Tag Archives: World War II

Black Seal Coat (Gladys)

3 Replies

: January 4, 1943 Envelope front

: January 4, 1943 Envelope back

: January 4, 1943, p. 1

: January 4, 1943, p. 2

: January 4, 1943, p. 3

: January 4, 1943, p. 4

Letter transcription:

Kentland Ind
Jan 4 – 1943

Dear Daddy –

Will dash off a line and try to get it off on the night mail. This has been a busy day. Went to Laf. this morning – Had an appointment with Dr. Cole at 11:45 and Dr. Ade 3 P.M. and was to go to the Rotary meeting tonight. Dr. Ade didn’t get to me until quite a while past 3 and it was 6 PM when we got home. Clarice came to get me and I was giving the baby his bottle, so she took the job while I cleaned up a little. After making the baby comfortable (burp & dry pants) I went with Clarice to the dinner. Dr. Phillips or maybe it is Prof.

[page 2] from Purdue gave a talk on the geography of the War. He had some hugs maps and it was a very interesting talk. Ira said he was glad I could attend the meeting and wanted me to tell you they are still going strong. The banquet room was about full, of course that was due to Rotary Anns being present, but the meeting was well attended. Mr. Byrnes, Homberg (Nu Joy manager) & Mr. Zell were taken into Rotary. Bob was looking around for Ed Johnson and when he couldn’t find him wondered if he was by any chance in Watseka – D. White was also a guest tonight, so Bob asked her and she said Ed was probably in Watseka, that Dr. M. was called down to Johnsons about 5 P.M.

[page 3] Maybe in my next letter I can give you a report.

After I saw Dr. Cole I had to park the baby some place until after I could see Dr. Ade so went to Algoods and left him there. They were getting a V-mail ready to send to you when I was there. Showed me the greeting you sent them. Myron Keith looks like he did when they were here last summer. I took him a little suit. I didn’t get my Christmas shopping all done and didn’t send them any greetings so got the suit for Keith today.

Since school was dismissed before Christmas the children didn’t get to have their gift exchange until today. Jimmy Sammons had Mark’s name and gave him a sailor pin.

Gladys modeling the black seal coat & new hat - January 1943

Gladys in new coat & hat

[page 4] I almost forgot – I at least got me a coat – I had time between Doctors to do a little shopping. It is black seal – I am afraid you won’t like it but after looking over everything I decided it was what I liked better than anything else for what I wanted to spend – (110⁰⁰) And a new hat – It is rose colored and hard to describe as hats are but it will last thru till spring so I won’t have to worry about a hat later on.

Gladys holding David

It is about time to feed David & I had had such a rushing day will be glad to get to bed and get a little relaxation. I’ll have a picture taken with my new things and send you one so you can get a fair idea what they look like. Will try to write better tomorrow.

Love
Mother

P.S. Your first letter came Sept 22 – However I had rec’d 6 before it came.

©2013 copyright owned and written by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found at:https://genealogylady.net/2013/10/07/black-seal-coat-gladys/

If this is boring skip it (Roscoe)

1 Reply

: January 4, 1943 Envelope

: January 4, 1943, p. 1

: January 4, 1943, p. 2

: January 4, 1943, p. 3

: January 4, 1943, p. 4

Letter transcription:

1/4/43

Dear Mother,

So far today no mail, but we still have one delivery coming. We are supposed to put the address on each page of a letter but I keep forgetting it and anyway I don’t throw out letters if they aren’t written that way. I’ve really never written you much about the country only maybe in parts but last night as I was writing Ruth M. I just happened to get started on things that I had seen and things which are common place but much different than our flat level land of Newton Co. If this is boring skip it. And anyway you got most of it from the National Geographic. These things were not all seen in one trip nor am I going to describe a trip only just things.

To begin with the whole contour reminds one of the land over which a steam shovel has taken out coal. Just one know after another only these are

[page 2] higher and larger. That is this place is an enlarged gutted coal field. Vegetation is found on almost all the mountains but the trees are as a rule small. One On many of the mountain sides small gardens or fields can be seen very green this time of the year. In fact the only agriculture one sees is just that type. The people live in run down farm houses with apparently no pride at least not much for most of them are pretty much run down at the heel. Here and there are banana orchards, single orange trees and many papaya trees or bushes. Some pineapple fields and many coconut trees just about every place you look. As far as grain crops like corn, wheat, oats, there isn’t much. Just a small patch of corn here and there and I saw one field of corn that was sewed just like wheat.

