December 6, 1942 Sunday 2:45
Hi Honey:
I have been looking over your train schedule. I have the whole thing figured out. You are taking an awful chance going on to Ames from Omaha. You see, there’s a train about 10 min. ahead of yours which makes connections with one in Ames to come to, Des Moines. And if your train isn’t late, it will wait for you to but if it was late, the train for Des Moines would leave, and then there isn’t another train or bus leaving for Des Moines until 5:15 AM Wednesday. I even called up to make sure. While if you would get off the train at Omaha, where you arrive at 8:30 PM Tuesday the Rocket leaves there at 12:06 AM. Wednesday morning and arrives here at 2:45 AM. Which would only be 3 1/2 hour wait. Are you taking the San Francisco Challenger on the Chicago and Northwestern line? I think you must be because you said Frisco at 7:40 PM and get in Ames at 11:59 PM, two days later and that is their schedule to a tee. You see how I know is Dad has complete train schedule book here for his own use. But to get back, are you sure you should take the chance of going on to Ames instead of waiting three hours ? Pease let me know as soon as possible what you intend to do. Remember Honey, every hour counts.
I dreamed of us all night last night. All I could see was you getting off of a train and on to another train, all night long, and I was hurrying to get to everything done so that I would be able to meet you.
You’re Special hasn’t come yet but it never does until about 4:00 PM, so I’m not worried. Gee Honey, I’m so happy. Momie says I have a perpetual grin on my face on time. Just think, 2 weeks from tonight you are coming home, I can hardly wait. Instead of taking Tuesday night off I’m going to exchange my day off with someone who has Tuesday off then I won’t lose any money.
Well Sweets, I better go now as I have to go get Rosie and Dickie Jr. I love you very much, gosh will Christmas ever come? If only I could go to sleep for a couple weeks but that if I did, I wouldn’t be ready. They are playing Christmas carols a lot lately. Must go now.
All my love and XXXXXXXX’s
“Your” Darlin’ Janie
10:30 PM Sunday, December 6, 1942
Hello Darlin’
Sis and I just got back from the show. Do you remember when we danced to Henry Busse at the Tromar? I did when I saw him.
(In 1928, after mastering the English language, Busse Sr. began Henry Busse and the Shuffle Rhythm Band, which enjoyed great success in the 1930s and ’40s. A year later, Busse Sr. married Dorothy Drake, a former model and stage actress. Their only son, Henry Busse Jr., was born in 1931, and was three years old when his parents divorced. In 1935, Busse Sr. married Lorayne Brox, member of the Brox Sisters singing trio.
Busse stayed with Whiteman until 1928 when he left the band and formed his own group, The Henry Busse Orchestra. This group was more of a sweet dance band than a jazz band and had a successful career.
Busse hit his peak in 1930-45, playing dance music before the war, and swing during the war. His music was often berated by Down Beat magazine, which called his a “sweet” or “Mickey Mouse” band. Busse and his band appeared in an MGM color movie in 1935 called Starlit Days at the Lido,[6] filmed at the Ambassador Hotel, along with Clark Gable and MGM’s stable of stars and in the movie Lady Let’s Dance,[7] a romance musical released April 1944, in which Busse had a speaking part.)
Your Special was here waiting for me when I got home. The landlady said it came about 8:30 PM. Is that what you were talking about in your telegram?
Darling, in your letter you said I didn’t write on Monday. I don’t know why you didn’t receive a letter for that day because I know I wrote one. I was so anxious to tell you when I got my reservation that morning. I don’t remember whether I wrote when I got home from work or when I got up in the morning, but I know I wrote. So there too!!
That will be swell if Dick is transferred to Treasure Island. I sure would like to see my future brother-in-law again.
Two weeks from tonight I will be part way home. Oh happy day!
The man who tried to kill himself apparently didn’t know where his heart was. I know where mine is. I think it’s in the middle of the state of Iowa.
You said something awful funny in your letter you said, “If I don’t hear soon, I’ll go crazy, see, I’m glad.” I sure hope you don’t go crazy. Maybe you had better come back to San Francisco with me.
Well Darling, it’s getting late, so I had better get some sleep. This way the nights will go faster. I’m sending some pictures of some ships that we have launched by Bethlehem. I hope you like them. The Destroyer is exactly like the ones I have welded on.
