A few days off for Christmas, to straighten up the room and explore Japan

Christmas is coming and Maj. Gillham is finally getting some time off after working for nearly 20 days straight.  Now he is finally going to have some time to clean up his hotel room, which has suffered from neglect.  It reminds me of my college days when I was working on an important paper:  all my energy was devoted to producing the paper, and after I handed it in, I would then survey the catastrophe that had become my dorm room.

Tokyo
22 Dec 45

My Own Sweet Darling,

The letter that I received from you yesterday is the nicest you ever wrote, I do believe.  It contained beautiful thoughts and they were so well expressed.  It certainly does me a lot of good to know that someone as sweet as you loves me.  You can just imagine how much I miss you over here where the whole world is strange and new and wonderful.  I long to consult with you on each strange new thing I see; I try to write you about them, but it is not the same.  I find that I am happiest when I am packing a gadget or taking a picture to send to you.  It seems that then I am a little closer to you, since at least the article will reach you.  I think you should try your hand at writing.  You did all right in that last letter.

I am off today for the first time in three weeks.  I will only work 1/2 day during the next four, so I should get rested up.  I already feel fine.  I slept late, got up an took a Japanese bath, and ate breakfast in my room  It consisted of Nescafe, crackers, and "Bruce's Juices." My room is a mess.  I have too much junk and get more all the time.  I have brass, papers, books, food, shoes, clothes, duffle bags, etc. scattered everywhere.  The room boy does his best, but it is too much for him.

So, this morning I have been trying to classify the stuff and find a place for it all.  I can't throw any of it away.  I even have a temple gong -- I must try to get that home.  It has a wonderful tone and is about 1-1/2 feet in diameter.  I have the box of brass I am sending you all ready to ship today.  That will help some.

Last night I opened my 1-lb. can of Edgeworth Junior tobacco that I bought in Charlottesville over a year and a half ago.  It was in fine condition and quite an improvement on the dried out stuff we get here.

I was able to buy a nice pair of low quartered shoes at the quartermasters for $3.60.

Joe Atwood just called up.  He is coming over and have lunch with me.  He is just passing through Tokyo.  Says he is going to move to Osaka soon.

Do you remember Grant from Camp Callan?  He has just moved in down the hall, on the same floor.

I have been reading about the cold wave in the states and worrying about you all.  I hope you don't get cold or have any trouble.  The price for fixing the car sounds very reasonable.  I thought it would be much more.

Christmas I plan to cultivate the cultural side a little.  I will go hear Kagawa, the famous Japanese Christian, in the morning;  and hear a choir from the Imperial University give Handel's Messiah in the evening.

Tomorrow night I am going to the play "Kiss and Tell."

I met a newly arrived "civilian expert" from Washington the other day named Harry Wright.  Six months ago, he was a sergeant in Europe.  Now he has a $10,000 job here.  He is 31 years old.  He is from Memphis -- used to have a boat on the Mississippi.  In fact, he once went to Helena on a raft made of oil drums.  He has done a lot of jug fishing.  You can imagine that we hit it off pretty good.  We are planning to get a car Sunday and do a little exploring.

The neighbors at Robles were mighty nice to you before you left.  We have some good friends there.

I love you,

Bill

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The famous Japanese Christian Kagawa that Maj. Gillham refers to in this letter is in fact Toyohiko Kagawa (1888-1960), who was also well known as a pacifist and labor activist.  He fell into disfavor with the Japanese government in 1920 and was arrested as a labor agitator.  After the WWII, he was part of the Japanese goverment that offered to surrender to the Allies.  He wrote over 150 books, many of which were composed during his long prison sentence in the 1920s.  He is one of the few people to be nominated for the Nobel Prizes for both Literature and Peace, although he never won either.  As you will find out later in these letters, Maj. Gillham was not able to see Kagawa in person, as he cancelled his lecture.

Edgeworth Junior Ready-Rubbed tobacco was a product of the Larus & Brother company in Richmond, Virginia, and the brand still exists today.  Here is a photo of an old tin, most likely exactly or very similar to the one-pound tin mentioned in today's letter.

Update on the brass "looting," and a health report

Today we hear about George Bull, who comes through Tokyo for a visit, and Maj. Gillham makes another visit at "his" junk pile with another major.

Maj. Gillham brings up the idea of having another baby, but, as we now know, that idea didn't get very far.

