Tag Archives: World War II

Monthly Update – February 2016

Wow! I can’t believe February is almost over, even with it being a short month, the days seemed to have sped by very quickly. Here in northern California, the temperature has been rising modestly and several species of cherry trees have begun to blossom and bloom. They look beautiful but they reek havoc with spring allergy sufferers.

The WWII Project

The Letters

I have officially transcribed and/or posted the 1,200th WWII letter (or related post). I have begun transcribing the letters that were received by Roscoe and Gladys in the 14 month gap in their correspondence. Between June 1944 and August 1945, Roscoe was stationed at William Jewell College in Liberty, Missouri. The college was the home of the Naval Flight Preparatory school. During that time, Gladys and the boys lived with Roscoe in a rented house at 324 W. Kansas Street. The house was owned by another Naval officer who was stationed elsewhere. This student article gives a brief overview of William Jewell College’s roll during the War.

Dear Mother, Love Daddy

The first volume of letters has officially been in publication for over one year. I recently entered the book in a local authors exhibition, and I am waiting to hear if the book has been selected. Keep your fingers crossed! I know the book has a very small niche and is often overlooked or discounted by traditional publishers so any publicity is welcome.

Lots of Love, Daddy

The first draft of the second volume of letters has been submitted to the book’s website. The book now has its ISBN numbers assigned. I am currently editing the proof manuscript and constructing the book’s index. I have sent photographs to my cover designer and am waiting to see what he comes up with for the next book cover. I am hoping to have the completed manuscript ready to turn over to my editor by the end of March.

Sacramento Library

My volunteer program at the Sacramento Library continues to grow. I have been volunteering since last June, one Saturday afternoon a month dispensing genealogy advice and assistance. I have learned that my sessions are now booked out a month or two in advance.

This February’s session was yesterday. While I feel prepared to answer a variety of questions, I think I have met my nemesis! This gap in my knowledge is two-fold. I had two clients yesterday who were interested in pursuing their Mexican roots. I know very little about the geography of Mexico as well as what record types are unique to that country. I also don’t speak or read Spanish. It was disheartening to be unable to assist those patrons more fully. But it is a lesson for anyone who is interested in seeking genealogy assistance. Most genealogists have specialties, of one kind or another, and a single genealogist can not possibility be familiar with every type of record. I view my volunteer sessions as an educational experience for both the patron and myself. The more varied research opportunities I encounter, the better genealogist I will become for my clients. Hopefully, over time, I will become more familiar with the records south of the border.

The date has been set for my next lecture – May 7th. I am planning on giving a presentation on free online genealogy resources. I continue to be amazed by the number of people who have never heard of the LDS church’s free resources at FamilySearch.org. Their website is just one of hundreds (if not thousands) of resources available online for free.

Certification

Land deed index from Greene County, Indiana

Because I was so focused working on Lots of Love, Daddy this month, I did not do much towards certification. I had ordered two microfilms from the LDS library in Salt Lake which arrived at the local center near the beginning of the month. The microfilms were indexes for land records in two counties where my ancestors lived. One I plan on using for my KDP project and the other for my Proof Argument. One film appears to be a total bust. I was estimating when I thought my ancestor might have purchased land. It was a 50/50 shot and I chose the wrong reel. The second film appears to be more promising. I will have to return in the near future to continue looking through the reel. Unfortunately, I suffer from motion sickness and when I went to view the films I was still suffering from bronchitis so my body was definitely under the weather. The motion sickness hit me hard this time around and I had to leave in a hurry!

Requirement five for the application portfolio is a “Research Report Prepared for Another Person.” The report has several guidelines which must be adhered to in order to meet certification standards. Among the requirements necessary are skillful analysis of evidence and the use of a variety of sources. However, equally important is the fulfillment of the client’s commission. Did the genealogist work towards achieving the client’s goal?

I have written several client reports at this point in my career, and I do not fear this aspect of the portfolio. Unfortunately, I do not have permission from any client to use their report for this purpose. Client permission is a key component to this requirement. If you don’t have it, you can’t submit it. I am currently on the lookout for a client who would be willing to grant me this privilege as well as a project that I would find meaningful.

To download a copy of the Board of Certification application, click here.

