Tag Archives: Shirley (Ward) Yegerlehner

Beautiful Eyes

Letter transcription:

7-7-64

Dear David and Bonnie:

Tues. evening. We had a hard rain today so the lawn will be in shape for mowing in a day or so. Dad finished the fence so the little dogs next door can’t come over so easily. If they do they will get a bebe or two. When Mark was here for the 4^th he said Dad was pulling “an Uncle Mutch.” At least we haven’t been bothered since he gave three of four of them a pelting last Friday evening.

While Mark & Shirley were here Shirley and I took the children to see Mrs. Myers. Mrs. M. said Kirk has beautiful eyes – in fact she said he is a beautiful child. Of course, his grandmother agreed. You remember the little dog in a basket the girls gave Dad for Christmas? The children discovered it on this visit and Shirley wouldn’t let them have it, but would wind it up and let them watch it. Kirk would get so excited he would act like he would explode. We found it a nice interlude to amuse them. Kirk doesn’t say much but he certainly can communicate without words. Becky seems to have much more fun with him. They play together very well now – and get into trouble together. If M. & S. take a vacation – they weren’t sure because of some unforeseen financial stress – had to buy a new refrigerator – they are going to leave Kirk here. I think we will be able to get along with him if he stays with us.

If John’s plans go according to schedule he should be on his way to Hong Kong

[page 2] at this time since it is Thursday there, and that is departure day.

We are going to the Hospital Administrator’s home this evening to show them some pictures. Mrs. Wahler seems quite interested. We have selected 480 pictures from the whole trip so we are giving a selected round the world program. We watched an 80 hr. trip which Chicago Tribune sponsored. We saw it Sunday evening. A travel agent Harvey Olson (the one L. Kresler works for) and a photographer and another man made the trip. We saw some familiar sights.

Dad had to leave home at 5 a.m. for a baby case. He also has some surgery scheduled so I have no idea when he will be home. Probably not for lunch.

I am trying to get ready to attend School of Mission in Greencastle and hope I won’t have an infection this year. I am not sure about John’s homecoming date. I want to meet him at airport and can’t very well be in Greencastle and O’Hare at the same time. He may not get home before July 24 and I will be home by then.

We haven’t heard from the McGraws. Have you? We wondered about them and the earthquake in Japan.

Love Mother

©2016 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2016/12/31/beautiful-eyes/

Her Grandmother’s Favorite Granddaughter

1 Reply

Letter transcription:

7-3-64

Dear David and Bonnie:

This mail has accumulated in the past few days, so thought I had better get it forwarded to you – not that it amounts to much. Mark and Shirley and the children came last night and are going back to Roselle tomorrow. They are both (the children) very tanned and very lively. We have had some rain today, so they have played in the house most of the time. Kirk says Ma-ma (sounds like a mama doll) dog and NO and that is about the extent, so far, of his vocabulary, but he is pretty sharp. He climbs all the time and must be going to climb mountains because nothing seems to discourage him. Becky talks constantly like a recording, but is as cute as ever and still her grandmother’s favorite granddaughter. Last night we showed the wedding pictures and then some pictures of the children. Both children sat very still and seemed to get quite a thrill out of seeing themselves on the screen. John is receiving mail from U. of I. I have talked to the Professor he will be assistant to, over the phone. He wanted to know how he could get in touch with John. John should be beginning his journey home next Wed., which will be Thurs. in Indonesia. I have sent one letter to Hong Kong in care of Miramar Hotel for John. I am about out of paper and it is time for another patient to come in, so must get this in the mail.

Love Mother

©2016 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2016/12/30/her-grandmothers-favorite-granddaughter/

Speaking Program

1 Reply

Letter transcription:

June 25, 1964

Dear David & Bonnie:

Dad brought the enclosed home (more free samples) so I thought I would get them in the mail – not that Bonnie needs them this soon, but so I won’t forget to send them. I think you can use them in the same dispenser – these tablets are made by a different company, but Dad says they are the same with a different name.

