Pvt. Oliver Bilhorn 36722105
Co. D. 8th Tng. Bn.
St. Paul.
March 31, 1943
Dear Uncle Ollie,
You have the distinction (but whether or not it’s an honor, I can’t say) of being the first to serviceman outside of Ray to whom I have ever written. I have been intending to write to you for several weeks, but it is the same old story. Each day I said to myself, “Now today I’m going to write Uncle Ollie.” But when bedtime had rolled around I found the letter still unwritten.
No doubt you have had very little cold weather in
I am afraid that about the only thing a freshman in high school has to talk about is school (except maybe boyfriends, and I’m not interested in boys yet). My high school is 2 1/2 miles from here. I get a ride in the morning and walk at night. It is really a very fine school. It is in a nice district.
I am taking Latin, English, Algebra, Social Science, Gym, and Music. I completed the Advanced First Aid course in January. In place of it we are now taking health. So far I have managed to maintain an A average. Naturally my favorite study is music. I do the accompanying for the class. But I regret that I have scarcely any time to practice the piano.
I am taking care of children and have become quite an experienced baby-tender. I have several customers in addition to a war worker who employs me at least every Saturday night. I manage to earn about an average of $1.50 per week.
I have been an assistant Sunday school teacher at our church all year, but next month I will get my own class of four-year-olds. I am eagerly looking forward to it for I am sure I shall enjoy them immensely. Our eight-voice choir is presenting an Easter cantata. I have two solo parts and a duet in it.
I hope things are coming along well with you. I know you are very busy, so I can’t justify myself in asking you to write to me sometime. However, if you ever do find time, I would certainly appreciate hearing from you.
Your niece, Elizabeth
My dear brother, Oliver-
I’ve been thinking of
you so much each day and I do hope you are well. Suppose the drilling is hard
work and nerve wrecking. I hope you have a good place to sleep to rest your
weary bones or have you?
We are having ideal
weather again & yesterday got up to 70. That’s surely two extremes in the
month of March, it’s been the coldest in over 50 years and now it’s so hot.
We had a little lightning and thunder last
night, for the first this year. Sprinkled a little and had lots of wind but the
rains went by- we do need a heavy one to clean up the grass and shrubs-
Everything is so dirty, homes & everything.
It turned out a
beautiful day, it started cold, dark and dreary but sun came out at 2 pm. So
sky has cleared up, makes a fellow feel better too.
Won’t be long