Tag Archives: Newton County Enterprise

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/

Mark is upstairs in bed (Gladys)

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Letter transcription:

Kentland Ind
Dec 11 – 1942

Dear Daddy –

Mark is upstairs in bed – He said he didn’t feel good when he came home – so I took his temperature and it was 100 – I gave him ½ a sulfadiazine tablet and will give him another before I go to bed. When Dr. Cole examined him while I was in the hospital he said he wouldn’t take his tonsils out but gave him sulfadiazine – so I had Jack Byrne look up the prescription and get the dosage. Mark said he ached so thought I would try to nip the “flu” in the bud. He said he felt like he was taking the flu. He went to town thru the snow without his overshoes and I think he got his feet damp. When he came back and I discovered he didn’t have his overshoes on I made him change his shoes but evidently his feet were cold the “bug” had started to work. They come in thru the garage and leave their rubbers there and I had no idea he had gone out without them. He said, “the sidewalks are cleaned off,” but we can’t get away from the house without getting in the snow because it snowed again today. You

[page 2] mentioned the weather taking a beating. It certainly has from here but this snow is something to write about. Just before noon there was a flurry started and lasted until after the children came home. Great flakes coming down in swirls.

We were going to decorate the tree this evening but since Mark has to stay in bed and I am too tired to bother with it – it will have to wait another day.

I rec’d a card from the Revlon Prod. Corp that you are sending me a Manicure Case. Your Christmas cards are all very nice – (the three rec’d).

I finally sent out your sardine, crackers, mosquito cream, chewing gum – and in case you miss yesterday’s letter – the box of chewing gum was put in by Jack Byrne. He said to tell you that was their weeks allowance since chewing gum is hard to get. I also sent Jim his gifts and a box to Thelma.

I saw in the paper that Wayne Walker is home for a 30 day furlough. He has been in Australia since soon after he enlisted. That give me hopes – Maybe it shouldn’t – that you will possibly get to come home for such a furlough sometime.

[page 3] David is asleep – as usual this time of day. After his 6 P.M. bottle he looks around a while and usually by 7 he is sound asleep. He weighed 10-13 this morning. Two weeks ago today we went to see Dr. C. and he weighed 9-13 so he has kept up his ½ per week average. He should – he takes 5 oz every 4 hrs and it takes 12 oz Carnation for the 24 hrs.  When we came home 9 weeks ago he was getting 7 oz carnation in 24 hrs and now it is almost double that.

The skaters have come into their own this winter. Betty Lou & Donna Dennis went together to skate this evening. Betty said they have a flood light for the night skaters and build a fire too. Nick got Buddy skates last year but he has never learned to skate – said he didn’t like the falls.

You should be getting a letter from Uncle Wes. I can’t understand why you never have heard from him. He was here the day your Mother & Kenneth left – the day your Noumea address came – and he took it down. He said he was going to send you a bunch of maps. In fact I had a note from him and he had sent them. His address is 2028 W. 110th St.

I mentioned this before but will again – I think you should write the Sisters at St. E. and thank them for my care at the hospital. I am going to send a Christmas greeting, and add a thank you.

[page 4] I take it for granted that you got my letter telling you I didn’t have a bill to pay when I left the hospital.

John went to town this evening and bought David’s gift – a plate cereal bowl and cup. Mark got him a Panda. Jim sent him a wooden toy and Ruth M. sent something for him in her box but I think it is some piece of clothing.

I looked thru the paper for some news item to include but don’t see much. Thad Pence is having a public sale – going to retire. C.D. Gilmore & James Oppy are victims of falls, suffering from cracked ribs. Joe Fletcher is moving the auto license branch office in with Prairie Realty Co. John Simons is in St. E. for observation. You will get all this when the Enterprize gets to you.

It has been so wintry this week I haven’t been out much and I have been trying to ward off a sore throat. It comes and goes. I got some powerful gargle at the drug store last night and it is much better.

I am about to run down so will sign off. Maybe there will be some letters tomorrow since there were none today.

Love Mother

Sat P.M. – Mark is better – In fact he is hard to keep in bed and I think by this evening I will allow him to come down and watch John decorate the tree, but will keep him away from David. A greeting came for you so will send it on to you (From St. E.)

[page 5] I am sending you this “Nation’s Business” notice – I hardly think you want it renewed but here it is.