Dad had to go on an emergency call Sunday evening just before time for guests to arrive, but he was home before we had finished eating dinner. Alma came for a little while on her way back to Urbana. She left the pictures she took at the shower and wedding and I sent them in to have duplicates made and got prints instead. Will just have to send them back for more duplicates. The pictures she took of you and Bonnie coming out of the Church is better than the one my camera took. I am having an enlargement made of it and will send you one when it finally comes back from the photo shop.

Mark called Sunday evening and said Kirk was running a temperature and they couldn’t get a Dr. so Dad gave a druggist a Rx over the phone. I called Shirley Monday evening and Kirk had improved. She said she gave him some jello and milk and he tossed it then a little later he found a cucumber and ate it and kept it down, so I decided he must be much better.

All of your stock certificates have come back but Sperry. I sent your Blue Cross policy last week.

Last night I went to Morocco and gave a program for WSCS – my subject, Hong Kong. I wore my silk dress I had made in HK and heard a lot of ohs and ahs. The group all seemed to enjoy the program and looking at my art objects. I also took the extra saree along. I think I could have taken orders if I would have wanted to go into business.

This is one of those Thursdays when the telephone isn’t bothering too much. Dad has finished mowing the lawn and looking for something else to do, or maybe nothing to do.

Father Fallon was found dead in his house by another priest this morning. He (Father F) was just in our office Tuesday evening for a Rx.

Alma is supposed to stop this evening. She said she was having a long weekend, since she doesn’t have classes tomorrow.

Have you heard from Bonnie’s parents? We were just wondering if they got out of Japan before the earthquake. Let us know what you hear from them.

Love Mother

P.S. Sending pills later.

©2016 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2016/12/28/speaking-program/

New Suits in Hong Kong

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Letter transcription:

Feb. 4, 1964

Dear David:

We talked to John today but didn’t get name of hotel where we will be staying so unless it is something urgent send our mail after we leave here to Bangkok. I suppose you could send it to Ubud, Bali, Indonesia, General delivery. We took a tour of Hong Kong Island today and saw quite a few sights. Our guide took us into a Chinese market. You wouldn’t believe it unless you see it. We snapped a few pictures. We ate lunch at Floating Restaurant and had so much we weren’t hungry enough to eat dinner tonight. Dad did have a sandwich at about 10:30. We are going to get a tour of Wesley Village tomorrow. I brought my Prayer Calendar along so looked up the Methodist people here. I called a Rev. Kenneth McIntosh. He was very accommodating and has arranged several things for us. He invited us to church Sunday. When I first talked to him I told him we were planning to attend, so he thought we would be interested in attending the original Methodist church in H.K. We have another agency tour Thursday. I ordered a suit made for you and I hope it fits and that you will like material I selected. I hope it is satisfactory on both counts because it wasn’t cheap. Dad is having a suit made and I am having a suit & coat. I sent Shirley a hand decorated sweater and skirt material. Since I measured her, I wasn’t too sure and thought best not to try to have anything made for her. We have been hearing from people at the hospital regularly. Had letters from Edna & Arvella yesterday. Arvella had to get glasses to wear when she reads. She said Edna is still having trouble with her teeth. I wrote to Bonnie’s mother today and told her when we would be in Malacca.

[page 2] Give the Kings my regards and remember what I said about not wearing your welcome out. The Chinese New Year is Feb. 13 and to celebrate we heard on news today water will be turned on several hours that day. We have to take a bath either between 6:30 & 7:00 p.m. or 7:30 & 8:00 a.m. That is when water is in pipes in hotels. In the homes here they get water once every 4 days. Our guide says they have to store water in cans to have enough to get along between the 4 day periods. The rainfall has been short here the past year and reservoir is low. They depend on rainfall for all their water supply. A new reservoir is being built but isn’t ready yet. There is a carrier “parked” in harbor which we have seen since we have been here. It makes a pretty sight when it is lighted at night. The lights on Hong Kong Island across harbor also affords us a beautiful view day and night. It is getting late, so will have to finish this.