USS Hazelwood (DD-531) was a World War II-era Fletcher-class destroyer in the service of the United States Navy The ship was the second named for Commodore John Hazelwood; a naval leader in the American Continental Navy. It was laid down 11 April 1942 by the Bethlehem Shipbuilding Co., San Francisco, California; launched 20 November 1942; sponsored by Mrs. Harold J. Fosdick; and commissioned 18 June 1943, Commander Hunter Wood, Jr., in command. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Hazelwood_(DD-531))
USS Mullany (DD-528), a Fletcher-class destroyer, was the second ship of the United States Navy to be named for Rear Admiral James Robert Madison Mullany (1818–1887). It was originally Beatty (DD-528) but was renamed on 28 May 1941. Laid down 15 January 1942 by Bethlehem Steel Co., Union Plant, San Francisco, Calif., she was launched 10 October 1942, sponsored by Mrs. Elton W. Grenfell; and commissioned 23 April 1943, Commander Baron J. Mullaney in command. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Mullany_(DD-528)
I love you and miss you very much. That night I met you was the luckiest day in my life.
All the love I have I give to you. Love and xxxxxxxxxx’s Harlan
1:30 AM Wednesday, December 2, 1942
Hello Darling:
Well here it is another day closer to Christmas and you. Three weeks from right now, I hope to be home. That is if the train is late. Just think, would be together again. It sends chills up and down my back just think of it. I received two letters when I got home tonight. They were both swell. Has your father said anything yet about your smoking? Please let me know if they don’t get the letter I sent your folks. I sure hope there is snow when I get there. Opal is just fine.
About the pictures, I was going to borrow a camera from the people that Syd stayed with, but he moved, so I have no camera. I’ll see if I can find another one someplace.
I forgot to tell you in my last letter that we had a little excitement in front of our house Monday morning. I tried to open your envelope but couldn’t do it. Well anyway, a man shot himself with a .38 pistol. He aimed for his heart and missed. The shell went into his lungs. I don’t know whether he died or not. He was walking with his girl and I guess he asked her to marry him. She wouldn’t. Hmmmmmm.
Well Darling it is getting late, so I had better close. I have to get up in the morning and get some of my clothes together to have clean. Those are the ones I am going to take with me. I’m not going to wait until the last minute. I love you and miss you very much. Christmas is what I’m living for.
Love and XXXXXXXXXX Harlan
PS I have tried to get a pair of slacks all over San Francisco like yours, but I can’t seem to find any. Would you look there at Des Moines? Please.
1:45 AM Thursday December 3, 1942
Hello Darlin’:
Three weeks from tonight, we will be dancing at the Tromar in each other’s arms.
I wish it were tomorrow. Darling, may ask you a favor? Can I keep my mustache until I get home and if you don’t like it I will shave it off. It is coming along pretty good now and I have had a lot of comments on it.
Tonight is a beautiful night out. The stars are like silver dollars. They look like you could reach out and pick them right out of the sky. I’ll be so glad when we are together again, then I can really tell you how much I love you, how much I want you, and how much I have missed you. It is going to be wonderful being with you and seeing you and hearing you say “I love you” at the same time.
I didn’t get a letter today, but I got two yesterday, that makes us up for it.
I took some of my clothes to the cleaners this morning.
I had one of the toughest jobs I have ever had today. I have quite a headache and my eyes are a little sore and tired. If you don’t mind darling. I will continue this in the morning.
Love and XXXXXXXXXX’s I love you, Harlan
Goodnight Sweetheart…
Good morning Darling:
Well, how are you this morning? I hope well and happy and as lonesome as I am. I have to go to the dentist this morning. I hope it is the last time.
I love you very much. Christmas is slowly coming, and I suppose it will go like the wind. I sure wish you were coming back with me. I haven’t written very much and haven’t said anything, but I have to close. I will write again tonight when I get home from work.
Love and XXXXXXXXX’s Harlan PS I love you
1:30 AM Saturday, December 5, 1942
Hello Darlin’:
Well here it is another day closer to Christmas in you. I received a letter tonight when I got home. I was sure glad to get it. Darling, did you write last Saturday, Sunday, or Monday? If you did, I didn’t get the letters. The letter I got today was written on Tuesday at 9:00. It is the first one since you got my Special Sunday. The mail delivery has been terrible out here lately. The letters I got on Monday and Tuesday were written last week. I was beginning to get a little worried. I’m glad you are looking forward to me coming home so much. Makes me feel pretty good. I sure wish you were coming back with me. That Tuesday night is sure going to be swell. I haven’t heard any of the radio programs because of my hours. I wouldn’t give a D – – – about programs if I could just have you with me about one night a week. Is it the same with you as it is with me?
