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.

March 3, 1969 (Letter from Mike)

I was glad to get your letter.  I realize that I've owed you one all quarter, but I haven't written to anyone at all.

I decided to pledge so I pledged Phi Kappa Tau.  It's great and I really like the guys.  I thought I might not like the whole idea, but there is so much more to do in a fraternity.  We have parties every weekend and somebody's always going somewhere, so it's not bad at all.  They don't have IKT at UB, do they?  I'm pretty sure they don't, unless they just got their charter.

Sounds like UB is overreacting to the situation.  Actually I wish I were there.  But don't get mixed up in the riots you bell-bottomed asshole. Oh God!  I almost forgot to tell you.  I nearly bought the most beautiful pair of leather bell-bottoms, but I decided they were too expensive, so I didn't.

I'll be going home in less than 3 weeks for spring break -- until the 29th then I come back for 4 days, and then I have 4 days off for Easter.  I don't know if I'll come home or not.  Maybe I can get somebody to come out and get me.  Hint Hint!!!

Classes are going quite well.  I could conceivably pull a 3.0, but that's a little remote.  I never give up!  Well I must go now.  Write and tell me what you're going to do over break.  We'll have to go somewhere -- I won't be working!!!!!

February 28, 1969 (Letter from Kathy)

So how did you "what time is it?" turn out?  It certainly did sound like a good topic for discussion.  Yes, we're still having snow.  We had five days of classes cancelled because of snow, but fortunately it has not extended our final schedule and I should still be coming home this Friday.  Please pray that Boston has no more snow.  We already have three feet.

Finals start this Monday thru Friday.  I had my biology practical today.  It wasn't as hard as I expected it to be, but then biology has always been one of my easier subjects.  Chemistry, Anatomy, Dental theory, and English are always something to study for.  I was exempt from the English final though because I was successful in writing a short story (was an option).

Unfortunately I did not get to see the Rascals because we had planned on getting either $3.50 or $4.50 tickets.  Well, it turned out they only had $5.50 seats left and I only had $21.00 on me (to get 4 tickets.)  That's $1.00 short.  I told the other girls to go. I think it meant more to them.

Got a really nice letter from Mark the other day -- 9 feet long!!  It's really beautiful.  He's a really strange guy -- misunderstood by most of our gang, but I really like him in spite of his peculiarities.  I often think he has twice the mind that we "earthly high" people have.  He said that in spite of the fact that I was part of the Warren gang, meaning I had to be on the top of the world, that I was basically a good kid.

I'm going shopping this Thursday and I'm gonna buy a pair of bell bottoms -- the h___ with what Warren people think.  I'm not really the right shape for them, but I kinda want a pair.

Well, gonna put a few hours of studying in for my finals.  Take care and don't study too hard.