Earl and Mabel

Kings Creek, Ky. Monday night Dearest, I feel a little bit guilty because I didn’t write you last night, but I missed you so much I couldn’t write. You ought to get this by the time I get a letter from you so I won’t be cheating you. Before we were married I thought I missed you terribly when I was away from you. Now it’s a hundred times that bad. Maybe I can stay away from you five days at a time but it’s going to be hard. I’m pretty sure I won’t miss any weekends away from you. I was so lonesome yesterday I told Mother I wish I’d stayed till the evening before I came home. She said she never saw such a fellow and that I couldn’t stay away from you a minute. I wish I didn’t ever have to. I’ve been thinking about a lot of things to write today but when I start writing I forget most of it. But I always remember that you’re the sweetest, dearest girl alive and that I love you more than I do all the r

Earl and Mabel were married on October 4, 1941 Flint, Ky. Notes in Mabel’s handwriting on back of envelope: “Tux, Shoes Mended, Oxydol ” Monday night Dearest, I have an extra privilege in that I can call you wife now but I’m just going to keep on calling you sweetheart because you’ll be that for me as long as I live. Wife is still just a little strange for me but I can soon grow accustomed to it. Do you feel any differently now from the way you were last week? I didn’t think there would be much difference but already I can see there is going to be a lot. For one thing, I love you more than ever and more tenderly, if I may be allowed to speak that way. You’re nearer to me now and more precious. Then there’s a difference in the attitude others take toward me. I confess it gave me quite a thrill to have some people ask about my wife. There are so many things to think about and my mind is so filled w

Earl and Mabel were married on October 4, 1941, and wrote letters whenever they were away from each other. Follow their story from the mountains of eastern Kentucky through Indiana, Virginia, Mississippi, California, Michigan, Illinois, Aitutaki (the Cook Islands in the South Pacific), Utah, and back to Kentucky. Start here:  History & Photos  and  1940-1941 There are hundreds of letters to transcribe; I have transcribed a sampling of letters from 1940 through 1949, and now I'm going back to transcribe the rest chronologically. I have also included photos and some letters and postcards from other family members. I hope you enjoy reading Earl and Mabel's letters as much as I do.