Tag Archives: Ruth (Salter) Yegerlehner

First Anniversary of Pearl Harbor (Gladys)

: December 7, 1942 Envelope

: December 7, 1942, p. 1

: December 7, 1942, p. 2

: December 7, 1942, p. 3

: December 7, 1942, p. 4

Letter transcription:
Kentland Ind
Dec 7 – 1942
Dear Daddy –
After receiving four letters this morning I should be able to write a little better – also I went to Music Club this afternoon. My first Club meeting since Sept 22 – then I only attended the luncheon. Mrs. Shirk told me while I was at club that they called Dr. M. and he refused to go. Also several have told me similar stories. I didn’t know this until Clara M. worked for me last week but Mrs. Cunningham said he wouldn’t come when she called him for Frank and she called Dr. G. In case you missed my letter telling you Frank died. Some people seem to think it is your patients Dr. M. is independent with, but he always talks about missing you and wishing you were back. There is something funny.
We are still “enveloped” in winter weather – and tonight that is literally the truth. When I came home about 5 P.M., I noticed a fog rising off the snow and it kept moving up and over from the meadow across the street, and it is all around now. This makes such dangerous driving. I heard that all the hotel rooms are full tonight. I suppose anyone reaching town after the fog started

[page 2] decided to stay over rather than try to drive – since the roads are so slick. I don’t know how 41 is beyond town but in town it is covered with filmy packed frozen snow and is slick as glass. I won’t try to drive until the roads are safe.
The Lbr. Co. sent more coal out today – but Bun didn’t deliver it. Denver Perkins was helping. I don’t know who the other was. So we will have enough coal to meet the demands of this cold weather.
You keep mentioning the Federal tax so you surely haven’t rec’d my letters explaining about it. Agnes advises not to pay it – says it may be cancelled after the duration, but if you still insist on paying it I will. I just turned the papers over to her and she sent them in. If you get this – and want me to pay – mention my letter of this date (Dec 7).
Mrs. Roberts called and she had a letter from Joe and he wants you to write to him. I suppose you have since I sent you his address.
Mrs. Tilton told me this afternoon that Bob has entered officer’s training. I was trying to talk to someone else when she told me so didn’t catch all the details.
Red gave Coke a new record player for Christmas and she is going to have John over to hear a complete opera. The opera is on in Chicago now and I wish I could take John but with travel as it is now he will have to get his over the radio & on record.

[page 3]Tues. A.M. Will write a few lines more while D. takes a nap before bath time. If you have been getting my letters in which I mentioned the weather you will think I am a little strong on the subject but every day it is a little different. Last night I mentioned the fog – now this morning all the trees and shrubs are so thick with snowy ice they look like they have cake frosting on the. It is very beautiful. I can’t remember when we have had so much snow and weather like this so early in Dec. Maybe reading this will make you feel a little cooler.
Dorothy and Mildred Morton were going to Indpls [Indianapolis] today but I doubt if they go. There is still a lot of haze in the air and I imagine the roads are still slick as glass.
I am ordering Mark’s Christmas gifts today – Now I know you won’t approve but he wants ice skates and I am not keen on getting them but he wants them so much. Maybe I should be firm and say No! but if you could hear him. He says if he can’t have anything else he still wants skates. I am also getting him a tool chest and hope I can get him interested in doing shop work.

[page 4] They are buy stamps at school today. You know I got them to agree to buy $5⁰⁰ each out of their tens. They get such a big “kick” out of buying stamps in large quantities at school.
You said you had your mother’s box and I was trying to count how many were sent to you. I sent three (one was your laundry). Ruthie one, Ruth M. one, the Clubs of Kentland one, Boonie another one, and the Statons said they were sending one but don’t know whether they did. The Funks sent the pen & pencil set and I can’t think of who else, but these are the ones can recall now. But, all those had you first address except one or two of mine had “White Poppy” but since they were sent in Oct you should get them.
It is time to bath & feed the baby, then get lunch and do a few other necessary things.
Dr. Bushnell from Chicago is the one Joe met. Bushnell is in the Army.
Love Mother
P.S. – The V-mail greetings to J. & M. came today
©2013 copyright owned and written by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/08/14/first-annivers…-harbor-gladys/

