ISHMAEL HOUSTON-JONES

AEROGRAMMES FROM ISRAEL 1971-1972 On 7 June 1971, the day before my twentieth birthday, I took a plane from Kennedy Airport in New York to Gatwick outside of London. I was to travel around Europe by train with a friend from Gannon College, Erie Pennsylvania, for the summer after our sophomore year. We hitchhiked south to Brighton where a guy I’d met the previous summer in a youth hostel in Montreal was attending University. My Eurail pass never arrived; after a week my friend and I decided to split up; and I took a plane to Paris where I stayed for another week. After two weeks abroad I was already running out of money. I decided to make my way to Israel where my good friend from Pennsylvania, Judi Zimmerman, and her brother Ben had just immigrated. Thirty years later, December 2001, I found this cache of air letters in the basement of my late parents’ home. Ishmael Houston-Jones, New York To: Parents & Janet, 2627 N. Fifth St., Harrisburg, Pa., 17110, U.S. Amerika. From: charles houston jones c/o Judi Zimmerman 9/20 Allenby Rd. – Kiryat Eliyahu Haifa, Israel 8 Jul 71, Jerusalem One month later Parents: I was going to call this Friday but so much has to be said. I hope this gets to you soon. If you are following on a map I left Paris Jun 21 a coupla' years ago then spending one nite in each place I was in Dijon, France, where I partied with some African students at the university. Then hitched to Geneva, Switzerland then took the train to Verona, Italy where I met a guy from San Francisco, we took trains to Trieste, got a ride over the Yugoslav border, couldn't get rides so we slept in a field, got wet, next day took a bus to Zagreb then a bus to Belgrade and a straight through to Skopje and the border where I called. About 1/2 hr after, we got a ride in a VW camper with people going straight to Athens. We slept out that night and went on with them. The couple driving had been on my flight over. Took a 12-hr boat to Crete. Stayed 3 days doing nothing but turning browner and resting. – After travelling I was bored, took a 2-day boat to Haifa. It was OK. The family Judi lives with doesn't speak English and she was out when I got there with my pack etc. But they fed me. She was happy to see me. We spent a coupla' days in Haifa. I'd read an article about some "Black Jews" who came to Israel from Chicago. We took a train to Dimona, the settlement town where they are. I'll tell you about them when I see you. It was good. Judi & I have a room in the hotel where Ben has a room. Today we went to the Arab Market where I bought you (Mother) a present and a coat for me. Will send. I'll probably go back to the family tomorrow. – Get a room here next week and bring my stuff down. Sometime I'll spend time on a kibbutz. My plans, oh I think I'll come back in August to straighten a few ties (sic) out. Maybe take a job, make money and return. I had been thinking of selling my return ticket and getting a job, either in Spain or on an Amerikan Army base in Germany. Then working on a kibbutz here for the winter. They're also starting kibbutzim in either Kenya or Ethiopia. Judi's sister is coming next Wednesday, her parents in Sept. Why do people always stay? If you see Janet, tell her that I miss her. (There's a cat here on the balcony, I play with her like (I play with) Tink. The Italian Embassy is downstairs! Oh the mother of the family in Haifa is much like Aunt Lonia. Please don't worry about me starving. They are from Morocco. The one daughter who is married is like Jewel and Gelena is like Lynn (beautiful). Avram, the son who is going with Judi, is in the Army. – By coincidence he got stationed for a week in Jerusalem and had called Ben by the time we got here, so I met him. The Kurkous' have two other children, David, who is away at Navy school – he's 16, and Esther who is a copy of Carol Gaddis. Anyway, they're all good people. They're a lot of American Jews here now, -- it's easy to feel anti-Semitic, -- but then you realize that most Israelis are Jews and they're nothing like the Jews at home. There's a war on, remember! Friday is the Holy Day for Moslems so I can hear them chanting in the mosques. It's all so pleasantly nice here. Today I kissed the Wailing Wall. I'm really not looking forward to the States, maybe in another month, but not now. I'm running out of money though. Maybe I'll go to Spain to work. I'm almost sure I won't be at Gannon next year. No Lago, no Chuck. (Elizabeth Lagomarsino – college advisor/mentor). Ask Jewel if she checked on a job for me. I don't really want to be in NYC but it will probably be better than Hbg. If I do sell my return ticket I'll let you know. Please don't be disappointed with any decisions I make. Remember, it's my life and it is my duty to live it right, the way it should be lived. I can see nothing but a dead end at Gannon; maybe I'll transfer somewhere else, maybe somewhere over here. Maybe the real work would be good for me. What else? Find out about Richard's company and transferring to Adelphi. As a dance/fine arts major for (the) 2nd semester. The things I miss most are music, dance, you and Janet and Sammy. What I'm learning is that there are alternatives. You can make them happen if you try. There are good people here but too many tourists and kid tourists who are here just for the summer. I want to be over here when the countries are themselves and not tourist stands. The Black Jews helped a lot. "Each man must return to his own land and woe be to the man who doesn't know who he is." Don't worry too much and Enjoy Life. Shalom – your son Jerusalem 8 Jul 71 Janet: I love you – yes. If I return in August it will primarily to be with you and to maybe get some things straightened out. There is such a difference here. 3 months is not enough, especially in the summer. Enjoy your life. Remember that we love each other, remember to keep your eyes open. There's a full moon over Jerusalem now and I'm on a balcony talking with Ben's girlfriend and Judi's away with Avram and Ben is here and I want you here, but not now. I love you – chuck – shalom. [Write in care of Judi.] To: Pauline & North Jones , 2627 N. Fifth St., Harrisburg, Pa., 17110, (in English and Hebrew U.S.A.) From: charles houston-jones (address totally in Hebrew) Kibbutz Lahav, D.N. ha Negev, Israel 3 Aug 71 Abba v'Emma: My Hebrew is improving. I can read and write the alphabet on about a 4th grade level. Vocabulary is coming slower, but it's coming. Oh, yes, yes, yes I got my camera but I'm not taking many pictures and mostly of people. I think I've decided not to come back to the States immediately. I'm comfortable and feel good about the things I'm learning. – I feel I'm learning a lot more here now than I ever would at Gannon. I wrote to Mary Pat Reuer – she's in guidance and a friend and asked if it would be possible to take a leave of absence until February. I told her to write who I should write to and what I should ask for to you as well as here. (Also asked for Lago's forward.) I really feel this is the right thing. I feel for the first time I am whole, that what I'm doing is a real part of me. (Well, not for the first time, but here it's an every day, every minute