Tag Archives: Robert Hufty

The first letter this year (Gladys)

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: January 1, 1943 Envelope front

: January 1, 1943 Envelope back

: January 1, 1943, p. 1

: January 1, 1943, p. 2

: January 1, 1943, p. 3

: January 1, 1943, p. 4

Letter transcription:

Kentland Ind
Jan 1 – 1943

Dear Daddy –

The first letter this year. It is a cloudy, warm day. We haven’t done anything except eat breakfast and take care of David. He seems to have a coming appetite, so I keep giving him more – an extra tsp of Pablum this morning. Now that he has started eating he seems as hard to satisfy as he was the other way when we came home from the hospital. I am afraid he has had so much attention from the boys this week he will miss it next week when they are back in school. Mark is working on some model airplanes Aunt R. M. sent him for Christmas. He has his work on the kitchen table. He wanted to stay up last night but John & I wanted to go to bed. He stayed

[page 2] down here alone until 11:30 then decided he would go to bed. I was too sleepy to stay up with him and since I had the throat & sinus infection feel like I should get lots of rest. If we get enough steam up today will take down the Christmas tree. It is a rather pretty tree – wish we could set it out but I am afraid it wouldn’t do much good. We can have a nice fire in the fireplace with it. Bill said he was going to bring us a load of wood but he has been very busy so hasn’t brought it. I think Louis Funk had to go into service. I think Carl had been deferred. I suppose for occupational reasons. Rosemary is going to have a baby but I don’t think that would keep him out.

I promised John we would go to Lafayette tomorrow. I need to do some shopping for David and John wants to see about his album of records

[page 3] he ordered for Christmas. We haven’t been down since in Nov. The month of Dec. wasn’t so good for travel but the roads are not slick now. I told you in yesterday’s letter I bought 6 – 37⁵⁰ bonds. The bank only pays 1% on deposits and the Bldg Loan 4% – but since we are urged to buy more bonds thought I should use some of the surplus for bonds. What do you think about putting some in the Bldg Loan? Or put all in bonds? I have quoted last year’s income in two previous letters but here it is again just in case – To May 31 – $3120.45 – collections for June 260.65 – July 253.78 – Aug 33.75 – Total 3667.73.

Our Enterprize didn’t come yesterday but they must have missed sending it because Mrs. Zell said you letter was in it this week.

– – – Stopped to get lunch and feed the baby and then I took a nap but David woke up so I got up too. John’s giving him some water now but he is getting so he doesn’t care so much for his water bottle.

[page 4] Bob Hufty called me and invited me to Rotary Monday evening – Ladies night – He asked if you had received the box the clubs sent you for Christmas, so I am hoping for some word from you before Mon. evening that you have rec’d it.

I called Mrs. Plummer this afternoon to see if she could come out a while but she had company. I was going over and get her. She wants to see the Baby and as I have told you about this weather we haven’t been out much. We will be glad for spring and you would be glad for a little cooler weather.

John is playing with the baby and he is making some loud noises, which delight both boys. He now plays with his hands a lot – when he doesn’t suck his left thumb.

Love
Mother

©2013 copyright owned and written by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/10/02/the-first-lett…is-year-gladys/

Protected: New Year’s Eve New Caledonia 1942 (Roscoe)

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Protected: Received 12 letters today (Roscoe)

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A news update (Gladys)

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: December 3, 1942 Envelope

: December 3, 1942, p. 1

: December 3, 1942, p. 2

: December 3, 1942, p. 3

: December 3, 1942, p. 4

: December 3, 1942 postscript

Letter transcription:

Kentland Ind
Dec 3 – 1942

Dear Daddy –

No letters today but I hardly expected any since yesterdays mail brought up to the 20^th 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 25^th 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

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

November 24, 1942 (Roscoe)

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: November 24, 1942 Envelope

: November 24, 1942, p. 1

: November 24, 1942, p. 2

: November 24, 1942, p. 3

Letter transcription:

Nov. 24, 1942

Dear Mother,

This will have to be a little fast because we have a show which starts in a few minutes and it will be too late afterwards and since we took a pleasure ride this P.M. I didn’t have time then. I want to tell you about the trip but not when I’m in a hurry. Sure saw lots of interesting things. And on top of all else I didn’t get back in time to go to the P.O. so don’t know if any mail came. I had another fellow to pick it up but he forgot so I’ll have to wait until tomorrow to see if any came.

