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.

August 2, 1970 (Letter from Kathy)

I'm at Kinzua -- enjoying what the residents of Warren consider a nice day because the sky has a few blotches of blue among the many clouds.  Here with Cam and her younger sister and brother.

Thank you for your congratulations.  Mrs. Tuller has been really nice to me since we've been engaged.  We had told them we were going to get married so they weren't shocked.  We're waiting for Gary to find out just exactly when his leave will be, and we figured around Dec. 5.  He has two weeks then and that's when we'll be getting married.  I'll go with him wherever he goes the next four years (unless he goes someplace overseas where I can't go -- I hope not) and hope I'll be able to work as a hygienist.  If not, I'll get something.  Probably will waitress the four months we're in Illinois, because it hardly seems worth it to go to a dental office for that short a time.  Never know what the future brings, but I certainly don't' mind.  We'll be together like we want to be for the first time in 3 years.

I must say I was disappointed when I heard you hadn't made it to Calif.  I must have called you a fool a couple times, but you seem to be pretty happy where you are and that's what counts.  Be sure to say hello to Barb and Mardi for me.

Your job sounds interesting.  At the end of basics, Gary spent a few days doing the same floors over and over and I doubt he'll ever want to do anything that has to do with them (floors) again.

Paul, Gary is in Illinois now.  Don't know how far he is from Rockford, but he's 120 miles south of Chicago.  Don't know whether you're interested or not, but his address is.....

I missed the fourth in Warren also.  Spent two weeks in Colorado and five days with Gary in Illinois.  He's waiting for school to start tomorrow.  For the past couple weeks, he's been distributing linen, pulling weeds, KP, and distributing directions to incoming troops.  He's really anxious to get in school.

Hi, I'm back (in case you didn't notice I went swimming!)

Sounds like you finished last year well.  It was my worst quarter.  Between the moratorium, the sun, my laziness, and graduation I just cut too many classes.

Hope you're feeling better.  Always thought you were a strong, healthy male, what happened?

Work is going well.  So far I've had Rick Brewster and Gloria Hahn as patients and among the more prominent people of Warren Dr. Whipple and Mrs. Eaton.  What a laugh, but Dr. Whipple is really nice.  Most of my patients (60-70% are children, and I really like them.  I practically get hoarse from talking to them though if I have a lot of them in a row!

My parents are in Colorado Springs with my sister and her husband.  Last I heard they had just gotten down from Pikes Peak and were on their way to the Grand Canyon.  They'll be coming back from their 18 day vacation Wed or Thurs.

Well, that about concludes Warren business.  I refuse to hit any bars so all my info is late and third hand.

Take care.

P.S.  Cam said "hi".  She wanted me to say -- well, hell she can write it --

I talked to your Miss Right the other day and she says she's not gonna look for you either, but you'll probably run into each other some day anyway.   Have fun!  Cam