In addition to the letters exchanged by Jenny and Paul, the collection contains a small number of letters written to Jenny and Paul by friends serving in the miliary, including Harry W. Fowler and Cord Meyer
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| Format: | Kit |
| Language: | English |
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| Online Access: | Electronic finding aid available |
| Summary: | In addition to the letters exchanged by Jenny and Paul, the collection contains a small number of letters written to Jenny and Paul by friends serving in the miliary, including Harry W. Fowler and Cord Meyer Letters from both Jenny and Paul express affection for each other, the qualities they want in a spouse, and their thoughts on what makes a successful marriage. Most of their reflections on marriage draw on their observations of marriages of several family members, most notably Paul's view of his parents as being unable to display affection towards each other; Jenny's disapproval of her mother's alcoholism and lesbian relationships; and both Jenny and Paul's dismay over Jenny's sister, Margie Reed's, decision to divorce her husband soon after giving birth to a child. A break in the correspondence from late 1943 to early 1944 reflects a breakup the couple suffered following a visit Jenny made to Paul in November 1943. Another break in the correspondence from late 1944 to early 1945 reflects a period when Jenny and Paul married and lived together while Paul received training in Quantico, Virginia The World War II correspondence between Jenny Moore and Paul Moore, Jr., contains letters exchanged by the Moores during their courtship and first year of marriage while Paul was serving in the Marines during the war. Jenny's letters describe her studies at Barnard College; her social life in New York City, including going to dinner, nightclubs, and Broadway plays; her thoughts on Christianity and her confirmation into the Episcopal faith; and news about friends, particularly news of those serving in the military, including reports of injuries and deaths. Letters from 1945 describe developments in her pregnancy, purchases she made for the baby, and plans for establishing a household in New York City. Paul's letters describe his service in the Marines at the University of Washington following his convalescence from a near-fatal chest wound suffered during the Guadalcanal campaign in January 1943 and during his redeployment overseas to Guam in April 1945. Letters describe his frustrations with bureaucracy; his feelings of isolation due to his status as an officer; his boredom with his assignments; reflections on duty and honor, particularly regarding the possibility of being sent into battle again; social activities, including drinking and dating women; and his thoughts on Christianity and plans to attend seminary following the war |
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| Physical Description: | 1.88 linear feet (4+1/2 file boxes) |
| Access: | Collection is open for research Collection stored off site: |
| Finding Aid: | Electronic finding aid available |