the operating but his eyes did look much better. I suppose that is what Wilson’s will do for Susan.

While walking saw Bernard Funk. He looked at the baby and was telling me that Arleen had left Donald with them today while she went to Laf. He said he weighed their baby & Donald – Eveline is 7 months old and weights 17 lbs and Donald is 2 ½ mo old and weighs 14 ½. I wonder what he will weigh at one year. Someone had evidently been hunting and left a pheasant at Bills. When John and I came home I saw a beautiful bird lying across the mail box. I wouldn’t mind having some of the feathers. Maybe to put on a hat. I imagine Earl will get some this fall – if he can go hunting. He said when they were here he would be able to get gas enough to drive to work but that would be all.

Had a letter from your Mother & she said she wanted to come up. Kenneth promised to bring her but he is busy getting his corn crop in. They will have to come this week if they come before gas rationing. I figure by having the tank full at the beginning and just driving enough to get my 4 gal a week and keep the tank fuel maybe we can make a trip home sometime when the baby is older.

Newspaper clipping from January 1942

[page 3] There was a letter from the F.B.I. inquiring about a man wanted for kidnapping. This man seems to be in bad health and the letter describes his ailments – seems he has been to different Doctors and I imagine a lot of Drs. got the same letter. I will return the letter to the Bureau and inform them you have been away since May and no way of having any information on “Clarence V. Stevens.” His picture and finger prints are in the Post office, same as came with the letter.

—Just came up from cleaning out the furnace – I mean clean. Took everything out and started a new fire. Mark carried out a full can of clinkers this morning. Now there is almost another full can. That is the first entire cleaning job it has had I think since you did it in July – but I will see to it now that is doesn’t go so long. Can’t understand how it kept from ruining a pin. Just hope after all that effort it doesn’t do something like that now.

Thurs P.M. – was rather tired last night after my furnace work but feel fine today. It is so warm it is like summer. The sun is so bright I just had to wash out the days wash – couldn’t resist the urge to get them in the sun while I can

[page 4] Didn’t get any letters yesterday or today. Maybe I will tomorrow or this evening. I have to get the serial no. from the tires so I can register for my gas card. I could get the no. from every tire but the left front and the no. is turned to the inside. It’s a good thing you gave me power of attorney because the owner has to sign for the gas card.

Arlene was going to make an appointment for me with Dr. Cole Sat. but he isn’t going to be in but have to take John down to broadcast with the band and to see Dr. Ade. I really don’t need to see him (Dr. Cole) yet because I think I can feed the baby for a while yet without further instructions. The little rescal is beginning to gain so fast now. Weighed over 9 lbs this A.M. Arlene is going to keep him for me Sat. She insists and since she knows how it’s done and has Louise I think I’ll leave him. It is such a job to take him along because of fixing the bottles and then I would have to take someone else along to hold him while I drive.

Since I started this last night and haven’t been out yet today haven’t any fresh news. It is so nice I will take David out again & maybe I can collect something to write about tonight. No paper today so no news from that source. I hear a bell ringing. Must be the Methodist or Presbyterian, I suppose there is a funeral but don’t know.

Will try to write again tonight with lots of news –

Love Mother

Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/06/20/november-18-1942-gladys/

November 18, 1942 (Roscoe)

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: November 18, 1942 Envelope

: November 18, 1942, p. 1

: November 18, 1942, p. 2

: November 18, 1942, p. 3

Letter transcription:

Nov. 18, 1942

Dear Mother,

I’m writing before chow because we have work to do afterwards and there is a movie here tonite and of course will have to go. Not have to but we might want to although I’m not too much excited about them.

Now that you know our location I suppose you will be using maps in getting the location etc. As I’ve said before it’s a more or less modernized town but the standard of living doesn’t seem as high as ours. Of course, we don’t have any of the conveniences that they have in town. There are plenty of coconut trees here and there are always green ones on them but I’ve never found a ripe one only in the stores. In our particular area there are no coconut trees but we can see plenty not more than a half mile away in several directions. The nuts are supposed to be good from tiny green ones up to the large ripe ones.

[page 2] There are also supposed to be some bananas growing here but I haven’t been far enough away to see them as yet.

I suppose the boys will get their maps and look the situation over again. I finally got a map of the south west but would still like one of Europe as well as any you might send.

