The Mollie Lieber West Papers contain a large collection of letters sent between Mollie and Carl Lieber during their marriage from 1940-1945. The letters describe their professional accomplishments, personal struggles, and experiences during World War II. Here, you can read a few examples of these letters.
October 3, 1943
Dear Carl,
In 1943, Mollie attended a Young Communist League national convention where the organization dissolved. A new organization, American Youth for Democracy, was created with the aim of uniting all youth to work for peace and social justice. Mollie described the events to Carl in this letter. Click the images to read the full letter!
See this letter in the digital collection here.
June 1944
Dear Carl,
In this letter from June 1944, Mollie announces her pregnancy to Carl. She then describes the reactions of her coworkers when she told them her intention to continue working after becoming a mother, showing the attitudes toward working women and working mothers. Click the image to read the full letter!
See this letter in the digital collection here.
July 17, 1944
Dear Mollie,
Carl sent this letter after moving to a new army camp, waiting to be sent to Europe. The letter demonstrates how dates, locations, and other information were censored out of the soldiers’ letters so that information about military movements could not get into the hands of the enemy. Click the images to read the full letter!
See this letter in the digital collection here!
August 9, 1944
Dear Mollie,
This “Flagship Flashes” letter described the activities of soldiers as they crossed the ocean to serve in the war. The printed newsletter sent on behalf of the soldiers, took the place of letters while the servicemen could not send mail to their loved ones.
See this letter in the digital collection here.
August 14, 1944
Dear Mollie,
In this letter from August 14, 1944, Carl describes his arrival in Italy after the journey from the United States and the conditions of the local cities and people.
See this letter in the digital collection here.
January 23, 1945
Dear Carl,
This letter from Mollie describes her return to work at the American Youth for Democracy after losing her baby and recovering from her health crisis.
See this letter in the digital collection here.
The Mollie Lieber West Papers include many more letters between between Mollie and Carl Lieber that can be seen at the Women and Leadership Archives.
Header image: Airmail envelope.
Women and Labor: The Story of Mollie West 