Tag Archives: World War II letters

Sipping on warm beer (Roscoe)

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: January 25, 1943 Envelope

: January 25, 1943, p. 1

: January 25, 1943, p. 2

: January 25, 1943, p. 3

: January 25, 1943, p. 4

Letter transcription:

1/25/43

Dear Mother,

We are sweltering again this P.M. but there is a pretty good breeze so we aren’t suffering too much. As I’m writing this I’m sipping on a warm bottle of beer. That seems to hit the spot much better than warm chlorinated water. And even better than warm coke – we have all three. Our beer was all gone for a few days but we were able to beg a little working around. Got a case of 48 bottles for 10¢ per bottle. We have it stored and when a bottle is taken out a dime is put in the fund goes on for another case. Don’t worry we aren’t drunks because 2 or 3 bottles is about the days limit and that is generally in 10-12

[page 2] hours. Just for thirst and not affect. Maybe the beer has caused the extra weight I spoke about and not the food. Anyway that can be cut off when I come home.

Image via Wikipedia

The show last night was “Arise My Love” pretty good but another war picture – What we need is more funny – slap stick – Donald Duck or Pop Eye. Or some of those actresses in person – What for? The what for was the last item, but don’t worry on that score either because other than whiskers we are a bunch of hermits – no money either along with the whiskers.

Really it’s hard to write anymore as you can tell from what I’ve written above but maybe some of these days more mail will come and then

[page 3] there will be something to answer and write about.

I’m sending in another letter about the uniform money so if you get it be sure to write me in several of your letters. I’d like to get that and your transportation to and from Norfolk, but those things seem to be very slow. That would make a pretty good size pile and if you see fit pay off the loan on the John Hancock policy and save 6%. I’ll try again later.

We had sardines and crackers tonight with beer. What does that mean? Your box came today. The one with the chewing gum and sardines – we had some crackers left so we are still saving the crackers you sent for a later party. Boy were those sardines good. I can see where 5 boxes won’t last very long.

[page 4] a small atlas came from Uncle W. today. It’s pretty good – has maps large enough to see something.

I printed a few pictures but just got the knack of the thing so will print more in a few days. These are very small but if good they can be enlarged. I’ll print more when I’m in the mood. Seems as if I’m temperamental anymore but I’ll get over that in time I hope.

Well I do hope some late mail will come tomorrow.

Love Daddy

Lt (jg) Yegerlehner MC USNR
Receiving Station
U.S. NAVAL Advanced Base
Noumea, New Caledonia
% Fleet P.O.
San Francisco Calif.

©2013 copyright owned and written by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/11/20/sipping-on-warm-beer-roscoe/

Groceries are high (Gladys)

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Letter transcription:

MRS. R. S. YEGERLEHNER
KENTLAND
INDIANA
1-25-43

Dear Daddy- I am sending a regular letter today so you might note which get there first. After the balm of yesterday the weather today is like a slap in the face. There is a little snow but not enough to cover the ground and is it cold – Wouldn’t mind mixing some of your warm weather with this. But surely we will have a good spring then we can forget all about this wintry winter. Mark has just come in for lunch. John hasn’t arrived yet. David is asleep – after he takes his 10 a.m. feeding he sleeps a lot until 2 P.M. He is feeling very lively today – has been kicking a lot and laughing. If your uniform money comes I will pay off the ins loan on your pol. I will anyway if I have enough after paying taxes etc. I am going to give Agnes figures this week then after she figures will let you know the “answer.” Our expenses aren’t elaborate but groceries are high and I think the boys should have good food. So far have bought 100⁰⁰ coal and as the weather is going will have to get more. I think I’ll get Mark a coat for next winter because the material is better now than it will be. He has been wearing a short coat but will get a ‘finger-tip’ next. He is waiting to mail this –

Love Mother

I do not specifically know why at this particular time Emma or Gladys needed this affidavit. It survived, and was found amongst all the papers and letters. Since it was dated 25 January 1943, the same day as this letter, I felt it added to the narrative.

Transcription of Birth affidavit:

1/25/43

This is to certify Gladys Ruth Foster Yegerlehner was born Nov. 1^st 1905 in Terre Haute Vigo County Indiana and that I was then and there present.

Emma H. Foster [her signature]

This is to certify that Emma H. Foster appeared before me Jan. 22th 1943 and acknowledged the execution of the forgoing instrument. Personally.