Over the past year a lot has happened (Gladys)

4 Replies

: December 6, 1942 Envelope

: December 6, 1942, p. 1

: December 6, 1942, p. 2

: December 6, 1942, p. 3

: December 6, 1942, p. 4

: December 6, 1942, p. 5

Letter transcription:

Kentland Ind
Dec 6 – 1942

Dear Daddy –

Sunday afternoon and while David takes a nap I will start a letter. John has gone to a special band practice and Mark is looking at funny papers. We had another snow yesterday and it covered up the soot and smoke on our week-old snow. It was just the right kind to cling to the trees and live wires. It was tied up country traffic a lot. Cocoa Foulkes said this morning they could get only about 1/3 of the farmer’s products into the plant. They boys came home after Sunday School and I went to Church. The first time since last August. They had a special service today. We have heard a lot on the radio today about “Dec 7” (41). Looking back over the past year a lot has happened in our family.

You mentioned Dr. M. in one of your letters – Well, I saw Mrs. M. on the street one day this week and she said the Dr. said anytime we needed him to call. The baby doesn’t take orange juice very well – as a matter of fact he has gotten so he can’t retain it so I went down to his office and talked

[page 2] to him about it and asked him about giving tomato juice or tablets. Mark was in the car with the baby and when I went in and found the office empty took the baby in. He asked me what I was feeding him and when I told him dextri-maltrose he proceeded to tell me in not too diplomatic terms that Karo is the only baby food. Well I would have put him on that but they had already started him on D.M. before I knew it and since it agrees with him what difference does it make whether I use K. of D.M. I hope you didn’t talk to people like that – I remember what Dr. R. said when he put John on D.M. – he said “Mead Johnson makes only baby food, and in his opinion they knew more about what is good for babies than a Co. than doesn’t specialize – – so much for that.

The older boys have been to the youth fellowship and are back again. Had to coax Mark to go, then he came back and said he was glad he went. After they came home John made the remark that Mark is good looking. Right away Mark was interested and asked for my confirmation. I told him if he would eat and fill out he would be, so now he says he is going to start in the morning at breakfast with a large bowl of cream of wheat, and eat a lot.

Jack Benny, Phil Harris and the cast of the Jack Benny Show (Image courtesy of Wikipedia)

[page 3] Tonight Jack Benny announced that Phil Harris & his band have joined the Merchant Marines and this was their last night on the show. In case you didn’t hear the show, Phil was telling about his physical. They told him to go over to the Dr. and get a shot. He went to the Dr. & said, “OK Where’s the bourbon?” By the way, Dr. M said to tell you he wished you were back here. He isn’t the only one.

Ed Barce was here to get your address today. He thinks he is going to be sent out soon. He has been in Rennsalaer this week and was able to come home every evening. You will probably be hearing from him soon.

Now that we have weather cold enough to keep the pond frozen we have the usual traffic of skaters. Mark has been over a time or two but doesn’t stay long – says he gets cold. We saw a sleigh so past this afternoon. It was a large one with a dozen or more in it. This must seem very foreign to you at present with your hot sunshine and general summer weather. I am thinking about the big slush we will have when this snow melts. It will be very wet. Of course it will have to warm up quite a lot for such a thaw. I got the car out of the garage yesterday but was afraid I would get in a snow bank backing out.

The Hufty’s ambulance in which the grand trip to Lafayette was made. (Photograph courtesy of the Hufty family)

