1/2/66 Dear Mom, Kathleen and Aunt Mary:

All of your packages came just before Christmas and I really had fun opening them and figuring out which ones I'll read first. "America the Beautiful" is wonderful and the villagers of course like the pictures of Kennedy. Your selection was wonderful, Aunt Mary, and the two dollars came through all right. Thank you very much. I spent Christmas in the village and visited another village for New Years. They were nice, but of course, you would have to be in the States before you could call it Christmas. I am going to Izmir in February for a conference and hope to assist at my Christmas then. Hope you enjoyed your trip to Katie's and had a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Hope your days were happy too, Kathleen. I did not receive any clipping about John Baisch. What happened? If possible, I wish you could get the address of Pat Wells from someone. I would like to write her a note. Your new coat sounds very nice, Mom. I'll wait for those pictures. KC and Trix sent me some pictures of their new baby and I really appreciated it.

My little projects are coming along.. you could not call them successes because they have only started but they are successes right now to me. Our sports club, which is as yet non-existent, is coming along fine. We have made a list of boys and have placed notices for a meeting on this Wednesday night. I do not know what it will go like but a new teacher came in and he is really helping a lot. He seems to listen to me and of course the kids listen to the Hoca or teacher like it were God himself. It is amazing the powerful force these teachers have on the villagers. The only trouble is that the teachers with the acquisition of status, become complacent and passive and are equipped with a blind stupidity only attributable to this acquired status which they will never lose. I feel bitter towards the teachers right now because I think they take my seriousness for a joke and also my work, if they understand it.

We have built the washing machine and the carpenter really did a good job. I am going to place it in the peoples' meeting room and show it to the women on this Sunday. I do not know if it is a characteristic of all people but my villagers have an innate ability to find fault or criticize something new or foreign to them. I guess I shouldn't say that. They fall over backwards at new machinery etc., I guess I cannot expect them to be helpful because they do not know why I built this machine in the first place. It will make me a little sad if the people do not buy it, but I like it a lot and will be glad to buy it. If it is going to be sold someone has to really go out and try to sell the thing...but who?? The price is 15 dollars. It is so much easier than washing by hand.

I took some pictures today. This roll will mostly be of people in my village. Ramadon has started and so the coffee houses are closed during the day. During the day the men and women consume nothing. They rise at 4 o'clock and eat again at night. The men who are constant coffee housers still return but only sit outside or stand making rope. I took their pictures today and then one of the shoemaker who has been a good friend. During the wedding before Ramadon, four sax players came and they would put on concerts at the coffee house at night. It was dark inside but I tried three pictures. Hope at least one comes out well. I was going to save the film for my vacation in the spring but if Marge comes, which she said she plans to do, I can get some more film from her.

The weather is not bad at all. It is overcast and sometimes rainy but not too much mud, etc. My health is good and my spirits up and down. I am real disappointed in the teachers but everything else is so good that I cannot really complain.

I am still fixing up my house. Most kids are through by now but I have four rooms to furnish. It is going to be quite a pad when I get finished. I'll take some more pictures when that time comes. Please tell John thanks for his package and his letters and that I'll write to him soon.

Love, Dan.

1/11/66 Dear Mom, Kathleen, And Aunt Mary,

This past week has been rather busy in the village, at least for yours truly. This morning I bought two kilos of cookies and lit my fire and am continuing to read The Italians by Barzini.

One week ago today we finished the washing machine. It will cost the villagers 175 Turkish liras or I should say if they purchase it, it will cost... I washed my clothes Saturday the 8th at the village meeting room for all the men and then took the machine down to the school and showed it to the women on Sunday. It didn't receive too bad a reception but of course no one offered to buy the machine. I'm giving it to a family that I know. The old lady of the house is a real kick. She has a round soft face and reminds me of somebody. I don't know her.. but I like her. I like the machine of course but I want to find out how really practical the thing really is.

On the fifth of this month we had the first meeting of the Comakli Youth organization. According to the reports of the skeptics which includes almost everyone no one was supposed to show up. Out of this generous vote of support, 35 kids showed up. I'm afraid that most of them came into the meeting room just to find out what the meeting was all about. This Wednesday will separate the men from the boys.. they are supposed to pay their dues for the first six months, 5 liras. Probably the first group activity we will do is far from the direct purpose of the club but it will be fun and a money raiser. It is called a PIYES. It means a small theatrical play. I went to Antalya and picked up a couple of piyes books at the local library. The one they seem to like and want to put on is by Moliere. We hope to put the play on some time in February.

At the last meeting they selected the officers. Most of them of course are good boys but they are the hardest working among the group. Three of the five have their own little business and keep real busy. I don't know whether they have given a thought to the meeting this Wednesday night or not. I tried to get them together and let them think up something to say by themselves but the teacher whom I invited dominated the evening so we got nothing done. I prepared the last meeting.. wrote the nine notices we put up, wrote the agenda to be followed at the meeting, prepared the meeting room (stove, chairs, and my own firewood, and lamps). This is a good experience though. I'm learning the ins and outs of getting people to do things themselves, although I haven't learned how yet!

What have you been up to lately? How are the finances, Mom? Need a loan of a few liras. Are you still running a used car lot or did you sell the venerable old fifty? Hope you were able to give the Italian something for a birthday present. Who took her to Homecoming? It would be a loss of pride to ask her.. he,he,he.. Sally mailed me a very wonderful gift of Pope Paul's trip to New York. It created quite a sensation in the coffee-house. Please thank her very much. I hope she is getting along fine at S.U. Has she been able to get a scholarship yet? I suppose the Christmas and New Year's rush kept you really busy at your work, Aunt Mary. Hope it wasn't too tiring.

I'm sure enjoying your books. Eddie and Irma sent me three books and I've already read one by Galbraith. The other two will be just as good. I don't spend my American money. I have about 10 one dollar bills.. If you decide to send any more ones wait five times and send one bill.

I plan to use the money when I go gezing or touring. I think our first adventure might be to East Central Africa. Jack Boatwright. Paul Kinsley and Clarence Falk. And if Pass is here then Passanisi. I hope she will let me know her travel plans. We hope to reach Lake Victoria.

Our second trip will be to the Middle East. Aunt Irma sent me a picture of Uncle Lawerence on the August Eagle cover. He has a great laugh and smile. You can almost hear him when you look at the picture. How's the weather in Seattle. We had our first snow about two days ago. It's gone now but it was really pretty. Of course I got killed with kar topu every time I left my front door. I took out the barber's pane window and he broke the rim of my glasses and we ended up in a wrestling match to the enjoyment of all. Hope you're keeping busy and happy... Has the draft actually gotten anyone of the five year students at S.U.? . Love, Dan

2/18/66 Dear Mom, Aunt Mary and Kathleen,

Right now I'm rereading your past few letters. I'm amazed to see how prolific my mother is. Glad to hear the door problem was not too big, but how about the ceiling? Did Mr. Kessler find the leak or did the plaster fall? The teacher I was so happy with left the village but the other teachers seem to be responding more now. (Mainly, because the Care book locker of 240 books just arrived and I put it in the village reading room. They are very happy when things come parasiz (no money).

My washing machine is standing idle in the backyard of one of the local lady's house. It works as the book describes but of course it demands a great deal of hot water which is time consuming in the village. I plan to make a few modifications tomorrow and hope that they will begin to use it. I'll take a picture of it and it will be in the next packet.

