Letters... | History - Life In The 40s | Club Dahlia

Handwritten letters seem to be such a lost art these days…during the 1940's, there was a frenzy of thoughtful letter-writing between the home front and the war front.  Nothing brought more joy to a soldier than a letter from home, and nothing brought more relief than a letter from a loved one on the war front.  Even the most seemingly simple bit of news from family and friends was a refreshment to war-weary souls; each letter, regardless of how brief, was a precious gift, a reminder that there is no distance in love, and that no matter the distance from home, you were never forgotten and always close at heart.  Letters were the main form of communication and encouraged expression and articulation of thoughts, ideas and emotions.  They were tangible mementos connecting two souls, often read and reread, and saved and cherished for generations. 

I enjoy taking a pen in hand and pouring my thoughts and sentiments onto the blank page, folding it carefully, tucking it in an envelope and posting it in the mail.  As it's winging its way to its intended recipient, I feel the reciprocated thrill of the exchange, and eagerly watch my mailbox for the reply.  Oh, the incomparable thrill of receiving a handwritten letter…

Do any of you write letters?

Zootsuit said:

My Mother wrote everyday to my Father when he was in the Army.  She would have his picture on her dresser, and she would look at it as she wrote him every night.  One of my all time favorite photos of my Dad was when he was in his Army uniform laying on his bed reading a book.  He had my Mother's picture beside him, and a picture of his Mother and Father next to her picture.  Two generations of family in one Photo! Letter writing was an artform, and really cherished during war time! 

What a precious memory, Zootsuit…handwritten letters are so nostalgic, and often a romantic part of our past.  Thank you for sharing this memory with us.  You described it so beautifully, and it's not at all difficult to imagine the scene of a lovely young bride writing to her true love on the war front.  And you are blessed to have such photos…what a treasure!

FlorrieMay said:

I remember writing letters and I even have some old love letters that my husband wrote to me years ago. I also have a postcard that my father sent to my mother when he was away with his ship during the war. Soldiers serving abroad now still appreciate letters!

Aw, FlorrieMay…cherish those letters ALWAYS!!  I send letters to a few soldiers, some on the battlefield and a couple rehabilitating at Walter Reed Army Medical Center.  We're all in need of encouragement and support, and I'm sure that those serving in the military especially need to know how much they're appreciated.