Tag Archives: World War II

The Motherlode (Roscoe)

2 Replies

: March 21, 1943 envelope

: March 21, 1943, p. 1

: March 21, 1943, p. 2

: March 21, 1943, p. 3

Letter transcription:

Mar 21, 1943
Lieut R. S. Yegerlehner MC USNR
A.P.O. 43
% P.M. San Fran. Calif.

Dear Mother,

Mail came this A.M. and we spent much time reading and re-reading. 18 letters, 4 papers and two packages. The letters were from: Statons, Allgood, Sykes, Mom, Boonie (2), Wayne W., C. J. Easley, Bob H., The Earl park Walkups, The packages from Dr. M. and Floyd. I snitched this paper from the office and will try to answer a few providing I can get some stamps and envelopes. Your letters were of the latter part of Jan and the first part of Feb. So the letter I got the other day dated Feb. 19 is still the latest. Our mail has to be

[page 2] re forwarded and that always takes time. Your Valentine missed St. Pat’s day 5 days so you weren’t far from wrong right.

My letters may have been interesting but anymore there is nothing to write about. Description is out – Traveling is not as extensive as the last place and activities not for publication are more numerous. So the letters to in answer to those today will be short and not very “ready.”

The newspapers were all the Newton Co. E. so I was able to catch up on a few things. Jim sent a Norfolk paper dated Sept. 23, so that was pretty old reading. I hate not to write

[page 3] all those people but if I see I’m going to be caught short I’ll just skip them.

All writing has to be done in the daytime because each night there is a total blackout and even the lighting of a smoke has to be done under cover. So you see there isn’t as much time to write as before.

I’ve ceased worrying or even thinking of the taxes but and wish I could get some extra money home but that is impossible at present – Maybe later that can be arranged.

I’ll try a few letters to others now after writing the folks
So solong Love Daddy

©2014 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2014/02/28/the-motherlode-roscoe/

Another damp cloudy warm day (Roscoe)

1 Reply

: March 20, 1943 envelope

: March 20, 1943, p. 1

: March 20, 1943, p. 2

Letter transcription:

Mar 20, 1943
Lieut R. S. Yegerlehner MC USNR
A.P.O. 43
% P.M. S. F. Calif.

Dear Mother,

Just another damp cloudy warm day – very little rain but just damp. We just won’t know what it’s like to put dry clothes on in the morning. During the night our clothes seem to collect moisture and water almost drips. I got out an extra pair of shoes today from my sea bag and they were moldy and the whole sea bag smells like an old basement.

With all the above, however, we were commenting the other night that we were a pretty lucky bunch being out here

[page 2] where the air is fresh with opportunities to go swimming, fish to catch, nice tropical moonlight nights – Then when we think of those poor fellows back there who are all shut up in hot, smelly, smoke filled rooms who have to drink beer etc for entertainment or maybe have to sit thru 2-3 hours of a no good show. That really makes us feel very lucky, horse feathers. [an expression meaning disagreement, disbelief, or frustration]

Yesterday I sent each of the boys a little present. Just mentioning it again today.

Well I think I’ve beaten my gums enough for one time – so solong
Love Daddy

©2014 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2014/02/27/another-damp-c…arm-day-roscoe/

Tooth Fairy (Gladys)

4 Replies

Letter transcription:

MRS. R. S. YEGERLEHNER
KENTLAND
IND
3-20-43

Dear Daddy – Rec’d your letter of Feb 25 today but already had yours of the 26 – Glad to get it. Will write your Mother and let her know I heard again. Had a letter from Dolores and she will be home Mar 27 to Apr 8 so we will probably try to go to C.C. Apr 2. D. said she had a nice letter from you in Jan. Mom said Faye had been operated on for hemorrhoids and is in Union hospital in T. H. – I went to a class meeting last night. The wind was blowing and the ground freezing. I thought it would be below zero the way the wind blew but it was about 20 above. It is warmer today – sun shining and not much wind. Tomorrow is the last day to use coupon 4 in the gas book and I have only used five which leaves 3 tickets or 12 gal I didn’t use. I will have 32 gal I can buy any time after today. Mark lost a baby tooth today – wants to know if it will be worth a dime under his pillow. John is listening to the opera and keeps hushing everyone. He has an opera book and follows along with the book. David will be six months old Wed. and weighs 17 lbs and is 27 inches in height. I have two pictures on a roll I am saving to take Wed. When I get this roll developed will send you another group of him. I have started giving him fruits and trying orange juice again. So far he has been keeping it down. It is past 4 P.M. so must get this to the P.O. Not much news today I can think of. We are all well – hope we are over colds. Maybe next month will be warmer again – Taxes for ’42 figured 157.33.

