January 25, 1919 -- The World Is Full Of And Lives on Love; Trip to Aix-Les-Baines

Dearest of Sisters,

            I didn’t intend to write you alone, or to exclude the rest of the family when I came over here, but the spirit moves me to rave a little, and the only excuse I can think of is to call it a birthday letter, tho it is now only a week until your birthday.  Anyway, you can read the folks as much of this as you want to.  Even now I don’t know just what I am going to write, but I know I want to talk to “My dear little Sister” even as we loved to do in bygone days.
 

            And first of all, I have just rediscovered one of the oldest of truths.  The World is full of and lives on Love.  Not the sudden flare of passion that surges over all red blooded men and women at times and threatens – yes often does sweep them off their feet for a time; but the kind of love that burns on year after year, flaming at times, again smoldering beneath the ashes of burned out passions, hopes and desires, but still glows on deep down in the human heart, warming the soul and keeping alive the conscience of the individual and society. And so smoldering it only awaits the slightest stirring of these ashes to break forth again into purifying flame, lighting the plainest countenance with the most beautiful of glows, reflections from the flames of love.  And how did I stumble onto the old, old story.  By the simplest of means – observation.  Yet I had seen the same picture many times before and it meant little to me. 
 

            I did not know what I would write about when I came to the casino, but that same little spark in my own heart bade me write you, so I came in and stood in line with some impatience to get my allowance of paper & envelopes.  After receiving a double share from the sweet-faced old lady behind the desk, I began circulating around the room looking for a place to write.  And as I went I became still more impatient, for every place seemed full. You see as yet the beauty and significance of the scene had not impressed me.  But as I passed on, I began to scrutinize each man more closely, in hope of finding one nearly finished and as I passed man after man, here one writing, there one laboriously doing up or addressing a package, my chaos of thots began to take shape, my impatience left me, and suddenly the beauty of it surged over me as a young fellow at the desk near which I stood, oblivious to his surroundings lovingly, almost reverently folded the little souvenir handkerchief he had been holding, and carefully placed it in the envelope he had just addressed.  Then he once more carefully withdrew it and looked at it as tho picturing the joy it would bring those who received it.  And with a last caress he returned it again to the envelope gave it a final pat and turned again to his writing, his face illuminated by the fires of love burning in his breast.  And as I look about me I see that same reminiscent, loving look in nearly every face, softening and relieving the stern harsh lines the last few months have brought.  Those souvenirs are all bought at the sacrifice of some trip or anticipated pleasure of their leave period.  And as those letters are written concerts, trips, cafes, etc, are all calling one to forget and enjoy life, as of old, after months of isolation, suffering & death in the lines.  Yet all the places are filled, and men who hate writing in the ordinary sense wait patiently for their turn at the desks.  Why?  Because the fire of love (for sister, brother, mother, father or friend or sweetheart) makes them wish to share the thots, the scenes, the pleasures they are enjoying.  And so I have come to feel more strongly than perhaps ever before that love is the strongest, purest truest phase of life or perhaps life and love are inseparable phases of our being.  And so perhaps you can get a little of my meaning from the little lace collar I mailed you for your birthday the other night in case my letter isn’t quite clear, for I yet remember the loving little pats I gave it as I addressed it and sent it on its way to the Dearest little Sister a Soldier Boy could Have.  Oh, how I hope you get it, for it bears my love direct to you.  Write and tell me all about your birthday.
 

            Yesterday we went to the to the top of Mt. Revard on the cogwheel railway, hoping to see Mt. Blanc with the glasses but when we got there we were right on a cloud tho it was clear when we started up.  But the scenery was beautiful and the trip of an hour and a half up on the cogwheel well worth while. 
 

            Then we borrowed some skis up there (free for soldiers by Y.M.C.A.) and had some fine rides – and tumbles.  Got back just in time for dinner, 6:30 P.M.  The day before that we took a trip on the boat across and up the lake to the old Abby [Abbey of Echternach - see  previous post]. It was founded back in the early days of Christianity by St. Bernard, was used as a burial place for the kings and princes of France and Italy for many years, but was nearly destroyed by the French Revolution.  Was reclaimed & rebuilt by King Felix of Italy in 1824 and changed hands from Italy and France and back several times until finally it was deeded forever to the King of Italy by France in 1860 because it had been reclaimed by Felix who was buried there with his wife and contained the restored graves of so many of the other Italian Kings and Princes.  15 monks have charge of the Abbey, one of them having been there for 30 years now.  The paintings and carvings are mostly modern but they are truly wonderful
.

