May 9 through May 31, 1943

2:00 AM Sunday May 9, 1943

Hello Darlin’:

Well here it is another week closer to ? and you. I am going up to the country this morning so I will have to get some sleep. I have had a shower and if I do say so myself, I sure swell nice. I wish you were here.

It was very hot here today. Tonight is nice and warm. It’s not too hot to smooch a little though.

I bought something for you today and mailed it before I left for work. Please let me know when you get it gets there and let me know how you like it. Okay? Okay!

Well Sweets, this is just going to be a note. I will write again when I get back from the country. I love you very very much.

Good night Darling 

Love & xxxxxxxxxx  Harlan

12:35 AM Monday, May 10

Hello Darlin’:

Well, here it is another day closer to two Ju__? and you.

I have your Special to answer and the letter that came Saturday. No, I won’t tell Opal that you were coming out and I haven’t told the folks that you are coming out. As far as the folks coming out, I can’t say. I was up to the country today and they say they kept writing Dad and want him to come out. I hope they don’t come to Frisco though. You know as well as I do what it would mean.

I don’t like the idea of you coming out on the train alone and above all, don’t take a chair car. Get a sleeper. If you don’t have enough money, I’ll send you some for it. Please.

That is all in that letter. Now for your Special.

Yes, I remember your sixteenth birthday. The most important thing to you at that time was your driver’s license. I got up this morning about 5:30 and all I had to do was wash my hands and face and dress. John and I left about 6:30.  We got up to Patterson about 10:00 AM. We had dinner and talked with the folks for quite a while. Then we came home about 3:00 PM, rather started for home. We got back about 6:30. John had a date, so I thought I would go to a show. I came in and took a cold shower and put on some clean clothes and was leaving when Sis was just coming in. Mrs. Seaman, I mean. Everyone calls her Sis. She said she wanted to talk to me a minute. She is moving in about a week and wanted to know if I would take her luggage to the new place and I said sure. I told her I was going downtown to see a show. She says ‘why don’t you first day at home tonight and talk to me’. She says she just about goes crazy for someone to talk to. So I asked her to go to the show with me. We saw Errol Flynn and Ann Sheridan in Edge of Darkness. 

I showed her the pictures you sent me and she sure likes them. She said she could sure give us a lot of pointers on getting married. She said we should get married when you come out. She said she would shoot me if she wasn’t the first person out here to meet you when you come out. I feel kind of sorry for her. Her husband left about a month ago and she hasn’t heard from him yet. He went out on a cargo ship.

I’ll be so glad when you can come out Darling. I love you so much and miss you terribly. Life just isn’t life without you. Well Sweets, I guess I had better close. It is getting late and I’m very tired. I will write or finish this in the morning. I love you very very much. Good Night Darlin’.

Good morning Darlin’: Boy, did I sleep. Dick called me about 8:30 this morning. He is coming in tonight and stay with me. We are going to place golf tomorrow morning. After he called, I ate breakfast and went back to bed. The time is 12:45. So you see Sweets, I had better close. I will write again tonight I love you and you alone. I hope you don’t mind me taking Sis to the show last night too much. You will like her very much.

I love you, I love you, I miss you and I want you near me.

Love & xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxs Harlan

The radio is playing “I Remember You”. How true.

(Jimmy Dorsey ~ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jNrg3ZpRXFo)

Monday 9 AM May 10, 1943

Hi Honey:

Well to start with I didn’t write yesterday because I kept thinking your special would come and then I would answer it but it never came. Momie had chicken for dinner yesterday so I stayed up to have dinner with them so I didn’t get to bed until 2:00, then I couldn’t sleep. Simply tossed and turned until about 4 and finally fell off to wake up again at 8, then couldn’t go back to sleep again. I got up about 10:00,  dressed and went to work. And to top it all, two of the girls were absent last night so we work doubly hard. I slept through or rather during my lunch hour, so did Marion. Sooo, I’m awfully tired this morning and have a big lump in my throat, which means I’m low. You see, I haven’t heard from you since Friday, a letter that was written Tuesday night and Wednesday morning.

Someone at the door.

It was a man with that letter, just a minute and I’ll read it.

Well, I feel better now. That letter really came to the rescue. Yes Honey, we sure do have a lot of time to make up for and we will too. Gosh, you sure must have liked those pictures. I wish I could get another film but it’s almost impossible. Yes, you have it bad but that’s good, I think.

What’s this Ju__? Now Honeyn you aren’t thinking about June, are you? Please don’t because that is out, unless you’re drafted.

Well Harlan, I have some bad news to write so I’m I might as well get it done. I talked to Dad about me staying out there and working and Honey, he didn’t like the idea. He said for me to take my vacation and go out for a couple weeks then come back home and work here and stay here and to work until you are able to come after me or until you’re ready for me to come out there and be married. It just about broke my heart because I was almost positive he wouldn’t care. That’s another reason why I’m low. Jeepers Harlan, I don’t know what to do. The folks are so swell, I don’t feel like I should simply walked out on them. Yet I want so bad to stay out there. I’m afraid it would be awfully hard for me to come back once I get out there. Jeepers Harlan, what to do. Please have you any suggestions? You know my folks, Momie said if I wanted to stay, she wouldn’t stop me.

It’s a terrible day, a drizzle of a rain and very dark.

Well Sweets, I better close now as the mailman will be here soon. I’m going to call your Mom and wish her a happy birthday. Will write again tomorrow. Thanks again for the swell Special.

I love you too very much and miss you terribly, especially this morning.

“Your” Darlin’ Janie

PS Your Mom said she hadn’t as yet gotten anything from you but I told her not to worry. That there would be a letter or something probably today. O.K?

Well Sweets, must go now as I can hardly hold my eyes open.

Love as Always Jane

Don’t work too hard.

Tuesday 9:15 AM May 11, 1943

Hi Honey:

Well Gosh, here I am again. Yep. Well what do you know, I received two letters yesterday after the mailman took mine. Oh jeepers Honey, they were both perfect. I all bad I’ve read them both a dozen times. The one written on the 6th was the swellest. Boy, you sure know how to write them. I’m saving that one written the 6th for to read on my blue days.

There weren’t any questions, however, so don’t know what I’m going to write about.

It’s still gloomy here and looks very nice light rain. I’m kind of disappointed because tonight is my night off and as that means I don’t have to go to bed today, I had planned on washing my hair, taking a little nap and then going to a show tonight with the girls, but now I don’t know.

In your letter of the 7^th, you wrote “Have you any news for me yet?” You know what I mean. Have you told your folks about thinking about staying out here? What do you mean “You know what I mean”. I don’t know what you mean, unless if it about asking dad about me staying.  If that’s the case, I told you about that in my letter yesterday but if that isn’t what you meant, then please tell me what it was. O.K? O.K. 

Work went along swell last night, although I did get awfully mad at one time. One of the old foogie tool setters named George,  pinched me on the – you know what – and it made me so mad I almost slapped him. He is one of those old guys who is always putting his arm around the young girls and when it comes to my – you know what – you know how I am about it. Those old folks make me sick. One of the young tool setters saw him and heard what I said to George and the look I gave him and later he said to me “I take it your policy is ‘hands-off’ and I said “You’re damn right.” Yes, I said damn. Aren’t I awful.

The bigshot sent a notice around at work that any workers caught at the cafeteria smoking before 8:00 would be terminated, in other words fired, so now I know how to get fired if I need, because you know, we are supposed to be frozen out here.

Harlan, there’s the sun, my gosh the first time in 3 days.

Well Sweets, I guess I will wash my hair now, so better go now. I love you, I love you, I love you, convinced? And will see you soon. Love & xxxxxxxxxs “Your” Darlin Janie

2:00 PM Tuesday, May 11, 1943

Hello Darling:

Well here it is,  another day closer to July and you. Dick came in last night and spent the night with me. We went out this morning and played some golf and we just got back.

This is just going to be a note.

Dick is coming in next Sunday and we may go horseback riding and swimming.

He wants Rose to write him a Special so he can get it by Sunday. Have her send it to my place.

(Fun Fact : SPECIAL was Special Delivery. A few extra cents and letters typically went from San Francisco to Des Moines or visa versa in 1-2 days.  They were then delivered immediately to the addressee instead of being held for regular delivery the next delivery day)

I got two letters from you yesterday but none today. Last night I forgot to mail your letter so I dropped it in a box on the way out of the yard. I’m terribly sorry.

I’ll sure be glad when you get out here. I love you so much. I just think of you all the time, and the fun we will have when you come out and the fun will have after we are married.

Well Darlin’, I have to get dressed for work. I will write again tonight.

Love & xxxxxxxxxx Harlan

Tuesday 5:00 PM May 11, 1943

Hello again,

I’m writing now because it will probably be late when I get home tonight and I intend to sleep until about noon tomorrow to make up for the sleep I haven’t had today.