Each night it gets worse. I miss you so much. You remember the night we were parked out by the Coffee’s house in that little lane? It was there I first told you I was leaving for Frisco. You said, “You’ll never go”. Then you saw I was really serious about it. You asked me or rather told me I better write every day. You told me you knew what would happen. I would write about every day the first week and then gradually slow down and finally stop. And last, that I would forget all about you.
Darling, do me a favor – go get a mirror – I’ll wait – have you got one? – Okay – now look into it. There now. How could anyone forget about anyone as lovely as that. Everything about you is just what I want it to be. You absolutely couldn’t be any better. Never in all my life did I think I could be as much in love as I am right now, and yet that love gets stronger each hour of every day. Everything I do, see, or hear reminds me of you and wonderful times I’ve had with you. Everything you did or would say seems to always be the right thing. I made a lot of mistakes when I was going with you, but I think you will notice a big change in me when I get home Christmas.
Well Darling, it is getting late, so I guess I had better close as I have a date tonight. That is with a dream. That dream is you. Each night I have been dreaming of you. We sure have a lot of fun. Except for one thing. It’s awfully tiresome kissing and hugging a pillow. But I’ll make for a up for it in it Christmas. (And how!)
I love you more than ever.
Love and XXXXXXXX’s Harlan
1:30 AM Sunday, December 6, 1942
Hello Darlin’:
Well here it is another week closer to Christmas and you. Oh happy day! When I get home at night Darlin, I found my topcoat and hat. Thanks a lot! I also found a telegram waiting for me. What was it all about, the bawling out I mean. Darling, I’m glad you are walking on a pink cloud. If you are. we are walking together. The delivery of mail lately has been terrible. I received your Tuesday letter today – Saturday. I received your Thanksgiving. letter on Tuesday. I didn’t get any on Wednesday or Thursday. I guess we’re going to just have to bear each other on it. I know it’s not your fault and I hope you don’t think it is my. I love you very much and Christmas is what I’m living for.
I am kind of tired and it is getting late, so I guess I had better close. I will continue in the morning. Goodnight Sweetheart.
I love you. Love XXXXXXXX Harlan
Good morning Darlin’
Well, how are you this morning. It is raining very hard out here now. Sis and I are going down town this afternoon see Henry Busse and his Orchestra. There was supposed to be a “Pearl Harbor” parade this afternoon but I don’t imagine they will have it because of the rain.
Darling, I have a chance to go on the maintenance crew out at the yard as a diesel mechanic. I would make more money, but I don’t know whether to take it or not.
I would work days and would make $1.34 per hour. My job would be to work with diesel cranes and motors. I would like it for several reasons. I would get away from galvanize and I like that type of work, but on the other hand, I also like welding and the experience I could get at both of them would be swell. I won’t decide until after I get back after Christmas, so maybe you can help some.
I haven’t received your Special yet, so I have no questions to answer.
Two weeks from this very night I will start out on my trip home to My Darlin’. It is kind of hard to wait and wait and wait. The time just seems to be dragging along. We are sure going to make up for the six months, aren’t we?
Well my sweet, I guess I had better close now, I will write again tonight!
Love and XXXXXX Harlan
(Fun fact: December 7, 1942 “One Year after Pearl Harbor” parade from the Ferry Building to Civic Center. 70,000 marched to commemorate Pearl Harbor, Manila, Bataan, Corregidor, Midway, Wake, and other battles of the Pacific. Parade opened a ten-day observance of the American war effort, with special activities planned for each day. Sponsored by the San Francisco Win-The-War Committee.)
December 7, 42 Monday 1:30 PM
Hi Honey:
You may wonder at the time, so I will set you straight. I went to bed at 12 noon but all I can think about is you coming home, and I can’t go to sleep. All morning this morning, my machine kept saying “Harlan’s coming home, Harlan’s coming home and on and on.
How are you? I hope fine.