[page 4] I have gossiped along and not really said much. The bank bal. at present is 786.55 – that includes Dec allotment – Birthday gift & Christmas gift. I have been buying bonds regularily – but will have to buy two this month since I missed Sept & Oct – bought 2 in Nov. The boys each have one and thought I add to David’s 10⁰⁰ and get him another one. John & Mark are now saving 25¢ stamps and have 4 each in their books. They buy a stamp a week from allowance. Mark has practically spent his 5⁰⁰. I allowed him to spend out of his 10⁰⁰. I suggested they each put 5⁰⁰ out of their ten in stamps & they agreed. He was simply reeling with delight at the idea of spending 5⁰⁰ as he pleased. John bought a special needle for the phonograph and a reed for his sax and I think he has the rest of his money. By the time I do a little Christmas shopping I will lop the bank bal. down some, but will try to hold it down to a “loud roar.” I am going to send to Sears tomorrow for Mark’s tool chest and I think I’ll also him a new suit. – Mon morn – busy as usual – John said this morning – “Mother, what do you do all morning?” – Meaning it seems to me you would have time to bake a cake – I didn’t this A.M. 4 letters came and I have to read them. I did that while giving D. his 10 A.M. bottle. So glad you have at last learned about the grand trip to Laf Sept 22. Also glad you got your Mother’s box – Do hope you get the three I sent – the one Ruth M. & Ruth Y. sent. Have baby clothes in Bendix and must got take out –over-

[page 5] am going to a Christmas Tea at Nellie’s this P.M. Clara Molter is going to stay with Baby

Love Mother

Thanks for the space [?]

Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/08/11/over-the-past-…appened-gladys/

Many Happy Returns (Gladys)

5 Replies

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

Letter from Merton E. Knisely, Director of Iroquois Hospital

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

Dear Dr. Yegerlehner:

Many happy returns!

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

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

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

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

Sincerely yours,
Merton E. Knisely
Director

: December 2, 1942 Envelope

: December 2, 1942, p. 1

: December 2, 1942, p. 2

: December 2, 1942, p. 3

: December 2, 1942, p. 4

Letter transcription:

Kentland Ind
Dec. 2 – 1942

Dear Daddy –

Mennen’s Baby Oil advertisement, circa 1947

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Love Mother

P.S. Thanks for the newspaper

Post originally found at:

A news update (Gladys)

1 Reply

: 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/

Real Winter Weather (Gladys)

2 Replies

: December 2, 1942 Envelope

: December 2, 1942, p. 1

: December 2, 1942, p. 2

: December 2, 1942, p. 3

: December 2, 1942, p. 4

Letter transcription:

Kentland Ind
Dec 1 [2] – 1942

Dear Daddy –

We are enjoying (?) real winter weather. After the snow there has been an icy wind. I took David out for a walk – I know he was warm enough but my hands got so cold I decided I would have to get some woolen mittens to wear when pushing the buggy this winter. The boys had to get their money orders cashed and have written you letters of thanks. Mark went right to town and bought my Christmas gift and gave it to me. He got such a thrill from giving it I accepted and nothing said about giving it so soon. It is a cake saver and very nice one too. While in own got the sardines, crackers and mosquito cream. I will get a calendar and anything else I can think of and get the box sent out this week, maybe tomorrow.

When Jim was home he had brought Thelma a Navy Insignia pin. Mother thought it was just the thing and I thought Jim would get her one but

[page 2] when I wrote and asked him about it he said he was going to give her money for Christmas and for me to get the pin. I looked around but couldn’t find one, then asked Mr. Reinard if he could order one and I think it is just like the one Thelma has. It is a little difficult to get Mother something because she has everything she needs and I know she wants the pin. Maybe I should get one for your Mother too – give me your opinion. I thought I would send a year’s subscription to your folks of Reader’s Digest for their Christmas gift.

John has ordered his present from the Foster Shop and I am going to get Mark’s from Sears so my shopping this year is going to be simplified. I think I will get David a bond and a few little odds & ends, since he should have a $10⁰⁰ gift from the check.

It is 10 – and time to go upstairs. Just happened to remember – Tomorrow is the Plummer Wedding Anniversary and I ordered an African violet delivered to them tomorrow. Will write more in the A.M.

Wed morn – and it is cold – I don’t know how low it got but Eleanor Towers called me about Jr. choir practice and said it was 8 below early this morning. Mrs. Zell was going to take the children to school but got

[page 3] stuck in the snow trying to back the car out of the garage, so Mark walked. John had gone on but he doesn’t have so far to go. Bob Schurtter called a few minutes ago and said he would go get Mark & Virginia Zell. The 6-yr old Zell girl has been sick. Mr Z. said she is susceptible to chest cold. So far we have all been well. The boys are still taking the oral cold shots, and they must be effective. When David & Marie came up to see the Baby and the rest of us I told them about those cold tablets. David said he wished he could get some so I ordered a bottle from Sherman and sent on to him. Had a letter from Marie and said they were both taking them as prescribed. You probably will chuckle at my dispensing medicine – but I wouldn’t do that for just any one.

