February 25, 1970 (Letter from Gail)

You would not believe how cold it is here tonite.  I was over at the coffee house till about 10:00 so on my way home I checked the temp -- 2+ out!  Oy!  I can't stand this damn weather much longer!  I wish spring would hurry up and get here.  Oh -- for that warm weather!!

I've been keeping myself pretty busy lately.  I'm in 2 plays this semester.  A short 1 act play for the coffee house -- get this -- only 2 people in it -- me and this boy.  Sharp, huh?  Then I have a real small bit part in our Drama Club spring production.  I'm really excited about both of them.  The C.H. one is March 20 and 23 and the other one is the end of April.

Last weekend I stayed at Patti Suppa's house.  Her parents went to Fla for 2 wks ( those lucky SOB's) so 3 of us stayed there for the weekend, Sheryl Larson, Barb Check, and me.  Barb is staying for the full 2 wks.  Well, Friday night we went bar-hopping.  We hit the biggest dives in J'town I think.  1st Shorty's (naturally) then Pejo's -- picked up some EOC kids, went to the Silver Dollar and Samuels.  We got back in town at 1:00 and Pat and this other girl that was with us stopped at the T&C and Allegheny Hotel and got served!  Oh wow -- what a night.  I didn't get drunk though.  Got in about 2:30.  Sat nite was even better, we went to Satellite Lounge bowling for awhile -- then barhopping again.  We went to one place -- oh god -- it was a real western saloon -- with Merle Haggard on the juke box and real cowboys dancing with their chicks!  Funny!  Then at 5 to 1 we found the greatest bar -- called the Sportsman Cafe -- the place isn't much, but the bartender is fabulous!  A young Italian guy -- "Bootsie" they call him.  Well he told us if we came back in 2 weeks, he'd buy us all a free drink -- there were 8 of us.  Great!!!  We got back about 2:00 then everyone came in and ate pizza.  Then at 4:00 we went for a ride around town with a six pack.  All I could see was the cops pulling us over.  Oy, I was scared but nothing happened -- thank god!  We got home at 5:00 and I finally went to bed.  I was absolutely exhausted -- a little drunk too, but that's beside the point.  I had a great weekend!  So now you probably think I'm a lush, etc.  But you know me better than that.  Right?  Hey, have you heard from Mark?  I haven't.  When are you coming home.  Be good and take care.

February 24, 1970 (Letter from Anne)

I wrote you a couple of times but forgot to mail them and they are kinda out of date.

Well, nothins really going on around here.  School is as rotten as ever.  I really don't think I'm gonna last much longer.  I was out for 3 weeks with pneumonia.  God damn!  I have been sick for about 3 months.  I'd get a cold or sore throat and it would last about 3 wks.  I didn't know I had pneumonia till I went to the doctor and she listens to my breathing and says, "Get this girl to a hospital, she's got pneumonia if I've ever seen it."

I got a private room, was under oxygen for about 2 1/2 days, color TV, the food was shitty though.  A lot of my friends came to see me.  I was really shocked.

I have to take all this shitty medicine to keep me healthy for awhile.  I wasn't living at home for a couple months but I got busted for narcotics so my mother had to take me back.  I even went back to school.  Were they shocked when I came back.

Well, gotta few more notes to write.  Write soon.

February 20, 1970 (Letter from Kathy)

Belated Valentine's Day to you.

Congratulations on making the Dean's List.  You are now a scholar.

You and Mark both started out with jobs and both of you are now broke.  I guess the Warren guys will just never amount of anything!  It must be the dirty air or the cities is killing their ability to work.  (Honestly, Paul, that's the only excuse I can think of for you, and it isn't even any good!)  If you can't find anyone to sell your car to, then I'll take it for nothing.  OK?  That'll save you some money!  Don't ask me what I would do with a car in this city, but it's an idea anyhow!

I'm glad to find out that you can spell reading, even if you're not accomplishing any.

I have finals coming up next week -- that means I only have 11 weeks of college left! -- plus national and state boards to pass.  Except for the latter two exams, it would sound really great, but I have to get through them before I get a license!

I'm going to the box office tomorrow to see if I can get tickets for "Hair".  It comes to Boston March 5th.

Gary gets sworn into the Air Force March 2nd.  I guess he's leaving sometime in April or May.  He's coming here for a vacation (to see Boston) before he takes off.

You just remember that a letter from KES (KISS?) really makes it also.

We haven't had any major floods in our apartment recently, but the plumber has been here at least five times to fix our over-flowing, never-stopping toilet, that overflows through the back every time it's flushed.  Fun, fun fun!

The wind is still cold here, it's been fairly warm.  As soon as the temperature reached 50, I'm going to be ready to  hit the roof again for some sunshine.

I'm not skiing this weekend not working  -- just taking it easy -- writing letters and sleeping tonight-- tomorrow I'm going to take in a movie.  It's called Z, but I'm not sure it's spelled -- maybe it's Zie or Zee, or Ze or Z -- I've only heard about it -- never seen it written.

Well, guess I, too, have just completed a senseless letter, but they are great to receive anyway.  I really enjoyed yours in spite of the fact that you thought you were a little off your rocker.

Take care-- don't study too hard.

P.S.  You must understand that I'm in a really dippy mood tonight, as usual.  I've taken up growing a orange tree!

February 17, 1970 (Letter from Renee)

As usual it was a pleasure to receive your letter, you have a most unique and enjoyable style -- very free and uninhibited -- I approve!  My boss doesn't have a whole hell of a lot for me to do and he's bash yacking to someone so I decided to be very prompt for a change and write back.

Morrey and I went home to Warren this last weekend to finish up our wedding invitations and get them ready to mail.  You should be receiving yours sometime next week.  It took us four hours of writing, stuffing, stamping and licking to finish up the invitation s from my side of the family list alone.  We did Morrey's parents' list last weekend in Lorain.

I am so fed up with wedding plans and garbage that I am just about ready to tell a few people (my mother-in-law in particular0) just what to do with themselves.  I got my gown and my bridesmaids gowns, etc., ordered the flowers, the photographer, the orchestra and made all the arrangements with the caterers.  The major details aren't so bad to handle, it's just all the little shit that bugs me.  I think I'll be too "fuckin" tired to mess around on m y wedding night -- besides it will be nothing new to me -- just a little more legal I would say.  Morrey has been just great through all this and I love him more every day.  I am extremely happy as far as the two of us are concerned, and that's what is most important.

My car gave me all kinds of trouble and my dad came to get it and it broke down in Cleveland never to start again.  He returned to Cleveland on Monday and got it going and took it home to be fixed.  It's a read dud, but I sure do miss having it.  I should get it back in another month or so.  Morrey and I are planning on buying a new car with our wedding money, so I hope we'll have a little left over after the honeymoon to do it.  I am truly sorry to hear about your car troubles too, but I guess we all must have our problems.  As far as your getting to the wedding Paul, if you take a bus into Cleveland and let us know when it arrives, we can arrange to pick you up, as long as it isn't after 2 in the afternoon on Saturday.  If you can make it on Friday nite it would be better.  Please let me know, and also let me know if you want hotel reservations.  It costs 9.50 per night at the hotel where you will be staying, so I just wanted you to be prepared, OK?

As far as school goes this quarter I'm really doing shitty and I doubt if I'll pull much more than a 2.0 -- and that's if I'm lucky.  Between school and work and keeping the apt picked up and making meals I don't find much time left for studying  and believe me my grades are suffering -- but there's not much I can do.  We haven't spent a weekend in Columbus since I don't know when cause we've been going to Lorain to finish up wedding plans.  It's going to be really gala affair, Paul, with cocktails, dinner, champagne, dancing and the whole bit.  I will be extremely disappointed if you don't' come.

I got a letter from Barb Lucia telling me all her problems, which, frankly, I could care less about.  She never was one of my favorite people.  I crossed her name off my invitation list, but she wrote to tell me she was planning on coming so I guess I'll have to send one anyhow.  At $10.00 a head for the dinner this wedding is going to be a very expensive affair.  As long as I don't have to pay the tab I guess I don't mind very much.

If John and June come to the wedding, which I think they will, you can always hitch a ride with them.  June might just come by herself and would want someone to drive with her so please contact them at 21 Lorfield Drive, Snyder and see what their plans might be.  I am sure they wouldn't mind having you come with them at all, and I would be eternally grateful.

Also, Paul, I moved in with Morrey about a month ago cause I just couldn't hack my roommates much longer, and we couldn't see paying rent in 2 different places.  My parents agreed without any grief about it, so it worked out OK!  From now on please write to me at the Shanley Drive address.