Tokyo
18 Dec 1945

My Dearest,

There is so much that I want to write you that I never get caught up.  I sent the kimono for your birthday off today by first class mail.  It should get there within a month it seems to me.  It is well wrapped and should go in good condition.  Getting the kimono was an interesting transaction that I must tell you about sometime.  These fellows that have a lot of spare time and official contacts with the Japanese have a chance to get a lot of things, but it is difficult for me because nothing is available in the open except at exhorbitant prices.  However, I will get my share of junk before I leave.  For instance, although I had to work Sunday, I slipped off for a while and got Maj. Marr, who used to be an instructor at Charlottesville, and we went out to my scrap metal pile again.  We spent a couple of interesting hours digging through great piles of junk.  I think I learned more about oriental culture there than at Chicago.  I have some interesting things which I will send you and the children before long.  I am still polishing on them now.  The pressure for metal got pretty hard here at the last and they collected some nice things.  Also they must have stripped some Chinese temples and sent the metal over here.  I know we are burdened with an oversupply of vases, but I liked these.  Also there are a pair of brass dogs for each of the children and other things.  You can give any of it away that you wish and if you want more, let me know what and I will send you a trunk full of it.

George Bull came in and spent he night Saturday night with me.  A place to stay in Tokyo is very difficult for visitors to find, but we solved it very nicely by just rolling out my bedding roll on the floor.  With the air mattress and sheets it is as good as one could ask for.

The enclosed "Christmas card" is very novel, don't you think?  It was Japanese occupation currency and is now worthless.  He probably got a bale of it.

You asked about my health.  It is as good as it has been in a long time.  No ulcers, no heartburn, no foot trouble and very little arthritis.  The latter is always with me, but doesn't disable me for any of my present duties.  I have noticed it most in a couple of spells of depression, but they didn't last long and I know about what to expect now.  The only trouble is that I am afraid that I am putting on a little weight.  The cooking here is superior and everything is easily digested.  They also make a lot of desserts like custard, etc.  The dining room service certainly beats any I got in the states during the past two or three years.  As you take the last mouthful from one course, a little Jap girl picks up the plate and puts down the next course and you never even have to miss a lick.

I have an abacus and am learnig to use it.  It is a right clever gadget.  It uses the same type of mental process that I always used in mathematics, for instance, to add 8 you add 10 and subtract 2.

I wonder where you are tonight.  Probably La Jolla, or somewhere in Arizona.  I am glad you got the car fixed.  We will probably have to keep it a couple more years, and if any major repairs are needed they should be done now so we will get the benefit of them.  I hope they did a good job.  I think that is a reliable place where you took it.

I am sorry you have to work out all these weighty financial problems alone.  I hope your allotment isn't delayed.  I sent you $50 for Christmas which should be in Atlanta by the time you get there.

I will try to send you some more Jan 1st to apply on Father's ticket if he came or to use otherwise if not.

How is Atlanta and how are all the folks?  What do they think of Martha?  You surely are having a fine family reunion.  With Dan in the running now, the clan really should increase.  Yes, I would like one more baby, if we can afford it.  Think it over.  It seems to be the most successful project that we ever undertake.

Tell Emily and Monty I appreciate their letters very much.  I know Monty is a good girl.  She told me so herself.  I am very proud of them both.

Tell Father there is a great demand for shoe polish here now that the troops are getting settled down and none is available at the PX yet.  They should be sold some.

Give my love to all and remember that I love you most of all.

Bill

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The novelty Christmas card that Maj. Gillham mentions in this letter was an old 100 peso bill that had a Christmas greeting superimposed on the face by Capt. Samuel Wrightson, an army friend from California who was now also in Japan.  The peso currency was printed in the Philippines by the Japanese during their occupation of the country after MacArthur left in 1941.  When the U.S. recaptured Manila in 1944, the armed forces used this currency throughout the Pacific.  When the base of army operations in the Pacific moved from Manila to Tokyo in 1945, the Filipino-Japanese peso became worthless in Japan and the army began using the local Japanese currency. 

The entire text on the face of the bill reads "Captain Samuel H. Wrightson and The Japanese Government wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.  Wakayama Honshu Japan Christmas 1945."  Wakayama is a large steel-producing city and prefecture just south of Osaka, on the main island of Honshu. 

