April 6, 1975 (Letter from Bev)

I hope that spring has come to Deer Lodge and that your car is running again.  We had a very mild winter with the exception of one ice storm which made driving most treacherous. s The daffodils, forsythia, hyacinth, tulips, and magnolias are all in bloom here and a lot of neighbors are already planting their gardens.  I wish I could be outside working in the ground.  Instead I putter around with my house plants.  It's a small consolation.

Work is going okay.  I was really peeved and highly incensed when I found out that my book budget was frozen before I had spent all of it.  I thought I had $2.000 to spend, but only got to spend $1,200.  If I wouldn't have gone to Budget to see why I hadn't received my copies of purchase orders, I probably still wouldn't know that my funds had been frozen.  I'm going to do my best to spend the $2,000 by January of next year.  I suppose that this is typical of all state funded institutions.  I now have some part-time help.  The area schools sponsor a program for their less-motivated students which allows the students to go to school in the morning and work from 1-3 in the afternoon.  The program is federally funded and the students, called co-ops, receive $2.00 per hour.  My boss' office has a co-op, but she is seldom needed there and then she comes to the library to help me.  I started her typing catalog cards, but I soon took her off that work.  She didn't proofread anything and I was spending n hour or more correcting her mistakes.  I now have her doing most of my xeroxing for interlibrary loans.

The Monday before Easter there was some excitement at the hospital when three men were committed to the criminally insane building, escaped.  They stole one of the aides' cars and tried to take one of the psychiatrists as a hostage, but he escaped.  One man turned himself in later that night.  The other two were shot, one killed, the other injured during a robbery in a Virgina store.  The newspaper has almost daily comment on how the hospital doesn't have the needed facilities to care for the criminally insane.  A new building on the state prison grounds has been proposed, but then a full-time psychiatrist and other mental health personnel would have to be employed by the prison.  What does the state of Montana do with its criminally insane?

I bought some more furniture for my apartment.  My most recent acquisitions are a bookcase, coffee table, and an antique caned sat and back rocking chair.  I saw this chair at a sale on a Saturday and fell in love with it, but at the time I couldn't spare the extra cash for it because my car insurance was due.  On the following Tuesday I saw an ad in the newspaper selling some antique furniture and included was a caned rocker.  Out of curiosity I called the people and they were the same one who had the sale the past Saturday.  The chair was then $15.00 cheaper and so I just couldn't let it go.  The arms need refinishing, but the caning is in perfect condition.  It has become my most prized possession.

My sense of security has been almost completely destroyed.  Last Monday apt #1 was broken into and the lady's color television was stolen -- that was all.  Apt #3 was also entered, whoever went in never even bothered to shut the door.  The police don't know yet if anything was taken because the woman is in Florida.  I don't know if anyone was in my apartment or not.  The door is all marked up around the latch.  But if anyone was in, nothing was taken.

I've still been scared all week and won't feel a bit safe again until a new lock is put on my door. Tomorrow he's to finally put them on.  So much for my false sense of security.

Next month Diane and I are going to Pittsburgh to see Grayce and Brook.  I'm really looking forward to the trip.  I also want to stop in Western Psych to see everyone.  I don't know if they've hired a replacement yet for Mr. O'Mara.  I would sure like to get a job in Pittsburgh, but I doubt that will ever happen.

The hospital has four softball teams, one of which I've joined.  Practice begins this week and the games start in May.  We'll play on Wednesday nights during May and June.  I'm also starting to take tennis lessons in May.  They are on Tuesday and Thursday nights and last 4 weeks.  I'm really anxious to get outside.  This job is too confining.

Are you planing a vacation this summer?  I doubt that I'll be taking any long vacation, no $$$.  But I do hope to spend my weekends at the beach.  The New Jersey beaches are closer to me than the Delaware beaches.  I just hope the weather cooperates with my plans.

Well, guess that's all that's new with me at the moment.  Keep in touch.

March 26, 1975 (Letter from Gordon)

Your very informative letter was much appreciated.  (I'm trying to keep contact with Montana and MSP.)  And thanks much for the "Findings of Fact, etc." in Sather.  Give Bill my sincere, warm greeting when you next see him.

Very bizarre indeed, the theft!  Are you sure?  Didn't happen to me, but I was expecting such things.  You should try to reproduce them (a debriefing) as soon as possible.  And then leave them elsewhere...on tape or something.

Enclosed is the anonymous article, which is still being pedalled.

On my job:  as for the future, I'm keeping my options open.  Am casting about for alternative work (in liaison, media or information access), probably with Native peoples locally.  I would very much like to be adopted and given a name by my new brothers and sisters.  Will be working with the local Tacoma Indian Center shortly (serving mainly: Puyallup, Misqually, and Steilaqnamish -- of the now 22 small tribes of western Washington.  The Duwamish of the Seattle area have just joined S.T.O.W.W.)

After 5 years in libraries, from clerical to librarian, from prison to university to public, I'm about ready to leave "the institutions".  The bureaucracies kill my spirit.

Give my clear greetings to N.A.I.L. brothers.

March 25, 1975 (Letter from Mardi)

Still hangin' in there?  Your letter sounds quite familiar, like one of mine about four years ago. Before you know it, one one letter you can live a whole year!  Unfortunately,  it's back to reality and that 365 day year.  It just seems so much easier to take after writing about it.  More stimulation is what we all need right now!  At least your job is so rewarding for you, it is half the battle, it's too bad the surrounding is not the same.  One of these days you'll flow right into a great place with a job you enjoy -- it does happen.  All is well here, my job keeps me going most of the regular week day.  The days are just flying by lately.  I'm basically a slow mover at my leisure time, so by the time I finish enjoying my son, my home, and some conversation, it's late evening -- and everyone knows I do not function without at least 7 hrs of sleep.  The weekends here are even worse, it doesn't seem like any other day!  Possibly this weekend I'll have more time, I leave work at 1:00 and return Monday, WOW a big weekend!  Anyway, I want to get a little basket made for Matthew and maybe one for my second baby, Marti.  He's in Hilton Head, S.C. right now, crummy!  He had a great opportunity and there was no need for him to pass up the chance.  He and Matt went down.  Matt is caddy for Rocky O'Sheill who plays every year in the "Pro-Am" golf tournament.  Rocky has all Matt and Marti's passes paid for and will pay for their golfing and they have free room and board with the Blackman's, who reside in Hilton Head itself. So, what can I say?  I feel like a single person again, only it's not quite the same, now I have a car and a baby!!!!  I should say I feel like a single mother!

