Monday 10:30 AM June 7, 1943

Hello Honey:

Well Gee, why here it is Monday morning and I haven’t heard from you since Friday, no Special or anything. The mail isn’t here yet so don’t know if I’ll get one this morning or not. How come no Special Honey? Boy am I in the doghouse, you bet. Dad told me I could have the car last night and who was I to object. He asked me what time I thought I would be home and I said about 12:00. Well Yudie and I went down to see “White Savage Woman”.

then Harlan we went out over to The Jungle Room. Do you remember how you go upstairs to the booths? Well instead we of turning right, you turn left at the top of the stairs and they have a new room called The Jungle Room. It’s all furnished in bamboo and very cozy. There isn’t any music except right in the middle of the room sits a piano and fellow who has personality plus, plays and sings. It’s really quite nice but gosh a Tom Collins is over $.50. Well to get back, after we left there and we drove over to the for a hamberger, then on over to Yodie’s, it was 12:00 by then, and we started talking and before we knew it, it was 12:45 and I really sped home and Mom was waiting for me, but definitely. Gee, you’d think I was just a kid.

My gosh, here comes the mailman and me with this unfinished. Just a minute I have three letters, my error, I have two letters, one is for Daddie. Boy, I wish I could read it. By the way Harlan, I want to ask you to do me a favor sometime before I come out. I would like to have you write both Momie and Daddie with the same letter and tell them not to worry about me well I’m out there that you are sure to find a place for me to stay were I’ll be O.K. You know what I mean, kind of take over and put them at ease. Tell them you’ll take good care me. If you will do this about a week before I leave, I will appreciate it very much and the folks will feel better. How about it?

Well my weekend and is over and back to work today. It’s another lousy day, cloudy and raining every other minute. It’s very disgusting. Heck I might as well be out there. O.K. I’ll be out in fine in five weeks, doesn’t that sound grand. Jeepers I remember how I counted the weeks before you came home Christmas, starting eight weeks before you came.

Your Mom just called but she didn’t have much to say. They are living at Dorothy’s now until Wednesday. Then going over to those other people’s house, can’t remember the name.

Well Sweets, I have to go get ready for work now. Momie and Dad will mail this tonight. I’m sorry I didn’t get this in the mail this morning. You’re working pretty hard honey but the $100 sounds good. I sure hope your Special comes today, and kind of worried because your bond is usually and it, I hope it’s O.K. Also hope you and Dick and Syd got together Sunday. Oh I forgot to tell you, I received a present from Dickie today. It was a locket with the Navy emblem on it a U.S. Navy. It’s very pretty. If you see Dick before I have a chance to write him, tell him I love it. By the way I love you too, now isn’t that a coincidence. In fact I love you very much. By for now.

Love & xxxxxxx’s “Your” Darlin Janie

1:20 AM June 8, 1943 Tuesday

Hello Darlin’:

Just one month and two days more and you will be on your way. Oh happy day. I had a good chance to make out tonight and all I could do was think of you and our being together again. I didn’t make out.

There isn’t any news, so I haven’t anything to write about. I didn’t get a letter today so I have nothing to answer. It’s rather cold and damp out tonight. The fog keeps rolling in. If you were here, we could drive up to Twin Peaks and we would be right up in the clouds. We could sit out all night if you would like, I would.

Well Sweets, I guess I had better go to bed. I plan on washing clothes in the morning and I want to get up rather early. I will finish this in the morning. I love you very very much. Good night Sweetheart.

Love & xxxxxxxxxx’s Harlan

Good morning Darling:

I just got through eating breakfast and I was going to wash clothes today, but again it is foggy and rainy out, so I couldn’t.

The radio is playing “You’ll Never Know” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JZtWNlCTc6o ). I think that is the name. Now they are playing “There Will Never Be Another You” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wdWa093Rwm0). Glenn Miller is playing “That Old Black Magic” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XFNn5quCh5M). These programs just keep playing popular music all the time.

I will be so glad when you get here. Does that girl still plan on driving out?

Now the radio is playing “Can’t Get Out of This Mood” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hk7FEQpiooM). You will see that mood when you get here. Darling, I have to go to the store, will excuse me for a while. I have to get some things for my dinner.

Well, I’m back from the store. I got a bunch of asparagus and 2 veal chops. I had creamed asparagus, mashed potatoes, chops, salad, toast and milk and strawberries.

I think I will see if I can find a small and expensive apartment for myself. I don’t like this having just one room for myself. If I do, I will wait until after you come before get it. If I stay here, we can stay here at the same house. Mrs. Schnell said she would find room for you when you come.

Well Darling, I guess I had better go to work. I love you very very much.

Love & xxxxxxxxxs Harlan PS I.L.Y.  I.M.Y.  I.W.Y. near me

Tuesday 1 PM June 8, 1943

Hi Honey:

How are you? Fine, I hope. What do you know? Well your Special was here when I arrived home from work last night, it came at 10:30 PM. It was just postmarked San Francisco June 5, 1:30 PM and Des Moines June 7, 8 PM. Lord only knows where it’s been.

No, I didn’t shave my legs! I promised you I wouldn’t and I try to keep all my promises to you. We have $525 in bonds with the one that was in your Special. It’s okay with me if you are not drafted if you want to buy a car. But I still want one more ride in dear Herman. We may be getting older but even older people have silly ideas. But what about a Studebaker Honey. It’s your money, so we will see.

Well, I sure got the props knocked out from under me this morning. Gabby called and she isn’t going to California because Russ is going to get a furlough of 8 weeks. He said she could still come if she wanted but that he sure would like to see little Johnny the baby and his folks before he goes across and Janet, the girl with the car can’t get the tires, so she isn’t driving. Sooo Honey, I’m at a loss to know what to do. If and coming the 15th I should make reservations right now but oh how I hate to come alone. I guess I’m kind of a fraidy cat. I guess I’ll have to gather all my courage to go down Saturday, make my reservation and get ready to come. You still think I should take sleeper now that I’m coming along?

