June 13, 1977 (Letter from Cheryl)

Sittin here waitin for the old man to come home from work so I thought I'd drop ya a few lines. Haven't wrote in a long time, so I hope your still at the same place.

So how have you been doin?  Good I hope.  Have you gotten any time off from your work since I last heard from you?  It's the time of year for it.  I wish I could go hitching some place, but the urge will pass.

What's ya do over Memorial Day wk. end?  We went to this place called Camp Tuffet in Mont.  It's on Lake Mary Ronan. Sure was pretty up there.  Caught alot of salmon & they sure were good. Then on the way back we went threw the buffalo range.  Saw alot of em & got alot of good pictures.  Kids sure got a big kick out of it all.

Last wk. end was the annual "Lead Creek Derby Days" carnival & it was wild.  For 3 days there's a carnival, fireworks & a lot of drunk crazy partying people.  It really brings the people out of the walls.  We spent about $60 on rides, games & food but had one hell of a time.  Was drunk the hole time.  Not stumbling drunk, just fun drunk.  But I'm glad it only comes once a year.

Well I finally heard from George last month.  He got busted for 1st degree burglary in Portland. Guess they dropped the charges & just charged him with parole violation.  Got a questionnaire from him today -- he said that everyone thinks hell only get a yr. to 18 mo. but I bet he's there alot longer.  They've got the new prison all finished now too.  He had a lady in Portland & had been with her for a year almost.  He said he don't think she'll wait for him.  I don't either, not being that far away.  Unless you live right in Deer Lodge it's hard to wait a long period of time for someone, no matter how long you've been with em.  At least me & George are still friends.  I just wish he'd of kept his shit tog. & out of the joint.

Have you got any pot plants this year?  I've got about 60 up & they're all doin pretty good.  Have had alot of rain & hot humid weather & they really like that.  Just hope they don't get ripped off this year.  They have a habit of disappearing the past 2 yrs.  Is there alot of speed back there?  Boy I wish I had some.  For awhile it was pretty heavy but now no one has got any. I didn't say that cuz I wanted you to send some -- that'd be stupid.  I was just curious.  I really don't need it anyway, cuz we're trying to have a baby.  Been tryin for a couple months but nothing so far.  Maybe this month.

Some people we use to live with are back in Conn.  Jeannie hadn't seen her people for 5 yrs & when she left it was just a little town.  Now I guess it's really big.  She don't like it too well either, but they don't have gas money to come back.  I'd sure hat to be stuck back there.

Well, Paul, I've gotta go.  Don't think I'm gonna make it up till he gets here.  He's on nite shift for 2 wks & stayin' up from 8:00 A.M. til 1:00 or 2:00 p.m. ya get a little tired.  So take care & write soon & let me know how your doin.  Bye for now.

December 19, 1976 (Letter from Sandy)

David Pugsley gave us your address this summer & I meant to drop you a line -- but true to fashion -- I've procrastinated.

You must have had a bit of trauma before you left Montana.  Trish Tavenner called me a few months after we left Helena and said that she figured we had offered you asylum becuase she knew I was planning to send you our address to offer our guest room if you were snowbound on one of your Helena trips.

Your stay in Montana must have given you plenty of material for short stories if nothing else.

We are really enjoying Helena.  I guess the percentage of people who pursue literature & theater is nigh because of the big government payroll.  A new bookstore called Another Roadside Attraction opened two months ago.  A movie theater showing only old & classical films opened last spring. After some of the movie the audience becomes a discussion group -- were presented with a lecture after Citizen Kane.  And a new repertory-type theater has just remodeled the old library which had once been a Unitarian Church in 1990 & has marvelous acoustics -- leaded glass -- much stonework.  The buildings here just blow my mind.

I have a great job -- 9 educable kids ages ages 10 to 14 -- good administrative support!

Skip enjoys his job so much -- does not like all of the travel -- but hopefully he will work into a desk job as time goes by.

As you can see, we have a new addition.  His name is Ryan Hawks -- he is northern Cheyenne and we have had him for 6 months.  We hope to legalize things next month.

Kerry has adjusted to Ryan's presence although he went through the usual jealous stage and once said "Let's give him back to the ladies."   Now he thinks it's great to be a "big brother" as long as Ryan leaves Kerry's books alone.

It is such a delight to have both of them living with us -- we've certainly been lucky.

Peace, Sandy

May 14, 1976 (Letter from Ken M)

Michael Lally and Ken McCullough (1972)

Photo credit:  Lally's Alley

I've been gone from Montana since October and am not sure what's brewing out there.  I knew that Fred Perry has been shipped down the road to Idaho, but as to Gil's parole I don't know a thing. And I don't know much about what's going on with the new prison.  I will be writing Gil this week and will pass on whatever word I get from him. As soon as I get my head above water down here I am going to attempt to start a writing program at the prison here in Columbia.  There are several excellent ones going, especially the one at Arizona Pen.  Three of the men have books coming out and one has just gotten a sizable grant.  Even though they are still "within."  There's an excellent project brewing in N.C. called the prison-ashram project -- which attempts to convert all that spare time into spiritual pursuits -- so that, in effect, the only people behind bars become the guards. Bout all I can pass on at this point but will keep in touch.

