Tag Archives: Kentland

November 3, 1942 (Gladys)

V-mail dated November 3, 1942

Letter transcription:

LT (JG) Yegerlehner MC
Navy SSA (White Poppy)
c/o Postmaster
San Francisco, Calif.

Mrs. R.S. Yegerlehner
Kentland
Indiana
11-3-42

Dear Daddy –

Mark and I are cleaning house. Today being election Mark has a holiday – he washed windows and cleaned the overstuffed furniture and is going to clean floors. He is trying to earn enough to get me to buy his bond. I tried to check up on our financial matters. We still owe about 75⁰⁰ to various drug co’s. The bank bal. including the 150⁰⁰ and Nov 1 allotment is 903. I have a bill or two around town to pay but not much. I will get those drug co’s paid now that I have a little more time to do things. I am still busy but feel more like doing. I didn’t pay the last half of the Federal – should I go ahead & pay it? Mrs. R. was here yesterday. This is the present add [address] of Joe – J.M. Roberts Lt Comdr, Mobile Hosp #4 USNR Fulcrum – c/o Postmaster San Francisco. However she had a letter from him stamped New York, NY Navy Mobile Base Hosp. #4 BR. She was quite baffled about the NY stamp since his ad is San Francisco. Wondered if you would know what it meant. He wrote that he may be transferred to the Marines. I sent your laundry but you may be slow in getting it since the Christmas mail is being sent now. Let me know if you get it and if there was anything besides laundry in the box – I won’t tell you what it is because I want it to be a surprise and if it doesn’t get thru don’t want you to be disappointed.

Love

Mother

November 2, 1942 (Gladys)

4 Replies

V-mail November 2, 1942

Several weeks past, Roscoe mailed a box of shells and coral to the family. He had spent many an evening combing the beach on his tropical South Pacific island to find these treasures. The box finally arrived and the contents made the voyage across the ocean (and the United States) relatively intact. As predicted, the older boys were pleased by the new treasures and took them to school to show off. Gladys didn’t mention another item that was included in the box. Roscoe had taken a souvenir bath mat from the S.S. Alcoa Pennant. The bath mat was used as extra stuffing.

Letter transcription:

LT (JG) Yegerlehner MC
Navy SSA (White Poppy)
c/o Postmaster
San Francisco, Calif.

Mrs. R.S. Yegerlehner
Kentland
Indiana

11-2-42

Dear Daddy,

The box came this morning. The boys were very pleased over the collection and each took some of the various pieces to school. They will both write and thank you. That was very good time the box made in coming – a month. I am mailing your laundry to you today. Would have sent it sooner but didn’t know what to do with it. I finally got the letter you mentioned it in – the later was posted Oct 18 and was missent to Columbus. I think I have received all your letters now. Sometimes one will be sent elsewhere then I get it after getting later ones. Had your picture enlargement made and send to your Mother. You might send her a box of shells if you can. The buckle was very nice – now I will have to buy a dress to wear it on. My checks came this morning. I get two separate ones each mo. 170 & 30. The check A. Taylor gave me bounced. Don’t know what to do with it if anything. It is time to feed David – and he is about to wake up – have him in his basket by the desk. Tried to take more pictures of him Sat but it was too chilly to keep him out – he squirmed so we couldn’t get him still long enough. He is growing so much. When he is two month old will have Hubertz make a picture of him.

Love
Mother

Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/06/03/november-2-1942-gladys/

Happy Birthday Gladys! (Gladys)

2 Replies

Letter transcription:

LT (J.G.) R. S. Yegerlehner
Navy SSA (White Poppy) M.C.
c/o Post Master
San Francisco – Calif.

