Tag Archives: World War II

Football vs. Band (Gladys)

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August 26, 1945 envelope

Letter transcription:

August 26, 1945, p. 1

8-26-45

Dear Daddy –

Sun. evening and David just tucked in. He was ready to go to bed for a change. Had a nap this afternoon but didn’t sleep too long. Yesterday afternoon I went down to Dr. M office and asked him if he had any late data on Drs. being discharged. He said he knew nothing – but in the course of conversation he said he had inquiry from the “procurement” (whatever it is) about a Dr. being needed at Remington or Goodland and he told them to send a Dr. Now “methinks” he could tell the procurement office or whoever it is, that he needs you here. I saw Mrs. M outside and she said Dr. was so anxious for you to get back before winter – She also said Dr. V hadn’t been any help – says he doesn’t leave home until 10 a.m. – and by that hour her husband has been at work 2 hrs. Also she says he doesn’t have office hours at night, etc., etc., etc. This morning driving home from church I saw Mrs. Washburn and talked to her a while. She wanted to know about your coming home and I told her the people here would have to get a petition and get you back. This afternoon David wanted to take a walk so we walked past their house and stopped to chat a while. Dr. Dorsey came while we were there and they went on an inspection tour (The Washburns, Dr. Dorsey & his Sec’y). Mark was there playing with Sammy. He has been with him all afternoon – and is still down there. He came with Sammy a while ago eating a ham sandwich. I said something about real ham and in a little while here came Mark & Sammy with some ham for me. They said Mr. Washburn had sent it. Howards came

August 26, 1945, p. 2

[page 2] back from Wisconsin over the weekend. The Krulls came back, too. I went down and took the things I had washed – and their silverware. I told Nick about the oil burner and the difference in figures. He said I had better have Loughridge because Monroe doesn’t service oil burners. Without waiting for you reply I am going to tell Loughridge to proceed with ours. Of course he can’t get it until Oct., but can be getting the new wiring done. I hope this meets with your approval.

Going back to Washburns – I was glad Sammy was in town this afternoon. Mark was all excited over a piper cub pilot taking up passengers. I tried calmly to talk him out of it but he couldn’t see anything but getting to take a ride in a piper cub. I finally had to say flatly no, then he went to Washburns and played football with Sam & Buddy Krull and apparently forgot about the plane ride. I told him I knew you wouldn’t approve – so if you will write him a little letter it will help out in case anyone else comes around offering rides for 75₵. I told him to wait until he can go somewhere in a passenger plane.

I went out with John this afternoon and he did pretty good. I told him he would have to practice a little more often. School begins Wed., so he won’t have much time. John isn’t very happy about his high school program. One must is either Shop, Ag, or Geography and he chose Geography. He would rather take Latin but they just have Soph. & Jr. latin and since he has had first yr. Latin would have to take with Jrs., but it would conflict with one of the Soph. subjects. He takes History, English, Geometry & Geography. Maybe he can get a change somewhere so he can take Latin but I doubt it.

Mrs. Zell gave us a basket of tomatoes – the boys are going to prepare them for the cans and won’t have to touch them.

August 26, 1945, p. 3

[page 3] Pauline Hiestand said they had some chickens to sell so may put a few in the locker. So far we have 16 qts. peaches & 7 qts. corn in our locker. With our beans (20 qt.) and tomatoes to can tomorrow our food supply is counting up. Mrs. Z said we could have more corn this week. Mr. Z is going to Mich. and bring back peaches so I told her I would take a bu.

The Merrit Woods are going to Monticello to live. He sold out business & house to Simison. There was a farewell dinner at the church for them today. I didn’t get anything prepared to take before S. School so we came home to eat. Mr. Servies asked me to help in the Primary Dept., and I didn’t want to be late to Sunday School so had to forego the dinner. Mrs. Wood has been Supt. of the Primary Dept. for some time. They asked me to take over for her, but Mrs. McCarty has been assisting her and I said I would help Mrs. MC.

It’s past 9:30 so think I’ll get ready for bed. I thought I might read but my eyes are burning and I don’t believe I had better. – Just while I think of it. I air mailed your “gold” in the lighter box Sat. – so you should get it soon.

Mon. a.m. Yours of Aug. 24 (date on envelope) rec’d this morning. Just hope there is something in the air about discharges. David’s pictures came today. I’ll send yours so you can have a picture with you. I think we forgot to give you any at all.

