November 22, 42 Sunday. 9:30 AM

Hello Honey:

This is just going to be a note because I didn’t write last night. I’m sending this Special, so you won’t be without a letter Monday. I hope.

How are you? I hope this finds you well and happy and not as lonesome as I am. I was kind of disappointed in your letters this week as you didn’t write three nights. I was three days without any and then there was very little mush in the others. I was going to wait and send the letter I write tonight Special, but I couldn’t. You see, when I’m writing a seem to be closer to you somehow. Gee how I miss you Harlan. I’ve been rather discouraged lately. I don’t suppose I should bother you with my troubles. But maybe you won’t mind this once, my bills seem to amount to so much and I don’t have any money left from my check and it bothers me a lot because I’m afraid I won’t be able to pay them all by Christmas and I did so want to be all paid up with at least $100 in the bank when you came home. I remember when I used to worry about my schoolwork, you used to come over and wait for me to do it and then you would take me for a little ride in Henry and then a Coke and a few kisses and when I said I thought I should go in you never wanted to but we would. And I always felt so much better after that bit of fun and you would hold me in your arms and say, “I’m not worried Janie, I know you’ll graduate.”  You were more help than I ever let on. And that is what I miss so now. It seems like years since I have seen you, some beautiful memory of the past. And even though Christmas and you are so close, yet it is so long. I’ll never be able to repay you for what you have given me. You’re such a swell fellow Harlan. I still think I am the most fortunate girl in the world to have you for a boyfriend. Because Darling, you are a perfect fellow, and I love everything about you even that stubborn streak in you, which used to cause me so much trouble. Oh honey, I can’t put or write on paper what I want to say.  I guess I will have to wait until Christmas and try again. I love you and miss you more and more every day. I will write again tonight

Love and xxxxxxxxxx’s  “Your” Darlin’ Janie

Please write more

Monday 12 AM November 23, 1942

Hello Darlin’:

That was sure a swell telephone conversation.   I can still hear your sweet voice. It makes me jump up and down with joy just to think of it. It was nice to hear Dick’s and Dickie Jr.’s voice again. But best of all yours. Time is going pretty fast though. As far as I know, I will leave four weeks from yesterday. Meaning Sunday night, the night that I especially want to be there on is New Year’s Eve. Do you remember our midnight kiss every year? Boy I sure do; I’d give $100 for one real nice long one right now. The night is another beautiful one. Moon is about as big as the sun when it sets.  The stars look like 1 million diamonds in the sky, about as big as a silver dollar. What fun we could have tonight if you were here. I love you and miss you more tonight than I ever have.

Syd and Opal and I went to a show tonight right after I called you. We saw a “Seven Days Leave” and then they had a band on the stage. It was really swell. It would have been a lot better if you had been there so I could turn halfway around in my chair so as to face you and then take your damp cool little hand in mine and warm it up. I always get a big thrill out of holding your hand.

Darling, you asked me about whether or not I could stay at Bethlehem and work after the war is over, if I knew I could I know I would ask you to marry me right now. Everything is so indefinite. If you get frozen into your job, I think I will try to get into the Navy again. Then our marriage would have to maybe be put off until after the duration. (I hope not!) 

Well Darling, it is getting rather late, so I had better close now and get some sleep. I will write again tomorrow night after I get off of work.

Love Harlan

1:30 AM Tuesday. November 24, 1942

Hello Darlin’:

Well here it is another day closer to Christmas and you. When I came from work tonight, I found two letters waiting for me. One was a special. Darling I can’t figure out about the mail. I know positively that I did write every day last week. There was one week that you didn’t get any mail on a few of the days, so I took the calendar and each day that I wrote a letter I put a check mark on it. They are all marked except this Sunday, I went to the country. This week I am going to try to write every night when I get off of work or in the morning if I am too tired or sick. I want you to let me know how they come through. You can let me know in next Sunday’s special. I wrote your Special Friday night,  Saturday I wrote another letter and mailed it so you would have one on Monday. Sunday night I wrote a letter after our phone call when I got home from the show. Tonight I’m going to try to make up for those letters didn’t get. Please let me know if you should happen to get some of them this week.

So far, I’ve written quite a bit and still haven’t said anything. I will try to answer your questions in your letters. #1 Yes, I sure would like to see get in Dick in his new uniform. What is your job as auxiliary patrolmen at the plant? I thought I told where we went or told you before that I was going to Patterson California to see Matilda and Clarence. No, I haven’t been able to find the Big Dipper for quite some time. I know just how you feel when you say you get so discouraged at times because I think I feel the same way as you do. We are both in love, so much in fact that we’re afraid of getting married too soon. Everything seems to happen to us that we had nothing to do with. Always something to keep us from getting the happiness I really feel we both deserve. I will be the happiest man in the world when we do get married. I have a terrible feeling sometimes that with me away out here, some fellow is going to try to take you away from me and I don’t have a very good chance of fighting to keep you. All sorts of things like that run through my mind. I suppose you are going through the same thing and I hope it isn’t as bad as mine. It isn’t just the thought of some other fellow, but you are working in a very dangerous place and if anything happened to you Darling, I think the world would fall right out from beneath me. You and you alone is what makes up my whole world. You are a very lovely girl in every respect, and I love you very much. I do wish Christmas was here now and that Christmas would last forever. When Christmas comes, I will be able to tell you how beautiful and lovely you are and how much I adore you and love you and how badly I want, want you to come back with me. I wish I could really put into words just once all the things I think about you. 

Well Darling it is getting late and I am kind of tired, so I guess I better close. I will write again tomorrow night. I love you very much.

Love and xxxxxxxxxx’s Harlan

All the love I have I give to you

Goodnight Sweetheart

(Fun Fact: During World War II, most troops were moved around the country by train. Standard passenger service and passenger cars allowed troops to be moved from base to base and assignment to assignment. However, there were not enough standard passenger cars to go around, so the government requested a fleet of quickly-manufactured cars. These became known as troop sleepers, which also included troop kitchen cars. The vast majority of these were built by the Pullman company.)

PS it’s raining like h – – – outside

Thursday 7:15 AM November 26, 1942

Hello Sweetheart:

Well here I am again and am I ever a dunce? You bet, here today was Thanksgiving and I didn’t get a Special off to you,  I’m awfully sorry Honey but I just didn’t realize it was coming, having work and all, I suppose you got double paid for today being the holiday swell.

The whole family was here for dinner this afternoon, so I’ve been very busy all day. I haven’t even been to bed yet today. But I don’t have to work tonight so I can sleep.

Boy you ought to be here now, it’s 10 above zero and last night we had a blizzard. We could hardly see going to work last night and could only drive 5 miles an hour all the way out. There is about 3 inches of snow on the ground and its really sharp out.

We sure missed you today. I tried to call your Mom twice today but no success. Both Momie and all the folks send their love and best wishes.

I don’t have a bit of news. I miss you terribly and even though I was very busy today I have been thinking of you every minute. Wondering what you are doing, where you were, if you were thinking of me to, etc. Were you?

Dick’s leaving tonight to go back to Chicago and then to school, as yet he doesn’t know where he will go, maybe the West Coast, maybe not.  Nevertheless I’m going to give him your address in case he comes out. O.K? O.K!

I’m so d—-ed tired I can hardly think. How I wish you were here. Honey I better close and hit the bed. As I have to get up at 6:30 AM and go out to the plant to get my check – oh happy day. Look I’m an awful bore. Honey, I sure do miss you and will be the happiest girl in the world you step off the train and into my arms. I love you and respect you very much.