Upcoming Events

I will be attending the Saturday seminar on March 12th at the Family Search library in north Sacramento. This is a day for learning about African American resources from the Freedman’s Bureau records to oral histories. The keynote speaker is Kenyatta Berry, one of the hosts from the PBS Genealogy Road Show. Registrations will be accepted through March 5th. Register online at www.AAFHS.com

Early bird registration for Jamboree continues through April 23rd. I have signed up as an official Blogger (hence the logo on the sidebar). I hope to see you there!

Train Schedules (Gladys)

6 Replies

June 9, 1944 envelope

Letter transcription:

June 9, 1944, p. 1

Kentland Ind.
6-9-44

Dear Daddy –

Went of Laf. today & got a Sante Fe schedule – I found that I can get a train out of Chicago at 10: a.m. as Jacobs told us that gets into K.C. 8:35 – Now we can get the train out of here at 5 a.m. if we can’t get someone to take us to the train in Chi. Ed is going to Hammond one day next week and if it isn’t too soon we will go up with him – I inquired about the train from Laf. and it goes to St. Louis and we would have to change trains so I checked that off the list. I suppose I’ll call you and talk all this out over the phone, but will write anyway.

Just listened to the Amos & Andy

June 9, 1944, p. 2

[page 2] show. Mark has been out chasing lightening bugs – He worked on his exams today. I found that the report cards hadn’t been mailed – Miss W. refused to give Mark his card unless he took the exams. She said if Mr. Cast wanted to go over her head and promote him he could and probably would – I found myself in the midst of a tempest I had precipitated (unwittingly). It seems there wasn’t the understanding about Mark’s promotion I was led to believe. At any rate I didn’t argue with Miss W. but told her he would do his exams and he did them today.

I have cleaned out a lot of trash to burn but it’s too late tonight so will leave it for tomorrow.

Not much news I care to write but will have a lot to tell you.
Love Mother

©2016 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2016/02/28/train-schedules-gladys/

Very Much Absent (Roscoe)

1 Reply

June 8, 1944 envelope

Letter transcription:

June 8, 1944, p. 1

6/8/44
U.S.N.F.P.S.
Liberty Mo.

Dear Mother,

Your letters have been very much absent. Maybe I’m expecting too much but I haven’t hears from you since I talked to you on the phone. I suppose there will be 2 or 3 tomorrow. So far only one letter has arrived and that was written on the 4 & 5^th.

There are a few things I wish you would bring. No. 1. The part of that lesson you typed is not here and that book with the first 3 lessons and the envelopes the lessons have to be sent in are all missing. No. 2. See if you can find any of those feeding charts for babies. It seems I’ll have a few of those to put on a feeding schedule.

I took my medical bag over to sick bay today and had it all fixed up for house calls just in case. There was one call this eve. I had to go out to the other Dr.’s house to see their little boy – he had had an accident. Nothing serious. As I told you they have three. The oldest 3 yrs. old and if I’m not mistaken she is again that way. Maybe she just hasn’t returned back to shape since the last – if so what a shape –

The address I gave you last night should read West Kansas street but I think most people here

[page 2] go sorta by instinct like they do at home.

I wish you would be here in time to meet the Dr. and his family before they leave. They are Jewish from Brooklyn. The people here all seem to like them very well. However, if you come too soon we’ll have to camp you out because it will surprise me lots of these people get out by the middle of the month, but I jess things will work out somehow.

It rained a greater part of today and has been pretty cool. Good weather for chiggers – Mine are still with me but not as bad today as yesterday or the day before.

I guess I’m about run down and maybe I’d better take your advice and drop the folk a line this eve. I should have done that before but it just seemed I couldn’t get started –

Love Daddy

©2016 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2016/02/27/very-much-absent-roscoe/

Getting Ready to Move (Gladys)

1 Reply

May [Sic June] 8, 1944 envelope

May 8, 1944, p. 1

Letter transcription:

Kentland Ind.
5-8-44 [sic June 8]

Dear Daddy –

Your letter about the house came today. Sounds Ok. Nothing much exciting to report. I still don’t know which way to come – via Chi. or Laf. – or even by bus from here. If you could meet us at Quincy we could go by bus to there from here but I think I’ll call you or have you call me to settle the issue before we start.

