Spitball Army

(photo: Librado Romero, The New York Times)

Donna Reed, iconic now as the quintessential mid-20th Century American woman, was also the epitome of the “hometown girl” to many men who served in the armed forces during World War II.  Because of her exposure in the movie houses of the time, and also due to the rounds she would make regularly on the U.S.O. Canteen circuit, Ms. Reed was the recipient of hundreds of fan letters from Gobs, Flymen and Marines stationed overseas and on the home front.  Her children have recently made the 341 letters to their mother – mostly handwritten – public.  Today’s Memorial Day edition of The New York Times features a touching and timely profile of Ms. Reed’s collection by Larry Rohter.  Read it in its entirety here.