Well I've got to go cause it's almost 5 and I have to take Morrey downtown so he can to go his classes.

Please take care and write again soon when the spirit moves you.  Please let me know your plans for April 4???

February 9, 1970 (Letter from Mike)

Sorry I haven't written sooner but I'm pretty lousy at this anymore.  You'll just have to put up with it.

I'm not counting on that job in Canada, so I'm having Bagwell check things out with her father about getting jobs.  I naturally included you in in the arrangements so I hope you don 't mind.   I could see spending the summer out in Calif.  More on that later.  I just wanted you to know that you're going it we go.  (Keith also.)

Courses are a pisser this quarter.  Several weeks ago, while collecting samples of Ordovician age rocks in Bedford, Ohio, I fell 120' into the Bedford Glens Gorge.  Actually I only initially fell.  The fest of my trip was spent speeding down the 75 degrees incline on my ass while my advisor was at the top of the gorge laughing his ass off!  That guy is warped.  I must have looked funny though, because I was waving my arms and clutching my rock hammer.  I leave Friday morning for Oxford, Ohio at 4AM.  I have a weekend field trip there.  Whoopie twang!

My grandfather died last weekend.  I couldn't go though, be cause I don't dig funerals and I didn't have the money.

I've had one letter from Mardi and it was so confusing that I just threw it out.  I wish she would write something that makes sense and is worth reading.  I did catch the fact that Bill had been out.  I wish I could have met him.

Also heard that Patty Miller was out to see you.  How is the old cunt anyway?  What was that, 7th, 8th, 9th grade?  I don't even remember anymore!

Election are February 25th, wish me luck.  Things look good, but I'll wait till after the elections to make my predictions.   It's safe that way.

Let's call it a letter.

February 9, 1970 (Letter from Barb Lucia)

It's a swinging afternoon at work, I'm ready to fall asleep on my typewriter so I think I'd better write for awhile.  You almost had two little smiling faces there to cheer things up Saturday afternoon.  We were going to knock on your door and yell -- "Let's go to the Palace!"  I'm sure you and Kenny would have freaked out if we showed up.  No! No! Go home!!  What a weekend this was, let me tell you -- zero!  Friday nite we worked on our decoupages and talked and talked and talked about going away (like what's new in the last six month?)   Then we went over to sleep at Mardi's and Bill's on the phone and we're all there yakking away, getting nothing settled of course.  Now that we've both given notice at work, time is running out.  I think Mardi will end up going to Minneapolis and live with Bill till spring and I mostly probably to Boston.  Why can't we do anything original??  Why, oh why.  I was all psyched to go to Denver and to California but Bill's all involved with a new job now, etc. etc.  I hope for her sake that Mardi is sure, really sure about this - I don't know -- I'm not going to give her any grief about it.  There might be a bright side to all this SHIT -- how does it fell to be settled in school and not wondering about the future -- duh!  I remember my sophomore year all I worried about was the next paper that was due, the next basketball game or kegger -- hey, I was cool.  (Don't let anybody ever tell you, you're cool!!!)

Oh well, we did have a jolly good time last weekend with you guys.  I think we're all slightly warped: God, that was unreal.  We are a bunch of duds, laying around drinking ourselves under the table.  Hey, clean!

I really clonked out on the bus on the way home -- if there's one thing I hate, it's coming home all the time.

Well, what else is new around here.  Joan was home this weekend.  I talked to her about 10 minutes but didn't see her.  She won't be home again till Easter and I won't be around then so that's that.  I guess Freddie goes in the Reserves in two weeks.  If Piccirillo pulls this one off she'll be a genius, I don't know how she's going to do it.  What do you hear from Mike? Did he win the election or whatever -- Mike Foster as president of a "cool": fraternity -- wow! Groovy!  Where's my letter sweater?

When are you coming home -- I have this duh! feeling about going now.  Like, I don't mind going to Boston but I'm not really thrilled about i -- I don't like the idea of going alone but I imagine I'll do it.  Bla-ah, why can't it be summer, spring, fall -- ?  Would love to go somewhere warm pretty soon.  I wish I could get Mardi's ass moving.  I just don't' understand her nowadays.  What, what, what is the problem???  Hey, we're stable.  Normal.

Think I'll close now.  Now that I"m at work I guess I should do home work -- doo-doo-doo -- I'll go find something to do.  Peace, take care, say hi to Kenny -- hope we see you soon.

P.S.  I even gave up smoking Larks last week for 2 days -- I must be really blah or something.

P.P.S.  The collage will get done this week!

February 9, 1970 (Letter from Patty)

Well, I started classes Thursday and I get the feeling that this semester isn't going to be any better than last.  I have terrible courses and terrible teachers.  I didn't even get into half of the courses I wanted.  My grades for 1st semester weren't too good -- about 2.3 and in general, I guess this isn't going to be the best year of my life.

I didn't have a really terrific time at Elizabeth's (in New Jersey), but it was quite interesting.  I saw her father's art work and got to help him in one of his classes.  Elizabeth was with her boyfriend most of the time though so mostly I just read a lot.  Have you read Steppenwolf by Hesse yet?  If you haven't, try to.  It's a great book.

I've been trying to keep pretty busy since I got back here so that I don't get bored too soon.  Friday night James Taylor and Mickel Cooney were here in concert.  It was really good.

Well, this is just a quick letter cause I've got to go to my printmaking class.  That's what I finally decided to major in and it's the only class I like and the only teacher I like.

Say hello to Ken and Mike for me.

February 7, 1970 (Letter from Mardi)

Hi honey -- how's Buffalo surviving?  I've gotten into this amazing writing mood so I'm putting it to its fullest advantage.  Barb is sleeping -- what a bum!  Duh.  Last night was ACTION.  Barb and I watched some old Fabian move -- "I dig you."

I've heard from Mark.  He's as busy as ever, of course.  I imagine you've probably heard from him by now.  Mike wrote me a short note this past week.  Everything seems to be at that  post-winter-pre-spring standstill.  I should be working for the next two weeks.  I'm actually feeling a little bad about quitting.  The people are great but it's not for me.  Bill called last night and we made some more plans for Denver.  He's really excited about it.  It would be fabulous if you wanted to work in Colorado this summer!  So all I really know right now is I'm quitting my job in two weeks, then leaving for Minneapolis.  Then I'm going to meet Bill and we'll probably stay there till we both get a little sum of money.  I'm not too worried about it.  I know we'll both be ok.  I realize the fact that they'll be finally catching up with my on my loan sometime in Marcy -- HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

I must admit my letter are information (?)  No need to apologize -- we both know it's a great time!

Mr. Sayles has returned from the Bahamas -- LOUSY -- not too tan!

Please take care and I will be keeping in touch.   Tell Ken "hi".

January 29, 1970 (Letter from Tina)

Please forgive my delay in my not writing sooner, but I've been quite busy making preparations for school.  Actually, all I've been doing is shortening skirt hems in the evening -- yes, they're short.  My last day at NPC is tomorrow -- Thanks God!!  Time has certainly flown by for me, as unbelievable as it may seem.  I really can't wait to get back to Robert Morris (that "kindergarten").  My parents are driving me down on Sunday,m Feb 8th, and classes start Tuesday, the 10th.  That will give me two days to get moved into the dorm and get back "in the groove".  I made out my schedule and sent it in.  I'll be carrying 17 credits (6 courses) and have 4 classes Mon. Wed. Fri, and three on Tues. Thurs.  I'll be running my "can" all over campus.

I've been going on and on about myself, Paul.  I'm terribly sorry about your robbery.  Leave it to you to get a stereo out of that mess.  It's a good thing that nothing else was stolen.  It could have been worse, if that's possible.  They must have been professionals -- only stole whet they could sell, without being traced.  No, Paul, I'm not with the CIA.  I've enclosed the picture of your parents in today's WTM&O.  You might know that one of Mike's relatives (Frank) would get in on the celebration!  Seriously, it is a very good photo of your parents.  Also enclosed is a letter I wrote to Ann Landers that finally made the paper -- just kidding.  The jerk who wrote that letter (even though I "partially" agree with her) picked a good pen name -- too much!!!  All right, Paul, I promise -- no more shitty Ann Landers letters.  (Now you know how severely 7 mos. in Warren has affected me.)

