Tag Archives: Ruth E. (Yegerlehner) Mutchler

Rats (Roscoe)

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: July 26, 1943 envelope

: July 26, 1943, p. 1

: July 26, 1943, p. 2

: July 26, 1943, p. 3

Letter transcription:

Lieut. R. S. Yegerlehner USNR
Navy 60
F.P.O. San Fran. Calif.

July 26, 1943

Dear Mother,

Just finished the morning chores and will see how good my letter writing ability will be. To begin with we haven’t had any late mail for some time and I don’t like it, but I guess there isn’t much to be done about the whole thing only wait.

Yesterday while sitting writing a letter a nice juicy rat ran over a brace in the tent and settled comfortably above my head in a misquito netting that had been folded. There was a cleaning rod for a rifle nearby and with a mighty heave with it the rat was stunned enough to so that I was able to get in the finishing strokes. It must have made the

[page 2] entire family very mad because they came in force to heckle us last night. They don’t bother me much but one of our roommates hammers & bangs on the side of the tent and deck keeping himself and everyone awake and really I think the rats are enjoying it for they seem to come back in greater numbers each succeeding night. They probably never heard or seen anything like that in a south Sea Isle before.

Yesterday after writing you I wrote – both Ruths, the folks and uncle Wess. It was a big day and a lot of bunk was thrown out. I still have some I should write today – like the Walkups, Brewers, etc. but I don’t feel in the mood even for a poor letter. I misrepresented things to them, told them it was hard to write to anyone else but you because I could always fill in between in your letters with love making stuff but you know I’m not good at that but I do hope you can read between the lines and sometimes see where I tried to

[page 3] express what I feel – anyway I hope as you said the other day a lot is intimated in
“Lots of Love From Daddy”

©2014 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2014/11/02/rats-roscoe/

Good Intentions (Roscoe)

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[Note: Gladys’ letter from July 25th is, unfortunately, missing.]

: July 25, 1943 envelope

: July 25, 1943, p. 1

: July 25, 1943, p. 2

: July 25, 1943, p. 3

Letter transcription:

Lieut. R. S. Yegerlehner USNR
Navy 60 F.P.O. San Fran C.
July 25, 1943

Dear Mother,

The plan that was supposed to work so that I would see Joe R. didn’t materialize so I thought I’d better retract the statement I wrote yesterday.

I have very good intentions today of writing several people – Letters that I feel I should return, Both the Ruths, Uncle W., The Walkups – since they sent the pictures and a few others I can’t think of just now and of course the regular letter to the folks. It’s going to be a hard task but one I feel like a duty – It’s strange I don’t have slightest feeling of burden

[page 2] while writing to you but that is as I explained it a few days ago. “That’s different.”

There is a slight breeze today which makes for a little cooler weather and for more coconuts dropping – before breakfast this A.M. two came bounding down all in a bunch to hit the tent and make plenty of noise. I’m a little worried less one came thru but even if it did the sting would be taken out because it would slow things down.

I think I have repeated often enough about the check I sent home but will just once more. It was sent on July 17, and if it goes like some it should be there just about now. I’ll wait now until I get several letters from you before repeating again.

[page 3] Some time ago I wrote you and said this world we live in here could be like that song of Ruben Ruben etc. how much that really means now. Imagine a town county or any area in the USA where for more than 5 mo. a woman didn’t appear. It’s different but I can’t seem to explain how. Probably just like the life in the States is different but is hard for you to explain how and why.

Well by the time you get this letter you will be starting on your last hot month of summer and can expect cooler days to come but ours will be just as hot and stuffy and prospects of getting more so. This is one heck of a letter –
Love Daddy

Russell Islands
Image by Kelisi at Wikipedia.com (Wikipedia Commons license)

©2014 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2014/10/31/good-intentions-roscoe/

A Good Excuse (Roscoe)

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: July 21, 1943 envelope

: July 21, 1943, p. 1

: July 21, 1943, p. 2

Letter transcription:

July 21, 1943
Lieut. R.S. Yegerlehner USNR
Navy 60 F.P.O. San Fran Calif.

