Tag Archives: Silvester Schiele

Letter from Aunt Jessie

: January 3, 1946 envelope (front)

: January 3, 1946 envelope (back)

Letter transcription:

January 3, 1946, p. 1

Dear Gladys and Roscoe –

I am sending, parcel post, a box containing ties, socks and underwear. Now you may not wish to wear such but – if you have any feeling about this please give them to someone. I shall understand. I know you do not need such but I preferred you whom Silvester admired

January 3, 1946, p. 2

[page 2] so much thru the years to have these.

So hard to go on without Silvester but strength is given and I must carry on as he would wish.

Hope you are all well and that the new office is installed completely.

With love,
Jessie

Jan. 3, 1946

©2016 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2016/07/21/letter-from-aunt-jessie/

Strings Attached (Gladys)

1 Reply

September 19 (or 20), 1945 envelope

Letter transcription:

September 19 (or 20), 1945, p. 1

9-19-45 [sic 20?]

Dear Daddy –

After a warm day yesterday we had a thunderstorm last night. It is sunny today and brisk after the rain. David is playing out in the sunshine and getting along very well by himself. Martha doesn’t come over so much. He is learning to grab and hold on and when he doesn’t give up to her she tells him she will go home if he isn’t nice to her. This morning he didn’t seem to mind her leaving. He stayed with me in the kitchen while I was getting lunch ready. I had to go get groc. before lunch. Saw Dorothy and she was still not so good. She said she needed a good Dr. I also saw Geneva Simons and she said they had all had the flu and I asked if they had ever had the baby’s tonsils taken out – she said no, they were waiting for you to come back.

The Gas Co. sent us our meter refund less the $1.53 – guess they woke up after so long. They hadn’t rec’d my not when this was mailed. The whole amt. was $8.36 – less $1.53 – ck. for $6.83.

Had a letter from your Mother. Our letters crossed too. I had written her Tues. Uncle Wes wrote her that you were coming home so she knew something about it before getting my letter.

Last night Arlene called me and asked if I could come down. Bill was out of town but came home while I was there. He said they got Dale Jones discharged. However he had been in the Army 3½ yrs. with 23 months overseas.

September 19 (or 20), 1945, p. 2

[page 2] Bill had been in Indpls. Yesterday and had called on the Gov. He said the Gov. didn’t get up to the Lodge with Ira Dixon’s party – but Bill said a number of his “Henchman” did. (That’s what he said.) Bill seems to think he could so something. However I told him I didn’t think so. Anyway I would rather just wait – because thinking of the past, people around here didn’t think much of the trips to Wash. to keep certain corn men out of service. I think you have expressed the same feeling in the past – just wait and get out on your gown then no strings attached. I think some people would enjoy reminding you that they had done so much for you. What am I yapping about? You haven’t suggested anything like that.

The Nu-Joy wreckage is getting cleaned up fast. They were burning some of the debris yesterday and there was such a high wind, they had to call the fire dept. So much of the equip. that wasn’t entirely burned was moved up to the Nu-Joy hotel or barn.

David is pestering around so I must go out in the yard with him (as promised).

Love,
Mother

©2016 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2016/05/27/strings-attached-gladys/

Thank You from Aunt Jessie

2 Replies

Letter transcription:

Chicago, Illinois
Sept. 12, 1945

Dear Gladys: We arrived at our own door just 4:30 P.M. every thing unpacked, our dinner over, dishes washed a fire in the grate and now to write notes (no cards) thanking all who were so kind to us giving us such a good time. It was splendid to be in your home again and have the visit and admire the blessed boys – only regret that Roscoe so far away yet this moment he is coming closer. We do hope you will have time for a good visit and that soon he will be home to stay. Silvester feels a bit tired but we will retire early and the morning will find him ok. Again our thanks.

