The Podcast
On this page you will find links to all of the available Love Sweetie Podcast episodes. If you are a new listener, regardless of when you decide to start listening to the letters and discussions, we recommend that you begin by listening to "Episode 0," which has a runtime of about 15 minutes, and provides a general overview of the podcast itself. New episodes of this podcast are added weekly on Sundays. Episodes are available on YouTube, and audio-only on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and Podchaser - just search for "Love Sweetie Podcast" on your preferred platform.
Podcast Episodes
Please find links below to each of the available podcast episodes, along with a brief description of each episode.
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Episode 0: You, Me, and the Gatepost
This is the introductory episode of the Love Sweetie Podcast and provides an overview of this project by its main operator, Alison Demaree Graham. This podcast also provides basic information on the "cast of characters" for the stories when the letters begin in 1941, as well as information on the starting locations in Iowa.
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Episode 0 is audio only. All other episodes have video content, but can be listened to as audio only (if that is your preference).
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Episode 1: Don't Forget the Stove Pipes
January 7, 1941: Sweetie returns to Parsons College and has an interesting travel tale on the bus back to school.
July 10, 1941: Sweetie speaks of Parsons College activities and talks about time with her boyfriend, Ed, and reviews movies they saw.
July 1941: Sweetie discusses more about Ed, and then writes about other girls at school, as well as their future plans.
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Episode 2: What We Have Tried To Do About Her Case
September 1, 1941: Sweetie meets some new family members, and then writes about more troubles
September 28, 1941: Sweetie has an emotionally troubling recollection about her relationship with Ed
September 29, 1941: Dr. Chester Demaree, M.D. counsels Jeanne on the subject of Sweetie and other matters
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Episode 3: Swearing at the Whole Darn Town
October 24, 1941: Sweetie is writing a letter in English lit class
October 30, 1941: Sweetie is writing a letter in typing class
December 29, 1941: Sweetie is home in Lacona for the holidays, and is asked to speak about her college experience at church
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Episode 4: The Water is Too Riled Up
January 9, 1942: Sweetie writes a letter about her Professor discussing Pearl Harbor and America entering the war, as well as some other updates.
January 11, 1941: Dr. Chester Demaree, M.D. writes more about life in Lacona and counsels his children.
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Episode 5: This Is a Dead End Street to Her
January 25, 1942: Dr. Chester Demaree, M.D. writes more about life in Lacona and some of his cases.
February 10, 1942: Laura Shuler Demaree writes to Jeanne about her other children.
March 9, 1942: Sweetie reviews her class schedule, her grades, and her social life at Parsons.
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Episode 6: No One Can Live Your Life For You
April 21, 1942: Sweetie writes to Jeanne about daily life
June 27, 1942: Sweetie writes to Jeanne regarding her thoughts on whether or not Jeanne should get married
July 9, 1942: Sweetie writes to Jeanne about her application for the Civil Service
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Episode 7: I Have the Biggest Room on the Top Floor
July 22, 1942: Sweetie writes to Jeanne about daily life
August 31, 1942: Sweetie writes to Jeanne about Ottumwa NAS
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Episode 8: We'll Do What We Can for Each Other
September 1, 1942: Sweetie writes to Jeanne about the Demaree family generally, and advises more on the subject of marriage
September 29, 1942: Sweetie writes to the Demaree family and provides updates as to her life at NAS Ottumwa, her financial situation, and a relationship update
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Episode 9: I Shall Not Have Any Vacation for Thanksgiving
November 13, 1942: Sweetie writes to Jeanne about some social activities (including going to a football game), getting her wisdom teeth removed, and missing the holidays in 1942.
December 8, 1942: Dr. Chester Demaree writes to his son, Robert "Bob" Demaree who is at the front in the Pacific Theater in the Guadalcanal Campaign with an update from home and a request for more information of wartime activities.
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Episode 10: 120 N. Holt, Bureau of Yards and Docks
January 13, 1943: Sweetie writes to Jeanne about going on some dates, and requests that her sister, Jeanne, send her a particular lamp to improve a new apartment.
January 22, 1943: Sweetie writes to Jeanne about some more social activities, and follows up with Jeanne about the lamp.