All the love and XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX I have  “Your” Darlin’ Janie

10:30 AM Thursday November 26, 1942

Hello Darlin’:

Well here it is another day closer to Christmas and you.  Last night was the first night this week that I didn’t write.  I got another flash and had to stop at the hospital for treatment.  It was pretty late when I got home, and my eyes were sore so I thought I would wait until today to write.  I hope you don’t mind.

I heard an announcement on the radio that no coach seats are to be sold between the 15^th of December and the 5^th of January.  I will try to make a reservation for a Pullman.  It is going to cost me a little more than I had expected though, but it will be worth every penny of it.

I received a letter yesterday or rather last night when I got home.  There wasn’t much mush in it Darling.  I thought there would be in the one you would write after the phone call.  You asked about whether I was going to enlist or take another deferment if I could get it.  The way it is now our here, it is impossible to enlist in any branch of the service if I’m welding in a shipyard.  If I don’t get another deferment, I couldn’t get in if I wanted to.  So the determining factor is if I try to get another deferment or not.  Answer me one question truthfully ~ Do you want me to enlist or get another deferment? Please answer.  The rest we will talk about when I get home Christmas.

Yesterday, just before work, rather on the way to work I was going to send ~ you, your folks and my folks each a telegram for anniversaries and Thanksgiving greetings, but they are sending no ‘Congratulations or greetings’ telegrams for the duration, I guess.

Darling, a year from today (or sooner-no later!) (I Hope), will be the happiest day of my life.  I sincerely wish it could be this Christmas instead, but everything is so upset.  I love you so much.  Life is awfully lonesome and tiresome without you.  I don’t think I’m being selfish in saying that because I’ just saying what is the truth.  When Christmas gets here, I’ll show you and really tell you how much I love and have missed you and how much I want you.  I love you very much.

Love and xxxxxxxxxx’s Harlan

1:00 AM Friday, November 27, 1942

Hello Darlin’:

Well here it is another day gone and another day closer to Christmas and you. Just think four weeks from today, we will be together again. Four weeks from today will be Christmas day. Please tell me how much time or how many nights off you are going to take when I get home. The most important is New Year’s Eve. Will we have fun? – I thought that’s what you would answer. Darling, I’m going to ask a big favor of you.  (Here we go again)  you can find out what bands are playing different nights and what shows are on, what nights we can go bowling without getting mixed up league so – I’d like to have you plan just what you would like to do. You are in a lot better position to do this than I am. I know it is against your principles, but just this once. Please save Tuesday night though, we will get some comic magazines and lay on the floor together and listen to the radio and will also have some Pepsi-Cola to drink. It will really seem like old times won’t it?

The radio is playing “Oh How I Miss You”. ”(Bing Crosby Oh! How I Miss You ~ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=svGMQTcr0-g) and

they are not kidding.  Darling, did you realize that it is less than a year and we will be married. Doesn’t that sound swell? Man and wife. Those three words are going to mean my whole life. Life without love is life and life without you isn’t love. Isn’t it funny what one little word like love can mean? Being in love with you is like walking on a silver cloud. Nothing but peace and happiness ahead of us.

I’m not much good at words as you know Darling, but I love you more than anything on this earth. You are my whole life. Without you there is nothing. Everything about you is what I’ve always dreamed about. You are so right about everything. Everything you would do or say it was just what it should have been. I also think that the only mistake I made while going with you was not knowing or realizing what a beautiful perfectly swell girl you were.

All the love I have I give to you.

Love and xxxxxxxxxxxxxx’s Harlan

Friday 5:45AM November 27, 42. – – – – I love you

Hi Honey:

Well here I am again. How are you? I hope this finds you well and happy and not as tired as and lonesome as I am.  Gee, I’ll sure be glad when you get home, I miss you so. I’m so hungry for your embrace, your arms, your eyes, your lips, the feel of your hair, and your strong body near mine. Darling if I don’t love you, I’ll never love anyone.

I talk to your Mom today and she says she hasn’t heard from you for a long time. We had a long talk, about 45 min., discussing every subject under the sun.

By the way, East beat North 14 to 7. Not bad for you but not good for me. I didn’t go Harlan. I didn’t want to without you.

Momie got a dozen roses from Daddie yesterday their 29th anniversary you know.

Please don’t give up trying to get that ticket home, oh Honey please.

I don’t have a bit of news. I went to the dentist again today. Have all my gold work done now, only a few minor ones left and I’m sure glad.

How’s Opal? I hope fine. How are you coming in your work? I hope you haven’t been galvanized lately. Does Syd know about Opal? Have you seen Janet’s folks since they arrived?

Gee I miss you and you sure must have missed me terribly tonight you wrote the letter of Wednesday 1:30 AM. That was a beautiful letter and I know just how you feel.  Sometimes I go to bed and just lay there wondering where you are and thinking about the things we used to do together and that last Saturday night.   Honey that night proved your love for me is the most wonderful thing that ever happened to me. I was sorry it happened at the time but I’m not now. Because you were strong, and I know now that there will never be another you. You’re so good sometimes it frightens me. I worry about you too Harlan. I’m so afraid something will happen to you. Something that hasn’t already happened, if that’s possible. But don’t worry about me because you are the one man for me.  As far as I’m concerned there will never be another to take your place. It’s going to be awfully hard when you come home Christmas. I love you so and will be so happy when I see you step off the train into my arms. Yes, I will remember how I used to have a hard time keeping your hands off my knee. But that’s what’s so swell about you Harlan, you never went any further and you never opposed when I asked you not to.  So many guys – – well you know what I mean.  It’s awfully hard to put on paper what I want to say but when you come home Christmas, I’ll make up for it. I have so many things to tell you, things I left unsaid and should have.

Well Sweets, I better close as I must go to bed for a while. I will write again tomorrow.

All my love and XXXXXXXXXXX’s belong to you. “Your” Darlin’ Janie     PS Please take care of yourself and be careful. I love you very much. And I’m waiting for you to come home Christmas.

November 28, 1942. Saturday 9:00 AM

Hi Honey:

Well do I ever have good news. Today at work we found out that the plant will be closed Christmas Day, all  the shifts, isn’t that perfect?  So you must try to get here by Christmas. And then Honey, more good news.   I get a leave of absence for seven days starting December 27. Now you’ve just got to make it. I’m so thrilled I can hardly work this morning. Just think,  seven whole days and nights free to spend with you. Oh Honey, you are coming home Christmas?

This is just going to be a note because I’m very tired must get to bed. I’m going out tonight for the first time in two weeks. I’m going to dinner with some girls from the plant, they are a swell bunch. We won’t have much time so because we are going to work or rather have to go to work. I will be a good girl and not more than one, Collins. O.K? O.K!

Well Darling I better close. Please forgive me for the short note. I love you very much and am dreaming of Christmas and you. I will write again tomorrow.

All my love and XXXXXXXXXXX’s  “Your” Darlin’ Janie

See you Christmas, Harlan when you come home!

November 15, 42, Sunday 8:45 PM

“I’m dreaming of a White Christmas”, it’s a beautiful song suited for you and me. Please make our dreams come true.

Hi Honey:

First of all I’m sorry I didn’t write last night but I was so tired yesterday, I didn’t get up until 10:15 PM and by the time I got ready to go Don, was here. And Harlan the sweetest thing happened this morning. Your Special came at 9:20 AM, just as I was going up to bed. What time did your you mail it? I’m terribly sorry about you not getting your bonus Honey, don’t feel too bad about it.  Sometime, you will have another chance and I know if you put your mind to it you can do almost anything. You said in your letter that I would have been very proud of you because of the large bonus. Yes Harlan I would have been but no more than I ever am.  You see, I would show it a little, that’s the only difference. I’m sure glad you told me why you were mad Sunday night because I thought it was something I had done.