[Teaching experience on Ken's resume:  Creative Writing Workshop, Montana State Penitentiary, Deer Lodge, Montana, 1972-75.]

May 12, 1976 (Letter from David)

Nice to hear from you.  We have been changing in many ways since you left.

First off we sold the trailer and bought a house.  It is a 1900 model with a lot of work and a big green yard.  The place also came with an old log barn.  The location is nice also, we are just a block and a half from J. C. Park.  Lyn has worked diligently restoring a long unkempt flower garden, we have tulips and poppys in bloom right now.

After eight years without we finally bought a car.  Wow!  More and more middle class each day. We still do not use it in town, just for trips to Missoula and neighboring communities.

Thoroughly enjoyed "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest".  Although it had been six years since I read the book, the story and film seemed to appear the same.

The name Raymond Chandler stuck in my mind, I recalled that you had a couple of his books when you left.  I picked up "Farewell My Lovely" and the "Big Sleep".  I like Marlowe's sarcasm and ideals, he never sells out even to the broads.  Ha! it must be fiction.

Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan, or Gerald Ford.  I guess I'd better start becoming familiar with their positions, although I'm sure that will be difficult.

I ran in the seven mile race in Missoula in May 1.  I ran well and had a pleasant time, the day was beautiful.  I covered the 7 miles in 46:13 seconds.  Played some tennis today, and started to get the kinks out of my game.  I'm looking forward towards this summer's play.

Levin is 2 1/2 years old now and keeping Lyn and I real busy.  He is forming sentences, trying to count, working at toilet training and imitating all his parents do.  I have to watch what I say.  For one week he was going around saying Oh God! after every mishap.

Home our cat ran away, guess he just tired of us.  Anyhow we now have two 8 week old male kittens.  One is yellow and white, the other is yellow and striped.  Sonja is doing fine at the new house, she is always ready for a walk or bike ride.

The Bretz and Clive trial started last week, it's too early to tell anything.  Since cons are the major witnesses, I can't imagine the trial lasting long or a guilty verdict.

If you head west for a breather, drop in for a stay.

September 26, 1975 (Letter from Cheryl)

Thought I'd write you & see how your doin'?  Hope your doin fine -- are you still working in the library?  We are all fine.  Georgie is in school now & likes it pretty much, as much as he can like school.  Me & Lawana fart around all day, goin to junk stores & down by the creek's.  We got a neat log cabin house with 3 bedrooms, no neighbors to speak of and 300 ft. behind the house that's ours.  It's right in the mountains too -- we have to chop our own wood for fire, which may prove to be a hassle this winter, but it's still nice to have it.  Do you see Linda very much any more?  Or is she still even there?  How is George doin?  He doesn't write me any more.  Does he seem to be happy; well as happy as he can be in there?  Does he still work in the library?  I have a car now (it needed a little work) but maybe one of these days I'll make it up there.  Wallace is closer to D. L. but it costs more on the bus for some reason, plus they cut my welfare grant down cuz other people live with em.

Anyway take care & please answer back.  I'd like to hear from you, plus find out about my old man.  Tell him hello for me.  Hope to see you when I come out.  By for now.

July 26, 1975 (Letter from Debbie)

I just thought I'd write a quick note to let you know I haven't forgot about you.  I've been quite busy lately.  I just moved in my my townhouse.  It's fantastic!  For the first time in a long time I've got my own bedroom!  It's really a nice place.  The neighborhood is something else.  It seems as though the girl next door and I are the only girls here who aren't living with someone.  This group is consisted of mostly divorced women all very close to my age.  The girl next door is going with a married man!  This is some neighborhood!

So has anything exciting happened with you?  Boy, I sure do miss you.  You've got to come and see me.  Well I'm running out of space so I guess I'd better go for now.  I'll write more later.

July 15, 1975 (Letter from Diane)

I don't know whether I should be aggravated with you for not disclosing what the warden has against you or sympathizing with you over your cold.  Since you're probably over the cold, that leaves aggravation,  But I'm too droopy.  Maybe later.  (What is it, anyway/)

Everyone here is droopy.  It's been raining for almost two weeks with floods, lightening (I know) -- the works.  Montana weather seems great after 80-90 weather with 90-100% humidity. And they tell me August is worse.

Because we couldn't go to the shore, one of my friends from Penn State and I went to Longwood Gardens.  It was formerly the DuPont summer estate and now is 100 acres of the most beautiful gardens and conservatory I've ever seen.  Especially now that the waterfall is turned on.  After all that walking we were starved so we went to Chadd's Ford with the niave (?) thought of finding a pizza parlor.  What we did find was Chadd's Ford Inn which looked like a dump.  Actually it was a camouflaged Top of the Triangle.  Can you imagine cut-offs and a patched-up shirt?  It's a good thing it was early Sat night or we'd have been very uncomfortable   Expensive it already was.  We should have guessed - -it was right across the street from the Brandywine River Museum.

Do you have any idea when you'll be coming East?  Grayce told me early fall, maybe Sept.  I may be going to Dallas for a workshop on Sept 27th.  If not Dallas, maybe Colorado Springs.  So I hope you don't choose that weekend.  Please let us know when you decide.