February 6, 1943: Dr. Chester Demaree writes to his son, Robert "Bob" Demaree who remains at the front in the Pacific Theater in the Guadalcanal Campaign, and provides updates on what is going on at home, including rationing and the expectation that more men will be drafted into military service.
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Episode 11: If He Quits Walking on His Lips
February 25, 1943: Sweetie writes about correspondence with David's mother and has concerns that David may have been on some ships that went down in the Atlantic Ocean that month.
late February 1943: Sweetie writes to Jeanne regarding her ongoing concerns as to David's whereabouts and describes a long delay for a train from Chariton to Ottumwa. Sweetie notes that she has gone to see the film, Casablanca.
March 1943: Sweetie writes to Jeanne and updates her on David, mentions an individual named George, and mentions Jeanne's upcoming graduation from nursing school.
April 5, 1943: Sweetie writes to Jeanne about her continuing correspondence with David, and an update is provided about Frank and Meta.
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Episode 12: Thank God for My Mother and Father
May 4, 1943: Sweetie writes about introducing Betty to her father, and the importance of her parents on her life. Information about George is communicated.
May 13, 1943: Sweetie writes to Jeanne about the work of the civil service and some potential future plans
June 3, 1943: Sweetie writes about George and some more matters are discussed, such as her sending a picture to David overseas and the cost of postage
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Episode 13: Dear God Make Me Good to Them
July 8, 1943: Dr. Chester Demaree writes to Frank about his carpentry work and photography work in Lacona, Iowa, and reviews Merck's Index.
August 8, 1943: Sweetie writes to Jeanne about speaking with Lew Graham and her first date with him in Ottumwa, as well as an evening involving the Shore Patrol. Sweetie goes jewelry shopping to celebrate one of Jeanne's accomplishments.
November 11, 1943: Sweetie writes to Jeanne regarding her perceived indifference after Lew counsels her. And then Sweetie reveals that a major update with regards to her relationship with Lew has occurred.
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Episode 14: I Never Knew I Could Be As Happy As I Am
December 1943: Eleanor Cory writes to Jeanne about Sweetie's wedding which was held at her house in Ottumwa, Iowa.
December 7, 1943: Sweetie writes to Jeanne about the wedding and reflects on how happy she is starting life as a newlywed with her husband, Lew.
December 8, 1943: Lew writes to Jeanne in appreciation of her and how happy he is to start life as a newlywed with his wife, Sweetie.
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Check out the trailer for this episode on YouTube
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Episode 15: I Hope We Live to be 180 Years Old
December 10, 1943: Sweetie writes to Jeanne about her one week anniversary of being married to Lew Graham, and is busy with much to do after the wedding.
December 16, 1943: Sweetie writes about the upcoming Christmas holiday in 1943 and reflects more on her marriage to Lew.
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Episode 16: Lew Gets a Far Away Look in His Eye
December 16, 1843: Sweetie writes to the Boltons and thanks them for the Christmas box they sent in the mail, and makes a few notes about Christmas.
December 28, 1943: Sweetie recaps to Jeanne all about Christmas 1943 that she spends with Lew and the Cory Family in Ottumwa!
December 31, 1943: Sweetie writes to the Boltons and tries to make plans to visit with family near Des Moines in early 1944, but is concerned that her assignment may get updated and that Lew might be deployed.
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Episode 17: I Married An Idiot
January 13, 1944: Dr. Chester Demaree writes to Frank with updates about family, his planned purchase of an expensive item, and asks his son about his military activities at the front.
February 2, 1944: Sweetie writes to Jeanne about home life and mentions an upcoming trip to Philadelphia
February 8, 1944: Sweetie writes to Jeanne about Lew being sick and a big visit of family members to Ottumwa to meet with her, Lew, and the Cory family
February 19, 1944: Sweetie writes to Jeanne about Valentine's Day in 1944 and mentions the upcoming trip to Philadelphia again
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Episode 18: We're Going to the Shore Patrol Station, or The Old Demaree Spirit
February 20, 1944: Sweetie writes to the Bolton Family about what happened when she and Lew tried to go downtown in Ottumwa and were stopped by the Shore Patrol.