Daddie thought your letter was swell and he took your address so maybe he plans on writing you this week. I thought it was swell to. The reason I’m writing on both sides is because this is absolutely the last sheet I have.

Momie says to tell you she is very proud of. We all are. Have you seen or heard from Dick?

Say Harlan, will you please let me know when this letter gets there and when it was postmarked? ewll better close now as I have to iron a blouse and press my slacks. Didn’t receive a letter from you today. I love you honey. I love you and miss you terribly. I like that YFH.

Love & xxxxxxxxxs “Your” FW Janie

Tuesday 9:30 PM June 8, 1943

Hi Honey:

Guess what? Yep, you’re right I’m at work. I’m back here shaking and it’s the first time I’ve sat down today (except for lunch). Marian is not feeling so good tonight because of what she did last night so I’m doing part of her work, but I don’t mind. Gee my ring sparkles and Momie cleaned it last night.

There isn’t any news, really. I was just thinking of you as usual and decided to drop or rather start tonight’s letter, O.K? O.K! The reason I want wanted you to tell me when you get that letter I wrote this afternoon is because I mailed it in on the way to work out in Highland Park.

We sure had something sad happen to us tonight. Les, one of the tool setters, was called to the office. He really is about the sweetest tool setter here. I mean he’s not only a good tool setter but a swell fellow (am I boring you?). Well anyway, when he came out he had tears in his eyes. He picked up his tools chest and left, later Howard came around and told us that his wife had called and she had just gotten wind that their son is missing in action the boy is only 18. Half of the women cried and the men have been going around ever sense with long faces. Which reminds, me you haven’t said much about the boys at the yard lately. How are they?

Well it’s 10:00.

Hello Honey, yes it took me a half an hour to write three pages because I’m up and down so much. The boss just came back and told me to go in out in on the floor again. Will finish when I get home from work. Bye

1:00 o’clock and I’ve had something to eat and am ready for bed, fast work, yes.

Well nothing unusual has happened since 10:00, except work. Out at 12:00, then run to the line up, check out, run out the gate, hunt for the car, jump in, light up a cigarette and home, but now to bed. I loves ya Honey, I loves ya, very much. Will write again tomorrow.

Love &b xxxxxxxs “Your” Darlin Janie

Does boss know about your physical? Answer.

12:10 AM. June 9, 1943 Wednesday.

Hello Darlin’:

Well here it is another beautiful night closer to July and all I’m waiting for is you. I got a letter from you today so I will answer it before I get very far. I’m glad Janet is getting her car overhaul. I can tell you right now that I it won’t cost you $25 apiece. I don’t think we spent more than $35 altogether. Maybe a little more but not much. It cost us about $17 for gas and oil. Herman didn’t use any oil though but you will have to remember that you’re not in Herman, so it will probably cost a little bit more. 

Janie, would you look back through some of the letters you have from me and see if I didn’t tell you to bring your green suit. I also told you to bring a heavy coat. If I didn’t, I’m terribly, terribly sorry. I’m also sorry I make you so mad.

I’ll try to explain this again. My draft board is in Des Moines. That is where I’m registered and that is where my name will stay. There is a transfer board in all big cities. The transfer board decides nothing whatsoever about anyone. My draft board at Des Moines will decide what to do with me and then they will write to the transfer board, and tell them what to do with me, and then the transfer board writes to me. If there wasn’t a transfer board I would have to go back to Des Moines to take my blood tests, then come back out here until my induction, then I would have to go back to Des Moines again for my induction.

Before I answer that question you want answered, I want you to answer one answer me one. How long do you want to stay or think you should stay? It should be easier for you to answer than me.

Well Sweets, I guess I had better get some sleep. Leo and I are going down to the Y in the morning. I forgot to tell you that the reason I’m home so early is that a fellow brought me home on a motorcycle. I love you very very much. I have you on my mind night and day. I dream of you, I keep thinking about you when I’m at work. I sure wish July would hurry a little bit. Good night Darling.

Good morning Sweetheart, it’s raining and foggy again. I have just finished breakfast and my lunch to take to work so I will have to be on my way. Leo and I are going to the Y. I love you very very much.

Love & xxxxxxxxxs Harlan

Wednesday 2:00 PM June 9, 1943

Hello

How are you? I’m fine. What do you know? Me too. I received a long letter this morning written Saturday night, Sunday night and Monday morning. Gosh, you had quite a full day Sunday. Am sorry you didn’t get to play golf though. Say by the way, I suggest you have all of your work done when I get out there. I’m not planning on spending my vacation washing and ironing. Or is that what you are expecting me to do? Well, nuts to you. Personally, I’m bringing plenty of clothes of my own just so I can get away from washing and ironing for a while.

They are playing “Never A Day Goes By But I Don’t Think of You”.  Oh what a lonely world this is without your love and kisses.  I am sure glad I’m working nights. My gosh Harlan, do you know do you mean to tell me you only bowled 98 one game. Why beating you will be a cinch, ha ha. And do you mean to tell me that you pay $8 a week for rent and your landlady doesn’t clean your room? Honey, you’re too easy to handle, by other people I mean.

Believe it or not it’s so raining here. This is the fifth day in succession. Haven’t talked to your Mom since Monday, I will call her in the morning because I think she is moving today. Have you heard from Opal?

 told Don what you said and he is going to try for a roofing job. But the reason he doesn’t simply pack up and go out is because, first he has to get a release from this plant, then if he does bad and gets the job from this employment board, they will pay his expenses out there. Right now he is waiting to see if he’s going to be granted a release. He should know today.