Tonight Barb and I are going to Jamestown to see "Murder on the Orient Express", we both already know "who dun-it" though!  Hopefully it will not spoil the suspense.  However, by tonight there may be a foot of snow.  The weather has been rainy yesterday and today but now the temperature has taken a drop downward to freezing.  Tomorrow, I get treated to a ravioli dinner, in occasion for my 25th birthday.  Supposedly from Barb's point of view your 25th is a moment of crisis, realizing you can't be 25.  I feel like time has stood still and I'm really only 21 yet, I fell and act like I'm 18!

I should close and get busy, I've been making a macrame holder for my plant, I'm too spastic for such artistic endeavors right now.

I'm going to lunch soon and should have a picture of Matthew to enclose to you.  I can't remember when you were leaving for Berkeley, so if you haven't gone yet, have a safe trip and if you have gone, hope it was a dynamite time, you sound as if you could use a change from Deer Lodge!  So, take care, hope to get a longer letter off to you sometime.  Things are bound to slow down sooner or later.

Hi from Ellie and Libby!  Barb's cat had kittens, which  you probably know.  I finally saw them and they are so cute, so we might have a kitten soon?  Do I dare?'

March 18, 1975 (Letter from Tony)

Well, I almost forgot that I promised to send you directions.  Sorry about that.  Two days after you called Ralph Pearson called me at 8 am and my dim recollection of what happened at that hour of the morning is that he plans to come out here for a few days before you come.  I'm not sure when he'll get here or how long he'll stay but maybe you'll get to see him.

It snowed here last week.  That makes it 3 years in a row and every year they are astounded.  It probably will never snow here again once I leave.

We'll, I'll save my talk for when you're here.  Below are the directions.

I assume that however you go you will end up on 80 coming from Sacramento, or if you come down the coast you can get on 80 in Richmond.  The arrows show a shorter way to get to 580, but just staying on 80 offers the virtue of simplicity, and it's not much longer.  The exit off 580 is MacArthur Harrison St. and it is, I believe, the next exit after 24 comes into 580.  The exit lumps you onto Harrison, which is one way.  You just go down Harrison a couple of blocks to where Oakland and Harrison split (or come together, depending on your philosophy) do a 160 degree turn to get on Oakland and I'm 3/4 block away.

My apt is on the left-hand side, it's a 4 story light green.  Mostly one story buildings are on either side.  As you can see in my nifty picture, it's before you get to any intersecting roads.

Ring door bell #2 -- manager.  They will let you in.  I live downstairs.  As you come into the building, you have to go up some steps, then turn left and go down the hall.  You will pass the managers apartment, smile politely and tell him you've come to visit me.  MY apt is directly below theirs.  So down the stairs, through the green door on your left, past my bathroom and the washer and dryer and that's my door.

As an alternative to coming in the front door, you can come in the side door.  I recommend doing this only at daylight hours.

Go down the alley that is located at the left of the building when you face it.  The alley goes down hill.  There is one door which leads to the gas meters and fuse boxes.  Then a door that is very big and heavy.  Then down some steps and we have the basement door.  Go in, up one flight of stairs and you're back at the green door, beyond which is my bathroom, the washer and dryer and then my door.

You have my home phone.  My number at work is 834-2010 ext 255.  I work Tu & Th 8:30-5 but I may take that week off.

Lastly would you be interested in going to a concert by Franz Breugen, who palsy the recorder.  It's cheap and on East Sunday - March 30.

OK enough, see you soon.

March 12, 1975 (Letter from Grayce)

I felt that I had to write immediately when I got this letter (do you know that I always know exactly when your letter will arrive?  It's uncanny.)  This letter was very "urgent" it seemed and different from most of your others.  Also, it was quite emotional.  I'm not really sure of how emotional a person you are.  I think that what I've finally decided is that basically you are very emotional but that often this is not shown to others.  You have changing moods, like quicksilver -- calm and rational at one point and rash and emotional (not that rash, but slightly) the next.  Although I don't believe rash is really the right word, but I can't think of what the right word is right now.

Anyway, your letters, which I look forward to very much, show this pattern somewhat.  I don't want to really analyze this, but it seems that I've already done it subconsciously and now I'm only realizing it and writing it down.  Some of your letters really extolled Deer Lodge in an euphemistic-sounding way, but you did sound very happy so I felt pleased that you were happy.  This is really the first letter I've gotten that was more negative (of course, I know that doesn't mean that you are unhappy but only that you are either thinking about your position now, or just slightly restless.)   I'm a little worried, though, because I don't want you to be dissatisfied.  I can understand that living "in a one horse town" can be very disquieting.  I know this will sound weird, but I feel that way here sometimes.  (Although I think I can accept that often it's just me and my ever-present ________ (something I can't explain) and not this city in itself.  I just feel less alive here for some reason  (Not always, but sometimes.)  Maybe I'm just crazy (it's a very distinct possibility).

When Brook mentioned the idea of being transferred to Idaho, he did it very hesitantly it seems to me.  When I asked him why, he said he felt that I wouldn't like it at all.  Actually, my feelings were quite opposite.  I was (and still am) enchanted with the idea (for awhile, anyway).  It's just that everything looks so "big" there.  And having never lived anywhere where there was any space (my parents live on a 2 block area of homes on which 70 other families live and most have at least two kids!) and I just would like to experience the "nothingness" of complete silence for a bit.  (There's the catch!)  By a bit, I probably mean for a year and Brook says that once we do get there we may be there for 5 years -- or 7!!!.  But I really think it would be worth taking a chance on, since I'll never be quite at rest until I do.  I would like you to tell me what to do.  If you really think it's an asinine idea, just tell, ok?

I feel almost as though I may never see you again.  Please say it's not true, ok?

I think your trip to Berkeley will be very good for you.  And I think it would be a good idea, also to postpone calling until after that.  No, I guess by 3am I would have been asleep.  I have a "getting-worse" case of insomnia.  I've always had it -- I can remember not being able to sleep when I was about 9 years old.  My father is the same way.  When I was at home we used to stay up late together and watch all the old movies.  He's even worse than I am and hardly ever gets more than 4 hrs sleep/night.  But he has phenomenal energy -- he works about 16 hrs/day and although his work is not physical it must be very exhausting to create constantly.

