Tag Archives: United States Naval Reserve

Heading Toward Klamath Falls (Roscoe)

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September 28, 1945 envelope

Letter transcription:

September 28, 1945, p. 2

(Sept. 28 (almost))
It will be when it’s mailed.

Dear Mother,

I’m writing this with pencil since I think it works better than ink on these trains. If my letter earlier today got to you first before this you will know I’m on the way to Klamath Falls again. This time it was a hurry up assignment.

If the train doesn’t shake too much I’m going to draw you a rough sketch of how I want the old part of the office arranged. I mean the part I had before. And somehow I can’t find those measurements of the back part of the Beauty Shop. This train rides so darn rough it’s hard for me to write but maybe you can read it but I’m afraid my sketch won’t be very plain however this train stops very often so maybe I can draw while we are at a standstill.

While at the depot in Oakland, two trains pulled out for Chicago, almost made me homesick. I stopped to draw a little as the train stopped at Crockett.

Again on this trip I have a

September 28, 1945, p. 3

[page 2] drawing room – but I’ve found that that doesn’t mean one can draw in the place.

In the past three days there has been orders come thru for three (jgs), one each day. I don’t know how long they will stay on the (jgs).

Back to the office. If the drug room were put some place else it might work better, but I have to have a dark room for xray Duorosizn and I’d like for that to be at least 12 feet long in order to use it for eye work also, and also the dark room for sinus work so I’ve got problems. The back room I intend to use for emergency and lab and diathermy and with the sky light it can’t be darkened.

Well, see if that can be made into a workable plan and Dear, I wish I were on the way to Chicago –

Lots of Love,
Daddy

September 28, 1945, p. 3

The measurements will be screwy because I have nothing to measure with.

Waiting R.
Baby Room
Drug & Linen Room (should have a plan to wash hands)
Examining Room
X-ray & Ear, Nose & Throat – must be 11-12 feet north & south
Consultation Room

Now that I have the whole thing down it won’t work because of the window & door on the East side and there isn’t enough room.

©2016 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2016/06/15/heading-toward-klamath-falls-roscoe/

Office Plans (Roscoe)

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September 25, 1945 envelope

Letter transcription:

September 25, 1945, p. 1

25 Sept. 45

Dear Mother,

Yours of Sept. 22 came this AM. It was the one with the plans. Yours seem OK and I again think the Hall should come along the west side but I want a few more rooms than either of your plans show. However, maybe you didn’t know that and too there is the other room to be divided. I don’t seem to be able to get anything on paper but have thought lots about the whole things. What I wish you would do is try to figure, if you can, what our heat bills amounted to and make a pass at Nick to get his reaction about furnishing heat. So much for that and I will try to get some plans on paper.

Now – I may have to go to Klamath Falls again this weekend in order to get my bid in to the Lakes. There is nothing certain as yet about the Lakes so no plans can be made at present, but I’ll try to let you know in plenty of time. If you do meet me I believe if you came up 45 you could do your own driving unless you particularly wanted someone. It is always nice to have someone in case of a flat tire, etc.

Our weather here has been very pleasant the past few days. Not even fog. Yesterday pm Mrs. Stanich brought Jeff over to have his eyes tested.

September 25, 1945, p. 2

[page 2] I met them and helped them thru the process. They seemed to be very pleased. Jeff’s eyes were OK. He is an only child and is a little spoiled and I think tried to pull a fast one a time or two on his parents. They want another child pretty bad but can’t seem to get going. At least they claim they have tried since Jeff came and he is past 7 now.

Another Dr. and I tried to get tickets to Carmen tonight but all seats are sold. In the future there are several now that aren’t sold out but we can’t take chances on buying ahead.

My friend (Jr.) got his orders this AM so he will be leaving in the next few days. From here he goes to San Bruno and then outside, but he is a (jg) just one month in the service. I’m holding my breath for another month or two and then maybe I’ll have too many points or something. There is always hope so long as the orders aren’t here.

