Tag Archives: Mrs. Leila Roberts

I feel better (Gladys)

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Letter transcription:

Kentland Ind
Jan 8 – 1943

Dear Daddy –

Another day to Laf- and that means not much done at home. Dr. Ade said my nose & throat looked better and they feel better so maybe I will be thru with treatments now – might have to go back once. I feel better so maybe I can get over this thing. It seems to drag out but it would since I have to go so far for treatments. I am glad I have been going to Dr. A. because if I had been going to M. I probably would have gotten discouraged and changed anyway (psychology). I have been to Laf. every other day since last Sat. Dorothy was going with me today and when I called her this morning she said the roads weren’t safe, but I knew the other day when we went (Mrs. Zell & I) the

[page 2] snow plows were working both sides of the pavement and I didn’t see how they could get bad no more snow than we have had. I knew she didn’t want to go, so I called her back and told her I was going to leave before she could get away from the restaurant. I decided I would try it and if it wasn’t safe I would come back but Mr. Zell had to do to Laf. to get some things for the office so John & I went with him and Mrs. Zell kept David. When we got to 41 it was dry and all cleaned off – as clean as in the middle of summer. So I got a trip to the Dr. on the County Agent’s gasoline. I still have 24 gal to use by Jan 21 and this is the 8th. Dorothy called me about 6 P.M. to find out how I made the trip. I don’t know where she got her information but she was so sure the roads were slick. Now don’t worry about me driving when the roads aren’t safe. If I had

[page 3]taken our car and the pavement had been slick I wouldn’t have tried to drive. So much for that. I got the Johnson baby a gift today, but didn’t have time to get it wrapped and ready for Ed to take to the hospital this evening. I have been “dripping” along with this nose & throat condition so haven’t visited Lucile at the hospital. I probably won’t get to see her until she gets home.

While in Loebs today I saw Alice & Stilly Berry – they stopped and talked but didn’t mention the balance of their account. They showed me the picture of their baby. They wanted Algood’s address.

Mead’s sent us a 50 cc bottle of Oleum Percomorphum. I talked to Byrnes over the phone about writing to the Co. and I thought he understood I wanted Dextri-Maltose, Pablum & Oleum but he just asked for the Oleum. If I had known

[page 4] that I would have written the letter myself but this 50 cc bottle will last a long time.

Monday when I was in Dr. Cole’s office & his nurse made a blood count the Hemoglobin percent was 81 red count 4,160,000 – and I had a shot of Liver & Vit B so I should be in pretty good shape. Mrs. Cole came in with Dr. Cole’s lunch while I was there. I think she does that every day. He asks about you every time I go in. I think I mentioned all this in other letters but maybe you missed them.

The uniform money hasn’t come yet. The bank bal. without the Ins. & taxes, etc., paid is around 500⁰⁰. I told you in a previous letter I got a new coat – $108⁰⁰. Last week I bought 6 bonds (37⁵⁰) – In yesterday’s letter I asked you about getting a piano I have a chance to get for $100⁰⁰. It is a small one like Ruth Mutchler’s. Let me have an opinion.

Mrs. Roberts called me last night. She hadn’t had a letter for over a week and was wondering why. I haven’t had one since Wed but probably will get two or three or tomorrow.

Love Mother

Your first letter came Sept. 22

©2013 copyright owned and written by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/10/17/i-feel-better-gladys/

Shooting the bull (Roscoe)

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Letter transcription:

1/3/43
Lt. (jg) Yegerlehner
Receiving Station
U.S. Naval Advanced Base
Noumea, New Caledonia
c/o Fleet P.O.
San Fran Calif.

Dear Mother,

Wrote the Folks this A.M. and just finished a letter to Uncle Wess so if there is anything funny about this letter it’s because I haven’t gotten out of my frame of mind – shooting the bull.

This has been a sort of dull day but still I can’t tell why or how it has differed from yesterday. It did rain at times and that is a little different because it hasn’t for several days. The days do pass rapidly even at that – guess it is because we are busy most of the day and look forward to the show at night. It doesn’t make any difference

[page 2] if the show is good or bad we go just the same – generally get there 15-20 minutes early to get a good seat and wait for it to get dark enough for the show to start. It’s pretty dark here at 7:15 so the show is scheduled to start at 7:30 but doesn’t often until around 7:45. At 7:30 when the show starts here on Sunday night. It is 3:30 AM on Sunday morning. It’s a kind of a game to compare times. At 12:00 noon here on Sun. it is 8:00 P.M. there on Sat. etc. We often say what the folks are doing at home when we are going so & so here. I think I’ve gone over all that before but it just happened to hit me as I was writing.