Much love,
Jessie and Silvester

September 12, 1945

©2016 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2016/05/21/thank-you-from-aunt-jessie/

Toss His Cracker (Gladys)

5 Replies

September 8, 1945 envelope

Letter transcription:

September 8, 1945, p. 1

9-8-45

Dear Daddy –

I rec’d two letters yesterday so didn’t get any today. Probably get two or three Mon. They have been coming pretty regularly. Dorothy came out yesterday and said Bobby had gotten some rat poison she had put out for the mice. It was on a cracker and he bit off one corner before she knew he had it. She told me when they came back from their vacation what she was going to do and I wondered at the time if it was wise to put poison out. The cracker he got was in the cabinet under the sink. They tried to get him to throw-up but he never did. She got Babe Carrol & Pauline Dennis and Babe even stuck her finger down his throat but “no go.” Nick went to see Dr. M. and he gave some medicine that should have made him “toss his cracker” but it didn’t work. He seemed perfectly OK when she was here with him in the afternoon. I told her he evidently didn’t get enough to hurt him. She said she knew he got some because she could smell it on his breath. Bernard Funk’s little girl drank iodine and had to be taken to the hospital and have her stomach pumped.

We are having rain today and cool. I am glad we got our washing done yesterday. Mark is trying to finish the lawn. He started this morning but didn’t hurry and had to stop between rains. Sammy has been here and of course he can’t work as fast if he has company.

September 8, 1945, p. 2

[page 2] Mark went to the fair with Zells yesterday afternoon. They stayed until late – saw the stage show. John didn’t go out and I didn’t either. I couldn’t get up any enthusiasm about any part of it.

Had another letter from Jim. It was written Aug. 19 and he didn’t seem to know the war was over. He said they dropped anchor near an island not long ago (before Aug. 19) and picked up a letter from me. Maybe by now he knows. Don’t they have radios on ships and don’t they keep up on the latest?

Uncle Wes & Aunt J. plan to come back Wed. and be here for dinner. Aunt J. sent me a card. Mom had received the picture of D. I sent for her birthday.

We listened to a Comdr. Crum on a radio program today. Thought he might give out something but it was all about Army discharges. However, he promised the points for Navy overseas duty will be given out soon. He said it would probably be ¼ point for each month, which will give you about 5. He invited anyone to write him on any questions they have and he will answer. He said this is a free country so feel free to ask. Anything you want to know. If I thought I would find out anything I would write the big question in our minds.

Dr. Hungess is gone on a month’s vacation and Irene changed the baby’s feeding this week. She put him on S.W.A. Maybe he told her to do that if he didn’t get along – but he is past 2 months old now – I would think a little advanced for that type of feeding.

Mark is waiting to take this –
So Love Mother

© 2016 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2016/05/15/toss-his-cracker-gladys/

Pictures from Missouri (Gladys)

2 Replies

September 5, 1945 envelope

Letter transcription:

September 5, 1945, p. 1

9-5-45

Dear Daddy –

This being fair week the stores will be closed today, Thurs. & Fri. PM’s. School will be closed Fri. Mark wants to go out for the day with Buddy – but what they can find to do out there a while day is a mystery to me. Mark went yest Monday evening with Statons so he may have changed his mind by now. The mail hasn’t been delivered yet, it being just past 9 o’clock. I finished the dishes and put dough to raise in the sun by the piano – the only place I could find. I promised the boys hot rolls for lunch.

I went to Brook with Norma yesterday – their locker here is full and she had corn to put in, so took it to their Brook locker. I took your brown suit to the tailor at Brook. Lucile said Ed took an overcoat to have a hole repaired and that he did good work. I also stopped at the upholstery place. T seems hard to find the man but I talked to his wife. She said he had enough tapestry material to cover a davenport – someone ordered it and then didn’t take it. It is turquoise (a greenish blue) flecked with a rose flower. I thought if perhaps he would make me a good price on the job I might go ahead with hit. Since he doesn’t have much other material to work with he should be able to get this job done. She (his wife) says he restyles furniture, and from the looks of things I don’t think he is very high in his prices – but I have heard he does good work.