Love Mother

©2016 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2016/12/08/new-suits-in-hong-kong/

Reef Hotel

1 Reply

Letter transcription:

Monday Jan. 13 – 1964

Dear David –

We went to the oldest protestant church on the island yesterday – Central Union Congregational. We visited Shirley’s brother & family in the afternoon and evening. We are really enjoying the climate. I thought you would be interested in this newspaper sheet. We are about ready to go out here in Honolulu on our own today. Will begin outer island tours tomorrow. Will be back here Friday and leave for Japan Sat.

Love Mother

©2016 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2016/11/25/reef-hotel/

The Grand Tour

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Itinerary, p. 1

In January 1964, Dr. and Mrs. Yegerlehner left Kentland for a three-month tour of the world. While Roscoe served during WWII, he often wrote of his desire to enjoy the exotic places with Gladys; the beauty surrounding him was wasted on a bunch of stag men. It took a couple of decades, but Roscoe and Gladys did eventually see the world. Avid travelers in their later years, they ventured to every continent, I believe, except Antarctica. A few mementos of their travels still remain in my possession. Roscoe and Gladys took many photographs during their journey. As I continue to scan and organize their collection of slides, look for the occasional photograph to illustrate their letters.

According to their itinerary, Roscoe and Gladys began the tour by flying out of Chicago to Los Angeles, then headed first to Hawaii. What a warm treat for the Indiana couple, escaping the throes of winter!

As part of the trip, Roscoe and Gladys would travel to Indonesia where they would spend almost two weeks visiting John. The travel agency prepared a list of stops and addresses for Mark and David so they could write letters to their parents.

Gladys sent David a postcard after they arrived in Hawaii:

Dear David –
We had a smooth flight. Received traditional welcome of leis and kisses. At hotel a mistake had been made about our room, so manager put us in a Penthouse on top floor with view of Pacific – Diamond Head and about half of Honolulu. Could see a show around swimming pool from our balcony. Had to move to own room this a.m. – nice while it lasted. We are taking tour of Oahu today. Will visit Shirley’s brother & family tomorrow. Nothing planned for Mon. but take outer Island tour. Tues.-Wed.-Thurs.-Fri.-Sat. then start for Tokyo. We are really relaxing and enjoying this 76 temp.
Love Mother

©2016 copyright owned and written by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2016/11/23/the-grand-tour/

Shots and Vaccinations

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Letter transcription:

[Wright 533 – handwritten by David]
10-11-63

Dear David:

For your information I deposited
9-16 $300.00
9-25 $50.00
9-26 $35.00
9-27 $30.00 (and gave you $40.00 in cash while you were still here – besides the $5.00 for birthday)

You had better try and get your bank account up to date. My adding machine totals the above amount at $455.00. The last time I asked you had a bal. of $88.

I wrote Bonnie a note this morning. I think she left a scarf here. If it is hers I will send it to her. A record came for Gary today. Dad asked me what I was going to do with it and I said just leave it on David’s desk until he comes home Thanksgiving time. If Gary wants it, it will cost 14½ postage to get it down to Bloomington. I thought I was through forwarding things to him.

We had the childrens’ pictures taken Saturday. Red Harris and Marge took them, and I think they did a very good job. We plan to go to Chicago next Thursday to get our Yellow Fever shots (have to go to a Center to get those shots) and after Mark and Shirley see the pictures and take the ones they want I will send you one of each.

I have had a typhoid and paratyphoid shot and a smallpox vacc. I have to get two more typhoid, a cholera, typhus and the Y.F.

I have to stop at Sears and get a seat cover for the Chevrolet. I got one and part of it was missing so had to send it back.

Love Mother

©2016 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2016/11/16/shots-and-vaccinations/

Draft Board Letter

5 Replies

Letter transcription:

[Wright 533 – handwritten by David]

Dr. R.S. Yegerlehner
Physician and Surgeon
103 North Second Street
Kentland, Indiana

Sept. 20, 1963

Dear David –

A letter came for you from Draft Board. We opened it – just in case it was of an urgent nature. It is just a form, but you had better take care of it at once.

I sent you a note and $5.00 for your birthday. Hope you received it OK.

The weather has cooled of some. I hope it is nice tomorrow for the movers (Mark & Shirley).

