August 5, 1971 (Letter from Patty)

I received both of y our letters and have only gotten around to answering them now; because as usual, I've been occupied with other things.

I was in Buffalo in June and tried to connect with you then, but your number had been disconnected.  Wayne and I were working for some people from Boston selling pipes and posters to head shops all around the state.  Unfortunately they never came through with any money.  We'd spent all of ours on expenses such as gas and car repairs.  As a result, I'm now in Oswego staying with my father (my mother went home to her mother's two months ago and hasn't returned.)

Staying with my father has its advantages as well as its drawbacks.  It's really  peaceful here and also very unparanoid.  That's pretty good fro my head.  I was really getting paranoid in Syracuse; that's why I had the phone taken out.

The problem is that now I'm the only one at home, my father doesn't want to me leave.  If I go back to school in the fall he wants me to live at home which would definitely be a bummer.

So right now the major thing I'm doing is trying to decide whether or not to go back to school.  In addition to that I've been cleaning ever since I got here.

The dope situation here has been sparse but good too.  I haven't tripped since last April which tripping brought on a very painful kidney infection and sort of bummed me out.

Write soon.  Bye for now.

November 5, 1970 (Letter from Patty)

I was really glad to get your letter, I'd given you up for lost a long time ago.

I can't remember when I last wrote, so I don't' know where to begin.

I registered for school, went to two days of classes, and quit.  A week later I split to Boston and Vermont.  I planned on being gone til the end of October, but seeing as I had no money, the lack of food and the friendly rats in the cabin we found to stay in, caused me to only be gone for two weeks.  The person I went with (Wayne) and I hitched back to Syracuse and got jobs so here I sit.  In my insurance company operating the switch board and filing papers.  I guess I"ll go back to school in January since this company and working are really getting em down,an d also cuz I want to get back to my art work.

Wayne is living with me now at my apartment, but neither of us can take my roommate, so we told her we'd be moving out by the end of this month.  Problem is, we're having a hard time finding another apartment.

Anyhow, I'd really like to have you come up, but it might be better if you can come after we moved, cuz my roommate's really a bummer.

Anyhow, keep in touch and I"ll let you know as soon as I move.

August 12, 1970 (Letter from Patty)

I hope you're still in Minnesota, otherwise you probably won't get this.

Sorry I haven't written sooner, but it's been a busy summer.  I finished summer school last Friday and decided not to go back for the second semester.  Right now I'm not doing anything.  I looked for a job a little, but don't really want to work, so I guess I'll just live off my savings account til school starts and my father takes over.

It's been a heavy drug summer.  Acid, mesc, grass, you name it I've probably done it.  I can't say my heads that much together for it either.  I haven't done anything for a couple weeks though and that's not helping out either. Basically, what I'd like to do is get out of Syracuse for a while, but I don't know where to go.  This guy I know from Boston is coming up tonight to stay in Syracuse permanently, so maybe I can get things together in that direction.  The way my lucks been going, I doubt it though.

So, what's your summer been like?  Having an outasight time I hope.  Write and tell me all about it.

April 23, 1970 (Letter from Patty)

I don't have time to write a really long letter, so you'll have to settle for a short one.

There's only about 5 weeks of school left, and it's really a good thing cuz I'm on the verge of quitting.  I really hate school.  I was going to look for a job.

This girl and I are renting an apartment for next year (even though it's illegal) and I'm going to be living there over the summer.

So you have some excitement at UB for awhile.  Did it accomplish anything?

I went to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina camping over spring vacation with this guy who goes to the University of Rochester.  We had a really great time.

Well, good luck on your exams.

April 19, 1970 (Letter from Patty)

Hi! I am writing to you in a rather high mental state.  Please try to read this in that state also.  You'll enjoy the letter more.

Okay!  Are you ready to begin?  Last night I did mesc for the first time and I really like it.

I presume I should send this letter to Warren after listening to the radio.  Exactly what happened at Buffalo!  We were pretty busy with our own strike, so I'm really not sure what happened.  We didn't have much violence here.  The only bad thing that ahppaned was that someone set fire to the geogloy building, but it wasn't even finsihed being built.  I went to Washington last weekend, it was really good except that I got teat gassed.