The roll of film I took in Mo. turned out about 50%. There was one miss – I forgot to turn the camera

September 5, 1945, p. 2

[page 2] and lost one picture. I’ll enclose what I think you will care to see. My picture was not good, so I am not sending it. I hope by now you have received the first pictures I sent – David’s & our group.

Yours of Aug. 30 just came – had been misspent to La Fontaine, Ind. I was glad you could get out for a while. We haven’t had much social life since coming back, but that isn’t exactly necessary see we see people we know every day and the boys are in school. I go to town every day or so in the afternoon and visit a little while with the crowd in at Krulls. Lucile called me this morning to give me a bit of news. Arlene had bridge club last night and announced that she is having a baby in 3 months. I don’t believe anyone knew it – however I thought Arlene was looking unusually good and “plump.” She must be different this time because she usually gets very large. She says she is going to have 6. Mark wondered if we could have a little baby girl – not adopted – but one of our own. I said “why” and he said he thought it would be nice. I said “is it because of Karen,” and he grinned and said “yes.” He thinks Karen is tops. I told him to take the matter up with you when you come home.

Uncle W. & J. stopped on their way to C.C. They are to be here for dinner the day they return home – sometime next week. They wanted to know if there was anything they could bring back and I said some evergreens.

Mrs. Capes called me about something and she said Doris is in San F. Her husband, a Dr. in the Navy has ship duty and is out now in the Pacific. Mrs. C. thought you might call Doris (Mrs. Wm. Douglas) W.9718.

David is trying (not too hard) to take a nap. He is on one of his tears today and I doubt if he goes to sleep. If he doesn’t take a nap he will go to bed earlier tonite. It has been very cool, but is getting warm today – the temp. is supposed to get up to 90°.

I’ll try to get a camera and take this other roll and send you some brand new ones – (Hope you get back by then.)

Love Mother

©2016 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2016/05/08/pictures-from-missouri-gladys/

John’s Fifteenth Birthday (Gladys)

3 Replies

August 22, 1945 envelope

Letter transcription:

8-22-45

August 22, 1945, p. 1

Dear Daddy –

Wed. a.m. and John’s birthday. Your gift to John came in the mail along with a letter from Uncle Wes. And the radio tube which doesn’t help the radio. Also a card from Clingenpeel – he is coming to tune the piano the 28^th. John has an appointment with Dr. Ade the 28^th – so I’ll have to send John down on the bus – however, his appoint isn’t until 3 PM so I don’t know yet what I’ll do. I don’t care to make the trip – don’t like the idea of tire trouble between here & there. Uncle Wes said they were going to C.C. in Sept. I am going to ask them to bring those evergreens back if they will have room.

We got 20 qts. of beans canned yesterday in the pressure cooker. I took the last four off at about 8:30 – also put 6 qts. peaches in the locker. There are some ready to put in today. The peaches are very nice. I wanted to get another bu. To cold pack, but John says to put more in the locker. We heard yesterday that the point value would be reduced about 2/3 on beef & veal – in Sept. and possibly taken off a little later. Mrs. Zell gave me about 180 pts. Monday. We have had hamburger & have a steak put back.

August 22, 1945, p. 2

[page 2] I haven’t contacted Loughridge yet, but intend to before mailing this.

John wants a choc. cake with choc. frosting for today. He was looking for ice cream receipts but decided to buy some.

Traffic has stopped up on 41 noticeably. Ed took John out Sun. afternoon for about an hour. He said he did fine. I had John run the car in the driveway last night – I had backed it out so the coal truck could back in – Chet sent some black yesterday. Its holds heat – I mean fire better.

Mark is to take a music lesson this a.m. at 10 – Gertrude said she thought John should go into Chicago somewhere for lessons. I want to talk to her today. I called her yesterday and made Mark’s appointment.