Thanks for your Valentine's card and letter. By the way I enjoyed the articles you sent me, especially the one on the Leahy brothers. Is Perry Nestos really in jail for something or other? I hope that you get to go to Spokane on the 23rd, this time. I think that you will enjoy the change. It was really great of you to go to the HC game and watch Marge. Please thank Phil for me. Also, Marge mentioned, that you, Aunt Mary, let her use your Instamatic camera at the game. Thanks very much. I really enjoyed the pictures that you sent me. Eddie and family looks good.. Therese has a beautiful smile. You two look in the peak of health... believe it or not.. the picture with the crab cocktail in it made my head scratch. You look good and healthy, Kathleen; thanks for her picture, Mom.

My sport club is struggling along in true Turkish style and the play has all but been forgotten. I am in good type health after a small bout with dysentery on the way to Izmir. All my supplies are holding out fine and now with the addition of Bacardi Rum from Beirut things are in great shape. The snow only stayed for about a week and then left for good, they say. Today was beautiful; in fact even hot! Thanks for the clipping of Gretchen and the "Springs of Humor" booklet, Aunt Mary. I suppose it would actually be a rather cold homecoming for Wally seeing that his old girlfriend got married about 1/2 block from his house.

I almost went to Tripoli this week but I decided to try and wait until August to take my first vacation. A boy from Spokane who I wanted to travel with is going to Tripoli for a nose operation and wanted a companion. I just about broke but decided to wait. Marge sent me a useful book which contained the programs of all the universities offering studies in graduate economics. Believe it or not I should start pretty soon to begin application procedure for the year 1967's fall. I plan to try and get into three schools that are listed in connection with the International Development Fellowship and also apply to the [handwritten note: University of Wash. (safety precaution).]

Mrs. McNammee's book came on the 25th of January. It's beautiful. I think that I mentioned that in the last letter. Anyhow thank her again for me.

My cooking got so bad about a month ago that I decided the best way to beat the problem is to stop cooking. The only reason I presently enter the kitchen is to mix a rum and coke or clean the stove pipes that run through that room. I have breakfast at the school and usually get dinner in somebody's house. This is much better. I just hope that I can continue to get to someone's house each night.

Some other villagers came to Comakli tonight and plan to go to the woods Sunday to hunt the wild pig which is abundant around here. I finally decided to go and see what this creature looks like. They told me to find a gun so I guess I have to beg one from one of the villagers. It should be an exciting time.

Please call up Passanisi and tell her that her letter is coming. I had it written five days ago but have been unable to get it out of the village. I hope that she enjoyed her "search" .. I suppose that I disappointed her by not writing the paper she asked for. Hope you all stay in good health and merry spirits.. Much Love, Dan

3/10/66 Dear Mom, Kathleen and Aunt Mary,

Received both of your letters from Spokane. Sounds like Joe and Polly will have a good trip. I'll answer your questions first. My shoes and clothing are holding up well, although I have a bag full of laundry that I don't want to do. When I come home I'll make sure and come up the back stairs so your dream will be fulfilled, but I won't be big you can count on that. The London Economist is a magazine published in London. I know McTigue but he left S.U. during our junior year and then I lost track of him.

I didn't mention the Izmir trip because it involved one thing... dysentery. The city itself is beautiful and it is a major port for Turkey's exports. One evening we went to the Efes Hotel which I think is the nicest hotel in Turkey and I spent a sixth of my monthly income on one dinner.

I'm not going to Tripoli because I want to save up my vacation time for August when Marge comes... if she is still planning on coming. For a month's vacation they give you approximately 100 dollars. On this amount two friends of mine cut clear across Africa by bus and truck, etc. On that hundred you can't ride the beautiful Greek and Italian ships but you can see a lot of country. You asked me once how I would take care of Marge. I certainly cannot pay her way but other than that she will just stay with me. I would like her to come to the village from Greece and from there we could start our voyage. I don't know what the trouble was with Jack's nose but it's an American installation. One of the English teachers from Antalya went to Beirut and brought the rum. Izmir is a clean city and very modern. I don't pay for my meals they are usually invitations.

Too bad about Tom. Why was he drafted? Not in school? Did you hear Mike Baehr was drafted and is now in training? He had got a job with Boeing and shortly after was called by Uncle S. You mentioned Bob Beard, but you didn't mention anything else... how's the account near Fredericks?

The challenge of loneliness becomes larger and more complex the more it is viewed in itself. I'm just starting.. don't you give up.. let the philosophers measure its inner contents... let's live our lives with the acceptance of it or the will-power to conceal it from our daily consciousness. Some people lack the consciousness to discover their inherent loneliness, but people who have discovered this uniquely human phenomenon by mental or physical means are presented with another life chore making our short time here on earth harder but yet more infinitely rewarding. A poorly phrased attempt to ease my mother's burden.

Coming home last night I lost a letter from KC which contained two pictures and his new address in Sanford, Florida. I would sure appreciate it if you could somehow find out their new address. I'd like to give them a quick reply. Thanks. Heard anything from Marge? I haven't either. But I guess I can't expect much else. I even thought I might get engaged in August.

We have a big chicken project going here in Comakli. The night watchman and I are now in the process of building a Kumes chicken coop which should be able to house 200 chickens. He should be able to triple his night watchman salary. Everyone is watching us. If it works it will be great but if not it will be the end of chicken-raising commercially in Comakli. I have been taking pictures like crazy so you will be able to see the whole process. The weather here has been great since the second week in February. It's really exceptional, they say.

Tomorrow, I'll start to give the exercises again at the grade school. They replaced the former teacher with a high school graduate from the village. He asked me to start the exercises again. He might put some life into the School.

Thanks for the booklet of pictures. It has some pictures of my viliyet (country) so the villagers seem to enjoy them. The letters from Passanisi were really something.. one on top of the other.. I read them well as you advised but had no answer to her implied questions. I won't claim innocence on grounds neither of you could understand but in doing that I have no excuse nor answer. If she decides I'm worth the trouble she'll write again.. if not, I refer you to a previous paragraph in this letter. Hope everything is going along alright at 308. I hope the Durocher dinner comes off okay. What's Babbitt up to? Where is John going? I think I'll try and hit the Sunrise service at Ephesus, April 10th. Love, Dan L.

April 26, 1966 Tuesday - Korkuteli Dear Mom, Aunt Mary, Kathleen,

I received your last letter, Mom. Thanks for speaking out frankly. It was good to have such a letter. I'm interested in you and how you're coming along. It will help me make my decision if you keep inserting things about yourself and how life at 308 Crockett is coming along. Life is not all roses and it is not a bad letter if you insert some of its more unromantic sides.

I sent a letter off to Marge yesterday. It was mostly about the trip I am planning across North Africa. I gave her a list of several things which I will need for the trip - most are inexpensive and will be of no bother for her to bring them. (1) film (2) 2 pairs of light-blue jeans (31-32 -32) NOT "blue jeans". (3) a soft sailor-type hat - bigger than a sailor but one which folds easy - but when unfolded would come over my forehead (4) If they are not too expensive, prescription sunglasses. Tell the doctor I'll be in North Africa where the sun is like a white sheet. I'll need the darkest pair he can manufacture. (5) Then, of course, you can drop me a couple grand if you wish.

Things are real busy here. We have received support from the Antalya Governor, CARE and AID for our leader-camp program. It will begin on the 10th of May and continue for ten days. We have four of these camps planned in May and September. I will be staying in the central villages and not in Comakli during May. I have almost completed a report form requesting a motorcycle for me. It is the only way Zeki bey (my boss in Korkuteli) and I will be able to efficiently administer this program. Wish us luck.