It’s hard to believe this is Nov. since it is so warm and things are so different than from the States. In this type climate the seasons seem so much alike. That is so far only the rain is different and we haven’t had any of that for so long. The dust is very thick on my stand beside the bed. And our our table in the mess tent/hall seems like sand paper when one rubs his hand over it. So maybe all that stuff that looks like pepper in the food isn’t.

[page 3] No mail again today and our news is mostly local. The radio news and newspapers are quite some behind times so we only know our local stuff and it isn’t so bad. There just hasn’t been any mail come in with the exception of a few V-mail letters. Those are old but one of my tent mate got one today dated Nov. 2, which wasn’t so bad, but regular air mail came in about 4-5 days ago addressed dated Nov. 2.

I’ll save the rest of the space until after the show or morning. Maybe mail will come. No mail, no show.

Don’t know why the no mail but something broke on the sound affect to the whole thing was called off. Maybe better next time. I’ve heard there is lots of mail around here but just hasn’t been sorted etc.

Love Daddy

Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/06/20/november-18-1942-roscoe/

November 17, 1942 (Gladys)

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: November 17, 1942 Envelope

: November 17, 1942, p. 1

: November 17, 1942, p. 2

: November 17, 1942, p. 3

: November 17, 1942, p. 4

Letter transcription:

Kentland Ind
Nov 17 – 1942

Dear Daddy –

Rec’d two letters today – the latest one posted Nov 9 – Hope they keep coming like this – I am glad to get them but rather get one each day than in bunches. This afternoon when I was taking David for his airing noticed men working in the Chevrolet building and unless I was mistaken we are going to have a new post office – all new features, etc. I hadn’t heard anything about it or read anything in the papers about it, but I could have missed it. I haven’t done much reading and don’t always read the paper thoroughly. As I have said before – and as you are getting tired of reading, I am pretty busy, and haven’t done much reading since the event of David. After I get housecleaning done maybe I can catch up a little on my literary duties. You remember the Mrs. Morris I visited in Norfolk? Mrs. Swartz told me her son is in Peru now at the Navy Air School. Now I could comment but I am sure you know what I am thinking – but no use going into that. John had to go to band practice again tonite and Mark went with him. They got back just after Fibber & Molly program started. I am listening with one ear and it isn’t so easy to

Fibber McGee and Molly, 1937 (Image via Wikipedia Commons)

[page 2] write. Mr. Wimple is now whinning.

Yesterday when I was in town saw Shirley Boze and she looked like she needs an O.B. Dr. again. This afternoon saw Lucile Burgee and she was the same – very definitely so. Two cases you would probably have had.

The boys raked some leaves and burned them in the furnace outside. The wind blew a small mountain of leaves over the terrace and I was afraid they would smother the grass. It looked like rain and if there had been a heavy rain on them would have made matters worse. This wind I have been writing about swept the rest of the back yard clean but the wind has ceased at present.

There isn’t any school tomorrow due to students working on the gas rationing, so the boys will be home. I want to get the furnace cleaned good and the clinkers carried out, and a few other things done, as I think of them. Seems like there is always something to be done but as I have said it better to keep busy.

Just read your last two letters over again – and I’ll tell you again in case – I bought each boy a bond. John got his books full and it made Mark feel so badly I had him clean the floors and finished his books so he could get a bond and David had rec’d 9⁰⁰ in gifts so put the difference to a bond for him.

[page 3] Again I’ll tell you – it took the V-mail you sent the boys 3 weeks to come. They have each written you V-mail several times but you haven’t mention receiving.

I sent Lentz’s pictures and the film in your birthday box. Maybe you have some by now. The picture you mentioned surely wasn’t good. I noticed there were several blanks on the film. All his pictures are in the bunch. The only ones I kept were of you. I hope you get all the snap shots I have sent of us. There were some good ones of the baby. I sent several this week – some week we took last week. I have a new roll of film and if there is any sunshine tomorrow will try to get on of David. He will be 8 weeks old tomorrow. He weighed 8-14 this morning so by tomorrow he should be a little heavier. Maybe 9 lbs for his 8^th week. We have been home 6 weeks and he has gained about 2 lbs – 11 oz – which is almost an average of ½ lb a week. His face is getting so full and is [his] legs and arms are showing some curves. He measures 22 inches long so when he gets a few pounds added will be an armful.