In among those knobs there is a river of clear rapidly runny water in which

[page 3] animals wade and drink and people bath and wash. One On one one level field about the size of that in front of our house there was a flooded rice field – with the crop in the green stage and the pattern looking like a picture book.

From our vantage point at the show I often steal a glance at the moon coming up at the expense of missing a good part in the show. First all one can see is a haze of light which lights the mountain peaks between me and the moon. A little later the big disc starts coming up and the jagged peaks of the mountain are well outlined and then it’s fun to watch the whole ball ease slowly up behind those spires. After the moon is up the low handing [hanging?] clouds seem to be only feet over head, and the reflection of the moon is the water gives a pretty tropical picture. About sun set some evenings the

[page 4] clouds are lower than the tops of the mountains and it seems there is a force which keeps them from rolling on down in the vallies [valleys]. All the above is my poor description and but it’s a nice place I mean in peace time but with the hurry and bubbub of war the beauty is robbed from the whole surroundings.

This P.M. the wind is blowing at miles per hour almost keeps one from going down hill and has cool things off considerable. In fact it has been really cool for a few days.

Image courtesy of Wikipedia

Our show tonite is “The Fleet’s In.” At least that’s what I’ve heard. We had very poor seats last night because we went to church first and the whole thing was filled up when church was out.

I’ll add more later if letters arrive
Lots of Love
Daddy

P.S. No mail

©2013 copyright owned and written by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/10/06/if-this-is-bor…skip-it-roscoe/

We went to Lafayette (Gladys)

3 Replies

: January 3, 1943 Envelope front

: January 3, 1943 Envelope back

: January 3, 1943, p. 1

: January 3, 1943, p. 2

: January 3, 1943, p. 3

: January 3, 1943, p. 4

Letter transcription:

Kentland Ind
Jan 3 -1 1943

Dear Daddy –

I missed getting a letter out Sat, but we went to Laf. and when we came home was too late. I wanted to go see Dr. Ade about my throat – it wouldn’t get over being irritated. I also wanted to take David down for Dr. Cole to see but he couldn’t see me Sat. and I am planning to go tomorrow morning. That sounds like a lot of travel but Dr. Ade wants to see me again tomorrow. My throat feels much better since he worked on it and hope another treatment will fix me up. I feel better generally too. I am going to have a blood count made because after taking so much sulfa I probably need some shots. Clarice kept David for me yesterday but of course I’ll take him along tomorrow. She said he was very good while she had him. He is that way most of the time. He is on the bath table now kicking and looking around.

[page 2] When we came home Floyd & Ruth were here to spend the week-end. They have been traveling around so much hadn’t been able to get any laundry work done so they brought their washing along and did it. Floyd is to take his physical and if he passes will be in the Army. They will probably write you if and when.

I told you about the bed Mary Parttens loaned us for the baby. They brought it in yesterday and Floyd set it up. We have it in the den and it looks like the piano will have to go to the living room because it makes the den too crowded. I think I’ll make a real nursery out of the den since David has to have his things downstairs.

Five letters came yesterday which brought your mail up to Christmas Eve. I am so glad you found the batteries. Also glad you rec’d as many boxes as you did – since that was all you could have for Christmas. Now maybe you will get the other boxes I sent. It’s odd you have never received any letters from Funks. I know they have written to you and sent you a box for Christmas

[page 3] Just had a caller – Eleanor Towers – she came to see David – and the rest of us. So many came after we came home from the hospital but this was her first visit.

The weather seems to be changing some. It has been raining & warm but the wind is blowing and I believe it is getting cooler. Floyd was wishing for sunshine today. He brought his movie camera along and wanted to get some good indoor pictures. We have some photoflood bulbs we used so maybe they will be good. He took some of the boys out in the yard and some of all of us in the house. He had some developed that he had taken down in C.C. He has a screen & projector so we got to see some scenes from the farm with your Mother, Dad, Clarence, Ralph Glendon & Kenneth and one of Bob. I don’t know when we will get to see these he took today, because if he goes in the Army can’t tell where he will be sent. Dorothy Salter’s husband and Herschel Steiner are in the same C.B. camp

[page 4] in Rhode Island. I think Hilda said Ed was being sent to a camp in R.I.

