Letters From Vietnam

From Mom Stillwell

2008-08-24T07:09:00.000-07:00

To: Craig
From: Mom

March 3, 1969

Hi Hon,
Well how is everything over there? We got your letter Friday nite and I broke the ice I went in and got the mail and found a letter. It is the first time since you have been over there that I got the mail and get a letter from you.
Sharon and Jerry came up Thurs nite about 1 in the morning. They stayed here Thurs and Friday nites. They got the beds up Sat so they stayed down there. We went down Sat and helped them some and we went down yesterday and took the one single bed down that was upstairs. Jeff and Kyle didn't get along sleeping together in the big bed. They have got a beautiful place to live in. Purcells had it all done over for them. They had a table and chairs, dresser, dryer, couch, and a lamp given to them so all they have got to buy now is the living room suite.
It came over the news this morning that Normal Cheal and Don Payne were arrested in Syracuse last nite for 3rd degree burglary for breaking into a diner. I just talked to Mim on the phone and she said Norm came into Lee's yesterday and asked his mother for some money and she wouldn't give it to him. I'll send you the clipping out of the paper it will probably be in tonite's paper.
I've been working up to Lees week-end's and Friday nite I worked and Alma hung around until Ralph asked her to eat steak with him. Mim and I said she was kissing his ass for something and sure enough she worked Sat nite and yesterday in my place it burns me up because they have called me to come in at short notices and I have never turned them down. I'd like to tell them to kiss my ass the next time but I can use the money. It isn't Elmora anyhow it is Ralph.
Jerry said that 3 of his bosses down to Kodak told him anytime he wanted a job back he could get it. Kodak gave him 2 weeks vacation pay and a bonus of $400. This he didn't expect. It is enough and more to pay his loan off from Kodak.
I mailed a package to you Friday pm and I saw Ann Saturday and she said Debbie sent you a package Saturday. I saw her Friday nite down to Marian's and I told her I got a letter form you so took right off on the run to the PO and I saw her at nite up to Lees and she said she got a letter. I served her French Fries and she said oh you give more than the other ones and I said don't talk so loud as I put more in then I figured I did.
I'll get Sharon to make some bookies to send over to you she can make them better than I can. I got 2 cans of olives that I couldn't get in the package. The package weighed 3oz. over but Spence said maybe it would go through air mail. Marian Hentze gave me the Kool-Aid and the chocolate mild packages to send to you. She even helped me pack the box and weigh it.
Dad has got to go up and report today he will go to work the 24th of March. Hon I haven't heard anything more about Taylor buying the Tavern. I haven't written to Irene. I've got to so I'll ask her. I told Grace Carr about the money and she said she would see that you got more money. So she'll probably get a card and have people sign it and take up a collection and mail it to you. When are you going to send the films over. Well hon, Dad is over to Chaumont and he'll be back after me so I've got to get dressed. Hope everything is good over there and take good care of my boy. Write soon.
Love,
XX
Mom & Dad

Something From Craig

2008-08-21T09:36:00.000-07:00

Note from Danna *Some people have emailed me and asked why I didn't put the letters in order. It's because there are so many, but they are all basically within the same year and few are months apart. Also, to get to the beginning of the story, you have to start at the end of the blog. that's just the way the template works on Blogspot.com unless I were to change the dates and times and perhaps I'll rearrange it when I get all the letters transcribed.

Finally in the mix of the letters, is one that Craig wrote home from Vietnam. Interestingly enough however, he never mailed the letter. He put it in the envelope, secured it shut and it stayed that way for almost 40 years—Until I opened it.

March 15, 1969

Dear Mom and Dad,

It is about time I get a letter out. I’ve been sick for the last week and I didn’t feel much like writing anyone.
You asked me if I was around the fighting here. Well it is a few miles off. It is all around us. Don’t worry about it, OK.
I got 238 more days to go. The time is going fast. It doesn’t seem like I’ve been here 5 months. After this month, I will be half way. O’Boy, this is the first time that I’ve been glad to see the months go by.
I got a money order a week ago that I was going to send, but I will send it out soon. OK.
I’ve gotten a letter from Deb in the past week. And have not written her in about 8 days. Moan she is pissed off. She will get her letter the same time that you get this one. I will mail them all at once.
Well is Sharon happy that she is back in the good part of the state?
I hope Tim R. gets close to the 199 or around Saigon some place. There’s a lot of guys from New York around here, about 20 that I know of in my ammo group.
Well, I got to go now.
Love,
Craig 239 DAYS

Update From Corky Mount

2008-08-21T08:50:00.000-07:00

I just got off the phone with Corky Mount (Spencer's wife). She has some new information for me:
--Sharon is mentioned in a lot of the letters and Sharon is Craig's sister.
--Kenn and Grace Carr were close friends of Craig's parents. Kenn was the
undersheriff of Watertown NY, the nearest largest city by Three Mile Bay
--Lee's Restaurant still stands, but has been abandoned for years. It was
a "magical" place back in the 60's and 70's where the towns people gathered
all year round.
--As you already know, Craig did marry one of the girls in the letters. I haven't
revealed which one yet. He also has a daughter and her name is Melanie. I've
just left a message on Melanie's voicemail. After I get them transcribed I'm
going to mail them to her.