Received a letter from Passanisi yesterday. She "chewed my ear" (how I wish? he,he) about not talking about myself and talking too much about the Peace Corps. She thinks the Peace Corps and I have become identified into one person. Wait till she gets here in August I'll talk her ear off. It's so hard for me to be meditative about myself with no one to talk to. I don't have the ability to analyze myself like the psychology major I write to. It becomes a chore to think about how I'm reacting to all this in Turkey. You might think a life spent by oneself in a Turkish village would turn a person into a reflective introvert, but for me it is not so. There are no objective outlines by which to guide or limit one's evaluation of himself. I suppose this is one of the numerous functions our visiting representatives perform. If you wish, read this to Marge. It would be extremely boring for me to write this again. It makes little difference to me if I change somehow because of this experience. I'd rather just let time pass and take a look after two years. I don't think it will be anything drastic! Love you much. - I'm healthy, holy, and horny. Love. Dan

Friday the 8th Dear Mom, Aunt Mary, and Kathleen,

Came into Antalya yesterday with my friend Ali. We got a jeep from the Agricultural man + were driven to AKSU which is an institute devoted to chickens, bees, and rabbits. We spent the rest of yesterday and today shopping for wire and other accessories for the chicken house. The 800 liras came from Ankara so we're in good shape.

Got your recent letters. Thanks for the clippings on Boyd, etc. I'm glad to hear the first phase of operation "sore mouth" came off smoothly. I remember Woody telling that he had all his teeth pulled in a couple hours accompanied by a couple good shots of whiskey. It will be a real good relief to have that problem over with and able to continue your Queen Anne Society Woman's role with renewed vigor. Hope you make that trip to Alaska, Aunt Mary - you're only young once!

Most of the kids here in Antalya are finishing up their two years and receiving acceptances to grad. school. One boy was accepted into Yale's program in teaching. I'm oozing with jealousy. Even with only 10 months in Peace Corps experience. I'm doomed to quite a bit of thinking concerning my years after the Peace Corps. If I don't feel I can stand the expense involved, I would try and get a job in Turkey as a CARE representative. This job earns around 9,000 dollars a year and you can live very nicely on 2,000 dollars here in Turkey. However, if I do that I might not get back to grad school which I firmly believe is a necessary in the highly competitive U.S. -

Of course, there's Miss Passanisi, whom I love very much but doesn't fit into my selfish desires of a couple more years of freedom on this side of the world. She told me pretty definitely that if we are married it must be in San Francisco. You know, Mom, I have a great opportunity to become something other than the normal, provincial American (if one exists). Language teachers often say that you begin to learn English while studying another language. I hope to learn about the U.S. by absorbing some of the foreign culture. I would love to pick up my French somewhere along the line. It would open up a lot of Africa. Plus its a normal requirement for grad. school. Lots of talk with not much action on my part.

Last week was novel week. I read Spy That Came in from the Cold and it was really great! Read it if you get a chance. If the London Economist is sent from England it should be cheaper. Thanks for both your efforts in trying to get the publication for me. Got another letter from Joe, personal. He said they were headed for another vacation + hoped you would do the babysitting again. Trudy told me that Joe had another chance to buy a ticket for a car but she refused because they can't afford the taxes. Ha! She's a real kick. You say very little about financial situations, Mom. - Anything about our cabin land or the Apartment Cooperative. Is the cooperative functioning at all? Did you ever sell the Fifty Ford? How's the Chevy doing? Are you traveling much? I'm beginning to get spring fever. I want to go - !! The weather is just starting to pull into summer for good here. I guess Marge is really coming, huh? It will be great to see her. But I'm afraid I might have to commit myself one way or the other definitely. I'm really not ready, Mom, even though I think I found the right girl. Problems of the future become present problems to the "ulcer kid" - Love you all much, Dan

May 13th 1966 Dear Mom, Kathleen, and Aunt Mary,

Hi - Just received your letter which was written on Monday and Tuesday of some day in May. Glad you enjoyed the slides. Sorry the ones of my room didn't turn out; I don't have any flashbulbs as you guessed; and the roll I'm taking now is my last one. I just decided to take another picture of myself with my "Antalya shirt" on.

We finally got our 100 chickens 3 days ago. Of course they are not the same age and they come without the promised feed. Ali came to me at Imrabor (Leader Camp Village) and said the Agricultural people, "Bos gibi yalon atar!" Literally - "They throw lies as smooth as lee." Well to say the least - I was ticked. I got mad at one of our best friends who is the Agricultural Director in Korkuteli. He finally gave us 100 kilos of feed without direction from Antalya.

Thanks for taking care of the pants, film, hat, etc. Don't worry about sending money. I get plenty when I'm traveling. Don't worry about Marge going across N. Africa. We'll go to Beirut and she can go wherever she wants to from there. I'll find someone else to cross N. Africa with me maybe I'll go in October. I'll take about a week's vacation. She can see the village and Beirut and Return to Lucca or wherever she's going. Tell her that Ankara is nothing and she should find a flight to Izmir or Istanbul. It doesn't make any difference to me where she lands, I've seen all three places. She should also get reservations for her flight to Italy. Wherever she wants to fly from tell her to sign up. She can fly back from Ankara if she wishes.

As for my mustache, I won't shave if off because we'll probably be out of Turkey only a week. After I meet her plane we'll return to Comakli and that sure as hell would seem stupid to anyone if I shaved off my mustache for a week visit. If Marge will be embarrassed to be greeted by me and my mustache then she should stay in America and complete its isolatory process.

Congratulate Curly on the "black beret." he must have sweated like hell to get it. Thanks for sending the snaps. Each time I look at them I'll be reminded that my mother won't stop crying until her son comes "home." I like the new suit very much. It looks real good on you. Aunt Mary looks real good - (the coffee is probably spiked).

Marge looks great as usual - she'll be a splash in Europe but I guess she was never cut out to like Turkey or the countries like N. Africa. I guess if I want to marry her I'd better change my mind about what I want to do with my life and sell insurance in San Francisco. You know, I'd love to ask her to marry me and stay in Comakli for 9 months while I finish out my stay. But she wouldn't accept and I know it. It's not being united with someone that counts but the place their united at and where they live.

I finished Travels with Charley by Steinbeck which is a pleasant book to read but with too little space provided for the author's thoughts. I'm about halfway through The Last Temptation of Christ by Kazantzakis (misspelled) It's good. He's a beautiful, lusty writer. Read it - Mary B. -

I've thought of a better plan. If Marge wishes, she can get a round trip from Athens to Ankara + back - we'll see the village and then fly to Athens - Hold it that's no good unless she's flying Turkish Airline. If she is flying Turkish Airlines from Athens, then do it that way. That way she'll have no problem getting back to Lucca, Italy. I'll try and write her soon. Her last letter explaining her two week time limit pulled the plug out of my Africa trip and at the same time deprives me of at least a week of vacation time. But I'm sure it couldn't be helped so we'll see Comakli and Ankara and she can make her deadline. You might say isn't 2 weeks enough. Yes its fine but if I want to see anything I have to split the 45 days into two vacation times. One time to Africa; one time to India. In two weeks you get about halfway to either place.

