1942 March 18

1 small folded sheet, 2 pp.

I love you; let's keep our chins up. After bowling went w/Edna Gardner to Mrs Josephine Colver's in Cuyahoga Falls; she gave me the enclosed. Have to arise at 6:30; hate for you to miss a letter, but letters worry me so; don't know why. XXXXXOOOOO Love Ruby. Enclosed is small tract: "The Divine Plan", by Glenn Clark; 'God has a Divine Plan for me.'

1942 March 19

Same. 1 folded sheet, 3 pp.

To bed early for some rest before I leave to see you tomorrow night; so glad to get your call & tickled you asked me to come; will have a full day tomorrow getting myself pretty for you; Ha Ha. Hope you like the pictures of me. Understand you rate pretty good there, get out of lots of work, according to your mother, about you playing the piona [sic]. I bowled much better Wed. Can hardly wait to see you Sat. Your Honey, Ruby

1942 March 23

Same. 1 small sheet, 2pp.

Got to Akron 3 am; to work at 8. Got a little sleep & something to eat on the train. Was tickled to see you; know how lonesome it is there; had a swell trip, in spite of rain, though only in the library with you; we'll be together soon; love you so much. Sending you stamps & lead. Yours Alway, Love Ruby

1942 March 26

1 small sheet, 2 pp.

Just back from hospital; Clark pretty sick last week; to hospital Mon; they took the baby from her Tues; it was dead; she's very ill, poison of the urine(?); so sorry for her & Johnny. Hope to get call from you tomorrow night. Love you more each day.

1942 March 27

1 folded sheet, 4 pp.

Waiting for your call. Bud is worse: headaches & back; please write to him. Let me know about Easter; dying to see you; whichever you think best: come home or meet in Baltimore; if I come to see you, I'll bring my pink lace nightgown. Write me a long letter.

1942 March 31

Same. 1 folded sheet, 4 pp.

Just back from hospital; Clark feeling better. Got your letter saying you had lots of snow. They keep you busy either in the kitchen or waiting on tables; you won't always have to do that. Getting nothing for Easter, just paying bills. Last night 3 girls from the Goodrich & Edna Gardner were here to play cards; they go to YWCA for lessons in sports; they want me to go, but I work harder than them & know that stuff anyway. I'm busy writing to you & studying English, arithmetic & spelling; won't go horseback riding this summer: too busy studying. So busy at the shop. Call me Thur night & let me know if you're coming home. I will love you always.

1942 April 7

1 small sheet, 2 pp.

Got home all right; felt bad on train; missed you so; the best Easter I ever had. This telegram was on door when I got home, from Jimmy, but I didn't answer; what does he think I am? Western Union telegram enclosed, to Ruby from Jimmy, Pinecamp NY[?]: Being transferred; didn't get paid this month; appreciate loan $20 till end of month.

1942 May 7

1 sheet, 1 p.

Working pretty hard around house after work at nights. Can hardly wait for you to call tonight. I love you more each day.

1942 May 13

1 sheet, 2 pp.

Stayed last night at your mother's; slept in your bed. Edna Gardner & Bud are still going together. Taking mother to doctor in Pitts. Sat morning. Don't feel good this week going down home and working hard. I miss you so; when you come home I will be so good to you, to make you happy. With Lots of Love & Special Kisses.

1942 May 22

Ruby, to Herman, C.W.S. School Det., Edgewood Arsenal. 1 small folded stationery sheet, 4 pp.

Glad to hear your voice last night on phone; glad you had good food & good time last night. My cold is a little better tonight. Jimmy phoned me tonight from Camp Perry; he'll train some men for a while then go somewhere else; he's coming here tomorrow & we may go home over weekend; mom's eyes till pop out. Wish you were here; love you so much.

1942 May 26

Same as above. 1 small folded sheet, 3 pp.

Haven't much to say; doctoring cold; working hard. Will talk to you Thur night; so much to tell you. Recd your letters today; I see you are not settled yet; just be pashinted [sic]

1942 May 30

Mom & Pop, Akron postmark, to HD, same. 4 small sheets, 4 pp.

