My Old Kentucky Home | Genealogy Lady

February 21, 1944 envelope

February 21, 1944, p. 1

Letter transcription:

Lieut. R.S. Yegerlehner USNR
USN Base Hosp. #4
Navy 133
F.P.O. San Francisco Calif.
Feb. 21, 1944

Dear Mother,

There was a little mail today but none for me. It was dated the same as mine was last week so really I’m ahead because mine was about 3-4 days earlier than theirs. So much for mail – we’ll hit one of these days again.

Tomorrow being Geo. Wash. birthday we are supposed to have turkey in some form. I noticed on the menu it was turkey, candy, cigarettes, etc. Of course the natives aren’t well acquainted with our holidays nor are we with theirs. As I understand their holidays come mostly on Sat. or Mon. so they can make a weekend of the whole thing. I’ve never been in on any of those affairs so I don’t know

February 21, 1944, p. 2

[page 2] how long they last. I have been to their horse races as I probably told you. It reminded me of a big over grown county fair with betting of course legalized. Yes I bet and dropped a few shillings but that helps pay the tax so I just contributed about $2.00 in round numbers. Service men get special passes to the races – all free so it was work $2.00 just to get into the place. Of course everybody takes tea along and here and there among the cars one can see many picnic lunches spread and someone getting a bucket of hot water from someplace to make tea.

The races have been cut down much since the war – now they are generally held on two successive Saturdays but before the war a full week of racing – each day.

February 21, 1944, p. 3

[page 3] You just knew it was coming someplace in the letter – you guessed it. There is nothing more to offer on the 18 mo. business. We still do a good job of talking and wondering but nothing happens.

Rosie my Jewish friend told me today it was 18 months ago today that he last saw his wife so evidently she didn’t go to the port of embarkation with him either. This is also an anniversary for me it being one year ago today that we landed in our new home. The situation sure has changed both for me and the war in general. This eve we had good fried lamb chops and last year I don’t remember but it was something prepared with a can opener or probably just a plain hunting knife because I don’t remember having a huntin can opener.

February 21, 1944, p. 4

[page 4] The radio is just now blasting out with “My Old Ky Home.” Last night we were able to get Jack Benny – That was the first time I’d heard him in a long time. Possibly you have heard the program. Jack it seemed had purchased a swimming pool and the whole episode was about that.

Yesterday and today have been two of the hottest days we have had. I think I mentioned in yesterday’s note about the heat. Maybe I’m just used to being out of the tropics and am a little used to cooler weather – anyway it’s been warm.

Well Dear I sure wish I had some news for you about the 18 mo. I’m really getting the urge to get out of this place and of course the urge is in the direction of Indiana –

Love Daddy