All my 132 beds are filled now but they will start leaving in a day or two.
Well, so long for now –
Lots of Love,
Daddy

©2016 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2016/06/09/office-plans-roscoe/

Between San Francisco and Klamath Falls (Roscoe)

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September 7, 1945 envelope

Letter transcription:

September 7, 1945, p. 1

Sept. almost 8

Dear Mother,

Riding someplace between San Fra. and Klamath Falls – and it is not Sept. 8 but near it.

I think I have the forty seven Marines pretty well under control. We have the last two Pullmans and they are not supposed to go into the other parts of the train but I’m not too sure – There is one corpsman at the door but I’m not sure how tough he is.

Now – I was notified that I might get a draft to Chicago next Wed. It hasn’t definitely gone thru as yet but I’m hoping. When I get back and I get the correct dope I’ll write right away or possibly call Sunday – However you won’t get this until after that

September 7, 1945, p. 2

[page 2] call unless the mail goes faster than I think. The letter you wrote last Sun. came today. I hope D. didn’t have any more upsets.

More about the draft to Chicago. If I left there on Wed. I get to Chicago on Sat. I’m not sure how much time I’d have, possibly not over 12-18 hours. I just wonder if it would be possible for you to come to Chicago. I’d like to see the boys of course but that would be too much. We could get a hotel in Chicago I think. Sometimes one is able to get a day or two but not too often. I’ll let you know more later and we will see what you would rather do. I’d hate to get that near and have some time but not enough to see you. I mean to come to Kentland.

Well, this train shakes too much for me to write any more –
Lots of Love
Daddy

© 2015 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2016/05/16/between-san-francisco-and-klamath-falls-roscoe/

Klamath Falls (Roscoe)

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September 6, 1945 envelope

Letter transcription:

September 6, 1945, p. 1

Sept. 6, 1945
USNRH
San Francisco (12)
Calif.

Dear Mother,

Another day and no mail. Your last was Aug. 31. Just about as bad as overseas.

Yesterday I mailed you a check and a money order & I know you will let me know as soon as you get them. I’ll hold on to the M.O. stub and the data off the check until I do hear from you.

I’m going to Klamath Falls, O., tomorrow with a draft. It is only a one day trip. This was not by choice but by order. I have 47 marines. Seems as if no one wanted to go there so the

September 6, 1945, p. 2

[page 2] Capt. put the bee on me. We leave here about 6 PM – get there around 6 AM and then turn around and come home. Well it will be a trip. I’ve put in for a Great Lakes draft but so have numerous others but maybe my turn will come.

This has been the warmest day so far. No fog and just like Ind. or Mo. but I suppose by night the wind will start blowing, etc.

I don’t know how to get the mail thru any faster. Most of the Drs. seem to be in the same boat but a few seem to be getting along a little better.

September 6, 1945, p. 3

[page 3] We finally got orders to move into our new quarters. They sure are swell – built for two officers but so far only one has been assigned to each room. There is a big lounge – Ice box, a small galley, etc. My stuff has just been thrown in but I’m going to arrange as soon as I get off this eve.

There were about eighty new admissions on my ward today so all has been more or less confusion but they settle down a little after a few hours.

I’ll try to get you a letter out before I go to Klamath tomorrow but I’ll be pretty busy and it may not be much

September 6, 1945, p. 4

[page 4] the next day maybe I can write from there – the next day I may be back – depends upon the transportation schedule. I get $7.00 per day extra but I have to pay for my own pulman so I won’t make much on the trip. If I break even I’ll be well satisfied.

Well, I must get going to get this into the mail today.

Love Daddy

P.S. Have one of the boys write me a letter with a 3₵ stamp and mail his & yours at the same time to see how much difference. The package has not arrived. The pictures did.

©2016 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2016/05/11/klamath-falls-roscoe/

Travel Money (Roscoe)

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September 5, 1945 envelope

Letter transcription:

September 5, 1945, p. 1

Sept. 5, 45
USNRH
S.F. (12)
Calif.