The Koon’s took the Statons to play golf yesterday. Mrs. K. said she would come out and pay the rent today. I hope she does – it will save me getting a ck. cashed. Irene is still having trouble with her left foot. She said the only help she could get is to play golf – getting up a good ‘sweat.” She is going to a specialist in Chicago for diagnosis.

David is being a little unhappy about something – keeps wanting money – but he looses it and I told him he couldn’t have any more.

– 3 p.m. I have tried to contact Loughridge, but have had no success. Should I try Sears for an estimate? I don’t like to deal with people who don’t care enough about business to go after it. We are having ice cream & cake for the neighbor children.

Love Mother

©2016 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2016/04/11/johns-fifteenth-birthday-gladys/

A Little Ahead (Roscoe)

4 Replies

: February 16, 1944 envelope

: February 16, 1944, p. 1

: February 16, 1944, p. 2

: February 16, 1944, p. 3

: February 16, 1944, p. 4

Letter transcription:

Lieut. R.S. Yegerlehner USNR
USN Base Hosp. #4
Navy 133
F.P.O. San Francisco Calif.
Feb. 16, 1944

Dear Mother,

A Kentland Democrat came yesterday and in glancing thru it I found John’s name mentioned twice, both of which I hadn’t been informed. One was the entertainment at the County farm by he, Rev. Servies & the Wood girl and the other was the honor roll for the eighth grade. Neither item was very important and it probably just slipped your mind or you may have written both items and they didn’t arrive. I mean the letters because I don’t believe all the letters have come thru. I haven’t check on which letters may be missing

[page 2] now in a long time. I have a

I have all the letters you have written so far and would like to bring them home but in case of any question of weight I may have to destroy them. There is considerable weight involved you know in that many letters. Of course weight may not be a factor depending upon the way orders might come – when they come??

So far today no mail and I hardly look for any since we have had so much in the past few days. Mail just came – so hold the phone.

Just finished reading your three in two letters Feb. 1 & 2 and Feb. 3. A v-mail letter came from U. Wess and one from Mom – air mail dated Feb. 5. That was the latest this time. One of your letters had D’s picture – Very good picture

[page 3] It sure does help to get the mail a little regular. I forgot all about Ground Hog Day – both you and Mom mentioned it but this certainly doesn’t seem like Feb. In fact it seems to be more turned around than last year. You know how it is when you have to stop and think of what day and date it is well I have to stop and think what month it is.

This time last year is a never to be forgotten time because I was moving from one station to another and I did remember Valentine’s Day because being in a travel status I was on a ship. I didn’t mind the ship but well you know or can imagine. All that seems like a

[page 4] dream now – one you don’t like to talk about because it might have been true or too terrible to think of, but I should talk because I’ve been very lucky. I guess that’s what one would call it.

Back to you – I was a little worried because from the last letter it sounded like you were getting a cold. That was Jan. 31 but in these last ones you seemed to be OK so that was a relief.

If I were you I wouldn’t buy too many bonds right now – keep as much money on hand as possible because “we” might need some and it doesn’t add up too fast on a set salary – a little ahead might mean a lot to us in a few months because rent is pretty high anyplace else but in Kentland – Maybe I’m day dreaming but it feels good to feel that way.

Love Daddy

Joke Box (Gladys)

1 Reply

: January 24, 1944 envelope

: January 24, 1944, p. 1

: January 24, 1944, p. 2

: January 24, 1944, p. 3

Letter transcription:

Kentland Ind.
1-24-44

Dear Daddy –

Yours of Jan. 5 & 12 came today. So glad you rec’d the box but I sent two so maybe you will get another one yet. – It was similar to the other – not much in either but better than nothing at Christmas, however late. Now about those chasers, etc. – Those were John’s idea of a joke. I told him what you wrote about them and he said to tell you it was only for a laugh. They were in the box from the boys. The box I sent didn’t have any in it. David is better – No measles, etc., but he still coughs. Dr. M. was out to see Martha Zell so I asked him to see D. again. He says his cough is bronchial and if it doesn’t ease up in a few days he will give him a whooping cough shot. I am still giving him sulfamerazine today and to give it to him tomorrow – just twice a day. David is somewhat spoiled from this cough. At first when he had temp. we kept him on the couch and entertained him and now he wants me to hold him most of the time he is awake. He is in his bed now and should be going to sleep but is watching a train go by. When J. & M. come home noon and evening they have to let David take their caps off. He puts the cap on his head then expects us to applaud. He is very conscious of his “public” and knows when to act cute. Dr. M. said to give you his regards and to write to him. He has been out several times during this winter to see D. – twice this time.

There is a music club meeting today but I am not going due to David’s “disposition.”

[page 2] He is a little “touchy” and I don’t like leaving him when he feels this way. However I have a change to go to Laf. tomorrow and would like to go for several items. Dorothy’s mother is here visiting and she said they would keep him for me. It all depends on how he feels by tomorrow. Dorothy is home from 11 a.m. till 3 p.m. and that would cover most of my time away. Mrs. Z. had planned to go tomorrow but Martha has a cold and she can’t leave her or take her along.

Had a card from Uncle Wes. They are in Fla. He wants your address so he can write to you. His address is 103 Osceola Ave Clearwater Fla. In case you want to write to him before he writes to you. I am sending him your address today.

It isn’t cold today but cloudy – I am glad for the warmer days. It’s kinder to the coal. The good coal is getting low and no more to be had I am afraid, but maybe we can get along with the other by spring – but I know the pins broken in one month by the Ind. coal.

My Christmas cactus is about as late as your boxes. It is just blooming – but doing better than last year – it didn’t bloom at all.

I just had a “round” with D. I had put him to bed without anything on but pants & shirt but he wouldn’t go to sleep – so I dressed him and put him back in bed. I don’t like for him to cry because it makes him cough so I can see he is going to be a little spoiled by the time this cough is gone. I took his temp. when I dressed him and it’s normal, so he should be in the pink in a day or so, if we can do something to relieve the cough. He certainly doesn’t act like there is much wrong with him, the pep he has.

[page 3] Here’s hoping you do get home at the end of your 18 mo. but if not the only thing to do is be patient – It certainly will be grand when you do get home.

“Love Mother”

Dear Brother (Clarence)

2 Replies

: November 8, 1943 envelope

: November 8, 1943, p. 1

: November 8, 1943, p. 2

Letter transcription:

Clay City Ind.
Nov. 8, 1943

Dear Brother,

No excuse for not writing now since weather conditions won’t permit gathering corn. Have cribbed about 360 bu. and most of balance is to[o] moist. The fall season has been pretty good at that. Wheat looks good but some soy beans are still to combine.

Well how are you getting along by this time? O.K. we hope. The reports concerning the war on all fronts are sure sounding good and let’s hope they continue. Kenneth has started flying a few weeks ago and seems to like it fine. He only weighs 190 lbs now. He is located at Springfield Mo. Wilma likes her work in nursing. At present she gets to come home Saturday noon until Sunday 7 P.M. However, I don’t think it will last very long as they are rushed quite a bit.

You can see that you are getting a new writer so it rather deprives me of some news. No need telling it twice. I’ll try and not put off writing so long next time. I was so busy this summer that I just couldn’t find time to write even to Kenneth. The girls had to do that. (over)

Pa & Ma are feeling good. They were at Kentland, Wilmington & Chicago last week while Floyds were here. They visited Uncle Silvester. He had been very low but is pretty good I guess now.

It is 9:00 o’clock now so I guess I’ll have to go to bed. May try a little duck or goose hunting in the morning since the snow blizzard has set in. I killed 8 ducks a couple days ago, & sure would like a chance on a goose. Well here’s hoping that the strife will be over very shortly and all can return to civilian life. Write when you can.

