Tag Archives: New Caledonia

Sunday Afternoon (Gladys)

7 Replies

Letter transcription:

Kentland Ind
Jan 24 – 1943

Dear Daddy –

Sunday afternoon and not much doing. John is improvising at the piano. Mark is upstairs dallying around, David is asleep. Mother is trying to fix the fire and I decided to write. It is more like spring today than the weather we have been having. The snow is gone only in places where the sun doesn’t shine directly on. It is very soft underfoot as you can imagine after all the ice and snow that has been on for so long. I took Jimmy Ed’s buggy back home so can’t take David for a ride until I get another. We got the proofs of his pictures today and they are very good. As soon as we get them finished – and the rest

[page 2] of ours finished will send the folder you want. I had mine taken yesterday too but don’t like the results so will have another sitting. John & Mark had theirs taken today so don’t know yet what results will be.

Yesterday when I took the buggy back it was about 5 P.M. and Lucile was asleep – When she came to the door she looked like she was still needing sleep. She wanted to know how long before David slept through the 2 a.m. bottle – when I told her he was about 3 mo. she didn’t take it so well. She said she is trying to break Jimmy Ed now (3 weeks). She said “you didn’t try to break David, did you.” I said “no I just let him do it on his own.” Jimmy Ed had a better start than David and I felt it meant more to him to have that 2 a.m. than for me to get that sleep – Everybody to their own opinion. However Jimmy Ed

[page 3]didn’t sleep thru. She let him sleep after his 6 P.M. bottle and he didn’t awaken until 11 – for the next and she thought he would go thru until 6 – but at 2:45 had to be fed.

At this writing I am still having some sinus trouble – but by the time you get this will probably be all over it (I hope). This has hung on for several weeks. I had been going to Ade but the trips every other day were too hard on me. I went down to Dr. M. He has a motor that pumps salt water thru the sinus and I have had that done several times but can’t say whether it has helped me or not. I still have a yellow drainage all the time. I don’t stop up but the drainage keeps coming whether I do anything or not. I have been using some Glucofederin and that cleans my head out good but hasn’t so far checked anything. I wrote you a letter telling you about Dr A. opening and washing it out once. I suppose it

[pge 4] will gradually get less & less – as it isn’t as bad as it was.

–I went down to Funks a while this afternoon and took David. They thought David looks older than Donnie – tho Donnie is at least 4 lbs heavier. I think they look about the same as far as expressions are concerned but Donnie can hold on to things better. They were getting ready to go to Carl’s for dinner – and were taking both children along. Rosemary is to have her baby in April. Mary & Bernard’s girl is beginning to stand alone but I think Donnie is about as big as she is. Arlene had seen a picture in the paper showing some tall corn grown in New Caledonia. It was being inspected by an Army man. She cut the picture out to use for her topic – New Caledonia at Literary Club in Feb.

I started to tell you about taking Sulfa – Dr. M. told me to take sulfadiaizine three or four day s and maybe it would help to stop this sinus condition – Well I had taken it for 3 days and I had started to itch – then

[page 5] I was talking to Alma W. and she has been getting sinus treatments from Dr. R. at Goodland and he had given her a prescription for Paredrine Sulfathiazole Suspension – I had some samples and thought I would try it. Well, the diazine had got me started and putting the thiazole drops in my nose was the proverbial straw – I was worse – just stopped me up so I couldn’t breathe – After waiting a while I used Glucofederin and that cleared me up so I could get my breath thru my nose again. Now I know I can’t take sulfa long enough to get results. Now don’t worry about me I am getting along and thought I would just relate the above since I didn’t get a bad case of allergy from the diazine. I probably would have if I had kept on taking it another day.

The boys (J & M) have gone to the Sunday evening meeting and we have The Quiz Kids tuned in – they now broadcast on Sun evening instead of the original Wed. I may get some wise answers in this. However I hardly feel that clever

[page 6]Mon morn Jan 25 – I didn’t get this finished in time for the boys to take to the box last night – Had 3 letters this morning – Well you can do some more showing pictures in the near future – I hope – I hope they get to you before they are a month or two old. Our baby is doing things. I tied the handles of the basket together with a rattle suspended for him to watch and he kicks it. Also he braces his feet against the handles. Had quite a time this morning before bath time. He laughs now and I discovered a ticklish spot while bathing him. I was doing an extra good job under his arms and he laughed and giggled. He laughs for Mark when he talks to him and that makes Mark very proud.

