Tag Archives: World War II

A Keen Interest (Roscoe)

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: July 9, 1943 envelope

: July 9, 1943, p. 1

: July 9, 1943, p. 2

: July 9, 1943, p. 3

: July 9, 1943, p. 4

Letter transcription:

Lieut R. S. Yegerlehner
Navy 60 F.P.O.
July 9, 1943

Dear Mother,

Your v-mails of 6-21 & 22 came yesterday as well as the ones the boys wrote for Father’s Day. So v-mail isn’t so terribly slow.

I have all the dope regarding the checks I sent and also the Insurance loan etc. So that will or rather can be dropped from the subject matter of future letters. Yesterday an officer was here from my old stomping ground and he told me

[page 2] Drs. Porterfield and Williams were still coasting along as per usual. I’m still very much pleased that I was able to leave there because this has been a much more exciting and enjoyable duty. It however now is beginning to come monotonous but I suppose we can stand that OK.

The rats have taken a keen interest in our then tent and seem to be everywhere at all times during the night. Here and there they can be heard jumping around and one

[page 3] “sorta” expects them to make a mistake and land right in the middle of nude anatomy but so far all has been well.

I didn’t know that there were any pea fields around Kentland. That must be something new – maybe a war measure that has been developed since I left there.

I got a v-mail letter from Red & Ruby Brewer. It seems funny but I was just thinking of them only a day or two ago. She said the boy was nearly 4 years old – Just doesn’t seem possible but I guess it’s true.

[page 4] I keep think[ing] of those babies and kid as I knew them over a year ago now.

The conversation started and the letter writing almost stopped – The conversation was nothing to brag about but it was enough to slow down writing.

So far no time set for pay day but I think it will come in a few days I’ll let you know when

So Solong Love Daddy

Russell Islands
Image by Kelisi at Wikipedia.com (Wikipedia Commons license)

©2014 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2014/09/29/a-keen-interest-roscoe/

One Thousand is a Really Big Number (Gladys)

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In case you are wondering, the title of today’s blog has nothing to do with Gladys, or anything she said. Today, this blog hits a big landmark – 1,000 blog posts. I am still about two months shy of my second anniversary. To date, I have transcribed and published over 650 letters which were written by Roscoe, Gladys, their sons (John & Mark), and the occasional other, in the years 1942 and 1943. I would like to thank all of my faithful readers who have continued to read Roscoe and Gladys’ story day after day. There are still about 8 months worth of daily letters to transcribe and post so I hope everyone sticks around for the rest of the adventure.

: July 9, 1943 envelope

: July 9, 1943, p. 1

: July 9, 1943, p. 2-3

: July 9, 1943, p. 4

Letter transcription:
Kentland Ind
7-9-43

Dear Daddy –

Went to Laf. today to see Mother & talk to Dr. Cole. He said she had strep, staf [staph], & B-Coli infection in her bowels, a little puss in her urine, but the last to be expected in a person her age. He has her on sulfaquoxadine and wants her to stay in the hospital another week yet. She isn’t minding it so much. She doesn’t feel well enough to care much where she is. He has been giving her sleeping

[page 2] tablets and I suppose this is the first time in her life she ever took a sedative and she slept all night and most of the next day after taking one tablet.

Yours of June 13 came today so that about catches up the back mail. I have been on the go so all day I can hardly get my thoughts collected – Maybe David will let me sleep in the a.m. and maybe he will want an early bottle. He has been waiting till 7 a.m. for his bottle. Zell’s came home yesterday and they are always anxious to keep the baby so Mark and David

[page 3] remained here and at Zell’s – After Mrs. Zell fed him at 3 p.m. he took a nap then they took his play pen over there and kept him there. When John & I left he was having a buggy ride. They have three girls & Mr. Zell wants a boy so much. He was practically in tears when the last two were girls.

Rosemary Funk is home from the hospital and Arlene wanted me to go with her to see R. so after I got back from Laf. & got David to bed I went with Arlene. I thought she had had an appendectomy but Arlene said also more had been done – her uterice [uterus] had dropped and that had to be raised – I don’t know whether I am saying all

[page 4] the above correctly but I think you know what I mean. Dr. C. told her she would have to be very careful for a while – that her insurance for the next 30 yrs. would be in her care of herself the next 3 wks. Her mother still has the baby – she first has a very young girl working for her and isn’t able to take care of the baby herself yet. Her mother spoils him so – Rosemary said she carries him around even while preparing meals.