After I finished your letter this morning, I washed my hair and put on my shorts and shirt and went out on the swing, and after my hair dried, I lay down on the swing and fell asleep. I guess I slept about an hour. When I came in, Momie said “My gosh, you go look in the mirror”, well doing so I discovered I was definitely sunburnt. My legs, arms, and especially my face was red as fire. Jeepers, I was surprised while I was laying the sleep it had gone up to 85°. Well anyway, I put cream on my face put up my hair, put on my dark glasses and went out in the front yard with Momie and cut the yard, the front yard, and oh I said that before didn’t I. Well, the sun was around there by then, so I am a mess now and Harlan I hurt. Don’t you feel sorry for me, why I’ll bet I’ve more of a burn than you have right now. Ya ya, but I still hurt.

Eleanor is going to call me about 6:00, then we are going to the show. Ddon’t know which one yet but I’ll  let you know.

There was a letter this morning, a short one but a sweet one. It was written Sunday morning before you went to Patterson, that is where you went isn’t it.

You said you were sending me something that you hoped I like them. Jeepers, Honey I hope you didn’t send a lot of money. Spend a lot of money. I’m not going to do anything Friday, just come home, and go to bed, and sleep all day. It will seem funny not to spend my birthday with you. It will be the first one since my 15^th, which was a long time ago. Right? Right.

There isn’t any news so maybe I better close. I’ll tell you what, I’ll leave it unfinished then I’m not if I’m not too tired I will write something like else when I get home. O.K? O.K. I love you. Again I say and wish I was going out with you instead of the girls.

Bye for now.

Love “Your” Darlin’ Janie

Hello:

Sorry Darling, but I’m too tired and I’ll tell you all about it tomorrow, please don’t mind too much. My eyes just won’t stay open tonight Sweetheart. Love “Your” Darlin Janie

1:30 Wednesday, May 12

Hello Sweetheart:

Well here it is another day closer to July and the sweetest and most wonderful girl in the world. I have two letters that came yesterday.

I’ll answer them first of all. Yes, Dick is in Alameda. Your Momie is cute. She writes letters like you. I thought that handwriting looked a little different. I’ll say this, the sooner you get out here the better. Yes, I wear the sweater you gave me but it has been too warm lately. There were no questions in the second one.

Well Darling, I guess I had better close as I am very tired. I made out pretty good last night. I worked in the tank and it sure was hot in it.

Do you know that this Saturday is the 15th. Only six weeks and you’ll be here. That isn’t very long, is it. I sure hope your Dad doesn’t care if you stay out here. I know how they will feel if you do and that is the only thing I don’t like about it. Your folks are to swell to hurt them. Whatever you decide will be all right with me.

I will finish in this in the morning. I love you very much. Good night Sweetheart.

Good morning Darlin’, Well here it is another beautiful day. I sure hope the weather is like this when you come out. There isn’t any news so I have nothing else to write about. I was down to the store this morning and bought some groceries for my lunch (the radio is playing That Old Black Magic). It is sure going to be nice going to a dance when you come out.

Well Sweets, it seems to be running out of words so I better close. I will see you at 8:00 and write you again tonight. I love you very very much.

Love & xxxxxxxxs Harlan

Wednesday 5:30 PM May 12, 1943

Hi Honey:

No letter here today, darn the mail. Well Honey, I just talked to Gabby again and we halfway decided to leave July 25th, that’s on Sunday. Now I’m going to tell you just what we plan and I want you to write back right away and let me know what you think.  We will get there Wednesday morning the 28th or leave Thursday the 29th and arrived there Sunday morning 1 August. I did plan on leaving the 15th before I talked to her and she was planning on going August 1, so we compromised on the 20th.

Now it’s entirely up to you which day I leave because you have Sunday off and if you would rather have me get there on Sunday, August 1, I’ll leave the 29th but if you don’t care, I’ll leave the 25th. I’m going to get a round-trip ticket which will be $105.11 including my birth. We are going to share a birth, the both of us, We will share a seat and birth thus saving both of us $6.50 I called and we are able to do that and besides we don’t mind, we won’t have to sleep alone.

You are probably wondering since when I decided to take the Pullman instead of the coach. Well you see, Daddie was terribly against it and when I called the ticket office and they said I might have to stand up all the way. I definitely decided differently, O.K?  You see I might still have to come alone, because Gabby’s husband is now in Sacramento but is going to be stationed somewhere the 15^th.  It will either be Los Angeles or North Carolina at Camp Dennis or might even stay in San Francisco.  He might even stay in Sacramento. He will know the 15th or 20 July. He thinks however, he will be sent to Los Angeles, then we can still come together but she will go in from San Francisco.

You are probably wondering why I’m not coming sooner. Well you see and I figured up my expenses the other day and found that I won’t have enough money. That is if I want to leave with all of my bills paid. And Harlan something else I want to ask you, this may seem kind of funny but Harlan should I bring mostly sports clothes or mostly dress clothes? Now be sure and tell me. Well I guess that about covers it be sure and let me know what you think.

A package came for me today, sure is a temptation not to open it, but I’m going to wait til Friday morning, the minute I get home from work. Why did you send it so early? And oh yes, I baked some more cookies for you today. I don’t really know whether you like them, but I’m sending them anyway, but probably won’t get them sent until tomorrow.

Your Mom just called, Opal is leaving Sunday. I kind of envy her but not very much because I’ll be out soon and the time will fly, honest it will.

Boy are my arms and legs are sure burn today and little by little something it is beginning to peel. Darn it, it’s sure is a mess.

Well Sweets, I hate to go now as it is almost time to eat. Did you and Dick have a nice time yesterday? I sure hope so, I love you but death, definitely most definitely, and will see you in not too long a time.

Love & xxxxxxxxx  “Your” Darlin’ Janie

PS If I decide to stay, I can get my money back on my ticket. You have plenty of time now to save some gas, some money and prepare yourself for me. Ha Ha. Be sure and let me know what you think.

Love as Always Janie

PSS Oh jeepers, I’m so excited about my trip, I forgot to tell you I got your bond yesterday. $400 Thanks Hon.

1 AM May 13, 1943 Thursday

Hello Darlin’:

Well here it is another day closer to July and the sweetest little creature on the earth. I sure will be glad when you get here.

I have a letter to answer so I will do that before I close for the night. I’m just about dead. I’m sorry about your Special not getting there before it did, I don’t know what could have happened to it. You had a day like some I have once in a while. They sure are miserable. I think if only you were here so I could talk to you, I would be all right then. Yes, I sure do like those pictures of you. Everytime I look at them, I fall a bit more in love with you. I want to hold you in my arms again and squeeze you right through me. Yes, I was thinking about June but I realized that is out.

Darling, I wish there was some way I could help you to decide whether you should stay out here or not. I love you so much and want you near me, and if I didn’t like your folks so much, I’d say to come out and stay whatever they said. But I think an awful lot of your folks and I don’t want to hurt them or make them mad at me. I wish there was some way. I know that when you get here I will fight to try to make you stay here with me. We have been apart so long. I see other young kids like ourselves, only they are either married or together and very happy. I’m happy and thankful that I have a girl like you, but it is getting me down been so lonesome all of the time.

Well Honey, I guess I had better close for the night, I will finish this in the morning. I love you very very much. Good night Sweetheart.

Good morning Darlin’, well it’s another beautiful day. I have just finished doing washing. Tomorrow I will try to do my ironing. There isn’t any news, so I don’t know what else to write about. I love you more every day and am terribly lonesome. I will write again tonight.

Love & xxxxxxxxs Harlan

Friday 9:15 AM May 14, 1943

Hello Harlan:

Well I’m 19 now, no longer a little 18 year old, one year more and I’ll be out of my teens. I am fine but awfully tired this morning and my back aches.

To start with this is only going to be a note as Rosie and Dickie Jr. are coming over about 5:00 and I’m getting up about then so I want to get to bed as soon as possible. Rosie said she had something for me. Momie and Daddie gave me a overnight bag and told me that there was another larger grip that matched the one Chuck and Mary gave me and if I wanted to buy the overnight bag that they would buy the larger one so I’m taking the $10 that I had planned on putting in the bank and buying the little one then they can buy the larger one. So I’m taking the $10 I had planned on putting in the bank and buying the little one, then they can buy the larger one and my set will be complete.

Uncle Jack and aunt Jenny sent me a box of La Marquise Chocolates from 5th Ave., New York. Uncle Jack bought them when he was there two weeks ago, they also sent $2.00. And my Honey gave me a beautiful tablecloth, lace and blue complete with 6 napkins. It really is very lovely. They will look very nice on our dinette set in our little apartment or home. Thank you Honey ever so much, I love it.

I received two letters yesterday, the one you forgot to mail and the one written Tuesday. Harlan I believe you know deep down in how I feel about you taking “Sis” to the show without asking me if I mind to much. I am kind of hurt.

Am so glad you and Dick had a nice time. I told Rosie to write Dick a Special for Sunday and to send it there and when I talked to her just a minute ago she was writing it.

Well I simply have to close now sorry but I don’t think you will mind too much. Did you see that big fire in Frisco? It was on the news last night.

Must close, thanks again so much for the lovely gift and card. I love you.

Love & xxxxxxxxxxx “Your” Darlin’ Janie

1:00 AM May 14, 1943

Happy Birthday Darlin’:

I hope you got the thing I sent to you all right and I hope you like it. I wonder what we will be doing next year at this time. The air is very chilly out. I wish we had just gotten married this morning. We would open all of the Windows so we would have to cuddle up. Although it won’t take much to make me cuddle up real close.