Wed Afternoon – It is almost time for the 2 P.M. feeding but will try to finish this first. It seems like I am so pokey I can’t get much done. David is still asleep. He has been very good today – but that is the usual thing – He weighed 9 lbs this morning and that was what

[page 4] I told him he should do – so he would be at an even number on his 8^th week (8 weeks old today).

John has an eye headache today. He will see Dr. A Sat. and get a check-up. His head bothered him quite a lot this morning – so I gave him an aspirgum to chew – there was a box of samples came thru the mail. It relieved him some but his head is still touchy. Mark has gone with Betty Lou up to the stable. He enjoys being around the horses. He is talking about ice skates for Christmas. I don’t know what the outcome will be.

Had a letter from your Mother this morning. She had gotten your last letter. I suppose it was your last to her – the one you mentioned in the last I had from you. I didn’t get any today but suppose will get two tomorrow. They have been coming rather regular – day by day for some time now. You said you had the bank bal. I don’t remember what it was then but right at 700 now. I haven’t spent anything this fall only what I had to. Somehow I don’t feel much like buying things. I am going to buy two bonds this mo. and two next. I missed Sept & Oct so will catch up.

This is a beautiful warm sunny day. Unusual weather again,

Love Mother

Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/06/20/november-17-1942-gladys/

The Big Reveal (Roscoe)

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Postcard of Noumea, New Caledonia

The big secret has been revealed. Where was Roscoe exactly? The Navy finally allowed the men in New Caledonia to give their specific addresses to loved ones at home. Since the beginning of September 1942, Roscoe was stationed at the U.S. Naval Advance Base in Nouméa, New Caledonia. For the first time, Roscoe used his specific address on the return envelope as well as including it inside the letter for all to use. I can’t imagine it was much of a security breach at this point. The Japanese surely knew there was an American base on New Caledonia. Roscoe had provided many clues for the family at home. The islanders spoke French. They had a distinctive red hair color. He included references to a certain National Geographic Magazine article about New Caledonia from July 1942. And of course, he gave his location to Gladys in code, right from the very beginning. The above postcard was mixed in with the letters. There is no writing on the back so it was most likely sent as a visual reference for Gladys and the boys, tucked into one of the letters.

In one of many internet searches of New Caledonia and the surrounding region, I came across a 1943 United States Army handbook for military troops serving in New Caledonia. I love the section in the back for speaking French and the basic phrase book. Pocket Guide to New Caledonia

Note from Roscoe with change of address

I am not exactly sure which letter the following slip of paper belonged to originally. I found it with the letter Roscoe wrote on November 19th. However, the context did not make sense. On the 19th, Roscoe was already correctly addressing his envelopes with the new address. The last letter in which Roscoe used the White Poppy format was November 16th. Based on today’s letter, it is apparent that he had already sent the new address at least once. I am therefore deducing that this paper probably belonged with a letter prior to the 17th. If Gladys received a group of letters in a bunch, it is likely that this slip may have ended up in the wrong envelope.

: November 17, 1942 Envelope

: November 17, 1942, p. 1

: November 17, 1942, p. 2

: November 17, 1942, p. 3

Letter transcription:

Nov. 17, 1942

Dear Mother,

Just a little time between chow and work. It being 5:45 P.M. and the weather cloudy. Needless to say I want you to write me when the check and money orders get there. It might have been foolish to send them when mail is heavy but maybe it won’t be so heavy they there by the time those arrive. We didn’t receive any mail again today. Seems like at first when we came – but maybe that new address will help. That is the third one now so all in all we should fare better. Just in case you didn’t get it

Receiving Station
U.S. Naval Advance Base
Noumea, New Caledonia

There is no doubt now about our location but I suppose you had a pretty definite idea where

[page 2] it was. If you see anybody who cares to write tell them of the new address and I’ll write to some of them also.

We are still pretty busy but it runs in streaks like it used to at home. Out of our original bunch there is very near half at other locations even my old friend Lentz. That makes ones address very uncertain but the mail will always be sent on, so use that new address and in case I leave it will be alright.

I haven’t seen Dr. Ash in so long, guess he is still where he was but I haven’t had time to go swimming so miss our meetings. Swimming was OK at first but anymore the new is worn off so I don’t care so much anymore and along with being busy I don’t care.

Had some sardines yesterday – some fellow go [got] some and with crackers and

[page 3] a little beer we had a fine mid afternoon snack. Of course I wasn’t very hungry when evening chow came along but the meat was corned beef and the cook didn’t use any spoon he just threw all the pepper in he had so I didn’t care for much. We had lamb again today. That seems to show up often and I don’t care so much for it but it’s better than canned meats.

