Tag Archives: Mark A. Yegerlehner

Teen Age Draft Bill (Gladys)

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Teen Age Draft Bill - 1942-11-13The 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

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 13th 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 7th grade. When he came home last night I had to clean make-up off his face. Mother went to see it and said the 7th 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)

©2013 copyright owned and written by Deborah Sweeney

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

November 12, 1942 (Gladys)

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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

©2013 copyright owned and written by Deborah Sweeney

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

November 11, 1942 (Gladys)

3 Replies

Letter transcription:

Kentland Ind
Nov 11-1942

Dear Daddy-

Three letters rec’d today. One missing so it will probably come tomorrow or later. Boonie also got a letter and when I called him to tell him you had the box he said Jean was reading the letter to Ray Cummings. Said he was sending another box to you. That gives me courage that you will get your birthday box by the 25th. I couldn’t send much but you will know we thought about you and do think about you all the time. Of course we don’t get letters every day but that doesn’t keep us from waiting for the mail man every day. What I have been looking for is a letter saying you rec’d the radiogram and when you rec’d the two letters we send via clipper. In the letters sent clipper I explained about the Radiogram. We sent it just before we got word from you that you were getting news from us. If if was later maybe you enjoyed getting it. When & if the uniform money comes I’ll put same in bank. I haven’t the urge to spend money. I am like Mrs. Roberts – What do I want with new clothes now. I would rather wait until you come home, but of course I’ll get something so I can keep up “appearances.” I gave Mother the “coat.” She seemed to appreciate it very much. I would get a new coat if I could find just what I want. I would even buy a baby buggy could I find one. I looked at the one Zell’s have but it needs

[page 2] a lot of work done on it and I am not exactly in the mood to do that much. David has been on the “ornery” side this morning. He didn’t sleep his usual 10 till 2 period but keeps waking up. He is in a stretchy mood now but won’t be long until time to feed him. I am having a little difficulty getting John to wear his heavy coat to school but since he has such a short distance to go and isn’t out after he gets there I have let him wear his sweater, but I insist on Mark wearing his coat because of the distance to school & playing out at recess. It is very cool today. It was cloud yesterday but clear & cold now. I cleaned the bedspread yesterday but it wasn’t out long enough to get aired out so I put it out this a.m. to flip in the breeze. I am cleaning our room today. When I get that finished the “big” part of housecleaning will be done. I heard some shouting this morning so the hunters are at large again. Makes me think of the pheasant you got one year. Mark wanted to go out wandering around in the country after school but I told him he might get shot. Of course I won’t let him go. I called Servies [Rev. and Mrs. Voris Servies] this a.m. to find out if they were going to T.H. [Terre Haute] and they may be going soon if so Mother will go along. I decided it was too much of a trip for me to try with the baby. I am afraid it might upset him and too something might happen on the way. We won’t be able to go much longer tho, because gas rationing begins Nov. 22.

[page 3] A lot of people have asked me since you have been “out” where you are – some do not ask, others do – I told someone that was the $64⁰⁰ question – and I think Mark heard me because he was in Boonies and they asked him and he said that was the $75⁰⁰ question. They got quite a “kick” out of that. Just like anything else, there were rumors that you were one place or another but when people asked me I told them your destination was is a secret, so no rumors can start from me because my answers to such inquiries are negative. Bun Walkup called me this morning to get your address so you will get a Christmas greeting from them I suppose or maybe Iva J. will write to you. I do wish you could get all those letters missing. I have told you so much in them I can’t remember what you have rec’d just by the dates you mention. I want you to get the pictures too. I have quoted the bank bal. several times & what we owe. Maybe I’ll have a letter tomorrow saying you have the information you want. I am not very newsy today. Maybe after I go to town this evening I can write more.

Lot of Love
Mother
“and our boys”

(over)

You forgot to finish your last letter. The one in which you told about receiving the candy – you must have been excited.