Mrs. R.S. Yegerlehner
Kentland Indiana
11-1-42

Dear Daddy-

Sunday and my birthday. Besides your gift I rec’d a flower from Dorothy, a box of yardly soap from the boys – an apron and bowl set from Mother and $5⁰⁰ from Mrs. P. – also several cards. The Ladies Aid brought me an African Violet last week so I counted that in my gifts. It was meant for me when I came home but they forgot it then. I took David out to show him to Mrs. P. today. She has been ill and not able to be out and wanted to see him. The boys are both writing you V-mail letters. They wrote regular letters last time. I sent you several pictures of the baby and all of us do hope you get all the letters. Also sent some in the Christmas box. Rec’d the negative of yourself. Am having it printed. It will make you seem a little closer – having a “fresher” picture. If it is good I’ll have one made for your mother. I sent Dr. L. pictures in your birthday box. Don’t know when you will get it. Hope before Christmas. Mark has gone with a group to Goodland to a youth fellowship meeting. John didn’t go – is listening to Quiz Kids. Said since it is my birthday didn’t want to go. This is the first V-mail for some time. Sorry I didn’t keep sending them but will write them regularly now. Will see if you got the “clippers” letters any sooner if so will send more of those. David needs some attention so must change him.

Love
Mother

Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/06/01/happy-birthday-gladys/

October 30, 1942 (Gladys)

3 Replies

John on October 24th, 1942

This letter gives another reference to the photograph of John, taken by Ruthie, in his new coat, on October 24th. Apparently there were two pictures. Thankfully, at least one survived through time. Maybe the second one will surface someday.

: October 30, 1942 Envelope

: October 30, 1942, p. 1

: October 30, 1942, p. 2

: October 30, 1942, p. 3

: October 30, 1942, p. 4

Letter transcription:

Kentland, Ind
Oct 30-1942

Dear Daddy,

I sent a letter marked “clipper” yesterday but Tony said he didn’t know whether it would be sent that way or not. If so you should have rec’d it in about a week. If you do get it that soon I’ll send all via clipper. I haven’t had any letters since Mon. but tomorrow is Sat and maybe there will be a “flock” then.

I took the drapes down and cleaned the ones in our bedroom but just put the rest out to air. I took Mark back to school at noon so went on down to Perkins and Thelma promised to come tomorrow and do some cleaning. If I can just get help a day or so, think we can get the housecleaning situation in hand.

Mon. when I took the baby to Dr. C. he weighed 7-9

[page 2] This morning when I bathed him he weighed 8 lbs – not bad for a 6-11 – losing 11 oz and starting at 6 lbs. He was 5 weeks old Wed. so I think he is doing well enough. He tried to gag when I gave him his Oleum Percomorphum today but I gave him orange juice as soon as I could and he kept it down. He made an awful face when he got a taste of the oil.

I am enclosing some pictures Ruthie took with her camera. The two pictures of John with the over coat shows how it can be worn. The light side for rain & the dark for cold. Maybe before long we will be able to get a good (or better) picture of David. I hope you have the pictures we sent last week. Several of the baby were very good we thought. He rec’d another present today – a knit suit from Louise Glenn – she said on the card “to small fry.” That makes eight suits given to him. He is wearing one today. They are really much nicer for boys than dresses and warmer too.

I feel like I have an apology to make about your birthday but hope you get the cards we sent. I should have sent

[page 3] your birthday box out long ago but going to the hospital when I did (Sept 23) I didn’t think about sending it before then and since I have been home it seems like I am so busy with the baby & getting back on my feet again. I am afraid you won’t get it until after Christmas what with so much Christmas mail to be handled now. I hope you get it or the cards because we have thought about it and of course think about you all the time.

Art K. is due in Great Lakes Mon. I stopped in the drug store at noon and saw him. I wanted to pay him. He said he would come out and settle up before he leaves, but I don’t think he will. There were twelve from Newton Co. left for Indpls. Among those Paul Bruck, Leo Yost & Eddie Britton.

Marjory Wilson Ryan has a baby boy. She went to see Dr. C. Monday and stopped at the hospital to see about a room. She wasn’t due

[page 4] until Nov. 7. I told her to make it Nov. 1 – but guess she couldn’t wait.

The Equitable sent you the name of an examinee and I returned their letter with a note to the effect you are in Service. I had a letter to inform me that your status as examiner would be retained when you return.

