Tag Archives: Noumea

A Heck of a Long Summer (Roscoe)

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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)

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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)

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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)

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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/

Was That Mean? (Roscoe)

1 Reply

Letter transcription:

1/13/43

Dear Mother,

About the middle of the P.M. wind blowing moderately and the sun hot. That covers the usual items of the news in short order. This A.M. I got your letter of Dec. 15, one from Ira Dixon written Nov. 28, a Christmas card from the Joe Mullen family and a letter from Hicky Reinhart. That was better than no mail at all but still not good. Your letter was a little short due to the J.A.M.A. add which I did nothing about. Guess they’ll have to get along without my 8⁰⁰. I wish you would however contact Dr. Mathews and pay my Co. Med due. It should be about 11⁰⁰. Maybe I should pay that – but I just asked Fred and Dr. P. what they were doing and they both said to hell with ‘em. So maybe it won’t be necessary. If you see

[page 2] him you might ask him what the other boys are doing. Only I just happened to think I guess I’m the only one – Since Dr. Oppenshaw didn’t belong to the Newton Co. Society. You might ask him what the Jasper Co. or the Iroquois Co. boys are going – that is if it’s handy don’t make a special effort.

In your last letter Mark was better and I presumed D. was also since you didn’t mention his case in that letter. As I told you before that (sickness) in the family is the biggest worry here and of course that is why mail means so much. Well there is no use to worry and as that won’t help. You have no reason to worry about our welfare here because we are all doing extra well in the good ole summer time.

I’m still working on this shell thing of yours and don’t expect it for some time as I just work in my spare time and when I’m in the mood and since I’ll be here for some time – (as far as I know-) there

[page 3] isn’t any real hurry.

Our show tonite is The Navy Blues. It sounds as if it could be bad or good but I’d hate to bet in either direction. Maybe I can add a line afterwards.

These necklaces that I’m making – you don’t have to wear them if you don’t want to. They are a curiosity but not a thing of beauty. So just because I made it is no reason that you have to wear it. Hope that is clear. In fact they probably won’t stand too much wear.

It is now after the show and it was a good navy show if true but the things they do just aren’t according to the way I heard it.

Fred got some pictures today of his boy and he was remarking how much he had grown. I couldn’t let him get ahead of me so I said that my boy had grown also. So I got your picture we had taken when we I was home and had them look at

[page 4] you and then at D. pictures. Was that mean? Anyway it was true.

The mail this P.M. was better. Your letters of Dec. 16 and 17 came today – along with a greeting card and letter from the folks and one letter from Floyd. I can’t kick about as to the amount but would like some a little later. I am just wondering if you went home Christmas.

I know you have lots to do because even with one child lots of my Mothers used to have trouble keeping up and you have everything so I know you have a job. I really feel guilty having what you might call bankers hours, and you with all the responsibility of the home and D. but under the circumstances I can’t do anything about it – This is not of my choosing as you know but we hope

[page 5] and pray thing will turn out for the best. And what a home coming when it does come. So much for that.

I’m all out of shells and the thing I’ve made won’t go over my head so I’ll have to make another trip to the sea – and maybe I can find some more coral. The kind I sent before is hard to find for it is just freshly broken loose, but I’ll keep trying when I do have a chance to go out again.

I can think of nothing I’d like that you might send so don’t worry. I think all the Christmas packages came. I wrote Funks and thanked them and wrote the Sisters so that answers again your questions.

So Solong good night and lot of love,
Daddy

Lt (jg) Yegerlehner MC USNR
Receiving Station
U.S. N.A.B.
C/0 F. P. O.
San Fran. Calif.

©2013 copyright owned and written by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/10/26/was-that-mean-roscoe/

I am by myself this P.M. (Roscoe)

2 Replies

Letter transcription:

Jan 12, 1943

Dear Mother,

I’m by myself this P.M. as Fred & Dr. P. are out for the an airing as well as some business. So I might have to work right in the middle of this in case something popps up.

This A.M. I got a call to go to the Commanding Officer’s office for a telephone call, and that was a thrill because that hasn’t happened in about 7 mo. (We don’t have telephones here like in the states). Well when I got there they said the number was the Red Cross so I immediately thought something was amiss. But what they wanted to tell me was – that my answer back to you had been delivered. That was the answer I sent after I got the telegram

[page 2] about the arrival of D. So you see things don’t travel very fast. Then I got a V-mail letter form you dated 9-21-42. In it you told me you had received 5 letters and that you had sent 12 stamps. Those have never arrived. The only stamps I ever received from you were in the Christmas box and those were stamped envelopes. That mail was a little old but appreciated just the same, better than any we are getting now.

I went over to the seashore this A.M. to pick up a few more shells – didn’t have enough – but I know where to go so didn’t spend much time – Just ran over and picked them up.

Dr. Loop was in again today – just for a short time. He wanted to get some things we have in our store.