Unfortunately, when I only sleep 4 hours, I don't have that kind of energy.  So when I do feel like sleeping I usually have to, right there and then, or my chance is gone.  Brook never has any problem.  His head is like a magnet to the pillow.  He's asleep immediately -- I am just amazed! And I'm really jealous, too.  One night he was all upset cause about 20 minutes went by and he was still awake.  I'm usually awake about 2 hours -- sometimes 3 1/2 or 4.

Anyway, to get back on the topic (Paulie says, "what topic?") I don't think I can give you a total schedule (you'll have to get that from the FBI, and please have then send me one also, because half of the time, I'm not quite sure of where I'm supposed to be.)

Sunday night would be good and cheaper than any other time, too.  April 6th might be a good night to call if you call around 11 or 11:30 (my time).  That's when it's most likely that I'll be home.  This is driving me crazy!  I do feel watched!

Actually, you may really like Kierkegaard -- he was a Scandinavian  you know and quite unpredictable, like yourself.  I would suggest that you first read his life though (which is rather tragic but every exciting, I think).  He was a very melancholic individual and died when he was pretty young.  You can't understand his works without knowing his life (and even it's pretty misty. Either /or is good to start with.

I know how you feel about communicating by letter.  I always feel that just a thread or two of what I ant to say is left out and that this leaving out can change the whole color of what you're trying to say.

I think what I'm trying to say is that I don't know what to say.  I wish I had some magic words that could travel well, but I can't seem to be able to find any here.

I do know that I like your "emotional" letters very much and hope to see more of them, because they are really a deeper insight.  Please don't feel that you can't complain.  (God knows I do it enough.)

I do hope that your little "vacation" will be what you want.  I fully expect your next letter to be in a totally different tone and vein.  In my case, take care of yourself.

March 19, 1975 (Letter from Ken and Denise)

 

Well hi there.  Sounds like things are going somewhat rough for you on the social scene.  Often Denise and I have remarked:  "Too bad Paul isn't here now."  There is so much news to catch up on, but first, a bit about your last letter.  At the onset, I thought maybe it was just a temporary change you were going thru but after I thought awhile, I can see you and your setting don't mix beyond a span of vacation.  Let me assure you that if you return to Pgh, you will immediately have a family to move in with.  If you don't like it there, and you're going to leave "sometime" anyway -- why not now.  a lot of things are happening here and we wish you were here!

To give you some of our news -- well I'll let Denise take a shot at this.  So here's the one, the only Neecy!  Da-da-goo-ga-goo Bab a lob a koo.

Boy, how did you like that introduction?  I thought it was kind of gooey myself.

Well, just as Kenny said, there are a lot of things happening.  The most recent bit of news is that we moved again.  Our new address is: 20-F Midway Dr., W. Mifflin, Pa 15122.  This is out hear Homestead, which is near Kennywood.  This is a housing project out here where the rent is really low.  We got a two bedroom apartment one which we use, and one which a brother uses, which brings us to our second bit of news.  The brother of ours that lives with us just came out of prison.  We met him through someone else.  His name is Mickey by the way.  So anyway, Mickey came over one day by himself, I think it was to buy some grass.  But anyway, he was looking for a place to stay, and didn't have enough money, so he's living with us now.  That day, the first day when he came over, Kenny asked him how much money he had.  Mickey pulls out all of it which totaled an amount of 75 or 80 dollars.  Kenny said OK and grabbed it and put it in his pocket, which helped all 3 of us stay high on the weed.  We all had to get adjusted to each other's lifestyle for awhile, but we've got it pretty together now.  Mickey's been living with us now since January, and it's really been kind of neat.  It seems like the both of us are more on the ball now that there is a third person living with us.

Another piece of news is that Kenny's friend Steve who is in the joint, is probably getting out soon.  We're both his parole sponsors.  When he gets out, he'll have a place to stay also.  (If anything happens to you, you'll always have a place to stay as long as we're around.)  This is our biggest news is that we've moved again.  Our new address is 20F Midway Dr., W. Mifflin, Pa 15122.  What this is, is a housing project.  We have a two bedroom apartment which consists of two bedrooms upstairs with a bath, and a linen closer.  Now, downstairs we have a huge, or a pretty big living room, a kitchen and a little office space which is actually in the living room.  Outside we have a back porch, a backyard, and a front yard.  This is all for $89.00 a month.  We didn't have too hard of a time moving, we just moved everything in Mickey's car.  We made about ten trips, but we saved a lot of money moving.  Everything is pretty well straightened up except for our bedroom.  We haven't even got the bed together.  We're getting to that today though.

I'm still working with Dollar Date.  We're waiting for Steve to get out so he can take it over though.

Oh, guess what?  Before we moved out of the apartment at Aiken, we, or Kenny called Mrs. Annolik which was the one who owned the house on Wellesley.  Ken didn't say who he was at first, but later on in the conversation he did.  She was telling Kenny how dirty the people left the place who were living there before.  And she went on telling Ken that they (us) left garbage all over the place.  All of a sudden Ken said, well, you're speaking to the person who used to live there.  Ken called to find out if we could go back there, but Annolik didn't like the idea at all, and said no, that she wouldn't take us back.

Well, I think it's time to close this letter.  Don't forget that if there's anything that we can do don't hesitate to ask.  If you're coming back to Pa., you already have a place you can come back to, and that's our place.

Waiting to hear from you.

March 9, 1975 (Letter from Sue)

Thanks so much for the Art Deco book and also your long letter!  The more I see of A.D., the more interested I become in the design form.  I like the simple, uncluttered geometric form -- some of the A.D. stuff is really bad kitsch  but other of the general period (and there are so many individual styles) is quite good, I think.

Sorry it's taken me so long to write -- by the way, your letter, mailed either Feb 2 or Feb 9, didn't reach me till Feb 20! -- but I've been on the prowl again.  My work permit was denied for the second time.  This time cause the job I'd been hired for was part-time (such illogic in their logic).  So I decided enough was enough, and decided to scout around in New York and vicinity -- and besides, I was going down to see Kurt and Anne, anyway.

So I contacted the Long Island Library directors whom Elaine had mentioned to me, and set forth. In a week I had 5 interviews, much train travel, and a power-packed personal situation.  (Kurt and Anne split up -- amicably and temporarily -- while I was there and I spent the last weekend of my stay alone with Kurt.)