Geo Wᵐ Wolf notary
My commission Expires
2/7/46

©2013 copyright owned and written by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/11/19/groceries-are-high-gladys/

Not Much in the Mood (Roscoe)

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: January 24, 1943 Envelope

: January 24, 1943, p. 1

: January 24, 1943, p. 2

: January 24, 1943, p. 3

: January 24, 1943, p. 4

Letter transcription:

1/24/43

Dear Mother,

I’ve written Dolores in answer to a Christmas greeting received from her this A.M. and also to the folk and I can say right now I’m not much in the mood for writing. It’s too hot. I wrote Boonie last night but was so sleepy I’m afraid it was a poor letter. If you see him make excuses for me.

It’s almost bath time again but today Dr. P. went to see if the water was on. I did yesterday and was fooled so he made the sacrifice today.

I finished taking the roll of films and think I’m having them developed – at least I turned them

[page 2] over to a fellow who said he would have them developed. If you say I’m getting fat this time I guess I’ll have to start reducing. Maybe I have gained 3-4 pounds – but once I get home your cooking will take care of that. Just kidding – our diet is so top heavy with carbohydrate that I’m not surprised at weight gain and I don’t get any more exercise than I did at home. Of course, we don’t have cars here but we don’t need them we are right here.

The preacher was here all time I was writing to the folks – Shooting the breeze and therefore I didn’t write much but I have no excuse now for he has gone and P. & W. are on their way to bathing. I’m going

[page 3] to rub in some Fitch and go do likewise – so will finish later on.

Later – shows over and about ready to turn into the sack to keep the mosquitoes from nipping at me. Got three bites on my hands at the show and was uncomfortable most of the time try to scratch.

I wish you would repeat some of the letters you wrote along about Christmas because I have a feeling those will be late like those of D. arrival. I’d like to know how you and the boys spent the time etc. That

[page 4] is if it isn’t wasn’t too bad and you don’t like to recall the time again.

I’ll repeat – I sent you a box yesterday – Just shells etc. If it doesn’t arrive there won’t be much lost only just some of my leisure time gone to waste.

And again repeating – Don’t pay the taxes – only 1941 – the remaining installment but leave 1942 until later.

Well, I’ll stop repeating and say – Lots of Love –

Daddy

Lt. (jg) Yegerlehner (MC) U.S.N.R.
Receiving Station
U.S.Naval Advanced Base
Noumea, New Caledonia
% Fleet P.O.
San Francisco Calif.

©2013 copyright owned and written by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/11/18/not-much-in-the-mood-roscoe/

Sunday Afternoon (Gladys)

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: January 24, 1943 Envelope front

: January 24, 1943 Envelope back

: January 24, 1943, p. 1

: January 24, 1943, p. 2

: January 24, 1943, p. 4

: January 24, 1943, p. 4

: January 24, 1943, p. 5

: January 24, 1943, p. 6

Letter transcription:

Kentland Ind
Jan 24 – 1943

Dear Daddy –

Sunday afternoon and not much doing. John is improvising at the piano. Mark is upstairs dallying around, David is asleep. Mother is trying to fix the fire and I decided to write. It is more like spring today than the weather we have been having. The snow is gone only in places where the sun doesn’t shine directly on. It is very soft underfoot as you can imagine after all the ice and snow that has been on for so long. I took Jimmy Ed’s buggy back home so can’t take David for a ride until I get another. We got the proofs of his pictures today and they are very good. As soon as we get them finished – and the rest

[page 2] of ours finished will send the folder you want. I had mine taken yesterday too but don’t like the results so will have another sitting. John & Mark had theirs taken today so don’t know yet what results will be.

Yesterday when I took the buggy back it was about 5 P.M. and Lucile was asleep – When she came to the door she looked like she was still needing sleep. She wanted to know how long before David slept through the 2 a.m. bottle – when I told her he was about 3 mo. she didn’t take it so well. She said she is trying to break Jimmy Ed now (3 weeks). She said “you didn’t try to break David, did you.” I said “no I just let him do it on his own.” Jimmy Ed had a better start than David and I felt it meant more to him to have that 2 a.m. than for me to get that sleep – Everybody to their own opinion. However Jimmy Ed

[page 3]didn’t sleep thru. She let him sleep after his 6 P.M. bottle and he didn’t awaken until 11 – for the next and she thought he would go thru until 6 – but at 2:45 had to be fed.