I must go boil bottles & mix formula – so it will be ready for the next feeding – and look in on the young man. He is in his bed in the den and keeps his covers kicked off if not watched. I will be glad when spring comes and he won’t have to be covered all the time – More cold weather today From spring yesterday to 10 above today.

Love Mother

© 2013 copyright owned and written by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/11/17/sunday-afternoon-gladys/

6 months ago (Roscoe)

1 Reply

Letter transcription:

1/23/43

Dear Mother,

Just 6 months ago today I left Norfolk Va. Lots has happened since then and as I’ve said before the time has been fast and slow. Fast in that it seems as if the days just go flying, but long when I think of the time it has been since seeing you folk and Kentland. Hope the next 6 mo pass by as rapidly and as well. After all we have been pretty fortunate in lots of ways. I don’t believe I’ve ever mentioned it but two of our original group were killed in action. So that is what I mean.

I’ve got your box ready to send and will either get it out on this P.M. mail or one the morning’s mail. I’ll give you a

[page 2] little index of content. First there is a big box and a little box and then some extra items. In the big box there is a tin can in which I’ve packed a necklace like thing and some papers – local – booklet on New Caledonia and my shell back certificate. In the little box there are shells – just different shells picked up here and there. There are three boxes. The other has pieces of corals and a match box with some cat’s eyes. They aren’t as pretty as those I sent before. There are also some ash trays made from bamboo. That particular piece of bamboo was holding up some telephone wire and it broke and we kept watching it hang there and one morning it was down. So the next thing we knew – we had a saw and were working on it. The sanding cutting etc was my own work, but

[page 3] the painting was done by one of our corpsman. The ideas about the eyes etc were mine but my painting wouldn’t’ look like that. The unpainted ones are all my own. The holes are supposed to be handles. I thought they could be used for ash trays or pansy holders since you have a few pansies each summer. The necklace is rather delicate and you’ll have to watch that D. doesn’t break them and get the shells in his mouth. That thing represents lots of work and two sore fingers when the drill – (my pen knife) slipped. I think I’ve mentioned everything and I hope it gets thru OK because this string I think is prettier than the the first one, but that is only one man’s opinion. I suppose you’ll write

[page 4] that a new dress will have to be bought to match these also. OK hope you get one.

Image courtesy of Wikipedia Commons

It’s almost time for the P.M. bath and it’s been very hot so I feel that one is needed very badly. The water was shut off so took a marine bath in a bucket of surplus wlat water – This is after the show. Bing Crosby in something. It was pretty good. Bet you think I’m nuts about these shows – but we only have to walk about as far as from out house to the Kent Estate. Really we have had a show practically every night in Dec. & Jan. so far. Sure does help kill and a long thinkable evening. If you get what I mean by thinkable. What I mean is this as long as we are busy in day time – time passes rapidly but evenings are slow and then is too much time to think of one’s plight – but the show kills all

[page 5] that.

There wasn’t any mail toady but that isn’t news to you from me anymore. My latest letter from you was Jan. 7 (written on Jan 6) and I got it Jan 20.

You never mentioned whether you got a letter from Mrs. P. or Mrs. W. They both got letters from Fred & Dr. P. but telling them what your address was. I didn’t ask you to write them because you have enough to do and if you want to write after they do OK. Otherwise let them write first.

Well, sure hope we get some mail again tomorrow but I’m afraid it will be several days now but we always live in hope. In fact I think that is what we live for from day to day. Hope my mail is still coming to you. That period from Aug 12 to Sept. 22 must have been an anxious one for you. It was for me thinking of you – Good night

Love Daddy

©013 copyright owned and written by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/11/16/6-months-ago-roscoe/

With Love Jeanette McDonald (Roscoe)

1 Reply

Jan 22, 1943

Dear Mother,

Noon chow over and Sick Call over – so now for a period or relaxation. I’ll repeat what I said about the taxes. Pay the last two installments of 1941 and forget about 1942. If there is money on hand buy bonds and those can be cashed in to pay the taxes, when the time comes. Just keep all figures. If you haven’t paid those two installments – do so with a note signed by Agnes M. that the lateness is due to my being out of the states. However, if it isn’t paid and they don’t charge interest for that – I mean 1941 – Just skip it also. Now I’m going to

[page 2] stop talking about taxes.