I wrote her a poor letter. She probably received it just after the one she got Monday. Tell her to burn it! It doesn't make any difference how long she stays. I appreciate the 2 weeks she's taking out of her schedule. I'll be helping out in these camps until 5th of June. Then I'll return to Comakli - Love, -Dan

P.s. When I first received the news about 2 weeks I thought she would probably find the month's time and I had all the directors write a letter saying that 2 weeks was very little. But since I received the last letter from her, I realized the two weeks was sealed within a schedule that can't be changed and the tone turned from light to heavy. I'll send them to you + you can keep them for me. -

June 1, 1966 Dear Mom, Kathleen and Aunt Mary,

Congratulations, Mom: 17 lbs. is quite a bit. You sure must feel a lot better. Keep it up.. pretty soon with the loss of a few more pounds you'll be down on Marge's level and be able to diet together! Marge told me she didn't burn any letter. I can't remember what letter I said to burn .. I guess it must have been important, huh? When is Mary Helen Madden coming over? Thanks for the two rolls and flash bulbs which she will bring over. I will probably see her in July when I go to Ankara for a conference. I wonder if you found the type of hat I want. Could you describe it to me? It would be a shame for it to come all that distance and not be what I had hoped for. And please don't buy those jeans (light-blue) too big so they will be baggy. At least I haven't changed in this way.

I didn't know that you had gone back to work. Are you down at Ryders'? How many days a week; how many hours. I bet it helps.. like the Turks say.. to pass the time. I took out some Government term insurance for the length of my service. If I get knifed by a Turk over here, you and Aunt Mary will be 10,000 richer and the young lady with high cheek-bones, beautiful smile and a rose in her hand will get Five Grand to drown her sorrows. Marge hasn't written much about the Russell-Baker engagement. Do you think you could send me Bill's address? Heard anything about the Crowders? I just got through writing them a good letter... but very late. I don't think too much of the Junior Colleges either... but you know Mom, we were never saddled with the costs of boarding and room away from home. Eddie will probably be on a pretty good scholarship.

Kathleen, we got the money from the governor alright and money from CARE. The first camp is over with and the second one begins on the 8th of June. The rejection of help topic is like asking Dad to speak on English-Irish relations before Independence. It's better left unsaid. There is no Anti-Catholic movement or feeling that I know of in Turkey. As far as Anti-American feeling that's everywhere. However it has not interfered with my work at Comakli. Have you ever met Marge?

I wish you would tell me how the Peace Corps life and the religious life are nourished by the same spirit. I've never met so many fallen-away Catholics, yet they are good volunteers. I'll be glad to talk with your girls when I get home. Maybe by that time you will have a room full of University Juniors or Seniors. Of course I'm still interested in Master's work. I don't know how I will afford it. Just yesterday I wrote seven letters to universities requesting application forms and financial assistance forms. The road to grad school has begun.

As for your last request you can stick it directly into your left or right ear lobe whichever you prefer. I guess that's enough.. I don't want to get bitter and tell you how stupid and fruitless your last request was. Just what are the benefits of a discussion like this. If you would think and unwrap yourself from a time sequence which requires you to hold seminars on an appropriate date so everyone can feel bad, cry a little and make sure they are really sorry. Why not feel bad all the time. I guess no one would know then. They wouldn't be able to relate your actions to any particular day they have listed in their date book. Society is so social conscience. I guess that is self-evident or a redundant statement but it is not said enough. Are you society- conscience, Kathleen or do you just have some perverted sense of joy obtained from pain. Mom, Kathleen and I are having a little discussion so please mail this letter to her.

I'm sure you will enjoy the Passanisi's. Buy Mr. Passanisi a real good long cigar for me. They might like to see the slides we've collected of Turkey. You must be getting pretty tired of them yourself, huh? How did you like the last roll? They are of the 1st camp and of the water depot in Comakli. I'm a pretty well-dressed village worker, huh? Actually the governor was there that day.

Of course I don't have any present for Marge's graduation. Find out what Helene Johnson is up to. I wrote her a letter and she never answered. I thought she would. Write again soon, Love, Dan

(1) Get some unofficial transcripts from S.U. of my academic record + send them to me. 6-7 should do - Thanks (2) Get my ranking in my senior class. Percentage-wise. - (top 40%. top 50% etc.) (3) G.R.E. scores - Thanks

Dear Mom, Aunt Mary, Kathleen -

Hi! I'm sitting at the very exclusive Antalya Restaurant, the Sabo. It's truly beautiful here. The moon is full over the Mediterranean and the band is playing beautiful music to accompany the gorgeous view of the stars and sea. This is one place I will really miss when I return to the States. Last night there were two Istanbul girls here, complete with bell-bottom trousers, block-knot sweaters and well-built bods. After much deliberation we asked them to dance. They both knew English + were really nice girls. We had a great time. First time I danced fast to a band since I've been in Turkey.

Marge is probably through Spain by now + on her way through Southern France. I started getting reservations today. For plans, boats + hotels. It will really be good to see her + talk to someone again. Got your letter, Aunt Mary, thanks. I can imagine the business at your office due to Vietnam. Also received the transcripts about two weeks ago from S.U. The graduate school business is coming along fine. Getting mail like I never have before. I hope you enjoyed your trip Mom. You + Kathleen probably had a real good talk. I'm really glad to hear that you're out on the road again. Got a letter from Pat describing the folks who attended the Jubilee at Waterville. There are rumors Margret A. is getting a little chubby again. Hope it doesn't hurt your medical problems which have been coming along so well.

A lot of parents have been coming over to visit the volunteers in Turkey. I've been thinking you should start thinking about a possible trip to Ireland on one of those economy flights. I could meet you there as easy as pie + then fly home with you. Keep it in mind anyhow. Charter flights are getting so cheap nowadays it's unbelievable. Just a thought - keep it in mind. My work is coming along fine. I talked with the Mobil representative here in Antalya today - he said they probably could help with some type of donation to cover the fuel bill connected with next two camps. Sounds good. He's quite a nice guy. I called him from Antalya + he sent his personal chauffeured car to pick me up + take me to the installation outside the city.

I have another request. I want to obtain an International Driver's License for Turkey. This requires that my WASH. State license be sent to some organization in New York accompanied by some money. I don't know too much about it. This license is necessary for me in my job at Korkuteli. I don't know where you can find information concerning the process involved but I'm sure you can call someone in Seattle. My new Washington State license should come automatically soon, I think. Why don't you let me know what you think. I lost my wallet in (illegible). So I don't have the old license. See what you can find out. - Hope everything is fine - My bod is well tanned + waiting for Marge. Love you much - Dan

Any graduation pictures of Marge - ? Any loose 5's or 10's hanging around?

June, 12th Dear Mom, Kathleen, and Aunt Mary,

Well, how are all you people? We are in the middle of the second camp at Imrohor village and everything is running pretty smoothly. I just received a letter from Walter Salmen, my boss in Ankara, and he wants me to give a talk concerning our leader camp program at the general conference, July 1-3. It should be rather fun. I enjoyed being discussion leader at the February conference in February.

During the first week of July I wrote approximately 14 letters to Universities requesting applications and financial forms and catalogs. I gave both my address and yours. I have received application papers from the University of Washington already but I suppose that the majority of the Universities will send their catalogs to you at my home address. I would appreciate it if you could mail these catalogs by air mail to your son immediately. This will involve quite an expense but I think that the advantages of being able to peruse these catalogs personally will prove beneficial in the long run.