I also spent a night on L.I. at Elaine's -- met her husband, who put me on the grill for 3 hours regarding my marital situation and why I would leave Bart in Montreal and come to NY alone to live (money is one answer; right to work is a second; being in the land of the free and the home of the brave is a third) -- but he wasn't buying any of that.  The Seatons are really oriented toward nuclear family relationships, though Elaine is very curious about alternate lifestyles, which is why I think we became friends in the first place.  And don't forget, when we first met her she was with Lionel! All in all, I had a very interesting evening chez Seaton and it was great to see Elaine again.  She was somewhat pressured by upcoming budget and also paper deadlines for her management class (she's working toward MBA) but she remained a gracious hostess.  Their lifestyle is nicely unpretentious -- upper-middle class, but compared with other Long Islanders, I'm sure they play it very low-key.  I really don't  know what Bob Seaton does, except that he's a self-made man from Chicago and that he loves plants.  And that he has his own business.

Elaine is one of the very few women library directors around on Long Island -- I met 4 of her colleagues or cohorts (if you prefer) quite a variety   2 were Southern and 2 were N.Y. area 2nd generation Italian.  The Italians and I hit it off best -- and they also had the most interesting -- and wealthy -- libraries.  The Port Washington (P.W. is the East Egg of Gatsby) gave me the best reception -- the director met me at the train station and took me to lunch, as well as giving me a complete tour -- the library is incredible.  Loads of artwork -- very rich (tax base is $23 per capita as compared to usual $5 per cap) and an extensive video facility whereby the community can come in and be trained in video techniques, borrow equipment and make their own tapes.  Very active community program.  P.W., though tres riche, also has a black and P.R. community which is poor -- great economic disparity -- the library is trying to meet these people as well.  The director liked me, I'm fairly sure, but -- no openings at the moment.  Same thing at Great Neck, where the library director, Joe Covino, is very controversial -- very political -- sort of a high class John Forsman in his informality.  He has a special youth facility -- a big room, built on split levels, w/ coke machines, cig machines, paperbacks, lunging areas -- the kids (many blacks, bussed in, as library is situation in "Great Neck Estates") can be alone.  Rather innovative, I thought.  I think either of these men would hire me if they had an opening -- but --

Also went to Levittown (the prototype of suburban living -- designed just after WWII, and an ugly place, in my opinion -- but I don't especially like uniform suburbs).  The director was helpful in giving me leads, but no openings and I wouldn't wanna work there anyway.  Later in the week I went to Phila -- Free Library has a couple of children's openings -- it's civil service there, so I had to take a test -- you get put on a list and depending on your ranking become eligible.  The woman in charge of children's work was very interesting -- about Mrs. Hodges' age, but less formal and somewhat theatrical -- she said she "wanted" me, but all depends on my civil service score.

Saw Janet in Phila -- she seems to be herself -- her library is new and snazzy and is where Marty goes to school, so that's nice.  They have a good apt and seem to be very together except that Marty has to study so much.  It was great to see Janet again -- she always gives me a sense of perspective.

Back to the Big Apple for some exciting nightlife (Black Russians at the Plaza -- the drink, that is, not a Soviet version of George Grant -- thrilled my bourgeois little heart) and then back on up to frozen Quebec.

I am now doing some freelance consultant work for Special Libraries here -- 2 jobs:  one is to set up a small technical library for British Petroleum; I spent a day looking over their stuff and know how I want to organize it -- all I have to do now is write a proposal -- I have as hard a time getting motivated for this as I did for Wendell's papers.  They'll pay me for the time I've spent in their offices, my "research" (I can pad a little, can't I?), and may or may not hire me for 6-8 weeks to actually set the thing up.  It's kinda interesting because it's a challenge to organize, especially in an area about which I know nada (turbo engines are not one of my strong points, needless to say).

The other job I'm doing is weeding an old stuffy, musty and dusty collection in a former T.B. sanitarium!  The best part is that I stay up there during the week in the residence hall -- just me and about 4 over 40 nurses.  (Sorry I can't report on more lascivious surroundings!)  The collection is incredible -- books like "Three Who Dared Escape:  One Family's Incredible Story of POW Life"; "The Purple Rose:  Cynthia's Love and Adventure in the Peruvian Mountains" (Peru and N.Y. cafe society are big in the romance-adventure genre) and "The Jap Menace".  I'm dumping about half of what they have -- but I become so fascinated I start reading half the books -- some good escapist froth.  I don't think they have one book written after 1962 -- and few after 1955.  No talking or large print books.  The sanitarium is in the Laurentian mountains, so it's very snowy and beautiful -- I fell like a character from Thomas Mann (or maybe "Sue Barton, Student Nurse").

All in all, life has become a bit more varied.  I do plan to go to N.Y. again (I fear I'm addicted) when I finish these jobs.  I would like to live in the U.S. -- I'm sure of that.

So, my dear, you are now "au courant".  And you?  Are you bearing up under the Montana winter? Good you've found some diversion in the name of Debbie.  And Barb arrives when?  Don't worry, these situations, messy as they seem in contemplation, tend to work themselves out in the reality of the moment.  Do you think Debbie feels involved (seriously so) with you?  The main thing, I think, is not to allow the woman to feel used.  Words of wisdom from the woman of experience (jestfully speaking, of course).

It's too bad you are movie-isolated.  It would be very frustrating.  The carving for the visual experience of film can be an addition, especially if you've been cut off.  The latest I've seen is Scorcese's Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore -- I'm sure you've read Pauline's review -- and it is a terrific movie, all in all!  Quite a breakthrough, in terms of being from a woman's point of view.  I'm not thrilled about the ending, but overall I think the delineation of Ellyn Burstyn's relationship to her son (brilliant performance by Alfred Lutter), her job, the women she works with, are stupendous. Really a portrait of how a woman handles herself -- I think Scorcese will be as good (if not better) than Altman someday.  He has a tremendous sense of place -- his New York in Mean Streets and his SW USA (New Mexico and Arizona, with a very surreal-kitschy Monterey in the beginning, providing a nice backdrop of memory for the central character )( are just right-on.

Yes, I have seen Calif Split -- excellent.  Compare it with the Redford-Newman films (similar in the sense of male camaraderie) and the Gould-Segal duo has far more depth.  Would like to see it again -- I may not have fully appreciated it the first viewing.  The Long Goodbye, though, I feel is a masterpiece particularly if you are familiar w/ Raymond Chandler's book.  Altman says Chandler fans hate T.L.G., because it shatters the concept of the romantic loner -- but I think (and I am a Chandler Fan) the film is brilliant in bringing the 50's book up to the 70's.  What Scorcese does for place, Altman does for time -- he captures the essence of a period.  Both are uniquely American directors I feel.

