Tag Archives: New Caledonia

Got a big box of goodies (Roscoe)

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Letter transcription:

Dec. 16, 1942

Dear Mother,

The mail so far today hasn’t been so bad for me. Got a big box of goodies from Ruth M. and the Newton Co. Enterprise dated Nov. 12. I don’t believe there was a thing of news in it that you already hadn’t written about. The box Ruth sent was a mixture of candied fruit, cookies and some rum jelly. Maybe the packages you sent will finally get here but I’m afraid if you didn’t wrap them pretty good they won’t get here because most of them look pretty taggy by the time they are delivered.

So far today we have had very little rain but last night it sure rained plenty but luckily we have a little limestone and stuff which keeps the mud to a minimum, and of course since we don’t live in a tent it isn’t so bad either. We really haven’t had rain like we had those six days way back

[page 2] there.

Had a pretty good show last night as I told you and we sat right thru the rain – with rain coat and hat on it isn’t so good since the rain came toward our faces and it’s hard to sit with eyes open and the rain coming, but we still sit thru the whole thing. Now the sun is shinning so maybe it will be nice for tonight’s show. We hope. Don’t know why everyone likes the shows so well unless it because that is the only kind of amusement we have. Just like reading a story and you don’t have to hold the book. There has been a bunch of fellows in and out while I’m writing this so I’ve only been here in thought about half the time.

Had a Dec. issue of Readers Digest this A.M. Dr. Porterfield got it from home. I think maybe someone sent it to him. I’ve finished the Nov. issue so as soon as he gets thru with the Dec. issue I’ll start on

[page 3] that.

Since you wrote asking me for another piece of coral I haven’t been over toward the ocean. I keep thinking each day I’ll go but something always seems to come up to prevent it. Some day on the spur of the moment I’ll slip over. It just like anything else when we get started we keep on and then get out of the habit and it’s hard to start over again – Just like the bridge playing we used to do have. Haven’t seen a game in ages. Then we started domino and that has almost fallen thru. Only once in a while we play a game when things are a little dull otherwise.

I’ll add more later – after the P.M. mail. It is now 2200 and the show is over. There isn’t much more to report. More mail came in but it isn’t sorted so we will have to wait until tomorrow. Maybe will have more to report tomorrow. This isn’t much of a letter but it’s the best for the present.

Lots of Love Daddy

© 2013 copyright owned and written by Deborah Sweeney

Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/08/31/got-a-big-box-…goodies-roscoe/

Packages – a goodly number (Roscoe)

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Letter transcription:

Dec. 15, 1942

Dear Mother,

Up until the present I’ve received (today) one letter from Bart, the Clay City News and a Chicago Sun from Boonie. All of course were appreciated. The Chicago Sun was dated Nov. 11 and had many interesting news items. The Clay City was the mine as far as I was able to tell. It was dated Nov. 13. Bart gave me some of the low down but most of his news had been given me by you previously. There were no packages so my fun is still coming. Lots of the fellows have their packages – a goodly number came in today. Maybe mine will come this P.M.

We’ve been getting lots of magazines some dated as late as Nov. 25. Those of course are put out several days early and that makes some difference. We have copies of Life, Liberty, Colliers etc – So we have plenty reading and not too old.

We’ve had a very decided change in the weather and a welcome one at that. The

[page 2] sky has been overcast all day and rain has been the order – coming in spells and spurts, but it is cool – even a jacket wouldn’t feel badly. It hasn’t rained much but the mud is still pretty sticky.

Today was supposed to have been pay day but due to something or other we only get paid once per month now and that is the first. So won’t be paid now any more this year – but I should get along OK unless we have to pay mess bill again. I’ve forgotten when it was paid last.

I sometimes wonder if you can hear our loud speakers thru these letters. Seems it keeps going most of the time. Making announcements and calling men for this and that etc. Something like the loud speaker in the hospital only more noisy and too they put out a squeak each time it comes on to attract attention. They have never called Dr. Kildare yet but I’m looking for that to happen almost any day now.

Well, I wonder how the weather is up

[page 3] there now. I think of that very frequently along with other things of course, but that is a queer thing this weather when one thinks of it. At least right now it is for it is raining to beat the devil, but it may be over in 2 min. Good pickle showers back in the U.S.A.

Didn’t have any snoring difficulties last night – I got both sides of the story and tried to explain the whole situation so maybe we won’t come to blows. We hope. On

Our picture printing wasn’t so much a success. The fixing solution wasn’t just right and the pictures turned yellow. We are going to change solutions and maybe that will help. If we ever get good ones I’ll send them home. We just this minute got some new developer fluid and fixer. So will probably try again soon.