We’ll be glad to get the calendar from Geo T. and was surprised to hear that you had collected $23.50 from Gilmans

[page 3] that must have been a surprise to you also. Hope more people get the Christmas spirit. We must have about 12 bonds by now give me the number the next time you write – I just sorta would like to know.

I did write the sisters of St. Francis and thank them for their kindness and consideration given you while in the hospital. I had thought of writing them long ago but just kept putting it off.

A letter came today from Joe R, a greeting from the Smith’s in Lafayette and your letter of Dec. 4. Dr. Joe’s letter was written on Dec. 22 so you see it wasn’t as old as yours. He didn’t say anything about his location so if you haven’t told Mrs. R.

[page 4] she doesn’t know. I talked to a Dr. yesterday who had seen him and the place I wrote long ago is still correct but things can change as has happened to so many of us.

If you should start taking hypodermic liver you have a Dr. give you the first shot or two because you might do like Irene S. did when I gave her the Vitamin B so be sure and do that. Try to keep going on oral liver. Did Sherman send you the bill for the oral cold tab. Give them to the boys twice per week. And if they should develop a bad cold 6 per day – 2 before each meal – for only one day – If D. get a cold grease him with camphorated oil and watch his temp. It won’t bother if he does rattle if he has no temperature Take per rectum.

Well, I’m out of time & space
Lots of love Daddy

©2013 copyright owned and written by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/10/05/shooting-the-bull-roscoe/

Protected: Monday Morning (Gladys)

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Three months old (Gladys)

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Letter transcription:

Kentland Ind
Dec 23 – 1942

Dear Daddy –

David is 3 months old today and weighs 11 lbs 10 oz –

Baby Book, p. 7

Well I had to have a round like John & Mark had – John is upstairs in bed and I am on the davenport. My throat got very sore so started taking sulfathiazole about 6:30 last night and have taken 10 tablets now. My throat is much better and if I have any temp. is very slight. Clara Molter stayed with us last night so she could take care of the baby and is staying today. Floyd called last night from Napanee about going home but I told him we were staying home due to present circumstances. I feel pretty good today but will keep quiet and try to get up tomorrow. This sulfathiazole is much easier to take them nilamide. The way I felt yesterday and last night I would have expected to feel much worse today but on the whole and everything considered I feel fair. School has been

[page 2] dismissed until Jan 4. The roads were so slick yesterday the busses couldn’t go out and evidently it isn’t much better today. This little upset of mine has kept me from getting my Christmas shopping finished, but somehow I don’t care a lot. Arlene & Bill went to Chicago and shopped before gas rationing and had their things mailed and they got lost in the mail so they are in a worse shape than I am because I haven’t spent anything & they have. I mean I haven’t spent for certain gifts. I sent for a pin for Mother and when it came is was about the size of a peanut. I had seen several of those Navy pins like Thelma has and thought that was what I was ordering but this one is so small I am afraid she won’t want it. I had Mr. Reinard order it so I think I’ll send it back and try for a larger one.

Mrs. Zell came over last night and swabbed my throat and Mr. Z. took out clinkers for me. I have been doing that job myself. I think that is more than the boys can manage. Mr. Z. has been classified as 3-B so there isn’t much chance of his going.

[page 3] and Mrs. Zell says they feel like they should help us out when we need it, because you are in service and he isn’t. They come over and ask if there is anything they can do. You know there is a difference in asking someone to do something and having someone offer to do without being asked.

No letters today but there were three yesterday so didn’t expect any today. I am afraid your Christmas boxes got wet. The one I sent especially for Dec 25th was packed in a shoe box then I put that inside a heavy corrugated box and tied it firmly with heavy cord. I thought I wrapped all the packages well enough but I suppose they get rough handling.

Mark has gone to town on an errand. He was detailed to amuse David and it soon got tiresome. He like to play with him if I am there but if it looks like work he doesn’t like to do it.

I told you we received the yen note, also the Hawaii & Noumea money. The children like to show the money. I wonder if you are learning any French from the lessons in your newspaper or do you have to know French when you shop?

