Tag Archives: World War II

Canned Pheasant (Roscoe)

1 Reply

: June 3, 1943 envelope

: June 3, 1943, p. 1

: June 3, 1943, p. 2

: June 3, 1943, p. 3

Letter transcription:

Lieut R.S. Yegerlehner USNR
Navy 60 F.P.O. San Fran

Dear Mother,

This time I’ll start with the most common topic food, because we sure had it last night. Geo. got a whole pheasant canned from the states: weighed over 2 ¼ pounds. It came in the mail yesterday and he invited the commanding office, another commander and myself so after all the rest had had their meal we went to the mess hall and had the feast. The gravy was excellent and the Hearts of palm salad and onions sure topped things in A-1 style – and also I forgot asparagus. Really I doubt if one could have a better meal anyplace. Hope

[page 2] that doesn’t make you hungry. That can probably cost 4.50 to 5.00. It was from a privately owned farm out west and canned for exclusive trade and at that price why wouldn’t it be. However, Geo can talk in high figures for he really has the potatoes. He often talks of going bird hunting with Marshall Field’s daughter or granddaughter but being in the hotel business in Reno he meets those people under the usual divorce proceedings – So much for Geo and the good meal.

Just took a peek at the turnip and radish seed I sewed day before yesterday and they are sprouting very nicely. So if the cows don’t come in and beat us to them we

[page 3] may have a vegetable now and then. This morn. I was awakened by the chomp, chomp, of a cow right outside the tent where the grass picking was good. Sometime at night those milk carriers give us a fright as they graze through camp.

If I have things figured correctly this month is the last month for payment on the old Hancock policy of mine. We should draw dividends on that now each year. I suppose you will get some kind of a notice that it is paid up and of course we will not try to cash it in at this time, but I would like to repay the loan if you haven’t done so. If your bank balance is too low to repay the loan, I can help out if I ever get paid –

Well, solong Love Daddy

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

©copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2014/07/20/canned-pheasant-roscoe/

Tonsillectomy (Gladys)

1 Reply

: June 3, 1943 envelope

: June 3, 1943, p. 1

: June 3, 1943, p. 2

: June 3, 1943, p. 3

: June 3, 1943, p. 4

Letter transcription:

St. Elizabeth Hospital
June 3, 1943

Dear Daddy –

Well here we are – Mark is sleeping – went thru his tonsillectomy in fine shape. Has thrown up some but has been very good – There is a little girl in the next bed who went up to surgery following Mark and she has been having herself a, the nurses and her mother a time. She has quieted down now but cried and tossed about an hour after she came down. After we got the blankets off Mark, he turned over on his stomach and went to sleep. The nurse said that was the best thing for him to do. – We are in Pediatrics and as usual there is a lot of activity, but I would rather be here than in a large room. Dr. Cole said he thought we could take Mark home tomorrow. We came down last night and I spent the night at Klines. Helen doesn’t know where Dan is now, but says he is on board ship somewhere. Gertrude came over to the hospital with me and stayed until they brought Mark back to the room. A friend of hers was waiting for her girl (the above mentioned)

[page 2] I will go home this evening and come back tomorrow & get Mark. Dr. Cole came in to see him before he left. Said there wasn’t much adnoid but that the tonsils were bad. I was pretty sure of that from the way he had been feeling. I will try and find a funny book for him to look at when [change from ink to pencil] he feels like looking at something – Pardon the change in writing, but the pen went dry and rather than bother to refill it will finish with pencil. Mark brought this and paper along to draw with. I tried to tell him he wouldn’t feel like doing anything but he couldn’t believe me. Dr. Romberger came in to see him. I told him Mark thought he was coming on a picnic. He said, “Mrs. Y. I am ashamed of you, telling him that.” I said I hadn’t told him anything of the kind. He said to give “Roscoe” his regards. Said his son is in India.

It is hot today and I have to wear a white hospital gown over my dress and I am getting warmer all the time. The window by Mark’s bed has to be closed so I can’t get much help from the breeze. There seems to be a good wind today.

[page 3] After all the rain, summer seems to have come all at once and hot. We have taken off David’s clothes and he now wears a sun suit.

