Tag Archives: World War II

More Measurements (Gladys)

3 Replies

October 4, 1945 envelope

October 4, 1945, p. 1

Letter transcription:

Thurs. Eve
10-4-45

Dear Daddy –

I went down to the office this afternoon and made some measurements. Nick was getting ready to serve Rotary so he was in the restaurant. He went over with me and helped me get the measurements. I have put down another plan on graph paper, showing the window & door locations in the back room. Your plan could hardly be used because of the window & door being where they are. Also you showed a drug & linen room up toward the center of the backroom and I kept it back where it is at present – at least there is where we used to keep the drugs and if you would have your consultation room where I have located it, that little room would be the natural place. You remember that room is nicely finished in board that looks like paneling. Nick talked favorably about piping the heat in for us. I looked up the coal bills and the nearest I can figure for the winter of (Oct. 4. To May 42) is around $70.00. I figure that

October 4, 1945, p. 2-3

[page 2] is averaged about $10.00 a month for 7 months. Nick said it would probably cost you more if he furnished it, but I think it would be worth it. Nick said again today he would like to get Mildred out of that back room.

I ran into the P.O. to mail you a letter and saw Irene with her baby, Lucile with her two & Gretchen Wilson. Lucile said they were going down to the Kentland Café for cokes and asked me to go along. I said no I was going down to measure the office. I said maybe I was being optimistic but they all agreed that I should be and seemed to think what I was going to do was right.

The street paving extended down to Foulkes’ corner so we are all fixed up out in front.

The stores still close on Thurs. afternoon so Main Street is nearly deserted on Thurs. p.m.

John was talking about your being back in private practice and said he bet you would make $2,000 the first month. He

[page 3] grinned a little so maybe he was exaggerating a little. John has gone to see “Wilson” tonight. He said he wanted to see it again and figured this was the best night to go. Tomorrow night is the ball game.

Fri. a.m. Yours of Oct. 2 came today. I won’t be too disappointed about the draft not getting here this weekend since you will probably be getting one soon – also it sounds pretty good about discharges not too far away.

I am washing this morning. Have two tub fulls out on the line and the last tub about ready. The furnace isn’t working right, but I shut it off at the fuse box. I want the fire to go out so I can clean out the furnace. There was too much fire when I started to do that yesterday. It is warm enough now we don’t need much heat in the house. I’ll have Loughridge come out and look at it today or tomorrow.

October 4, 1945, p. 4

[page 4] I think the Bendix has stopped so that is my cue to go back to work.

– – It was time to start lunch when I got thru with the clothes. I cooked beans with pork ribs – not trying to make you homesick. Lucile called me about going to Cosmopolitan Club so guess we will take the children and go.

Bobbie Funk has a day off from school for some reason and he is out playing. I have been keeping David up this way but Bobby & Martha know no restrictions so it’s hard to make David understand he can go just so far.

It has been so nice the past few days, but a little hazy today. It is warm enough to have the front door open.

I see in the paper that Vincent Clark is back with Sears. Floyd Remsberg is out. I saw Vincent the other day and he said he had been with Bob Ley in N. Africa.

The score of the third ball game is 3-0 Cubs – last half of 8^th I suppose you know the Cubs won first day & Tigers second.

Love Mother

©2016 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2016/06/28/more-measurements-gladys/

Leaving Here (Roscoe)

3 Replies

October 4, 1945, p. 1

Letter transcription:

Oct. 4, 1945

Dear Mother,

Here is the latest on the draft. I’ll leave here about 3:00 p.m. on Fri. as we did the last time and I suppose we will get in to Chicago or rather Great Lakes at about the same time.

They have made or at least we think they have made reservations for me to come back on Thurs. the 11^th so that will give me a little more time than I had before. Maybe that will help you to formulate your plans. I’ll probably send you a wire from some place along the line and I won’t write to you again tomorrow.

This whole draft deal sounds like a pretty good deal so maybe

October 4, 1945, p. 2

[page 2] we can work this rather often. In other words – why don’t we do this more often?

There are a number of things that have to be done around here getting all the gear, etc., together so I’ll be rather busy besides Jack Howell and Stanich want to have dinner out this eve but I’ll tell them we have to get home early.

