Thursday, May 31, 2012

July 27, 1972 (Letter from Mardi)



Good day!  Thought I'd test out my new stationary on you.  I only ordered about 5 mos. ago.

I'm actually leaving for Boston Sunday!  Shock.  Here it is Thursday and I'm planning to go.  And we are also moving into a house!!!!  We have finally found what we've been looking for.  The upstairs of a house!  The people are young that own it and have a daughter about 7-8.  They love the dog and the upstairs is big.  It has a neat sun room, living room, dining room, bedroom, kit, and bath.  The rent is what we are paying now and there was no deposit.  We have a small back yard and porch, but the backporch is kinda a mess right now.  So we are moving all the stuff tomorrow and should be fairly settled by Sat night.  Bill is painting the bathroom and finishing the kitchen tonight.  The address is 4529 Lyndale Avenue South about 9 blocks from us now.  If you're stopping in Mpls again you'll like it.  Just don't ever come back -- you're back luck -- we'll have to move again -- just kidding!!!!   But I'm getting a little paranoid about seeing you!!!!

Oh!  I talked to my mother last night and she said she was sitting in the living room Mon or Tues and who walks in but Mike.  He said when he got to Toledo there were 2 other guys staying with his friend that apparently he knew nothing about.  He said it was really crowded and messy.  Of course it's his idea to live comfortably and I suppose there is nothing wrong with that except the guy does not have a ounce of confidence or reassurance that I can see.  You can tell he's very nervous and I know he's just plain SCARED!  He's got to be.  He's the only person I know who is so upset about graduating and leaving old BW!!!!?  What's a little inconvenience and misery when you are looking for a job?  He could have managed somehow.  He'll drive himself crazy.  My mother says she just listens to him and doesn't say anything anymore!  My mother also said Mark was in the store last week and shocked her.  He's going to be home for awhile and said he wanted to have a long talk with my mother when he got home.  He said he's been moving around and things could be better.  My mother knows a lot about Mark that's she's never said anything about.

Guess what?  Anderson finally got his tattoo!!! Do you believe?  Bob and Dave Swieberger and Bill Peterson, and Bill went to Milwaukee to see some friends etc and who comes back with tattoos but Bob, Bill, and Dave. Bill Peterson already had his!!!  It really isn't bad.  Anderson got a clipper ship on the most "manly" part of his person -- his chest.  But the things done in different colors and doesn't look bad.  Bob got a crow, dressed up in top hat and tails and shoes smoking a joint that is really funny.  None of them got big tattoos, thank god!  What's the plural of tattoo anyway?  Bill said there were girls in the place getting a tattoo.  I never thought they'd do it because they are all afraid of needles.

 Well, I had better close.  I've been up since 5:30am.  The Savings and Loan Institute had a breakfast that was being offered if anyone wanted to go.  The speaker was very good and worthwhile listening to.  She is the head of one of the houses in the city for girls that have been addicted.  She was telling us how long she had been on heroin etc before she could get straight again.  It was worth the sacrifice of a few hours sleep I guess.

Anyway I'll be seeing you some time in the future I reckon!  Take care and write.

Wednesday, May 30, 2012

July 22, 1972 (Letter from Renee)



So sorry it has taken me so long in responding to your last letter.  I guess I've been kind of lazy and just this week got around to cleaning the debris off my desk so that I could begin to do a little work.  I have really been enjoying my summer vacation and it has been pleasant and uneventful for the most part.  I guess one could say that my status at t his point is strictly as a housewife and I'm kind of enjoying it.  I have been reading a lot -- in fact that is what occupies 75% of my time these days.  Haven't been reading anything earthshaking or pertinent -- but I've enjoyed it just the same.

I spent a little time just cleaning and re-organizing our apartment.  We finally got some new living room furniture much to our delight, and we really settled down in many ways that we never were before.  I can't exactly describe it but Morrey and I have finally achieved some sort of financial security, our home is now complete with the furniture we want, and we both are doing exactly what we want to do without anything holding us back or getting in our way.

I'm beginning to feel quite guilty because so far I haven't done a thing about my lesson plans and materials for next year yet and I'm getting kind of itchy to do so.  I was a pretty lousy teacher by my own standards last year and I aim to do much to improve that situation.  Even if it means that I have to be a tough-assed bitch at times I'm determined to be that way as long as the kids know who is boss and meet my expectations of them. This year instead of being afraid of the kids and having them know I'm afraid -- the tables are going to be switched and they will have to live a little bit in terror of Prayzer the English teacher in room 2061.

I was home in Warren for a week after the 4th of July and was bored stiff, which is what I should have expected.  It was a pleasant visit with my parents and I just kind of enjoyed sitting around doing nothing and being responsible for nothing.  Morrey didn't mind that I stayed on in Pa. and I think that it does us good once in a while to be separated.  Absence makes that old heart grow fonder so they say -- and I'll agree.  We plan on returning to Warren the weekend of August 19th for my high school reunion -- which will probably turn out to be a gigantic fiasco and waste of time -- but I can't help being curious to see how some of my classmates turned out.

I can't tell you how impressed I am with the letters you have been writing to me.  They really paint a picture of you Paul - and one that I admire and respect a great deal.  I can see that you are still independent and are enjoying it and also that you are a very flexible type of person.  You seem to have certain goals well defined for yourself yet then you leave enough room i there for being yourself and not getting into any fixed groove or bind.  I'm also very glad to hear that you have been reading a good deal and enjoying it.  I must admit -- I'm way far behind you in the quality of works we read.  I am not a disciplined reader and I would choose 9 times out of ten some \junk on the best seller list than to ever go back to the classics and really dig deep!

I really must admit Paul that at the moment I'm not much in the letter writing mood and I'm not getting too much said that I want to say in this letter for that reason.  (Besides the fact that Morrey is kissy-facing and bugging me at the moment.)

I hope you will forgive me for the brevity of this letter and I promise to write at greater length and with more substance in my next letter to you.

Meantime I hope you are enjoying yourself in sunny California.  We've had a heat wave here for the last week and it's 93 and really miserable outside.  God bless air-conditioned apartments.

Please keep in touch and write again soon.

Tuesday, May 29, 2012

July 13, 1972 (Letter from Kenny)



I just got to work this morning and I wanted to tell you all about the excitement in my life for the past few weeks.  Right now I'm very pissed off because I'm drenched and the last thing i"m in the mood to do is start working.  Oh well if I don't think about it maybe it will go away (I'm glad I can face adversity now that I'm a college graduate.)

First off I got your letter about 2 weeks ago and have read and re-read it several times.  I really think you've found some sort of inner happiness and I'm really glad.  The book obviously affected you deeply and undoubtedly will be a very important factor in your life in the years ahead.  I was about to read Look Homeward Angel when I got your letter but instead decided on You Can't Go Home Again.  I went to 6 bookstores including three of the biggest in the city and everyone was out of it.  I think you started something.  Finally I got a copy but haven't read very much because it is deep and I spend more time underlining and thinking than I do reading.

I haven't been doing an awful lot but Lauren is coming home tomorrow night so things will definitely get better.  I'm really looking forward to seeing her.  I get a letter every day but I definitely have missed her.  The only positive aspect of her going away has been that I have had a lot of time to call people form Wantagh and spent some time with Mindy (the girl Lauren went with) boyfriend but he left for the camp the beginning of July.  I've seen Bob Marks (Lloyd's roommates) and last Saturday we saw the Mets play the Dodgers, one of the few games the Mets have won recently.  Herb was in town this past weekend and I saw him for awhile.  He is not too pleased about his social life but likes his job a lot.  I also saw Chris for the first time since school ended.  It was not very enlightening but I figured I'd go see him.  He is upset about him and Judy (I'm sure that's improper grammar but you're the English major).  From what Linda Glickman told Herb who told me he's got a lot to worry about.  Chris doesn't know and as much as I realize I should tell him I can't bring myself to because it would crush him.  He thinks Judy is contemplating going to bed with some guy but she's actually been balling a goodly number of people and is hanging around bars looking for it.  It's a shame she had to start now after school's ended, just kidding of course.  Meanwhile I haven't gotten stoned since I'm home I think I'm witnessing withdrawals.  My hands shake a lot and my eyes turn red for no apparent reason.  A kid that works here sells quite a bit but he's been on vacation for awhile.  Now that I think of it I have smoked with him several times during lunch hour, I guess I'm not going into withdrawal after all.  I wrote another letter to Tony, my first one I mailed to 60 LeBrun instead of 75 and I doubt that he got it.  The Stones are going to be here the 24th, 25th, and 26th and to get tickets you had to send in a postcard and then a computer randomly selected cards and assigned tickets.  Naturally I didn't get picked but I know someone here that did and I'm getting two of her tickets (you're allowed 4).  Oh well people are looking at me wondering when I'm going to start work because it's 9:35 (we start at 9:00).  Take it easy and I'll write again soon.  Remember to bring out the beets and shine on the garbage or something like that.

