Stanford 

Jan 22, 1962: Letter to Parents from Sam in Beutelsbach (Stanford In Germany)

Dear parents ,  

One typewriter and 35 boys: you must expect a handwritten letter once in a while. For the ninth time, I paid Eichler homes $65 for “Tile work in kitchen“ on September 25, 1961. And we’re off.

I just got two wonderful letters from you  (not including all those postcards): thanks for the permission slip, first of all. Unfortunately, your letter arrived after I left for the weekend, so I had to use the train. Yes, I did buy a car, as soon as you said, and one of your letters, that you thought this idea good. It’s a 1952 VW with a new motor, and it runs. Passed that I can’t say much. It cost me $300, and I have to pay another 232.50 Deutschmarks (about $60) for insurance and road fees covering me through the summer. My funds are thus, at this stage of the game, and not including my income tax return and my meager bank account and Stanford, $150. Do what you wish. I think I’ll sell the VW over here, because it would be hell to drive in America (double clutch).

The other letter really hit the spot. My recommendation is buy, but what is the news about an investment? You mean, we can make money while leaving it up in the Sea of Candia? Please keep me informed on all developments. The happiness of your children is at stake.

But so much for you too. Back to Sam the Organization. I don’t know where I left off in my last letter, but I’ll assume it was after my first week at school. That weekend I spent in Stuttgart, seeing the sides during the days, and seeing Sleeping Beauty, and a French ballet by night. Wild – with my student Ausweiss, the tickets to these affairs cost about $.75 each – and good seats, too. I also bought about $12 worth of sheet music, and odds and ends. The next week was only partially occupied with classes, and primarily occupied with my German “ families” in Beutelsbach.  Real friendly people, these Beutelsbachers.  And a good way to learn German. Wednesday night I hit the culture again seeing the Budapest string Orchestra in action (13.50 DM seats - with Ausweis: 5 DM), and Thursday night Aida. No homework as yet. Today I left early on the train with some other Stanford students and a few Germans from the Technische Hochschule in Stuttgart for a weekend of skiing at Oberstdorf (just north of the German Austrian border): good snow, no crowds, cheap rooms, plenty sun, tasty food. Learned some German. Arrived at school late Sunday night, and here I am after a day of classes this morning (Monday).  Thursday afternoon the entire group leaves for 11 days in Rome, all for 125.60. DM (including room, food, and round-trip to transportation; and, of course, an audience with the Pope).  Tough life.

My grades turned out, not so hot, but I scored where I wanted, and got the tough math out of the way: philosophy, A, humanities, B; maths A and C (grad course).  Well, back to the books.

Love, Sam 

P.S.  Vacation time is coming up for me: my last day of classes is March 16, first day of vacation March 17, and must be back on campus for classes on April 9. That means I have 23 days or so of free time. How about some sort of get together? Here’s how I view matters:

I have 3 1/2 months of summer vacation, probably three, not including my trip home, however I go. And in those three months I want to see, and really see, the rest of Germany, and of course, Italy and Greece. Now, if I spend 23 days in Athens, this coming vacation, and thus really saw southern Greece, Crete, the islands, etc., I wouldn’t have to head down the peninsula next summer, and could devote my precious time to other areas. Now, if you are going to be in Greece during the above 23 days, preferably in Athens, and if you think you could stand me for that long a time (but not with you, of course), please let me know. I will presumably drive down with one or two other guys, so we would mostly be on our own - still, a little off the knowledge from travelers wouldn’t hurt. On the other hand, if you really wanted togetherness, I could come down on the train for 65 Deutschmarks. (student rates), study in the libraries, and see the sights with you. My preference is the latter arrangement: I would learn more with you two then with the boys – I can always travel this summer with the students.

Of course, you may be going to Spain, or somewhere else, for the above period. I’m not adverse to seeing it either. Just give me your opinions, and I’ll take it from there. I think we could have a blast. Then again, I might ski for three weeks in Austria…. 

Love, Sam