Wartime Love Letters

Ella Mae (May 19 -22, 1944)

May 19, 1944

Dearest Johnny

Well my dearest here I am back at my letter writing again. I haven't an address yet but I'll mail them as soon as a get one. I've been up to your mothers all evening. I hoped you'd get a chance to call me. I waited until nearly 8 o'clock last night and then I went to H.F. and stayed all night. I was pretty tired and a little bit blue but I feel lots better to -day. I had a good nights rest last night and boy was I tired. It was around 2:30 when I went to bed Thursday night. We had a nice trip home but we weren't home long when we had a wind storm here. I didn't hear it but I did hear the alarm clock at six o'clock. And that in its self is a miracle as I was pretty tired.

Mabel Hay called me last night but I'd already left your mothers so I called her to-night. She says Larry called and he and Benway are still to-gether. Are you still with Basil and the others. I hope so. I think that Larry Hay and his wife are grand. I liked her a lot. We had quite a talk on the way home. It's pretty easy to be friendly with another women when you're both in the same fix.

I got paid to-day. Not a very big check $15.25. But don't worry about me I have nearly $40 and most of my expenses for this month are paid. And darling if you need money be sure and let me know. If you do possibly get a chance to come home on a weekend send me a telegram and I'll wire the money. By the way I won a buck on the no's last night (351)

Your mother went to Bingo again to-nite. Four times this week. Dad told her he'd give her the money and she didn't even have to think (She + I decided he was sick and we'd better take his temperature) She wanted me to go but I was too tired. Are you as tired from your leave as I am. I hope not because I still don't know how I managed to stick it out yesterday. Such a day I thought it would never end. But honestly darling I feel lots better to-night. The house is pretty big with you gone but I'm darn glad to be here to-night. Its allright to go up home for one night but I guess I feel better at home here. I think its cause you seem so much nearer when we're home. And you know darling I think I'm going to enjoy being a housewife when this is all over (Even those darn dishes)

Mom got a card from the Government to-day. Billy is at Camp Clayborne, Louisiana. And Bob called last night. He is in the Combat Engineers now and is at Fort Belvoir, VA. He is all packed and wanted his Sun tans right away. So I guess both of them are going places soon.

Sweetheart its nearly ten o'clock and my eyes are getting pretty heavy. I love you and dearest and don't forget Johnny and I are both keeping our fingers crossed that you'll be home before long. Remember we're here waiting for you always.

Lots of Love and Kisses                                                                                                                                                 Ella Mae

P.S. Johnny is taking your leaving again lots better than I expected. He says he knows you'll be home before long and he's really trying to be such a good boy. I'm not bedding bout that thu. Love

May 20, 1944

Dearest Johnny,

Another Saturday night but a slightly different one than last week. Its only 9:30 or so and Johnny and I are in bed. I waited until 8:30 to-nite hoping you might call but I know you must be pretty busy. We played poker for a little while this evening and I lost a whole nickel. Murf and Marion were down and I let Murf take the rake. He's is going to plant his garden.

Every one in the Shipping department quit at 3:30 to-day. So I only have 22 ½ hrs in this week. But I guess I'll draw around $10 with every thing out. There wasn't very much work.