It’s time to think before long about that state gross income tax for the whole year and if there is any questions see Lamb or Agnes Molter and also about the federal. Guess you have done that or will before long. David should come in for his share of tax reduction.

Well, I’ll have to confess there isn’t much in this but there just isn’t much to write.

So Solong
Love Daddy

Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/07/05/the-big-reveal-roscoe/

November 16, 1942 (Gladys) Part V

4 Replies

: November 16, 1942 Envelope (#2)

: November 16, 1942, p. 1 (#2)

: November 16, 1942, p. 2 (#2)

: November 16, 1942, p. 3 (#2)

: November 16, 1942, p. 4 (#2)

Letter transcription:

Kentland Ind
Nov – 16 – 1942

Dear Daddy –

I wrote one letter today but thought I would start another one this evening. Went to town this afternoon after I wrote to you. I kept watching the sky and decided it wasn’t going to rain. Had a nice walk – went to town and paid the telephone bill and saw several people on the streets. Everyone wanted to look at the baby. He slept thru it all. He was asleep when I took him up to put him in the buggy and slept until after we came home. He is asleep again now – He usually fusses between 6 and 10 – hope he doesn’t get his hours mixed up and want to stay awake after 10. He weighed about 8-14 this morning. He has been gaining more this last week. While he took his last bottle I re-read the two letters that came today. I suppose you do the same thing yourself. While in town I saw the Dyers & Prues – Mrs. D. said Rosemond’s husband was sent to Ireland and they are afraid he is being sent on somewhere – Mrs. Dyer said “into the thick of things.” I saw Marjory Wilson Ryan. I was rather surprised as her baby is hardly 3 weeks old and Dr. Cole tells his OB’s to stay in 3 weeks after leaving the hospital – but she is young and must have gotten along very well. That sounds like I am putting myself in the old lady class but I think you understand. I really feel good now, but I think it is because I did go slow at first.

[page 2] John was coming home from school when I started to town so he walked with me. He was rather amused at the comments – first one would say, “My, what a tiny baby,” then the next would say, “Why he isn’t small.” It is amusing to hear people and the difference of opinion. Arlene was in town too, but she has company and had gone to Club – her sister and a friend. She isn’t able to walk much so they had gone in their car. This was my first trip to town walking and I enjoyed it very much. I stopped at the dress shop and got me a new girdle – I am a little pouchy (I think) and I want to get ironed out again. I wonder if I will wear the garment – also got a new blouce. I didn’t have time to do much shopping because by the time I got to the dress shop it was getting close to bottle time.

John has gone to band practice tonight. He had to get a strap today (1⁰⁰). He said “there goes two week’s allowance.” They had to have this extra practice to get ready for their broadcast Sat. at Purdue.

The Kindig boys – Jack & Calvin are both in hospitals. Jack is in Watseka and Calvin in Michigan somewhere. I don’t know what ails either one but from comments both are very ill.

So many popular radio programs are being sent by short wave to service men overseas. I wonder when I hear the announcers tell that if you are getting the programs. Hope you can get some of your favorites. However

[page 3] you said you couldn’t get Red Skelton. I listen to news reports every day and wonder if you get the same. We get Gregor Z. from Cincinatti at 6:15 and sometimes I get him at 10:15 while giving the baby his bottle.

In one of those letters away back there before I went to the hospital I wrote you about the septic tanks. A man came around wanting to clean them. Link & I decided not to have the tanks cleaned. However Funks & Foulks did. I also wrote to Jim and he wrote back that it shouldn’t be necessary for several years yet. Jim said the only reason would be that if the plumber hooked the sink drain to the tanks which shouldn’t be done – the grease would cause trouble. I think Mr. Monroe knows enough not to have done that.

Now that you are receiving some of those back dated letters maybe they will all get to you, except some few I put regular 3¢ stamps on. I put air mail on most of them and on all after I received your letters telling me to.

In your Christmas box I put in a candy bar – let me know if it gets to you in good shape. We weren’t supposed to put in anything but hard candies. I put in everything you asked for and everything else we could think of which didn’t seem like much after it was all packed – but a shoe box doesn’t hold much and that was the size box we were permitted to use. I would like to get you a good wrist watch. Let me know if you want me to send you one.

