9:00 PM Nov 1, 1943
Hello Darling:
Well, here it is another month closer to you. Whenever that time may be. I didn’t go to work today as you probably noticed from the time this letter was written.
Your Special came tonight 7. It is not your fault because it was postmarked Saturday at 1:30 p.m. It got in Frisco Monday at 11:30 a.m.
After I came back from town, I rode Junior over to Johnny’s. I haven’t seen him for some time.
I went to a doctor today but he can’t tell me anything until tomorrow or the next day. My stomach feels much better now. Guess I will live. It is a beautiful night out, kind of cold out. I sure wish you were here. Jr. is fine. Shane had a cold today, so she didn’t go to school. Everyone else is fine. All the fellows at work are fine too. I’ll let you know how my lungs are by the day after tomorrow. I don’t know if I feel any better by working out at the Y or not because I haven’t been at it long enough. It takes a little time. I’m glad Mariam is out of the hospital. Yes, I know what you wish, at least that is what you had better be wishing. You can tell by my letter of Sunday whether I was thinking of you or not. I’m glad Dick is all right now. No, I haven’t heard from him yet. No, I haven’t said anything to Mom about you coming out at any time. She just knows that I’m pretty busy with all of the things I’m doing. She knows I need a little help. I don’t believe I’ve heard that song “Your Can’t Hold A Memory In Your Arms”. I kind of hope that I don’t hear it. ( 1942 Stuart Wade https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4_MtkHLqUOY)
I got a Special from Mom the same time as yours. She sent me a picture of a little Dickie that was in the paper. I’ll bet Dick would appreciate seeing that picture.
Well Darling, there isn’t any more news that I can think of, so I had better close for now. I will finish this in the morning. I love you very, very much. Good night Little Angel.
Good afternoon Darling: Well I have some news for you. I’m going to sell Herman tomorrow morning. I’ll get $150 for him. I sure hate to sell him but I don’t use him very much and a fellow I know is going back to Texas soon and he needs a car.
There is a letter from you but I won’t have time to answer it until tonight. I will see you at 8 as always. I love you very, very much. I have to go back to the doctor today before work.
Love & xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx YFH Johnny
Tuesday 12:30 p.m. Nov 2, 1943
Hello Honey:
I feel lousy, how are you? There was a letter this morning and a note by Hook. Tell him “Hi”. Sorry he is left alone so long but it will be more nice for you. Tell him in regard to his note, the last part, “I think so too”. Now be sure and tell him. Please Johnny.
That four extra hours sounds O.K. That’s the way they work extra time at work but only the fellows, we girls can’t.
Guess who I just talked to, Coffee. Your Mother called and said he had called her last night, sooo I called him. He hasn’t changed one bit as far as talking is concerned. He is a 2nd Lieutenant in the Army Air Corps now. He is in town for three days and was full of questions, wanted to know why we weren’t married, why I’m not out there, Oh just everything. Your mom gave him your address and he said that if he gets a chance he will drop you a line. It sure was nice to talk to him. It kind of brought back all the good times we used to have. This damn war.
Johnny, can we maybe have an apartment down in the Marina. I mean right at first, just maybe, huh? Johnny, I miss you terribly. Better close before I say something I’m sorry for, I feel lousy as I said before any way.
Love Aplenty “Your” Darlin’ & FW Janie
SWAKBYHWFH ~ could that be “sealed with a kiss by your honey white future husband” that’s the only thing I can figure out.
Love from me to you. Janie
12:55 AM Nov 3, 1943, Wednesday
Hello Darlin’:
Well, here it is another day closer to the sweetest little bundle of joy the side of heaven. I sure wish you were here tonight. It is really swell out. This is one kind of weather you didn’t get to see well you were here. Fog. I rode Jr. to work today. It was a lot of fun riding home. The damp air and wind were blowing in my face and the people as usual looking at Jr.
I have your letter here by me, so I had better answer your questions. I am glad that Marian’s finger will be all right. She will have to be very careful now the weather is changing, so she doesn’t it infected. You didn’t take the price take out of the billfold. You shouldn’t have spent that much money for it. It is a very nice one, so I will thank you again for it. I still don’t know what you mean by me being as considerate of you as I am of Jr. In what way aren’t I considerate of you? I don’t see what you and Jr have in common at all.
No, the earthquake didn’t bother me. I didn’t know what it was until it was all over. Haven’t you received the things yet? You should have a long time ago. Well that is all there is to answer.
Well tomorrow I will find out about my lungs. This doctor is going to be our family doctor. I will have you meet him when you come out. He is really swell. His name is Dr. Castle and is from the Mayo Clinic in Rochester. I think he was born in Iowa, so you know he has to be good. He is about 55 years old. He acts about 25.