continuum rather than random flashes of good feeling.) Did I tell you that I was working with the hogs? Yes, the farmer in both of you has come through my blood. No! I'm no natural, I make a lot of mistakes, I'm too slow, I don't know enough but I'm learning. Yesterday we took a census. There are 1,075 and only 5 of us. That's 215 pigs apiece! I still don't give shots, (or) cut teeth, or mark ears but I'm learning. I work with one of my Swiss roommates – (actually my only roommate since the volunteers are beginning to leave now – there'll be about 15 of us here after September.) I work with another Swiss guy, and a kibbutznik who is a biologist, and Aaron from Detroit. Aaron is married – they have a little boy – They're part of the American garine who have come to settle. Aaron is very often depressed about the kibbutz. There is a big "to do" going on now because several of the garine members smoke dope. No one cares what the mitnadvim (volunteers) do because we're treated like the migrant workers we are. Anyway, there is now a barrier between the Americans and the rest of the kibbutz which has been causing much unhappiness on both sides. Aaron is also upset because he finds the kibbutzniks cold and he wants to raise his own son. I keep wondering if this is all me in a coupla' years from now. Anyway the decision about Gannon was given much thought and as yet it's not final but I think it's the right one for now. The phn number in the dining hall is area code (057) 4368 or 6340. I eat between 6:45 and 7:30 (12:45 and 1:30 NY time). Don't call Saturday (shabat) as I might be away. Ask the operator to ask for me, Chuck, directly, as I might not be near. I didn't like the things you said about (you) not being about to take a trip. – Life begins you say, "I can." Shalom (written in English and Hebrew) Chuck p.s. Hello to Janet. Show this to her if she comes by. Hello to Annay. Oh, what do you think of Abel for my Hebrew name? I got 3 letters from you today & 1 from Janet & 1 from Sam & the notice of my money. Hope you are enjoying life to it's (sic) fullest -- it's all we've got. Again Shalom (in Hebrew) To: Parents, 2627 N. Fifth St., Harrisburg, Pa., 17110, U.S. Amerika From: Chuck (rest of the address in Hebrew Kibbutz Lahav, D.N. Negev, Israel 14 Aug 71 Haifa From The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran "And the woman who held a babe against her bosom said, Speak to us of children. And he said: Your children are not your children They are the sons and daughters of Life's longing for itself. They come through you but are not from you, And though they are with you yet they belong not to you. You may give them your love but not their thoughts, For they have their own thoughts. You may house their bodies but not their souls, For their souls dwell in the house of tomorrow, which you cannot visit, not even in your dreams. You may strive to be like them, but seek not to make them like you For life goes not backward nor tarries with yesterday. You are the bows from which your children as living arrows are sent forth. The archer sees the mark upon the path of the infinite and He bends you with His might that His arrows may go swift and far. Let your bending in the archer's hand be for gladness; For even as He loves the arrow that flies, so He loves also the bow that is stable. ∞ Will write more later. Will be on Lahav a coupla' more weeks. Judi goes into the army this week. I'm really happy with what I'm doing. Am planning a trip around the world – I've got so much more to learn (and unlearn) for now. Shalom (written in Hebrew) Chuck (Letter in an air mail envelope with receipts for postal money orders for $125 enclosed) To: Emma v'Abba, 2627 N. Fifth St., Harrisburg, Pa., 17110, U.S. Amerika From: chuck houston-jones (Chuck in parenthesis in Hebrew), Kibbutz Lahav, D.N. Negev Israel (in Hebrew) 28 August 71 Shabat Shalom (Hebrew and English) Even Sunday mornings in the States aren't like this. After 6 days of hard work (I'm still with the pigs) you really appreciate your day of rest. I haven't yet sent your present and card. I get off work by 2 in the afternoon, come to my room and collapse. Usually don't wake until 5:30 or 6:00, just enough time to shower before dinner. But the office is closed by then and they'll have to send the package. No word on my pills. It was good talking to you although you ruined my happy birthday call and had me worried for a day. Got your letter. The description of the wedding was very nice except for one small detail – who got married? I suppose you've forgotten how out of touch I am here. Glad you like Mary Pat. She should be the next person to leave Gannon. Seriously, that place does it to good people -- last year they wouldn't hire her as dean of women but because she was (is?) the only woman on the guidance staff all the co-eds would come to her -- and there were a lot of problems between the blacks & whites and the students and nurses. And she was supposed to take all in stride. Enough -- I'm away from there until February at least. Wow, our radio decided to work! It usually doesn't. I'm in a better room now, one roommate from a British Island off the French Coast (Jersey – like "New" & cow). On our block are 2 Swiss guys, a girl from Denmark and a guy from Los Angeles who is in the American Gareen. There are not many volunteers here now. I'm making friends slowly but more than superficially now. It's good here, but I'd better make plans for Ethiopia if that's where I'm heading next. The fighting you're reading of is primarily border incidences. A classical music show is playing and Marion Anderson just came on -- "Gonna shout all over God's Heaven." I have this urge to go to Mississippi. Will Evers be running for governor? Maybe I could volunteer? Did Barry get my postcard? And Lonia? I think I'll write to Lelia Pearl after this – she's the closest thing to a sister I have -- I'd like to see her also. What I tentatively plan to do is work, maybe construction, or in the copper mines near Eilat in the far south (as soon as it gets cool). Then try to get work on a fishing boat to Ethiopia. Judi's parents will arrive on Sept 12 so I'll be here until then, probably until the end of Sept. When I get back to the U.S. I think I'm certain I'll change my name legally to Charles North Houston-Jones. Why doesn't Dad ever write me? Remember to get the desk out of the basement on Kelker St. Oh well, I'm still in a very good head -- swimming better! Hello to everyone; will try to get that package to you. For now I'll rest. Again Shabat Shalom (in Hebrew) Chuck Ps. Enclosed are the mail order stubs. (3 waxy thin paper napkins with scalloped edges in an airmail envelope) To: Mr. & Mrs. North Jones, 2627 N. Fifth St., Harrisburg, Pa., 17110, U.S. Amerika From: charles north houston-jones, kibbutz lahav, d.n. negev israel (Israel in Hebrew) 4/Sept/71 Lahav Parents, I love you! Received the pills one month and 3 days after you sent them; had an allergy attack 2 days before they came -- bad timing. I'm happy (drawing of my head with a smiley face)! Shaved off my beard again -- it's growing back though. There'd been a mail strike here so letters are taking about 3-4 days