Grayce was in town for the weekend.  Although we couldn't meet, we did get to talk, long distance, for almost an hour.  Sometimes I think that me and my friends (my friends and I) keep Ma Bell going.

Nothing much has been happening.  I'm longing to go to the shore again but everything is working against it.  If it isn't raining, something else, e.g., baby showers (I'm getting to hate showers), people visiting, etc.  Of course, I've just stopped peeling from the last trip 3 weeks ago.

Maybe there will be something exciting to report in the next letter, if we don't get flooded down the Delaware.  Meantime (nobody would ever believe I was an English major), keep in touch.

May 18, 1975 (Letter from Grayce)

Diane and Bev just left.  It was a very nice weekend.  We wished you have been here, also.  Aren't I awfully greedy?

First, may I say I'm really sorry about Dale.  He must be going through hell.  Have you spoken to him?  I think it would really be good for him to have someone speak to him without recrimination just now.  His guilt must be a vast thing to bear and more of a punishment than any other person could inflict from without.  I think you could do it very well -- being a gentle person.  Ultimately, it would make more of an impression than anything else he'll possibly hear now.

Paul, I hope I don't sound fatuous but "are you tired of writing to me?"  I really enjoy hearing from you but maybe you would need a rest?  If you'd like I will still write to you and you don't necessarily have to answer each time.  I don't know.  this sounds weird and not what I intend to say.  (Really I hope you don't agree to this because I'd really miss your letters), but let me know and we'll see what we can do, ok?

The weather here hasn't been so great, either.  It's been raining constantly.  I want to plan a small garden -- just some tomatoes, onions, peppers, and squash, but we haven't been able to dig up the ground cause it's always sopping wet.

I refuse to dig the ground because I did only a tiny piece by the side of the house and planted some bachelor buttons (which have probably drowned by now!) and I got an enormous blister on my palm.  Women's Lib can have this part of the fight as far as I'm concerned.  Pulling out your own chair is one thing; digging ditches is something else!

My cactus is not doing too well.  I can't figure it out.  I am convinced that cacti are not meant to flourish in this climate.  If they were, we would have some, wouldn't we?  It's entirely too humid. I hardly ever water the thing and I keep it in the sunniest place possible, but it feels like it's getting mushy and that means death is nigh.  Oh well, ---

No, I didn't attend Pitt's graduation.  It just would have been so meaningless.  Besides, Brook's sister graduated from Duquesne the week after that and Seton Hill's was the week after Pat's and I really didn't think I could take 3 Sundays of platitudes all in a row like that.  I mean, I don't go to church for exactly that reason, so why place myself in that position voluntarily?  It's bad enough that I had to go to those 2 others.  I did go get my diploma, though, since I had to go into Oakland to the doctor's anyway, $5 for that piece of paper.

Brook is out playing softball right now.  He joined a league that a bunch of his friends started. They all keep this bar (The Flame!) in business (or they did when they were younger, anyway) so the manager sponsors their team.  They're not too bad, considering they just got together this season.  They even have three flashy red nylon tee-shirts!  I liked them, but am not exceedingly thrilled about them right now since I've learned that they have to be handwashed separately.  Myeer!  Next year-- I will have something to say about the materials of the shirt, methinks!

Paul -- you had better come see us soon!  This is an order and not a request!  I really think that you are not happy there and should not stay any longer than necessary.  I hope I don't seem too audacious in saying this.  I worry about you, though.  I think you need more "civilization" around you.  And you sound said and I don't like to see you that way!  I apologize in advance if I shouldn't be so bold, but I can't help it.  Please consider this seriously.

Take care.

April 14, 1975 (Letter from Debbie)

I'm sure you'll find this quite childish, but I can't talk well to people.  I can't ever say what's on my mind.  I think you are an honest person, but can you be totally honest.  I mean to the point of where what you say may hurt someone's feelings or pride?  I hope so, because that's what I need, total honesty.  I want you to know what you think of me.  What do you see when you look at me, I mean inside me; not my looks.  How would you describe me as a person?  I'm not looking for "brownie points" just plain old-fashioned honesty.  Sometimes I feel like people don't like "me", like maybe they feel sorry for me, or they are doing their "good deed" by being nice to me.  This may sound stupid to someone as well adjusted as you are, but I want to know what people really think of me.

If you aren't busy tonight why don't you come for a walk with me, then maybe we can talk.

Oh, I want to thank you again for just being there last night. I'm sorry I was such a boob.

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.

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 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.

January 27, 1975 (Letter from Sue)

At long last, here is my long-overdue letter.  (And the book -- give me you reactions -- I'm curious whether a non-Montrealer will receive the same impact as did I.)

Well, things are never boring here.  Just after New Years, our part was ransacked -- the thief made away w/ my Pentax, which is about the only possession we have, anyway, and Bart's immigration papers.  Happy New Year.  Too bad -- I was just beginning to get into photog.  But thems' the breaks, I guess.

Still don't know about the job.  I have an appt w/ Immigration on Thurs. and will find out then.  The whole thing bores me stiff by now.  But I will persevere!  (for awhile anyway.)

