Tag Archives: Noumea

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/

Waiting for packages (Roscoe)

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Letter transcription:

Dec. 8, 1942

Dear Mother,

We have had only a very few small showers today so I took the opportunity to clean up shave took a bath and changed clothes – and right after that a fellow come along and wanted to the take our pictures so even the picture should smell fine. Got a letter today dated Nov. 6 and you were very evasive I two places – First you said there was a woman getting a permanent who owed $22 and how do you suppose I should know who that was, and Second why tell me all about the package and then not tell what’s there oh – that’s OK. I like surprises. So in that letter there was a surprise because you didn’t tell me and then when the box comes there will be another (Thanks). I’d forgotten about the uniform money until you mentioned it. I suppose the stuff will never come, at least it seems that way.

I keep breaking down and buying

[page 2] a little writing paper ever so often thinking that each batch will be enough until that which you sent arrives but no such luck. The packages just don’t come. I think they are holding them for surprises.

No the Commission hasn’t arrived as yet but that is OK. I can get along without it now so don’t worry. It’s a discharge I’m looking for if you get what I mean – don’t take that too serious, however it’s still true but I don’t want it until the thing is over.

I’m sending a box with some empty shells and a small match box full with some of those cat’s eyes I was telling you about yesterday. I think one of those set for a ring would be fine or ear bobs – You don’t have to now if you don’t want to but I’m just sending them to get them out of my pockets. I just carried them there as a habit and that sorta polished them also.

I believe I forgot to mention the

[page 3]Noumeanina money I sent. I think that was one frank and that is worth about 2 ½ cents now. It was much more before the war. Imagine buying something for 5¢ and giving a dollar bill and getting a basket full of stuff like that. They have larger bills or notes and I have had several but the 20’s and 50’s are large about 2 times the size of our dollar bills and I don’t like to carry them around. I have a few pieces of metal money but I forgot to include them in this box. So will in the next.

I sent 10 yens – Jap money – in a letter some time ago. You have hardly had time to report on that yet. I’m just repeating. And I certainly am glad you write every day because it increases my chances of mail. Some of the fellows write a little on a letter each day and then mail it about once each week but I think If I write each day the mail will be more regular for you. And if the boys write at different

[page 4] times it will increase my chances. I suppose though when one wants to write the other does also. David I guess doesn’t say much about writing yet. You keep telling me about his formula. It’s been so long I wouldn’t know if the formula was correct or not but that weight business 5-7 ounces is still correct and if he isn’t as big as others OK. Just so he gets his vitamins and orange juice etc. And he is about ready for pablum. If I were home I’d write to Mead Johnson for samples. You might have one of the druggist drop a hint to Mead Johnson and I’m almost certain they would send you a supply. Either Boonie or the fellow at Art’s would do so. Especially the pablum and cod liver oil.

Well, I’ll save the space in case mail comes – but in case I forget –

Love Daddy

P.S. No further mail and no new developments

©2013 copyright owned and written by Deborah Sweeney

Post originally found at:
https://genealogylady.net/2013/08/16/waiting-for-packages-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

©2013 copyright owned and written by Deborah Sweeney

Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/08/12/well-the-lectu…ow-over-roscoe/

Keeping the chin up (Roscoe)

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In today’s letter, we FINALLY learn Dr. Fred’s last name and we learn the name of the “boss”. In case you haven’t noticed, Jake has been censoring his own letters lately. Perhaps some of the news from this letter will explain why.

Letter transcription:

Dec 5, 1942

Dear Mother,

A day of rain and all that goes with it – mud wet etc – but it isn’t so bad living in a hut, only we have two leaks in our roof – but luckily they don’t come over my bunk. We still have to get in the mud to go to chow and to the P.O. but we can do them both at the same time.

I counted the letters both V-mail and others and to date I have received 77 from you. All others I destroy so don’t know how many I’ve gotten all together. I’ve just about decided to write to Dr. Joe and Reinhart. I put those letters away and had to search for them so I found them today. To get the address.