longer to get through. Haven't sent your package yet. It's begun to get really cold at night averaging between 105˚-110˚. Have you heard from Gannon? I've begun to read again, (the first time since last spring. James Baldwin's Another Country). Keep having dreams about 4th & Reilly and the Connor's having a car wreck. Maybe you should have 25¢ pictures made of yourselves and send them. I'd like to see you and when I go to Haifa the Kourkous's always ask about you. It's Shabat and nothing really to do but write letters. How is everyone? Did Annay and Herbie and Barry get cards? I wrote to Lago and Marge. I think I told you that you wrote about a wedding and forgot to tell me who was getting married. I really like the farm work! Next week though, I only work with the pigs 5 hrs. then 3 hrs. in the dining hall. I still haven't driven a tractor. I miss you a lot – I cross off the days on a calendar since Jun 7; it doesn't look like much and December looks close. Next week I think I'm going North to visit friends. If you've gotten your map of Israel, Lahav is toward south, just north of Beer Sheba on the 1957 border with Jordan. You should listen to one of my records. The album is Cat Stevens' Tea for the Tillerman, the song on side 2 is Father & Son the words are on the back of the cover. Excuse my hand writing, but I'm in a happy mood. Did Janet's sister get back OK? Janet says that she's really in love with the Japanese guy which should make Roz none too happy. I just wrote Susan (Lourie); it's strange because the last time I wrote I was there and she was here. I've begun to make friends. An Australian named Jeff Rubinstein just left for school in Jerusalem. Speaking of Australian Jews, has David Mandel sent any mail yet? Also I'm really friendly with a girl from Denmark. It's really great to enjoy work. I'm getting calluses. I think I'm acting a lot older. You won't even recognize me! Oh, Sammy sent a nice letter – he and Roy will be living together again which is surprising since they almost stopped being friends freshman year over their room. Sam is very neat and Roy is like me. Maybe you should send his jean jacket and typewriter cover. It gets cool in Erie, remember. Sam Harakal, 232 W. 4th St. 16501. OK, I'll close now. Hope all is well. Shabat-Shalom Chuck ps. These are Kibbutz napkins which everyone uses as airmail paper. (1 waxy thin paper napkin with scalloped edges in an airmail envelope) To: Mr. & Mrs. North Jones, 2627 N. Fifth St., Harrisburg, Pa., 17110, U.S. Amerika From: Chuck (in Hebrew only) Kibbutz LAHAV, D.N. Hanegev, ISRAEL 6/Sept/71 Parents: Quick note – get the old prescription of my glasses – I meant to bring it but forgot and I broke one lens last night. Nothing really new to report except that Jan sent a news clipping that Dianne Nichols (daughter of our family doctor who was attending Antioch College) would be in Kenya this year and I've written to Doc asking him to give her address to you. That day – last Shabat – I wrote last was a really good one. Did some paintings – have you found my acrylics from last spring? – rode a bicycle, just felt great. Wrote 7 letters. I know I'll be here until the end of the month. Maybe longer. It's always good to hear from you even if you have nothing special to say. Remember pictures. Hello to Hugh, etc. When are you coming to visit me? Shalom (in Hebrew) chuck To: Parents, 2627 N. Fifth St., Harrisburg, Pa., 17110, U.S. Amerika From: chuck, kibbutz lahav, israel 12 Oct 71 Hello: There's been little to write that you don't already know. Been waiting for a reply from Diane before plans are made. Have made a couple of 3-day trips to places. Had a good time. Have, in fact, just returned from a trip to the North. Saw the Kurkous's but Judi wasn't there – she was visiting her parents whom I have not yet seen. Bente & I then hitch up to another kibbutz where we have friends. The North is really green & beautiful. Looks like Penna. or California. It was good not to work for a coupla' days. Got the prescription but not the glasses. I don't read or watch TV so it doesn't matter for now. What else? Have written to Antioch for application, haven't heard from J. since she was packing. The pigs are fine. It hasn't rained since I've been here but the clouds are lasting sometimes as late as 3 in the afternoon now! Maybe some day. Wow, I actually haven't seen rain since that fateful night in Yugoslavia in June. It is getting cooler though – can only wear shorts and sandals until dinner. People seem to like me here. I'm still happy. If this is rambling it's because there's not much new. Want to go to Africa but am not in any hurry. Almost sure I won't get back to Gannon. You wouldn't believe how depressing the letters from Sam & Roy & Greg, etc. are – even when they try to say happy things. That city/school is killing people. Really, you have to understand. Got a letter from Lago. Was happily digging a cesspool with Marge's father – gave all her books away & threw away the drafts of her novel. Have a new roommate – from England, a really good person. Lahav belongs to the far Left wing party which is completely opposed to the religious party so Yom Kippur was a regular Workday. I don't think rabbis are allowed on Ha Shomer Kibbutzim. But we did have days off & celebration on New Year's & Succoth (Harvest) with dancing & wine. Nice Don't need money – haven't spent any. If you have time send some stuff to Sam & Roy, they need to know someone cares. I feel so far removed from local politics & even the presidential election. Trying to figure out how I'll ever get to Cuba. Feel good that Mr. Newton beat Mr. Nixon to China. Don't be fooled by another Kennedy. Right On Chuck To: Pauline Houston Jones, 2627 N. Fifth St., Harrisburg, Pa., 17110, U.S. Amerika, I. From : chuck, kibbutz lahav, israel 25/Oct/71 Hi, It rained today! For 5 whole minutes, I went out and danced in it. Got your letter today; what a good letter. You're much more spontaneous, (if illegible also) when you write & not type. My (our) room looks quite nice now. Jerry, my English roommate, & I have our mattresses on the floor & we've done little things to brighten up. It was cold today! At least at 6 in the morning cleaning pig pens with hoses, but after breakfast I just helped the vet with the castration of one of our boars whose (sic) going to be slaughtered & after I was told to work in the carpentry shop. Just cleaning up but it was a nice change. What else? Oh, I've been catching turkeys (always by 2 legs) and boxing them to be taken away. I don't like doing it; it's usually late at night. Your letter was good. I'm so glad Norman came, (remember I told you to marry him). Another Swiss group is coming and no one is happy about it – except a few kibbutzniks, (Swiss girls clean toilets so well). But I think Jerry and I will keep our room as a double. I heard about H. Rap Brown. I occasionally read the News Weeks that come here but usually 2-3 weeks late, just like at school. Yes, I've been writing to Diane. Been trying to arrange things after - - - - - - - (Later, after dinner): I really am glad you wrote, the reason I don't write when there isn't much to say is that I fear sounding superficial, as