Yegerlehner, David - 1942-12-23 #1Yegerlehner, David - 1942-12-23 #3

[page 4] We took some pictures Sunday in the house with our camera and two fotoflood lamps. It was very bright outside from the sun & snow so the pictures turned out very good. I’ll put one in this letter & one in Tomorrows etc., so you will get one of them in case some of my letters are lost. If we had a candid camera we could do better, but for outdoor pictures you know what good pictures we have had.Yegerlehner, David - 1942-12-23 #2

Dorothy sent your birthday greeting on your birthday but didn’t say anything about sending two, but since they came at the same time she must have. Birdie Steele called for your address this week so she could send you a greeting – but I think she was a little late for Christmas. Coke Foulkes also got your address yesterday.

Wayne Walker had been in Australia and is home on a 30 day furlough – maybe I mentioned that before. I haven’t seen him but I haven’t been out much lately. Mrs. Roberts called me Sunday to wish me Christmas greetings. We were wondering if the Doctors would be sent home or kept for the duration. Earl Roberts seemed to think you would get to come home after one year out – but does he know?

Here’s hoping –

Love Mother

©2013 copyright owned and written by Deborah Sweeney

Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/09/11/three-months-old-gladys/

The mail was better today (Roscoe)

4 Replies

Letter transcription:

Dec. 13, 1942

Dear Mother,

Nick Krull, circa 1960

Nick Krull, circa 1960

The mail was better today. Got two letters dated Nov. 25 from you, and one dated Oct. 14 from you – a package from Boonie – (a box of candy) a letter from John – V-mail and two birthday greetings from Nick & Dorothy. One of the greetings wasn’t very nice and Dorothy wouldn’t have her name to it so she sent another with both their names. I guess all of our mail will finally get here. John said he was down in the dumps because didn’t have meat for dinner. After all if a fellow is hungry he isn’t very happy.

I’ve written the folks their usual weekly letter today. Wrote it just before chow and it is after church now. We had a visiting Chaplin give the sermon tonite a change now and then is pretty good.

Today has really been hot. I believe it’s the hottest day we have had even in our hut it was hot. We’ll have to get us an electric fan now – maybe – again it seems pretty definite that we probably will stay here for some time – and now that you

[page 2]know where we are it won’t be so bad. Today’s letters were the first with the new address and I suppose the next ones will have the addition that were attached a day or two after the first address came out. Fred got a package from his wife – Had – candy – nuts a pipe – cigarettes etc. The peanuts were very tough but still good. I’ll have to write the Krulls and the Boones and I almost forgot – Otto Paul. His letter would come thru. I’ve already wrote you about that so you tell Boonie and he can send him the stuff and I won’t have to write.

I wrote Joe Roberts the other day but didn’t have to use all the address left off the San Francisco part. The P.M. told me here it wasn’t necessary to send it back to San F. If Mrs. R. don’t know where he is you should tell her because I wrote it to you. Wish I could go over from Christmas but it’s to[o] far to paddle a row boat. He should get my letter in pretty short order, but it would be as hard for him to get over here

[page 3] as me there.

Dr. Huth took some pictures the other day and we developed them in the Xray tank and today we tried printing some of them. I’d almost forgotten how it was done but we got a few out. Our fixer solution isn’t quite right for pictures because they turn yellow around the edges. It seemed I was the only one who knew anything about printing and that wasn’t much because it‘s been years & years since. I had the carpenter make the frame. I think I told you something of that last night – well we had no glass so we just had two boards one with a hole slightly smaller than the film. In time we should get pretty good – especially if we can get the Corpsman to do the work. I’m going to have to have a Corpsman when I get home to do the work for me. It’s just like having a colored maid. Maybe I’ll get over being lazy. I hope.

Have a boy in the hospital now with hands just like yours used to be. Of course, we have no zimocol but I’m giving him Hcl just the same. He got his washing his hands

[page 4] in some kind of soap he thinks. Or maybe he had to wash dishes. Could be the same as yours and maybe not.

The original four members of the Rotary Club: Paul Harris is on the far right, while Silvester Schiele (Roscoe’s uncle) is second from the left.

Guess you were somewhat honored to have Paul Harris as your guest even though it wasn’t but a little time. Wish I could have been – there- It’s a little late now but you must get that in the paper. I mean it – call Bart and tell him Uncle was along and Paul H. The founder of Rotary was with him. Make a nice little story. Things like that don’t happen every day. Maybe you have already done so – if not do it. I can read it too if and when the paper gets here.