I received a letter from Mike last week, and wrote back last weekend.  Also received a phone call fro Dody last Sat.  He left for Edinboro campus Sunday.  Christ Wilbert, who I dated at school last year and went out with New Years, is coming this weekend.  He's really a tremendous guy, but it isn't anything serious.  (IT NEVER IS!)

Sorry to make this so short -- more later.  Take care, dear.

January 26, 1970 (Letter from Kathy)

Weather here has also been very cold, little snow, but plenty of cold wind off the ocean.

We've been having obscene phone calls here because we put our names (first names) in the phone book instead of initials.

I'm surprise you didn't have a stereo before.

You should just be getting back from term break.

I've been having a really great time up here.  This year I'm taking advantage of things.  Last Saturday I went skating on Lake Winnepesaukee in N.H.; this Saturday (yesterday) I went skiing on Mt. Tecumseh in N.H.; and next weekend I'm going skiing in Vermont.  I can't wait.  It should be really great.  I'm taking a lesson the first thing I get there though, because I"m not tackling those slopes on my little knowledge!!

I'm still working two nights a week -- always Thurs and then one of Fri, Sat, or Sun depending upon my plans.

I'm having midterms right now, and I'm coming fairly close to flunking Pharmacology.  Did really poorly on the midterm - the final will be my only other grade!

Going to my first hockey game (see what I mean -- I've been here a year and haven't done anything).  Harvard, B.C. (Boston College), Boston U., and Northeastern are having a tournament.

The guy I go skiing with told me he would take me to a Bruins game sometime.

Saw "Easy Rider" Friday night.  If you haven't seen it, you must go.

Guess that's all I have to say.

Gary called today -- he goes into the Air Force the beginning of March if his chest x-ray and blood test are OK.

Well gonna (oops) "going to" see if I still can't get a little studying in before going to work.

January 21, 1970 (Letter from Gail)

Sorry that I didn't write to you sooner.  But the week I got you letter I was studying for my finals.  God, what a week!  We should be getting our grades tomorrow or Friday.  I know I did good on my sociology test, but the other three -- well, I'd rather not talk about them.  We're on our semester break now.  It's a great feeling not to have any school work hanging over my head for a change.  I luv it!

Oh Paul, I was so sorry to hear what happened to your apartment.  God, what a horrible thing!  Did you report it to the cops?  I hope they can catch the guy who did it.  Great and I'm living in an apartment next year at Edinboro!  I'm scared now.  Think I'll put aside about 5 extra locks plus 4 bolts on the door.  Just to be on the safe side, of course.

Not much has been happening social wise, that is.  Dody is taking me to Bud's (in Jamestown) for dinner tomorrow night.  I'm sorta excited, I've never been there before.  He leaves for main campus this coming Sunday.  I'm gonna miss him.

Hey, how was your New Years Eve?  I haven't seen you in so long, I don't even know what you did New Years Eve.  I had a nice New Years.  I went to this guys house for 4 days.  In fact, I had a great time!!  I went to Penn State last weekend and stayed with Leslie.  We had a great time.  Sat nite we went to see a Paul Butterfield Jazz Blues concert.  It was good.  Heave you ever heard of him?  I never had till I went down there.  He's pretty good.  After the concert we went to an apartment party.  It was fun.  Did you ever play Charades when you're high?  God, I did.  It was hysterical!  I couldn't do anything.  I had "Easy Rider" to do and when I went to make the movie sign -- I said "movie" while I was doing the sign -- plus other dumb stuff like that.  That was the first and last time I got to play Charades!  We got in about 3:30AM.  Then we sat and talked til 5:00AM.  Then I had that damn long bus ride home that day (Sun).  What a trip.  4 hours of pure shit!!

You wouldn't believe how cold it is here!  It's supposed to go as far as -15 tonite.  Oh boy, can't wait.

That's about it from this end.  Take care and keep warm.  Write soon.

January 10, 1970 (Letter from Mark)

Well, I can assure you that Warren is out of my mind.  I try to keep it out of my mind when I'm home.  It was a nice rest -- that's about all I can say for my vacation.  I've got a terrible schedule -- 4 8 o'clocks, plus Saturday classes and in the middle of all that I work about 22 hours a week.  I don't know ho long I'm going to keep it up.  I've had a miserable cold for the past week and I haven't felt like doing anything, but the money is going to help out a lot.

Sorry to hear about your robbery, but I'm sure you're enjoying the new stereo a lot more than an electric typewriter.  I'm sure that I would, but it still was a rotten thing to do though.  A lot of kids had things stolen here at school.  I've checked with my parents to get some of my things insured.

Sherry and I are going to see Rosemary's Baby at the school theater tonight.  I've already seen it, but want to see it again.  Thursday night the New York Rock Ensemble is coming and Jan 28 Three Dog Night.  If you get a chance and have some money you oughta come up.

You remember Marilyn Schirck.  Emily told me she was 7 months pregnant.  She ran around with Penny Thompson.  Just thought I'd put that little piece of information in there.  I'm really sure you could give a damn.

Heard from Mardi and I guess she's still going out to Minneapolis.  Not too much more to say for now.

Write when you get the chance and if you think you can make it Jan 28 you're welcome to come.

January 10, 1970 (Letter from Mardi)

Have they arrested the dirty deed doers yet?  I still can't believe your apartment was robbed!

Are you back in the old grind yet -- of course -- it takes about five minutes.

Today Barney and I and Barb were supposed to be on our way to Pittsburgh.  Naturally Barney brought up the idea and then couldn't go, so Barb tired to get the car and couldn't -- so here I sit on this beautiful Sunday afternoon watching the North-South football game -- WOW.  I started to clean my room and all I got done was organizing the mess and I haven't even started to dust it -- such problems!

Barb and I got our pictures back.  They turned out really cute, but we look funny just being dressed up in those New Years Eve pictures!  That one Barb took in the car even turned out.

Oh, I must tell you before I forget.  Joan's father had a really bad heart attack Monday and he's in the intensive care section now.  He could have died it was so severe.  He's supposed to be in bed now for the next six months at least.  I couldn't believe it.

Well work has been a real bitch, but I can't be bothered to worry about it.  The work just piles up no matter how much we try to keep caught up.

Sorry I haven't written sooner but...

I was going to call and I probably still will.  Barb I should be be seeing you Thursday night and we might stay overnight.  So far Bill is supposed to be arriving around 6:30 or 7:00 in Buffalo, and I'm definitely not going into work Friday.  I don't know if he's coming with his roommate or not.  So we should get together.

Have you found any job prospects?  I heard it's kind of COLD and snowy.  With luck Anderson's flight will be cancelled and the airport closed -- with luck.

Please take care Clyde and wait till the heat dies down -- by the way what did you do with the stereo, typewriter, and clocks.  That was pretty tricky of you to make it look like someone stole your typewriter!

Hope to see you Thursday!  Try and give me a quick call.

December 31, 1969 (Letter from Renee)

I wanted to surprise you and be the first to write, since it usually works out the other way around.

I was really glad to see you when I was home.  I must admit that I wasn't exactly in my "usual" self cause I had a lot of pain from my teeth and the medication was making me very dizzy and sleepy.  I kind of sat around home for most of the vacation cause I didn't have a whole lot of get up and go.  Perhaps the next time we get together we can whoop it up a little.

The trip back to Columbus was a little hairy cause the roads were pretty bad, but we finally made it.  I didn't mind the driving but, again, m y mouth was killing me so I didn't exactly enjoy it altogether.  Our apartment looks beautiful with all the new furnishings and we're very pleased with our first "home".  I really hope that you can find the time to come out for a visit one of these days cause we'd love to have y ou as our guest and we have an extra bedroom -- which serves as a guest room and den.

I had Toni Pace over to dinner last night and we had a great time.  I made steak, baked potatoes, salad, and the whole deal and had a splendiferous chocolate butter cake for dessert.  It's really nice to be able to entertain and heave guests for dinner with ease -- and I don't' like to entertain.

I'm at work now and my boss is out to lunch and I have nothing much to do, so I'm catching up on my letter writing.  I think my boss was glad to have me back cause he couldn't leave the office last week cause I wasn't here to cover.  It's really peaceful and quiet here since everyone is still home on vacation.  Morrey and I are going to Lorain tonight to go to a wild New Years Eve party, and we'll stay at his house probably till Sunday.  That will give me a chance to get a few things out of the way concerning our wedding plans.  Speaking of our wedding, I'm thrilled that you will make it, cause I would like nothing more than seeing my close friends there when I make the big step!!

