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Protected: Christmas in Kentland 1942 (Gladys)

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Packages arrived (Gladys)

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: December 9, 1942 Envelope

: December 9, 1942, p. 1

: December 9, 1942, p. 2

: December 9, 1942, p. 3

: December 9, 1942, p. 4

Letter transcription:

Kentland Ind
Dec 9 – 1942

Dear Daddy –

This was a red letter day. Ruth wrote that she was sending two boxes so I sent Mark to get them – that is he got them as he came home from school, but they weren’t the boxes she sent. One was from Jim and the other the one you sent Oct. 16 – and the necklace is beautiful. Mark said, “I didn’t know Daddy could do things like that.” I said you had never had time before – and of course didn’t have access to sea shells. The bath mat is very nice too and after it goes thru the Bendix will use it on the bath table. I will count the necklace as a special Christmas gift. (The money being a trifle?) The money will stay put in the bank acct for a while. I would get a coat if I had time to go shopping but that is something I don’t want to buy in a hurry. If we maintain a bal. in the bank around what it is now, don’t you think it would be wise to do something with it. There really isn’t any point to leaving that much lie around idle, is there? Let me have a suggestion. (770.00)

[page 2] Going back to the subject of boxes – Jim’s was well wrapped and marked, do not open until Christmas but I wanted to dispose of the large box and store the things away in less space. There were gifts for all – Two records, a book on opera, a book on building model airplanes, a wooden toy and a box of expensive soap. I want to send Jim something but that is a problem I haven’t solved yet. It seems like I am not doing much shopping this year. I ordered Readers Digest for your folks. Ordered a Navy pin for Mother. John ordered his gift at the Foster shop. I sent for Mark’s yesterday. I am going to give Arlene, Dorothy & Lucile some kind of plants, and that about takes care of everyone. I must get a tree while there are some for sale. I understand there is a shortage of Christmas trees this year. Mark wants one to reach the ceiling. John suggested getting a small one but Mark protested so loudly I will get a large one if possible. I haven’t bought any Greetings this year and haven’t decided whether to or not. With the mails so heavy this year I thought I would not send greetings, unless we get so many I get an urge – which I haven’t had yet. I don’t know what you think about that but it will [be] too late by the

Dorothy Krull c1960

[page 3] time I get an answer to this letter. I am enclosing a picture taken of the house, I took after the first snow Nov. 29 – and this is Dec 9 and the first snow still on, only covered with more. The picture of the baby was taken in the den with only the outside light. It isn’t as clear as I would like but you can see he is growing – comparing it with the previous pictures. He is getting a little large for the basket but will try to use it for a while yet. Mark was standing by the basket holding a rubber elephant trying to amuse David so he would hold still – but he is still too small to pay much attention to such things. I think I’ll get a flood light bulb and see what I can do with inside pictures. We can’t get a picture out of doors now of the baby – the weather being what it is. I haven’t been out since Monday so haven’t much in the way of outside news. Dorothy was here a few minutes this evening but was in a hurry – since they haven’t any kitchen help she has to be “on duty” at meal times. She got to see the necklace and thought it very nice. You must have spent a lot of time on it as well graduated as the shells are. I’ll have to get a new plain black dress to wear this on.

[page 4] Helen Washburn Knollin in home. I talked to her a little at Club Monday but intend to see her again. She said she wanted to talk to me and tell me more about your visit with her. I suppose she will stay over Christmas. I also talked to Mrs. Reinhart and she said as far as they knew Henry is still at Moffett Field – Hope you have written to him by now, since he was anxious for some word about you. Mark is upstairs practicing on his horn. He was given first cornet part in the band and it made him very proud. He does a good job playing “Silent Night.” John had to practice on the Sax but soon finished and then on the piano. He is working on another composition. Maybe he will write something if he keeps on. This piece he is on now is pretty.

The bridge club Lucile is in is having a surprise for her at Arlene’s. They got her the same gifts they gave Arlene – baby scales and baby bed spread. Lucile is very large even with her fur coat on she[is] definitely in “that class.” She is very conscientious about obeying Dr. orders to the letter. I think she east exactly what he tells her to and nothing more. I do hope she has a good baby, but as sensible as she is she is no doubt get along. She said she didn’t want anyone to watch her bath[e] the baby until she learns how.

It is past 9 A.M. – so must get this finished and get the family started to bed.

Love Mother

P.S. The other shells were very nice – none were broken.

Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/08/17/packages-arrived-gladys/

A beautiful snow (Gladys)

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: November 29, 1942, p. 1

: November 29, 1942, p. 2

: November 29, 1942, p. 3

: November 29, 1942, p. 4

Letter transcription:

Kentland Ind
Nov 29 – 1942

Dear Daddy –

Sunday afternoon and nearly time for Gildersleeve. John is working on his composing and Mark has gone out to get some snow to make ice cream. We had a beautiful snow beginning yesterday late in the afternoon & lasting through the night. It is the scenic kind and the shrubs were bending over from the weight. I took two pictures of the house and if they are good will send you one so you can think about our weather and maybe it will help you to imagine a cold Christmas now. We also took some pictures of the baby in the Den but don’t know whether the reflection from all the snow outside will make enough light. David weighed 10 lbs this morning and is really beginning to show signs of getting fat. Dr. Cole gave me a list of things to start him on beginning with his third month – egg yolk (3d mo.), cereal (4 mo.), vegetables (5 month) & fruit (6 mo). He said for me to take him off the 2 am feeding but he still wakes

[page 2]up for it and seems so hungry – I am still giving it to him but hope he will drop the habit himself. Last night (or rather this morning) when I was feeding him I noticed the furnace kept running – so I went down to see what was wrong. The top door was open so of course the temperature couldn’t build up. I shut the door and everything was “OK” again. Mark blew a fuse so our lights were out upstairs last night. I had Mr. Monroe come out to fix a drain and he said he wanted to look over the furnace again – He had checked it while I was in the hospital so it is in good running order now.

Statons were gone over the week-end and when they came home this evening had to stop before entering their driveway – due to the heavy snow covering it. I think Mrs. James & Jimmy had taken a vacation over Thanksgiving – due to gas rationing starting Tues – they like a lot of other folks took one last trip. I don’t know what rating Link will get – having to drive to work but he will get more than the 4 per we will get. Earl was worrying about not being

[page 3]get enough to drive to work – but I think he will be taken care of.

John & Mark have gone to the Sunday evening youth fellowship meeting. There is to be a social hour to follow so don’t know how long they will be gone.

Lucile Johnson went with us to Laf. Fri. She said she had been on a milk diet – her urine showed a trace of albumin and the Dr. wouldn’t allow her to have anything but milk for four days. She was very hungry and said she didn’t like diets and this would be her last pregnancy. I told her she wouldn’t feel that way about it after it is all over. Mrs. Beekman had her baby this week – I thought she would have her baby before I had David. Dr. M. said she had him worried because she gained 50 lbs.

It is less than a month till Christmas. I don’t know what we will do – due to gas rationing Ruth & Earl won’t be able to go anyplace and I don’t want to

[page 4] take the baby away from home as young as he is. Haven’t heard from Ruth & Floyd for a week so don’t know what they are thinking about doing Christmas. Floyd will be able to get more gas so they may go home.

Had a letter from Jim and he is trying to get a furlough to start Dec. 30 – so they won’t be here till after Christmas – if he does get to come. I have been trying to write this through several radio programs so am not sure whether I am making sense or not, and I haven’t been out since Fri so don’t have any news.

I will send a box this next week and maybe you will get it by Dec 25. I’ll put in the mosquito cream, and a few other odds & ends.

I am getting hungry – don’t know whether I can hold out for the boys to come back – We had baked chicken & dressing for dinner so there is plenty to pick on this evening.

I owe several letters so will try to get some written this evening.

Love Mother

Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/07/27/a-beautiful-snow-gladys/

Teen Age Draft Bill (Gladys)

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The Teen Age Draft Bill was working its way to President Roosevelt’s desk on November 13, 1942. The bill that required men to register for the selective service lowered the age requirement from twenty to eighteen. The war effort needed assistance from men as well as women, persons of color, and individuals of every age. A month previously on October 12, 1942, President Roosevelt returned from a two week tour of the country. He shared his new hopes and visions with the nation in a Fireside Chat. In this speech, he spoke of lowering the age requirement. He felt that this was necessary for a more speedy victory of the war. A month later, Roosevelt signed the Teen Age Draft bill into law.

