June 26, 1972 (Letter from Gail)

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

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

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

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

February 7, 1969 (Letter from Jodee)

Have a half hour before lunch, so I thought I'd write.  It's about the food around here.  We haven't had a decent meal in 2 weeks!  Well, what are ya gonna do?

Second semester classes aren't too bad.  Civ II is another TV course.  Hope I can get a B out of it.  My calc course is giving me problems already but it's too late to drop it now.  I blew a quiz today -- what's five points anyway?  Fr III doesn't look too bad, but I got a C on my first speech in speech class.  (Where else would you give a speech, huh?)  I have a lot of reading this semester, too, and I'm already behind in it.  I better shape up, huh?

Got a letter from Gus yesterday.  I guess she's really diggin Harry Spackman.  They went to Melody last Thurs.  She's finally over John, too.  They had a date and he turned out to be "a real child".  I'm happy for her.  Tommy and I are getting pretty uptight again.  Hmm.  He came to Edinboro a couple weeks ago to see me.  My roommates thought he was really tough.

I called home Wed night, talked about 20 min.  Did you know that Tim Nuhfer's older brother Danny got killed in Vietnam?  I guess my brother felt pretty bad cuz he used to be a frat brother.  I think it kind of scared him to think that going into the service could mean getting killed.  I'm sure glad I'm not a guy!!  Anyway, I wanna go home at the end of the month an bring one of my roommates.  Me and Donna are gonna hit Shorty's.  Can you imagine, she's never been to a bar!!  My goodness!!

Last weekend was a real dud.  Fri nite Don and I went to an Alpha Phi Omega party.  We got our signals crossed.  I thought she wanted to go and she thought I wanted to go and neither of us would go without the other.  We spent most of the time in the bathroom talking about what asses we were.  It was bad.  Sat night Connie and I went to a Delta Sig party.  Everyone was drunk (but us, that is) and threw furniture and bottles all over the place.  Can't wait to see what's in store for this weekend.

The sororities around here have started throwing their rush parties.  I'd sure like to get into Alpha Sigma Alpha.  Spent three hours there last night getting better acquainted with the sisters.  They're all so nice.

What have you heard from the Humboldt girls?  I got a letter from Sue last week.  Sure wish Nancy'd get around to writing.

How's the weather in Buffalo?  It's so cold here, I can't stand it.  I wish it were summertime and that we were hitting Surf and Snug every weekend.  Oh well, only a couple more months.

Well, Paul, it's time now for another delicious Edinboro lunch.  See ya at Easter OK. Be good and study hard.