I got my grades Tuesday and I didn't believe it but I got a 3.6 which is way above Dean's list.  I always said  I would make Dean's List someday -- and my dream came true.  I had 2 A's and a B.  The 3.6 is my quarter accum, and my overall accum is a 3/2 so I'm not complaining.

Tonight is New Years Eve and I'll be thinking of you and the gang and our former New Years Eves together.  Times changes all -- isn't that true?

I have to go and get my schedule changed and buy books one of these days. I'm not really looking forward to another quarter of grueling work, but thank goodness this will be my last quarter until June!

My little car (Snow White) made the trip out here just beautifully and I really enjoy having it.  I haven't driven it too much besides to work and back cause the roads out here are pretty icy.  Last night it rained and then the rain froze, so you can imagine what the roads are like.

Well, I'd better get on the ball and get something done around here before the boss gets back.

Please take care, Paul, and keep in touch -- even if you only write once in a great while -- your letters are appreciated.  I'm wishing you much good luck with your finals.

December 16, 1969 (Letter from Barb)

I bet you can hardly wait to get your body and soul back to Warren, Pa. 16365 -- that old home town of childhood memories, that old high school hangout, that flea-bitten hold of a place we all go to as a last resort of whenever the money is gone, like when you don't know what the hell you're doing and come back here to get completely screwed up and fucked up in the head.  W hew!  Glad that's over, but when will it be over??  Poor Mike was freaking out here last nite -- he's there Help!  Mardi and I are there "Cool it Foster" -- things  could get worse -- Duh!

When will we see your smiling face and floppy hair again -- soon I hope.  Why don't we all say the hell with it and take off for Florida -- well, it was an idea.  Anyway, get your butt down here and take us out and get us completely bombed.  Gee, that's never happened before.

Good luck w/ getting home with no heat -- did you get the car fixed?  I hope.

See you soon.

December 5, 1969 (Letter from Mardi)

You'll never guess where I'm sitting!  In Barney's office in the National Forge!  I'm starting with Barney Monday as "temporary" but I'll be working full-time.  I'll be making over $2.00 an hour which is better than the old faithful New Process Company!

I'm sorry for not writing sooner, but I'm confused on who I've written to and who I haven't and lately letter-writing is a pain!  When are you coming home for Christmas?  Around the 19th?!  I was just wondering because Bill might come out and if he flys into Buffalo we could meet him and drive back -- speaking of driving -- in your car -- how's the heat?  "Is da heat on boss?"

Nothing fantastic has been happening?!  I made the

[12/10]  Here I sit at work again!  Amazing things.  I feel like I could fall asleep at any moment!  Monday went by like a flash and Barney and I went to St. Bonaventures after work for the basketball game and we ended up in a bar at St. Bonnie's at about twelve thirty drinking away with a bunch of kids.  Bona's won the game so we celebrated.   But I didn't get home until 2;00AM and Barney and I have to get up at 6:30AM!  Duh!  I didn't feel too bad and when I got home last night I did more work than I usually do.  NOW today BLAH, I'm tired -

Sorry I haven't written -- you know how it is!

Must close now only have a few minutes left for lunch!  When will you be home?  19th?  See you soon -- Hope you got your mail situation taken care of.  See you soon.

December 3, 1969 (Letter from Patty)

I'm sitting in my new chair that I just bought at the rescue mission, waiting for the paint on my window to dry so I thought I'd write you a letter.  How are you?  It certainly has been a long time since I've written.  I kept waiting for a chance to tell you that I was coming to see you, but I never seem to have the time.  I've gotten in to a lot of new things this year and there just isn't the time to do everything I want to do.  I'm into grass now for one thing.  Surprised?  I've also really been trying to go a lot of places.  I went to Washington for the peace march.  One weekend 2 of my friends and I hitched to Binghamton -- we got picked up twice by the cops.

I wasn't doing too well in my art work at the beginning of the semester.  I was like really dried up in the imagination dept, I think my exciting summer in front of a typewriter had a lot to do with it.  Anyhow, I'm like getting back into my work now finally.

I'm going to finish painting my Christmas peace sign in the window now.  I'll get back to you later.  Don't be impatient.

It's now 4:30 AM and after finishing my stained glass window, listening to records for about 2 hrs., doing my laundry, working on a painting, and drawing eight optical illusions, I've finally gotten back to this letter.  I figured if I didn't finish this one I'd never write to you seeing how I've already started about 3 letters to you that I never finished.

I must say this year certainly seems ma lot different from last.  I guess it's because the novelty has worn off.

How has everything been going for you?  Have you heard anything from anybody in Warren?  Are you still working?

I start work Friday at the Veterans' Day Care Center.  I volunteered for it.  T hey need people in art to help the veterans keep busy.  It should really be interesting.

I'm also going to start working on an underground newspaper this month.  Doing art work.  Some friends of mine started it; they've only put out one issue so far.  It has a long way to go, but some really good people are working on it.  You won't believe the name -- Public Hair!  What can I say?

Thanksgiving vacation was really a bore.  Four days at home with my parents was really bad.  I don't know what I'm going to do over Christmas, but I'm not staying home for two weeks.  The only thing that could have been good over vacation was that Country Joe and the Fish were in Albany Wed night, but being the ass that I usually am, I missed the early bus to Albany and got in too late to see them.

I guess that's about it for now.  I hope you don't take as long answering this as I did in finally writing.

November 16, 1969 (Letter from Mardi)

Hey hey hey -- well I made it to Msp with no trouble at all -- amazing?!  Stand-by was no problem.

The city looks GREAT.  I've been running around for the past two days taking in everything.

Tuesday night Mom calls here (Dutch's) and says what's going on?  50 kids in the apartment.  So I'm there screaming into the phone -- I always get into perfect examples of how to anger your mother in one easy lesson.

I'm waiting for Dutch to come home now.  He doesn't know it but he has to take me over to Wendy's so I can bring my things over!  And Bill called me today which is nice to --

Why can't I ever go anywhere with no problems -- BLAH!  I guess it would be a real drag not to worry!

The temp is -17 now.  REAL COZY!  BLAH!  It's snowing just a tiny bit. I didn't pack a hat -- smart -- brought my boots though which I probably won't need.

I must go -- Dutch just came in -- broke the new -- I"M CRAZY I SWEAR!  Please take care.

Janis Joplin and the Association are coming so I've got to make it to one or the other!  Janis Joplin-----

November 15, 1969 (Letter from Kathy)

Hope you're still managing your time well and that school is going all right.

Contrary to yours, my social life is in flower.  I can't believe it.  Right now I'm dating my landlord (that's right) and have a date tonight with this guy I knew from last year and then Sunday I'm going out with this guy I met at work last night.  It's unreal.  Until this past week when my landlord took me out twice, I had only had one date.  To top it off though, finals start Nov 34rd and I have so much studying to do -- and only one week left to do it in.

Gary and I are having difficulties, at least from my point of view.  He hates to write letters.  He called me two weeks ago but since then I haven't heard from him.  It's almost as though eh doesn't want me to miss him.  I'm anxious to get home for my 11 day Thanksgiving vacation to find out the situation.  I really thought we had something made -- well, enough for that-- it's my problem and I'll just have to play it by ear.

Hope you checked into the sturdiness of your garage ceiling.  I've really got something to top that story off though.

Out of 17 days here, it has rained 14.  When I came home last Sunday from doing the laundry (where I am now) I found our kitchen ceiling leaking.  It just so happens to be that we live on the 1st floor of a 3 floor apartment building.  Went upstairs to find that the 2nd store had 3" of water on their kitchen floor -- their ceiling had collapsed.  Well, this is only the beginning.  The landlord (yes, the same one!!) came over to see where it was coming from -- bringing his roof men.  Meanwhile, water started gushing out of our toilet.  I went screaming after our landlord.  About 5 minutes later there was 5 inches of water in our bathroom and about 4 in my room.  We just got my rug up in time.  What a mess.  You wouldn't have believed all the water.  Guess where it came from?  The roof.  The roof guys took the plug out of the drain cuz there was two feet of water on the roof and it all came up our toilet because of the pipe system.  If that wasn't an exciting event for the day!!  We're all pretty dried up now except for the landlord's wall-to-wall carpeting in the hall.

This past story has been abridged and if you would like to know the whole story feel free to ask.

Well Paul, the weather has been really nice here in spite of the rain.  I swear it must be 70 today and the sun is about 100 -- feels great.

Take care -- maybe I'll see you over the summer at some local bar.

P.S.  Just met a guy here at the laundromat.  NICE!

