Pvt. Oliver Bilhorn 36722105

Co. D. 8th Tng. Bn.

Camp Wheeler,

Georgia

1850. Snelling Drive

St. Paul. Minn.

                                                                                                            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 Georgia. This past week has been exceptionally fine. Yesterday the temperature got up to 77! There is hardly a trace of snow left. It was cloudy all this morning, and we expected to see it rain. But the sun came out this afternoon and it is turning out to be a pretty fine day after all.

 

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-

            Elizabeth is writing to you so that I’d write too, and surprise you. Suppose you got my letter (book) eh? Hope you were able to wade through it.

            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