Memoir Monday, September 15, 1967

 It really feels like something I read or saw on a screen somewhere. Was it a real experience, a hallucination, a nightmare or just a 'bad trip' for me, although  I never tried recreational drugs until I was frankly old. Who knows?

Again from my post-event notes, about September 17, 1967

Did we really ‘camp’ there in the canyon for two weeks or was there some interim place? I draw a blank. I have a few photos but they give no time frame. I do recollect almost constant harassment. We were “trespassing,” the health department was worried about sanitation; the boys were required to start school, at least Alex, and Charlie Mike was not eager or willing to quit yet. The horses were scrutinized daily for proper care and signs of neglect or abuse. I dimly recall arguing fiercely they were indeed cared for with feed, water and exercise daily and did not need to be impounded for their welfare. There was a lot of harrassment and many official and private citizens came by with comments, threats and some demands. A few offered help, a very few. We could not stay there indefinitely!

Aunt Roxie came during the interim, loudly and profanely furious. She negotiated for a house up in Mescal Canyon below Jerome, but it had no place for the horses so Dad would not consider it. Everything was still unsettled when she had to go back and start her school term. Arguments raged. Finally on September 14 we began trooping down to Bridgeport, first moving the animals, by my count seven equines and one small burro. The family would then“move” into a barn at a place where Charley Bryant was or had stayed. I guess there was some space for the horses on the small farm. But we had two studs and five mares, all bunched together. Luckily no mares were in season. 

The next day Roxie drove me back to Flagstaff since the final deadline for registration was getting very close. I was so grateful for her help because I had begun to worry how I would get there. I did not even have bus fare. If I did not register on time, my aid would disappear and a year would be wasted. I was also very thankful most of my things were safely stored in Flagstaff and took a few more personal items back with me. Later I remembered a box in the shed Charlie Mike and I had used for private storage was left behind but it was just old souvenirs, clothes and some old writing. I missed a few things, but no great loss. Of course the drama was far from over although I was removed from the center of it again and only had to put one foot back down there two out of the seven days each week at the most.

On September 16 and 17 I ran around frantically to organize the second year of my higher education. I moved into Campbell Hall and had my stored things delivered; I got my next group of classes approved—thank you, Dr Downum—and registered, collecting my checks without any problem. I was amazed my stipend had been raised to $800 a semester. 

Photo: Campbell Hall, the south part of North Quad which became my new home starting on September 15 when Aunt Roxie delivered me there. Really the whole 67-68  school year it was the only home I had because the Morgan family--my immediate family--was soon scattered east and west. Only I was still in Arizona--and the horses I was involved in finding homes for.  That tale will emerge in the next few weeks.

Monday memoir Sept 8, 1967

 A blank week, really. What happened? From all I can find and have memories slightly wakened, we stayed there camping in the canyon foir almost two weeks and existed under those far from ideal circumstances. Charlie Mike and I cared for the horses and he and Alex did start school. We tried to keep semi-sanitary and washed in water hauled in and maybe sometimes heated on the propane camp stove. We cooked on it was well and I think used up most of the frozen or refrigerated food, maybe getting some ice to maintain the ice chests which had used cooling packs obtained during some of Dad's advertising projects in past years, mostly before the equine epic.  Little Ringo got table scraps which had already been his diet for as long as he was with us. We may have hitched rides with a few friends as I think the big F750 was not moved although it was of course capable to drive.

I cannot remember who friends might have been beyond Charley Bryant and a few more folks we knew who were not part of the now-very-focused and concentrarted group that clearly want to abolish the Morgan Problem forever and ever. Collateral damage be damned. But there were some who helped us haul water, sympathized and were looking for a place we could land with scant funds to pay for a lease or rent and where the animals could be safe also.  

At some point, probably this first week, Aunt Roxie arrived from California--she was the only one of dad's sibs able to come as Grace and Ruth had just lost their home when it was destroyed by fire and Uncle Dan was traveling around semi-incognito after some major conflicts with Wendell Robie and others and the start of a very untidy divorce situation.  I always respected Aunt Roxie although she could be very abrasive, didactic and just generally tough. She could cuss like a sailer crossed with a muleskinner and had very strong ideas about most things. She was unabashed about proclaiming them, too. I undestood her and although I was still very quiet, almost mousy then, I had that same kind of iron core and had just begun to learn how to express and use it. She and I were genuinely kin, both blood and spirit.  However she was unable to budge her brother an inch and got madder as time went on. Talk about immoveable objects. She called him everything but a gentleman more than once and he took it but did not move an iota. 