Well Honey, it’s getting late and I still have bathe. Will finish this tonight. Bye for now.

12:45 AM Thursday morning.

Home again and just ate three delicious cupcakes and two glasses of milk and now of line more and then to bed. I serviced all night tonight, so I’m extra tired. Do you mind if I close kind of soon? Yes! Well gosh,  I don’t have any news. O.K! OK? Thanks Hon. I’ll write again tomorrow.

Love & xxxxxxxxx As Always “Your” Darlin Janie

PS please excuse the paper but I’m financially unable to buy some more until payday. 

1:15 June 10, 1943 Thursday

Hello Darlin’:

Just one month from today you will be leaving. I sure will be glad to see you again.

There is a letter here for me with your wrist size. I don’t know why your Special didn’t come Sunday.

Oh by the way Sweets, I made my $100 this last week. I got my bonus slips and they came to $34.22. My check is $68.26 plus the bonus of $34.42 equals $102.68. This is before everything is taken out. I’m sure proud of it. I really worked for it though. I made out again tonight for about 10 or 11 more dollars.

Yes, I will write to you for your folks before you leave. That is all the questions I have to answer.

Well Sweets, I’m very tired and think I had better get to bed. I will finish this in the morning. I love you very, very much. Goodnight Darling.

Good morning Darling: Here’s another cloudy foggy day. I’m going over to Leo’s today for dinner. I bought two big states and he and I are going to fix them. We were going to eat them yesterday but his brother just got in and we didn’t have time.

Well Sweets, I guess I had better close as I am going to leave. I will write to you a long letter tonight. I love you very, very much.

Love & xxxxxxxs Harlan

I received your wrist measurements.

Thursday 9:20 PM June 10, 1943

Hi Honey:

Yes, I at work again but Marian isn’t here and I sure am lonesome, and working like a dog. It’s really a job keeping nine machines serviced with primers. I’m afraid that I will be too tired to write when I get home so thought I better try and start one now. O.K? O.K!  Jeepers Honey, I sure will be glad when I’m with you again, you’re so swell, and clean. Your one in 1 million and I’m so tired of foul mouth people. Say by the way Honey, you spell diner with two n’s, “dinner”.  You have misspelled the place now. I suppose you are wondering how I have time to write, while you see I am on a 15 minute relief and I’m sitting on the floor in the break room writing on a box, now isn’t this something.

I received a letter this morning and answer it because it’s at home. By the way, there was a sunset tonight so just maybe we are going to have a nice tomorrow.

Well that ended rather quickly didn’t it?  It’s 12:45 and I’m home, right after I wrote that last sentence I laid my head down on my arm and I fell asleep. I guess because the next thing I knew Marge was poking me, tell me I was 10 minutes overdue. So I didn’t get to say more. I’m sorry Hon but I’m really pooed tonight and I better get bathed before I get so tired I can’t sleep. It sounds funny but it has happened before. Please forgive the shortness, see I can’t even write. I love you Honey and good night.

“Your” Darlin Janie

1:30 AM June 11, 1943 Friday (please let me know when you get this)

Hello Darlin’:

well, here it is another day closer to July and you. I received a letter from you today. It was written Tuesday, June 8 at 1:00 PM. It was postmarked June 8 at 9:30 PM.

I don’t know about Studebaker though. They are hard to get and the price is skyhigh. That is too bad about Janet not driving now. It seems that something always comes up for us, doesn’t it?

I’m to try something a little different today or rather this week. This is going to be your Special.  I will mail it before I go in the yard. This way you should get it Sunday morning. By all means you should take a sleeper when you come out alone. I don’t like having you make the trip alone anymore than you do. But I guess it can’t be helped. If you take the train, be careful of the soldiers and sailors on the train.

Well Sweets, I guess I had better get a bite to eat and then go to bed. I am stiff and sore all over. I worked in the fantail or double bottom all my and it kind of got me down.

I love you very very much. Good night Darling.

Good morning Sweetheart. 

I got up this morning at 8 o’clock. I have had breakfast and have just finished my washing and hanging them out. Now I have to go to the store and get some things for my lunch. I will finish this when I get back.

Hello Sweetheart:  I have just finished my dinner and then a bunch of paperwork now was here when I got back to now have another letter answer from you. The boys out of the yard are just fine. Yes, my boss knows about my physical. It has to report for his induction the 15^th. Where did you pick this up; “Ah loves ya honey, Ah loves ya”. It doesn’t sound like you at all. But that is all to that letter.

Have you decided what you are still coming out on the 29^th number Janet isn’t driving and Gabby isn’t coming?

Well sweets, I guess I had better get ready for work. I get my $102 check today. That is $102 before everything is taken out.

I love you and miss you more and more every day.

Love & xxxxxxxxxxxxxs  Y F H Harlan

PS. I love you. I almost have been present for you finished.

Friday 1:10 PM June 11, 1943

Hi Honey:

I have been up about – well long enough to read your letter, take a bath and eat and am now, as you know, starting your Special.

After reading your letter, I decided this – all right Harlan, I won’t ask you anymore about the draft board.  Strange as it may seem, I’m quite interested in it and how it works. But in case you don’t know it, you never told me before how it works. Personally I’m sorry I ever asked you because the tone I received from your letter was anything but pleasant and patient, I’m sorry I’m such a bother. And I did look back through my letters to see if you told me to bring my green suit and you didn’t. O.K.  I’ll stay only as long as I want. I’m sorry to that you make me mad.

Today is payday and boy am I glad, you bet!  I am broke all week. I’m going to go downtown tomorrow and pay on my Yonkers bill and put some money in the bank and if Dadie gets home in time, which I doubt it, we will make my reservation. On second thought, I think I’ll wait until Monday, that’s my day off.