Note From Danna and More Letters

2008-08-11T07:27:00.000-07:00

*Note From Danna

Today is August 11, 2008. I'm going to call Corky Mount sometime this week to get more of an update on what exactly happened in Three Mile Bay back in the late 1960's. As I read back on the last three pages in this site, I realize that this blog is perhaps more about the friends and family of Craig and history of the people that lived in a sleepy small New York town that was called Three Mile Bay. When I open up the letters, a musty odor accompanies each one. In fact, my whole writing room smells like moth balls. These may be ancient history and "last season" but the hearts of the towns-people are both humorous and interesting.

I'll keep you posted on my conversation this week with Corky.*

June 25, 1969

To Craig

From Debbie

Dear Craig,

At the moment I am at Ceader Pt, sort of waiting around until it's time to go on to work. Last week the store was robbed of $180.00. Nothing has come out of it as yet. A couple of night ago two guys were wrestling down here and one hit his head. He stopped breathing so Bart, (one of the life guards) put the resuscitator on him and called the ambulance. I never did hear how he was. I owe quite a few letters. I didn't realize I was so far behind.

Nothing at all has been going around down at the Bay. It won't be long before school starts again. That'll be hell, this doesn't even seem like summer. The time has gone by so fast. I don't even see anyone around anymore.

August 7th is Marcia's last day of summer school. Dad's birthday is Thursday. I've got two of my days changed, Friday's I have off and Monday's I'll be working from 8:00-3:30. That isn't that much better but better than working every night.

Well we're getting busy again so I'll write again later.

Love,

Deb

Tuesday

August 19, 1969

To: Craig

From: Mom (Mrs. Wilson Southwell)

Hi Hon,

How are things going with you? You must be pretty busy because we haven't heard from you. Have you been sick or hurt, don't be afraid to tell me. Some people have told me maybe the mail is held up somewhere, it has happened before.

Sharon called me this morning, she said she might be over this afternoon but she said she might be over this afternoon but she hasn't come over as of yet. She has got a lot of cucumbers in her garden and she wants my pickle recipes. She came over Sunday and I was working and she called me and asked were I kept my recipes but she didn't find them and they were right where I told her they were but you know Sharon, she hasn't changed about finding anything like that it can be right in front of her and she wouldn't see it.

I washed today and I'm going to mop through if I get the ambition. We didn't do anything yesterday all we did was sleep and watch TV. Last nite we went down to the Tavern at 10 and stayed until 1:30. Diane came in while we were there and I told her when you came home I was going to have a big blow out and she said be sure and let her know because she wanted to come. She said she had written you but she hadn't got an answer from you and I told her she could write often because you probably didn't have time to write. She is going to college in Utica for a year and she said it was better than tending bar. She said Buddy hasn't made up his mind what he was going to do.

Today is pay day, I'm going to call Mim and have her bring my pay down because everytime I go up and get my pay they want me to work on my day off.

Dad and Mike Kieff are suppose to go fishing tomorrow it will be his 1st time this year but I guess he isn't too happy about going. He hasn't cared to go anymore the fish aren't biting good this year. The water is so bad and stinky.

Well Hon I can't think of anything more to write about it is just as dead as usual around here. Bell Klock died last Friday, she had a bad stroke so there'll be another house for sale in Three Mile Bay.

Well Hon take care of my boy and write soon.

Last,

Mom & Dad

October 21st. 1969

To Craig

From Mom (Mrs. Wilson Southwell)

Hi Hon,

Your Mom is kind of goofing on her writing just like her son. HaHa. I only wrote once last week. Friday my day to write and I didn't get up until 2 and Jerry and Sharon came so I didn't get time to write before I went to work.

Dad just called me and he got layed off this morning, they hired a union guy in his place. So his big money didn't last only 2 weeks. He went down to the Cape yesterday and looked at a boat and he said he was going to buy it but now I don't know how he can.

According to the news last nite maybe all the troops will be sent home from over there in November. I hope so and then you will get home.

Well pheasant season opened this morning. I saw the fellow yesterday that gave me the ducks you had last year when you were home and he said he would drop me off three this year and I'll keep them until you get home so you'll have a good duck dinner when you get home.

Henry is looking forward to your getting home. He said I suppose he could have you the first nite you were home and I told him probably not so he is planning on the 2nd nite. He goes to the hospital tomorrow I guess and they will put a walking cast on his foot.

Well Hon I got interrupted yesterday and here it is Tuesday. I m finishing this up to Watertown waiting for Dad to sign up for his unemployment again. I can watch the guys working on the Mercy Hospital. Dad said he could come up here and go to work but he was afraid he couldn't bluff his way through on the job. He also could go to Potadam but I don't want him to go away from home.

Jerry Front has got tendonitis the Dr. injected 3 shots in his shoulder and it was painful as hell. If he isn't any better in 2 weeks he has to go to the hospital and they have to cut his arm and find out just what is wrong. Dad called Sharon last nite and she has a terrible cold.

Well Hon I hope everything is good with you and we hope to see you next month. Sharon seems to think probably you'll pull the same thing on me you did last fall when you come home and I told her that she would like to see Mom pass out on the floor. Take care of my boy and write soon. 2 Weeks yesterday since he have heard from you.

