Tag Archives: World War II

You Must Do This Again Soon (Gladys)

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September 21, 1945 envelope

Letter transcription:

September 21, 1945, p. 1

Fri. Sept. 21

Dear Daddy –

I dated yesterday’s letter the 19^th so consider it the 20^th – if you can tell which one dated the 19^th was the 20ths. It is very nice today. Just hung out a washing and David is out on the front sidewalk playing with an old trike Mrs. Z. loaned. He doesn’t use the pedals yet but it’s a little hard to propel that way. So far he just puts his feet on the ground and pushes along that way. I am sure there are no trikes on the market yet – If there were I would get him one for his birthday. Yours of the 18^th & 19^th and David’s came. I read him the letter and he enjoyed the faces. We put the money in his piggy bank – (sticking out) and I put the bank up where he couldn’t get it. I’ll put the money in something he needs for his birthday. If Dorothy wants me to go to Laf. today I may find something down there. She may have called while I was out hanging up the clothes, but otherwise I haven’t heard from her about going. I called her last night to tell her I have Bobby’s snow jacket & cap finished but Betty Lou said she had gone to the show with Nick, so her cold was better (I would think).

The mornings seem to go so fast. It is 10:55 and that means time to start lunch. They aren’t going to like it but they get leftovers in meat. I baked a peach cobbler yesterday and Mark said, “You must do this again soon.” John was telling me about a conversation with Miss Sizelove – she said Mark had made a B on a test and was well pleased. She said he could have made an A if he had tried. She insists that he has a good mind, if he would use it – in other words, he is a little lazy.

September 21, 1945, p. 2

[page 2] Gail Dye told me yesterday that she is to meet her husband (Sat. I think) in Chicago. He is to go to Camp Atterbury for his discharge and that it that. It’s been nearly two years since he was home – a year ago Christmas for 10 days. Well his long term away is about over and he can resume his regular work. I didn’t ask her any questions, but they own a home in Valpo so they may go back there to live.

Jimmy Ed is having asthma again. Lucile & Karen both have colds – there seems to be quite a cold epidemic around – just hope I don’t get it – not with my sinus – the way it can act at times. My thumb is in the peeling stage now and very tender where the new skin is exposed. I still can’t bend it very far, but it doesn’t bother me.

Our first light bill came and it $2.91 for 13 days. There is a charge of $1.95 for the stove switch but I think the electric part is about the usual amount – according to the way our bills always run.

I still have a washer of colored clothes to run, so I must run and get lunch – however I am not going to hurry as much as I sound like. The boys helped me change the beds this morning before we came down so I haven’t had to do any big rushing.

Love,
Mother

©2016 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2016/05/29/you-must-do-this-again-soon-gladys/

George Wingfield Jr. Gets A Discharge (Roscoe)

1 Reply

September 20, 1945 envelope

Letter transcription:

September 20, 1945, p. 1

20 Sept. 45

Dear Mother,

Well I spend last eve with the Stanichs and I was afraid I’ll wear out the welcome but now they insisted I come out for dinner Fri. eve. He is coming after me again. They are perfect strangers to this town and I think have no social life so they appreciate someone even me. I found out last night that Geo. Wingfield is now a civilian and is back in Reno. Got out on the points. It seems Geo. was in some time and of course has a daughter so all in all he had enough points. Stanish has enough points but his C.O. claims he is too valuable to release just now so he is waiting – just like the Drs.

Drew Pearson had another article in his comments again today – more power to him. Maybe something will get stirred up.

Back to the Stanich people – we just sit and talk and the time seems to fly. Vince and I have a couple of drinks and then about midnight Mrs. fixes some coffee, cheese, etc., and then he brings me home. Not too exciting by but it does get one off the hill for a few hours. They never mention playing bridge, poker, etc., so I don’t [know] whether they do those things or not.