©2013 copyright owned and written by Deborah Sweeney

Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/08/21/mark-is-upstai/

More about babies and meat rationing (Gladys)

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Letter transcription:

Kentland Ind
Dec 4 – 1942

Dear Daddy –

Yours posted Nov. 26 rec’d this morning – along with the Christmas greeting & picture card. I think your artist and poet are to be congratulated. Mark said, “Isn’t it beautiful?’ He was very indignant with Tommy Britton because Tommy told Mark his father is in New Caledonia. Mark said, “Tommy no longer than your father has been in the Army he couldn’t be in N.C. yet.” I saw in the paper that Eddie is stationed at Camp Grant in Illinois, so I told Mark and that calmed him down some. Personally, the positions could be reversed and I wouldn’t mind but they aren’t so we must make the best of things as they are. We are still “snowbound” and it has been on long enough it is losing some of its beauty due to the smoke & soot settling over it. It is bright and not quite so cold but still not warm enough to take the baby out and my throat is a little scratchy so must keep myself in too. I have been gargling and think I can hold it down.

I haven’t been anyplace except to see Dr. C. and did a little shopping on one trip down since. I went to that Club luncheon Sept. 22 so am planning to go to a Tea at Nellie’s next Monday. It is the Christmas meeting of the Music Club. I was on the Christmas meeting committee in the Literary Dept. and forgot all about the meeting until it was over but didn’t feel bad

[page 2] about that because I talked to the chairman sometime ago and told her not to count on me. In the first place they shouldn’t have put me on the program till later in the club year.

I saw Arlene yesterday and she had just mail[ed] a V-mail to you. You never mentioned getting their other letter with the pictures, so I suppose it was in the Oct 27 to Nov 11 gap. While I was there Louise took Donnie up. He is 3 mo old and can almost sit alone – weighs 15 lbs. David can do a lot of things we think good for a 2 mo old baby but he isn’t developing as rapidly as Donald but Donald is an unusually large baby for his age. John was watching David this morning and said he hear him coo. He smiles at us when we talk to him. Right now he is not in a very good humor but I think he will soon go to sleep – – he did.

Since you have started to receiving the Enterprize they should get to you regularly and you can get every detail that I can’t put in the letters I write. I imagine you read it pretty thoroughly.

I got a quarter of beef from Parttens – they didn’t want to sell any more and half a hog to be put in as soon as it is ready – to be butchered next Tues. Zells are taking the other half and I am going to let them use the locker while it lasts. However they won’t have much to put in because they are going to take

[page 3] their sausage home and Mrs. Z is going to can it and they will take their cured meat. Nick had been using the locker but hasn’t had anything in for a long time and I think he has his own now. I don’t know how they will manage rationing locker meat. Maybe we are on our honor to do our own rationing. I bought a chicken and on Sunday we had it baked – Monday sliced cold – Tues – chipped with noodles – and had an extra for Tues dinner – Clara Moulter helped me that day so I think we did well enough with that. I cut a sirloin steak in half at noon and we each had a piece – tho John & I could have eaten more – we get along. Meat rationing won’t bother Mark.

David’s bottle is warm and it is 10 P.M. – and I must get to bed – or I will be so sleepy in the morning I won’t want to get up. This 2 A.M. business gets to be a habit – but it makes me awfully sleepy when I should get up.

Sat morn – No letters this morning but hardly expected any today since I got one yesterday and that brought them up to date. John has gone to take his piano lesson. David had had his bath & 10 A.M. bottle and Mark is waiting to go to town so must sign off and get lunch started. I am enclosing the end off a blotter in case you haven’t a better calendar. Geo. Fulton is going to send one.

Love Mother

©2013 copyright owned and written by Deborah Sweeney

Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/08/09/more-about-bab…tioning-gladys/

Many Happy Returns (Gladys)

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Apparently Gladys wrote a second letter on December 2nd. It escaped my notice until last night. Luckily we are not too far ahead, only a day or two. Included in this letter was another letter. Roscoe had privileges at the Iroquois Hospital in Watseka, Illinois as well as St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in Lafayette. Kentland is situated about halfway between the two. Dr. Joseph Roberts, who is often mentioned in the letters, was a doctor at Iroquois Hospital. Conveniently the hospital letterhead lists all the doctors who were part of the medical staff in 1942. Mr. Knisely was writing Roscoe to wish him a happy birthday on November 25th.

Letter from Merton E. Knisely, Director of Iroquois Hospital

Letter from Merton E. Knisely, Director of Iroquois Hospital

November 25, 1942
Dr. Roscoe S. Yegerlehner
Kentland, Indiana

Dear Dr. Yegerlehner:

Many happy returns!

Likely you’ve been so busy in the service of others that this important anniversary almost slipped by un– noticed.

In spite of the concern of war times, I hope this past milestone has brought you joys and satisfactions of accomplishment. What an opportunity there is today for service to our fellowmen.

May your life be abundantly enriched and your efforts blessed with success as a new year opens before you. Be assured of my hearty best wishes.

I want to remind you that I think your Birthday Anniversary is well worth celebrating. Many more of them to you.