Well my Darling, I feel very romantic tonight. If you were here I would tell you how much I love you and adore you and how much I missed you while you were away. I could hold you in my arms and kiss you and hold you close to me. I could do all of the things I want to do and what you would want me to do. We could pretend that there was just you and I and no one else. I wish with all my heart that that day was here. I love you so very much. Life just isn’t anything without you. You’re a part of me in my mind. Everywhere I go, you go with me. Everything I do, you do it with me. That is the way it is and that is the way it will always be. Good night Sweetheart.
Good morning Darling: it is another beautiful day out. I can’t get over it. It has been like this now for over two weeks. Two weeks ago yesterday, we had some rain. Since then, we have had some beautiful weather like we very seldom see. Just the sun and no wind.
I am taking Herman down this morning. Now if I don’t back out at the last minute, I won’t have a car tonight. I also have to go to the doctor. I will let you know everything tonight. I love you very, very much.
Love & xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx YFH Johnny
12:20 Nov 4, 1943, Thursday
Hello Darlin’.
Well, here it is another day gone and another one closer to you. There isn’t very much news. I received a letter from you just as I was about to leave for work today, so I will answer that now. When I first came to Frisco, it wasn’t dimmed out. Part of it was but it wasn’t enforced. I don’t know about going out to the beach anymore than I have or not. About buying property, I’m not going to fret about living here. I am, at least, I will come back and live here. That is all of the questions in your Special.
I took Herman down to this fellow today. He paid cash for it, $150. I almost felt like crying. It is kind of hard being without a car.
I was up to the doctors this morning. He said that as far as my health was concerned, it was very good, even my lungs. He said that in time that smoke would hurt them, because no one’s lungs are made to breathe a smoke continually. I may have a big surprise for you in the next letter. I won’t tell you now because I don’t know for sure and I don’t want you jumping into conclusions.
Well Sweets, I think I will close for now and get some sleep. I will finish in the morning. I love you very, very much. Good night Sweetheart.
Good morning Darling: Long time no see. The date is November 5. I will tell you that surprise now. I start school tomorrow morning for the American Merchant Marines.
Fun Fact: The United States Merchant Marine provided the greatest sealift in history between the production army at home and the fighting forces scattered around the globe in World War II. The prewar total of 55,000 experienced mariners was increased to over 215,000 through US Maritime Service training programs. You can read more about the US Merchant Marines, their role, the dangers they faced and much more at http://www.usmm.org/ww2.html. The Merchant Marines that served in WWII did not receive Veteran’s status and benefits until 1988.
I got up yesterday morning and went down to see this fellow I was supposed to see. I waited quite a while for him but something came up and he couldn’t get back to the office. I went over to see Hook. He wasn’t feeling very good, so he didn’t work. We stayed there and talked for quite a while. About 5:30 we decided to go to a show. We saw “SAHARA” with Humphry Bogart. It was very good.
Then we went up to the Y and played some basketball and had a good workout, steam bath, and a swim. I stayed with him last night. I got up this morning about 9:00. Hook fixed breakfast. I had an appointment with this Mr. Jerome at 10:30, so I went to see him. He is really swell. He gave me a letter to get me into this ship. I will go to school for about a week. There is a big freighter, all diesel, in the dock for repairs. It will leave in about 5 or 6 weeks. I may be on it. I don’t know how long it will be gone. When I get back, we will get married.
When I get back, I will have an experience and knowledge to take an examination for Marine Engineer 3rd Class. This ship is all diesel and has more machinery than any other ship. It’s very fast for a freighter. It has twin screws like our destroyers. I will keep on working nights while going to school in the morning.
(“I Don’t Want To Walk Without You” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NQw4PTw5QAI) I will call you Sunday morning about 9:30 or 10, and let you know all about it. It’s rather hard to explain on paper.
I love you so very, very much. More than anything else on earth. Someday there will be just you and I and a little later, T & T. I will see you at 8 as always. I will write another Special tonight.
Love & xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx YFH Johnny
1:45 AM Friday, November 5, 1943
Hello Honey:
Well, here I am again. It’s 1:45 and I’m home from work and have just washed my hair and am sitting in front of the oven drying it. Sure wish it would hurry up as I’m tired and want to go to bed.
Well, Momie has a job, she goes out to the plant at 7:00 in the morning to go to school all day tomorrow and then starts to work Saturday 4:00. That’s the same shift as I have. She works in a different building however, but it is just across the street from me. Sooo, we are both in it now.
I’m kind of worried about you dear, didn’t you go to work Monday, because you were ill? And be sure and let me know what the doctor told you about your lungs. And you sold little Herman. Well there isn’t much I can say, except I feel kind of sad about it because we did have so many good times with him. We shall never forget him. Did you get the license? You keep saying that you aren’t going to weld much longer. Well Honey, what are you going to do? May I ask if you are going to put the money from Herman in the bank, in bonds or spend it?