I did a big washing this morning and am going to try to iron them tomorrow. I also have to buy a new pair of boots tomorrow too. I’m going to use my No. 17 stamp to get them. I was going to get them through the company, but it takes so long that if I wait much longer, I won’t have any left.

(Fun fact: During World war II, many things were rationed, including shoes.  This was due to the serious shortage of rubber or rubber soles.  The military had a high need for leather as well.  Starting in 1942, men’s rubber boots and rubber work shoes were placed under rationing.  To obtain a new pair, a man had to apply to the local ration board and prove he needed the shoes or boots for an essential industry.)

I had quite a night tonight. Hook and I worked together underneath the boat. We worked side-by-side and the ray from the arc gave us both a nice burn on the side of our face and neck. It isn’t sore now but it probably will be tomorrow.

(Fun Fact: A flash burn occurs when you are exposed to bright ultraviolet (UV) light. It can be caused by all types of UV light, but welding torches are the most common source. That’s why it’s sometimes called ‘welder’s flash’ or ‘arc eye’. Flash burns are like a sunburn.)

What I meant by ‘have you any news for me yet’ was that I was wondering if you had decided to stay out here or not.

Well Sweets, I guess I had better close for now. I will finish this in the morning I love you very very much. Good night Sweetheart.

Good morning Darlin’, Does my little girl feel any older this morning?

There’s no more questions to answer in your letter so I don’t know what else to write about. I love you an awful lot and miss you something terrific. I sure wish you were here. I don’t want to have to wish that very long, will I? I have most of my ironing done. I will try to finish it tomorrow. I love you very very much and miss you so much I’m afraid if you weren’t coming out in July I’d come and get you. I will write again tonight.

Love & xxxxxxxxxs Harlan.

My face is pretty red and sore from last night. It feels kind of numb and like some needles were pushing against it.

1:00 AM May 15, 1943

Hello Darlin’:

Well here it is another day closer to July and the sweetest girl in the world. There isn’t any news and I didn’t get a letter today so I’m sort of at a loss as I will as what to write about.

I made out again tonight, I should have a very good check this week. It should be close to $100, Geez that is quite a bit isn’t it? I sure will be glad when you get here. I’m just about going crazy thinking about seeing you again. It doesn’t really seem possible. We have just 47 more days until July 1st. Don’t you think you had better see about getting your ticket pretty soon? And, above all, please buy only a one way ticket. If you decide to go back, and I hope you don’t, you can buy your other ticket here. It doesn’t cost any more to buy them separate. That will give me a little hope of what I really want Darling. I want you to know that I really want you to stay out here, no matter what anyone says. Jane, how old were your folks when they were married?

Well Sweets, I have to take a shower and wash my head and get a bite to eat, so I had better close. I will finish this in the morning. Okay? Okay! I love you very very much. Good night Sweetheart.

Good morning Darlin’, it sure is a beautiful day out. It was rather cold last night but it was very clear out.

I guess I forgot to tell you that I got my boots yesterday. They cost me $12.95 plus tax. I have my others in a shoe shop getting fixed. It might take two weeks to get them back, then I’ll take my new ones and have them half soled and sealed with hard rubber and then the sole will sure be thick.

Well Darling, there isn’t any news and I had better get downtown to the post office and to the bank, so I better be on my way. I love you very much.

Love & xxxxxxxxxs Harlan

PS See you at 8

Saturday 8:30 AM May 15, 1943

Hi Honey:

I just arrived home from work and Momie and Daddy are still asleep, so decided to write your letter now instead of getting my breakfast this thus waking the folks.

The girls called me last night about 6:00 and wanted to do something, so about 8:00 we went out to the Tally Ho and had meatballs and spaghetti and a drink.

Rosie and Dickey Jr. came over about 5:00, that’s when I got up. Nana sent me a whole box of things for our hope chest, six tea towels, six hand towels, four dish cloths, two great big bath towels, two pillowcases, and a dish. Rosie and Dick and Dickie Jr. gave me to little pictures for the wall, they are a pair. And oh yes, I also received a very lovely gardenia and you know how I like them. Your mom and dad sent me a card. So all in all, I received a lot of very nice things.

It’s a terrible day here, about almost as dark as night and very chilly, it’s raining like the devil and has been all night. It’s lousy, this rain. I’m so sick and tired of it I could scream.

How are you? I hope fine and very everything at work going along swell and I hope you and Dick have a nice time Sunday. Hope it doesn’t rain there too.

Gosh Honey, there isn’t any news and I want to make this kind of Special. Oh I know Harlan, I heard “Velvet Moon” by Harry James last night (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fj99A3tOhgY) out at the Tally Ho and I played it at exactly 10:00 and sat and wished you were here, but of no avail.

Barbie has a date night, Mariam has a date tonight, Joyce has a date tonight. Eleanor and I have a date tonight.  Eleanor with her bed and me with my job!

Well Sweets, I’m sorry but there is absolutely nothing more to write about. All I can say now is I love you and miss you very very much.

Love & xxxxxxxxxx’s “Your” Darlin’ Janie

(Fun Fact: Harlan and Janie often speak of “Specials”.  These were letters mailed “Special Delivery” and typically would travel from Des Moines Iowa to San Francisco Ca and visa-versa in 1-2 days)

(Fun Fact: When Dad left for San Francisco in July of 1942, they made a promise to each other that at 10:00 Iowa, 8:00 California time, they would both look up at the moon and think of each other, they continued this and never stopped.)

May 16, 1943 Sunday 9:15 A.M.

Hello Darlin’:

Well here it is another day closer to July and you. Oh happy July. I didn’t write last night because I was just about dead. Dick is coming about 9:30 and we are going riding. I sure wish you were going with us. I will finish this when I get back. Okay? Okay! I love you very, very much.

1:15 AM Monday, May 17

Well here I am again and it is another day closer to July and you. (Pardon the pencil but I run out of ink, I will get some more tomorrow)

Well, Dick got here at 9:35 and he thought he would have to be back Alameda by 2:00,  so we left right away. We went to the riding stables but no horses could be gotten, so we drove out to a driving range and drove two buckets of balls and then Dick called Alameda and he didn’t have to be back until 11 AM Monday. We went to see Hoot Gibson’s Rodeo. and then came home, took a shower and went downtown for dinner and then to a show and then came home and had a bite to eat. Dick is spending the night with me. He is in bed about half asleep so I guess I had better close and turned my radio of. I will finish this in the morning I love you very much. Good night Sweetheart.

Good morning Darling:

Boy, Dow do you like this ink?  Dick is gone back to the base. I have had breakfast and went to the drugstore and bought this ink.  I tried to get black or blue black but they all they had was red and green. I got two letters Saturday and a Special Sunday night, so I have them to answer.

Say Jane, did you forget to tell Rose to write a Special to Dick so he could get it here Sunday? He was very disappointed not to get one. He thinks he is leaving very soon.

Yes, I feel sorry for you because of your sun burn. You should see the left side of my face. I told you about getting it burned at the yard. Well it is peeling off. It sure feels funny. Yes, your 15th birthday was a long time ago.

About your leaving, I don’t care so much but I want you out here as soon as possible. I had kind of thought you were coming out sooner. I imagine it will be best to leave the 29th and get here Sunday. Now you say you are going to buy a round-trip ticket. Now let’s get this straight, I don’t want you to buy a round-trip ticket unless you definitely want to go back. It would be much simpler to buy a new ticket for home here then it will be trying to get your money back on your of them. Yes your Dad and I are both against you taking the coach. If you slept in a chair for 3 days, your back wouldn’t be worth two cents and you’d be tired for a week. The clothes you bring should be mostly sports clothes.  Remember to bring your coat, it gets pretty chilly some nights, although I don’t think we will get very cold. I know a darned good way to keep you warm. 

Darn you,  you told me in your letter of the 12th that you got the package I sent you and you mentioned the other gifts you received on your birthday, in your special and you didn’t even mention the one I sent. I’m looking forward to those cookies you were going to send. I ate every crumb left in the box and almost the paper of the last box you sent. We sure must have quite a hope chest by now, with all the things Nana sent.

Well my little Darling, I guess I had better close as this is getting quite long and I have to write Mom and Dad a letter.

I love you more and more every day. I can hardly wait till you get here, so we can be together again.

Love & xxxxxxxxxxxs Harlan

P.S. Remember, mostly sports clothes.

P.S.  Remember, Buy a one-way ticket .

1:30 AM May 19, 1943 Wednesday

Hello Darlin’:

Well here it is another day closer to July and the most wonderful girl in the world.

There isn’t any news and I didn’t get a letter today so I don’t know what I’m going to write about.

I’m kind of tired and lonesome tonight. It is nice and clear out. There’s a cool breeze coming in from the Blue Pacific. I feel like having a little smooching all night. Instead I take a shower, get a bite to eat, write a letter and go to bed. I will sure be glad when you come out. Life just isn’t anything without you. Harry James is playing “Velvet Moon”, music like this goes on all night. It just about drives me crazy. You are going to have a tough time getting away from me when to get out here.

Well Darling, I guess I had better get some sleep. I will finish this letter in the morning. Good night Sweetheart. I love you and you alone.