Have been working in the yard some. Have the present growth of weeds about eliminated – I suppose it’s a waste of time and the way I ache all over I am not sure it’s worth it.

May 8, 1944, p. 2

[page 2] Your shirt came from Seligs – you are going to hate it – it’s very heavy material – even heavier than the first one you brought – at least we got a shirt back and that’s more than we got out of orders so far.

About the train from Laf. – it has to go thru St. L. and would take us from 1:30 a.m. – until 4:30 p.m. to make the trip – could almost do that well on the bus – It leaves here at 10:00 a.m. and gets in Quincy at 7 p.m. – If you could get off on Sun. or any day we might come by bus – but maybe it would be best to come by train. I’ll decide after I hear more from you. Must get this ready to mail.

Love Mother

©2016 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2016/02/26/getting-ready-to-move-gladys/

Work Correspondence (Roscoe)

2 Replies

June 7, 1944 envelope

Letter transcription:

June 7, 1944, p. 1

6/7/44
USNPFS
Liberty Mo.

Dear Mother,

Your air mail letter came this morning. I doubt very much if air mail helps much in the delivery of mail. That one was mailed on the 5^th and received on the 7^th.

Our address will be 324 Kansas street but I wouldn’t use that because people still live there. There will be time enough to change the address after you come down. I’ve been wondering when that will be. Guess I’ll hear in a few days when you have your reservations, etc. I’m really fed up on hotel life but there isn’t much that can be done until this Dr. leaves. He is home on leave at present. His folks let live in Brooklyn and he wanted to see them before going west.

I’ve been working on this correspondence and have the first lesson done – ready for typing. I’m just marking the places in the book for you to copy, and it’s all much clearer that way – we can either get a typewriter at the station or arrange for you to come to the sick bay and do the typing. So you see I’m anxious for you to get here – To work correspondence.

You can inform the boys that the lawn here hasn’t been moved lately. People here don’t keep their lawns very nice. Possibly let them grow in

June 7, 1944, p. 2

[page 2] order to have a place for the ciggers to hide. My bites are gradually subsiding but once in a while I have to stop and scratch. I’ve got bites in the most funniest places, and that is plural when I say bites and places.

While over at Olathe Kan. The other day I saw Francis Kenney. He has been around these parts for some time. Just happened to run into him. We had quite a chat. That place is about 60 mile from here but it is our nearest hospital. He wants us to get together when you come down. Do you know who he married?

It is now almost 2000 and I think I’ll spend the evening working on the next correspondence lesson. It doesn’t take long to work the course this way and I believe you can type it just as well if not better.

As soon as you find when you are coming and on what route let me know so I can plan to meet you and also plan on disposing of you until the house is ready. I talked to the Dr.’s wife last night and she said they were going to be out by the 15^th but I don’t know how much fixing will have to be done before this other family moves out of ours. The Dr.’s wife didn’t go East. She stayed with the children.

Well, lot of Love
Daddy

©2016 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2016/02/25/work-correspondence-roscoe/

Invasion (Gladys)

4 Replies

: June 6, 1944 envelope front

: June 6, 1944 envelope back

Letter transcription:

June 6, 1944, p. 1

Kentland Ind.
6-6-44

Dear Daddy –

Well about all we have heard today has been invasion. Mr. Zell went to Delphi to a Rotary meeting and was going to find out about the train from Laf. and reservations but he didn’t have time when he came home to give us the info but will when he comes home this evening. In case we can’t get train reservation we can get bus connections from here to Chenoa, Ill., and change there. That bus goes thru Quincy and into Kansas City but the bus trip all the way would require 18 hours. I thought

June 6, 1944, p. 2

[page 2] You could possibly meet us in Quincy if we have to go by bus, but we will come by train if we can get seats.

It is so cold today, the heat kicked on, but I turned the therm. down so it wouldn’t get so hot.

Mildred Morton’s mother died yesterday. She was in St. E. and was recovering, satisfactorily they thought, and her death seemed to be rather unexpected.

We had a dust storm yesterday and it was warm enough to have all the doors open and the house is very dusty throughout today. I washed some things today. The water got hot enough – the hottest it has been for a long time.