I got three letters today dated 23 – 24 – 25 and one back the 10^th. I thought I had all but looking back thru my file of your letters don’t have one postmarked Nov 10 – so guess I slipped on that one. I always look at the dates before opening so I won’t get ahead of your news.

Now about those pictures – I’ll admit some taken when I first came home from the hospital weren’t so “hot” but I did send several I thought were good. Maybe by now you have some

[page 4] better ones. I have a roll in the camera now and will finish it and send any good ones that turn out. We took several of the baby we thought should be good.

About that tax business. I wrote this before but again Agnes advises not to pay it, that after the duration it may be cancelled – and if not there won’t be any interest to pay on it.

Rec’d my checks today, your 4 letters, one from Mother and one from Ruthie. Also there was a birthday letter came from Iroquois Hospital and a notation to please forward. I’ll send it in the next letter. I have these things I mentioned yesterday, sardines, etc. but it is too too cold to go to the P.O. today – Will try to get them in the mail this week tho.

It is about time for the noon rush so will finish this so Mark can take it to the P.O. on his way to school. It really is too cold to take David out. He doesn’t have any cold but he has a “rattle” in his head – Mrs. Roberts said their children sounded like that too, so since he eats, sleeps, has no temperature, and has only the sound in his breathing I mentioned I suppose there is nothing to worry about. Thanks again for the money –

Love Mother

The boys have written thanking you too

Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/08/02/real-winter-weather-gladys/

Topics for conversation (Roscoe)

1 Reply

: December 1, 1942 Envelope

: December 1, 1942, p. 1

: December 1, 1942, p. 2

Letter transcription:

Dec 1, 1942

Dear mother,

I’m starting this early after noon day chow – Don’t know why – just didn’t have anything else to do. Our weather contrary to the past few days has been very cool. In fact last night we almost had to go to bed to get warm. Of course the sun is still hot but there is a much better breeze than the past few days. Weather always makes good conversation and since there isn’t much to write about it sure takes a beating.

Number two topic is mail but so far today that is a blank – but we never give up with that until after 1700. So I’ll save space near the end to give the latest report on that. Comparing my mail with many of the others around here I’m far ahead of them.

We have most of our rearranging done and now we have a room 16’ x 16’ with only three of us. There is a small dormer on each side about 4 feet wide which gives us a pretty good cross breeze.

Govt Got paid yesterday and had to pay my months mess bill. My pay for the half month was 46 – and the mess bill was 16.50 so I should have enough left for beer, tobacco, etc. In a few months I can send a little more home again but it takes time to build up much of a reserve. My share now amounts to about 92-3 $ per month and mess etc comes out of that not to forget stamps and writing paper which you’d be surprised how it counts up. So you see you are getting the lion’s share of the salary. But then you have everything to keep up so why not.

[page 2] We really can get along financially better than when I was at Norfolk because expenses are much less here.

We have a loud speaker here now for announcements. Something like in a hospital and it seems to be going most of the time. Even the bugle was blown over it this A.M. and there was no doubt about it being heard.

I suppose by now the stores are all getting ready for Christmas and are they putting up the town decorations this year as of old? I haven’t been to town for some time so don’t know what it being done here. It will be interesting to see what they do do during this time of year.

If I don’t get too lazy I’m going to write Floyd & R. this P.M. but I feel like first of all I should have a little relaxation. I’ll finish later.

The show is over – “The Magnificent Fraud” was pretty good. The winds blew pretty hard in our open air show house but the stars are pretty over head and since there is no moon now they stand out very pretty.

There was no mail in camp today so that was easily settled – maybe we’ll have better luck next time.

