Pvt. Oliver E. Bilhorn                                                                                                   Box 3X

                        36722105                                                                                Wheeling, Ill.

Hg. Det. Dam L                                                                              Mailed 7 Sep 1943, 6 PM

Via Air Mail

Camp Wheeler, Georgia

U.S. Army

 

Labor Day, Sept.5-1943

“Singing Grove”

Wheeling, Ill.-Box 3X

 

Dear Ollie,

            How does this name for our country home sound to you? We have about decided so to name it. Phil has always favored the word “grove” and, with my deep love and understanding of trees, I have been quite in accord with his idea, but the problem has been to hit upon the best adjective, to adequately describe our “Grove” and lovely gardens, our breezy, sunshiny days, our silvery, starry nights, the wide-open spaces, and skies--, all so alive with God’s presence,--and peace.  The music of the birds, the murmuring of the leaves, the hum of air-planes, the chirp of the crickets, the lowing of the cattle, the contented hens, the singing of my tuneful Girl Scouts (yes and “Barkey”!) the song of the rain and well—even the racing winds to me all “sing” and it seems that “Singing Grove” best expresses all these phases of the “Song” I continually hear.

            Phil’s dear old Aunt Mary out west after visiting us a few years ago, referred to the farm as “The Ranch”.  We used to speak and sing of our “Home on the Range”, and we still do.  Then, when my beloved flowers, each springtime and summer, brighten our hearts and everything so, I get to calling our peace “Country Gardens”—and will continue to do so, I suppose, although Phil loves the idea of a Grove and it has been our thought to develop here, gradually, a small arboretum.  We now have more than thirty varieties of interesting trees which my Girl Scouts study and we all enjoy.  Since “Pearl Harbor” however we have had our efforts and thoughts deflected, and concentrated on the raising of food, the sharing of our resources, and on being “prepared” to help until this awful war shall be over, and Peace come again to all men—everywhere!!

            Our crops have done quite well in spite of the late wet spring and the harvesting goes on apace.  We walked Sunday amid the corn all up and down the land and surely God has supplied the “growing.”  They’ll be filling sills here tomorrow.  We’ve waited the combining of the oats and rye and the bailing of the straw.  The corn needs more sun to ripen it and the soy beans are still wailing [?].  The farmer and his sons have been very busy—we have been very busy harvesting our vegetables and fruits.  Just now it is tomatoes.  I hope we’ll be having fresh ones when you get home.  They are so good!  Our early apples are all cared for now but the later ones are bending the branches almost to the ground.  We have grapes almost ready, but only four pears.

            We are all looking forward to your furlough- - and are waiting to hear how your “physical” comes out.  I’ve a bunch that they won’t let you go (out of the army I mean) because you are able to contribute the help needed by your chaplains and the men- but even if they do let you go you’ll find plenty of jobs begging for you.  I’ll sure that the dear Lord who has watched over you and all of use “while we have been absent, one from the other” will continue to do so- and will “place” you where He wants you.

            Things at home are going along nicely—though everywhere—there is emptiness where our “Boys” have been before, but we are all carrying on—and God is watching over us all.

            I had mother out here today. ( [?] in and got her, and after a good dinner of fried chicken- etc--) and a quiet afternoon visit with just Phil and me and a nice little supper—I took her home- (my driving quota and more for the week) but it was worth it.

            Chester returned safely, Sunday P.M. I understand, though I haven’t talked with them. School will open on this morrow…How many were the years when my “New Years” began on the day after Labor Day!

            I’m sorry that I’ve been too weary and overworked to write often—your lovely pillow tops for which I thank you so much, is a daily reminder of you and the letters I wish to write- - and your letters of the past- also yours to mother- I read and re-read- and it helps to keep you near.  I love the little booklets you send.  Thanks for everything. I am glad that you are getting caught up in your correspondence.  I’m afraid I never will.  Louisa was so pleased with your letter.  She came home with me Friday P.M. I got tomatoes. She stayed over night and I returned her to P.K. Ridge on Saturday.  The Smiths came out all noon Saturday and have now returned.  We won’t see them here much now.  Bobby will return to school tomorrow.  Their visit was pleasant but there has been much extra work for me with four extra to clean up after and cook for-but-they’ve enjoyed it all- I think.  I shall not repeat the arrangement another year.  It’s too “exhaustion!”  You see, our idea was to have good country experience together-a man to help Phil and Elsie to give me a hand—and in return we gave them a huge garden space. They concentrated on their garden and have quite a bit of to keep for the winter and then Lloyd was at his business so much he hadn’t much time to help Phil.  Elsie had the two youngsters literally “hanging” on her all the time-so all she could do was help with the extra sized meals and that with 2 kids under my feet as well as hers!  There wasn’t much time to “fellow hipping” together as we had hoped for evenings we were tired and had to retire early.  It was an interesting experiment and they had a good time I think—with little or no expense to them.  They are nice folks-but I’ve been too tired down by them- all summer.  How [?] freedom- - - and my Scout work will be beginning now too.

            We are watching with interest the progress of the war. I hope and pray that things are soon culminate and end!  Boy! What a day that will be! The day of Victory!!!—for everyone—on earth! But the sinners who have caused the wars!!

            It has turned quite cool here- I hope that you are not still too bothered by the heat. The South is a grand place to be in winter- and in cool weather-and it is so “softly beautiful” to me- always! Yes the skies are lovely there! I’m glad that you are experiencing life in a different climate.  It helps in life to sample various kinds…until we fully appreciate “where we are!!”…Thanks for the folder of camp views. Thanks for spending time chatting with us. We’ve loved it. Am enclosing something to help on your furlough fare-or to spend as you wish…and please do!  I will spend a part of Sept 13th with mother.  Have written this while very sleepy in bed.  Hope you can catch its spirit of loving wishes and thought for you!

                                                                                    As ever-your “sis” Xenie

                                                                                                With love from Phil.