Jan once wrote, "letters are a poor substitute for presence." But I'll try to write more frequently. Speaking of Jan, she seemed well after her first week at Antioch; quite optimistic. Dianne also seems well in Kenya. Got a letter from Judith today & one from her parents (mother) inviting me to their respective places. Norm Z. is learning Hebrew & trying to find a job. Oh! There've been some big problems with the "Black Jews" here. They had been settled in Dimona – a little south of here – and it seems that more & more came & were not given "Immigrant" status as the first group had (or at least immigrant rights while their claim to being "Jews" was being checked). So the first few families were housing them in their apartments which caused overcrowding and bad reactions from neighbors and a third group was turned away at the airport. So, maybe I'll send you an article. Your dress will take 2 months by sea and money by air – don't know what I'll do. Dianne suggests that I have a bank statement to get into Africa "'cause they don't want hippies." So, if I don't have $300 in my account, could you transfer the balance into my account, get the statement, then take it out & send here. I also have to get pictures made for visas, so much hassle. Karen says to say "Hi." (they're leaving in about 3 weeks). I don't feel at all homesick, I rather like being out of the States. I think though, I've become a lot more introspective and have taken stock of myself & where I fit in. I don't know if there is any hope for me & Amerikan society. There are so few choices. I mean seeing Joan Kennedy in her (continued) -II- expensive gowns leaves me with very little hope for liberal, left-of-center & the people on the right are worse. The radical left is ineffectual & split. It's time for a revolution but no one has the time to play, or maybe too many people are playing and no one is prepared for the real thing. As Karen said tonite – it doesn't matter how many liberations people have, what matters is that people undergo a spiritual revolution. People have no consciousness in the States. They're aware but have no way of changing anything. The only people who might try are the people who have nothing to lose & look what happened to them at Attica. I'm becoming a real socialist, but there is no way to exist as a socialist in the States. When faced with all my useless crappe (sic) I have – clothes, etc. it's really disgusting. And we support the capitalists' exploitation by buying things we don't need. On Lahav everything is so organic, you can see where everything is coming from & going. I work 8 hrs. therefore I'm fed & housed & clothed. I eat therefore I wash dishes, cook, clean toilets. The kibbutz gets money from its produce therefore I'm required to work with animals, fruits, vegetables, cotton, grain. We make our furniture here therefore the woodshop, metal shop. The tractors and cars must be serviced therefore the garage. I don't know if I'll ever see things in such an organic way in the States. People are such aliens to themselves. Alien because most people do work which is only very remotely involved with their own existence. Alien because they strive for "needs" which are not organic but have been produced by the media. On the kibbutz fashion is almost unheard of. But in the States, look at the phenomena like mini-skirts ‡ pants-suits ‡ midi-skirts‡ hot pants. Every year people are told that what they bought the year before is no good so they must work to buy, buy, buy. But for what??? New car designs every year, but how long is it taking GM, Ford, etc. to add safety devices. Look at small things like flowered toilet paper & new toothpaste. The whole competitive man-eat-man to be able to buy more is disgusting to me. If I were naturally lazy – as you & I once believed – I couldn't get up at sunrise every morning to do heavy manual labor for 50¢ a day, could I? The difference is that here I see where my work is going, I see the relationship between my labor & my existenz, whereas before I was accumulating money and pocessions for the sake of pocession. Enough. Read Franz Fannon The Wretched of the Earth, I think it's in my book box. Will tell you when I plan to leave. Good night & shalom Your Son (October 16 1971 article from the Jerusalem Post on the Black Israelites in Dimona, A Black Misunderstanding in an airmail envelope) To: Parents From: charles, kibbutz lahav, d.n. negev israel (Israel in Hebrew) On outside of envelope: My comments will follow in next letter, shalom, c. (2 Kibbutz napkins in an airmail envelope) To: Parents, 2627 N. Fifth St., Harrisburg, Pa., 17110, (U.S. America in Hebrew) From: charles houston-jones, Kibbutz Lahav, D.N. Negev, ISRAEL (Israel in Hebrew) On the outside of the envelope: Last line of Roy’s last letter to me: “Don’t ever come back to Erie, there is nothing in the present (less in the future)” Wrote another letter to Antioch. Tomorrow's November/ 71 Good nite, I'm slightly stoned for the first time in quite a while. A good night – sat around a fire with good people passing the occasional joint or pipe – nice. The Swiss group came. There seem to be more nicer ones than in the last group, but still they're Swiss and part of a group and it's hard for us old-timers to react friendly to 21 new people all at once. I keep expecting to see you here. Bente received a telegram last week after we got back one night with Aaron & Karen & their son from another kibbutz. It said, "Will arrive tomorrow Natanya, Mom & Dad" – in Danish of course. She went crazy, but I think she liked having them. Maybe … Haven't heard from Dianne since the first letter or the Ethiopian Embassy. Perhaps I'll have to go in person. Just reread the original article on the "Black Hebrew Israelites." Don't know. There is an obvious racial bias among middle aged Amerikan & European Jews (who are a minority in Israel but not in the government). I've become very sensitive to racial bias, since I'm fairly well isolated from it here on kibbutz or even travelling. But I can see some things so much more clearly now. Insinuations, innuendoes, that I couldn't see when surrounded by it all the time. Israel's a good country, I believe you'd like it and it would be good if I could show it to you. Enough! I have to get to bed now. Maybe I'll write more tomorrow. The Next Night Nothing new to report. Love chuck To: Pauline Houston Jones, 2627 N. Fifth St., Harrisburg, Pa., 17110, U.S.A. From: chuck, kibbutz lahav, dn negev, ISRAEL 14/Nov/71 Hi, In Beersheva today the temp was between 8∞ - 26∞ C. In Fahrenheit that’s about 50∞ & 77. Glad you asked about the weather. I’d never asked about the conversion. I know sometimes this summer it was over 40∞ which is 104∞. Maybe it’s just as well I didn’t know. Got a letter from Erie (a girl from Mercyhurst) today, it has snowed there already! I was sitting in the dining hall reading this wearing short sleeves and short pants. This evening I have on a gray sweater from another friend in Erie and will probably go to Haifa to pick up the coat I bought. I’ll try to get the dress off (to you). If I send it air mail you’ll get it by Xmas hopefully. I’ll (maybe) be spending Xmas in Bethlehem although I’ve heard that it’s so crowded that they only let official Pilgrims in. I don’t know if I’ve written since it rained last Shabat! All day. It was fantastic but not a drop since. 