Tag Archives: Kentland

The Most Cheerful Letter (Gladys)

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September 24, 1945 envelope

Letter transcription:

September 24, 1945, p. 1

Monday Evening

Dear Daddy –

I just went down and started a fire. It was so warm yesterday we let the fire go out. I cleaned out the ashes so it’s ready for another week, unless we have a cold snap and have to have more fire – in that case it will need cleaning oftener. Hope they get that burner soon. I won’t look for it for two or three weeks yet.

Coco told me that Nate Baer is on the Nevada – that is if it hasn’t arrived yet. Her sister is here now. I don’t know when she is expecting to see him, but soon. Maybe you will get to see him while he is in San F.

Dorothy came out this afternoon to see David’s birthday things. They had to go to Chicago yesterday afternoon so they couldn’t be here for the party. Dorothy says she is going up to visit her mother next week. She is going to take Bobby and stay a week. I told her if I could get someone to stay with J. & M. I would take David and go to San F.,

September 24, 1945, p. 2

[page 2] but I suppose you would get orders if I did. However if you should get orders to go out I think I would want to. Let’s just hope something is done soon so you will get to come home.

It has been cloudy and rainy all day – not exactly the kind of weather to boost one’s morale – if it happens not to be so high. I suppose it’s the letdown after last week-end and working a little too hard on David’s party.

Tomorrow is club opening at Mrs. Washburn’s. Just hope the weather is a little more on the sunny side. Nelly wanted to sell me a brown hat to wear but I didn’t get brown purse & gloves to go with my suit so I decided to wear my black hat & “things.” I washed my hair this evening and have it pinned down. I think I’ll have to get another perm. This one seems to have lost its pep.

David had a spill this evening and hurt the inside of his mouth. He keeps hitting his teeth. Just hope he doesn’t know them loose. He was up early this morning and wound up like a clock. He told John a wild tale. Today he was playing and talked

September 24, 1945, p. 3

[page 3] about an imaginary person. It made me think of the way John used to make up names of people he played with. David had to stay in today because of the rain. I tried to take a nap but every time I would drop off to sleep he would bounce up on the couch by me and awaken me. He said he would take a nap too but that didn’t last long.

John said Smith was back in school today but not feeling too chipper. John says he mispronounces so many words. He said some word in particular today and John said he had a notion to correct him (but he didn’t). John is working on Latin tonight. He is really having to dig to catch up with this class, but I think he will make it OK. Mark has been going to bed for the past 20 minutes, but I don’t believe he is in bed yet.

I don’t know what to tell you about the purse. Alligator is very good, but I hate to pay that for a purse. I would like to have a smart looking one, but that is a little high. However, those do run high. Bill brought Arlene a new bag from Chicago. I don’t know what he paid for it but he said

September 24, 1945, p. 4

[page 4] the one he wanted to get was $35.00. She said she would have had a “fit” if he had paid that much for a purse. I said Mrs. Swarts showed me one for $12.50 she claimed was genuine leather. I said I didn’t believe it at that price, but Arlene argued that we used to buy real leather purses for $2.95 – adding that it was usually the dollar ones we bought. So much for that.

I saw the Mullen bride & groom in town this evening when I went to buy groc. I haven’t seen anything about Joe Bill being discharged, so he must still be in.

Marg Carlson says Eddie is coming back to run the paper so she is retiring. She doesn’t seem to know when Pinkie will be home.

John mailed some letters for me today and Tony said he heard you were coming back. I said he should have asked where he got his information, but John said he told him you would more likely be sent out again.

I am afraid this hasn’t been exactly the most cheerful letter, but I’ll try to do better.
Love Mother

Tues. eve – Just back from club & yours of the 22^nd handed to me at the P.O.

