From Betty (Louisville, KY)April 20, 1945
Friday afternoon
Dearest,
How do you like this stationary. My sorority mother gave it to me for initiation. She also gave me a barrette with the Pi Phi crest on it.
I’m over at the house now. It’s about 1:45 and I have one more class at 2:30—softball. I have been studying in the library every afternoon and I’m tired of it.
Time out for a game of bridge. More latter
Well, I’ve played bridge, gone to softball, messed around and now I’m sitting out on the campus waiting for someone. It’s a beautiful Spring day. I’ll finish later.
Saturday night
I stayed out at school ‘til late last night. I went to a U.S.O. show for the sailors. It wasn’t very good.
I went to school this morning. Got home about 1:30, took a bath, dressed and went to the Service Club. I met two 5th Air Force Corpsmen, but neither one was in the 49th. They left their outfits on Leyte. Both of them were awfully nice. I talked to one of them a long time.
I got home from there about 6:45. Anne had gone over to a friend’s house for dinner and to spend the night. Mother and I had dinner and she went to bed. I did the dishes and then washed my hair. Mother has been cleaning house today and she’s worn out.
She wouldn’t let me go out tonight because I have a test on “Anna Karenina” Tuesday and I have about half of it (500 pages or so) yet to read. I don’t think I’ll have a chance to finish it. Better get started. Bye now. Be good. Miss you.
All my love,
Betty
P.S. We’re having mid-term exams. You know what that means. Not much time for writing. They’ll be over next week, so that won’t be bad.NOTE:
- The stationary has the Greek letters Pi Beta Phi embossed in red on the corner of the page.
From Betty (Louisville, KY)
April 4, 1945, Wednesday morning
Dearest,
I’m in Biology class and I have no pen, so you’ll have to excuse the pencil.
I’m so excited about our initiation that I’m just no good for anything. It’s so wonderful. I guess you’re getting sick and tired of hearing about Pi Phi all the time, but it means so very much to me. It makes me so happy because when you come home, I’ll have my pin. Please understand that it isn’t taking all my time from you, but it takes a lot of time plus the time for my studying. Lately I’ve been finding quite a bit of time to write to you. I’m so glad because I felt terrible about not writing very much for the past couple of months. I know you’ll understand.
Last night I went to see the play at the Little Theater. It was “Ghosts”, and I didn’t like it at all. We had to see it for our Humanities class. Now, I have to write a paper on it. I don’t’ know when I’ll get it done. This afternoon I’ll have to read all afternoon because I have a test on “Anna Karenina” tomorrow. I haven’t read but about two-thirds of what I’m supposed to have read. I’ll be up all night reading.
We’re having dinner at the house tonight as usual and then we have a meeting with the actives. It will be the first time we’ve ever had a meeting with them. After the meeting we’re supposed to go to a Woman’s Athletic Association party, but I’m going home and study.
I’m supposed to have all my notes for my term paper in Friday and I have six. The paper has to be about 5,000 words. I know what you’re thinking—“What have you been doing?” Well, it’s evident that I haven’t been studying. I just can’t seem to settle down. I guess after initiation I’ll do better. Here’s hoping!
This class is almost over, so I guess I’ll wind this letter up.
I miss you an awful lot and I’m waiting. It’ll be so much fun doing things together. We’ll have to be introduced to each other, it’s been so long since we’ve seen each other. I seem to know you pretty well through letters, though.
Bye for now, All my love,
Betty
NOTES:
- It is somewhat significant that both Jack and Betty wrote letters to each other on April 4th, 1945. It was on this date the following year (April 4, 1946) that they were married.
- This is the pin that Betty was so anxious to receive at her Ph Phi initiation
APO 70-- Lingayen Airfield, Luzon, Philippines4th April 45
Darling,
I haven’t gotten any mail since I wrote last time. There hasn’t been much coming in lately so I guess I will get them all in a bunch. (as per usual.) How has everything been going with you since you passed into the new term? Are you studying the same subjects as before?
FLASH!
Wait a minute! I just received a nice letter from you. It was dated Mar 16. I had almost given up hope of hearing from you today. That makes it all o.k. when I hear from you. Your sweet letters mean everything & I do mean everything.
We have been having a real quiet time up here. Our Enlistedmen’s Club is really swell.
Darling I understand how busy you must be. As my grandfather used to say going to school is the hardest work you’ll ever do. As far as not being able to write often. Well your letters are so sweet that I really don’t realize your not being able to write. I won’t ever say anything about your not writing, as long as I know you’re waiting for me and love me just a little more than you say.
I really can’t think of much to write these days. I know going to school must be lots of fun. Especially with all those sailors. Ha! Ha! Honey, I’m only kiddin.
Guess that’s about all for now.
I love you more & more as time goes by. Please believe in me.
Jack
Love to your Mom & Anne
