Tag Archives: John Henry Yegerlehner

Homemade Ice Cream (Gladys)

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: July 19, 1943 envelope

: July 19, 1943, p. 1

: July 19, 1943, p. 2-3

: July 19, 1943, p. 4

Letter transcription:

Kentland Ind
July 19 – 1943

Dear Daddy –

Monday and doing the usual week-day work. Just fixed Mother’s dinner & John took it up. Says she feels better today than yesterday. I put some broth, custard & potatoe soup on her trap. She got a little upset Sat. from something, and didn’t eat much yesterday. She can’t eat much in the way of vegetables yet, but think she will in time. Had a letter from Jim this a.m. He & Thelma couldn’t come home when he had a 9 day leave due to both being ill from sunburns. He thinks he is going to get a 10 day leave before he is sent out but I am not counting too strong on it. He is waiting now for placement.

[page 2] Zell’s and Shirk’s have invited me to go to Rotary dinner tonight entertaining the wives. It is out of town and Mrs. Z. said Shirks were wanting to take their car. I am not sure where it is, but north.

Mark went to the garden this morning and picked enough green beans to can 4 qt. and digged potatoes for two days. Sure is nice now to have the garden to get such substantial things. Soon will have cabbage & tomatoes. Will have carrots today too.

David is in his bed and not liking it too well. Mark had him out in the buggy & he didn’t want to come in. He is a little spoiled from yesterday. I didn’t have anything else to do so played with him a while and now he doesn’t like being put off in the nursery alone. He will be 10 months old Fri. He isn’t growing much now but he is holding his own.

[page 3] He works any fat he may get off. He is so busy all the time. I think from the quiet in the nursery he has decided to go to sleep.

John has been helping me wash & wash dishes. He made ice cream this morning. He likes to make desserts. I am glad he does. Saves me the trouble. Seems his voice is changing. His nose is covered with pimples, but he doesn’t care. He is reading now. Some new magazines came today and he usually devours them when they come.

Mrs. James is still in Ft. Wayne and I suppose will be for some time. Irene took Jimmy with her this morning. There is a nursery school for the factory workers in the grade building. Irene said it is to be discontinued so she doesn’t know what she will do then.

My new gas ration book came today. Nos. 7,8,9,10,11,12 The other book was numbered up to 6.

[page 4] Mark is munching on a raw potatoe. Sorry I can[‘t] send you a bite. It is past 12 and I feel it. I got up about 7 this a.m. and have been busy most of the time. I have a roast in the oven. I am saving a steak I bought over a week ago. It was 48 or 50¢ a lb – so we just don’t eat steak often. Chicken is cheaper. I promised the children a weiner roast so think I’ll try to make good my promise this week. There is a lot of brush accumulated from the storms I want to get burned.

Will stop put this in with the letter I wrote yesterday & hope you get it. Have to drop Jim & your folk a line. Keeps me busy writing as much as I have to. Will give you a report on the party in next letter.

Love Mother

©2014 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2014/10/19/homemade-ice-cream-gladys/

Love Fixer Upper (Roscoe)

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: July 18, 1943 envelope

: July 18, 1943, p. 1

: July 18, 1943, p. 2

Letter transcription:

July 18, 1943
Lieut. R. S. Yegerlehner USNR
Navy 60 F.P.O. San Fran C.

Dear Mother,

The chores all over for a while but I can’t say that I’m able to think of any suitable subject to write. It’s just one of those seemingly writeless days, and this is also the day for the regular letter to the home folk.