At this writing I am still having some sinus trouble – but by the time you get this will probably be all over it (I hope). This has hung on for several weeks. I had been going to Ade but the trips every other day were too hard on me. I went down to Dr. M. He has a motor that pumps salt water thru the sinus and I have had that done several times but can’t say whether it has helped me or not. I still have a yellow drainage all the time. I don’t stop up but the drainage keeps coming whether I do anything or not. I have been using some Glucofederin and that cleans my head out good but hasn’t so far checked anything. I wrote you a letter telling you about Dr A. opening and washing it out once. I suppose it

[pge 4] will gradually get less & less – as it isn’t as bad as it was.

–I went down to Funks a while this afternoon and took David. They thought David looks older than Donnie – tho Donnie is at least 4 lbs heavier. I think they look about the same as far as expressions are concerned but Donnie can hold on to things better. They were getting ready to go to Carl’s for dinner – and were taking both children along. Rosemary is to have her baby in April. Mary & Bernard’s girl is beginning to stand alone but I think Donnie is about as big as she is. Arlene had seen a picture in the paper showing some tall corn grown in New Caledonia. It was being inspected by an Army man. She cut the picture out to use for her topic – New Caledonia at Literary Club in Feb.

I started to tell you about taking Sulfa – Dr. M. told me to take sulfadiaizine three or four day s and maybe it would help to stop this sinus condition – Well I had taken it for 3 days and I had started to itch – then

[page 5] I was talking to Alma W. and she has been getting sinus treatments from Dr. R. at Goodland and he had given her a prescription for Paredrine Sulfathiazole Suspension – I had some samples and thought I would try it. Well, the diazine had got me started and putting the thiazole drops in my nose was the proverbial straw – I was worse – just stopped me up so I couldn’t breathe – After waiting a while I used Glucofederin and that cleared me up so I could get my breath thru my nose again. Now I know I can’t take sulfa long enough to get results. Now don’t worry about me I am getting along and thought I would just relate the above since I didn’t get a bad case of allergy from the diazine. I probably would have if I had kept on taking it another day.

The boys (J & M) have gone to the Sunday evening meeting and we have The Quiz Kids tuned in – they now broadcast on Sun evening instead of the original Wed. I may get some wise answers in this. However I hardly feel that clever

[page 6]Mon morn Jan 25 – I didn’t get this finished in time for the boys to take to the box last night – Had 3 letters this morning – Well you can do some more showing pictures in the near future – I hope – I hope they get to you before they are a month or two old. Our baby is doing things. I tied the handles of the basket together with a rattle suspended for him to watch and he kicks it. Also he braces his feet against the handles. Had quite a time this morning before bath time. He laughs now and I discovered a ticklish spot while bathing him. I was doing an extra good job under his arms and he laughed and giggled. He laughs for Mark when he talks to him and that makes Mark very proud.

I must go boil bottles & mix formula – so it will be ready for the next feeding – and look in on the young man. He is in his bed in the den and keeps his covers kicked off if not watched. I will be glad when spring comes and he won’t have to be covered all the time – More cold weather today From spring yesterday to 10 above today.

Love Mother

© 2013 copyright owned and written by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/11/17/sunday-afternoon-gladys/

6 months ago (Roscoe)

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: January 23, 1943 Envelope

: January 23, 1943, p. 1

: January 23, 1943, p. 2

: January 23, 1943, p. 3

: January 23, 1943, p. 4

: January 23, 1943, p. 5

Letter transcription:

1/23/43

Dear Mother,

Just 6 months ago today I left Norfolk Va. Lots has happened since then and as I’ve said before the time has been fast and slow. Fast in that it seems as if the days just go flying, but long when I think of the time it has been since seeing you folk and Kentland. Hope the next 6 mo pass by as rapidly and as well. After all we have been pretty fortunate in lots of ways. I don’t believe I’ve ever mentioned it but two of our original group were killed in action. So that is what I mean.