In a previous letter I sent you Joe R. address. He would like to hear from you I know as much as you from him. The last time I saw her she was pretty worried about him.

[page 4] Again I will tell you we received the first box you sent and enjoyed it very much. I want to mount the coral & use it for a decoration for the mantle or coffee table.

Jack Byrne and Mr. Healy are now running Art’s drug store. Byrnes are living in the new addition in one of those houses close to Carl Funks.

I think I forgot to mention, I had a card from Jewell that Dot has a baby girl – Jane weighed 6-11 – same as David. Born in Oct. Her husband is in Class 1-A – Jewell said it looked bad so evidently he will have to go soon.

I am jumping around from subject to subject but just had a thought. John had been playing the “Star Spangled Banner” until I thought I would scream – that is he was working on it, then he told me he had written his version of it. Miss Smith told me she was so thrilled over it – and told him it was the best thing he had done yet. He is scoring some onion skin and is going to copy it and send to you and if you have a piano around and someone to play it – or possibly you could – maybe Lentz – you can hear what I have been listening to. You would probably appreciate it more than I did when he was working on it, because it does get a bit tiresome to hear the same thing over & over – that is when he is working out something. I will stop and leave a space for Tues A.M. Just finished the baby’s bath & bottle. He has the hiccoughs – seems to be a habit of his – but doesn’t seem to bother him much. Rec’d two letters this morn – were posted Nov. 8 and 9^th. Will answer those last two when I write tonight. Thought of something else to tell you when I have more time & space so will do that tonite –

Love Mother

Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/06/19/november-16-1942-gladys-part-v/

November 16, 1942 (Roscoe) Part IV

1 Reply

: Letter to John: November 16, 1942 Envelope

: Letter to John: November 16, 1942, p. 1

: Letter to John: November 16, 1942, p. 2

Letter transcription:

Nov. 16, 1942

Dear John,

I wrote Mark first this time, because I wrote yours first last time.

Enclosed you will find a little Christmas present and you can spend it as you like but ask Mother for suggestions and as I told Mark if you don’t have enough stamps for your bond use some of this to buy more stamps. I want you to spend some of it in the way you want.

So you like to go to the Jr. High School. I was sure you would and I think some of that gym work will do you good. Some of the things they do might be a little rough but try to do them

[page 2] for those things will make you have big muscles.

By now you probably have clinkers to carry out of the basement and I suppose there is lots of extra work with David but I believe you and Mark will help Mother loks lots while I’m not there and at least not give her trouble.

In case Mark’s present should get lost I wish you would share yours equally with him. I’ve asked him to do the same in case yours should get lost.

David will get his with Mother’s.

Lots of love,

Daddy

Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/06/18/november-16-19…roscoe-part-iv/

November 16, 1942 (Roscoe) Part III

1 Reply

: Letter to Mark: November 16, 1942, p. 1

: Letter to Mark: November 16, 1942, p. 2

Letter transcription:

Nov. 16, 1942

Dear Mark,

I’m writing you first this time. Last time I wrote John first so will switch it around and make it turn about.

You will find enclosed a little Christmas present that Mother will tell you how to get the money from it. This is yours to spend or keep as you like but let Mother suggest and help you with it. If you haven’t enough money stamps to buy a bond I’d suggest that you use some of it that way. Or you might use some for clothes but some of it you can spend as you see fit.

Surely by this time you have had some pretty cool days

[page 2] but we have had hot weather almost all time.

I suppose now that David is there you have extra work to do and I do hope you will help Mother where ever you can because she has lots to do and think about while I’m gone and she depends upon you and John for help.

I’m sending John a present also and in case one would get lost and the other gets there I want you to divide yours with John equally. I’m sure you would be willing to do that and I’m going to ask him to do the same for you.

I’m sending David a present with Mother’s.

Lots of Love
Daddy

Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/06/18/november-16-19…oscoe-part-iii/

November 16, 1942 (Roscoe) Part II

4 Replies

: November 16, 1942 Envelope front

: November 16, 1942 Envelope back

: November 16, 1942, p. 1

: November 16, 1942, p. 2

: November 16, 1942, p. 3

Letter transcription:

Nov. 16, 1942

Dear Mother,

I sneaked away from work for a short time in order to write letters. I wanted to get the presents out to you and the boys so I’ve written both John & Mark – won’t write Davy. I’m sending his $10 in your check. You can buy clothes – stamps or whatever you like for him. I thought the boys would get a kick out of the money orders, and I want them to spend some of it as they see fit. Yours you can do the same. Apply it to that I have sent etc. The last figures you sent me on the bank acc. were pretty good so I see no reason why you need spend this or that which I sent you for your birthday on things for the house – use it for yourself.