Monday, May 28, 2012

July 9, 1972 (Letter from Mrs. Peroski)



Thank you for the lovely letter.  It's always nice to hear from Mardi's friends.  I've been meaning to write to you sooner, but so many things have happened lately, as you probably have heard from Mardi. 

My dad past away on June the 12th and it's been pretty hard all the way around.  I still can't believe it.  The weather as you have heard has been awful.  Rain and more rain, although today it's sunny and warm and in the 70's.  I hope it keeps up.  Really we have been very fortunately because of lot of people around us have been hit hard.  You would never believe all the water behind the Kinzua Dam.  That really saved us this time because I think my little house would have been in the water if it wasn't for the dam.  Thank God!

Paul I'm so glad to hear that you are doing so well.  Keep up the good work and get a lot of rest.

Mike is home and leaving for Toledo, Ohio on Tues.  I guess he is going to stay with a friend of his and look for work until the right thing comes along.  I hope he finds what he wants soon.

When will you get home?  Maybe Mardi may get home again the last of July or Aug sometime.  I just hope when you get back you bring some of that good Calif sunshine, because we haven't had any yet and summer is almost gone.  I just hope we have a nice fall.  Myr. Sayles may be up next month.  I can hardly wait.

Well Paul I must close for now because I have to go to work soon and I want to mail this out to you.  So take good care of yourself and I'm sure you are eating enough and get a lot of rest.  Hope to see you soon.

July 4, 1972 (Letter from Herb)



Happy Independence day.  Quite a bit has happened to me since I wrote lst.  I won the title of "King Beater of the Peter" yesterday -- 17 times in 1 hour -- how about that.  Yeah, things are still pretty lonely -- it's really bumming me out -- I can't meet a soul.  When I'm working I'm fine but when I come home, I talk to myself.  I can't even sit in a bar -- this fuckin state of yours is archaic when it comes to drinkin laws.

But for a change I had a good weekend.  Bob Dorin and Debbie Kuznitz got married Saturday night.  So Friday I took off for Philadelphia airport -- left my car in the lot -- (left my keys in the car) -- and got on my plane to Buffalo.  The part about locking my keys in my car is a sad truth.  I was in such a fuckin hurry that I ust locked them in.  Anyhow Friday night I stayed with Wienkowski.  Then on Saturday I got a lift with Richie Belgard (RedBeard) to Syracuse.  The wedding was great -- we got stoned 1st in our hotel room.  Then we got drunk at the wedding -- by 5 in the mornig everyone had settled down to their own beds.  It was quite an evening.  Sunday we headed back to Buffalo -- I stayed with Wienkowski again.  And Monday morning I was back in Philly.  Luckily I was able to break into my VW with a hanger.  Oh, I tried calling Tony while I was in Buffalo, but no one was home.  I got a letter from him -- things are going well -- he shold have written you by now.

Otherwise things are well -- I'm heading to NYC next weekend -- it's the weekends that are the worst here -- so I try to keep on the move.  But you can't do that forver -- something's gotta happen -- keep on writing.  I really dig your letters.  Take care.  Keep on truckin'.

Saturday, May 26, 2012

June 28, 1972 (Letter from Tony)



This is my fourth attempt at writing you.  Everytime I start I get carried away with my thoughts.  I try to say too much to you and end up with 1 page, quite different each time.

To start with, 5 of the last 6 weeks have been quite exceptional, really nice.  This last week has been a little unsettled and unsettling.

Since I last saw you, I had an incredible time closing the deal on 106 Winspear for Sunshine House.  The administration problems, tie-ups and fuckups were very taxing.  I was convinced at 2:00pm that Tuesday that we were going to be stalled again, but at 2:15 everything opened up and everything raced ahead.

The getting of that house has been the most informative and intense event in my lief.  It's hardened me a lot but it also taught me a tremendous amount.

On that Saturday (day before graduation) I got the key to the house, went in and went crazy for an hour.  That morning I got my acceptance from Berkeley and a rejection from Harvard.  I began to get seriously excited about Berkeley.  That night Harvey, Marty, Elise, Harvey's parents, Marty's parents, Harvey's brother and I went to John's Flaming Hearth.  It was great.  A really big day.

Sunday my mother came in with my little sister and we went out to eat and then sat up in the bleachers and watched graduation.  We also bopped around campus and had a good time.

I found out the next day that Jerry O'Brien had found a car in Syracuse, where he lives, that he thought we could buy for $125.  (It is now a week later, I don't like the beginning of this letter but it's a start.  I shall now push for a more positive frame of mind.)    It turns out that care had a cracked frame and we wound up buying a 1964 green Rambler American for $260.  It took $90 more to get it past inspection.  The trunnions were bad.  So now we call the car Trunnion.

On May 19, 1972 I tripped along for the first time.  It was good except that there was no one around and the lack of talking bothered me.  Also, it was Gay Lib week at UB and the actions of some of the guys was very disturbing.

I went to Columbus to see my sister after Jerry and I bought our car in Syracuse.  The car would take another 3 weeks before we could drive it.

The day after I got back from Columbus I went to N.Y. and visited Meryl, who I went down with, and stayed at Harvey's and saw Kenny, Herb, Chris (we had a good time the night we got together), wentn to Elise and Marty's engagement party and had a surprisingly good time, tried the tests for Jeopardy and visited Central Park, the art show in Greenwich Village, and walked around Manhattan a lot.

So many things happened and I feel very inadequate in relating events.  My emotions and feelings were very positive at this time and except for a few bad instances things were unbelievably good.  And they continued until the point where I started making things go wrong just to keep myself from being so happy.  This is what bothers me now, this self-restraining tendency.  Onward.

I went to Syracuse with Jerry and to clear up some things about the car and when I got back Friday night Joan Beck came over and we had a really fine time and I began to think I love her and that is also messing me up a bit.

Things are happening so fast I haven't had time to sit down and think about them.  I've spent a lot of time with Joan lately, I've been stoned and drunk a ridiculous amount of time, I've been training high school students in crisis intervention along with Jerry, I've been working with Dr. Holmes an economics professor, I've been spending a lot of time at Sunshine House, and today, I went home and saw my father for the first time since a year ago January.  I was really nervous but it worked out well and what was really shocking was that as I was about to leave, he gave me a check for $1,000.  I still haven't had time to think about that one.

It is now another week later.  I was aiming for uncontrolled chaos and good times and found them.  Now it's time to have a little discipline.  I just wrote to Herbie.  I'm trying to catch up on things like letter writing.

This is my first night on my job at Gowanda and it looks like it will be a nice, slow, slow time here.  Jerry O'Brien and I work Tu-W-Thu from 4 pm to 4 am this week, Th-F-Sat next week, then keep alternating.  36hrs/wk for $75.  It gives us a six day weekend every other week and I'm sure we'll be driving to a lot of places.  We've been averaging over 100 miles a day in our car.  It's such a great toy.  To be able to drive to Niagara Falls, Zoar Valley, Letchworth, Colden, etc is just so nice and it's still new and exciting.  And we get stoned a lot in the car.