Sincerely yours,
Merton E. Knisely
Director

Letter transcription:

Kentland Ind
Dec. 2 – 1942

Dear Daddy –

Mennen’s Baby Oil advertisement, circa 1947

While waiting for David to get ready for his 2 P.M. bottle will try to write. It is hard for me to concentrate when he is awake – for although he is good while awake I am continually doing something for him – mainly keeping his pants changed. I wrote you before about his diapers having such a strong ammonia odor and I keep him changed as often as necessary while he is awake. Dr. Cole’s pamphlet prescribed rinsing the diapers in boric acid solution after the regular wash but that is difficult for me to do with our washing facilities. Today I used Borax with the soap and will see if that will do the trick. I got a hamper to put in the “powder room” as that is the most convient [convenient] place downstairs but the hamper is willow so won’t hold water. I got a metal waste basket that set down inside the hamper and am going to put a fresh solution of Borax in the can each day to drop the diapers in as they are removed. I have used Mennen’s oil on David more than water and as strong as his urine has been, believe that has kept him from getting sore. In my letter I

[page 2] finished this morning I mentioned his “rattle.” It sounds like his nose is full of mucos but it isn’t because I keep all visible mucos cleaned out and he has no trouble breathing. I tried again this morning to give him orange juice. He took about half of the daily requirement. I think I’ll see Dr. M. and ask him about the Vit C. tablets. I wonder if some of the oranges we get have adequate Vit C to meet the need. – The pause that refreshes the baby – the 2 P.M. bottle. He has been fed, changed and is now lying on the bath table taking his daily dozen. You mentioned his night feedings. Well, I had one thermos to sour and went back to using the bottle warmer – but I now put the bottles in a wall drawer – and you can believe they stay cold. Dr. C. said to quit giving him the 2 A.M. bottle but he wakes up so hungry and I don’t believe he would go back to sleep with just a drink of warm water and thinking back, we gave Mark his 2 A.M. bottle until he was about 3 mo old so I will keep giving David his until he quits on his own.

Mark has been so elated over his 10⁰⁰ he can’t wait to do his shopping. He got me a cake saver for 1.19 and gave it to me. He wanted to get David something for Christmas right now so I told him to go ahead and get it since he is enjoying his spree so much. He stopped at the drug store at noon and got a Panda. He was wondering what to get for John and I suggested war stamps and that met his approval so he will soon be thru shopping. He saw a globe in the drug store and wanted to get it so I consented. I told him he had to put 5⁰⁰ in stamps and now he has less than a dollar

[page 3] to spend. John still has most of his. He isn’t in such a hurry to spend it as Mark. However he wants to buy some good records and since those are something he will keep I think it will be a good way for him to spend his.

While feeding David I re read your 4 letters rec’d today to see if there was anything to be answered specifically. Just mention the pictures again. Hope you get all we sent because some are better than others. We keep your picture you sent on the desk. I had two enlargements made and sent one to your Mother. I showed that picture to several people around town and most everyone said you looked heavier – Now be careful of that waist-line – As I told you in a previous letter Boonie just mad a guess when he mailed the box to you. Before you sent your present address when asked where you were I told everyone about the same thing – your destination was a secret. Several different ones around town guessed the location, but it was pure guessing. I am glad you got my letter giving Joe’s address. I think I understand his mail being stamped N.Y. because the money orders you sent to John & Mark had CUB – bu- 13 N.Y. on them. I wonder if you have heard from Henry Reinhart Jr. I wrote to him in answer to his inquiry about you and gave your “White Poppy” address.

The boys are going to Jr. choir practice directly after school so won’t be home till later. It is so cold I won’t try to take David out. When this cold I don’t think he needs the fresh air as much as to stay in and keep warm. He is always warm when out in the buggy, but I am afraid it would be too cold for his face and I know I couldn’t keep warm the way the wind blows. I can’t give you a financial report in this letter because I haven’t been able to get the Bank statement and couldn’t get my money all deposited. Will send it by Mark in the morning.

[page 4] The boys came home early – due to the wind blowing snow into drifts the school busses had to leave earlier than usual so the boys were home by 3:30. Mark wanted a cake to put in the cake saver so John made a cake. I was busy otherwise so he did it mostly by himself. Mrs. Roberts said she had talked about what good boys we have to help and someone from Watseka was driving around Kentland and saw the boys taking diapers off the line and decided this was our home. Since I have been feeling normal again they don’t have to do so much but help me when I need them.

I sent Mrs. Plummer an African violet for their wedding anniversary and she called me to thank us. She said to give you their regards. I told her when this weather lets up I would bring her over to spend the day. It is too cold do anything now but stay home. Tho the house is warm I feel the cold. My hands are so dry, but that is partly due to having them in water so much. I mentioned your laundry – meaning what came from Norfolk and some said “Does he send his laundry home?” – Now isn’t that good for a laugh – However, wish you could – so I could iron your shirts but don’t know when I would find time as it crowds me to keep what little ironing I have done. Don’t have any ironing for David. He wears knit suits and they require only washing and of course these gauze diapers need only to be folded when dry.