©2013 copyright owned and written by Deborah Sweeney

Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/06/19/november-11-1942-gladys/

November 10, 1942 (Roscoe)

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This letter mentions something that I have no understanding of or have a frame of reference for. It is a mystery that may be lost to the ages. Roscoe writes,

“I noticed the 2000 the boys had on their letters and I smiled to myself when I saw it because I knew how they delighted in that.”

I have no idea to what this refers. A percentage of letters that John and Mark wrote do not survive. Roscoe did a good job saving Gladys’ letters, but he did not save many from the boys. Mainly because the letters are nonexistent, I honestly do not know how often the boys wrote to their father. I am thankful for the ones that do survive, albeit few and far between.

Letter transcription:

Nov. 10, 1942

Dear Mother,

Sunset over New Caledonia

Just finished Chow and will try to get this before dark, but when the sun goes down here it is dark. There is no twilight. It is just about 6:00 P.M. but still pretty light.

We’ve been working pretty hard the past few days. I should say Fred and I. He is another (jg) and it seems a large part of the work falls to us with the exception of the commanding officer, but we don’t mind – it makes things go better.

I noticed the 2000 the boys had on their letters and I smiled to myself when I saw it because I knew how they delighted in that. Guess I forgot to tell you I got a birthday greeting from Floyd & Ruth. That calls for a letter to them. I guess so far I haven’t written them – never knew where to mail a letter to because they are here there and everyplace else generally.

Had pretty good chow today

[page 2] This Eve had sauerkraut & wieners, mashed potatoes and some kind of a bread peach pudding which wasn’t so terribly bad.

Since our roommate with the radio moved out we don’t get the news, and we sure miss it because it was one of the bright spots of the day. We wanted him to leave the radio with us but you know how one would be in that respect. It was a battery set and of course in time will run down. It could be used on regular line if there was one available.

I don’t know if you could get one or not but one of those small atlases would be a good thing to have here. Several of the boys have them. They are 5-10 pages with maps of various parts of the world. Don’t bother too much. Wish I would have brought several of those maps we had

[page 3] there from the Chi [Chicago] Tribune. That’s a good idea, better than the atlas. If you aren’t using them send several of the most detailed of all parts of the world. A good big envelope will be sufficient to mail them. Didn’t think of that for Christmas.

Didn’t get any mail today. I’ve been spoiled. This is the first day for some time. Some packages came but it’s hardly time for mine yet as I have it figured.

Mom said she had sent chewing gum – candy – comic books and stationary and two Indianapolis Stars. C.J. Easley [Charles J. Easley] helped her fix up the box. I’ve thought several times of writing to C.J. but just didn’t get started.

Well it’s almost too dark to write and it is about 6:30. So it didn’t take long for the darkness to descend.

Love
Daddy

©2013 copyright owned and written by Deborah Sweeney

Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/06/18/november-10-1942-roscoe/

November 10, 1942 (Gladys)

4 Replies

Letter transcription:

Kentland Ind
Nov 10 – 1942

Dear Daddy-

I received my “birthday” letter this morning. I always look at the postmark date when your letters come and this one was two ahead so probably tomorrow or later will get the two intervening ones. Seems you are getting mine in somewhat same order. Just so we get them is the main thing. It is windy, cold & cloudy today. Just a regular fall day. The wind is so strong I can feel it while sitting by the west window in the den. You know even with storm windows we could get ventilation here. I turned the thermostat up two notches. Chet VanScoyek [Chester Vanscoyk] said we could get more coal anytime but to wait until a car load comes in and get it directly from the car. I have them paid so won’t hesitate to order more. I talked to Agnes M. yesterday and she said we wouldn’t have to pay Federal while you are on foreign duty and it wouldn’t have to be paid until 6 mos. after the war is over and no interest has to be paid. Also she says that I don’t have to pay gross on my allotment but she is going to look it up to be sure before next is due. As you notice – I don’t make paragraphs to save space. Frank Cunningham died last Fri. I still owed him $8.20 but was going to have him do some painting around the window sills then pay for the whole thing. I’ll see Mrs. C. and pay her. He forgot to include the work he did at the office when we settled after he finished the house. You mentioned paper. I sent you some in both Christmas & birthday boxes. I didn’t have the addition to put on those two boxes I mean (White Poppy) but had it when I sent your laundry. I am anxious for you to get it – and know if you receive all I sent besides your clothes. I am being very mysterious about what I put in but you will let me know I am sure if it gets to you. This morning when I weighed David he was 8-8 – he is making a faster gain this week than the past two – however he averages about 8 oz a week. He is taking more milk now than he did. I have a system for warming the 2 & 6 a.m. feeings. I heat the milk and put it in a thermos when I get ready to go to bed and have two clean bottles ready so when he wakes up at 2 & 6 I don’t have to get out of bed to fix the bottle – just turn on the light – reach for the thermos & bottle and presto! – in a flash the milk is ready. I have a bottle warmer but it is slow – takes 5 to 8 minutes for it to heat the milk then too when I use it have to set the milk between the window and storm window until he is ready for it. A time or two he slept thru but he must be getting hungrier because the past week he has been waking at 2 or 3 a.m.

Mother is getting ready to go back to T.H. [Terre Haute]. I am feeling OK now and just about finished cleaning house so we will be able to get along. Mother would like to have us take her home but I am not sure whether I will try the trip with David so small. We have a basket we could take along for him but it would be quite an ordeal I am afraid. Now don’t worry about it because by the time you get this we will have gone & come back home (if we go). The only reason I thought about going was to visit your folks – since gas rationing will go into effect Nov. 22 and at 4 gal a week we don’t be able to get very far from home. Your Mother would like to come up for a week I know but so far hasn’t been able to get anyone to bring her. Ruth & Floyd may be here sometime this week since they have to go to Chicago this week. I just cleaned a bedspread and hung it out to blow. The wind is so strong & cold today it should air it good. The wind we have had lately has just about taken all the leaves off. I think we will rake leaves this fall and have a big fire out by the street.

image[page 2] There is a radio program going now talking about V-mail. I heard about it on the radio. I think sometime in August – as you said there must have been a campaign because there was a lot said about it when I first heard about it – however it is still talked about lots. I use it about half the time and this kind of letter the rest of the time. I would rather just write regular because I can cram as much in. Arlene & Bill sent you a box for Christmas. They had a pen & pencil set. I told them you had one but Arlene said they would send it and you could trade for something else if you wanted too. They took some pictures of their family & John happened to be there so Arlene took one of him & said she sent it to you. I have a roll of film being developed now and of course if there are good pictures will sent them to you. David is kicking and yawning and trying to go to sleep. He has pretty definite times to be good and vice versa – he sleeps most of the day but is awake a while after the 2 P.M. bottle and good – but after the 6 P.M. bottle he usually makes a noise more or less all evening until the 10 P.M. bottle then he turns in for the night. I think he will gradually do like John & Mark – sleep from 6 P.M. to 6 A.M. Ellsworth is taking care of a policy for D. Did I mention before that they have a boy? He was born a few weeks after David was named Michael Ellsworth. He is a large baby. I think he was larger when born than David is now. Doris got a perm the same afternoon I did and Mildred was talking to her about bridge club. Seems Doris can’t find anyone to work for her and was talking about dropping out of the Club. I am glad the bridge clubs don’t bother me – because I don’t know what I would do if they did. Doris is in the same “boat” as everyone else – you have women working in the seed corn house. Alma Walker drives a truck for Funks. She said she felt better than when she stayed home – however she said last week she had two attacks. She brought the baby a gift – a bath robe. Mrs. Zell said they had a baby buggy I could use – so I am going to get it and see if I can fix it up. That is an item that is hard to get now. Lucile Johnson said she has a new one but that she looked around several stores in Laf. [Lafayette] before she found a good one. I think her baby is due in Jan. She was out one day last week and is getting rather large. She is going to Dr. M. and plans to go to Watseka to the hospital. She says she thinks if she can remain in the hospital two weeks that she & Ed can manage when she gets home.