It’s clear today but we have a rather strong breeze and our tent flaps and bangs and sometimes we wonder if it’s going to stay or go – so far it has stayed.

I got the pictures of Funks OK. and wrote them thanking them for the same. Guess Arleen has told you about it by now. I found out about the Johnson baby several days sooner than about D. I knew about their baby on the 20. And it took at least one full month for D. arrival to be sent to me. Really seemed longer than that.

I still haven’t found out what I wanted to know about the first letter. When did you get mail from me first? The first letter you I wrote you said

Image courtesy of Wikipedia Commons

[page 3] arrived on Sept. 22. Now on what day did you first receive mail? It isn’t important only curious. Dr. P. got a package from home this A.M. with air mail envelopes, stationary a large candle, pictures and newspaper clippings. I got the C.C. news & Fred scored a blank. Dr. P. got letter pictures of his children of the boys’ girl friends and of his Dad and dog. And also one of Jeanette McDonal on which his wife had written – with Love from Jeanette McDonald. He got the joke but also swore a little too because I think he would rather have had his wife’s picture. It was in a folder with the rest. The folder was about like the one you sent me.

We have plenty of stationary etc so don’t try to send anymore. In fact I think you

[page 4] won’t be able to send anything unless I give you a written order signed by the commanding officer and since I don’t particularly want anything the order won’t be sent.

I’m going to try to write to the boys today. Answering John’s letter I don’t know if Mark wrote or not but I’ll write just the same – he may have written V-mail or his letter might have been waylaid as others have been coming this way.

Everything I’ve sent you you have received except the last package which was sent along the latter part of Dec. It was before Christmas probably you have that by now. If I can find a suitable box I’m going to send the next stuff tomorrow. I’ll describe those things in a later letter after I definitely mail them.

Last night’s show was Carolina Moon

Image courtesy of Wikipedia Commons

[page 5] not too good. Night before last Joe Penner in The Boys From Someplace. I can’t remember – It was pretty funny. Martha Ray was in it.

Later after the show – got a Christmas greeting from Fischers at Clay City. Your letter sent on from the Sisters and a V-mail letter from Sykes. Sykes letter was dated Dec. 30. So that V-mail is still not as fast as your air mail. I wish some of that Dec. mail would come in of around Christmas time and just before.

Well, it’s way past bed time so must hit the hay –
Lots of love
Daddy
P.S. I’ve written both the boys so if one gets mail and the other doesn’t they will understand.

©2013 copyright owned and written by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/11/14/with-love-jean…cdonald-roscoe/ ‎

A Momentous Decision (Roscoe)

1 Reply

Letter transcription:

Dear Mother,

Our cool has continued and it is really comfortable – Just got thru taking a bath in the open air shower and reall got cold. I came back and Fred & Dr. P. asked me how it was and I said fine – let them find out for themselves.

I saw an income tax blank today and the surtax starts at 2000 with $260. So try to cut ours below 2000. I believe if you take all the deductions it will cut it below 2000. Don’t forget the insurance – malpractice car Ins etc. All that runs for a year payable in June or July and I left in May so that was that would be 10/12 or what ever the fractional part of the year.

[page 2] I would like for you to figure it whether or not you pay it. Next year the total amount will be 2400 or less and that won’t cost much. So much for that – Only if you do figure it don’t the drugs. The interest – to the insurance co. Interest on house payments. Interest to E. Buck Dave Ream etc. If you have time send me what you can figure the deductions would be. I believe you aren’t interested much in the tax situation but that has to be paid in 3 mo. after we return and that is why I’m interested. And if you haven’t made those other two payments on last year please do because those will all count up.

I’ve explained how these letters are dated several days after writing

[page 3] so that is why the letter you referred to was written on the 29th and stamped on the 31. You see we write one night – passes thru the censor next day and to our P.O. next day and then to the other P.O. so it’s here for a few days before leaving. And I haven’t been able to figure how your comes this way – very seldom comes – I just heard today that all you will be able to write is V-mail. Really I don’t care if it is V mail just so it’s regular and not too old. However. I ‘m not sure that is only hearsay, but I did hear that there would be no more insured pkgs and no more registered letters.

