Dear John

A  “Dear John” letter is a letter that a woman writes to either her husband or her boyfriend when she wants to tell him that she wants to end their relationship. Most of the time, there is another man involved. The woman has often found another lover or wants to proceed with her life for another reason, and either doesn’t have the courage to tell the man in person or is separated by an insurmountable distance or circumstancse, and can’t tell him in person. There is nothing more heart wrenching than for a man to receive a “Dear John” letter from the woman he loves.

Nobody is quite sure of how “Dear John” letters came to be or when they actually started, but most people believe that the term started being used by Americans during World War II. While many of the American servicemen were stationed overseas for months, or even years, their wives and sweethearts were left at home to carry on. The men looked forward to their letters from home during this dangerous, war torn time, and none more than the letters from the special women in their lives. Imagine, a lonely, disheartened soldier, far away from home and receiving a long awaited letter from the one person in the world he still feels close to and has been waiting anxiously to hear from. He rushes to tear open the letter, only to be greeted by the words “Dear John (or whatever his name happened to be),” with no endearments or nicknames that would usually greet him in her letters. His heart would ache, because he knew what was ahead, since this was the way all “Dear John ” letters were written and became well known among the troops as more and more of them were received. How was a soldier who was stuck so far from home supposed to deal with a situation like this? He couldn’t, because he was in a vulnerable position and powerless to fight this more personal war with heartbreak while he was fighting  the real war. Sadly, many of our fine servicemen received this type of letter during the war.

There is some speculation over how “Dear John” letters came to get their name. Many people believe that it is because “John” was the most common man’s name in the United States during the 1940′s, so it began to be used generically in the context of that type of letter, as it is a generic term when used as “John Smith” or “John Doe.” There is also a good possibility that the sad letters were named after a popular radio soap opera named “Dear John” that aired from 1933 to 1944.

No matter how the “Dear John” letter originated or got its name, it is one of the saddest things to be passed down from the 1940′s. Nobody ever wants to receive a “Dear John” letter…then or now.

1940s.org • The 1940's • Fashion History Movies Music

In celebration or act of affection, in the light of day or dark of night. It gives me hope, and it gives me motivation. You say goodbye to me with a kiss and I have reassurance, you say hello to me with a kiss and I have comfort. And while we kiss, there is the exchange of our deepest emotions, our secrets, our tastes, our fears, and our scents. Selfless love and trust. I’ll march around the world if you’ll wait for me. It is a memory worth fighting for, and I’ll be back for more.

The first photo really says it all, enjoy the slideshow by clicking on the arrow below.

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1940s.org • The 1940's • Fashion History Movies Music

The 1940 Census and 1940s.org, a match made in nostalgia heaven! Earlier this month (April 2nd), digital images of the 1940 United States Federal Census were finally released after a 72 year embargo. Unlike previous census years, images of this census are made available as free digital images.

We are excited to announce that we have joined the 1940 U.S. Census Community Project to help index the 1940 Census! 

Indexing records from our state, Florida, or any state will be an essential part of this grass-roots effort and will put one of the richest genealogical data sets in the world online, complete and free of charge forever. You do not have to live in Florida to join our group, you only need a desire to help.

Please follow this link to the1940census.com/society and first download the free software, install the software and open it. When open, there is a registration form to fill it out and submit. You will then activate it and log-in and choose the society you'd like to be a part of. Please select "1940's Florida Project" on the profile screen when creating your account. From there, it is time to start indexing!

There are many people still alive today who will be able to find themselves in the 1940 U.S. Federal Census. Others will be able to connect with relatives they knew personally or through family stories. A great resource for current and future researchers!

Thank you in advance for your participation. We look forward to the impact this resource will have for researchers of our area and so many others. Interest in the 1940 Census is both significant and sentimental because it documents “The Greatest Generation”.

Our Greatest Generation:

■ Survived the Great Depression
■ Fought in the Second World War
■ Innovated technology (TV, Microwave)
■ Sacrificed in the name of freedom
■ Practiced thrift and compassion
■ Understood hard work and industry

Helping to index the census is a way of giving something back to this great generation and rightfully preserving their place in our nation’s history. Find joy in the journey, and be a part of this historic event! The 1940 Census.
 

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1. The War – A social history of WWII in the 1940′s

1940s.org • The 1940's • Fashion History Movies Music

Because of growing interest in flying across the ocean, Pan American Airways asked the Boeing Airplane Co. during the mid-1930s for a long range commercial transport airliner capable of trans-Atlantic flight.

Boeing signed a contract with Pan Am to build six Model 314 Clippers, and on May 31, 1938, the first Clipper is taken down the Duwamish River in Seattle for its first flight on June 7, 1938 with test pilot Eddie Allen at the controls. On January 26, 1939, the Model 314 Clipper is given permission by the Civil Aeronautics Authority to be used for commercial service by Pan American Airways. Boeing's Model 314 made its first scheduled commercial trans-Atlantic flight on June 28, 1939.

With its two deck cabin, The Clipper was the "jumbo" aircraft of its time with a large whale shaped body, and a 3,500 mile range. The plane had large windows for the passengers to look out of, dressing rooms, a dining area that turned into a lounge. The Clipper had  74 seats that would convert into 40 bunks for overnight travel. Hotels would cater gourmet meals to be served from its galley.

A total of twelve were built between 1938 and 1941, but because no other aircraft of the time could meet the distance and load requirements of our military during the eruption of war, the Clipper was drafted into service to carry personnel and materials. (It is also well known that one carried Winston Churchill on his intercontinental journeys).

Below are additional photos, but first the numbers:

Span: 152 feet
Length: 106 feet
Gross weight: 84,000 pounds
Top speed: 199 mph
Cruising speed: 184 mph
Power: Four 1,600-horsepower Wright Twin Cyclone engines
Accommodation: 10 crew, 74 passengers

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1940s.org • The 1940's • Fashion History Movies Music

Newsreels in America were used during the general time period of the silent film era, through the 1960s. Universal newsreels (produced by Universal Studios) were released twice a week between 1929 and 1967.

During World War II, American movie-goers were shown these popular newsreels as part of the total entertainment that accompanied the feature film. Because news of the war was otherwise obtained through newspaper and radio, these dramatized news stories (or short documentary films) became very popular.  Most consisted of U.S. military footage depicting allied military operations and other events from the home front.

The US Government recognized the impact and potential and produced 267 newsreels called the 'United News.’ These newsreels were shown throughout the U.S., but were really targeted to overseas viewers, and released in several languages, including German.

In our first installment of Universal Studios newsreels below, we bring you 10 newsreels listed in order by the date released, out of the 100 or so that will be coming to 1940s.org:

1940-06-10

1940-10-30

1941-04-12

1941-04-17

1941-04-24

1941-05-01

1941-05-20

1941-05-22

1941-06-23

1941-06-26

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1940s.org • The 1940's • Fashion History Movies Music