One (jg) got orders yesterday but that seems the entire extent of the pack. The scuttlebutt is

September 20, 1945, p. 2

[page 2] now that the third fleet is coming in and we are to be used as replacements. That may or may not be true but if things hold off for a few weeks or months maybe I can talk them out of sending me out.

No mail so far but I hardly expected any this early – I believe there should be a letter tomorrow, at least I hope so.

Our patients are very few again – Right now we have just about as many as Drs. I won’t even be able to take a draft if more don’t come because there won’t be enough to make up one car load.

Kenney left Monday for some place near Japan. I talked with a friend of his who is leaving for the same place tomorrow. I imagine he will enjoy that kind of work. They are going to set up a small dispensary for a recreational center.

Well, with all this monotony there is darn little to write about. But one thing is sure, orders of some kind will have to come thru in time. They can’t just let us sit here indefinitely, or at least I think they can’t.

Lots of Love,
Daddy

[Editor’s Note: George Wingfield, Jr., was an important enough person in the Reno community that his discharge made the local papers. Follow the link to read one article.]

©2016 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2016/05/28/george-wingfield-jr-gets-a-discharge-roscoe/

Strings Attached (Gladys)

1 Reply

September 19 (or 20), 1945 envelope

Letter transcription:

September 19 (or 20), 1945, p. 1

9-19-45 [sic 20?]

Dear Daddy –

After a warm day yesterday we had a thunderstorm last night. It is sunny today and brisk after the rain. David is playing out in the sunshine and getting along very well by himself. Martha doesn’t come over so much. He is learning to grab and hold on and when he doesn’t give up to her she tells him she will go home if he isn’t nice to her. This morning he didn’t seem to mind her leaving. He stayed with me in the kitchen while I was getting lunch ready. I had to go get groc. before lunch. Saw Dorothy and she was still not so good. She said she needed a good Dr. I also saw Geneva Simons and she said they had all had the flu and I asked if they had ever had the baby’s tonsils taken out – she said no, they were waiting for you to come back.

The Gas Co. sent us our meter refund less the $1.53 – guess they woke up after so long. They hadn’t rec’d my not when this was mailed. The whole amt. was $8.36 – less $1.53 – ck. for $6.83.

Had a letter from your Mother. Our letters crossed too. I had written her Tues. Uncle Wes wrote her that you were coming home so she knew something about it before getting my letter.

Last night Arlene called me and asked if I could come down. Bill was out of town but came home while I was there. He said they got Dale Jones discharged. However he had been in the Army 3½ yrs. with 23 months overseas.

September 19 (or 20), 1945, p. 2

[page 2] Bill had been in Indpls. Yesterday and had called on the Gov. He said the Gov. didn’t get up to the Lodge with Ira Dixon’s party – but Bill said a number of his “Henchman” did. (That’s what he said.) Bill seems to think he could so something. However I told him I didn’t think so. Anyway I would rather just wait – because thinking of the past, people around here didn’t think much of the trips to Wash. to keep certain corn men out of service. I think you have expressed the same feeling in the past – just wait and get out on your gown then no strings attached. I think some people would enjoy reminding you that they had done so much for you. What am I yapping about? You haven’t suggested anything like that.

The Nu-Joy wreckage is getting cleaned up fast. They were burning some of the debris yesterday and there was such a high wind, they had to call the fire dept. So much of the equip. that wasn’t entirely burned was moved up to the Nu-Joy hotel or barn.

David is pestering around so I must go out in the yard with him (as promised).

Love,
Mother

©2016 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2016/05/27/strings-attached-gladys/

Birthday Greetings (Roscoe)

1 Reply

September 19, 1945

Letter transcription:

19 Sept. 45

Dear David,

I’m sending you a little birthday present. Hope you can find some use for it. It is not as much as I give the older boys but maybe you don’t need as much. I’d like to be there and help you celebrate but it doesn’t seem possible just now but maybe you and John & Mark & Mother and some of the kids in the neighborhood can celebrate. Hope I can be with you on your next birthday.