Now – after the show and while sitting on the hill before the show starts – we always go about 1/1 hour early in order to get a good seat. Any-

[page 4] way while sitting there I made a momentous decision – and this is it. Don’t pay this past years income tax. I mean 1942. As I said before pay the other installments of ’41 but forget 1942 and put the money in bonds we can always cash them in and pay the tax. So forget about the income tax period.

Your letter of Jan 4 came today and I sure was glad you could attend Rotary – wish I could have been there – wasn’t that silly – or was it?? John’s letter of Jan 6 came also as well as one from Wayne W. and one from the Walkups at Earl Park. They seem to be real faithful in their letter writing.

Hope your sinus trouble is better and yes the coat – If you are satisfied I see no reason why I wouldn’t only you didn’t use all

Gladys modeling the black seal coat & new hat - January 1943

Gladys modeling the black seal coat & new hat – January 1943

[page 5] the money I sent but that isn’t any of my business. You said you were going to send me a financial statement after the first of the year. I hope you include the number of bonds etc. and whether or not you got a strong box – probably you have already written those things but they haven’t come thru yet. I’ll be looking forward to a picture of you in the coat – and THE HAT.

Hope you and D. are better by now and everything is getting along OK. Please don’t worry about me and don’t get fussed up at anything – Don’t drive the car anymore than is necessary because of the tires etc.

Well, I hope our mail will be half-way regular again and I can hear from you often –

Lots of Love
Daddy

©2013 copyright owned and written by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/11/12/a-momentous-decision-roscoe/

Military Monday – Dear Mother (Roscoe)

1 Reply

Letter transcription:

Jan 20, 1943

Dear Mother,

The cool that I wrote of in yesterday’s letter is still with us and very welcome – along with that is a pretty good breeze so that also takes care of the mosquitoes for if they don’t take cover they will be bashed to misquitoburger. Along with the cool it is also cloudy. Last night after finishing your letter I wrote Ed. Johnson – answered a Christmas greeting from the Mullen family and also one from Helen Salter. I’ve been trying to write a short note to all who sent greetings. Those I mail free because they only put 3¢ stamps on them and free is in the same status. One of these days I’m going to get another

[page 2] box ready to send home – really haven’t gotten everything made as yet. These things will be something when done or will they you can be the judge only it probably will be several days before they get there. I guess by now you know the new ruling on packages. If you don’t the P.O. will inform you when you try to mail them.

Up to now I have had two occasions to stop this letter. The first was nature in one of its calls. The second was a boy with a nose cold. While out I noticed that “Old Baldy” our mountain was completely hidden by a rain and what is ordinarily the long stretch of blue. The ocean was also a hazy smudge. These scenes around here are enough under ordinary times to make

[page 3] one really be in awe but in war time and under our present conditions Baldy is a big pile of dirt and the stretch of blue is just a big drink. In other words there ‘aint’ no romance. In some places these mountains remind one of our eastern range. That is there is a fair amount of vegetation and in other places the western range. I never did say much about the airplane trip to the west coast but I know there is some of the most desolate looking places in some of those states.

I’m still wondering about the uniform money and I won’t send in another letter until about the last of this month so that will give you time to give me word in case you should get it. That is if word of any kind ever gets here from you again – Seems as if

[page 4] our mail is no better than at Christmas time. There were lots of Christmas packages in the P.O. yet this AM and I never have received a calendar but maybe in time those things will come. I’ll finish later.

Will wonder never cease – Your letter of Jan 7th came today – Now my mail is like this Dec. 17 – Dec. 30 & 31 and Jan 7. All the others  is are missing.