Have 6 qts. tomatoes in the oven to cook.

August 26, 1945, p. 4

[page 4] Father Fallon’s mother died Sat. from a heart attack. She was on a train going to visit her daughter.

Sammy & Buddy are here, but Mark is mowing his lawn just the same. He will soon be thru and they can go play. Mrs. W & Angus are staying is Wis. until Sept. 8 – because of Angus’ hay fever.

It’s a lovely day if a little cool – not as cold as last night. I have been sleeping under a light woolen blanket.

John went over to the school this morning and talked to the band instructor. He is going to let John have the oboe. The band is short of cornets. Maybe Mark will go in the band, too. He says he wants to play football and that it conflicts with band, but we may be able to get him to forego football – since the band is thru the year & football is only seasonal.

Well I have to go to town and get groceries so will sign off.
Love Mother

©2016 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2016/04/19/football-vs-band-gladys/

Off Until Monday (Roscoe)

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August 25, 1945 envelope

Letter transcription:

August 25, 1945, p. 1

25 Aug. 45
Receiving Hosp.
San Francisco (12)

Dear Mother,

Sat. PM and we are now off until Monday AM. I’m not sure what I’ll do but I’m pretty sure it will be nothing. This place is just about 6 mile from downtown and the only way to get here is by street car and then walk eight block – (mostly uphill) so I’m not too interested in going. A taxi would cost too much and anyway they won’t come this far out. I may if I can get someone interested go on out to the edge of town by foot tomorrow.

Three letters came today – yours of 21, 22, & 23. So far I have heard nothing from Harold P. so maybe he has decided to have Van or someone else give them the word. If I were you I don’t think I’d work too hard at that canning, etc., because I don’t believe you save enough

August 25, 1945, p. 2

[page 2] to warrant it and the points are off now so take it easy.

I don’t know what to tell you about the furnace since Chet seems so hard to contact – maybe if you keep on he will finally come across. I suppose if he doesn’t you will have to have Geo. M. go ahead. The only trouble with Geo. is the electric. He will have to get someone for that and that will probably be an extra $25. Do what you think best and I know it will be OK. I should be able to send some money home when I get my travel money but they don’t seem to be in a hurry about fixing that. I’ll probably get transferred again before that is fixed and that will complicate matters more.

If Jim should happen to come into the S.F. area and you get a letter be sure to let me know, as if you wouldn’t.

I bought ½ doz. pair of black socks and 2 ties today. I’m going to try to get my

August 25, 1945, p. 3

[page 3] laundry out Mon., but I’ll always be a little afraid that I’ll have to leave some behind. They say it’s 3 day service but I’ll have to see before I believe. Twenty four hours on dry cleaning. I’m going to take my good grey down on Mon. morn. Both the laundry & dry cleaning is here on the base. Our meals are 25₵ per and we check each time we eat and this is deducted from our pay. Some meals are not worth it but most of them are more than —.

Especially the steak meal and yesterday the chicken. However, the chili & rice and the spag. & meat balls are a total loss. I do sorta mess a little with them but go very light. There is always milk & coffee and bread which will do until the next meal if chili happens too often. We had shrimp salad with tomato sauce today

August 25, 1945, p. 4

[page 4] noon – very good. Also roast beef – turnips and cabbage with watery mashed potatoes. I didn’t take any of the potatoes – too anemic.

We still live in the temporary quarters but expect to move into new ones about the first. I don’t know what those will be like. These are good enough but the furniture isn’t good.

I have an Ellery Queen story book which I think I’ll have a date with for the next few hours. I read two stories in it last night but there are several still waiting and in reserve I have a Charley Chan book. I think with those I’ll be pretty busy until show time tonite. The show is the story of G.I. Joe and it’s only just down the hill.

Well it’s the week end that get’s you isn’t it?
Lots of Love
Daddy

P.S. Is Mark working on the enlaying [?] picture, if not I may want it later.

