Tag Archives: Kentland

One Injury After Another (Gladys)

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August 29, 1945 envelope

Letter transcription:

August 29, 1945, p. 1

8-29-45

Dear Daddy –

Sons 1 & 2 got started in school and purchased books available. Cole wanted John to come back this afternoon to discuss band. I think John has consented to play the piano for the band. He doesn’t talk much and was so unhappy about the way school has been changed since he was here I didn’t try to get much out of him. I told him the only thing to do was make the best of things. There is no good in encouraging him to be unhappy. I think after he gets started things will iron out. Mark not having been there before didn’t have any complaints to make.

Dorothy came out this afternoon with Bobby. She is on a diet (Nick calls it a lazy person’s diet). She wouldn’t drink a coke with us. She has a booklet and is supposed to lose so many pounds in so many days.

We are still canning, but not enough to hurt anyone. Arlene had some tomatoes she couldn’t take care of, so after dinner this evening I put six quarts in the oven to cook. It didn’t take me long and makes good juice. The twelve qts. I have canned were all very ripe so should be better than the ones we canned last year. [written on side] The Ration Bd. issued us 35 lbs. canning sugar.

David got over his ear bit and got two on his forehead between his eyebrows – he has twin headlights. Yesterday he ran into a door

August 29, 1945, p. 2

[page 2] and got a black eye. This afternoon he was playing his “notas” and I heard him cry – I ran in to see what the trouble was – he had slipped over the back edge of the piano bench but his left foot was caught under the edge of the piano and he was practically hanging by his left foot. Tonight he was supposed to be in bed asleep when we heard him yell – John went up and he had fallen out of bed. I said he was probably riding the side of his bed.

It’s 11 PM and I should get to bed. No school tomorrow because of teacher’s institute but school Friday. David wanted to go to school with J. & M. this morning.

Thurs. a.m. We have 6 qts. of corn ready for the locker and that’s enough corn. Yours of Aug. 26 posted the 27^th came this a.m. Also a letter from Mrs. Moneyhan asking for certificates of vaccination for Bud (Francis Jr.) & Madelyne – She wants separate certificates. She needs Madelyne’s by Sept. 6 – her address is Mrs. Madelyn Moynihan, 19 Mt. Vernon St., Somerville, Mass. She wants you to write to Mont – his address is Lt. Francis C. Moynihan U.S.N.R. Staff Air Pac – Sub Com Fwd ℅F.P.O. San F. Calif. Box 24. Madelyn says she misses Mo. and would love to be back there (OH Brother!!). Their new baby is a girl. [written on side] she says it was last Aug.

Well Daddy, I hope your new duty is soon over. From what we are hearing in the news, it won’t be long – Of course we are so anxious, any time will seem long.

Love Mother

©2016 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2016/04/24/one-injury-after-another-gladys/

Enough Playing (Gladys)

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August 27, 1945 envelope

Letter transcription:

August 27, 1945, p. 1

8-27-45

Dear Daddy –

Will write this evening while I have time to sit down and concentrate – if that is possible with the radio going. J. & M. listening to Dr. I.2. I sent your khaki pants & shirt and in another package David’s picture wrapped in last week’s hometown papers and a family picture. I was downtown and saw Ellsworth. He was quite confident you would soon be home. Said he didn’t have enough points. We heard more news over the radio about Navy men being discharged. You said you were going to be traveling today, so in case you missed it – we heard it twice – a very large number of enlisted men and officers are to be released and that the point system is to be revised, that is, overseas duty to receive extra points. I suppose you have heard the whole thing. You should get your gold braid by now since it went out Sat. afternoon.

I am planning to take John to Laf. tomorrow. Lucile wants to take Jimmy down and see Dr. Ade if possible. He is still having quite a lot of asthma & hay fever. Dr. M. increased the phenobarb to ½ tablet a dose instead of ¼.