16/Nov/71 Received your letter about Auntie. Keep me posted. If you want me to call, write Special Delivery as I am going to Jerusalem the weekend of the 26th & the connections at the post office are usually better. No. Don’t write. I’ll call anyway and if there is nothing new just tell the operator you’re not home. I feel OK. Less up, ≠, more rested & content. Actually the day you’re (sic) letter came I got another letter from the little lady in Yellow Springs who was having some problems also. (Got my Antioch application, too). Aaron & Karen are definitely going to Detroit for (by) Xmas, which makes me a little, sad. I may start seeing their analyst (he charges 24 lira (about $5) for an hour session). The kibbutz recommended them to him last year when their marriage was almost apart & they recommend him highly. Perhaps you should see about a psychiatrist for Auntie. I keep forgetting about older people – the oldest here are in their mid-40s. Are you sure there’s no way for her to come home temporarily? (Thanksgiving?) Well. Wait for my call. Keep in touch. Your friend, chuck P.s. send only the bank statement & possibly some SINGER name tags with either CHUCK or #6. To: Parents, 2627 N. Fifth St., Harrisburg, Pa., 17110, (United States of America in Hebrew) From: chuck, Kibbutz Lahav, DN Negev, ISRAEL Day after Thanksgiving ’71 Jerusalem I’ve tried to call twice but no one answers. I’m sitting in a café by the Jaffa Gate in the old city finishing a beer. I went kind of crazy last week – the way I did a lot at school, but this was the first time since I’ve been away that it’s happened. I decided to take some time off & come to the City. It’s been good. Been spending far too much money but only from what I’ve earned at the kibbutz. I take it that you went to NYC for Thanksgiving or else Auntie did really come home. I really want to talk to you. Maybe I’ll call from the kibbutz but it’s really a bad connection. I’m better. Maybe I was just celebrating the memory of Wilburn’s insane birthday last year. My new roommate is good. He instinctively does the right things to calm me down. Yesterday I met a couple of girls from the kibbutz & we went to Jericho & the Dead Sea. It’s a real oasis. It’s in the occupied territory but the people were friendly. Saw where they were excavating the wall – that Joshua knocked down. Tomorrow I’ll go back to Lahav and I’ll be better. If my draft board asks – you haven’t heard from me since Greece. Someone told me they’ve eliminated 1-Y classifications so they may want me. You’d love Jerusalem. Hope things are better. If not, call – (noon home time). I love you, chuck P.s. Lahav. Got your letter. I started to tell the operator to transfer the call to 234-1834 but decided not to bother. Hope all is well. Janet might be here – perhaps not. I’m solidly OK. Will call for Xmas. chj To: Parents, 2627 N. Fifth St., Harrisburg, Pa., 17110, U.S. Amerika From: chuck, Kibbutz Lahav, DN Negev, ISRAEL 2 Dec 71 Hi, It’s a bright warm sunny day. It hasn’t rained since the last time I wrote about. I’m sitting on my porch. The nurse just came to get my breakfast tray, tell me I no longer have a temperature, my throat is very red & I should come see the doctor tomorrow. Your little boy has the flu. (nothing more exotic, just plain old flu). I feel better now. Yesterday I was very weak, was in bed all day – Jerry and Bente are taking good care of me. Jerry in his typical English manner keeps pouring tea down my throat. I can’t believe it’s December. The weather has changed but people still wear shorts and sandals during the day. As of 7 Dec I’ll have been out of the country for 1/2 a year. It feels good. Aaron & Karen are bringing your dress. They’ll mail it either from NYC or Detroit in January. Janet isn’t coming – she’s going to be in Atlanta, Ga for 6 months working in a theater. 3 Dec 71 The doctor wasn’t too, too impressed. I feel better but am still weak when I stand too much. I’m supposed to stay in bed for a couple more days. I might have a chance to go to Lebanon for $70 on the 26th of Dec to the 8th January – not sure yet. Would have to go to Cypress & change my passport. If you see any of my passport pictures send them. I know I had some extras taken. I guess we’ll have daffodils for Christmas – that’s what the things in the garden look like at least – We’ll see when they flower. The news from Gannon doesn’t look good. I’ll send you the clipping that was sent to me. – more of what happened last year, I’m afraid. What does the news of the “war” look like from there? As I wrote, the Jerusalem Post is highly unreliable. If it does break out, I’ll probably stay & run the piggery since there are almost no men on the kibbutz older than military age (45) the kibbutz would be run by volunteers. Oh well, hello to Auntie and Annay. I’ve been having fever dreams of 618 Kelker. chuck Airmail envelope To: Parents, 2627 N. Fifth St., Harrisburg, Pa., 17110, U.S. Amerika From: charles houston-jones, kibbutz lahav, d.n. negev, israel On the outside of the envelope: The oldest people are only 45 because Lahav is only 20 years old & was founded by people in their early 20s, late teens. The cemetery has 5 graves. 12/Dec/71 Lahav (written in Hebrew) I Love you but will not sacrifice myself for you. I do belong here-now. Later Other Places. Settle? I don’t know where or when. Probably not Harrisburg. Probably the U.S. because it’s the only thing really familiar at this point. Maybe not. I must remain open. Harrisburg (for me) is a death trap. What would you honestly do with me if you had me there? No, I’m much better here, I’m sure. The life chances are so much better. Janet arrives Jan 2. Will be here for 3 months then perhaps we’ll travel together for another 3. No, this is where I belong now. Tomorrow perhaps somewhere else – then I’ll go. Love chuck (Included is a clipping from an Erie, Pennsylvania newspaper about growing racial tensions at Gannon College, recently exasperated by the stabbing of a white student by a black student with the pick of an Afro comb in South Hall, my old dorm). Airmail envelope To Mr. & Mrs. North Jones c/o Houston, 1242 Walnut St. Harrisburg, Pa.,171,U.S. Amerika From: charles houston-jones, Kibbutz Lahav, DN Negev, ISRAEL (Israel in Hebrew and English) Xmas list enclosed! 