Tag Archives: Socky Wilson

Then Everything Broke Loose (Roscoe)

4 Replies

September 26, 1945 envelope

Letter transcription:

September 26, 1945, p. 1

26 Sept. 45

Dear Mother,

I’m writing this in the AM this morning just because there isn’t anything else in particular to do and I’ve heard there is to be a show of some sort this PM. I got just this much written and then everything broke loose so I’ll see how much can be done now.

I think by tomorrow I’ll be able to send some plans home for you to approve or disapprove. I don’t plan on having everything done now. Just do part and then wait until we see how things develop.

Stanich called me this AM and wanted me to take a trip with him but I didn’t care about going so I told him I was too busy. He was going to San Bruno and I could think of no reason for going.

I can’t give any more dope on the Great Lakes draft. I think possibly I was a little premature in saying anything about the trip because there are several ahead of me, but it doesn’t hurt to be thinking, but I’ll always let you know either by call or telegraph. That reminds me

September 26, 1945, p. 2

[page 2] the telegraph I sent you from Ogden when I came out cost me $1.30 and the one I sent from here just this last time was only 80₵ – something was a little twisted up one time or another.

I see by the paper that all enlisted men with 3 children are to be granted discharge if they wish. That will let Socky out but of course it doesn’t affect me. That is one where he will have to admit the enlisted men got the best deal. You remember he was a little sore at all officers in general when he came to Nick’s that night. I wish sometimes they would get around to giving some credit to length of service. Sure ½ points per mo. but that isn’t enough and the ¼ is just a joke. Well, I still feel something will come along in the next mo. to six weeks.

Well, after several stops and starts I’ve about gotten the page full so I’ll say,

Lots of Love,
Daddy

©2016 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2016/06/11/then-everything-broke-loose-roscoe/

Haven’t Any Ambition (Gladys)

1 Reply

April 18, 1944 envelope

April 18, 1944, p. 1

Letter transcription:

Kentland Ind.
4-18-44

Dear Daddy –

Just finished breakfast and thought I would write you before the mail man comes around so he can take this up when he comes. Mark has gone to school so can’t send it by him. It is cloudy today & forecast for rain. David isn’t going to like this I am sure. He was out so much yesterday. I had him out in the yard in the morning then in the PM. Lucile came out with Jimmy and we walked to town. I banked $235.00. Our bal. according to the bank was $75.00 but surely some check wasn’t in yet because I am sure there was a ck or two I hadn’t put down. Well, I’ll find out when the statement comes.

I saw Al Cast and he told me Socky had seen you and forgotten himself for a minute and greeted you rather loudly. According to Al, Socky was afraid he would be seen by someone who would not approve of his behavior – anyway he was scared for a minute or two. I saw Tibby Tilton and he was inquiring as to your address.

April 18, 1944, p. 2

[page 2] He has to be back Sat. morning and wanted to look you up, so you may have a caller some time Sat. I told him you were coming home after duty Sat. I saw several boys (sailors) on the street yesterday. I think Emory Richards was home and Jr. Morton.

– – Your letters of yesterday & Fri. just came. The one was posted the 15^th and posted again the 17^th at Hobart so must have been mixed up with some other mail. You explained your meeting with Socky in your Fri. letter.

In one of your letters you mentioned something about Joe – I had been thinking about when he would go up and if he is in a hurry to report in, it will cut your visit home short, since you won’t get here until late Sat. nite. Do you want me to contact them and make arrangements for you to go back with Joe? Of course if you can’t come home, I’ll be anxious for Joe to go early, but I am hoping you get to come home if only for a short while.

April 18, 1944, p. 3

[page 3] I think I have a bladder irritation but won’t take any medicine but the water treatment. I will drink lots of water today and I’ll see what that will do. Other than that I feel pretty good. Washed what clothes were dirty yesterday and ironed last night while J. & M. did arith. I was very tired when I got thru but went to bed and slept good all night so feel pretty good now. David is feeling fine this morning. He had 2 B.M.’s before I got him downstairs. He ate a lot of applesauce yesterday. I am going to give him cottage cheese today and try to stop him up a little.

The sun is breaking thru a little so David may get his play out in the yard. His new lower molar is thru enough to show up when he smiles.

I saw Marg Carlson yesterday and I hadn’t sent in the form for her scrapbook. I asked her what kind of a picture she wanted so think I’ll give her the picture we kept on the table, take in Noumea.

April 18, 1944, p. 4

[page 4] That is a good face picture and that is what she wants. I should give her one like you carry in your billfold – (or should I?).

I must get to work – not that I have any particular ambition today – it’s too early in the day for my pep to rise – I missed the mail man so will send this by Mark at noon.