Now to answer your questions about the Christmas present. Honey, I’ve been thinking it’s going to cost you a lot of money to come home and I don’t think it’s right for you to buy me such an expensive present. I’m so happy that we are going to be together again for ever a little while that I wouldn’t mind one bit if you didn’t give me anything. Why don’t we wait until you come home and then if you find a little something you would like to give me O.K. with me. But Darling, I just don’t feel right having you spend so much money on me when there are so many things you need.
About the mustache. O.K. with me if you keep it until you come home. Who knows, I might like it and since you have taken so long to grow it, I would like to see you with one, so you keep it all trimmed, real nice and neat and we will see.
Gee, I can hardly wait until I see you again. I keep wondering if you will have changed and if you will think I have changed. What we will do and say at the depot when you when we first see each other! And everything like that. By the way, are you wearing the ring and chain? And what was the idea of the post card? It was very sweet.
Well Sweets, I think I will try to go to sleep now and will continue this tonight. O.K? O.K! By now.
Love Janie
Hello again, Ho-hum, (stretch, stretch), what a nice sleep. Excuse me dear the phone is ringing. It was Eleanor, she is leaving on Wednesday morning for Baltimore and Don, and my, is she ever excited! I guess they are going to be married quite soon. Oh well.
Well Honey, no more news, don’t know what to say. Two weeks from right now you will be coming through Utah, coming closer and closer and closer. Oh Honey, I can hardly wait but right now I must go and get ready for work. I will write again tomorrow.
All my love and xxxxxxxxxx’s “Your Darlin’ Janie
I’m in love with you
1:30 AM Tuesday, December 8, 42
Hello Darlin’:
Well here it is another day closer to Christmas and new. I received a letter from today. Are you still kind of mad at me? You forgot something. Or in your letter and I should tell you about it, so it won’t happen again. You forgot to say, “I love you” in it. You did say I miss you very much. I miss George Demcack too, but I don’t love him, so I wouldn’t say I did. If you love me – – Please say so.
I don’t have any news. I just got off work and have had my shower. I have to go to the dentist in the morning. I was up to the Y before work and had a good workout.
I have heard my suitcase packed some clothes to cleaners and some at the laundry.
This is just going to be a note Darlin’. I’m kind of tired. I love you very much and can hardly wait for two more weeks to be up, so I can hold you in my arms again.
Love and XXXXXXXXXX’s Harlan
PS You had better put a blanket in the car when you come down to pick me up, as the heater won’t stay warm long enough. Okay? –!!
December 9, 1942 9:00 AM
Hi Honey:
This is only going to be a note Harlan because I’ve been sick all night at work and want very much to go to bed. I’m sure you’ll understand.
How are you sweets? I hope this finds you well and happy and Opal to. Well Harlan, two weeks from this very minute we will be together. Oh Harlan, I’ll be so happy I just can’t tell you how happy or how much I am looking forward to seeing you again.
There isn’t a bit of news, everyone is just fine. Chuck and Mary Jane are coming here to stay, as they have let their house go, so Christmas, we will be crowded, but not too crowded for you.
Look Sweets my stomach is raising cane, so please excuse me. I’ll try to write again tonight. Honey, please try and understand.
All my love and xxxxxxxxxx’s “Your” Darlin’ Janie
PS I love you very much Harlan
December 9, 1942 – 11 more days
Hi Honey:
Gosh sakes, I have forty-five minutes in which to write your Special. I just got up.
Well Sweets, how are you? I hope this finds you well, and happy and thinking that a week from the day you get this you will be all ready to go. Oh happy, happy day!
I went bowling this morning after work with Mary Jane and I’m pretty proud of my score. If only had made it when you were home. But anyhow, I am enclosing the scoresheet I’m so happy about it. Please write and tell me what you think of it.
There’s only one question I want you to answer. Are you coming on the Rocket from Omaha or are you coming through to Ames and then home on the bus?
Darling, I’m listening to the “Chesterfield Hour” and they are playing “I’m dreaming of a White Christmas”. Do you know that ever since I received your letter last Saturday telling me about your reservation I have dreamed of you every night. That tells you what’s on my mind constantly. Oh Harlan, I can’t hardly wait. O.K. Honey, I’ll put a blanket in the car when I come down to meet you.
(Fun Fact: ‘Chesterfield’ was a brand of cigarettes named after Chesterfield County Virginia. In the 1930s through the 1950s, Chesterfield sponsored popular radio programs. The Chesterfield Hour (1939–1944) featured big bands such as those of Paul Whiteman and Glenn Miller and Fred Waring.)