Love Mother

©2014 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2014/02/26/tooth-fairy-gladys/

A Real Spendthrift (Roscoe)

1 Reply

: March 19, 1943 envelope

: March 19, 1943, p. 1

: March 19, 1943, p. 2

Letter transcription:

Mar 19, 1943
Lieut R. S. Yegerlehner MC USNR
A.P.O. 43
% P.M. San Fran. Calif.

Dear Mother,

I felt real spendthrift like today and wrote each of the boys a letter and sent each a small souvenir (don’t know if that is spelled correctly). I think if you look it over carefully and use your imagination you can piece a story together. Those things are made to be arm or wrist bands. Those I made myself and you can see they aren’t so fancy but things to send home from here are very few in number. We could send cocoanuts but on second thought you can buy them there as good and as cheap.

Last night we heard some news and also Kay Kaiser. In the news they told of the great league ball teams having their spring workouts at Lafayette and Bloomington

[page 2] Indiana and after all those towns are pretty close home.

You mentioned that Statons had written and Funks but other than Ira, Geo, Bob & Bonnie I have had no mail for ever so long – your letters are mostly missing since Jan 25. Just those came that I wrote of yesterday. Of course we always have high hopes.

We are getting real civilized – Even have a few candy bars now and then but no refrigeration so know that means – Spam corned beef and canned hash bless the stuff – oh yes we still have powdered eggs and some bacon.

Well, I’ll not use any more paper this time – we have a pretty good supply but one never knows if more will come – So

Lots of Love Daddy

©2014 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2014/02/25/a-real-spendthrift-roscoe/

Local news (Gladys)

1 Reply

Letter transcription:

MRS. R. S. YEGERLEHNER
KENTLAND
INDIANA
3-19-43

Dear Daddy – It is raining and some wind too. March is keeping the tradition. Some weather we have had since last Dec. the humidity is up now since it has been raining. You remember Cecil Duttonhaver (you delivered their first baby). He was killed, while driving a truck this week – his funeral is today. John’s name was in the paper this week – about the essay contest (he won second prize $1.50). I am going to try and get him to send you a copy. He wouldn’t let me read it so don’t know what he wrote. He has been studying ‘Courtship of Myles Standish’. Says it is interesting but mushy. Mark is feeling fine and no after effects of measles at yet. David weighed 7 lbs this morning. I see that Geo Clark had been discharged being over 38 years old now. John Krull has been sent to Tampa Fla. Lloyd Tilton is home. He is going east to an officer training school, Jos Mullen is going to Ft Sills Oka for Officers Training. Emmett Miller has been sent to Ft Leonard Wood – Mo. There are several others mentioned in this week’s paper but I thought you knew these better. I suppose you know Dr. Ash has been sent on from N. C. I heard indirectly he had been & Mrs Ash doesn’t know where he is now. I haven’t any late news about town. Haven’t heard any more about Ira Dixon – Link & Irene aren’t back yet from Mayo Clinic. We are all feeling fine. Just hope John & baby don’t take measles but it has been two weeks since Mark started runny a temp so I am hoping they won’t get them. Finances O.K. – Taxes figured 157.33 in case you missed other letters

Love Mother

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

Six letters came (Roscoe)

1 Reply

: March 18, 1943 envelope

: March 18, 1943, p. 1

: March 18, 1943, p. 2

: March 18, 1943, p. 3

Letter transcription:

Mar 18, 1943
Lieut R. S. Yegerlehner MC USNR
A.P.O. 43
% P.M. San Fran Calif.

