UPDATE: A remarkable collection of over 200 love letters between William Raymond Whittaker and Jane Dean has just been digitized and launched by the Nashville Public Library, providing an intimate glimpse into love during World War II. The digital display, available now, offers a touching narrative of courtship amidst the chaos of war, highlighting the emotional struggles and joys faced by the couple.
The letters, discovered in a Nashville home belonging to Jane and her siblings, were donated to the Metro Nashville Archives in 2016. Whittaker, affectionately known as Ray, hailed from New Rochelle, New York, and moved to Nashville to attend the historically Black Meharry Medical College. There, he met Jane, who was also a student at the college.
After losing contact when Ray was drafted into the Army in the summer of 1942, he reached out to Jane while stationed at Fort Huachuca in Arizona. In a letter dated July 30, 1942, Jane expressed her mixed emotions: “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 correspondence quickly escalated, revealing the highs and lows of their relationship during a turbulent time. “You can’t help but smile when you read through these letters,” said Kelley Sirko, metropolitan archivist at the library. “This is such an intimate look at two regular people during a really complicated time in our history.”
By September 1942, Ray hinted at a proposal, stating in an undated letter, “I might even ask you to marry me. One never knows.” Jane’s initial skepticism was evident as she questioned his feelings, but soon, their love story culminated in marriage on November 7, 1942, in Birmingham.
In a heartfelt letter from November 9, Jane addressed Ray as “my darling husband,” expressing her joy and longing as they navigated life apart. “It’s a wonderful thing to have such a sweet and lovely husband… But maybe this old war will soon be over and we can be together for always,” she wrote.
The donation also includes several photographs and Ray’s patch from the historically Black fraternity Alpha Phi Alpha, enriching the narrative with a perspective on racial and gender issues during that era. “This collection gives insight into what it’s like just navigating certain racial issues, certain gender issues, their work, and the life of a soldier,” Sirko noted.
As the letters become publicly accessible, they not only serve as a poignant love story but also as a historical document reflecting the complexities of life during wartime. The Nashville Public Library invites the public to explore this unique collection and gain a deeper understanding of the personal sacrifices made during World War II.
For those interested in history, love, or the human experience during tumultuous times, this digital display is a must-see. Access the letters now through the Nashville Public Library’s website and witness a love story that transcends time.