Please don’t let Opal get you down. Gosh Honey, if I could only help you more than just by letters. Darling, when you step off that train, it’ll be the biggest thrill of my life. I don’t have a bit of news. Dick is coming home Wednesday for seven days.  Oh gosh, guess what?  Elmer Gee enlisted in the Navy and went to the Great Lakes training station for four weeks, came home for eight days and is now in Frisco waiting for sailing orders. Could you by any way get a hold of him?  I saw Lucy, that’s how I know all of this and I thought you surely would like to get together. You better not bring him to your boarding house if you do find him though. Well Sweets, I better close now as I have to press my pants. Oh I forgot to tell you, my new pants are brown herringbone and Honey they buttoned down the front just like yours. The ring is on the way. Good night Honey, I love you.

Love and xxxxxxxxxxxxxx’s  “Your” Darlin’ Janie

November 16, 1942 Monday 12 PM

Hello Darlin’:

Well here it is two more days closer to Christmas and you. First of all I will have to apologize for not writing Saturday night or last night. For Saturday night I have no excuse. I received your Special letter when I got home last night. Then this morning – I got your perfect, marvelous, swell letter of November 12. So I have two letters to answer. First of all, I will tell you of my trip. Saturday, I got up at nine 9:00, I went to the bank, grocery store and paid our rent went to work. It started to rain about 10:00, so we didn’t do much after 10:00 as the rain started to come down in torrents. Going up to the car, I just got soaked. I went home and dried off. I took a shower and shaved. Changed into my clean clothes on and started out. The time I left was about 2:00. I drove down and picked John up. I told you about John,  he is just a kid, 19, but a lot of fun. We work on the same boat. Then we decided we would go up and bowl a couple of games before we left. By the way the rain had stopped. My scores were 176, 142. We had a milk shake and a hamburger. Then at 4:00 AM we left. We filled the gas tank and asked the station attendant which would be the best way to get there. He looked at a map and told us. We left San Francisco and drove down to San Jose and then we were going to cut across the mountains going east.

We should end right at Patterson. We found out there was no point going through the mountains, so we had to drive back up towards Oakland. We drove about 155 miles out of our way. When we got there, we didn’t do anything special, just visited them. The town is small, so there wasn’t anything to do. I forgot to tell you; we had a flat tire on the way there. My tires aren’t very good. We left about 5:30, we got home about 10:30. We got held up by traffic in Oakland and then again coming across the Bay Bridge. There were several accidents on it and the Highway Patrol was checking speed and give out tickets.  When I came home, I was just about dead because I haven’t had any sleep since Saturday morning. Darling, do please do one more favor. Please let me know if what you want is any kind of clothes or jewelry or something you could use after we are married. If it is one of these, please let me know. As for myself, what I want for Christmas,  Darling there is only one thing I’m hoping for and that’s you.  Just to see you and talk to you, to hold you in my arms and kiss you and tell you how much I love you, is all I am wishing for. I know I’d be mad too, would say, “I don’t know what else I want for Christmas besides you.”  Please try to understand, it is very hard for me to say what I want to.  Thank you because I don’t know how long it would be until I go into the service or just what is going to happen to me. I will tell you what you can buy for me when we get married. That is a nice Kaywoodie pipe, a smoking jacket, and slippers, but not until then. I don’t have any use for the now but when we get married, I’ll get changed to the day shift and then we’ll have all of our nights together. I love you very much. I can hardly wait until Christmas.

Love and XXXXXXXXXXXX’s  Harlan

PS I will write tonight

November 16, 942 Monday 9:30 PM

Hi Honey:

Well here I am again.  I just slept eight hours but I’m just as tired as I was when I went to bed. Other than that I’m okay.  How about you? Swell? Blondie is on now,  pretty good. Gosh darn it, I don’t have a bit of news.  What will I write about? I don’t know. No news, no news, always the same story. Honey , when you get home if you find me a little slim don’t think the thing about it. You see on this shift everyone loses weight and I am no exception.   I’ve lost 2 pounds already and it’s only been a week. On this shift I don’t know why but everyone loses their appetite. (Excuse but is that right?)  Every time I even look at food, I get a sick feeling and only eating two meals a day doesn’t help. But I think I can make it O.K. as long as it’s for you.

Well Sweets, I suppose this is very boring.  Look, I wasn’t supposed to say that,  but when there isn’t any news, I think my letters are a bore. Gee, I miss you so Honey.  I sent you a pretty broad hint on what I wanted for Christmas, but now can’t you please help me. If I write out a few suggestions wouldn’t you, please help me.? Okay swell. Here they are Honey, a robe, leather jacket, jewelry, other articles of clothing or wide open?  Please if only a hint. Come across.

Look I better go now and get ready for work. I love you honey.  You’re so sweet and swell and am I’m in love and am living for Christmas. I will write again tomorrow.

Love all my love and xxxxxxxxxx’s

“Your” Darlin’ Janie

November 17, 1942 Tuesday 8:10 PM

Hi Honey:

Well here I am again, how are you? I hope this finds you well and happy. Does it?  Swell. I’m fine but a little lazy though because I just got up, see. There is absolutely no news.  Oh you know what, our plant is going to receive the Army Navy E for excellent award. Isn’t that swell? We’re going to have a big ceremony for everything and all of us will get a little pin, or something like that. Which reminds me, I received a bond today. I have 2 of them now. $25.00. How many do you have? Well, Dick will be home tomorrow night and we are all anxious to see him in his uniform. O.K., I’ll take a picture of him and send it to you. O.K? Tomorrow is my night off, but Thursday is really my day off.  Understand?  Well neither do I, so don’t feel bad.

Boy,  I’m sure glad I’m going to sleep for 16 hours. I have to go to the dentist tomorrow for a  2-hour appointment. Boy do I dread it. I didn’t get a letter today and do I ever miss it.  But Harlan, I have something to ask you. Are you going to tell your folks if you are coming or not?  I mean are you just going to wait until you get here and then go home and surprise them or are you going to wire them just before you leave or what? You see I have a very selfish reason for asking because Harlan, I want to meet you at the train, and I don’t want anyone else to be there.  It’s selfish but that’s what I want. You see I want you to wire me from Omaha just when you will arrive in Des Moines. If it’s in the middle of the night, then I simply won’t go to work and I’ll have plenty of gas and everything. So please let me know what you think you want to do.

Fibber McGee and Molly are on, old happy memories. Remember our beautiful Tuesday nights? Sure you do, I know I couldn’t forget them. Well Sweets I better close now as I promised Momie that I would walk up to Rosie’s with her. How can I put into words how much I miss you? The same words all the time don’t seem to hit the spot. But it’s the best I can do. I guess I just plain miss you and just plain love you very much.  Good night Honey.

(Fibber McGee & Molly radio show 12/1/42 Gas Rationing ~ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L_G_bnpnoSc

All my Love and xxxxxxxxxxxxxx’s “Your” Darlin’ Janie

PS, Darling when you come home, we are going to smooch, and mush and pitch woo. And then smooch some more O.K? O.K.! Oh hurry up Christmas and you.

November 19, 1942 Thursday 3 PM

Hello.

Well here I am again.  Where are you? And, how are you? I hope this finds you finds well and happy. I’m O.K. I didn’t get a letter again today Harlan, what’s up? Well Dick is home, and does he ever look swell. He has lost 20 pounds and his uniform really look sharp on him, and he’s simply crazy about his crew, he was the only one of his bunch that is going to school. He goes for 16 weeks but as yet he doesn’t know where and won’t know until he returns to his outfit. When he gets through, he will be an inspector of some kind.