Well, must stop and rest – work or write another letter – don’t know which –

With lots of Love

Daddy

©2013 copyright owned and written by Deborah Sweeney

Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/08/25/the-mail-was-b…r-today-roscoe/

First Anniversary of Pearl Harbor (Gladys)

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Letter transcription:
Kentland Ind
Dec 7 – 1942
Dear Daddy –
After receiving four letters this morning I should be able to write a little better – also I went to Music Club this afternoon. My first Club meeting since Sept 22 – then I only attended the luncheon. Mrs. Shirk told me while I was at club that they called Dr. M. and he refused to go. Also several have told me similar stories. I didn’t know this until Clara M. worked for me last week but Mrs. Cunningham said he wouldn’t come when she called him for Frank and she called Dr. G. In case you missed my letter telling you Frank died. Some people seem to think it is your patients Dr. M. is independent with, but he always talks about missing you and wishing you were back. There is something funny.
We are still “enveloped” in winter weather – and tonight that is literally the truth. When I came home about 5 P.M., I noticed a fog rising off the snow and it kept moving up and over from the meadow across the street, and it is all around now. This makes such dangerous driving. I heard that all the hotel rooms are full tonight. I suppose anyone reaching town after the fog started

[page 2] decided to stay over rather than try to drive – since the roads are so slick. I don’t know how 41 is beyond town but in town it is covered with filmy packed frozen snow and is slick as glass. I won’t try to drive until the roads are safe.
The Lbr. Co. sent more coal out today – but Bun didn’t deliver it. Denver Perkins was helping. I don’t know who the other was. So we will have enough coal to meet the demands of this cold weather.
You keep mentioning the Federal tax so you surely haven’t rec’d my letters explaining about it. Agnes advises not to pay it – says it may be cancelled after the duration, but if you still insist on paying it I will. I just turned the papers over to her and she sent them in. If you get this – and want me to pay – mention my letter of this date (Dec 7).
Mrs. Roberts called and she had a letter from Joe and he wants you to write to him. I suppose you have since I sent you his address.
Mrs. Tilton told me this afternoon that Bob has entered officer’s training. I was trying to talk to someone else when she told me so didn’t catch all the details.
Red gave Coke a new record player for Christmas and she is going to have John over to hear a complete opera. The opera is on in Chicago now and I wish I could take John but with travel as it is now he will have to get his over the radio & on record.

[page 3]Tues. A.M. Will write a few lines more while D. takes a nap before bath time. If you have been getting my letters in which I mentioned the weather you will think I am a little strong on the subject but every day it is a little different. Last night I mentioned the fog – now this morning all the trees and shrubs are so thick with snowy ice they look like they have cake frosting on the. It is very beautiful. I can’t remember when we have had so much snow and weather like this so early in Dec. Maybe reading this will make you feel a little cooler.
Dorothy and Mildred Morton were going to Indpls [Indianapolis] today but I doubt if they go. There is still a lot of haze in the air and I imagine the roads are still slick as glass.
I am ordering Mark’s Christmas gifts today – Now I know you won’t approve but he wants ice skates and I am not keen on getting them but he wants them so much. Maybe I should be firm and say No! but if you could hear him. He says if he can’t have anything else he still wants skates. I am also getting him a tool chest and hope I can get him interested in doing shop work.

[page 4] They are buy stamps at school today. You know I got them to agree to buy $5⁰⁰ each out of their tens. They get such a big “kick” out of buying stamps in large quantities at school.
You said you had your mother’s box and I was trying to count how many were sent to you. I sent three (one was your laundry). Ruthie one, Ruth M. one, the Clubs of Kentland one, Boonie another one, and the Statons said they were sending one but don’t know whether they did. The Funks sent the pen & pencil set and I can’t think of who else, but these are the ones can recall now. But, all those had you first address except one or two of mine had “White Poppy” but since they were sent in Oct you should get them.
It is time to bath & feed the baby, then get lunch and do a few other necessary things.
Dr. Bushnell from Chicago is the one Joe met. Bushnell is in the Army.
Love Mother
P.S. – The V-mail greetings to J. & M. came today
©2013 copyright owned and written by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/08/14/first-annivers…-harbor-gladys/

Well the lecture is now over (Roscoe)

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Letter transcription:

Dec. 6, 1942

Dear Mother,

Sun. P.M. and rainy – It hasn’t been a solid day of rain but fine and clear one minute and rain the next. The ground dries very rapidly but not fast enough for these showers. I’m wearing my brown oxfords inside of four buckles today and will continue – Taking the overshoes off at the door. Our deck needs swabbing but it’s no use for the time being. We’ll just scrape it off and shovel it out.