Had a letter from Ruthie today. They were in North Judson when she wrote but thought they would be back in Flora by the week-end. She wanted your new address so she can write to you. They won’t know until the first of the year whether Floyd will have to go into Service. I have filled a lot of paper but still don’t feel like I have done a very good job writing. Not very newsy – mostly talky-talk. If the Enterprize comes tomorrow maybe will have some news.

Love Mother

P.S. Thanks for the newspaper

©2013 copyright owned and written by Deborah Sweeney

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A news update (Gladys)

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Letter transcription:

Kentland Ind
Dec 3 – 1942

Dear Daddy –

No letters today but I hardly expected any since yesterdays mail brought up to the 20th of Nov. So glad when you say you get mail and find out the things about us you want to know. I just checked the bank statement and we now have a bal of 797.47 – but that includes the money you sent for my birthday & the Christmas check. There will be some Ins. due this month and I have to pay the grocery bill but even then we will still have a good bal. Haven’t paid for the last quarter of beef I ordered from Brandt. He didn’t have it in the locker last week. I am going to try and get some more pork to put in. John has been somewhat worried over meat rationing but I think he will be able to get along. I have to buy coffee this week or wait five more weeks to get any. I could get along without it but since I am entitled to the amount rationed am going to get it in case we should have guests who like it or just in case I decide to drink it myself (does that make sense?) I won’t be able to use my gas ticket this week if it stays so cold because who wants to go anyplace in this weather? I must drive the car enough to keep the battery up if possible. We didn’t get the snow shoveled off the driveway and

[page 2] since all the snow it has remained so cold the snow stays. Makes it look like Christmas time. I suppose by the 25th it will be warm and no snow, but I would just as soon have a little warmer weather. David is raising a little racket. Had his two P.M. bottle and I put him on the bath table to kick in the sun, but he got tired of that and I put him in his basket again. I gave him orange juice again this morning and he kept it down. He weighed 10-6 this morning. We measured him yesterday and he is 23” long. He doesn’t look fat and I suppose that is due to the growth in length, because he has gained 4 lbs 3 oz since we came home 8 weeks ago. – – – a few hours later – After John came home I went to town. Mark went with me and John stayed with David. Still too cold to take him out. I hadn’t been out for two days and thought I needed some fresh air, and after a trip to town I can usually write a little letter because I usually hear something or make observations. While in Sears Alex Gilmour happened to be there and gave me a check for $23²⁵. Wish I could pick up a few more like that. I stopped at the Kentland Furniture to get one of their small desk calendars to send to you & Geo said he would send you one. I gave him your address and also gave it to Jack Byrnes. I went in there to get a prescription filled. I had been taking liver & Vit B shots but thought I should be able to get along on oral dosage now, so told Dr. C. and he gave me a prescription. I think it was Betron – anyway it contains liver, vit B, iron, etc – I also got the boys a bottle of Vi –Delta. They like that

[page 3] and I think they should have it along with their cold shots. I got awfully tired taking shots and thought I would try the tonic and if I feel I need shots later still have liver & Vit B and can take them. So much for the family health program. I clipped a few items from the Democrat I thought might interest you. The Enterprize didn’t come today, as usual. Also you will note the Blondie strip. We are still having the singing advertisements so we got quite a “kick” out this particular cartoon.

This is being purely catty – but I saw a woman in town with a black eye – you remember the Zumbrums – no doubt – Now I wonder how she got that shiner, or do I? they still owe their bill so she isn’t too anxious to speak to me. Perhaps I imagine that because those kind are seldom bothered by their obligations.

Bob Hufty called me today to tell me he had a letter from you. I saw Ira D. in town and he said he had written. He will give you all the low down. Bob said he told you about a boy from Kentland in New C. – but he is the Army so you probably don’t know him – I mean you don’t see him. I never did get to talk to Mrs. Ash. I tried to call her once when in Laf. but didn’t get an answer. She wrote to me once and I answered.

I sent a subscription order in for Reader’s Digest for your Mother & Dad’s Christmas gift. I couldn’t think of anything they needed and I won’t have time to do much shopping. Ruthie said Floyd wanted to send them “Look,” so if they do that they can keep up with the news in print & pictures.

Meredith Wilson later became well known for his beloved musical “The Music Man” (Image from Wikipedia Commons)

In listening to Maxwell House Coffee time this evening learned that Meredith

[page 4] Wilson the orchestra leader has enlisted in the Army. Mayor Latrivia on Fibber’s program appeared for his last program Tues before going into Service and Jack of “One Man’s Family” was on for his last show Sunday evening. Maybe you can get some of those programs I imagine you would enjoy hearing them. Wish you had the radio from our bedroom – or any radio that you could get good reception over. Now why didn’t we think of that and a dozen or so of other things before you left.