Good morning Darling, I got up washed, brushed my teeth, dressed, ate breakfast, went to the store and got some shaving soap and came home and shaved. I fixed my lunch to take to work and now I’m writing to my little girl.

Dick called me this morning and may come in and spend the night with me.

The mail is here and I got a letter from you and a card from Connie Opland. She and Alvina want to come in this weekend and Audrey wants to come the weekend following, or a rather they say they will be seeing me soon. It looks like I’m going to have some busy Sundays to come. I’ll answer your letter now. I will save quite a bit of that $100 check, if that is how much I get. I will be able to tell today approximately how much I get. We get our make out slips today and I can figure with those. I will let you know in my letter tonight.

The reason I asked about your folks age when they were married was at I just wanted to compare their age with ours. Those boots are quite the thing. I got my old ones yesterday or the day before. They cost me $5.50 to have fixed, but I don’t think they will last very long. I think I answered your letter thoroughly concerning your plan on coming out (I hope). Remember – one way ticket. Yes, I’m planning on taking some time off when you get here. How much time I don’t know for sure, at least a week though.

I get another bond today, that will make $450. I have $400 in the bank and will have a lot more by July. We have about $100 now, don’t we with what you have in the bank. In two months, we should have around $1500.

Well Sweets, I guess I had better get a letter off to the folks, so I had better close for now. There is a resort about 80 miles from San Francisco, maybe we could spend the weekend there when you come out. I will find out a little more about the expense and how to get there.  They have a swimming pool, horseback riding, golf course, tennis etc. etc. and dancing. That is if you would like that. Let me know. I love you very much.

Love & xxxxxxxs Harlan

Wednesday 11:50 AM May 19, 1943

Hi Honey:

Boy am I excited, you bet! Your letter of Sunday morning and Monday just came. It was really a swell one, but that isn’t what I’m so excited about. Now don’t get excited, I said it was swell and I meant it. What? What am I so excited about if it isn’t your letter? Well Gabby, just called and Janet (Russ’s brothers wife) is driving out to San Francisco July 10 and she wants Gabby and I to go with. Her husband is stationed in Monterey and she is going out there for the duration. She doesn’t drive and we will drive, splitting it up between us. She is given the company she works for noticed that she is quitting the first of July. We could split the gas & oil bill and she can get gas because she is going to stay out there. As far as she knows now, she is going and only sickness or death will stop her. Gabby will know by the 28^th of June where Russ is going to be sent and if he isn’t sent to L.A., then she won’t go but I will go with Janet anyway. (I know her quite well.) If anything, like sickness or death, does happen that Janet doesn’t go, then it still won’t late to make reservations for the 29th on the train. Now what you think about that? Please Harlan, say a little prayer that Russ either goes to LA for stays at Sacramento and that Janet drives. Why just think, I could save about $40. Thus maybe staying longer, I could see a little more of the country. Oh jeepers, I hope we can drive, don’t you? Please say yes. And just think, I won’t have to buy a ticket at all. Isn’t it to perfect? I’m almost afraid to hope for it.

Your Mom called this morning but I won’t say much about that because I feel too good to be mad. I wrote you a letter this morning about it, but burned it up. Remind me to tell you some time.

I can’t understand why Dick didn’t get Rosie’s letter. I mailed it Friday night when I was downtown. I’m very, very sorry about it. If it does come, Dick’s address is P. Hare SC 3/C, – Gally, – U.S.N. As. Sta – Alameda.  I can well imagine how disappointed Dick was.

The reason I didn’t write you about your present is because I wrote you in Friday’s letter. I have put my presents, all in our chest now and it sure looks swell.

I’m so thrilled about us kids maybe getting to drive out, I can’t talk about anything else.

Harlan I’m going to ask you something and I want you to tell me. What have your folks written or asked about our plans for the future and what have you told them?

Well Honey, I’m going to go take a little nap, then get up eat and go to the show. I will finish this before I leave. O.K? I will bring mostly sport clothes, and if things don’t work out, which I hope and pray that they do so we can drive, I’ll buy a one-way ticket. Happy now? By for now Hon. I love you very very much and if I come the 10^th, will see you in about 8 weeks.

Love Janie

12:30 AM Thursday morning early Well Honey, after I finished the other part of your letter, I ate dinner and went to bed. Momie didn’t call me until 6:00 and I was to meet Eleanor at 6:30. Well, I was in such are hurry that I forgot take it along. We had a nice time. We saw ‘Cabin in the Sky” 

Have you seen it? I thought it was good. Then we had a Coke, I caught a taxi and here I am, but Momie is very tired so I guess I better close as I am keeping her up. Oh Darling, I’m so thrilled about being able to drive out and  getting there sooner that I can hardly control myself. Please Harlan, say a little prayer for me.  I love you so much and want to see you so bad. Good Night Honey.

Love & xxxxxxxxs Janie

P2 Hello again. I just happen to think that I’m going to sleep to noon, so better put this out tonight. Bye for now.  I love you and miss you terribly but it won’t be long.

“Your” Darlin Janie

Oh yes, I like you ink.

Thursday  1:30 AM May 20, 1943

Hello Darlin’:

Just think two more months and five days and you will be leaving or is it two months 9 days.

Dick is here with me now. He is in bed sound asleep. When he came in I had just gone upstairs to wash my dinner bucket and thermos jug out. The first thing he said was “My gosh, you sure are dirty”. We are going out and play golf early in the morning and he has to be back at 11 AM.

Well, here it is another day closer to August and you. You thought I was going to forget to say that, didn’t you?

I guess I won’t get my $100 check. I got my bonus slips and then came to a little over $18. There should have been one for about 12 or 13 but there is kind of a mix up on it. They say it is a birth. A birth is where they give you so many hours to do something in and if you do it in less hours, you get paid for the hours you save. So if I make anything on it get, I won’t get it until the ship is finished.

Gosh I wish you were here. There is another clear cool night out. The moon so bright don’t even need any lights. (almost)

Well Darlin, I guess I had better get some sleep. I will finish this tomorrow. I wish there was some other way I could say this but I can’t seem to find the exact words. I love you very very much. Those few words mean a great deal though. They mean my life, my hope and my ambition. Good night Sweetheart.

Good morning Darling: Dick has gone back to the base. I was so tired this morning, we didn’t play golf.

I went to the store and bought some groceries again. I have just finished eating dinner. I had fish, fried potatoes and a salad and some swell oatmeal cookies. Well my Darling, I guess I had better close for now. I will see you at 8. I will write again when I get home.

Love & xxxxxxxxxs Harlan

Thursday 4:30 PM May 20, 1943

Hello Sweetie Pie:

No letter today. The second this week without one.

Well how’ Honey this lovely beautiful sunny day. I hope all the days are like this until I’m there.

It sure been a grand day off. I’ve been running around in my shorts and you can know how warm it it. Jeepers, I wish I was leaving tomorrow.

Harlan, “Velvet Moon” is on the radio. It played on an organ, sure is pretty. I like it very much.

There isn’t any news. I just finished cleaning my room, so just thought I would drop a line or rather start my letter now.  How’s work? How’s the weather? Now they are playing “Constantly”, jeepers I wish I was there or you were here. It’s such a lovely day for golf or a ride in Herman. How is little old Herman? Soon I’ll be riding in him again. Oh Happy happy July!

Well, I only have 2 more nights to work, tonight and tomorrow night, then on the swing shift again. It will be the 3rd time. I got a little extra time this change. See we get off Saturday morning at 8:00 and don’t have to be back until Sunday afternoon, that’s swell. Harlan, this organ music reminds me of ‘Babes’

Remember when we went down there? Occasionally we would come out of the show (now they are playing “I’ll see You Again https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6gcNBKEnBTs) and you would say, kind of uncertain, ‘do you want a drink’, then I would say ‘do you think we should’? Jeepers how times have changed. I don’t ever think to would even faze me now.

Yes, I know I’m simply rattling along about nothing but just feel like writing. O.K? Excuse me while I get a cigarette.

About every other morning, either Gabby calls me or I call her and we sit for about a half an hour and talk about our trip planning, what we’re going to wear, what we’re going to take and how much money were going to have to have. It’s a lot of fun and every time we think of something else to take, or do. We talk about what we do on the train, what we do if we drive. If we drive,  we plan to leave about 6:00 Saturday, in the morning and try to make Cheyenne that night. Then get a good night sleep and get an early start the next morning.

Listen Honey, I believe I’ll continue this later as I want to write Donna a letter. O.K? O.K! See you later. I love you, I do. Janie

7:30 PM

I love you so much Harlan and miss you so. Tonight it’s so nice out. Last year at this time I was probably waiting for little Herman to drive down the street and you would have the top down tonight. It probably sounds funny, but I keep looking for him. I guess I always will. I think I would give 10 years of my life to see you drive up. This is torture, isn’t it but I sometimes wonder if I can wait until July to see you again. Now I’ve got it bad. Well I’m going out in the yard with Momie, be back in a while.

8:15 Hello, if you weren’t working I would call you, I do believe, but it’s probably a good thing you are at work because I really don’t or can’t afford it.  Boy I’m in a bad way tonight, I’ve got to snap out of it. Well I’m going to lay down for little minute before I go to work. Good night Honey.