Mark is to take a music lesson tomorrow. He really hasn’t practiced enough but I think maybe I’ll get him setted a little more after school starts. He was gone nearly all day with Buddy & Sammy. He cut the lawn early, then the three went to Washburns until noon then this afternoon they went down to Krulls to help Bud cut the lawn so he could play. I told Mark he had to stay home tomorrow. Two days in a row is enough playing (Sun. & Mon.).

Funks were to come home Sun. but so far I haven’t seen any of them. I imagine they will get home in time for school Wed.

I sent the Russells David’s picture and wrote them a letter. Also answered Mrs. Thrailkill.

August 27, 1945, p. 2

[page 2] We have been fighting mosquitoes. I sprayed with flytox last night and thought I had all, but I was nearly asleep and heard one. I thought I got it but evidently I missed – David got a bite on his left ear and it was swollen today but not quite as bad as the one he had when you left.

Gen. De Gualle spoke over the radio from Chicago this evening. We listened, but since he spoke in French we didn’t get much until the interpreter came on. John caught a few words.

Krulls came out last night to get Buddy. He came out to play with Mark after supper. Bobby had quite a time crawling around and the fuel pot by the fireplace was the first thing he started for. I put it back of the screen. Dorothy allowed him to play out of his pen while they were away, so I think she won’t be able to keep him in it now. He likes to get around too well to stay in a pen.

Next day – Back from Laf. Lucile talked to Dr. Ade and made an appointment to take Jimmy down Sept. 11 for allergy tests. She didn’t have an appointment to see him today but I took her in with us and she talked to Dr. while he was getting ready to work on John. He says John’s lenses need a slight change. He is to go back Fri. for a recheck. You will probably not get this letter when you should because it is too late for it to go on the regular mail, but will send it out on the late train. The piano tuner came today. Nothing had to be done but the regular job. He was thru by 11 o’clock. He was going to do Zells & Shirks too.

Irene is back from the hospital. She said they got rid of the blood clot, but the Dr. didn’t give her any hope as to when she would be rid of phlebitis. Irene says she is going to start a petition. If you are tired of me talking about that – let me know. Arlene came up today. She is looking fine – says she feels rested now. She has a girl staying with her from Wisconsin. Bobby starts to school tomorrow. Mark is a little worried about starting at the high school.

Love Mother

©2016 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2016/04/21/enough-playing-gladys/

Football vs. Band (Gladys)

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August 26, 1945 envelope

Letter transcription:

August 26, 1945, p. 1

8-26-45

Dear Daddy –

Sun. evening and David just tucked in. He was ready to go to bed for a change. Had a nap this afternoon but didn’t sleep too long. Yesterday afternoon I went down to Dr. M office and asked him if he had any late data on Drs. being discharged. He said he knew nothing – but in the course of conversation he said he had inquiry from the “procurement” (whatever it is) about a Dr. being needed at Remington or Goodland and he told them to send a Dr. Now “methinks” he could tell the procurement office or whoever it is, that he needs you here. I saw Mrs. M outside and she said Dr. was so anxious for you to get back before winter – She also said Dr. V hadn’t been any help – says he doesn’t leave home until 10 a.m. – and by that hour her husband has been at work 2 hrs. Also she says he doesn’t have office hours at night, etc., etc., etc. This morning driving home from church I saw Mrs. Washburn and talked to her a while. She wanted to know about your coming home and I told her the people here would have to get a petition and get you back. This afternoon David wanted to take a walk so we walked past their house and stopped to chat a while. Dr. Dorsey came while we were there and they went on an inspection tour (The Washburns, Dr. Dorsey & his Sec’y). Mark was there playing with Sammy. He has been with him all afternoon – and is still down there. He came with Sammy a while ago eating a ham sandwich. I said something about real ham and in a little while here came Mark & Sammy with some ham for me. They said Mr. Washburn had sent it. Howards came

August 26, 1945, p. 2

[page 2] back from Wisconsin over the weekend. The Krulls came back, too. I went down and took the things I had washed – and their silverware. I told Nick about the oil burner and the difference in figures. He said I had better have Loughridge because Monroe doesn’t service oil burners. Without waiting for you reply I am going to tell Loughridge to proceed with ours. Of course he can’t get it until Oct., but can be getting the new wiring done. I hope this meets with your approval.