Well, give the word to the O.D. at the Lakes and I’ll be seeing you.
Love Daddy

©2016 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2016/06/27/leaving-here-roscoe/

David & Martha (Gladys)

1 Reply

October 4, 1945 envelope

Letter transcription:

October 4, 1945, p. 1

Oct. 4, 1945

Dear Daddy –

Yours of Oct. 1 came with your latest office plans. I think that is a better model than with a hall thru the center. I think I’ll go down and get the exact measurements before Nick & Dorothy go away. There are to go Fri. or Sat. to Bill’s lodge for the weekend. Since you aren’t sure about the trip to G.L. I’ll keep on writing until I get word you are on your way. I have been thinking how convenient it would be it you would get a trip about the time the points are lowered to your figure.

It’s crisp and clear today. The furnace has a good fire so the house is comfortable. David is out on his trike. Martha goes over on Staton’s driveway to skate and he wants to be there with her, of course. Yesterday her mother came over to see about her and I had gone out to see about David and we were talking. David pushed Martha and made her fall – however he was playing and I am sure didn’t intend

October 4, 194,5 p. 2-3

[page 2] to hurt her (his momma’s point of view – but I was watching and saw the whole thing). She got up and with fire in her eyes knocked him down. Her mother saw it all too, and couldn’t overlook the fact that Martha struck him in anger. Anyway Mrs. Z. was a little embarrassed and made M. go home. I made D. come over to our yard. This morning he has been riding his trike down as far as Coke’s, but Martha came over to skate so he went right over to Staton’s but I called him back. I allow him to ride on the front walk as far as Coke’s but I am trying to keep him off the driveway next door. I know Staton’s don’t care, but I think it will be better if he stays off. When Martha is out skating he wants to go out and I think it is good for him to learn to play with other children. I have been watching them rather closely and when one picks up a stick I insist they throw it down. I think M. started the stick business but I correct her the same as David if she picks one up.

[page 3] I got my pages a little mixed up but maybe you can follow.

I wrote you yesterday about the Nu-Joy being located up by us at the hotel. It seems they have to have a place to be able to keep their liquor license so this up here is to be a cocktail lounge and dining room but not a bus stop. They are to rebuild down at 24 & 41, but it will be some time before that place is ready. So maybe the traffic won’t be so bad up this way. At least the repaired the street up that way – it was in a bad shape.

My coat just came from the Michigan cleaners. It smells slightly of moth balls, but looks good otherwise. John will never get thru teasing me about it. He still wants me to go back and raise a fuss – but what’s the use – I have had three good winter’s wear and it still looks good. Maybe you will help me select the next one – (one look at the inside of the lining).

October 4, 1945, p. 4

[page 4] Your mother sent a chicken by Ruth & Earl last Sun. and I have been saving it but I think if you don’t get that trip soon we had better eat it.

Paul Yost is back working at B & B. I went in there yesterday to get John a shirt & some sox. We tried in Laf. Sat. to get him some things but Loeb’s didn’t have his size.

– – – It’s 3 p.m. and in about half an hour J. & M. will be home from school. The school time has been changed – 8:30 a.m. instead of 9 and they get out earlier. I haven’t done much today except odds and ends. I think we will have to clean out the furnace this evening. It is warm enough today to let the fire go out. – – Just went out to check up on David – he was over on Staton’s porch with Martha, so I made him come in. Maybe I am being a little too severe on him but I want him to learn a few rules.

I am going to look up the heats bills for the office and do some work on that sketch.
Love Mother

©2016 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2016/06/26/david-martha-gladys/

Next Draft Leaving Friday (Roscoe)

1 Reply

October 3, 1945 envelope

Letter transcription:

October 3, 1945, p. 1

10-3-45

Dear Mother,

Just got off the O.D. duty and have the news about the draft. I’ll leave here on Fri., Oct. 5, at about 3 p.m. The date is certain but the time is not definite as yet. If everything is about the same as before I should be there as I have it figured Monday about noon. Now again the problem of what you are going to do and what I’m going to do – well since air travel is the way it is they are going to try to get me transportation back from here so that will set the time. I’ll either wire or call you later. If I can get it all on a wire I won’t call – you should get this letter either Fri. or Sat. and that will give you some time to think. If you do meet me you will know where – and if you don’t you can call the O.D. and leave a message.