I can't believe how good things are going and can only hope that I'll be able to keep them going that way.  with this job I'l have more time to think and go over all the millions of things that have gone on in the last year and prepare myself for leaving to Berkeley.

Joan left yesterday for a 3 or 4 week hitching trip to Banff National Park on the border of British Columbia and Alberta.  I miss her but I also welcome the change and lessened responsibilities.  I've moved out of Le Brun but will still get my mail there.  I'll live part time here and in Springville and part in Buffalo.  As long as I can keep myself full of energy while I'm working and it's only for 8 weeks, I should be able to accomplish a lot in these 12 hour slots.  Getting to know Gowanda should be fun.  We spent a large part of today's working hours wandering around town getting acquainted.  Sun was shining.

A week ago last Friday Jerry and I were here to do some training which was screwed up cuz no one knew what was going on and it wasn't at all organized, so we left after an hour and went to Zoar Valley.  It was so incredibly beautiful.  We climbed on a cliff and sat there a long time on the top.  It was trippy.

11 hawks suddenly appeared and began soaring and soaring around.  They were so beautiful, just gliding along so perfectly.  It was great.

I am facing so many new and changing things.  My relationships to Joan and Jerry are quite different than ones I have had with other people.  I have managed to spend quite a bit of time by myself and I have used it more constructively than I ever did before.

With all this goodness around, I've expecting a crash sometime in the future.

I still am over-critical of myself at times and feel a lack of self-confidence occasionally but as I digest all that's going on around me I feel I shall build myself up.  Jerry and Joan are strong-willed people and inner strength on my part is very important.

Well, I am going to finish this and send it out so you at least get some feedback.  I am very interested in your feelings of an inner voice, please write more on that.

The time is passing quickly.  8 more weeks and I'm off to Berkeley.  Maybe I'll see you in California or here.

Take care and stay strong.

Thursday, May 24, 2012

Letter from Mardi (June 28, 1972)



Hello kiddo!

My grandfather passed away and I went right home on the 13th and came back the 25th, Sunday.  I had a nice time, only the weather looked like tropical rain country.  I've never seen so much rain -- even in Warren!  We were really lucky that the old Kinzua Dam was there!  Our hoses would have been definitely floating down the Allegheny.  Everyone above us and below us were under water!  I thought for sure the dam would break and we'd all meet our demise.

I can't remember all that you wrote because Bill read it to me over the phone.  I got the general idea that all fell into place for you -- which is great for the nerves!  By the time you come back though, Bill and I will be in a new apt -- somewhere!  We told the caretaker about the dog and he said OK but that we would have to look for another place if we wanted to keep our dog.  You must be bringing us bad luck -- every time you travel we have to move so the next time you come back we're in a new apt.  It's all your fault.  We can't have people think we live in one place for more than 3 mos!

Have you done any applying to schools yet?  You'll probably hate to come back!  The summer is really zipping by at unbelievable speed!  I guess Mike is going to Toledo as soon as he can ans see about jobs etc.  I certainly hope he goes -- he's a nervous wreck!  I was lucky at home to avoid everyone.  I did talk to Sue Smith.  She finally quit her job and is just taking off to visit friends and look for jobs.  I suppose I should have seen her but I could barely stand listening to her talk about Warrenites!  I'm presently waiting to hear form Barb.  I'm either going to Boston  or back home the first week of Aug -- if money holds out.  I would like to see Peggy Corey's wedding if everyone is going to be there but I do want to go to Boston!

Keep in touch and take care!

Wish us luck on moving!

Anderson will get stuck with it all because I may be gone on vacation.  Perfect timing!


Wednesday, May 23, 2012

June 26, 1972 (Letter from Gail)



I was really surprised to hear from you but very pleased.  It's been a long time.  Friends shouldn't let that happen.  But sometimes, I suppose it's impossible to stop it.  From your letter you sound like you're really enjoying your life and things are going good for you.  I'm happy for you.  I wish I could say the same about me.  I graduated from Edinboro State Coll. on May 21st, 1972, over 1 month ago.  Now it's June 26th and I am still sitting on my ass.  I am unemployed!  It was fine for about the first 2 weeks -- I really enjoyed the vacation and the care-free attitude I had.  Well, now things have changed.  I've changed and I need work.  I want to settle in Erie for awhile.  I've applied at some places, but no luck.  I took a Pa civil service test last week, but it will be 6 wks before I get my scores back.  I've applied all over Warren, but got the same story.  I want to work in a social service agency.  I grad w/ a B.A. in Psychology.  Get this pisser -- I was politely turned down by New Process today because I had a degree.  They felt that I would only be there temporarily and they want lifers!  I really don't know where to turn.  I want to go to Erie because of the guy I'm dating lives there, but I suppose if things don't gel there, I'll have to go someplace else.  I am going crazy being idle.  I am turning into some sort of vegetable who eats 3 meals a day and watches TV.  My life has changed so much, I really didn't want the year 1972 to start because I knew what it held for me -- Nothing!  Paul, if this sounds very depressed, despondent, and apathetic, please excuse, but those 3 words describe my present feelings.  I get these days where I sit and fight to hold back the tears.  It's one of those days today.  Well enough of that shit.

Last Fri nite Barb Check, Carol Gustafson, and I went up to Oakview and it was like our class reunion up there.   Dave Blair, Harry Spackman, Rick Brewster came over and sat with us.  What a group.  Mary Sandblade and Bob Thompson got married -- finally.  Oh Carol G. says hi.  I haven't seen Foster yet.  I would like to though.  Leslie Stein is home for the summer w/o a job.   Did you hear about Mark V. V.'s divorce?  I haven't seen him.  I was waiting to hear from him 1st, but so far nothing.

It finally stopped raining in Warren.  We were getting so much rain from Agnes.  But we didn't get flooded out.  Thank god.  Did you hear the rumor about the crack in the dam?  It's not true.  Christ, rumors travel faster than facts.

I guess that's all the depressing news I have right now.  Paul, the next time you're around Warren, Pa. get in touch w/ me I'll probably be here.  I'm so glad things are going well w/ you.  Take care and please write again.



Tuesday, May 22, 2012

June 26, 1972 (Letter from Renee)



It seems hard to believe that almost a year has passed since I last heard from you or spoke to you.  I was so very pleased to receive the letter from you this week.  I have often wondered just exactly what you've been up to and I'm also very glad to know that you think enough of me to keep up correspondence -- even though we both have been pretty lax.  I always enjoy your letters and it is a really nice feeling to know that at least one of my hometown friends still wants to keep in touch with me.

I really don't know where to begin to tell you about my life since the last time we talked with one another.  A lot happens in a year.  I may as well start at the beginning -- so here it is!

After I graduated from OSU last year I looked for a job almost the entire summer.  I had decided that teaching was really not for me and I didn't really care to pursue a teaching career.  I guess I had just had it up to my ears with school and I thought it would be nice to come home at 5 o'clock without any worries.  Well, I took a job as a secretary with a big savings and loan company here in Columbus in the downtown office.  What a fateful mistake that was!  I absolutely abhorred my job, couldn't stand my idiot of a boss, didn't feel any sort of satisfaction in what I was doing -- and in general was a lousy secretary.  I worked in the savings and loan from August to November and then I said so long and goodby to the world of business.  At that point I felt like a failure already since I wasn't too successful on my first job venture.  I guess my main problem was that I felt no satisfaction in the job I was doing and really felt like I was helping achieve a big zero.  At any rate, at that point I decided the only way to find out if I really had any knack for teaching was to apply for a job.  It wasn't too easy looking for a full time teaching job in the middle of the year but I plodded along sending applications everywhere in Columbus.  I really struck it lucky though cause I got a position in the wealthiest suburbs of Columbus called Upper Arlington teaching 5 classes of 8th grade English full time.  The teacher I replaced got pregnant and I happened to be in the right place at the right time looking for a job.  Needless to say the pay was super GREAT compared to working as a secretary -- but pay wasn't all that I was really looking for.  It was a difficult task to take over classes during midyear but I survived and I'm still wondering how.  I really do like the school that I teach at.  It is relatively new, the faculty is extremely conscientious and talented, and the materials available and general environment make it quite pleasant to say the least.  I had my moments as a beginning teacher when I thought I would lose my sanity or lose my job -- and the kids weren't terribly cooperative.  They wanted to play games to see how much they could get away with -- but I suppose I've weathered that storm too.  I am not terribly pleased with the quality of my teaching work this year but I am looking forward to going back and starting fresh in the fall.  I guess I've kind of learned all the little do's and don'ts that go along with disciplining and behavioral problems.  Once a teacher has thorough knowledge of her subject matter (which I didn't) then she has half the battle licked.  Between not feeling terribly secure with the subject matter and never having to discipline anyone before, I sure had quite a time of it -- but I had lots of encouragement along the way from other teachers and mostly from my husband.

