War-Era Love Letters Depict Intimate Story of Courtship During WWII

A collection of over 200 love letters that trace the courtship and marriage of a couple during World War II is now available digitally at the Nashville Public Library. These letters offer a compelling glimpse into the challenges and enduring love amid war. Written by William Raymond Whittaker, known as Ray, and Jane Dean, these letters were discovered in a Nashville residence once owned by Jane and her family. They were donated to the Metro Nashville Archives in 2016.

The letters were found near a fireplace in a house close to Nashville’s Music Row. Ray, originally from New Rochelle, New York, relocated to Nashville to study at Meharry Medical College, a historically Black institution. It was there he met fellow student Jane. Their paths diverged when Ray left Nashville, but in 1942, as he was drafted into the Army and stationed at Fort Huachuca, Arizona, he rekindled his connection with Jane, who was then a medical lab technician at Vanderbilt University.

An Emotional Reconnection

The library lacks Ray’s initial letter, but they preserve Jane’s heartfelt response. Addressing him as “Dear Wm R.”, Jane expresses mixed emotions in her reply dated July 30, 1942. She mentions the joy of being remembered yet laments Ray’s military service, acknowledging the uncertainties of war while expressing pride in his contribution.

Jane hints at her desires by recounting recent weddings among their mutual acquaintances and concludes her letter with warmth, urging Ray to maintain correspondence: “Write, wire, or call me real soon — Lovingly Jane.”

A Journey Told Through Letters

The letters reveal an intimate portrait of two ordinary individuals amidst a complex historical period. Although archivists have yet to find living relatives of Ray and Jane, the letters, alongside a few photographs and Ray’s Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity patch, provide deep insights into their lives.

These documents offer a firsthand perspective on navigating racial and gender issues and life as an African American soldier during WWII. In one letter, Jane advises Ray to be cautious while stationed in Alabama.

The Growth of a Romance

As the months progressed, Ray and Jane’s relationship intensified. By September 1942, Ray hinted at a significant revelation for Jane, suggesting marriage proposals might be forthcoming. He jested about his potential military salary increase if he attended officer training and noted the impracticality of surrendering his earnings to the government.

Despite initial hesitations, Jane questions his affection’s authenticity, wary of his loneliness away from home. Her skepticism gradually dissolves as Ray’s sincerity shines through. In a decisive letter, Ray confesses his intention to pursue lasting companionship with Jane, eschewing past struggles with other relationships.

A Union Amidst Uncertainty

Ray and Jane married on November 7 in Birmingham. Post-discharge, Ray returned to New York City with Jane before settling in Nashville. Jane’s letter to Ray as “my darling husband” on November 9 conveys her immense joy tempered by their physical separation due to wartime duties. Her letter reflects both a celebration of their union and a longing for a future without war’s interruption.

She writes: “It’s a wonderful thing to have such a sweet and lovely husband. Nevertheless, our brief moments together are overshadowed by the persistent uncertainties of war. Nonetheless, hope prevails as Jane concludes, “I’ll always love you. Always — from Your Wife.”