I’ve got your box ready to send and will either get it out on this P.M. mail or one the morning’s mail. I’ll give you a

[page 2] little index of content. First there is a big box and a little box and then some extra items. In the big box there is a tin can in which I’ve packed a necklace like thing and some papers – local – booklet on New Caledonia and my shell back certificate. In the little box there are shells – just different shells picked up here and there. There are three boxes. The other has pieces of corals and a match box with some cat’s eyes. They aren’t as pretty as those I sent before. There are also some ash trays made from bamboo. That particular piece of bamboo was holding up some telephone wire and it broke and we kept watching it hang there and one morning it was down. So the next thing we knew – we had a saw and were working on it. The sanding cutting etc was my own work, but

[page 3] the painting was done by one of our corpsman. The ideas about the eyes etc were mine but my painting wouldn’t’ look like that. The unpainted ones are all my own. The holes are supposed to be handles. I thought they could be used for ash trays or pansy holders since you have a few pansies each summer. The necklace is rather delicate and you’ll have to watch that D. doesn’t break them and get the shells in his mouth. That thing represents lots of work and two sore fingers when the drill – (my pen knife) slipped. I think I’ve mentioned everything and I hope it gets thru OK because this string I think is prettier than the the first one, but that is only one man’s opinion. I suppose you’ll write

[page 4] that a new dress will have to be bought to match these also. OK hope you get one.

Image courtesy of Wikipedia Commons

It’s almost time for the P.M. bath and it’s been very hot so I feel that one is needed very badly. The water was shut off so took a marine bath in a bucket of surplus wlat water – This is after the show. Bing Crosby in something. It was pretty good. Bet you think I’m nuts about these shows – but we only have to walk about as far as from out house to the Kent Estate. Really we have had a show practically every night in Dec. & Jan. so far. Sure does help kill and a long thinkable evening. If you get what I mean by thinkable. What I mean is this as long as we are busy in day time – time passes rapidly but evenings are slow and then is too much time to think of one’s plight – but the show kills all

[page 5] that.

There wasn’t any mail toady but that isn’t news to you from me anymore. My latest letter from you was Jan. 7 (written on Jan 6) and I got it Jan 20.

You never mentioned whether you got a letter from Mrs. P. or Mrs. W. They both got letters from Fred & Dr. P. but telling them what your address was. I didn’t ask you to write them because you have enough to do and if you want to write after they do OK. Otherwise let them write first.

Well, sure hope we get some mail again tomorrow but I’m afraid it will be several days now but we always live in hope. In fact I think that is what we live for from day to day. Hope my mail is still coming to you. That period from Aug 12 to Sept. 22 must have been an anxious one for you. It was for me thinking of you – Good night

Love Daddy

©013 copyright owned and written by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/11/16/6-months-ago-roscoe/

4 months old (Gladys)

2 Replies

Letter transcription:

MRS R.S. YEGERLEHNER
KENTLAND
INDIANA
1-23-43

Dear Daddy – Today David is 4 months old and getting to be quite a personality. I sent you a snapshot in a letter yesterday of both of us. I haven’t weighed him yet today but yesterday he weighed 13-12. This being Sat. morning we aren’t moving very fast. Mark is eating breakfast and John is practicing for his music lesson at 11 a.m. – David is in the den and dropped off to sleep during the piano practice. It is foggy this a.m. and a little on the dismal side. The snow and ice are about gone – enough left to look not so pretty. Every time it gets like this we have another snow then it is good to look at again. There was a fire on 41 last night. It looked like a barn or shed on the place where Dawson’s live. No letters this a.m. but have had 7 so far this week so can’t complain. The boys still find cutting our own bread a novelty. Mark just cut a slice and ate it and is on another – Maybe it will get him to eat more. He still eats like he did – just by “spurts,” but he is as peppy as ever. I suppose in time he will eat more. John had a tooth trying to push out through the gum and had to have the old one pulled so the new one could come in straight – Just came back from the photographer – Will let you know the results later.

Love Mother

From the baby book:
January 23 – 1943 – A brand new year and David is now 4 months old and weighs 13 lbs 12 oz and measures 24 ½ “ long – Now takes vegetable soup in addition to formula, pablum and cod liver oil. Rolls over – gets his legs on the outside of his bed. Holds toys and tries to put everything in his mouth. Found toes at 4 ½ months. Started sleeping in bed Jan. 3 – Too long for basket – hands fly around so much he hits the sides of basket.

Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/11/15/4-months-old-gladys/

With Love Jeanette McDonald (Roscoe)

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: January 22, 1943 Envelope

: January 22, 1943, p. 1

: January 22, 1943, p. 2

: January 22, 1943, p. 3

: January 22, 1943, p. 4

: January 22, 1943, p. 5

Jan 22, 1943

Dear Mother,

Noon chow over and Sick Call over – so now for a period or relaxation. I’ll repeat what I said about the taxes. Pay the last two installments of 1941 and forget about 1942. If there is money on hand buy bonds and those can be cashed in to pay the taxes, when the time comes. Just keep all figures. If you haven’t paid those two installments – do so with a note signed by Agnes M. that the lateness is due to my being out of the states. However, if it isn’t paid and they don’t charge interest for that – I mean 1941 – Just skip it also. Now I’m going to

[page 2] stop talking about taxes.

It’s clear today but we have a rather strong breeze and our tent flaps and bangs and sometimes we wonder if it’s going to stay or go – so far it has stayed.

I got the pictures of Funks OK. and wrote them thanking them for the same. Guess Arleen has told you about it by now. I found out about the Johnson baby several days sooner than about D. I knew about their baby on the 20. And it took at least one full month for D. arrival to be sent to me. Really seemed longer than that.

I still haven’t found out what I wanted to know about the first letter. When did you get mail from me first? The first letter you I wrote you said

Image courtesy of Wikipedia Commons

[page 3] arrived on Sept. 22. Now on what day did you first receive mail? It isn’t important only curious. Dr. P. got a package from home this A.M. with air mail envelopes, stationary a large candle, pictures and newspaper clippings. I got the C.C. news & Fred scored a blank. Dr. P. got letter pictures of his children of the boys’ girl friends and of his Dad and dog. And also one of Jeanette McDonal on which his wife had written – with Love from Jeanette McDonald. He got the joke but also swore a little too because I think he would rather have had his wife’s picture. It was in a folder with the rest. The folder was about like the one you sent me.

We have plenty of stationary etc so don’t try to send anymore. In fact I think you

[page 4] won’t be able to send anything unless I give you a written order signed by the commanding officer and since I don’t particularly want anything the order won’t be sent.

I’m going to try to write to the boys today. Answering John’s letter I don’t know if Mark wrote or not but I’ll write just the same – he may have written V-mail or his letter might have been waylaid as others have been coming this way.

Everything I’ve sent you you have received except the last package which was sent along the latter part of Dec. It was before Christmas probably you have that by now. If I can find a suitable box I’m going to send the next stuff tomorrow. I’ll describe those things in a later letter after I definitely mail them.

Last night’s show was Carolina Moon

Image courtesy of Wikipedia Commons

[page 5] not too good. Night before last Joe Penner in The Boys From Someplace. I can’t remember – It was pretty funny. Martha Ray was in it.

Later after the show – got a Christmas greeting from Fischers at Clay City. Your letter sent on from the Sisters and a V-mail letter from Sykes. Sykes letter was dated Dec. 30. So that V-mail is still not as fast as your air mail. I wish some of that Dec. mail would come in of around Christmas time and just before.

Well, it’s way past bed time so must hit the hay –
Lots of love
Daddy
P.S. I’ve written both the boys so if one gets mail and the other doesn’t they will understand.

Pretty well up to date (Gladys)

3 Replies

: January 22, 1943 Envelope

: January 22, 1943, p. 1

: January 22, 1943, p. 2

: January 22, 1943, p. 3

: January 22, 1943, p. 4

: January 22, 1943, p. 5

: January 22, 1943, p. 6

Letter transcription:

Kentland Ind
Jan 22-1943

Dear Daddy –

Have been writing V-mail this week but thought I would try this again. As far as my letters going by air in the past I am sure most of them didn’t the way you haven’t rec’d them. I wish I could do something to speed the delivery at your end of the line. I have gotten 7 letters this week – The last dated Jan 12 so that makes mine pretty well up to date.

It is sunny this morning and the boys are back in school after being out due to blizzard Tues & snow drifts making travel uncertain. Three days this week school was out. I suppose they will have to make that time up somehow, but school was started early last fall so they could get out earlier in the spring. We still have snow. I started to run the car in the garage and got stuck in the snow – Had to

[page 2] shovel the snow away from the tires. The first sow we had was Sept 25 while I was in the hospital. Clara M. said we would have 25 snows this winter and I am beginning to believe it. Last night the moon was full and it made the snow look beautiful. I wish I had taken a picture of the front yard Wed. after the wind Tues. The snow was blown in drifts and it looked like rock formation. Then the mail man came along and walked across it and spoiled the scenic effect. There are tracks over it in every direction now and it isn’t very pretty. It has been so cold and so much firing there is a lot of soot on it now.