February 25, 1944: Sweetie writes to her parents about her upcoming trip to Pennsylvania: her travel arrangements, including the cost of the trip, and wonders about her first meeting with her husband's family.
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Episode 19: Darn Socks - Darn Socks - Darn Socks
March 1, 1944: Sweetie writes to her parents, still preparing for her trip to Pennsylvania
March 2, 1944: Sweetie writes to the Bolton family about all of the work she has to finish - both around the house and at NAS Ottumwa before she makes the trip with Lew to Pennsylvania
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Bonus Episode: Sweetie's Wedding Album
This is the first bonus episode in which Alison and Jamie review Sweetie's Wedding Album, which provides additional details on the wedding party and gifts that were received, among other information.
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Episode 20: Nicer Than Any Honeymoon Could Be
March 11, 1944: Sweetie writes to Jeanne, her parents, and the Bolton Family and recounts her first trip to Pennsylvania with Lew
March 22, 1944: Lew writes a brief note to Jeanne about their trip to Pennsylvania
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Bonus Episode: Naval Air Station Ottumwa: Preserving the Past for the Future
This is a special bonus episode in which Alison and Jamie interview their first guest - Stephen Black, the President of Friends of NAS Ottumwa. Stephen tells the story of how the last main original building of Naval Air Station Ottumwa - The Administration Building - has been saved and updates us on current restoration efforts in Ottumwa, Iowa. Throughout this episode, a lot of the history of the base itself is also discussed.
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Episode 21: Pitching Woo Like a Couple of Smooch-Mad High School Kids
March 29, 1944: Sweetie writes to Jeanne about being in an awkward situation - she's stuck in the middle between being Betty's confidant and being loyal to Eleanor
April 10, 1944: Sweetie writes to Jeanne about her social life in Ottumwa and a visit from some college friends
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Episode 22: The Agricolae are Behind With Their Seeding Oats
April 12, 1944: Sweetie writes to Jeanne about Easter 1944
April 17, 1944: Sweetie prepares for an upcoming visit of Jeanne to Ottumwa
April 19, 1944: Dr. Chester Demaree writes to Frank about his observations at church and encourages Frank to join the Masonic Order, and describes the spring environment in Lacona, Iowa
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Episode 23: Pes Humani
April 20, 1944: Dr. Chester Demaree writes to Bob about flooding in the Midwest, some family updates, and an extremely odd occurrence from an attempt he made to further study human anatomy
May 3, 1944: Sweetie updates Jeanne on a few items after Jeanne's trip to Ottumwa to visit her, and mentions there has been more rain
May 9, 1944: Sweetie updates Jeanne on Mr. Cory going to Washington, D.C., as well as Bob's promotion to Lieutenant in the US Navy.
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Episode 24: Just That Much More to Remember
May 12, 1944: Sweetie writes to Jeanne about her daily life in Ottumwa
May 16, 1944: Sweetie writes about gifts she sent to both her mother (Laura) and Lew's mother (Sidney) for Mother's Day 1944, and mentions that there is an upcoming draft of mechanics.
May 23, 1944: Sweetie puts together a nice evening with another couple and reflects on her marriage with Lew. She also mentions that Lew has not been drafted yet, but is anticipating as he has been stationed at Ottumwa for so long that it is only a matter of time before they have to move. Sweetie starts to pack her things and prepare in advance for a move from Ottumwa. Additionally, there is a large discussion (as the letter mentions this occurring) of the flooding in Ottumwa (and Iowa) that has occurred in May 1944.
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Episode 25: Your 2 Bit Puddle Jumper Had a Flat Tire
June 16, 1944: Sweetie writes to Jeanne about a visit that she makes with Lew to Lacona to see her parents, and it is noted that Chester is also a beekeeper. The Cory's receive orders to move to San Francisco.
June 30, 1944: Laura writes to Jeanne from Lacona and mentions that Bob has written to the family.
July 23, 1944: Sweetie writes to Jeanne for the first time from Hutchinson, Kansas and recounts her trip through Kansas City by train.
