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 5, 1969 (Letter from Roland)

Well, 1/8 of my college years are behind me, it doesn't sound like much, but I'm glad the first semester is over.  My grades ended up a lot better than I thought they would (2.8 average).  The profs must have felt sorry for the lowly freshman.

Things are really lively around here right now.  First, I might be dragged into court because the cops found out I saw some kids setting a fire.  The trouble is I know the guys and they were just messing around and burned a notice on the bulletin board.  I don't feel like testifying against them for that, but I might be forced to.  Next is I'm pledging a fraternity and we're planning all sorts of "good" things to do to the actives.

I think I'm in the same boat you are.  Last semester I had written work and this time it's all reading.

We're having Jesse Jackson, Adam Clayton Powell, Julian Bond, Dick Gregory, and a few other civil rights workers here this weekend for a convention.  Sounds like we're in for some good times Friday and Saturday.

Have you heard whether Curt is home yet, I think he was leaving Nam for home sometime this week.

Augie's going on a quarter system next year so everything will be all screwed up.  (We have to be back Sept. 2.)  What a bite.

Oh well, take it easy on those wild weekends, write soon again.

October 31, 1968 (Letter from Mark)

Sure hope you've got caught up on some of your work by now.  I know what it's like.  I missed one day and it was really bad.  We just finished our midterms this past week.  I pulled a few all nighters, felt really bad the next day but got a B on the exam.  All my art professors never give exams, but they really grade our projects hard.  So far I've got about an A in all my art courses, just hope to keep them up there.  It is really hard though.  This weekend I've got four assignments that are due on Monday.  Going to spend at least 24 hours trying to get them all done.  Going over to my cousins on Saturday and going to try to get some of the stuff is really impossible to get anything done around the dorms.

I'm rushing fraternities now, for the next six week.  It really takes up a lot of time for sure.  Just hope I can keep it all up.  Thinking about Phi Sigma Kappa, but haven't definitely decided yet.  If I get too busy I'll have to quit I think.  Hope I don't have to though.  Everynite all the pledges have to study together and it's hard trying to work that way.  Last weekend I went with "Flower".  She's a real hippie, we were both high before going to the party and after the party I got so high I didn't know what I was doing.  My senses were a whole lot stronger and had the greatest feelings.  I really loved it.  This weekend it's practically like a party all weekend.  Look forward to it.  Have a date with an at major, sort of a hippie, but a lot of fun.  Most of them are, so what's there to pick from.  Gave up on Melissa.  She tripped out too much.  She was on acid and all that stuff.  Pot's all right, but that's it.

Only have 3 more weeks till Thanksgiving.  I'm really looking forward to the vacation.  Think I'll just get rested up.  5 more weeks until Christmas vacation.  My mother wants me to get a job, but hell with that idea.  I want a vacation.

Well, guess I'll go.  Write soon and I'll see you at Thanksgiving.

October 19, 1968 (Letter from Kathy)

That's really neat that you are pledging a fraternity.  I hope you make it.

I had my mid-terms this week, but they weren't very hard.  I really don't find college that much harder than high school.  Just about the only difference is in the big lack of sleep.  I'm suffering for that.  I stayed in last night because I was so sick I thought I'd die if I got out of bed.

It's still 40 days until I come home -- Nov. 27.  I have to be back on Dec. 2, for the rest of my finals.  Then I have a break from Dec. 4 for Dec. 9, but I can't come home both times, so I'm coming home when everyone else will be home.  They sure mess vacation up, huh?

Have you gone home yet?  I'm very proud of you for writing on the back.  What would you do without all my wonderful little suggestions?

Would you like some sand from the ocean?  I went home with my roommate last weekend.  She lives only a block and a half from the ocean.  It's so beautiful.  I went wading.  If it had been just a little nicer I would have gone swimming.  I just love the waves.

I've only seen Bill Cosby, but he was really funny.

Thank you for the protection part.  I might take you up on it some day.  They are really terrible around here.  I'm just not like that, and I better not ever be or I'll hate myself.

Well, I'm off to work.  Be good, take care, don't study hard, and write soon (don't take my advice).