I am an auxiliary patrolmen out at the plant. I have to go to school 20 hours on my own time. They teach me first aid etc. Went to the dentist Wednesday and when I arrived home a nice letter was waiting for  me, but I was a little disappointed after reading it. To begin with you covered 2 or 3 pages telling about a nice trip you and John took over the weekend without saying where you went or who you went to see. Then you told me about buying groceries and paying our rent. You know that burns me up, I can’t help it but feel that you are getting more involved than you think.

We are having nice warm days with California sunshine but at night I can’t find the Big Dipper anymore, can you? Thanks for the jacket pipe and slippers idea, I  will see that you have them when the time arrives.  I get so discouraged at times, seems to be so many things in our way that isn’t our fault. There are so many things I can’t understand and will be glad when we can talk a real talk.  I couldn’t live without your letters, but they leave so many loopholes. Well Sweets, I better take a nap as I find myself getting rather sleepy and I must have my beauty sleep if I expect to be beautiful when you come home.

So if I wake up in time I will write again tonight.

All my love and xxxxxxxxxx’s  “Your” Darlin’ Janie

(keep those letters coming)

November 19, 42 Thursday 8:30 PM

Hi Honey:

Well here I am again.  How are you?  Fine, I hope. I’m trying too. Gee, do I ever rate!  Three letters today.  The first one, not so hot, the second one better the last one a swell one!

Harlan, do you think that if you don’t get another deferment or don’t accept one and go into the Armed Forces then when the war is over you will be able to go back to your ship welding job at Frisco or are you a fill-in for the duration?  In other words, can you plan to make your life work us a welder in the shipyards at Frisco? I wish you would talk to your boss and find out just where you stand, would you please do this for me? How’s Opal? I hope fine. Your Mom called me again yesterday wondering why you haven’t written, and I told I haven’t heard for two days and that you were probably awfully busy,  excuse me but they are playing “Embraceable You“, are you ever!  You bet, Oh happy Christmas!

O.K., “Hi Uncle Harlan, I love you very much.  Hustle home for Christmas and please bring Santa Claus with you” signed Dickie Jr.   

So he really did write it?  Did he? You bet. – His little hand under mine.

I can’t get over how swell that Dick looks in his uniform. He’s here now and he has his dress blues on. Harlan, he has a while white stripe on his shoulder, three white stripes around his coat and the Navy emblem and red stripe on his arm.

His title is 3^rd Class Petty Officer,  isn’t that just perfect?  We sure are proud of him but I’m just as proud of you Honey!  Just as proud because you are doing your part and making your big sacrifice. We may not see Dick for year.  That’s a long time, twice as long as we have been apart. Dickie Jr. will be three years old. By the Way, Dickie calls you Uncle Harlan.  All Dick can talk about is the Navy.  I know how to tell time by the Navy and everything and Dickie Jr, all he does is follow his Daddy everywhere.  He just won’t leave him alone.

I don’t have a lot of news. Oh yes, I forgot to tell you. Honey, that ring was Momie’s’ and she gave it to me.   I plan to give it to my little boy or girl when they grow up, so please be careful and don’t lose it or break it because if you did our little child wouldn’t have a ring.

Tomorrow afternoon, Jodie, Barbie and I are going to the stage show about 4:00 PM and will get home about in time to go to work. 

Well Sweets, I better go now as it is about time for me to go and get ready for work. I love you very much and miss you more and I am patiently waiting for Christmas to come so I can feel your arms around me and your lips on mine.  Sometimes I think I’ll go crazy for the want of man’s arms around me and a man’s love telling me all this swell nothings.

Good night Honey.  All my love and xxxxxxxxxxxxxx’s “Your” Darling Janie

Please try to write every night from now on and please be careful of your heath.

Dick & Rosie Hare 1942

November 20, 1942 1:30 AM Friday

Just think Darlin’,  12 more months and six days and we will be getting married!

Hello Darlin’:

I guess I sort of jumped the gun that time, didn’t I? Well here it is another day closer to Christmas and you.  I’ll bet I don’t do much sleeping the night before we get married. I’ll be so happy and thrilled and anxious that I probably won’t sleep a wink.  Won’t it be wonderful to get up in the morning and be together all the time and be with each other all the time?  I can hardly wait! Things will be so much better.  Tonight is just about like it was last night, except that I miss you more.

I got my boots today. They cost me $12.50 .  They are really swell. But I guess they should be for that price. I received your letter just before I left for work. It is the one with a piece of cloth inside.  I am going downtown to see if I could find a pair of slacks to match them.   I probably will find a pair.  If I do, we will have something to match but we will have to wait until Christmas to wear them together.

You are absolutely right about Opal and Max and the baby Darlin’.   Max is supposed to have money in the bank for the baby. I wouldn’t blame you a bit, for being mad at me if I paid for the baby or put any money out for it.

Yes, I think I was dreaming of you when you wrote that letter, because I dream of you both night and day, whether I’m asleep or awake. Two weeks have been rolling along pretty fast for me and it won’t be long before I’ll be home and in your arms. Darlin’, we aren’t going to bed at all the first night I’m home, are we? Maybe we could lay on the floor together all night and listen to the radio. (I sure hope).

Well it is getting late, so I had better close.

All the love I have I give to you.   Love and XXXXXXXXXX’s     Harlan

8:30 AM Saturday, November 21, 1942

Hello Darlin’:

Well here is another Special for a special person and it is also another day closer to Christmas and you. I am very sorry I didn’t write last night but I was kind of tired when I got home, and I guess I had breathed a little too much galvanized. My lungs were pretty sore. Before I forget I will call again Sunday night at 8:00 your time 6:00 our time.

I received two letters yesterday just before I left for work.  Your letters have been coming in quite regularly and they have really been swell. I wish I could crawl inside of one of them and come with it. I’ll bet it would be a long time before I let you go back.

Darling,  you had that or be careful of your health working that shift. I am working out at the Y so I can carry you up to the door and into the house every night and I will be winded a bit.

About what I want for Christmas, at night a gets pretty chilly going home on the streetcar and I only have a light jacket, I don’t have a robe yet, but I had planned on getting one to wear at home. But as long as I get to see you and hold you in my arms, that is gift enough for me.  Let me know if I can wait until I get home to buy your gift. That way I won’t have to carry it with me all the way. You may get it a little late, but will it be satisfactory with you?

I miss you like H – – – and can hardly wait until Christmas. It’s just a little over four weeks and I’ll be leaving for you.

This is the last page in the book so that is why I am writing on both sides. I love you very much Darling and when I get home you will see and feel just how much that it is. I can see you before me always, but I try to talk to you and touch you, but I can’t seem to get you to talk to me and my hands around and arms seemed to go right through you.

All the love I have I give to you.  Love and XXXXX’s   Harlan

PS Until 6:00 Sunday night. I will start calling it 6:00 our time.

PS I hope you get this in time.

November 21, 1942

Hello Darlin’:

This should be reach you Monday. (I hope.)  I have just finished dinner and have to get ready for work after I finish this letter. Sis and I have been down to the bank and to the grocery store. I have $365 in the bank now. I put $40 in this week. Last week I didn’t put any in because I had to pay rent, dentist and my boots, besides groceries.

I wish Christmas was here instead of 4 weeks and 5 days off. When I come home, I will send you a telegram of what time I’m leaving and what time I should be there. When I get to Omaha, I will send a telegram to you and one to the folks. I will have your sent out right away and have them wait until about to the time I get home to send the one to the folks.   Either that or I won’t tell them I’m coming and then just walk in on them.  I have told them I may come home if I can, but it isn’t definite. The latter is probably the best. I think that is what I’d better do. Don’t you? I thought so!