I'm still at school for the next two weeks cause they didn't make us leave and I'm going to go to summer school and I'm renting an aprtment with a friend for the summer and next year.   My new address is 716-720 South Crouse, Apt. 8.  It's right in the university section if you ever want to come and see me.

Well, I'm going to end this letter now cause I'm really hungry and I hvae to go get something to eat.

Come pu adn see me if you want to.

February 9, 1970 (Letter from Mike)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Let's call it a letter.

February 9, 1970 (Letter from Patty)

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

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

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

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

Say hello to Ken and Mike for me.

December 3, 1969 (Letter from Patty)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

September 3, 1969 (Letter from Patty)

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

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

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

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

July 16, 1969 (Letter from Patty)

I'm working right now, but everyone has gone to lunch before some big meeting and I won't have anything to do for the rest of the afternoon, so I decided to write you a letter since I owe you one from quite awhile ago.  I'm typing it so that everyone will think I'm doing what I'm supposed to be doing.

I wasn't shocked by your last letter.  In fact I had a feeling that you were up to something like that.  A lot of my friends at school take drugs, and if they and you want to that's your business. I don't' care.  It's just that I don't personally want to get involved with them. Still, that doesn't mean that we're any less friends.  I hope you feel that way too.

If I didn't tell you before, I'm working in my father's office this summer.  I'm really not that crazy about doing nothing but pecking a typewriter all summer, but money is money and $75 a week is pretty good pay.

Over July 4th weekend I went to Boston with some of my friends from school.  I'd never been there before and it was just great.  We went to Harvard, a great restaurant called Boston 1800, Nantasket Beach, Haymarket Square, and quite a few other places.  I really think Boston is a great city.

Is it HOT here today.  It seems as if every office in this building has air conditioning but mine.  I suppose I can't complain though, it'll be even hotter at home tonight.  We kinda live in the country (suburb country) but it always seems h otter there than in the city.  Can't figure it out.

How's the job going?  Are you having a good time this summer.  I hope so.  It always seems that my summers are dull, either because we've just moved or because I don't know anyone my own age cause I don't go to school here.

Have you heard from anyone in Warren lately.  The only person who's really still around there and writes to me is Monica.  I suppose Jinny's at school at this time -- what a hell of a time to be going to school.  I never hear from Mike anymore.  I have a feeling he doesn't consider me good enough to write to.  He always could really piss me off.  (The reason I'm using such good language is that I haven't had much of a chance to use it all summer and it's been building up so that now that I have the chance it just comes pouring out -- sorry about that.)

I'll really be glad when school starts again, this being super good and super staying is really getting to me.  Last night I had so much to do that my father and me (i) fixed the stereo!

If the typing in this letter was an example of my work (or is) it looks as if I should be getting fired any time now.  Oh well!

What do you think?  Should i make my i's, when i'm speaking about me, capital or lower case?  The more i think about it the more it seems to me that by making them capitals i'm being snotty.  Don't you agree that I should be humble, and make them lower case from now on?

As you can see, I'm really cracking up.  Anyhow, I guess I've rambled on long enough so i think i'll go do something construction now -- like the crossword puzzle in the paper.  Write soon.  PLEASE!!! yor nuti friend,

May 7, 1969 (Letter from Patty)

I thought I'd better write you now before I get super busy finishing up projects and taking exams.  It's hard to believe that there are only two weeks left of school.  My exams and final projects are all due the first two days of exam week, but I'm not going home till the weekend.  I want to stay away from Latham as long as possible.  In addition, I still haven't found a job.  I have a feeling that it will be a real hassle when I get home if I don't find one, too.

So, how's the job coming?  Do you think you'll mind working at it all summer?

Guess where I was last Sat?  Did you guess yet?  I was at the Albright-Knox Museum in Buffalo.  It was really great.  If you ever get a chance, you ought to go there sometime.  I think you'll really enjoy it.

I guess this letter is pretty short, but the way things are going, there's not too much to say.

Write soon and let me know if you change your address.

April 8, 1969 (Letter from Patty)

I just got back from a very dull spring vacation, but at least I got some rest and I'm ready to go back to work.

There's really not too much to say since I haven't done too much for the last two weeks.

I've got three projects due before Monday, so this should be a hectic week, but no worse than usual I suppose.