November 12, 1969 (Letter from Mark)

Glad to hear from you.  It's a Saturday night and I'm staying in.  The Brooklyn Bridge is giving a concert, which I don't particularly care for.  Next weekend the Moody Blues are coming, so sort of saving my money to see them.

Last weekend Leslie Stein came up.  She called Thursday nite and said she had a lift up.  We really had a good time, but she thought that most of my friends were plastic -- which we ended up arguing about.  She is really looking good now -- as a matter of fact -- she is really pretty.  Glad to have her though.  Weekends here are really sort of a bore now.

I've smoked about 3 times a week for the past two weeks, but it's beginning to be nothing and it sort of scares me about the way some of these people are.  One of my friends tried to commit suicide last week while he was stoned and a few of the kids I smoked with last year are dropping acid now.  It's sort of bothering me when I think what their life is turning into.

How would you like to come up next weekend?  The Moody Blues are here and I could get you a date if you wanted one.  But would like to see you if you wanted to come up.  Give me a collect call sometime during the week if you can make it.

I heard from Mardi.  She's leaving for Minneapolis on Tuesday I guess to go out and get a job.  Other than Mardi and you I haven't heard from anyone else from Warren.

I guess that I'm going home for Thanksgiving.  I know my parents will give me grief about my hair cause I decided to let it get long.  My parents are so straight that if it begins to go over your ears, you're automatically transformed into a woman.  Guess that's they way all parents are.

Well, I guess I'll be going for now.  Give me ma call if you think you can make it.  If not, probably see you at Thanksgiving.

November 9, 1969 (Letter from Mardi)

You'll never know how close I came to being in Buffalo.  Barney wanted me to go with her to St. Bonnies to see Greg then drive to Buffalo -- so I thought I'd go and see ya and stay there tonight -- but mother got sick -- sinus infection -- BAD, BAD so I wanted to stay here plus I have to wash and iron all my clothes.  I"M LEAVING FOR MINNEAPOLIS.  Tuesday I'm going -- I made up my mind.  I have to go because I just can't stand it here a minute longer!  I'll be back in two weeks though -- I told Mom I'd come back for Thanksgiving.  I'm going to look for a job and see what I can find.  Wendy called last night so I'll stay with her -- can't wait to talk to her!  One thing I'm not going to do is worry!  I promise to drop you a line from Minneapolis.  I'm flying back the Tuesday before Thanksgiving and I'll stay with Mike Tues night and come home together Wednesday.  Nancy is coming home Thanksgiving -- how long, or what day I'm hot sure.

Did all my washing today.  Blah.

Had to buy new glasses this week ZIP -- $43.00!  HELP!  What can you do?

I'm sorry I haven't written sooner.  I haven't been in the mood.

Last night about six of us landed up at this bar in Jamestown no one had ever seen before -- it was really cool -- it had a pool table -- great bartender, good music -- drunk kids -- we had a great time -- UNREAL---

Must go now, please take care of yourself.  See you at Thanksgiving!!!

November 8, 1969 (Letter from Renee)

Got your letter the other day but have been swamped with work.  Went to the drug store to buy you a birthday card and all they had were shitty flowery ones so I guess you'll have to accept my somewhat belated but most sincere birthday wishes.  How's it feel to be 2 decades old?

I just finished filling out my schedule cards for next quarter.  I've already got 128 hours in and after this quarter I'll have 65 more hours to go -- or 4 quarters till I graduate.  Whoopie.  I'm getting fed up with school and I'm getting sick of going to classes and doing shitty busy work.

I have an appointment with the gynecologist next week to get examined and get birth control pills cause I'm tired of getting scared every month when my period is due.  Morrey and I really want to get married soon cause we practically live together anyway and I'm sick of both his and my roommates.  I love him very much -- like I've never loved before -- and I'm sure it's the real thing.

Here I sit writing letters and I've got a paper due Thurs.  I could care less. Boy am I ever APATHETIC!

I won't be coming home for Thanksgiving cause my parents are coming here instead and I plan on working here full time during Xmas vacation.  I'd go out of my mind in Warren w/out Morrey for more than 2 days.   Ah love -- how sweet it is!

You never told me if you were still a virgin?  I guess it's none of my damn business, but I'm just a little bit inquisitive.  I know that i save mine until I was sure I had found the one and only man I loved.  We were both virgins.  So it was fun to adventure together, if you know what I mean.

Have you declared a major yet?  If so, what the hell is it?

I agree with you about Mardi and Barb.  They'll never get anywhere sitting on their asses and talking about it.  Actions speak louder than words.

Well, I got to get to work.  Will write again more extensively when I have time.  Please keep in touch and come visit us anytime you'd like.  Even bring a friend (as long as it isn't Mike!)  Keep in touch.

November 1, 1969 (Letter from Kathy)

First of all, what was the exclamation mark after the 18th for?  I couldn't figure that out for sure.

Second, glad to hear from you.  Actually, I was gonna write to you at your home address t his weekend because I was unsure as to whether you were living in the same place as last year.

You speak of your summer as a worthwhile experience, well, I'm getting mine now.  Living in an apartment is really what I needed, except it's (of course) much more work than living in the dorm.  It's kinda hard for me because I have 32 hours of classes with my 20 hours of clinic.

Glad to hear your car is taking good care of you.

I too have had little testing until this past week -- had 3 midterms and a few quizzes.  Naturally, all at one time!

You wouldn't believe how great our apartment looks.  If you ever feel like getting away for a 7 hour drive, come to Boston.  I'm sure we could find something of interest to do!

I got a job in an International House of Pancakes.  The turnover in the place is really fast.  On a Friday night I can make as much as $35, but on a Thurs I usually make about $10.  Only work Thurs and Fri -- sometimes either Sat or Sun -- those are the two nights I'm on call.  It really helps with the expenses.  I really hadn't planned on getting a job with that much money, so I'm ahead on my budget.  Have even been able to save some.

You should have seen me trying to paint my ceiling the first day I was here.  I had to fill the cracks in, sandpaper, and then paint by jumping on and off a bookshelf!  It's been really a lot of fun though.  We have 8 rooms; 4 bedrooms, bath, kitchen, living room, and a real small room that we keep the bar in.  We have wall-to-wall carpets and the landlord paid for paint for all the rooms.  We only have the living room left.  We were all so concerned about getting our own rooms finished first.

I just got a rug for my room today -- gold, orange, and green.  My room is gold, white ceiling and trim (have three windows, 3 doors, and built in shelves and drawers) with orange accessories.  I'm getting a paper chandelier that I saw in "George's Folly" -- it's orange and gold of course!!

Did you get your drug store job?

My clinical assignments t his quarter are all over the city!  Really.  I had to go to Brighton the first half of the quarter, a home for unwed mothers and a crippled children's home.  This half I'm in Cambridge schools and at a boys technical school.  We have ideal conditions -- straight back chairs, a desk or table instead of a unit, and either flashlights or lamps!!  Loads of fun!  If there is ever an electric strike or blackout, the girls from Forsyth (my dental school) will be the only people that will continue to work.  I can see where it can be good experience, but we certainly aren't practicing the good posture they preach when we have to stand on our heads to see in a patient's mouth!!  It's really fun though! (!!??)

Sue Smith came up with me at the beginning of the year.  She would be so shocked if she could see the difference now.  It's actually getting to be a nice place.  She was looking for a job.

The pancake house I work in is open until 2:00 on Fri and Sat, and I got abrasion of my eye from contacts for wearing them such long hours.  A guy here told me the contacts were all wrong for my eyes and I was really shook up.  I did manage to live.

Acquired a bicycle to get around on.  One of my roommates does have a car.  One of from Long Island and the other two are from Providence, R.I.

A guy 70 yrs old ran into Gary's Triumph and it ran into Rick Nasman's car -- completely demolishing it.  It was considered totaled and Gary got a pretty good price for it plus he got to keep the car.  I thought the insurance company usually took the car.  Mike Lundberg might try and fix up the car for racing.

Gary is seriously thinking of enlisting in the army in December.

I went home for Columbus Day because I had that Monday off and Wed for the Moratorium.  Gary was having homecoming, and, lo and behold, he had a date.  That was a surprise for both of us, however, all is well -- we both date -- it was just a little uncomfortable for Mary Lou (Dody DeLong's old girlfriend).

Well, take care -- let me know what you're up to.

October 30, 1969 (Letter from Mark)

Sorry I've waited so long to write.  It's been really hectic and I haven't had much of a chance to do much writing this quarter.  It's hard to believe in 3 1/2 weeks I'll be going home for Thanksgiving.  I'm not really too excited about going home.  As a matter of fact, could really care less about home at all.  If I find a place to go , I'll go.  My parents are giving me grief about all sorts of things -- mainly hair cut.  Oh well.