I have been seeing a lot of "flicks" lately.  One of the universities very near to us has an excellent film program -- 75 cents too.  They've had a D. W. Griffith retrospective (in honor of D.W.'s 100th) -- it was very interesting as I've never seen any of his stuff.  Missed the biggies, Birth of a Nation and Intolerance  but saw Orphans of the Storm, complete with a very lovely Lillian Gish as well as a "pussy-footing Robespierre"!  Griffith's montage effects -- the "Griffith sequence" or whatever it's called, are very effective -- lot of suspense.

Yesterday there was a Stan Brakhage festival -- with Stan himself in person.  Fortunately, he was there, or I probably wouldn't have understood a quarter of what he is trying to do (in terms of "document" art, capturing all aspects of "sight").  He is a very unassuming guy, very unpretentious, wit a very kind and articulate manner.  I remember that Immorth told me he lived (?) with him awhile when Brakhage was in Pittsburgh.  (Surely you know of his famous "Pittsburgh Trilogy!"  I didn't, before yesterday!)  What do you know, and what is your opinion, of Brakhage?  I've always heard of him as an important underground filmmaker, but till yesterday knew nada.

Also saw Godfather II which provokes mixed feelings.  Think what Coppola is trying to show in terms of degeneration and power corruption is excellent, but story line and motivation need to be tightened up.  Saw the Emigrants and The New Land (together on a double bill -- quite a viewing feat) just after God. II and it provides an interesting contrast of 2 different periods of immigration as well as 2 different types (rural vs. urban settlement).  I'm sure you've seen them -- what's your opinion?  The other film I've seen recently is Fellini's Amarcord which I liked, with reservations -- it's a little too broad-humored (pun intended) for my taste (pun not intended!)  Maybe it's my Puritan background, but big-breasted women don't make me fall off my chair with laughter!

Now that I've gloated over all the "cinema" available in this cultural center -- what are you up to?  It must be Coldsvilles, U.S.A. in Deer Lodge.  (It has been -15 here!)  Unthinkable!  How is the job -- still freeform?  Hope so -- I know how rebellious you'd become if your freedom were curtailed, and I'd hate to hear you were incarcerated for insubordination!  Didn't you tell me they have Wed. night movies at the prison?  What sort of films?

Has your friend from Boston come to brighten your days and nights.  If so, how are things working out?  I'm sure your heart is going pitty-pat at the sight of an Eastern face again!

Got a letter from Wendell a few weeks ago -- he told me "Forsman left under a cloud".  How intriguing!  I am simply consumed with curiosity!!  He also told me, sadly, that Lancour and Kolish have both had health problems recently.  I guess Lancour had a mild heart attack and Dr. Kolish must be having more of the same problems she had before.

Oh -- I spent a week in NYC at N.Y. Eve time.  Hard-hearted that I am, I left Bart in Montreal as he was sick and had a lot of studying to do.  But I had a simply gala time!  I stayed with Anne (you've met her_ -- who is just back from 7 months in France *and having some problems of readjustment, bien sur).  New York is such an infinite sort of place, don't you think?  Just everything, good and evil, is there.  I fell in love with Little Italy.  It seemed so authentically ethnic -- also very reminiscent of part of North Beach in S.F.  I wouldn't mind living there, should I decided to try to get my bite of the Big Apple.

Apropos of which, I received a letter recently from Elaine -- she hadn't written before as she'd really had a truckload of problems.  Her husband had had some sort of enlarged lymph nodes and they were very worried -- the tests, etc. were dragged out for months, but everything turned out OK as the growths were benign.  What a relief -- I hate to think of Elaine under such psychological pressure -- as we've agreed (you and I) so many times, she is such a tip-top sort of woman.

Anyway -- she sent me a bunch of addresses of library director friends of hers in various Long Island locales -- so if I do decide to return stateside, there will be a lead.

I'm enclosing a clipping re the origins of Halloween which you were grumbling about in your last letter.   (My God -- Halloween -- it's only 3 months ago -- I am a procrastinator!)

Well, shall warp this up for this time.  Write soon -- letters are the boon of my existence.  Hope the hot and cold water faucet of your life (your analogy) maintains an even temperature (but what would you do if, as in our apt bldg, they shut the hot water off?  Hmmmmm?!)

P.S.  Thanks again for you Noel phone call -- it was a bright addition to the holiday season!

December 11, 1974 (Letter from Gordon)

Paul -- the following letter is pretty free-wheeling and quite subjective -- not to say chaotic.

I wanted to let you know before hand that the same evaluation, observations, and conclusions are arrived at in the Manual (for my old job) and various enclosures and memoranda that are in the MSP librarians' file at MSL, but in a restrained, relatively objective and deliberative manner.  Well aware of my own proclivities and emphases, and peculiar insights and sensitivities, I tried to back off and take a look, comprehensive and fair look at the MDL position and work at MSP, but only as presently conducted but with proposals for the future.

If you are unable, in the end, to have access to these materials, I will be delighted to provide you with a copy of my own set.  (End of prefatory notes.)