18/Dec/71 Parents: I just got a brainstorm of how I could get some stuff here that I want. I’m not sure but I think Janet could bring one of my small suitcases with the stuff on the list I’m sending. If it’s overweight check, but I think it will come at AIRMAIL RATE which is kind of expensive. I suppose after you pack you could take it to the post office & see how much that is. If it isn’t too much you could give the money to Jan & if it isn’t overweight I could either keep the money or mail it back to you. It’s up to you to determine what too much is & it’s up to Janet to agree as I don’t need any of the stuff, it would just make the winter more pleasant & mail between here & the States has been unbelievably slow – almost 3 months by ship – 2 by air. Things are going fine – this weekend the Swisses are away. I’m nice to them! I’m sort of upset because two friends (?) of mine here are getting a divorce. He’s from Los Angeles, a member of the kibbutz – he goes to the army next month. She’s from Switzerland – came to Lahav with a group 3 years ago. They’re both really nice people. She’s going back to Switzerland to earn money to go to India this spring with one of the volunteers here from Scotland. She’s crazy! Enough. I’m glad people are well. Sent Auntie a Xmas card. I hope you understood my P.S. about why there are no “older” people on Lahav. On older kibbutzim there are older people, they have hospitals & cemeteries & modified work schedules & social activities for older people. Since Lahav was only started 20 yrs ago we have none of this yet, just an infirmary which they have just expanded to a clinic – we only have 1 nurse. – the doctor & dentist come once a week. Another problem living on a young kibbutz, which I feel, is that the oldest child is only 17. Most of the volunteers are like me, in their early 20s which means that the people with whom we work have never had children our age so they either are condescendant & treat us like teenagers or they are indignant and have a “why don’t you grow up?” attitude particularly about music, long hair, or just the way we tend to be more expressive of emotions. They look annoyed when we laugh too loudly or get angry or dance. But it is very interesting living in a developing community, seeing how things we take for granted actually do come about. This led to some interesting thoughts. Lahav only has school up to 12 yrs old, after that the children travel to another kibbutz about 20 miles away where they have classes with kids from about 5 other kibbutzim. The living areas of Lahav, that is the residential area and farm except the fields & the orchards is about the area of 6th St. to Front & Division to MacClay, (about 48 square blocks), only that sounds too big. The people who’ve been here longest live in the newest houses. People are always moving around from one end of the kibbutz to the other. The new houses have 2 rooms, kitchenette & bathroom inside. The ones where most of the people still live have an open porch & one room which serves as a living room & bedroom and you have to step onto the porch to get to the kitchenette & bathroom. Where the volunteers live there are wooden shacks with 3 or 4 rooms in a row, a porch with a sink on either end. The toilets are about 1/2 block away & the showers another 1/4 block. From where I live the dining room is about from my house to William Penn (H.S., about 2 blocks) (or whatever it’s called now). I need the address of the Hbg. School District for my Antioch application. Everyone uses electric heaters fl wishful thinking, let’s try again. Everyone uses kerosene heaters, which are very temperamental. Ours has a range of GOOD HEAT/NO SMOKE to NO HEAT/SMOKE. Right now I’m getting GOOD HEAT/SMOKE. The rain isn’t so bad because it’s wet & cold, which it is, but because there is MUD everywhere. Last week Aaron & Karen were driving a friend to the road & our Jeep got stuck in the mud. I walked back with Karen who was carrying someone else’s kid and I carried Micha who must be the world’s heaviest 2 year old. They leave for London Jan. 4, I guess I’ll go with them & sleep in the airport. (European airports have places for sleeping I found out this summer). Tell Mabel to write to me about West Africa & try to find out what happened to Dianne in the East. It doesn’t matter much since Judi’s (who becomes a real soldier next week) cousin’s friend who recommended me to Lahav will be studying in Uganda starting next month. My most tentative plans are to stay here until March, then travel (Africa or Europe) (with or without Janet) for perhaps another 3. OK See if you can find out about mailing this stuff to me through Janet. I’ll write to her. I’m getting Xmas cards. Sister D. (Sister Delores Sarafina, English professor at Gannon), another professor, 2 friends from Gannon. So let me take this opportunity to say have a peaceful Christmas & a year that is full & new. Love chuck THE LIST I/ Books: all should be in my book box from school, 1 or 2 on the bookshelf. 3 books from my philosophy of communism course – (Not 100% sure of titles) “5 Lectures by Marcuse” “Marx and Engles” “Marxism and Existentialism” 3 books from History of Africa course (they should still be tied together since I never read them) also “Africa Yesterday and Today” which I might have returned which is available at Penn Book Store “From Plantation too Ghetto” by Franklin Baldwin “The Fire Next Time” Camus “The Stranger,” “The Fall,” “The Plague” “Mirror or Change” – Gannon’s magazine edited by CHJ (only if there’s enough room “8 Great Comedies” “8 Great Tragedies” Also Lago’s book, “Good-bye Aristotle” II/ Clothes 1) 1 pair bell bottom jeans – (I think they’re torn & the one’s with the colored cuffs are Roy’s & too long) 2) 1 of my long sleeved sweat shirts 3) 1 pair of lined water proof gloves (my brown ones were good) 4) 2 pair of heavy high work socks 5) 2 pair of underwear 6) 1 colored T-shirt My “25” football jersey 7) The scarf Janet made for me 8) 1 knit ski hat big enough to fit over my afro 9) 1 waterproof poncho—about knee length with hood III/ Other Shit Check on import duty for cigarettes 1 carton of TRUE green (menthol) or as much as allowed. Janet may be able to order this duty-free at Kennedy The pictures you had developed & also I took a roll spring ’70, pictures are of girls at Mercyhurst, etc. If you see them while you’re looking for books … My paints & brushes Some Cremora & tea bags (Jasmine, Constant Comment, etc.) IV/ Tapes – check with Janet, she may have these JONI MITCHELL – “Blue” (folk or rock) FIRESIGN THEATER – “Don’t Step on the Dwarf” or any other FST (comedy) Rachmaninoff 2nd Piano Concerto by anyone (classical) Get them on the small cassette tapes (4 track). Get people who want to buy me presents to get them & cigarettes. To: Parents, 2627 N. Fifth St., Harrisburg, Pa., 17110, U.S. Amerika From: chuck, kibbutz lahav, d.n. negev, israel 22/Dec/71 Parents, Nothing much to report. 