My darling wifey,

Hello dear. I hope you are fine and not working too hard. But I suppose it is a little hard to get back in the harness again. Please don’t work too hard and get sick.

I received your wonderful letter yesterday. The one you wrote Monday of the first day back on the job. Boy! It certainly was swell of the kids at work to have a party for you. And they even gave us a swell set of China. Boy! That’s swell of them. I hope you thanked them for me too. I hope you didn’t let them get you down with the kidding they gave you. I suppose they really tried to embarrass you but I know you know how to handle those situations. All in all it made me feel very good to hear that some people do want to give parties for you.

Darling I have some very important news to tell you. I really don’t know if it’s good or bad, but I think it’s very good. You see when I got back here I found out that they were drafting men for different sea duty jobs. Well! I knew if I stayed at the hospital I’d probably get one soon. So I heard there was a draft to an arsenal in the Bremington area. That’s right across from Seattle. I got on it and am going to pull out. I think tomorrow night. It was a case where I had to use judgement and I hope it is a good job. Of course that is to be found out. Whatever it is, it can’t be any worse than the work I was doing at the Hospital. And it already looks like I might stay there for a while. Know what I’m getting at? Seeing I want you to be here with me so very much and you want the same it might be worked out. At least I’ll be close to a big city. If you did come out you’d easily find a job and we probably could be together nearly every night. Let’s hope it works out that way. I know that you miss me because I want you with me so much myself. Our love is the greatest thing we have and if things go right there is no reason I can see why we can’t be together at least for a while. What do you think of it? I hope you agree with my judgement and idea.

Darling you know that I think the world and all of my wonderful wife. It seems since I got back here and know your mine I love three times as much as before, but that’s impossible because I have always loved you with all my heart and soul. It’s impossible in life to make my wife happy. I hope I can fulfill that. If you’re happy I will also be. Things will work out for us.

Dear I know I haven’t kept my word to write you every day but between trying to get the allowance for you, trying to get transferred, washing and getting packed, and working long hours at the hospital ,I have had just about a twenty four hour a day job. I don’t know yet when I’m going to catch up on my sleep. But I’m not worrying and don’t you, dear.

Well! I’m at the U.S.O. in Spokane. I didn’t come in until today as I had to do many things last night to get ready to move. I don’t expect to stay long as I think a night of rest would do me much good.

How is Mother an Dad? I hope your Mother is feeling O.K. She probably won’t want you to come out here, but dear, I hope you can handle it. Give them my regards and I’ll write to your mother very soon.

Have you talked to my Mother lately? I hope she is O.K. I have written her a couple of letters.

Well! I guess I’ll close for now. Take good care of yourself, sweetheart. Bye, Bye and loads of love and kisses from your loving sailor husband.

Love,
Joe

P.S. Here is 10
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

I planted a big on there.

Hello My Darling,

A special hello today. I haven’t forgotten my husband’s birthday. Many, many happy returns. May God Bless you and keep you ever near me. I also must congratulate ourselves on our second week anniversary.

I received your most wonderful and welcomed letter today written Thursday. I sure am taking good care of me for you. I’m in bed by 9:00 o’clock every night. No night life for me (ever). I went shopping Thursday. It must have been 10:00 bells. Anyway, I’m all well and happy. Not even working hard.

I must tell you what happened today. Last night the checks were not ready at 4:00 or they should have been, but the people waited for them. Well, everything was O.K. until this morning and everybody started comparing wages. The Dope got 5 cent and 10 cent increases. Fabric and Assembly got 15 cent. Anyway, Alice A. got the same as the girls on the floor. The Dopes didn’t work from 7 to 9 at all. When Anderson, the soey. came we all went to him including Alice who blew her pot for all of us. Anyway, he quieted us down and said he would try and get us at least 5 cent more than the other department. Seeing is believing.

I can’t say that anyone worked all day. Everyone was too keyed up. I’m sorry. I know you don’t approve but I’m sure you don’t think that’s right. Us in danger, smell, dirt, heavy, men’s work. On untrained ladies and such. You can’t approve of them treating us that way. Anyway we have to wait and find out what happens.