Your attitude on the keeping the chin up is admirable because that after all is the best way. You don’t see many families around home in

[page 2] circumstances as similar to ours but I see and am around many men in exactly the same state of affairs as myself, and we are no better than they and all have a part to play and a duty to do. For example one of my roommates has two children – the oldest just a little older than John and the youngest about Mark’s age. Then Fred has one son 19 months old and Dr. Porterfield our boss has three children – Two boys and a girl – His two boys are both in the service – And he doesn’t know where one is – the other is in Calif. at present or was at the last writing. Dr. (Fred) Williams and Dr. Porterfield both were asking me about my family last night and they both talked as if they were asking their wives to write you. I thought I would not suggest you write them first. I did for Dr. Walsh but you haven’t said if you heard from her or not. They suggested their wives write to you so maybe you’ll be hearing from

[page 3] them, but that is getting away from my original story. I know a first class hospital corpsman who has a child about 3 years old and plenty of others in the same boat and then we also run into men who haven’t been home for 20-26 months – So our lot isn’t any worse than others and I’m glad you are taking it as you say and as I know you can. I’m not cheerful and happy about the whole things but I’m trying to do the same thing you are.

I’m almost afraid to say this but it now looks as if there will be only 3 of us remain here – Williams, Porterfield and myself. Porterfield is boss being a Lt. Comdr – while Fred is a (jg) like myself. We aren’t entirely sure but the latest gossip is to that affect and we should know in a few days. Of course we don’t know for how long but for the present at least and possibly indefinitely. That is, as

[page 4] far as the Navy is able to be definite. That last isn’t very clear, but it looks as if it will be sometime. There are other places much worse that this so we won’t complain.

No mail today but we have hopes for tomorrow. That is what keeps us going and after all that is what keeps the whole world going.

The dentist is scraping a fellow’s tooth and it isn’t a pleasant sound. He has sinus trouble so I get him down in his chair and work on him then he works on me – That way we are both careful not to be too rough.

The show was very good last night – funny as well as a fair plot. The ground is too wet tonite so won’t see another until Mon. as there is none on Sun. night. The shows are fine but it sure breaks in on the letter writing period.

Well, I think you and I have looked at this whole business in a sensible manner and and I hope we can continue to do the same –

With Lots of Love

Daddy

©2013 copyright owned and written by Deborah Sweeney

Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/08/10/keeping-the-chin-up-roscoe/

Christmas Greetings (Gladys)

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Letter transcription:

Dear Daddy – I just finished writing a letter, but since it is uncertain as to when you will get this, and wanting you to have it by Christmas thought I would send it now. It is very simple and not in the least pretentious but I thought the verse would convey my feeling about Christmas. We go from one Christmas to another and build our own little traditions around it perhaps without fully realizing how important those traditions have become to us. It is unnecessary to say how much we will miss you this year, and our Christmas Eve guests, the trip to C.C. [Clay City]

[page 2] but we must have Christmas tho not as usual, and hope the next one will be different than this. So as the little verse says, we will honor Christmas in our hearts and our thoughts will be with you and hope you will enjoy your festivities there, because I am sure you will make special observance of the day. I am not gifted in putting my inner thoughts on paper but hope I have conveyed my feeling to you for this special occasion. I feel more words are unnecessary

With All My Love
Mother

©2013 copyright owned and written by Deborah Sweeney

Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/08/08/christmas-greetings-gladys/

Who showed them how? (Roscoe)

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Letter transcription:

Dec. 4, 1942

Dear Mother,

Just a little time now so this is the first try – maybe will be able to finish maybe not. Last night I answered the greetings I received yesterday and also wrote a short note to Dr. Matthews. As I said before don’t know if he is peeved or not but I wrote just the same. I’ll try to write a short note to each person who sends me a greeting. Just happened to think the other day that I hadn’t written to Reinhart or Dr. Roberts yet so will before long when I’m more in the mood [for] that right now. Last night after the show I felt like writing. Today not so much that way.

No mail yet today – weather hot good breeze and some few clouds. That takes care of the usual things we say about those common topics of conversation. We still have hopes of mail because it isn’t 5 P.M. yet.

You mentioned that you and the

[page 2] boys were taking care of the furnace. Who showed them how? And you should stir around the retort frequently to remove any clinker because it might burn out the retort and I don’t believe you would be able to buy a new one now. Maybe one of the neighbors would look after it once in a while.

There was one question I asked you several times and haven’t received an answer yet – and that was the date my first letter arrived. It is of no importance only just interesting so if you can remember let me know. You might have sent it in one of those missing letters, which I hope catch up with us some day. I’ve tried to save all of your letters but the burden may get too great as time goes along. All the other letters I destroy in a few days after I’m sure I don’t want to refer to them again.

