Trove of 200 WWII Love Letters Discovered in Nashville Home

Intimate correspondence between a couple's wartime courtship now on display at the Nashville Public Library.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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More than 200 love letters chronicling the courtship and marriage of William Raymond "Ray" Whittaker and Jane Dean during World War II have been discovered in a Nashville home and donated to the Metro Nashville Archives. The letters, which span from 1942 when Ray was drafted into the Army, provide an intimate glimpse into the couple's relationship as they navigated the challenges of wartime separation.

Why it matters

The trove of letters offers a rare, first-hand account of a couple's romance during a pivotal moment in history, shedding light on the personal lives and experiences of ordinary people navigating the uncertainties of war. The collection also provides insight into racial and gender dynamics of the era.

The details

Ray, a medical student from New York, met Jane, another student, while attending the historically Black Meharry Medical College in Nashville. After losing touch, Ray reconnected with Jane in 1942 when he was drafted and stationed at Fort Huachuca in Arizona. Their intimate correspondence chronicles their courtship, marriage, and the challenges of being apart during the war. The letters include Ray's proposal and the couple's wedding in Birmingham in November 1942, as well as their feelings of longing and updates on their lives.

  • In the summer of 1942, Ray was drafted into the Army and stationed at Fort Huachuca in Arizona.
  • On July 30, 1942, Jane replied to Ray's first letter after he reconnected with her.
  • In an undated letter from September 1942, Ray told Jane he had something important to tell her, hinting that he might propose.
  • On September 23, 1942, Jane expressed skepticism about Ray's proposal, concerned it was out of loneliness.
  • On November 7, 1942, Ray and Jane were married in Birmingham.

The players

William Raymond "Ray" Whittaker

A medical student from New York who met and dated Jane Dean while attending Meharry Medical College in Nashville. He was drafted into the Army in 1942 and stationed in Arizona and Alabama.

Jane Dean

A student at Meharry Medical College in Nashville who dated and later married Ray Whittaker. She worked as a medical lab technician at Vanderbilt University during the war.

Metro Nashville Archives

The organization that received the donation of over 200 love letters between Ray and Jane, which are now on display digitally through the Nashville Public Library.

Kelley Sirko

The metropolitan archivist at the Metro Nashville Archives who oversees the Ray and Jane letter collection.

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What they’re saying

“It sure was a pleasant and sad surprise to hear from you. Pleasant because you will always hold a place in my heart and it's nice to know you think of me once in a while. Sad because you are in the armed forces — maybe I shouldn't say that but war is so uncertain, however I'm proud to know that you are doing your bit for your country.”

— Jane Dean (tribtoday.com)

“I have something very important to tell you when I do see you and you will be surprise to know as to what it is. I might even ask you to marry me. One never knows.”

— William Raymond "Ray" Whittaker (tribtoday.com)

“What makes you think you still love me? Is it that you are lonesome and a long way from home. I'm sure I want you to love me but not under those conditions.”

— Jane Dean (tribtoday.com)

What’s next

The Nashville Public Library plans to continue digitally displaying the collection of over 200 love letters between Ray and Jane, providing the public with an intimate glimpse into their wartime courtship and marriage.

The takeaway

This trove of personal letters offers a rare, firsthand account of an ordinary couple's love story set against the backdrop of World War II, shedding light on the challenges and uncertainties faced by those on the home front during a pivotal moment in history.