To make a pleasant change about your rating, I sure hope we can make it. Not that we need the money so much but I want for you to get ahead. I have to show you off you know. You can do it easy for that reason alone and I can list more if necessary. I’m very sorry to hear you got taken out of your Ward. Is there any chance of getting that other deal that was cooking? Maybe it was meant to be this way.

What kind of sickness are you working with now? Is it the same line or not? Do you do the same things? Tell me all about it when you get a chance.

Sorry I didn’t finish this but read the next one, that will explain. I love you darling. See you soon.

Bye Bye
“Wife”

March 14, 1943

How is my sweet darling this afternoon? Fine I hope. I’m O.K. but all tired out. I’m sorry I didn’t finish my other letter last evening but Addie came over and took mom and myself to the show. We saw, “The Nave Came Through.” It is really cute. There was a midnight show and we stayed for that too.

We got home about 12:45 and I got up at 8:30 this morning. Mom and I have been working every since. We did a washing this morning. Then downstairs bedroom curtains and my undies and stuff. She then started the mending and I did the ironing. We took time out for lunch about 12:30 and then back to work. We spent at least 45 minutes on each part of the curtains.

Well, I just finished dishes and Mom’s doing a bit of repair work to the close our day. Some quiet time 4:00 bells. Not bad for a Sunday. I called your house today but didn’t get to talk to Mother. Bernice answered and I talked to her. I want to know how many pictures to order. Mother doesn’t seem to think that any of the family would care for us together. Perhaps of you alone though. Please tell me what you think. It doesn’t matter one way or the other. So much for that.

Darling just think 5 more days and I get a check. Hope you’re not too broke. Let me know because I’ll have more than I expect because of that 10 cent raise. Darling I just must close. I’m so tired I can hardly hold this pen. I guess I’ve got an awful cold and sore throat and stuff. Don’t worry about me though. I’m taking care of myself as best I can. God Bless you sweetheart. See you around soon.

Your loving wife, Love,
DeLores

P.S. Just think that right now I am your wife for good and always. I miss you but I got so much to think about. To plan for us. I’m not building air castles but I’m thinking about how happy we are going to be. Anyway, love is what we have and as long as we have that we needn’t worry.

Dear Joe,

How was the trip and did you eat all the food?

Well I got two letters today from Ralph and I was so excited I couldn’t eat any dinner. He is somewhere in Australia. He said he lost 28 lbs and can now wear a 58 underdrawer. So he now weighs 224 lbs. Not bad, ey? He said he wrote you three letters and never got an answer, so please write to him.

The Zeiglers were over for dinner this evening, but left early. Sam Zeigler is feeling better so thank God for that. I just got through writing two letters to Ralph and so I decided to tell you the good news also.

We had some trouble again with the furnace but believe it or not I fixed it myself. Well, it’s almost twelve o’clock so I guess I’ll go to bed.

Happy birthday Joe and lets hope next year we can really celebrate your birthday all together. I am sending Ralph’s new address.

Master Sgt Ralph J Ackert
37090210
Co. “C” 411th Engineer Base Shop Bn.
A.P.O. 704 70 Postmaster San Francisco, California

Your mother feels pretty good now and I hope she keeps up the good works. Excuse the writing as I am getting tired.

With love from us both,
Bernice and Mother

Hello my own sweet husband,

How are you tonight darling? I haven’t heard from you since the card Monday afternoon. I received it Wednesday. It was grand to hear and I called mother. She was happy I think that I called. Thursday at work I failed to mention it to Alice and at noon she remarked to me. “Say,” says she, “You didn’t tell me you called Ma last night.” She was over to your Mother’s and I guess she expected me to say something. She told me today that Bernice got a couple letters from Ralph. I guess he is in a          . I guess the kid i just tickled pink.

I’m sorry I didn’t get a letter off last evening but I went downtown and got my dress out of Laybe and got 4 pairs of shoes. One pair for work, 2 blacks and one red play shoes. I didn’t need stamps for then as they are all classed as play shoes. After that we went out to Wards and bought curtains for Mom’s bedroom. Helen still hasn’t returned them (Mom’s curtains)

Nothing exciting has happened to me since you left. I don’t suppose anything will. I got a awfully nice letter from Kate which I will send to you as soon as I answer it.