The bridge games I used to talk about are no more – too many of the players are gone and we don’t seem to have the

[page 3] interest we once had. Fred, Our boss and I pay [play] a game of domino now and then – very exciting. These are a little different. They run up to double nines and the addition sometimes goes beyond or [our] limited counting range. Maybe we haven’t gone into that bad a mental slump but I sometimes wonder – Don’t worry about that last sentence it’s the weather or something.

Just had a little argument. Some fellows say the war will be over by Feb. or Mar. Sure wish I had that much good outlook about things. Maybe they are right – hope so. It could be wishful thinking.

Just back from the P.O. Three or 4 letters air mail and one V-mail. The reason I said 3 or 4. You had two letters in one so that the reason. The latest letter was Nov. 24. The V-mail Nov. 7 so you see which is best.

About those pictures – David wasn’t hardly in the picture and I thought the rest of you folk took [look] terrible all except Mark standing back of you in the front door.

[page 4] John looked like a native of here in that one taken in the back yard. The last bunch were much better but John still couldn’t be natural, possibly his glasses. Have him look off to the side at some disinterested object next time.

Hope by this time you have the money orders and check I sent. I had forgotten about those. And I don’t believe I would burden the bank acc with any expensive piano – no baby grand now. I still think a coat would be a good idea anyway you had better get it out of the bank acc. Either in bonds or on interest because if it stays in the bank acc it won’t draw any interest and before long it will just sorta be attached and you’ll not have  it as I had planned. If you don’t want to get a coat see what interest you will be able to get at the Building and loan or in Bonds. No use to let the Bank get the interest. That is if you don’t need it otherwise. Hope that uniform money get thru – That will help some. This is about all the space I’m allotted now so solong until tomorrow

Lots of Love
Daddy

©2013 copyright owned and written by Deborah Sweeney

Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/08/07/who-showed-them-how-roscoe/

Just before chow (Roscoe)

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Letter transcription:

Dec. 3, 1942

Dear Mother,

Just before chow and before the last mail delivery for the day so don’t know what if anything might come. There hasn’t been any mail come into camp for the past two days neither air nor otherwise so one of these days things should break loose with a big bang we hope. My latest has been around the 15th of Nov. Some have gotten some mail as late as Nov. 18th.

I’ve just about finished the candy mom sent so by the time yours gets here will have a fresh supply only I’m afraid it won’t be very fresh unless it’s wrapped in paper because all other kinds seem to get soft and sticky and you said something about removing it as soon as it gets here and that doesn’t sound good.

The Pit and the Pendulum (Image courtesy of Wikipedia Commons) Illustration by Harry Clarke, 1919.

The ax has again fallen for now there are only about 10 of our original bunch here. It reminds one of the story by Poe (I believe). The Pit and the Pendulum. If you haven’t read it you won’t get what I mean. It’s a short story I read in H.S. years ago. Anyway that’s the way we feel now, but it wouldn’t be so bad to be sent on to where some of the rest of our bunch have gone. It would be a kind of an old time get together. I don’t know if the good or the bad ones are remaining here. Who knows?

Did my washing and ironing today – we now have

[page 2] an iron of our own and we can make shirts and pants look half way presentable. Only there is no starch for the shirts, but at that I believe they look about as good as when I had them done the last time I was home – you remember.

Our home is in the back of the dental office. There are two chairs and we can hear someone grinding ever so often. I’ve had mine partially cleaned but it seems I can’t them finished and I have one small filling to be done.

Have been to the P.O. got two Christmas greetings. One from Schlagel’s at C.C. and one from George McCray. I’ll try to get an answer back to each of them possibly a V-mail letter. Those were both mailed with regular 3¢ stamps so it didn’t take them so long as they were mail the last day of Oct.

I just happened to be reading one of your old letters today and in it you said David didn’t like orange juice from the bottle. Many is the time I’ve told women they were lazy for giving their babies orange juice that way. You have the right idea about the spoon business and if it isn’t too much trouble start him on the cup before long. I can give good advice when I can’t be there to help – don’t you think?

Well, it’s about time to go to work. Then the movie – maybe I can add a little tomorrow, but in case I forget –

Lots of Love
Daddy

P.S. Fri A.M. no new developments

©2013 copyright owned and written by Deborah Sweeney

Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/08/05/just-before-chow-roscoe/