The Poetry of Gustav Bishoff

Virginia Briant had been our Organist for years when she decided that it was time to give up the job in the 1970's.  As it happened, there was an Organist who had played at a Cathedral in Newark for decades.  The church was moving into a style of music that was not compatible with his basic nature so there was a parting of the ways.  His primary job was a beautician in Sparta.  He did my Mother-in-law's hair.  It was through this connection that we were able to find a replacement for Virginia.  Gustaff Bischoff remained with us from the late 70's until 1987 when he passed away.  His ashes were lovingly placed in our cemetery.  Mazie Stefanovic arranged for the stone which marks his grave today.

Gus was a very unique individual;  full of energy and over flowing with creativity.  In his late years he took to writing poetry, an avocation that I encouraged him to continue.  It was a wonderful release for the many emotions that he had stored up.  Some of his collection have been captured and published here.  I still have an abundance of his poetry that I will capture and eventually publish on the web as well.  All his work was written on notebook pages, torn scraps of paper and napkins.  They arrived at my home in an envelope postmarked in Sparta where he spent the majority of his time.  He also had a house that his adopted daughter lived in.  He elected to spend his nights in the shop where he eventually slipped into God's welcoming arms one night while sleeping.

I hope you will take the time to read his words, slowly.  Keep your mind open to the message that his beautiful elder gentleman left for you to read and contemplate upon.