Included in this blog are transcribed letters written by my father, Pfc. Max M. Ellison, to my mother, Florence Norton Ellison, during 1944-1945. He was in the 7th cavalry and stationed in the South West Pacific & Far East,  A.P.O. 703. I have not previously read the letters preferring to explore them with the reader. I will do some light editing where the material is very private.  As of this writing I have posted the March – May letters. The letters, so far, describe the day-to-day life of a soldier posted in New Guinea. Subjects are far-ranging,  including describing the life of ants who live in a log in front of his tent, his longing for mail from home, the mud, rain and heat of the area, and the business he developed as the camp barber.

In life after the army Max became a pig farmer in Michigan. He continued his interest in horses and for a while he owned a Standard Bred brood mare.  He also continued his love of literature and poetry and published several books of his poems. After the farm was closed down he became a travelling poet, reciting  at gatherings all over the United States.

My mother was a professional musician singing Oratorio. She also went on to complete a master’s degree in Social Work and worked in that field for much of her life.

Together they had five children, two girls and three boys. I am the oldest, born while he was en route to New Guinea.