A letter from Mother 'Cile

For a change of pace I thought I would include a letter to Maj. Gillham from his mother-in-law, Lucile Kiser Holsenbeck, who was known to everyone in the family as Mother 'Cile.  We don't learn too much new or earth shattering in this letter, but it is interesting to hear about the family from a different perspective.

Atlanta, Ga.
April 8, 1946

Dear Bill,

I really am ashamed for not writing to you sooner and thank you for the lovely handkerchief you sent me for Christmas, and the beautiful scarf and the much-needed silk hose you sent me on my birthday.  I do appreciate them all very much, and I think you were wonderful to remember me on my birthday -- and Pop was quite thrilled over his pretty handkerchief and socks on his birthday.  Of course, it is always nice to be remembered, but especially from someone so far away, so accept our sincere thanks.

It is wonderful having our two daughters and four granddaughters with us.  We have lots of fun and good times together, but we are indeed a busy household, and there is a never a dull moment, something happening all the time.

The girls go to dancing twice a week, to the scout meeting and for the past several weeks Emily has been going to a class of instruction at the church, as she expects to join the church at Easter.

Bryant left Wednesday for Camp LeJeune to meet Carl.  She left Margaret with us, and when Carl gets his leave Bryant and Carl will come back for Margaret.  His negro soldiers will have to be processed and discharged before he gets his leave.  I do not know whether they will leave Margaret here with us until school is out or not.

The children have a great time together, and Margaret wants to do everything Monty does.  Frances has been wonderful about taking the children out to see different things around Atlanta.  Hurt Park is one of the show places in Atlanta now, with 15,000 tulip bulbs, and they are in bloom now.  There is to be a tulip show April 13th and 14th at the Auditorium and we plan to go and take the children.

The things you have sent Frances and the girls are certainly interesting, as well as handsome and beautiful.  The brass is handsome and Frances has been trying to study up on the art, etc.  The lacquer arrived Saturday and the whole family is excited to the 9th degree when a package arrives from Bill.  The linen you sent is another valuable item, for linen is sky high here.  I imagine the white cloth would cost about $75 or $100 here.

Mother was delighted with the attractive fan you sent her.  She has been quite ill, but Sunday I took her to ride, the first time she had been out in some time.  She enjoys the children so much.

Martha is the best baby I ever saw.  Anything is all right with her, and Emily and Monty are so sweet to her.

I think it would be grand when you get out of the army if you and your family could settle in Atlanta.

Friday Frances went to the History Club with me.  Mrs. Watters and Mrs. McNeil entertained at the Women's Club and I was so proud of my daughter.  Tomorrow night we are going to the Public Affairs Forum, and I am so glad to have the opportunity of going out with my daughter and knowing our grandchildren.

We think of you constantly, and I want to thank you for taking such good care of our daughter and grandchildren.

Much love from

Mother Cile