Two weeks the Moody Blues are coming for a concert here at school.  Probably take the same girl that I've been dating since last year.  Nothing really serious though.  Not really ready to get tied down to anyone yet.

So how have things been going for you lately?  Still have the same roommates as last year?

I've smoked about five times since I got here.  Sort of turning into too much of a regular habit though.  So I think I'm going to cut down.  A kid across the hall committed suicide last nite.  It was really something.  It was hard to believe that someone you knew could actually take their own life.

Haven't heard from Mardi or anyone like that.  I guess there's not relationship there anymore, so it doesn't bother me all that much.

Well, I guess I'll go for now.  Write soon.

October 26, 1969 (Letter from Gail)

If you only knew how sorry I was for not writing to you sooner -- you have my most heart-felt apologies.  Do you accept them and am I forgiven?

It was really great hearing from you and I guess when you lose touch with someone like that over the summer, it makes that first letter in the fall sound so much better.  Right?  My summer sounds about the same as yours. I ate, slept, worked at gold ole Tiny Town, and took a 3 hr. course at EOC for 6 wks.  I hated to start school in the fall because none of the kids that we were really friendly with last year were coming back.  I miss them.  EOC ain't what it used to be.  I got elected to be a member of student govt again this yr and plus on the board -- govt is so-so.  Not too much has been happening in my life so far.  A bunch of us girls went to Shorty's last weekend and then again this past Fri nite.  It was so damn crowded that we all left and went to -- ready -- Pejo's.  God it was funny!  I haven't been there since senior week 1968!  Angie was unreal -- we bought 2 pitchers of beer so she gave us a third one FREE plus a big dish of popcorn!  But seeing as how we were the only people in the joint, she figured she had to be nice to us to get us to come back. There were 56 of us girls and then 7 more kids that go to EOC followed us up there.  It was really beautiful.  Then we stopped off at Shorty's on the way home just long enough to use the bathroom, then we left.  God, if that didn't look obvious!

We had midterms this past week.  Oy vay!  They were so tuff!  But I can't believe 1/2 of the semester is gone already!  Wow!

Last Sun my parents were going down around Penn State to visit some friends, so Sheryl Larson and I went along and they dropped us off at PSU to spend the day with Leslie Stein.  Well we got right before Ridgway and the hood of the car pops up -- right in our faces!  I was panic stricken. The damn thing did it twice.  So my dad bought a chain and chained it down and it was ok for the rest of the trip and on the way home.  To top this off -- my dad made a wrong turn and to get back on the right road he had to cross a median in the road and just as he got on the damn thing, a state trooper comes by and pulls us over.  My father got a $15 fine for driving on the wrong side of the road!  It was quite some day.  I'll say!  I hope I never have to go through it again.  I sat for the rest of the trip (after the hood flew up) with my fingers crossed and my eyes closed.  I was so-o-o scared!!!

Nothing much has happened in Warren lately.  Except it snowed here for 2 days last week.  Ugh!

Congratulations on your new car.  It sounds really nice.  Bring it home some weekend.  I'd like to see it.  What color is it?

I'm so mad at Mark.  I wrote him 3 wks ago and he hasn't answered me back.  Oh well.  Leslie hears from him quite regularly.  He calls her up at lest once a week and he's going down to see her sometime next month.  I guess.  Oh well.  WAHS played Kane yesterday.  We beat them 46-0  That's not saying much for the Dragons though, Kane kicked 14 guys off their team for drinking.  See what I mean.

Take care and come home soon.  Get out of the smog and get some fresh clean country air in your lungs!  Ha!

October 23, 1969 (Letter from Renee)

I was certainly glad to year from you, cause I wasn't too sure of your address either, and to tell the truth, it's getting kind of difficult to find time to write.  I am, however, living at the same apartment.

I know what you mean Paul, when you say that the old group is breaking up, and to tell the truth, I am past the point of really caring about people like Mike and Mardi and Joan and Barb, because my life is so different than theirs, and as far as I'm concerned they are very shallow people who have nothing to really offer me in the way of friendship any longer.   However, I do intend to keep our relationship going, even if we both are kind of lax in letter writing.  I, too, am quite friendly with Mark, and you, because you both have something substantial to offer me as close friends.  When I think back of past experiences, you and Mark were the only two real friends I had in my high school days, and the rest were acquaintances who thrived on using me for one reason or another.  I don't know Paul, maybe we both have grown up a lot, and I think we have, cause you seem to be expressing the same sort of callousness about past friends as I do, and that stems from the general attitude "I could care less about them".

I was home for 2 weeks at the beginning of Sept., but I didn't see Mike or Mardi or anyone.  I talked to Frat Rat Mike on the phone and he tried to impress me that he was so superior to the "Warren crowd", and he told me that he was fed up with everyone and everything.  Typically Mike, huh?  Mike's in love with himself and always was; only I just recently discovered this fact -- unfortunately about 3 years too late.  I have no fond words for Mardi or Barb either.  Mardi is heading for real trouble and confusion, and it's about time she stopped fooling around and looking for kicks, and set herself straight about what life is really like in the cruel, cruel world!!  Enough of my psychoanalyzing for now -- it won't do anyone much good anyhow.

I was glad to hear that your summer experience was good, and that it brought you out of your coon's shell.  (????)  I really wish that you and I could get together for a long, long talk, cause you wouldn't believe how much my ideas have changed, and my attitudes toward things in general.  I'm a new person, Paul, and I think you'd like the "NEW" me better than the Renee you knew two years ago!!

Thank you for the congrats on my engagement.  I am most happy and very much in love, secure, and well-balanced too for a change.  Morrey is just wonderful to me, and we get along really great.  We're planning on getting married next fall so I hope you can make the wedding (if I don't end up pregnant before then, heaven forbid).  I've got 76 more hours till graduation, so I'll probably graduate next March if all goes well.

I also have a job this quarter, and for the rest of the year.  I work as a secretary in my landlord's office, which also happens to be a plumbing warehouse and business.  I love my job cause I don't do much besides sit on my can and go out for coffee once in a while, and keep all my boss' bachelor friends happy with my gross jokes, etc.  My boss is a bachelor and a real cool head, and I can hardly believe that I'm getting paid 1.50 to come in here and have a good time.  When he doesn't give me any work to do, I can write letters on his stationary to my friends, or read, or study, or type my own papers.  Cool, eh?

Well I gotta go cause my boss is talking to me.  Write soon.

October 19, 1969 (Letter from Barb Lucia)

Well, Pauly, yes it has been a long time.  I just about have it figured out where everybody id -- what they're doing is another thing because nobody knows that.  Take me for an example -- DUH!  I am now working in Warren Pa. 16365 (!) at the Blue Manor Restaurant 6 days a week, waiting on a bunch of old, middle-class, conservative, mother-and-apple-pie, small-town, narrow, stagnant -- shall I go on?  I'm sure you understand -- you have only to live here to know -- Bla-a-a-h!  And Mardi spends her days at New Process -- I don't even have words for that!  She works until 5:00 and I work till 8:00 and we see each other from about 9:30 to 11:00 at nite -- during the day it's like being in solitude because there's no one to talk to at work anyway.  But, t his is my choice and not by force -- right?!  Like, I know I made the right decision about school, but duh, duh, duh that leaves me neither here nor there -- "come on in, I dig long hair" -- I wonder what song that's from --something I heard at the Cape.  I remember something and I can't remember whether it was said to me, by me, for me, sung -- complete confusion of the mind.  That place...we should all go up there next summer.  You have to work hard at a job but it's worth it 0-- worth what??   There's all kinds of action if you're a guy -- duh!  Believe me when I say it because I know!  Being a broad is a real kick in the pants -- you don't know what in hell -- ahem! -- the hell to do sometimes.

Mardi said you quit your job -- yes Paul -- Go, go, go.  Working and going to school is a real drag -- you're there, Tired, Tired, Tired!!  Are you coming home next weekend -- 24th!  Good grief, imagine having someone else to talk to -- Mari and I have been using sign language.  We had planned on going up to see you and going to Pittsburgh for a weekend, etc. etc. but shit, damn, and screw I only have Sundays off!  If it gets too bad I'll just quit and go where I want to.  I mean, this is ridiculous -- I have enough money saved to pick up and go somewhere -- so why don't I go?  Boston is the likely place, but something says, Wait, wait, wait.  Thinking rationally is completely out of the question, don't you agree?  Trusting yourself completely to your instincts will really mess you up but it's real - you know?  Duh, what am I talking about?