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Episode 26: If He Should Be Sent to Sea and Never Come Back
July 23, 1944: Sweetie writes to Chester and Laura for the first time from Hutchinson, Kansas and recounts her trip through Kansas City by train. Sweetie writes about her new location, and also some concerns that Lew will not remain at NAS Hutchinson for long.
July 24, 1944: Sweetie writes to Chester and Laura and is concerned about what the future holds for Lew.
July 27, 1944: Sweetie writes to Jeanne about Jeanne's new relationship.
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Episode 27: At The Edge of a Corn Field
Late July 1944: Chester Demaree, M.D. writes to Frank from Lacona, Iowa about trying to save a young man from drowning, politics - specifically the Democratic Convention of 1944, and some family updates
July 31, 1944: Sweetie writes to Jeanne from Hutchinson, Kansas asking again about Jeanne's relationship
August 2, 1944: Sweetie writes to Jeanne from Hutchinson, Kansas with some general updates
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Episode 28: A Closer Race This Time Than Ever Before
August 5, 1944: Sweetie writes to Jeanne about her 8th month Wedding Anniversary to Lew and daily life in Hutchinson, Kansas. She is also slightly overwhelmed about how hot it is in the late summer there (108 degrees).
August 16, 1944: Sweetie writes to Jeanne and indicates that she has a new apartment. She draws a diagram of the new apartment and sends it to Jeanne.
August 17, 1944: Sweetie writes to Margaret about her change of address and about the new apartment that she and Lew are renting in Hutchinson, Kansas.
August 24, 1944: Chester Demaree, M.D. writes to Frank and Bob about what is going on at home in Lacona, Iowa, more about photography, and the Presidential Election of 1944.
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Episode 29: Not Dead - Just Forgotten
August 25, 1944: Sweeties writes to Jeanne indicating that she is not planning on working while she and Lew are in Hutchinson, Kansas
August 25, 1944: Sweetie writes to Margaret about what is occurring in Hutchinson, and that is is raining a lot
August 28, 1944: Sweetie writes to Jeanne, requesting that Jeanne write back and indicate news from back home
September 5, 1944: Sweetie indicates to Jeanne that she is disappointed with the lack of letters from home
September 9, 1944: Sweetie writes to Jeanne after finally receiving some updates and reveals that she is learning to tat, crochet, and plans to learn to knit
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Episode 30: The Decision is Yours to Make
September 13, 1944: Sweetie writes to Jeanne with relationship advice regarding Bill
September 17, 1944: Sweetie writes to Jeanne with more relationship advice, mentions the Kansas State Fair, as well as an escape that occurred at the Kansas State Reformatory
September 22, 1944: Sweetie writes to Jeanne again on the subject of whether or not Jeanne should marry Bill
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Episode 31: The Forgotten Man of the Navy
September 29, 1944: Sweetie writes to Jeanne about life in Hutchinson, Kansas, and starts to ask about what she should get her brothers for Christmas
October 6, 1944: Sweetie writes to Jeanne about some family updates that she's heard about
October 17, 1944: Sweetie writes to Jeanne, reminisces about Parsons College, and indicates that she's starting to have more of a social life in Hutchinson
October 17, 1944: Sweetie writes to Margaret and provides information on her social life, and that she has sent Christmas presents to her brothers; she also discusses Lew appearing before the Review Board in an attempt to get a higher rate, but she also worries that if he goes up in rank that he will be shipped out and away from her
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Episode 32: Are You Suggesting That We Have a Little Graham Cracker?