I wrote the folks already today just thought I’d get it off hand in case too much business came about. Which is not too likely. This is shortly after noonday chow, and it was a good had creamed turkey – peas – asparagus mashed potatoes, choc. Pie and soup really I think it was better than Thanksgiving day. Got another carton of cigarettes one cake of soap and ½ doz penny boxes of matches. That all

[page 2] goes in our regular monthly mess bill. All the tobacco I’ve bought was some when we first arrived the rest has been supplied.

As I told you yesterday I wrote Joe R. and I think it will go directly to him rather than all the way back to the States. I wonder if Mrs. R. knows where he is or did you get to tell her yet?

Let’s go back to that birthday money of yours – If you don’t feel like spending it now at least get it out of the bank account because we might want to buy something for the home or office when I get back and you are supposed to have that and please don’t buy a piano and put a big monthly payment business on the financial end of the family. There are other things more important than an expensive piano. I don’t object to a small model but also a small price. Hold on to the do re-me now because it’s going to be hard to get

[page 3] when this thing is over. Well the lecture is now over. Do as you think best for all concerned.

If you take David to Dr. C for the shots you had better offer to pay him for his material used or just offer to pay him – he might get tired of the whole business. I’d suggest you give him the diphtheria vaccine you have in the ice box but it’s been too long since it was used so you had better throw it out. He might not use that kind anyway.

Just stopped for a time to have a bottle of beer and a session – In the discussion the subject of washing machines came up. And I think I sold another Bendix. Hope ours is still working. The way that topic came up – we were discussing an electrician here. He reminds me very much of all those I’ve ever known – puts in one device and talks long enough to wire a house in between times. He is always talking about inventing something but it’s too much trouble

[page 4] to fix it up. I was comparing him to Bun S. and that’s the way the whole thing came about.

There has been no mail yet today but it isn’t time as yet. I’ll save space in order to let you know if any comes. I’m beginning to believe the Christmas packages were just a myth or did you send something. I guess those things will be along in time to come.

Fred is writing a letter now and Dr. Porterfield is sleeping. Just a typical Sunday P.M. in the summer time with the weather a little rainy.

Well I’ll drop you a little more later on in the evening but just in case I forgot So Solong

Love Daddy

P.S. got your letters of Oct. 28 and Nov. 14. Also one from Mom one from Sykes and one from Allgoods. I know what the bank balance is now for sure so you won’t need to repeat it unless it goes way up or down but take yours out as I’ve said. Get some interest

©2013 copyright owned and written by Deborah Sweeney

Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/08/12/well-the-lectu…ow-over-roscoe/

Real Winter Weather (Gladys)

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Letter transcription:

Kentland Ind
Dec 1 [2] – 1942

Dear Daddy –

We are enjoying (?) real winter weather. After the snow there has been an icy wind. I took David out for a walk – I know he was warm enough but my hands got so cold I decided I would have to get some woolen mittens to wear when pushing the buggy this winter. The boys had to get their money orders cashed and have written you letters of thanks. Mark went right to town and bought my Christmas gift and gave it to me. He got such a thrill from giving it I accepted and nothing said about giving it so soon. It is a cake saver and very nice one too. While in own got the sardines, crackers and mosquito cream. I will get a calendar and anything else I can think of and get the box sent out this week, maybe tomorrow.

When Jim was home he had brought Thelma a Navy Insignia pin. Mother thought it was just the thing and I thought Jim would get her one but

[page 2] when I wrote and asked him about it he said he was going to give her money for Christmas and for me to get the pin. I looked around but couldn’t find one, then asked Mr. Reinard if he could order one and I think it is just like the one Thelma has. It is a little difficult to get Mother something because she has everything she needs and I know she wants the pin. Maybe I should get one for your Mother too – give me your opinion. I thought I would send a year’s subscription to your folks of Reader’s Digest for their Christmas gift.

John has ordered his present from the Foster Shop and I am going to get Mark’s from Sears so my shopping this year is going to be simplified. I think I will get David a bond and a few little odds & ends, since he should have a $10⁰⁰ gift from the check.