Carl Donahue’s have a new girl. Carl wanted a boy too and so did Cecelia – that makes 3 girls for them. Ruthie Parttens came home from the hospital and I am going to try to get out to see her. I’ll let you know all about her when I get back. I must get this finished – it’s getting late –

Love Mother

© 2014 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2014/09/28/one-thousand-is-a-really-big-number-gladys/

11 Months Ago (Roscoe)

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: July 8, 1943 envelope

: July 8, 1943, p. 1

: July 8, 1943, p. 2

: July 8, 1943, p. 3

: July 8, 1943, p. 4

Letter transcription:

Lieut. R.S. Yegerlehner
July 8, 1943

Dear Mother,

Again we have another month behind since this is the 8^th and we left Moffitt Field way back 11 months ago. Maybe that means something, maybe it doesn’t – we don’t know.

Your letter posted July [sic] 18 came yesterday and it answered questions which I asked about that loan and the Ins. policy payment so you can skip the answer I asked for a few days ago. You gained a few dollars in that deal because the entire

[page 2] amount of the loan was around 250 and the money I sent home was around 280. I hope that will help keep you going. I’ll, as I told you before, send some money as soon as it can be obtained here for the other loan and also for you to have a little surplus or for bonds.

The Newton Co. E. came yesterday again and I noticed the rules and regulations for the coming black out were printed. Maybe I’d better not express any

[page 3] my opinions on that as you have my reactions already.

I hope the picture you had taken of D. will be good. He is rather a good looking baby according to the pictures I have already. Must have received his looks from his good looking Mother. You know I think she is OK, not only in looks but numerous other ways.

The book I wrote you about yesterday is really worthwhile and if possible be sure to get

[page 4] a copy to read. I’ll repeat the title “The Consultation Room” by Fredric Loomis. I’m sure you would like it.

Geo. is moving back into our tent today. The other M.D. left so now there are only two – The dentist and myself. So Geo. is coming back to keep our spirits – either up or down. Depending whether we are talking of Nevada or Indiana – The other fellow here is from La. so he just isn’t in the picture at all –

Love Daddy

Russell Islands
Image by Kelisi at Wikipedia.com (Wikipedia Commons license)

©2014 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2014/09/27/11-months-ago-roscoe/

No Remarks About My Looks (Gladys)

3 Replies

: July 8, 1943 envelope

: July 8, 1943, p. 1

: July 8, 1943, p. 2-3

: July 8, 1943, p. 4

Letter transcription:

Kentland Ind
July 8 – 1943

Dear Daddy –

Yours of June 8 – 11 – 14 – 15 – 17 & 19 – (the postmarks were these dates) came today – That about catches up the back mail – I was glad to get them because I learned you had rec’d pictures. And about the seed I sent them air mail but can’t understand why it took so long. No remarks about my looks. If that’s the way you feel I won’t send any more pictures of myself – if you

[page 2] don’t know what I am referring to – you said your commander’s wife looks like me – then added “poor woman” – The last picture I sent of myself was blurred, John shook the camera when he took it – so that’s for your remark.

It is cool today and quite windy. After all the rains we have had since last Sat. our weather has changed from being so hot & humid. I am glad for Mother that it is cooler – She won’t be so uncomfortable in the hospital. I am to go down tomorrow to see her and get a report. I would go today but Dr. Cole may not be around this being Thurs.

[page 3] and I want to talk to him when I go. Also I am getting short of gas. By taking the boys to Wilmington & going after them I used a little more. I still have on ticket (4 gal) to run on till July 21 – and I may have to make several trips down.

You mentioned in one letter John Simons & A. D. Washburn – I never learned Mr. S. trouble, but they are back home – have been for some time. I think Mr. W. is about the same. I saw him sitting on their porch one day not long ago. Helen has moved from San F. & lives someplace – I think Nebraska, but not just sure. She was home once this summer but I didn’t see her.

[page 4] Had a letter from Watsons – Wayne’s mother has had a stroke and they have been busy helping take care of her.

Had a letter from Jim. He has finished his training he had to take when he was promoted to C.P.O. and is waiting placement. He thinks he will get a 10 day leave and come home but I don’t know when but I wouldn’t be surprised to see him any time – Thelma is going to go back to T.H. Jim is sure he will be sent out soon.