How were the Passanisi's? Did you have them over to the house? Marge told me you were going to drive her out to the airport to pick up her parents. She really appreciated it! Thanks, Mom. I suppose Marge is off to New York by now. Did Mrs. Passanisi have any worries about Marge in Turkey or the Near East? If so, write and tell me; I'll write her a line to reassure her.

How are you, Aunt Mary? I haven't heard a peep from you for quite some time. Or are you in Alaska or something? Or did you stow away with Passanisi and her five buddies? Not much new. Got a letter from Bob Babbitt. He has become good friends with Father Costello at Campion Hall. He has a job at JK High School and sounds real good and busy. Does he ever visit you at home? Mary Helen Madden should be in Turkey by now. In fact, she will probably be in Yalincak when I'm in Ankara for the conference.

I will feel like a stranger when I return to Comakli. It will be over two months since I left and then I'll only stay a month until August 8th or 9th and then I'll leave for another month or so. I'm sure glad we are having this camp in Comakli. The villagers will understand then. Zeki and I have some work to do. Sorry but I have to run... Love you much.

July 27 Dear Mom, Kathleen and Aunt Mary,

Got your letters of July 18th. Thanks very much. I received both the five dollar bills and the income tax remittance alright. I also received my driver's from the Dept. of Licenses in Olympia. Glad to hear you had a nice time in Spokane... sounds like you're really keeping busy and moving around. It's going to be real good to have Kathleen at home again; just think. She'll only be a few minutes away from home.

I don't think I have told you my travel plans with Marge. They are not much. I will meet her in Izmir on the 10th of August and we will take a boat to Rhodes on the 12th. We will probably stay there until the 21st or so and then go to Korkuteli and Comakli. Then we will go to Adana and fly from there to Beirut and by taxi to Jerusalem and to Tel-Aviv. It will be 28 days together. I have been getting postcards from her as she has been coming across Europe. In Barcelona they had some of their luggage stolen. Marge lost about 75 dollars’ worth of goods. The biggest things were film and her travel log. Haven't heard from her lately. She should be on her way to Greece by now. I hope our trip works out alright. I have been waiting so long that as it approaches closer I begin to have a so what careless feeling. But I am sure that will disappear when I'm on my way to Izmir on that bus.

Walt Salmen has been down here for the past few days. In September a boy and a girl will join us as Peace Corps Volunteers here. It could very well be Mary Helen herself although I don't know. Their group is very small, only 30 kids were allowed in the country. I was asked to participate in the training at Yalincak but I would be away from Korkuteli for over a month if I did so I turned it down.

I got an invitation and a thank you note from Susan. It was very nice of her and of you to include my name on a gift. Thanks. This trip I mentioned is not something I think we can plan but we must certainly look into the possibilities of some cheap chartered flight going to Ireland or something and it might just coincide with the time I am returning home.

My wallet included my picture of Dad, Marge, driver's license, group health card, draft card... only thing that I haven't replaced is the picture of Dad. Do you think you could find the negative of that one picture?

Not much doing here in Korkuteli. Anne Boylon's mom came to the village about two days ago and will leave for some vacation with Anne tomorrow. I think she is enjoying herself but it's a real different experience for her.

Kathleen wrote me a letter saying she was envious of my knowledge in Economics. Tell her that I am envious of her knowledge of Math and Calculus and according to graduate schools nowadays no one can know Economics without at least Calculus so she is probably more of an economist than I.

Been getting wedding invitations like crazy lately... Got a letter from Ruef.. she admonished me that she has no "stone" on her finger but Dave is still around. Got a letter from Kevin Hanley in Rome. We are beginning to start up quite a correspondence... Never would have thonk it. Got a letter back which I had sent to Karen Laws about two months ago. Where is she now? How is the car holding up under all your punishing traveling? Any major repair jobs? Not much to say... Life is going on and time is passing with a minimum of interruption. Have received all the catalogs and application papers etc... University of Hawaii sounds like a good bet if I get money. It has a good program in Agricultural Economics... Keep up the good work and enjoy your trip on the 8th of August. We will both be leaving that day to pick up someone. Hope my guest is as special as I know yours is.. Love you much. Dan

(1) Don't mail me film - (2) (illegible) is in Colorado - (3) Mr. Pass works for a printing company - lithography - I think.

8/4/66 Dear Mom,

Just a short letter to get this driver's license business over with. I'm enclosing my Washington State driver's license in this letter. Please thank Fr. Leahy for all his trouble. The license arrived a few weeks ago from Olympia. I don't know just exactly how this International Driver's License works. If possible, make it applicable to all countries with which this license can be used. Thank you very much for all your trouble; I think I will have to use this in my work here and of course when I leave next summer. Thanks again.

Marge is in Greece now and will be here in a matter of days. I received the package of catalogs a long time ago and I think I mentioned it in my last letter. All the money is coming in fine. I now have $157.50 from Peace Corps; 20 dollars from home; 14 from the government; 1 dollar of my own; and 2 dollars in Canadian money I got from a girl in Ankara. Almost two hundred.

Things are going well in my work. They could be a lot better but I'm not running the show. I hope everything is fine with you and Aunt Mary. Love you very much... Thanks again for your work... I'll write you on our trip...Love, Dan

8/9/66 Dear Mom + Aunt Mary,

Just got to Izmir tonight from Antalya. I'm just waiting for a few hours to pass + then I'll hit one of the local night spots. Marge will be in tomorrow at 3:20 p.m. I still don't believe I'll see her. When I do, I think it will seem as if she is coming from another world or suddenly reappearing in mine. We will be real busy on the 11th getting ready to depart. I have to cash my checks, + we have to get certificates of our Christianity from the Consulate here in order to travel in the Arab countries. My reservation from Tel-Aviv was never finalized so now if I enter Israel I'm stuck there. Don't know exactly what I'll do yet - But pray I find some airplane to Turkey. - Love you much - I'll write from Rhodes where we'll be a week - Dan

Dear Mom, Kathleen, and Aunt Mary, 9/4/66

Well, I'm back in Korkuteli and really in deep with work. The trip to Rhodes and Marge were great. She will be able to tell you all about it when she comes to Seattle soon. She took off from the Athens airport on August 31st and headed for Paris and then London, New York and Seattle. She should be around Seattle on the 20th of September or so. Well, your son is engaged.. God! What has she done to me.. by the way, she asked me. What could I do? If I said no, I wouldn't have got a kiss the entire three weeks. It was really tough to say goodbye and walking across that empty Athens airport at four a.m. was not easy at all... I have to fight many times to overcome my deep feeling of isolation when I am by myself and I should be with someone else. I got a plane out that same day to Izmir and straight to Korkuteli. I'm healthy, well-tanned and busy, thank God.

All your fives came through just fine and I received the Intn'l Driver's license. Thank you very much. It seems like I'm always thanking you... the pants, hats, film and glasses are great.. thank you.. Among the letters I found waiting for me, the most recent is Aug 3rd. No.. I received a note with the Driver's licenses but have mislaid it. I hope your vacation to Oregon was good; sounds like you're keeping the foot on the pedal. It must be great to have Kathleen at home. Can she use your car? Our poor roof must be more patches than anything. Expenses, expenses.. I guess I'll begin to learn how they crop up all the time.

I tried to get Marge to be my mistress for a few years but no go so I suppose I'm due for a fall wedding in September sometime. I guess we had both better read up on Italian weddings, Wop.. San Francisco here we come again.