I am including two links to audio recordings of this speech:
The first link is to the Miller Center in Virginia which includes a rough transcript of the speech. The link to the audio is on the right hand side of the page.
http://millercenter.org/president/speeches/detail/3329
The second link is to My Old Radio which has many of Roosevelt’s other speeches in its archives as well as many old radio shows and commercials. http://www.myoldradio.com/old-radio-episodes/fdr-set-prejudices-aside/16

: November 13, 1942 Envelope

: November 13, 1942, p. 1

: November 13, 1942, p. 2

Letter transcription:

Kentland Indiana
Nov 13 – 1942
(Fri)

Dear Daddy –

Got up early this am (but went back to bed) David slept thru the 2 a.m. feeding then woke up at 5 – and then Mother wanted to get up at 5 because she was going to T.H. [Terre Haute] with Servies and they were coming for her at 6. I got part of washing done yesterday & finished today. With a little “fellar” there is always a washing to do. I am still able to hang things out but when it gets too cold I will put them in the basement.

Rec’d a letter this morning – and you were somewhat out of sorts when you wrote. Well maybe by this time you have a few more letters and know I am receiving yours and have all you have written to date. That is, the one I rec’d this a.m. was dated Nov. 4 & this is the 13^th so that brings it to date. Now that you have rec’d some of those “back numbers: maybe you will get all or most of them. Remember you asked for your comm. & I sent it. Sorry, those two letters I wrote Oct 24 & 25 didn’t mention receiving your letters regularly, because I did mention it in most of my letters.

About Mark – I couldn’t get him a bike unless I found one second-hand – because you have to have a requisition from the ration board and I am afraid I wouldn’t have any reason for getting him one. I think I could get him a Jr. bike but that would be foolish because he wants a full size. He is learning to play the cornet and Mr. Webster says he is doing fine. That he has a better tone range than most of the band children. The only thing he lacks is perseverance. I have been bragging on him and he has been practicing a little better this week. I told him if he learned to play the cornet I would buy him a better horn but I didn’t want to invest anything is a horn if he wouldn’t stick with it. He can blow Taps & Silent Night. I am going to get him a tool set for Christmas and fix him a work shop in the basement. He would do something worthwhile I am sure if he had some help. That is what he says he wants and has one picked out in the Sears holiday book. John is doing as usual. He is playing a large Sax now and still takes piano lessons. He was in a play that is a ”stunt” by the 7^th grade. When he came home last night I had to clean make-up off his face. Mother went to see it and said the 7^th grade stunt was the best. Now I wonder why she thought that (or do I wonder so much)

[page 2] By Mother getting to go home before her birthday I had to go to town and get her something yesterday evening since she left at 6 a.m. today. While in town I saw Lucile Johnson and she said I could use the baby carriage she has until she is ready for it. The one Zell’s have will require so much work however I may fix it up so I can use it when L. wants hers. I saw Ira D. and he said he had another letter from you. I told him he could keep you posted on the local gossip – and he promised to do that. Ellsworth [Wilson] was in the drug store at the time and I talked to him about the Ins. policy for David and he is going to write it in the Laf. Life. He said that was a good company. Hope that meets with your approval.

Had a letter from Henry R. – Jr. today and he wanted to know about you. Evidently he is still at Moffett Field because his letter came from there. Here is his address – you write to him. his address is H. W. Reinhard, Ylc, CUB Two, Moffett Field Calif. He said “would like very much to know something about Jake.”

I sent you a birthday box and put the Lentz pictures & films in it. By getting Boonies candy as soon as you did you should get the box I sent. Again I’ll quote the present bank bal (721). I get my checks each month. It comes in two since you made the additional after you reached Calif. I haven’t done any spending yet this fall. Got the boys some new clothes, but haven’t paid that bill yet (50⁰⁰). That includes some things I got for Mother. I also gave her 10⁰⁰ this morning when she left. The bank bal. of course includes the birthday money. If you get all the letters I have made repeats in you may be sorry you asked for “rehash.”

The baby had a crusty formation in his eyebrows and I was afraid it might be impetigo – how he could get anything at all is beyond me because you know my “mania” for keeping clean. I had been using water on his face but but he got a rash or something so just used oil and the rash cleared but this thing started in his eyebrow – so decided to use some samples I rec’d – “Pragmusal” I applied it three nights in succession and it cleared up. I read the label on the tube carefully and decided it would not be too strong for his skin even if it didn’t help – but it did the trick. Of course if it had gotten worse & spread would have taken him to Dr. C. but didn’t want to make an unnecessary trip. I am not due to go back for more than a week yet. I want to make the trip just before gas rationing but then after that will have to make trips because will have to get David started on his shots when he is old enough.

The Myers twins were just sent to Laf. to the Naval Station there. They had enlisted in Aug. – 18 went from Newton Co. Nov. 6 – Jim Fletcher’s widow [Emma Fletcher] is working at Sharps. Just put in the above from glancing at the Enterprize. You should be getting it soon as Bart is sending it every week.