I went out to see Lucile Burgee’s baby girl – she had shirt, flannel gown, flannel diaper and long stockings on her. She looks like the Burgees. They are living in the house Reynolds made out of their store. Lucile said Gerhart would have to go for a physical in Aug.

John, Mark and the two older Zell girls have been playing croquet a lot between rains. They said the season would officially open Sat., but I told them Mark wouldn’t be able to play then, so don’t know when they intend to open “formally.”

I am going to try and keep Mark quiet for a while. He has several model airplanes to work on so I think that will hold him for a while. Since he got a bike I told him he couldn’t get a new horn, but he didn’t care. Said he would rather have a bike. I have been trying to get a better piano

[page 4] for John but so far haven’t succeeded. Ours can’t be tuned up right, but I won’t get another one till I can do better than we have now.

Mark has been awake and had a piece of ice but it made him spit so didn’t want more than two pieces – is asleep again. The little girl in the next bed is crying again – her mother left her for a while, to go home and get lunch.

I don’t know what the mail is today if any, but haven’t rec’d the $100⁰⁰ ck. yet. Maybe it’s there now. You will be ready to spend more for clothes by the time we get that all in the bank. I think the idea of the new color in uniforms is good – I believe that will be better looking than khaki, at least you won’t be mistaken for Army.

Mrs. Zell is coming down to shop today and is going to leave one of their girls to ride home with me so I won’t have to drive alone. I want to stay with Mark as long as I can.

Hope you have the seed by now.

Love Mother

© 2014 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2014/07/19/tonsillectomy-gladys/

Tickling Lizards (Roscoe)

1 Reply

: June 2, 1943 envelope

: June 2, 1943, p. 1

: June 2, 1943, p. 2

: June 2, 1943, p. 3

Letter transcription:

June 2, 1943
Lieut R. S. Yegerlehner
Navy 60 F.P.O. San Fran.

Dear Mother

Finished my morning chores a little late again this A.M. and then had a few complaints about flies in the mess hall so had to try to see if that could be fixed up. Seems as if there is always something. Flies in the mess hall, mosquitoes in the shower rooms or flies in the heads. We have been very fortunate in having screens and squirt guns to aid in the cause.

One of my tent mates moved out of the tent so I moved from

[page 2] one side to the other. He had a dresser for his clothes and I thought it easier to move myself than the dresser. It’s just like you moving the furniture around at home – helps change the surroundings somewhat.

The ground hasn’t been dry enough lately to do any first class gardening so yesterday I sprinkled a few radish and turnips seeds around in some loose dirt hoping that the soil is good enough them to grow. My latest potatoes are up a few inches

[page 3] but some of them rotted.

All our enthusasium (can’t spell that one) for shell hunting has waned and we are still in the process of having the ants eat out the inside of the ones we did collect. I’m going to have a look at mine this P.M. to see if the odor is gone if so I’ll try to make something – Don’t know what but I’ll try.

There is a tiny lizard hardly an inch long crawling around. At that size they are rather cute. They crawl on the outside of the misquito net and I like to get a hair and tickle them on the belly – Some fun to wtch them wriggle – So much for lizard play

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/2014/07/18/tickling-lizards-roscoe/

A Tiresome Day (Gladys)

1 Reply

: June 2, 1943 envelope

: June 2, 1943, p. 1

: June 2, 1943, p. 2

Letter transcription:

Kentland Ind
June 2, 1943

Dear Daddy –

No letters so far today but maybe one or two will come in on the evening mail, before we start for Laf. I am taking Mark to St – E. for his tonsils (to be removed) – Dr. Cole thought it would be better to bring him down in the evening. I am going to stay at Kline’s tonight but will come back home tomorrow. Mark has been eating so he won’t get hungry tomorrow. I told him he wouldn’t be hungry but he doesn’t believe me.
I rec’d 10⁰⁰ from Mrs. Reed today – I could hardly believe it but it’s true. I know it will be hard for you to believe too. That is the