3 more days until Xmas. We’ll have a party Friday. Work is mostly the same. Am anxious for Janet to get here – although I’m also a bit nervous. It’s cloudy & drizzles nearly every day now. It could be depressing I suppose but I & everyone seem to be basically happy. A lot of people are coming to volunteer & right now there is beginning to be a housing shortage. A guy from Belgium is in our room for tonite but I think they’re going to turn him away. Jerry is still fine – when I can wake him he works in the garden. Today he was clearing out some ancient burial caves & found some bronze age urns. Eh. I found the aerogrammes I wrote to you when I had the flu. (See you didn’t know I had the flu), but I don’t think I said anything too important. Got a letter from Wilburn this week – he’s still teaching in Quebec & is very happy. Also got a letter from Deby (my “fiancée”), she’ll be in Canada, also going to Grad School in British Columbia. Have you been in contact with Lago? Several people I know are in the process of leaving Gannon. They say things have disintegrated badly. As I said, not much new to report . Oh! I got my glasses back finally – don’t know if I’ll have to pay or not. Someone told me that overweight is a lot less than air mail. You should be able to find out somewhere. What ever became of the Eurail money? This spring I could really use the money – I think you should ask one of our lawyer friends to look into it. My watchband is broken. I think I have another big leather one somewhere – or did you take it? My handwriting is illegible because I’m very tired. Maybe I’ll finish this later. * * * * * * * * * * Nothing new. Sort of disillusioned with the older people here at the moment. They’re acting more & more like bourgeois Amerikans than idealistic socialists. People do become less flexible with age I suppose but I don’t like to think so. So happy birthday Dad – prove to me that I’m wrong. love chuck To: Pauline Houston-Jones, 2627 N. Fifth St., Harrisburg, Pa., 17110, U.S. Amerika From: c. n. houston-jones, Kibbutz Lahav, D.N. Negev, ISRAEL 29/Jan/72 Mom, I realize it’s been a long time since I’ve written. I haven’t been writing to anyone. Things have been changing rapidly inside and I find it difficult to write truth because it’s always changing. Actually I’m quite healthy (just got over another big cold I caught two weeks ago), my outlook is largely optimistic – just confused. I’ve set March 4 as my departure date from here although I don’t know where I’ll go. Am looking into Africa. Thinking about Europe (London in particular) also New York or Canada. I’m not ready to settle anywhere, just want to see more. (Oh! The package came but they want me to pay 200 lirot in taxes! I forgot tourists have to pay. I’ll go to the post office & see what I can do. If it comes to 200L -- $50 I’ll have to return it since I’ll be here only a little more than a month anyway. The kibbutz will return the other stuff if it arrives after I’m gone.) Janet got here the sixth. Part of the indecisive mood comes from her being here. We’re living in the same room, separate beds – mostly separate lives. We’re not comfortable together. I like to read & write & be alone but she’s here and I feel guilty (?) for ignoring her but am unwilling to give up my solitude for her. Don’t know. Sound familiar? We went on a 4-day trip to the far south of the Sinai with the Swisses. I love the desert – reminded me of Arizona/ New Mexico/ Grand Canyon. We climbed in canyons & rocks & sand. It was warm/cool & dry. I loved it. I’m reading Portnoy’s Complaint by Philip Roth. It’s supposed to be about “the Jewish neurosis” but I find much identification with the character. I got Lago’s recommendation off but haven’t applied to Antioch yet. I don’t know if I will. I really don’t want to go to school, just --- (lost thought) Aaron & Karen & Micha should be back in the States now. I miss them a lot. So, I’m leaving in a little more than a month, don’t know where but I have enough faith in myself to know that I’ll be alright. I’ll telephone soon. Hang in there. Shalom chuck P.s. I hope things are better with Auntie. Hello to her, Annay, Dad, & Herbie. (written in the margin:) Have you seen the movie “The subject was Roses” with Patricia Neal? It’s been haunting me. To: Mr. & Mrs. North Jones, 2627 N. Fifth St., Harrisburg, Pa., 17110, U.S. Amerika From: chuck, kibbutz Lahav, Doar Na Negev, ISRAEL 11/Feb/72 Mommy (I love You) and Daddy too, News, news – I’m sick again. Nothing more serious than a cold. Everybody has colds here. You see, there’s no central heating (even in most apt. buildings). We only have the kerosene heater. We have to go to the outdoor (with running water) toilets and walk about 2 blocks to and from the shower house. But it’s a nice sunny day so it’s good to be off. Sorry about the package. I gather they won’t return it airfreight so by the time you get it the cake will probably be mummified. Actually I will not need any of the stuff – except maybe the books on Africa & even them I can buy at the University. Oh. The weather. Last week it snowed on Lahav, which probably isn’t that exciting to you but it was the first time in 5 years! It didn’t stick and was all gone by late afternoon but Jerusalem was paralyzed under a foot. I got my coat (that I bought this summer) from the Zimmermans finally. Judi got hepatitis so she was excused from the army for 4 weeks. Her parents were travelling through the Negev on her last week home and popped in for about 45 min. Africa is beginning to look more plausible, (I’ll be home!) Janet met a guy on the plane who goes to Beloit (Wisconsin) & is on work CO-OP from there to teach English to the “Natives.” Anyway, he sent her a card inviting her or any friends to stay at his place. Also the friend of Judi’s cousin who got me on Lahav is studying (for his Ph. D.) in Uganda. He sent his address. Then I’ve just written to Dianne & Dr. Emmuruwa from Gannon (via Nigeria). He told me if I ever planned a trip he’d help. Also Bente has a friend in Denmark who traveled last year in Ghana & Nigeria. So if Mrs. Adley writes I’ll have a wealth of knowledge. Hold off on money – try to get that $300.00 or more bank statement to me as I’m going to start applying for visas. Don’t send money – except in letters. If I will need a large amount You’ll have to send it to Janet since I can only get money in Israeli lirot since I’ve been here over 1/2 year & Israeli lirot are good absolutely nowhere but here. Oh, as of last night I have no beard, moustache or sideburns & look positively 16. D.N. = Dalet (Hebrew letter) Nun (Hebrew letter) 1st letters of DOAR NA = Postal Route (RD) love (muchly) chuck To: Pauline Houston Jones, 2627 N. Fifth St., Harrisburg, Pa., 17110, U.S. Amerika From: chuck, kibbutz Lahav, Doar Na Negev, ISRAEL 11/Feb/72 a couple of hrs later Mother, I’m all alone for the first time in a long time. No noise but wind (and my own occasional sneezing). I’m at the watchtower. I packed oranges & a book (Children of the Albatross – Anais Nin) & walked after writing. It’s maybe 2 miles from the kibbutz on a hill. It overlooks what will be the Lahav Forest and the fields – which are now turning green. You can see far, at least 50 miles. I think I can see the Sea. I’m dressed in my blues – bell jeans & the jacket you sent me my freshman year of college (?), brown work boots (which now really look like work boots). Under the jacket I wear the new plaid flannel shirt I got from the kibbutz for being here 6 months (also got a pair of summer weight trousers). It’s really beautiful here. Sky blue, slightly hazy/ brown earth turning green. Also got a letter from Aaron today. He’s unhappy, trying to readjust – having difficulty finding work. Finds people unfulfilling. Also is afraid of living in the city. I was trying to think of farms I knew in the States – the Lourie’s, Lago’s, Uncle Elam’s. The kibbutz is intense. You are with the same people constantly. It is contained. I suppose (and I’ve done a lot of analysis on this) I’m always going to be an only child. Child? Only Person. Janet and I are not living well together. Soon she’ll get a room