I’m sorry I didn’t write this morning but Marge and I worked over in building 4A in the R.6 wing and I was simply pooed.
Received a letter from Dick and he is back at work now. I was downtown the other day and saw something that I wanted so bad, yes it was a watch, a very nice one and it was $50. Really it was good looking and a standard make. I would have had to pay down $16 to buy it and if I’d had the $16, I sure would. I’m going to have a watch or die trying.
Well Honey, I think my hair is dry enough to put up. So think I’ll go now. I love you very much, please be careful, very careful.
Love & xxxxxxxxxx’s “Your” Darlin & FS Janie
12:45 AM Sat Nov 6, 1943
Hello Honey:
I just heard two of my favorite songs. “Holiday of Strings” & “Night & Day”, very nice yes. Well, how’s my Honey? I hope that you are O.K. I’m writing this tonight so’s I’ll be sure of getting it in the mail because this is your Special. Yup, it’s time again…
Momie was out at the plant all day today going to school, hearing about safety & etc. and they took her over to 4A where she is going to work and she sure just got a bang out of the people. But I don’t think I’ll ever get use to the idea of Momie having to work.
Darling, about “you have as much consideration for me as you do for Junior”, I didn’t think I would get you so curious but I’ll explain. You said Junior was so small and couldn’t stand up under very much. I meant after we are married. Now without my coming out and putting it on paper, do you understand about me?
I sure hope I hear about your lungs tomorrow, I’ve been frantic waiting. I hope there is nothing serious but if it is, your health is more important than that job.
Mariam came to work today went home, she had a new dressing put on today and the doctor said it didn’t look very good so she was rather depressed. Poor kid. I sure feel sorry for her, if she loses that finger, it will mark her for life.
Your mail has been coming through swell lately, and better every day this week and it’s so nice. For some reason or another I have a lump in my throat tonight. I just read your letter again. Thank you Dear for saying I’m always with you because I think of you very much of the time and if I think maybe you are thinking of me that it makes the 2000 miles seem closer, somehow. See what I mean? I hope so.
Gosh darn, time for a Special and nothing much to write about. (“That Old Black Magic” ) Gosh, I haven’t heard for a long time. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Ie8CJUJ8pE ) I’m wondering what are you going to do Sunday?
What happened to Hook, you haven’t mentioned him for a couple three days. Is he staying with you? I just happen to think, you and Hook could spend Thanksgiving together, can’t you? Or are you going to be in the army? Christmas is only seven weeks away, so we won’t think about that.
Well my Honey, it’s getting late, sooo, I better get your little bundle of love to bed so’s she will be pretty and cheerful in the morning. O.K? O.K!
I love you with all my heart. Johnny Berhow. Good night Honey.
“Your” Darlin & FW Janie
PS Do you know why Mrs. Roosevelt as more kids than Mrs. Hickenlooper? Because Mrs. Hickenlooper has a governor. Ha!
Fun Fact: Gov. Bourke Blakemore Hickenlooper was the governor of Iowa from 1943-1945.
1:30 AM Nov 6, 1943, Sat.
Hello Darlin’:
Well, here it is another day closer to ? ? ? and the sweetest little bundle of love as side of heaven.
Darling, this will have to be sort of a short Special as I have to get up at 7 in the morning.
I have 3 letters from you to answer, so I had better do that before I close. No, of course I don’t mind if you go to Minnesota for Thanksgiving. I think it will be good for you to get away for a while.
I know I will like you in your new coat and hat. I’d like you and anything, or even nothing at all.
I would like very much for you to have your picture taken for me. Could you get one about the same size as the one I had taken? It could fit in my locker on board ship.
I’ll bet that was nice talking to Coffee again. I would like to talk to him too.
Yes, Darling we will get an apartment in the Marina right when we get married. Maybe you could come to Frisco a little before I get back from my cruise and have it when I come home. That would be nice. I think as far as I know, we will ship out about the middle of December.
Well my little Sweetheart, the time is drawing near for me to get some sleep. I will see you in a little while in my dreams. I love you very, very much. Good night Darling.
Good morning Sweetheart: The time is 7:45, I have to get up and be to school by 9:00 so I don’t have time to say much. I will be able to tell you a lot more tomorrow when I call you.
Darling, I love you very, very much. I always have and I always will. Life is kind of funny. I know you will understand why I’m going to sea. I will have quite a bit of money when I get back. I will be back about the time we can get married, in May or June.
Love & xxxxxxxxxx’s YFH Johnny
Sat Nov. 6, 1943
Hello Honey:
Darn it Honey. I waited for today and for three days to hear about your lungs and then no letter. I never was so disappointed in all my life. Didn’t you write, Honey? Darn you if you didn’t, but it might be the weather as it has been very cloudy and rainy for the last 24 hours, but I am so worried. Sure hope you said something about it in your Special.