I feel alright, but not a flower or nothing for my 35th wedding anniversary. They just now put the boat in the lake, and Minnie & I are to follow them in the car. Just heard a schot; they're schooting all the dogs that are running loose, and $100 fine besides; 28 bitten by dogs in last week; several were mad. . . Just came back from the lake; the boat is in, at Warners landing. How are you? Out of the dining room? The kids are walking around the house; they want to go to the lake, but it's still thundering & raining. Love & kisses from mom & pop. XXXXXX OOOOOO

1942 June 2 (morning)

Ruby, to Herman. 1 small folded sheet, 3 pp.

Came home from work last night and had to get groceries & dinner for mom ; was so tired; that trip going home is what makes me so tired. Got your 2 letters yesterday.

1942 June 2 (evening)

1 small folded sheet, 3 pp.

Will be glad Thur night to hear your voice; have so much to tell you. So busy now at home with mother; she can't cook at all. It's so hot in the plant & in my apt. For my only Boy Friend, your own Ruby always.

1942 June 6

Mom & Pop, same. 3 small sheets, 3 pp.

We're getting along but would be much better if you were here sweetheart. Glad to know you'll have something nice; I was nearly frantic when you were in that kitchen. Jans[?] & Gerard are going to get a cottage on the lake for a week; everything is sky high. Want me to send socks? Arnold didn't get the job at the Goodrich; didn't pass the exam.

7 June 1942

Ruby, to Herman, same address. 1 long sheet of Continental Coffee stationery, 2 pp.

Sitting in restaurant with Carl & his girl friend; have been to hospital to see mom; will start for Akron about 8:00; mother is suffering a lot with her leg; weights on it to straighten it out; they have about 10 needles in her arms & ears; will know by next week if they can save her leg. Didn't mean to scare on the phone the other night. With lots of love, kisses, hugs.

9 June 1942

Same address. 1 small folded sheet, 4 pp.

Been little nervous for I've been so busy with mother the last 2 wks; "there isn't many girls that would do what I have for their mother". Got 2 letters from you yesterday. Your mom told me about you working in that dangers place; I'm glad you're out of there; hope you get something nice before long. Dying to see you & I don't mean maybe. Will know what they can do for mother about Thur. Would be happiest girl in the world if I could cuddle up in your arms every night.

15 June 1942

Same address. 1 small folded sheet, 4 pp.

Got your snotey {snotty?] letter, but I overlook it, for I know how you are when mad at me; you didn't understand about that girl being there when you called me & when you wrote the letter. Mother getting along fine; they don't have to operate; it's some kind of germ they're trying to kill with shots; I'm trying to get vacation next wk; can see you over the weekend & be with Mother in Pitts. next wk; can get cheap room near the hospital. Sure hope you didn't get hurt Sunday out on that rifle business. I love you & think of you every minute; you ball [bawl?] me out but it's for my own good for you know what's best for me

16 June 1942

1 small folded sheet, 4 pp.

Came home from the station, but couldn't sleep, so I wrote you a few line. Called your mother & told her you were all right & had a good seat; she told me you told her you'd pay half my phone bill, but not to tell you she told me; please don't tell her I told you; she likes me plenty. I'll talk to you tomorrow might; will be glad to know if you're on the same job. Writing to Jimmie so he'll come tomorrow night. Will try to see Mother this weekend.

19 June 1942

1 small sheet, 2 pp.

I'm here in hosp beside Mom; she's getting better but will be here 3 more wks; Carl, Jimmie, Edna, & a girl with Jimmie are all here; we're going to leave for Akron. I am dying with the heat. How is work? Sorry you had to work today. I'll be with you soon all the time.

23 June 1942

1 small sheet, 2 pp.

All I do is think of you; would like to see you this weekend, but I've paid so many bills; maybe you could send money in couple wks so I could come up there. Trying to get all the children to give $25 a month and trying to get Dad, to all help mother; then I can come up there & be happy with you; I know I can get a job there. I am crazy about our ring.

26 October 1942

Addressed to 'Corp.' Herman Doesburg. 1 small sheet, 2 pp.

Got home last night at 10:00, was I tired; got your card this morning. If you get paid this Fri, send me money so I can come see you. Going to get my hair fixed & get plenty of sleep so I'll feel good when I come up there, so I won't get sick on train. Always & I don't mean maybe.

