UPDATE: More than 200 love letters between a WWII soldier and his sweetheart have been digitally unveiled by the Nashville Public Library, offering a poignant glimpse into love during turbulent times. The letters, written by William Raymond Whittaker and Jane Dean, were discovered in a Nashville home and are now accessible to the public, revealing their deep connection amidst the chaos of war.
The collection sheds light on their courtship while Whittaker, known as Ray, was studying at Meharry Medical College in Nashville. After being drafted into the Army in 1942, Ray reached out to Jane, who was working as a medical lab technician at Vanderbilt University. The letters reflect their emotional struggles, hopes, and dreams during a time when uncertainty loomed large.
In her initial response to Ray’s letter dated July 30, 1942, Jane expressed both joy and concern. “It sure was a pleasant and sad surprise to hear from you,” she wrote, acknowledging the risks he faced. Her heartfelt message urges him to keep in touch, signing off with, “Write, wire or call me real soon — Lovingly Jane.”
According to Kelley Sirko, the metropolitan archivist at the library, the letters provide a unique perspective, showcasing the couple’s navigation of “racial issues, gender issues, and the life of a soldier.” The correspondence is a testament to how ordinary individuals coped with extraordinary circumstances.
As their relationship progressed, Ray, stationed at Fort McClellan in Alabama, hinted at a proposal in a letter dated September 1942, writing, “I have something very important to tell you when I do see you and you will be surprised to know as to what it is.” He playfully mentioned that if he attended officer training school, he would earn more money — about $280 a month if married.
Jane’s skepticism was palpable when she responded on September 23, questioning his feelings: “What makes you think you still love me?” Yet, Ray’s determination shone through as he professed, “I didn’t find the companionship and love that I so dearly wanted.”
Their love story culminated in marriage on November 7, 1942, in Birmingham. In a letter just two days later, Jane embraced her new identity as “my darling husband,” sharing her joy but lamenting their separation. “The only regret is that we didn’t marry years ago,” she wrote, expressing hope that the war would soon end so they could be together.
The emotional weight of these letters resonates powerfully, illustrating the human impact of war. Sirko emphasized the importance of making such personal histories accessible, saying, “You can’t help but smile when you read through these letters.”
The Nashville Public Library is committed to preserving this intimate narrative, and archivists continue to seek out living relatives of Ray and Jane to further enrich their story. While they did not have any children, their legacy endures through these heartfelt letters, revealing the enduring power of love amidst adversity.
For those interested in exploring this compelling collection, the letters are now available online, offering a rare window into the past and the profound emotional landscape of wartime romance.