Going back to Washburns – I was glad Sammy was in town this afternoon. Mark was all excited over a piper cub pilot taking up passengers. I tried calmly to talk him out of it but he couldn’t see anything but getting to take a ride in a piper cub. I finally had to say flatly no, then he went to Washburns and played football with Sam & Buddy Krull and apparently forgot about the plane ride. I told him I knew you wouldn’t approve – so if you will write him a little letter it will help out in case anyone else comes around offering rides for 75₵. I told him to wait until he can go somewhere in a passenger plane.

I went out with John this afternoon and he did pretty good. I told him he would have to practice a little more often. School begins Wed., so he won’t have much time. John isn’t very happy about his high school program. One must is either Shop, Ag, or Geography and he chose Geography. He would rather take Latin but they just have Soph. & Jr. latin and since he has had first yr. Latin would have to take with Jrs., but it would conflict with one of the Soph. subjects. He takes History, English, Geometry & Geography. Maybe he can get a change somewhere so he can take Latin but I doubt it.

Mrs. Zell gave us a basket of tomatoes – the boys are going to prepare them for the cans and won’t have to touch them.

August 26, 1945, p. 3

[page 3] Pauline Hiestand said they had some chickens to sell so may put a few in the locker. So far we have 16 qts. peaches & 7 qts. corn in our locker. With our beans (20 qt.) and tomatoes to can tomorrow our food supply is counting up. Mrs. Z said we could have more corn this week. Mr. Z is going to Mich. and bring back peaches so I told her I would take a bu.

The Merrit Woods are going to Monticello to live. He sold out business & house to Simison. There was a farewell dinner at the church for them today. I didn’t get anything prepared to take before S. School so we came home to eat. Mr. Servies asked me to help in the Primary Dept., and I didn’t want to be late to Sunday School so had to forego the dinner. Mrs. Wood has been Supt. of the Primary Dept. for some time. They asked me to take over for her, but Mrs. McCarty has been assisting her and I said I would help Mrs. MC.

It’s past 9:30 so think I’ll get ready for bed. I thought I might read but my eyes are burning and I don’t believe I had better. – Just while I think of it. I air mailed your “gold” in the lighter box Sat. – so you should get it soon.

Mon. a.m. Yours of Aug. 24 (date on envelope) rec’d this morning. Just hope there is something in the air about discharges. David’s pictures came today. I’ll send yours so you can have a picture with you. I think we forgot to give you any at all.

Have 6 qts. tomatoes in the oven to cook.

August 26, 1945, p. 4

[page 4] Father Fallon’s mother died Sat. from a heart attack. She was on a train going to visit her daughter.

Sammy & Buddy are here, but Mark is mowing his lawn just the same. He will soon be thru and they can go play. Mrs. W & Angus are staying is Wis. until Sept. 8 – because of Angus’ hay fever.

It’s a lovely day if a little cool – not as cold as last night. I have been sleeping under a light woolen blanket.

John went over to the school this morning and talked to the band instructor. He is going to let John have the oboe. The band is short of cornets. Maybe Mark will go in the band, too. He says he wants to play football and that it conflicts with band, but we may be able to get him to forego football – since the band is thru the year & football is only seasonal.

Well I have to go to town and get groceries so will sign off.
Love Mother

©2016 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2016/04/19/football-vs-band-gladys/

A Petition (Gladys)

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August 25, 1945 envelope

Letter transcription:

August 25, 1945, p. 1

Aug. 25 – 1945

Dear Daddy –

Yours of Aug. 21 & 23 came this a.m. – so the air mail really gets here the quickest. I went over to Lucille’s last night to watch the wedding – Doris Wilson & Goog Marvin were married at the church at 8 PM. It was a very pretty affair. Bethel was bridesmaid & wore blue – Doris in white, of course. Jimmy Ed has hay fever & asthma too (at least he sounds like Glen does) and was so stopped up he could hardly breathe. All Dr. M. had given him was Phenobarbital – ¼ of 1½ gr. every three or four hrs. He got to coughing and threw up one dose – Ed called the Dr. and he said to repeat. I didn’t stay long – Ed had Jimmy on the glider and after he had the last pill acted like he was going to quiet down. I haven’t talked to Lucile today so far so don’t know how they got thru the night. I went over to Mildred Gerricks to class party about 9 o’clock. After the party I talked to Pauline Hiestand. She said Mary Childress came to her and asked her if she would be willing to sign a petition. She said she would be more than glad to. However, I am not so sure of thinks. Lucile told me some things Dr. M. said to her, that he claimed he said to you while you were here and I told Lucile he had not said anything at all to you of the kind. The only time I know of that he talked to you was in front of the barber shop the day Dorothy was with us.

August 25, 1945, p. 2

[page 2] Well he told Lucile that he told you to come and see him and he would see what he could do for you. All I can remember hearing him say was, “Sorry you have to go back to San F.” He also told Lucile if you got back now, it would have to be thru him. I think he meant a petition would have to go thru him. So I don’t know what to do if anything. I think I’ll go talk to him and ask him if he has any “info” from the Amer. Med. Assn. – I suppose they will have something if there is anything out on the situation.

Link took Irene to Chicago yesterday. Atkinson said she had a blood clot – he put her right in the hospital and elevated her leg and applied heat. She has to take penicillin too for “phlolitis.” (incorrect spelling) I don’t know how long she will be in the hospital. I wonder why her Dr. at Sheldon couldn’t diagnose her case?

It is very cool here. I have washed and now have corn to put in the locker. It isn’t such a job tho. Just cut is off the cob and put it in the boxes – It has to be dipped in boiling water then cold before its cut off. It will be easier than cooking it tho.

Miss Smith was here yesterday and thinks John should attend a conservatory in Chicago Saturdays for piano lessons this winter. She is going to Chicago soon and said she would go to the conservatory and see about making arrangements. The place she has in mind is close to the bus station, so he could go up on the bus.

A letter came from your Mother this a.m. She says she isn’t feeling so well – I’ll enclose the letter. She sent us some red points.

Our magazines came to Kentland, so the change of address is in effect now.

I’ll send the gold braid & shirt & pants.
Love Mother

Letter from Lovina, dated August 23, 1945, p. 1

Aug. 23

Dear Gladys and boys

Received your letter. Glad you got back in your home again. I guess you have heard from Roscoe since he got out to San F. Hope he won’t have to stay long. It’s real chilly this morning, raining all morning. I canned some peaches yesterday not doing anything but cleaning up the house this morning. I’m not feeling very good (Haven’t felt good for nearly two weeks.) I’m going to the Dr. this

Letter from Lovina, dated August 23, 1945, p. 2

[page 2] afternoon. My hearts been bothering me so then I have the headache so in the back of my head. Pop wanted to finish digging potatoes today but it rained him out. We haven’t washed this week yet. We had to take the wash machine to town to get it worked on. Hope we can get it this week yet so I can wash some things. I’ll send you a few red points. I don’t have any news now to tell you. Hope your all well. Etta Campbell came out Tuesday, brought her cooker. We canned 24 pts. of corn. That’s all I want to can. Will have more in a few days. It’s no use to can so much. We don’t eat much corn.

Love Mom

©2016 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2016/04/17/a-petition-gladys/

Replacing the Furnace (Gladys)

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August 23, 1945 envelope

Letter transcription:

August 23, 1945, p. 1

8-23-45

Dear Daddy –

Mr. L came out this evening and after looking over the heating plant said flatly he would install everything complete and wouldn’t miss $200.00 over $10.00 either way. That includes one 270 gal. tank – the same size Statons have – and wiring – everything – He said it wouldn’t take but a day to make the change over. He was in Chicago Mon. and the Delco people said he could get all necessary equipment in Oct. so he said he could have it all installed by Nov. 1. I told him I would let you know and then I would give him an answer. Shall I have them go ahead and start the process to make the change?