Now to get down to your letter – First let’s take you. I think your treatment has been swell. My only diff suggestion would have been Sulfadiazine grains 15 every 2 hours the first day. Every 3 the next and about 2 after each meal for a few days. And don’t use too much stuff in your nose. It can get too irritated. Then another thing as you have heard me say often – Nervousness and anxiety does help those things, so try to be as calm as you can I know you must worry etc but don’t on my account

[page 5] and as long as the baby gains and keeps taking his food he is OK. Even though he does run that slight temperature don’t worry – Rectal temperatures are always one degree higher you know. After your course of neoprontisil provided you aren’t better – get some capsules of propradiene (may be misspelled) hydrochloride gr 3/8 and take on 3 times each day with an A.P.C. compound every 3 hours, by the time you get this I hope you won’t need the advice. And don’t blow your nose. Now about D. Throw the thermometer away as long as he eats and gains. And again on you – get some unicaps or similar vitamins and take about 6 or 8 each day for the first week and then cut down and if you can keep from it don’t stew too much. I know it takes all your reserve and strength and your recuperative power is low but it you will do the above I think things will be OK.

[page 6] Don’t feel that I’m bawling you out I’m trying to help long distant. Our letters made the round trip in 22 days – which is very good if things would just keep up that way – but we have no way of telling which is coming and which is not.  This letter today I was very glad to get since it answered lots of questions an gave me conditions at home – and I do really hope & pray that you are better by now.

You mentioned the Johnson baby of course that was the first I knew – You didn’t say what day. It was only a mention and the name.

Well as you said I’ve rambled over lots of space but haven’t said much but Dear I hope you are better and Lots of Love

Daddy

P.S. I’ll send in again about the uniform money. I’ve answered the question about the extra money.

© 2013 copyright owned and written by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/11/10/military-monda…-mother-roscoe/

A Heck of a Long Summer (Roscoe)

1 Reply

Letter transcription:

Jan 19, 1943

Dear Mother,

About the middle of the P.M. and the weather a little cooler – we have had a few clouds and the wind is blowing so that helps, but it sure was hot before that. I’ve just been thinking that this has been a heck of a long summer. When I reported in at Norfolk in May it was very hot and here it is 8 or 9 months later and still hot of course we have had some warm cool weather but mostly hot. Really I don’t think I’d like to live like this all time – I mean the warm weather – a change to the cold winds and frosting mornings is most desirable.

[page 2] In other words buckets of snow would be good or maybe acess to snow would be better. Several years ago in Indianapolis along about this time it was so cold – The heating plant in Elmer D. house froze up when you were up to see me and all those troubles – Remember. Well skip all those things.

Even our mail censoring job has fallen off. Just too hot for fellows to write. I thought I’d write others yesterday – but yours is the only one I’m able to get out each day. Sweat just pours out and gets the paper wet and the old thinking apparatus don’t work. It’s Thundering now. The second time I’ve heard that

[page 3] since leaving Norfolk. The other time is rained for 6 days straight – Hope it doesn’t do that this time.

I’ve taken five pictures all together. Fred and Dr. P. don’t know it but I’m taking candid pictures of them. Just started today and it’s a little hard to get one that the other don’t know it. I’m just trying to surprise them. Oh Yes. I’ll get some of myself on one or two to send you also. Those that I take of them are something of camp life.

I feel like working on some shells or something so I’ll finish later after the P.M. mail time – You notice I didn’t say after the P.M. mail.

Yes the mail has arrived. One letter for me from Wayne W. dated Dec. 14, so while it wasn’t a complete black out it wasn’t exactly what was expected. Of course I wouldn’t

[page 4] tell that to Wayne – but I’d much rather hear from you. So far we aren’t sure about a show tonite because it’s trying to rain and this is before the show so it may not be started. It is now 7:15 and the show generally starts at 7:45. Even with all the thundering etc. It didn’t rain much this P.M.  just sprinkled now and then.

There is one thing I forgot to tell you and that is to file to mortgage exemption. I’ve forgotten what time of year to do that. It may be too late now. Ask Link or Ira or Boonie. Funny how one forgets those things but it sure happens that way. Guess it’s the continuous summer time.

Well, I’m thru for today except for lots of Love –

Daddy

P.S. went to the show after all. It rained but rain coats were in order.

©2013 copyright owned and written by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/11/07/a-heck-of-a-long-summer-roscoe/

A tussle with civilization (Roscoe)

3 Replies

Letter transcription:

Jan 17, 1942 [1943]

Dear Mother,

This is one of those hot windy days that come in July or Aug at home when the wind blows and the leaves on the trees and the corn leaves wilt and one feels very worthless and no matter where it’s still hot. A good cold drink of water would sure be fine but ice is so scarce that cold water is out of the question.

