October 19, 1969 (Letter from Barb Lucia)

Well, Pauly, yes it has been a long time.  I just about have it figured out where everybody id -- what they're doing is another thing because nobody knows that.  Take me for an example -- DUH!  I am now working in Warren Pa. 16365 (!) at the Blue Manor Restaurant 6 days a week, waiting on a bunch of old, middle-class, conservative, mother-and-apple-pie, small-town, narrow, stagnant -- shall I go on?  I'm sure you understand -- you have only to live here to know -- Bla-a-a-h!  And Mardi spends her days at New Process -- I don't even have words for that!  She works until 5:00 and I work till 8:00 and we see each other from about 9:30 to 11:00 at nite -- during the day it's like being in solitude because there's no one to talk to at work anyway.  But, t his is my choice and not by force -- right?!  Like, I know I made the right decision about school, but duh, duh, duh that leaves me neither here nor there -- "come on in, I dig long hair" -- I wonder what song that's from --something I heard at the Cape.  I remember something and I can't remember whether it was said to me, by me, for me, sung -- complete confusion of the mind.  That place...we should all go up there next summer.  You have to work hard at a job but it's worth it 0-- worth what??   There's all kinds of action if you're a guy -- duh!  Believe me when I say it because I know!  Being a broad is a real kick in the pants -- you don't know what in hell -- ahem! -- the hell to do sometimes.

Mardi said you quit your job -- yes Paul -- Go, go, go.  Working and going to school is a real drag -- you're there, Tired, Tired, Tired!!  Are you coming home next weekend -- 24th!  Good grief, imagine having someone else to talk to -- Mari and I have been using sign language.  We had planned on going up to see you and going to Pittsburgh for a weekend, etc. etc. but shit, damn, and screw I only have Sundays off!  If it gets too bad I'll just quit and go where I want to.  I mean, this is ridiculous -- I have enough money saved to pick up and go somewhere -- so why don't I go?  Boston is the likely place, but something says, Wait, wait, wait.  Thinking rationally is completely out of the question, don't you agree?  Trusting yourself completely to your instincts will really mess you up but it's real - you know?  Duh, what am I talking about?

Today you're probably sitting around the old apartment drinking beer and watching the game -- maybe you're at the game -- blah, no it's too crummy out.  What's O.J. like in person -- I'm sure you've met.  I can't believe you've lost 20 pounds -- I've lost 5 lb and it's bad news.  You might not have eaten, slept, etc. but did you have a good time.  No.  Well, that's life, Paul.

I talked to Mike once or twice before he went back -- we were all sitting at Shorty's once (once is enough!) and he was expounding on something or other.  Michael Fraternity Kid Foster is still the same but then Mike's not all that bad.  I'd take Mike over 3/4 of the other fruit-loops running around the world  Haven't seen or heard from Renee since Christmas??  I hear through the grapevine that she and Morrey were here for awhile -- oh, Renee, you've got to be kidding -- married?!!  The pattern her parents, etc. have forced her into is so obvious -- doesn't she care?

And then there's Joan -- God, I hate to even think about what she's doing -- Mardi and I haven't heard a thing -- I can just imagine -- Freddy, Freddy, Freddy -- Oh, we are all in fine shape, aren't we -- I've never known Mardi to be so confused but then I'm a big help because I'm a complete dud at the present -- there are no answers in Warren, Pa!  Remember that.

Well, I will close up and clonk over to Mardi's now through "the rain upon the trees".  Take care -- we'll see you soon.  Paul, do you still go into a trance when you drive?  I will never go to Lum's again with you kids unless I wear my spike shoes -- honestly, laugh much.  Haven't been anywhere near Bemus Point -- how is the old dud?  Last nite Masked Martin and Girl Wonder went to the Pub (duh!) for a nightcap -- we're there  -- sip, sip, oh brother, get me out of here.  I had my proof for 21 all ready but they didn't ask me.  Mardi had a line of bullshit ready.  Well, I did say this is it!  Goodbye!

October 18, 1969 (Letter from Mike)

Sorry I haven't written but you know me.  I just hate to write letters anymore.

I'm sending you a card that one of my fraternity bros had the foresight to print up.  T hey come in quite handy and you feel better about losing a parking space if you can put one of these on the windshield.

Classes are going along quite well and the fraternity has kepi me really busy lately.  I was homecoming float chairman and that's all I did this past week -- work on the float.

Tina was here for homecoming -- (you missed Blood Sweat and Tears -- sorry) this weekend.  I think she had a good time.  BS&T were tremendous!  The agent said if they like the audience, they'll play for an hour.  They went for 1 hr and 45 min.  Everybody was going out of their minds.  If you haven't seen them in concert, make sure you catch them sometime.