Dear Mother,

Your letter dated Aug. 31 and mailed Sept. 1 came this AM. The pictures came yesterday PM but the other package has not arrived as yet. I expect it this PM.

I finally got my watch this AM and I’m real pleased with it – shock proof – water proof, etc. Cost $34.50. I was a little late on alarm clocks but maybe we don’t need one badly now, but they did have some good ones for $3.50. I tried to get a steam iron but it seems those have been off the market for some time.

In yesterday’s letter I wrote that this Dr. and I had gone to San Mateo looking for a house and that he had permanent orders here, etc. Well he got his orders. He is to be medical officer on a transport. He has been in the Navy since 1941 so it’s hard to figure. However, he being on a transport can be discharged anytime the ship comes into port after the Drs. start to be discharged.

I never did ask him how many points he

September 5, 1945, p. 2

[page 2] had but I know he must have plenty for he has dependents, about one year more service than I, and he can’t be much younger. So all we do is sit and wait and wonder. I do believe there are steps being taken to discharge but it takes lots of time with such a large organization.

There is a staff meeting this PM at 1330 and it is now 1305 – so I must get this ready to mail as soon as the meeting is over. Then too I must go down and see if I can get this long looked for travel money. They promised me I could get it this PM. If they do I may send it home in a later letter today. I don’t like to have too much money around and I don’t need much unless I’d happen to get orders somewhere back east. I hope I hope I hope.

Well Dearie I’ll stop and promise more for next time. Lots of Love
Daddy

P.S. The check was all ready and I thought maybe you could use the extra $50. That should about install the furnace – Let me know as soon as you get these.

©2016 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2016/05/09/travel-money-roscoe/

483 Patients (Roscoe)

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September 2, 1945 envelope

Letter transcription:

September 2, 1945, p. 1

Sept. 2

Dear Mother,

This will be short – I just found the mail goes out at 12 and it is about that now. I had to get up at 0600 this AM to meet 483 patients and we just now got sorta squared away.

Your letters of Sept. [sic August] 27 & 30 came today and I have a couple of certificates to the Moynihans for their kids – hope they get there in time but if their mail is as slow as ours I’m afraid. However that letter of Sept. [sic August] 30 didn’t do bad.

September 2, 1945, p. 2

[page 2] I may do some letter writing this PM but that is not too certain. It all depends on my feelings. I didn’t get too much sleep last night because I was on watch – didn’t have to get up but slept in a room where the phone rang several times trying or rather waking the O.D.

Since the mail is leaving soon I’ll simply say
Lots of Love
Daddy

P.S. and promise to do better next time and by the way the gold braid did come but no other packages as yet –
What Ink?? This is a borrowed pen. I haven’t been to the room to get mine.

©2016 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2016/05/03/483-patients-roscoe/

An Old Man (Roscoe)

1 Reply

August 24, 1945 envelope

Letter transcription:

August 24, 1945, p. 1

Aug. 24, 1945
USN Receiving Hospital
San Francisco (12)
Calif.

Dear Mother,

So far there has been no mail but I guess it isn’t hardly time as yet – this has really been one long week and tomorrow is just Sat.

My trip to Corona, Calif., with the draft is all off. There was is a Dr. here whose wife is going to be there at that time and he asked me if I would let him have the draft and I could see no reason why, so we had it fixed so he could go. Later he told me he had six children so I’m not so sure it was such a good idea. He is an eye man also he is going to teach me some eye refraction so I felt it was OK to trade. However, if a chance comes for one to Great Lakes I won’t be so anxious to give up. There is one going next week but the

August 24, 1945, p. 2

[page 2] Dr. taking it has been waiting for months. He lives in Wisconsin so I can’t feel too badly.

Last night – my first on O.D. wasn’t good – Had an epileptic who went on leave and threw fits and a drunk arrested. Between the two I was up a greater part of the night.