Mr. Zell came over this evening and asked if there was anything he could do for us. He thought we might need some help with the furnace. There was a large ring that he broke up and took out. I had worked on it earlier but didn’t hit it hard enough. It was just like a rock but red hot. I saw Bun in town and asked him when he would bring out more coal. He said they had a letter from you. The coal pile has quite a hole in it so I am going to have it filled up again.

The boys have gone to bed – they did stay up until 10 – when I take David up but they got so they couldn’t wake up very gracefully so I put a new rule into effect – 9 P.M. Bed time. There isn’t any use for me to try to go to bed before 10 – because of that bottle feeding but I sleep till 7:30 usually so don’t need to go to bed so early. I am about to run out of space and anything to say so will wind this up and start getting things ready for going upstairs, because when D gets awake he wants his bottle and it will soon be time.

Love Mother

P.S. am buying bonds every month

P.S. 2 just rec’d the greeting & post card

©2013 copyright owned and written by Deborah Sweeney

Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/08/04/a-news-update-gladys/

A case of cold beer (Roscoe)

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Destry Rides Again is a movie staring Jimmie Stewart and Marlene Dietrich. The movie has a rather infamous fight scene between Marlene Dietrich and Una Merkel and Jimmie Stewart. Although I have never seen the movie, here’s a clip of the big fight from the movie.

Letter transcription:

Nov. 27, 1942

Dear Mother,

The dates on my letters are a little confusing since I write in the P.M. The letter goes thru the censorship routine the next morning and to the P.O. about noon then to the main P.O. in the P.M. and then leave the next day so you see a letter is about 3 days off old before it really leaves the island but I guess that doesn’t make much difference in the long run because of the length of time it takes them to get there. I never seal the envelope until it is ready for censorship so if anything important comes up I can add it and that takes off one day. There is no point to the above whatever only just telling you the procedure.

I’ve been very lazy in the letter writing business the past few days. It seemed that when I wanted to write there was something else that had to be done and when I had time I wasn’t in the mood. The nightly shows cut into my writing schedule but they are pretty good past time. Last night’s show was a little odd. I guess. The name “Destry Rides Again.” Don’t know what the one is tonite we always have pretty good house even if the title isn’t

[page 2] known ahead. Most everyone goes even if they have seen it before. And many persons who go to the movies often have seen them, but as for me they will have to hunt pretty hard if they find one I have seen, as you are well aware.

Our living quarters are pretty good now. We – Three of us – have a space 12 feet by 16 feet. Have Iron bunks with springs. And electric lights. I’ve told you that before but I’m so pleased. We were up last night until 11:00 P.M. We seem to be in a part of the outfit where lights out don’t affect. So we can read write etc. And too the mosquitoes aren’t so bad but we still use our nets at night because the little bugs slip in some way.

Today outside the heat is very oppressive and the sun really burns. Inside the hut it is rather comfortable and there is a slight breeze, but standing perfectly still in the sun is almost unbearable.

So far today I received a copy of the Newton County Enterprise dated Oct. 22 and two V-mail letters one from you and one from John – Yours was dated Nov. 5 and John’s Nov. 3. That’s two V-mails from John and none from Mark. The one I got from John on Nov. 1 sounded more like Mark but it had John’s name.

I haven’t written Bart yet about the paper

[page 3] but I intend to in the very near future and I also intend to write Boonie again. I got his letter 3 days ago but wasn’t in the mood to write and have been a little busy what with moving etc.

Was interrupted for a time – Have just been to the P.O. but no mail or packages. I brought two packages for another Dr. but none for myself. Guess mine will be along sooner or later. It is now 1700 and still the sun is very hot. It’s supposed to be the dead of summer or very near it and by 1915 it is dark enough to start the movies so that proves the period of twilight is shorter here than there because it still very light there at 1915 in the Eve. As I remember it.

Just got a case of cold beer and is it good. Most of the time it is warm but once in a while we are able to get a cold one. Our beer supply is running low and I’ll be sorta glad because it put on too much weight.

Well, I’ll save the rest of the space until morning. It isn’t morning yet but the show was short. The name “Gold Rush Mazie”. It was about as good as it sounds. I’ll add more in the morning.

Nothing new. Very warm at 7:30 A.M. – will start another letter today

Love Daddy

©2013 copyright owned and written by Deborah Sweeney

Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/07/24/a-case-of-cold-beer-roscoe/

It’s My Birthday (Roscoe)

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Letter transcription:

Wed Nov. 25, 1942

Dear Mother,

Today being my birthday I didn’t receive any mail other than 3 copies of the Newton County Enterprise Dated Oct. 1, 8 & 15. They were pretty good reading and my roommate said he wanted to read the want adds and farm notices.