At any rate Upper Arlington liked me enough to renew my contract for next year and I got a $250 pay raise to boot so I'm not complaining.

I am doing absolutely nothing this summer except being a housewife -- fooling around, reading a lot, cleaning, cooking, swimming and just plain being me.  I made some grandiose plans for all that I was going to accomplish this summer but so far I haven't done much in the way of carrying them out.

Morrey and I are still living in the same apartment on Shanley Drive -- we've finally gotten our apartment to look the way we want it to and to suit out comforts to a T.  Needless to say I am still very happily married and fell very secure and quite content with life as it is right now.  For the first time since we've been married (which is two years) Morrey and I are enjoying freedom from financial worries -- we're not millionaires but our bills are finally all paid and  we have a little to spare for the things we want.  I would like to go back to school  I really wanted a rest from any kind of mental work and Morrey makes few demands upon me and gives me complete freedom to do what I want when I want.  We really do have an ideal marriage-- and we sure do know a lot of screwed up people -- so we're glad to have each other.  It is really unique but my husband really is my best friend and confidant and there is no one else in the world whom I enjoy being with more than he.  I suppose perhaps that this might all seem rather corny to you -- but we re very happy, comfortable, and secure. I guess one might say we've found our "niche" in life.

In your letter you referred to feeling old -- well my friend, would you believe that my high school class reunion is the 19th of August!  I really do know that I am finally a member of the next generation when I got the invitation to my reunion.  Morrey and I are planning on going -- although I am willing to bet that it will be a boring evening for him and a disappointing one for me.  I really never was very close to any of my high school classmates -- but curiosity killed the cat and I am anxious to see them and hear about what they are doing with their lives.

I was glad to hear that Barb was successful in Boston and really making a go of it.  I feel very badly about her mother's illness and wish that there were something I could do.  As for Mardi -- I probably never will see her again and she has sort of drifted in her own chosen direction.  It is a shame that her life is kind of a mess right now and I wish the best for her.  As for Mike -- the last time I saw him he was too much for me and I'm not really ever impressed by collegiate name droppers -- they are amusing but not very intellectually stimulating to say the least.  Mike seems like one of those late bloomers who will finally grow up when he's about 35.  I saw Mark Van Volkinburg last fall before he got married.  We were supposed to go to his wedding but it was too long of  trip and we didn't have much money for such trips at that time.  He's kind of had a rough go of it in the last 2 years from what he told me but I still like him a lot and he has some very fine and sensitive qualities that make him a nice person to know.  I had met his wife (she came to our wedding with him) and she was a real doll so I hope that they are making it together.  I am wondering whatever happened to Joan Piccirillo and I hope that maybe you can fill me in on some of the details.

I was disappointed that you didn't make it to Columbus last summer and I hope that perhaps on your way back from California you can come here and stay with us for awhile.  We have plenty of room and you are always welcome.  I would be delighted to have you as our guest and I hope that you can arrange to come out here whenever you have a chance.  Just drop me a line or give me a call to let me know when you are coming.

Well Paul, I can't really think of much more to tell you that I haven't said already.  I hope that we can continue to write to each other.  Morrey and I plan to be in Columbus for quite awhile and we will still be at the same address so please try to keep in touch.






Monday, May 21, 2012

June 25, 1972 (Letter from Kenny)



Well how the hell are you?  (That's my Joe Poskanzer opening.)  I'm sorry I haven't written but I really haven't done enough to write a paragraph about.  The biggest news around here has been the weather (as ridiculous as it sounds.)  It had rained for 14 straight days until yesterday, then today it poured enough to make up for the slip yesterday.  The flooding all along the coast has been amazing.  Olean and Salamanca (remember them, near Buffalo) were almost wiped out.  Henry Marcotte was on the news in New York with a report from old Western N.Y.  I hope you swim well because the water might not be gone by September.  Lauren is in Rome now and she should be coming back July 14th.  I'm really sorry I didn't go to Europe this summer because I haven't done shit so far and work sucks a whale's dick.

I've talked to Herb a couple of times, most recently last Tuesday.  He's been going crazy there.  Last weekend he stayed in West Chester and he doesn't know anybody so he didn't talk to anybody for the entire weekend.  By Monday when he got to work he was crazy so he spent 3 hrs talking to anyone in the office.  (Pause.)   As a matter of fact I just finished talking to Herb.  This weekend wasn't a whole lot better for him.  He bought Crime and Punishment to read and said he's staying away from books with sex in them because it will make him horny.  Herb is in very bad shape.

I haven't been doing a whole hell of a lot on weekends either.  I've been seeing a couple of my friends from Wantagh and watching a lot of TV.  I read Our Gang and it's a piss.  During the week when I get home from work I'm too tired to do anything anyhow so I don't feel too bad.  I take a lot of cold showers to ward off the horns but it's really rough when I see all the girls walking around the city.

Last Sunday I went to Ivan's wedding (he's a kid from school).  It was nice but hysterical.  His wife was shivering she was so scared and he was laughing through the whole thing.  All the people there were whispering as the couple came down the aisle just like everyone does at weddings.  All of the sudden the Rabbit screams "everyone keep quiet,  this is a religious ceremony" with that all the kids (hippies from Buffalo) cracked up until everyone was roaring.  It's not very funny now so you can understand how incredibly bored I am.

How's everything going with you?  How's the job and all?

I talked to Chris for about five minutes on Friday.  That was the firs time I talked to him in about 3 weeks.  I wasn't overly excited to speak with him but it seems he's been trying to get a hold of me.  I couldn't imagine why but then he told me I owed him $12 so then I knew.  By now he's probably written you and told you how much you owe.

My mother is in Copenhagen right now and isn't due back till next Sunday.  She's been gone since the 15th, so on top of being bored I have to make dinner and do washes and all kinds of shit.

I'm thinking when I quit work at the beginning of August, of going down to Florida (I can stay at my uncle's apartment) and then stopping off in Atlanta (to see Barbara and Lloyd) on the way back.

Oh well, enough unsaid.  Write when you get a chance.  Take it easy.

Oh yeah, Herb said he got your letter.

Friday, May 18, 2012

June 15, 1972 (Letter from Chris)



I have an hour to write before I have to leave for work.  It has been a very hectic month since I've been home. I started work immediately at Ronnie's Steak House, and only got a raise to $3.00/hr.  Then I had a lot of trouble getting a day off which I needed.  They said no -- I said "fuck you".  They tried to punish me by taking me off the schedule for two day.s  I tried to tell them that I wasn't playing games, that this was now my permanent job, at lest for awhile.  They didn't take me seriously so I went to look for another job.  And now -- get this -- I am the 2nd Assistant Manager of Steak and Brew in Merrick, L. I.  $10,400/a year start -- 1 week vacation after 6 months -- 2 weeks after 1 year.  It's an interesting job -- nice people -- but long hours. I haven't seen Judy except to go to Herb's sister's wedding *which was OK -- no big deal -- stranger people there.)

Since I am no longer a lonely blue collar worker, I've had to start building up a collection of clothes -- so I go to all the cheapie sales -- shirts $2.99, suits $29.99.  Real fancy!  Huh?

