Where There is Hope

May 17

Chapter 43

Savannah, GA
Summer 1946

Everyone was there. Well, almost.

Savannah was a city particularly affected by the War. Troops were based out of Fort Stewart with the Third ID and Hunter Army Airfield’s Mighty 8th Division. The Southeastern Shipyards were in full production building over 88 Liberty Ships. An endless cavalcade of troop trains departed and arrived at the Savannah Railroad Terminal.

Not all the war heroes were on the trains, ships and battlefields.

There was an army of those who kept the home fires burning. Such was Clara Wilder.

Clara’s husband, “Doc” was stationed in a field hospital in the Hurtgen Forest. It was a tense time for the young war bride. The bombing there had been heavy and the casualties had been great. History would show it to be one of the deadliest battles of the war. Doc’s hospital had to be moved on four occasions to help ensure the safety of the patients and staff.

Clara had made a vow to herself that she was going to meet each arriving and departing train of soldiers at the Savannah Station. She had volunteered with the American Red Cross at the beginning of the war. It was her personal mission to gather other military wives to help in passing out sandwiches, coffee and her homemade lemon cookies. She always offered a smile, encouraging words and a kiss on the cheek. She was amazed at how many of the soldiers did not have anyone to see them off or welcome them home. That in itself was heartbreaking for her. However, she was the one who would have the honor of doing both these acts of kindness.

The significance of Savannah’s efforts in the War was nationally known. 2436.9 miles away in Hollywood, California it caught the attention of two men, comedian Bob Hope and journalist Ernest Pyle. The two had originally met in the Sicilian War Zone in 1943. Pyle was there to cover the experience of the everyday soldier. Eventually, his body of overage was honored by the receiving of a Pulitzer Prize.

Although, English born, Hope had a natural empathy for the American troops. He organized shows and tours that were performed in the most dangerous locations. He assembled stars and starlets to accompany him into the war zones. Hope was later awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for his efforts.

While the two were on set in Hollywood filming a movie based on Pyle’s writing, The Story of GI Joe, they decided to make a tour of key cities in the States that were instrumental in the war effort. After months of planning and collaboration a schedule was set and Savannah was one of the city’s chosen. They wanted to do a domestic tour to help bolster morale at home. Hope rounded up a bevy of beauties and musicians who would join in around various points throughout the country.

When it was announced that Hope would visit Savannah, the anticipation of the event swept like a fever over the city. Thousands wanted to attend. But it was not possible to fit everyone into the USO Club at Hunter Field. Speakers were set up outside the venue so that 4,000 civilians could listen to the show. It was a big night.

Inside the club, soldiers stood shoulder to shoulder. Inside the seats were filled. Hospital beds were brought in for those unable to sit or stand. They were all there to hear America’s funniest comedian.

His quick repartee, wit and banter always sparked raucous laughter. The showman knew there was a fine line between laughter and grief and he was a master on how to pull people to the lighter side.

Hope’s show ran until about 9:30 that night. As usual, it was hard for him to get away from the crowd. Everyone wanted to shake his hand or have a photo taken with him. The crowds pressed him. No matter the situation, Hope was always affable and gracious. He accepted the Savannah Police Department offer to help him and his entourage to their awaiting cars. No one was allowed to leave the USO building or lot until his party cleared the gates at Hunter. Also, no one really knew where he was headed. He and his troupe went out for a special engagement. They were heading into town.

There were three women who did not attend the show.

It was Clara Wilder, her mother-in-law and her best friend, Ada. The trio had gone to meet the 9:00 departing train of troops. Clara was a little daunted by the ability of the three of them to effectively see so many soldiers off, but she and others were determined to give it a go.

The three women were frantically trying to get coffee, doughnuts and cookies to the men and to wish them all well. Then like a cavalry to the rescue, arrived Hope, Pyle and all the musicians and singers from the show. The entertainers grabbed boxes of food and coffee and started passing them out. Clara was close to the train and was focusing on her mission and could not see what was happening behind her. But she could hear a ground swell of cheers. She turned around and there was Bob Hope beside her. He said, “Mrs. Wilder, I have heard about you and what you do. Will you please allow us to help pass out supplies?” There were no cameras and no press. It was purely an act of kindness.

Her eyes swelled and her lips uttered a simple thank you.

They all went back to seeing the soldiers off. Once the train left and the commotion came to an end, Hope tipped his hat to Clara. This time the tears swelled in his eyes. “Thank you for allowing us to be a part of tonight.”

“Thanks for the Memory”

Lemon Curd Thumbprint Cookies

INGREDIENTS

1 c. (2 sticks or 8 ounces) unsalted butter, at room temperature
1/2 c. sugar
2 large eggs, at room temperature
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 tsp salt
2 c. all-purpose flour
1 c. chopped nuts (optional)
3/4 c. of The Southern Conserve Lemon Curd

INSTRUCTIONS

Make the cookie dough:

Beat the butter and sugar on high speed with an electric mixer for about 3 minutes.

Separate the eggs. Add the yolks and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Set aside the egg whites in a separate shallow bowl.

Add the flour and salt to the mixing bowl and mix until just combined.

Chill the dough:

Place the dough in the fridge and chill for at least 30 minutes.

Preheat the oven:

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

Shape the cookies:

Roll the dough into balls about 1 inch in diameter. Place the balls on the parchment-lined cookie sheets spaced a few inches apart.

If using nuts, whisk the reserved egg whites until frothy. Dip the dough balls into the egg whites and then, roll them into the nuts until covered. Arrange them on the baking sheets a few inches apart.

Thumbprint the dough, and add the Southern Conserve Lemon Curd.

Press down on each ball of dough with your thumb to make a small well in the center of the cookie. Do not press too hard or the cookie will fall apart. Fill each cookie with 1/2 teaspoon of Lemon Curd.

Bake, then let cool:

Bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until slightly firm. Allow to cool for a few minutes on the cookie sheet to firm up before moving them to a wire rack to finish cooling. Serve warm or at room temperature.