Well I can see you're already going over the contents of Pandora's box, even at this early stage!  I assume you have already asked Dick Peel for the long manual and accompanying memoranda on my work and evaluation of the job, all of which he has.  If it does not appear you will be given these materials, let me know and I'll send you the whole shitpot full. Also, Alma Jacobs has a complete file of the above, as well.  (So did I, heh, heh!)   It would be preferable if one of them gave you access to it (thinking in terms of their support, etc.)

In the Manual and the memoranda I spell out all my views and measurements of the job.  I have also this fall written a 15-page (double-spaced) account of the job, called "Prison Librarianship -- Some Controversial Aspects", written in an anonymous context, which I am trying to get published.  It is loaned out at the moment, but when it returns I will send you a copy, for yourself.  It is thoroughly doctored for anonymity.

I have a package of papers, and also a number of posters, both of which I will try to get off this week.  It might get a bad reaction if Crist sees my mailing address on the papers, but "I can't help it".  Whether you remove it or not is your business.  Crist tends to get terribly upset and "emotionally involved in (his) job" (something he accused me of, by the way.)   Hoping you can get access to the above sources, I won't run on here about the job, expect to say that the prison pressure is to get you to identify totally "with the inmates".  Cultivate an objective, professional stance and approach.  So that any decision you make has been well-though-out.  That way you can never be caught off guard.

Paul, try your very cool and patient best to stay there as long as possible --

On the administration people you mentioned:  Generally speaking, never trust anything they tell you.  (Not totally anyway.)  Boyette, Jaksha, Blodgett, Weer, and Yankoskie are first of all the warden's toadies and flunkies.  They are excellently conditioned bureaucratic subordinates.  Like they talk to the prisoners, they will feed you a story, a line or a "cue" to get you to talk loosely. Control of staff, to Crist's ilk, is every bit as important as control of inmates.  (Read the Policy and Procedures on staff conduct in my life.)  Communicate orally, not in writing, if at all possible.

Hence the supreme importance of maintaining your own professional integrity.  I never had problems with the prisoners, or with line staff -- only with Roger, Joe, and Jim.  Blodgett is especially treacherous because he comes on so loosely, easy, and "nice".  Don't believe your eyes and ears!!  His head is aching for a wardenship all his own, once Crist goofs up badly enough.

Jaksha - a toady and a dunce (but who will be silent at times, too)

Yankoskie - a craven, uptight, paper bully of a dunce

Blodgett - viper (nothing he doesn't say will come to pass) and bully.

Weer - an original nice guy undergoing final institutionalization.

Boyette - a redneck, at bottom

Crist - Hitleresque and arch-chauvinist (watch him around women), custody-obsessed, "Christian" (watch out!), militaristic (chain of command).

But despite all this--

I let 15 months go by before letting it go - I also loved it, and as a first library job I learned an immense amount.  I went about my job with full self-respect and with a pride in associating with such a victimized and oppressed clientele, (whose spirit also remains high -- right?)  I came to like Montana very much -- try to get East any time you can.  (At first I was thoroughly uptight, coming from an urban ghetto straight to rural Montana!  Bought a .38 special and was armed most of the time off the job.  (Fearful of Montanans!!)  But I got over that -- it's a fine life environment  really, and maybe someday I'll be working again over there (at least for another stint).

My prior association with parolees and prisoners helped.  Plus 3 years army experience (in the 1950's, well remembered though).  Also several years in militant civil rights and anti-ware activity. (In Seattle the next stage was terrorism, when Johnson relented...)  Not to state my politics -- I'll let you draw your own conclusions.

I kept a detailed journal of my experiences there, as well.

I am corresponding now and then with Al Charlo of the Hunter, and it's a wonder Crist's mail room lets it happen.  Others have been refused permission to write me.  I asked to be able to write:  (list of names).  I know several of these are gone, but no matter.  Bless every one of their devious hearts!  Maybe under capitalism, "deviance" is every person's survival option.

Now to the State library -- bless their hardy trooper souls -- I accept and recognize a minimal degree of bureaucratic complicity on their part (the politics of government?), regarding working with the prison and the Dept. of Institutions.  I hope Dick Peel can weather the storm and find the recognition he richly deserves.  Though we came to disagree somewhat at the end (I am totally against the concept of a "warden", and the absolute thought control he feels necessary to exercise over staff in every area.)  I really appreciated working with him that first year or so.  When Alma Jacobs came things sort of fell apart, at MSL, structurewise (organizationally).

The "complicity" I refer to above is derived from: 1.  The fact that Peel wasn't upset that Crist had a big dossier on me, which included an excessive amount of evaluative materials by a variety of persons.    (I wanted to demand access to it.)  2.  The fact that perhaps MSL does the same thing (background checks of an excessively prying nature) and that Peel (for one) sends letters of reference or recommendation without ever sending you a copy.  This is a kind of oppression that thoroughly erodes the trust and confidence of "subordinates".  If we don't work for the people's best interests, whose interests are we serving?

P.S.  Keep in mind too that Deer Lodge is a very small, loyalist town....the barroom walls have eyes and ears.