Dear Mother,

Along with your letters yesterday came one each from Harry Storm, Wayne W. and Ruth M. Ruth of course told me of the boys visiting and yours telling of the visit – both came the same day. The finances as you described them will be bolstered by the check I sent on the 17^th of July. That last part was just a way of me telling you that I had sent the check.

So far today I have had no love tangles or problems to give advice on. Maybe won’t have anymore because those things always run in pairs and spells.

I’m out in the yard again where the flies are bothersome but won’t be long because it doesn’t take Cartwright long to do what he has to do.

You said you had seen John Krull – seems like he has only been in the forces for a short

[page 2] time but I guess long enough for leave. Maybe like the short leave I had just about one year ago. You haven’t mentioned Jim for some time. The last time you said he was expecting a leave and intimated he might be getting ready to light out for some place. I never did write to him because all address I got were so far behind I always felt he would be miles ahead of where I’d write – A good excuse don’t you think? And I’m really thinking up lots of excuses these days because after writing one person I forget what I wrote the last time and I’m afraid or repeating. Of course I know I repeat a lot to you but we understand.

I’ve been writing this now for about 3 hours with this and that coming up to cofe confuse so I really can’t be expected to be romantic but by trains of thought being broken into frequently so I just say

Lots of Love
Daddy

Russell Islands
Image by Kelisi at Wikipedia.com (Wikipedia Commons license)

©2014 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2014/10/24/a-good-excuse-roscoe/

Boy Joins Navy (Roscoe)

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: July 17, 1943 envelope

: July 17, 1943, p. 1

: July 17, 1943, p. 2

: July 17, 1943, p. 3

: July 17, 1943, p. 4

Letter transcription:

July 17, 1943
Lieut. R.S. Yegerlehner USNR
Navy 60 F.P.O. San Fran C.

Dear Mother,

Five letters yesterday from you – The latest July 1. Another was a v-mail along the last few days of June, and one with the picture of D. I’m inclined to agree with John. In comparing this with previous pictures I don’t believe it is a good picture. It was under developed or over exposed or something. As usual there are letters missing because you mentioned Dr. M. being mad at Parttens for taking Ruth to a specialist but didn’t say what was the trouble – but I just know you wrote that in a previous letter.

Needles to say you will find the several times mentioned check enclosed. That should be enough to pay off the Ins. loan and buy a few bonds. If you

[page 2] wish and think it worth while you might even start paying Mutch & Ruth a little now and then. That is providing it doesn’t run you short. I’ll be able to send some home from time to time but I’m keeping around 200 on the books just so I’ll have enough for transportation in case I should need it. I’m hoping! – when I get an accumulation over that amount I’ll send it to you and you can use it as you see fit.

I didn’t know about your mother was having bowel trouble and it’s hard for me to suggest. Does she have diarrhea all the time with blood? You went a little indefinite about the symptoms etc. She should be on a bland diet. The sulfa drug is OK for a time and a little Metamucil would not be out of the way. A blood count

[page 3] and hemoglobin are very essential. The sugar in the urine may or may not be important but worth keeping in mind. All those things are merely suggestive and things I would do if I were there. Of course a rectal exam would come first. That is about all I can think of not knowing the circumstances and a 6,000 mile consultation isn’t good so you will have to use your own judgment which I know you are capable of doing.

Is Glenn married again or is that the wife he had? If it’s the same onee they must have bit a spark not visible before in order to reproduce after this long a period of married life. Yesterday I found myself being drawn into another one of the love struggles. Boy married to girl 8 years – Boy joins navy – find himself on a South Sea Isle – girl’s letters

[page 4] become fewer and fewer – one come 3 days ago – without date – 4 pages and then stopped in the middle of the sentence – later another started – whole new page – and it ended in the same way – not signed an both letter about 4 pages each and both ended in the middle of the sentence and no signature. The whole thing is beyond me. He seems very much discouraged and I can’t seem to blame him either, but why write you that stuff.