The pictures are swell Darlin’. I will see if I can’t take some tomorrow and send you. This is the first day this week that I didn’t get a letter but yesterday makes up for it.

I sure do remember those nights we used to have together. Not just a couple of them but every one of them. Nights don’t mean anything to me anymore. Just Saturday and Sunday. Saturday is the end of the week and makes it a week closer to Christmas and you and Sunday is both my night off and maybe a call to you. Yes, it is O.K! O.K! O.K! O.K! O.K! O.K! O.K! for us to smooch and neck and pitch woo and then smooch some more.

Darlin’ it is 2:30 and I’m going to have to leave. I didn’t know it was this late.

All the love I have I give to you.  Love and xxxxxxxxxx’s Harlan

November 7, Saturday 6:00 PM

Hi Honey:

Well here I am again and very discouraged.  The girl tool-setters are going to be dropped.  You see, the plant thought they could hire the girls who were here for about $35.00 and the Union says they must pay the girls who are doing a man’s job their wages, which would be $50.00 a week.  So the plant says they will  do without.  I’m kind of mad because I was crazy about the work.  It was a lot harder, but I still liked it.

Last night I told you about getting too much money in my check, well today I told them out of the plant and the office girl said she would call the main office to see about. Later this afternoon I was called the office and she told that they had made a mistake but that they had looked at my record and I was very deserving of the money and could keep it.

Your letter today said a little something about my letters being short, but Honey I can’t help it. I don’t have anything to write about but myself and Christmas and I get awfully tired of writing about me,  Christmas, that’s another thing Honey, I can hardly wait to be in your arms and feel your lips, to see your nice eyes and beautiful blonde hair, to hear you talk, to hear you laugh, to see you leaning against the cupboard in the kitchen while I’m drying the dishes.  Then in the end helping to dry then.  If you’re only home for a day, it will be heaven.  To see you, to criticize you, to argi with you and love you all at the same time. I think November 26, 1943 will be O.K.  But I think the most thrilling moment of my life will be when I see you step off that train.  My Honey, My Harlan will come home to see his Darlin’.

Look Sweets, I have to go to work at 12:00 tonight and I have to get some sleep before I go or I’ll never make it, so I better close.

Good night Sweetheart

All My Love and xxxxxxxxxx’s  “Your” Darlin’ Janie

November 8, 1942 Sunday 8:00 PM

Hi Honey:

Well here I am again, waiting for the phone to ring so I can hear My Harlan’s voice.  I’m very tired tonight.  Last night was really a raw deal and I only had 8 hours sleep today but it didn’t help much.

Gee Honey, you couldn’t have written a better letter for my Special.  I’m so tired.  I guess I’m kind of blue tonight and that letter helped a lot.  And another thing Harlan, if I cry tonight on the phone, please forgive me but I miss you so much tonight, when I think of Christmas it helps but it seems so far away right now.  I don’t know whether I’m going to like this shift or not, but we should know within the next two weeks if it is going to be frozen.  Personally it doesn’t make much difference to me.

You didn’t say anything about my financial condition, so I take it you approve.  I hope so.

How are you?  I hope this finds you well, happy and not as lonesome as I am.

You Mom called me tonight wondering how you are.  I told her I received a Special but was very sorry that I just couldn’t read it to her.  I hope she understood.

Oh Gee Honey, I miss you so.  If you were here, we would be riding in Herman or smoothing a little while before I have to go to work.

Well the phone is still quiet, and I think I will take a little nap before I go to work, but I will be right by the phone, don’t worry.

All My Love and xxxxxxxxxx’s   “Your” Darlin’ Janie

Well it is now 9:10 and the phone call is a thing of the past.  Harlan, I’m sorry the call was a flop because it was my fault.  I shouldn’t have told you to call me tonight but when two weeks pass and I don’t hear your voice, I can’t stand it.  I said if you didn’t come home for Christmas, I could come out.  You see in ten weeks I have a weekend off.  I’d take Friday, Saturday and Monday.  If I can take the plane, I would spend two days on the road and two with you.  But there are a lot of drawbacks to that and the first one is that I may not be able to charter a plane.

Harlan, it’s hard to say but if you don’t come home Christmas and I find out its because of Opal and Max, I’ll never forgive them.  After all, we have our lives to live too.  Maybe I’m butting into something that isn’t my business, but somehow I believe that I should have some say about this.

But to get back, I’m sorry too.  I cried on the phone or maybe you didn’t notice it.  I hope not, but Harlan, I wanted you so tonight and I was tired and blue.  But the next time I promise, I will do better.  You didn’t sound so happy yourself.  Are you having a rough a time of it Harlan?  Please don’t work too hard.  I know you’re making a great sacrifice.  Why don’t you go our as much as possible?  Have some fun when you can.  It helps a little.

Well Sweets, I’m bored with myself.  Thanks for calling and again I say I’m sorry I ruined it if I did.  It’s just one of those nights where I couldn’t put up a front.  I love you Harlan more than any man in the world and would give the world for just one embrace before I go to work tonight.

Good night Honey.

All My Love and xxxxxxxxxx’s  

“Your” Darlin’ Janie

11:30 PM Sunday, November 8, 42

Hello Darlin’:

Another 6 minutes gone. Those are absolutely the fastest 6 minutes I have ever seen. You know Darling, I get the funniest feeling inside of me whenever I talk to you. I seem to want to reach out and grab you, so I can hold you in my arms. I try to strain my eyes so I can see you.  To see how lovely you looked, but all I can do is to hear you. I will be awfully happy when I see you Christmas. On the following you said if I didn’t come home Christmas you would take time off to come out here. Would you rather come out here or have me come home? All I am coming home for is to see you anyway. I’m sorry I said that. I do want to see the folks to though, but you mostly. You let me know, one way or the other.

About the money in your check, I’d keep it if I were you.  It would cost the government more money trying to correct the mistake then if you let it as is. That is the only question you asked me in your letter, so I don’t know what else I’m going to write about.

I love you very much and miss you like the very devil. For two cents I’d pack up and come home right now. If you don’t mind Darling, I will close now and get some sleep. I will finish in the morning.

All the love I have I give to you.

Love and xxxxxxxxxx’s  Harlan

Good morning sweetheart.

How are you this morning? I hope well and happy, also as lonesome as I.

I have to go down to the union and then get some new work clothes.  I also have to go to the dentist. There isn’t any news since last night, so I had better close. I love you and miss you very much.

Love and xxxxxxxxxxxxxx’s Harlan

November 9, 1942 Monday 7:45 PM

Hi Honey:

How are you? I sure hope you’re fine Honey.  Gee I miss you. I kind of hope you are as lonesome as I am. How’s every little?  How’s work and all your troubles and Opal?

I just got up about an hour, have eaten and am all ready for work although it is three hours before I leave. Your letter was here when I woke up.  Thanks a lot. It’s raining here and has been since 1:00 this morning. About 4:00 AM it was raining hard but as it wasn’t lightening, we didn’t close down the wing.  We were all working the machines, all going and everything running along as usual when suddenly the current went off, all the lights went out and every machine in the plant stopped. It was pitch dark and not a sound. Harlan, I never heard such a silence all my life.  No one moved.  I guess we were too scared.   Well in about 2 minutes it came on again. It seemed like about 20, but they swore was only 2.  Well anyway, we started them up again and about 15 minutes later, it happened again, only this time only for about 1 minute. Well when they came on, we shut down and were down for three hours.  I hope I never hear such a dead, dead silence, silence again.