May 21, Friday Morning me 21st Friday morning 9:15

Good morning Honey:

My but it’s another beautiful day. Kathleen wanted me to play 9 holes of golf with her but I’m too tired, wish I wasn’t. Neither Marian or Marge were at work last night, so you know what that means. My back aches terribly, so I’m going to put on my shorts and go out in the backyard and proceed to get more sun burn.

Well Darling, this letter is plenty long and full of nothing, without rattling on any more. I sure hope I get letter today. I love you, see you at 10:00

Love & xxxxxxxxxs “Your: Darlin’ Janie

10:00 AM Friday, May 21, 1943

Hello Darlin’:

Well here it is another day closer to August and you.

I’m sorry I didn’t start this last night but I was just dead. I took a shower and laid down for little bit and woke up this morning.

I received an awfully nice letter from you yesterday. Not long but sweet. When I burned my face got red and how it has all peeled off.  I am a little tan but not much. When you bring your clubs, try and bring some balls. Look up and down in that creek. Balls are pretty hard to get out here.

Well Darling, I haven’t had breakfast yet so if you will excuse me for little bit, I’ll go eat. Okay? Okay!  I love you very very much.

Hi glamourpuss,  I’m back. The day is beautiful one out. It would be a nice day to play golf or do anything with you.

The radio is playing “This Love of Mine” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IZntryTekzI). Have you heard of it? It sure has the right words.

I hope to clean up my room this morning. I may try to find another place to live. This is taking up too much of my time. I don’t have quite enough of it.

I took 3 pairs of pants and 2 jackets to cleaners, and do you remember the tan pair of pants I had you like so well? Weill I had been lengthened the cuffs taken off. They sure look sharp. I bought the pants a long time ago. I’m going to put them in some sort of a cover, then when you come out I will have all my clothes clean.

Well Darlin, I guess I had better close for now. I will see you at 8 and write you a special tonight. I love you very very much.

Love & xxxxxxxx Harlan

1:00 AM Saturday, May 22, 1943

Hello Darlin’:

Well here it is another day closer to July 10 and you. Oh Happy July!  July I didn’t think I was going to have a letter to answer tonight, but your Special was here when I got home. that sure is swell about driving out. I have been saying prayers ever since I read it.

I don’t want to worry you or anything but I got a card in the mail from my draft board. Tuesday night, when you were work about 7:30 PM, you can be thinking of me taking my physical. Yes, this time it is really here. I won’t hear whether I’m 1-A or not for about a week and then is just a matter of time. It might be a week or it might a month, maybe more.

Gosh that is swell about the ride. It seems like maybe you and I might get some breaks after all. Something usually happens to us though. But when we get married things will be different. (I hope)

I’ll answer the questions in your letter and then try to make a little love to you before I close. Oh, by the way, my check was $93.94, after everything was taken out it came to $64.

What you mean by saying “Your Mom called this morning but I won’t say much about that because I feel too good to be mad”? What did Mom have to say that made you mad? Please answer.

The folks haven’t asked me anything about our plans for the future and I haven’t told them anything and I haven’t even said anything about you coming out July. Why do you ask?

Oh Darling, what kind of the car does she have and what year? How are the tires and the motor? And above all, I will give you a good tip. If you drive, remember to always stay on the highway. Never drive off of the it unless you drive off to get something to eat. If you do go off of it, always remember the exact way you came off and get back on it the same way. The reason is that a lot of the states have several highways by the same number and if you are not careful you’ll end up wait to heck and gone and it is pretty easy to lose your way. No, I haven’t seen “Cabin In The Sky”, it was here a couple of weeks ago but I didn’t see it. Well that was sure a nice long letter.

Darling,  please tell me what is going on between you and my folks. I don’t like to see you not getting along with them.

I sure hope you can drive. Boy of boy. Tonight coming home on the streetcar there was a girl sitting in front of me. I think she had Yankee Clover on. The odor sure brought back a lot of swell memories of you and me and good old Herman. I, or rather, Herman and I always wanted to head toward Union Park and you always (well almost always) wanted to go home.

I really had to quite a fight on my hands when we did get there. You would always say “Well alright, but only for 10 minutes  but I usually could squeeze in half an hour. I used to hold you in my arms and try to squeeze you right through me. Your lips were always nice and warm and always liked velvet. When you would smile, your teeth would gleam in the lights I perfect set of pearls. Your eyes would shine and sparkle like stars in heaven. Your hair was always getting in my nose or eyes, but I liked that because when you were just about as close to me as you could be. Your hands were always damp and mine were always dry. I liked to hold them because my hands felt better if they were holding yours. I love you so much. It is hard to say on paper way I feel, but you can come out and I’ll try to find the words to tell you how much I love you and have missed you. If I do find them, I’ll sure be surprised because I don’t think there such words.

Well Sweets, I guess I had better get some sleep. I will finish this in the morning. I love you more than you’ll ever know. Goodnight Sweetheart.

Good morning Darlin.

It is another beautiful morning and I again was still wish you were here. I had better get downtown with this, so I will close.. I love you very very much I miss you terribly and I want you near me. Love & xxxxxxxxxxx Harlan

Hello my wonderful big lug:

Well house my fiancé this beautiful lovely gorgeous morning? Fine and dandy I hope. Gee I feel good, I don’t have to go to work tonight, in fact I don’t have to go to work until tomorrow at 3:00 in the afternoon to be exact. Isn’t that just too divine, Oh but definitely.

Katherine just called and we are going golfing, put put and a bit of that. Jeepers I haven’t touched my clubs since you left. If I’m under 150, I’ll be lucky. Excuse me Dear while I proceed to eat my dinner, breakfast to you.

Hello, back again, now 1 minute more while I get your letters of yesterday.  I received 2, one of the 18th and another of the 19th. That plan of what we would do if I was there is alright.

Yes Harlan, I forgive you for taking Sis the show but please – – – – – (if you’re smart you’ll know what I was thinking as I drew those lines)

Glad you like the cookies, will make more next Friday, my day off. O.K? ? O.K!

What do you mean, you wish August would hurry up a little more? I’m coming in July, remember? Now of course, if you want me to wait until August I will, I only thought that July would be nicer. Only kidding Hon. By the way, should I bring my green suit, you know the one you gave me for Christmas, two years ago, or do you think it will be too warm? Answer.

Hope you have a nice Sunday.

As far as I can see, we won’t have $1500 by July because I’ll spend most of my savings on the trip. Like I have said before, I still have a lot of things to buy besides my ticket. But I’m not going to bring all of my money, I have to leave some for Momie so she can keep up the payments on my coat, and then if I do come back, I don’t want to come back broke you know.

Jeepers Honey, that idea about the resort is O.K., but definitely. We could do that the last weekend I’m there —– if I came back. In fact, I can’t think of anything more super. Harlan life can be wonderful if you have something to look forward to and for me it is especially wonderful because of what I have to look forward to – you and Frisco and walking down Market Street, swimming in the blue Pacific, smoking in the theater, dancing under the stars, riding in little Herman across the Golden Gate Bridge, smooching in Golden Gate Park, and all of this with you. Oh Darling, I’m so happy this morning but not near as much as I’m going to be right?

Well Honey, I must be going now as Katherine will be here very soon. I love you, I adore you, in fact I think you’re swell and you big overwhelming sweet lug. Goodbye for now.

Love as always “Your” Darling Janie

PS See you at 8. Will let you know my golf score.

11:00 PM May 23, 1943

Hello Darlin’:

Well here it is another two days closer to July and you. I didn’t write Saturday night and I’m terribly sorry. I went down to the bank Saturday morning and had my shoes fixed, my dress shoes. I came home and Alvina and Connie were here. I got ready for work and we went downtown and had dinner. I went on to work and they went to a show and then to a dance. Johnny and I met them at the dance on the way home from work. We all took the streetcar to my place and I got my clean clothes and then John and I drove Herman over to his place. Connie and Alvina slept in my room it. I got a little dose of galvanized Saturday night, so I haven’t been doing very good. Then to top that off, I’m very low in spirit. I miss you so much.

We took Herman and put the top down and drove around San Francisco awhile and then they had to leave late this evening. After they left, I thought I might go down to a show. I took a shower and put some close clean close on and my top coat. It was pretty chilly and a little foggy out. I didn’t even go to the show. I just drove around a little while with the top down and the wind blowing my hair around. I drove up to the top of one of our hills and I could look out over the city. You could see the fog coming in through the channel and the lights on the bridge. I sure was lonely. I’ll be so glad when you get here. I love you so much.

Well Darling, I still don’t feel so good so l guess I had better get to bed. I’ll finish this in the morning. I have been invited to go over to of fellows house tomorrow for a fish dinner before work. I love you very very much. Good night Darling.

Good morning sweetheart. I sure did sleep last night. The time is 12:15 and I have to be at this fellows house by 1:00, so I’ll have to hurry. I’ll write again tonight and answer your Special then to. I love you very very much and miss you something terrific.