I talked to Mrs. Lehner the other night and she says hello to you. Also thanks you for the gas. I thank you for the load of happiness you have and shall continue giving me. I’m not the same as I was. At least that’s what the fellows at work say. One kid told me I don’t smile the same. I hope I don’t. I just want to smile to please you and I don’t care what they think of it. I’m doing my best. No bad stories and I’m going to be a lady. Before I forget, it isn’t necessary to send me anything. I’ve come through O.K. I know I shouldn’t worry with a husband like you but it’s my nature. I’m going to get this letter in the mail by seven so it goes out tonight and I’ll try to finish my story so you get that the day after this.

I must start to near the end of this note as I have taken out for supper and I must get it in the box if I expect you to get it. I love you darling and will always be your own sweet wife. I must go do dishes so write when you can. God Bless you my husband. See you soon.

Love,
DeLores

P.S. Always your own. I’m so happy just thinking about you I could cry. But I don’t. Mom and Dad heared from E Varn today and he also sends best wishes to us. I must drop him a line.

Bye Bye for this time, your wife and lover DeLores.

Note: Based on the forwarding address, it looks like Grandpa is now at the U.S. Naval Ammunition Depot in Bremerton, Washington.

Dear Joey,

I have been meaning to write to you for a long time, but it is so damned hard to write from flat on your back.

Marge and Bess both wrote about your marriage. Congratulations fellow and lots of luck to both of you in the future.

It was certainly a surprise to me because you haven’t been in the service long and here you are going home already.

I expect a 21 day furlough when I get out of the hospital. I still have 3 more weeks in the hospital. I am recovering from a hernia operation I had last week. I guess I strained a gut while loading up in Washington.

Well, Joey, let me know what you are doing.

Lots of luck, your buddy,

Mickey

Dearest Wife,

How is my darling? I hope she is fine and not working too hard. Remember you must take good care of yourself while I’m away, dear. I hope that you weren’t too tired out after I left.

Well I got back to the base in plenty of time. We arrived in Spokane right on time. It was 10:30 our time. I had to wait at the Bus Depot until 11:15 to get a bus to Cour De Jean. I got to Cour De Jean about 12:15 and caught the 12:30 bus to the base. I hit the hay by two o clock right after checking in so I think I made pretty good time.

Now I have been assigned to a different ward. It isn’t as good as the other one but I guess it will have to do. I guess when you go on leave they have to replace you so then when you return you get assigned again. I had to start at 8 this morning and work until 9 tonight so I’m really all in. I’m not kidding. The trip was plenty tiresome in itself and then only getting 3 1/2 hours sleep and putting in a 15 hour day. I know ou can understand I feel how I feel “All in but the shoe laces.”

I hope that that thing has come. As soon as I get to town which will be this weekend I’ll get something. Don’t worry darling everything will come out all right.

Dearest I do miss you so very much. But there isn’t anything to be done about it just now. I don’t know how long I’ll be here. If things work out right I probably will have my rating. I don’t know if that will be for sure but I sure hope so. I’m starting to study and fill out a test book. We certainly could use the extra money. Let’s hope dear.

Darling, I love you so dearly. Know that when this gets over with we’ll have loads of happiness out of our life together. You know that our love shall be as strong as it is forever. I know that I have the most wonderful wife there is.

Well darling, I have to turn in as I can hardly see. Say hello to Mother and Dad and everyone else. God bless you and dear I’m the happiest guy in the world to have you for my wife.

Your loving husband of the Navy (It’s the truth now),
Joe

P.s. xxxxxxxxx

My Dear Joe,

I received your letter a week ago and again have no idea how happy we were to hear from you. I understand just now busy you are so you’re excused this time but, don’t do it again now.

However, I understand just how it is when you are in Military service. It is about as hard as. I’m working to build ships, Joey. I’m a welder and believe me it’s hard work. But, at least I know now that I’m really doing something to help win Victory and I do hope that now I’m on the job it won’t be long before we will be Victorious so all the boys can get back home again.

So you were at Spokan, Washington. How nice and I’m glad that you like it so well there and that the people were so nice to you. It would be more though a thrill to see you Joe. I hope that it won’t be long before you can come out here. I’m off early then we will be able to be together a lot.