If you think it would be easier for you just to come to Chi. Let me know, but on second thought how? I think I’ll know

October 3, 1945, p. 2

[page 2] a little ahead of time here how long I will be able to stay so possibly will let you know by wire or phone.

Two days in a row now without any mail. It possibly is the no Sunday take up of mail in Kentland that accounts for the delay.

It is now 10:30 and we are beginning to get the World Series on the radio on the ward. I don’t suppose you are interested enough to listen. In fact I’m writing this in preference to listening but I want it to be sure and get off on today’s mail.

You had better bring some money. I missed pay day when I was home last time and this time I had just drawn my money for the drafts and didn’t take any on the 1^st so I have it on the books but see to miss the regular pays.

Well, I hope before this time next week I will have been with you for several hours. I’ll write again tomorrow –

Lots of Love,
Daddy

©2016 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2016/06/25/next-draft-leaving-friday-roscoe/

The Real Dope (Gladys)

1 Reply

October 3, 1945 envelope

Letter transcription:

October 3, 1945, p. 1

Kentland, Ind.
10-3-45

Dear Daddy –

Yours of Sept. 29 & 30 came today. Just hope that talk about Oct. 15 is the real dope. You rec’d a letter from the Community Club of Mulberry asking you to consider coming there.

It looks like the Nu-Joy will be up here by us temporarily. The street from our corner up to the hotel is being repaired. Mrs. Z. was telling me today that it is to be up here until they can get the new one built. I suppose that means the buses will be coming up this way. If so David will have to be watched.

I have been figuring on our financial status. Counting our monthly $170 dep. – which hasn’t come yet – and all bills paid I know of the balance as of now is $384.87.

October 3, 1945, p. 2

[page 2] Dorothy called and asked me about Hurgess at Sheldon. Says Bobby’s cold is worse. She is going to take him over there if he is in. Statons called him over here Sun. evening. Jimmy was sick but not seriously, because he is alright now.

John tuned in the ballgame at noon. So far the Cubs are winning. The last I heard it was 7-0. It is over now, but I didn’t get the final score.

The mail man left a letter for Mrs. N.E. Baer here today – I saw the return address first, then saw the address. I wondered what Comdr. B. was writing me about. I sent the letter down. David took it and when he came back he said the lady gave him a dime to put in his piggy bank – he very proudly carried the dime.

Bun Loughridge told me that they were to get some word today as to when they can expect to get new burners. I keep reminding them about how anxious we are to get ours installed.

Here’s hoping you get the trip to G.L. soon.
Love,
Mother

P.S. It isn’t raining.

©2016 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2016/06/24/the-real-dope-gladys/

Officer of the Day (Roscoe)

1 Reply

October 2, 1945 envelope

Letter transcription:

October 2, 1945, p. 1

2 Oct. 45

Dear Mother,

This is my day for the duty. So far it has been assigned to me six times and of the 6 I’ve only had to take it 2 times. Drafts came up or something so unless something comes up in the next 45 min. I’ll have to go on.

Yesterday a slip came out for us to fill out as to length of service, age, dependencies, overseas, etc., and number of points. So maybe something will come of it. Things like that are always encouraging. It is my firm belief that I will be out of this before Christmas. That seems a distance away but I do think it is true. Maybe I’m psychic.

There is no new news on a draft. In fact right now the patients are low so I doubt if there is enough for a draft. I’m afraid you may have had something wrong. You sorta expected the draft to come on a weekend. That was just a happen so the last time. It was really nice that it happened that way but I’m afraid that won’t work that way again. I still keep remembering the wonderful few days we had together and how I would enjoy another just like it. Memories like that are really something to live over and over again but new experiences are better

October 2, 1945, p. 2

[page 2] so maybe anticipating the next meeting will have some little corner which will make time pass a little faster and easier.

Cmd. Howell, Stanich and I were going out to have a dinner together tonight but due to the fact that I caught the duty we had to put it off. The last time it was put off because I caught the draft home and then Geo. W. was in on it. I suppose by the next time Stanich will be gone. It seems we have a hard time getting together. I see or talk with them on the phone but we can’t seem to get together.

There is an opera again Friday night and we are trying to get tickets. The last fellow who was going with me last time has been detached but there is another here who wants to go.

Seems from your letter that the old Wm. Jewell is closing. I’m glad in a way we got out because that would have changed the boys school program, etc.