After Lucile Burgee left I finished my afternoon letter and took it to the P.O. John Parr said air mail should be here or there in two days. Since no mail has come this week I am wondering if you are sending them air mail.

I went over to Statons to borrow some mouse traps this evening. I didn’t

August 23, 1945, p. 2

[page 2] ask Link directly about what he had said he would do, but he was rather evasive about anything. I wonder if he could do anything or not. I am rather doubtful.

I talked to Blanchard this morning when I bought some gas. He said I should do something, but I said I thought other people should. I have been waiting to hear from you and no letters.

We got the back yard furnace all cleaned out and if we can find a grate will be able to have some picnics in our back yard. We could have wiener roasts without a grate.

The Jr. Woman’s Club called for your address for forwarding the Digest and they will have it sent here and I’ll forward it. The latest Rotarian came and I looked up the International Officers to find Uncle Wes. Treas. You had told me.

I must write to Jim. He picks up mail when they hit a port. Said he had a letter from me the last time they stopped.

Fri. a.m. Yours sent by air mail Aug. 22 came today the 24^th so please use air mail – this is the first letter we have rec’d from you. Had a letter from Dolores. She has been transferred and said she didn’t know anything. She isn’t in the same bldg. and doesn’t know anyone personally where she used to be. She says so many changes had to be made so quickly she doesn’t think you will go “out” again.

August 23, 1945, p. 3

[page 3] John has started a fire this morning. We didn’t watch it closely enough yesterday and it went out. I will be so glad to be rid of that firing business along with all the dirt involved.

I do hope you get to take a draft to Great Lakes. Just wish they would do something about releasing. Surely something will start before long.

The account of Maybelle Tower’s wedding was in the paper this week. Last Sun. we were at Johnson’s and I saw Rev. Servies drive by, going home, and I just wondered if he had been to a wedding. Maybelle was married to the band instructor. When John & Mark went over to register, John asked about seeing the band teacher and the office girl said he would be away for a while. John thinks he wants to play the oboe again. I think it will be a good thing for him to be in the band. He didn’t get to talk to Gertrude Wed., but she said she would see him today. He wants to take organ lessons from her. I saw

August 23, 1945, p. 4

[page 4] Rev. Servies yesterday and he said he thought it would be a good thing for John to take lessons so he can help at church when they may need him.

David is playing with Betty Zell this morning in their sand pile. Last night when Chet Loughridge was here I had gone to the basement with him to show him the furnace and I heard David at the front door calling for me. I didn’t want to go up so called for John to go help him – by the time John got to him it was too late – John came down & asked me if I could come – I said “take his clothes off and give him a bath” – well he didn’t want to argue with me in front of someone so he took care of David. However, he undressed him in the bathroom downstairs and left the mess there and took him up to the tub to bathe him. I think he used yards of toilet paper to clean him off, from the looks of the toilet. He told David this morning he was “bachie” last night. David can let himself out the front door but can’t get in. We had corn day before yesterday and it was too laxative for David. I am not going to cook any more. I am enclosing some “stuff” from Meade.

Love Mother

Enclosed letter from Mead Johnson & Company, dated June 9, 1945

©2016 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2016/04/15/replacing-the-furnace-gladys/

News About Releases (Gladys)

1 Reply

August 23, 1945 envelope

Letter transcription:

August 23, 1945, p. 1

8-23-45

Dear Daddy –

No mail so far from you or from Dolores. Had two letters from Jim today – one written Aug. 1 & 15. He said we could guess from his address in what area he is. Had a card from Arlene. They are coming back Sun. She sent me a card with a picture of the 500 Bushel Club, Lake Gogebic, Marinesco, Mich. That is the lodge they own. Quite an impressive looking place.

So far the Loughridges haven’t given me any figure on the oil burner, but I called Chet this a.m. and he promised it by this afternoon. I went to town this morning and got the lawn mower. It is in good “cuttin’” shape now. Mark moved the backyard again for the 3^rd time in a week without a protest. We finally got all the weeds out and everyone agrees the yard looks much better. Mark is nailing the holes shut in the garage to keep the mice out of the attic.