The regular weekly inspection is due now most any minute so I’ll try to put a finishing note at least I’ll try not to end in the middle of the sentence.

Inspection done and I must say things aren’t in as good a condition as they should be. Guess more bearing down in necessary.

Hope your mother is feeling better and that the hot weather isn’t too hard on you and the boys –

Love Daddy

Russell Islands
Image by Kelisi at Wikipedia.com (Wikipedia Commons license)

©2014 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2014/10/16/boy-joins-navy-roscoe/

Letter from Ruthie (Ruth)

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: July 16, 1943 envelope

: July 16, 1943, p. 1

: July 16, 1943, p. 2

: July 16, 1943, p. 3

Letter transcription:

Bluffton, Ind.
July 16, 1943

Dear Jake,

The folks tell me you have a garden. How is it doing? We have been having so much rain that it is telling on the tomato fields. Floyd is gone again this week and since I have been working I can’t tag along so well. But a few weeks ago when he went to Chicago I went as far as Kentland and stayed with Gladys, as she probably wrote you. John & Mark were over to Ruth M’s but David was very much at home. You know David was to be my boy’s name but first here first served I guess! Even if I had had one I don’t think he could be a bit cuter than your David is.

[page 2] Floyd had a little good luck the other day. He figured out a price log for tomato prices and sent it into the Company. One day this week they sent him a $50⁰⁰ war bond for the suggestion and also a nice letter of appreciation, which made him very happy.

The last account I had of Glen he thought he would be moved again. He doesn’t seem to mind it so much as I thought he would.

I suppose you can tell that I don’t have much to write, but I want you to know that we don’t forget that you are out there doing your part. I hope we are going our part here. This pay as you go tax plan reminds us to the extent of 20% of each pay that we have a job to do. However we can always tighten our belts a little more if we need too.

[page 3] Glen writes that he doesn’t like v-mail so much so I thought I would try the old way again.

Since I have this written I’m not sure of your address so maybe you will get it and maybe you won’t.

Write if you run out of anything else to do –
Love
Floyd & Ruth

P.S. After reading some of these punk letters, I’ll bet you wonder how you ever gave me a passing grade in that physics class way back in high school days –

Floyd and Ruth Yegerlehner

©2014 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2014/10/12/letter-from-ruthie-ruth/

A Grand For 300 (Gladys)

1 Reply

: July 13, 1943 envelope

: July 13, 1943, p. 1

: July 13, 1943, p. 2-3

: July 13, 1943, p. 4

Letter transcription:

Kentland Ind
July 13 – 1943

Dear Daddy,

Rec’d yours of July 3 and you had rec’d more pictures. I am always glad when you get them. The pictures never do justice to David but you can get a good idea how he looks. He is so full of pep and does so many cute things (we think). I may be wrong but he acts like he will talk very young. He jabbers so much. It was hot when John took him up to bed last nite so he went to bed with just a diaper on and slept that way all night. I covered him with his spread and when I woke up this morning he was up playing with the spread. His bed downstairs is in front of

[page 2] the window and if left alone will watch the traffic & trains at long periods. He will play in his bed or pen with a toy or just a blanket or pillow. He loves to pound a pillow and take the slip off. After his bath & meal at 11: Mark usually takes him out in his buggy for a sunbath.

John is up making an Angel Food Cake – we have egg whites left from David’s formula and when enough accumulates John makes a cake. Mark is still in bed. He seemed to be all over his nervous habits after his tonsil operation and then he went to Ruth’s a week. I think he was too excited all the time about things because when I went to get him he was about as bad as ever. I have been trying to keep him from doing so much and let him sleep as long as he wants too – He still jerks his head and bats his eyes, but maybe I

[page 3] can get him quieted down with plenty of rest. I have noticed any excitement or hard play makes him worse. Betty Nesbitt is taking a group of youngsters to Battle Ground, the Methodist vacation school, and she wants him to go. I don’t think I’ll let him go because I am afraid it will be too much excitement.