We have eaten so much candy – received some nice boxes for Christmas. Floyd & Ruth brought the boys – John & Mark each a can of peanuts and then opened them and we have been eating them – I would much preferred to send them to you. Hope you get the ones I did send in your birthday box.

Our radio is getting a little off – I think it needs a new tube. It blurs and hums sometimes. Dorothy said theirs had gone out entirely – you remember they got theirs when we got ours. I’ll see Geo T. about it. Maybe he will have some new tubes. Just wish I could send you a radio but they aren’t for sale any more.

The boys are listening to Gildersleeve and it is about time for David to get a bottle so must get this finished.

– – Just stopped to put the bottle on to warm and from the sound of the thumb being sucked I think he is ready for supper

Love
Mother

©2013 copyright owned and written by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/10/05/we-went-to-lafayette-gladys/

Shooting the bull (Roscoe)

2 Replies

: January 3, 1943 Envelope

: January 3, 1943, p. 1

: January 3, 1943, p. 2

: January 3, 1943, p. 3

: January 3, 1943, p. 4

Letter transcription:

1/3/43
Lt. (jg) Yegerlehner
Receiving Station
U.S. Naval Advanced Base
Noumea, New Caledonia
c/o Fleet P.O.
San Fran Calif.

Dear Mother,

Wrote the Folks this A.M. and just finished a letter to Uncle Wess so if there is anything funny about this letter it’s because I haven’t gotten out of my frame of mind – shooting the bull.

This has been a sort of dull day but still I can’t tell why or how it has differed from yesterday. It did rain at times and that is a little different because it hasn’t for several days. The days do pass rapidly even at that – guess it is because we are busy most of the day and look forward to the show at night. It doesn’t make any difference

[page 2] if the show is good or bad we go just the same – generally get there 15-20 minutes early to get a good seat and wait for it to get dark enough for the show to start. It’s pretty dark here at 7:15 so the show is scheduled to start at 7:30 but doesn’t often until around 7:45. At 7:30 when the show starts here on Sunday night. It is 3:30 AM on Sunday morning. It’s a kind of a game to compare times. At 12:00 noon here on Sun. it is 8:00 P.M. there on Sat. etc. We often say what the folks are doing at home when we are going so & so here. I think I’ve gone over all that before but it just happened to hit me as I was writing.

We’ll be glad to get the calendar from Geo T. and was surprised to hear that you had collected $23.50 from Gilmans

[page 3] that must have been a surprise to you also. Hope more people get the Christmas spirit. We must have about 12 bonds by now give me the number the next time you write – I just sorta would like to know.

I did write the sisters of St. Francis and thank them for their kindness and consideration given you while in the hospital. I had thought of writing them long ago but just kept putting it off.

A letter came today from Joe R, a greeting from the Smith’s in Lafayette and your letter of Dec. 4. Dr. Joe’s letter was written on Dec. 22 so you see it wasn’t as old as yours. He didn’t say anything about his location so if you haven’t told Mrs. R.

[page 4] she doesn’t know. I talked to a Dr. yesterday who had seen him and the place I wrote long ago is still correct but things can change as has happened to so many of us.

If you should start taking hypodermic liver you have a Dr. give you the first shot or two because you might do like Irene S. did when I gave her the Vitamin B so be sure and do that. Try to keep going on oral liver. Did Sherman send you the bill for the oral cold tab. Give them to the boys twice per week. And if they should develop a bad cold 6 per day – 2 before each meal – for only one day – If D. get a cold grease him with camphorated oil and watch his temp. It won’t bother if he does rattle if he has no temperature Take per rectum.

Well, I’m out of time & space
Lots of love Daddy

©2013 copyright owned and written by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/10/05/shooting-the-bull-roscoe/

Did OK with the mail again today (Roscoe)

1 Reply

: January 2, 1943 Envelope

: January 2, 1943, p. 1

: January 2, 1943, p. 2

: January 2, 1943, p. 3

Letter transcription:

1/2/43

Dear Mother,

Did OK with the mail again today. That is in a way, got 9 letters today but they were all old. That is older than the previous ones from you. Only two of the letters were from you. Dec. 2 and Nov. 30. The rest were from outsiders – Mom, Clarence, Ruth M., B. Walkup, Allgoods, Uncle W. and Barry the drug salesman. Quite of variety wouldn’t you say? In your letters you mentioned the collection. I believe I told you to see Geo. Tilton. See if his method sounds good. Maybe a little law – but Cliff is too easy and no one bill is big enough unless it is the Reed bill. I suppose whatever you do you won’t get much. So don’t worry too much about the whole thing.