imageWe went to Sheldon yesterday & got some meat. I was able to get more beef. I don’t know what they will do about these lockers when meat rationing is put into effect. While in Brandts I heard a man talking to Mrs. B. about coffee rationing – for one week before rationing no one will be allowed to sell any coffee. However Mrs. B. said they didn’t have any to sell anyway. The stores just haven’t any on hand. I understand cocoa & tea will be rationed too. We can’t buy milk for 40¢ gal now. There is a new law or “something” in effect that milk can be sold only at retail prices and no Sunday delivery. Creamery butter is 50¢ a lb. – but as you know that doesn’t bother us – as you know – you mentioned chicken – I intended to put some fry’s in the locket but got sick & couldn’t.  Maybe I can yet. John wrote to you about their stunt – this Thurs. nite. He had me go over the “script.” Mark is still working on the cornet. I think if he will practice enough he can learn to play it. This letter is quite a hodge podge but maybe it will amuse you a few minutes.

Love Mother

©2013 copyright owned and written by Deborah Sweeney

Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/06/17/november-10-1942-gladys/ ‎

November 9, 1942 (Roscoe)

2 Replies

Letter transcription:

Nov. 9, 1942

Dear Mother,

This is the hottest November I’ve ever seen. This morning I believe a thermometer in the direct rays of the sun would have bursted – but this P.M. there is a breeze and that helps considerable. If it weren’t for that we sure would suffer, but the nights are still cool and that helps lots.

So for today no mail but there is a rumor that some came in and it’s still early (2:30) so maybe we still have hopes. The biggest gap is still from Sept. 19 to 26. Then there are a few missing all along the line. The commission hasn’t arrived yet and neither have any of the packages, but it isn’t hardly time for those yet.

Did you ever hear of the sweet young things who sat in the pool of Nova Cain and then became one of the Dead End Kids? Lots of stories float around some new and some old, and after a time the old as well as the new are repeated. Most of the stories have to do with mental intercourse as you might imagine among a group of men who are stranded in strange country with only the past to think about, but

[page 2] on the whole we get along very well with ourselves.

I’m getting about ready to take a shower. It seems about the most fun one can have in a days time is taking a shower and a B.M. Some fun! The water in the shower is pretty warm almost like as if it were heated. The pipes run very near the ground and the heat of the sun warms considerable.

All the above is done plus a little cat nap thrown in. Will have to start work before long and that may last a few hours. So far no mail.

Did my laundry just before noon today and took it down a few minutes ago. Underware, socks and one pair of pants and one shirt. I’ve found that after a few days a shirt looks about as good even if it wasn’t ironed but it does look a little seedy at first.

Right now again it is very warm and not much breeze so that makes it more warm and almost hot. I can see why the people here have their sleepy hours in the middle of the day, but we haven’t

[page 3] suffered too much yet.

Just been up and got a case of beer it seems that does as much good for thirst as anything. The water as I stated is warm and our ice isn’t too plentiful. We don’t consume so much but enough to keep thirst to a minimum and not too much so that I get a beer belly.

I’ll again stop – Now that rounds are over I’ll see what can be done – Got 7 letters one from Mom and the other 6 from you and the boys. I’ll not answer the boys tonight – Must write Wayne. Got the pictures of course those of David are a little questionable but those of the boys and you I didn’t think were good at all. You couldn’t have changed that much since I’ve been gone.

Well, thanks for the pictures and all the information. You told me about the policy coming and that you were receiving your checks and that the mail is coming thru. So all those things help,

So Solong

Love Daddy

©2013 copyright owned and written by Deborah Sweeney

Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/06/07/november-9-1942-roscoe/

Gas Rationing (Gladys)

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Click to enlarge

Click to enlarge

Gas rationing was big deal for the people on the home front. For Gladys and the boys, living in Kentland, they did not need to use the car much. In most situations, the family could walk to their destination. Rationing did limit visits to relatives in Terre Haute and Clay City or trips made to Lafayette for shopping or doctor’s appointments. Had Roscoe been at home, he would have received a different rationing allowance for his occupation. It is hard to imagine only using 4 gallons of gas a week. In 2013, the typical American uses many times that in a single day.