Did you see Sperry closing for Thurs.? Just in case you didn’t it was over 17 (17 3/8) so that should make you feel a little more wealthy. Do you want to sell?

Love Mother

Jealous of Kirk

1 Reply

Letter transcription:

Sat. the 9^th, 1963

Dear David:

Just finished writing to John so thought I had better dash off a line to you.

We went to Chicago Thursday to visit some more travel agencies. I think Dad thought last night when we were spending the second night of going over travel folders that we had too much and it was beginning to get a little confusing, but I think we will be able to get something on paper before long. We found a travel agent we think is pretty good, so I think I will call her – she said to call her collect any time – and tell her what we want and have her fix a trip for us. Dad would like to go part way by ship. Except for the relaxation, I would rather go by air all the way, but since he likes sea travel I think we should go part way by sea.

We stopped to see Shirley and the children. You won’t know Kirk the next time you see him. We hardly knew him ourselves he has grown so much in the past month. Becky definitely does not want grandma to have anything to do with Kirk. When I would hold him she would insist that either her mother or poppa hold him, but not grandma. I don’t want her to be jealous of Kirk so it looks like I may have a problem on my hands until she gets a little older. She had a puzzle that she worked in a flash. Of course it was the most elementary kind, but she knew exactly where every piece belonged.

I presume you have heard from Dr. Bailey about a meeting you will have to attend to get your preaching permit – or whatever it is you have to attend the meeting for. I haven’t talked to Rev. Fields recently about you, but will try to see him tomorrow about when you will have to come home for the Board Meeting.

We are still in the grip of winter. The two days of balmy weather just served to melt some of the snow down and now we not only have snow, but ice and snow on our driveway and on most of the streets around town. Chicago was the dirtiest place I think I have seen this winter. There were still piles of snow, but it looked more like piles of coal. Kentland looked so clean when we got back here late in the afternoon. We had intended to make our trip to Chicago a little vacation outing, but one of Dad’s baby cases didn’t cooperate, so we hurried up there and back. We did stop at Tiebels long enough to eat on the way home.

Love Mother

Shirley’s Grandmother

1 Reply

Letter transcription:

[Wright 533 – handwritten by David]
Wed. Mar. 13, 1963

Dear David –

I am at my desk today trying to get a few things done that have accumulated in the past 9 days. Shirley’s grandmother passed away Sat. a.m. Mark had come Friday night to help with the children. He took Becky to Indpls. Sun. a.m. after I went to Sunday school (I didn’t stay for church, so he could get on his way). I kept Kirk and they came back yesterday afternoon to get him. Shirley was getting a sore throat, etc., so they stopped at the office for a shot of penicillin. I hope it stopped her ailment. She was probably tired from helping with her grandmother’s care. They plan to come the weekend of Apr. 5 which will be before your spring vacation begins. We have taxes to finish before the middle of April so thought they had better come the 5^th. You won’t know Kirk. He is growing very fast and is quite an “eater.” Whereas Becky didn’t always want to eat when 4 hours toll around Kirk is ready for his food and no monkey business. It seems a little quiet around here today after having company for more than a week. I will go to the office today – I had a vacation from that while the children were here.

Dad was on emergency duty yesterday and was in the hospital most of the day and after coming home for three hours went back to help on bone surgery until nearly midnight. He took care of three accident patients – two of the three requiring bone surgery.

[page 2] The DePauw Choir will be in Kentland for a performance tomorrow evening. I was asked to buy tickets but I think I won’t make the effort to go. The Tri Kappas are sponsoring the event and since I don’t belong to said organization feel no obligation to go.

I have much work awaiting me on my desk so should get this finished.

I bought a new Bible Dictionary thru the Bookshelf. It is the first good one I have had. It has a lot of interesting information in it. I used one of the circulars that had come to you to order. J. Kain wanted a commentary, so got that also besides the dictionary.

The weather today is about as uninteresting as possible, but at least we are rid of the snow and ice and Dad says he can see a little green showing on the roses. We thought the roses were probably killed, due to the severe winter.

I put a $2.00 dividend check from GM in your account.

Love Mother