©2016 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2016/06/07/the-most-cheerful-letter-gladys/

Slow Morning (Gladys)

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September 24, 1945, p. 1

Letter transcription:

Mon. morning –

Dear Daddy –

I haven’t done much so far this morning but make the beds and wash dishes. I was eating breakfast when yours of the 20 & 21 came. David also rec’d a birthday card from Karen Burgee, with a dollar. When Lucile B. was here I had her out one afternoon and said I was going to have a party for David’s birthday and invited Karen if they would still be here, so she wrote a note and enclosed it with the card & dollar. She said it was so cold where she is in Wis., they have had a freeze already. It was so warm here yesterday it was like mid-summer instead of Sept. 23, but it’s raining this morning and it will probably turn cold.

September 24, 1945, p. 2

[page 2] David was up early this morning before anyone else was up. John got up and got his & David’s breakfast. He said David was very windy and kept making up tall tales. With all his new toys he has snitched a bowl from the rack on the drain board and says he is making chocolate. I used paper plates, cups & wooden forks to serve yesterday and I washed the forks and gave them to him to play with. He calls them “boons.”

Here’s hoping that Fleet won’t go out again before you can get a discharge.
Love Mother

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

David’s Birthday (Gladys)

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September 23, 1945 envelope

Letter transcription:

September 23, 1945, p. 1

9-23-45

Dear Daddy –

The party is over and we have had a little supper. We put David to bed before we ate because he ate ice cream & cake and drank punch and then after refreshments he kept eating candy so I didn’t even try to get him to eat supper. We just had some ice cream & cake that was left – I snitched a sandwich but J. & M. didn’t want anything else. Dorothy came out early – they had to go to Chicago this afternoon – and brought David’s gift. She had Lucile Jones bake him an angel food besides. I put the birthday trimmings on it. I baked one too but it didn’t look as smooth as the one Lucile made. I asked Dorothy about ice cream and since the drug stores are closed Sun. afternoons, she had Betty Lou bring the ice cream out from the restaurant before they left for Chicago. I was afraid it wouldn’t keep in the frost chest if I put it in last night. Arlene overslept so she didn’t get here with her youngsters until the party was nearly over, but since we had two cakes, I sent cake home with her and gave the children their favors. I fortunately found some candy that was wrapped individually and different shapes so it made nice favors. Altogether David received $5.00 and several nice toys and a pr. of corduroys. Lucile gave him a telephone with a dial that works – it looks like a real phone. It was quite popular with all the children. Arlene brought a little pull toy – a wagon with two hares that bob up and down like the push toy I got for him. She also gave him the corduroys. Statons brought a pull toy and

September 23, 1945, p. 2

[page 2] a set of graduated blocks. Dorothy gave him a Mickey Mouse toy that turns somersaults. He likes cards so much and seemed to enjoy his cards very much. Mark gave him a magic slate this morning and he was quite delighted with it. John gave him a card with a dollar. When he saw the bill I said, “What is that?” He answered “Money.” He put his pennies in the birthday offering and planted three flags in the sand. He is so much more grownup acting than the little Smith boy (McCloud) who is just a day or two younger, but David has been with J. & M. whereas the Smith children are younger. I had the boys bring up that old play table from the basement and with a good dusting off and a white table cloth it served perfectly for the little folk to eat their refreshments. Also brought up that old bench and with a covering it served for chairs. Martha, Myra & John Hufty, Jimmy Ed and David had a good time at a table by themselves. John, Mark, Jimmy, Betty & Virginia were seated in the den at a card table and the mothers were seated at the dining room table. I placed the play table by the south dining room wall so the mothers could keep track of the children. Everyone seemed to have a good time. The children played with the toys and the mothers visited. After the rain and cool weather yesterday it was so warm today we stayed out in the yard except when we came in to eat. It has been warmer today than it has been for some time.

Mrs. Washburn in Club President this year and is having the opening meeting at her home in the country. Lucile dropped club so said she would keep David for me. I told her I was planning to go. I kept Karen & Jimmy not long ago and she said she would keep David for me sometime.

September 23, 1945, p. 3

[page 3] Dorothy didn’t get to go to Laf. last week so she said today she is planning to go sometime next [week]. They are serving Rotary Thurs. evening. Nick served them Thurs. noon last time, but they would rather have evening meetings. John & Gladys are opening Wed. this week. I wonder if Rotary will go there. It’s a cinch John will have all the business he can handle – so maybe he won’t want special dinners.

