July 26, 1942
Hi Honey :
Well it is exactly 10:05 PM and I just came in from looking at the Big Dipper dipper to write my first letter to my favorite man.
I received both your telegrams. Feeling a bit of both disappointment and wonder at the first one, the second one was very welcome. Congratulations! Honey, I knew you won’t let us down. I got your letter and post card this morning.
What did I tell you about smiling when having your picture taken? Say, the chubby woman on your left – friend of yours? I arrived in Minnesota Monday at 8 PM and stayed there until Thursday when Nana came after me. Naturally thinking she would have a letter or two for me, I was both disappointed and mad but when I arrive in Elk River, but there was a letter waiting, which was a good thing for you.
Honey, I’m finding it awfully hard to write on paper what I am used to putting in words. I think I will leave for home Wednesday at 10 AM, so don’t write anymore letters that won’t catch me here. But I’ll expect one when I get home.
I’m sorry to hear you and Marilyn didn’t get along, in a way but glad in another… guess how?
Honey, I’m sure glad you didn’t have any trouble on your trip. I was sort of worried when I didn’t hear from you in till Thursday. Not much you know, but a little.
Harlan, remember up on the Hill last Saturday night? I know I’ll never forget it and hope you won’t. Well Honey, I am glad it happened. That may sound queer but honest I am. I can’t tell you why now but next July I will, and you be happy if you still love me.
You said you hoped I missed you as much as you miss me. Ever since you left there has been a great big hollow place in the pit of my stomach and no matter how many cigarettes I smoke or how much I eat or sleep I can’t get rid of it. Honey, you’re the cause of it. I hope I’m not being too mushy. But I mean it. By the way, do you ever think of me special every night at 10 PM like you said you would? I do, but this is the first night I have been able to see the big dipper because of the clouds. I just remembered it would be eight o’clock there, wouldn’t it?
When do you start work? And what was the idea of the thumb mark on that last letter?
I’ve had lots of hugs and kisses since I arrived, but none will ever feel like yours. I miss your terribly. There I go again.
Well strange enough I’m running out of words. So, guess I will have to close. As soon as you get working don’t forget to write the boys at Herman M. Brown.
Well Sweets, I hate to, but must go. Write soon. It is now 10:30 and that is longer than I have ever talked to you on the phone. So goodbye Honey. See you soon. Lots of love and good luck. Your Janie. Here is something for you.
Silly isn’t it.
Fun Fact:
Before leaving for San Francisco Johnny (Harlan) made a promise to Janie that every night at 10:00 pm her time, 8:00 pm his time, he would look up at the Big Dipper and the Moon and hope that she was looking too.
July 28, 1942 6:00 PM
Hi Honey:
Well, how are you? I’m a wee bit tired but feel swell.
Nothing much has happened since I wrote you Monday. Did you get it O.K.? I went to Omaha today to see my Uncle and Aunt on Nana’s side and he gave me a gold nugget. Nana about fell over, she said “I sure rate.” He got it in Alaska. He used to be gold miner and owns 5 five houses and two apartment houses. OK? Huh!
I have some more things to add to my hope chest. Nana gave me some beautiful crystal cut glass pieces for the table, so I’ve done well on this trip. But I told Nana I wouldn’t be up next summer as I was leaving for Frisco California July 15, 43. O.K.?
When I get home, which will be tomorrow Wednesday at 5:00 PM, I will send you my class pin (if still want it).
Oh Say, I forgot to tell you, Monday before I left home, I went out to the plant and put in my application for factory work. Yesterday, I received a letter from Dick saying they were checking up on my references already. I got a letter from Barbara Hill seeing she was going to start to school but was waiting for me to come home. She wants me to join her, then both of us go to work at the plant but in the office. So as yet I don’t know what I will do. What do you think I should do?
Well Honey, dinner is ready, so will close. Have you started to work yet? If so, how do you like it and how do you like Frisco? And been away from home? Honey, they are playing our piece “Who Wouldn’t Love You”. (Kay Kyser & His Orchestra – Who Wouldn’t Love You? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1POQ7jjLkmk ) I miss you so, honest I do. Write me as often as you can, please do. That hollowness is still with me and how I would like to feel your arms just once more. I will write again tomorrow.
Love and good luck. Your darlin’ Janie.
P.S. Did you like the kiss I sent you and do you want more? Answer soon!
July 29, 1942 10:10 p.m.
Hi Honey:
Well I am home and very happy about the whole thing. I had a swell time, but you know me when I stay away from home too long. There isn’t much news, but I said I would write you, so I did.
Well Sweets, how are you getting along by now? I hope just fine. I suppose you have made quite a few friends by now. Have you changed your mind about the girls yet? I had two chances to go out while in Minneapolis.
By the way, do you know we are still going steady? I am wondering, do you want to stop? I am leaving it completely up to you. Do you know what? I just came in from looking at the
It was very bright and pretty, were you there too? Momie and Daddy say “Hi”.
Say Honey, did you buy a new swimming suit?
I will send you something if you promise not to show anyone. Promise? O.K. It is this picture, enclosed, of my legs, which you always thought were pretty. I hope this doesn’t dissolution you. It was taken on Sunday before you left.
This is the third letter in three days. Come on now, start writing, after all, I am all alone and lonely.
Why didn’t you stop and see Frank in Cheyenne? Donna called me over tonight, right after I got home. She wanted to know everything about your job.
Oh Honey, you know what? Joyce is leaving Sunday for Frisco with her boyfriends’ folks. Earl (her man) is out there to you know. She is going to stay for two weeks. If I had $40, I could have come. I would give almost anything to see you.
Well, I will go now. I will write Friday night and send it Special Delivery Airmail, so you will have a letter on Sunday. O.K.?
Tomorrow night is the night for us girls to go out, but I will not forget at 10:00, will you?
Good Night Honey
Your Darlin’ Janie
P.S. XXXXXX-OOOOOO
Good Night Honey
Your Darlin’ Janie
P.S. XXXXXX-OOOOOO
Johnny & Jane 