Love,

Mom and Dad

More on Letters from Vietnam

2008-08-09T14:50:00.000-07:00

NOTE FROM DANNA:

Today is Saturday, August 9, 2008. I've got some really great news. As you read some of the older posts (there are getting to be pages of them now) you will be able to somewhat catch up on where we were and I'm getting ready to share some exciting news that I've found out this past week. First and foremost, Craig Southwell is very much alive and rumor has it, he is living with Doris DuBois in Cape Vincent's, New York. I can't find a phone number, but I did talk to Corky. Corky is Spencer's wife, she' is her late 70's. She and her husband have owned Three Mile Post Office for decades. I'm supposed to call her up again in a few more days and get some more scoop on all the players in this triangular story of passion, duty and love. Another hint is that Craig DID marry one of the girls in these letters, and I'm not sharing with you just yet, who it was. Happy reading.

Three Letters From Three Mile Bay

2008-08-09T14:49:00.000-07:00

November 21, 1069
To: Craig Southwell
From: Mrs. Wilson Southwell
Three Mile Bay, New York 13693

Hi Hon,
We got your letter this morning and was surprised to hear from you again within 1 week. You said that everyone had quit writing well hon my letter was late last week because I thought maybe you were coming home as we hadn’t heard from you.
Well I’m all done with work. I signed up for unemployment last Wed. I can’t go the same day as Dad so we have to make 2 trips to Watertown a week. Dad an Henry Jr and Ralph Newman went Tuesday hunting and they came back Wednesday nite they were going to stay another day but it started snowing so hard that they came home. It snowed awfully hard Wednesday night and the roads were awfully slippery. It was awfully cold last nite down to 10 above. It has snowed today some we only got about 1 inch now.
Henry Sr and Henry Jr both got new cars I wrote to you this summer about Sr getting a new car. Jr. just got his car this fall. Henry Jr is getting over $400 disability.
I called Sharon and told her what you said about writing and she said she guess she had better get a letter out to you. They went to Watertown Monday with us and Lois walked into Dad’s cigarette and burned her under her eye. Dad feels terrible over it but it wasn’t his fault. She is a cute little shit but she is always getting hurt.
Dad is down to Sheldon’s fixing his standard for his oil drums. I thought he would be back here by now. Al and Alice were suppose to come down today and stay until Sunday but Alice called and said Al was sick he had too much to drink yesterday. He isn’t very good anyhow he can’t go back to work until December 22.
No one seems to be getting any deer this year. Loyd Higgins and Ralph Lee went down to the southern tier but they didn’t get anything. It has been a bad year for hunting I guess. I told you in my lat letter that Mim and Loyd had bought the Tavern, George Kovalik is over there he is right up to the front lines according to his father yesterday.

Your pictures look as if you have gained a little weight.
Well Hon, I can’t think of anything more to write about. Take good care of my boy and keep writing.
Love
XX
Mom & Dad

June 6th. 1969
To Craig Southwell
From: Debbie Russell

Dear Craig,
Next period I have a test in Driver Ed. I should study but---. We got our rings this morning, they’re sort of hard to explain except they’re on the round side.
Yesterday we went on our picnic, it was rather rotten all together, weather, food, etc. The whole day. But I guess I can’t complain seeing it was one day off from school which sort of breaks up the week. We have exactly 4 days of school left then tests start. So I get out of school the 13th but I have a test the 17th prom 19th class night 21st. Graduation the 22nd so I guess you can really say finished.
For a study hall teacher every 7th period I have Les Brown and boy do I hate that guy. Everytime I turn around he’s hollering at me for something even if I’m just sitting there.
Don’t forget, it’s your turn to send a picture of you.
Somebody finally bought Stillson’s house. Don’t know who. They’ve got kids and the oldest is in 8th. Grade.
Well, I can’t think of anything more to say.
I love ya
Love Deb

August 15, 1969
To: Craig Southwell
From: Kenn and Grace

Hi Craig,
How are you today, fella? Hope you are fine and dandy.
We went boating last night. It was a beautiful night and we really enjoyed. Stopped at Shangra La and had a few cold beers.
We have been having very hot weather. Today it is between 85 and 90 and very humid.
George Goodfriend is now in Vietnam. Guess I told you that before. I read one of his letters last nite and he sounded as though he expects to be leaving there and going to either Korea or Okinawa. His bride is in Florida with her folks.
Belle Klock was found unconscious at her home last Sunday morning and taken to hospital by the T.M.B. Rescue Squad. Last report that I heard is that she is still unconscious. They figure something happened to her Friday night and she wasn’t found until Sunday morning.
Webb Daniels is leaving for college next week. He’s going to University of Southern California. He will be studying to be a lawyer.
Frances Adams hurt her knee and she is using crutches for a few days.
Dot Brimmer and her girlfriend from Watertown flew to Salt Lake City yesterday to spend a two weeks vacation. Life of Riley, eh?
Les and Diane Comins are now living in their new home that they are building on Point Salabrious.
Guess what! Alan Piche walked into Quick Motors the other day and bought a 1967 Cadillac Convertible. Can you believe it? I mearly fell over.
I heard that Gordon Torrey is going to build a landing strip for his airplanes o the Three Mild Point road right next to the new highway that goes around there.
Every night I watch Don Lance take his plane out. He flies over the Point Peninsula to do his chores and inspect his cattle.
Bubby Radley sold his helicopter.
Guess that’s all the news I can think of for now.
Take real good care now. And drop a line to your folks.
Love,
Grace and Kenn