I intended to write you of the trip and also write Boonie but the time is too short. I finally did get Bob H. & Ed J.’s letter off – seems as if things always happen when I want to write.

[page 2] I’m writing this on a road map of the U.S. right smack on Indiana. Why I don’t know – it just started that way. I’ll write more after the show. It’s over. The name of it was Maryland – was a pretty good show but our sound isn’t so good and the fellows who run them don’t know what it’s all about.

Tomorrow being my birthday it just missed Thanksgiving by one day and I hear we have turkey for that day so it’s to bad it couldn’t be my birthday it really will be at home with the time fussed up the way it is. Or maybe it 2 days off I just can’t figure it all out.

There are several guy here trying to talk business and I can’t think straight so I’ll just cut off until later.

This is the third time but it’s morning – the morning of my birthday and it’s sprinkling and it looks as if we are maybe in for some wet weather

[page 3] but it could be just a small rain as we have had some in the past.

The show last night was pretty good but things are not adjusted as yet and that makes it bad but you can’t walk up and demand your money back because none was paid in the first place. We don’t get any news shorts nor do we have to watch previews. We just have one show and that’s all period.

Well, I’ll write a longer letter tonight and I hope then won’t be so many pauses.

Lots of love,

Daddy

Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/06/25/november-24-1942-roscoe/

November 12, 1942 (Gladys)

1 Reply

: November 12, 1942 Envelope

: November 12, 1942, p. 1

: November 12, 1942, p. 2

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

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

November 8, 1942 (Gladys)

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This letter was a nice surprise because it was written on a Sunday. Typically Gladys did not write on Sundays. The family attempted to take some pictures of the baby that afternoon but he would not cooperate. Currently, this picture of Gladys is the only one that has survived from November 8th, or at the very least, been discovered so far. We also get a look at her new perm.

: November 8, 1942 Envelope

: November 8, 1942, p. 1

Letter transcription:

Kentland Indiana
Nov 8 – 1942

Dear Daddy –

We are having an unusually warm, sunny Sunday. It was so nice we took the baby out for some pictures but he wasn’t in a mood to have his picture taken and squirmed and squinted so I doubt if the pictures of him are good. I took one of John & Mark and they were going to take the last one of me and I turned it too fast and think I turned it too far. Mark is in a bad mood at present – he wants a sharp knife and can’t get one right now. John as usual is entertaining himself at the piano composing & David is grunting with satisfaction from his 2 P.M. bottle.

Floyd called me from Wick’s last night. He was on his way to Laf. [Lafayette] to meet Ruthie – she had been home this week while he was in Blue Island. Said he had received a notice from the draft board and doesn’t know whether he the Co. will get him deferred or not. Said he has to go to Chi [Chicago] this week so I suppose he will know by the end of next week what he will do.

Bob [Hufty] was out yesterday – wanted to know if I had any word regarding the radiogram. To date I haven’t but if you got it I suppose I will hear from you about it soon. In a previous letter I explained why we sent it. You kept writing that you weren’t getting any mail and after we had sent the message to the coast, I got a letter that you had rec’d my letter of Oct. 5.

Yesterday Betty Lou [Krull] & Mark went out and gathered bittersweet and sold it to the neighbors – net income 30¢ ea. I had given Mark his 50¢ weekly and as usual he couldn’t think ahead of the present and bought 75¢ of stamps – results – broke for another week. John stayed home and helped me clean some. I did the bathroom upstairs. He cleaned the windows then the windows in his & our room. We gave Betty Lou & Buddy [Nick Krull, Jr.] some shells. The coral piece was broken some but I think I can glue it back together and mount it on something to use for an ornament on the coffee table or mantle. Wish I had another one to make a pair. Maybe there is one in the other box you have sent.

