UPDATE: An extraordinary collection of over 200 love letters from WWII soldier William Raymond Whittaker to his sweetheart Jane Dean has just been digitized and is now available for public viewing through the Nashville Public Library. This intimate correspondence paints a poignant picture of love amidst the chaos of war, making it a must-see for history enthusiasts and romantics alike.
The letters were discovered in a Nashville home that belonged to Jane and her siblings and were donated to the Metro Nashville Archives in 2016. Whittaker, affectionately known as Ray, originally hailed from New Rochelle, New York, and moved to Nashville to attend Meharry Medical College, where he first met Jane. Their relationship blossomed but faced interruption when Ray was drafted into the Army in the summer of 1942.
Stationed at Fort Huachuca in Arizona, Ray reached out to Jane, who was working as a medical lab technician at Vanderbilt University. The first letter from Jane, dated July 30, 1942, reveals her mixed emotions: “Pleasant because you will always hold a place in my heart… Sad because you are in the armed forces — maybe I shouldn’t say that but war is so uncertain.”
“The letters provide a charming glimpse into the lives of ordinary people during a tumultuous time,” said Kelley Sirko, the library’s metropolitan archivist. “You can’t help but smile when you read through these letters.”
As the correspondence progressed, the couple’s affection deepened. Ray, now stationed at Fort McClellan in Alabama, hinted at a proposal in an undated letter from September 1942: “I might even ask you to marry me. One never knows.” This playful banter showcased their evolving relationship against the backdrop of wartime uncertainty.
Jane initially questioned Ray’s feelings, expressing concern that loneliness might be the true motivator for his affection. However, Ray’s sincerity soon won her over. On November 7, 1942, they married in Birmingham, Alabama, despite the lingering separation caused by military service. “It’s a wonderful thing to have such a sweet and lovely husband,” Jane wrote in her letter just two days later, capturing the bittersweet nature of their love story.
The collection, beyond a mere romance, offers a unique perspective on the racial and gender issues of the time, illustrating the complexities faced by couples navigating love during wartime. The letters also include a few photographs and Ray’s patch from the historically Black fraternity Alpha Phi Alpha.
Despite attempts, Nashville archivists have been unable to locate any living relatives of Ray and Jane, leaving their story largely told through these letters. The couple had no children, according to Ray’s obituary, which adds to the poignancy of their narrative.
As the world reflects on these letters, the Nashville Public Library aims to make this touching piece of history accessible to everyone, allowing readers to witness the trials and tribulations of love during one of the most challenging times in modern history.
For those interested in exploring this heartfelt compilation, the letters are now available for viewing online, offering a rare glimpse into the personal lives of two individuals whose love story transcended the difficulties of war. Don’t miss this chance to connect with history through the eyes of Ray and Jane, whose words continue to resonate today.