I'm not going to be able to go to Boston.  No money!!  By the way, you owe me some money from vacation.  I'll take it anytime you can afford it.  I think I'll bring Flanagan with me for Thanksgiving.  Wish you could come home so we could goof around.

Must go now.  Sorry this is short, but I'm all talked out.  Sagars says hello.  Write and tell me what's up.

October 18, 1969 (Letter from Mardi)

Great to hear from you kid!  I'm the last of that rare breed of continuous letter writers.  I write at least four letters a day -- but my friends are definitely worth the writers camp!  Foster hasn't written so I dropped him a few lines.  I guess when you're at home people don't seem they should write.

So you quit your job!  It's not worth it, right?  You can get so screwed that it actually put you "out" for awhile!  It will be better if you get the job in the drugstore has to be better -- my pen just died! -- My mother is watching Lawrence Welk and it's blowing my mind!  Oh good grief!

Try and come home this weekend.  Nothing exciting going on I'm afraid.  The only "nice" time here is fall.  I got my bike out today and rode it all over the "old" neighborhood.  My legs aren't in the greatest of shape.  This is the first day I feel good.  I've had this super bad cold for two weeks!  I went to the doctor's last Saturday -- boy, what a case of the Blahs!  Be careful for god sake and take care!  I felt lousy!  I was perfect material for a Geritol commercial.  You would be perfect for Sominex -- That's how we make our millions -- as insomniacs and neurotics.

Work hasn't been going too bad lately.  I'm finally on regular orders and I have to really concentrate so the time really goes fast!

Barb just called and I think we'll go out so I'll be back later -- EXCUSE ME!

Hello, hello -- Well, it's Sunday already.  Blah Monday will be upon us in no time.

I'm watching Minnesota and St. Louis playing football.  I'm really getting to like it.  I have no idea why though.

Naturally today is gray and dull, I knew if I wanted to get out today and take some pictures it would get krummy out!

Hey, didn't you really like Butch Cassidy?!  It doesn't compare with Midnight Cowboy though!  Fabulous movie!  That girl you took out didn't happen to be named Cheryl did it?  You know what your spirit said!



If you're coming home this weekend I'll make some ravioli for ya!  I can actually make them myself.  You've got to get some "pasta" in you.  What in god's name do you weigh now?

Last night Barb and I went to the Pub.  Duh!  I'm there "What are we doing here?"  BIG, BIG night -- but then my mind and soul have definitely been "conditioned for hurt".  If any January or February at school doesn't do it -- being in your home town will!  Barney and I are planning on going to Chicago in about two weeks to meet some of the old gang.  I should have the money by then.  I really want to come up for November 15, it shouldn't cost me that much right?  If I was smart I'd be like a miser and try and get enough in the bank to cake care of a good part of my loan.  I will, I will.

I must go and get some more letters written.  Take care!  Try and give me a quick call some night and tell me if you're coming.  You won't have to write then.  (BRIBE, BRIBE.)

October 16, 1969 (Letter from Carole)

H there!  How are you?  Hope my few lines find you well and happy.  Wow -- it sure has been a long time since I've seen or even heard from you.

Yes, I'm still working for Dr. Boger.   Do you know in November I'll be working there a year.  Wow -- does time fly.

My parents are going to N.J. in January.  I'll be living with my grandparents for awhile.   I planned on getting an apartment, but I don't have the money.  So I'll stay with them for awhile.  My sister, Sue, is also staying to finish out her senior year.  My dad has already left.  He comes home weekends.  My mother is getting the house ready to sell.  They found a house that they are looking at, a new ranch style with an acre and a half of land.  But I think it hits the pocketbook too hard.  So they are still looking.

Wow -- does your car sound nice.  I'll bet y our insurance rates are high in N.Y. state.  My insurance is really cheap I think 126.00 a year.  Can't beat that.  It's the car payments that hurt.  (No, not really.)

 What's this dream you had about me?  What do  you mean I was great?  I think you better explain.

How's school?  Hang in there, Paul.  I still think you should be a dentist.  Then I'll come work for you.

Tell you what the next long weekend I have off I'll try and come out to see you.  It seems to me I promised you that I'd be out to see you last year.  As you can see I didn't make it.  Sorry, maybe t his year.

Well, babes hope you come home soon and please top up.  Write me soon.

Take much care.

October 10, 1969 (Letter from Mardi)

Hi honey glad to hear from you!  I'm happy you got that initiative to write.