P.S.  Regarding meetings or (audiences) with Crist, or any of his lieutenants; often a certain reaction will be feinted (like shock or whatever with the comix), to put you on the the spot as corrupting innocents, etc.  Here let it be said that anyone who stays longer in the closed institution than a nominal period (1-2, 3 years?) is becoming corrupted.  The essence of traditional, and closed, institutions is abnormality and prostitution and corruption, both in principle and practice. (Anything to stay on the job, maintain or curry the administration's favor, anything to control the prisoners for control's sake.)

There is a monstrous double standard working in prisons that should see a whole lot of collaborators taken to the wall and shot.  One thing we con the public into thinking we're doing; one thing we are really doing.  And control of staff under these circumstances is critical.  Don't educate them too much.  One reason "staff training" has come so late into prisons is because no warden wants an "aware" group of officers to deal with.  They might get some self-respect and start reflecting on their work, and on the efficacy and purpose behind "corrections".  A lot of line staff come from the same socio-economic experience as the prisoner s they tend -- a situation that has not escaped the "aware" con's observation (see Fred Perry, et al.)

October 7, 1974 (Letter from Sue)

Deer Lodge, Montana!  How quaint and rustique!  I was pleased to learn you actually did take the job -- imagine, you, the most bored of all in the underserved class, are actually serving them!  No, that's not sour grapes -- but aren't you glad now that you sat through my book talk in prisons?  (I'm sure it doesn't make a damned bit of difference!)

I'm sure that the change of pace is interesting.  I understand your feeling about leaving Pittsburgh -- one grows very fond of that funky old town -- I am often quite nostalgic.  But such a change from eastern industrialization to Rocky Mountain "high" can't be anything but intriging.  You living situation sounds very good -- I'm sure you'll get to know the other people in teh area, and I'm sure as well that you are making friends with many of the inmates (since, from what you tell me of their "crimes", there but for the grace of God go you...)

I told you about my friend in Albany who was a prison libn at Comstock, didn't I?  Just got a letter from him today -- he's fed up totally with his present job (academic lib -- serials -- Catholic private 4-yr college and a real drag as the place is run with an iron first by one of the Jesuits), but he's doing "counselling" (for lack of a better word) at the county jail.  If you ever want to get in touch with him re his experiences as prison libn, his name and address are Bill Demo, 390 Hamilton St., Albany, N.Y., as of 10/16 -- he's moving there.

I guess that I already told (fucking typewriter!) you that he was a part of the same library system  (god damn it) university system as you, as he got his MIS from SUNY Albany.

Your library sound really good -- good environment, etc.  It even sounds as if you have pretty much freedom in how you run it (Blue Oyster Cult, et al.), which is great (that was Bill's complaint -- that he couldn't deal with the warden at all). I think you may actually enjoy the next year or so.  I can certainly imagine you, out on the Dear Lodge mountain range, in teh midst of splendiferous autumnal sunsets, tucked away in  your little cottage in the winter as the cold mountain winds range about you ( I have this picture of McCabe and Mrs. Miller), but there you are, indifferent, with your boots off, yhour feet up in front of the fireplace, an open bottle of whiskey in front of you...(and a young lovely in the background?  I do hope so!)

And of course, there's always your work at the library to keep you warm.  Seriously, it does sound like a "rewarding experience" (whatever that is) -- as if you'll be able to , as you say, fill some sort of need in your "patrons" lives...(I've never liked the word patron  nor am I found of "user" or "reader" or "client".  How about libraryees?)  I think you've done admirably well, your first month out of library school.

As for my situation (I actually feel guilty not working yet) -- I am looking (we got the phone) (number 514-932-8378, just in case you ever need to call --) rather wholeheartedly as a matter of fact.  I did get one offer at one of the JC's in the area -- reference libn. night work with the potential to develop into full-time day work.  But I didn't take it as 1) I didn't like the library; 2) it was way too far away to commute, and 3) Bart and I would never have seen each other.

So far, the possibilities range from Fine Arts Ref at one of the local universities to Asst Libn at a public library (bilingual, with a chance to build up the children's collection) to subject indexing and aggressive telephoning at a local scandal rag.  The beset thing, though, is that I contacted the Archivist at McGill Library about oral history interviewing (they have a History of McGill project here, as well as an Oral Hist dept.) and he wrote back, asking me to come in for an interview.  Which I have tomorrow.  I don't know what this means (the fact of the interview), but at least we can talk about the possibilities, as finger-popper would say.  (Tho' I don't mean those kind of possibilities).  The Archivist is supposed to be "crotchety and brilliant" -- I'm really very eager to meet him.

The only thing that is disturbing me is:  what if I shouldn't find a job?  (A possibility which I have mentioned to no one else).  It would be such a blow to my grad-school ego!  It's such a drag hearing all the time how "tight" things are everywhere.  There seems to be lots of jobs for catalogers  but I just can't consider that.  It would be too debilitating.  I'd rather design information systems.

Of course, though, I will find a job -- it's just the limbo-esque quality of the job hunt that is sometimes a little bizarre.  What about others in our class?  Who else has found a job, and where?

I am so sorry to have missed the gala events aboard the Monagahela Queen (or whatever the riverboat was...) and stop at the Triangle!  It sounds as if it was very festive.  Speaking of festivities, just think -- it was about a year ago that we merrily made our way to Atlantic City (ah, Erwin!).  That will always stand out in my mind as one of the primary events of grad school.  (The convention, not just Erwin.)

