NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — The Nashville Public Library has launched a digital exhibition featuring love letters that narrate the courtship and marriage of William Raymond Whittaker and Jane Dean during World War II, showcasing the romance that flourished during a tumultuous time.
The letters, discovered in a Nashville home belonging to Jane and her siblings, were donated to the Metro Nashville Archives in 2016. They offer an intimate glimpse of their lives and the era’s complexities. Whittaker, known as Ray, originally hailed from New Rochelle, New York, before moving to Nashville to attend Meharry Medical College, where he met Jane.
After being drafted into the Army in 1942, Ray reached out to Jane, who was working as a medical lab technician. Their correspondence began with a warm yet formal letter from Jane, expressing both joy and sadness over his military service, painting a picture of love and uncertainty in wartime.
Ray's letters evolved from light-hearted teasing about a potential marriage to a deeper exploration of their feelings, reflecting their personal struggles amid national conflict. Jane's skeptical responses revealed the challenges women faced during this period, alongside the expectations of love and companionship.
Ultimately, the couple married on November 7, 1942, although they faced the harsh realities of war and separation. In her tender letter from November 9, Jane addressed Ray as her “darling husband,” expressing her profound love and longing for togetherness after their marriage.
This collection not only highlights their love story but also offers insights into the racial and gender issues of the time, illustrating the wider historical context. Archivists hope these letters can inspire a new appreciation for the personal impacts of history.