Received a letter from a mutual friend who is pretty worried about Aunt Irma and the Burkes. What's the skinny? You know how close those two old goats are to me. Let me know will you? Any more news about Tim's baby? Gee, I wish I could write to him but still no address available, huh? Timmie Ruef is engaged to be married sometime in July to Dave Patnoe. I'm really happy for her. Kate Klosterman is headed for Rome with some job. It will be good to see her next summer in Rome. Nancy is going great guns in San Francisco and losing lots of weight and running around with all the fresh young interns.

The next nine months here should prove interesting from my personal point of view. You might say that all the self-ingratiating facets of giving have been taken away and I'm trying to find a reason to continue. Very few philanthropists must know the raw feeling of giving. When people within the same cultures give, all the incentives for giving are inherently present but unexpressed. Giving of oneself without the added unexpressed incentives is difficult enough; and I suppose this comprises the essence of true giving. But give of yourself once and then have the receiver of that gift tell you the gift was not true and have him list for you all your hidden motives and selfish reasons for giving that gift. In other words, make one of your apple pies and give it to the poor or someone as a gift and then watch him devour it, spit it up, and ask for more out of true need... would you bake another one... Is man that self-less or does he need the crutch of unexpressed thanks. How would you like to sweat for your income, give a little to the Church even though it hurt a lot and then have people tell you you did it for tax reasons. The list of donors that used to be published at St. Anne's was a crutch. Enough of my rambling thoughts?? Why don't you and Kathleen and Aunt Mary dabble with some conversation and write to me...

Well the letter is coming to an end.. Well, I'm fine; dreading the winter months of possible inactivity but I'm sure time will pass quickly as always. I hope the two elder recipients of this letter stay healthy and the younger teaches humanity and not ritual.. Love – Dan. I Love You

9/22/66 Dear Mom, Kathleen, Aunt Mary,

Thanks very much for both of your letters. I know it is not easy for the two of you to shell out money like that. I only hope it will be returned to you. We left Marge's return address with the pansion man. I appreciate the gifts very much, though. Thank you!

(secret: KC sent me a tape recorder which is now in the Antalya post office. The customs people estimated its value at 35 dollars and are asking 40 dollars in liras as customs. I've been debating whether or not to pay the money. I know KC doesn't know the situation on the customs duties but it would be bad to have it sent back, after all their trouble. If I can hunt up the money somewhere I'll get it.)

I know where Mary Helen is but have not contacted her. I was supposed to help with their training but turned down the offer because of work in Korkuteli. The Earthquake was 1,200 kilometers from me and at that time I was in Rhodes buying Passanisi a diamond. By the way, how do you like the ring. I hope I didn't get stuck. The price was close to a 100 dollars in drakma but I walked into the shop with 60 dol. and said I want the ring. I paid around 63. Nice cut, huh? I'll look into a new ribbon but I doubt it.

Before I forget I need some favors done quickly: 1) two checks sent to me: one written out to the Michigan Sate U. $10. one written out to Syracuse University $15. 2) 8 more official transcripts sent to me. 3) 3 French books.. dictionary, French language book, grammar. All should be downstairs somewhere. 4) I am sending you an application membership form to the Society for International Development. Please put in 3 dollars and mail it on.

I'm beginning to complete my applications for graduate schools and fellowships. I think I'll apply to Syracuse, Hawaii, Michigan, Columbia. Of course, which school I attend depends on who gives the money, if anybody. I'm using John R. Fitterer,S.J., Frank B. Costello, and Margaret Mary Davies, Ph.D. as references. Please check spelling and let me know if it is correct. I'm mailing personal letters to all of them asking permission to use their names. Hope they all say yes.

Things in Korkuteli have slowed down so I'm trying to catch up on letter writing and graduate work. Were you and Marge able to go to Wenatchee? Thanks for the information on East of the Mountains; the messenger was correctly guested. Winter is coming on soon; have you been able to get the roof repaired? Make sure and tell me about Marge's visit to Seattle. She sure is a great woman, isn't she. I'm so proud but I can't be next to her to accept the congratulations with the pride that belongs to a man. I guess I can do nothing but wait until next September.

Brother, if I don't get any money to go to grad school and Marge doesn't make a good salary this next year, we are going to be as poor as church mice. I don't think there is anything necessarily secret about Marge having asked me. I was determined not to ask her because I thought it would be unfair for her to have to wear a ring for an entire year and not have me around. So when she asked me if we could get engaged now I said sure and immediately felt the walls falling down on my bachelor life.

I still haven't owned a sports car yet but if I get a lot of money from some school; I just might put a down payment on one in England and spite fate in the kisser. But being the conservative, careful young man you taught me to be I'll probably save my money and ride the bus. I think there are good chances of receiving money from some University. Michigan State has a few National Defense Education Act fellowships in Economics. These things go for three years: 2,000; 2,200; 2,400 dollars for three years. If I get one of those, you would hear the rejoicing in Seattle. University of Hawai'i has a program in Agricultural Economic Development with an overseas internship for 6 months. I like that program very much too. Anyhow the world turns and time passes. Please say hi to all my friends and keep happy and busy. Much love to everyone. Love - Dan

10/1/66 Dear Mom, Kathleen, and Aunt Mary,

Received your last two letters so I thought I'd better get a reply off to you. I'm glad Marge was able to stay with you for those four days. She wrote to me that she felt like one of the family, thanks. I hope the only stretch of time between now and the wedding does not dull its effect. I feel some of the excitement in your letters already. I hope a lot of our tribe will be able to get to S.F. It will be quite an expense for some of them. What was Tonto doing running for Treasurer with her campaign chief halfway across the world. Tell her to wait for a demo governor and the return of the local PCV before she hits the campaign trail again.

It must be great to have Kathleen so close to you. Can she drive your car at all or don't you trust her with your SS. I envy her knowledge of mathematics. I so wish I could have taken care of that during my college years. I think it might be my only stumbling block to an advanced degree in Economics. Would you please send me Dr. Davies' correct title and name to me? I will forego writing a letter to Dr. Davies for permission in using her name for references. Please call her and tell her thanks for the permission and that I am very happy that she will be my reference. One thing I must say that will apply from now until probably June of this year. Any university correspondence must be sent to me quickly and without delay. I plan to handle this matter from over here; some correspondence might come through you and it should be handled quickly and efficiently. This correspondence is a vital matter and can decide which university I will go to and how much money I will receive. I will have had to complete all my university correspondence before December of this year because in most circumstances I am applying for money and this demands an earlier filing date.

I was reading a copy of the London Economist and realized the price of one years' subscription. It is quite expensive and now I realize why you were hesitant to get the subscription for me. I'm sorry I asked for such an expensive item. I guess I'll just have to wait and buy it on my own.

Things are good here. We just got news from Ankara that the money to cover the 3rd and 4th leader camps is sent and we will be able to begin work on this right away. I hope so; I've been so bored living in Korkuteli that it's pathetic. I wrote to Ankara again for a motorcycle but still no reply so I suppose I won't get one. I'm just as scared of them as you so don't worry. I won't give my life to this Community Development movement in Turkey. I've got someone now who's waiting for me with a ring on. Marge said she was able to have a good talk with Kathleen even though it was necessarily short. Kathleen will be able to come to our wedding won't she? Tell her she had better shorten the skirt regulations by then so she will be able to dance at my wedding.