[page 3] One In one letter I believe it was Sun. I gave you the income since I joined the Navy. I don’t remember what it was I gave you before – but this amount is the official amount. This will be sent in as taxable. I’ll repeat it again. $1317.79 The other amount that I gave you – I figured myself so it may not have been correct.

What is Indiana like now with all the rationing? I can’t imagine how things would be with only 4 gal. of gas per week. Coffee cut down. Meat cut down. What are people doing? Or can you tell any difference? Possible people have written me of those things but I just haven’t heard about them yet. Meaning no mail. I wasn’t going to say anything about that but I just couldn’t seem to write without bringing it in some way. I’m just wondering

[page 4] if our mail is getting that way. Sure hope it is because I know what it is not to have letters now and then.

I’ll finish this after the show – That is I we have one – Later-

The show was “I can’t give you anything but Love Baby,” but the title was misleading. It was a mixture between gangs and lovers – funny but very light in the plot. There was also a Donald Duck feature and of course those are always funny.

Well, I’ve got to get the address below so solong love Daddy

Lt  (jg) Yegerlehner MC USNR
Receiving Station
U.S. Naval Advanced Base
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/2013/10/24/i-am-by-myself-this-p-m-roscoe/

Blue Monday (Roscoe)

2 Replies

Letter transcription:

Jan 11, 1943

Dear Mother,

Just another blue Monday – in fact a little more so because I’m stiff and sore from too much exercise at the beach. It’s like this a fellow goes out there and squats and bends picking up shells then walks a little ways further and the same thing over again and in the course of an hour it’s a pretty good class exercises. Then a swim afterwards and that’s just too much but the whole thing will wear off by tomorrow. Then in a few days will do the same thing again.

Dr. Loop of Lafayette is spending part of the day. He ate chow with us and is now out with someone else he became acquainted with. I think you probably have heard me talk of him.

So far today I’ve gotten a letter Christmas greeting combination from

[page 2] Uncle Wess written Dec. 10. Our other mail must be stacking up someplace around. I’ve said that so many times that I’m not going to mention mail anymore until it comes thru (Promise).

I’m still working on that shell thing for you. It’s another necklace [necklace]. I forgot to tell you those things may be rather fragile and won’t stand much wear and tear and in case the string breaks they have to be strung only from one end. You’ll understand if you ever try to string them. These I’m making now are the same way. As I told you before, it’s a harmless past time which I starta sorta get a kick out of s bear with me.

Fred is puttering around trying to fix the corners of our tent, so that it won’t leak. I guess that is the first you knew I lived in a tent again. We had complications in the hut so Dr. P., Fred and I moved into a modernized tent.  Everything modern but running water and toilet. Even the water runs for we have a big china

[page 3] picker [pitcher] the mess boy fills each morning. And it has a gauze cover to keep out the dust & flies. And we also have two stainless steel wash basins – nothing slow about that. And two steel lockers to keep our clothes in. My Blues are still in that pulman bag I bought in Norfolk. I put plenty of moth balls in with them and haven’t seen them for weeks. Hope they are still ok. Why we needed blues and whites is more than I can say but we have them just the same.

So far today it has been pleasant very little rain and considerable wind, but by evening it could be raining cat and dogs. It sometimes turns out like that. – – – Evening and not much rain – Just didn’t have one. The Chaplin was here for a short time and shot the bull but he didn’t stay long. He is a pretty good

[page 4] egg but not much on the sermons. I think he was used to preaching longer sermons than he is supposed to and to condense into 10 min or less is hard for him to do. We do sing lots and of course that adds to the service. The whole thing lasts about 45 min.

Dr. Loop gave me a pretty good idea where all the Drs. around Lafayette are located. He didn’t join the Navy until late in Oct. I believe he said. He knew about you being in the hospital. Well, I’ll have to stop writing so I’ll have room to put the address at the bottom – since I forgot to put it on the top.
So 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

P.S. The amount of money taxable after I got in the Navy was $1317.79. Dr. P. was writing his home and I thought I’d send this again. This is the correct amount.

©2013 copyright owned and written by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/10/22/blue-monday-roscoe/

1/2 dozen fresh eggs (Roscoe)

1 Reply

Letter transcription:

1/10/43

Dear Mother,

I’ll start this now but I know it will have to be finished later because sick call is at 1300 and that is only a few minutes away. I’ve just written the folk their weekly (weakly) letter.

I didn’t tell you all that happened last night – we were given ½ doz. eggs – fresh- (Our eggs are all powdered and that isn’t good if you know what I mean). So we decided about 2100 to fry those eggs – with a hot plate and an improvised frying pan we set to work after begging butter, bread and onions. Fred’s egg was first. Dr. P next and mine last in that order. The first round was 100% perfect. The second round was 66 2/3 % because when my egg the last was dropped in the frying pan of hot sizzling butter it was bad all black and runny. I grabbed

[page 2] up the frying pan and got it out before the odor was too bad. Somehow I believe the fresh part of the egg deal was misrepresented. Anyway we had lots of fun. Sorta simple fun but something different. Fred had most of his second sandwich down so Dr. P. divided his with me.