3 November 1942

1 small sheet, 2 pp.

Will see you Sat night; so glad I'll hold you in my arms all night. I'm going out to your mother's tomorrow night after work. Can't hardly wait till I see you. Hope some day we can live together & be happy & forget all the rest.

20 November 1942

Same. On both sides of an envelope.

Hope this war is over soon for are [sic] sake. Look for me Sat night at 6pm at the station; I'm all ready; please be there to meet me.

9 January 1943

1 small sheet, 2 pp.

Sure am tired; worked hard all week back in the press room on a man job, but in a wk will have a good pay; arms are so sore. Don't think I'll be able to take time off when you come home, but we can be at my place at night right after I quit work, then I'll get plenty of sleep. Jimmie came back last night; we'll go see mother tomorrow. I'm always thinking of you; it took me 30 years to find the one I love.

10 January 1943

1 small sheet, 2 pp.

Jimmie & Edna & I came up here to see Mother, who is getting along fine. I'll see you next weekend

11 January 1943

1 small sheet, 2 pp.

Sure hope you get to come Sat so I can be with you Sunday. Got back from Pitts all right but am pretty tired. Worked 48 hrs last wk on a man's job & thought I'd make more money, but nothing doing; have had about enough of this place. Sure will be glad when this war is over & you're home again. I'm cooking home now for eats are sky high.

25 January 1943

2 small sheets, 4 pp.

Please write me every day. Was tired when got home from Pitts last night at 12. Will you come home Sunday? Will clean up the house & have things to do this wk 'if I am going to be sick'; still want you to come to my place 2 evenings so we can be alone. Going to your mother's for dinner Wed. Sorry I didn't give kisses & hugs in yesterday's letter, but was in hurry to get train home. How I wish you were home for good, but that can't be, so we are lucky you're in this country. Hope you'll feel good when you come home, for I won't be so good.

26 January 1943

3 small sheets, 6 pp.

Got your letter, stamped Baltimore; did you go to Balt Sat night, so that's why you didn't want me to come up Sat? I don't feel so good; I came sick this morning; hope to feel good when you come home. Glad your ankle is better. If that fellow writes to me, I won't answer, so don't worry. Got letter from Carl & Jimmie; Carl's training ends Feb 6; thinks he'll get 7 days off; you know what that means; I'm afraid for him. Won't have any money till Thur; afraid to wait till then to send it to you, for don't know when you're coming home; so I'll call your mother & tell her you said for her to send it to you. Love, etc. . . .

14 May 1943

4 small sheets, 4 pp.

Mother had her leg cut off a month yesterday. Had a nice time at your mother's the other night. Glad you're coming home; seems like long time since I've seen you. Buses & street cars on strike now. When you come home we can go see your ring. War going good now, so you'll soon be home with me, ha ha. Love you plenty, think you're the nicest fellow; going to be real pretty when you come home & wear things you like.

4 June 1943

2 small sheets, 3 pp.

How I miss you. Hope you have good time at Al's[?]; don't forget to be good. Call me Tues night for Mon I go to Pitts, hope for the last time; have hair appt to get finger waves.

9 June 1943

2 small sheets, 3 pp.

You'll call me on my birthday June 11; your mom is giving me her little red coffeepot. Will see you up there Sat June 19. Mother getting along fine, learning to walk, but it's hard for her.

22 June 1943

2 small sheets, 3 pp.

Heat about to get me down; don't know if I can stand it 2 more months. Hope someday we'll have a little home; never again an apartment for me. When you come home I hope we can go somewhere and be alone for a while, so I can put my arms around you & lay close to you. Went down to see our rings but block was out [?] Are you glad you're coming home over July 4? Will have been about 6 wks since I've seen you. I'm working plenty hard these days but not for long.

28 August 1943

Ruby, to Herman, but 'C.W. School Det' is crossed out on envelope and 'Station Hospital' written in different handwriting. 3 small sheets, 3 pp.

Your mother said she called you this morning at the hospital; sure will be glad when you can come home for good and you can tell me what they are doing to you in the hosp; hope you're getting lots of sleep & rest; I'll see you next Sat for sure. Going out to your mother's tomorrow for dinner, just she & I, for you father will be working.