V-mail dated November 9, 1942

V-mail dated November 9, 1942

Letter transcription:

Lt. (J.G.) R.S. Yegerlehner
Navy S.S.A. (White Poppy)
c/o Postmaster
San Francisco Calif

Mrs. R.S. Yegerlehner
Kentland
Indiana
11-9-42

Dear Daddy –

It was raining rather hard at noon so I took the boys & Zell girls back to school. Stopped in town and got some groceries – Also was able to get ¼ lb coffee. That is how scarce it is here. I haven’t been drinking coffee since I was in the hospital so didn’t need it for myself but got it for Mother. I understand gas rationing will start Nov 22 – and we will get 4 gal a week. Of course people having to drive to work will get more. I think we will have enough for the driving we do. I take the car out enough to keep the battery charged. Will have to make a trip to Laf. Soon to take the baby down to Dr. C and have John’s glasses checked. The baby weighed 8-6 this morning. He shows a gain of about 14 oz in two weeks. That according to your letter is enough. He is getting regulated pretty good now – sleeps lots & is good when awake. He won’t take orange from a bottle so I give it with a spoon. I think that will help when I start him on Pablum – he will have an ‘idea’ of what a spoon is for. I am going to teach him to drink out of a cup as soon as possible. He is so tiny yet compared to Funks baby. He weighs over 13 lbs and it just 3 ½ weeks older than David. Arlene said they sent you some pictures. I have too but don’t know whether you have rec’d all or not. I sent you stamps twice. I rec’d two letters today & two Sat. The boys each rec’d theirs and answered. Hope you get all the letters with stamps & pictures & your commission. I have rec’d all the letters you sent I am sure.

Love Mother

©2013 copyright owned and written by Deborah Sweeney

Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/06/05/gas-rationing-gladys/ ‎

November 8, 1942 (Roscoe)

5 Replies

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

©2013 copyright owned and written by Deborah Sweeney

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

November 8, 1942 (Gladys)

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Yegerlehner, Gladys - 1942-11-08

This letter was a nice surprise because it was written on a Sunday. Typically Gladys did not write on Sundays. The family attempted to take some pictures of the baby that afternoon but he would not cooperate. Currently, this picture of Gladys is the only one that has survived from November 8th, or at the very least, been discovered so far.  We also get a look at her new perm.

Letter transcription:

Kentland Indiana
Nov 8 – 1942

Dear Daddy –

We are having an unusually warm, sunny Sunday. It was so nice we took the baby out for some pictures but he wasn’t in a mood to have his picture taken and squirmed and squinted so I doubt if the pictures of him are good. I took one of John & Mark and they were going to take the last one of me and I turned it too fast and think I turned it too far. Mark is in a bad mood at present – he wants a sharp knife and can’t get one right now. John as usual is entertaining himself at the piano composing & David is grunting with satisfaction from his 2 P.M. bottle.

Floyd called me from Wick’s last night. He was on his way to Laf. [Lafayette] to meet Ruthie – she had been home this week while he was in Blue Island. Said he had received a notice from the draft board and doesn’t know whether he the Co. will get him deferred or not. Said he has to go to Chi [Chicago] this week so I suppose he will know by the end of next week what he will do.

Bob [Hufty] was out yesterday – wanted to know if I had any word regarding the radiogram. To date I haven’t but if you got it I suppose I will hear from you about it soon. In a previous letter I explained why we sent it. You kept writing that you weren’t getting any mail and after we had sent the message to the coast, I got a letter that you had rec’d my letter of Oct. 5.