There isn’t much news, talk to your mom yet. Guess I’ll go call her. Well that’s out, can’t find her telephone number, so now will have to wait until she calls me. Sorry.

Well it didn’t turn out to be a nice day. Blue skies and all. It’s really a relief for change.

Gary James “You Made Me Love You” is on. Darn.

I’m still very tired this morning but Mariam will be at work today, so won’t have to work so hard. Momie is sitting in the dining room, fixing my new suit. I honestly don’t know what I would do without her, can’t so worth a darn you know.

We haven’t heard from Dick for two days, have you seen them or heard from him? From what he said to Rosie, and I’m leaving either Thursday or today. He has had liberties they have been from 4:00 PM until 6:00 AM in the morning and as you were either in bed or at work, he hasn’t been over.

While Hon – telephone – it was your mom, called to tell me she is having this quote made for me and wants no color. I told her yellow and white, you like yellow? That’s a silly question when I know you do. While that’s settled. It sure as well of her to do that for us. Well as a starting to say before, it’s almost 2 o’clock so better close for now. Will finish this tonight. Bye for now.

1:00 AM in the morning

have eaten and here I am again. Neither Marian nor Marge were there tonight, by golly. I’m going to call them tomorrow and if they aren’t going, neither my, because I’m pooed.  I wore new pair of shoes to work thinking of not having to work so hard and my feet are swollen as big as, well they are pretty swollen. I sure wish you were here to rub my back. How are you Honey? I’m pretty ticked off, aren’t I? Oh well, four weeks from today I leave for Frisco (I hope). San Francisco open those golden plates, I’ll find a heaven behind them.

Darling, I’m sorry but my eyes aren’t staying open any longer. I love you very much and miss you terribly. Don’t work too hard, be careful and have a nice time Sunday. I’ll be thinking of you. Bye for now, see you soon.

Love & xxxxxxxxxs “Your’ Darlin’ & F.W. Janie

1:30 A.M. June 12, 1943 Saturday

Hello Darlin’:

Happy anniversary. 3 years and 10 months we have been going together. The time sure went fast.

I got my check today. It was $113.06. After everything was taken out it came to $86.13.

There isn’t any news so I don’t know what to write about.  Have you heard about the Zoot Suit gangs around here and in L.A.? I guess it is getting pretty serious.

Darling, would you mind too much if I went to bed?  I make out last night in a tank. It is called the ‘Chain Locker’. It is where the anchor chains go when they weight anchor.  I’m just about dead.  Tomorrow I have to go down and pay my income tax.  $60.33.  Another quarter.

I love you very very much.  Goodnight Sweetheart.

Good morning Darlin’. 

The sun is out and it is a beautiful day out.  I hope it lasts through tomorrow.  I kind of look for Dick in tonight. I sure would like to see him.  I got up kind of late this morning so this is going to just be a note as I have to go downtown to the bank and then up to pay my income tax.

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

Love & xxxxxxxxs YFH Harlan

PS I will write a longer one tonight.

2:00 AM June 13, 1943, Sunday

Hello Darlin’:

well, here it is another week closer to delight and use. I have just had my bath and feel a little better than I did when I got off work. I worked in the fantail again tonight and get a bonus again. Sometimes I wonder if the bonuses are worth all the money. To give you an idea of how steady you have to work in order to make out, if I take time off to go over to the fence rescue wants, it is almost impossible to make out.

I got kind of a screwy letter from you today. If you think for one minute that I expected you to wash and iron my clothes when you come out, you are badly mistaken. I’m very particular about my clothes and anyone who does of my clothes instead of me has to be able to do a better job than I can do. I guess that will hold you for a while. So they are too. Which reminds me, I have an ironing to do tomorrow. I found a car I would like to have today but they want to much money for it. It is a little 38 Chevy convertible. They want $695.

Well Sweets, if you don’t mind, I think they will close for tonight. I will finish this in the morning. Okay? Okay!

I love you very very much. Good night Darling.

Good morning Sweetheart: it is a cloudy day today. I haven’t heard from Becky so I guess he isn’t coming in today. I wonder if he has been shipped out. You know?

I have your present just about finished. I’m going to take it downtown this morning and have it engraved. I just found out this is my last sheet of paper. I think I will go downtown this afternoon and then spend the night at home. I still have quite a bit of ironing to do yet so I can do that tonight. I will write again tonight.

I love you very very much.

Love & xxxxxxxxxxxxxx’s  Y F H Harlan

1:30 AM June 1, 1943 Tuesday

Hello Darlin’:

Well, well, well, here it is another month closer to July and the most wonderful girl in the world. I just got home from work and I’m just about dead. I welded 145 feet tonight which is a damn (excuse please) nights work. I smoked two cigarettes all night, one after lunch and one after I was through work. So you see I worked pretty steady.

I sure had a wonderful dream last night. I dreamt you and I were getting married. I woke up just as you and your father started down the aisle towards me (darn it). 

There was a Special here waiting for me when I got home, so I have two of them answer now. One came late Sunday night. – I’m just fine. I kind of beat you to the draw on the phone call, did I? There wasn’t so very much to my physical. They did about the same thing as when I took one in Des Moines, only there one of the docs doctors said something to me and I didn’t hear him. They looked in my ears and mouth, they listened to my heart and looked at my eyes and also took some of my good rich blood. The papers that they had of mine is the papers they will fill in when I take my final physical. They didn’t say how long it will be before I’m called and it is impossible to find out, as my draft board in Des Moines will decide that.

By the time you get this letter, your scanties should be there. (I hope.) I also hope you like them. What do you mean you show the girls your newest things? What new things? That 156 is good bowling score. I don’t think I’ve been bowling since Christmas.

Dick isn’t here tonight as I thought he might be.