Two letters sent to the family on their way east, and a stroll down memory lane

Today I finally made a substantial number of scans and retrofitted them into my previous posts.  You are encouraged to go back to those posts and take a look at them.  I have also added some text regarding the new images.  Here is a list of the affected posts:

January 9, 13, 14, 17, 23, 25 and 31
February 11, 12 and 13

Today's first letter is one of my favorites, and one of the family's as well.  In it he takes a stream-of-consciousness walk down memory lane, recounting several incidents that were dear to them both.  I hope I have given you enough background so that you can recognize most of the places he mentions.  If not, just let me know in a comment.

He wrote two letters today:  the first one he wrote to General Delivery in El Paso, TX, for the family to pick up on their trip east.  The second one he wrote to 992 Washita Avenue, Atlanta, GA, the home of Frances' parents and their ultimate destination.

Tokyo
8 Dec 1945

Dearest Lovely,

I am sending this letter on now so it will get to El Pase before you do.  There is not much that I can write in the way of news, but I can say again that I think you are mighty sweet.

I wonder how the trip has been so far.  How you been able to get good places to stay at night?  Is the car running all right?  Be sure to keep the tire pressure right;  about 32 lbs. should be O.K.

It has been nearly five years since you and I were in El Paso before.  We had just been to Carlsbad Caverns and were heading west on a big adventure.  It has been fun, hasn't it?  I think we made the most of it.  When I think back over the past five years, it is interesting to see the scenes that come to mind -- A pane of glass broken out at the foot of my bed in a dirty old barracks at Ft. Monroe -- You in a slick black dress in our room at the Chamberlain -- Washington in the snow -- A patch of green grass by the side of the road in Texas where we ate lunch -- Water running through the streets of San Bernardino -- Red geraniums -- "Our" beach at La Jolla with the breakers coming over the green, green sea grass on the rock -- Sleeping in our sleeping bags in the rain in the mountains east of San Diego -- Riding a troop train across the country -- Climbing the bluff at Callan all out of wind -- Looking at battlefields in Virginia with Glore -- Swimming in a warm lake at Orlando -- Sailing on Buzzards Bay -- Bringing in a Christmas tree, getting holly in the heavy snow -- Walking up a blacked-out street in Boston not knowing where we could spend the night -- selecting wine at the Waldorf-Astoria -- A night at Browns Court before getting to Charlottesville -- The people coming out of church at Charlottesville -- Camping in the misty clouds in the Shenandoah -- Winning at the races in Chicago -- Looking at the zoo -- Putting you and Grandmother on the train -- 63rd Street in the snow and slush -- The keen bite of the zero wind on the Midway -- Searching for Flip-Flop down the alley -- Giving the guard your entrance slip at Gardner General -- the lights of Chicago from aboard the aircraft carrier -- The bright stars in Oklahoma -- The first green valley in California -- Martha in her pretty basket -- A chuck roast cooking on the charcoal -- Going up the hill at the Presidio through the everlasting fog with everything drippy -- Kissing you good-bye in the car at CASA -- Watching men come up the gang plank with their duffle bags on their backs -- The spray of a big wave breaking over the bow of the ship -- Fuji Yama looking just like it was supposed to -- And many, many others.  All in all I think it has been a good five years, don't you?  It has certainly broadened our lives and given us some wonderful memories.

Edward Lang's mother, Cousin Helen, lives at Yesleta, about 12 miles east of El Paso.  I think you go right by there so stop and see her.  I am sure you will enjoy it.  Pass the word conveying my love to all the El Paso relatives.  If you go by Dallas look up cousin Herbert.

I also have many childhood memories connected with El Paso.  I used to climb all over Mt. Franklin, and I frequently went down to Yesleta to spend the week-end with Edward.

The next place that you may be able to pick up a note from me will be Memphis.  I am still writing to Mother's old address there -- 1042 E. McLemore.

Tell Emily and Monty I am looking at their pictures every time I write a letter.  I love them very much.

Take good care of yourself and hold our family together until I get home.

All the love in the world,

Bill

******************

 

Tokyo
8 Dec 1945

Dearest Love,

It is 10 P.M. and I am at the office.  I had to catch up on some work and then went to a picture show here in the building.  Charles Lawton in Capt. Kidd.  It was very good.

After getting my boxes of brass all banded and ready to ship, one of them was a few pounds too heavy to go by parcel post, so I will have to undo it when I get a chance and take something out.