It is 10 – and time to go upstairs. Just happened to remember – Tomorrow is the Plummer Wedding Anniversary and I ordered an African violet delivered to them tomorrow. Will write more in the A.M.

Wed morn – and it is cold – I don’t know how low it got but Eleanor Towers called me about Jr. choir practice and said it was 8 below early this morning. Mrs. Zell was going to take the children to school but got

[page 3] stuck in the snow trying to back the car out of the garage, so Mark walked. John had gone on but he doesn’t have so far to go. Bob Schurtter called a few minutes ago and said he would go get Mark & Virginia Zell. The 6-yr old Zell girl has been sick. Mr Z. said she is susceptible to chest cold. So far we have all been well. The boys are still taking the oral cold shots, and they must be effective. When David & Marie came up to see the Baby and the rest of us I told them about those cold tablets. David said he wished he could get some so I ordered a bottle from Sherman and sent on to him. Had a letter from Marie and said they were both taking them as prescribed. You probably will chuckle at my dispensing medicine – but I wouldn’t do that for just any one.

I got three letters today dated 23 – 24 – 25 and one back the 10th. I thought I had all but looking back thru my file of your letters don’t have one postmarked Nov 10 – so guess I slipped on that one. I always look at the dates before opening so I won’t get ahead of your news.

Now about those pictures – I’ll admit some taken when I first came home from the hospital weren’t so “hot” but I did send several I thought were good. Maybe by now you have some

[page 4] better ones. I have a roll in the camera now and will finish it and send any good ones that turn out. We took several of the baby we thought should be good.

About that tax business. I wrote this before but again Agnes advises not to pay it, that after the duration it may be cancelled – and if not there won’t be any interest to pay on it.

Rec’d my checks today, your 4 letters, one from Mother and one from Ruthie. Also there was a birthday letter came from Iroquois Hospital and a notation to please forward. I’ll send it in the next letter. I have these things I mentioned yesterday, sardines, etc. but it is too too cold to go to the P.O. today – Will try to get them in the mail this week tho.

It is about time for the noon rush so will finish this so Mark can take it to the P.O. on his way to school. It really is too cold to take David out. He doesn’t have any cold but he has a “rattle” in his head – Mrs. Roberts said their children sounded like that too, so since he eats, sleeps, has no temperature, and has only the sound in his breathing I mentioned I suppose there is nothing to worry about. Thanks again for the money –

Love Mother

The boys have written thanking you too

©2013 copyright owned and written by Deborah Sweeney

Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/08/02/real-winter-weather-gladys/

Still more to do (Gladys)

1 Reply

Letter transcription:

Kentland Ind
11-28-42

Dear Daddy –

3 P.M. and still more to do today than I’ll get done but somehow it doesn’t worry me. We didn’t get up until 8:30 this morning and had to give David his orange juice first thing then after we had breakfast it was time to mix formula & bath D. Had some washing to do then it was lunch time – never a dull moment, but as I have said before under present circumstances it is better to keep busy. No letters this morning but probably will get several Monday (I hope). I called Mrs. Roberts this morning – was going to have her bring her children & come over tomorrow but said she was going to Cisna [Cissna] Park. However she promised to come Monday if possible. She asked for your address so she could send it to Joe. I told her I had sent his to you. Maybe you two will get to corresponding some day. I went into the Drug Store to get a stamp and saw Charlie Largent. He is home on leave just before departure for parts unknown. Said he had a letter from Henry Reinhart. You should be getting one – as I sent him your address

[page 2] Had a letter from Uncle Wes and he said he sent you a number of Tribune maps. He also said he would send more so I won’t try all send a box of sardines, crackers & mosquito cream. That is if I can get the sardines. You know sardines and salmon are two things not being sold wholesale any more. I have one can of salmon – I don’t know what I am saving it for, but know I can’t get any more.

Had a caller – Clara Molter. She is going to come Tues & help me & I hope to get the housecleaning finished. Since I started writing this it has started to snow & there is a thin white coat on the ground. Don’t think it will last long tho. It melts when it light on the sidewalks.

John had a committee meeting to attend for a party the young people of the church are having. Buddy is here playing with Mark. Buddy just told me he thought David a pretty baby. We agreed with him. Right now David is having a little trouble getting comfortable – seems to be squirming around a lot.