We still don’t have any mail today

[page 2] must be because of heavy Christmas mail or simply because it hasn’t come.

I finished your letter in a big hurry this A.M. because I wanted to get it off today. I didn’t tell you that after church we had a show and as of olden times I was called away to go to town for some work. Our show house is simply on the hillside with a screen down the hill and the projector up the hill and the seats are the ground in between.

While in town I had banana ice cream on apple pie. Then when I got home I had a bottle of beer and my stomach almost soured on me during the night – didn’t sleep good. Won’t try that combination any more for some time. I’m just not used to things like

[page 3] that.

We listened to the Jap broadcast last night and some of the things they said were downright funny especially to us who know. So in case you hear some of the things don’t believe them until you are very sure. The news all over as far as we are able to get it is good, hope it keeps going that way.

I must get back to the hospital – will add more if mail comes. Guess I’d better not because I want this letter registered and I must do it before the P.O. closes. I’ll sign the check to you and you won’t have to use your power of att. but no one can cash it but you.

Well, I’ll have to do the registering now after I get the whole thing censored.

Love Daddy

Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/06/18/november-16-19…roscoe-part-ii/ ‎

November 16, 1942 (Gladys) Part I

1 Reply

: November 16, 1942 Envelope

: November 16, 1942, p. 1

: November 16, 1942, p. 2

: November 16, 1942, p. 3

: November 16, 1942, p. 4

Letter transcription:

Kentland Ind
Nov. 16, 1942

Dear Daddy –

Two letters today so that bring my mail up again (in 9 days). All letters in order according to dates. Today we are having another high wind. I was going to take the baby out today for the first in the Johnson buggy but it is getting cloudy. I will wait until about 3:30 or 4 to see how it is then. I just had to go out and take some clothes off the line. The wind had whipped them around so. It feels warm out and much like rain. In case you don’t get those other letters Lucile is getting ready for a new baby and has a buggy and loaned it to me until she needs it in the early spring. I sent you a Nov. & December calander off my desk and will send you a complete one for 1943 as soon as I can get one. I have one from Mennens on the back of an O.B. chart but thought I could find a better small one than that. Today is Buddy Krull’s birthday. I baked a cake & decorated it. Mark took it to the restaurant as soon as he finished his lunch. Thanks to the mixer I can now make a cake I can send to someone for a gift. Wish I could send you one but that is out of the question now. Maybe I’ll make one and we will celebrate for you here. We will think about you especially on the 25^th (as if we don’t all the time). I think you know you are in our thoughts and conversations

James L. Foster in his sailor uniform. Photograph courtesy of Gerry McCarroll.

[page 2] all the time. Had a letter from Jim this morning. Said he was asking for a leave to begin Dec. 30 until Jan. 9. The boys often mention what Jim said last Christmas. Do you remember? Said you & he would be in uniform this Christmas. Ed Barce had a few days leave and came out to see us Sat. nite. He has finished at Norfolk and is waiting for orders. I think he is in Indpls [Indianapolis] at present. He drives a station wagon and takes other (comm.) officers around. He was wearing a blue uniform and it looked very good on him. Which reminds me to tell you to keep looking at yours from time to time (and air it once in a while). Maybe this is unnecessary advice but you might moth or mold. I took your clothes out of the closet and even with spray and moth bags the little “fellars” had gotten in and eaten two or three holes in those green pants (if you remember) and a black pr. but not too bad to be mended.

Mother went home last Fri and so far we have been getting along fine. I had been doing most everything before she left anyway. I am feeling fine and have been trying to take care of myself and rest enough. I am still taking shots but think I’ll start on something orally. I am going to see Dr. C. I think Sat and he will probably write a prescription for me. John is going to

Silvester and Jessie Schiele (Roscoe’s maternal uncle)