I counted seventeen errors in your letter (typewritten). What's wrong with you anyhow.. ??? I just received a letter from Mary Helen. She is down near Tarsus somewhere. (near Mersin). In the confusion she forgot to give the film, etc., to the kids coming this way but I'll run into her before long. KC sent me a tape recorder, the nut. I have to pay 500 TL, which is 5/6 of my monthly allowance. I saved two hundred this month and plan to pay the rest on the 20th of this month. In other words I'm paying more for the tape than he did; but I thought it might be dangerous to have the post office people send it back and I thought KC and Trix might be hurt if I didn't accept it, so... Don't need to say anything about this to the populace but it's a good example of why I've been telling you not to send anything over to me.

I'm going to be 23 years old pretty soon; brother! I'm getting old and nothing accomplished yet. Glad to hear Kip and some of the people still think about their old classmate. Kip in his formalistic way can be very thoughtful and I've appreciated it even since Dad died.. Well, you keep well and I'll pray for you but you're too holy already. Dan

10/28/66 Dear Mom, Kathleen, Aunt Mary,

Well, how is everyone at 308? I hope everything is fine and perhaps you have made that proposed trip to L.A. by now. Haven't received any postcard, though so I don't think you made it. I thought tonight I had better catch up on my letter writing obligations because our third and final leader camp is starting on next Wednesday, 11/2/66 and I'll be busy all week and afterwards. Received a beautiful tape from KC. I was just able to get it a few days ago because of the importation tax. He had filled both sides with sounds from home and it was really enjoyable.

I am living in the town of Korkuteli and have been here for approximately five months. This is the county center. I live in my Directors office building. The room is about twelve feet by 6 feet... a real change from my home in Comakli. The third camp is in Comakli so I'll be returning home for a while. The address is: Korkuteli Halk Egitimi Korkuteli, Antalya. It means the Adult Education Center.

Your last letter was a real newsy one like usual. I'm glad to hear about Don Werner. How many more years before he is ordained? I'd like to be able to make the occasion. Has he lost any weight? I bet you he's quite a handsome man by now. Thank Mrs. McNammee for the kind offer. She sent me a real cool birthday card. She and Aunt Luella never miss. I received a dollar from her and Uncle George. They sent me some pictures from their celebration up in Montana or Idaho. They both look real good. Thank you very much for your card, Mom and Aunt Mary. I received both checks alright, thank you very much. Please wish Curly a happy 21st birthday. I bet he really enjoyed his flight back to Washington. Any idea on where he will be stationed? Wish Mr. and Mrs. Mac a real good vacation. I'm on Mr. McNamee's side... Reno is the place to go and for the reasons stated. Yah, it's a rough life over here!

Received two letters from Fr. Costello and Fr. Fitterer. They both will be willing to help me in graduate school applications. It will really be a boost to have them on my side, won't it. I'll need all the help I can get if I want to receive any money. Thanks for writing the names for me; I was afraid I'd get them wrong. Can you find Shelton's address in San Jose for me? I think he's probably down there by now. You might be able to get it from the restaurant, don't know.

Got another letter from Karen. She's still worried about... Got some type of funny letter. I suppose it's best to pray about these things and hope for the best. I'm sure E is aware of the situation. Don't let anything happen to her mom! How are you anyway? You don't write much about yourself, and don't tell me because it's all bad. Are you seeing Kathleen pretty regularly? I bet she is really happy being back home. I got a good letter from her recently, or I think it was recently. Any luck on your twenty dollars that you sent to Rhodes? It sure would be nice to get that back.

Man, its lonesome over here sometimes. I really would like to get back to Seattle and see the old town, my mom and our house. I think if I don't get any money from the graduate schools I'll go to the University of Hawai'i so you'll be able to fly over and vacation at Waikiki Beach. Air Transportation is getting so cheap, I'm sure we'll be able to stay close even though it will be a half an ocean apart. How's that sound? Kathleen, you mentioned something about a sports car in your letter. Well, buying cars in England is a real economic bargain if you have a little cash to begin with. I've been half dreaming and half planning to buy one and drive it home and then depending on the circumstances sell or keep it in the States. You can purchase a real good sports car in England for $1,300 or so. You save on England's taxes and bring the car to The States as a used vehicle so there's not any importation tax. A corvette is impossible but an English sports purchased in this manner is cheaper than a Volkswagen. How's that grab you bunky?... Please say hi to all my friends if there are any around. Love you much... Dan Check: $15 - Columbia University (please send to me)

10/30/66 (mailed 11/5/66) Dear Mom,

Please complete the enclosed form and send it immediately to the following address:

Director of Student Selection Institute for Student Exchange East West Center 1777 East West Road Honolulu, Hawaii 96822

You should have received a letter just now so I'll not say much. Am trying to get through all this application work. Love, Dan

11/15/66 Dear Mom,

You'll have to forgive me again. I didn't get your birthday letter in on time. I was so proud of myself when I remembered your birthday four days before it was time to celebrate. However, I was kept too busy during the camp to get a letter off. Actually believe it or not I have two unwritten birthday letters here which I didn't even have time to send off. So anyhow - Happy Birthday - I love you much! I have to admit you have me confused on your dates - that is your age. It must be around 63-64. Did you have a big party or did your vanity get the best of you?

Have you sent the U. of Hawaii letter off yet? I received the $15 for Columbia and I'm finishing off the application papers right now. Man, it would be great to win a fellowship or something. Thanks much for the $15. Fr. Frank + John must be writing the references alright. I got "completed application" notices from Michigan + from the Ford Fellowship.

The camp program went off well. We went on a big trip the last four days. From Antalya to Mersin - Andana - Konya - Ispat - Burdur + home to Comakli. It was quite a hair-raising trip. The road is bad along the coast. Our bus almost slid in the mud over the cliff on one pass - the truck behind us, loaded with cotton, didn't make it! Anyhow we got back safe at 2 in the morning very tired.

November 19-23 I'll be in Izmir at a conference. Time is jumping now and things are good. I now have a motorcycle but the winter will keep me pretty confined - so don't worry.

We are having Thanksgiving supper this Saturday night, the 19th, because we will be in Izmir on the 24th. It should be fun, 6 guys + 2 girls. Don't worry Mom, your boy isn't married yet. However he stays out of trouble. There is a girl in (illegible), Turkey who I have to really keep myself from seeing. I think a guy can fall in love more than once. Anyhow - again happy birthday. Love -Dan

11/16/66 Dear Mom-

I got a letter from University of Hawaii - according to their catalog no application fee is required, but I guess the rule was changed. Please send immediately a $10.00 check payable to the University of Hawaii. The address is:

Student Services, Graduate Division University of Hawaii 2540 Maile Way Honolulu, Hawaii 96822

Attention (Mrs.) Sumie F. McCabe Assistant Dean

Thanks very much, Mom. I know it's costing you a lot of money but it is at least going towards a worthy cause. Thanks much - love - Dan

11/29/66 Dear Mom, Aunty Mary and Kathleen,

Thanks for both of your letters dated November 7th. I've been hard pressed for time and money lately and as you notice I'm writing on paper and not on areogramme. I haven't had money to buy areogrammes. Anyhow things are good and busy.

We had a tremendous thanksgiving here in Turkey. Our conference in Izmir was scheduled for the 21st to the 24th so we had 11 kids into Antalya on the 19th of this month for a big thanksgiving complete with American breed turkeys form Jim's village. Anne and Mike the two girls left in Antalya province put on a beautiful spread and we consumed twenty bottles of wine and four pies of various nature.