©2016 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2016/04/18/off-until-monday-roscoe/

A Petition (Gladys)

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August 25, 1945 envelope

Letter transcription:

August 25, 1945, p. 1

Aug. 25 – 1945

Dear Daddy –

Yours of Aug. 21 & 23 came this a.m. – so the air mail really gets here the quickest. I went over to Lucille’s last night to watch the wedding – Doris Wilson & Goog Marvin were married at the church at 8 PM. It was a very pretty affair. Bethel was bridesmaid & wore blue – Doris in white, of course. Jimmy Ed has hay fever & asthma too (at least he sounds like Glen does) and was so stopped up he could hardly breathe. All Dr. M. had given him was Phenobarbital – ¼ of 1½ gr. every three or four hrs. He got to coughing and threw up one dose – Ed called the Dr. and he said to repeat. I didn’t stay long – Ed had Jimmy on the glider and after he had the last pill acted like he was going to quiet down. I haven’t talked to Lucile today so far so don’t know how they got thru the night. I went over to Mildred Gerricks to class party about 9 o’clock. After the party I talked to Pauline Hiestand. She said Mary Childress came to her and asked her if she would be willing to sign a petition. She said she would be more than glad to. However, I am not so sure of thinks. Lucile told me some things Dr. M. said to her, that he claimed he said to you while you were here and I told Lucile he had not said anything at all to you of the kind. The only time I know of that he talked to you was in front of the barber shop the day Dorothy was with us.

August 25, 1945, p. 2

[page 2] Well he told Lucile that he told you to come and see him and he would see what he could do for you. All I can remember hearing him say was, “Sorry you have to go back to San F.” He also told Lucile if you got back now, it would have to be thru him. I think he meant a petition would have to go thru him. So I don’t know what to do if anything. I think I’ll go talk to him and ask him if he has any “info” from the Amer. Med. Assn. – I suppose they will have something if there is anything out on the situation.

Link took Irene to Chicago yesterday. Atkinson said she had a blood clot – he put her right in the hospital and elevated her leg and applied heat. She has to take penicillin too for “phlolitis.” (incorrect spelling) I don’t know how long she will be in the hospital. I wonder why her Dr. at Sheldon couldn’t diagnose her case?

It is very cool here. I have washed and now have corn to put in the locker. It isn’t such a job tho. Just cut is off the cob and put it in the boxes – It has to be dipped in boiling water then cold before its cut off. It will be easier than cooking it tho.

Miss Smith was here yesterday and thinks John should attend a conservatory in Chicago Saturdays for piano lessons this winter. She is going to Chicago soon and said she would go to the conservatory and see about making arrangements. The place she has in mind is close to the bus station, so he could go up on the bus.

A letter came from your Mother this a.m. She says she isn’t feeling so well – I’ll enclose the letter. She sent us some red points.

Our magazines came to Kentland, so the change of address is in effect now.

I’ll send the gold braid & shirt & pants.
Love Mother

Letter from Lovina, dated August 23, 1945, p. 1

Aug. 23

Dear Gladys and boys

Received your letter. Glad you got back in your home again. I guess you have heard from Roscoe since he got out to San F. Hope he won’t have to stay long. It’s real chilly this morning, raining all morning. I canned some peaches yesterday not doing anything but cleaning up the house this morning. I’m not feeling very good (Haven’t felt good for nearly two weeks.) I’m going to the Dr. this

Letter from Lovina, dated August 23, 1945, p. 2

[page 2] afternoon. My hearts been bothering me so then I have the headache so in the back of my head. Pop wanted to finish digging potatoes today but it rained him out. We haven’t washed this week yet. We had to take the wash machine to town to get it worked on. Hope we can get it this week yet so I can wash some things. I’ll send you a few red points. I don’t have any news now to tell you. Hope your all well. Etta Campbell came out Tuesday, brought her cooker. We canned 24 pts. of corn. That’s all I want to can. Will have more in a few days. It’s no use to can so much. We don’t eat much corn.

Love Mom

©2016 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2016/04/17/a-petition-gladys/

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

©2016 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2016/04/16/an-old-man-roscoe/

Replacing the Furnace (Gladys)

1 Reply

August 23, 1945 envelope

Letter transcription:

August 23, 1945, p. 1

8-23-45

Dear Daddy –

Mr. L came out this evening and after looking over the heating plant said flatly he would install everything complete and wouldn’t miss $200.00 over $10.00 either way. That includes one 270 gal. tank – the same size Statons have – and wiring – everything – He said it wouldn’t take but a day to make the change over. He was in Chicago Mon. and the Delco people said he could get all necessary equipment in Oct. so he said he could have it all installed by Nov. 1. I told him I would let you know and then I would give him an answer. Shall I have them go ahead and start the process to make the change?

