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Love Letters from WWII: Nashville Library's Heartfelt Collection

2/16/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The Nashville Public Library has digitized more than 200 love letters from William Raymond Whittaker and Jane Dean dating to World War II.
The letters, found in a Nashville home, document the wartime courtship as Whittaker served at Army bases and Jane worked as a medical technician.
Their correspondence culminates in their marriage on November 7, 1942, and shows Jane expressing love and longing despite post-wedding separation.

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Story summary

The Nashville Public Library has digitized more than 200 love letters from William Raymond Whittaker and Jane Dean dating to World War II.
The letters, found in a Nashville home, document the wartime courtship as Whittaker served at Army bases and Jane worked as a medical technician.
Their correspondence culminates in their marriage on November 7, 1942, and shows Jane expressing love and longing despite post-wedding separation.