Our chow has been a little on the scant order the past few day but with Christmas candy it won’t bother if it is a little scant. I’m trying to reduce. I’ve

[page 4] gained 2-3 pounds and can’t let that happen. It’s a lot the starchy diet we have and too I think our  muscles have gotten more firm. In fact my trousers are more loose than they were when in the States but my muscles harder I suppose because we walk up and down the hills etc pretty much.

The way it looks now I doubt if we have show tonite because I’m afraid we would slip off the hillside – but if it stopped raining ½ hour the ground drys rapidly so we may still have a show since it’s only 1500.

Well, I’ll save the rest of the space until later but in case I forget –

Lots of Love

Daddy

P.S. Did have show and you’d think it very important because we sat thru hard spells of rain – Rain coat and hat. It’s fun – No more mail.

Love again Daddy

©2013 copyright owned and written by Deborah Sweeney

Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/08/29/packages-goodly-number-roscoe/

It’s too darn hot (Roscoe)

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In 1942, Roscoe and Gladys would not have been familiar with Cole Porter’s musical “Kiss Me Kate.” The musical did not premiere on Broadway until 1948. Roscoe’s letter reminds me of the song “Too Darn Hot.”

Letter transcription:

Dec. 14, 1942

Dear Mother,

It’s almost too hot to write but I’m doing it anyway. Here while back when I was writing about hot it just hadn’t started yet and besides that breeze don’t seem to know how to blow anymore. It’s about like that Sunday we spent at Norfolk only hotter if one gets out in the sun and too the humidity seems to be high – Towels don’t dry and unless clothes are hung in the sun they don’t dry and even then it may take some time to get a heavy towel dry.

Seems as if we might be having a little domestic trouble last night. One of the boys started snoring and one of the others got up and went over and poked him and woke him up and he didn’t like it very well. Guess one can do things like that at home but the wife poking isn’t like a stranger. The fellow said I was going um puf – – – but that didn’t bother him so I wasn’t

[page 2]disturbed. Thanks. Seems a shame to awaken one fellow so the other can go to sleep. Hope nothing comes of the whole situation. Don’t believe I would wake anyone even if I couldn’t sleep all night long.

I only got one letter written last night besides yours and that was to the folks. Seems I wasn’t in the mood and when that happens I just as well not try. The next letter I’m going to write will be to the Krulls but I’m not in the proper frame of mind just yet. Getting temperamental don’t you think. May not that – could be just the weather.

A November Reader’s Digest just came into our possession and I’ve practically finished it in the last day or two. Nov. isn’t very late – guess you have the Dec. and possibly the Jan. by now. Or has the subscription run out? It’s up to you now if you

[page 3] want to renew it. We seem to get them here Ok, but a little old but what’s the difference. It sprinkled just a little this A.M. We don’t know if that is the beginning of the rainy season – which is supposed to start sometime this month or whether it’s just another sprinkle. We could stand some rain but I’m afraid when it starts will be wishing for sunshine in a big way.

J. Edward Barce, circa 1960

J. Edward Barce, circa 1960

I never did hear from Ed. Barce while at Moffett Field. I wrote him a letter but didn’t get an answer and of course I didn’t know his address. I didn’t write H. Reinhart either. I just supposed that he probably was gone and the letter would have to be forwarded. Don’t you think that’s a pretty good excuse? The best I can think of on the spur of the moment. It’s a little hard to write when there isn’t much to write about as you will note I’ve been doing the past few days, but writing home is different. I’d be glad to get a letter from you even if

Henry W. Reinhart, circa 1960

Henry W. Reinhart, circa 1960

[page 4] you only wrote the date etc.

Of course, more is appreciated but I know it must be hard for you to compose each day. Even John’s letter was appreciated and about the only thing he told me was that you didn’t have meat for dinner that day. It’s hard for them to write much on V-mail because their writing is large and those pages are small. Hope you have the money letters by now. Seems as if that those letters were the only ones missing from your list when your last letter came.

There was no mail this A.M. but this P.M. delivery may be better to us. We hope. So Solong

Love Daddy

P.S. No mail this P.M.