The rain has been off and on most of the day very hot at times and cool if the sun isn’t shining.

No mail so far today. Some of the fellows have gotten V-mail letters much later than air and I know you will write those again when you get the word that I passed a few letters ago that they would be more speedy. The above was before 1300 – Now it is 2100 – and the show over and no mail. Dr. P. got a registered letter from his daughter. His father is very ill and he thinks his wife is sick due to the fact his daughter wrote. Those are things we out here fear most of all – sickness in the family, but

[page 3] it’s something we can’t help because there is bound to be more than one heartache from home here and out here back home so we just have to make the best of the whole thing. Keep busy and hope for the best.

Dr. P and I went shelling and swimming again this P.M. I should say shelling and swimming. I’m making you something else out of shells. You said the other thing was a hit so my ego is further again aroused and I’ll try something else. It gives me something to do in my spare time and time passes more rapid so you’ll have to accept them whether you like them or not.

We went to church tonite and to the show afterwards. There was a short Popeye feature and then Blondie & Dagwood. They of course were both good and funny and fun is what is needed here more than anything else.

[page 4] It rained some during the show but we were prepared with rain coats and hat so didn’t mind very much and what if we did get wet it is only a hop skip & jump to dry clothes and bed. And there is something about a show in the rain try it sometime – very romantic or I should say rheumatic.

Wish you could send us a doz. fresh eggs. Maybe I’d better not make that suggestion. It might be like the coke. Along with that same fresh-lettuce, cabbage celery etc. When those things are absent continually one sorta misses them.

Well dear don’t think I’m blue today – really I’m not. Not nearly as much as I have been –

Anyway lots of love
Daddy

Warning: The following Popeye cartoons were made during World War II in the early 1940s. By our modern standards and sensibilities, they are considered offensive. However, as a historian sharing history, I submit that sometimes we need to be reminded of how things really were.

©2013 copyright owned and written by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found at:https://genealogylady.net/2013/10/20/12-dozen-fresh-eggs-roscoe/

Bucket Baths are in vogue (Roscoe)

4 Replies

Letter transcription:

1/9/43

Dear Mother,

You should be able to smell me now for I’ve just had a bath from head to foot. The water has been off some 10-12 days and bucket baths were in vogue but somehow the water came on today so a good bath. The water supply has been temperamental and bathing has been irregular but luckily there aren’t many women around a good bucket of water on a hillside and a naked body is something.

So far today we scored a little mail – got a Christmas greeting from Tommy Thompson and family. That was dated Dec. 7. There is another delivery today so maybe things will be better. We hope.

Just had and am still having a glass of tomato juice. That is one thing

[page 2] we have very little of and I’m surprised because it is a good source of Vitamin C and most people like it. I think Fred & Dr. P. swiped this as they came from taking a bath. I took my bath first and then they went while I held forth.

I’ve been thinking about the number of bonds you are getting and other papers around there whether it wouldn’t be a good idea to rent a safety deposit box. First of all I don’t know how much the rental is but you might investigate or you might talk to Nick who has one I think and ask him about the cost. The boys each have a bond and with ours also it might be worthwhile. Along with all of our insurance policies, etc. The policies can be duplicated in case – but it would be better – Maybe this a just a wild

[page 3] thought of mine which I got from censoring a letter this morning. Do what you think best.

After writing you last night I wrote to Joe R. and to Clarence Y. but I still have several letters to answer. I’ve been stringing them out some. Ed Johnson hasn’t written for a long time. He wrote twice and I answered right the same day but maybe his letters this way are lost in the pile the same as yours. I’ll bet if those persons who have to handle the mail were out here for a while they would be a little more prompt but their job is a big one and around Christmas it’s much more than at other times.

And I just happened to think again. Have you received any the uniform money? I haven’t and if you have tell me in every letter until I reply back because I want to send a tracer thru again if

[page 4] it doesn’t show up. All the others that I knew at that time have gotten theirs long ago.

We have had pretty strong winds today but so far we are still on the hill. This is the time of year for storms. Just like July & Aug at home. Hope you haven’t been snow bound too much.

I can’t send you any more of our local papers because it has been discontinued because the editor has been transferred – even that bit of news isn’t available any more. Well, I’ll finish later but in case I forget – Lots of Love Daddy

P.S. Later – no mail – we had ½ dozen fried eggs bought them in the country and we pilfered onions  from and bread from the galley and did we eat – only the last egg was spoiled and it was mine so Dr. P. divided his with me. So long until tomorrow

Love again
Daddy

©2013 copyright owned and written by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found at:https://genealogylady.net/2013/10/18/bucket-baths-a…n-vogue-roscoe/ ‎