Mrs. Roberts was here for a few minutes yesterday. Joe doesn’t have any idea

August 23, 1945, p. 2

[page 2] as to when he will get home. Earl is still across, somewhere in France and wants his wife to join him if possible. We are still listening to the news to get any “info” about releases, but nothing we are vitally interested in has been said. Jim says he figures to be in for quite a while yet.

David is taking a nice long nap. It’s cool today so he sleeps well. John received, I think, about $9.00 for his birthday. We had the Zell girls & Jimmy come over for ice cream & cake. He said he was well pleased with money for gifts. In fact said that was the nicest gift he knew of. The Zells are away today so Jimmy is hanging around with Mark. David & Jimmy like to play together – and with the Zell girls too.

—Had a caller – Lucile Burgee with her little girl – Karen Sue – Gerhard is in France – doesn’t know when he will get to come home.

I’ll have to hurry if I get this in the mail before the P.O. closes. I didn’t get any word from the Loughridges – so if I don’t hear from them tomorrow I am not going to bother them anymore. Evidently they aren’t interest. I saw Harold Portteus this morning – he said he hadn’t sent that night letter yet but thought he might get it out tonight.

It’s about time for Mark to come in from his paper route so will get this finished.
Love Mother

©2016 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2016/04/13/news-about-releases-gladys/

John’s Fifteenth Birthday (Gladys)

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August 22, 1945 envelope

Letter transcription:

8-22-45

August 22, 1945, p. 1

Dear Daddy –

Wed. a.m. and John’s birthday. Your gift to John came in the mail along with a letter from Uncle Wes. And the radio tube which doesn’t help the radio. Also a card from Clingenpeel – he is coming to tune the piano the 28^th. John has an appointment with Dr. Ade the 28^th – so I’ll have to send John down on the bus – however, his appoint isn’t until 3 PM so I don’t know yet what I’ll do. I don’t care to make the trip – don’t like the idea of tire trouble between here & there. Uncle Wes said they were going to C.C. in Sept. I am going to ask them to bring those evergreens back if they will have room.

We got 20 qts. of beans canned yesterday in the pressure cooker. I took the last four off at about 8:30 – also put 6 qts. peaches in the locker. There are some ready to put in today. The peaches are very nice. I wanted to get another bu. To cold pack, but John says to put more in the locker. We heard yesterday that the point value would be reduced about 2/3 on beef & veal – in Sept. and possibly taken off a little later. Mrs. Zell gave me about 180 pts. Monday. We have had hamburger & have a steak put back.

August 22, 1945, p. 2

[page 2] I haven’t contacted Loughridge yet, but intend to before mailing this.

John wants a choc. cake with choc. frosting for today. He was looking for ice cream receipts but decided to buy some.

Traffic has stopped up on 41 noticeably. Ed took John out Sun. afternoon for about an hour. He said he did fine. I had John run the car in the driveway last night – I had backed it out so the coal truck could back in – Chet sent some black yesterday. Its holds heat – I mean fire better.

Mark is to take a music lesson this a.m. at 10 – Gertrude said she thought John should go into Chicago somewhere for lessons. I want to talk to her today. I called her yesterday and made Mark’s appointment.

The Koon’s took the Statons to play golf yesterday. Mrs. K. said she would come out and pay the rent today. I hope she does – it will save me getting a ck. cashed. Irene is still having trouble with her left foot. She said the only help she could get is to play golf – getting up a good ‘sweat.” She is going to a specialist in Chicago for diagnosis.

David is being a little unhappy about something – keeps wanting money – but he looses it and I told him he couldn’t have any more.

– 3 p.m. I have tried to contact Loughridge, but have had no success. Should I try Sears for an estimate? I don’t like to deal with people who don’t care enough about business to go after it. We are having ice cream & cake for the neighbor children.