Your Bro
Clarence

This letter was delayed until we got your new address until Nov. 10. Ground froze a little but I think it will warm up a little now. The sun is trying to get thru.
C.Y.

Lt. Palmer’s Flowers (Gladys)

2 Replies

: November 1, 1943 envelope

: November 1, 1943, p. 1

: November 1, 1943, p. 2-3

: November 1, 1943, p. 4

Letter transcription:

Kentland Ind.
Nov. 1 – 1943

Dear Daddy,

You will note the date – Nov. 1 – Your flowers via Lt. Palmer came today – just a few minutes ago in fact and he wrote a very nice letter to Bergens and Mary brought the letter out and gave it to me. I will drop him a thank you note – He wrote such a nice letter about you – said Kentland was fortunate to have such a fine Dr. – My mystery Pal left a package on the front steps this morning with a dish. Nick & Dorothy gave me this stationary and a scarf. I was down town this morning & got Nick’s

[page 2] gift & a card – I gave him about the same things as last year – Shaving material but didn’t have much choice since I hadn’t been out of town to shop.

We went to Wilmington yesterday for dinner & spent the afternoon. Mom & Dad came home with us, but Ruth & Floyd stayed & came over for dinner today then they all started for C.C. soon after dinner. This a.m. we went to town & shopped and got 200 lb. coal in sacks to try in the stoker. Mr. Monroe came out this afternoon to adjust the air on the hopper for the new (Ind.) coal. Your Dad shoveled the coal we have to one side so if I get Ind. coal it won’t be mixed with what is there now. It can’t be mixed – wouldn’t work in the stoker.

Besides washing two washer fulls we cut up and cooked 5 pumpkins. I have 8 qts. in the oven. Mrs. Zell has 8 qts. in Mrs. Zell’s her oven and 4 qts.on top of the stove. I didn’t use the pressure cooker – it

[page 3] has to be watched and I thought the pumpkin would keep without pressure canning.

Your Dad had never seen the Bendix work so I took him down with me & showed him how it operated. He said if he would have had brains enough to invent something like that he wouldn’t have spent his life farming. I don’t believe he really meant that. He didn’t get much time to visit with Earl. They got over there Fri. afternoon, went to Chi. Sat. to see Uncle Wes. & back to Wilmington for Sun. but Earl worked all day Sun. until 10:30 Sun. Eve. Their mine came out on a strike today. There is a new order restricting the delivery of more than 1.2 ton hard coal at a time – but there isn’t any of that around here so the dealers won’t have to worry about violating any such orders.

David is walking alone now. I was lying down a few minutes & watched him. He would turn loose of anything and just stand, then walk a few steps

[page 4] to something. He was having very good time all by himself. He was walked yesterday until I was tired for him. Everyone wanted to have him & wanted him to walk. Romaine borrowed a stroller from a neighbor so we took him for several rides around the neighborhood. I had to give Bud Kruman a shot toady. Dorothy had come out to give me my birthday gift so she took me down to Servies. She said she would take David a while so she kept him while I worked in pumpkin. He jabbers a lot & sounds like “greek or something.” Floyd took a movie of him sitting on the toilet today.

Mark is waiting to take this to the P.O. & get the paper – no more home deliveries. Mark gave me a cute little card & a package of v-mail for my birthday.
Love Mother

[Editor’s Note: Bud Kruman has been mentioned several times in the letters, usually for needing a shot. He suffered from Landry’s Paralysis or Guillain-Barre syndrome. Here is a newspaper clipping from February 1943 from the Hammond Times which talks about Bud:

“Patriotism Plus,” Hammond Times (Hammond, Indiana), 22 February 1943, p. 8, col. 2-3; digital image, Newspaper Archive (http://www.newspaperarchive.org : accessed 16 May 2015).