Had to go & get Mark started hoeing – The ground is just right for such today. I think we will soon have potatoes to eat – corn, beans, tomatoes, carrots are all coming along fine. I love to work out in the yard & garden but haven’t time today.

Don’t worry about the double bike riding – J. & M. ride separately.

Love – Mother

©2014 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2014/09/26/no-remarks-about-my-looks-gladys/

Consultation Room (Roscoe)

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: July 7, 1943 envelope

: July 7, 1943, p. 1

: July 7, 1943, p. 2

: July 7, 1943, p. 3

: July 7, 1943, p. 4

Letter transcription:

Lieut. R. S. Yegerlehner USNR
Navy 60 F.P.O. San Fran
July 7, 1943

Dear Mother,

Chores for this morning all over and as you note its writing time and also cleaning time. The boy just came in to sweep and tidy up the place as best he can. The table I described for you the other day is a little hard to do much with.

That letter of May 16^th that I wrote might be early was as you have guessed and I summarized in all probability in this fellow’s pocket. As I

[page 2] remember there was not anything of importance in it so I’m at a loss to repeat any of its content. For that matter all but a very few of my letters could be lost and nothing of importance would be passed up.

The letters I receive are as efficient, interesting and desirable as the person who writes them. I’ll admit that last sentence is a little mix up but I believe you’ll get the meaning. I’m trying to complement but things like that are hard for me to write: you know I’m not much

[page 3] to praise the good things but very outspoken when things are not to my liking.

I’m reading a book “Consultation Room” – written by a Dr. It to me is a good book but I’m not so sure the general public would go for it. It’s the most refreshing medical reading I’ve done since leaving home and it sure makes me home-sick to be in private practice again. The book is written by Fredric Loomis and published by Alfred A. Knopf if you

[page 4] can get a copy you might be interested since you are pretty close to the Med. Profession. I think you probably would recognize some of the stories the author describes because they are so real. I haven’t had as many as he has had but he was in practice a long time.

Well, I’ve taken a small amount of subject matter and stretched in a long way – hope it is readable for you

Love Daddy

Russell Islands
Image by Kelisi at Wikipedia.com (Wikipedia Commons license)

©2014 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2014/09/25/consultation-room-roscoe/

Without Any Qualification Whatsoever (Roscoe)

1 Reply

: July 6, 1943 envelope

: July 6, 1943, p. 1

: July 6, 1943, p. 2

: July 6, 1943, p. 3

: July 6, 1943, p. 4

Letter transcription:

July 6, 1943
Lieut. R. S. Yegerlehner USNR
Navy 60
F.P.O. San Fran. Calif.

Dear Mother,

Out of yesterday’s mail I received 3 letters: 2 from you and one from Mom. Yours were postmarked June 17 and 21. Hers was June 15.

You said you had paid off the insurance loan but didn’t say how much it was but I guess it doesn’t make any difference, and you never did say whether or not this June was the last payment. Probably all those answers are in the mail by now. I wrote the other day that I was going to increase the allotment and was going to send you a check just in case there was a mix up in the allotment change.

[page 2] but so far we haven’t drawn any money nor have I had an opportunity to increase the allotment. If I get that done before the 15^th of July it should become effective by Sept. 1. So you really should get your regular 2 check the first of Aug. I think I’ll leave the $30 one as is but increase the $170 so that in case I’m not able to make it on what I allow myself later on all I’ll have to do it drop the $30. I haven’t decided yet as to how much I’ll increase that to because since the promotion I haven’t had a pay and don’t know exactly how much I’m drawing. I’ve told you all this before I think but maybe I’ve added a little more.

[page 3] Seems to me from the way you wrote that D. needs a little spanking now and then. It won’t hurt to use the old tried and true method of hand persuasion now and then and he is old enough to receive such when his temper seems to be getting the better of his level headed and should I say beautiful mother. Remind me to have him apologize for being rude when I get home. I’m not trying to be sarcastic. I mean every word I say and as you know I’d make him mind if I were there. The other part – the last part – I mean also without any qualification whatsoever.

The rats were terrible in our tent

[page 4] last night. Seems as if there were a few peanuts left in a can. I didn’t know they were there or the rats wouldn’t have had a chance.

I’m all exhausted from watching a sailor with a sack over his side and a stick with a nail in the end spearing little bits of paper and cigarette butts. Just like in the parks at home. He made about 6 jabs at one small piece – really I think he just chewed it all to small bits and then kicked them all over the place.