            On the same trip we saw the pass thru which Hannibal led his army across this mountain range in his march against the Romans. And after a year's army experience one realizes more than ever the magnitude of his task and wonder of its success when they consider that he went thru an even more rugged part of the Alps Mts. than we have here before he was finally able to strike at Rome from the North.
 

            Now I’ve got to close.
                                    Love once more to you all and may many more happy birthdays come to my dear little sister Susan – Her Brother

                                                            Corp. Geo. Sherwood, Hdqts Co

                                                            108^th U. S. Engineers, Amer. Exp.

1919-0123 - George Sherwood Aix les Bains Cathedral

Dear Brother

The hotel annex where we stay while here is just back of and across the street from this old church.  If you think we have hills in Wisconsin – come over and take a look at what they farm here.  Very few horses mostly oxen and women do the work as near as I can find out.

Write me soon.  Love to all

Corp, Geo. Sherwood  108^th U.S. Engrs. Amer. Exp. Force

 
 

 

 

 

 

PHOTO POSTCARDS FROOM TRIP TO AIX-LES-BAINES

 

 

January 20, 1918 -- Photos of Echternach, Luxembourg; Letter from Other Sherwood Branch

These are photo postcards that George Sherwood brought home from Europe after WWI.   Since there is no immediate letter and since George brought these home for his family to see what he had seen, I thought this was a good time to share a bit more of where he was living. 

 Apparently Echternach has a spring processional every year.  And those who play instruments can hear the musical theme first hand thanks to this postcard.  It appears that this is still an annual event in conjunction with the Abbey of Echternach seen below.  Wikipedia says that Echternach's is the last traditional dancing procession in Europe.

 George didn't say whether or not he spent time staying at the Grand Hotel du Cerf or eating in the restaurant but it was likely nearby.

 There is no explanation on this postcard either but on the other side there is the beginning of a note to his cousin Grace. My supposition is that the two windows in the center building which have black X's drawn over the windows are to mark either where he worked during the day or where his lodgings,  previously discussed in the last blog post, were situated.  

 This is the Abbey of  Echternach, a Benedictine Monastery founded in the 7th century.

 Another Luxembourg post card I'm assuming from Echternach.  If so this is likely the Sauer River.

 Dining Room at the Grand Hotel du Cerf

Local scenery and bridge

 

These photos were contributed by Diane, George's Grand-daughter for which we are very appreciative.

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1919-0119  -- Letters from   Nellie and Hattie Grant to George Sherwood

 

Home Glendale

Dear nephew,

                                    Your mother left the letter so I could add a few lines.  Glad you are well and hope before many months to “see our boy” home again.  You surely have a sad time with the numerous inhabitants.  I have had experience enough with the “dirty bastas” as the Scotch women called them.  Used kerosene and it soon cooked them sure

Put it the water to boil clothing in Washington Wis a great place for them as well or South Dakota  George used to say you couldn’t meet a stranger on the street without getting them

Mrs Wilds on the farm last week Vin & family in her house till he could find a place has some in view but undecided as yet  Mrs Leopoldt sold her farm and is having a sale today  Mr Broad(?) moves to Glendale for the present Mrs L says she is very proud of the letter you wrote

We sure are having a beautiful winter, snow nearly gone.

Must stop as it is dinner time so good bye which is short for “God be with you”

Lots of love from the girls and

                                                            Aunt Nellie

 

Elroy, Wis. Jan. 19-1919

Dear Cousin George, I sure have been a long time answering your nice xmas card you sent us.  But that always was one of my failings so please excuse me.  Your mother called me up yesterday and talked quite a while said everyone was well up there.  The boys aren’t either one home yet.  Pardon is up to Sparta Camp R. and yes at Camp Grant they think it won’t be long now.  It is so dark and cloudy today.  Win had to take his car and go to a funeral.  This is Sun. and we are going to have Memorial Services at the Cong. Church for T. Roosevelt, lots of singing and three addresses. Wish you were here to go with us.  I see by the paper old Mr. Spooner died at Wonewoc dropped dead in front of the millinery store so see it was very sudden.  Didn’t hear if Daisy came or not.

Pardon thinks he can come home next Sat. just to spend Sun. with us.  I hope so.  He has been in Penniman Virginia quite a while and he will have lots to tell us.  Say but I pity your tongue when you get home, I’m afraid it never get any rest, but I bet you will be only to glad to get back and tell us everything about your experience.  I hope you stay well and that the time will be short when we will see you.  I haven’t been up to the farm for so long am getting homesick to go up.