I am going to the hospital today and if Dr. Cole thinks it’s the thing to do will bring Mother home. She has had sulfaquanodine since she has been down (1 week) and the infection should be cleared up by now and I think she will get along as good here now as there. Jim talks like he will be home soon for a leave before being sent out and I think that should help Mother some. Of course I know it will take food to give her strength and she hasn’t been eating so good. I sent Jim an air mail a week ago but haven’t had any reply from him. Sometimes it takes about

[page 4] as long for him to get my letters as it does for you to.

I have been looking at a piano again. A tuner who worked on ours last fall had a grand for $300⁰⁰. That sounds like a fortune just now and I don’t know what to do. If I could only get your opinion in tme. I told him I didn’t have the cash because I had bought bonds. He said he would arrange the payment for me but I haven’t decided yet what I should do. By the time I get an answer the issue will probably be past history.

I have been quoting our bank bal. several times lately. When I pay the hospital bill today I will be pretty low. Will give you definite figures tomorrow. This everyday living without trimmings is so high – I haven’t spent for anything but necessities and it seems to take a lot. Just so we can get by I am nor worrying about savings – of course I would like to have a nest egg saved up when you come home, but I am not going to worry about it. I’ll feel good about the whole things if we get along –

Love Mother

©2014 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2014/10/06/a-grand-for-300-gladys/

Okra & Kohlrabi (Gladys)

1 Reply

: July 10, 1943, p. 1

: July 10, 1943, p. 2-3

: July 10, 1943, p. 4

Letter transcription:

Kentland Ind
July 10 – 1943

Dear Daddy –

It was late when I got to bed last nite and I was so tired from yesterday’s goings. I fed David about 6:30 – he would want to wake early – then we both went back to sleep and I was just up getting dressed when the mail main came and brought 4 letters, June 26-27-28 & 29. Now I must call Mrs. R. and tell her you & Joe have been together but she probably has the word from Joe. I promised her I would come over & see her when I visited Ruthie P. in the hospital but

[page 2] with Mother being down and the boys gone last week I didn’t get over to see Ruthie and now she is home so I’ll just call Mrs. R. until some later date when I can go over.

Mrs. Zell just came over and said we could have green beans – ours aren’t quite ready yet. They have kolorabies [kohlrabi] in their garden. Also are raising okra – if I remember correctly you didn’t care for okra.

When we got home last night David’s evys eyes were red and looked like he was getting something but I bathed his eyes with warm boric acid solution before putting him to bed and this morning they are about normal

[page 3] again – but I remember when I was powdering him yesterday after his bath. I accidently got some in his eyes – so I think that must be the cause. Now don’t worry about it he is OK now. At present he is trying to get hold of a rocking chair beside his bed – He is always trying to reach something. Betty Lou took some pictures and if I can get them will send them today. I think Nick has given up the enlisting idea. Haven’t heard anything about it lately and they are doing some work on their house – putting in a bathroom downstairs and

[page 4] remodeling their kitchen. They are still driving their car. It looks about like it did when you left. He gets more gasoline than we get (a card) because of his business. He has a locker in Sheldon and has to make several trips a week to get meat.

I sent you a financial statement the first of the month but will tell you again – I at present have $91 – but that includes 52⁰⁰ Mother gave me and the 52⁰⁰ will probably go to the hospital when I pay her bill down there – but the Hancock Ins. is paid for this time (3 policies) and all bills except 10⁰⁰ at Loebs and a small bill at Bairs are paid – So I really have a bal. of about 39⁰⁰ – I have to write Jim & Glen, your Folks & Ruth about Mother –

Love Mother

©2014 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2014/09/30/okra-kohlrabi-gladys/

To Wilmington and Back (Gladys)

1 Reply

: July 5, 1943 envelope

: July 5, 1943, p. 1

: July 5, 1943, p. 2-3

: July 5, 1943, p. 4

Letter transcription:

Kentland
July 5 – 1943

Dear Daddy –

I left a letter for the mail man to pick up then learned the P.O. was closed today so it didn’t go out – Thought I would add a line – I went to Wilmington to get J & M. Took Betty & Buddy along. They seemed to enjoy the trip. Buddy took his cap gun along and could buy caps there so had fun making a noise. Mark and Earl had gone fishing about

[page 2] 3 a.m. and got back a little while after we arrived – (10:30). I was able to buy some sardines so will send you a box as soon as I can get some other things to put in. Ruth is getting some things collected to send too.