I don’t know if I told you or not but Kenney has his orders again which look much like overseas orders but he hasn’t returned as yet.

This “du-hinkey” I was telling you about on points yesterday may or may not have any bearing. Some few have more points than I, but not many. One Dr. has 57½ but there is nothing he can do, at least nothing has been done but maybe that thing was a beginning. We hope.

I have the entire PM off but this was inspection day and since I’d never been here for inspection I stayed until it was over at 2:30.

I went with a Dr. to Hunter’s Point this AM

August 24, 1945, p. 3

[page 3] to the commissary to buy groceries. He wanted someone to go along for the ride. It isn’t nearly as nice as the one at Great Lakes but the meat counter was loaded with all kinds. There was stacks of sides of bacon. While there I looked down in front of the counter and there lay 5 red tickets – H1 thru M1. I think they are all good. I’m sending them to you. Maybe you don’t need them. I’m sure I don’t.

Last night at 10 PM we went over to the Gally for the usual snack before bed time. The cook had taken out the tenderloin – That part next to the t-bone – He fried each of us a fine thick slab for a sandwich and because he didn’t have any lettuce or tomato he fried an egg to go over the steak. It was all very good but that slab of onion I had on mine didn’t taste so good later when I had to get up for those

August 24, 1945, p. 4

[page 4] patients.

I feel like I’m an old man around here because there has been 8 or 10 Drs. come in since I did. A large percentage are brand new (jg)s – their first duty in the Navy – Some seem to be rather sky and other are pretty bold – they all learn as time goes along.

I thought when I was planning on going to Corona I’d have to buy a new chin strap for my cap but now I can wait for the one you are sending.

Our rooms aren’t too comfortable at present but not bad for the price we pay – (nothing). There is only one chair, two beds, two metal stands, and two standing clothes lockers. No desk so I’m writing on my lap.

The wind had been really blowing today but it is fairly warm but Oh! Tonight. I have two wool blankets and I’m still not too warm, but by leaving the heater on until bed time the room doesn’t get too cold.

Well, Dear I’m about run down and I think I’ll lie down and try a nap –
Lots of Love
Daddy

Cold in San Francisco (Roscoe)

2 Replies

August 22, 1945 envelope

Letter transcription:

August 22, 1945, p. 1

Aug. 22, 1945
USNRH
San Francisco (12)
Calif.

Dear Mother,

I see by the date that this is John’s birthday. Hope he got the little present I sent him.

I’m writing this shortly after noon day chow – so I can mail it as I leave at 4:30 although I could come back at night since we live only on the hill and the P.O. is not far away.

Before I forget – I wish you would mail my gold braid and the two gold buttons from that cap I have at home. I couldn’t

August 22, 1945, p. 2

[page 2] wear blues or whites either since I don’t have that for my white cap cover. I don’t plan on going anyplace but when it comes my time to go on the draft I’ll have to wear blues I suppose. So send them right away. Just take off that gold band on the cap bill and the two gold buttons on the side. If they will you might air mail them. Then later when you have more time you had better send those khaki pants and that shirt because if I have to go out I’ll have to have them. These grays will not do any good since they have to be dry

August 22, 1945, p. 3

[page 3] cleaned. If I remember that pair of pants & shirt were pretty dirty – just throw them in the bendix and don’t press them, at least not the pants. There is a laundry on the base here with pretty good service so I can have them done here.

I thought I was going to the show last night but we got in a draft of patients and that was off but maybe I can go tonight – The show is “Cabin in the Sky” with Rochester & Ethel Waters – Maybe that will help pass the time. I started reading the “Case of the Sleep Walker’s Niece” by E. Stanley Gardner last

August 22, 1945, p. 4

[page 4] night and just got to the first murder when it was time to turn in.

I haven’t received any mail as yet but hardly expected any since you possibly didn’t write since before Mon. Tue. morning.