Love & xxxxxxxxs Harlan

Monday 12:30 PM May 24, 1943 Afternoon

Hi Honey:

Well I just got up, slept later than I expected but was too tired to get up at 10:30. How are you? It’s 10:30 out there, you are probably up by now too. Please excuse the writing but my arm and hands are so stiff that I can hardly write. It’s not only from work last night but from my golfing. We played nine holes and I shot 55. Don told me I had a wicked swaying and I swung many times before I could even hit the ball. Katie just stood there and laughed and then I got to laughing so hard that when I finally hit the darn thing it went right in the Creek. We played at Rockland.

I sure missed you there, remember how we used to take off our shoes and wade in the creek looking for my balls, well I had to get my own. Catherine bogied out the last four holes so Don and I finished them. He shot the score of 48. Every hole we came to I thought of you, some time we had been at that hole.

Telephone is ringing,  just a minute.

It was Gabby. I believe she feels almost as sad as I do about you been called. Gosh I don’t know what to think. We were just getting some plans made and things were working so swell that it it’s kind of hard to take. You didn’t tell me whether to tell your Mom or not, so I haven’t called her yet. Don’t know whether to or not, so guess I’ll wait because you probably have written her yourself.

Harlan forget about anything between your folks and myself. It wasn’t anything so terribly important. Your Mom said something I didn’t like, but right now we have something more important to think about. I’ll tell you someday and don’t think we aren’t getting along because I was the only one mad and didn’t think she even knew it.

Honey if you want to go, I wish you luck, but damn it’s awfully hard to write what I want to say. If you are put in, that looks like a 1-A. I will either call you next week or will you call me?  I have simply got to talk to you.

Honey, Harry James “You Made Me Love You” is on the radio. I haven’t heard it for such a long, long time. I guess it will always be my song for you, every time I hear it I think about how we sat over at Babe’s and played it 3 times straight. You had your pipe and were so handsome. You came over on my side of the booth and just sat there.

Harlan, everything will work and out all right, I know will. It’s been 15 minutes of Harry James, Now it’s “I’ve Heard That Song Before”.

I bought 4 balls Saturday, so now I have 6 and will try and be careful not to lose any and will pick up a few each time I play, then we will have quite a few when I come. I believe I heard “That Love Of Mine”, but I can’t remember it.

Well Sweets, I guess I had better close as I am running out of words. I will finish this when I get home from work. I love you very very much.  Honey be careful and don’t worry.

Love& xxxxxxxxxx’s  “Your” Darlin Janie

PS2 or little Herman

Monday  Morning 12:45 AM

Good Morning Honey:

Well, I just arrived home from work and have had a little snack and here I am.

Gosh darn, thought of you all night tonight, can’t help it.  Hon, guess you’re in my blood.  Your Mom called tonight but I was at work, guess she thought I was working days now.  She told Momie she had received your Special Sunday, but she didn’t say much. I will call her when I get up in the morning.

Well Hon, I have to get up early and do my washing, sooooo I guess I better close now. Do you know that I love you Hon?  Well I do, and very much. Good night my Honey.    Xxxxx (pretty soon they will be real)

Love & xxxxxxxxs & ooooooox too  “Your” Darlin Janie

Tonight I felt like smooching but definitely, so I will take my little pillow and go to bed. Night.

PS Momie send her letter with mine because I’m out of stamps. You don’t mind, do you?

Thanks for the swell cookies!

Dear Harlan!

Speaking for us both, we have really had a wonderful time. We hope you come back soon. Thanks for everything and always remember Connie and I think you’re super love!

Love from Your “Nutty Cousins Connie & Alvina

PS the address is 412 C. 102^nd St. L.A.C  Write  Please!

1:30 AM May 25, 1943

Hello Darlin’:

Well here it is another day closer to July and the sweetest and swellest little doll the world.

I just came home from work and guess what I found in my bed. It is Dick. He is sound asleep. He left a note to wake him when I got home but he is so tired I’m not going to disturb him. 

I sure got a swell letter from you today. Sort of brought me out of my slump. I also have your Special to answer so I guess I had better do that now. You can make and send all the cookies you want to. You know I don’t want you to wait until August to come out. When August does come you will already be here. To listen to you talk about the future and San Francisco, you’d think you’ve spent all your life here. That is, the way you say Market Street and Goldengate Park etc. etc.

Letter came today – The work is about the same as usual. The weather today was a little windy. Tonight it is cool and the little foggy, nice night for a ride in Herman and the little smooching. You are not the only one who has a bad and I’m not just kidding. Well, that’s about all that in that letter.

I got a book the other day on married life and sex. It is a very good book. It was written by a Dr. Lane. I didn’t know there was so much that I didn’t know. I think that a big mistake a lot of fellows make when they get married is that they don’t know what it’s all about. What I know about life is just what I’ve heard from you and from fellows. You are alright, but what fellows told you is usually a lot of bunk. I hope you don’t think I’m silly for doing this, but I don’t want to how you have a husband who is liable for hurt you in any way. I hope you will forgive me for being so forward in writing you about this but it should be all right now. (Is it?)

Well Darling, I guess I had better close now as it’s getting late and tomorrow I take my physical. When I find out about it, I will let you know.

I love you very much Jane and I can hardly wait until July so I can see you, talk to you, hold you in my arms and try again to squeeze you right through me.

Love & xxxxxxxxs. Good Night Sweetheart, Harlan

Good afternoon Darling;

The time is 3:00, Dick and I just got back from playing golf. I had a lousy game. I have taken a shower and am on my way to take my physical. I think that while I am taking it, Dick is going over to Treasure Island and see if Chuck is there.

Well Sweets, I had better be on my way. I will write again tonight. I love you very very much.

Love & xxxxxxxxxx’s Harlan Love and kisses Arlen.

Tuesday 12:30 PM May 25, 1943

Hi Honey:

Jeepers, it’s a dreary old morning, cold and cloudy, in fact it’s only 40° out. How are you? I suppose you are up by now as it is 10:30 out there, maybe you are washing or eating breakfast or maybe playing golf.

I just called your Mom, she was busy washing so didn’t talk to her very long. She said Opal, Max and Marvel were going to Frisco this coming Sunday, so you won’t be lonesome this Sunday. (“I’m So In love” is on the radio)

There isn’t much news. I didn’t get a letter today. Harlan that song is the one “I’m so so so so so in love with You”. Those are the words but the name of it is “I’m so in love”. No wonder I haven’t been able to find it in the Nickelodeon. You got all mixed up didn’t you. I like it.

Well Sweets today is the day of your physical. I’ll be thinking of you every minute. Please tell me all about it. What they do and say and if they say any thing about when the next one will be, please. Now they are playing “Just As Though You Were Here” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RvhW9Pkdmbg Frank Sinatra). Torture, isn’t it?

Look I better close before I say something I shouldn’t.

See you later,

Love Jane

Harlan would it be asking too much if I asked you to send me a Special so I’ll get it Memorial Day?

5:30 PM.

Hi Honey: I’m at work now, it’s only 3:30 out there so I suppose you were just starting to work. Or are you, come to think of it I don’t suppose you went to work at all did you? Gosh only two more hours and you will be down to the recruiting office. What you think?

They sent Marin down to packing again tonight and Marjorie’s upfront cleaning cases so here I am back here with all the old biddies. It’s not that bad though, Marg and Marion came back here on their rest periods and I go up there on mine and we will get to eat together.

It’s simply raining cats and dogs right now. Gosh, I’m getting so I hate rain. We have so much of it anymore.

The boss just came back and got his pen so here I am writing with pencil. I’ve got to go anyway because Helen went to the safety meeting, be thinking of you at 7:30.

Hello again it’s 10:00 and you’er all through at the recruiting office. Well how did it turn out?

I’ve been back an hour from dinner and am thinking especially strong about you.

Marion and Marge and I went to lunch at 8:00 and we all met at the cafeteria. Marion and I bought a pint of milk and a pint of chocolate ice cream and made two great big malted milks for our lunch. They sure were good, only they could have stood a little more malt in them. They didn’t have anything good to eat out here and I forgot my lunch.

Jeepers Honey, you should have seen the Sun, red tonight it was beautiful. Remember that night almost a week before you left in July that we took little Herman out in the country, we were just out riding and had to have the top down, the sun was just setting in the west. It was beautiful, you said “Well Honey, in a couple weeks you can look out there and say Harlan’s out there.” I have often thought of that and how true you were. I wish I had a dollar for every time I’ve thought of that. Well to get back, I thought about that night – tonight – when I looked at the sunset. Gotta go.

12:30 AM Wednesday morning

Good morning My Sweetie Pie. I’m home again as you have probably guessed, but am quite tired and as this letter is long enough will make it short. Jeepers Honey, the sky is full of stars, when I came home at 12:00 I looked up and there was the big dipper, just as big as can be. Coming home I thought, boy if Harlan was under that wheel instead on Don. Oh well, there will come a day. Better go now. I love you much but not too much.

Goodbye for now. Love & xxxxxxxs “Your” Darlin’ Janie

10:45 PM May 25, 1943

Hello Darlin’:

Well here it is, the same day closer to July and you. I didn’t get a letter today so I have nothing to tell you except that I passed my physical, even my hearing. I will find out about my blood tests in about a week or so. But I’m not worried about that. They even had my induction papers there. After I took my physical, I met Dick downtown and we went to the show. We saw Abbott and Costello in “It Ain’t Hay”, and Basil Rathbone in a Sherlock Holmes picture.