More From Three Mile Bay

2008-08-09T09:00:00.000-07:00

To: Craig Southwell
From Kenn and Grace
Three Mile Bay, New York 13693
March 27, 1969
Dear Craig,
Hope you are feeling better and that all goes well with you today Boy!
It rained hard here for two or three days, but yesterday it snowed and we have about two inches of new soggy snow. But it is quite warm out -- about 42 degrees.
My stepfather is in the hospital in pretty bad condition. He had another stroke and this time his right arm is completely paralyzed and he cannot stand up straight. He may have to go to a nursing home, but we don't know for sure yet.
Francis Adams wants us to come over to her home tonight for supper and then some pinockle.
I heard that Marion Hentze is going to retire on May 1st, but I don't know if it is so or not.
I have been busy lately helping several people get their income taxes figured.
Guess that's all I can think of for now. Things seem to be real quiet around the old town.
Take good care!
Love Grace and Kenn

March 17th, 1969
To Craig
From Debbie

Dear Craig,
When Anne, Cathie and I went snow-mobiling Saturday night she stuck her foot out and hit it on a pole. Now she is on crutches. I guess she sprained it kind of bad.
I didn't know that Anne was going to snap this pciture. The other ones are just of New York, and I didn't turn out very well so this is the only one she'd give me.*
Tomorrow in Driver Ed we are learning to change a tire which should really be cool.
Today it was rather damp but not too cold out.
Yesterday Anne and I spent the day over to the Conroy's house (new people). That place is huge. It's nice too. They own an awful lot of property and Debbie wants to buy one of Duanne Bourcy's houses. Don't know if she'll sell them or not. Don't see why not, she'll be getting married and there'll be no use for them.
Oh, they changed the date to July. That's the month that Terry Bourcy is marrying that Pat girl.
There was something that I was going to tell ya but can't think of it at the moment. Got to eat anyway!
It's 9 o'clock and I finally got the dishes done. Mom and Dad went to Clayton so that explains it.
We got our play books this afternoon so we'll be having tryouts this week sometime. I'll have Anne take some pictures of the play for you.
Just remembered, I've got to write an editorial for tomorrow. Write ya later.
I Love ya and,
miss ya lots
Deb
(note from Danna *No picture was with the letter. I imagine Craig carried it around with him in Vietnam)

I'm not the kind to Go Around Spreading Rumors...

2008-08-09T07:00:00.000-07:00

Monday June 9th, 1969
4th Period 11:10
To Craig From Deb

Dear Craig,
Right now, we're reviewing notes in history so I'm going to try writing both. So far it isn't working.
Phil Cheal got a new car Thursday night so Bernatdett is having a hell of a time keeping track of him. It's really funny. Poor Bernadett. She's sitting here beside me at the moment reading this.
The weather was sort of nice this weekend. Joyce had a wild weekend, Kathy Conroy and me rode up to Watertown Saturday morning with Joyce and Pat Williams. They dumped us and picked up two G.I.'s. One must have been about 30 something. There was a huge parade so alot of GI's there.
After they dumped them they picked us up and we went home.
Kathy and Francis were married this weekend.
Joyce took my pen and Bernadett just informed me that her and Phil borke up. A while back she thought she was pregnant. She told me this over the weekend. She invited me herself up to her place to stay.
You know Joyce's boyfriend (Jim) that I told you about? Well they rented a room up at Lees and stayed Saturday. He brought one of his friends and he was with Pat Williams. The thing is, Pat is supposed to be married June 14 to Donnie Perkins. So about 8 o'clock Donnie went to Lees, knocked on the door and Pat was with this other guy in bed. See how confusing everything was! We've only two more days left of school before tests start.
In Driver Ed we have to drive today and there is nothing that I hate more.
Well the bell is going to ring soon so---
I love ya lots,
Deb

Mamma Mia!

2008-08-09T06:00:00.000-07:00

September 30, 1969
To: Craig
From: Mom (Mrs. Wilson Southwell)

Hi Hon,
Well here it is Tuesday Sept 30 and I haen't heard from you in 3 weeks yesterday. What ma I going to do with you anyhow?
How are things going over there is doesn't sound as if there is as much fighting according to the news.
Wel Mom & Dad are unemployed now. We went up yesterday and reported our unemployment. I can't go the same day and report as Dad does, he has to go Monday and I have to go on Wed at 9 in the morning. Dad said he was going to have me mix concrete today and I told him I was going back to work. He got up early this morning and took off and I guess he is over to the Crescent he probably is plastered by now so we won't get anything done.
Ralph Reed died last Friday nite his funeral was yesterday afternoon. I didn't call at the funeral home because I was working and yesterday I had to go to Watertown. Sharon and Jerry called over there and they stopped to Lees sunday nite and stayed out for awhile. They are coming over to our anniversary party Friday nite.
I don't know how many people Irene is asking to our party. It will probably be a big one. Dad said we were going away and we won't be here and I told him he had better tell her that he wasn't going to be here but I think he will be here. They are all planning on a gift for us I guess.
The Tavern has got all the kids that used to come up to Lees and we kicked them out. He is serving minors and it is a hell of a mess.
Dad went to the Turkey shoot at Sug Harbor Sunday and he let Elton Mason take his gun and Elton got 72 pellet in the plate. Dad can't get anything this year.
I called up and found out how Henry is coming and Kathy said good and that he might be home this weekend.
Well Hon write and let me know how my boy is coming. Write Soon OK. Wish you could be home for our party. Dad got me a new watch for the anniversary.
Love,
XX
Mom&Dad