John is doing homework and keeps asking me for words. Mark said he had a headache and wanted an aspirin but I told him I didn’t think he needed one – so he went out of doors and came back in much improved, he says.

So far my thumb is still stiff – It seems to have affected the joint. The allergy is gone and it’s about all peeled off but I can’t bend it very far. I can use it but without bending it much. Jimmy had another attack of asthma and Lucile thinks it was caused by red beans. She said they had chili for supper and that night Jimmy began to stop up – the next day he was in the kitchen and ate two red beans she was preparing for lunch. She said while chewing the second one he began to cry and said it burned his mouth and wanted to spit it out – He had a severe attack after that. In checking back Lucile said they had had beans before another attack of asthma he had.

David was so tired I think he must have gone right to sleep. I haven’t heard a sound out of him since he went to bed. John decided this was a perfect day for the birthday. It has been warmer than any Sept. 23 in the past 3 years. I remember last year it poured down rain in Mo.

Love Mother

©2016 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2016/06/03/davids-birthday-gladys/

Office Plans (Gladys)

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September 22, 1945 envelope

Letter transcription:

September 22, 1945, p. 1

9-22-45

Dear Daddy –

It is a rainy Sat. We have been cleaning the house getting ready for David’s party. I washed the wall in the hall where I had used the paint and it washed nicely. The dirt came off easier with a brush. I am not planning to paint the hall now because it looks good enough as is. Will just wait until spring and maybe we can have a painter do the whole house. David rec’d a birthday card from Sherill Thrailkill and one from Ruth & Floyd. John asked David what he wanted for his birthday and he said a card, so John is going to give him a dollar with a card. Mark got a magic slate for him. Lucile bought a telephone for him one time while we were shopping together in Laf. I got the horses for him but he found it and has played with it two weeks. I thought I would buy him a wagon – there is a war model at the variety store, but Norma gave him the old tin wagon their girls had – she says they don’t play with it. Dorothy never did make the trip to Laf. so I didn’t get a chance to shop there. John wanted me to go today but I have been so busy getting ready for the party and since it has started to rain would rather not make the trip.

The boys are listening to a football game but there is quite a lot of static (Illinois & Pittsburg at Champaign).

September 22, 1945, p. 2

[page 2] Just heard Ind. is leading Mich. 13-0 at first half. J. & M. went to the ball game here last night. Mark got to play in the 7^th & 8^th grade game. John asked him who won and he said it was a tie. I stayed at home and knitted. I started Bobby Krull’s snow suit. I finished the jacket & cap and Dorothy seemed well pleased. She is still having some cold, but was downtown yesterday afternoon.

I went to Cosmopolitan club yesterday at Mrs. Harry Hufty’s and met Phyllis Merrill’s mother. She said she had met me once before in C.C. I attended a Past Matrons meeting at Mrs. John Gilsons – (you remember or do you). Mr. Gilson works for the Lbr. Co. in C.C. I remember attending the meeting, but don’t remember Mrs. Merrill. There were a number of people there from Hymera.

John Krull is having his opening the 26^th – pretty good time after the fire. He should have plenty of business – especially at noon, since Nick still closes from 11 to 3. The Nu-Joy site is about cleaned off. Just curious to see if they rebuild there.

You said something about a central hall thru the back room – I still think the hall at the west side would be better because it would lead directly to the door that goes over into the room back of Mildred’s place. I am enclosing two plans, and you can see there would have to be a turn in the hall if it goes thru the center.

David is cutting waste paper to amuse himself – it’s hard on him to stay in – he seems to be the outdoor type.