Love Mother

Vaccination Certificate

4 Replies

: August 21, 1945 envelope front

: August 21, 1945 envelope back

Letter transcription:

August 21, 1945, p. 1

Aug. 21, 1945

Dr. Yegerlehner,

Would you be kind enough to write a note or a vaccination certificate for Madelyne and Francis Jr. as Madelyne is entering school Sept. 6^th and it is imperative I have some notification that she has been vaccinated. If possible would you make out separate notes. I hate to bother you for this. The date was sometime last Aug.

How is Gladys and all the children?

I sure miss Missouri and would love to be back there. Mont is stationed on Guam and is anxious to get home and see his new little daughter. She’ll be 3 months old tomorrow and just as sweet as can be.

Would love to hear from you

August 21, 1945, p. 2

[page 2] people, we did have some very nice times together.

Hope to hear from you soon
Thanking you Sincerely
Madelyne Moynihan
19 Mr. Vernon St.
Somerville Mass.

P.S. If you do get a chance drop a note to Mont he would love to hear from you. His address is:

Lt. Francis C. Moynihan U.S.N.R.
Staff Air Pac – Sub Com Fwd
℅ F.P.O.
San Francisco,
California Box 24

Cleaning up the yard (Gladys)

2 Replies

August 21, 1945 envelope

Letter transcription:

August 21, 1945, p. 1

8-21-45

Dear Daddy –

We worked in the yard yesterday afternoon – I wanted to be in the house after 6 PM in case your call came thru early we wouldn’t miss it – however we figured it wouldn’t come before 8 PM. I weeded the large flower bed on the west side of the back yard. I got two or three bu. of weeds. Mark mowed the back yard and we got it raked – John & I cleaned off the terrace – so the back yard is looking much better. Mark kept at the east side until he got it conquered. John helped me weed and we got the evergreens and iris cleaned out. We got the yard all raked where it was overgrown and it looks pretty good all over now. There is just a little more weeding to do around in spots, but the biggest jobs are done. My arms ached so last night, but I feel pretty good this a.m. Got a bu. Of peaches yesterday but couldn’t put them all in the locker (4 qts.) because they weren’t ripe enough. I will prepare today what has ripened since yesterday. It won’t be so hard this way. I ordered a bu. of green beans for today but that isn’t hard work. Since the yard is under control I can now work in the house with undivided attention.

August 21, 1945, p. 2

[page 2] I asked Link about this strip of ground east of our lawn and told him we wanted to put a hedge along our east side – he said we could put it out as far as we liked because there will be 60 ft. between our lot and the new highway if it goes thru. However I won’t do anything about that until later in the fall – hoping I’ll have “good help” by then.

I called Loughridge yesterday and I think they wanted to see what they could get before giving an estimate and promised it by Wed. I went down to the Lbr. Co. yesterday to see about coal and Chet promised to send out 500 lbs. but must have forgotten it. We had enough coal to keep the fire going. John has been very good about firing. J. & M. went over to school yesterday & registered. They didn’t see Smith but the office girl was there. They didn’t know her (not Mary McCray) and John wasn’t at all pleased about the changes Smith has made. He can write you all about it.

There was no mail this morning so didn’t hear from the niece. Maybe we will soon.

I got David three pr. sox in Laf. Fri. Yesterday in emptying the den waste basket I found them. I think David had put them there. He is really having a grand time. So far hasn’t left the yards – is usually where I can see him. He likes to play in Zell’s sand box.

After talking to you last night, I thought I might have sounded a little odd, but I had dropped off to sleep waiting and wasn’t as alert as I should have been. We miss you.

Love Mother

August 21, 1945, p. 3

P.S. Harold Portteus called just a few minutes ago – He said the letter Dr. Horton wrote for Jim had been lost and he needs a new letter. They can’t locate Horton can wonder if you can write one for Jim. I told Harold to send you a night letter and he said the Draft Bd. Here would write you he thought, but he wanted to let you know in advance what it is all about. The man who brought the green beans is Mr. Illingsworth (Mrs. McG.’s dad). He also gave us enough corn for today. He had tomatoes to sell, but I am afraid to work with them.