Yesterday Betty Lou [Krull] & Mark went out and gathered bittersweet and sold it to the neighbors – net income 30¢ ea. I had given Mark his 50¢ weekly and as usual he couldn’t think ahead of the present and bought 75¢ of stamps – results – broke for another week. John stayed home and helped me clean some. I did the bathroom upstairs. He cleaned the windows then the windows in his & our room. We gave Betty Lou & Buddy [Nick Krull, Jr.] some shells. The coral piece was broken some but I think I can glue it back together and mount it on something to use for an ornament on the coffee table or mantle. Wish I had another one to make a pair. Maybe there is one in the other box you have sent.

I think I’ll have to take John to Laf. during Thanksgiving vacation for an eye exam. Then it will be time for the baby to have a checkup. He weighed 8-4 this morning. He is making a steady gain, tho not fast – will in time fill out at this rate. If I had a buggy would take him out this afternoon.

Love,
Mother

© 2013 copyright owned and written by Deborah Sweeney

Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/06/13/november-8-1942-gladys/

Voices from the Past (Roscoe)

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010I want to jump ahead to the future for a little bit. In 1967, Roscoe retired from his medical practice in Kentland. He and Gladys moved to West Lafayette where he continued to practice his trade and teach new doctors. When they left Kentland, Roscoe was given a going away party at George Ade Memorial Hospital. Among my collection of family papers, I have a script of the evening’s events. The festivities were conducted in the style of “This Is Your Life.” Many old friends entertained my grandparents with stories of their life in Kentland. At that point, Roscoe and Gladys had been part of the community for almost 30 years (1939-1967).
Recently my father unearthed an old audio reel which had been buried away in a drawer. It was labeled “Farewell Party, March 12, 1967.” He was able to send the tape to a professional company that specializes in transferring old mediums to digital formats. Today, he received the CDs in the mail. I have been told that the sound quality is wonderful. The only disappointing detail is that my grandparents are not heard on the recording, only their friends telling their stories. I had hoped to hear their voices again. And now I just have to patiently wait for my copy to arrive in the mail.

Letter transcription:

Nov. 7, 1942

Dear Mother,

Received 4 letters today – 3 from you and one from Wayne W. It took Wayne’s letter 13 days to get there and it took eleven days for an answer to come back so all in all that is pretty good time. Our mail is sure coming thru in much better time now but I didn’t get the commission yet. You stated you had sent it but as yet it hasn’t arrived. So far there is no packages but I’ll expect them from now on until Christmas. And you also stated what the bank account amounted too so that was a help. After next pay day I’ll send some more. I’m going to send each of the boys – all three some Christmas money and you also. I’m telling you now so you can expect. It will be the 15th before pay day so don’t expect for some time yet.

Wayne told me it had been 19° above zero. That sure sounds cold

[page 2] in our tropical weather.

In your letter today you said the boys had received their V-mail letters. I don’t remember when I wrote those but they were a long time getting there. Your letter this time took only 11 days, both were postmarked Oct. 27. That really is going some. That means only 10 days for one is lost coming over the date line. Your letters are coming now just fine and I think all the questions I’ve been harping on and ranting about are gradually being answered.

I should have told you not to send me any clothes or food for Christmas because food will probably spoil and clothes are just an excess. Most of the boys are sending things home – In the clothes line. I believe I have only the bare necessities so will hang on to them for some time yet.

I think the babies schedule is about what it should be so keep it going. In

[page 3] fact I’ve forgotten all about baby feeding. One forgets very fast I’ve found even to names of people at home. So don’t use initials as I might not know who you are writing about. It’s not so bad but one sure does forget those names rapidly.

There is no boxing show tonite so will have to put on our own. In other words it will be – The news – a few beers and then to be [bed] – quite an enjoyable evening don’t you think.

Well, I’ll try to do better tomorrow. I’ll have to put forth more effort on the next

So Solong

Love

Daddy

©2013 copyright owned and written by Deborah Sweeney

Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/06/12/november-7-1942-roscoe/‎