September 3, 1969 (Letter from Patty)

I'm going back to school this Sunday and I can't wait.  This living at home stuff is getting really bad.  My father said I've been going out too much cause I've been out twice in the past three weeks.  He also said I spend too much of my own money and that it was about time I started acting like a lady (?) instead of a dumb college kid.  Not that we had a fight or anything but he keeps pointing these things out.  I've got something really good for him though, I've been dating a guy form Sicily for about a week now and my father hasn't met him yet.  Things will probably blow sky high.  I hope they don't' go til after Sunday.

I got laid-off my job in my father's office (fired?), so I got a job at Dunkin Donuts and promptly threw my apron on the floor and walked out on the fourth day.  This happened last week and I haven't worked since.  I don't mind not working, but the lack of money is killing me.

Did Mike last through the summer at his job.  It doesn't sound as if it was one of those jobs you'd like to keep for the rest of your life.

Well that's about all the dull (& exciting) news I can think of so I'll leave you now.  Write soon.

August 24, 1969 (Letter from Mardi)

This shall be a shortie.  Right now my mother is bitching -- and I do mean bitching!  I honestly can't stand it!

I might have a chance to go to New York this weekend!  I'd fly from Buffalo to New York.  Bill would meet me in Buffalo.  All I want to know is TAA DAA (here it comes) no, really now, I just want to know if you will be coming home the day after Labor Day!?

Actually, I don't know why I'm writing this.  You're supposed to be here tomorrow or rather today to get Mike and to go to Pittsburgh, only Mike is going to try and talk you out of it.  Hickey is in the hospital!!!  Oh well, I probably wont' see you anyway!  Hope you have a good time!  Try and write soon!  If you're coming home after Labor Day or that morning I'd be in Buffalo and I'd go back with you.  OK?  No big thing!  I have to call Barb at 1:30 AM!  Must try and stay awake.  Mark is home, went up to Jamestown and saw "Whatever Happened to Aunt Alice?"  WEIRD!  Take care lover.

   

August 21, 1969 (Letter from Kenny)

How the fuck are you?  Guess what?  School's going to start soon.  I figured you'd be excited.  So how's work?  I quit last Friday and I'm just screwing around, buying stuff for school.  Did you get a car?  I hope so because I failed my road test and a driver's licence is nowhere in sight.

I'm going up to Sept 2 on a 2:40 flight arriving about 3:45 so why don't you meet me.  If you can't find anyone to drive you, call Bucelli, he's at Englewood now.  I have a better idea if you have a car.  Take the last week in August off, drive down here, my mother is going away for labor day weekend so there's plenty of room.  Then we can drive up the 2nd, that is also the only way my stereo will get there so think about it, and drop me a line soon either way.

Jack Fishner called a couple days ago and asked if he could live with us.  I couldn't say no to him over the phone and Rosen is willing if we all agree, but he doesn't want Jack in his room and I don't want him in ours.  So when Jack calls you (he will) tell him that unless he rooms with  Rosen he can't live with us, because I couldn't take him for a while year.

I'm going to be a student sponsor helping freshman so that's why I have to be there early.

That's about it for now.  Write and let me know what's happening and what you are going to do.

P.S.  We are #4 in the new Playboy campus edition!!!

August 19, 1969 (Letter from Kathy)

After putting my letter writing off for a month, you hardly owe me an apology -- rather I owe you one!  I'm really sorry!

I'm really glad you feel you have finally found yourself. I think I found myself also this school year, but mostly because I do really love dental hygiene and am glad I've found what I want to do.

How is the unstable position of your job coming?  Has it improved any?  Are you going to continue to work there through school?

How's your car?  You've had it a month already -- bet you're really getting around now!!

Right now I'm sitting outside (supposedly in the sunshine, but it seems to be a passing luxury around here anymore!)

I got my contact lenses Wednesday, and seem to be having little trouble with them.

A yellow jacket just landed on my and I nearly had a heart attack.

Gary and Dody took off for a camping trip to see Gary's brother in Louisville, Kentucky. It's actually only a destination.  They're just going there so their parents don't think that they actually want to get away from them.

My parents left the same day for New Jersey, are going to return on Tuesday, and then proceed Wed or Thurs for Canada.  I'm on a really tight budget to get the money I need for school so I didn't take off of work to go with them.  I'm almost sorry I didn't though.  It's really terrible to be all alone, but then again, I have already gotten so much accomplished in just the one day they were gone.  I have to be at school in a month, but I can never let packing to until the last minute.  I spent seven hours packing yesterday, and didn't even start on my clothes.