There isn’t any news. I received my check today and put $7.00 in the bank, paid my dentist, put some on your present etc. etc. as now I’m broke again. How am I doing? I don’t mind though since I have so much to look forward to in such a short time.
We haven’t had a letter from Dick for two days so he must be on his way to somewhere. Yes, I’m glad to hear that they can’t put you off the train for some man in a uniform because I think you are just as important.
Honey, don’t you worry one bit about where you are going to stay. Just leave that up to me and I’ll take care of everything.
While going through my drawers the other day I found those cards you bought me with both our names on them. Christmas cards I mean, and as there are plenty of them out take out the list and send them, how’s that? Then you won’t have to worry about it.
I just can’t make myself lie to your Mom anymore, so when you call or wire me from Omaha or Ames, I’m going to call her and tell her that I just had a wire or a call from you and your coming in that night and I’ll tell her that I’m going to go down and meet you. Don’t you think that’s best?? But until I hear that night I won’t say a word about it. Understand.
Two weeks from tonight is Christmas night and we will be together, maybe dancing, maybe to a show holding hands, maybe just riding and talking, and maybe smooching a little before I have to go to work, but no matter what it is, we will be together.
Well Sweets, it’s 10:30 and I must close as I’m not quite ready to go. I love you very much and I’m waiting for you to come and take me in your arms. Good night Honey.
All my love and xxxxx’s
“Your Darlin’ Janie
Please answer my questions
Thursday 1:30 AM December 10, 1942
Hello Darling:
Well here is another day closer to Christmas and you and boy do I rate. I received three letters today one mailed – 5th, 6th and 8th. The one of the 5th had the wrong address and your Mother changed it. You sent it to Des Moines instead of San Francisco.
I just got off work and have had my shower. I went into the kitchen and made a couple of toasted cheese sandwiches. I also took all of your pictures with me to look at. I am already to leave. I wish it were tonight consisted of a little over a week from now. Those pictures of you sure brings back sweet memories of three beautiful wonderful years. Darling, I’m going to ask you a question and I want you to answer it truthfully and as well as you can, if you can. – – What would your folks say if we were to get married Christmas?? Please answer this if you can. If you’d rather not answer, I won’t force you to. Maybe you’d just better forget what I said, and I will see you Christmas. Time is going pretty fast out here now. But it still looks like a long ways away.
Oh Darling, I forgot to tell you something. I don’t know if you are going to like this or not my hair is changing color. It is getting red. I think will be very pink by the time I get home. No, I was just kidding about the red, it is turning dark. It is all darker that it was and there are several black hairs and more coming in. Maybe you will have a tall and dark man after all.
I am 5 : 8 1/2 in weigh 160 stripped. I was 5 : 9 with my shoes on and weighed about 158 with my clothes on. Do I sound a little better?
Well Darling, I guess I had better close now as it is getting late and I’m kind of tired. I love you very much and miss you like the very devil. When Christmas comes, I will make up for the six months of separation.
Love and XXXXXXXXXXXs Harlan
December 10, 1942 Thursday
Hi Honey:
Well here I am again. How are you? I hope my dear that this finds you well and happy and getting all ready to come home as there will be a lot to do at the last minute. How are you? Swell.
Yes I was talking about my Special in the telegram, again I’m sorry but I was so upset at not hearing. I was afraid you hadn’t gotten the reservation and didn’t want to write. But that’s all over and forgotten and nothing but wonderful things to look forward to.
Gosh Sweets, I don’t have a thing to tell you, no news I mean. So what will I write about? I don’t know.
I haven’t talk to your Mom since last week. I find of late, I kind of hate to Honey, because if she asks me if I think you are coming home and I just can’t seem to lie and I just have to change the subject or something, so please don’t think I’m being negligent.
It’s still very cold here and the snow from way last week is still on the ground, so you can know it hasn’t melted one bit. The sun shines every day and then it snows a little every night, so it sure should be a white Christmas, Oh Happy Christmas! – all I can talk, think, dream or anything about is you coming home. I can hardly wait.
Gosh, I don’t have anything to write about Honey, so I guess I will close, and I will write you again tomorrow. I love you and miss you very much Harlan and I am living for you and Christmas.