June, 1969
To Craig
From Mom
Three Mile Bay
Hi Hon,
Well how is my boy today. OK I hope. I haven't heard from you in over a week. Dad is working today and he had to drive so I haven't got a car so I haven't got the mail yet today. I was going to write Tuesday but I had to work so I didn't get to it so this will be a little late.
Yvonne is working up to Lee's now and she is doing very well. She had a work out Monday nite for her first nite the place was just about full. She was real tired at night I guess. They had me come in to help her Tuesday but it wasn't necessary. We will probably be busy tonight as it has been quiet for 2 nites.
Sharon came over Saturday nite to wish Dad a Happy Birthday but he was over to Dexter and she didn't get to see him.
I'm watching the recovery of Apollo 11, boy it sure is a wonderful thing. Maybe we'll get some TV programs now. I get tired of it after a while but Dad eats this program right up. I'm wondering if he can watch it up to Drum. They are pulling these face plane crashes and they have to get out with the crash truck. He is very much disgusted with all of it. He wants me to take August 3rd off and come up there to the big air show they are going to have but it is on a Sunday and it is awfully hard to get anyone to work. Last Sunday, Mim asked me what I was doing and I told her I wasn't sure because I had to help clean metals, wait on tables and then tend the bar for about 2 hours.
Dad took a picture of the ducks Monday. It was cloudy as you can see but it was a beautiful picture.
Ralph Newmans ducks left over to his place, their way up the shore by Hewitts. Bill Musseltine came down and banded them Monday. He said there was 9 ducks and 9 drakes.
Bonnie Radley was married last Saturday and Kathy Garrett is getting married this Saturday. There won't be any single people around when you get back if they keep going.
Dwight and Phil Stumph got your address last Saturday they said they were going to write you.
Well Hon I can't think of anything more to write about. It is dead as usual. I've got to get going and get some work done.
Well take care of my boy and write soon. I'm trying to talk Dad into writing but I'm not getting very far.
Love,
XX
Mom & Dad

It's Deb again

2008-08-09T05:00:00.000-07:00

To Craig
From Deb

7th. Period S.H.
Dear Craig,
I haven't got anything to say but I thought I' bore you anyways.
At the moment it's raining like hell. It'll probably be like this all weekend. We were supposed to get our year books today, but didn't, so I'll probably get them Monday or Tuesday.
Shoemaker's in here running all over and hollering, nothing usuall. The other day she ran into the white garage where they keep the Driver Ed car and school car. She's continuously breaking windows by slamming them. Those small round window in the door, she put her hand through the one in the annex. She's a raving lunitec and a pain in the ass.
Les Brown signed up for the reserves so he'll be leaving, though I'm sure no one'll get rid of the rest of them now.
I've got a report due Tuesday in Driver Ed on motorcycles too bad I didn't know something about them.
You know the Bridestone that Tim Callahan has, well it hasn't any lights, brakes, nothing, no goggles, it's really bad but as soon as school is out he drives up to Watertown. He got a job at Caroles so sometimes he gets home at midnight and after. That's real handy considering the condition of his bike.
Robbin Johnson's mother ha a baby girl last week. (Jill Marie) Guess that's all for now.
"I love ya and miss ya" lots
Deb

Saturday March 22, 1969
Dear Craig,
Had play practice at 12 o'clock so at 10:30 Joyce came over and Debbie, Conroy, Anne, Joyce and I drove around until 2 o'clock. Joyce was going to Watertown so she asked us if we wanted to go so we went. The slob made me pay $2.00 for gas. Plus I ended up paying for her to eat at Carrols. I wouldn't have minded it. I had asked her to take me up but she asked us if we wanted to go.
What got her really mad was when Deb spilled her mild shake all over the back seat of the car. I thought it was funny.
We didn't get home until 5:30.
Dad worked up to Lee's Saturday night. I think he said Ralph and Elmosa went to Albany. Friday night Ronnie Cheal was kicked out of Lee's cause he was caught buying beer for Phil Numph and Dennis O'Neil. He was doing it so Ralph suspected it.
Tonight they kicked all the kids out at 11:oo o'clock. I don't really blame them, some people came in for dinner until they saw all of the kids in there.
Sunday March 23, 1969---The temperature is about 55 degrees. It feels good. I don't think we'll be getting any more snow.
Just sat around all day, nothing to do. Everyone went over to church to a covered dish supper so just finished washing my hair.
I don't think I'll go to school tomorrow.
Dad and Kenny Laning went hunting up the creek today but I don't think they got anything.
Tomorrow night the cub scouts are having a program over at school. Mrs. Quinn is going to be the princess. Can't you see it now! It's going to be an Indian skit.
Monday, March 24, 69
I didn't go to school and it's almost 9:30 so I had better get up.
The temperature is supposed to be 55 degrees out again right now.
Well there isn't anything to write about so will finish up later. Just a while ago it was raining but now it has stopped. The kids are home from school so I'll have Steve mail this letter.
Love ya,
Deb
L.A.M.Y.L.