Today I stayed home -- I've missed two days or work this week!  I think I've really got some "bug"!  Barney and Barb and I and some kids went up to Melody.  Barb and I hate to go there.  Well, we had a pretty good time and Peroski had about two six packs of Schlitz to drink with no supper.  I was almost there!  Good grief.  So this morning at 7:00 am Mardi was really hurting -- headache, wobbly legs, upset stomach, sick AS HELL! So I stayed in bed all day, out of commission!  I have to go to the doctor's tomorrow for a check up and blood test and all -- could I have mono?  Duh.  Mr. Sayles is down right now and we're going to have din-din in tonight.  I'll probably get sick.

Lately I haven't been doing much of anything.  Joan is at school heaven knows what (?) I'm scared to think of what she's up to!  Haven't heard from Mike yet -- no one has!  Tina is working at New Process -- overtime even Blah!  She's going down to Cleveland for BS&T the 16th or 17th for fall weekend -- she has a date with Phil.  Barb and I are here-- just here -- barely!!!!

I'm about to take off any day now for Minneapolis, or Denver or San Francisco!  If you go out West you've definitely got to hit Denver!  If I'm nowhere near Denver or the West next summer I'm hitching with you!  You'll happen to pick me up along the way -- who knows -- if I can make it to New Years round here I'll be lucky!

How are classes going?  My mother just told me to tell you to gain some weight!  How much do you weigh now anyway?  My mother wants you to eat meat and potatoes!  I'm there "Where do they get and who cooks meat and potatoes for them?"  Guys definitely hate or cannot or do not want to cook.

You should go to New York over Thanksgiving.  HEY, LOUSY CITY!  You'd have a hell of a time.  All of us kids are trying to get together in Chicago about the end of October.  I wanted to go there the 17th but I can't make it!

I'd love to come out November 14th or 15th for the concert and all.  The Who are supposed to be great.  Dutch saw them and said the thought they were really good.  We'll see what's up!  Nothing, I imagine.  I'll still be working.  Blah!

Barb is down now and we're both exhausted.  Must go!  Please take care.

October 5, 1969 (Letter from Mardi)

How are ya?  Sorry I haven't written honey!  I told you I would about a week ago.

Well I'm a working girl.  Blah!  I'm definitely not the eight to five type!  It's not that bad of a job -- the training will be good for me.  All I did Wed, Thurs, and Friday was program and do practice material.  If I have to get a key punch job any where else at least I'll have had the experience.  Otherwise I hate the whole thing!  Tomorrow they'll probably put me on regular orders.  That will be sharp!  I'm definitely not breaking my back for the great New Process Company!

So how have you been?  You are working, right?  Are you coming home some weekend?  I wish you would! -- I want to fly to Minneapolis or Chicago and meet Bill around the 16th or 17th of October.  I'll go crazy if I don't go somewhere soon!  Barb and I can never think of anywhere to go!  Barb has a waitress job at the Blue Manor and works till eight every night except Sundays, which makes it hard to hitchhike or go anywhere.  We've definitely got to get going!  I'd like to clonk up to Buffalo sometime when you're not (?) working.  But you'll always be working, right?!  I can't think of anything to tell you right now, and I must get to bed soon, plus I'm naturally hungry!

Please take care and I promise to write to you again soon -- write when you have time.

October 1, 1969 (Letter from Mark)

Sitting here in an Art&Civ.  The professor sounds like a tape recorder.  My schedule is really going to be hard this quarter -- 33 hours of classes, plus I've got a 4 hr class on Saturday.  Taking painting & compositions, drawing 2-d, figure drawing, typography, photography, and then art&civ.  The Saturday class really ruins all my weekends so I got a job working in the cafeteria about 15 hours a week to earn some money.  Pay 1.75 an hr. if I save enough I'm going to buy a car and if not I think I'll save and go to Europe next summer.

Had a great summer and I only wish that it wasn't all over.  Had a bore in Warren.  Only saw Marti once, never even saw Tina, mostly ran around with Gayle and Leslie and the new boy who moved across the street from Beverly Hills.  Ended up going to Surf about every other nite and to the movies.  Was really terrible and I'm sort of glad to be back at school.  I got my own room, it's in another new dorm.  Not to bad, most of the other rooms are singles and it sure makes school a blot better when living alone.

So how have things been going with you?  You didn't say too much about what you've been up to.  That was really a close call almost getting busted.  I know how you must have felt.  Had a chance to smoke last week but I decided against it.  I have to take tranquilizers and smoking just didn't seem to me as the right thing to do.

Oh, this lecture is a bore!!!  What a bore this is.  Thank heavens it's only a one hour class.

Hope you get a chance to make it up sometime this quarter.  With you working and my working I guess it would be pretty hard.

Renee is engaged now.  She went around flashing her diamond to everyone.  Really glad for her though.  My address is the same as last year.