There was no mail this morning and I don’t look for any this P.M. only a box of candy came from Boonie. You said something about cigarettes. Those have been cut off our ration so we have to buy our own and in case someone asks tell them it is OK. If anyone wants to send – Those peanuts in sealed cans are about as welcome as anything, but there really isn’t much we want besides the states and there isn’t anyone going to send them.

Today I had my first real tussel with civilization. I now have and have a had a table with drawers in

[page 2] one drawer and it got so full I couldn’t get it open. You know how that is – just keep putting stuff in and then when the drawer is pulled out the things catch. That and having a deck rather than the ground floor is another thing for a floor always requires a broom and there is work attached to an implement of that type – Just the curses of civilization but I could stand more curses.

Just wrote to the folk – Their weekly weakly letter. I don’t know how often they write but I don’t get letters from them very often but their mail is probably like yours doing a double shuffle some place along the line –

Image courtesy of Wikipedia

Our show last night was The Pied Piper. It The story was given in short in the Readers Digest sometime ago. The picture followed the story a great deal as I remember it. Don’t know what is on tonite but it will be after Church. We

[page 3] always hurry from Church to get a good seat, and sometimes don’t fare so good, but that only happens once each week. (I’m going to take a bath).

Both over – mail over Church over and Show over – got two letters – one from Mom and one from Ed. Johnson. I just wonder about them and their encounter. I suppose as you said I’ll know about theirs just a few days after it happens. His letter was dated Dec. 14 but the folks was Dec. 28. It wouldn’t be bad if we would get mail say every 2 wks if it were regular. Maybe now that Christmas is over things will be better. Mom said you didn’t come down Christmas so that is one thing I learned from her I didn’t from you because you didn’t know. Your letters weren’t coming thru. We

We happened – I mean Fred happened to

[page 4] have a can of deviled ham and he opened that and with some crackers we are having a snack after the show. So if there are grease spots there is where they came from.

You will have to give the furniture etc into the assessor this year so cut it down I can’t give you any advice on that. The car has a certain set value as well as the radio washer etc. but try to keep it down. He will be around in Mar. I think but don’t know how this mail is going.

Dr. Porterfield has a daily verse bible like things which he puts down the number of days and it is now 180 days since leaving Norfolk. He was in the hospital there. Practically ½ year. Does it seem longer? Yes to me – Must finish Mom’s letter so lots of love –

Daddy

©2013 copyright owned and written by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/11/02/a-tussle-with-…ization-roscoe/

Wholesome and American (Roscoe)

1 Reply

Letter transcription:

1/16/43
Dear Mother,

Almost evening chow time and though possibly I’d better get started before it became too late. It’s been too hot today to do much but I’ve been destringing shells and sitting around on time off. I’ll have a bunch of shells and things ready to send in a few days or weeks. I’ll send things in smaller bunches like I have been so if they get lost they won’t all be lost at once.

Fred and I went to the shore and picked up a few shells this A.M. He at last is started on a neclace but where I bore two holes he is using a type where he just uses one hole – of course I think mine is best and he thinks his is – so that’s the way things stand. It’s a pretty good attitude – wholesome and American. We got some shells that

[page 2] still have stuff inside and the smell in warm weather and of course they draw flies also – guess something will have to be done about this. I put some in acid this A.M. to eat out the inside but it ate the whole shell in some instances for I forgot and left them too long and the acid was stronger than I thought. It must seem to you that all we do is play but since I can’t write about the work all I can write about is play. Hence you hear about that.

Just finished taking a bath and changing clothes and it sure makes one feel different – we have a little shower up on the hillside- just big enough for one person at a time and head and shoulders stick out when inside. So truly one can say an open air job – and with the wind blowing

[page 3] one hardly needs use a towel because of the drying affect of the sun & wind combination.

Bonds build Ships. Buy More Bonds, 1943 Artist: George Picken Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division

Bonds build Ships. Buy More Bonds, 1943
Artist: George Picken
Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division

Some hours later- The mail came and there were three letters and a Christmas greeting – Two letters from you dated Dec. 30 & 31 and one from Boonie dated Dec. 9 and the greeting from Dr. M. and Dorothy. Of course you had no way of knowing that those 2 would come thru and no more. In them you told me the amount of money for the year and that you had bought the Bonds. Your judgment was very good I think and in a letter or two ago I suggested something to that affect. Was very sorry to hear you had a cold and do take care of yourself. Evidently you have heard nothing from the uniform money yet or was that the money you used for the bonds? Also I didn’t get anything about your Christmas since you

[page 4] didn’t know those other letters didn’t make it. You will just have to repeat in a few letters, and write a few V-mail letters also.