Lots of Love,
Daddy

©2016 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2016/05/26/birthday-greetings-roscoe-2/

Making Plans (Roscoe)

1 Reply

September 19, 1945 envelope

Letter transcription:

September 19, 1945, p. 1

19 Sept. 45

Dear Mother,

Wed. PM and no orders or further word on anything. The only thing that makes me feel good at the moment is the fact that the commander who wrote the long telegram it seems will have to go out. He has never been out and then to put up such a “squak” made me mad.

I called Vince this AM and he wants me to come out a while this eve. He is coming after me at 1900. I’m afraid he is just being nice and don’t mean for me to accept all of his invitations but I’ll have that out with him tonite.

I really don’t know when I enjoyed myself as much as the short time I was home. It was dulled only by the fact that I had to

September 19, 1945, p. 2

[page 2] leave again so soon. I’m glad now that I didn’t try to go to town and see a lot of people, etc. Maybe if I’m here a month or so I can get another such leave, at least I’ll try. I may have to take a more or less uninteresting one just to get the Great Lakes again. At least that is one thing to look forward to.

We have a new chief nurse – came while I was gone and in order to give her a send off they are having a cocktail party for her tomorrow night in the lounge of our quarters. I know it will be a grand success. Just about like some of the ones Mrs. P. used to throw. It being here on the base most people will be in a stuffy mood. I can always go to my room and shut the door.

September 19, 1945, p. 3

[page 3] I sure had a good night last night since I hadn’t sleep but very little the night before. I think when I hit the bed I was asleep and didn’t awaken until 715 this AM. In all probability I snored pretty much but no one said anything this AM. I do remember turning once and bumping my elbow on one of those buttons on the mattress. I didn’t look to see if there was blood this AM but at the time it felt something like an amputation.

The radio seems to work pretty good but Bun told me to get a long areal which I haven’t done yet but if I hold on to the short one that is there it does pretty

September 19, 1945, p. 4

[page 4] good. I’m going over to the shops in a little while and see if I can talk them out of several feet. There was a note on the repair bill which said we owed Bun $2.00 so you might drop in and pay him and that will give you another excuse to ask him about the burner.

I haven’t done much with the office plans yet, but I’m beginning to believe a hallway down thru the middle of the front room might be better than along the west side. If it were along the west side the rooms would be much longer than wide. I’ll have to get down to work on

September 19, 1945, p. 5

[page 5] the thing and maybe get something definite settled. If you see Nick you might ask him about the heat situation again. If that were settled one wouldn’t have to plan on a space for the heater nor for the oil tanks, it might be simpler to plan.

I don’t know when to expect the first letter from you. I suppose you wrote first on Tue. so I should get a letter by the end of the week.

Well, I’m almost run down and I guess I’d better write David a little note for his birthday –

Lots of Love,
Daddy

©2016 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2016/05/25/making-plans-roscoe/

Broken Jaw (Gladys)

1 Reply

September 19, 1945 envelope

Letter transcription:

September 19, 1945, p. 1

Sept. 19 – Wed. afternoon

Dear Daddy –

I am sitting on the front step – it is so nice out today I didn’t want to stay inside any longer. I have done a number of things today – washed, ironed, baked and a few other odds & ends. We didn’t do to Lafayette – Dorothy called and said she was suffering with a sinus infection and she sounded like she felt terrible. I wasn’t particularly wanting to go but J. & M. both had things they wanted me to get for them. Dorothy said something about going tomorrow. David is playing with an old egg cutter. He is pulling grass and putting it in the cutter but it doesn’t work. He went over to Zells this morning and got a doll and buggy without asking so I am keeping him strictly under guard the rest of the day. I tried to explain to him that he is not to go into anyone’s house. He seems to enjoy pushing that doll buggy – I think if I could get him a fair size wagon he could pull around with some satisfaction it might help. However wagons are hard to find.