Glad you found the Fennario book at least of interest.  He is now a playwright in residence for the major English-speaking theater in Montreal.  The book probably had a greater impact for me than for you because of the description of Montreal life.  I'm sure you've finished it by now -- give me a final review.

Hope you're continuing seriously with your writing.  I think you've got something going there -- and should ultimately try for publication.  (Just a thought:  have you thought of submitting some sort of "journal of a prison libn." to LJ or WLB?  Or does that interest you?)  If you ever have some material you'd like to have someone else read or critique, I'd be very glad to.

Well, my dear -- must try to whip off some sort of proposal for setup of a small technical library. How thrilling.  But my philosophy is -- get while you can!  ($, that is.)

Do write soon and let me know how all is in your "beautiful but backward state".

P.S.  Some gossip (which may be confidential, so beware, a slip of the lip may sink a ship, or something.)  Received a letter from Carmelle who recently had an abortion (she hasn't used any B.C. of any sort for the last 2  years -- never got pregnant, so thought she never could) she's come out of it fine. She's also working as a sub school libn, which is good, and jetting around to Acapulco and New Orleans with her new beau -- and presumably now using B.C.

March 4, 1975 (Letter from Gordon)

Just a note on a few things:

You've never mentioned it, but I will assume you have read the long manual Dick asked me and the others to write about our institutional positions.  All aspects of your job are covered, including life in the community, area contacts, etc.  Again, if for any reason you do not have access to it, I will be pleased to send you a copy of my copy.  It amounted to a total debriefing and is strictly for internal use by state library staff.  A.J. has a copy too, as well as Dick.  It is 26 pages long, mostly single-spaced.

Glad to see the papers are still circulated, so I will continue sending them.  One incident I had with the Black Panther might be worth citing.  There was one article I posted (at the time I wasn't regularly bringing in the Panther papers) that mentioned by name a man (black) who snitched on fellow inmates in a California case.  The reason I posted it was because the case also involved another California inmate transfer who was at MSP for awhile and who, when he went out to the coast to testify for the defense (Ron Jones -- long gone), was set up by MSP staff for reprisal on his return.  The rumor spread was that he had testified for the State.  I phoned one of the defense attorneys in Oakland from home and confirmed that Ron was telling the truth.  Thus a rumor was quashed, and the MSP staff member who had started it was discredited. This sort of thing is common practice.

Anyway, the named snitch (in the issue of Black Panther) was transferred to MSP while I was still there (his name is Johnson, I believe)!  Crist confronted me with this, saying it was an irresponsible and dangerous error on my part, as if I had any control over what was printed in a national weekly of 150,000 subscriptions, let alone the dissemination of such information.  I said that it was an error on Crist's part to place Johnson out at Rothe Hall, since he was a nationally advertised snitch!  I feel he should have been in isolation until appropriate staff were warned, at the very least.)  This was sort of a "last straw" between Crist and me, and he asked me to leave the prison forthwith.  This was two weeks after I had resigned, and waiting for a replacement!  If I had it to do over again, I would have been not so outspoken, and asked to consult with Dick first.  That is the cool thing to do:  let him have his say, take it as he puts it to you, saying you will have to consult with Dick.

I can justify taking in the Panther paper on these grounds:  It is intercommunal, and has news of events in the various "minority" communities (including native peoples, of which is comprised from 25-30% of the MSP population -- a dramatic statement in itself).  It tires to break down interracial and (now intersexual discrimination and exploitation, and promotes cooperation.  It has been more or less Marxist socialist, and the new editor (David DuBois) now runs a series on China, so it leans that way, with a stronger third world view.  Crist more or less despises it, but then his criterion of objective journalism is exemplified by Deer Lodge's Silver State Post!!

The point I want to make is:  When confronted by something like that, be cool -- let him make his point -- and say you'll see Peel about it.

I justify papers like Panther, Barb, Militant, etc. not only on constitutional grounds, but on rehabilitative grounds.  If a lot of these minority, low economic and otherwise oppressed and alienated guys see that their "misfortunes" are shared, and have a socio-political basis that is defensible, their self-respect, self-esteem and self-confidence (hence motivation overall) will strengthen.  What is the use of shoving utterly straight Christian and majority establishment (WASP, or liberal white) stuff at them?!  They KNOW that point of view (and its dominance is in large measure what got them in prison in the first place.)

Also, the prison lets the North American Indian League bring in hundred of copies of Akwesasne Notes, which present all the views of militant AIM people, etc.  I asked the editor of The Hunter to send me back copies, by the way, but haven't received any.  Could you ask Editor Al Charlot or whoever it is to do this?

Please do send me a copy of my letter to the editor of the Missoulian.  Haven't seen it.

Montana and Deer Lodge in the spring and summer are great, so you have a lot of improvement to look forward to.  I'm a westerner by adoption, myself, so maybe you're new to the west.  And to the rural scene.  After several months it slowly begins to grow on you.  But there are those who, for a variety of understandable reasons, don't like the country, period.  In places like Montana it's individuals precisely who count, in one's social relations.  Not groups or organizations.  UM in Missoula and MSU in Bozeman can provide university-type contacts.  In Montana you can also get to know legislators, state officials, supreme court justices, biggies generally, relatively easily. Cultivate contacts like these.  One sure way to make a lot of friends in Deer Lodge is to work with youth.  (Scouts, the high school, sports teams.)  Unless you want to join the Elks!!  Also, the little book store just off Main on Milwaukee is a contact for Powell County cultural life.  Life in Montana is very different, Paul, but it definitely has its good side -- for us city-bred types it takes time to appreciate it.  Have you visited KDRG studios just outside of town?  (Marisa Mappes and I got very close, by the way -- almost considered getting married.)

Also, getting to know a ranching family or two this spring can get you into horse-riding.  I put an ad in the paper and contacted a rancher for learning horseback riding from his 3 daughters!!  (Wasn't there long enough to follow through.)

Dick or other Helena folk will have other ideas.  How do you like working with them?

For my part, I also carried on a heavy correspondence, inside and outside of the state.  Do you have any kind of tape recorder?  I could send you or loan you various taped programs off Seattle AM and FM radio stations.  I have a Sony 800-B reel-to-reel (5") tape recorder, and can record at any speed.  If you could compensate me for the tape cost, I'd send you all tapes you want (line-recorded).  Just let me know the kind of things you want to hear -- I can also record on cassette.