October 25, 1944: Sweetie writes to Jeanne, and indicates that Jeanne is planning to visit her in Hutchinson, Kansas
late October / early November 1944: Laura writes to Jeanne regarding the question of Bill, Sweetie's upcoming birthday, and Chester's comments
November 7, 1944: Sweetie writes to Jeanne about Lew getting a guitar in Hutchinson, Kansas, Election Day in 1944, and Jeanne's birthday
November 8, 1944: Sweetie writes to Chester and Laura about Uncle Serrill, and the possibility of whether she and Lew will try to have a baby
***BONUS*** At the end of the episode, we get to see and hear the guitar that Lew purchased in Hutchinson, Kansas, with Lew's son providing some details about the musical instrument
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Episode 33: My Pen is Temperamental
November 8, 1944: Lew writes to Chester Demaree, M.D., thanking him for sending tools and he asks for information about a wooden toolbox Chester is making for him
November 10, 1944: Sweetie writes to Jeanne, excited at the prospect that Jeanne will come and visit her and Lew in Hutchinson, Kansas
November 17, 1944: Sweetie writes to Jeanne, disappointed that Jeanne did not visit, that she and Lew will not be with family at Thanksgiving, and indicates that Lew's father, Samuel, is not well in Philadelphia, PA.
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Episode 34: For This War-Time X-Mas
late November 1944: Laura and Chester Demaree, M.D. write to Jeanne about her decision regarding Bill Gruening and future plans with regards to Sweetie and Lew
November 24, 1944: Sweetie writes to Jeanne, hoping that Jeanne will visit her and Lew in Hutchinson, and she provides information on Thanksgiving 1944
December 8, 1944: Sweetie writes to Jeanne, elated that Jeanne was finally able to visit her and Lew in Hutchinson, and starts planning for Christmas 1944
early December 1944: Laura writes to Jeanne regarding plans for Christmas 1944
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Episode 35: Excuse Blots and Writing
December 13, Sweetie sends Jeanne a Christmas Card
December 17, 1944: Sweetie and Lew write to Jeanne, indicating that they might have to go to Philadelphia to visit Lew's family
December 19, 1944: Lew and Sweetie write to Jeanne from Philadelphia
December 28, 1944: Chester Demaree, M.D. writes to Frank about Christmas 1944 in Iowa and sends information that he might buy a farm
end of December 1944: Samuel Graham sends Jeanne a Christmas Card
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Episode 36: Drat It! Everybody's Having a Baby But Me
January 6, 1945: Sweetie writes to Jeanne upon her return to Hutchinson, Kansas from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, with some brief updates regarding Christmas 1944 and Samuel Graham's well-being
January 10, 1945: Chester Demaree, M.D. writes to Frank regarding his thoughts on the war, as well as some updates, and continues to indicate that he might buy a 160-acre farm
January 19, 1945: Sweetie writes to Jeanne about Samuel Graham's diagnosis, and observes that many of the couples she knows are having children, clearly wondering if she might become pregnant herself
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Episode 37: I Want To Have This Baby Myself
January 31, 1945: Sweetie writes to Jeanne with an update about Lew's father, Samuel, and her suspicions that Lew will be sent overseas soon
February 6, 1945: Sweetie writes to Jeanne after a visit she made to her in Des Moines, and the letter reveals that Sweetie is now pregnant, as she is shopping for supplies
February 11, 1945: Sweetie and Lew write to Jeanne noting that they are planning another visit
March 14, 1945: Sweetie writes to Jeanne and reveals that Lew has received his orders to go overseas. Sweetie and Lew leave Hutchinson, Kansas to go to his parents' home in Collingdale, Pennsylvania.
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Bonus Episode: Naval Air Station Hutchinson: A "Carrier on the Prairie" in Kansas During World War II
This is a special bonus episode in which Alison and Jamie discuss the history of Naval Air Station (NAS) Hutchinson. This base was built in 1942 and operational for World War II until 1946. (Lew served at this base from July 1944 - March 1945). There are some special stories from this base to tell, and we can see how the history can be pieced together to provide a good overview.
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Episode 38: I Got the Best Graham of the Bunch
March 20, 1945: Sweetie writes to Chester Demaree, M.D. and Laura Demaree about her arrival in Pennsylvania with Lew to stay with his parents, and she meets Joe Graham and his wife, Marguerite, for the first time.
March 28, 1945: Sweetie writes to Jeanne​ about arriving in New York and meeting up with her brother Bob, as well as his wife, Florence. Lew reports to his assigned station and awaits further orders.
April 3, 1945: Sweetie writes to Jeanne that she is temporarily staying with her brother, Bob, and his wife, Florence, and reveals that Lew is expected to set sail the next day. Sweetie indicates that as soon as he does so, she will make the trip soon back to Iowa.