I think I’ll have to take John to Laf. during Thanksgiving vacation for an eye exam. Then it will be time for the baby to have a checkup. He weighed 8-4 this morning. He is making a steady gain, tho not fast – will in time fill out at this rate. If I had a buggy would take him out this afternoon.

Love,
Mother

Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/06/13/november-8-1942-gladys/

Halfway Point!

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At the end of this last week, my blog hit a quiet milestone. With this post, I have been posting for 184 days, just over half a year. I can hardly believe that I have been at this for six months. Yesterday (May 25^th) was my grandparents’ 84^th wedding anniversary. I would like to thank everyone who has been following their correspondence for the last six months and to welcome those who have recently followed their story. Here’s to the next six months!

: October 29, 1942 Envelope

: October 29, 1942, p. 1

: October 29, 1942, p. 2

: October 29, 1942, p. 3

: October 29, 1942, p. 4

Letter transcription:

Kentland Ind
Oct 29 – 1942

Dear Daddy-

Another day and no letters from you but maybe they will come tomorrow. There were two Mon and this Thurs so still Fri & Sat.

Our weather has changed a little. It was raining so hard this morning I took ours & Zell’s children to school. John had tow horn cases to carry and books so he could hardly manage walking. He brought the large saxophone home yesterday and had to take both horns back this a.m. He likes the regular sax much better than the straight one he had. David is sleeping now. He seems to like the 4 hr schedule as well as the 3 hr. He didn’t wake up until 3:30 this am for the 2 am bottle. I think maybe he will soon sleep right through although I don’t mind feeding him at 2 until he is some heavier. He weighed 7-9 on Dr. Coles’ scales Monday and will no doubt be

[page 2]past the 8 lb mark by Sat. He takes his cod liver oil & orange juice every day and so far both agree with him.

If you ever get the letters I wrote while in the hospital and letters others wrote, you will know we tried to send you a cable – well in your letters to me you said you hadn’t had any news for so long, so Bob Hufty contacted the Red Cross field man and he said he would get a radiogram to you if it was possible – I suppose by this time you will have received it and know why it was sent. I would have done that in the first place had I known we couldn’t send a cable – and that you wouldn’t get our letters – but we all thought you would surely get our letters in at least two weeks. After they told us we couldn’t cable you I thought the only thing left was a letter and when your letters kept coming and you weren’t getting your mail Bob decided it was high time something should be done.

Mrs. R called me this morning just to talk and wanting to know if I had any late news. She rec’d a cable three weeks ago

[page 3] but no news since then. Before the cable he had written three letters on board ship. He was detailed to the Southwest Pacific fleet, so she hasn’t the faintest idea where he is other than the S.W. Pacific.

There is a high wind today and we had a casualty. The west storm window in the boys room blew off and broke the bottom pane. I hadn’t gotten them all fastened and that particular one seems to be in a current that flips it off. Link is coming over this evening and help me get the rest fastened. I can’t even get some of the windows up. Joe should have fastened those the day he put them up but he was in a hurry to finish by noon and I haven’t felt strong enough to wrestle with the windows – but will get it done before any more blow out.

John has filled two stamp books so I am going to buy him a bond (as pledged) and he is going to get

[page 4] it at school so his grade will get credit. Mark still has a few stamp to buy before he fills his book but I will get him a bond before the year is over. I should buy David a $5⁰⁰ stamp with his gift from D. Mace.

I see in the paper that Bethel Wilson has been sent to Daytona Beach, Fla to a new camp. The Mullen boys are being sent to Ft. Bragg, N.C.

Harlan’s had Chuckie operated on for his eyes. They took him to Indpls but I don’t know who did the operating.

John Byrne is the man operating Art’s drug store. I knew his face but not his name. His family will occupy the Ross property on West Carroll St. (if you know which property that is – I don’t).

Mother had a head cold – started yesterday evening – so I made her take some Rhinitis – all I had was the child size so have her 4 last night – got a bottle at the drug store this morning and gave her a full size one – her cold is better now.

I must sign off-
Love Mother

This post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/05/26/halfway-point/