Love,
Mother

©2016 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2016/06/01/office-plans-gladys/

You Must Do This Again Soon (Gladys)

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September 21, 1945 envelope

Letter transcription:

September 21, 1945, p. 1

Fri. Sept. 21

Dear Daddy –

I dated yesterday’s letter the 19^th so consider it the 20^th – if you can tell which one dated the 19^th was the 20ths. It is very nice today. Just hung out a washing and David is out on the front sidewalk playing with an old trike Mrs. Z. loaned. He doesn’t use the pedals yet but it’s a little hard to propel that way. So far he just puts his feet on the ground and pushes along that way. I am sure there are no trikes on the market yet – If there were I would get him one for his birthday. Yours of the 18^th & 19^th and David’s came. I read him the letter and he enjoyed the faces. We put the money in his piggy bank – (sticking out) and I put the bank up where he couldn’t get it. I’ll put the money in something he needs for his birthday. If Dorothy wants me to go to Laf. today I may find something down there. She may have called while I was out hanging up the clothes, but otherwise I haven’t heard from her about going. I called her last night to tell her I have Bobby’s snow jacket & cap finished but Betty Lou said she had gone to the show with Nick, so her cold was better (I would think).

The mornings seem to go so fast. It is 10:55 and that means time to start lunch. They aren’t going to like it but they get leftovers in meat. I baked a peach cobbler yesterday and Mark said, “You must do this again soon.” John was telling me about a conversation with Miss Sizelove – she said Mark had made a B on a test and was well pleased. She said he could have made an A if he had tried. She insists that he has a good mind, if he would use it – in other words, he is a little lazy.

September 21, 1945, p. 2

[page 2] Gail Dye told me yesterday that she is to meet her husband (Sat. I think) in Chicago. He is to go to Camp Atterbury for his discharge and that it that. It’s been nearly two years since he was home – a year ago Christmas for 10 days. Well his long term away is about over and he can resume his regular work. I didn’t ask her any questions, but they own a home in Valpo so they may go back there to live.

Jimmy Ed is having asthma again. Lucile & Karen both have colds – there seems to be quite a cold epidemic around – just hope I don’t get it – not with my sinus – the way it can act at times. My thumb is in the peeling stage now and very tender where the new skin is exposed. I still can’t bend it very far, but it doesn’t bother me.

Our first light bill came and it $2.91 for 13 days. There is a charge of $1.95 for the stove switch but I think the electric part is about the usual amount – according to the way our bills always run.

I still have a washer of colored clothes to run, so I must run and get lunch – however I am not going to hurry as much as I sound like. The boys helped me change the beds this morning before we came down so I haven’t had to do any big rushing.

Love,
Mother

©2016 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2016/05/29/you-must-do-this-again-soon-gladys/

Strings Attached (Gladys)

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September 19 (or 20), 1945 envelope

Letter transcription:

September 19 (or 20), 1945, p. 1

9-19-45 [sic 20?]

Dear Daddy –

After a warm day yesterday we had a thunderstorm last night. It is sunny today and brisk after the rain. David is playing out in the sunshine and getting along very well by himself. Martha doesn’t come over so much. He is learning to grab and hold on and when he doesn’t give up to her she tells him she will go home if he isn’t nice to her. This morning he didn’t seem to mind her leaving. He stayed with me in the kitchen while I was getting lunch ready. I had to go get groc. before lunch. Saw Dorothy and she was still not so good. She said she needed a good Dr. I also saw Geneva Simons and she said they had all had the flu and I asked if they had ever had the baby’s tonsils taken out – she said no, they were waiting for you to come back.

The Gas Co. sent us our meter refund less the $1.53 – guess they woke up after so long. They hadn’t rec’d my not when this was mailed. The whole amt. was $8.36 – less $1.53 – ck. for $6.83.

Had a letter from your Mother. Our letters crossed too. I had written her Tues. Uncle Wes wrote her that you were coming home so she knew something about it before getting my letter.

Last night Arlene called me and asked if I could come down. Bill was out of town but came home while I was there. He said they got Dale Jones discharged. However he had been in the Army 3½ yrs. with 23 months overseas.

September 19 (or 20), 1945, p. 2

[page 2] Bill had been in Indpls. Yesterday and had called on the Gov. He said the Gov. didn’t get up to the Lodge with Ira Dixon’s party – but Bill said a number of his “Henchman” did. (That’s what he said.) Bill seems to think he could so something. However I told him I didn’t think so. Anyway I would rather just wait – because thinking of the past, people around here didn’t think much of the trips to Wash. to keep certain corn men out of service. I think you have expressed the same feeling in the past – just wait and get out on your gown then no strings attached. I think some people would enjoy reminding you that they had done so much for you. What am I yapping about? You haven’t suggested anything like that.