Well, my usual amount of paper is gone so much [must?] say

Lots of Love
Daddy

Russell Islands
Image by Kelisi at Wikipedia.com (Wikipedia Commons license)

©2014 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2014/09/24/without-any-qualification-whatsoever-roscoe/

A Beautiful Child (Gladys)

5 Replies

: July 6, 1943 envelope

: July 6, 1943, p. 1

: July 6, 1943, p. 2-3

: July 6, 1943, p. 4

: July 6, 1943, p. 5

: July 6, 1943, p. 6

Letter transcription:

Kentland Ind
July 6 1943

Dear Daddy –

Yours of June 19 & 20 came today – the 23-24 & 25 came last week –

We had quite an electrical storm toady – just getting over now – the lightening struck a tree by Clara Molter’s house. I am going to send one of the boys down when it stops raining to see how she is. I imagine it scared her a lot. John was sitting in the living room & saw the tree fall and he was shaken for a while.

[page 2] I send a specimen of urine down to Dr. M. office this morning and then I went down about 11:30 to get a report – The urine was normal – Dr. M. had the idea Mother has chronic nefritis (I think I misspelled that again) but I told him I thought the trouble came from her bowels so he suggested I take her to the hospital for an analysis of her stool. I am going to call Dr. Cole and ask him about bringing her down. Will let you know when I get a report.

There is still enough electricity in the air to make the telephone ting once in a while.

While downtown this morning

[page 3] I saw John Krull – he is home on furlough and evidently from the odor when I passed him, had been absorbing as much as possible. He had been in Mick’s and was going out. Same old John.

We got a washing hung out when it started to rain now everything is dripping – Maybe the wind will blow them dry now. It is quite a bit cooler than it was before the storm. I’ll have to put some clothes on David. He is wearing a sun suit. He is singing now and entertaining himself in his bed. He was so glad to see the boys. He likes to watch the trains go by over by 24.

[page 4] Had a letter from your mother and she hadn’t heard from you for 2 weeks. Sometimes my letters are that long in coming while others make it in a week. 7-7-43 I didn’t get this finished yesterday. Took Mother down to St. E. and saw Dr. Cole – He is having her urine & stool examined and will give her glucose if she doesn’t get her strength from eating. I am to go Fri. and can get a report on findings then. She hasn’t been eating much but said when she was taking sulfasuxadine didn’t want to eat. She is so thin and weak. Will send you the full report when I get it.

David had gone to sleep. Just discovered this morning he could hit a higher note and was hitting it pretty high.

[page 5] yours of June 11 & 14 came today and seems you had rec’d some more pictures. David we think is a beautiful child but I agree with you Mark had him bested. Of course there isn’t a baby we have seen yet that can compare with D. I suppose that is natural.

You were right Hilda & Amelia didn’t work long and as I wrote you before Hilda took her children & moved in with her Mother. Rented her house here. I haven’t heard anything about Ed lately – since they are gone there aren’t any news items in the papers here.

About the money situation – so far we are getting by with a balance but I can’t buy

[page 6] any bonds. I assure you I am not spending any unnecessarily – I bought the bike and that is the only thing that has been spent that we could have done without, but it comes in very handy. The boys are running errands for people so much now that they have the bike, besides for us too. I used the travel money to pay for it. I hear the clock strike half past & and I have ironing to do and then David will have to have a bath & feeding about 11 – so must get busy – but will try to finish this little space. John is out mowing Link’s lawn. He left $1.25 to give him – he doesn’t know yet how much he is to get. Mark is still asleep but I want him to rest – he had almost too much vacation.

Love Mother

The Gunner’s Mate (Roscoe)

1 Reply

: July 5, 1943 envelope

: July 5, 1943, p. 1

: July 5, 1943, p. 2

: July 5, 1943, p. 3

Letter transcription:

July 5, 1943
Lieut. R. S. Yegerlehner USNR
Navy 60 F.P.O. S.F.C.

Dear Mother,

July 4^th has come and gone – yesterday I wrote that the crowing event of the day was breakfast but noon day meal was also a good one – steak, French fries, ice cream & pie etc. Again you see most of the emphasis is placed on food.

I think I saw some mail bags today but that doesn’t mean that they are for us but it is always encouraging. I won’t be out until later or late in the day and I can’t wait for this or it might miss the

[page 2] out going. If there is any of course you will get the low down of it in tomorrow’s letter.