Our trip yesterday was something different – Fred, another Dr and myself climed [climbed] into a peep [jeep]. Me in the back seat and the other two ahead. Around town the roads were rather smooth and the going was good but a little farther out the roads became very very rough and my rear end took a lot of slapping. Those in the front seat didn’t fare so badly.

Along the route we saw lots of banana orchards with the green bananas hanging in bunches. There were a few orange trees but the oranges looked small hardly larger than a good sized plum. There seemed to be growing wild and not much

[page 2] cultivated.

Niaouli trees

Some of the roads run along on the side of the mountains and at times one could see the road we just came over winding back and right along side almost but of course over on the edge of the other hill. Some of the peaks are about I would judge 5000 feet. Some are sloping while others seem to go almost straight up. The trees are not large either in the valleys on on the mountains and occasionally there were a few tall pines but the nailoa [niaouli] tree is very much in the majority.

On our journey back we picked up a trooper from Australia and got some interesting sidelights from the other side. He rode in the back seat with me and took the bottom slapping the same as I did. When we got back we had traveled about 70 miles. It was interesting but the scenery around here is not

[page 3] the prettiest in the world. Not even as good as the flat lands of Indiana. I saw corn growing in all stages from 3-4 inches up to 4-5 feet, beans about one foot high and other vegetables such as cabbage, onions, etc.

Howards of VirginiaThere is another show tonite and I think I’ll go. It is right here in camp the name “The Howards of Virginia.”

The show is over and it was pretty good. It was a story of the Revolutionary War. Lots of things are similar even in this one today.

Postcard of Noumea, New Caledonia

Postcard of Noumea, New Caledonia

I’m sending you a picture post card & save it for there are some interesting things I can point out. It would be telling if I marked them out now.

I’m sending out some Christmas greetings tonite. We have two kinds one is the V-mail and the other is one made here in camp. I sent another kind to Mark & John the other day. I’ll send one of each to you. That is these last two kinds.

We have another little change in address- just an addition. See envelope.

Well, this letter is more jumbled but maybe you can make head & tales of it I hope.

Lots of Love

Daddy

©2013 copyright owned and written by Deborah Sweeney

Post originally found at:https://genealogylady.net/2013/07/20/its-my-birthday-roscoe/ ‎

November 22, 1942 (Roscoe)

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In this letter, Roscoe mentioned that he wrote a letter to Ruth M. (his sister) and sent a V-mail to each of the boys. Only one of the V-mails appears to have survived, the one to John. These were special V-mail Christmas greetings, and I believe they cost a pretty penny. I have included the card further down within in the letter.

Letter tanscription:

Nov. 22, 1942

Dear Mother,

I’ll have to say I received your most interesting and longest letter to date. This was written on Nov. so you see it wasn’t so old. And you had it full of things that seemed to hit the spot. Maybe it was because I haven’t received any mail for some time. I also got one from Ruth M. which was written on the same day so I really had a big day – as Eleanor – The President’s wife would say – My day. The pen and pencil set will certainly be fine because one would be lost without one and in case these should become lost or broken it would be bad. Many of the boys brought two sets along. Some even brought two watches – so far mine has been OK but one of the boys dropped his while we were on board ship and now he goes by the bugle.

There is just one question I’d like to ask about the baby’s milk. Isn’t it apt to sour after it is warmed? Maybe it won’t. I’m not saying that just so you’ll have to be up longer but I just wonder.

I wrote Ruth M. and one V-mail Christmas greeting to each of the older boys and also my usual letter to the Folks today. I should write Ruth & Floyd in answer to the birthday greeting but haven’t gotten to it yet. If I have room and can find a copy of our Sunday paper I’ll send it. Which we are allowed to do now since our address is announced. That is one reason why I’m writing so small. If you have written all the letters like the one today I’m sure you must take lots of time but I sure do enjoy that kind. So far I haven’t received the Enterprise and have received only one copy of the Clay City News.

If a bill comes for my lodge dues you might pay if you have enough money and send me the receipt or have them send it direct. I don’t think I’ll pay my medical dues until I get back unless I get the bill here. I don’t believe they will throw me out of the organization. I haven’t heard from Dr. Mathews since I last wrote maybe he is peeved – have you heard anything to that affect? Guess he’ll just have to be

[page 2] is all I can say.

At church tonight the crowd was so big the foundation gave way under the tent floor and are all dropped. It was only a foot or two so no one was injured but it was a surprise. It is one of those long narrow tents about 16 feet wide and 40 feet long. Some probably was there who hadn’t been for some time and the floor fell instead of the roof.