Well Dearie it is about my O.D. time so lots of Love
Daddy

©2016 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2016/06/23/officer-of-the-day-roscoe/

Literary Club (Gladys)

2 Replies

October 2, 1945 envelope

Letter transcription:

October 2, 1945, p. 1

10-2-45

Dear Daddy –

I just wonder if you are on your way home, or if you will be and this letter is being sent without any reason. Well in case you don’t get to the Lakes I think you will want it. I took David and went to Literary Club at Mrs. Tilton’s. It was over by 4 o’clock, then we came home. Dorothy came out with Bobby and visited a while. She said Bobby has a sore throat and wanted to know what to do – I told her it was hard to do anything for a child that young – that had a sore throat.

At Club, I was asked by Mrs. Glick if we were buying out Mathews – they had heard that and Birdie Steele asked me the same thing. I said we were planning to remodel the old office – and knew nothing about the proposed change. Mrs. Glick said Max thought so much of you. Said he spoke very highly of you. He always was friendly, wasn’t he?

October 2, 1945, p. 2

[page 2] I talked to Mrs. Coaley and she thinks Ellsworth will soon be home. He was transferred at the last minute and didn’t have to go out on the ship he had been assigned to.

Dorothy & Nick are planning to go up to Funk’s lodge Friday until Tuesday. It seems Bill has invited quite a number for this weekend. Dorothy is planning to leave the baby with her mother.

I noted in yesterday’s letter about Clarence Simmons coming to see if you would be interested I going to Mulberry and if so he said they would get you out of the Service – There is no doctor in Mulberry. I told him I didn’t think you would be interested but if so I would let them know.

David still gets up according to the way he did before the time change and it’s too early to suit me. Maybe he will gradually get to sleeping later – (I hope).

Staton’s dog is sick and he acts like he won’t get well. Coco’s brother-in-law is due to arrive somewhere on the coast but he doesn’t know where. He has 57 points.

Love Mother

October 2, 1945, p. 3

[page 3] Ed has moved across the street so our office is ready to be remodeled.

Purses and Cokes (Roscoe)

4 Replies

October 1, 1945 envelope

Letter transcription:

October 1, 1945, p. 1

1 Oct. 45

Dear Mother,

Monday a.m. and things going along the same as usual. Yesterday p.m. I intended to listen to the football game here but it wasn’t on the radio, so I read another E. Stanley Gardner book – very educational. I also finished another office plan and if I didn’t leave it at the room I’ll include it in this letter. I have it so I’ll send it along.

No news on the point system nor on the draft so far today. We haven’t gotten too many patients in so the draft to Chi. May not be as soon as I expected. I guess I shouldn’t write so much about that but after all it is one of the major things in life right now.

I looked the purses over and I’m afraid to make my own selection at that price. I also priced and looked them over at Klamath Falls and the price was the same there and the selection about the same.

Just stopped to get a cold coke. There is a big machine right outside our door but it is empty most of the time. It is filled three

October 1, 1945, p. 2

[page 2] times each day but still it is practically always empty. It holds about 10 cases and I don’t think the coke ever gets cold only the extra supply in the top which is put in at the time of filling.

I’ve just finished writing a letter to the folks – It had been some time since I had written. Mom said if they had known when I was coming before they would have come up but it is too uncertain about how much time I’ll have off. It would be alright for them to come but if I didn’t get much time then you would be in Chi. Also. The priorities going off on air travel may make a difference in our time off. They may get them directly from here and if they do it may mean only a few hours off but that remains to be discussed later.

Look this last plan over and see what you think. After I had it finished I saw some things I didn’t like but that will be true of any.

Well, Dear I’ll sure like to see and be with you – We hope it won’t be too long.
Love Daddy

P.S. 3 letters just came.

Reduction of Five Points (Roscoe)

1 Reply

September 30, 1945 envelope

Letter transcription:

September 30, 1945, p. 1

30 Sept. 45

Dear Mother,

I suppose maybe I feel in a little better mood today. No special reason only same subtle B. One of the Cmdrs. here said he had it on two pretty good sources that the points for M.D.’s was to be reduced by 5 points wither the 1^st or 15^th of Oct. Well, if that is the case my spirits are very high. It won’t be long now until we find out about the 1^st date.