[page 3] play with the band to broadcast and intend to make an appointment for him with Dr. A. I told you all this before but just in case you don’t get my last letter repeat this. I also told you I had a letter from H. W. Reinhart, Ylc CUB Two Moffett Field – Calif. He wants to hear about you so you write to him. Had a letter from Ruthie and they were in Hannah. Floyd had to have his blood test but she didn’t say anything about whether the Co. would be able to keep him or not. They are coming over sometime because Floyd sold all his shop equip. to Mr. Zell and will bring it over. Also had a letter from Aunt Jessie. Just a hello note – said they are intending to come down to see us soon. I had forgotten all about the microscope but will keep it – as you say. Sometimes I wonder if I am forgetting something important but hope I am not. Keeping a baby clean & fed is a large order but it is better to keep busy under the circumstances. Don’t worry about the furnace. We are taking care of it. I am keeping the Ins. paid because you know those notices come and I won’t forget any of that and the bank takes care of the rent so that is that. David is kicking and trying to go to sleep to. He showed a definite demonstration of temper last night. He was in his basket and I was writing to you and he was crying. I reached

[page 4] over and patted him – but didn’t take him up – well you should have heard him – I took him up and he stopped as quickly as he had started. Maybe I shouldn’t have taken him up. I often wonder what you would say about one thing and another regarding his care. Maybe we spoil him just a little, but that is another natural thing under the circumstances (do you agree?) He isn’t too spoiled because he sleeps a lot. I am afraid the weather is against our going out, looks definitely like rain.

I do hope you get all those letters you listed even if the news is old you will enjoy them. I will put the radiogram in the scrapbook. I haven’t received a reply – only from you (that is enough for me).

John and Lovina (Schiele) Yegerlehner (Roscoe’s parents, c1946)

I thought your Mother would try to come up before the gas rationing but she will have to come this week – if she does. That is too much a trip with the baby now, or we would have gone down this week-end.

It will soon be time for the boys to come home from school. “My day” is so full I just go from one thing to another. I didn’t have much lunch for them so that means a good full supper. John gets so hungry. Mark does too by spells.

I must quit and do a few odds & ends. I hope you can read this – believe my writing gets worse.

Love Mother

Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/06/30/november-16-1942-gladys-part-i/ ‎

November 15, 1942 (Roscoe)

1 Reply

: November 15, 1942 Envelope

: November 15, 1942, p. 1

: November 15, 1942, p. 2

: November 15, 1942, p. 3

Letter transcription:

Nov. 15, 1942

Dear Mother,

Pre World War II (c1930) – 10 Yen

To begin with I sent you some Japanese money in yesterday’s letter, that according to the censors is OK. You probably won’t be able to spend it for anything or at least a very small amount of what it was worth at one time. I never did know what it was worth but some said it was the same as $5.00. Don’t ask how or where I got it, because I won’t tell. Not now. I have some other money but it isn’t passable just now then today was pay day so I have some other USA money and I’ll send you a check in tomorrow’s mail I think. It might be Tue. and I’m also sending each of the boys a little for Christmas. Yours and David’s will be together – but the other boys will get theirs in a letter. Now that’s the third time I’ve told that to you so hope you get the whole business and needless to say I’d like a report on it when it arrives.

Things have been quiet and not much to do. A few days ago another (jg) and I had a 107 patients to take care of. We of course were responsible to a higher up

[page 2]but it was our job to take care of them and that’s a pretty good sized job. For that’s as many as we often had in St. Elizabeth Hospital. And it about twice as many as could get into Iroquois Co. Hospital.

Had chicken for chow at noon – ½ chicken per person and seconds if necessary, mashed potatoes gravy – asparagus tips, pea soup and apple pie. So you see that isn’t half bad and today was the day for another carton of cigarettes. That comes in our monthly mess bill. Doesn’t sound like rationing here.

No mail yet today but we still have hopes. It’s just about time now for the usual delivery but have [not] seen or heard anything. There is always a disturbance when it comes in.

Took a bath this P.M. Sewed a pair of pants, washed my head and now have my dirty clothes soaking for tomorrow’s laundry. Pretty busy Sunday P.M. but we are always busy in the morning, up to noon, and those things have to be done when we have time.

Last night when I went into the Hall to

[page 3] write your letter it was clear – with the moon shining and all at once it began raining like the duce. We all ran because our tents were open all around – reminded one of closing windows back in civilization.

Did you ever give Dr. Joe’s wife my address for him? I have never heard from him, so can’t write him unless I’d write to her and have it forwarded, but I’d rather write direct.

Maybe mail will come and I’ll write to the folks now.

No mail. I’ve written to the folks but it is now Monday morning. We were busy up until light went out will write more this Eve.

Love Daddy

Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/06/17/november-15-1942-roscoe/