Well so long until next time
Lots of love
Daddy

Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/08/01/topics-for-conversation-roscoe/

A beautiful snow (Gladys)

1 Reply

: November 29, 1942, p. 1

: November 29, 1942, p. 2

: November 29, 1942, p. 3

: November 29, 1942, p. 4

Letter transcription:

Kentland Ind
Nov 29 – 1942

Dear Daddy –

Sunday afternoon and nearly time for Gildersleeve. John is working on his composing and Mark has gone out to get some snow to make ice cream. We had a beautiful snow beginning yesterday late in the afternoon & lasting through the night. It is the scenic kind and the shrubs were bending over from the weight. I took two pictures of the house and if they are good will send you one so you can think about our weather and maybe it will help you to imagine a cold Christmas now. We also took some pictures of the baby in the Den but don’t know whether the reflection from all the snow outside will make enough light. David weighed 10 lbs this morning and is really beginning to show signs of getting fat. Dr. Cole gave me a list of things to start him on beginning with his third month – egg yolk (3d mo.), cereal (4 mo.), vegetables (5 month) & fruit (6 mo). He said for me to take him off the 2 am feeding but he still wakes

[page 2]up for it and seems so hungry – I am still giving it to him but hope he will drop the habit himself. Last night (or rather this morning) when I was feeding him I noticed the furnace kept running – so I went down to see what was wrong. The top door was open so of course the temperature couldn’t build up. I shut the door and everything was “OK” again. Mark blew a fuse so our lights were out upstairs last night. I had Mr. Monroe come out to fix a drain and he said he wanted to look over the furnace again – He had checked it while I was in the hospital so it is in good running order now.

Statons were gone over the week-end and when they came home this evening had to stop before entering their driveway – due to the heavy snow covering it. I think Mrs. James & Jimmy had taken a vacation over Thanksgiving – due to gas rationing starting Tues – they like a lot of other folks took one last trip. I don’t know what rating Link will get – having to drive to work but he will get more than the 4 per we will get. Earl was worrying about not being

[page 3]get enough to drive to work – but I think he will be taken care of.

John & Mark have gone to the Sunday evening youth fellowship meeting. There is to be a social hour to follow so don’t know how long they will be gone.

Lucile Johnson went with us to Laf. Fri. She said she had been on a milk diet – her urine showed a trace of albumin and the Dr. wouldn’t allow her to have anything but milk for four days. She was very hungry and said she didn’t like diets and this would be her last pregnancy. I told her she wouldn’t feel that way about it after it is all over. Mrs. Beekman had her baby this week – I thought she would have her baby before I had David. Dr. M. said she had him worried because she gained 50 lbs.

It is less than a month till Christmas. I don’t know what we will do – due to gas rationing Ruth & Earl won’t be able to go anyplace and I don’t want to

[page 4] take the baby away from home as young as he is. Haven’t heard from Ruth & Floyd for a week so don’t know what they are thinking about doing Christmas. Floyd will be able to get more gas so they may go home.

Had a letter from Jim and he is trying to get a furlough to start Dec. 30 – so they won’t be here till after Christmas – if he does get to come. I have been trying to write this through several radio programs so am not sure whether I am making sense or not, and I haven’t been out since Fri so don’t have any news.

I will send a box this next week and maybe you will get it by Dec 25. I’ll put in the mosquito cream, and a few other odds & ends.

I am getting hungry – don’t know whether I can hold out for the boys to come back – We had baked chicken & dressing for dinner so there is plenty to pick on this evening.

I owe several letters so will try to get some written this evening.

Love Mother

Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/07/27/a-beautiful-snow-gladys/

November 22, 1942 (Roscoe)

1 Reply

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

: November 22, 1942 Envelope

: November 22, 1942, p. 1

: November 22, 1942, p. 2

Letter tanscription:

Nov. 22, 1942

Dear Mother,

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

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

: V-mail in envelope

: V-mail Christmas greeting

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

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

[page 2] is all I can say.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Daddy

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

November 22, 1942 (Gladys)

1 Reply

: November 22, 1942, p. 1

: November 22, 1942, p. 2

: November 22, 1942, p. 3

: November 22, 1942, p. 4

Letter transcription:

Kentland Ind
Nov 22 – 1942

Dear Daddy – Sunday evening and relaxing a little. David is tucked in (in the den until the 10 P.M. bottle). John has gone to the high school building to play in the band for the Community Thanksgiving service. Mark is staying home drawing. He didn’t want to go with John and it is cold and raining so I didn’t insist. I used to get a little restless on Sunday afternoons but with David to take care of he keeps me busy on Sunday’s too. (You will get tired reading such musings). I didn’t get any letters yesterday – none since Wed, but I’ll be looking for letters again tomorrow. I wrote Fri evening so in case I would not get time Sat. I finally got it mailed at Fowler. We left home about 9 A.M. Sat. and went to Purdue. We arrived a little before time for the broadcast to begin, so I called Dr. Ade from there for an appointment. He was going to the Purdue – I.U. game and wanted to leave the office by 12:30 – but said if we would come over as soon as

[page 2] the broadcast was over (11:55) he would try and take him but after rushing over there he said he wouldn’t have time – he was going to the game – so we had to wait until after said game – (I. U. won). I had left the baby & Mark at Funks. I wanted Mark to go along but he insisted on staying, and I didn’t want to be gone so long, but I had to stay – however the fame was over in good time and he was thru with John by 5 P.M. and we started right home. Since we have a 35 mi per hour speed limit we can’t dash home like you used to do but we made pretty good time. The baby had been good all day and much better off than trying to take him along. Your Mother & Kenneth were here while we were gone. They went on to Ruth Mutchlers and will stop here on their way home. They had intended to stay here Sat & Sun then go to Ruth’s but changed their plans. Your Mother knew I wasn’t going to be home because I had written her about taking John to the Dr. & to Purdue for the broadcast. She left a box of eggs at the back door. I don’t know what day they will be back but look for them Tues. Kenneth has been deferred until Jan. 1. I don’t know what Sam’s boys are doing. I think Earl has to go – probably with Kenneth.

[page 3] Ruth & Floyd stopped here on their way to Blue Island. Floyd appealed to the draft board at Brazil but they wouldn’t reclassify him – so he appealed to the State board – and his appeal won’t be received by the State board until Dec. Mr. Zell bought Floyd’s tools. He brought them along today. Floyd gave Mark a vise. I promised to get Mark a tool set for Christmas, if he doesn’t change his mind. Going back to the subject of John’s glasses. I have to take him back next week. Dr. Ade has moved down to the third floor and he & his wife are in the same suite. I suppose they did that so one office girl could do for both – the girl Dr. C. N. had when on the 7^th floor.

I saw Helen Sat. She was going to the game – her husband is an Ensign in the Navy. They had been in Mass, but he has been sent to San Francisco. She is staying with her folks but doesn’t know what she will do. She is seriously thinking of going to the coast. It would be something if you & Dan Heindle (Hindel) would meet. I am not at all sure about that spelling. I also saw Cracker. She was going to a show but walked around with me until we started home. I covered a lot of territory in Laf. yesterday, and must be normal again because

[page 4] all that walking didn’t bother me any. I am about ready to quit taking shots. I am feeling good and think if I start taking Vit. B by mouth instead by shots.

Mon. – I forgot about not finishing this and started another letter today so will send them together since I didn’t get this out on the morning mail. It seems like I want to tell you something and can’t think what it is – surely wasn’t very important – or I wouldn’t forget.

I have quoted the bank bal in nearly every letter It is still around 700 but won’t be when I pay Loebs & some insurance but I will inform you as I go along. The allotment comes every month. That bal. includes the birthday money. I haven’t been in a spending mood yet – and doubt if I will be. I feel like we should buy bonds and hang on to the rest. I would like to get John a good piano and if I get a chance at one will spend my birthday money that way but don’t know of any piano’s for sale except the new ones which are out of the question. I may get a coat if I see one I want – but why should I spend money on clothes now. I will not go much until David is older – don’t care to dress up while you are away. (Is that the right attitude?)

Love Mother

Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/06/22/november-22-1942-gladys/

November 20, 1942 (Gladys) Part I

4 Replies

Lots of little tidbits about local Kentland people in today’s letter:

Floyd E. Hoover was the proprietor of one of Kentland’s filling stations.
Hannah Whitacker was an 80 year old widow who lived with her son John.
John E. “Jack” Kindig was a local dairy farmer.
Curtis B. Kindig was another local farmer, brother to John.
Arthur Voglund was the custodian at the Newton County building. Vivian was his wife.