©2013 copyright owned and written by Deborah Sweeney

Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/08/27/its-too-darn-hot-roscoe/

The mail was better today (Roscoe)

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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/

Things about the same (Roscoe)

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Letter transcription:

Dec. 12, 1942

Dear Mother,

Sat. P.M. and things about the same as usual. Same old hot etc. This is about the middle of the P.M. and nothing much to do for some time. Last night show was The Aldrich Family – pretty good show but like the radio – don’t think I’d like it too often. There probably won’t be a show tonight due to a combination smoker and boxing show between army and navy. I’d rather have a movie rather than the smoker but I guess it isn’t what I’d rather have. Anyway I don’t have to go unless I want to so I’ll suit myself.

I have a comic book to read – read one yesterday P.M. and saved this one until today. It’s mighty heavy work but I guess I can take it. Hope it’s not the same as the one you said you were sending or I thought you said you were sending. Some of the surprise will be taken out of the

[page 2] Christmas package if it’s the same. There has been no mail again today but we hear that there is plenty around but being around doesn’t help much.

Wrote to the Walkups last night and I don’t owe anyone any letters at present. In fact I’ve gotten so few since Dec. 1 that is isn’t hard to answer what few that have arrived. Maybe more will come thru the latter part of Dec. We still have the 5:00 P.M. delivery today and that may bring something.

One of the boys just came in with a loaf of French bread. Those long hard crusty loaves. I think the crust OK but the inside isn’t so hot. In fact, I’ve almost stopped eating bread. Probably haven’t eaten over ½ dz slices since arriving on the Island. Even on the boat coming over I didn’t like bread – because it was baked in U.S.A. Then frozen and served

[page 3]  that way and the whole thing tasted much like ice box food. That was true of all the food we had. We have lamb 2-3 times per week and that is pretty hard to get down but it’s fresh meat. Some just won’t eat it but I at least eat some.

This whole letter up to now is a mess but that’s more or less the way I feel right now. You know those days come now and then and then things get better etc.

There was a ball game this P.M. but I had to take a bath etc – it being Sat. Doesn’t take that long for a bath but it is pretty far to walk and return in one afternoon –

I’ll finish later & we did have a show – don’t remember what the name was but something about a Saint. No P.M. mail

Love Daddy

©2013 copyright owned and written by Deborah Sweeney

Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/08/24/things-about-the-same-roscoe/

Keep the home fires burning (Roscoe)

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Letter transcription:

Nov. [Dec.] 11, 1942

Dear Mother,

Esquire magazine cover - 1940s

Esquire magazine cover – 1940s

Up to now there is no mail but we still have the P.M. delivery as this is now early afternoon chow. I’m writing this just prior to a slight nap I think. Have to be like the natives – take a nap in the heat of the day. I was just reading in Esquire magazine where all great men seemed to become greater with the coming of snow – Washington at Valley Forge, Lincoln in the last winter of the war and I can’t see where one would get much “pazaz” in this kind of weather. That wasn’t all I read in Esquire. Really is a good magazine for tired worn out sailors. There was another article but I can’t seem to remember it – guess it wasn’t really worth while coming from the Esquire as it did.

It’s really fun to look at some of our magazines – Some 1927 etc. The adv. are funny. Especially women’s hats and automobiles. There is some similarity between those and our today’s models.

[page 2] and too they generally tell what is being advertised. Don’t know what got me on to this line. Just the heat I suppose.

I wrote Ruth M. last nite in answer to her greeting and letter combined. I think I answered her last letter but couldn’t think of a thing I had written but I remember addressing an envelope. It would be real funny if they got an empty envelope. It’s almost time for some new mail from you because now it has been 7 days since getting late mail. And still no packages. It will probably be that way until after Christmas.

Two weeks from today is Christmas and I hope you have the money and things by then. You told me the boys had their bonds before the money I sent had a chance to get there but I suppose they will have other things in mind and if they are saving stamps they will no doubt buy a few out of the ten. V-mail must be slow going in the direction. I haven’t written much but it

[page 3] seems ages in going. I sent each of the brothers and sister a V-mail greeting but haven’t had a chance to hear from them as yet. Guess I told you that before.

Dr. Huth (Dentist) as taken some pictures and we are trying to get some printing paper to have so that we can print them ourselves. We can use the Xray solutions. We don’t have a printing frame fixed up yet because of lack of glass. I suppose we could get some in town but that would cost us, and glass is something you don’t need in tents or huts, so we can’t even break a window to get a piece.

Our beer is now extinct except for some isolated cases – like the one I have hidden under my bunk. There was quite a bit here but it didn’t last long. There are still some cokes left but I don’t care for warm coke. Just about as some have warm water. Occ – we get a glass of cold water but as a rule it’s warm. Even in the showers it isn’t cold. Seems the water mains are so near the surface and the sun so warm it warms the water. And why

[page 4] put the pipes deep in the ground because it never freezes.