I met a really nice young lady last week.  She was a waitress at the first Steak and Brew where I trained for two weeks.  The relationship started really fast - she was very aggressive.  For three days it built and grew -- and a day later she just went dead -- I mean -- nothing.  It was the strangest fucking thing that's ever happened to me and any girl.  But I should have expected it, because she was (is) very mixed up.  She tried to commit suicide last year -- she's all fucked up with her parents and boyfriend.  So now I haven't talked to her for a while, and I'm becoming more and more aggravated by what happened.  I'm not hurt - I'm just confused and would like to be able to understand her.

So what else is new -- nothing.  No dope here that is exceptional.  I have some really good grass -- never tires you out -- but I paid $25 for a rather small ounce.

Tony was down here visiting Harvey, and Herb, Kenny and I went out to a sleazy  bar with them.  Kenny hates his job -- Herb hasn't got much to say about his yet.

I'm still waiting for the last bills to come from Buffalo.  I got the rent deposit back -- $40 short for various reasons.  (Such as garbage removal, late rent, bad checks, etc etc.)  So it is likely that everyone will owe me some money in the end -- $5 or $7 or so.  I'll let you know later on.

I just sent away for tickets to the Stones concert in July.  I'll never be able to get them -- but at least I'm making the effort.

It's really a drag being out of school, and I get sick every time I think of what I'm missing.  However, I'm going to try to get up to Buffalo once or twice next year.

Boy, it's strange, but I thought I was going to have so much to tell you.  I really miss sitting around the living room like slobs and getting high every night.  Actually I don't miss getting high -- I just miss getting together with people.

Well, I'll try to write something better next time.  I hope you have a fucking great time -- and don't forget to drop a line once in awhile.

Be good!

June 12, 1972 (Letter from Herb)



Hey Paul -- Que pase.  That's hippie talk for -- what's cooking.  (Little play on words there.)  You'll have to excuse the sick humor -- this is letter #15 tonight.  So what's going on -- you ask.  I've got an apartment -- sheer luxury -- 1 bedroom, 1 living room, 1 dining room, 1 kitchen, 1 bathroom, 2 air-conditioners, 1 dishwasher, 1 swimming pool -- how's it sound so far.  Well, add to that some beautiful country -- and it's even better.  You gotta come see it.  Hey I got a car too - 1 '68 VW -- it's been great so far.   Work's pretty dull so far -- it's only been 2 weeks though -- the worst part is that there doesn't seem to be any cool hippie freaks (like yourself) to talk to. Dope is scarce and girls are scarcer.  But things are looking up fuckin' Kenny said he's gonna come down and visit.  Hope everything's good out here.  Sit down and write when you feel inspired.  I'd like to hear from you -- fuckin' Pennsylvania -- I'm here.

June 6, 1972 (Letter from Kenny)



Well big guy if by chance you are reading this letter you must have made it to old sunny California again.  H ow are you doing?  How are the trip out?  I'm at work n ow and you can't possibly imagine how shitty it is.  All I'm doing is filing huge piles of letters day after day, sitting in a little corner by myself.  It's really getting to me and to think that I've only been working a week now.  Fuck.

Tony was in New York over Memorial Day and he and Harvey came over to my house one night.  Chris and Herb came over also and we all went to a bar and just shot the shit.  Tony is working in a crisis center in Gowanda 3 days a week and he owns 1/2 of a car (he split the cost with a friend of his).  I guess he is really looking forward to going to Berkeley.  Harvey is going to Boston which isn't bad either.

This past Saturday I drove to Paoli, Pa with Herb and helped him move into his apartment.  It's really nice, in a little suburbia.  He pays 165/mo for a 3-room apartment with air conditioning, dishwasher, garbage disposal, etc plus they have a pool he can use.  If you have to live in an apartment that's the way to do it.  From there we drove to Philadelphia, about 40 minutes, and walked around the Univ. of Penn.  It's a really nice looking school and it doesn't seem to be in a part part of the city.  I might go there but they' have to give me some money for me to be able to.  As of now I'm going to NYU.  Herb started work yesterday and he's supposed to be home this weekend for his sister's wedding.  Oh yeah, he bought Lloyd's car (VW) for $1000 the day before Lloyd's wedding.  Lloyd's wedding was last Thurs and it was really nice.  The place was beautiful and the food great.  I was really drunk on champagne and tom collins before they gave daiquiris to everyone, then at my table we started passing around joints, holy shit, did that do me in.  Barbara's father was dancing around with a joint in his mouth!

Lauren is in Europe and will be there until the end of July so I haven't been doing a whole lot.  She seems to be having a good time. Jackie (remember her) called from Buffalo last week and said she's coming to New York during June, just when my mother will be in Europe so we'll see what happens.

Chris fell into a lucky break.  He happened to get a job as trainee for asst-mgr at Steak and Brew Restaurants (like Scotch and Sirloin) and he's making $10,400/yr! for 50 hrs per week (6 days).  He works hard or says he does although I haven't spoken to him recently.

I better get going so write if you can. Take it easy and have fun(?)




April 18, 1972 (Letter from Mardi)



Glad to get your monthly report yesterday.  It's great to get a letter on a Monday night after working late -- it doesn't take much to make me happy....

My mother called last night too -- she's getting worse than I am with the telephone!  She just called me Wed night to tell me she is going down to Florida alone because Mr. S thinks they'll have too much to do and wouldn't be able to see m that much.  Dont' ask me what they are planning to do.  My mother keeps talking in riddles so I don't bother to ask any questions.  So I'm hoping to go to Boston about that time and go down to see Mr. S late on.  I don't know what Barb will be doing.  Her mother was operated on Monday morning and found more cancer spreading through her stomach and liver, I don't know how ad it is but it probably will only get worse I'm afraid.   I know if it were my mother I'd zip right home because I'm sure she'd need me.  I don't know how Barb feels about the whole thing.  I mean about moving back to Pa or what.  My mother had to tell me all the bad news -- my grandmother fell etc etc but she's fine!  Mr. S had a test for a lump on his nose -- could be skin cancer??  He'll find out Wed, they don't think so though.

What's with all this misery?  Bill has to go in the hospital to get a cyst removed from his cheek.  He'll be known as scar face from then on.  "Oh that beautiful face."

Anyway, all goes well here, excluding the periodical bitching and screaming!  Please be sure and tell us this time "about" when to expect you, OK?  That's all I ask!!!!

The weather has been in the 70's and has now turned shitty again with rain and cold.  Yuck.  Why don't' you take Anderson out to Calif with you?  Isn't that a terrible idea.  He's always screaming about the weather and that he's going to take off and go West -- except who would pick up his unemployment check each week?

Anyways I gots to go to lunch and get busy here!  Going to see Tom Rush Sunday -- at least I hope so -- got to get tickets today!!!???

Take care and write a line now and then.

Wednesday, May 16, 2012

April 12, 1972 (Letter from Mardi)



Thought since I've got the time, I would drop you a quickie here.  What the hell were you doing home?  Do you want me to show you the letter you wrote telling me you were going to Boston over Easter again?!  Good mind.  Barb was expecting you.

As you may know, we have a new address.  You didn't have to tell my mother Mrs. Olson was a bitch -- I told her we moved because it was less expensive (true! it is!).  The couple in the back of us were even going to take her to conciliation court.  She has got to be a witch in disguise!  We are finally settled though and the place doesn't look bad.  We have to get bedroom furniture like a dresser and a couple big chairs somewhere.

So when are you going to be heading Westward Ho?  Did you find any transportation yet?  Did you talk to Mike while you were home?  I can imagine he's in another state of traumatic panic, since he hasn't heard from the Peace Corps or anything.  My mother said he was even thinking of going to California again.  Maybe he'll get there this year?  All is going as smoothly as it can here.  Bill is going to school at the U at night and may find a parttime job -- so he can keep unemployment!  I'm finished till this fall and our great bowling season? will be over in a couple of more games so I'll have more time to myself?  I'm still waiting to hear from my mother on the plans for Florida.  I'm going if it kills me!  I can use my big return from my income tax -- $52.