After Lucile Burgee left I finished my afternoon letter and took it to the P.O. John Parr said air mail should be here or there in two days. Since no mail has come this week I am wondering if you are sending them air mail.

I went over to Statons to borrow some mouse traps this evening. I didn’t

August 23, 1945, p. 2

[page 2] ask Link directly about what he had said he would do, but he was rather evasive about anything. I wonder if he could do anything or not. I am rather doubtful.

I talked to Blanchard this morning when I bought some gas. He said I should do something, but I said I thought other people should. I have been waiting to hear from you and no letters.

We got the back yard furnace all cleaned out and if we can find a grate will be able to have some picnics in our back yard. We could have wiener roasts without a grate.

The Jr. Woman’s Club called for your address for forwarding the Digest and they will have it sent here and I’ll forward it. The latest Rotarian came and I looked up the International Officers to find Uncle Wes. Treas. You had told me.

I must write to Jim. He picks up mail when they hit a port. Said he had a letter from me the last time they stopped.

Fri. a.m. Yours sent by air mail Aug. 22 came today the 24^th so please use air mail – this is the first letter we have rec’d from you. Had a letter from Dolores. She has been transferred and said she didn’t know anything. She isn’t in the same bldg. and doesn’t know anyone personally where she used to be. She says so many changes had to be made so quickly she doesn’t think you will go “out” again.

August 23, 1945, p. 3

[page 3] John has started a fire this morning. We didn’t watch it closely enough yesterday and it went out. I will be so glad to be rid of that firing business along with all the dirt involved.

I do hope you get to take a draft to Great Lakes. Just wish they would do something about releasing. Surely something will start before long.

The account of Maybelle Tower’s wedding was in the paper this week. Last Sun. we were at Johnson’s and I saw Rev. Servies drive by, going home, and I just wondered if he had been to a wedding. Maybelle was married to the band instructor. When John & Mark went over to register, John asked about seeing the band teacher and the office girl said he would be away for a while. John thinks he wants to play the oboe again. I think it will be a good thing for him to be in the band. He didn’t get to talk to Gertrude Wed., but she said she would see him today. He wants to take organ lessons from her. I saw

August 23, 1945, p. 4

[page 4] Rev. Servies yesterday and he said he thought it would be a good thing for John to take lessons so he can help at church when they may need him.

David is playing with Betty Zell this morning in their sand pile. Last night when Chet Loughridge was here I had gone to the basement with him to show him the furnace and I heard David at the front door calling for me. I didn’t want to go up so called for John to go help him – by the time John got to him it was too late – John came down & asked me if I could come – I said “take his clothes off and give him a bath” – well he didn’t want to argue with me in front of someone so he took care of David. However, he undressed him in the bathroom downstairs and left the mess there and took him up to the tub to bathe him. I think he used yards of toilet paper to clean him off, from the looks of the toilet. He told David this morning he was “bachie” last night. David can let himself out the front door but can’t get in. We had corn day before yesterday and it was too laxative for David. I am not going to cook any more. I am enclosing some “stuff” from Meade.

Love Mother

Enclosed letter from Mead Johnson & Company, dated June 9, 1945

©2016 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2016/04/15/replacing-the-furnace-gladys/

Corona Draft (Roscoe)

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August 23, 1945 envelope

Letter transcription:

August 23, 1945, p. 1

Aug. 22, 1945 [sic Aug. 23]
USN Receiving H.
San Fran. (12)
Calif.

Dear Mother,

This will have to be short – since I have the duty and am writing between phone calls, etc.

There was a paper out today for us to sign with the number of points we have at present, etc., so maybe something will turn up.

I’m to go on a draft with patients to Corona California on Monday – it is a 12 to 14 hour trip down the state – hope I can get due east one of these days –

Well, will write more tomorrow.
Love Daddy

P.S. I’m off tomorrow PM so maybe can write more

©2016 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2016/04/14/corona-draft-roscoe/

News About Releases (Gladys)

1 Reply

August 23, 1945 envelope

Letter transcription:

August 23, 1945, p. 1

8-23-45

Dear Daddy –

No mail so far from you or from Dolores. Had two letters from Jim today – one written Aug. 1 & 15. He said we could guess from his address in what area he is. Had a card from Arlene. They are coming back Sun. She sent me a card with a picture of the 500 Bushel Club, Lake Gogebic, Marinesco, Mich. That is the lodge they own. Quite an impressive looking place.