As I said before the weather is lousy and snow is forcasted for tonight with winds, sooo I guess winter is here for to stay. Is it still nice out there?
There isn’t any news. I just had a little time before I get ready for work and decided to drop you a line. Aren’t I sweet?
Momie is getting ready now as it takes for longer than it does me. Sure hope it’s nice tomorrow as I hate gloomy Sundays. Am still wondering what you are going to do tomorrow.
Well Darling, it doesn’t seem to need much to write about so guess I’ll finish this in the morning. O.K? O.K! Bye for now. I’ll see you at 10:00.
It’s now 12:50 a.m. and I just walked in the door, when the phone rang, it was your wire, and I’m frantic. Can’t figure out what is wrong. Darling, what can it be. Well I must get to bed, so’s morning will hurry and come. Good night Honey.
Jeepers, what next, your Special came just before I called you. I’m sorry Darling, but after I read that letter, I couldn’t wait any longer. Gosh, it’s so sudden. I’m kind of floored. Remember Honey, I said no matter what you do or where you go, I’m with you all the way and all for you and I’ll be waiting for you when you come back, married, or single. I love you with all my heart and with my whole future is you.
Is that for sure, I mean are you really in for sure? I can’t believe it. I keep thinking it’s all a dream. My Johnny, and the Merchant Marines and maybe, I’ll be seeing my Johnny soon. But I’m not getting my hopes up too high but I so want to see you before you leave. Johnny, won’t it be swell if you could be home November 26?
By the way dear, are you going to send me some gas coupons? How about your whole book. If you do come home, I’ll have to get some gas coupons somewhere and drive up to Omaha. In fact, where almost out of gas now and all our coupons are gone. How about it? Jeepers, I’m so nervous, I can hardly write. Jeepers, can it be true.
Well Honey, I want to send this special so better get it down to the post office. Remember dear to wire me. I have every bit of faith and trust in you and what you do.
Love as always “Your” Darlin & F.W. Janie
(Momie will drop you a line this week)
11:00 PM Nov 6, Saturday
Hello Darling:
Well, here it is another day missed at work. I went to school this morning about 9. Hook and I left about 1:00. We had to go up the Coast Guard and get a pass and have our picture taken. They sure do things fast. We finished about 6:00 and then we went to a show. We saw “Johnny Come Lately” and “Yanks Ahoy”. They were very good shows.
I came walking up the front steps tonight and I looked out over the ocean. The sky was very clear and, the moon was just about where it was the night we were up by the Cliff House. There will come a day that we can do that again. I had half a notion to get Jr. out and ride out to the beach.
Well Darling, I’m going to take a shower and shave and then go to bed. I am going to call you at 9 or 9:30. I love you very, very much. Keep your chin up. Good night Darling.
Good afternoon Sweetheart: I am out at the beach laying in the sand. Just about the place we were, only a little closer to the water today. It is a beautiful day but there are quite a few clouds. I have my swimming trunks and a shirt on. There are a lot of people out here today. Most of them are up in the amusement park instead of on the beach. There is a big cargo ship just going out and one coming in. There are 5 Navy boats coming in to meet the cargo ship to go out with it. There are 2 destroyers and 3 Coast Guard cutters. I sure wish you were here with me. I guess that is all I do, wish.
The telephone call is over and I didn’t get to say half of the things I wanted to say. I don’t know if I will be able to come home or not but I will sure try hard enough. There is nothing I want more. I love you so much. Life is so short that we must make the best of what we had. Gosh, it is sure a beautiful day out here, even if there are a few clouds.
I have Jr parked on the street. I am going to leave pretty soon and drive Jr down to the beach road to the zoo and back again. I will continue this a little later later. So long for now.
10:00 PM
Hello Darlin’: Well, I had a nice ride on Junior. Everyone is still looking and gawking at him. I came home and fixed myself a supper. I also stopped at the little restaurant where we were and bought a malt to eat with my dinner. After supper, I ironed a bunch of clothes. Then I help Shane with her shorthand lessons and also talked to Kay and the Spanish girls for about an hour. I sure did a bang out of listening to them talk.
Now I’m writing to you, the sweetest little bundle of love I ever hope to see.
I will be able to tell you about whether I will will be able to come home or not before I leave. I wasn’t going to tell you because I didn’t want you to be too disappointed if I couldn’t.
Well Darling, I want to get some sleep as I have to get up rather early. I will finish in the morning. I love you very, very much. Good night Sweetheart.
Good morning Darling: Well I’m on my way to school. Your Special hasn’t come yet, so I have nothing to answer. I will see you at 8 as usual. I love you very, very much.
Love & xxxxxxxxxx’s YFH Johnny
Johnny & Jane 