I had better close now -- sorry about teh short letter but I'm getting swamped here at work -- my public needs me.  Take care and write.

Tuesday, May 15, 2012

March 19, 1972 (Letter from Barb)



Heighdy-ho Paul Nelson how in the hell are you?  I'm sorry about not writing!!  I haven't written a letter since February and I feel like a jerk.  But before I go on -- do you know if you're coming over Easter yet?  Let me know now so I can plan our fun-filled vacation -- gala parties, dope dens, etc. etc.  I think I'm going to go home for the weekend after Easter since I have that Monday off -- some state holiday.

Do you plan on making the Annual Memorial Day Festivities and Chicken Barbecue this year?? I guess that's the only time we ever get together -- that and Christmas.  God, it seems like last May was 35 years ago!

Thursday 3/23.  I can't even get one letter written -- fate is against me.  I had just gotten the date written and the electricity went off -- so we were fooling around 2/ the fuses for awhile.  Everything always works so well in this house.   Not much news to tell you -- did I tell you "I'm in love again" -- well I'm going out w/ a guy anyway.  Since November -- I probably mentioned it to you over Christmas.  The more I know him, the more I like him, which is very strange and not the usual state of affairs.  One good thing (or bad thing? I don't know) it will do is keep me in Boston this summer instead of hitting the road again, as I've done for the last three summers!  I have 3 weeks vacation so it won't be so bad.  I plan to go to the Vineyard then and groove out on the ocean.  A summer w/out the ocean is unheard of!!  I'm back at Mass Mental since the end of January -- completely different than last year -- especially with my good buddy Meryl gone and all different people there-- except the crazies of course.  It's always an experience though -- now instead of Meryl I have Tony -- a guy who is a homosexual, active in  Gay Liberation, etc.  So far 8 hours a day I am getting a new slant on life and since he is very outgoing and frank about his life, etc.  He's a nice guy but very hyper -0- mostly because of popping pills all the time.  Oh, Boston is just a clean place to live!!  (And I got a good job too!)  How are things in Buffalo?? and school?  Harry says hi and she ants you to come visit.  We have a rabbit now, you can groove on -- it's a little baby and Nanse keeps it in her room -- just what we need.  All Harry wants to do it eat it.  Are you going to California this summer?  (What are you going to do???, etc etc ad nauseum!)  I just sent Mardi a brithday card -- she's 22 and I'm 23 and I'm freaking out.  (You're 22 too, right?)  I guess Bil is getting unemployment now -- I don't know what he's doing with his time (Al's).  Mardi was talking about them buying a car and coming home in May.  Memorial Day here we come.  I haven't written to Joan (everytime I think of it I just don't know what to write!)  All I want to know is how she's doing -- I keep expecting the worst -- I don't know why!  Like a divorce or something.  Any word from Michael?  He'll the The Graduate in a few months -- he, he.  We're all "students of life", yes, yes.

Write and talk to me ahilw when you have time -- and let me know about Easter, ok?  You can call if you want (collect of course) - (617/731-1058).  I wont' be going home till weekendn of April 14th.  Take care.


March 4, 1972 (Letter from Mardi)



Glad to get your letter the other day!  Too bad you're not going to be here for the big Rock and Roll Revival #2.  It's going to be something else.  Get this -- Chubby Checker, Freddy Cannon!!!, Little Richard, Joey Dee and the Starlighters, Jerry Lee Lewis etc -- ra real freak show!  I'd love to see it.

Haven't been able to get to any movies with Andy out of work.  It doesn't look like he'll be able to find a job too soon!  His first big unemployment check Mar 4t\h.

Hi Paul:  How's things in "B", stop by on way to Calif.  Look for new address. Bill.

We are evacuating the premises on or before April 1st.  Andy and I finally just blew up and started birching at the landlady and told her to get fucked and drop dead; what a fruit!  So now it's looking in the want ads for both a job and a place to live -- feel insecure lately?  I'm tempted to just take off for Florida or something.  I hope I have the will power to save at least #200-300 by fall.  If I can swing it I really would like to move to Florida for next winter.  With Mr. S down there I'm sure he can find me a place and send me wants ads -- it's a thought I keep in the back of my mind, mainly because it probably won't happen!   Hope everything goes well for you this summer!  Like Bill said be looking for a new addr in May!!!!
Well I must go and feed my little melon -- at least I didn't have to work today!  Such ecstasy!

Good morning to  you, good morning to you!  How are you this morning......yuk!  No one should be subjected to mornings...One of these years Nelson you'll (maybe) suffer the same fate.  See you soon.

Monday, May 14, 2012

February 10,1972 (Note from Mardi)



Hi honey!  HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!  Everything is OK here.  Andy still hasn't found a job and things are quite rough right now.  So what's new.  Please write soon.  Our mail is coming by dog sled now -- it's the only thing that can get through.

January 28, 1972 (Letter from Mardi)



It was good to hear from you yesterday!  I had just arrived home after an evening of "bowlerama".  I was going to write to you about three weeks ago and have been in a daze since then. School has me in a fog as usual.  But I actually look forward to classes to give my mind some mental exercise -- I really enjoy it all, which I've been trying to do for a long time.  Now whether I can pass or not will be another problem -- it's about this math class I have.

As usual, my Christmas trip back was uneventful!!!!?  Sure.  You definitely know the circumstances, that fateful Sun night.  I must say I'm sorry if I seemed upset but I was so fuckin pissed about the weather and how to get back I didn't give you a fond farewell.  After you left my mother and I managed to make a dozen phone calls and what I did was get a reservation from Jamestown to Buf and then from Buf to Mpls.   Then we got Tim Lucia to take me to Jamestown.  So just before I was ready to leave Mon afternoon the airport calls and says my flight will be half an hour late getting to Jamestown!  I'll still make my connection in Buf -- get to Jamestown and the flight is 50 min late -- so now I'm thinking "Shit, the planes are not going to make it!"  At 3:05 pm the plans lands -- I'm to be in Buf for my connection at 3:45 sharp -- I made it!  The flight from Buf to Msp was late getting in -- thank god!  Otherwise it would have been a mere five hour wait in the Buffalo airport!!!!  The flight from Buf took 2 hrs. because we were heading into such strong winds!  But I was home and had the ravioli heated by 6:30 pm.  It seems like 1 yr ago already!  I'm glad we got to see Tina and Rusty, that was about the only people I really wanted to see.  I would have like to have seen Mark but I don't have too much to say but hello, how ya doin?  I can't get to Joan, I'll never figure her out.  She seems to do everything backwards to get at her goal.  She doesn't want to go to school but she's going, she wants to settle down...  I'm glad she's going to finish anyway -- I hope.  I really didn't like old Freddy over Memorial Day -- he seemed very defensive towards me -- maybe it's my imagination but Freddy gave Barb the same thing.  I think everyone's "group" has dwindled down!  I don't' think any of us need as many people as we used to.  The few we have are close enough to love and "worry" about.  I'm one for intimate talks and walks, and stupid little tings.  But I like getting out as much as I can with the crowd, not among the crowd.  What am I babbling about?  I was thinking if I can get some money saved I could go out to Boston over Easter too.  It's just a thought though.  I want to get out there and see Barb and all the places.  It would be good a time as any I suppose!

Anderson quit his job!  Neat?  He's been "unemployed" for two weeks.  And boy is the money problem tight 00 just when we were coming out ahead -- he quits!  He was getting screwed on the job anyway.  Monday he finds out about a salesman's job at Grossman's Chevrolet.  IT really would be a nice job because he is so out-going and can really hand out the B.S.  He would have a car then too and other advantages -- like a paycheck!  He's been playing hockey about 4 night a week -- hockey hockey hockey.  He's had 1. a black eye, 2. a bashed up nose, 3. a stick across the mouth, 4. a puck in the arm, 5. a sprained thumb, 6. a cut forehead.  Every time he comes home I'm afraid to answer the door and find out what is broken. David lost 3 teeth last game and big goalie "Andy Anderson" got in a fight but Thank God the referee stopped it.  "He can flu......."  So, if that job doesn't come through it's taxi driving for awhile.  This spring we want to move and get a dog and all. But we are really going to have a bitch moving if we even find a reasonable place.  I want to stay in the same area though. I like the lakes and parks etc., which Bill could care less about!