So far the Loughridges haven’t given me any figure on the oil burner, but I called Chet this a.m. and he promised it by this afternoon. I went to town this morning and got the lawn mower. It is in good “cuttin’” shape now. Mark moved the backyard again for the 3^rd time in a week without a protest. We finally got all the weeds out and everyone agrees the yard looks much better. Mark is nailing the holes shut in the garage to keep the mice out of the attic.

Mrs. Roberts was here for a few minutes yesterday. Joe doesn’t have any idea

August 23, 1945, p. 2

[page 2] as to when he will get home. Earl is still across, somewhere in France and wants his wife to join him if possible. We are still listening to the news to get any “info” about releases, but nothing we are vitally interested in has been said. Jim says he figures to be in for quite a while yet.

David is taking a nice long nap. It’s cool today so he sleeps well. John received, I think, about $9.00 for his birthday. We had the Zell girls & Jimmy come over for ice cream & cake. He said he was well pleased with money for gifts. In fact said that was the nicest gift he knew of. The Zells are away today so Jimmy is hanging around with Mark. David & Jimmy like to play together – and with the Zell girls too.

—Had a caller – Lucile Burgee with her little girl – Karen Sue – Gerhard is in France – doesn’t know when he will get to come home.

I’ll have to hurry if I get this in the mail before the P.O. closes. I didn’t get any word from the Loughridges – so if I don’t hear from them tomorrow I am not going to bother them anymore. Evidently they aren’t interest. I saw Harold Portteus this morning – he said he hadn’t sent that night letter yet but thought he might get it out tonight.

It’s about time for Mark to come in from his paper route so will get this finished.
Love Mother

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.

John’s Fifteenth Birthday (Gladys)

3 Replies

August 22, 1945 envelope

Letter transcription:

8-22-45

August 22, 1945, p. 1

Dear Daddy –

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

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

August 22, 1945, p. 2

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Love Mother

One Ward (Roscoe)

1 Reply

August 21, 1945

Letter transcription:

August 21, 1945, p. 1

Aug. 21, 1945
U.S. Navy Receiving Hosp.
San Francisco (12)
Calif.

Dear Mother,

I’m writing this in the PM while on the ward. I have one ward assigned to me at present with plenty of patients but they don’t stay long. It seems the ships dump them here and then they are screened and sent to hospitals nearer home so most of the work is routine.

A draft of patients come in and another our very frequently. The Drs. have to take their turns in going with the drafts – Hope mine is to Great Lakes. I think I could manage a day or two home that way. One Dr. I know has

August 21, 1945, p. 2

[page 2] been here about one week and he is taking a draft to Klamath Oregon. I’ll let you know when and if I take one of those trips.

There was an ALNAV from the Bureau which states that medical and dental officers are excluded from the point system so that is that. I do believe, however, that they will start discharging before long and I also feel that I’m not going back out. That last feeling is due to the fact that there are several here who have been out and they have been here for some time but of course in the navy one never knows.

There was also an ALNAV for promotions but so far as I can figure it came within two months of me so I’ll always

August 21, 1945, p. 3

[page 3] remain two stripes that is until I become a civilian, at least I’ll get the mustering out pay that way.

This isn’t what one would call splendid duty but it is doing something to get the boys back and nearer their homes. Maybe it could be done by someone else but at least it is something.

I’m writing this on this paper and with mailing it in this envelope – don’t know if 8₵ will take it or not. I’ll write some regular and see if it makes any difference – if not I’ll not spend the 8₵.

There is a show on the grounds every night and there is a reading

August 21, 1945, p. 4

[page 4] room so I doubt if I get out much to go downtown – there is no percentage in that as I see it but maybe after I’m here a while I’ll just have to get away if it’s only a sigh seeing trip.

I haven’t started writing letters to anyone else as yet but may one of these days. I noticed an Acey Ducey board at the B.O.Q so maybe I can find someone to play with. The B.O.Q. we are in now is only temporary. We are supposed to move into some new quarters one of these days.

I’m afraid to write more now. It might weigh too much – so
Lots of Love
Daddy