Bill brought us a load of wood on his wheelbarrow. He said he would keep us supplied. He called me Tues night and said he was writing you a letter. They were so glad to hear from you. Arlene is going to review the article in

[page 3] Nat’l Geographic for Literary Club and has asked me to help her out some. I am going to loan her the shells & necklace for display. I gave your Mother some of the shells you sent and gave Betty & Buddy a few. We still have a dish full that we show off when anyone comes who hasn’t seen them. I haven’t mounted the coral yet but have been trying to get an idea how to do it.

In your letter rec’d today you wondered what rationing is like. So far it hasn’t bothered us because I get all the coffee I need and 4 gal gas a week in winter is more than I have used – due to so much snow haven’t traveled much. The meat situation hasn’t bothered us due to the locker and Parttens have promised us another quarter from one they are fattening now. Zells got 300 baby chicks and they are getting almost heavy enough to fry so think I’ll buy a few and put in the locker – if they aren’t too high. I don’t believe

[page 4] the price will be any lower in the spring. I told you before they have a chicken house directly north of their house. He is more like a farmer than any Agent we have had here in the last three. I said something about them living on a farm and Mrs. Z. said the farmers in this county don’t want their agent living on a farm for competitive reasons. Mr. Z. says he is going to have the entire back part of their lot in garden this summer – I think he is inclined to be a little “hot headed” but they have been good neighbors and have gone out of their way to help us. They aren’t the card playing, drinking kind. In fact they don’t even play cards. They have 3 girls and the Mr. wanted a boy so bad he was almost reduced to tears when the last girl was born. Hope I haven’t bored you talking about the Zells but I got started and kept on rambling.

Irene was over Sat. afternoon. She is still talking like she did before you left about working. She seems to be developing a nervous

[page 5] complex and can’t stand to be in crowds. She went to see Dr. Cole and he told her if she didn’t get better she would have to rest in the hospital. She said she wrote you a letter – Maybe she told you about her symptoms. She doesn’t look sick but that doesn’t always mean anything. We took some pictures in the den and the one enclosed shows the baby pretty good. He will be 4 mo old tomorrow and if the weather permits we are going to Hubertz and have some pictures made – of all of us. The pictures I took with our camera do very good for indoors but aren’t as good as in the sunlight. If I had a speed Kodak I could do better, but it will be warm enough before long and we can go out in the yard for pictures.

As yet the uniform money hasn’t come. I am going to see Agnes and get the taxes figured out. Have the figure you sent. She says we should file separate returns but I don’t know all about that – Have only talked to her on the phone so far. Will

[page 6] go to her office and get it all straightened out next week.

Florence Puetz called me yesterday. Their baby boy born Dec 13 is growing too. He weighed 6-9 at birth and now is over 8 lbs. She said he is growing faster than Rita did. She goes to Dr. Cole. Said Ray had the flu and both children had had colds. There seems to be a lot of sickness around but that is to be expected this time of year with the weather as it has been.

Going back to rationing subject – what seems queer around here now is the filing stations closed at night – most of them – and John Krull’s restaurant closed. Also Boonies little place by Standard is closed temporarily. Dorothy says they have all the noon trade they can take care of. I suppose they would get some increase from the other two places.

The papers came today but I haven’t read them yet. David is taking a little nap before his 2 P.M. bottle – then he will be awake most of the afternoon – Will be glad when I can take him out again.

Love
Mother

A new experience (Gladys)

1 Reply

Letter transcription:

MRS R.S. YEGERLEHNER
KENTLAND
IND
1-21-43

Dear Daddy – Your letter of Jan 9 came today after the 10^th – which I rec’d Tues. I won’t try sending the eggs or green stuff. The only reason I sent the coke was because I had good packing, but that was too good to pass by. Should have put in some dry ice. There isn’t any school again today but it is warmer 20°. There is still ice under the snow on our street but the other streets in town are better and the highways are clean. Mark is working with his Christmas tools this A.M. John is just loafing. I wish they could go back to school but probably won’t this week. David is asleep – after taking 5 oz milk & 3 tbsp pablum he was too drowsy to have a good burp. Weighed 13-7 this A.M. The boys are getting a new experience – we have to slice our bread now and they think that something. Both tried and you can imagine what the slices looked like then Mother sliced for them and they thought she was very good. I told you before about creamery butter being so high 50¢ per – so we use oleo. There seems to be a canned milk shortage so I have been trying to get a little surplus because I don’t want to run out. They say not to do that. I wouldn’t for the rest of us but have to think of the baby’s welfare. I couldn’t get carnation so got Pet. The labels read the same. I hear D. so he must be waking up