[page 2] first collection to come in since Jan. when Steve McKinley pd 5⁰⁰. This has been a tiresome day – Hot and windy. David has been cross – has some heat on his body and cutting teeth. John and Mark are getting him to patty cake now. He just started doing that yesterday. As yet the second check ($100) hasn’t come but the $150⁰⁰ did. Sometimes letters get delayed and come after later ones.
I can’t seem to concentrate very well just now. Will try to write a better letter tomorrow. Have a few things to do yet before leaving. I saw Carolyn and she said Arvilla is on seonc main so maybe we will get Mark a room on her floor. John is waiting to take this to the P.O. –

So Love Mother

Yegerlehner home on E. Dunlop Street, Kentland, Indiana – June 1943

© 2014 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2014/07/17/a-tiresome-day-gladys/

Just Got Word (Roscoe)

1 Reply

: June 1, 1943 envelope

: June 1, 1943, p. 1

: June 1, 1943, p. 2

: June 1, 1943, p. 3

Letter transcription:

Lieut R.S. Yegerlehner USNR
Navy 60 San Fran
6/1/43

Dear Mother,

I’ve been running around this A.M. trying and finally getting an officer started on his way back to the States due to an eye ulcer. I at least saw him leave our place but don’t know what the big Drs. will say further back the line. The only mistake I made was not making him sick enough too that he would have had to have medical attention on his way.

[page 2] All this running around has slowed down my garden making but maybe I can get started this P.M.

I got a litter from Rev. McCloud last Sunday. It was type written a but not signed. His return address on the outside of the envelope gave me the identity.

Wasn’t so lucky with the wash yesterday for it rained just about the time it was right for ironing – I got in all but two towels and a pair of pants and have them hanging around inside.

[page 3] Just got word that there are two boys in sick bay to see so I’ll have to cut things short – They aren’t very sick from the word I got so maybe I won’t have to hurry to much. If some of these fellows had to pay for every call I’m sure I wouldn’t be nearly so busy. Or I’d be making a high salary.

Well, guess I’d better see what the score is –
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/2014/07/16/just-got-word-roscoe/

Fresh Spinach (Gladys)

1 Reply

: June 1, 1943 envelope

: June 1, 1943, p. 1

: June 1, 1943, p. 2

: June 1, 1943, p. 3

: June 1, 1943, p. 4

Letter transcription:

Kentland Ind
June 1 1943

Dear Daddy –

The first day of June and a wind blowing. It looks like rain any minute. John has gone to take his music lesson. He rode Mark’s bike. At first Mark didn’t like the idea but I told him I didn’t want John to walk thru the rain so he decided it would be “OK.” Mark was taking David for a walk (ride) but I had him come in. We have been taking David out of doors so much he doesn’t like to stay in. He is in his buggy now looking out the living room south window. He is so adventurous

[page 2] he has to be watched or will try to climb over the side of his buggy. When in his pen or bed tries to pull up to his feet but hasn’t quite made it yet – but gets up on his knees.

Either the mail is later today or we didn’t get any. Yours of May 17 & 18 came yesterday but to date the letter with the $100⁰⁰ check hasn’t come.

Had the S.S. class meeting last nite. We worked on Red Cross sewing. I didn’t get to bed last night until 11:45 so I was very sleepy this morning. I got David’s bottle and fed him at 6 – then Mother got up and took him downstairs and I went back to sleep and woke up about 9:30 – I was more tired than I realized because I was still tired when I got up, and feel not too peppy yet. I wanted to set out some more flowers today but the

[page 3] rain will keep me from doing that. I am about thru, but it has rained so much I can’t get enough done between rains. Where Floyd (Billy) dug up the septic tank – there was a bald spot – I had to wait for the ground to settle before I could do anything with it – then we cut some sod from the back yard to make larger flower beds and put it on the spot and some of the grass is growing but it looks rough – however I think it will be smother after John mows it some. John started to mow this morning but had to quite to go take his lesson. He has had quite a job so far keeping the grass cut. If we get Mark’s tonsils out I am afraid he will have some garden work to do too. John has grown up so much this past year. Mary Parttens said when

[page 4] you left John was a homely little boy and when you come back he will be a good looking young man. Mark is pretty much the same – it isn’t time for him to make a quick change. However he is hair conscious and combs his hair so many times during the day – He is still trying to get a wave to grow. When I bath David I can work up a few curls and both J & M think it is “cute.” His curls stay pretty good until I put a cap on him. One of the Zell girls came over to see if we want some spinach for dinner. Their garden spinach is ready to use – ours isn’t quite that far along but soon will be.