Today you're probably sitting around the old apartment drinking beer and watching the game -- maybe you're at the game -- blah, no it's too crummy out.  What's O.J. like in person -- I'm sure you've met.  I can't believe you've lost 20 pounds -- I've lost 5 lb and it's bad news.  You might not have eaten, slept, etc. but did you have a good time.  No.  Well, that's life, Paul.

I talked to Mike once or twice before he went back -- we were all sitting at Shorty's once (once is enough!) and he was expounding on something or other.  Michael Fraternity Kid Foster is still the same but then Mike's not all that bad.  I'd take Mike over 3/4 of the other fruit-loops running around the world  Haven't seen or heard from Renee since Christmas??  I hear through the grapevine that she and Morrey were here for awhile -- oh, Renee, you've got to be kidding -- married?!!  The pattern her parents, etc. have forced her into is so obvious -- doesn't she care?

And then there's Joan -- God, I hate to even think about what she's doing -- Mardi and I haven't heard a thing -- I can just imagine -- Freddy, Freddy, Freddy -- Oh, we are all in fine shape, aren't we -- I've never known Mardi to be so confused but then I'm a big help because I'm a complete dud at the present -- there are no answers in Warren, Pa!  Remember that.

Well, I will close up and clonk over to Mardi's now through "the rain upon the trees".  Take care -- we'll see you soon.  Paul, do you still go into a trance when you drive?  I will never go to Lum's again with you kids unless I wear my spike shoes -- honestly, laugh much.  Haven't been anywhere near Bemus Point -- how is the old dud?  Last nite Masked Martin and Girl Wonder went to the Pub (duh!) for a nightcap -- we're there  -- sip, sip, oh brother, get me out of here.  I had my proof for 21 all ready but they didn't ask me.  Mardi had a line of bullshit ready.  Well, I did say this is it!  Goodbye!

October 18, 1969 (Letter from Mike)

Sorry I haven't written but you know me.  I just hate to write letters anymore.

I'm sending you a card that one of my fraternity bros had the foresight to print up.  T hey come in quite handy and you feel better about losing a parking space if you can put one of these on the windshield.

Classes are going along quite well and the fraternity has kepi me really busy lately.  I was homecoming float chairman and that's all I did this past week -- work on the float.

Tina was here for homecoming -- (you missed Blood Sweat and Tears -- sorry) this weekend.  I think she had a good time.  BS&T were tremendous!  The agent said if they like the audience, they'll play for an hour.  They went for 1 hr and 45 min.  Everybody was going out of their minds.  If you haven't seen them in concert, make sure you catch them sometime.

I'm not going to be able to go to Boston.  No money!!  By the way, you owe me some money from vacation.  I'll take it anytime you can afford it.  I think I'll bring Flanagan with me for Thanksgiving.  Wish you could come home so we could goof around.

Must go now.  Sorry this is short, but I'm all talked out.  Sagars says hello.  Write and tell me what's up.

October 18, 1969 (Letter from Mardi)

Great to hear from you kid!  I'm the last of that rare breed of continuous letter writers.  I write at least four letters a day -- but my friends are definitely worth the writers camp!  Foster hasn't written so I dropped him a few lines.  I guess when you're at home people don't seem they should write.

So you quit your job!  It's not worth it, right?  You can get so screwed that it actually put you "out" for awhile!  It will be better if you get the job in the drugstore has to be better -- my pen just died! -- My mother is watching Lawrence Welk and it's blowing my mind!  Oh good grief!

Try and come home this weekend.  Nothing exciting going on I'm afraid.  The only "nice" time here is fall.  I got my bike out today and rode it all over the "old" neighborhood.  My legs aren't in the greatest of shape.  This is the first day I feel good.  I've had this super bad cold for two weeks!  I went to the doctor's last Saturday -- boy, what a case of the Blahs!  Be careful for god sake and take care!  I felt lousy!  I was perfect material for a Geritol commercial.  You would be perfect for Sominex -- That's how we make our millions -- as insomniacs and neurotics.

Work hasn't been going too bad lately.  I'm finally on regular orders and I have to really concentrate so the time really goes fast!

Barb just called and I think we'll go out so I'll be back later -- EXCUSE ME!

Hello, hello -- Well, it's Sunday already.  Blah Monday will be upon us in no time.

I'm watching Minnesota and St. Louis playing football.  I'm really getting to like it.  I have no idea why though.

Naturally today is gray and dull, I knew if I wanted to get out today and take some pictures it would get krummy out!

Hey, didn't you really like Butch Cassidy?!  It doesn't compare with Midnight Cowboy though!  Fabulous movie!  That girl you took out didn't happen to be named Cheryl did it?  You know what your spirit said!



If you're coming home this weekend I'll make some ravioli for ya!  I can actually make them myself.  You've got to get some "pasta" in you.  What in god's name do you weigh now?

Last night Barb and I went to the Pub.  Duh!  I'm there "What are we doing here?"  BIG, BIG night -- but then my mind and soul have definitely been "conditioned for hurt".  If any January or February at school doesn't do it -- being in your home town will!  Barney and I are planning on going to Chicago in about two weeks to meet some of the old gang.  I should have the money by then.  I really want to come up for November 15, it shouldn't cost me that much right?  If I was smart I'd be like a miser and try and get enough in the bank to cake care of a good part of my loan.  I will, I will.

I must go and get some more letters written.  Take care!  Try and give me a quick call some night and tell me if you're coming.  You won't have to write then.  (BRIBE, BRIBE.)

October 16, 1969 (Letter from Carole)

H there!  How are you?  Hope my few lines find you well and happy.  Wow -- it sure has been a long time since I've seen or even heard from you.

Yes, I'm still working for Dr. Boger.   Do you know in November I'll be working there a year.  Wow -- does time fly.

My parents are going to N.J. in January.  I'll be living with my grandparents for awhile.   I planned on getting an apartment, but I don't have the money.  So I'll stay with them for awhile.  My sister, Sue, is also staying to finish out her senior year.  My dad has already left.  He comes home weekends.  My mother is getting the house ready to sell.  They found a house that they are looking at, a new ranch style with an acre and a half of land.  But I think it hits the pocketbook too hard.  So they are still looking.

Wow -- does your car sound nice.  I'll bet y our insurance rates are high in N.Y. state.  My insurance is really cheap I think 126.00 a year.  Can't beat that.  It's the car payments that hurt.  (No, not really.)

 What's this dream you had about me?  What do  you mean I was great?  I think you better explain.

How's school?  Hang in there, Paul.  I still think you should be a dentist.  Then I'll come work for you.

Tell you what the next long weekend I have off I'll try and come out to see you.  It seems to me I promised you that I'd be out to see you last year.  As you can see I didn't make it.  Sorry, maybe t his year.

Well, babes hope you come home soon and please top up.  Write me soon.

Take much care.

October 10, 1969 (Letter from Mardi)

Hi honey glad to hear from you!  I'm happy you got that initiative to write.

Today I stayed home -- I've missed two days or work this week!  I think I've really got some "bug"!  Barney and Barb and I and some kids went up to Melody.  Barb and I hate to go there.  Well, we had a pretty good time and Peroski had about two six packs of Schlitz to drink with no supper.  I was almost there!  Good grief.  So this morning at 7:00 am Mardi was really hurting -- headache, wobbly legs, upset stomach, sick AS HELL! So I stayed in bed all day, out of commission!  I have to go to the doctor's tomorrow for a check up and blood test and all -- could I have mono?  Duh.  Mr. Sayles is down right now and we're going to have din-din in tonight.  I'll probably get sick.

Lately I haven't been doing much of anything.  Joan is at school heaven knows what (?) I'm scared to think of what she's up to!  Haven't heard from Mike yet -- no one has!  Tina is working at New Process -- overtime even Blah!  She's going down to Cleveland for BS&T the 16th or 17th for fall weekend -- she has a date with Phil.  Barb and I are here-- just here -- barely!!!!

I'm about to take off any day now for Minneapolis, or Denver or San Francisco!  If you go out West you've definitely got to hit Denver!  If I'm nowhere near Denver or the West next summer I'm hitching with you!  You'll happen to pick me up along the way -- who knows -- if I can make it to New Years round here I'll be lucky!

