What's Happening?
The Nashville Public Library has digitized and displayed a collection of over 200 love letters exchanged between William Raymond Whittaker and Jane Dean during World War II. These letters, found in a Nashville home
and donated to the Metro Nashville Archives in 2016, provide a personal glimpse into the couple's relationship amidst the backdrop of war. Whittaker, a student at Meharry Medical College in Nashville, was drafted into the Army in 1942 and stationed at Fort Huachuca, Arizona. Despite the distance, he rekindled his relationship with Jane, who was working as a medical lab technician at Vanderbilt University. The letters reveal their courtship, marriage, and the challenges they faced during the war, including racial and gender issues.
Why It's Important?
The letters offer a unique historical perspective on the personal lives of individuals during World War II, highlighting the emotional and social challenges faced by couples separated by war. They also provide insight into the experiences of African Americans during this period, as Whittaker was involved with the segregated 92nd Infantry Division. The collection serves as a valuable resource for understanding the impact of war on personal relationships and the broader social context of the time.