I was talking to an army Dr. yesterday whose wife after he left the USA joined the WACS. He has no other dependent so the government cut out his rental allowance and ½ his food. Of course his wife is drawing her pay but she quit a job with better pay than she is getting in the army so he really lost lots of “potatoes.” He swears he is going to divorce her when he gets home. So if he feels that way they probably weren’t too well satisfied before he left home. My observations of the marital

[page 2] states of men out here is twofold. Those persons who were married unhappily or lukewarm seem to drift farther apart. Personally I’ve had four people tell me they were either getting a divorce at present or intended to as soon as they get home. On the other hand there are those who were happily married and I think the bonds grow even stronger by being away. The above is just my observation being supported by my growing experience as “love fixer upper” as I have written as well as my own personal feelings for I’m tickled pea green I’m in the last group and by talking about families to other people I’ve had them tell me they envy me my wife and family. I don’t know how I got started on this tirade and it seems to be a little hard to get shut off but maybe I can end it by using a most beautiful phrase which carries with it a very sincere meaning to me.

Lots of 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/2014/10/18/love-fixer-upper-roscoe/

Okra & Kohlrabi (Gladys)

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: July 10, 1943, p. 1

: July 10, 1943, p. 2-3

: July 10, 1943, p. 4

Letter transcription:

Kentland Ind
July 10 – 1943

Dear Daddy –

It was late when I got to bed last nite and I was so tired from yesterday’s goings. I fed David about 6:30 – he would want to wake early – then we both went back to sleep and I was just up getting dressed when the mail main came and brought 4 letters, June 26-27-28 & 29. Now I must call Mrs. R. and tell her you & Joe have been together but she probably has the word from Joe. I promised her I would come over & see her when I visited Ruthie P. in the hospital but

[page 2] with Mother being down and the boys gone last week I didn’t get over to see Ruthie and now she is home so I’ll just call Mrs. R. until some later date when I can go over.

Mrs. Zell just came over and said we could have green beans – ours aren’t quite ready yet. They have kolorabies [kohlrabi] in their garden. Also are raising okra – if I remember correctly you didn’t care for okra.

When we got home last night David’s evys eyes were red and looked like he was getting something but I bathed his eyes with warm boric acid solution before putting him to bed and this morning they are about normal

[page 3] again – but I remember when I was powdering him yesterday after his bath. I accidently got some in his eyes – so I think that must be the cause. Now don’t worry about it he is OK now. At present he is trying to get hold of a rocking chair beside his bed – He is always trying to reach something. Betty Lou took some pictures and if I can get them will send them today. I think Nick has given up the enlisting idea. Haven’t heard anything about it lately and they are doing some work on their house – putting in a bathroom downstairs and

[page 4] remodeling their kitchen. They are still driving their car. It looks about like it did when you left. He gets more gasoline than we get (a card) because of his business. He has a locker in Sheldon and has to make several trips a week to get meat.

I sent you a financial statement the first of the month but will tell you again – I at present have $91 – but that includes 52⁰⁰ Mother gave me and the 52⁰⁰ will probably go to the hospital when I pay her bill down there – but the Hancock Ins. is paid for this time (3 policies) and all bills except 10⁰⁰ at Loebs and a small bill at Bairs are paid – So I really have a bal. of about 39⁰⁰ – I have to write Jim & Glen, your Folks & Ruth about Mother –

Love Mother

©2014 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2014/09/30/okra-kohlrabi-gladys/

Father’s Day (Roscoe)

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: June 20, 1943 envelope

: June 20, 1943, p. 1

: June 20, 1943, p. 2

: June 20, 1943, p. 3

: June 20, 1943, p. 4

Letter transcription:

Lieut R. S. Yegerlehner USNR
Navy 60 F.P.O. S.F.C.

Dear Mother,

Sunday A.M. and sorta loafing around just like a nice summer A.M. at home. Even had a late breakfast. I think the cooks must have had a rough Sat. night possibly down at the corner drug store or in Joe’s Bar room. I doubt if anyone knew or cared whether yesterday was Sat., etc. It’s really funny sometimes about the arguments as to the day of the week. Sometimes one is off as much as two days.