Going back to the fish subject, Mark & Earl had luck and brought in 10 bass. Earl cleaned them and we brought home several. I put them in the frost chest until tomorrow. Mark had a grand time as well as John but Mark overdid his and is a little nervous again but I think I can soon get him calmed down. I am sure with proper rest here at home he will soon be

[page 3] over it. He won’t rest away from home so I’ll just have to see that he does. They enjoyed their visit & I know Ruth enjoyed having them and does so many things to help them have a good time. She took John to one of her neighbors to play for her. The woman used to play the organ but hasn’t been able to play much for a long time – so she enjoyed John’s playing for her. Mark has lots of friends there and has been there enough that he looks to seeing them all.

Clara M. came up three times today to see about Mother. I am going to see Dr. M. tomorrow

[page 4] again about her and if she isn’t any better I think I’ll take her to the hospital for some checking over.

We drove home thru a hard rain from about Donovan on to Kent. We could see the black clouds in the east when we were coming south of Kankankee and finally got into the rain.

David had a good time. I thought he would be so hungry, because he went half an hour over his supper but he wanted to play and it took about half an hour to feed him.

I am so sleepy think I’ll go to bed –
Love Mother

Staycation (Gladys)

1 Reply

: July 4, 1943, p. 1

: July 4, 1943, p. 2-3

: July 4, 1943, p. 4

Letter transcription:

Kentland Ind
July 4 – 1943

Dear Daddy –

Another 4^th and traditionally hot. It was cool this morning after a good rain during the night but this afternoon the heat was so intense and the humidity so high, Mother was all in. She went to bed early. She thought she would go with me to Wilmington to get J. & M. but thinks now the trip would be too tiring. I went down to Clara Molter’s and asked her to come stay with Mother. She can’t come all day but is going to come up several

[page 2] times during the day and come at noon & fix her lunch. Mother has been taking sulfasuxadine a week now but is thru with it. Is still taking Bepron. She said today her stomach & bowels feel better. If she could just get her strength. She ate a pretty good meal at noon. If she doesn’t improve next week I think I’ll take her down to St. E. for a thorough check-up and glucose if necessary.

It is thundering and lightening some. May have rain and storm before morning. It hadn’t rained for a week when it rained last nite. Things were getting dry. A few days like this & Indiana corn sure will grow.

[page 3] Bun Walkup brought Iva Jean & the girls out this evening. Iva Jean had never seen D. I took her upstairs to see him – he was asleep but not too soundly – he woke up and was so hot I brought him down and we compared babies. He is 4 hrs 14 minutes older than their Carolyn. She weighed 8 ½ at birth & D 6-11 – He now weighs more and is quite a bit taller besides having more tan. Susie is a cute little child with curley hair. David’s hair curls when it’s damp but Carolyn’s is definitely straight. She has six teeth to David’s two. However, I think he will have more before long. He was so hard to do anything with today. He misses J. & M. (and so do I). They help so much in taking care of him.

[page 4] I would take him out in the yard & put him in the buggy – most of the time he was standing or trying to hang out head first. Maybe I am a little indulgent with him, but he seems to have such an urge to climb it seems out the question to hold him down. He knows what no-no means – when he want too. If he is in a good mood he laughs at it – if not he trys to cry – and if in a bad mood crys with all stops open.

I called Ruth M. to tell her I would be over to get J. & M. – Earl & Mark are going fishing tomorrow. Both boys said they weren’t ready to come home but I don’t want them to wear their welcome out and I need them here. Link left a $1.25 for John to mow his lawn next Wed. Statons went to Monticello today for a week. I think I’ll spend my vacation at home.