I suppose you have heard or read about the fires out our way. I saw some of them yesterday coming back and the whole area around here seems to be filled with smoke but it isn’t much different than the usual fog. In fact this morning I thought it was fog but soon detected the smell wasn’t fog.

I worked some more on the office plans last night and maybe will send a drawing tomorrow. I have a hard time getting anything to measure with so can’t tell exactly whether the rooms will fit as I want them to fit. And I can’t remember how far that alley door is from the back wall but I’ll send them along in a day or two and another thing I wonder if a 3 foot hall would be wide enough – or possibly 3+ feet. It seems I’ve

September 30, 1945, p. 2

[page 2] darn near drained the “barrel” dry writing of those plans but after all it is one of the primary interests at present.

This Dr. that went on to Maryland as I came to Great L., stopped in Wash., and he said they told him there that if he had been out there would be nothing to worry about as far as further sea duty is concerned, but I’m afraid there is always a chance for a slip up.

This being near the end of the month I suppose you will send me a rough financial report. I like to keep it in mind because things might be different before the end of the year.

There is no further word on the Draft to Great L. but I’m still hoping it will be the end of this coming week or the beginning of the next. Do you want to come to Chicago and spend the time? Or should I come home? There is always the problem as to how much time I’ll get.

Well, I’ll have to run along to noon day chow and get this in the mail but I’m afraid it won’t be go out until tomorrow –

Lots of Love
Daddy

A Nice Visit (Gladys)

1 Reply

September 30, 1945 envelope

Letter transcription:

September 30, 1945, p. 1

Kentland Ind.
Sept. 30, 1945

Dear Daddy –

It’s past 3 o’clock (peace time) and our company has gone home. Ruth & Earl came at noon. I didn’t know what time they would get here so we didn’t wait dinner for them and we were just about thru but we had a roast & gravy so there was plenty for them. They brought a watermelon and we cut it for dessert. They left for home about half an hour ago. I thought we were to set the clocks back tonight so we didn’t have ours back and got up and went to church at 8:15 – I wanted to go early to get the Sunday School things in order and maybe it was a good thing I did because some of the children came early and someone needed to be there to keep order. I am sleepy – I fought mosquitoes until past midnight and then David got me up early so I didn’t get the benefit of the extra hour. I went to bed two or three times before I got rid of the mosquitoes.

Ruth & Earl had quite a nice visit on their trip home. They got to see a lot of the relatives. Ruth & Floyd were down home for the week-end so got to see them. Mom forgot David’s birthday last week, so she sent a card and book by Ruth.

It is cloudy and cold and raining a little. I am glad we have the coal – which I hope lasts until we get the oil installed. We heard over the radio today that the Standard Plant at Whiting was settling their strike. Just hope it all gets settled. I would hate to get an oil burner & no oil.

Arlene asked me to come to come down last night, since she was alone with the children.

September 30, 1945, p. 2

[page 2] Her “maid” is still with her. She married Shorty Davis but he lives in a trailer and I imagine she would just as soon work some place as stay in a trailer all day. She hasn’t said anything about leaving Arlene and Arlene is planning to go up to the lodge for a week and leave the children with Francis. John Funk was at the lodge working for Bill and he got sick and Bill had to go up so he wants Arlene to go up there for a week. Arlene was down to see Dr. Cole Fri. and said she invited the Coles to the lodge for a vacation. She said after she extended the invitation she thought about Rosemary who is due to go to the hospital anytime. She didn’t want to withdraw the invitation and she didn’t want to take the Dr. away from Rosemary. Arlene also told me that Bernard’s baby had been in the hospital 10 days under Van Buskirk’s care and that they had brought him home and are going to take him to Cole now – they aren’t satisfied with his condition. He still has a rattle – he almost had pneumonia.

Mrs. Mathews asked me as we were leaving church when you were coming home. She said she was hoping you would get home before winter.

David is full of pep this afternoon. He wants to push chairs around and has his little chair going around in circles. He has a hard time when he has to stay in.

Love Mother

Mon. morn – Yours of Sept. 26 came today but yours of the 27 came Sat. so I don’t feel like I have the latest news. Maybe the next one will be in this evening. I’ll go see when I mail this. Still raining and raining. At least it is warmer and that is something. Clarence Simmons came to see me this morning. He wanted to know if you wanted to get “out” and if so they need a Dr. in Mulberry & they would get the Procurement Board to let you come there.