The Nu-Joy wreckage is getting cleaned up fast. They were burning some of the debris yesterday and there was such a high wind, they had to call the fire dept. So much of the equip. that wasn’t entirely burned was moved up to the Nu-Joy hotel or barn.

David is pestering around so I must go out in the yard with him (as promised).

Love,
Mother

©2016 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2016/05/27/strings-attached-gladys/

Broken Jaw (Gladys)

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September 19, 1945 envelope

Letter transcription:

September 19, 1945, p. 1

Sept. 19 – Wed. afternoon

Dear Daddy –

I am sitting on the front step – it is so nice out today I didn’t want to stay inside any longer. I have done a number of things today – washed, ironed, baked and a few other odds & ends. We didn’t do to Lafayette – Dorothy called and said she was suffering with a sinus infection and she sounded like she felt terrible. I wasn’t particularly wanting to go but J. & M. both had things they wanted me to get for them. Dorothy said something about going tomorrow. David is playing with an old egg cutter. He is pulling grass and putting it in the cutter but it doesn’t work. He went over to Zells this morning and got a doll and buggy without asking so I am keeping him strictly under guard the rest of the day. I tried to explain to him that he is not to go into anyone’s house. He seems to enjoy pushing that doll buggy – I think if I could get him a fair size wagon he could pull around with some satisfaction it might help. However wagons are hard to find.

The upholstery man was here today and to get the davenport done in a good tapestry it would cost nearly $100.00 – However he would completely rebuild it any style. I told him I would let him know later.

It is so warm and sunny today it seems like summer again. I hope it stays this way for a while.

Chas. Smith (Supt.) fell and broke his jaw – I don’t know the particulars but he isn’t feeling so well. John had to go see him at his home this morning about the school paper. He said his teeth were bothering him more than anything. He isn’t able to be at school. Rosemary is teaching Speech for him. I thought she had a job someplace away from here, but she has been here this week taking the speech class.

September 19, 194,5 p. 2

[page 2] When I bought groceries at Bair’s yesterday Mrs. Bair was telling me she had had a run in with Dr. M. She seems to think he is lacking in ethics. If I remember correctly they never did doctor with him in the past and you know he has a way with people like that (so I have heard).

I heard a radio newscast this morning about the “squacking” that has been raised about the Drs. being held and that the Army & Navy have promised quite a large number to be released by Christmas.

David had a glass jar with rocks in it and just dropped it by my feet – Now I have to clean up broken glass and rocks. I can’t make him do it because I am afraid he will cut his hands. His cold is better but he still has some. I think the warm weather should help clear it up.

Irene had the baby out for a little airing and came over here. He seems to be OK – Ma said earlier today that he still had green stools, but otherwise no sign of cold.

I must go see if the fire is still going. It was in good shape this morning but I got too busy to go back down and it has probably burned out. I know I’ll appreciate that oil more than ever.

Love Mother

Back Home (Gladys)

1 Reply

September 18, 1945 envelope

Letter transcription:

September 18, 1945, p. 1

9-18-45

Dear Daddy –

We arrived back home just as the bell was ringing 6 o’clock. John said Mrs. Zell was expecting us for dinner. It was very nice to sit down to a hot roast beef dinner. After we finished dinner John brought David home and bathed him and put him to bed. I helped Norma with the dishes, against her wishes – she said she knew I must be tired. I was and went to bed early. I dropped off to sleep then had bad dreams. We all over slept this morning but the boys were up in time for school. They still have some cold but all are better, as least not worse. Dorothy called this a.m. and said Bobby has a very ‘runny” nose but no temp. She asked me to go to Laf. with her tomorrow. I have nothing in particular to go for, but return what is left of the Jiffy mop for a replacement. Of course I can always see something to buy. It is cloudy today and I don’t believe the sun is coming through. I washed one tub, but hung the things in the basement. The coal was delivered while I was away yesterday. Half a ton made an awful dust around the basement. Some of the Saturday’s clothes were still hanging but were dry so they didn’t seem dirty from the dust. The furnace has been running today. I have noticed the air turning on several times.