Well I must start my supper Win will be getting hungry when he gets back from that funeral they had to go out to Millards P. about 4 miles out in the country.  Hope you can read this awful writing this pen is horrid.  Would love to hear from you if you get time to write.  I should have written you long ago.  Lots of love and take good care of yourself, as careful as you can in wartime.

            Be good to yourself.  Your cousin Hattie Grant

January 9, 1919 -- A Small Crush on Helene; Off to Echternach, Taste of Comfort

Echternach, Luxembourg

January 9, 1919

 

Dear Ones at Home:                                                                                   

            Once more I’ll take my pen in hand long enough to drop you a line and tell you where I am located.  We are now on the Sauer River, the boundary between Germany and Luxembourg.  We moved up here the fourth of January from Medernach.  That was sure some town.  It’s the first place we were ever in on this side where people seemed genuinely sorry to see us go.  And the best of it was that we did not seem overly welcomed when we first landed there.  But the whole command acted fine while there and there were many places where tears were shed at parting.

            I was rather surprised and genuinely touched when the old lady told me the little girl from Belgium was crying because we were going away.  I doubted it at first, but seeing is believing.  Guess it is just as well we left when we did.  But what a damnable shame she must, or at least probably will, remain in this country to be wasted in a life of drudgery for some unappreciative, lazy peasant husband.  Every time I think of it it makes me sore.  Well, if I say much more you will think I left my heart at Medernach, whereas it is still beating in the same old place.  But I’ll not deny that Helene Heirenitz [See end of blog] is the first little European girl to make it beat faster, and I’ll long remember her parting handclasp and the tremulous smile as we passed around the corner and left her standing in the doorway.  So geht es im Krieg. 
            This is quite a little city.  It is on the Sauer River (the boundary between Luxembourg and Germany proper).  The office here is in a hotel, a fine place.  Makes one think of home with the running water and such conveniences.  As yet we are out of luck on baths tho but hope they come next. 

We have an elegant room too.  At last I have found a real bed – sheets, down coverlet and all.  And electric lights that you can turn off form the bed.  Really, the room is better furnished than most of us are used to at home, but tit still lacks the indefinable “something” necessary to bring complete content and repose.  There is a movie show in this town, too.  When we get some pay we will try to take that in too.

            The people we are billeted with are very well educated and refined.  The family consists of the father and mother, two boys (who speak English) a little girl, the maid and dog Florrie.  Four of us (Sgt. Bates, Corporals Willet and Sherwood and Pvt. Johnson) all from the office force, occupy the room I spoke of.  I can make a rough sketch of the arrangement.  There is an electric light over each wash stand – lace curtains on the windows and a centerpiece on the table, rugs on the floors.  We are doing our best to recover part of the badly battered fragments of civilization in our makeup under these surroundings. 

As I suppose you are getting curious to know if my pen slipped above here, I may as well say that yesterday morning I was appointed Corporal.  So now I am an Unter Officer as the Germans say.  Guess I’ll send a copy of the orders along with this as long as I’m file clerk and have an extra copy. Now I guess I will have to ring off or I’ll be busted for non-attention to duty. 

 

 

Oh!  I forgot to tell you about our trip here from Medernach.   We saw a real “castle,” one of the long gone by medieval days.  It is badly ruined, and no one now lives in it I understand, but as we wound around the steep side of the mountain we passed it and then followed the hill around till we were on a level slightly above and to one side of it.  How I wished for films for the kodak.  But I have the picture in my mind and I’ll try to get some postcards which may give you a faint idea of how it looks.  It sure is a massive structure, the grey, grim walls rising in one place at least eighty feet.  Ad the grim turrets, with their slits of windows make one realize that life in one of them must have lacked much in brightness and comfort, in spite of the highly colored pictures and stories of the glorious days of knights and chivalry.  Oh!  How Mother would enjoy the scenery and natural beauty. I have been privileged to see in the last month, not to mention father, sisters and brothers, and auntie. I only wish you might all enjoy it. Censorship rules will make it possible to send me a couple of films with the next magazine. Please try it anyway.

                                                            Love to my dear Ones,

                                                                         Corp. George Sherwood

                                                                        108^th US Engineers

                                                                        American Ex. Forces 

 This is the back of the photo postcard with the three children, the sheep and the dog.  No guarantee this is the Victor Kries family, but this seems likely.   