They were both very good. That is the first show I have gone to in a long while. I came home and had a bite to eat and am now writing to my one and only.

There isn’t any news so I all so all I can write about is how much I love you and how much I miss you. Oh yes, I have your sweater that you gave me on and one of the usherette’s at the show said she just loved this sweater.

Your scanties came in yesterday, so I stopped downtown and got them and mailed them. They are a little bit different than the others but they are a little nicer. Let me know when you get them and how you like them.

Getting back to telling you how much I love you is the same old story. I can’t seem to find the right words. Just think, if we get married on November 26^th,  we have only seven months before we are married. That is seven months from tomorrow. Oh happy July and August and November and from November on. These coming days are going to be my whole life. (They don’t make very good lines, do thet?)

Well Darling, I guess I had better get some sleep. I have a washing to do in the morning.

I love you very very much.

Good night Sweetheart.

Good morning Darling.

Well, how is my little girl this morning? Fine, I hope. I finished my breakfast. Then I went to the store and got a box of washing powder and have finished my washing and already hung them out to dry. It is a beautiful day out. I sure wish you were here. The mail hasn’t come yet. I should have a letter from you. I will finish this letter then. I will have something to answer then. Okay? Okay!

Hi Honey, the mail is here and there is a letter from you. It is awfully short but very sweet. You know better than to ask me if I still want you to come out if I’m inducted, of course I do. That is all the questions I have to answer so I had better close for now. I will write again tonight. I love you more than you’ll ever know.

Love & xxxxxxxxx Harlan

PS See you at 8

PS I love you

Wednesday 1:00 PM May 26, 1943

Hello Honey:

Well here I am again. How are you? Hope you’re feeling better than you did Sunday but then by now you should. Please don’t be low, one of us is enough but when we both feel that way, that’s bad. I hope you feel better next weekend so as you can have some fun with when Opal and Max and Marvel are there. Wish I could join you too, but guess all I can do is think of you, wondering what you’re doing and if maybe you’re thinking of me.

It’s a beautiful day here but kind of chilly, hope it’s warms up. Gosh Honey, there isn’t anything to write about. You better try and perk up over the weekend. You don’t want them to know how low you are, do you? Please Honey, for me. I’m awfully sorry Harlan, I’m guess I’m kind of a heel for not doing what we both want by packing right now and coming out.

We received two letters from Dick today and he said that he has two 48 hour liberties next week but don’t suppose you will see him over the weekend. Mary Jane called and said Chuck had left Idaho and was on his way to school but as yet didn’t know where. I guess we were all hoping he goes to Treasure Island so Dick and him can get together once more before Dick leaves.

Well honey I have to press my slacks and ironed a blouse and bathe before I go to work so I had better close for now, maybe I can add more at work. Bye for now. Will be thinking of you. I miss you terribly Honey, just as much as you miss me and love you very much.

Love Jane

Hello again; it’s 10:00 PM and I’m eating dinner and am now shaking. How are you Honey, fine and dandy, I hope. Marian didn’t have to go to down to the packing tonight, so everything is back to normal again, even Marge is here. Helps alot for the mood I was in when I came to work, was no mood to work with the biddies.

Well, had a little time so thought I would add a little. Was just out to the back and made a wish on a very bright star.

Will finish when I get home. Bye for now.

12:45. Home again. Honey, don’t you ever get tired of this jibbity jab?

Rose called and said Dick stayed with you Monday night. Harlan, if he takes up too much room, give him a kick a good one, or kick them out.

Well, this is all for now. I’m going to eat a bite and then go to bed, but quick. Good night Honey.

Love & xxxxxxxs “Your” Darlin Janie

Thursday 1 AM May 27, 1943

Hi Honey:

My but it’s a beautiful day. I just came in from out in the back. I put a blanket on the ground and took off my shirt and lay there with just my shorts & bra on and sunburned my self, now my back is all pink and warm. It feels nice.

Gosh, Dick really takes over when he comes, doesn’t he. Do you mind? Or do you like it? Your letter came about 10:30 while I was eating breakfast. It was a nice one, all your letters are so swell, I haven’t thrown away a one of them. I took and separated them and made for piles, tying them together with a blue ribbon.

Honey, that’s all right about you buying that book, now you will know and understand all of my moods when we get married. I’ll read it someday, then I’ll know and understand all yours. And it’s all right for you to tell me about it, but I hope it’s a good one and don’t let anyone kid you about it, especially Dick because if you told him you have it, he might. If he does, just laugh with him. He gets an awfully big kick out of us kids but he’s all for us. He thinks your swell. There is nothing to forgive you for. You’re very sweet.

That’s about all there was in that letter. Tomorrow I’ll hear all about your physical. Gosh even with airmail it takes a long time to get any word.

Well Honey, I still have a lot to do before I go to work, so I better close for now. I love you, oh yes very much and miss you terribly but feel a lot better today. Will finish this when I get home from work. Bye for now.

12:30 AM and I’m dead, sorry Honey but I’m too tired to write. Please forgive me. Good night Honey

9:45 AM Good morning Honey:

Well I was awakened by a call from Eleanor, she and Joyce, Udy and myself are all going horseback riding tonight at 6:00. Then Udy and I are going to a show afterwards. Before however, I’ve got to wash my hair, wash my clothes and clean up my room, bake some cookies for my Honey, put up my hair and it’s 10:00 already so I better close. I love you, I love you, I love you.  Will write again tomorrow.

Love & xxxxxxxxxxxs “Your” Darlin Janie

1:30 AM May 27, 1943

Hello Darlin’:

Well here it is another day closer to July and you. There isn’t any news so I don’t know what I’m going to write about.

It is rather foggy and damp out tonight. Just the kind of night it would be nice to cuddle up by a fireplace with you. We sure could have some fun, couldn’t we?

I am pretty tired tonight. I worked in the double bottom and made out. I had 117 feet, which is quite a bit any place.

I guess I forgot to tell you that I got a haircut yesterday. I sure hope it grows out by the time you get here. If it doesn’t, I’m afraid I will have some trouble on my hands. It is pretty short.

I have had a bite to eat and I can hardly keep my eyes open, so if you don’t mind I think I will try to get some sleep. I will finish this in the morning, Okay? Okay! I love you very very much. Good night Sweetheart.

Good morning Darling:

I got up kind of late this morning so I don’t have any time to iron my clothes. I have some clothes at the cleaners to get.

I sure am lonesome for you today. It is kind of cool, cloudy and foggy. Just the kind of a day that makes someone wish someone was here with someone. I will be so glad when we are together again.

Well Sweets, I seem to be running out of words so I guess I had better close for now. I will write again tonight. I love you very much. See you at 8

Love & xxxxxxxxxx’s Harlan

12:45 AM May 28 1943

Hello Darlin:

Well here it is another day closer to July and the sweetest and most wonderful girl in the world.

 I received a letter from you and your mother today. It was awfully nice of your mother put a letter in for me. Here is a coincidence for you, the letter you wrote that I am answering was written at 12:45 too. You and I are about the same in golf. My game isn’t as good as it was when I was home. I have completely changed my style. I have a lot better form and if I can find time enough to play some more, my game should be better. I will call you next week if I get 1-A, or as soon as I get it.

We sure did have a lot of fun playing golf. I had a lot of fun whenever I was with you and whatever we did it. Isn’t it funny Darling, how a person never knows what he has until he loses it once. I love you so much and miss you terribly. If we go up to the resort, we will sure have a lot of fun. Just us two. No one to bother us or anything. It will be sort of a prelude to our honeymoon.

I saw an ittle bittle on the way home tonight. Do you remember the time I had 32 of them on you? I sure do. I collect every one of them too.

Well Sweets I guess I had better close, for now and get some sleep. I love you very very much. Good night Sweetheart.

Good morning Darling; I been doing some ironing but I didn’t finish. There isn’t any news so I don’t know what else to write about.

I will sure be glad when you get here. I love you so very very much.

Love & xxxxxxxxs Harlan

Friday 3:30 PM May 28, 1943

Hi Honey:

You’re probably right wondering at the time but I thought as long as I am going out tonight (it’s my day off) I better start your Special now. O.K O.K!

Well how are you? I suppose when you get this Opal and Max will be there. Hope you have a nice time, and the weather is fine. I called your Mom this morning and told her how you pass your first physical. She asked me if I was going out and I told her if I did, that is if you pass your physical, it would be a sudden departure but definitely.

I called the airline this morning and I can fly if I make reservations at least three days ahead of time. If I’m lucky. I could get one sooner. Now I’m only considering flying if you are inducted because that way I could get there a lot sooner – see? Your Mom said it sure would be swell if I could go out.

Honey, I have a favor to ask you. Could you or would you please – I mean gee Honey it’s been so long, well a, a would you – it’s been five weeks and that’s an awful long time. Well to get to the point, will you call me next week? Some night after work? I’ll gladly wait so as you can get a rate. We wouldn’t talk too long, just a few minutes. Please Honey, I would call you but I’m just getting the last one paid this week.

Well, I have all of my work done and all I have to do is take a bath and dress. Then eat and am ready to go. The four of us are going horseback riding, well come to think of it, I told you that in my letter of this morning. No use repeating.