Joey, have you heard from Ralph. If so where is he? What do you hear from Mother? I just wrote her a letter and I hope that she is O.K. Joey I want to send you a package as a birthday gift but it won’t be until in another couple of weeks or so but I want you to keep on writing to me until then.

Well this is all the news for this time. And I hope this will find you in the best of health as we are all fine and little Helen is as darling as ever. You will have a good time with her you’ll see.

How is the weather your way? Out here it’s still pouring cats and dogs and you can imagine the road in the ship yards we are just up to the neck in it.

Now I’m closing with loads of love and best wishes from all, I’m as ever yours.

Cousin Rose
San Francisco

Hello My Darling,

How is my sweetheart this grand evening? I’m fine after the first day back on the job. I must tell you all about it. As I came into work the kids started singing the Wedding March. I took a bit of kidding this morning and at our usual lunch hour. Alice told us that the girls wouldn’t go to lunch until 12:00. I didn’t get it but went about my work. at 12:00 o’clock Alice told me to take off my overalls. We went to lunch at the Ad building. The girls planned a nice dinner for us. We had chow mein too. Schoff and Eliz Hawn made cake and brought them over for us.

After lunch they gave us a gift. It is a 34 piece set of china. It is darling. It is ivory with strawberries on them. They are really nice. The big bosses give us the right to take as much time for lunch as we needed. We used about 1 hour and 15 minutes. So much for that.

I’m listening to Vox Pop tonight and it sure is swell. It is English sailors in the states somewhere and it is really wonderful how they sound. Their moral is fine.

Well it won’t be long before you arrive at camp. Hope you aren’t too late. I suppose you will be though. Anyway it looks as if I have forgotten all about love. One letter gone, this one 2 pages and not a work of love. I’m madly, deliriously, and crazy in love with my husband. Please darling you must let me come out to Farragut. I miss you so darn much already. It will get lighter as time goes on. Are you planning on asking for a transfer to Mpls? That is the only good reason that I wouldn’t come out to Farragut. I’m going to work for a few weeks but then you can expect something.  Anyway, I’m in love with you and I want to be with my darling.

We got (dad got) a swell letter from Bud today. He doesn’t say much but says he is fine and likes the climate. They say the Red Cross is good to them.

Last night when I got ready for bed I came down to kiss your picture and the radio was on and they sang the most appropriate song: When I Kiss My Baby Goodnight. I went up to bed and cried and held your pillow. I miss you so much. I know you miss me too so we can confide in each others grief. I must sign off for tonight as the job was a bit hard today .Not used to it anymore. God Bless you my husband.

Love,
DeLores

P.S. xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxox

Hello Husbie,

How is my darling this new day? Hope the trip isn’t getting you down. I bet you’re just plenty tired out today. It is about 5:00 o’clock and I’m home alone. I slept most of the afternoon and I’m still tired. I didn’t realize that I was all in until I began to relax. I sure hope you can get (or did) get some sleep on the train.

I was so mad at myself when you called that I hadn’t gone over to Mpls with you. I could just as well have gotten a ticket to Mpls. Oh well, it was meant to be this way. After you called I shed a few tears but I’m being strong.

Floyd, Bud’s friend was over about 11:30 o’clock. He says he is going across when he gets back. He’s all happy about it.

I talked to Dar a few minutes ago. I asked her about wanting to talk to you alone the other night and she did. You’re pretty smart. She is still feeling badly about Mom giving her hell and I just told her to forget. That it didn’t bother us but that it hurt Mom. For the first time she didn’t get sore when I talked to her.

Well, sweetheart I’m going to go back to my story of a 9 day love. We are ready to go to the Hotel right now. I’ll send it to you when I finish it for corrections. God Bless you my husband. I love you and always shall.

Love,
DeLores

P.S. Keep up the good work and I’ll keep up mine. Bye Bye “wife”

And with what looks like a wedding night and some hotel keepsakes, Grandpa heads back on the train — now a married man!

Dearest Wife,

Just a line to tell you I’m O.K. and that I love and think about you always. The train is on time so I’ll be O.K. Say hello to Mother and Dad. Take good care of yourself, darling. I love you with all my heart.

Your loving husband,

Joe