29 August 1943

2 small sheets, 3 pp.

Write me a long letter even if you don't know what their plans are for you. Don't you think we ought to get married anyway no matter how it all turns out; don't you think we'd be happier, more secure, contented? This evening Clark & Johnny came by and took us all for a ride. I'm proud of you & you of me.

31 August 1943

1 small sheet, 2 pp., with a lipstick kiss

So glad you called tonight. Let me know as soon as you find out anything so I can leave here Fri night & get there Sat morning. Sure hope you get out of the hosp so I can come up & see you, for I know you're blue & so am I. Called your mother & told her you said you'd be out in 2 days.

6 September 1943

Ruby, to Herman, back at 'C.W.School Det'. 4 small sheets, 4 pp.

Did you get out of hosp Sat at noon? Sure hope so; let me know as soon as you find out. Man is bringing Mother's leg this weekend; sure will be glad when she learns to walk with it. Hope Jimmie comes in a wk for 15 days; he'll help her to walk on it. Just heard news of awful train wreck around Washington.

7 September 1943

2 small sheets, 2 pp.

Got 2 letters from you today; see you'll soon be coming home; what do you mean you might feel bad; you're not that sick are you? Going out to your mother's tomorrow night after work & go boat riding; wish you were here to go. The store was open till 9 tonight, so it's late.

9 September 1943

2 small sheets, 3 pp.

Payday. I get 2 wks vacation; think I'm changing my job; working myself to death, other girl is taking off, they won't give me any help, can't take it all alone, hard on my nerves. When I get the $20 I'll pay on our rings; you said in your letter the money is on the way.

10 September 1943

7 small sheets, 8 pp.

Got letter & your $20. So busy; they are "after me to take my money 2 weeks checks $60 some dollars or $70 I could put that on Bonds". Might take few days off when you come home. Sure been busy since brought Mother from the hosp May 30; they'll go back to Parkersburg soon; they're bringing her leg Sunday. Looking for Jimmie week from Sun, so they'll all be here till he goes back to camp in Texas; he'll be here 8 days. I can take a wk off when you come home; I better buy some bonds for us; you'll need an overcoat this winter. We'll have to go skating this winter. Going to use the back pay I'm getting to buy more bonds. Want you to be good to me & sweet for I've worked so hard the last year; I just can't stand any noise; just want you to be around me. Take good care of your car for we won't be able to get new one for at least 3 yrs. If we save money (a bond each month) in few yrs we can have that little Ruby or that little boy Herman.

17 October 1943

2 small sheets, 3 pp.

Hope you didn't mind being in the camp over the weekend. Will you come home next weekend or the following? I came sick this month the 8th & Nov will be sick on the 4th. Sure will be glad when just you & I are living together. Too bad the boys, your friends, are leaving the camp. Sure swell to hear you on phone; we talked 10 minutes Fri night $240 [$2.40?] but it's worth it. I'm going to school soon as get that other job; want you to be proud of me.

18 October 1943

2 small sheets, 3 pp.

Glad to get your 2 letters; you ask if I'm cheating on you; you know better than that, don't you? Your mother said you might come this weekend. Will dress pretty for you.

10 November 1943

1 small sheet, 2pp.

Hope you're happy I'm coming up to see you Sat; nothing can stop me! So busy at work; just about a wreck. Arrive Sat at 8:30; will call you at the camp about 9:30. Got my permanent; hope you like it.

11 November 1943

1 small sheet, 2pp.

Payday. So busy at work. I love you, so be real nice to me when I come up.

29 November 1943

2 small sheets, 3 pp.

Going to start school right after Christmas, and tell them I'll be busy. Went out to your parents' Sun afternoon & we went out for a nice chicken dinner. Came sick yesterday; my back always hurts 'cause I stand at work. Didn't tell your folks anything about you coming home; that's up to you.

9 December 1943

5 small sheets, 5pp.

Just talked to your mother, so there are 2 girls, Waacs, in the Book Dept. [where H is?] Been sick with bad cold ever since I was up there. Glad you went to Al & Pauline's last weekend. Sorry you had so much trouble with car radiator. I'm sure going to get plump for you; you better not say I'm too fat; taking vitamins, eating like a horse; drinking milk, sleeping plenty.