June 6, 1944, p. 3

[page 3] I went to the dentist & took Mark along. He said there was nothing to do about Mark’s teeth in front, but he did put some filling in. My tooth was just sensitive and nothing to be done now.

Lucile said they couldn’t get lumber enough to build Jimmy a play sand box so I told her to come out & see if they could find enough here. They came, but while we were looking Lucile thought about the supper she left cooking on high so they left before we found anything.

I waited to talk to Mr. Zell before finishing this and didn’t get it mailed Tues. He found that we could

June 6, 1944, p. 4

[page 4] get a train out of Laf. at 1:30 a.m. that would get us into Kansas City sometime around 11:30 or 12. I called Chicago and there are no day trains out of Chicago to K.C. or Liberty, so I think we will go from Laf.

It is some warmer today but was very chilly yesterday. The sun is shining today again.

I am forwarding a letter from Geo. Wingfield – why don’t you write him and ask him to stop off in Liberty and see us while he is on his way to Chicago? Here is another v-mail from Lentz – am trying to sew, so will sign off.

Love Mother

Your first letter came today –

©2014 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2016/02/24/invasion-gladys/

Listening to the News (Roscoe)

5 Replies

June 6, 1944 envelope

Letter transcription:

June 6, 1944, p. 1

6/6/44
NFPS
LIBERTY MO

Dear Mother,

Most of the day was spent by the radio listening to the radio news. There is a radio in sick bay and we used it most all day.

I’m just wondering what day you have for reservations or rather what day you plan on coming. We may have to park you and the boys in the streets. The Dr. here isn’t planning on leaving until the 14^th or 15^th and then the lady wants a couple of days to redecorate before she vacates the house for us. This hotel is so crowded. I got the only room vacant Sun. but if you come before the house is ready I guess we can do something.

I talked to the supply officer and we think best that you buy your tickets and ship the stuff and then we will put in for your expenses later. If we knew which train, etc., we could get the tickets but we believe it best for you to get your tickets which best suit you as to time and route.

I’m listening to the radio and scratching ciggers and I’m not able to concentrate. And I might say the ciggers have an almost upper hand. I’m going to try to devise something to keep the little pests away if and when we have another garden party.

June 6, 1944, p. 2

[page 2] It has been so cool here since Sunday. I was really cold all day. Guess I’ll get warm in bed tonight.

Our house is one Kansas street and I think the number is 324 but I’d better check that before I give that to you for our permanent address. I got a letter from Mom, one that was sent to USNH Great Lakes today. So far no letter from you but maybe you haven’t written since we made the telephone calls.

As soon as you can tell me when you have your train reservations I’ll see what and how I can arrange to take care of you until the house is available.

Well, the news goes on and one. Most of it now is repeat but one keeps the radio one in case something new comes on.

Up to now this is about all I can think of tonight so
Lots of Love
Daddy

342 W. Kansas Street, Liberty, MO (Image courtesy of Google street view)

©2016 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2016/02/23/listening-to-the-news-roscoe/

News from George Wingfield, Jr.

1 Reply

[George Wingfield, Jr., served with Roscoe in the Russell Islands and New Caledonia. They shared a tent together at one point. This letter was forwarded by Gladys in her June 6th letter.]

June 2, 1944, p. 1

Letter transcription:

June 2, 1944

Dear Yegie,

Am home again on a week’s leave and while I’ve been away, new orders to Naval War College, Newport, R.I. came thru, so shortly I’ll be leaving S.D. in time to get there by 1 July for a 5 month course in tactics, strategy, etc. – then a staff job somewhere. Expect to stay in Chicago 2 or 3 days with my mother Mrs. Paul D. Hamlin, 1301 Astor Street, sometime between the 22 – and – 27^th. In case you have a local phone number eave your number there for me. She’s in the book.

Mates Frericks and Howell

June 2, 1944, p. 2

[page 2] are still “put.” Jim Gardiner called me when he returned. He’s with the Marines near San Diego.

Got registered while I am home as otherwise I couldn’t have voted in the coming election – and I did want to offset a good new deal vote with mine – and will!

Feel great and the fishing is good. I’m ready to lick bears or Newport socialites – come what may.