Love and xxxxxxxxxx’s “Your Darlin’ Janie
PS Dick called last night and said he might be sent to St. Paul instead and we are so thrilled because that way he will be able to spend Christmas with the folks. The ships were beautiful. Janie
1:30 AM Friday, December 11, 1942
Hello Darlin’:
Well here it is another day closer to Christmas and the most wonderful girl in the world. I’m not going to write a very long letter tonight as I burned my hand just before I got off work. It is not bad, and I don’t think it will blister but it is pretty sore. Lately, at work, I absolutely don’t have a minute but what you are on my mind. I seem to be walking around in a daze. I keep wondering what it will be like to be with you and hear you say ”I love you”. We are still going to a dance Wednesday night, (the first full night we are together), are we?
We are having a big show tomorrow before we go to work. The yard got the Army – Navy E Award November 11 and we are celebrating tomorrow. We get an hour off to see the show.
I didn’t get a letter today so there are no answers to any questions.
I love you, miss you, want you and love you some more, more than anything I know of. When I come home Christmas we sure will have some fun. Anything you want to do, any place you want to go, we will do it or go there. Oh how I miss you. It gets worse every day. I’m going to have a hard time coming back without you. I guess I had better close now before I get in to deep.
Love and XXXXXXXXX Harlan
PS I love you
December 12, 42 – 10 more Days
Hi Honey:
Boy am I tired? You bet. We have been working doubly hard lately because of shortage of cases about two weeks ago. I fed out of 5 ½ buggies, which is normally about two days’ work all chucked into one, so I’m twice as tired as usual and have a terrific backache, so Darling, this is only going to be a note. Please try to understand.
(Fun fact : ‘Buggie’ would have been a cart that held a number of empty brass cartridges, typically with wheels that would be set next to the machine to be loaded into to make the .30 or .50 caliber bullets. The DMOP plant in Des Moines produced nearly 4 billion .30 and .50 caliber bullets from January 1942 through July 1945.)
I took your picture out to the plant this morning to show the girls and they could not see how I could rate a good looker like you. I take it they approved, what. So my dear you have been through the Des Moines Ordnance Plant. Seriously though, I sure wish you could go through it. It’s really something to see. Look Harlan, my eyes simply won’t stay open. Please forgive the short note. I’ll try and make up for tomorrow.
All my love and xxxxxxxxxx’s “Your Darlin’ Janie I love you very much
1:30 AM Saturday, December 11, 1942
Hello Darlin’:
I received your letter tonight telling me you were sick. I’m terribly sorry. I wish I could have come over and stay with you like I used to. Please be careful of yourself. If you have to take a couple days off, that is better than maybe having to take a week off later. Maybe you had better come back with me and get some of this California sunshine.
Well here it is, another day closer to Christmas and the sweetest, the swellest, the cutest, the best, and the most wonderful girl in the. It won’t be long now. Oh happy days! I am still wishing I could tell you in writing how much I love you, I adore you and worship the ground you walk on. I guess it never was in me or ever will be to be able to do that. In fact, I don’t think anyone is capable of doing such a thing as that.
Darlin’, I bought something downtown today to bring home with me. I was going to tease you, but I don’t think I will it is a – bottle of pink champagne. Do you think you will like it? I have never tasted it so I thought it would be good with your Mother’s Christmas dinner.
Well Darling, it is getting late and I’m kind of tired, so I guess I had better close.
I love you, miss you, and what want you more than anything on earth.
Love and XXXXXXXXX Harlan
December 13, 1942 – 9 more days
Hello My Honey:
Well here I am again and how I wish you were here instead! How are you? I hope this finds you well, happy and Honey week from tonight you leave for home. Oh happy, happy day! I don’t have a bit of news, so I don’t have a thing to write about.
I’m sure thrilled about the pink champagne; you think of everything. Remember last New Year’s Eve when we both promise that this year we would have champagne, so we must save some for New Year’s.
You know Honey, for some reason or another every time I think of you coming home, I feel all funny in my stomach, like butterflies and tears, to my eyes. I guess it’s because I’m so happy, so very happy. Just 9 more days and I’ll be in your arms saying things that couldn’t be said on paper. I’ll never be able to tell you how happy you are making me by coming home. It’s all I can think about Harlan’s coming home, Harlan’s coming home. Hurry up time fly, hurry, hurry! I could go on and on but I’m afraid it would bore you. I think people are getting kind of tired of hearing me talk about you.