I wrote you in yesterday’s letter about the tax. Again pay 1941 tax, and whatever you think best of

[page 2] the past year. But send me the figures on this year (1942) if you have them.

I was all caught up on my writing last night didn’t owe anyone a letter then all these came today and now there are several again – Drop me a V-mail now and then as I said last night and for they may be faster. I don’t like to write or receive them but they are better than nothing. I’ve gotten lots of mail but none of it very recent. Dec. 12 was the latest.

Fred & I went shelling for about ½ hour today but the tide was so high we didn’t do any good. We’ll have to try some other time. I’ve managed to collect a few but none very nice. We really don’t have much time to get away now that all the other Drs. are gone. I mean

[page 3] those I spoke of leaving before. We three are still here.

I just stopped for a little trip over the hill to an urge of nature. It’s a long distance over there but I made it OK. That is one thing I’ll appreciate when I get home. This hill climbing gets old for things like that.

I suppose I have all the pictures you have sent up to now and really get a kick out of them. Walkups sent me pictures of their family and snow banks. Those must have been taken about the same time you took the ones you sent. Again that snow looks good.

Well. I’m not newsy tonite so I’ll try to do better next time

Lots of Love
Daddy

©2013 copyright owned and written by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2013/10/03/did-ok-with-th…n-today-roscoe/

The first letter this year (Gladys)

1 Reply

: January 1, 1943 Envelope front

: January 1, 1943 Envelope back

: January 1, 1943, p. 1

: January 1, 1943, p. 2

: January 1, 1943, p. 3

: January 1, 1943, p. 4

Letter transcription:

Kentland Ind
Jan 1 – 1943

Dear Daddy –

The first letter this year. It is a cloudy, warm day. We haven’t done anything except eat breakfast and take care of David. He seems to have a coming appetite, so I keep giving him more – an extra tsp of Pablum this morning. Now that he has started eating he seems as hard to satisfy as he was the other way when we came home from the hospital. I am afraid he has had so much attention from the boys this week he will miss it next week when they are back in school. Mark is working on some model airplanes Aunt R. M. sent him for Christmas. He has his work on the kitchen table. He wanted to stay up last night but John & I wanted to go to bed. He stayed

[page 2] down here alone until 11:30 then decided he would go to bed. I was too sleepy to stay up with him and since I had the throat & sinus infection feel like I should get lots of rest. If we get enough steam up today will take down the Christmas tree. It is a rather pretty tree – wish we could set it out but I am afraid it wouldn’t do much good. We can have a nice fire in the fireplace with it. Bill said he was going to bring us a load of wood but he has been very busy so hasn’t brought it. I think Louis Funk had to go into service. I think Carl had been deferred. I suppose for occupational reasons. Rosemary is going to have a baby but I don’t think that would keep him out.

I promised John we would go to Lafayette tomorrow. I need to do some shopping for David and John wants to see about his album of records

[page 3] he ordered for Christmas. We haven’t been down since in Nov. The month of Dec. wasn’t so good for travel but the roads are not slick now. I told you in yesterday’s letter I bought 6 – 37⁵⁰ bonds. The bank only pays 1% on deposits and the Bldg Loan 4% – but since we are urged to buy more bonds thought I should use some of the surplus for bonds. What do you think about putting some in the Bldg Loan? Or put all in bonds? I have quoted last year’s income in two previous letters but here it is again just in case – To May 31 – $3120.45 – collections for June 260.65 – July 253.78 – Aug 33.75 – Total 3667.73.

Our Enterprize didn’t come yesterday but they must have missed sending it because Mrs. Zell said you letter was in it this week.

– – – Stopped to get lunch and feed the baby and then I took a nap but David woke up so I got up too. John’s giving him some water now but he is getting so he doesn’t care so much for his water bottle.