Have to register for gas ration card next week. Hope this finds you with all the letters you should get

Love Mother
(hope you can read all this)

Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/06/23/teen-age-draft-bill-gladys/

November 12, 1942 (Gladys)

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: November 12, 1942 Envelope

: November 12, 1942, p. 1

: November 12, 1942, p. 2

Letter transcription:

Kentland Ind
Nov. 12, 1942

Dear Daddy –

Rec’d two letters this a.m. – That puts them all in order now, one a day. Sometimes they get mixed up in their order of arriving but now they are all here. Some have been missent to other towns. Some come in 6 days & some take 10 day to 2 weeks. I wish I could remember some of the things I wrote you in Sept – but at best the letters up to Sept 22 weren’t too interesting because I was in bed so much and wasn’t out for a month. I had gotten up and went to the Opening Club luncheon Sept 22 then rode to Sheldon & back and that was my first time out – and I think that was what brought things on sooner. Just in case you haven’t gotten any letters about it – My water broke at 11 p.m. and I called Dr. C. He said to come to the hospital. I called Bob & Dorothy & we were on our way by 11:15 and at 12 – I was in the hospital and by 2:03 we had another son. It was very “easy” this time. My breasts really gave me more pain – over a longer period of time and then after pains last longer but it is all over now and I have regained my strength and have even done most of the cleaning with the help of the boys. So far the boys have been able to take care of the furnace and it isn’t necessary to hire anyone to take care of it. And I think we can get along on our own power now. Mother is going back to T.H.[Terre Haute] tomorrow. Servies are going & she is riding with them. I decided that was too much of a trip to make now with the baby so small. It is so hard to find house help that I will do what I can and let other things go – however I have the cleaning done and it isn’t so hard to keep things going with the help of the boys & conveniences.

[page 2] John & Mark are home and Mark is practicing on his horn and I am having a little trouble concentrating. David has started a noise. I gave him his orange juice & he went to sleep for about 2 ½ mi. The Lucile I was referring to was Johnson. Her baby is due in Jan. Surprised? So was I and a lot of other people here. With all bills paid the bank bal. is 731. That includes the birthday money. I get My allowance comes every month or that word is allotment. I told Bart to send you the Enterprize so you could get all the town news every week in case I forget some item. I have tried to tell you the news in each letter & list the men who have go into service so I am really in a muddle trying to rehash what I have already written. Maybe all those letters will get to you and you will have all the news you care for. If you get Ella’s paper you should get Bart’s.

I am enclosing a good picture of David. Will send one in each letter. If I put in more afraid it won’t go “air.” Will get a calendar in the mail as soon as I can find one. Wish I had known that sooner. I could have put in your birthday box – if you get it. You mentioned your watch – what kind have you now and would you want me to send you a “good” wrist watch – Let me know. I have to make a trip to town and do some shopping – get mother a birthday gift. Hope this finds you in receipt of lots of letters & your laundry & birthday box.

Love – Mother & our sons

Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/06/21/november-12-1942-gladys/

November 8, 1942 (Roscoe)

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: November 8, 1942 Envelope

: November 8, 1942, p. 1

: November 8, 1942, p. 2

: November 8, 1942, p. 3

Letter transcription:

Oct Nov. 8, 1942

Dear Mother,

Sun P.M. and things are as well as could be expected. Got your Oct. 17 letter today and another V-mail letter Oct 14 from Ed. Johnson. He told me of the anticipated increase in their family. You said something about Lucille but you didn’t say which one. It was a little surprising to me. Ed said I was a good one to run out on them when they really needed me, but I believe it looks to me as if they waited until I got out before starting things – Guess it wasn’t that way but I’m to write him that anyway.

We had chicken again for dinner – real honest to goodness chicken – one half chick per person. Seconds if we wanted them. I could have taken seconds but didn’t, because one was enough and maybe that would cut things short for some enlisted man. So why make a pig of myself. Of course, we have no rationing on anything – but fresh fruits and vegetables are never seen, only once in a while we have a raw apple to chew on.

This being Sun. we’ll have church tonite at 7:00 P.M. The Chaplin still has to be at another place or two earlier in the day.

[page 2] we generally have a pretty big crowd and things go along in good style. This is also the day for me to write the folks. I got a letter or two from them this week so it makes writing a little different.