Well Sweets, that’s all of the question so I guess I will say good night and go to bed. I’m getting very tired this single light of the single life. I just don’t have any time to myself at all.

Well Sweets, I guess I had better get to sleep. I will finish this in the morning. Goodnight Darling – I love you very very much.

Good morning Darling:

There is a little bit of sun out and quite a few clouds. I have ironed a pair of work pants and a work shirt. I sure wish we were married now. I think you could do a much better job than I can.

I got your night letter this morning. Thanks a lot. I didn’t get the letter itself but it came over the phone. They don’t deliver messages now unless they are of the utmost importance, and a matter of life or death. I’m glad you like the scanties. I hope they fit alright. Well my Darling, I guess I had better close for now. I will write again tonight. See you at 8.

I love you, I miss you, I want you. Y. F. H. Love & xxxxxxxs Johnny

Tuesday 2:15 PM June  1, 1943

Hello Honey:

Its June the 1^st, Honey. A month from today, I will have been there and back again or will be leaving in 10 days. I’m sure I’ll sure be glad when this month is over.

Gosh Honey, you don’t play a better game of golf then I do. Well that makes me feel pretty good.

Harlan, I’m sorry I didn’t get those cookies made yet, but everything has happened at once. Now tomorrow I’ll try my darndest to get them made.

Saturday I’m going down town and spend my whole check on clothes, then all the rest of my money goes to the bank.

Honey, you said something about not appreciating something until you lost it. If you’re speaking of me, don’t kid yourself, you haven’t lost me, in fact you couldn’t lose me if you tried. You’re hooked Honey, but definitely.

I sure miss you lately. I guess it’s this warm weather or something. I got so tired of being with people I really don’t know. When I’m with you I can say what I want, do what I want, and know you aren’t going to take me wrong, because you understand me and know me. I was always at ease with you. You even like my cold damp hands. I love you Harlan, you’re such a swell fellow, I often wonder how come I was so lucky to have you. You are one in a million, we all think so.

Harlan they are playing “The Anniversary Waltz” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FwAQ1xT1FTo). Remember how we have waltzed to that piece. Harlan, when we came out can we go to Mack Happens Roof Garden? Just once? Please?

Well Honey, I have to go and get ready for work now, will finish this when I get home from work. I love you so much and I will be so very happy when we are together again. Bye for now. Thinking of you every other minute.

12:45 AM

Hello again.

Boy what a night, hot and plenty of work. Our boss sent Marion over to No. 2 building, then about 15 minutes after she left, one of the big, big shots came in and told him to run full production all night. Well it was too late to go get Marion, so I ran double all night and I’m all pooed out, I did have time to go look at the stars at 10:00 however.    

There isn’t any news. I just got through doing some thing to my legs, which you may not like but we’ll see when I get out there.

Don is going down to the employment office Thursday to see about getting a job in one of the shipyards on the West Coast. I hope he can, because he sure hates it out here.

How’s Opal and has she found a place to live. Your Mom called last night but I didn’t get time to call her this morning. She told Momie she had only had a line from Opal since she left and hasn’t heard from you all week – I think. You better write her Honey.

Well Honey, I’ve got to put my hair up and take a bath without waking the folks so I better get going.

Didn’t get a little letter today hope I get one tomorrow all about Sunday. Good night Honey.

Love & xxxxxxxx’s “Your” Darlin’ Janie

PS

How’s your new little book, are you learning a lot? Love again Jane

8:00 A.M. June 2, 1943 Wednesday

Hello Darlin’:

Well here it is another day closer to July and the cutest little girl in the whole world. I just got up. I didn’t write last night because I was just dead.

The Sun is out this morning and it’s a beautiful day out. Leo and I are going down to the Y this morning before work and take a swim.

The mail came late yesterday and there was a letter from you. It was a very sweet one. No, I don’t mind having Dick come in and stay with me. I like it because it gives me some company and we have a lot a fun. I’m glad you like the idea of that book. I have sure learned a lot of things from it. I thought I might know a little bit from what I’ve heard from someone telling me, but I sure found out how much other people don’t know.

Just think in about 6 weeks we will be together again. That is sure going to be wonderful. I can hardly wait. It is going to be so swell to hold you in my arms and kiss you and just love you up all over.

Well Sweets, I had better close for now. I have to get breakfast, fix my lunch, and meet Leo at the Y about 10 or 10:30. I will write again tonight. I love you very very much. See you at 8.

Love & xxxxxxxxxs Johnny

PS I love you

Thursday 1:30 AM June 3, 1943

Hi Honey:

Well here I am again but this will be short because this is my last piece of paper. Besides there isn’t any news.

How are you? I hope fine and dandy. I called your Mom this morning, she is kind of mad because she hasn’t heard from you kids. I let it slip out about getting two Specials this weekend and I don’t think she liked it. You’d better write her Honey, before she crawls down my neck. I didn’t tell her about the phone call though.

Well I feel pretty good tonight. Howard my boss told Marian and I that we were the two best workers he had in the whole wing. He said that when ever he wanted something done and done good, he could ask us to do it and feel confident that we’ll get it done. Yep, I’m bragging, because Howard isn’t the type to handout compliments if they aren’t deserved.

It’s 11:30 there, you are just getting off of work, maybe you’re just walking out the gate. It’s blowing up another storm here. It’s windy but hot, about 90° and lightning like heck.

I’m glad you and the kids had fun Sunday. Hope Opal finds a nice place to live.

Well Honey, my little or rather big lug of a swell fellow, I better get to bed as I have to get up and do my ironing.

Oh I forgot, please excuse the writing that I cut my finger on one of the trays at work and it hurts, it’s bandaged up and makes me write terrible.

I love you but definitely and will see you some time between now and next month some time. Indefinite, isn’t it? Good night Honey.