Dear Mother,

At least there is a little to write about today, because six letters came – 2 registered from you – One with the pictures – the other of Feb 7 and a v-mail Feb 19. At least that brings the news up to only about one month behind times. Also got a letter from Geo T., Bob N. and Boonie. Those I answered a few days ago – really ahead of time – when I wrote Ira D. Maybe I’ll be able to write to them individually some of these days when more paper comes floating around. Your v-mail of Feb 19, must have been written about the same time you got the word that I left the previous station and I certainly do hope my mail is coming thru to you now regularly and it should because there was only 4-5 days that writing was impossible

[page 2] but it may not have good connections out like at the last place. Boonie got my last letter to him in 7 days – If ours would only come that way.

The pictures were really swell and I agree that those you didn’t have printed were bad. Fact of the matter is I hid those. That necklace looks like the duce, I think. Hope you have the other one I sent. It’s too long – I mean the one you had on in the picture. I saw the Padgett picture before I saw the name and I sure thought D. had grown. Even the fly leaves of that folder are stuck together but I can get them apart easily.

I like this place so much better than the last place – and I’m afraid that in time I might be sent back but hope not until I can go farther back than that place. Some of these days censorship will ease up and we can write more of our

[page 3] location. I still say watch the papers and listen to the radio. Last night we had Bob Hope and then got some news from K.W.I.D. You probably could get that easily on our short wave but their program starts at 12:00 midnight and you would hardly be listening at that time. Then just for diversion we get Radio Japan and listen to how we are not doing. It’s really funny – when one really knows and then hear their version. Of course we don’t know everything but we are in a position to have a few facts.

Our tuna fish shure sure was swell. The colored mess boy fried it in butter after rolling it in flour and after canned hash beans and spam it sure was one fine meal.

Well, I’ve used my quota of paper today – so solong Love Daddy

P.S. Is that an army suit Mark had on – if so shame

©2014 copyright owned and transcribed by Deborah Sweeney
Post originally found at: https://genealogylady.net/2014/02/23/six-letters-came-roscoe/ ‎

Loose Fuse (Gladys)

6 Replies

Letter transcription:

MRS. R. S. YEGERLEHNER
KENTLAND
INDIANA
3-18-43

Dear Daddy – No letters now the past two day – Yours of Feb 26 is the last I have. Some warmer today and no wind so think I’ll take David out for an airing this afternoon. Mark is feeling fine now – when his face gets cold can still see where measles were. John or David show any signs yet of taking them. John wrote an essay in the annual contest at school and won second prize. There were two firsts & two seconds – Angus W. & Beverly Jacobs won first & John & Carolyn Sondergrath second. He will get $1.50 at the end of school term. I want him to send you a copy. He wouldn’t let me read it. He said (quote) “It was drippy” – This younger generation. He went to a party for the seventh grade last night. Angus didn’t have measles. He was out sick and, of course Eve thought he was taking them – so that lessons John’s exposure that we know of to Mark. Had to have Bun Loughridge come out this a.m. – our kitchen appliances stove refrigerator stopped but a fuse was loose. I had tightened it evidently not enough. Have the refrigerator full of meat and had to get it going again. I am getting 12 hens to put in the locker. Parttens promised me another quarter of beef so that will take care of the meat situation for a while. Link & Irene are at Mayo Clinic this week. Will let you know what they found out when they come home. Ma & Jimmy are in Ft. Wayne. Mary is going to have a baby I know. Mrs. J. would like to be there with her. Mrs. Davids’ daughter is staying here with her folks and has a new baby. Dr. M. took care of her and she went to Watseka – so crowded she had to be put in the hall. When the measles scare is well over I want to go see Mrs. Roberts. We talk over the phone once in a while. She is giving me her John’s clothes he outgrows for D. I have quite a few now she brought over. I told you before the 1942 tax figured $157.33. I won’t pay but have bonds to cover. Had a letter from Ruth M. She wants to go to C. C. in April with us if we get to go. Hope we aren’t still having measles then. It is a little on the gloomy side today but not cold.

Love Mother

Washburn, Angus S. - Kent H. S. yearbook 1948

Angus D. Washburn, 1948

The above picture of Angus D. Washburn was taken from the 1848 Kent High School yearbook.