Three Mile Bay New York

2008-08-06T09:00:00.000-07:00

Friday, August 15, 1969
To: Sp/4 Craig Southwell
From: Mrs. Wilson Southwell
3 Mile Bay NY
Hi Hon,
What is the matter that we haven't heard form you going on 3 weeks? I am beginning o worry you said when you called home that you were going to write oftener. How are things going overe there pretty rough so you don't have time to write.
Sharon took her driver's test Tuesday. She said she didn't think she had passed. I had the kids a while she went up they were just as good as gold. We picked them up at home and we stopped at Snug Harbor and they had a coke and they didn't even make a mess. They have got a goat there and were the kids excited. Lori called it a doggy. She is a cute little tyke.
We went to Watertown yesterday to get points and cables for the car. We got a spray gun to wash the car and we washed it last nite. Dad took it up to Camp today and going to wash the truck today.
The fire siren just blew but I didn't go down to find out what it was. I don't feel so good today too much booze yesterday.
The ducks are beautiful now. We were down on the shore last nite and Dad would holler to them and they would quack right back to him. They are little leary of Dad but Jake can walk right up to them but he gets to feed them all the time.
I just called Sharon and she said she hasn't heard from her drivers test yet. Henry's pup was just over here so I hollered to him to call him--- if he get up on the main street he'll get killed. Traffic is terrible this week. We'll probably be busier than hell tonight up at Lees. We were buy last Tuesday nite.
Well hon I can't think of anything more to write about. I've got to get down and get this letter in the mail and I hope there is a letter from you.
We Hon take care of my boy and WRITE SOON. Even if it is only a paragraph so at least we hear from you.
Love
XX
Mom & Dad

Debbie The Girlfriend

2008-08-06T08:49:00.000-07:00

To SP Draig Southwell

From Debbie Russell

Three Mile Bay

New York, 13693

May, 11 1969 (Sunday)

Dear Craig,

This is one hell of a house hold. Mom and Dad aren't speaking to me. Last night I went to a play with Brenda. When I got home they both accused me of being at a booze party. They're both SOB's. Boy that makes me mad especially since I went to the play and they don't believe me. I'm grounded until summer and can't talk to anyone on the phone. I never go anywhere anyways so it doesn't matter.

Hey, ya know how Bernadett is supposed to marry Phil? They broke up for a month and neither of them were going to go out. So who does she go out with this weekend, Dee Hicks. Therefore, before long, you'll be hearing from me that Bernadette "QUOTE" and Dee are getting married.

This was a lousy weekend, all it did was rain. A while back, the Bennett's came over. There's eight in the family and between ours and theirs, there hasn't been any peace.

Thursday we're suppose to have a road test in driver ed. (That reminds me, I've got homeword to do. Tomorrow we're going to hearn how to park on a hill).

Do you know when Hand and Ywonne and Francis and Kathy are all getting married?

Well, I've got to do dishes and I might as well get my dishes done while my parents aren't home.

I love and Miss you,

Deb

From Deb on Sunday Night

2008-08-06T08:48:00.002-07:00

From Debbie Russell Three Mile Bay New York 13693

Sunday night June 29, 1968

Dear Craig,
Maybe things won’t be as bad as I thought they would be. Mrs. Moulton, (against my own will) asked her baby sitter to take me swimming. She is nice. She’s my age and quite cute. So, we ended up going to a country club pool. It was crowded so we didn’t stay long. Every Monday night they have a teen center meeting and she wants me to go. I don’t want to but I’ll end up going. Knowing Mr. M. she’s probably already accepted for me. Just a while ago she called me up and asked me to go to the movies with her.
The only thing I hope I can do is to get out of going to camp. The only real good thing about meeting BJ (Barbara Jean) is that it will bring Tuesday here quicker. I think that she said the name of it (movie) was “Private Warfare” but I’m not sure.
Right now Mrs. And Mr. Moulton have another couple downstairs having cocktails. So that leaves me upstairs listening to the radio and writing to you but, I don’t mind. It seems good to be able to listen to the radio again. When we were down in N.J. we didn’t have a radio, clock, TV, calendar or anything, so we never knew what time of day it was or anything.
I’ve got three pieces of paper left so I’ll use that up and write you a letter tomorrow.
Love and miss ya,
Deb