Love as always “Your” Darlin Janie

1:30 AM June 3, 1943 Thursday

Hello Darlin’:

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

Darling, I made out again tonight, so I am just dead. And to top off working so hard, Leo and I really had a good workout at the Y.

If you don’t mind, I think I will go to bed.

I love you very very much. Good night Sweetheart.

Good morning Darling:

I just clum out of bed. My eyes are still having a hard time to keep open. I didn’t get any mail yesterday, so I haven’t anything to answer.

I ran 137 feet last night. If I make out tonight or tomorrow, I will make around $100 next week. Dick called this morning but I was in the shower and who ever answered the phone told him I wasn’t here. I hope he calls back. Maybe he will come in this weekend.

Syd called and wants to play golf with me the Sunday. Maybe Dick will be in too, then we can all play.

Hello Darling; I’m back. Oh, you didn’t know I’d left. Well, I went to the store and bought some more groceries. I got 2 big steaks. If Dick comes in Sunday, we can happen dinner together here at the house.

The mail was here when I got back. There was a letter from you, so I will answer that now. I’m sorry you were not feeling well. Be sure and take care of yourself. Here is a coincidence, just now the radio started plane “Thanks For Everything” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iAJeBQH_4CM). At the same time I read it in your letter where you said or rather thanking me for this scanties and the call and the Special on Monday. You had better wear those scanties when we get married or you can bring them out in July if you want to.

Well that’s about all of that one so I had better close and get to work. I sure wish you were here now. I love you so very very much and miss you till it hurts. I will write again tonight. See you at 8.

Love & xxxxxxxxs Harlan

Thursday 2:00 PM June 3, 1943

Hi Sweetheart:

I have a little time before I go to work so thought I would start your letter now. O.K? O.K! Received your letter of Tuesday and it was a nice one. 145, that’s a lot of feet. I guess I forgot to tell you Honey, the scanties do fit, just perfect. This slip will have to be shortened a little but then I always have to shorten all of my clothes.

That way a nice dream Harlan and that’s going to be the way it will be because I’m going to have Dadie give me away no matter what. Won’t Dad be proud. Oh Honey, that will be the day of all days for us. We will have waited so long. By the way I got a bond today, so now we have $500. Harlan, you’re not counting on spending any of that, are you? We are going to save that for our future, aren’t we? Maybe for our T&T or a down payment on a new home, what do you think?

Yes you did beat me to the draw on the phone call.

If you say that you can’t possibly find out when you will be called then all we can do is wait, and I’ve waited for something some so many months now, it only seems natural, no matter what. I’m right beside you Hon. 

Well Sweets, it’s 2:30 and Chet will be here in a half an hour, so I had better go and get ready. Oh I forgot to tell you, the reason Dick didn’t come in that night was because Dick has been in the hospital at the base with tonsillitis and it was so damp and foggy, he thought he better stay in.

Well must run now, will finish this tonight. I love you Harlan, very much. Bye for now.

Love Janie

12:00 A.M. Friday morning

Hello again, I just got through eating a delicious egg sandwich with ketchup on it. Boy was I hungry, you bet. Nothing unusual happened at work tonight, so there is no news there. In fact I can’t think of anything more to write about so guess this will end it. Have to get to bed anyway. I love you very much. Good night Honey

Love & xxxxxxxxxs “Your” Darlin’ Janie

1:10 AM June 4, 1943 Friday

Hello Darlin’:

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

I just got home from work and had had a shower. I feel pretty good. I had a pretty easy time at the yard tonight. I didn’t make out, but I got quite a bit done. I answered the letter I received today so I don’t have anything to answer. Now, I don’t know what I’m going to write about. It seems funny writing to you every night and talking to you once in a while and yet not seeing you, or being able to hold you in in my arms like I used to. All of my memories seem like some wonderful dream. I keep wishing they would come true. Pretty soon they will.

I just don’t know what else to write about. I haven’t heard anything from the draft word yet. I don’t know what will turn up.

Well Sweets, I guess I had better close and 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 sure was tired. This morning somebody else was washing their clothes so I couldn’t wash mine. I will have to wait until Monday. I woke up at 7:30, went up and had my breakfast, came back down to my room and laid down and fell asleep. I woke up at 11. I went to the store and bought some bread for my lunch and the mail was here when I got back. There was a swell letter in it for me. I’m not going to answer it until tonight though. Then it will be in your Special.

You probably won’t get this until Monday anyway. I was going to say something about Don. You said he was going to an employment office to see if he could get a job in a ship yard. Tell him he doesn’t need to go to any employment office. He can just come out and go right to work. Find out from him what kind of work he wants and I’ll find out all I can for him. Oh yes, before I forget it, I want you to do something for me. Take a small strip of paper and measure your wrist.  Mark on it the links across your wrist. I’m making you a ? (I won’t tell you now) but I have to have the exact size of your wrist market like this.

While Sweets, I must go for now. I will write again tonight. I love you very very much. See you at 8.

Love & xxxxxxxxxxxxxs Y.F.H. Harlan

Friday 2:00 P.M. June 4, 1943

Hi Honey:

Gosh, I just got up about a half-hour go. I guess I was more tired than I thought. It’s chilly out but the sun is nice and warm. Oh I forgot, I’m out in the backyard laying on a blanket in the Sun.

Your letter came about 10:30, it was too short though. Gosh Honey, I’m running out of ink, oh no, I guess not.

Well today is my last day at work for two whole days. This is my weekend off you know and tomorrow I’m going down on a real shopping spree.  I wish I had about $25 more to spend though. I’m not going any place tomorrow night unless maybe to a show with the folks, but Sunday night I’m going out with Yudie. Don’t know just yet what we will do.

When I talked to your Mom yesterday, she said she had talked to Mrs. Clark and that she said you were in good spirits and seemed very well. I don’t know if you were really in it in good spirits or if maybe it was a front, but if it was a front, thanks a lot Honey.