I'm still worrying whether I made a wise choice on my deciding to live in an apartment next year.  Although I do date at school, I'm not an awfully lot like my roommates.  (Of course, I wasn't like Marie last year either and we got along swell!)  It just all boils down to the fact that I'm not a city girl, and never will be, while my other three roommates are.  Oh, well, if I try hard not to be a weirdo then I'll probably be all right.  The city really kinda scares me.  I know two boys that were knifed just a block from their apartment (near the U) and several girls who were attacked.  Boston is pretty bad.  There seems to be a never ending string of "Boston murderers".

Well, take care -- let me know what you're up to.

August 16, 1969 (Letter from Tina)

The night is cool -- the air soft, and it has begun to rain as I sit here listening to a new Johnny Rivers albums, "Touches of Gold".  I'm too restless to sleep, a restlessness brought about by doubt, depression, and need.  There's really too much time on my hands which causes me to think, reflect, to ponder; and this, for me, is bad.  At times such as these, I become quite frustrated; but to think that I can write to you and express my thoughts is very reassuring.  No, confusion plays little part in my life, although I do tend to be extremely pessimistic.  My vivid imagination versus my self-confidence -- I tend to over-dramatize a real-life situation and persist to set myself as its main character -- the one who is most affect, and yet most effective.  I am much too aware of the people, and over-emphasize the impression they'll have on me.  I wish that I were anywhere but Warren -- somewhere there is atmosphere, activity, and a place where people are interested sincerely in the individual.  But that, now, is far away.  Very little can be found "just around the corner".  Personal identify, satisfaction, and true understanding can be gained only through a difficult and sometimes disappointing search.

Am I confusing you Paul?  I doubt that very much.  We all have to cope with plasticity, insincerity, ignorance, and selfishness; but can you cope with my inability, at the moment, to express myself, lacking cohesive thought?  Paul, I just never realized that you could dwell so deeply on your friendships -- that they've played such an important part in your future.  We all need to analyze our past relationships because they reflect what and who we are and, possibly, what we will become.  Few of us rarely do this, and discover the very lonely individual we've become.  Friends are not merely companions -- they are your voice, your heart, your sadness, your joy; they are a reflection, a mirror of you.  May that mirror of affection and understanding between you and I never shatter.

In setting one's material goals in life, m any individuals fail to attain peace of mind and heart within themselves; and force themselves to never discover what living, what life itself, really is.  To have faith in one's self is not enough -- one must have faith in God and in mankind.  "To be at peace with one's self is ito be a peace with God" -- I've heard that somewhere.

We all need to reach out for something -- for someone -- and I hope that when that day comes there will be someone who will reach out and take my hand and look deeply into my soul...

You're a fine young man with an excellent mind -- may all of life's best comes to you.  "STILL WATERS RUN DEEP"

August 15, 1969 (Letter from Mark)

Boy the summer is almost over now and I've really had a fantastic time.

Last weekend Norman came up to get me.  (A friend from school.)  We went to his house and then to Hampton Beach on the ocean.  Was great!  Blood Sweat and Tears were there the weekend we were there.  As I look back over the whole summer it just looks great!  Some of the things that I've done this summer I never would have thought of doing.

The kids leave Aug 19.  Not too sure yet really what I'll be doing.  But I'll be home sometime around the 25th. School starts the 22nd of Sept. so I'd really like a little time to get ready and visit my parents and sister for awhile.

You sound as though you are getting very impatient for school to start.  Can't really blame y ou.  I know one thing for sure this summer I hate kids.  BOY DO I HATE LITTLE KIDS.

You never said what kind of car you bought?

Well, I don't have much time to really write a litter.  Take care and write when you get a chance.  I'll be home. EEK!!!

P.S.  They're having a color war -- work from 7:30 to 10:00.

August 8, 1969 (Letter from Tina)

It certainly is about time that I answer your last letter.   With life being so dull in this little "burg", there's little stimulation to write concerning any news -- old or new.  I'm happy for you knowing that you're well settled and satisfied with your part and your job.  That's half the battle.

The NPC is the same drag, but it's money.  All is well her e-- Mon and Dad are planning a week at the shore the second week of Sept.  I hope to get that week off and that they'll let me come back to work.  You never know...

It's so bad here that I've forgotten what it's like to go out on a nice date!  One spot that we'll have to make it to the next time you're home is the Knight Lounge.  I know you'd like it.  But, of course, I realize that there's hot competition with the Youngsville Fair!  (How that was an experience!)  I still have that misquito bit on my arm. Alright, I'll quit complaining -- but after all...

Take care, Paul.  If you do have a chance, dash off a quick note.