Last nite just about Sun down Dr. Porterfield and I walked up over a little hill and off in a distance we could see a heavy blanket of clouds. We were looking down on it – out of this cloud comes a mountain top. Was real pretty but I can’t describe it.

I suppose I’d better take this opportunity to wish you a very Merry Christmas because the mail may be a little slow even this may not get there. I’ll miss being there you’ll know but I’m thankful I can still write you and you me. So keep the chin up and the home fires burning as I know you can do.

Lots of love and best wishes
Daddy

P.S. no mail today – Some got old mail but I already have that.

Camera 616

Please send me a roll of films 2 ½ x 4 ¼ The camera 616 – 8 exposures. Those will fit Dr. Huth’s camera and maybe I can get some good pictures for you. Thanks.

©2013 copyright owned and written by Deborah Sweeney

Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/08/22/keep-the-home-…burning-roscoe/

The demise of Cub Thirteen (Roscoe)

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While going through Roscoe’s military papers, I found the above orders. I dutifully filed them away until I got to the point in the letters when they occurred. I kept thinking Roscoe was going to move soon but whenever I browsed ahead in the letters, there did not seem to be any mention of a move. So I kept waiting to see what was going to happen and, of course, it was right there in the December 10th letter. Roscoe didn’t go anywhere but Cub 13….

Letter transcription:

Nov. [Dec] 10, 1942

Dear Mother,

Writing Just after noon day chow and just after hanging out my laundry so you know I have those harsh red hands of a wash woman. If the things get dry will have to do the ironing later but it is a little cloudy and in the next 5 min. it may be raining but so far today not even a sprinkle. All morning it has been hot without much breeze and we are just getting to the middle of the hot weather.

We had a double feature last night at the show. The first one was something about some Rides Again and the second was “The Letter” – Both were fair. The first was a shooting show while the second was an English show and not too good. I suppose there will be at least one tonite. It rained some during the show last night but not enough to stop the show.

So far today no mail but we always

[page 2] have the afternoon delivery to look forward to. Dr. Porterfield got a package from home this morning but that was about all that came in for any one of us. It was mailed sometime in October so it looks as if mine should be coming along pretty soon. He got writing material, a non breakable mirror, a knife and other things, but the mail is so heavy now I suppose all will be slow even the regular mail and air mail. Up to now the latest mail I have was Nov. 24 and that came 6 days ago.

Well, it begins to looks more than every as if we will be stationed here more or less permanent. That is the three of us along with 2 dental officers. The remains of the now defunct Cub 13. It’s a long story and shouldn’t be gone into in much detail at this time, but it seems our once proud and hauty group of Medical men have been scattered “hither & yon.” And

[page 3] as I stated before there are worse places so we will just have to be satisfied and hope for an early end to activities.

Since I started this letter I’ve been to town and back and I believe the foliage on the trees gets more beautiful each time I see them. Saw some vines growing over an arch way with two kinds of blossoms both very deep in color but different shades of red.

You never did send Jim’s address. You said he wrote asking about the boys Christmas presents etc. but never did say anything about where he is and I’ve asked for his address but you didn’t send it – probably it has been sent in some of your missing letters.

Well, I’ll try to write better tomorrow as this has been cut up pretty much

Love Daddy

P.S. got a letter from Ruth M. – That is a Christmas greeting card and letter combined Dated Nov. 27

©013 copyright owned and written by Deborah Sweeney

Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/08/20/the-demise-of-…hirteen-roscoe/

Doctors vs. Dentists (Roscoe)

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Letter transcription:

Wed. Dec 9, 1942

Dear Mother,

Got your letters of Nov. 18 & 20 today and one of those had the pictures in. Those were the pictures taken in the house. The one where you were holding David in the chair was the best of him. He looks old in that picture but I guess after all he is getting along. I missed the bottle in the one John was in for a while. The shadow falls across it and it took more careful looking to see it.

The Walkups of Earl park sent me a Christmas greeting and in in [it] she wrote a letter but when she wrote it they had not received my letter to them in answer to the letter she sent while in the hospital. Surely by now they have that. Her greeting and letter was mailed Nov. 16. There have been no packages as yet. Some few have packages but nothing like as many as should come if the letters are all true that the boys are getting because most every-

[page 2] one claims they have several coming.