Did you see Ginny when you were home for vacation?  How is she?

Do you have a job for the summer yet?  I was suppose to work for my father, but he's not sure if he can put me on now.  I really need the money, too.  I suppose I'll have to start looking around on my own now.  What a drag.  I guess it's just that I'm so lazy.

We'll I'll end here.  Let me know when you're coming.

March 12, 1969 (Letter from Patty)

Well here it is -- the middle of March, second semester midterms beginning next week and you still haven't been up to see me.  I'm little mad at you, but not too much cuz I'm so busy I don't have time to think and I know you probably are too.

Art is great but what a hassle!  It seems as if I'll never get any of the projects done in time, but with about three all-nighters a week and being constantly exhausted I see to always manage.  At least I really like what I'm doing.

I definitely know what I'm doing this summer.  As a matter of fact, I don't have much of a choice.  If I want to come back here next fall, I've got to find a good paying job.  Art supplies are really expensive.  I'm not even sure if the money my father gave me for this semester will last, and he gave me quite a bit.

I was rather astounded yesterday to get a letter from Ginny.  I haven't heard from her in almost a year.  I don't even know how she got my home address.  She didn't say much.  Just that she's looking for a job and that she's living at home right now.

Could you please send me or Monica Mike's address at school?  Monica asked me for it and I can't find it.

My number here at school is 478-9523.  Well I've still got two more letters to write so I'd better end here.

February 12, 1969 (Letter from Patty)

Hi!  It's your busy little friend at S.U.  I'm sort of blowing my mind cuz I wanted to invite you up but I don't know when to ask you to come.  So -- I guess I{"ll just leave it up to you.  Any weekend but the last weekend of this month.

You won't believe it, but I transferred out of liberal arts into the school of art.  (Close your mouth.)  Anyhow, it's great even though I never get any sleep and manage to fit in about three meals a week.

Monica is living in Atlanta and going to business school.  I think she and Chris want to get married next summer.  I'm not positive though.

I still don't know my marks for last semester yet.  I think at the lowest a 2.4.  It's not that good, but as along as I don't go on pro (1.9) I don't really care.

That's about all for this time.  Let me know if you're coming up and when.

November 17, 1968 (Letter from Patty)

I'm sorry that I haven't written for so long, but I've been waiting for an opportunity to invite you up.  It just hasn't arose yet.  It's really hard to believe how quickly the time goes around here.

The first half of the semester is almost over.  We finished taking midterms last week.  I don't ever want to think about last week thought.  It was one of the worst weeks of my life.  I still don't think I've recovered.  Such is life.

You won't believe this, but Chris and Monica got married yesterday.  I almost fainted when I got her letter.  It's hard to imagine the people you've grown up with married.  I know I can't imagine myself married.

I guess they're going to live in Georgia and Monica is going to start school at Georgia Tech with Chris.  At least that's what I gather from her letter -- it was written rather hurriedly.

Thanksgiving vacation starts a week from this Wed, but I'm not expecting much rest.  I'm leaving Tues nite cuz I don't have any classes Wed morning, and going home till Thursday nite.  Then I'm going to East Meadow to stay with a friend until Sunday, when I'm supposed to get a ride back up here.

How is everything going for you?  Have you heard from Mike or anyone else since you left for school?  I got a letter from Mike and answered it.  As of now, he hasn't written back.

Well, typical of me I've got to answer about five more letters, so I'd better leave you.  Write soon.

September 21, 1968 (Letter from Patty)

Well here I'm finally at college and I just love it.  Everything is better than I expected it to be.  The kids are all so friendly.  It's like living in another world compared to high school.  My courses are really interesting, and instead of mimicing back facts, I'm finally learning to really think for myself.  I think I'm finally becoming a person in my own right too.  I just can't say enough how great it is.

We definitely will have to make an effort to get together.  Can you leave for a weekend any time you want?  We (the freshman girls) have to have written permission from our parents.  I really don't think my father would appreciate it if I asked to go down to Buffalo right now.

I suppose I should tell you my courses.  They're philosophy, public affairs, math, advanced English, physical chemistry, and physics.  The only problem is that my philosophy professor is a complete bore at lectures.

There's much more I could tell you about school, but I really don't have time right now.  Write soon and let me know your address and how school is going.