Dorothy is taking Marie S. to Billings this week for a treatment. I was in the restaurant a while yesterday and she was talking about going up. Lucile said she would possibly have their car a day or two this week and if she does we plan to go to Laf. about Fri. and do a little shopping. I tried to get a new collar for the black dress. (I finally got the flowers off) at the dress shop but they didn’t have anything, so I have an excuse to go to Laf.

As I said before I must get busy, tho I haven’t any ambition yet.
Love Mother

©2016 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2016/01/21/havent-any-ambition-gladys/

The Above Address (Roscoe)

1 Reply

: April 14, 1944 envelope (front)

: April 14, 1944 envelope (back)

April 14, 1944, p. 1

Letter transcription:

USN Hospital
Great Lakes
Illinois

Dear Mother,

The above address is the correct one as I now have a mail box assigned and I’ll be able to get my mail there probably faster and more consistent than otherwise.

I think I’m about all settled now except the gas ration and that seems to be something. In the first place I need the tire certificate of registration and then that has to be sent into Chicago and Washington and then the card will be issued. By that time you will have the car back again. There is a possibility that I can get along without the tire business but I the may not even apply for the thing now. Chas. Largent gave me tickets for 10 gal. of gas and with what we have that would be enough to get the car back home and it seems there isn’t much trouble getting gas there. However, I’ll give it a

April 14, 1944, p. 2

[page 2] think. It isn’t hardly worth while asking you to send that registration because you can bring it when Joe comes up or I can get it if I come down. I’m going to start working on the coming down about tomorrow and after work tomorrow eve I’m planning on going house looking.

It was about 5 PM when I left the hospital this PM so thought I would see if I could find Socky. With his address I was able to get his Barrack number and I drove up in front and asked about where Wilson might be and was informed that he was at chow. I just sat in the car and along came Socky. When he saw me he yelled “Hi Doc.” The first part of his yell was very loud but it tapered off to a whisper and he walked up – stood at attention and saluted. Then when no one was looking we both laughed. His barrack is very near that first large building on the left as you approach the station. His hands were a bluish color from the dye in the clothes he had washed. He said they had to drill pretty hard today – running and sprinting around the drill field. He was very glad to see me – said he was homesick. All

April 14, 1944, p. 3

[page 3] in all he was very military. So much for Socky.

We got breakfast and lunch at the base – 25₵ per and it is checked from our pay. I guess we could get supper there but I haven’t tried as yet.

I’ll get paid some tomorrow but I won’t get the mileage until later. I’m not sure just how much I’ll be able to draw but will try to send some home.

Tomorrow is official day for white cap covers and I’m a little mixed up as to whether or not we can wear khaki. If not, I’ll have to buy another blue suit or grey whatever it might be but this I know I’m going slow on any buying of uniforms.

I think I’m in the whole house tonight by myself. I haven’t heard a sound and I’ve been here since 6:00 and it is now 9:00.

Since leaving home I’ve spent $1.17 – Two evening meals and 10₵ for a car badge – Haven’t even paid my room rent. She would not take it last night and she isn’t here tonight.

Well Dear – Love & goodnight
Daddy

©2016 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2016/01/12/the-above-address-roscoe/ ‎

New Duty (Roscoe)

5 Replies

April 13, 1944 envelope

April 13, 1944, p. 1

Letter transcription:

Naval Hospital
Great Lakes Illinois
Apr. 13, 1944

Dear Mother,

It is now 2030 and I’m about all set for the night. Had no trouble coming thru today and I’m pretty well signed in, etc. I’m not just certain what my duties will be but will find out definitely tomorrow. Needless to say I haven’t rented a house for the family as yet.

Someone had called the O.D. office about 15 minutes before I arrived inquiring if I had registered in and I’m at a loss to know who it was. I thought possibly it was Dr. Moran but he told me later he had not called – Maybe it was Socky but I doubt it very much. I may look him up tomorrow eve after I learn my way around a little better. My hours are from 0800 to 1630 so should have some time in the eve for things and

April 13, 1944, p, 2

[page 2] things. Dr. Moran says O.D. duty comes about once in every 15 days, and that requires staying on the base.

Mrs. Frence informed me the Col.’s wife moved in – Two girls, 3 guinea pigs and I believe she said a dog. Seems as if my 23 little men will have lots of competition and I was wrong we don’t use the same bath room. It’s two other men but at present there is only one so I have a semi private bath room.

I didn’t get to do anything with my pay accounts today because I have to have my orders and they had to be endorsed and it seems that couldn’t be done until tomorrow so I’ll see what can be done along that line and financially I’ll be at the end of the line if something isn’t done before too long. So far however I’ve only spent 51₵ since leaving home and that was for eve chow. Dr. Moran knew a little place between here and

April 13, 1944, p. 3

[page 3] the base where the food is good and the price reasonable.