The upholstery man was here today and to get the davenport done in a good tapestry it would cost nearly $100.00 – However he would completely rebuild it any style. I told him I would let him know later.

It is so warm and sunny today it seems like summer again. I hope it stays this way for a while.

Chas. Smith (Supt.) fell and broke his jaw – I don’t know the particulars but he isn’t feeling so well. John had to go see him at his home this morning about the school paper. He said his teeth were bothering him more than anything. He isn’t able to be at school. Rosemary is teaching Speech for him. I thought she had a job someplace away from here, but she has been here this week taking the speech class.

September 19, 194,5 p. 2

[page 2] When I bought groceries at Bair’s yesterday Mrs. Bair was telling me she had had a run in with Dr. M. She seems to think he is lacking in ethics. If I remember correctly they never did doctor with him in the past and you know he has a way with people like that (so I have heard).

I heard a radio newscast this morning about the “squacking” that has been raised about the Drs. being held and that the Army & Navy have promised quite a large number to be released by Christmas.

David had a glass jar with rocks in it and just dropped it by my feet – Now I have to clean up broken glass and rocks. I can’t make him do it because I am afraid he will cut his hands. His cold is better but he still has some. I think the warm weather should help clear it up.

Irene had the baby out for a little airing and came over here. He seems to be OK – Ma said earlier today that he still had green stools, but otherwise no sign of cold.

I must go see if the fire is still going. It was in good shape this morning but I got too busy to go back down and it has probably burned out. I know I’ll appreciate that oil more than ever.

Love Mother

©2016 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2016/05/24/broken-jaw-gladys/

Back in San Francisco Again (Roscoe)

1 Reply

September 18, 1945 envelope

Letter transcription:

September 18, 1945, p. 1

18 Sept. 45

Dear Mother,

Sent the telegram about noon and had to get all the dope on the draft squared away so may not have time to write all I want to.

There was a letter here from Mom and one from J.B. Moore – I knew about all that Mom wrote and J.B. didn’t say much either, only he seems to think Liberty will be closed down in pretty short order.

We went over Liberty yesterday just 2 hours and 10 min. after we left Chicago – I didn’t get to see much of the place because I was on the wrong side but by the river and all I knew just about where we were. The time from Kansas City to Olathe was so short that I thought we were landing at Fairfax. I think he started down just as we left K.C.

We made a stop in Texas, one in Arizona, and one in S. Calif. It was a nice trip but I didn’t sleep much. The seats were not comfortable enough for that even though the air wasn’t a bit rough.

There didn’t seem to be any orders – in fact

September 18, 1945, p. 2

[page 2] no one has received any orders since I left and the commander I told you about still has no word. Anyway don’t send that blue suit of mine as yet. I’ll give you the word and in the meantime I’ll stay home. You see I now have more stuff here that I brought in the beginning so I don’t want too much to drag along.

Well, I’ll see if I can mail this and promise to get started earlier tomorrow –

Love
Daddy

Back Home (Gladys)

1 Reply

September 18, 1945 envelope

Letter transcription:

September 18, 1945, p. 1

9-18-45

Dear Daddy –

We arrived back home just as the bell was ringing 6 o’clock. John said Mrs. Zell was expecting us for dinner. It was very nice to sit down to a hot roast beef dinner. After we finished dinner John brought David home and bathed him and put him to bed. I helped Norma with the dishes, against her wishes – she said she knew I must be tired. I was and went to bed early. I dropped off to sleep then had bad dreams. We all over slept this morning but the boys were up in time for school. They still have some cold but all are better, as least not worse. Dorothy called this a.m. and said Bobby has a very ‘runny” nose but no temp. She asked me to go to Laf. with her tomorrow. I have nothing in particular to go for, but return what is left of the Jiffy mop for a replacement. Of course I can always see something to buy. It is cloudy today and I don’t believe the sun is coming through. I washed one tub, but hung the things in the basement. The coal was delivered while I was away yesterday. Half a ton made an awful dust around the basement. Some of the Saturday’s clothes were still hanging but were dry so they didn’t seem dirty from the dust. The furnace has been running today. I have noticed the air turning on several times.