School is out and the boys are home. I have quite a bit of mail to go out so will have to get busy and get it to the P.O. “My day” is certainly full – I can do just so much before I stop & rest – and it seems I never get caught up – but I would rather be busy. That doesn’t keep me from thinking but it helps me. I have so many letters that should be answered – but yours comes first and if I have any time left will answer others.

Love
Mother

P.S. I missed your Dad’s birthday but sent a gift later

Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/05/28/october-30-1942-gladys/

More on the Klines (Gladys)

6 Replies

In this letter, Gladys briefly mentioned Inez. The only Inez that I am aware of at this point in the extended family was Roscoe’s cousin, Inez Kline. She was the daughter of Nancy (McCoy) Walker Kline and the wife of John Ley. I don’t know if John’s nickname was “Bud”, but John and Inez did have a son John Ed[win] Ley. John Ed was the correct age to have served in World War II. In fact, according to his obituary, John Ed served in the Army Air Corp during World War II.

: October 28, 1942 Envelope

: October 28, 1942, p. 1

: October 28, 1942, p. 2

: October 28, 1942, p. 3

: October 28, 1942, p. 4

Letter transcription:

Kentland Ind.
Oct 28 – 1942

Dear Daddy-

I am listening to a symphony – by David. He is a good baby most of the time but as Geneva Simons said about her baby he has his moments and when he decides to cry he just has to cry for it seems nothing we can do will get him to stop. Of course I always see if he is comfortable – that is, if his clothes are dry. For the moment he has stopped and seems to be going to sleep but – I spoke too soon – music started again. He seems to be doing “OK” on his new 4 hr schedule. Yesterday I mixed his formula in such a hurry I put in 10 oz water & 8 oz milk then gave him his bottle. When I went back to bottle the rest of it I discovered my mistake – but the increased milk content didn’t seem to bother him – in fact he seemed more satisfied after that first feeding than later on. However I mixed a new 24 hr feeding and

[page 2] didn’t give him but one feeding from the first mixture. You remember when you were home Geneva S. talked to you about her baby. Well she told me yesterday what the trouble had been. She said she had never told anyone and only she and Bob knew – but when she mixed the baby’s formula when she got home from the hospital she was a little nervous and made the mistake of putting in ½ cup Karo instead of ½ tbsp – Do you can understand why he was so upset. She didn’t catch her mistake until he had taken the entire 24 hr mixture. She said they had to put him on SMA to get him straightened out but have him back on milk now.

Mary Parttens was here a few minutes this morning. She was going to school to get Jim and couldn’t stay long. She has been busy and I think has been helping Harold do farm work, since both Jim & Ruth are in school.

Had a letter from Inez this A.M. She said Bud had finished a course at Chanute Field and is somewhere in Ten. now. John Ed enlisted

[page 3] in Army Air Corps but hasn’t been called yet.

Floyd went to Blue Island again this week but Ruthie didn’t come over, said she had a cold and didn’t think she should be around the baby or me. Floyd is trying to sell his shop equipment and Mr. Zell is talking about buying it. Mr. Zell has taken quite an interest in Mark. He told Shirks he felt so sorry for our boys – the fact that you have to be away – that he was going to do all he can for them. Mark is taking his horn rather seriously. He said Mr. Webster got so disgusted with all the junior band he told them their music “stunk.” Mark said they all admitted they didn’t practice enough so he timed himself last night and claimed he put in 30 minutes. John said today Mr. W. is going to give him a regular sax now. He is doing good enough with this one that he can have a better one. David has dozed off again but don’t suppose it will last. It seems like

[page 4] I can’t get anything done except take care of him. Haven’t got any fall cleaning done yet but I haven’t felt well enough yet to plunge into much work. I am afraid if I don’t take care of myself I might have to go back to bed like Arlene did – and I wouldn’t want that to happen. Mother fell and hurt her right wrist a week ago Sunday and is just getting now so she can use it again. Of course she doesn’t feel like doing much any time so we just do what has to be done and let the rest go.

I have several letters to answer. I didn’t write to your Mother last week- Ruthis was here and she wrote but I must get a letter out this week. I have a letter from Dolores and one from Esther I must answer. I am going to try this week and get some statements out. (I think I told you that before).