[page 4] Bob Hufty called me and invited me to Rotary Monday evening – Ladies night – He asked if you had received the box the clubs sent you for Christmas, so I am hoping for some word from you before Mon. evening that you have rec’d it.

I called Mrs. Plummer this afternoon to see if she could come out a while but she had company. I was going over and get her. She wants to see the Baby and as I have told you about this weather we haven’t been out much. We will be glad for spring and you would be glad for a little cooler weather.

John is playing with the baby and he is making some loud noises, which delight both boys. He now plays with his hands a lot – when he doesn’t suck his left thumb.

Love
Mother

It’s 1943! (Roscoe)

2 Replies

: January 1, 1943 Envelope

: January 1, 1943, p. 1

: January 1, 1943, p. 2

: January 1, 1943, p. 3

: January 1, 1943, p. 4

: January 1, 1943, p. 5

Letter transcription:

Receiving Station
U.S. Naval Advanced Base
Noumea New Caledonia
c/o Fleet P.O.
San Fran Calif

Dear Mother,

After finishing your letter last night I received 8 letters. One from Ruth Y., one from John (a greeting) and 6 from you but those were all back of the ones that came earlier this week. I hope the next ones come pretty soon because in that last one Mark wasn’t feeling so well. Your note you added in the A.M. was better, however.

Now if you haven’t done anything about the tax (I’m quoting your letter of Dec. 7). Here is what I’d like for you to do. Pay all of last year’s – I mean 1941 – In other words complete the installments. That was made before I joined the Navy and of course would never be cancelled. Then after you get that done

[page 2] if you have enough money to do that. I’m not so much interested in paying 1942, because I don’t believe it will be much, but send me the figures and I’ll tell you what I want to do and if it doesn’t meet with yours & Agnes’ approval OK. But the 1941 will have to be paid sooner or later anyway. You’ll probably have some explaining to do or pay a penalty or interest on those last two installments. So that’s about all about taxes. The total taxable amount that I have made since May 20 had been $1,317.79. And that to be added to the first part of the year less deductions. I wrote that once before but thought best to repeat.

Glad you got that last box of shells. I’m not sure how long that string in the shells will last but it was the best I had and there is a knack to stringing those things. That thing is exclusive because I don’t believe there is another like it anywhere. Couldn’t be.

[page 3] I got the idea from one Lentz bought at another Island. I thought it rather unique but as far as fancy it isn’t. I’m anxious to get your reaction to the Cat’s Eyes I sent a few weeks ago and the boys’ reaction to the 20 millimeter and the 50 caliber shells I sent them. The bath mat was for D. So so far all have gotten something.

I got a kick out of the Krug boys idea of a comeback. After all he did have something. I’ve got some metal money of Noumea I want to send but will wait until I get other things to send along.

Yesterday when I got the eight letters (you remember I got 14 a day or so ago). Well Fred seemed a little jealous said the only reason I got that many was because I wrote every day and that was useless because there wasn’t that much news. I was reading one of your letters and it was the two page variety

[page 4] but he said there couldn’t be much in it. All I said was that I like to read them just the same. It all reads good even if there is no news – but I’ll say most all of them as far as I’m concerned are jammed full of interesting things. Lots better I think than many of the letters I censor every day. Of course those are most or less scanned very rapidly and aren’t in the least interesting. One day I got one of your letters just after finishing censoring and I found myself reading it just like when I censor. Then I happened to think. So the first part of the letter was reread.

This being New Year’s day we had creamed turkey – mashed potatoes, peas bean & carrot salad and apple pie, good enough but I haven’t been eating very heavy – don’t get enough exercise.

The picture of the house with the snow was swell. That snow. Of course the house was O.K. also. I’m putting all

[page 5] of D. pictures in order of the age. And I can see that he is growing.

You remember the purse and picture folder you sent me. Now I’d like a picture of each of you about that size. Not a snap shot. D. might be a little hard to catch – I mentioned that before, but you haven’t had time for that yet so if you haven’t started had them taken I wish you would. You an buy folders just like that. Several of the fellows have them.

Don’t know if there will be any mail today or not. I’ve written Joe R. but have had no word and I also sent a personal note but haven’t heard from him on either count.

Well if anything further develops I’ll add a line.

Lots of Love

Daddy

P.S. I forgot – a happy New Year again.

P.S. 2 Write a V-mail letter now and then I believe they will be faster than air mail in the near future.