Well honey it’s 2:15, so I better go get ready for work. I’ll finish this when I get home from work. I love you very much and 6 weeks is just about right. Bye for now. Jane

Well Hello Darling, I mean Honey:

It’s 1:15 and I just got home. can you imagine that, well what do you know? Boy, am I happy, you bet. I don’t have to be back to work until 4:00 Monday afternoon. Oh boy oh boy oh boy – oh joy. The reason I am late is because we stopped at Curly’s to cash our checks. And tomorrow I’m going to spend every penny a new clothes to show off for my Honey.

Say, by the way, have you heard about your blood test? If you did, you didn’t tell me about it. Now here here, this will never do, are you holding out on me Harlan? Dear Harlan, I love you so much, how I wish you were here and we could smooch and smooch and smooch, simply for hours if you wanted, wouldn’t that be grand, oboy, you bet.

Say by golly, did I tell you what happened last night? No? Well I was sitting putting up my hair, smoking a cigarette when I heard some one coming up the stairs, so I smashed out the cigarette shoved the ashtray under the bed and in walked Dadie. However, I forgot to put my cigarette case away, he walked in and picked up my cigarette case, took one out, let it up and sat down. Honestly, Harlan, I thought my heart was going to pop out the soles of my shoes. He said, “Lucky’s aren’t bad, are they Janie?” I said, no there not Pop, and when he got through, he got up, went downstairs and went to bed. And never said another word. I was simply scared to death to face him this morning but when I did, he winked say good morning Janie and never said one word about it at all. Boy he sure is one swell Dad, isn’t he?

Well Honey, I rattled on long enough. I wouldn’t be able to add on any thing in the morning because I’m going downtown. Have a nice time Honey on your Sunday off and be a good little boy. I love you, Honest I do, don’t do anything I wouldn’t do will you? Good night my big lug.

“Your” (and only yours) Darlin’ Janie

PS Hello again, I’m sorry there isn’t any more to write because this is your Special. I was going to write a line ~ I love you but definitely.

1:30 AM Saturday, June 5, 1943

Hello Darlin’:

Well here it is another day closer to July and you. First of all I will answer the letter I received today. I will be glad when this month is over to. I don’t think I play a good game of golf at all. Sunday I will keep score and send you the scorecard. I didn’t mean I had lost you but I meant that I didn’t really know how much you meant to me until I came out here. Yes, I remember how we used to dance to a lot of pieces. Sure we can go up to the Mark Hopkins Roof Garden. I think you’ll be disappointed in it though. It’s just a bar, that’s all. What did you do to your legs? Did you go and shave them? I sure hope you didn’t!!! Tell Don if he wants a job out here, come on out. My little book is coming along fine. I think it’s very good and I think you are going to be lucky to have a husband who knows a little something start with. That is all the questions so I guess I had better close for now and get some sleep. I will finish this in the morning. I love you more and more every day. Good night Sweetheart.

Good morning Darlin’: It sure is a beautiful day here and I wish you were here now. But it won’t be long now well, will it? There isn’t any news. I don’t know what to write about. How much do we have in bonds with the one I’m sending now?

Jane I have been thinking, if I don’t have to go to the Army I think I will get another car. Herman is good car to drive around for kicks you know but we are getting a lot older. I would like to get a 37 or 38 Chevy or maybe 1939 Plymouth. Would you think? They have some kind of plan at the yard now and I may be drafted or frozen right in the yard for the duration. It is called the Manning Plan. When I hear more about it, I will let you know.

Well Darlin’, I guess I had better close and get this down to the post office. I love you very very much and I’m am more sure than ever.

Love & xxxxxs Y.F.H. Harlan 

(Glenn Miller is playing ‘Dearly Beloved’ Tell me that it's true, Tell me you agree, I was meant for you, You were meant for me. Dearly beloved, how clearly I see, Somewhere in Heaven you were fashioned for me, Angel eyes knew you, angel voices led me to you; Nothing could save me, fate gave me a sign; I know that I'll be yours come shower or shine; So I say merely, dearly beloved be mine.   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qEztxqxQAjQ)

June 5, 1943

Dear Mr. Hare,

This is a letter that I should have written a long time ago.  I hope you will forgive me for not doing so. When a fellow is writing to his future father-in-law, he has to be pretty careful and not say the wrong things.  I don’t know if the Army will take me or not. Sometimes I want to go into the service and sometimes I don’t.  Right now it doesn’t make so much difference. They keep a person wondering so much, I don’t know where I stand. 

I have been getting along exceptionally well in the yard. The welding crew I am on is rated as the best crew in the yard. We put out more welding and have less corrective welding than any other crew.  I don’t want to and I don’t plan on being a welder all of my life, because it is very hard on my health.  It is a job that is very hot and smoky. If I could get a job as a Forman over a crew, I wouldn’t mind staying in ship building after the war.

Dick called me this morning while I was in the shower and whoever answered the phone told him I wasn’t here.  We have had a lot of fun together.  The day I took my physical, Dick went out to Treasure Island to see if Chuck was there,  but the guards wouldn’t let him in.  Have you heard yet where he was sent?  I sure hope it was Treasure Island. If he is at TI, he will still be here when Jane comes out.

San Francisco and Oakland are on a dim-out everynight. It sure seems funny not to see the stores and theaters all lit up.  About 6 miles up from the ocean beach, all cars have to drive with their dimmers on.  There is a $25 fine for violation of it. All shades have to be drawn when you have the lights on in the house.