We had roast duck, peas, mashed potatoes, asparagus tips, cake and soup for dinner today – Really was good. For the most part our meals have been very good lately even though there are more here than when we first came. For supper we had cold cuts and a few things like that.

I’m glad to hear the boys are still working on their music it will be good for them later on if they can just stick with it. As yet we haven’t had any shows.

I think Agnes Molter must be wrong about the State Tax but maybe you didn’t mean that – And I don’t believe there will be much federal to pay you might have her go over it and if it isn’t to much get it off now because I don’t want to come back with obligations because I’d like to take things easy – a vacation in a tent. I don’t even want to see a tent but I do want to not start right back to the grind – a few weeks at least and you can bank on that.

I’m going to see if I can find the paper now and I don’t think it will be too much for the regular air mail. We may get more mail now that it has started again and I’ll be looking for those packages.

And just in case – I’ve sent you and David a check for $110 and John & Mark a money order for $10 each.  Just repeating so you can let me know if they don’t arrive.

Hope I get more letters like the one today but I realize you can’t do that every day, but even a line is appreciated – With lots of love

Daddy

©2013 copyright owned and written by Deborah Sweeney

Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/07/15/november-22-1942-roscoe/

Teen Age Draft Bill (Gladys)

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Teen Age Draft Bill - 1942-11-13The Teen Age Draft Bill was working its way to President Roosevelt’s desk on November 13, 1942. The bill that required men to register for the selective service lowered the age requirement from twenty to eighteen. The war effort needed assistance from men as well as women, persons of color, and individuals of every age. A month previously on October 12, 1942, President Roosevelt returned from a two week tour of the country. He shared his new hopes and visions with the nation in a Fireside Chat. In this speech, he spoke of lowering the age requirement.  He felt that this was necessary for a more speedy victory of the war. A month later, Roosevelt signed the Teen Age Draft bill into law.

I am including two links to audio recordings of this speech:
The first link is to the Miller Center in Virginia which includes a rough transcript of the speech. The link to the audio is on the right hand side of the page.
http://millercenter.org/president/speeches/detail/3329
The second link is to My Old Radio which has many of Roosevelt’s other speeches in its archives as well as many old radio shows and commercials. http://www.myoldradio.com/old-radio-episodes/fdr-set-prejudices-aside/16

Letter transcription:

Kentland Indiana
Nov 13 – 1942
(Fri)

Dear Daddy –

Got up early this am (but went back to bed) David slept thru the 2 a.m. feeding then woke up at 5 – and then Mother wanted to get up at 5 because she was going to T.H. [Terre Haute] with Servies and they were coming for her at 6. I got part of washing done yesterday & finished today. With a little “fellar” there is always a washing to do. I am still able to hang things out but when it gets too cold I will put them in the basement.

Rec’d a letter this morning – and you were somewhat out of sorts when you wrote. Well maybe by this time you have a few more letters and know I am receiving yours and have all you have written to date. That is, the one I rec’d this a.m. was dated Nov. 4 & this is the 13th so that brings it to date. Now that you have rec’d some of those “back numbers: maybe you will get all or most of them. Remember you asked for your comm. & I sent it. Sorry, those two letters I wrote Oct 24 & 25 didn’t mention receiving your letters regularly, because I did mention it in most of my letters.

About Mark – I couldn’t get him a bike unless I found one second-hand – because you have to have a requisition from the ration board and I am afraid I wouldn’t have any reason for getting him one. I think I could get him a Jr. bike but that would be foolish because he wants a full size. He is learning to play the cornet and Mr. Webster says he is doing fine. That he has a better tone range than most of the band children. The only thing he lacks is perseverance. I have been bragging on him and he has been practicing a little better this week. I told him if he learned to play the cornet I would buy him a better horn but I didn’t want to invest anything is a horn if he wouldn’t stick with it. He can blow Taps & Silent Night. I am going to get him a tool set for Christmas and fix him a work shop in the basement. He would do something worthwhile I am sure if he had some help. That is what he says he wants and has one picked out in the Sears holiday book. John is doing as usual. He is playing a large Sax now and still takes piano lessons. He was in a play that is a ”stunt” by the 7th grade. When he came home last night I had to clean make-up off his face. Mother went to see it and said the 7th grade stunt was the best. Now I wonder why she thought that (or do I wonder so much)

[page 2] By Mother getting to go home before her birthday I had to go to town and get her something yesterday evening since she left at 6 a.m. today. While in town I saw Lucile Johnson and she said I could use the baby carriage she has until she is ready for it. The one Zell’s have will require so much work however I may fix it up so I can use it when L. wants hers. I saw Ira D. and he said he had another letter from you. I told him he could keep you posted on the local gossip – and he promised to do that. Ellsworth [Wilson] was in the drug store at the time and I talked to him about the Ins. policy for David and he is going to write it in the Laf. Life. He said that was a good company. Hope that meets with your approval.

