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.

May 2, 1969 (Letter from Mary)

Sorry for taking so long again.  Did you cookies arrive successfully?  My vacation was last week, so with finals all over there was nothing to do except cook.  Bob helped!  Hope you liked them.

When is school over for you?  Bob was out last week for all summer vacation.  He's enjoying a lazy week of fishing, sleeping, etc.  Then, next week, he'll start working at Chapman Dam again.  Of course, I'm back here, starting classes on the Surgical Pt.  In fact, I saw my first operation today.  It was a subtotal Colectomy (removal of some of the intestines).  There were intestine flying all over!!  Now I know why surgery patients have so much pain, the way those drs dig around -- yuk!

I know what you mean about psychology.  I hated it.  I told you before about only getting 42% on the midterm and still getting an A!  That's how rotten it was.  What a waste.

Before I get to the operating room (in Aug) I'll be working at Eye and Ear hospital and then at Plastic Surgery.  It should be a real experience, one that will stick in my mind for awhile.

I'm already looking forward to Aug. vacation.  Maybe I'll get to see you then.  Did you get a job up there or are you coming home?

Oh, did I tell you we're moving?  Unbelievable!  Well, it's true, but just around the corner.  We bought the house and lot beside.  I love it but it's much smaller than the old red one, so we're having a garage sale.  Won't it be a riot?  Hope I get home for it!  Got to go.

P.W.  I'm saving on paper -- can you tell?

March 16, 1969 (Letter from Mary)

I don't know why it takes me so long to write back.  All I know is I'm slow.  Sorry.

All last week we practiced for Telerama, a sort of talent-showlike thing.  The freshman on our floor did a skit with homemade songs, etc.  It was a riot!

Have you ever been on the Northside of Pittsburgh?  Bob and I went last Sat to take Andy (the little black boy that stayed at our house this summer) a birthday present.  You'd never believe the house he lives in.  The kitchen was the only heated place, it was dark, dingy, smelly -- clothes (filthy ones) lying everywhere, and kids running in and out.  I don't think it would be so bad if they'd spend their money in the right places, because they have stuff like television, radio, record player, 2 telephones, and new bikes that they don't need.  I guess they just don't think of it that way though. It's so sad.

Greek Week is this whole week.  The Fifth Dimension comes Fri and the formal is Sat.  Can't wait.

I found your twin!  He's in Bob's frat -- reminds me exactly of you.  Semi-long blond shiny hair, tall, well built, just starting to wear bell-bottoms and guess what -- his name's Paul.

This letter is a mess.  I think I'm tired.  I'd better get going!  My favorite thing is sleep.

Still going to N.Y. for Easter?  When are finals?

P.S.  I'm embarrassed to send this.  What a slob.

February 17, 1969 (Letter from Mary)

Happy Valentine's day (belated)!  Hope your day was happy -- how did you celebrate?  Bob took me to see Sergio Mendes and Brasil '66.  It was terrific -- I had never been to the Civic Arena, so it was a real surprise.  The Temps are going to be here in three weeks.  I'm excited already.

(Feb. 22)  This week has gone too fast!  Now I can say Happy George Washington's birthday.

Right now I'm stuffing lemon bread in my mouth -- it's so good.  Mom sent it down with Pastor and Mrs. Mull -- but I missed them.  I think I was at class.

Midterms this week!  I've read one of about 13 chapters required in Soc. and I'm just about as far behind in Anat, Med Surg, Nutrition, and Pharm.  I think I will stab myself.

Speaking of stabbing people -- I gave three injections to one guy yesterday, in the same leg!  He was out in about 30 seconds.

Who are you dating now?

Oh!  Guess what, I dreamt about you last night!  You were on a bus someplace and then all of a sudden, you broke your foot.  That's all I remember.  Hope you're OK.

There was a wrestling match last night -- Pitt frosh vs. Clarion State frosh.  You'll never believe who wrestled 190 class for Clarion -- Darrell!  It was really sad tho cuz he got pinned.  Otherwise he's done pretty well -- I think he's 5-2.  Did you hear about Mr. Weber?  Warren's losing a great coach.  Boohoo.

We're going to the Varsity match (Pitt vs. Army this afternoon, which reminds me, I'd better get ready.

Congratulations on your new schedule.  Hope you like it better than last term.

P.S.  Can you tell I lost your last letter?  This one says nothing -- sorry!

January 30, 1968 (Letter from Mary)

I was glad to hear about the outcome of your finals -- congratulations!  I bet you're relieved that the first term is over -- oh brother -- I was!

We're in the 3rd week now (of 2nd term) and most of our tests were scheduled for this week.  Only one more day.  I love Fridays.

I work a full 8-hour day now (1 a week) so I'm giving lot of injections, emptying lots of bedpans, and giving lots of pills to lots and lots of sick people.  I get yelled at a lot too -- since all doctors, interns, med students, etc. dislike freshman muchly.  One of these days I'll make it I hope.

Poor Michael.  I thought he loved BW -- hope he gets somewhere he likes -- fast.

Have you had any trouble at UB  with Black Action Society of any of those organizations?  You've probably read about Pitt's mess.  A lot of blacks took over this computer center -- nothing big -- but the future looks full of explosions (it's predicted) yike!

Rachel's in the news again.  I get all the Warren papers -- I think she averages one picture/week.  Luck.

I've been doing nothing but nothing lately -- except ironing shirts and ironing shirts.  Thompson only washes them when he has to -- 24 at a time. Ugh.

Vacations aren't too plentiful for me -- no Easter vacation -- just one week at the end of April and then another one in August.  The rest of the time, I'm stuck here.

Just got back from another lecture -- so boring and a lab -- we practiced bandaging and changing dressings!  What a riot!

Well, guess I'd better move again.  It's 3:30 and I've got a class at 4:00 -- last one of the day.

Thanks God tomorrow's Friday.  Good luck in everything.

September 18, 1968 (Letter from Mary)

I was glad to hear that you have it so good...as for me, it is quite different.  Classes started the day we came and have been getting worse.  I'm taking Human Biology, Microbiology, (labs in each), Foundations of Nursing, Psychology, and Clinical Experience - (on the floors of the hospital).  Our curfew hours are a riot, too.  Monday through Thursday - 8:30 p.m.!  Friday and Saturday - 1:00 a.m. and Sunday 10:30.  Of course I never get any work done on the week nights so my weekends are shot even if I do get a chance to get out.  (Do you get it?)  Confusion.  Sorry about that.

Do you have Patty's address?  I don't think I've written to her since 9th grade!  Maybe I can renew our good old friendship.  I hope so.

Bob is over at Pitt - 2 blocks away -- it seems convenient but I don't get to see him as much as I'd like to.  Freshman engineer are supposed to have it extra rough which means he studies quite a bit.  Oh, well...

We did have fun last weekend tho.  Bob thinks he might join Phi Gamma Delta so we went to their rush parties.  Everyone seemed extra nice and no one acted fake or anything.  What a change from WAHS.  It was great.  Are you going to pledge?

Pastor Mull came to Pitts yesterday and stopped to see me and Robert.  He wanted to take us to dinner -- but weird (Bob) couldn't go.  I went with him all by myself.  Can you imagine?  I was rather scared, especially when he asked me what church I had been going to.  For the past three weeks, I've gone to St. Paul's Catholic!  Help again.  I turned red.

Well I really should start studying or reading or something.

I love mail!