I get to see a lot of interesting sites out at the yard! We always have 1 or 2 submarines in for repairs. I saw one great big one.  It had 13 Jap ships to its credit. I watched them load some torpedoes on it and some deck gun shells.  I think they carried about 24 torpedoes. There are always cargo ships, tankers, and transports in for repairs. I have seen the 2 ships that are the only 2 ships in the whole world that are neutral. They are painted bright colors and carry no guns at all.  I believe one belongs to Sweden and one to Norway.  They are sister ships and are exactly alike, even in color.  These ships are used to haul or carry diplomats and ambassadors from country to country. I also believe they carry prisoners too.

Well Mr. Hare, I seem to have rambled on and I still haven’t very much.  Jane and I haven’t any definite plans as of yet. We will probably make some in July. By then I should know about the Army. (I hope).

Well, I have to fix my dinner and a lunch to take to work, so I had better close.

Next time, I will try to write a better letter. I will know a little more of what I can plan for the future.

Love as always Y.F.S.I.L. Harlan

PS I think you and Mrs. Hare are the tops.

1:30 AM June 6, 1943

Hello Darlin’:

Well here it is another week closer to July and the sweetest girl in the world.

Syd is coming over early in the morning so I had better go to bed. I will finish this letter in the morning. Okay? Okay! I love you very very much.

Good night Sweetheart.

Hello darling: I’ll bet you have been wondering where I’ve been. The time is Sunday at 11:45 PM, Syd came a little late. He got here at 8 AM. We went out play golf but there were too many people there and we would have to waited for an hour and a half. I was invited over to Hook’s house for dinner and was supposed to be there at 12 noon. Syd and I drove to a practice range and drove off a bucket of balls. It was getting towards 10:45 so we had to leave. I stopped at Syd’s house and picked up my swimming trunks I had left his car, then came on home. I took a shower, shaved and left. I got there just about the right time. We had dinner and sat around the house and talked for quite a while and then drove out to the zoo. We then came back to their apartment and had lunch. Then decided to go bowling. Hook and I went over to get a girl to take care of their baby. Lester and his wife came down, so we 5 went bowling. We had to wait quite a while for an alley. We went into the cocktail lounge and I had T.C. It about set me on my ear. We started to bowl and the first game I bowled 139. The second game I could hardly see the pins. That Tom Collins was pretty strong or I’m not used to drinking. I bet quarter on the game, my score was 98. The third we bet $.50. My score was 178. I won $1.50. Then after bowling I came home. Your Special was here when I got home. I also had two letters to answer but I think I will do that in the morning.

Tonight I sure feel terrible. I can’t seem to find enough time to do thing I want to do. I should have stayed home today and washed my clothes and cleaned up my room. I will sure be glad when you get out here and when you we get married. I sure don’t like this living by myself, cooking my own meals, washing my own clothes, and trying to keep my room looking clean. I wish I had known this was your weekend off. I might have called you tonight. I miss you so much today. Hook and his wife have so much fun together. There little girl is just like a doll.

Well Sweets, I guess I will close for now. I will finish this in the morning. I love you very very much.

Good night Sweetheart.

Good morning Darling:

I woke up about 10. I was going to wash some clothes but it was kind of foggy and misty out so I didn’t. I ironed pair of work pants and some handkerchiefs.

The mail came but I didn’t get a letter from you today. The mail delivery is getting worse out here.

I have 3 letters to answer so I will do that before I close. I’m glad the scanties fit good. I’ll say I’m not planning on spending that bond money for at least 10 years. Maybe we can send T & T to college with the money. No, I haven’t heard about my blood tests as of yet. I told you that as soon as I do, I will let you know. I’m not holding out on you. Yes, we would smooch for hours and hours if we were together. Yes, your Dad is one swell fellow. No, I won’t and didn’t do anything you wouldn’t.

Well Sweets, I guess I had better close for now. That is all the questions to answer. I love you very very much and I will see you at 8.

Love & xxxxxs Johnny

Sunday 1 PM June 6, 1943

Hi Honey:

Boy, I am disgusted, you bet. Here I have two hole days off and had so many things to do and do you know it was it has rained ever sense I got off of work Friday night at 12:00. However, I did go downtown yesterday and spent too much. I bought my shoes. They are different than any I have ever had before. I hope you like them because they are you. Then too, I bought two little cotton suits and some more lingerie and paid on my bill. But it wasn’t much fun because I got all wet.

Honey, they are playing “Why Do I Love You?” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RFkQrVDHch)

Last night after we got home from town, we drove over to Katherine’s, Gabby and I, then she wanted us stayed for dinner so we went out and bought six deluxe hamburgers to go and everything to go with them and then went home or rather over to Katherine’s and ate and sat around until 10:30 and then I took Gabby home and I came home.

Last night we were figuring about our trip, you know as far as we know we are leading the 18 of next month and that’s only five weeks from yesterday. This Janet, the girl who owns the car, was able to purchase new tires, and will be able to get plenty of gas, then next week she’s having her car over hauled, so the car will be alright. We figured it would probably cost us about $25 a piece to go. That is our food and cabins. Harlan, do you remember how much it costs you kids for gas and oil in little Herman? Say, I asked you if I should bring my green suit and you never answered. You make me so mad when you do that. I’m only trying to do things right and if you can’t help me a little then I won’t try anymore.

Harlan, have you transferred to that board out there or is this one still your board. What did you mean it’s up board in the Des Moines?

Your Mom hasn’t called for a couple of days so, I take it she has had heard from you or Opal.

Your Special hasn’t come yet so do I don’t have anything to answer. Yodie and I are going to a show tonight, but that’s about all. Darn this rain. I hate it. If it is raining when I’m out there, I’ll do something terrible. Say Harlan, how long do you think I should state? Answer and sensibly.

Gotta go now, will you see you soon Hon. I love you very much.

Love & xxxxxxxxx’s “Your” Darlin Janie

PS Ah loves ya Honey, ah loves ya