How are classes going?  My mother just told me to tell you to gain some weight!  How much do you weigh now anyway?  My mother wants you to eat meat and potatoes!  I'm there "Where do they get and who cooks meat and potatoes for them?"  Guys definitely hate or cannot or do not want to cook.

You should go to New York over Thanksgiving.  HEY, LOUSY CITY!  You'd have a hell of a time.  All of us kids are trying to get together in Chicago about the end of October.  I wanted to go there the 17th but I can't make it!

I'd love to come out November 14th or 15th for the concert and all.  The Who are supposed to be great.  Dutch saw them and said the thought they were really good.  We'll see what's up!  Nothing, I imagine.  I'll still be working.  Blah!

Barb is down now and we're both exhausted.  Must go!  Please take care.

October 5, 1969 (Letter from Mardi)

How are ya?  Sorry I haven't written honey!  I told you I would about a week ago.

Well I'm a working girl.  Blah!  I'm definitely not the eight to five type!  It's not that bad of a job -- the training will be good for me.  All I did Wed, Thurs, and Friday was program and do practice material.  If I have to get a key punch job any where else at least I'll have had the experience.  Otherwise I hate the whole thing!  Tomorrow they'll probably put me on regular orders.  That will be sharp!  I'm definitely not breaking my back for the great New Process Company!

So how have you been?  You are working, right?  Are you coming home some weekend?  I wish you would! -- I want to fly to Minneapolis or Chicago and meet Bill around the 16th or 17th of October.  I'll go crazy if I don't go somewhere soon!  Barb and I can never think of anywhere to go!  Barb has a waitress job at the Blue Manor and works till eight every night except Sundays, which makes it hard to hitchhike or go anywhere.  We've definitely got to get going!  I'd like to clonk up to Buffalo sometime when you're not (?) working.  But you'll always be working, right?!  I can't think of anything to tell you right now, and I must get to bed soon, plus I'm naturally hungry!

Please take care and I promise to write to you again soon -- write when you have time.

October 1, 1969 (Letter from Mark)

Sitting here in an Art&Civ.  The professor sounds like a tape recorder.  My schedule is really going to be hard this quarter -- 33 hours of classes, plus I've got a 4 hr class on Saturday.  Taking painting & compositions, drawing 2-d, figure drawing, typography, photography, and then art&civ.  The Saturday class really ruins all my weekends so I got a job working in the cafeteria about 15 hours a week to earn some money.  Pay 1.75 an hr. if I save enough I'm going to buy a car and if not I think I'll save and go to Europe next summer.

Had a great summer and I only wish that it wasn't all over.  Had a bore in Warren.  Only saw Marti once, never even saw Tina, mostly ran around with Gayle and Leslie and the new boy who moved across the street from Beverly Hills.  Ended up going to Surf about every other nite and to the movies.  Was really terrible and I'm sort of glad to be back at school.  I got my own room, it's in another new dorm.  Not to bad, most of the other rooms are singles and it sure makes school a blot better when living alone.

So how have things been going with you?  You didn't say too much about what you've been up to.  That was really a close call almost getting busted.  I know how you must have felt.  Had a chance to smoke last week but I decided against it.  I have to take tranquilizers and smoking just didn't seem to me as the right thing to do.

Oh, this lecture is a bore!!!  What a bore this is.  Thank heavens it's only a one hour class.

Hope you get a chance to make it up sometime this quarter.  With you working and my working I guess it would be pretty hard.

Renee is engaged now.  She went around flashing her diamond to everyone.  Really glad for her though.  My address is the same as last year.

September 3, 1969 (Letter from Patty)

I'm going back to school this Sunday and I can't wait.  This living at home stuff is getting really bad.  My father said I've been going out too much cause I've been out twice in the past three weeks.  He also said I spend too much of my own money and that it was about time I started acting like a lady (?) instead of a dumb college kid.  Not that we had a fight or anything but he keeps pointing these things out.  I've got something really good for him though, I've been dating a guy form Sicily for about a week now and my father hasn't met him yet.  Things will probably blow sky high.  I hope they don't' go til after Sunday.

I got laid-off my job in my father's office (fired?), so I got a job at Dunkin Donuts and promptly threw my apron on the floor and walked out on the fourth day.  This happened last week and I haven't worked since.  I don't mind not working, but the lack of money is killing me.

Did Mike last through the summer at his job.  It doesn't sound as if it was one of those jobs you'd like to keep for the rest of your life.

Well that's about all the dull (& exciting) news I can think of so I'll leave you now.  Write soon.

August 24, 1969 (Letter from Mardi)

This shall be a shortie.  Right now my mother is bitching -- and I do mean bitching!  I honestly can't stand it!

I might have a chance to go to New York this weekend!  I'd fly from Buffalo to New York.  Bill would meet me in Buffalo.  All I want to know is TAA DAA (here it comes) no, really now, I just want to know if you will be coming home the day after Labor Day!?

Actually, I don't know why I'm writing this.  You're supposed to be here tomorrow or rather today to get Mike and to go to Pittsburgh, only Mike is going to try and talk you out of it.  Hickey is in the hospital!!!  Oh well, I probably wont' see you anyway!  Hope you have a good time!  Try and write soon!  If you're coming home after Labor Day or that morning I'd be in Buffalo and I'd go back with you.  OK?  No big thing!  I have to call Barb at 1:30 AM!  Must try and stay awake.  Mark is home, went up to Jamestown and saw "Whatever Happened to Aunt Alice?"  WEIRD!  Take care lover.

   

August 21, 1969 (Letter from Kenny)

How the fuck are you?  Guess what?  School's going to start soon.  I figured you'd be excited.  So how's work?  I quit last Friday and I'm just screwing around, buying stuff for school.  Did you get a car?  I hope so because I failed my road test and a driver's licence is nowhere in sight.

I'm going up to Sept 2 on a 2:40 flight arriving about 3:45 so why don't you meet me.  If you can't find anyone to drive you, call Bucelli, he's at Englewood now.  I have a better idea if you have a car.  Take the last week in August off, drive down here, my mother is going away for labor day weekend so there's plenty of room.  Then we can drive up the 2nd, that is also the only way my stereo will get there so think about it, and drop me a line soon either way.

Jack Fishner called a couple days ago and asked if he could live with us.  I couldn't say no to him over the phone and Rosen is willing if we all agree, but he doesn't want Jack in his room and I don't want him in ours.  So when Jack calls you (he will) tell him that unless he rooms with  Rosen he can't live with us, because I couldn't take him for a while year.

I'm going to be a student sponsor helping freshman so that's why I have to be there early.

That's about it for now.  Write and let me know what's happening and what you are going to do.

P.S.  We are #4 in the new Playboy campus edition!!!

August 19, 1969 (Letter from Kathy)

After putting my letter writing off for a month, you hardly owe me an apology -- rather I owe you one!  I'm really sorry!

I'm really glad you feel you have finally found yourself. I think I found myself also this school year, but mostly because I do really love dental hygiene and am glad I've found what I want to do.

How is the unstable position of your job coming?  Has it improved any?  Are you going to continue to work there through school?

How's your car?  You've had it a month already -- bet you're really getting around now!!

Right now I'm sitting outside (supposedly in the sunshine, but it seems to be a passing luxury around here anymore!)

I got my contact lenses Wednesday, and seem to be having little trouble with them.

A yellow jacket just landed on my and I nearly had a heart attack.

Gary and Dody took off for a camping trip to see Gary's brother in Louisville, Kentucky. It's actually only a destination.  They're just going there so their parents don't think that they actually want to get away from them.

My parents left the same day for New Jersey, are going to return on Tuesday, and then proceed Wed or Thurs for Canada.  I'm on a really tight budget to get the money I need for school so I didn't take off of work to go with them.  I'm almost sorry I didn't though.  It's really terrible to be all alone, but then again, I have already gotten so much accomplished in just the one day they were gone.  I have to be at school in a month, but I can never let packing to until the last minute.  I spent seven hours packing yesterday, and didn't even start on my clothes.

I'm still worrying whether I made a wise choice on my deciding to live in an apartment next year.  Although I do date at school, I'm not an awfully lot like my roommates.  (Of course, I wasn't like Marie last year either and we got along swell!)  It just all boils down to the fact that I'm not a city girl, and never will be, while my other three roommates are.  Oh, well, if I try hard not to be a weirdo then I'll probably be all right.  The city really kinda scares me.  I know two boys that were knifed just a block from their apartment (near the U) and several girls who were attacked.  Boston is pretty bad.  There seems to be a never ending string of "Boston murderers".

Well, take care -- let me know what you're up to.