If you get this before Christmas – I want you to know we sent you a box – Just hope you get it and all the other boxes and letters being sent.

I haven’t had any mail now for two days but hope I will get some tomorrow – Also hope you get some too. Just wish you could get yours as regular as I get.

Love – Mother

First month’s check-up (Gladys)

4 Replies

: October 26, 1942 Envelope

: October 26, 1942, p. 1

: October 26, 1942, p. 2

Letter transcription:

Kentland Ind
Oct 26 – 1942

Dear Daddy-

I am a little tired this evening. Went to Lafayette today to take the baby to the Dr. He increased the milk in his formula and put him on a four hour schedule. He has been so slow in taking his feedings – he thought he would take his bottle better if he is on 4 hrs. After checking him over he said – “besides being bowlegs he is OK.” He weighed 6 – 3 ¼ when we came home 3 weeks ago and today he weighed 7 – 9 so he is making a steady gain. I am to start him on cod liver oil and orange juice tomorrow. His new or increased formula is milk 10 oz – water 18 oz – Dextri Maltose – 2 tbsp. Does that [sound] about right to you or is that too far in your past to remember. Dr. Cole always asks about you when he sees me. He is still very busy in the baby business. I went today with Mary Thompson & Marjory Wilson Ryan. She is due the first week in Nov. Her husband is in Great Lakes Training Station and is getting a furlough the first of next month and they hope it will coincide with the baby’s arrival.

[page 2] Ruthie was here last week and when Floyd came for her Sat. night he said he had to go back to Blue Island this week again and talked like she might come back for this week.

Took the family and went to Sheldon this evening for meat. Ordered another quarter of beef. Brought home several packages and stopped to see Dorothy and they had brought some over for me so we have enough meat to last two or three weeks. We are soon to have meat rationing and we are trying to be careful with our supply.

Rec’d two letters this morning. One letter was missing but it will probably come tomorrow or next day. When I get the packages you sent will let you know. Just hope you get our box we sent to you for Christmas.

The baby is wanting his bottle so must close & feed him.

Love
Mother

24th or 25th (Gladys)

2 Replies

Today’s letter was a short one. I believe it was written on Saturday, October 24^th, not the 25^th as it has been dated. Gladys typically did not write letters on Sunday. I do not know the rationale for this practice. Perhaps she was usually too busy with church activities (although she probably had not attended services for awhile due to the baby). In addition, the envelope has a cancellation mark dated October 24^th at 5 PM.

1942 Sears Fall catalog – Boys coats (Image from Ancestry.com)

The letter mentions John’s new fingertip coat for a second time. Now we know who took the picture (Aunt Ruthie). The picture of John was dated October 24^th so this also gives weight to my theory that the letter was actually written on the 24^th, instead of the 25^th.

: October 24/25, 1942 Envelope

: October 24/25, 1942, p. 1

: October 24/25, 1942, p. 2

Letter transcription:

Kentland Ind.
Oct 25 – 1942

Dear Daddy-

Another beautiful fall day – however it is cooler now. Had a heavy frost last night. The heat feels good today. I am keeping the temp. at 70. It seems to be warm enough for everyone except Mother. I wear a sweater and the boys do part of the time.

Ruthie is waiting for Floyd to come. She took some pictures this morning. One of John with his new fingertip coat so you can see how he looks in his new coat when we get the film developed. I have a roll of film to take and if it is nice tomorrow will try to get more of David. I hope you get all we have sent you so far. I put some in your Christmas box.

[page 2] I am supposed to go see Dr. Cole Mon. afternoon. I want him to see the baby besides getting my check-up. I feel pretty good. I think I’ll be “O.K.” so long as I don’t overdo.

Next Sun. is my birthday and I haven’t decided yet what to buy with my ‘gift’ – Maybe nothing- or bonds. I am not going anywhere for a while so don’t need clothes. After the baby is old enough to ‘leave’ so I can attend club once in a while maybe I’ll get something – but you know I would rather stay home and take care of him myself than leave him when he is so small.

Mark is waiting to take this to the P.O. so must get it finished.

Love

Mother