The  I’m not sure if I got all the packages. There was so much confusion. I got candy & chewing gum in the box with the mess. The camera and peanuts in another. Was it a box of chewing gum? If so I haven’t received it. It’s been some time and I got boxes from Boonie, Ruth M., Ruth & Floyd (birthday), one from Mom. So I’m not sure now I just thought everything came and so dismissed the whole thing. Possibly they all came – The coke in one – The flash light in the other and the camera in the other – Was that all of them?

Since you didn’t say anything about Christmas I don’t know if all yours arrived or not. Then was three items – Finger nail set. Comb & brush & Flowers. You mentioned two of them but nothing about the third I mean I haven’t letters to that affect. Possibly the other letters will arrive in due time. I hope.

[page 5] I wrote you about the finances debts etc. So do what you wish about what is left, and if things hold up buy a bond each month either 18 or 37 – depending on the cash you have – and get that safety deposit box if it isn’t too expensive.

And remember what I said about the liver shots – have a Dr. give them to you after a period of time without them.

Well, I always feel better after mail and always have more to write about and really feel more like writing.

The grand total as I have it figured for the year for taxes less deductions is 1985.52 but from that deductions can be made. I really don’t know what is given for dependents etc. so do what you think best about them. If not much pay it because the greater amount was made before I joined the Navy. So that will have to be paid even if the other should be canceled. However, you might pay only on the 3667.73 less deductions and play like that was the whole amount until after the duration. Well, dear it’s really good to hear from you and so long lots of love

Daddy

©2013 copyright owned and written by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/10/31/wholesome-and-american-roscoe/

Hot as the duce (Roscoe)

1 Reply

Letter transcription:

1/15/43

Dear Mother,

Jan 15 and hot as the duce except we have a gentle breeze and the shady spots are cool. I’ve said that dozens of time before but it’s just another way of getting started. And since there isn’t much to write about something has to be said. I should think you would be able to read my letters by just holding them and reciting the things I say from day to day. Just like John used to do in reading the his stories from the pictures, but with all I’ll continue to write each day in the hope that these will keep you informed somewhat of what’s “cookin’.” I’ve been trying to say it’s difficult to write of things when the same thing goes on day after day. I guess the same thing is true as far as you are concerned also because things are more or less the same each day

[page 2] for you. Although I always enjoy your letters very much but maybe it’s because they don’t come so often. Anyway they are most welcome when and if they do arrive.

I haven’t done much with shells today because the thing I bore holes with slipped and nicked a little skin off my finger. Did[n’t]cut thru but just made it thin where I hold on to the shell.

Dr. Loop was here this A.M. and left a Lafayette paper – dated late in Nov. There wasn’t any news of Kentland in it. There was of other towns – saw where Vic at Brookston had been to some sort of a supper. I guess life goes on as per usual around most places especially in the smaller towns and other than a few ration cards one doesn’t think of war and all its horrors and hurrying. Guess I should have stayed

[page 3] in the school teaching racket – but I’m not sorry yet for things won’t always be this way.

Just happened to think you said you had a little surplus money. You might – this is just an idea – pay some on the insurance to John Hancock. The old policy on which we borrowed the money that would be about the best interest we could get because after all we pay 6% on that and the best we could anyplace is 2.9 on those bonds. Do what you think best. I’m not talking about your money maybe that is what you meant by surplus, but if the 250 uniform money ever gets there that would pretty well clear up that Ins. policy and save up us something like 15-16 dollars interest. I’m not so much interested in paying off the loan on yours but that too is costing us and I really don’t know how much either of them amount to – but again do as you think best. But I really do think a few debts paid off would be better

[page 4] than having it there and letting the bank get the interest. If nothing else by buy more bonds. You can always cash them if if necessary – those that you have had 6 mo. Just keep enough money in the bank to keep the rent etc paid up. Your expenses should be fairly stable now so you can figure about how much you will need – Maybe. I don’t mean your ability to figure I know that’s OK but I mean the insurance is always the same rest  the same – except Nov. & Dec. Well I shouldn’t be butting in to affairs when I can’t remember all of them but I’m just trying to help. So cut the bank balance down, preferably for bonds rather than building & loan. That is if you think best.