Love Mother

Military Monday – Dear Mother (Roscoe)

1 Reply

: January 20, 1943 Envelope

: January 20, 1943, p. 1

: January 20, 1943, p. 2

: January 20, 1943, p. 3

: January 20, 1943, p. 4

: January 20, 1943, p. 5

: January 20, 1943, p. 6

Letter transcription:

Jan 20, 1943

Dear Mother,

The cool that I wrote of in yesterday’s letter is still with us and very welcome – along with that is a pretty good breeze so that also takes care of the mosquitoes for if they don’t take cover they will be bashed to misquitoburger. Along with the cool it is also cloudy. Last night after finishing your letter I wrote Ed. Johnson – answered a Christmas greeting from the Mullen family and also one from Helen Salter. I’ve been trying to write a short note to all who sent greetings. Those I mail free because they only put 3¢ stamps on them and free is in the same status. One of these days I’m going to get another

[page 2] box ready to send home – really haven’t gotten everything made as yet. These things will be something when done or will they you can be the judge only it probably will be several days before they get there. I guess by now you know the new ruling on packages. If you don’t the P.O. will inform you when you try to mail them.

Up to now I have had two occasions to stop this letter. The first was nature in one of its calls. The second was a boy with a nose cold. While out I noticed that “Old Baldy” our mountain was completely hidden by a rain and what is ordinarily the long stretch of blue. The ocean was also a hazy smudge. These scenes around here are enough under ordinary times to make

[page 3] one really be in awe but in war time and under our present conditions Baldy is a big pile of dirt and the stretch of blue is just a big drink. In other words there ‘aint’ no romance. In some places these mountains remind one of our eastern range. That is there is a fair amount of vegetation and in other places the western range. I never did say much about the airplane trip to the west coast but I know there is some of the most desolate looking places in some of those states.

I’m still wondering about the uniform money and I won’t send in another letter until about the last of this month so that will give you time to give me word in case you should get it. That is if word of any kind ever gets here from you again – Seems as if

[page 4] our mail is no better than at Christmas time. There were lots of Christmas packages in the P.O. yet this AM and I never have received a calendar but maybe in time those things will come. I’ll finish later.

Will wonder never cease – Your letter of Jan 7^th came today – Now my mail is like this Dec. 17 – Dec. 30 & 31 and Jan 7. All the others is are missing.

Now to get down to your letter – First let’s take you. I think your treatment has been swell. My only diff suggestion would have been Sulfadiazine grains 15 every 2 hours the first day. Every 3 the next and about 2 after each meal for a few days. And don’t use too much stuff in your nose. It can get too irritated. Then another thing as you have heard me say often – Nervousness and anxiety does help those things, so try to be as calm as you can I know you must worry etc but don’t on my account

[page 5] and as long as the baby gains and keeps taking his food he is OK. Even though he does run that slight temperature don’t worry – Rectal temperatures are always one degree higher you know. After your course of neoprontisil provided you aren’t better – get some capsules of propradiene (may be misspelled) hydrochloride gr 3/8 and take on 3 times each day with an A.P.C. compound every 3 hours, by the time you get this I hope you won’t need the advice. And don’t blow your nose. Now about D. Throw the thermometer away as long as he eats and gains. And again on you – get some unicaps or similar vitamins and take about 6 or 8 each day for the first week and then cut down and if you can keep from it don’t stew too much. I know it takes all your reserve and strength and your recuperative power is low but it you will do the above I think things will be OK.

[page 6] Don’t feel that I’m bawling you out I’m trying to help long distant. Our letters made the round trip in 22 days – which is very good if things would just keep up that way – but we have no way of telling which is coming and which is not. This letter today I was very glad to get since it answered lots of questions an gave me conditions at home – and I do really hope & pray that you are better by now.

You mentioned the Johnson baby of course that was the first I knew – You didn’t say what day. It was only a mention and the name.

Well as you said I’ve rambled over lots of space but haven’t said much but Dear I hope you are better and Lots of Love

Daddy

P.S. I’ll send in again about the uniform money. I’ve answered the question about the extra money.