September 18, 1945, p. 2

[page 2] John had such a fire going when I got home and it lasted all night – the house was hot all night and it was warmer outside. I suppose with all that good coal he had to take advantage of it.

My thumb is gradually decreasing in size. There will be an awful lot of skin to come off around the joint. I am glad I didn’t get a reaction all over my hand.

Mrs. James returned some bread they had borrowed and I asked her about the baby. She said he was much better. She told Mrs. Zell yesterday they were so glad you were here Sun.

It’s past 3:30 and I am still waiting for a wire or phone call. I thought about you at nine o’clock and wondered if you were about to arrive in Oakland. While we were eating dinner at Zells (about 7 PM) we figured you should be having dinner in Olathe – or did we over rate the speed you made?

Mark helped me set the barberry bushes out. The ground at the north side of the garage was very easy to work in so for temporary I think that is a good place. Mark “dillied” around with Buddy until I got home and forgot to finish Staton’s lawn, but I put him to work. He still has some to do this evening. Our lawn needs some attention too.

Love Mother

It was a wonderful weekend.
P.S. 4:05 – Your wire just came.

Thank You from Aunt Jessie

2 Replies

Letter transcription:

Chicago, Illinois
Sept. 12, 1945

Dear Gladys: We arrived at our own door just 4:30 P.M. every thing unpacked, our dinner over, dishes washed a fire in the grate and now to write notes (no cards) thanking all who were so kind to us giving us such a good time. It was splendid to be in your home again and have the visit and admire the blessed boys – only regret that Roscoe so far away yet this moment he is coming closer. We do hope you will have time for a good visit and that soon he will be home to stay. Silvester feels a bit tired but we will retire early and the morning will find him ok. Again our thanks.

Much love,
Jessie and Silvester

September 12, 1945

Plans on Schedule (Roscoe)

1 Reply

September 10, 1945 envelope

Letter transcription:

September 10, 1945, p. 1

Sept. 10, 1945

Dear Mother,

Well is seems the plans are going along on schedule. I’m to leave here on Sept. 12 at around 1000 – should be around the Lakes about Sat. noon but that isn’t very definite. I’ll wire you on the way. My roommate has an apartment in Chicago and his wife is here so she is writing them telling them to let us have their place. Does that sound OK? Or are you planning on coming into Chi.? Of course you won’t be able to get me an answer here but I’ll try to call en route. I don’t know how many layovers we

September 10, 1945, p. 2

[page 2] will have because I think probably this is a special military train and they probably do not make the regular stops but I can at least send a wire. I think the best plan would be to meet me at the North W. depot or some such place and then get a hotel or that apartment. I don’t know what the address is, or Evanston, etc. I know I’m trying to take all this in my hands and not giving you any chance to say but I want to see you even if I can’t see the boys and I’m afraid I might not get enough time to come down and it would be dreadful to be pestered by those patients clear across the country and

September 10, 1945, p. 3

[page 3] then have to turn around not seeing you. Think the whole plan out and when I call tell me what you can do best. It would be such a hard trip to try to bring the boys up. You wouldn’t get much of a rest, but maybe our good friends won’t want to keep them. Do the best you can Dear and I hope you do get some rest or at least a change in the few hours we will be together. I’ll write again tomorrow if anything turns up. Bring a little money. My Khaki cap. My bath robe.

The new point system doesn’t seem to help out much. I’ll still have to spend about 10 mo. in this man’s navy, but maybe

September 10, 1945, p. 4

[page 4] there will be another change sometime in the future. In fact there are darn few around here that it does affect. Some of the fellows have as much as 3-4-5 years.

Well, I’ll write tomorrow but I’ll call or wire in the meantime
So love
Daddy