I will have to get something ready for lunch – I’ll use some of the 7 ½ ¢ lb. potatoes. We don’t eat them every day – but ours will soon be large enough to dig then we can have them often as we want.

In case you missed some of my letters, I got your letter with your suggestions about the lawn –

Love – Mother

Yegerlehner home on E. Dunlop Street, Kentland Indiana, June 1943 (Note: Mark’s bicycle leaning against the tree and one of the boys is sitting with David under the window to the left of the door.)

©2014 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found: https://genealogylady.net/2014/07/15/fresh-spinach-gladys/

Which Is Faster (Roscoe)

1 Reply

: May 31, 1943 envelope

: May 31, 1943, p. 1

: May 31, 1943, p. 2

Letter transcription:

May 31, 1943
Lieut. R. S. Yegerlehner USNR
Navy 60 F.P.O. San Fran.

Dear Mother,

Just finished re reading your air mail letter of May 8. That is two days later than you latest v-mail but the v-mail came 3-4 days ago. So I can’t tell which is faster. So I guess maybe if you wrote a few of each it would be better. U

You mentioned about the bank balance – I wouldn’t buy bonds at present with the balance that low, and if I can ever get my money I’ll send it to help. Not being paid since Jan. makes a

[page 2] a little balance on hand. Hope the boys’ colds are better and by this time the warm weather should help.

The second box you sent hasn’t arrived as yet but maybe it will be along. The chicken bones were still in the box but they weren’t in too good condition. All tough and stuck together.

And I didn’t write that v-mail letter like I said I was going to. I forgot whether I told you in yesterday’s letter – I got radish, lettuce, carrot and turnip seed from Mom yesterday.

It’s chow time will write more tomorrow
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/2014/07/14/which-is-faster-roscoe/

You Look Thin (Gladys)

2 Replies

: May 31, 1943 envelope

: May 31, 1932, p. 1

: May 31, 1943, p. 2

Letter transcription:

Kentland Ind
May 31 – 1943

Dear Daddy –

Yours of May 18 & 19 came this a.m. As yet the 100⁰⁰ check hasn’t come, but sometimes a letter or two is slow in coming and I’ll look for it this week. Of course that one would be slowed up. You mentioned in your letter of May 17 the 16^th should come a little faster – well it hasn’t come yet so however you mailed it didn’t help the speed any.

It rained yesterday but has been clear enough today to dry clothes. I am entertaining the S.S. class this evening and we are going to do Red Cross sewing, so I feel like it will be time well spent.

[page 2] The house is cleaned and ready but the meeting isn’t until 8 P.M. so I still have time to do a few things I want to get done today.

The boys & Zell girls have David out in his buggy. He likes to be out of doors. I left off one bottle today. When I fed him at 2 P.M. he drank his milk from a cup after eating his fruit & vegetables. His second tooth is coming thru today and he is inclined to be a little touchy, but not bad.

I am looking at the last picture you sent and I mentioned I thought you looked thin – and in one of your recent letters you said you had lost 10 lbs. Well, I suppose the weather isn’t the kind to give you an appetite. When you get back you can pick up all you have lost and more too. As for me I weigh about 102 – but feel good so don’t worry about not tipping the scales at 110 –

I’ll have to see what is going on outside, and send Mark to the P.O.
Love – Mother

Yegerlehner home, E. Dunlop Street, Kentland, circa 1943

Another Sunday Morning (Roscoe)

1 Reply

: May 30, 1943 envelope

: May 30, 1943, p. 1

: May 30, 1943, p. 2

: May 30, 1942, p. 3

Letter transcription:

May 30, 1943
Lieut R. S. Yegerlehner USNR
Navy 60. F.P.O. San Fran.

Dear Mother,

Another Sunday morning rolls around and I can’t see any difference in this one and numerous ones that have passed before – Just hot and damp.