[page 2] Just got a note from Hicky. He gave it to a passer by and it came to me this A.M. It was written yesterday. He always wants me to come and see him but our modes of travel are not for visiting purposes. It sure would be fine to talk to someone from home and someone who appreciated Indiana and it’s “corn” as much as I do. Of course, every state takes a beating in turn. We think Reno will soon find out about the war because the stage coach is due there now that spring is here and

[page 3] the roads are passable – and so it goes.

According to the calendar today is Father’s Day so will have to add a little something to my letter home to the folks. Of course it should have been done several days ago but I just forgot it.

Just stopped to take on a cake of chewing gum. W With that you sent Christmas and with what Mom sent I still have quite a supply.

It seems funny to hear some of the new fellows talk – all about the “zoot suits” and the

[page 4] color of the Ration cards and the different cards in use and also about some of the latest shows and new books. We don’t get those commonplace news and you folk back there think nothing of it because it’s just a gradual process.

In some of the latest magazines there are jokes and cartoons regarding shoe rationing which are a little hard to understand. I guess we won’t have any trouble catching on to those things – anyway just give us a chance –

No mail again yesterday
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/2014/08/24/fathers-day-roscoe/

“Foreign Service” (Roscoe)

3 Replies

: June 13, 1943 envelope

: June 13, 1943, p. 1

: June 13, 1943, p. 2

: June 13, 1943, p. 3

: June 13, 1943, p. 4

Letter transcription:

June 13, 1943
Lieut. R. S. Yegerlehner
Navy 60 F.P.O. S.F.C.

Dear Mother,

You will note that I cut the address down considerable on the inside – just lazy.

Yesterday your letter of May 25 came. It was the one with the hospital programs etc. The part that was most amusing was Dr. Holliday’s “Foreign service.” He was out of the States possibly 2 mo., maybe less, and then only on a ship which touched lightly at several islands. He of course doesn’t look healthy and never

[page 2] was much of an athlete. Played professional base ball only a few years ago. So much for that. I think that gives a cross section of the feeling the rest of us have about things like that.

A letter from the folks came yesterday also. It was written May 27. The most news it gave was the fact that they might be great-grandparents – which just goes to prove – well whatever you want it to prove – but if you’re not interested just drop the subject. The above was merely diarrhea of words and constipation of thought, which one gets afflicted with at times.

[page 3] I haven’t answered the Rotary letters yet but will get in the mood one of these days.

You have mentioned several times about my clothes being stored. Don’t worry about them because I doubt very much if they will be any good and I’m not going to buy as much as I did before because those whites and that blue top coat were a waste of money and next time I’ll buy only what I need for where I need it.

I’ll have to leave those things there however because I might get sent to a colder climate

[page 4] before going home. I think I’ll be able to go back there and pick them up when I’m thru here.

You told me one time what that loan amounted to but I forgot so if you think of it write it again. As an investment the paying of the loan on your policy would be as good as any since that costs 6% also, but I don’t suppose there is enough money for that. You might consider that if there is any spare –

Well, I’ve jumped from here to there etc.

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/2014/08/08/foreign-service-roscoe/

A dentist arrives (Roscoe)

2 Replies

: 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)

© 2014 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2014/07/25/a-dentist-arrives-roscoe/

Dr. Joe Roberts (Roscoe)

2 Replies

: May 23, 1943 envelope

: May 23, 1943, p. 1

: May 23, 1943, p. 2

: May 23, 1943, p. 3

Letter transcription:

May 23, 1943
Lieut R. S. Yegerlehner USNR
Navy 60 F.P.O. San Fran.

Dear Mother,

Just finished my morning chores and trying to settle down to writing.

Yesterday out of a clear sky from some source I got a letter from Dr. Joe Roberts and from his address I don’t believe he is very far from me but that is more or less a guess but I think I’m correct – I sure wish we could get together for a visit which is not impossible if my guessing is correct. The above seems to be

[page 2] a little mixed up but maybe you can get it straight.

Just by way of repeat I’ve sent two uniform check – one for 150 & one for 100 and later a check for 32.60 for you travel. All were in separate letters and mailed about one wk apart. When you get them give me the dope in several letters at intervals.