Jack’s letters to others indicate that the Japs may have infiltrated as far back as New Caledonia! How times do change.

Regards,
George

Cokes Would Be In Order (Gladys)

1 Reply

June 4, 1944 envelope

Letter transcription:

June 4, 1944, p. 1

Kentland Ind.
June 4 – 1944

Dear Daddy –

Will start a letter this evening and maybe I’ll have something to add tomorrow – Howard & Ursula came to see me this afternoon. Helen is home and is going to come over and see me. She lived in Kansas City, Mo., 10 yrs. If she comes tomorrow I’ll tell you anything that might be of help to us. Howard asked me if we would rent our house. I told them our little attempt with Smiths – They agreed with me our house is well worth $45.00 – said they were getting $40.00 for theirs in the country. Mrs. W. said she thought our house should be worth $50.00 – The new

June 4, 1944, p. 2

[page 2] Ag teacher is looking for a place & Mrs. Z. asked me if we were considering renting. I told her I didn’t know yet – we would have to see about “Mo.” first.

Arlene came up and Lucile brought Jimmy so we really had “open yard” this afternoon. Mark got the idea cokes would be in order so he & Virginia loaded up some bottles and went to the Station and bought cokes with his money – without consulting me. I had the same idea so was glad he had acted before I told him to. Jimmy Ed & David both got a share of their mother’s cokes – Jimmy is a veteran coke drinker but David seems to like the stuff pretty well too – Arlene has a new girl – one that seems to be the answer to all her desires for a helper – She even lives there and so Arlene has a little more time off.

June 4, 1944, p. 3

[page 3] When Arlene loaned us the “Thum” bottle, she decided to pour a little out in something in case she might want to dab a little on Donnie “in case” – The only thing she saw at the time was a “shot glass” so poured some in it. She told Bill what she had done and he told everyone she was trying to break him by putting “Thum” in his glass. I am certain that would break anybody of anything – after getting the tiny bit in my eye.

I wrote to Ruth M. today. You should drop your folks a line now and let them know you are in your new location. As soon as I get news from you of a house I’ll call for train reservations.

Love Mother

June 4, 1944, p. 4

[page 4] Monday afternoon –
So far I haven’t talked to Helen. I saw Coke this morning and strange as it may seem they haven’t any K.C. connections. I thought perhaps they would know someone there.

I cleaned half the basement this morning – Try to finish the other this evening. David got an ink bottle this morning and spilled ink from davenport to kitchen so J. & M. cleaned living room & dining room floors – however it needed to be done. The house looks like the one at Lake Forest – I have rugs all over the place to catch the black marks –

Hoping to see you soon –
Love Mother

David, Jimmy Ed Johnson & Donald Funk, dated June 4, 1944

Liberty, Missouri (Roscoe)

2 Replies

: June 4, 1944 envelope front

: June 4, 1944 envelope back

Letter transcription:

June 4, 1944, p. 1

Colonial Hotel
Liberty Mo.
June 4, 1944

Dear Mother,

Just back from the party I told you about on the phone. I met most of the officers, their wives and children. It seems the medical department is composed of me and that is the dependants care as well as anything else navy that comes up. It was interesting meeting all the outfit in one group. About all types and kinds were represented. The skipper and his wife are ex farmers from Southern Ill. And seem to be very fine. There is also the flashy type who sorta feel they should demand attention, and I might say the children are all types and kinds also. It se

It seems they have parties like this rather frequent. It was an outdoor

June 4, 1944, p. 2

[page 2] hamburger fry with salads, onions, olives, cake, ice cream, etc. Just a harmless get together. Outside of hot weather, I believe the duty here should be OK but that remains to be seen.

I hope a room here at the hotel without bath. There are none with bath available. The price of the room is $1.25 per day. There is a lavatory in the room but the bath is community and a tub. There is a shower at the sick bay so I’ll have my bath there.

I have to be at the base by 7:45 and after sick call it’s more or less here and there.

The Dr. I’m relieving is still here. They have 3 children, the oldest of which is about 3 years old. They seem to be very well thought of and a little hard to follow maybe because they were well liked, but we shall see.

Well, I’ll write more tomorrow night but the night letter of tomorrow night should get there first –

Lots of Love
Daddy