Had my teeth cleaned last night and have one or two small cavities to be filled. Will try to get that done in the next few days. Haven’t had any shows for several nights now for certain reasons, but probably will again tonight. It has rained only 2 little showers today and when you mentioned fog that sounded funny because we haven’t had any since leaving the States – once in a while it looks a little hazy out over the ocean but no fog here. The last fog we were in was the day we left the States and that morning the fog horns were blowing and there is nothing so dismal as a fog horn as we have heard on the radio – Not here but there. We have a small radio and once in a while we can get Australia but not very clear. So we don’t have to listen to all the plug ugglies or would we rather listen to them. It isn’t my idea to come clear to New Caledonia to get away from the plug ugglies. Nor the fog either for that matter.

[page 3] So far I have never gotten the stamps you sent but we really don’t need them now as our supply seems to be good. We can only get 5 each day but that amount keep us pretty well supplied. In fact I haven’t bought any for several days because my supply was building up too much and I was afraid that in the warm damp the stamps might stick together.

It’s just a little over two weeks until Christmas and it surely doesn’t seem like that time of the year. Sometimes it get real cloudy and a little cool and one expects a front and a ground freeze but after pinching ones self one comes back to life again and takes the hot just the same as on previous days.

We have some heated arguments about who works harder – The dentists or the M.D. and there being two of each in our quarters we never get anyplace only good wholesome discussions. The dentists take patients only by appointment and they are about as

[page 4] independent as in civil life. Of course our work comes in spells and we often play dominoes etc in between times and the dentists think we are lazy bunch. Guess there are arguments both ways, anyway it’s all in fun.

Fred is writing to his preachin’ uncle. He says he is the Fire and Brimstone type. Fred isn’t very religious – calls him the sky pilot. I read a letter he got from the preachin’ uncle’s wife – Aunt Abigail. She was giving him good advice. It was a very fine letter but I don’t believe he appreciated it as much as he should have.

Since the mail came this morning I doubt very much if we get any this P.M. but we will go look anyway. Some of these days mail should come in addressed our new address – but I can’t remember just when I first used that address. I forgot to tell you the Calender came on Dec. 4 So Nov. was lost –

Well, so Long
Lots of Love Daddy

P.S. No evening mail

©2013 copyright owned and written by Deborah Sweeney

Post originally found at:https://genealogylady.net/2013/08/18/doctors-vs-dentists-roscoe/

First Anniversary of Pearl Harbor (Roscoe)

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Letter transcription:

Dec. 7, 1942

Dear Mother,

I’ve just finished writing Mrs. Plummer. I’d planned on doing that for some days now. Not for any reason at all only that we were there on that day. In some ways this seems a short year and in other ways it seems very long – Lots have happened in the year’s time but in some ways I guess we are very lucky – We can still write each other – which is better than some of my friends can do. Maybe the next year will be even better for us – we hope.

Fred and I started to take a bath but it started to rain and since we had to go so far we decided to wait until tomorrow or just get out in the rain, but I suppose about the time we got a good soap worked up it would stop. So we are planning on doing the ordeal tomorrow. I

[page 2] I haven’t been to the ocean for days but if you want some more coral I have to go back. Fred promised his wife he would send her a necklace but he hasn’t done anything about it yet. Hope you got the one I sent. Some have bought that kind but there are none for sale here they were bought in Samoa. I have a few shells here now but none very good so when I get in the mood and have time I’ll run over. I also have some more gun shells for the boys. I do have some cat’s eyes. It’s a type of shell that comes from the tail end of a snail. The snail draws it in to complete its shells. These are I think very pretty and could be set either for ear rings or for a ring. I’ll send them home one of these days and you can do with them what you like. I don’t believe they are quite your color but maybe they are. You can decide that. I know Mark will get a kick out of the shells I’ll send to them. I’ll write when I send them. Must

[page 3] find a box first.

I just happened to remember – The tablets you wrote about for Otto Paul were thyroid grains one. They were a brown tablet put out by Massengill. I suppose none other would do. There may be some there yet. I used to sell him about 60 for one dollar. Maybe you can work up a deal. If not send him to the drug store or just write and give it to Boonie and he can send them to him.

There has been no mail so far today but we don’t give up until after 5:00. The rain has slowed down to occasional showers now and the mud is drying up – Somewhat. Will stop now and add a line in case something developes –

Lots of Love Daddy
P.S. no mail – There was some in camp but all old mail –
P.S. I’m sending a dollar bill – keep it. Is the Hawaii brand – Must have been put out for a purpose. Also some local money

©2013 copyright owned and written by Deborah Sweeney

Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/08/14/first-annivers…-harbor-roscoe/

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

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