Went shelling again yesterday and had pretty good success but not as good as before but we didn’t stay as long. These are a little more stinky than

[page 3] those we had in Noumea because the live animal is there and has to be gotten out.

This being Sunday I’ll have to write the folks to keep up my weekly schedule. Then too I’ll have to drop Dr. J. a letter and compare notes but censorship is just as strict between here and there as it is between here and you.

Well, there are rumors of mail – hope they aren’t false.

Love
Daddy

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

Wordless Wednesday – Ready for a swim

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Mark and John Yegerlehner, mid to late 1930s. Their grandfather, John Henry Yegerlehner, sits in the background. The man next to John Henry is likely William O. Yegerlehner (Yegerline), John Henry’s nephew (and Roscoe’s first cousin).

Photograph from the private collection of Deborah Sweeney.

© Deborah Sweeney, 2014.
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2014/06/25/wordless-wednesday-ready-for-a-swim/

Hearts of Cocoanuts (Roscoe)

5 Replies

: May 17, 1943 envelope

: May 17, 1943, p. 1

: May 17, 1943, p. 2

: May 17, 1943, p. 3

: May 17, 1943, p. 4

Letter transcription:

May 17, 1943
Lieut R.S. Yegerlehner USNR
Navy 60 F.P.O. San Fran

Dear Mother,

It seems that something always interfers with letter writing but that is only natural when writing in the day time. At night time when one has time of his own it’s impossible to write so that is that.

Yesterday’s letter should come thru sooner than others because of the way it was mailed but if the fellow keeps them in his jacket you may never get it – You know how men are about letters.

After I had written yesterday I got a letter from the folks and

[page 2] one from Harry Storm. He is making a collection of A.P.O. addresses and asked Mother for one and since he then had my address he wrote. He made a guess of my location and missed also. Really it doesn’t make any difference as far as I can see whether people know where I am or not. If I thought it would help it would be different.

Last night several of the officers got together and we had a song fest. Wasn’t very good music but it was something. We do that every once in a while.

[page 3] Have had some stoppage but will try and go ahead even though there is still some conversation but maybe I can overcome the pitfalls.

I believe I have never told you of our one delicate dish – Hearts of Cocoanuts – It’s a brittle while substance that is in the heart of the tree. It’s something like celery when cut in strips. The only trouble is it takes a whole tree when that is served and that is the end of that tree. I think it is sewed in the states at a very high price.

I’m still reading the book

[page 4] written by Cecil Brown and I know have him in Australia. In another few hours of reading I’ll be able to get him back home.

Well, I’ve racked my brain for something more but it just won’t come.

So solong
Love Daddy

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

Censored for female reading (Roscoe)

1 Reply

: May 2, 1943 envelope

: May 2, 1943, p. 1

Letter transcription:

May 2, 1943
Lieut. R. S. Yegerlehner USNR
Navy 60
F. P. O. San Francisco Calif.

Dear Mother,

Sunday morning and up and going. This as you know is my day to write home and I’ll do so when this is finished. My last letter to them was only wed. because of the mix-up.

Yesterday a chaplin moved into our tent and I’m not sure who will be converted us or him. He seems to be a very swell fellow and a Catholic. He’ll probably want a tent of his own when we can get around to it.

The officer who received the shrimp broke down and opened two cans yesterday P.M. and we got some catsup to dunk them in and were they good. You’d be surprised at the amount of happiness an sult can receive from a can of sardines shrimp etc. The last you wrote you sent have not arrived. This fellow that got them yest said his wife had to almost bribe the store keeper to get what she sent.

We have the usual conversation going on in the tent and really this should be censored for female reading but I’ll try not to inject any of the words and phrases that are going rampant. Really we’re not a bad lot but we have to have our little fun now and then.

There is a little lull in the conversation and maybe I can get an inspiration but I’m a little afraid things have started again and I’m at the end of my ropes.

So solong
Love Daddy