This is the postcard apparently with Helene's address and note.  No idea why she has postcard of General Field Marshall von Mackensen.  May just be lack of other paper available.  He lived 95 years and was in both WWI and WWII. He was on the other side in this war so this is an oddity!

 

January 2, 1919 -- Tales of Goose, Rabbit and New Year in Medernach, Luxembourg

Medernach, Luxembourg

January 2, 1919

Dear Ones at Home:

            As you see we are still at the old stand, and so I’ll take time tonite to make up for the short typewritten notes of a couple of evenings ago.  I’m still of the opinion we may move sometime soon, but was afraid then that no further opportunity would present itself to write you, so took the little time at my command to let you know I was well at least.  I wonder how you folks enjoyed your New Year.

            We celebrated by getting up late, and doing little.  The night before New Years we went back to the old stand and got the Herr to go out and buy us a goose or chicken for the Frau to prepare for a New Years spread.  He got the Goose all right and thereby hangs a tale.  It was about eight P.M. when he started out to buy it.  We told him the maximum price we could pay and that he could report what luck he had at the Schoolhouse where our Office is the next morning.  Well, we had also told him where we lived.  About 8:30 I was sitting in the living room partying along as best I could with Frauline Helene and the rest when pandemonium broke loose in the hall outside.  Then the door burst open and in strode our Luxembourger with a white goose under his arm, and a mob of American soldiers on his trail, almost falling over him, and such a racket.  It sure was funny and I stopped off in the middle of one of my labored attempts at German to laugh.  Then the fellows started to jump on me to find out about that goose.  After about five minutes they and I cooled down enough so that I was able to explain that we had already bought the goose for the Office Force.  Then they wanted me to negotiate for another for some of them. I finally made out that this was the only available goose in the town and that thinned out the rabble some, but two insistent friends hung on.  Then some more noise.  The less I understand and other understand me the louder I talk (I guess you remember that trait).  Well, everybody talked at once, two in English, two of us in broken German and the rest plain Luxembourg German.  At first the old guy wanted the two to come in on the goose, but as we already have five of us for that goose to feed.  So after much discussion we finally came to an understanding that the Herr went out to buy the other fellows a rabbit like we had Xmas.  Anyway, that goose was sure good, tho she fried it which was a new departure in preparing goose.  After dinner at 7 P.M. we came back and played cards while the old year rolled away and the New Year rolled into existence.  And just at 12:00 some of the fellows who had got to feeling a little too good, forgot the orders regarding shooting, and broke loose with the 45 automatics and rifles.  Immediately “Call to Arms” blew and I flatter myself, we showed the people of the house a little real Americanism in the exit.  Of course, you can imagine the sensation they must have experienced.  Of course we were not expecting anything either, and didn’t know what might be up when we heard the shooting and repeated bugling of “Call to Arms.”  But Imagine how you would feel if you lived in a small town and it was taken over by an invading army of strangers after 4 years of German Occupation.  Then in the middle of the night the crash of guns breaking out, the blare of bugles, and the five soldiers you have sheltered under your roof drop their cards and with a few hasty words in a strange tongue thrown on belts bulging with cartridges, grasp rifles hastily and rush out of the house.  As I passed thru the living room, I noticed an anxious look on their faces, and in answer to a hasty question I tried to allay their fears, but as I was not at all sure of what the trouble was or how serious.  So I guess they did not understand.  Anyway, I know it was only about a minute from the time things broke loose, before we were gone, cards lying on the deserted table, almost like a prearranged scene from some play.  Of course, we were soon confirmed in our suspicion that it was Americans having too strenuous a celebration, but I didn’t realize how frightened and impressed the people were until we returned about an hour later.  It has been a long while since I have seen anyone so anxious and nervous as the little Frauline from Belgium.  I guess I was able at last to allay her fears somewhat with an explanation, but she was sure worried and frightened, and that cousin of hers has a disposition far from in accord with is fiery whiskers, so he wasn’t of much assistance in restoring the proper spirit of repose to the household.

            We got to bed about 3 A.M.  Real early birds, eh.  Yesterday the Band gave a concert for the townspeople and soldiers together.  Colonel Allen and the Chaplain gave short talks, but I guess about all the people could enjoy have them was their Military appearance and gestures, so probably they enjoyed the music most.

            Well, here I intended to write three or four letters, and we have talked and loitered over it so much that this even isn’t done. 

                        So Goodnight to All

                                                With love

                                                            George Sherwood

                                                           108^th U.S. Engineers

                                                      American Exp. Forces