Everything has been find though all in all!  The weather has been a bitch!  Could you believe -65 with the wind chill!  It had been that way on and off for the past two weeks.  I talked to my mother last week and she continues to talk of going to Florida.  If she does move down, which I am hoping, I am really considering the possibility of moving down there myself!  I love Mpls. and the city but------this weather!  The move wouldn't be for quite awhile yet.  I don't' think it would be a bad move!?

 Well I must close and get busy here.  Take care -- I love ya too honey.

Think we are going to see "Straw Dogs" tonight (or is it Dog?)  I don't want to see the ending.  Oh!  Finally read QBVII it was a good book, not as good as Exodus but good reading.  When it finally came out in paperback I had to read it.

Thursday, May 3, 2012

November 11, 1971 (Letter from Mardi)



Hi ya sweetheart -- I just saw Casablanca for the third time and I'm all psyched on Humphrey B again -- love that movie -- I couldn't remember if I owed you a letter or not.  My mother told me she got "the nicest" letter from you.  She called me Friday night to say she got a letter from Mr. Sayles and that we might be going to Florida this winter.  She sounded really excited and told me not to get too excited myself because he just may want her alone to go down. I keep hoping they will get married!  I can just feel something coming.  I can't figure out what's going on -- my mother never says anything.  I haven't heard too much from anyone else.  Barb is thinking of moving on for parts unknown -- she can no longer cope with Boston.  I hope she finds her "place" soon.  I know I wasn't too sure about this place for a long time and then it seemed to fit all in (that doesn't sound right?!) -- and now I really love this city.  I can remember a few? of the traumas I had!  Only 20 or 30.  As for the rest of my letter-writing friends -- I hear nothing.  I guess Joan is going back to school and her and Freddie were not getting along.  She never writes.  Nothing from Foster.  I'm waiting to see if the Peace Corps is still no. 1 at Christmas time.  It's really funny but I"m looking forward to going home for Christmas. Oh! before I forget to tell you!  I made my reservations the other day and since I had no idea when you planned on going home or how you planned going home, I made a reservation for you too!  Naturally it can be cancelled. I made the reservation for Mohawk this year so I don't have to go to Chicago!  Your fare is $60.00!!!  Oh for the 23rd of December.  I'm just trying to be fairly organized about this -- kind of!

I h ave to go now and hit the calculator.  Take care!

Hey! forgot to tell you!  Went to "The Rock'n'Roll Revival" last week.  Fantastic!  Chuck Berry was there along with a million old groups.  The thing lasted for 4 hrs.  Anderson was right at home -- he was born to be a greaser!!!

October 26, 1971 (Letter from Mardi)



Just a quick note here handsome, so I can get my card out to you.  I looked all over till I found exactly the right one.

All is well and as normal as things can get.  Anderson got picked up by the cops Friday night.  It wasn't his fault though.  He had just left his friendly neighborhood bar stool and was at the Red Barn to get some french fries and a cheeseburger -- a local delicacy, when this big guy (they always pick on small guys!) stick a cigarette in Anderson's face -- mostly by mistake due to his carelessness and of course Anderson's immediate reaction was to push this hand away with the cigarette and this guy turns around and pow!  Anderson goes across the room. So the other guy runs and leaves Anderson there with the cop.  So when th cop asked him if he was driving Bill said no! (clever?) and then they took him to General (Hospital) where you have to spend 6 hr in order to "sober" up.  He really couldn't have been that bombed otherwise he would have had a few choice words for the pig.  So I get this phone call from Bill Sat morning from General.  Since there was no fine or anything I didn't get upset.  Had there been a fine involved I would have killed him.

Yesterday morning  Anderson and I did a cute little paper route (I didn't have to work) we got the car stuck in this driveway and it took us half ha hour to get it out!  Sharp!  Everybody is just bitchin cause the paper is late.

Anyway I have to do some work!  Otherwise I could go on and on.  Take care and Happy Birthday.

Oh went to see Play Misty for Me.  Go and see it!  Really scary -- Anderson even got scared.

I promise to write you a long letter soon!

 

October 26, 1971 (Note from Tony)



Happy birthday.

I get a really nice feeling when it's the birthday of someone I know and like.  It seems that it's a special day to honor that person for begin such a good person.  And there seems to be so few times when special things such as friendship, gentleness, understanding, and kindness are properly appreciated.

So let this be an occasion when I can tell you (which is also very important) that y our special kind of being is being seen and does have a positive effect on the people around you.  May it continue to grow.

I guess that looking at it that way, birthdays do mean something and are really kind of nice to have.  Well, once again Happy Birthday and I'll write soon.


October 21, 1971 (Letter from Mike)



Sorry about the delay, things have been unbelievably hectic lately.  Glad to hear that you're digging Calif.  Thanks for trying to get a hold of Bagwell for me.  Guess I didn't really expect that you'd find her.

Sound like you might be getting carried away w/ the dope bit.  But it's your life, right?  I'm not even into alcohol anymore.  Maybe I'll tackle smoking next.  T hat's one thing I really should kick.

I won't find out about the Peace Corps until at least January, so I'm applying to a couple mining and exploration firms for a job.  Thought I'd see what I could get. Right now my major objective is to get my ass out of school, I just want to be on my own in some capacity and away from all the fuckin' hassle.  The companies are all over the States -- D. C., Minnesota, Texas, Utah, etc.  I'd really dig Utah because I'd be based in Salt Lake City.  Might be cool for a change.  More on that later.

Mrs. P will be glad to know you're going back to school.  Write her a letter if you haven't already.  I'm sure she' probably worried about you.

My love life has deteriorated almost completely.  She was starting to hang on too tightly and I got scared.  The sex bit was also getting slightly out of hand.  Anyways I wasn't pleased with the way I was acting so I got out of the mess.  When I think of how that could have ended up, I get really scared.  I'm not getting married for NOBODY!!!

Just thought I'd tell you that picture you had of me, with all the colored trees, etc?  Forget it, because the leaves just turn brown in Berea and fall off.  None of the color like the forest at home.  Hate to spoil your images, but that's the way it is.

I still weigh between 130-135 so I think I may have succeeded in beating the fat racket.  However, I'm still eating only one meal a day because that's about all I can handle anymore.

I'm taking a great seminar on psychological anthropology taught by a friend and student of Margaret Mead.  Mead is coming here this spring to take over Anthro classes for a week. Should be great.

Haven't heard from anyone since I've been back.  Dody's student teaching in Warren till December or something like that.  Mark is married in case you didn't know and are really interested.  Needless to say, I care.  No word form Tina and Rusty.  They're probably too busy screwing every chance they get.  As for Mardi well I owe her a letter so I'd better get busy and write to her.

We'll, I've gotta go.  I know this is short, but I never was too good at writing anyhow.  See you this winter.

Wednesday, May 2, 2012

October 19, 1971 (Letter from Larry)



I just read your letter and I wanted to write to you while my thoughts were fresh in my head.

Pink Floyd is coming to Cleveland on Nov 6th and I'm hoping I get to see them.

School is going okay but it's a rinky-dink ass school.  I'm trying to do my best but the teaching and administration is fucked up.  It isn't really worth the money but I'm going to make the most of it.  I'd like to go to Ken State after I get out of this school but it depends on the money situation.  It's supposed to be one of the best architectural schools in the nation and besides that there are a lot of freaks down in Kent.

Did you hear that Ford and June bought Bambenek's cottage at Lake Spread Eagle.  Mom and Dad were hoping they would rent nit out so they could go up to the lake for 2 weeks t his summer.  I"d really like to go with them.