Gee Honey, there isn’t a darn bit of news.  I hope you don’t feel too bad after the phone call last night. I thought about it all morning while working. It was so good to hear your voice. I sure love you a lot. I sure do. It sounded so good, your voice I mean. Gosh, I’ve written and rewritten and written and haven’t set a thing, have I?   I guess I’m in a rut, I hope not!

How’s Opal? I hope she’s 0. K.  How’s work? How’s bowling? I haven’t been bowling for some time. Oh Harlan, guess what? Daddy bought two 5-gallon cans and filled them with gasoline, and I’m going to have him get another and all buy five more gallons.  Then when you come home, we will have 15 extra gallons of gas so we can use Daddy’s car more than we could otherwise.  Isn’t that swell, I think it’s a honey of an idea, don’t you? AI don’t think you would call that boarding, do you? Me either, it’s for such a good reason. You and Christmas time.

Well sweets, I better go now as I have no more to write. I will write again tomorrow night. Good night honey. I love you and miss you more than I can say.

All my love and xxxxx’s  “Your” Darlin’ Janie

November 10, 1942 Tuesday 7:30 PM

Hi Honey:

Well here I am again. How are you? I hope that this finds you well and happy. Was that letter last night long enough? I hope so treated remember dear, I write small as you

I’m going downtown tomorrow and will buy the chain and send the ring and chain. No it doesn’t seem silly of you to want it, but it doesn’t sound like you. But Honey, anything that is possible for me to do for you I will do without hesitation. You know that don’t you?

Gee there isn’t any news, I still feel bad about the phone call Sunday night. I sure am sorry

Honey don’t forget we are going to one dance when you are home Christmas. You know why I want to go to a dance so bad?  Well of course it’s because I haven’t been to one or so long, but the real reason is because I can be in your arms all the time, we are dancing.  Pretty good reason or what?

Am I ever mad? I went to the beauty parlor this morning and told her to cut my hair off about half an inch all around – well I swear she thinks I said one and a half inches because when I came home and combed it out I found I didn’t have any hair left. Now I have to tie my hair up for two weeks waiting for it to grow out a little.

I received a letter today that was written on the fifth. It must have gotten lost somewhere on the way because it was written all over the front in pencil.

Well sweets, that’s all, there isn’t any more. Good night honey. We gals are going up to Boyce’s for a little while. I love you and like you say I could go on and on about how much I miss you and how close tears or to my eyes every time I hear a love song and how I’m living, hoping and praying for Christmas to be what I wanted to be and how I think of you all the time but I won’t. Again I say, I love you Harlan.

Love and xxxxxxxxxx’s  “Your” Darlin’ Janie

November 12, 42 Thursday 9 PM

Hi Honey:

Three years and three months ago tonight at this time I was sitting in front of the Des Moines Public Library, waiting for what I thought just another guy but what was really the man of all men. After I had been with this boy a few hours I knew he wasn’t just another guy, that he was different from the regular run. Not only the way he dressed, but the way he walked, the way he held his head, the way he had smiling, his nice clear blue eyes, his fine clean ideas, his plans for the future, his ambition, and everything about him was different. The most wonderful guy in the world and he loves me. I’m the most fortunate girl in the world. How are you? I hope you are very happy and well and not as lonesome as I am. I don’t have a bit of news, so I don’t know what I’m going to write about. Gee I miss you.  Harlan, do you want me to send your coat and hat for you to wear home? Just think, six weeks from this very moment you’ll be on your way home, every minute bringing you closer, closer, closer and I’ll be slowly going insane with happiness and impatience of waiting. I’m going downtown tomorrow morning after work and buy some new work clothes, slacks, sweater and two shirts. I need shoes but they can wait until after Christmas. Gosh I wish you were home. You know when I was waiting for that boy three years and three months ago, little did I know what happiness he was going to bring me. I hate to think of what would’ve happened if Donna hadn’t talked me into going on my first blind date. I wouldn’t have anything to live for. But now I have three beautiful years to look back on and plenty to live for. You. I’ll be so happy when you come. We have both looked forward to it for such a long time. Excuse me but they are playing  “Dearly Beloved”  (Fred Astaire~ Dearly Beloved ~ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DBVmPxQLKTg. 

It will be so good to hear you laugh. I always love your laugh, so natural and such a happy laugh, it just made me happy all over to hear you laugh or even to see you smile. I remember when we used to have a fight, I would watch for you to smile because when you did, I knew you weren’t mad anymore.  

I didn’t get a letter today but oh well, I’ll get one tomorrow.

Well Sweets, I think I’ll close now as I have to wash the dishes and get ready for work. I love and miss you very much.  Good night Honey.

All my Love and xxxxxxxxxx’s  “Your” Darlin’ Janie

November 13, 42 Friday 11 AM

Hello my Sweetheart:

I received two letters just before I left for work yesterday.  One was your special. I sure have a lot questions to answer.  First of all I will answer the most important one, about coming home.   I have been trying to see the boss of all the welders in the yard for some time. I finally just about gave up, yesterday when I received your letter, I thought I would try again.  I didn’t see him, but I saw his secretary. He said “sure it’s possible to take leave. You can take leave just about any time you want to. He said to be sure and, in and see Mr. Taylor about a week or two before I leave. That way he will be able to replace me on the ship until I get back. A lot of fellows make a mistake by just up and leaving. When they get back, they find they have no job and the draft board knows that they quit.  If I take two weeks off Darling, I will be able to be home both Christmas and New Year’s. Would you like that?

Transportation is absolutely certain I may be delayed by troop movements, but I will be able to make it in maybe a day more later than I planned but I don’t think any more than that. Please let me know if that answers your question.

When we have a blackout here, it is the same deftly silence as you told. It is just like graveyard only quieter. There is so much noise in the yard during working hours that when everything shuts off it seems awfully quiet

buying that gas is about the best idea I have heard of in a long time if you want to, and you can buy 5 gallons for me too.  I’ll pay you when I get home. No I wouldn’t call that hoarding.

In you are special I have already answered your first question about coming home. I forgot to tell you about reservations. They told me to come in and make my reservation patients about two or three weeks ahead of time.  Darling, I haven’t even had the thought of not coming home Christmas. I’ll be there if I have to walk. I have no doubt whatsoever of not being able to come home Christmas!!!!  If you haven’t told folks, let’s let it be a surprise.

Max is going to pay for the doctor bills. He has the money for that now. I don’t know what Opal is going to do about mom.  She says she is going to tell her when she goes home. I am going to write a letter to Max either tonight or after I finished this one.  About the ring, it is still at the jewelers. It isn’t ‘will call’.  She still has the $10 from Max and is going to send it to the folks a on the ring.

Excuse me, I just received a letter from you. Do you mind if I read it? Okay? Okay!

Gosh a swell letter!  I hope we can go to more than one dance (for the same reason).  That letter that just got to you was written the week you said you didn’t get any. Wasn’t it? I hope so because I was sure I wrote some that week. Again I say the phone call was all right. I love you very much too.

Now to get back to the Special – I’m not going to give Opal any money for the baby. No money comes out of our bank account. I wouldn’t blame you a bit for being mad at me if I gave her money for baby.  Things aren’t different between you and me now and they never will be. I have never even thought of giving up. Please let me know what you mean by giving up.

Darling, my love for you is something that just can’t be given up. It is a feeling that I can’t quite explain myself. I know that it is the greatest thing that has ever happened to me, and I’ll fight till I die to keep that love. Right now I feel like a good fight or an argument with you to bring you back to California with me. 

All the love I have I give to you. My devotion to you is as endless and deep as the ocean.