Tell the boys we have coke now so they don’t need to send me any at present. It’s a little expensive though 10¢ per bottle. We can’t take the bottles back – I mean back to the States – so that makes the extra cost. It isn’t so good either when it’s tropically warmed with no ice around – Maybe the boys could send a chunk of ice. You probably have that around pretty handy or will have when the old cold north winds start blowing.

Wayne W. gave me a pretty good bird’s eye view of conditions in general back home. Our news around here and abroad seems pretty good, but our tent-mate that had the radio has gone so that cuts out the biggest part of the evening’s entertainment. We are seeing quite a bit of coming and going in the past few days and expect to see more as time goes along. Of our group that originally came fourteen have changed locations. So you see (we/they) do some moving around as was the

[page 3] custom at Norfolk.

So far I haven’t received any pictures that you keeping saying you took – And Lentz keeps asking me if you have sent his. He said he had one of a boat sinking with several at different intervals. I told him you wouldn’t send them until you go the $1.35 but I guess that need not hold you back. Hold on to your money and maybe I can send you enough for the coat. Probably right now coats would be high and quality poor or no? Anyway it’s yours so do as you wish. I don’t care what you buy as long as you use good judgment and don’t open too large a charge account.

I’ll finish later. Wrote a letter to the Folks and one to Ed. Johnson. I still have several letters to answer but couldn’t get to them yesterday had too much to do otherwise. I’m finishing this on Mon. A.M. Everything up and kicking, was a fine night to sleep – will write tonight.

Lots of Love
Daddy

Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/06/14/november-8-1942-roscoe/

October 30, 1942 (Roscoe)

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I think this letter is about as sentimental as my grandfather would get. He actually mentioned the “L” word.

: October 30, 1942 Envelope

: October 30, 1942, p. 1

: October 30, 1942, p. 2

Letter transcription:

Oct. 30, 1942

Dear Mother,

Just wrote a letter to the Sykeses and I find that I’m practically out of paper. I’m going to write on both sides of this and hope none is cut out. In fact the censors are Drs. and don’t read each other’s mail only ask if there is anything that shouldn’t pass, and we are supposed to be smart enough not to put anything of a military nature in a letter.

We just bought a case of beer and are drinking it tropically warmed because the ice boxes are full of more essential things and it isn’t so bad. There is some coke around here but so far I haven’t seen any of it. I believe beer warm is better than Coke that hasn’t been cooled.

I just happened to think – you said Lucille was losing her girlish figure. Which Lucille – I must have missed part of your letters. With all those pregnant women I should be there but I’m not so there. That isn’t the reason I’d like to be there. My tent mate asked me the other day while I was writing a letter if I told you I loved you and I said “no” she knows that and really it isn’t necessary because you are well aware of that fact and know that it will always be that way. It’s not the beer that is affecting me because I’ve only had two bottles, and that won’t affect me that way. You know how much you are missed and I know that the same is true in this direction and that makes things easier, but when one goes to bed at night and thinks it really makes one yearn for home. And sooner or later will be there. So much for that.

No mail today so far – There are still wild rumors, but those can be false just like others we have had.

We got our news cast again last night as I told you and in about ½ hour it will be time again. I’m on duty and won’t be in my usual bunk tonite and am debating whether or not to take my mosquito netting along. Maybe I can cover up with the sheet. I hat those durn little dickens as you already know. My bed will be on springs tonight and that should be a treat at least something different – probably won’t be able to sleep at all.

Some of the boys from California claim that this weather here reminds them very much of theirs at home. Hot sun in the day time and cool at nights. There has only been one night to hot to sleep without a blanket, but this should compare to the last of May weather in the north.

[page 2] If I can get some more paper I’m going to write Ira D. again, but it’s very hard to write when one can’t give him news and views – Right now things in this locality, judging from filtering news, don’t seem so bad but things can change very rapidly.

Are you having any Halloween parties? I suppose (know) we won’t have much here. Hope no one pushes our back house over because we only have one. We can use coconuts for pumpkin faces. They might be a little harder to carve but more of a permanent nature. I’ve never been able to pick up one of those things but I have seen plenty of them growing – from the size of a pea to the regular size. I think they are gathered and the milk and inside used while green. There are supposed to be some bananas here some place but I haven’t seen them yet.

We had sauerkraut, wieners etc for evening chow and I asked for seconds and of course got them.

I’ll finish later maybe mail will crop up. No mail – got news in pretty good. Everything peace & quiet. Didn’t play bridge – just listened to news.

Well, I’ll try to get more paper and write better next time.

Love
Daddy

Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/05/29/october-30-1942-roscoe/