And, speaking of Atlantic City -- have you heard of or from Michael?  I wrote him a long letter -- as he most emphatically told me that I had let him down in not writing to tell him when I would return to Pittsburgh -- but I haven't heard hide nor hair from him.  I guess he's doing well at Maryland...(Knowing Michael, he would do well anywhere...)

I got a letter from Susan Zaretsky.  She corroborated your report that Phil has changed ("reformed" is how she put it).  Barbara Immroth is in the Ph.D program -- and Susan saw Carmelle one day -- Carmelle is living at home and looking for a job and the report is that she and Gregg "split up" and he is teaching in Erie.  Whether that means they split up due to non-proximity or due to non-compatibility, I don't know.

Also received a brief note from Grant -- no gossip, though.  Just to tell me about a GSLIS grad who is teaching at the Univ of Montreal.

We are planning to go to Vermont this weekend (Monday is Canadian Thanksgiving -- did you even heard of such a thing?!).  I find myself becoming very homesick for the gold old U.S. of A.  I must be getting old.  Being in exile never bothered me before.  But anyway, I have a great desire to see the New England autumn, in all its splendid foliage -- a veritable palette, I hear!  Besides, I quite liked Vermont when we passed through in August -- maybe I'll check out the library in St. Albans!

Oh -- one professional commitment I have made (such a rambling letter, this) is that I've joined SLA (just think of all the extra conventions I can go to!).  I felt that this would help me to get to know the library community a little better, and might prove to be beneficial in the job hunt.  They're having a meeting tomorrow night -- might be interesting.  (Though the dinner speech is the thrilling topic of "Studying Libraries with the Use of Outsiders".  Just hear the implications of a closed, smug little library community!)  (Too bad you're not here -- I'm sure you'd be fascinated).  Anyway, they have a cocktail hour before the meeting, so it shouldn't be too bad!

I am also taking a course in French for Library Science (again, with the idea that I might meet some people who could be helpful...)  About the only thing is that I am learning a lot of technical terminology I didn't know, and I get to use the college library.

Aside from all this brouhaha and general nonsense, Montreal progresses.  We are getting more and more settled, though there are difficulties related to my lack of exposure to the community and our general feeling of being cut off.  In other words, it takes time to make friends, and twice as long if one is part of a couple, and my social nature needs lots of social intercourse.  (No pun intended, and please don't jump to any hasties!)  I am generally impatient -- I want to be settled in, with a job, and a coterie of friends -- and, of course, all this take time.  I sometimes miss the independence I had in Pittsburgh, but the companionship I have with Barb outweighs the other, so...in general, things are pretty good.

Well, I'm making more and more mistakes with this infernal machine (whatever happened to my secretarial skills!) -- so I shall close.  Do write again, as winter rounds the bend into the homestretch -- and do tell me more about your job, the prison system, etc.  (Also -- do you think Barb might come out to Montana?  Why haven't you mentioned it to Leslie?  You and Leslie have what my mother would term a "relationship filled with mysterious nuances".)

 Also let me know where you will be at Christmas -- maybe we can arrange to see each other.  In the meantime, Montana's Native Son (it was Wendell who told me you were born there-- I didn't destroy his illusions...), take care.

P.S.  Do you still hear from Ken?  Now is his Dollar Date progressing?  I am really glad that things seem to be working out for him. (I feel personally involved after attending his wedding.)

September 17, 1974 (Letter from Ken and Denise)

We received your letter on the 7th or 8th of September, and had read it both together.  We are both writing this letter to you, so we will introduce whom is writing to your at each new paragraph. There are a lot of things going on between the both of us, and DOLLAR DATE.

Last week we answered an ad for models.  So we called, and they told us to come down and apply.  We went down on a Monday, and scheduled to work the following day, which was Tuesday. I was (Denise) (better known as Neecy, my new name) modeling on Tuesday.  Oh yea, by the way, we're nude modeling.  Both of us.  It's really exciting.  I was so excited about it the first time. You should experience it once in your life.

Right now, we are smoking grass, and trying to get stoned, or at least high.  We bought a lid from Koerbers, and it is really shitty!  Is it easy to get grass in Montana?  Have you smoked any while you've been there?  Kenny's smoking mainly to feel better, cause he's got a terrible cold at the present time.

Oh, guess what happened today?  Well, when I was modeling today, I was sitting on a bike that was too big for me.  When I sat on the bike, my feet wouldn't even reach the floor.  Well, we took a break and I got back on the bike, but in the process of reaching the seat the bike tipped, fell next to me where I fell. I'm in the nude when all this is happening.  That was a day to experience. Because I got up at 6:00 to get down there and find out that I'm not scheduled for that day.  I got home, and got a call from the agency to find out that they want me back down because they can use me.  So I finally got to model.

DOLLAR DATE is coming along really good.  At the present time, we are in the process of opening up a branch office in Harrisburg, in Morgantown, W. Va., and one in Boston Mass.  We have two other people working for us, as far as getting memberships.  One of them is a male cab driver, and a female student  trying to earn a little money.  We've practically hired the one in W.Va.  We are almost to the point where we'll break even.  All we need is about a month.