I’m sorry I didn’t get this written early enough to mail tonite but I just don’t know my way around here well enough yet but will get on schedule in a day or two. The address at the beginning of the letter so far as I know is correct but that is one thing I’ll have to find out for sure tomorrow. You can address my mail that way until you hear differently from me.

It’s a little lonesome in here just now after the swell time of the past 3 weeks but maybe things will be better in the near full future.

I hope I can give you all the dope right out of the horse’s mouth tomorrow eve.
Solong
Love Daddy

Dear Dr. Yegerlehner

2 Replies

: February 3, 1944 envelope

: February 3, 1944, p. 1

: February 3, 1944, p. 2

Letter transcription:

Kentland, Ind.
2/3/44

Dear Dr. Yegerlehner,

We planned to send you a Christmas greeting, but lots happened around here about then and mothering but mere essentials got our attention. Although we have not met, it seems I know you fairly well by knowing the rest of your family.

Mark and I do some swapping of work. Not long ago we cleared off and burned the gardens one evening after school. Another evening he burned brush and helped me saw up a maple top on Rinehearts lot to the North of our lot.

Ed Johnson and I had fun fixing up the electric train. Ed did some soldering and I got a new screw for the engine. Last Sunday all of us had dinner with your family. While the women decided some big problems, Mark and I put the train in operation here. He said he had some trouble this week but changed transformers and all is OK.

We want to tell you how much Virginia appreciated your letter last fall. She has faithfully kept it. It seemed to ease her. All of us regretted the whole incident so much.

You probably know Al Cast is going into Prairie Realty at the end of this school year.

[page 2] “Socky” is reported to be due for service soon, so I suppose Al will take over. Al and I were closely associated last summer on Farm Labor work. He is tactful and can put a lot of “fire” in the job when he wants to, so I think he’ll make good. The back porch “chorus” will be short at least one voice when Wilson leaves.

Sometimes I’m doubtful about being in the good grace of your family, especially you, after hearing reactions to other specimens known as county agents. I do work though and even get dirty at times. We are trying to do a lot of 4H club work including livestock and cropwork. Much of our time in the past 2 years (even before I came here) has been spent in helping farmer with labor and production efforts. The favorable weather, and the fact that farmers know no hours have done the job. Better seeds and methods have helped some I hope.

Speaking of active service, I passed my final physical last Tuesday. When I am called will depend upon how my Employer’s policy works out with Selective Service. Purdue (my Employer) has been requesting that experienced men stay on, but I know nothing except Army-Navy Doctors say I’m healthy.

Our office often helps organize “Drives.” Attended Red Cross planning session today. County Quota is $11,500, 150% of last March. Ira Dixon handles publicity. I know he would appreciate any story of Red Cross activity you have thought outstanding.

All of us join the members of your family wishing you a speedy return to the States.

Sincerely,
Russell Zell

Well of Information (Roscoe)

1 Reply

: December 5, 1943 envelope

: December 5, 1943, p. 1

: December 5, 1943, p. 2

: December 5, 1943, p. 3

Letter transcription:

Lieut. R.S. Yegerlehner USNR
USN Base Hosp. #4 Navy 133
F.P.O. San Francisco Calif.
Dec. 5, 1943

Dear Mother,

Just finished a letter to the Folk and one to Sis so maybe if I hurry I can get one out to you before I run out of things to say. It’s funny but my well of information is very shallow and it seems to take some time for the thing to even get enough to cover the bottom not to say anything about filling up.

We had turkey for noon day meal today. At first I thought it might be what was left over from Thanksgiving but it wasn’t at least it didn’t taste like the leftovers we used to have. Due to my being away on Thanksgiving I missed that meal but

[page 2] we had our fried chicken instead and one can’t kick on a good meal of fried chicken. I wrote you about the chicken in yesterday’s letter.

I’ve been wondering what Dr. Van Kirk will do now that he is out of the Army. He probably will be in demand at his usual work – possibly more now than even before. The way he liked Army life I’m sure he must have been displeased with his discharge. Maybe that will help the other Drs. in the area. At least that will be one more to call and find out of town.

I thought there had been a law passed to keep the pre Pearl Harbor fathers at home and why is Socky Wilson so near to being drafted? There are others with fewer children than

[page 3] they have.

Some of the Drs. here do their own laundry and I’m think[ing] of doing mine also. The first bunch I got back from the laundry was a surprise. I told them I’d paid for those clothes before but the price sure is in keeping with new ones. I thought when I left The Russells I was thru with laundry but I may change my mind. At least we have good hot water here and at that place everything was cold but the drinking water.

Later – about 9 hours. Had a little work to do and just didn’t get back to this. It’s now about 11:30 PM and almost my bed time but I may read for a short time if I can find something to read – So
Good Night –
Love Daddy