The above is a matter of high finance but just thought you might want some suggestions.  I believe you asked, but I do know this that your expenses around the end of the years are heavy and the surplus might be a deficit unless the uniform

[page 5] money comes.

A fellow just came in with 2 bottles of cold beer and is it good. That’s the first we’ve had for a ling time and this is cold. Don’t know where it came from but it’s good.

I’m going to save the rest of the space for later-

After the show and it was a pretty good one for here funny and lubby dubby stuff – of course the lubby dubby didn’t just exactly fit the surrounds but we can still dream.

It’s about as hot here tonight as it has been. In fact it was a little warm for a windbreaker at the show.

Well, SoLong Love
Daddy

Lt (jg) Yegerlehner MC USNR
Receiving Station
U.S.N.A.B.
Noumea, New Caledonia
c/o Fleet P.O.
San Francisco Calif.

©2013 copyright owned and written by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found at:https://genealogylady.net/2013/10/30/hot-as-the-duce-roscoe/

Betty Davis Eyes (Roscoe)

1 Reply

Letter transcription:

Jan. 14, 1943

Dear Mother,

I’m writing again just after noon day chow. We are going to have some repair work done and I’ve been appointed to supervise while Fred & Dr. P. work otherwise but so far no one else has appeared so I’ll make use of the time. Our mail this A.M. wasn’t and I’ll say no more along that line, only maybe save some space at the end for late comment.

It’s been some time since I’ve written the boys and I’m gradually working up to that pitch and probably will in a few days but right now there are eight letters to be answered. Those were mostly Christmas greetings and one to Hickey and Barry the drug salesman. There really isn’t much need to hurry about those but with the show every night our writing time is cut short.

We had ice cream today. It seems some ice cream mix showed up and a hand freezer so our mess cooks mixed up a batch

[page 2] and it wasn’t bad either. Very smooth. Tasted like the kind Boonie used to make, so it really had a homey touch. It wasn’t frozen very hard but that is just the way I like it. It really went pretty good on a hot dry summer day.

It really is a shame I can’t be there when all this winter weather is going to waster because you know I always like winter weather best. And you like the good ole summer. You’d enjoy this climate swell but just happened to think I’ve seen several cases of eczema just like yours so it happens in warm climates just the same as cold. One fellow was sensitive to menthiolate and when his feet were painted for athlete’s feet he sure had a pair of hoofs on him. And incidentally he is from Marshall Ill. There is also a boy here from Fort Wayne Ind, but I don’t see any I know from around home only the Lontz boy in the army and I’ve only seen him once.

The working party has been here and

[page 3] gone so now our home is remodeled again. You’d be surprised to see the evolution of the housing situation or I should say tent situation has gone thru.

Up to now this letter has been in three hitches for I stopped to take a shower and then fixed clean clothing and then decided to work on shells. Just trying a new idea. So far it isn’t so hot but I still think the idea good. We always have some little time in the P.M. for nonsense so that is about the only way we have of spending it. Fred & Dr. P. don’t do any work on shells – They gather a few. Dr. P. has sent some home but Fred hasn’t as yet.

It’s almost time for P.M. mail so I’ll see if I can add a line when and if any comes. No mail period. The show was pretty good “The Great Lie” starring Betty Davis and Geo. Brent. There was lots of true to

[page 4] life narrative in the thing, but a little to sad and a little to true to life for out here. The theme song was “Tonight We Love” and I believe I’ve heard John play it or something similar. Dr. P. says his daughter plays it quite often. I can’t say that Betty Davis is the best acress in the world but she was pretty good in this it seemed to fit her moody temperament but I don’t like her popeyes – Looks too much like a hyper thyroid.

Well,
Lots of Love –
Daddy

LT (jg) Yegerlehner MC USNR
Receiving Station
U.S. N.A.B.
Noumea New Caledonia
c/o Fleet P.O.
San Francisco Calif.

©2013 copyright owned and written by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/10/28/betty-davis-eyes-roscoe/