URGENT UPDATE: A remarkable collection of over 200 love letters from a World War II soldier to his sweetheart is now digitally accessible through the Nashville Public Library. This intimate glimpse into love during wartime reveals the deep emotional connections forged amid the chaos of conflict.
The letters, penned by William Raymond Whittaker and Jane Dean, were discovered in a Nashville home belonging to Jane and her siblings. Donated to the Metro Nashville Archives in 2016, these letters showcase a poignant love story that flourished during one of history’s most tumultuous times.
Whittaker, known as Ray, hailed from New Rochelle, New York, and relocated to Nashville to attend the historically Black Meharry Medical College. There, he met Jane, another student, and their relationship blossomed. However, their communication waned when Ray was drafted into the Army in the summer of 1942.
Stationed at Fort Huachuca in Arizona, Ray rekindled his connection with Jane, who was then working as a medical lab technician at Vanderbilt University. Although the library lacks Ray’s initial letter, Jane’s response from July 30, 1942, captures the emotional weight of their correspondence. She writes, “It sure was a pleasant and sad surprise to hear from you… I’m proud to know that you are doing your bit for your country.”
The couple’s letters not only reflect their romance but also provide a lens into the societal challenges of the era. Kelley Sirko, the library’s metropolitan archivist, noted, “You can’t help but smile when you read through these letters. This was just such an intimate look at two regular people during a really complicated time in our history.”
The collection includes various photographs and Ray’s patch from the historically Black fraternity Alpha Phi Alpha, enriching the historical context. Notably, archivists have been unable to locate any living relatives of Ray and Jane, making these letters all the more precious as a historical artifact.
As their correspondence progressed, Ray was transferred to Fort McClellan in Alabama, helping to organize the segregated 92nd Infantry Division. In a letter from September 1942, he playfully hints at a future proposal, stating, “I might even ask you to marry me. One never knows.”
Jane’s initial skepticism is evident in her response: “What makes you think you still love me?” However, Ray’s heartfelt letters soon dissolve her doubts, culminating in their wedding on November 7, 1942, in Birmingham. In a letter dated November 9, Jane affectionately addresses Ray as “my darling husband,” expressing her love while lamenting their separation.
“It’s a wonderful thing to have such a sweet and lovely husband,” she writes, echoing the sentiments of many couples separated by war. “But maybe this old war will soon be over and we can be together for always.”
The digitization of these letters allows the public to access a vivid portrayal of love, resilience, and the societal issues of the time. As both a romantic narrative and a historical document, the collection offers essential insights into the lives of a couple navigating the complexities of a world at war.
The Nashville Public Library encourages everyone to explore this compelling archive, reminding us that love can endure even in the darkest of times. Share this story to honor the legacy of those who lived through it and to celebrate the power of love during adversity.