There were two Kenneth Jones in Kentland on the 1940 census. They were both about the same age and might have been the same person. Both were lodgers. One was a truck driver, and the other was a mechanic at a garage.

: November 20, 1942 Envelope

: November 20, 1942, p. 1

: November 20, 1942, p, 2

: November 20, 1942, p. 3

Letter transcription:

Kentland Ind
Nov 20 – 1942

Dear Daddy –

I didn’t get my letter started last night, so will have to try and relax a while now and see what I can think of that might interest you. I just gave David his 2 P.M. bottle and he is on one end of the couch kicking and hiccoughing and I am on the other end. He weighed 9 lbs 5 oz this A.M. He seems to be gaining much faster but if he does I don’t believe he will get overweight since he was so small at first. Hope you get the pictures we sent in yesterday’s letter. He seems much more developed than one month ago.

Last night the boys (John & Mark) went to see Fibber & Molly and they had just come home when Floyd & Ruth stopped. They were on their way to Flora [Florida] from Blue Island. Floyd had to go to Brazil today to present his case to the draft board. They will be back thru here Sunday so maybe he will know by then. I told them to bring your Mother back with them if she will come. She is planning to have Kenneth bring her up but perhaps she will come with Floyd & Ruth. Floyd sold his tools to Mr. Zell and is to bring them Sun. He has a moving picture camera. Ruth saved 25⁰⁰ in silver and gave to him for his birthday. He took that and the tool money & bought the camera. I hope they get here in time Sun. to take some pictures of the boys (all three).

I have been so busy all day, haven’t had time to read the papers but glanced at the Enterprize and saw that Jack Kindig died at Watseka & Curtis is very ill in a hospital in Michigan. Also Mrs. Whittaker

[page 2] died from a heart attack.

The reason for being so busy today – washed. Going to Laf. [Lafayette] tomorrow and it is such a nice day wanted to get the washing done. It is still very warm for Nov. Warm enough for me to hang out clothes without gloves on. I suppose in a day or two it will be zero or if not that cold, much colder than now. I know I wasn’t hanging clothes out this late last fall. I have been taking the baby out every afternoon this week. Walked over to the high school and registered yesterday. We have an “A” rating. The rationing won’t begin until Dec. 1. It was to start Nov. 22 but was changed. I am going to keep the tank filled so when it starts I will be that much ahead. Of course there won’t be any place in particular to go but in case I would need to make a trip I will have a little ahead.

Had a card from Jim this morning and he wants to know what to buy the boys for Christmas. I think I’ll write and tell him they are filling 25¢ stamp books and he may buy stamps if he wants to. John says all he wants is an album of records and I have ordered that at the Foster shop. Mark thinks up something new every week or so. The latest is ice skates. Before that it was a tool chest. The other day he came in and wanted me to buy him a pony. I think he had been talking to Floyd Hoover. You can guess it didn’t take me long to nip that in the bud. I told him that was one thing definitely out of the question.

[page 3] It looks like the new post office in the Chev. Building is about ready for occupation.

Yesterday Vivian Voglund saw me and asked if she owed anything. I told her I had a charge but didn’t know if it was right or not. She paid 2⁰⁰ – said she hadn’t paid before you left. I wish a few more with larger bills would pay up. She says Art [Arthur Voglund] is with A.C.B. and is a first class Seaman and will be sent out she is afraid. I see in the paper that Kenny Jones is at sea now.

I haven’t had any letters for three days. I will probably get a bunch tomorrow (I hope). Just hope you continue to get mail and that all those Sept. letters get to you. Ruthie said last night her box wasn’t marked for Christmas so you should get it before the Dec 25^th boxes. However it was a pretty good sized box. There was a shirt from your laundry we tucked in to help pad it. It was well wrapped so shouldn’t be in such a bad shape if & when it arrives.

For a few days I put the bank bal down but haven’t done if for a while now. It is still around 700, but will have some Ins to pay in Dec (John Hancock). Of course will have the allotment to add Dec. 1.

I am a little tired and can’t seem to do very good thinking. David is sleeping so think I’ll nap to.

Love Mother

Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/06/21/november-20-1942-gladys-part-i/ ‎