P.S.  Here are a few good personal friends to contact (mention that I referred you to them): Sandy and Howard Heffelfinger -- Howard is a city guy, came here recently to be Powell County Planning person, hence a controversial figure.  Both are in their early 30's.  They have an adopted baby and a huge dog named Aristotle ("Ari") who eventually will be a friend.  See him in the county courthouse; I think he's in the assessor's office.  Just ask for him by name.  They are also in the phone book.

Dave and Lynn Pugsley -- a young couple with a baby, and ardent bicyclists.  No phone.  He works at the high school as a science teacher, I think.  They may have split up (one never knows these days).  Ask whoever you know where they are -- they were living in a trailer a stone's throw across the river from you.  Marisa and the Heffelfingers know them.  They are enthusiastic and hip (if straight) young marrieds.

The bookstore I mentioned is:  Books and Records, 306 Milwaukee.  The proprietor is Dean Tavenner (wife -- Trish) who has money and is a wheeler-dealer in real estate, stamp collections, etc.  He is a heavy-set, mustachioed guy with a direct, blunt gaze.  A local cultural pillar worth knowing.

One last note:  Do you visit the State Law Library?  To get legal materials for the men?  By the time I left I was spending an hour there, borrowing law books for copying at SML (returned before returning to D.L.)  Learned a lot about various legal reference tools.

Enough for now!

March 2, 1975 (Letter from Diane)

You disappointed me!  Here I was, expecting all kinds of sarcasm because I sent the Tweety stockings 3 weeks after Christmas.  Of course, being a former Scout  I was prepared to have the final word -- the Peanuts cartoon.  Since it's too good to miss, I'm sending it anyway  Incidentally, I was also late for Bev's birthday.  What do you expect from a person who was born 3 wks late and never caught up?

ALso enclosed is an offer from Aim toothpaste for a Tweety doll.  Unfortunately, I'm a longtime devotee of Colgate so I can't take them up on it.

I wish I could say that life has been wildly exciting but actually it's about the same.  This swinging singles stuff is for the TV and movies.  Bev and I did go to the Latin Casino this weekend.  I(It's similar to Pgh's Holiday House.)  The Fifth Dimension was performing -- they were excellent.  The food was awful; it reminded me of the Towers cafeteria.  And the parking attendant lost my car. Eventually they found it, thank goodness.  But I'm not sure we'll recover from the mad rush of 2.000 people all trying to get their coats from the clerks at the same time!  But as I said, the show was great and made up for the rest.

Your discontent with your present home is shared with several of us.  Bev would like to go back to Pgh, Grayce wants to stay in Philly and I miss my mountains.  I'm sure the shore will be a delight this summer but for the rest of the yr., N.J. has little to its advantage except its proximity to N.Y. and Philly.  And when the weather is miserable, it's really miserable.  The wind is terrific and the rain pours.  Of course, with the job situation being so bad and getting worse, I shouldn't complain. However, Pa is looking better all the time.

Work is getting to be frantic!  The people are realizing that a librarian is there and, as they should, they're asking for all kinds of library service.  The problem is the LC conversion and the paperwork that also has to be done.  I won't see daylight for at least a year.  But it's tremendously rewarding to see these engineers become aware of the resources available to them.  Education is one of the biggest aspects of the job.  Lack of it among the higher echelons is causing problems as far as money and, particularly, space requirements are concerned.   If I can make the library an integral part of the district, most of the problems will be solved.

Let me know what's going on in Big Sky country.  Are you really going to Seattle?  Still writing? Keep in touch.

March 1, 1975 (Letter from Grayce)

I hope you are better from your flu by now.  When I saw this picture, I just identified with it so completely that it seemed I had to cut it out and use it.  I, too, like the little man, find it necessary to fantasize while awaiting the Lincoln Coach bus to whisk me away to the never-never land of Seton Hill.

Speaking of old Seton Hill (or Frigid Hill as the guys at St. Vincent's have lovingly tagged it), contract time is almost here.  I can hardly wait to sign another year of my life away.  Actually, I've assured myself of a certain amount of leeway t his time.  As of January (or even before!) Sister has been harping on whether I was going to stay, or not.  She wanted to know so she could make her plans for Sept.  I really didn't have much choice.  Brook was a big help.  He told me I could do whatever I wanted.  And he advised me later to quite and look for something else.  (ha!)  I seriously did consider it and he even said if I got a good-paying job anywhere else, he would quit hit job....and retire (no, actually, he said he'd just look for a job where I had gotten one), but so far, I haven't even heard of anything I'm qualified for.  And after seeing Harvey (still working in the pipe shop) I figured I would not find much.  I did apply for a job with an industrial library in Pgh. who wanted someone with 5-10 yrs experience.  I'm sure they had a good laugh when my application came in...oh well..

So -- about a week ago, Sister confronted me with the definite questions.  Yes? or no?  I figured that I had these options:  (1) say no...and be without a library job for the rest of my life and probably get a job at Sweet William's (which I definitely do not need), (2) say yes, and just suffer along with the same hours, the same low pay, etc.; (3) say yes, but...and make a few mild demands, i.e., a lessening of my hours and no night hours; (4) say yes, but...and make some outlandish demands, like a raise, a paid vacation, medical benefits, reasonably sane hours -- you know, really grandiose changes from the present situation.  Well, I wasn't in a (4) mood, but I also wasn't in a (1) or (2) mood, so I took a chance and said I'd stay if (3) and I just expected her to say "sorry, see you" but to my great surprise, she was really trying to help.  She said she'd do her best to find someone in Greensburg to take over my night hours and she did.  So I'm a little happier about it.  Starting in Sept. I will work every MWF a full day and one full weekend/month. The money hasn't been decided yet, but she said she'd try to get me more.  If she does it will probably make up for some of the hours I'll be losing.  And at least I'll have some time to myself to do things -- which is really what I want most.

Also -- Brook will only have to come get me once a month which I feel is the best part because, although he has never complained, I'm sure he wasn't thrilled to death about coming all that distance to get me 3 times/week.

I may volunteer for a few hours/week at Wilkinsburg Public.  Maybe then if they do get an opening I would have a chance.  And if not, I'd still like to work in a public library for awhile.