I carted my laundry out early this A.M. so I think by the time I finish this and do a little extra work it will be ready to hang but it doesn’t look too nice for a drying day.

Last night the wind blew and it really was cool. The sheet and bed spread were hardly enough. Must be our winter weather setting in. There are a few slight colds around just like in the

[page 3] winter time at home.

It seems I’m having a hard time concentrating again on anything that might be interesting. The gunner’s mate just came in to see if our pistols were in good condition. Mine has been hanging in one place for a long time and it’s been longer than that since I’ve worn it. Too heavy for a man with a small waist line.

It’s about time for me to get out and on the job so maybe as I promised yesterday I’ll be able to think of some wild to tale to write of tomorrow.

Love Daddy

Russell Islands
Image by Kelisi at Wikipedia.com (Wikipedia Commons license)

To Wilmington and Back (Gladys)

1 Reply

: July 5, 1943 envelope

: July 5, 1943, p. 1

: July 5, 1943, p. 2-3

: July 5, 1943, p. 4

Letter transcription:

Kentland
July 5 – 1943

Dear Daddy –

I left a letter for the mail man to pick up then learned the P.O. was closed today so it didn’t go out – Thought I would add a line – I went to Wilmington to get J & M. Took Betty & Buddy along. They seemed to enjoy the trip. Buddy took his cap gun along and could buy caps there so had fun making a noise. Mark and Earl had gone fishing about

[page 2] 3 a.m. and got back a little while after we arrived – (10:30). I was able to buy some sardines so will send you a box as soon as I can get some other things to put in. Ruth is getting some things collected to send too.

Going back to the fish subject, Mark & Earl had luck and brought in 10 bass. Earl cleaned them and we brought home several. I put them in the frost chest until tomorrow. Mark had a grand time as well as John but Mark overdid his and is a little nervous again but I think I can soon get him calmed down. I am sure with proper rest here at home he will soon be

[page 3] over it. He won’t rest away from home so I’ll just have to see that he does. They enjoyed their visit & I know Ruth enjoyed having them and does so many things to help them have a good time. She took John to one of her neighbors to play for her. The woman used to play the organ but hasn’t been able to play much for a long time – so she enjoyed John’s playing for her. Mark has lots of friends there and has been there enough that he looks to seeing them all.

Clara M. came up three times today to see about Mother. I am going to see Dr. M. tomorrow

[page 4] again about her and if she isn’t any better I think I’ll take her to the hospital for some checking over.

We drove home thru a hard rain from about Donovan on to Kent. We could see the black clouds in the east when we were coming south of Kankankee and finally got into the rain.

David had a good time. I thought he would be so hungry, because he went half an hour over his supper but he wanted to play and it took about half an hour to feed him.

I am so sleepy think I’ll go to bed –
Love Mother

Independence Day 1943 (Roscoe)

2 Replies

: July 4, 1943 envelope

: July 4, 1943, p. 1

: July 4, 1943, p. 2

: July 4, 1943, p. 3

Letter transcription:

July 4, 1943
Lieut. R. S. Yegerlehner USNR
Navy 60 F.P.O. San Fran Cal.

Dear Mother,

This being Sunday and a holiday no doubt we will spend the day with firecrackers and later a picnic supper on the sea shore. Sound like a rather enjoyable day don’t you think? I have other ideas about the enjoyableness of such a situation.

The crowing event so far as the day is concerned has already past and that was two eggs sunny side up with bacon and toast. That is not the usual breakfast however. Just a pick up by one of the officers in his wandering

[page 2] around. Of course those eggs were either state side or New Z.

Have been giving the regular routine yearly shots and since I’ve been in over a year mine were due also, so my arm is a little stiff but other than that there are no bad affects.

I saw in the Newton C. E. issue the law about the car insurance and I think ours is OK, but you said you were going to check with Ira. Since it isn’t due until Aug. 11 (I believe). You will have had plenty of time to arrange to make it OK if it is not.

The bell just rang for 8:30 and

[page 3] I’m supposed to begin giving shots at 9:00 so before long will have to get things arranged for the bunch that come in. Just something like the days when the kids came from school to get their shots. Only none of these cry and carry on but some do get very white and act as if they would like to pass out.

Well, I’ll promise to do a better job of writing next time as I so often do –

Love Daddy