I got a letter this afternoon which exasperated me.  It was from that Transportation Officer at the Presidio.  He thought I hadn't signed those forms on the right line and is holding your things in Monterey until he hears from me in Japan.  In the first place, he is wrong, in the second stupid.  I will sign him some more forms just like I did before and send them in the morning.  I hope you won't be too muchly inconvenienced by the delay.

I will have to work pretty hard for a few days now.  I hope I get another letter from you tomorrow.

My cold is improving.

I surely do miss you, my little sweetie pie.  It would be so nice to have you around.  You are a part of my being now and I feel very bob-tailed without you.  Time is passing and we will be together again before long.

Lots of love,

Bill

**********************

I will have to do a little more digging into the Montagues of Texas that Maj. Gillham speaks of here, but I can pretty much guess that the little boy Monte Lang pictured in a previous post is somehow related to Helen and her son Edward mentioned in today's first letter.

Ysleta, Texas (which Maj. Gillham erroneously refers to as Yesleta in the letter), is a small border town east of El Paso along the Rio Grande.  There is a very old mission there, and the town itself was settled in 1680 and is one of the first European settlements in the state of Texas.

The "Mt. Franklin" he refers to in the first letter is actually a small chain called the Franklin Mountains, and there are two major peaks, North Franklin and South Franklin.  North Franklin Mountain is the highest, at 7,192 feet.

From left to right, North and South Franklin Mountains,

near El Paso, TX

The film Captain Kidd was released in 1945, so it was a relatively new film for a foreign Army outpost.  It starred Charles Laughton ("Lawton" in the letter) in the title role, and also Randolph Scott.

More catching up with the home front since the new batch of letters

Sorry for missing a day, but it's bound to happen now and then.  Today I got some of Maj. Gillham's Japanese memorabilia from Emily, his daughter.  Included in the box:

1.  Letters from Frances and others (but none from 1945)
2.  Photographs, including Maj. Gillham in front of the Dai Ichi building, and Gen. MacArthur walking into the building.
3.  Maps of Tokyo and Japan
4.  Souvenirs from places he visited, including Nikko, Atami, and Hiroshima.

As soon as I can, I will scan some of the more relevant photos.

This letter was written 11 days after the previous one, which is the longest hiatus so far.  However, he probably wrote other letters in the meantime -- he has even written one earlier that day, which I don't have in the collection.

Tokyo, Japan
26 Nov 1945

Dearest Darling,

This is my second to you today, but I got some pictures back and wanted to get them off right away.  Since we got our big report off, we are not so busy at the office.  I took one roll of film to one place and another to a different one as a hedge.  One was more expensive -- and much better as you can see.

Guess who is on the court martial that is trying Gen. Yamashita in Manila?  None other than my old friend Gen. Handwerk!  That really serves the war criminals right, doesn't it?

Yesterday I went out into the country to scout around a little, and while I was gone, George Bull came to see me at the hotel.  He left me a note and I wrote him a letter.  He is stationed at Mito, which is only about 80 miles away so we may get together yet.  Mito is the town about which most of our theoretical problems involved at Charlottesville, so we all feel that we already know the place.

When I get the details of your plans, I will also try to have a letter for you at Memphis.  I will send it in care of Mother.  Do you know if she has moved yet and what her new address is?

Transfer of money into a bank in the states takes about three weeks, so if I send any I will send it to the Charlottesville bank, and advise you.

It sounds like Miss Martha is getting to be quite a cutter.  I imagine she will keep things from becoming too boring for you for quite a while.  We are very fortunate to have three such fine children.

You are certainly a smart girl, taking such good care of business and looking after the car so well. The best thing to do to the new paint on the car is to wax it, then you won't have to worry about the dew.  In fact it would make the car look more uniform if it were waxed all over.  I think that would cost about $10 in Monterey, but it is a big job if you do it yourself.

Is any of CASA left at the Presidio?  Is Ord still as busy as ever?

I ran into an officer that spent a month with Joe Mabey -- said he thought he had gone home.

As to what I want you to send me, I can't think of much.  The two padlocks I asked for once before would come in handy.  In the food line something like sardines and hard cheese would be fine.  If you have to show a request at the P.O., I will put a note at the bottom just to cover you.

Lots of love,

Bill

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Tokyo, Japan
26 Nov 1945

Dear Frances,

Please send me some food and some books, and a couple of padlocks.

Thanks,

W.T. Gillham
Maj. COC