Paul -- Hi.  This is Ken.  We have this letter in the typewriter and we each are taking turns when we feel in the mood to do some typing.  As you can see, there are a lot of mistakes, especially on my part, but we figured that you wouldn't mind and so as mistakes occur, I just keep typing.  I guess that Neecy must have told you in the prior pps. that we are doing some nude modeling.  We get work whenever and as often as we wish to exhibit our really neat bodies.  It is an experience that is really far far out.  I love it.  After the class is over, every girl in the room tries to get you to take her home and fuck her.

No letter would be complete if I were not to give you the latest on the invincible DOLLAR DATE. We now have a total of 102 paid members.  Some of the chicks coming into the program are really sharp little girls.  I should have opened this business when I was single.  My god, some of these chicks are really nice.  AHHHHHHHHHHHhhhhhhhhhh.,.....Hope Denise doesn't read this part!

Next month we will be even with all investments which will be right on schedule.  We were now offered $7000 for the whole business.  International Date Match is now out of business.  Fuck them.....

Have you found a place to live yet?  I hope so.  I bet that you are really enjoying your job at the prison.  It is a two fold experience for you.  I am really glad that you are working in a prison.  It may have a lot to do with your future.  You will learn from the cons as well as provide them an educational service.  Some of your ideas the goals I am sure will change.  It is good also that you are working in a minimum security joint as there is no fear of large scale riots.  Please do not judge all prisons on the basis of what you experience there and you must keep the same attitude and open mind about that various cons as individuals.  Never let someone convince you to do an outside favor.  Once you do, you are done for.  I am sure you are all aware of this anyway but I thought that I might mention it.  You are going to be up against minds that can talk the brass off a fucking knob!

I now turn the typer over to Neecy.   --------Hi Paul, how are you today?  I don't know if Kenny told you that today is Sunday, Sept. 22, 1974, but it is,.  We're going over to my aunt's house for dinner today.  Isn't that great!!!!  We have two main courses, spaghetti and roast, with mashed potatoes and gravy.  Well, we went, and it was great.  Th ere was stuffed cabbage, and it was really good.  We got some to bring home with us.

I am how informing you of latest news happening with the Walleys.  The Koerber has a home out in North Hills and wants Kenny to take care of it.  It's really great out there.  There is two acres of land out there, with a real lot to it.  At the present time, the house has no one living out there, and the house itself is a wreck!  We are going to fix it up and live there maybe.  Ike wants us to care for it cause he got a job offer in Washington, D.C.  The house is really fantastic, and there can be a lot done with it.

When we went over to my aunts place, I unpacked a hope chest, full of things for the home, and some of my other things.  My mother's wedding dress was in there, and Kenny couldn't understand why it would be very important to my aunt.  But when we got home, I tried the dress on, and it fits like it was made for me.  Kenny really likes it now, and he thinks that it is the best thing in there.

We really like the warm letter you sent us.  Be sure to answer this one.

September 16, 1974 (Letter from Gordon Hill)

Just a note from the former MSP librarian....

Any help or introductions I can give you I will gladly do.  Especially in Deer Lodge, of course.  Has Dick given you the manual I was asked to write, for the position?

I also would be able to donate newspapers I subscribe to, namely The Guardian, The Militant, Berkeley Barb, and the Black Panther Intercommunal News Service.  Any or all of these.  For my materials selection philosophy on these items, see the above-mentioned manual.

The MSP librarian who preceded me, John Mason, now as MHS, is a close friend, and I hope you get acquainted.

At any rate, I wish you well.  Let me know where you are living.  I am working on a long article, on my MSP experience, and if and when it appears someplace, I will let you know.

I started work at Tacoma Public Library August 26th, as librarian for the Northwest Room, which is the Pacific Northwest collection, and I'm just getting into the job.  I will emphasize Montana, Idaho, B. C., and Native Americana, these areas being a lot weather than more local, recent subjects.

Take care, and keep cool.  You will be a very valuable staff worker to the men, especially.

At first when I arrived from the black ghetto area in Seattle to start work in Deer Lodge (just as winter hit in '72 -- a week after I arrived in late November  temp went to 40 below!), I was somewhat paranoid.  I came to like Montana, however, and would like to return, in a year or so, circumstances permitting.  Depends on how things go here.  Basically, though, I'm beginning to wonder, at age 42, if it is worth it to keep pouring oneself into a "career", when a quieter balance between it and plain living seems more sensible.  Like living and working on or near an Indian settlement: The Makah at Cape Flattery:  or in "rural" Montana....

September 14, 1974 (Letter from Kathy and Gary)

Glad to hear you're so close.  We did write a few weeks ago, but I think it missed you.  Because you may never get it decided I better write quickly.  Got your postcard.  Thanks.

We're going to get a new address in Nov (same town, bigger house) so I had delayed in writing until I got it but we never moved in June when we thought we would.

Wanted to know if you might like to try and come here for Thanksgiving and/or Christmas, but thought you'd probably go to Pa for Christmas so maybe turkey time?  Love to have you and we should be moved and have plenty of room (even have room here too.)

Pretty sure they sell Pepperidge Farm breads in West.  You must be in a small town.  Take care.