It has been so cold here – seems like the middle of winter – about 10:00 PM the fog comes in and from then on until morning one nearly freezes. We have a gas heater in each room and believe me it feels good to have that on before going to bed and in the AM. I just turned the heat off in my office a short time ago – must stop –

Lots of Love
Daddy

You can download a copy the book The Case of the Sleepwalker’s Niece here, a Perry Mason mystery which was adapted into an episode of the show in 1957.

Navy Receiving Hospital (Roscoe)

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August 20, 1945 envelope

Letter transcription:

August 20, 1945, p. 1

Navy Receiving Hosp.
San Francisco (12) Calif.
Aug. 20

Dear Mother,

I’m here but can’t give any further word than that at the moment. It is now approximately 6 PM, and I’m about ready to make my phone call. I haven’t signed in as yet because I didn’t get my bags with my orders, etc., until a short time ago, and of course, couldn’t do that until I had all those.

The hospital is within San Francisco itself, I would say about 50 blocks from downtown. There are several

August 20, 1945. p. 2

[page 2] fellows here just like me and all wondering what is going on. Many of them have been out of the country and I understand the point system don’t apply to medical men. That last isn’t official but I’ll find out in the AM.

Francis Kenney is here waiting also. Right at present he is gone on temporary duty with a draft of men to Virginia but will be back in a few days.

I met an officer whose

August 20, 1945, p. 3

[page 3] wife lives in Springfield, Ill., and we more or less “palled” on the train. He knew some body in the main office here and he called and found where the hospital was so all I had to do was hop a street car and come out.

This is just a new place and they are providing quarters for the officers so it looks as if all I have to pay is .25 per meal per day and rent free – but I imagine there will be some sort of a laundry charge later on.

The fog of the bay is now

August 20, 1945, p. 4

[page 4] drifting in and it seems the cool of the evening is upon us, but there is a gas burner in the room and things should be OK.

I don’t know where I’ll find a phone nor do I know where to mail this and I don’t have any air mail stamps. You know all my troubles now so I’ll try to mail this and find a phone and write more tomorrow –

Love Daddy

Last from Lentz

1 Reply

Letter transcription:

May 6, 1945
Sunday

Yegie – Such a quick response deserves a prompt reply. You are doing much better – are you striking for the ½ stripe?

Not much news – but it is my weekend on duty with no one but the maintenance crew – dammit and the C.O. is not very gracious about giving us the PM or evening on Sundays when there is no work. Hell and damnation – you know the old Regular J.I. Navy. Can you imagine a Chief and 2 Ph. Mates on dates & a Med. Officer.

Only news I have is that Bob O’Donnell is now in Recruiting Duty in Jacksonville, Fla. Tues. to Sat. they leave Jax for Fort or Camp Blanning 40 miles away at 0800, back at 1600. Sat. 1300. Nothing to do until Tuesday. (Three M.D.’s & 3 corpsmen). Howard Witter is exec. after being on similar duty at Jackson, Miss. They have 1 night of duty every 5 or 6 weeks – shove patras. What do you think of that for duty.

MacClatchie is still in Brazil – John is still in USNH Phila.

[page 2] Looks like there will be a break up or a lessening of activities everywhere since the collapse in Europe. Perhaps you will be going to China with me. Looks like V-12s, etc., will not be called anymore – will there? What do you think they will do with you? Have you applied for any P.G. work or do you “wanta go ho-o-o-me!)

Met Mr. Beard – remember the transportation officer at Base 4. He is on duty at the Navy yard.

Heard from New Zealand today – all is well. The “old lady” still carrying on at B/casting.

Listen, bub, if I am encouraging you to write too often or too much, let me know or just procrastinate but don’t fail to tell me when you get orders.

May go to Wash. D.C. any day – waiting for Truman to call me. – No kidding, I mean to go soon as arrangements here can be made. We can’t get a relief so it would mean one man has to stay on all the time (26 hrs. a day).

Regards to family – don’t work too hard (Kia Ora) –
Ed.