Tuna Fish (Roscoe)

1 Reply

: March 17, 1943 envelope

: March 17, 1943, p. 1

: March 17, 1943, p. 2

Letter transcription:

Mar 17, 1943
Lieut Yegerlehner
A.P.O. 43
% P.M. San Fran

Dear Mother,

This will be a race with darkness because I was busy and didn’t get started until late and along with being engaged this P.M. we caught a Tuna Fish which weighs about 20 lbs and we are having it for evening chow. That is another reason why I’ll have to hurry. That must sound funny to you that we have time for a little fishing but never the less it’s true.

I found a few shells but they are not nearly as nice as those I’ve already sent – some of the same variety however.

[page 2] We were able to get a small radio and last night we heard on of Jack B. programs. Tonight we want to get Reno as they are having some services at an airport and since two of our fellows are from there we want to listen. It isn’t much of a radio but any is better than none.

Well I’ll do better next time – promise – Lots of Love

Daddy

Strangers in fox holes (Roscoe)

1 Reply

: March 16, 1943 envelope

: March 16, 1943, p. 1

: March 16, 1943, p. 2

Letter transcription:

Mar 16, 1943
Lieut. R. S. Yegerlehner MC USNR
A.P.O. 43
% P.M. San Fran. Calif.
Dear Mother,

I may have dated yesterday’s letter the 14^th because I was a day behind and if I did you will get two letters dated the 14^th and none the 15^th just an error in rec9k0oning.

Today is one of those hot steaming days like July or Aug at home and one sure does feel worthless. Just this noon we were talking about some of the movies of the South Sea Isles and to the man we all agreed that they were the bunk but I suppose when we get home and have to wear clothes, be polite and civilized we will get a yearning to be back were[ where] life is free and easy etc. That a lot of bunk.

Our heads (toilets) are burned out 2-3 times each day – a little gasoline is poured in and lighted and

[page 2] the burning destroys the eggs etc. Well it seems my urges and the burnings come at the same time. I’m so used to it now that by the time I come home we’ll have to run the hot water thru the toilets in order to get the proper setting.

Our “Fox holes” are usually pretty well populated with spiders and lizards but when in need of a good “Fox Hole” we just simply “shew” out the strangers and enter without the least hesitation – funny about how one feels at a time like that.

Our mail seems to have taken another vacation for it has been 3-4 days since any has arrived. I believe when the new address comes thru it will be more regular. All the mail with the old address has to take a stop over there and that all takes time. Jan 25 is still the latest mail I have received so you see I’m way behind.

Well, even though I have some extra paper I still have to conserve some so
Solong love Daddy

Measles certificate (Gladys)

1 Reply

Letter transcription:

MRS. R. S. YEGERLEHNER
KENTLAND
INDIANA
3-16-43

Dear Daddy – Still having typical March weather. It rained last night and the ground is so soft can’t be walked on. Maybe we will have good garden weather this spring. I went to a garden meeting yesterday. A man from Purdue spoke. There is volumes I don’t know about gardens, but I want to give it a try this summer. Mr. Zell is using all the space north of their house to the corn field for a garden and intends extending it back to Bills’ lot. He said Mark & I could have enough space for our garden. I am going to take Mark to Dr. M. this afternoon to get a certificate to go back to school. Every child who has had the measles has to get a certificate from the Dr. before they can go back to school. Mark seems to feel pretty good. Has been working on models while loafing this week. John hasn’t shown any signs yet of taking measles. I sent a letter out to your folks yesterday to tell them I had yours of Feb 26. Just hope we get to go down in Apr. No letters today. I think there are three yet to come you have mentioned. I would send you stamps but you would probably get others first. Since it took so long for you to get what I did send. The notice for your lodge dues came but I haven’t paid it yet. May do that while in C.C. I saw Hilda Barce and she said Ed is in Kokomo – Recruiting Sta. She said to tell you hello for them. I haven’t seen Ed for a long time but he comes out once in a while. He gets home pretty often. He says he wishes he could be sent out. – About time for John to come for lunch – and he is always so hungry. David is taking a nap. Weighed 16 ½. Has a coming appetite no teeth yet but plenty of pep. Isn’t gaining so fast now – takes too much exercise to get overfat.

Love Mother