About my bad trip -- it really fucked me up.  I don't know what Mom or Dad told you but I'll you the whole story.  I've only touched the chemicals twice -- both times acid.  The first time was out here in Cleveland.  I was over at these guys apartment and just about everybody dropped.  I dropped 1/4 tab and went home by myself.  It wasn't too bad of oa trip.  I just got a lot of cramps and I felt weaker than hell.  I didn't plan on droping again for quite awhile but about three weeks later I dropped with Monty and some other guys.  It was about 2:00 Sunday morning when I did it.  I didn't want to do anything cause I knew that I would have to go to church in a few hours.  Anyhow they persuaded me to, they told me when I first took it that it was mesc, but after about a half hour they told me it was really acid.  I didn't really care then, I wasn't pissed at them for doing it.  But I started peaking about an hour later, I thought I was going to die, I had such bad cramps I could hardly breathe.  I told one of the guys I was with to check me (I was lying in the back seat of a car) every once in awhile to make sure I was still alive.  It really fucked me up.  Things began to be a little beteter when I started coming down but I had terrible cramps.

I went home about 10:30 Sunday morning and nobody was home so I went to bed.  I was still really fucked up, I would hear bells, hammering sounds, motorcycles, just about anything in my head and there was nothing around making the noises.  I thought I was going to be fucked up the rest of my life.  I even told Mom and Dad that they should take me to the State Hospital for observation.  But they wanted to wait a day to see how I'd be.  I didn't start getting back to normal til about 5:00 Sunday nite.  I still wasn't sure if I was going to be normal or not.

It took me about 3 or 4 weeks to get my head clear.  Like about a week or so after this experience I had a couple beers and I laid down and I hear swoshing and cricket like sounds in my head.  Even when I smoked some hash I'd hear cricket sounds but it's been about 7 weeks since that and it doesn't affect my head cuz I don't drink or smoke anymore.

What could have caused such a bad trip is that the acid was probably cut with strychnine (a rat poison) cause it is supposed to cause the bad cramps.

I'll never do chemicals again -- I'd be afraid that it could kill me.  I'll never stop smoking (no reason to).

I listneed to a program on one of the underground radio stations about drugs.  It was a talk session with Cleveland's chief underground toxicologist.  (He inspects the dope in Cleveland that people bring to him.)  I just want to give you some true facts about dope all over the United States.

You've probably never had mescaline before because it done't exist on the street.  If you really have had it, it would have cost about $25 a hit, that's about how much it costs to synthesize it and it is rare in its pure form.  THC doesn't exist outside a laboratory and that would cost $75 per dose cause it is a complicated synthesis.

You won't always get pure acid, a lot of time it's poor quality acid cut with speed or strychnine nto give it strength.

There's no reason why you should get involved with downs or speed -- they can't do anything for you.

Eve the grass is dangerous if it's sprayed or soaked in a chemical.  It's even more dangerous when you smoke a chemical.

The toxicologists does public service announcements on the station so most everything I said is quoted from him.  But I read articles form different people who say the same, so it's not bullshit.

I don't have anything against your taking acid but there's no way in hell that you are sure that it's acid.

It is possible to retrip on LCD under extreme tension.

I would take mesc if I was sure it was pure and could afford it.  But I'd be afraid to take pure acid, I'll never buy any chemical off the street.  The only thing I buy is grass or hash and even then I can't be sure if it hasn't been stepped on.

That's enough of that -- I just wanted to tell you how I felt and a few facts that you might not have known.

I hope everything that I've been writing makes sense.  I wrote down things so fast and I don't plan on proofreading 5 pages.

Mom might have told you I got my hair cut -- I just got about an inch or so of the back so it would grow in more even.

I hope you didn't think I turned straight from what Mom and Dad said.  I could never do that.  I don't' have to take the chemicals to be a freak.

i'm still working at school as a janitor but I'm going to have to have someone start helping me out cause I've been working over 40 hrs/week plus going to school 25 hrs/week that doesn't leave me much time to do anything.  Well my hand is getting tired so i"ll probably see you Christmas.

I hate to bug you about this but know what you're putting down.

This is the longest fuckin letter I've ever written.

October 10, 1971 (Letter from Mardi)



Thanks for the hour of sweeping I had to do in order to get the sand out of the carpet due to the fact that I didn't have a vacuum cleaner handy when I spilt your letter.

Everything is back to normal with Anderson now.  A-C-T-I-O-N weekend though -- Bill and I moaning and groaning with stomach flu.  It could have had something to do with how bombed we got Friday night.  You'd never believe our old drinking bar -- Al's!  Super ritzy now!  It really blew my mind.  I guess Bill left Boston and went to New York and then to Philly.  Barb was upset because everything was such a mess when they were there.  She sounds like she's in "good" shape -- no job, except for typing -- Doreen has moved out and Nancy her new roommate never had any money an does not work.  The eternal hassle...

Things here on the home front are quite stable -- thank god!  When winter sets in it's good to be "secure"?  I'm expecting to be snowed in any day now!

Anyway -- I'm going to close for you -- Comedy for Big Kids in on with Buster Keaton, no 3 Stooges tonight.

Good morning greetings!  (10/12/71)

I can only say that because I am well rested, since I did not have to go to work yesterday!  I must have a phobia about getting up for work every seventh or eighth Monday.  After that amount of time I just can't seem to face another Monday.  Just call me "Abigail Fortitude Abbott!"  Good heavens, what made me think of that name?!  I just had a neato keen day though.  I went and got Cindy's dog (she lives on 31st and Colfax) a St. Bernard, and then went to the park and around Lake Harriet and Lake Calhoun.  The leaves were falling, the sun was out -- wow, I dig that stuff to no end.  It was a truly inspiring day -- inspiring though to quit work and take off or something!   I then set a foot to the drugstore to pick up Bill's pictures of the trip!  My second most favorite things -- PICTURES!  Where the dog knocked over the newspaper stand and caused a big of confusion.  Then upon passing the local ice-cream parlor I had to stop and get a double-dipped chocolate bon bon ice cream cone, which the dog and I both ate.  Now, that's a neat day!

I must go.  CUSTOMER!  Take care!

Do you know when you are coming?  You can stay at our place til Dec. and then fly home w/ me if you want.  I don't know what you plans are!!! I enclosed an October calendar for keeping track of time!

P.S.  You would have #27!!!! That is funny!  Yuk! Yuk!

Tuesday, May 1, 2012

October 9, 1971 (Letter from Mrs. P)

Paul I want you to know I have been thinking of you, even though I don't write.  How are you?  Working real hard I know.  I hear your are working in a restaurant as a cook.  How do you like it?  I have been real busy at work.  We are getting ready for Xmas.   Just think it's a little over 2 mos away.

Have you heard from Mike?  I got a letter fro him and he seems to be doing OK.  I guess he had a bad cold there for awhile, but is much better now.  He said he lost some weight.  He is so thin now, I hope he doesn't lose anymore weight.

I had my wisdom tooth pulled last week and I swear he pulled my tonsils because my throat and neck were so sore, but it's much better now.

The weather is beginning to turn cold and damp and the leaves are turning their beautiful colors.  In c couple weeks they should be real pretty.  Just think after that will come that white stuff.  You lucky guy enjoying the sun.  Will you be home for Xmas?  It seems most of the kids will be home.  I'm planning on Mardi being home.

Bill Anderson and Bill Peterson (a friend of Bill's out of the Navy) came east for a 2 wk trip and spent a couple of days with me and then they went non to Boston.  They took Barb L. with them.

Tina really had a beautiful wedding.  Her husband seems to be a nice guy.  Mike and I both went.  It seems all I've been doing is going to wedding this summer.  Fine in all.

I'm sending you a snapshot of you kids when Mardi was home in July.  I don't think you saw them.


Paul take good care of yourself and let me know how things are out there in good old Calif.  Write when you get time and my thoughts are with you.  Till I hear from you.  Always a friend and Mardi's mother.