Lately, work has been pretty interesting, also.  The reserves don't bother me as much as they used to and I'm responsible for building up a new reference collection.  It's fun cause I just love to spend money -- especially when it isn't mine!  Mayr is also donating 1-2 hrs/week to show me how she catalogs so I'm getting more familiar with Dewey which I had never even used before GSLIS (and not too well at GSLIS, either!!!)

Sister has also left any Bicentennial celebrations ultimately up to me -- so I guess that will be pretty much fun. So, Paulie, I will try not to complain so much about this anymore.  I know it must be very dull.  

Here is a little quiz for you:  August '74.  When?  Actually, I know that's impossible, but I hope you do get a chance to visit in the near future.

I talked to Dr. Kolish and she's better than before, so I'm very happy.  She said to say hello.  I don't think she has any conception of how far way you are, cause she wondered why you couldn't come back "just for a day!"  I tried to explain to her, but you know how she is when she gets an idea into her head.  She's really funny.

Contrary to your guess, I'm not a February fan.  I can't remember more than one Feb that has been good and only a few have been tolerable.  How did you get to work when you car wouldn't start? Next February we'll see what can be done to improve the situation.  Of course, our polar bear friends do hibernate -- maybe, since you are somewhat related, you can emulate their good idea?

I must say, your story about the "escapee" really upset me.  For that man to die that way.  It's just too bad.  I do hope your next warden is a better one.

Diane tells me you're starting a tweety-pie collection   You can open up a tweety library, maybe.  If Brook and I do get a chance to come live in Idaho I will volunteer to be your archivist!

I wish you lots of fun in San Francisco -- you lucky person!  That will be an excellent vacation.

Well, I think I'm finally talked/written out.  Take care now.

February 24, 1975 (Letter from Tony)

I shall start this letter out with something that has almost become a trademark of my letters, an apology for the lateness in coming.

Let's see now, last I talked to you I wasn't coming to Deer Lodge because the gas tank on the Ford van was leaking.  My, that was a while ago.  After that I had two more weeks of classes.  I flew to Buffalo and stayed there for Christmas, went on to Boston to see the gang there, flew back out here, had my exams, went to Lake Tahoe to gamble and ply in the snow, started classes again, continued working, got a new apartment for $55, a car for $250 and screwed a round a bit.

I am in the midst of my last semester exhilaration.  Strange how it works, when I'm in a situation I like, the last period of time is one of non-enjoyment as I regret the fact I have to leave, e.g., Buffalo and Walla Walla.  However, when I find myself coming to the end of a less than terrific era, e.g., law school, having the end in sight makes my situation much more enjoyable.

I have classes that are conducive to doing work and I am doing work.  Some of the classes are interdisciplinary in nature, law and economics and law and criminology, and this tends to be more enjoyable.  Straight law can be deadly and stifling too.  Straight law school can be much the same.

With my car I can explore more of the state before I leave.  I hope to go to Death Valley while the spring flowers are still blooming.

Come June I know not what I will be doing.  Possibilities abound but certainties are scarce.  My head is turning more definitely toward the Wast, with Boston as the focus.  It shall be a test of patience and discipline for me not to rush into anything.  My preferences are being worked on now. Come on feet, don't fail me now.

How's life progressing in Deer Lodge?  I've been watching the temperatures in Butte and Helena, they've been over 23 much of the time.  How does that compare to Deer Lodge?

I re-read One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest and I'm just so impressed with that book.  Kesey's description are marvelous.  I'm going to see the play over in S.F. tomorrow.  I doubt that it will top Tom's performance but I thought I'd give it a chance.

Well, I leave off now.  I do apologize for the delay.

February 20, 1975 (Letter from Mardi)

It was good to hear from you and I'm really sorry about my slowness in replying.  I just can't write a letter anymore -- I'm "burnt out" from my letter writing days in 68-69-70!

You sounded so happy with your job in the last letter to me, however, Barb mentioned that your attitude was a bit different.  I know you love the job but you have to also live around your job now, which unfortunately  is a total bummer.  Whenever you just want to leave for awhile your work won't let you and you begin to wonder how you can keep a job and live.  The conflict never ends.  I do believe the hardest part is yet to come.

My job is going well, I enjoy the work.  I'm in the trust dept (which I lack knowledge of any considerable amount!) under the Vice-president and trust officers.  The work is a variety and I'm very interested in the procedures of the dept.  We are separate from the bank itself (WNB), here on the second floor; we have new offices with all the "new fangled" equipment -- a secretary's dream come true.  The hours are good and the pay has helped us considerably.  I can't believe I've been here almost five weeks!  The girl that had my job was leaving for Atlanta March 5th and in the meantime changed her mind and decided to stay!  Actually, it all worked out for the best because she loves teller work, which I would never do, and she didn't like the secretarial work and being away from all the bank confusion, which I like!  It doesn't take long to fall into the daily work "women's" routine.

We are all fine here.  Mattie is really growing and is a cutie, I can see the days of mother running behind the kid going "HELP!"  He's going to be a brat, we must start that good old parental discipline at a very early age -- like now!  Wish you could enjoy him now with us, he's amazing -- what can I say!  Duh.  We're such experienced parents!  It's a trip and a half.

The store is holding down itself well, considering the buying power of the consumers in Warren.

Barb is back to work.  She is working at the daily workshop on Fifth Av. Ext, I believe.  Have a hard time remembering the correct name of the "enterprise" itself.  She has a few of the people from the half-way house on our block.

Haven't heard from Mike lately  I guess he's at a pretty permanent type of job now, from the sounds of what Yolanda has to say.

We re taking Yolanda to dinner for her birthday Tues night to the annual Deer Head Inn dinner!!  I'm looking forward to it since it has been quite awhile since I've had the luxury of dining out and had money I didn't have to worry where it was coming from!

Do you think you'll get out this way during the summer months?  It would be hard getting out here and back unless you had some lengthy vacation coming.  I will get a week this summer and that, of course, will be taken to Maine.  I really enjoy it there and have a good time.  Naturally, we are treated like royalty the whole time!  I could just stay at the ocean the entire time and eat lobster all day.  Mattie will be a real treat to take along -- I can't imagine, he'll be a year old almost by then,.  He loves the car so he should be good, "are we there yet" "How much longer?"  I don't think though that he will be very literate.

I must close now and get to work.  Take care.  Ellie and Libby say hello.  Poor Libby has been having a rough time of it lately.  Would you believe she had a false pregnancy?  She is slightly disturbed!?  She is better now and adjusting.  We will breed her this spring!!!  I felt so sorry for her.  Can you believe it?  That dog needs more love and attention than 10 people!  Never a dull moment.