Love Mother

Very Quiet Around Here (Gladys)

2 Replies

: June 30, 1943 envelope

: June 30, 1943, p. 1

: June 30, 1943, p. 2-3

: June 30, 1943, p. 4

: June 30, 1943, p. 5

: June 30, 1943, p. 6

Letter transcription:

Kentland Ind
June 30, 1943

Dear Daddy –

Yours of June 21 & 22 came today and you had rec’d mineo f June 2 – 4 – & – 5 – The one of the 3ᵈ was air mail and I wrote it while Mark was coming out of the ether. I mailed it at the hospital. I stated the bank balance in a letter a few days ago, but after I get the Hancock ins. paid, rent, etc., I should have a balance of 150⁰⁰ – which will take the July 1 check – I have a balance now of about 90⁰⁰ – tomorrow or next day will get the 200⁰⁰ allotment. The rent will come out (48³³) and groc. bills – which are somewhat higher than they used to be, due

[page 2] to increase in price in about everything – so unless something comes up I haven’t counted on should with everything taken care of have a balance of around 150⁰⁰.

Had a letter from a music shop in Laf. that they have used grand piano for sale. If I get down there soon will go look at it. I really am not enthused about buying anything but do feel it is a shame for John not to have a good piano to work with. He took his music and Mark’s too along to practice on while they are at Ruth’s. Earl said they were on vacation but I told him it would do Mark good to settle down a little while each day and rest. Mark seems

[page 3] to be all over any nervousness but when he got over there Sunday he was so excited about seeing all his “friends,” I wonder if he won’t play too hard.

I hear David. He has had a nap and in good mood. Dorothy & Ruth played with him so much yesterday I was afraid he would be spoiled today but he seems as good as ever. He gets harder to handle every day. He is always reaching for something. If he keeps on at this rate I am afraid he will have to have plenty of love taps to keep him out of things – – Had to stop and fix lunch – Just put David down in his pen and he didn’t like the idea – He has been saying

[page 4] da-da for a long time – now he says mom-mom.

It is cool enough today to have heat turned on. Such a drastic change from Monday. It was cool yesterday too. Floyd came for Ruth about 6 P.M. yesterday. He didn’t have to go to Brazil after all so they were returning to Bluffton, but are going to C.C. for the 4^th – I don’t know yet whether Mother will feel like going any place by Sun. If not I’ll have to get someone to go with me to get the boys in Wilmington. The grass isn’t growing so fast now that it isn’t raining so often and not so hot so maybe the grass won’t need cutting before John comes back. Had the lawn mower worked on so it isn’t so hard to push.

Love Mother

[page 5] P.S. I just looked up the old policy & it was issued Dec. 24 – 1923 so this payment I will make in July pays it up. I rec’d the cancelled note today. The amt. of prems. Due in July on all three that are due amounts to 77.28. I have to buy an auto stamp today (last day) and that will be 5⁰⁰ – Also last day for meat stamps (red) and I have a few left. I bought 3 frys last week and still have enough left for several meals. I am going to try and get salmon with my meat stamps today. That & sardines are scarce articles. The only place I know of to buy canned chicken would be Chicago – Ruth Mutchler said she saw canned pheasant at the Stop & Shop in Chi. at $3.50 a can.

[page 6] If I can find suitable articles will send out another box – but hate to send them if you don’t get them. We can’t register letters or insure anything – at least I was told at the P.O. that registering didn’t insure delivery so quit doing that.

Zells have gone away for a week – John & Mark are gone – Statons are leaving soon and Bill & Arlene are talking about going to Wisconsin – I don’t know if all these vacations are going to be at the same time, but with the Zell girls & our boys gone it is very quiet around here. Irene had 5 moles burned off Sat. She asked the Dr. if she could go in swimming – She went to a Dr. in Indpls. She was afraid of skin cancer. Mary is having a baby & Mrs. James is going there to stay two weeks –

Love – Mother