September 18, 1945, p. 2

[page 2] John had such a fire going when I got home and it lasted all night – the house was hot all night and it was warmer outside. I suppose with all that good coal he had to take advantage of it.

My thumb is gradually decreasing in size. There will be an awful lot of skin to come off around the joint. I am glad I didn’t get a reaction all over my hand.

Mrs. James returned some bread they had borrowed and I asked her about the baby. She said he was much better. She told Mrs. Zell yesterday they were so glad you were here Sun.

It’s past 3:30 and I am still waiting for a wire or phone call. I thought about you at nine o’clock and wondered if you were about to arrive in Oakland. While we were eating dinner at Zells (about 7 PM) we figured you should be having dinner in Olathe – or did we over rate the speed you made?

Mark helped me set the barberry bushes out. The ground at the north side of the garage was very easy to work in so for temporary I think that is a good place. Mark “dillied” around with Buddy until I got home and forgot to finish Staton’s lawn, but I put him to work. He still has some to do this evening. Our lawn needs some attention too.

Love Mother

It was a wonderful weekend.
P.S. 4:05 – Your wire just came.

Thank You from Aunt Jessie

2 Replies

Letter transcription:

Chicago, Illinois
Sept. 12, 1945

Dear Gladys: We arrived at our own door just 4:30 P.M. every thing unpacked, our dinner over, dishes washed a fire in the grate and now to write notes (no cards) thanking all who were so kind to us giving us such a good time. It was splendid to be in your home again and have the visit and admire the blessed boys – only regret that Roscoe so far away yet this moment he is coming closer. We do hope you will have time for a good visit and that soon he will be home to stay. Silvester feels a bit tired but we will retire early and the morning will find him ok. Again our thanks.

Much love,
Jessie and Silvester

September 12, 1945

So Excited (Gladys)

1 Reply

September 10, 1945 envelope

Letter transcription:

September 10, 1945, p. 1

9-10-45

Dear Daddy –

Yours of Sept. 6, 7, & almost the 8^th came this a.m. I am so excited over the prospects of your trip to Chicago. If you do get to come, I think I’ll have Dorothy drive me up and stay with her mother until I am ready to come back. However, I’ll plan when the time comes. (I mean for her to stay at her mother’s).

I was downtown this a.m. and saw Ed Barce. He said to tell you he has another office and will get out as soon as you come back. I saw Betty & Jack Yost. Jack has been discharged.

We hear that Mr. R. is going to put the Nu-Joy out here – that is if this new road goes thru. It’s very early to get any definite predictions on the situation so I am not taking that as “whole cloth.” After having one old trap of a building burn, I would think no one would want to put a business like the restaurant in that old Kent house.

I put some corn in the locker this morning and that winds up my food preparation. I want to save the space for the beef in Oct. We heard over the radio this a.m. that meat rationing will be off Oct. 1 so we won’t have to worry about points for our beef.

It’s 2:15 and since noon I have cleaned the stove and little bathroom. Geo. Tilton

September 10, 1945, p. 2

[page 2] promised to get someone to fix our linoleums, but I am not going to get excited about how soon he fulfills his promise. I think if I went in and gave him an order for some new furniture he might send someone out, but I don’t believe he is in much of a hurry as it is. If he doesn’t act soon I am going to try and get someone myself. The bathroom should be fixed soon.

When I talked to Ed Barce I thought he might have some information but he seemed to know nothing. I wonder if he could find out anything – Nothing has been said that we have heard over the radio or in the papers about Navy Drs. However, the Army has announced that a number of Drs. are to be let out soon.

If you do get to go to Chicago you won’t get this until after I see you.

I hurried to town and hurried home this a.m. so didn’t hear any news.

Will be anxious for a letter tomorrow –
Love Mother