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 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.

March 8, 1969 (Letter from Barb Salapek)

Sorry I haven't written lately but I got swamped with homework and tests the last couple weeks.   Yesterday I had a test in World Civilization.  It was one essay question on one of the two books we had to read.  The question he asked was on the book that I didn't finish!  I think I flunked it along with the rest of the class.  Have you done anything exciting lately?  I haven't but that's not unusual for this town.  EC started a coffeehouse.  It's over the B&B Smoke Shop.  It's kinda neat.  It's made up of 2 rooms and a snackbar where you can get coffee, tea, mocha, pop, pretzels, and cookies.  There's a little stage where kids get up and sing.  Most of the time we just sit and talk.  It's nice to have somewhere to go.  Anyone who goes to college or are around 19 can go. If some younger kids come in they have to show a college ID card.  But we haven't had anyone come in from the high school yet.  When you come home you'll have to go up and see it!

When does your Easter vacation start?  I don't know when ours is.

The only thing I've been doing is going to Melody.  There's really nothing more to do.

There was a little excitement around Warren a few weeks ago.  I guess there was a party at a trailer court and the kids had some pot.  It was raided and Mary Jo Conti was there.  (She's a junior, I think, do you know her?)  Well, anyway, she got fined $75.  That will teach them I guess.  Well I'd better go  now.  I have 2 other letters to write to make up for my neglect.  Oh well.  Bye now.

March 5, 1969 (Letter from Gail)

I'm really sorry for not writing sooner but when I tell you why, I'm sure that you'll forgive me.  These past 2 or 3 weeks have been really, really busy and exciting for me.  It all started when I had two tests 2 weeks ago in Art and Math.  Well, I got an A in Math and a B in Art.  Oh god was I happy.  I've never gotten an A in Math before.  I don't know if I told you that I was trying out for the play at school.  Well on Tuesday (last week) I found out that I made a part in the play.  I play a Norwegian maid -- Helga -- who gets pregnant by the son of the family I work for.  I'm so excited, I can't stand it!!!  The play is really crude but it's funnier than all hell.  We practice most every nite.  It's gonna be presented on April 17-19.  I haven't even started to learn my lines yet.  This past Monday we had elections for student government and guess what!  I made it!  That just made the week perfect!  I can't believe it.  So many things have been happening.  Little old EOC is really groovin'.  We're having our talent show this Friday nite at Beaty.  It should really be funny.  They have about 20 acts for it.

Last Sat nite our Zodiac coffee house opened up.  God, was it terrific.  This boy came down from main campus and sang a whole bunch of songs and played his guitar.  He was really fabulous.  The Zodiac is only open 3 nites a week so that if there's anything going on at the college, the coffee house won't keep the kids away.  When you come home, I'll have to take you up.  You'll dig it.

So how's life been treating you?  Has the Board of Health condemned your apartment yet?  I'm only kidding, you know that.  I think on March 20th a bunch of us kids are going to main campus to see the 5th Dimension.  I'm excited.  It should be really great.  Well, I gotta go pick up my sister now.  Be good, Paul and take care of yourself.

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.

February 27, 1069 (Letter from Mardi)

So you're glad -- so glad.  Can't wait to see ya!  Barney is definitely coming now.  I knew she most likely would.  You're going to have to probably skip the Four Seasons concert unless it's early.  We'll have no idea what flight we'll make till we make it.  I should call you before we take off.  If we're lucky we'll be getting into Buffalo any time before midnight.  We're about ready to go.

(2/28)  Taadaa here I is again.  Well goodby to freaky February for another year.  I've got so much to do and here I sit.  I have no underwear so I think I'll do my wash first.  I don't feel like doing a damn thing.  It's really quiet around here, everybody went on a ski weekend and will be gone until Sunday.  Sunday Nancy and I are going to this place our psych prof told us about.  God, is he cool.  He's like a hippy and we're talking about your ego and the whole bit and he's taken drugs and everything.  He's a fantastic person.  So Sunday he's going to be there and I hope we get a chance to talk to him.  The place is called Space; he told us we didn't have to worry about drugs.  We're there, Oh! duh!  Yes, I'm a regular pothead myself.

So really nothing exciting has happened.  Last night I went over to our union which is the only cool place about the school.  We have for a small school the most fantastic groups at the dances.  Nancy and I went over and we sat on the floor and listened to them.  They were really fantastic.  A lot of kids form the U come over.  They had the Chancellors there last week, a 8-man soul band and they're really big in the Mpls area.



I think I will close up and get something to eat.  Take care honey pie, and we'll see you in about 25 days.  I wish we could get out there in time for the Four Seasons.  Enjoy the Temptations.  Where are you going to take us?  How about a good bar?  I'll be talking to you Sunday around 11!