somewhere else. I tell her I’m callous & cold when she wants love & warmth – not to be cruel – just Am. Self Centered? She won’t understand. I can’t get involved beyond trying to be polite. We’re still friends. Oh! Last nite I didn’t tell people I was shaving & when Janet came in to eat she walked right by me. Some change. So, I’m trying to make plans for Africa but I miss you very, very much. The sun’s beginning to go down & I guess I should go back before it gets cold & dark. I believe in You chuck Next Day A very good day. Feelin’ Fine. Love c. To: Chuck, 2627 N. Fifth St., Harrisburg, Pa. 17110, U.S.A From: Chuck, Kibbutz Adamit, Western Galilee 28/Mar/72 Lahav Burn e d o f f e n d i n g s BLunt Amputa tions Hydras Re – gen – er – ate B u d d i n g Break F a l l i n g away Tomorrow * * * * * unprofoundness but here/now. Yes there is great hope. Future only relevant as it affects today. But in a lot of ways I’ve already left this place/time. To: Parents, , 2627 N. Fifth St., Harrisburg, Pa., 17110, U.S. Amerika From: chuck houston-jones, ‡ Kibbutz Adamit, Western Galilee, Israel 22/Apr/72 Adamit Parents, No decisions have been made. I’m on another kibbutz for about a month then it’s either New York or Nairobi I guess. Adamit is a peaceful small kibbutz almost completely American/English & under 30. 25/Apr/72 Got your letter/money yesterday (forwarded from Lahav). You shouldn’t worry. If anything were wrong I’d let you know. Also got $50 from Denmark (I lent it to a girl to get her ticket). So I’m quite wealthy now. I’m very apprehensive about returning to the States. I’m not sure if it really is my home. Which is why the Africa thing is so important. When I think of returning I keep thinking of Canada. I really don’t consider myself a U.S. Amerikan but I know that at the moment that is who controls my life & past. These 9 months have been very important in reminding me what I’ve always known – that time/place of birth are irrelevant to the Present man. I cannot be trapped by accidents. Which is a ridiculous statement since we are all trapped by an infinite chain of accidents. But I guess what Life is all about is overcoming the accidents and taking control. Reading matter: DO IT! by Jerry Rubin (steal it & read it) it’s not worth the $2.45 because he writes that he is against $$$ & a lot of it is offensive for offensiveness sake but he writes of liberation in a very liberating manner. Africa Yesterday & Today Toward African Revolution by Franz Fannon (too many big words) (I’ll never be a scholar) Africa Must Unite by Nkruma About school --??? I’m not a scholar, don’t think I’ll ever be. There must be alternatives. I’ve begun forcing myself to write every day to see if I do have any talent in that direction. Some days are good. Some days not good. But I really can’t see going back to the grind. At least not now. So someday I’ll be seeing you soon. I love you chuck P.s. Saw Marat/Sade again, again last night. Still my favorite play/film. Line from a “Jefferson Airplane” song that was part of the multi-media Gannon orientation. “Lather was 30 years old today, They took away all of his toys, His mother sent clippings of his friends, Who had all stopped being boys.” Amen To: Parents, 2627 N. Fifth St., Harrisburg, Pa., 17110, U.S. Amerika. From: chuck houston-jones, Kibbutz Adamit, ISRAEL (also in Hebrew but the name is Chuck Volunteer) 29/Apr/72 Adamit Next week, this week, going to Lahav to see if someone wants to travel in Europe for a couple of weeks. If not I’ll be leaving soon thereafter for the U.S. Don’t know what I’ll do when I get there. Maybe rest a little then get a job; maybe see about schools or farms. I think Susie Lourie is travelling across country this summer – if she doesn’t come here. Lago’s in Iowa City. I don’t know what Erie people are doing. The restlessness has finally overtaken me. So --- The money has been forwarded to me – with the 20 that’s coming it makes 50 + 50 + 100. Youth fare to NYC is 150 so I guess I have enough. My head is fine but I have to get away. I really don’t want to come back to the States – apprehensive about politics, people, paranoia, fear, hatred – after Israel it will be hard to get used to. Reading the Godfather. Writing a little – not good. What more? I – No words. Plan a happy 21st for me. Shalom (in Hebrew) chuck To: Parents,2627 N. Fifth St., Harrisburg, Pa., 17110, U.S.A. From: chuck, Kibbutz Adamit, D.N. Galil Maarvi 8/Jun/72 Adamit Parents, Really sorry about not writing but plans & hassles in getting out of Israel have been uncertain. Bente, my friend from Denmark, wants me to come up there & live with her for at least a month. I think I’ll try to get a work permit in case something turns up. It will be strange since we’ve only been together at Lahav & Janet came & then she (Bente) left in April but we miss each other & --- My plane leaves for Copenhagen on the 21st so I guess there isn’t enough time for you to write back here Her address is: Bente Thomsen Skovvangen 28 Ordrup, 2920 Charlottelund DENMARK I guess you can write me there for a while. I’ve gotten close to some people here. I’m living with a really nice guy from California, a girl from Charlotte, S.C. & Janet. Peter & I are in one room & the girls in the other. We’ve all gotten to be quite close & now we’re all going to split up. It’s sad I guess. But I guess I’ve gotten hardened to it also. Janet & Sue are going to travel in Europe for a while together; maybe I’ll join them. There’s a half-good article on Adamit in this month’s ISRAEL MAGAZINE. Well, I have to get up in 3 hrs to pick bananas & become 21 years old. I am Happy. Love chuck * * * * * * * * * * I did go to Denmark and live in a group house with Bente in a suburb of Copenhagen for about a month. Peter (Brosius, with whom I’m still in contact and with whom I worked on a theater project in Los Angeles in the 1990s) joined us. One day on a train some creepy American kid, upon hearing that I was from Harrisburg, said there were big floods there; a lot of people were dead. I didn’t believe him but called home anyway. In the aftermath of Hurricane Agnes, there had indeed been massive flooding along the Susquehanna River; the waters came within two blocks of our house. But more importantly my Auntie (my mother’s Aunt Angeline Houston, the matriarch of our family) had died. I was told that I was expected back immediately. I returned to Harrisburg and hung out for the rest of the summer, then moved to Philadelphia in a house with my high school friend Susan Lourie and several other Temple University students. I changed my first name. I began auditing dance classes at Temple and taking class all over Philly. I got into Group Motion Media Theater by that winter. Susan and I are still in touch; she teaches dance at Wesleyan University in Connecticut. I went to what would have been my graduation from Gannon College in 1973. Sammy and Roy graduated as well as my friend Wil who'd taken a year off to teach in Quebec; the following year Wil drowned while in the Peace Corps in Sierra Leone. I didn’t see Janet again until the 20th reunion of William Penn High School in 1989. As of today, I’ve never been to Africa. IH-J 7 January 2002