Mom Southwell

2008-08-06T08:48:00.001-07:00

From: Mrs. Wilson Southwell Three Mile Bay, New York 13693

March 24, 1969

Hi Hon,
Well how is everything with you this Mon.? I hope you are feeling better and you are back to normal. I’m kind of lonesome today, as I am all alone today as Dad went to work this morning. I’ve got to go to work tonite at 5 until 10. I’m going to ride up with George to work but I don’t know how I’ll get home, maybe Grace and Kenn might be around at 10. We were busier than hell yesterday and Mim and I got silly we were so tired. I told Mim and Dad my shoes felt so good on my feet because they were so numb they felt like 2 sticks. We thought we would get done at 10 but Snug Harbor gang called and wanted 8 dinners so we got them and it was 11:30 before we got done. I made $12.27 on tips yesterday.
The creek is all opened up so there is no more snowmobiles running around. Our T.V. will work better now I hope. Sharon called me up Sat. she lost your address and she was writing you a letter. Now that she has more time she’ll probably write oftener. She is real happy with her new home. She has got her furniture but I haven’t seen it as yet. Maybe I can get down there tomorrow or Thurs. They were coming out yesterday but she forgot I had to work. I just called Sharon and she said she didn’t mail your letter because Gerry wanted to write a note. We talked about 10 minutes. Dad will have a fit if I keep calling like that but it only cost about 60 cents probably.
Boy Lees are running over with kids Sat. nite there wasn’t a vacant booth in the place. There was only 5 grown ups in the place. Cars drove up out front and they got out and looked in the windows and left again. Dad, Grace and Kenn said there was 2 or 3 cars that did that. Dick R was tending bar and at 11 he kicked them all out. Debbie was up there with the girls and mother of the people that bought Danbars place.
Dad was down to the boat house yesterday and he said he had his birdhouse pretty well done. Tuttle has done a lot about tearing the barn down. The table in the place that your Grandmother was offered $40 for years ago was alright. The roof was laying right on it but he pulled the roof off and it never scratched the table or nothing. No one would believe such a thing.
I saw Mrs. Hollesbeck yesterday and she said she said a prayer in church for you from an old neighbor. I don’t know if you remember her or not. She lived in almost back of us down to the Capes. Her husband’s name is Art. I’ve seen her a couple of times and she always asks about you.
Well hon, I just talked with Jerry Band they went down to Bev’s and Butches over the weekend and they had a good time it does her good to get out like that. Stevie has an enlarged heart it may not be serious he hasn’t heard from the physical yet. So the chances are he won’t have to go in the service or he can’t join the reserves.
Well hon I’ve got to get busy and get ready to go to work. I’ve got to iron my uniform and I haven’t washed the few dishes yet. Well hon I hope everything is alright with you. Take care and write soon.
Love, Mom & Dad

More From Mom

2008-08-06T08:48:00.000-07:00

Tuesday, June 10, 1969 To. Craig from Mom
Hi Hon,
Well how is my boy today? I thought probably I would get a letter this morning but there wasn't. Maybe I'll get one tonite. Dad is working today and I'm trying to do some work around here today. I'm defrosting the refrigerator right now and boy that is one hell of a job. I went down and took care of the ducks and they are an awful mess. We just cleaned them all good yesterday but it is just as bad again today they are getting real big now. I'm going to get some hay or straw to put in the pen after I clean it out. Jake can't do anything he has high blood pressure and his heart is acting up so he can't do anything about the ducks now.
We got rid of 2 crows yesterday they were making so much noise. Dad's going to make a perch out here on the porch and get it outside.
We went over to Kathy's reception Saturday just for one drink. I didn't drink like I did at Henry's so I went to work sober. Alice Chambers is all done work so they are down to the cottage they want us to come down but we haven't made it yet.
Boy everyone is getting married this summer. There has been Henry and Kathy so far and Debbie Pickette, Kathy Garrett and Diane Bouncy are all getting married this summer and I can't think of anyone else right now. I told Mim that when you come home you'd be the only single guy left in Three Mile Bay. Oh I forgot to mention Debiie Stunysh is also getting married in August I believe.
Dad worked a little on the barn yesterday it is going to seem funny with that out of there. We weren't so busy up to Lees over the week-end, it is on account of graduation time.
I went down to Sharons Friday and took the kids toys down. Kyle met me right at the door and the first thing he said was Where's Grandpa. He acted as if he didn't care about me at all only his Grandpa. When I left all 3 of them said Good bye and thanked me for the toys and gave me a kiss. Gerry doesn't bring them out he has been busy planting the oats and things I guess.
Well Hon I've got to get busy and I can't think of anything more to write about. I hope everything is good with you. Take care of my boy and write soon.
Love,
Mom & Dad

Deb

2008-08-06T08:47:00.001-07:00

January 5th, 1969
Dear Craig,
Shana and I at the last minute called a bunch of kids to have a tobogganing party. It was a big flop and consisted of mainly smaller kids like Brian Whattern, Bruce Jackson, Larry Matrel etc. We had a bon-fire and everyone came over to my house afterwards. Shana and I made sandwiches, fudge, cookies and Dad made hot cocoa. I think everyone thought that the food had been poisoned so that didn’t even get touched for a long time. The rest of the kids that were there were Chuck Munk, Dwight, Phil, Pam Phillips, Becky W, Pat Callahan, Me, Shana, Billy Jackson. Mancell and Denny-----
It’s snowed most of the day. I guess all of the college kids went back today. Not such a good one to go back on with the roads the way they are. Oh, don’t forget to tell me if you receive a letter from Linda. She claims that this is about her 6th or 7th letter she has written.
I’m supposed to be typing out in test for the seventh grade history teacher Mr Phister. What I already have done I’ve got to retype. I haven’t typed in so long and I couldn’t find the ‘q’ so I made a mess out of the sheets. Oh well, they’re only for our mid-year test and those damned things are during the last week of January. That’s alright, I’ll flunk them with a smile.
Sandi Gouthemout got her hair cut and a strip frosted. I hate it.
Boy are there snowmobiles out all over. It seems like everyone has one. I think Clarence Holbrook is getting one from Becky. Spencer Mount got one from his family for Christmas. Dad says he going to get one but you know what a big talker that guy is. I hope he plans on getting a car first.
I put my name down to try and get drivers ed in February. I hope I get it but just my luck I won’t. There was quite a few other names down. I hope that this month goes as fast as the other ones have. Do the days still seem to go as slow, to you?
Well, I had better stop until I get my hair washed and my homework done. Love you
There I’ve got my hair washed and half of my homework done. Dad is sitting here with the radio blaring with church music. Must be he has a guilty conscience from not going to church. The stupid TV finally blew a tube so that limits a little bit of the confusion around here.
JANUARY 6th. I just finished talking to your “girlfriend”. She said she wrote you a five page letter. Gee Craid you didn’t’ tell me that Linda was carrying your baby! SURPRISE! Or so she said.
Today was Hank’s last day so Bennotel went to school on the bus got off at school and walked over to Wendy’s. She was going to call Hank from there and have him come down. Poor Wendy, not too long ago she called her up and told her up. Bennotl need HELP!
Today Frank Chead was driving his car up the road by Grimshews and some lady from Cape Vincent came down and smashed into the side of his car. Apparently the car is ruined. No one was hurt but that was too bad. Frank had to depend on that car.
Joan Kemmis is going to have a baby again. Did I already tell you that?
I miss and Love you,
Deb