I wrote Boonie and Bob Hufty yesterday and there was a little drip in the tent and both got wet but I think they will dry by mail time. However wet seems to predominate around here. There was a spot just above my face

[page 2] in the tent and on numerous occasions I was awakened by a drip drip in my face. The only thing to do was to get up and move – Yesterday I had a very bright idea. I chewed up several cakes of gum and repaired the said hole – and after a little downpour last night my repair job was perfect.

Just got a letter from Mom with lettuce, radish, turnip and carrots seeds. So my gardening will soon start. Seems as if I get letters from everyone but

[page 3] you. Her letter was dated May 8. And was an air mail with 12 cents postage. Anyway I’ll be in the garden business before very long. However the crabs and other vermine might beat me to the garden

There is still a possibility that more mail will arrive. Usually the v-mails are the last to be delivered.

Well, I must write the folks so solong.
Love Daddy

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

Croquet (Gladys)

1 Reply

: May 30, 1943, p. 1

: May 30, 1943, p. 2

: May 30, 1943, p. 3

: May 30, 1943, p. 4

Letter transcription:

Kentland Ind
May 30 – 1943

Dear Daddy –

This is a lazy Sunday. It was warm & humid this morning and about 1 o’clock the rain started. The first since last Tues. The farmers have had a chance to do a little plowing if not all. Last night the Funks were plowing corn ground. I drove Bill’s car and Arlene took him a lunch to the field. He was plowing close to his father’s house. I wanted to drive our car but they insisted I drive theirs. It seemed harder to handle – and I still prefer a Ford. Arlene’s sister Loray has been here visiting, so she went with us. Also John went with us, tho it was late for him (10:30 when we left). I was a little sleepy myself this morning when I had to get David’s

[page 2] 6 a.m. bottle. He was right with the Sunday morning bells. After I had fed him I wanted to sleep and Mother was up by then so they she took him down to the ‘nursery.’ I didn’t get up until time for the family to go to church. I was tired from yesterday’s activities. I helped some in the garden, but it was cloudy and the garden needed cultivating and Mark needs supervision when he works in the garden. John helped too so we got along fine. Mr. Zell helped then Mark helped him in his garden. We planted some corn & beans & set out 12 tomatoe plants. I didn’t think it was necessary for us to raise so many tomatoes, but do want to can a few quarts. We will soon have lettuce & spinach. Are having radishes & onions now. Now that is [it] has rained today there won’t be any garden work for a few days, but the lawn will need to be mowed tomorrow or next day.

[page 3] Since Mark couldn’t play out this P.M. he decided to bake a cake. He is now cleaning up the mess & sampling his product. I am afraid there won’t be much left if he keeps on tasting.

David was out so much yesterday, but has to stay in this afternoon. I had him out this morning a while. He is so tan – his hands and feet are as dark as his face – Mary Parttens stopped a while yesterday and said he was the best looking baby she had ever seen. I said she had had two but she said they were fair and she thinks a dark skinned baby the best looking. She said he looks like you. He is a little hard to handle this afternoon – he wants to go out in his buggy.

John and Mark had to work most all day yesterday and were planning to play croquet this afternoon, now the rain has changed their plans. They can play with partners – The two

[page 4] older Zell girls like to play too so they have games all the time.

I saw Ellsworth taking Eddie Ray for a ridge one evening. Irene took Jimmy to see him while he was still in bed. He doesn’t remember anything about his fall or why he has been in the hospital. I think he seems normal otherwise.

Oveta Culp Hobby, 1942 (Image from the Library of Congress)

There is a radio program on now taking a group of W.A.A.C.’s into Service – They just took the pledge. Mrs. Cal Hobby just gave a short talk.

I think Nick’s idea of joining the Navy must be out – because he was to take a final exam – and I don’t think he took it. Also they are having some remodeling down on their house – Having a bathroom put in downstairs. They got the buffet & china closet we had in the basement to put their dishes in – due to tearing out that pantry to make room for the bath.

The rain is still coming down rather fast – like it may last for a while. It is 4 P.M. – and I can’t figure where the time went (or how).

Love – Mother