Love and xxxxxxxxxx’s  Harlan

If I haven’t answered all the questions you want please ask some more. Love.

November 13, 42 Friday the 13th 9:45 PM

Well here I am again, and they are playing “ When the Lights Go On Again All Over the World “.  ( “When the Lights Go On Again (All Over the World)” is a popular song composed during World War II. It was written by Bennie Benjamin, Sol Marcus and Eddie Seiler https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zVg97yrjkwA)   Kind of long title isn’t it but I’ll sure be glad when it comes true. How are you? I hope fine and happy. Daddy went pheasant hunting yesterday and he was the only one who got a pheasant, so he brought it home. Was he proud? You bet!

I’m kind of late writing tonight as I just got up. Do you want to hear about my new clothes? O.K. My pants are herringbone stripe and brown and they have a fly front, my shoes are dark red leather with thick soles and my sweater is dark red.   Pretty nice huh!

Yes Darling, I know what I want for Christmas from you or someone, but I don’t think I should ask for. I’ll tell you what I can. It is something you wanted to buy my me last year.  You had it all picked out in fact, but when I found out about it, I put my foot down and said no because I thought in fact you couldn’t afford it. It’s something I need, and you were excited about it yourself, you liked it so. Now that’s all I can say except I hope you guessed it.

Now come on throw me a hint, on what you want, PLEASE!! I’m in an awful mess over it.

Have my letters been long enough this week?  Swell, because this one is going to be cut short so’s I can go to work. Good night honey. I love you. Miss you, and I’m dreaming of a White Christmas.

Love and xxxxxxxxxx’s 

“Your” Darlin’  Janie

November 14, 1942 Saturday 1:45 AM

Hello Darlin’:

Now while I’m writing this letter, I suppose you are busy at your machine. I’ve had a terrible night and I am very mad. I had the best welding since I have been in the yard and could have made the largest bonus I have ever made, and you would have been very proud of me. I didn’t smoke one cigarette until after I had my lunch at seven, because I was so busy welding. About 8:30 it just started to pour down and rained for about 1 1/2 hours. I got all wet, my welding got all wet, so I had to stop. The result was no bonus!  It is sort of sprinkling outside right now. I think I forgot to tell you why you I was mad last Sunday. I meant in the letter I wrote this morning, but it just slipped my mind. – Sunday, Sis and I drove over to Chinatown. Everything she saw, she wanted. She didn’t ask me to buy it for her, but she kept on saying, “I’d sure like to have that”, or “ I wish I had about $100 to come over here to spend”. It got on my nerves so much I was kind of mad. I told her that I wasn’t a millionaire and that I wasn’t made of money, and if she wanted all these things, she could have Max send her some money for them. I think I have Opal convinced she should tell mom about her condition. She got a letter from Max saying that he didn’t want to keep the baby.  He wants to adopt it out after it’s born.  He doesn’t want to tell his folks about it. Opal wants to keep the baby and really wants Mom to know, but yet she doesn’t want to do anything that Max doesn’t want her to. So much for that!

Darling, I love you and miss you more right now than I ever have. It is just a few more days then five weeks till I leave for you. I can hardly wait to step off the train and see you standing there all wrapped up in your winter clothes. After I get there you won’t need any winter clothes as I will be close enough to you all the time to keep you warm. It seems awfully funny for me to be way out here and you out there. So far from each other, and still our love become stronger and stronger, day by day. Couldn’t be possible for me to love anyone as much as I love you. I wish with all my heart that you were out here with me and we could do things together the way we used to.  I don’t believe you are being elfish in saying you are tired of this life because I’m the same way and I feel that it is just being truthful. It wouldn’t be truthful to say I could go on like this forever. I’m not making a great sacrifice. I think I’m a lot closer now than I ever have been and also it has brought our marriage a lot closer than if I’d have stayed at home. Besides I love you. Well darling it is getting rather late and I’m kind of tired, so I had better close.

All the love I have I give to you

Love and XXXXXXXXXX’s Good night Darlin’

Harlan

November 1, 42 Sunday 8:30 PM

Hi Honey:

I am sitting at the big desk in the living room waiting for the phone to ring so I can once again hear the voice of the boy I love. I suppose the reason it hasn’t rang yet is because the lines are busy somewhere between here and there.

Well first of all, I want to tell you I didn’t write last night because I was mad and hurt. You see this is the way your letters came this week: Monday no letter, Tuesday no letter, Wednesday one letter, Thursday two letters, Friday no letter and Saturday no letter and I was sure that there would be one waiting for me yesterday.  It kind of made me irked. I’m sorry I didn’t write.

Just think Honey, only eight more weeks and we will be together. 56 more days of waiting hoping and praying for you to come home to a girl who finds herself missing and loving you more every day.

Your Special today was sure swell, so crazy and nice. Yes, I will remember those glorious nights. Honey, I am very glad we never did anything bad because then our memories wouldn’t be so sweet, and memories and the thought of Christmas are what I am living by. Someday this war will be over, and we will look back at this year and be glad we waited. I hope so anyway.

Oh why doesn’t that phone ring?

I talked to your Mom last night and she said the last she had heard from you; you were planning on changing your hours so you and Opal could spend more time together.  Are you?

As you know next Saturday, we changed shifts. And there is serious talk both by the big shots and the Union that are going to freeze the shifts, which will mean which will leave me on the 12 to 8 shift for the duration, but I don’t mind as it will take up all of my time and that is just what I want.

How are your eyes?

Look Sweets, I’m going to write Dick, so I better go now. I will write again tomorrow. I love, admire, respect and miss you very much.

Love and xxxxxxxxxx’s  “Your” Darlin’ Janie

I sent you a letter every day last week, did you get them?

November 2, 42 Monday 6:00 PM

Hi Honey:

I received your telegram when I arrived home from work. Mom said they called at 8:30 AM with the message but wouldn’t give it to her as it was personal. Harlan, what I want to know is where were you when the call came through?  At 9:45 PM the call came through and they had me hold the line and then they told me the party who had placed the call at Frisco could not be located.  Where did you go?

I also received two letters today which makes up somewhat for the days without. But Harlan, I happen to know that you haven’t been writing every day like I have because I was looking at some of the letters, I got what I got last week and you skipped Friday, Tuesday and Wednesday.

How are you? I hope fine and happy.

There is no news whatsoever and I’m very tired so please may I close? O.K? O.K!

I will write again tomorrow. I love and miss you very much.

Love and xxxxxxxxxx’s  “your” Darlin’ Janie

Thank you again for the telegram.  I was sort of worried, not much you know, but a little bit. Janie

November 4, 42 Wednesday 6:45 AM

Hi Honey:

I forgot to tell you, that letter you wrote so I would get one on Monday arrived here in the morning delivery Monday.

This is going to be just a note until tonight, then a nice long one will be written. I received your special yesterday at 11:00 AM, it was a day off. I was sure glad to get it and find out what was what. No, I didn’t call you. The phone rang here and when answered the operator said, “San Francisco calling”.  I said yes, she said hold the line one moment please, I stood there about 10 min. and then she said “I’m sorry but we can’t seem to get a hold of the party who placed the call. He doesn’t seem to be home.” Well about that time I was mad, but all is well and forgiven now.

About the ring and chain it sounds cute, but it definitely doesn’t sound like you. I’ll do my best, however and let you know when I send it.

Must go now as Don is outside.  Good by now.

Love and xxxxx’s

“Your” Darlin’ Janie

November 4, 1942 Wednesday 12 PM

Hello Darlin’:

Well another day closer to Christmas and you. I hope this finds you both well and happy and also as a lonesome for me if I am for you.