Had a letter from Henry R. – Jr. today and he wanted to know about you. Evidently he is still at Moffett Field because his letter came from there. Here is his address – you write to him. his address is H. W. Reinhard, Ylc, CUB Two, Moffett Field Calif. He said “would like very much to know something about Jake.”

I sent you a birthday box and put the Lentz pictures & films in it. By getting Boonies candy as soon as you did you should get the box I sent. Again I’ll quote the present bank bal (721). I get my checks each month. It comes in two since you made the additional after you reached Calif. I haven’t done any spending yet this fall. Got the boys some new clothes, but haven’t paid that bill yet (50⁰⁰). That includes some things I got for Mother. I also gave her 10⁰⁰ this morning when she left. The bank bal. of course includes the birthday money. If you get all the letters I have made repeats in you may be sorry you asked for “rehash.”

The baby had a crusty formation in his eyebrows and I was afraid it might be impetigo – how he could get anything at all is beyond me because you know my “mania” for keeping clean. I had been using water on his face but but he got a rash or something so just used oil and the rash cleared but this thing started in his eyebrow – so decided to use some samples I rec’d – “Pragmusal” I applied it three nights in succession and it cleared up. I read the label on the tube carefully and decided it would not be too strong for his skin even if it didn’t help – but it did the trick. Of course if it had gotten worse & spread would have taken him to Dr. C. but didn’t want to make an unnecessary trip. I am not due to go back for more than a week yet. I want to make the trip just before gas rationing but then after that will have to make trips because will have to get David started on his shots when he is old enough.

The Myers twins were just sent to Laf. to the Naval Station there. They had enlisted in Aug. – 18 went from Newton Co. Nov. 6 – Jim Fletcher’s widow [Emma Fletcher] is working at Sharps. Just put in the above from glancing at the Enterprize. You should be getting it soon as Bart is sending it every week.

Have to register for gas ration card next week. Hope this finds you with all the letters you should get

Love Mother
(hope you can read all this)

©2013 copyright owned and written by Deborah Sweeney

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

November 12, 1942 (Gladys)

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Letter transcription:

Kentland Ind
Nov. 12, 1942

Dear Daddy –

Rec’d two letters this a.m. – That puts them all in order now, one a day. Sometimes they get mixed up in their order of arriving but now they are all here. Some have been missent to other towns. Some come in 6 days & some take 10 day to 2 weeks. I wish I could remember some of the things I wrote you in Sept – but at best the letters up to Sept 22 weren’t too interesting because I was in bed so much and wasn’t out for a month. I had gotten up and went to the Opening Club luncheon Sept 22 then rode to Sheldon & back and that was my first time out – and I think that was what brought things on sooner. Just in case you haven’t gotten any letters about it – My water broke at 11 p.m. and I called Dr. C. He said to come to the hospital. I called Bob & Dorothy & we were on our way by 11:15 and at 12 – I was in the hospital and by 2:03 we had another son. It was very “easy” this time. My breasts really gave me more pain – over a longer period of time and then after pains last longer but it is all over now and I have regained my strength and have even done most of the cleaning with the help of the boys. So far the boys have been able to take care of the furnace and it isn’t necessary to hire anyone to take care of it. And I think we can get along on our own power now. Mother is going back to T.H.[Terre Haute] tomorrow. Servies are going & she is riding with them. I decided that was too much of a trip to make now with the baby so small. It is so hard to find house help that I will do what I can and let other things go – however I have the cleaning done and it isn’t so hard to keep things going with the help of the boys & conveniences.

[page 2] John & Mark are home and Mark is practicing on his horn and I am having a little trouble concentrating. David has started a noise. I gave him his orange juice & he went to sleep for about 2 ½ mi. The Lucile I was referring to was Johnson. Her baby is due in Jan. Surprised? So was I and a lot of other people here. With all bills paid the bank bal. is 731. That includes the birthday money. I get My allowance comes every month or that word is allotment. I told Bart to send you the Enterprize so you could get all the town news every week in case I forget some item. I have tried to tell you the news in each letter & list the men who have go into service so I am really in a muddle trying to rehash what I have already written. Maybe all those letters will get to you and you will have all the news you care for. If you get Ella’s paper you should get Bart’s.

I am enclosing a good picture of David. Will send one in each letter. If I put in more afraid it won’t go “air.” Will get a calendar in the mail as soon as I can find one. Wish I had known that sooner. I could have put in your birthday box – if you get it. You mentioned your watch – what kind have you now and would you want me to send you a “good” wrist watch – Let me know. I have to make a trip to town and do some shopping – get mother a birthday gift. Hope this finds you in receipt of lots of letters & your laundry & birthday box.

Love – Mother & our sons

©2013 copyright owned and written by Deborah Sweeney

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