I must close -- hope to see you soon.

February 18, 1975 (Letter from Larry)

I'm not doing anything so I decided to write you a letter.

It's been warm the past couple days and most of the snow is melting away.  It felt like spring today, working outside.

I made 2 rabbit traps about a month ago.  The rabbits like to eat the roses and other vegetables.  Finally got one today.  Frank showed me how to skin it.  I had half of it for supper tonight.  I froze the other half.  It was good but leaner and tougher than domesticated meat.  You have to chew it more.  I had asked frank, if we got a rabbit,k if he would show me how to skin it.  It's something that I feel I should know how to do.

I've been learning Swedish.  If I stick to it I should be able to speak it fairly well.  It's quite easy.

I'm going to pick up an order for the Jamestown food coop either this Saturday or next.  I've save a lot of money buying from the coop.

I'll be starting to do some yard work on my own soon.  I have to prune some grapes and an apple tree.  That has to be done in winter or early spring.  I'm looking forward to planting my garden.  I sent for the seeds two weeks ago.  It will be a couple months before I do any planting.

I hope to do more yard work on my own this summer.  It's like a hobby that pays well.

I've been wanting to do some woodcarving for awhile.  But haven't been in the right mood for it.  Barb gave me some woodcarving tools for Christmas but I've used them once.

I think this  year is going to be a good year.  Mainly because last year was a bad year.  It was a time for searching and getting myself together.  I feel a lot more confident about my future.  I feel alone because there's nobody in Warren I can really relate to.  The people I've met at the food coop are basically into the same thing I am, but it's hard to really get to know them when they live in another city.  I do want to become more involved with the coop.  Then I can get to know some good people.

February 19, 1975 (Letter from Michael)

I bet you thought you'd never hear from me?  I figured you must have given u p by now.  Actually I've had your letter on my dresser ever since I received it in mid-December.

I/we've been quite busy.  Still working quite a lot although it's eased off a bit lately because Liz is working part-time at her other job.  The store has been doing better and better as we've gotten in a good deal new stock and attracted new clientele.  In fact we've no formed a corporation to own the store.  Its name is Small Planet Natural Foods Dist, Inc.  (We're mostly dealing in the reds, blues, and blacks in the ball point line.  Elizabeth is quitting her accounting job in April so we both can run the store.  That should give each of us some desperately needed free time.

Actually it's quite surprising how well we've been doing lately considering some businesses.  In that respect I can't complain too much, but in others I can find much to be hassled over.   Were it not for the fact that I feel somewhat good that we may be doing something socially worthwhile, i.e., educating people about the nature (pun) of food in our society and providing some good food to a select few, I'd go totally out of my mind.  Not that I could deny that I'm trying to make money but I still have some social consciousness, I hope.

Nonetheless I could use some free time and breaks during the day to overcome my claustrophobia if nothing else.  It's funny, no one will be in the store, I'll be hungry, I'll sit down to relax and eat an d some customer will walk in and demand my attention.  As I obviously have no set lunch time I must respond.  Fortunately, lately I have hired a woman to help out and as time goes on she has become more experienced and knowledgeable and can handle the store for short periods of time. This enables me to go to the back room and relax or to go for a short walk.  I appreciate the outdoors more and more all the time.

Otherwise generally life is going rather well. When we're not fighting, Elizabeth and I get along.  And when we are fighting we fight like hell.  Admittedly it's not always her fault and I do make a minor mistake now and then.

We heard from Tony the other day.  He seems very anxious to get out of Berkeley, Law School, the west coast, and all their "confinements" and "conflicts".  He was here for New Years and if he can swing some job interviews in this area, might come here for Dennis and Donna's wedding on April 5th.  (I have to be an usher and wear a tuxedo.)

Dennis is now working (in-training) for Merrill, Lynch  Pierce, Fenner, Smith...or whatever learning how to be a stockbroker.  Donna is still doing some technical writing at Raytheon.  Harvy got a job as a reporter on the Cambridge Chronicle, a weekly.  He seems much happier although it's not his ideal job.  He'd rather work or be able to freelance for a more dynamic publication.

Elizabeth and I hope to be able to take a vacation July possibly taking a train across Canada and then going down to California.  That train is something I've wanted to do for years.  What are yo plans in terms of work?  I enjoy listening to your prison reports so please write back.  I could tell you more about our exciting life such as how we're falling into the TV rut, but I'll save it.  Oh, one thing that we have been doing that's been fun, relaxing, and useful is taking taichi.  It's a martial art but much different from karate.  The moves are flowing, circular, and very subtle.  Actually, initially, the art consists of learning numerous forms that have applications in terms of exercise, meditation, and relaxation much later self-defense.

In any event it's late once again.  Time to go to bed so I can get up to go to work, to go to bed, etc. See you, I hope, and take care.

Oh yes, write after you get over the shock of receiving  a letter from me.

February 19, 1975 (Letter from Gordon)

I'm mailing today another package of newspapers.  I no longer get the Guardian or the Militant  so all there is are Berkeley Barb and Panther.  Also one more poster.

Did you get the last package?  Would appreciate a card of acknowledgement each time so I know you got them and can still use them.

If for some reason you don't take them to the MSP guys, I know university places would like them, once you're through with them, like Freddy's Feed and Read in Missoula.

My Northwest history job here is fairly dominating.  If I were out of debt I'd prefer to haul my trip out to the mountains on the coast and bum around for the summer.  Who knows, I may be enabled to do that, since federal funds for my present position end May 30th and I am not sure if they'll be able to refund me beyond that.  (The probability is high, but not guaranteed.)

Are you still funded by money transferred from the Dept of Institutions?  Let me know if you get involved with the Deer Lodge Library.  Visit it sometime and ask to see their basement.  I made an inventory of their gov docs.

P.S.  We will be subscribing to the Great Fall Tribune, finally, starting in mid-April.

It is depressing working in an institution (city library) that you know is completely ignored by native people...however, we strive constantly to staff and supply it as if they were to descend on us any minute.  I'm really quite alienated from the whole Euroamerican thing (mentally and mind-set).

Greetings to all at MSP.  With the weather shortly to improve, you will find a love affair starting between yourself and Montana!

My memories of MSP men are sharp, as if graven in metal.  To tell the truth, I was really an "inmate" in disguise!

Wrote a letter to the Missoulian, which probably wasn't printed.