The next four days we spent in Izmir during which time I was able to squeeze in two more thanksgiving meals both supplied by the one and only PX. We even had sweet potatoes at one party. The best dinner was given by a CARE Mission Chief and his 'French-Columbian' wife. She prepared a meal which almost rivals yours. I ate pumpkin pie and drank until it was coming out my ears. That woman was so beautiful and classy that if her meal was the worst imaginable I would have eaten just as much. Man, when she offered you a cup of coffee in her sweet French slurred English all you could do was say 'yes, ma'am, please.'

Well, the conference is over and I'm back in Korkuteli trying to get around to writing up the necessary reports on the Leader Camp Program. It was all and all a pretty good show. The motorcycle with which I'm supposed to continue my work here on the county level has not arrived yet but it is supposedly coming. My first Embassy vehicle.

Aunt Mary mentioned Marilyn in her letter. What ever happened to Tom... wasn't he in a serious accident or something. Heard anything from KC? I think he might be on Whidby Island Naval base somewhere... How about calling his folks? I want to send the tape to them. Received the Econ books you sent me. Thanks very much for the trouble. There is a good article on the Priesthood in the latest publication of Jubilee.. it should be read with open eyes, especially the comments under the seminary. I agree with much of the criticism.

Got a letter from Bruce so I'm applying to one more school so it means another check from you, mom, and some more references for Margaret and Frank C. I hope I'm not swamping those people with my requests. I know I am, though, and am a little worried.. I also am unable to send self addressed envelopes for the references to be sent to the university. The latest university is Cornell University and they request a $15 offering. Please send the check to me via air mail. Thank you. I know this is placing a burden on your financial situation but it will just have to be repaid later. Were you able to mail out the check to the University of Hawaii? Hope so.

We are still having fall weather here in Korkuteli and you can still swim in Antalya. Its getting cold here though and I expect snow any day although it probably won't come until February or so. Time is really racing and June is approaching quickly. My only fear of graduate school is that it might stick me in The States for three years without getting any traveling done overseas. I hope to employ my summers in traveling overseas on a Travel Fellowship which is offered to many students in grad. school.

How was your birthday? My letter was late, huh? Your son had poor training. I'll get a letter off to Aunt Luella and George as soon as I can.

Things are good here but the winter is coming on and so is Ramazon the fast. It was bad in the village last year; I don't know how it will be here in Korkuteli. Thank God for the restaurant in town. I'd die again if there wasn't one here. I have to admit these Turks really keep a fast. I can remember last year explaining our fasting to the Turks. They rolled over with laughter and I had a laugh too. Ours does seem ridiculous to theirs.

Well.. I guess I'll sign off. Hope everything is going well and the house, car and all our relatives are in good shape and continuing the fight against whatever we are fighting against. Love, Dan

12/8/66 Dear Mom, Kathleen and Aunt Mary,

I thought I had better get off an answer to your Nov. 21st letter. I purchased 6 areogrammes today and man do they go quick. I haven't been in a good money position since I came to Korkuteli. It was nice of you to call Marge and inquire about her Gram. I read a little about the flood in Newsweek; Florence must be an awful mess this winter. I'll answer your questions: I haven't seen Mary Helen yet. I moved from my house in Comakli and will spend the winter stationed in Korkuteli. I hope to be in the villages the main part of each week.

Please congratulate Mike Davidson and his wife for me. I would love to drop them a line but God, it just runs into too much dough. Maybe I can get them off a Christmas Hava Mektup! Don't send me any books for Xmas; I would love some pictures of you and the house, the car, the neighbors, anything homie.

Did you send the money to the University of Hawaii? I sure hope so. You didn't mention it in my last letter. This is the school I'm really trying for. I've applied to five schools now: Columbia, Hawaii, Syracuse, Michigan and I'm waiting for your check to complete the application for Cornell U. With these five schools I'm sure that I can obtain admission but unless the Peace Corps experience is a highly valuable asset to graduate fellowship evaluators I don't think I'll get any money; yet, I'm planning as if I'll get money from some one of them. I think the only money I could actually pay by myself would be the University of Hawaii. But the flight there and back and the Standard or Cost of living is so high over there.. I'm pretty sure that if I don't get a fellowship we won't be able to get married... in the fall. God bless it, it would be financially stupid and I and Mr. Pass realize it. This possibility is worrying me somewhat but I'm afraid of the fiery wop I would tell her right off if she was here next to me and I could paddle her hind end if she got out of line or got the wrong idea but in a letter many things can be misunderstood. Communication loses the personal presence and all its connotations.

Things are good here in Korkuteli. The weather is cold but the rains haven't started yet; the days are cold and crisp and sunny. It would be beautiful weather if there was any snow or place to ski. I stay in the office here; I have a bed upstairs next to the director's office. It's comfortable. I plan to do nothing for Christmas but try and let it pass quickly. Going to a big city or a party is guc, tough, i.e. it's not worth the trouble. These events should be celebrated with your own, not a group of fellow lost people. I hope I'm in a village eating rice and beans where nobody has heard of Noel Bayram, Christmas. Don't have much else to say. Where do you plan to have Christmas festivities? Did you look into the Triumph business at the BMC dealer? Find out where the hell KC is will you please! I think he might be on Whidbey Island. His parents must know. Give them a call.I'm going to sign off. I can't read this type myself. I've got to find a ribbon somewhere. Dan

I wish, Kathleen, that I could get your ear for about 4 hours; boy, do I have some good topics to pick with you. Not as an advisory to penitent, but just to see if you were "conned" as bad as me - Dan

12/26/66 Ankara

Dear Mom, Kathleen, Aunt Mary,

Jim + I are now in Ankara. We received notices for an interview for fellowships. Spent Christmas here. We'll have the talks tomorrow. We had a big Turkey + good DX Liquor at our boss's home. We'll head home in a couple of days. Hope Christmas was nice. No presents or letters to anyone but I had very little Christmas cheer in me. Sitting in a Turkish provincial town by myself - Love - Dan

1966

Dear Mom,

I'm neither in a Christmas or letter-writing mood so no laughs this letter: You are going to have to go down to Seattle University and see some people as soon as you get this letter and do some work. This damn graduate school business is getting to be a big pain in the rear.

I. East West Center... University of Hawaii

A. Have Miss Lee send three transcripts to: IMMEDIATELY

William S. Weldon Director of Student Selection East West Center Honolulu, Hawaii 96822

B. Go to the Dean of Men and find out why the hell he hasn't filled out that simple form! (personal record)

C. Go to Frank Costello and Miss Davies and ask them to have mercy on me and mail out that reference form.

D. Have University of Washington send 3 transcripts to the same address.

II. Syracuse University: A. No reference letters have been received. Frank, John, and Miss Davies!

III. Columbia University: We2-4843 A. No references have been received. Frank, John, Miss D.

As far as your suggestion to write some Christmas Letters is concerned, I've wasted two entire days so far trying to run a general letter off a ditto machine and I'm not going to waste any more time. I'm sorry. I don't have any money to write letters with and the money I do have isn't mine. Have you ever given away 600 Tl Turkish liras and then try and not get in debt until the next six hundred comes? It can NOT be done. Write you again when I can. Love - Dan

P.s. Don't have pity on any of the above-mentioned people. I'm not asking for anything.

Dear Mom -

Forgive my mood of a few days back. It's damn frustrating over here sometimes + you have to let it out somehow. Please wish all a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. I'm working on the general letter again but it will be late. Love, Dan P.s. if you can't buy a 50¢ (illegible) just sending me one dollar bills. I don't cash those bills in anyhow.