April 4, 1945: Document to Jeanne: Lew sends his Change of Address information to Jeanne, so that she can communicate with him while he's overseas.
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Episode 39: The Blare of the News Report
April 20, 1945: Sweetie writes to Jeanne from Brooklyn, New York, where she is temporarily staying with her brother, Bob, and his wife, Florence. Sweetie prepares to return home to Iowa, and indicates that Lew has sailed for England.
May 3, 1945: Lew writes to Jeanne from England indicating that he has safely arrived there.
June 3, 1945: Sweetie writes to Jeanne from Lacona, Iowa, and asks Jeanne to buy three Father's Day cards - one for her father, one for Lew's father, and one for Lew.
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Episode 40: Jolly old England
June 17, 1945: Lew writes to Jeanne from England and inquires about the baby announcements that should be written and mentions how impressed he is in his new environment there
June 22, 1945: Sweetie writes to Jeanne from Lacona, Iowa and mentions that her parents have bought a house in town (so the family is in the process of moving) and confirms that her father has also bought the farm he had mentioned in letters as early as January 1945. She also becomes concerned that if Lew returns to the United States soon, he may be sent to the Pacific Theater of the war.
July 3, 1945: Sweetie writes to Jeanne from Lacona, Iowa and mentions that Lew has sent packages to her from England containing items he bought for the baby. She also indicates for the first time that if she has a son, she will name him Lewis Sidney Graham, Jr., after his father.
July 8, 1945: Sweetie writes to Jeanne describing her day and some of the tasks she is doing, and hopes that Jeanne will visit her soon from Des Moines, despite Jeanne having a very busy work schedule.
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Episode 41: Land of Rain, Fog, Drizzle and Mist
July 11, 1945: Lew writes to Jeanne where he is stationed in England, and asks Jeanne to check on Sweetie's well-being.
July 12, 1945: Sweetie writes to Jeanne from Lacona, indicating that she and her mother are working on various sewing projects as she prepares more for the baby on the way.
July 18, 1945: Sweetie writes to Jeanne from Lacona, and has become increasingly self-conscious of her appearance as her due date gets closer. She also notes that it is not clear when Lew may arrive in Iowa to be on leave when he returns from England.
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Episode 42: The War May Be Over Soon
Mid-July 1945: Sweetie writes to Jeanne regarding her activities in Lacona, Iowa
July 22, 1945: Sweetie writes to Jeanne, and expresses her appeciation for all Jeanne has done and is doing while she is home in Lacona, Iowa
July 23, 1945: Chester Demaree, M.D. writes to Jeanne about burn treatments, and then comments generally about what is thought regarding the Pacific Theater in World War II
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Bonus Episode: Where Has the Coffee Gone? The Office of Price Administration (OPA) and Rationing during World War II
This is a special bonus episode in which Alison and Jamie discuss the history of the Office of Price Administration (OPA) which oversaw price controls and the rationing system during World War II. The top leadership of this federal government agency are reviewed, as well as the complex logistics that retailers were expected to follow to ensure the success of the rationing system in particular. Finally, historical documentation is shown indicating how coffee was seriously rationed during this time period, and the logistics of that operation both from the retailers and the consumers perspective.
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Episode 43: I'll Send Her Two Dozen Red Roses
August 25, 1945: Lew writes to Sweetie, having arrived in Boston on his return trip from England, and waits to be able to travel closer to home
September 8, 1945: Sweetie writes to Jeanne​, exhausted in the last month of her pregnancy, hoping that all goes well when she reunites with Lew
September 12, 1945: Lew writes to Jeanne from Atlantic City, New Jersey, having left Boston, and is anxious to make his way to Iowa to reunite with Sweetie. He and Jeanne work together to ensure that Sweetie is receiving daily gifts until she goes into labor.
September 13, 1945: Lew writes to Jeanne indicating that he is home in Collingdale, Pennsylvania, but has made plans to travel to Iowa to be with Sweetie in the immediate future.
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END OF SEASON 1
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CLICK HERE FOR THE EPISODE LISTINGS FOR SEASON 2
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