I must write to your mother and it is about time to send this to the P.O. so will excuse myself for a short letter and promise to write a long one tomorrow (Sunday) –

Love Mother

Had 2 letters 11-25-42
No mail again today

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Thanksgiving 1942 (Gladys)

1 Reply

Letter transcription:

Kentland Ind
Nov 26 – 1942

Dear Daddy –

Thanksgiving Day and lunch over – including David’s. He just finished his 2 P.M. feeding. We lunched rather lightly because we are going to Krulls for supper and thought we had better go with good appetites. It is cold today but sunny. We did a small washing and the clothes froze while hanging them out so that can give you an idea of how crisp it is. Yesterday it was warm enough to hang things without gloves on. This kind of weather make me want a warm coat but really haven’t had an opportunity to get one yet. The mail was delivered this morning but no letters from you. I am anxious to get the letters you sent the money in so I can report to you. The one mailed the 18th came yesterday but there are three or four previous to that date that haven’t come yet. They often come in such a manner. Yesterday one came dated the 11th and I had already received the 12-13-14-& 15th.

John and Mark are washing dishes and being very pokey this

[page 2]being a holiday they aren’t very fast doing things. John’s report card was better this month than Mark’s. I mean John raised some of his grades and Mark dropped on his. Mark got A+ on Band but that was the only grade that high.

Uncle Wes stopped again this morning. He and Paul Harris were returning to Chi. Maybe he and Aunt Jessie will come down Sunday to spend the day – since gas rationing will start Monday. He thought I could get a better rating for gas on the strength of collecting bills, but I told him no. He was trying to tell me how to collect some of those accounts but I doubt if anything short of suing would get some – or most. The  check Amel Taylor gave me that bounced I put back in the bank and they are to run it though when & if he puts any more money on deposit. We should be able to collect all those accounts – the way most people are making money now. If I thought it would do any good I would send you a list and have you mail statements from there and make a plea – but I suppose it would be a waste of paper & air mail stamps.

I gave you Dr. Joe’s address some time back but will give it to you again so in case you didn’t get the first you might possibly run into him but that would be almost too good wouldn’t it? I went to see her two weeks ago and she wasn’t home. I should go again before rationing starts.

[page 3] I don’t know why, but it gives me such satisfaction to put a real address on your letters. Maybe you will get better mail service now. I hope. Just hope you get the birthday box & cards we sent.  You should get your Mother’s box before Christmas because she didn’t specify it as Christmas mail. We were instructed to mark all boxes intended for that date as such.

The Zell girls brought some ice cream over for the boys. It had turkey figures on it. They said their Daddy was coming over to clean out our furnace this afternoon. I told them to thank him but John and I had already done the job. I don’t mind having people do things for us we can’t do ourselves but I want to do all we can. Link said he would clean the leaves out of the guttering and I think I’ll let him do that job. Now that the leaves are all off it can be done.

I have been thinking about Christmas gifts for your Mother & Dad and I believe I will send them a subscription for Reader’s Digest. While here this week she read some from ours and I believe she & Dad would enjoy them. Kenneth said he liked to read them. I showed him some articles we had read and he read them and said he thought they were good. That is the most I had been around Kenneth. He certainly is a fine boy. He seemed to enjoy his visit and I [he] never seemed to be bored like some his age would have been without someone his

[page 4] own age to be with.

Bart told me he had written you and filled his letter with town gossip so that takes care of that sort of news and I won’t try to include such in my letters – in fact I don’t know much about the local scandals.

There was a notice from the Laf. Life Ins. to the effect if you want a urine [?] analysis you may have a free examination – but I hardly think you will be interested. There were slips from John Hancock for those dividends we take off our premiums every year. I don’t know whether I am sure about what to do with them or not – as you remember we have had a mix up on that every time. Don’t worry about the taxes. Agnes is taking care of things in that line for us, so just forget about it. I won’t quote the bank bal. today but will give you a report after the checks come the first of Dec. I haven’t been spending anything but am getting a chest of drawers for the baby things. It is in the unfinished wood and will fit in the den with some shelves of the same make. I am getting this from Sears. You know the shelves we wanted to put in the Den when we built the house. Now that we can drive only so far a week and aren’t spending money on much else I thought I could squeeze out enough to buy the things I mentioned and maybe consider would you want me to send you a good wrist watch? Let me know – if so I will

Love –
Mother (over)

J.M. Roberts Lt Cmdr Mobile Hosp #4 U.S.N.R. Fulcrum c/o P.M. San Francisco Calif.

©2013 copyright owned and written by Deborah Sweeney

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