I didn’t get a letter today.  It’s probably the mail though, unless it is because you didn’t write Saturday night.

Well today is the day my boss is supposed to come back from his vacation, so I hope I will be put back with him on our ship.

There isn’t any news and I have no questions to answer, so I don’t know what I’m going to write about. Herman is just fine, except that he needs a bath very badly. He also has a tire that has gone on the bum.  I’m going to give it to the government. That will leave me with five tires.  The radio is just as swell, no trouble with it at all.

I haven’t been to a show since a week ago last Sunday. I didn’t go bowling any last week but went last Sunday. I haven’t been out to the beach for some time, so I’m losing my meager tan.  By the time I come home for Christmas I will have a good tan though.

I am going to join the Y and go down there about three or four times a week. I think I will try to stop smoking. (Ha!Ha!)

Well Darlin’, I seem to have run out of news and things to say so I will continue with some mush -. Just kidding though.

I do love you Darlin’, more than I ever thought was possible. Each day and night that love seems to grow and grow. I miss you so much.  I don’t think I can stand it at times, but I just think that someday you’ll be all mine and we can spend the rest of our lives together. If I was in the Navy it wouldn’t be so bad because even if I was near you, I wouldn’t be able to see you every night. This way, when I have so much time to myself and you’re not by my side to take some of that up, I can’t seem to get used to it. Any way you look at it, it’s all mixed up and I guess I am too.

When I get home Christmas, I think we had better make some plans for the future. That way I’ll know just about where I stand.  We’ll talk to your folks and see what they say about it. I had better close now as I have to eat and leave for work. I love you very much.

Love and XXXXXXXX’s  Harlan

Wednesday 7:30 PM November 4, 42

Hello My Honey:

Well Sweets, here I am again, as you say, one more day closer to Christmas and you.

How are you? I hope this finds you both well and happy and not as lonesome as I am.

I received your letter of Monday. I’m sure glad you liked my choice of a tie for you.

I’m over to Dick’s now taking care of little Dickie Jr. while Rosie is downtown.  Gee, I wish you were here but in seven weeks you will be again.  Oh happy day!

How do you like my new stationary? Me too.

As soon as I buy the chain, I will send the ring. But Honey, please don’t lose it as it is one of my best rings.

I’m enclosing closing a picture which I thought you just might be interested in. Isn’t she a droop?  (Excuse me but they are playing “Remember” ~ (1942 Hits Archive: I Remember You – Jimmy Dosey, Bob Eberly Vocal  ` https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jNrg3ZpRXFo)  Boy do I ever.

Dickie Jr. says “Hi Harlan, how are you? I’m just awful fine.  Harlan will you be with Janie when Santa Claus comes? I hope so Harlan.”  Dick will be home next week the 18th for a nine-day furlough. Isn’t that swell.

Well Sweets, here comes a bit of bad news. Hang on to your seat. I was down at the dentist yesterday and it’s going to cost me $85 to get my tooth fixed, which has to be paid in three months.  So Harlan I may not be able to meet my quota by Christmas, in the bank I mean. And my glasses were $20. Or did I tell you I had to have new ones? They are rimless, real sharp looking. Please try to understand about my financial position. I will try to make it $100 though. There is the one consolation though. You won’t have to spend any thing on me when we get married. 

Well Sweets, I better go now as I must write Dick.  Good night my sweetheart.  I love and miss you very much.

Love and xxxxxxxxxx’s all I have. “Your” Darlin’ Janie

November 5, 1942 Thursday 7 PM

Hi Honey:

Well here I am again.  How are you? I hope this finds you well, happy and not as lonesome as I am for you. Just think 49 days and you’ll be home and Harlan I can hardly wait. You and me together again just like the old days, good old days.   Oh happy old days.  My how I wish they were more than memories.

Gee have I ever been working hard, almost as hard as you have been. I’ll that you.

I’ll sure be glad when I get used to standing on my feet all day, but I sure do like my new job, it’s sharp.  I don’t think I could go back to the machine operating if I wanted to.

As I said before, I got off work Saturday at 4 PM and go back at 12 o’clock at night and am off again at 8:00 AM Sunday morning. I should be in bed at 9:30 AM and up again at 6 PM, so you can call anytime between 6 PM Sunday and 10 PM but no later than 10:30 as I have to leave at 11 PM for work.  So if you start at 6 PM you ought to rack reach me by 9:00. 

Honey, why do you get so mad?  I mean what happens to make you so mad that you are ready to come home?  Please tell me. is something going wrong or just what is it?

I’m going to a party tonight.  A party put on by our wing at the plant. It’s for Dick, one of the tool setters who is leaving Monday for the Navy. I’m going with three other girls, so I will be a good girl and no drinks. Dick wanted me to go with him but nuts to that noise. I will be home quite early too, because we all have to go to work tomorrow.

Gosh Honey, I don’t have a bit of news, not one bit. I seem to be taking up space with lots of nothing. So I guess I better close. I will write again tomorrow.

I love you Harlan

Love and xxxxxxxxxx’s  

“Your” Darlin’ Janie

November 6, 42 Friday 5:30 PM

Hi Honey:

Well here I am again well, happy and very tired. But as it is my last night, I’m going out a little while any way. I don’t know whether the letter I wrote last night will reach you by Sunday or not, but just in case it didn’t I will repeat. I get off work tomorrow at 4:00 PM and go back to work at 12:00 at night and am off at 8:00 AM Sunday morning and when I get home, I’m going right to bed. I should be in bed by 9:30 and up by 6:00 PM Sunday afternoon, so you can start calling at 6: PM our time and should reach me by 8 or 9 o’clock.  Now if that isn’t agreeable with you, well you well you will just have to use your own judgment. But don’t all after 10:30 our time as I leave at 11:00 PM for work.

How are you?  I hope this finds you well, happy and good looking as ever.

Harlan, I had a better letter every day this week. Thanks a lot Honey, it’s swell.

There was no questions in your letter today, so I don’t have any to answer. Today I tore down two machines and clean them, all the parts etc., then reassembled them.  I started at 9:00 this morning and wasn’t through until 3:00 PM, so I really worked. What do you think? Me too.

We girls are only going up to Boyce’s for about an hour tonight. Joyce is leaving at 2:00 AM tomorrow morning for LA California and will be married in about a month. She is the first one out of our crowd to venture down the path of matrimony. Everyone seems to think I’ll be the next one, but we’ll see.

Last night the party was kind of a flop.  At 10:00, Juanita picked us up and we went out to the “Question Mark” but no one was there, so we went over to the “Wooden Shoe” and there they were, but we only stayed about an hour then came home. I’m going to be in bed tonight at 10:00 or die trying.

Dick will be home week after next, my how time flies.  Oh guess what? Today was payday and I received a check for $33.08 when it only should have been $30.28.  I don’t know what to do.  Everyone I have told tells me to keep and not to say a word but gosh I don’t think I should, do to you? It’s a mess though.  I have to decide by tomorrow as I’m broke. You see that is my top paid during my training period and I shouldn’t get it for two more weeks understand?

Remember Eleanor, the quiet one?  Well her and Don Cunningham are going to be married the first of the year.  He is in Baltimore and every week he sends her so much money towards her trip out there at Christmas time. It seems he insists on paying the way. But isn’t that just perfect about them?  Eleanor has been burning the torch for him for over a year.

Well Sweets, I better close as it is 6:15 and I’m going to pick up the girls at 6:45.  Good night My Honey.  I love you and when Christmas comes, I’ll prove it to you. Good night again

All my Love and xxxxxxxxxx’s  “Your” Darlin’ Janie