By the way what does Opal say about you coming home? And when should I stop writing? And when and where are you going to call me, Omaha or what? Now that’s enough questions, but you must answer them immediately.
Well my Sweet, I better close now and go to bed. I love you more and more and more each day. See you next week, doesn’t that sound grand!!! You bet!!
Good night Honey
All my love and xxxxxxxxxx’s “your” Darlin’ Janie
12 PM Sunday, December 13, 42
(I put little weight card to show you how much I weighed)
Hello Darlin’:
I just received your letter, rather your Special. Your bowling score is swell. Robert came in yesterday, afternoon and stayed with us last night and is here today he and I went bowling last night. My score was 159, 172, 109. That Score of 159, quite a coincidence was. I sure hope I can keep up with you when I get home. About the train deal, I don’t know more for sure. I think I will change in Omaha and take a train in from there, but I will know for sure when I get there, and I will let you know when whether or not I will. As you say, I think that will be best.
As for telling Mom, Darling, I don’t think it would be very wise, as she would wonder why I didn’t wire her that I was coming in. If you think she should know, I had better send her a wired too. But she would probably want to meet train too. Let me know as soon as you get this. It might be best to have them meet me at the train too. But whatever you want to do is all right with me. (Pardon me a minute and let me think a little bit)
Thanks, after thinking it over I think it is best to do one of two things. Either completely surprised them or wire them the same time as I wire you. Again, I say please let me know what you think I should do. So much for that.
I don’t dream of you just every night, but about 48 hours a day. By the way, is there a dance we can go to Wednesday night? (I hope). Please send a card to George Demcack and his wife. 7029 Forest. (Thanks)
Darling, what are the seven days off you told me about??
Well Darling it is getting late. Sis and Robert and I are going over to a fellow and his wife for dinner. The fellow is a welder on the same ship as I am.
I love you more and more every day and miss you something terrible. I can’t quite believe that a week from tonight I will start on my trip home to my Darlin’. Oh Happy Day! I will finish this letter tonight when I get home.
Love and XXXXXXXXX Harlan
Hello Darlin’: 9:30 PM
Well I’m back. One week from right now I will be on my way home, I can hardly wait. This afternoon we had chicken at my friend’s house. It wasn’t as good as yours, but it was still pretty good. I promised them that when you we are married; you and I would have them over to our place for dinner. We went to a show and saw the, “The Falcon’s Brother” and a stage show with Freddie Slack and his Orchestra and Jane Withers in person.
There were about 18 girls dancing on the stage and I said to myself. My girl is better looking and has a header shape than any girl on the stage, and that she is working in a defense plant. I guess everything under the sun came into my mind sitting in that theater. Most of the things were memories and future memories. I love you very much Darling and when Christmas comes I will tell you and show you how much that is.
Love and xxxxxxxxxxxxxx’s Harlan
December 14, 1942 – 8 more days
Hi Honey:
Well here I am again. How are you? I hope your hand is all okay by the time you get this. You must be more careful. Anyway, I hope you’re okay, I mean your health. Oh shucks! I don’t know what I mean. I’m so happy about you coming home, I can’t wait, I can’t think straight, I’m so screwed, I went to buy Dad a pair of pajamas and came home with three pairs. Now just what you think of that? Me too.
Gosh again, I don’t have any news. Oh well, that’s usual. At last I love has come a long, Hi Honey.
Look Harlan, I’m almost afraid to say this, but, well, er, a, well, about the dance Wednesday night, well you see, er, a, well, to get to the point – I have to work. Now don’t get excited. I have 7 days off, but I still have to – – to work Wednesday night and Friday night, then I’m off from Saturday morning until you leave. I’m sorry, but because of the shortage of workers that week I just couldn’t get off two weeks, see? I sure hope so. You do, don’t you? Swell.
Oh shoot, I don’t know what to write about. Do you now? I don’t believe you do. Your letters are rather short too. Oh well, it won’t be long now, and we can talk and talk and talk, in between smooches I mean. O.K? O.K!
Wednesday morning after I pick you up and we make up for lost time, I have to drive out to the plant and get my check. Want to go along? O.K? O.K!
This letter is silly, I better close. I love you very much, more than you know. I will write until I have work to stop. O.K? O.K!
All my love and xxxxxxxxxx’s
“Your Darlin’ Janie
See you in 8 days, Oh Happy Day! PS How’s Opal?
Johnny & Jane 