Harlan, you didn’t tell me very much about your physical. What they did, what they said, and what they asked or anything. What does that mean ‘they had your induction papers there’? Did they say how long it would be before you were called? And what kind of hearing test was it? Harlan, you could find out how soon it would be before you’re called? Now if you answer all those questions, I’ll love you forever (as if I wouldn’t anyway).

Donna will be home tonight, maybe for the last time. It will be good to see her again.

Jeepers, I can hardly wait to see my new scantees, as you call them, hope they come tomorrow.

I sent three pairs of slacks and two sweaters the cleaners today so I am getting ready for anything. Am going downtown and buy two pairs of shoes next week, dress and sport. Daddie said I could have one of his coupons and I’m paying all of my bills tomorrow.

Well Sweets, here comes Momie and Daddie from the store, so I better close for now as I’ve got to get ready. Will finish this in the morning. Your little girl is just fine but sure in a dither as to what to do. By for now Honey. I love you, gosh how I do, and think of you every minute – well almost, see you at 10:00.

8:00 AM Saturday

Good morning Honey:

Well I just got home, now don’t get excited. I stayed all night with Yodie. What want to know what we did? O.K? O.K!

Well we first went out to the stables, but as we were late we had to wait an hour before we could ride. So we went in to the Raccoon Valley Inn and had chicken dinners. It was most it was delicious chicken I’ve had out of out for so darn long. Well, then we went right about 8:00 o’clock, back at 9:00 and then we came home and got the car and I showed the girls my newest things and everything. Eleanor and Joyce had to be at work at 11:30, so we drove over to both of their houses and they changed their clothes. Then we went downtown and had a coke, race back and dumped them on at 11:28.
Yodie and I then didn’t know what to do, and finally we hit on the idea of bowling. Can you imagine bowling on top of riding, when I haven’t been done either one for months. Well anyway, my first game was one 111, my second with 120 and my third was 156. Yodie’s was 86, 110, 120. That 156 wasn’t bad, was it Honey?

By that time it was very close to 1:30 so we went over to Yodie’s and took a nice shower, then to bed. I came home early because Dad had to have the car at 8:00. We sure had a swell time though.

Well I’ve rattled on long enough and I’m going back to bed so better be on my way. See you tonight at 10:00. I love you very, very much and miss you too.

If you see Dick, tell him I took care of everything. Please, that that’s another favor you can do for me, simply tell him “I took care of everything and sent it Friday night.” He will know what I mean.

Have a nice time.

Love & xxxxxs “Your” Darlin Janie

Saturday 1:00 AM May 29, 1943

Hi –

I asked you to send me a Special for Memorial Day, so I’ll write a note so you will get one too. O.K? O.K!

My golly, it sure is hot and stuffy, it’s 95 out and looks very much like rain.

You’re not the only one who hopes that haircut grows out. If I get out there after not seeing you for six months and your hair is short and choppy I’m going to be sick. Please, be a little more careful the next time.

After I wrote you this morning I went right to bed and got up about half an hour ago. I’m trying to make up my mind as to what I’m going to wear to work. Am an I ever stiff.

Gee Honey, you should see my nice sunburn on my back. I’m afraid you’re going to look kind of peaked next to me. Ha Ha.

We received a letter from Chuck, one from Dick, and one from you this morning, but your package did’nt come, which means now I have to wait until Tuesday.

Yodie wants me to teach her how to play golf (isn’t that a laugh?). So we are going out a week from Monday.

Well sweets I don’t have any more news and it’s after 1:00, so I better get going. Hope this gets there on Monday.

I love you so much.

Love & xxxxxxxxx & oooooooo “Your” Darlin Janie

1:15 AM May 29, 1943

Hello Darlin’:

Well here it is another day closer to July and the sweetest little girl on the side of heaven.

This is supposed to be a Special and I’m just about dead, and there isn’t any news. I worked in the double bottom tonight and it’s kind of pooed me out. I do have a letter to answer, so I will do it right now.

Yes, I did get fix mixed up on the title of that song, ‘I’m So in Love With You’. They very seldom name the songs on these musical programs, so that is how I came about making the mistake. Yes, these songs are torture. I’m sorry about not being able to send you a Special so you can get it Saturday, but I didn’t get this letter until just before I left for work. No, I didn’t work Tuesday when I took my physical. I’ve been meaning to mention the Sun sets out here too, but I keep forgetting to. It is usually bright as day in Frisco and way out in the East pass the mountains, it is very dark. Then the Sun goes down in the West and it gets dark all of a sudden. The colors in the sky are really beautiful. Not as much as you are though. I do remember the night  I told you to ‘look at the sky in the West and think of me’ but I forgot where we were at the time. I guess I was too busy looking at you.

Well, that is all the questions to answer so you so now I don’t know what else to write about. The less I say about my hair cut the better.

Outside of feeling a little tired, I feel swell. I have just had my shower and I washed my head. Whenever I ask anyone how they like my hair cut they say ‘On you it looks good’,  or ‘I think it looks cute’, or Oh my God, what the hell happened to you’.

I will sure be glad when you get here. I miss you so much. When I was home on Christmas, we didn’t get to see the moon hardly at all because of the weather so I guess it has had a long enough rest now. Don’t you?  We have almost a year to make up for with the moon.

Well Sweets, it is getting rather late so I had better turn in. I wish we were married this morning.

I love you very very much. Good night Sweetheart.

Good morning Darlin’:

Well here it is another beautiful day without you. If you were here, we could plan on going on a picnic tomorrow. I could get a chicken and you could fix it night and put it in the frigidaire overnight. That would really be like old times, wouldn’t it? I wish there was some place we could get a portable radio come out. The radio in Herman is swell while you’re driving, but I don’t drive enough to keep the battery up.

Well Sweets, I bet guess I had better close and get to the post office with this Special. I love you and miss you terribly. But I haven’t long to miss you, have I?

Love & xxxxxxxxxxxs Harlan  (yes a will be real soon)

1:15 PM May 29, 1943 Saturday

Hello Darlin’:

You asked me to write you a Special so you could get it on Memorial Day. I got a little mixed up and thought Memorial Day was on Saturday. I found out it is Monday.

It’s almost time to go to work. Sis isn’t here yet. She is supposed to get in sometime this afternoon. She wanted me to lay off of work so I could spend the day with, them but that is almost out of reason. I want to work so I can make some money for us and also the put the hours in so I will have enough hours for a vacation when you get here.

There isn’t any news so I don’t know exactly what to write about. I went to the store this morning and bought some groceries. It cost me about $5. I also bought some envelopes, and some Special Delivery stamps. Dick called this morning and said he wouldn’t be able to get in this weekend but would try to get in Monday night. I sure hope he does. Have you heard whether Chuck is at Treasure Island or not? Dick tried to get into see if he was there last Tuesday but they wouldn’t let him past the gate.

Well Darling, I guess I had better close as it is time to leave for work.

I love you now, I always have loved you and always will love you. I love you before I even met you because you were the kind of girl I always wanted. I sure am a lucky guy.

Love & xxxxxxxxxxs Harlan

1:35 AM May 30, 1943 Sunday.

Hello Darlin’:

Well here it is another day closer to July and the sweetest girl in the world. I came home and thought I would call you. It sure was swell hearing your voice again. I will be glad when you get here then we won’t have to stop when 6 minutes are up. Sis is in town so I had better close as I have to take a shower, shave and then I have to go and had breakfast at 8:00 in the morning. I love you very much.

Good night Darling:

11:30 PM Sunday, May 30, 1943

Hello Sweetheart: It sure is a mode nasty day out. It is a real heavy fog. It makes it awfully damp and wet out. It sure is the good golf weather.

Someone broke into Max’s car last night and stole his gas coupons and broke his door handle. We first drove down to see about marbles tickets on the plane and then we had breakfast. We first drove down to see about Marvels tickets on the plane and then had breakfast. We drove up to Chinatown and went through a lot of the shops. Marvel bought a lot of things. We spent most of the morning there. Then we drove out to the beach and had dinner at the Cliff House. Then we drove out to the zoo. We stayed there until after 5 and then Max and Sis had to get back. They took Marvel and I out to my place and we took the streetcar down town to the airline office and I left Marvel there and went over to Hook’s. We had a bite to eat and sat around most of the evening. Zigler and his wife were there. They got into an argument and she went home to pack. She was going to go back to Iowa. Zigler had been drinking beer all day and was pretty high. We won’t mess around with them very much when you come out. I don’t think his wife went home though.

Well Darling, I had better get some sleep, we have been doing a lot of walking all day. I’m very tired.

I sure love you a lot. More than you’ll ever know.

Goodnight Sweetheart.

Good morning Darling:

Well here it is another day closer to July and you. I think Dick is coming in tonight to spend the night with me.

Audrey Apland called me this morning so I drove to see her. She is leaving for Patterson tonight at 5:00.

I sure wish July would hurry up a little bit. I love you and miss you so much. I have to fix my lunch and get to work so I had better close. I will write again tonight. (Only 6 more weeks).

I love you and you alone. See you at 8:00

Love & xxxxxxxxxxxs Harlan