More From Deb

2008-08-06T08:47:00.000-07:00

July 18th, 1969
Dear Craig,
For a while I thought it was going to rain out but I guess it isn't, it's gotten quite a bit warmer out.
There hasn't been anything going on, Wendy and I worked last night and afterwards we went up to Lee's for a while. I left before Wendy did.
It seems to be getting hotter out every minute.
Yesterday I went swimming for the first time in a long while. Irene, Shana, Becky and I went down to the lake. The water wasn't bad.
Aron Haltom was 19 yesterday so they had a party for him There seemed to be a lot of young kids there drinking.
Dennis Hilluck got a new 1968 or 69 car. It's a red Volkswagon. He got it from Torry. Ya know the 68 Mustang that David had? Well, that 68 Mustang is now at Sogers smashed up. I don't really know the whole story, except that David, Kent and Lonny Walker were going to work, hit another car and the only one hurt was Kent, hit his forehead on the windshield and had to have 4 stitches.
Well, I've got to get ready for work.
Love ya,
Deb

July 7, 1969

2008-08-06T08:46:00.000-07:00

Dear Craig,

I hear that you have been to Australia. Do hope that you had a wonderful time.

Three Mile Bay Firemen had their annual field days celebration over the Fourth of July weekend. They had the biggest crowd ever and served over 1000 chicken dinners. Just after the parade was over I was walking over to the beer booth when the siren went off. Well, when the firemen left they said that it was at our place. I couldn't believe that so I stayed there and had a beer. Well, they came back in a few minutes, and the fire turned out to be the outhouse at the place 2 doors from us - just the other side of Lorellos. I saw Sharon and the kids there.

We are invited to Bonnie Radley's wedding on the 19th. of July. The reception is going to be at The Music Box in Watertown.

The other day Kenn took his uncle fishing. Well, when they paddled for about two hours, and finally two little youngsters in a little boat came along. Kenn asked them to go to Masons and see if one of the boys could come out. Sure enough, these little tots went down to Mason's, and Steve was home and he went out and towed Kenn in. So now we have to get a new battery.

My sister is in the hospital. She had a hernia operation. And Red Christie is in the hospital - he had either a heart attack or a stroke.

Friday night we had a sudden and severe storm. The wind came up like a hurricane, the water came up, it poured so hard it looked like a blizzard. All of a sudden I looked out of the window and everybody's lawn furniture was flying in all directions. It lasted a couple of hours and it sure caused a lot of havoc. Trees and wires were down everywhere.

Two of my neices and their families are over at Cedar Point with their campers for the month, so last evening we drove over to call on them. I never saw so many campers and tents in one place in my life. It was absolutely crowded. And I hear on the radio that every state park in the area was filled to capacity.

Lee's Restaurant was practically swamped all weekend long. Many young people from the Rochester area took the place over. One night they were sitting in the middle of the road in front of the restaurant drinking beer. And the traffic was very heavy at that time. I don't know what they will think of next. Anyway, somebody called the police and they moved.

We had a couple of real hot days and it has been coolish ever since. And we have had more rain this year than we have had in ten years. Because of this, the trees have more foliage than ever and the lawns need mowing more often. Maybe this is because we didnt' have very much snow last winter.

Well, I guess that's all I can think of to ranble on about for time time. Take good care now. Love, Grace and Kenn

Letters From Vietnam

2008-08-06T07:00:00.000-07:00

A few years ago on our way to 1000 Islands in New York, my husband and I stopped at a garage sale in Clayton. We bought a treasure chest for $20. Actually, it was one of those US Army issued ammo boxes, about half the size of a refrigerator. Inside the box was a jacket/shirt with the name "Southwell" sewn on, along with hundreds of letters that were addressed to Craig Southwell from his friends and family. There are also a few letters that were written by Craig himself. The lady that sold the box and letters to me claimed to be a distant relative and shared with me that she believed Craig had been killed while serving in Vietnam.

My plan is to share these letters with you and hopefully someone out there will claim bits of pieces of the story puzzle of Craig Southwells' life and legacy.