It seems we stayed there well into the second week of September. About when Roxie was needing to go back to California to start her school year, we finally got a place to go--basically free and temporary but 'something'.  I am not sure now if Charley and Elvie still lived there but they once had, on a small farm down near Bridgeport. The family was able to 'live' in the large barn and there was a pasture of several acres where the horses could stay. It was not a huge step up from camping out but they had a roof over their heads, I think an outhouse, water sources and the insulation of a fenced property where the officials were not able to harrass them as much. Charlie Mike and I moved the horses down there about the 14th, riding and leading them. I think the burro was leadable also. One trip or two? I do not recall at all.

Again most of this is a restructure of very scattered and broken memories and a few notes later so the chronology and actual events are by no means concrete. I was and am thankful for the small ways in which we were able to exist and take a tiny step forward and up but it felt close to hopeless then though I was still only part of it for awhile. The rest of the fall saw the finale. 

These are the only pertinent photos I have, both at an earlier time but this was the place. The barn would have been behind the photographer here. In one, I see one of the Jeep pickups so that would have been several years prior. I do recall the horse, a palomino Charley was breaking and training for someone.  The peaked roof behind the Jeep might have been the barn--or not. Or maybe structures in the background in the other one. I doubt I could even find the place now if it still exists--too many years. Probably where Mingus Ave crosses the river on the bridge, maybe just below that? No matter. 

Memoir Monday,, Sept 1, 1967

And so it began. I have no record and almost no recollection of August 26-31, 1967. They obviously happened, and I imagine Charlie Mike and I watered the horses at the river and maybe started collecting things we wanted to be sure we kept.  I suspect I was moving along pretty much on auto-pilot, the lights barely on and I was surely not 'home' or all there. The following came from my after-the-fact notes.

Sept 1, 1967 Friday

On September 1, a platoon of law enforcement people arrived early in the afternoon with a big Mayflower van and several stout stevedore types. Dad had gone to Phoenix in Big Green for what purpose I no longer remember, so Mom, the boys and I stood by and watched them take everything out of both houses. We gathered camp gear, firearms and cameras, some horse gear, a bunch of supposedly valuable papers key to ongoing legal efforts, and several ice chests full of food. We stacked them across the alley. I was ordered to keep an inventory on the loading and did so as best I could.

Since some personal property is exempt from seizure for debt or bankruptcy, there was some effort to separate the categories. ”Ours” would be stored in Prescott until we could reclaim it and the rest sold with proceeds going against the unpaid rent. In reality, the storage items were not reclaimed for twenty two years.That was done in the fall of 1989, another odd part of this almost endless tale. Dad had passed away close to a year before my husband and I finally helped Mom and Alex collect this property.

A Note, aside: Long before then, after I was married, I had tried to get permission to take and store it in our home to save the monthly cost but Dad threatened to sue us and threw huge fits. Why? I have no idea!! Loss of control, I suppose. By this time, Jim and I were deemed untrustworthy and actually featured on the “enemies list” most of the time. Mom had faithfully paid the bill all those years although I had taken care of it a number of times since there were some things I hoped to reclaim eventually,

We probably had some warning, even an eviction notice before the actual event. We may have already packed some things to keep with us. Again I do not recall. At any rate, the family of five and one small dog were now actually homeless. Charlie Mike still had Ringo. When Dad got back in the evening, we loaded all we had kept into the truck and drove it down to the canyon near the corrals. There we set up camp. Tarps over the high rack on the truck made a shelter and we also put up the old 8x10 wall tent. Maybe another one too? We had already hauled down what hay we had and stacked it, brought other key horse stuff along, etc.  As I say, it is all a hazy nightmare. But that was how it began..

A few other facts. The white Ford pickup had been repossesseed after they quit paying on it since it was still not clear of the lien. That left the big old F750 their only transportation. I was really furious that Dad left when we knew the actual eviction was going to happen. I am sure he had some allegedly valid and critical business to handle.  In retrospect, it may have been wise or best  as he could have gotten into a physical or even armed fight with the officers. But to me it felt so typical of his shrugging off the hard and dirty parts and letting the family face them. I have a very dim memory of standing out in the sun near the loading ramp of the moving van and trying to annotate a list I was keeping of items as they were loaded. It was hot but not terrible that day.  To even begin to think of what was to be kept for us makes my head ache. We had some furniture and perosonal things--toys and books that belonged to us kids--and much of that we did get back with the final reclaiming, in 1989. Much of my stuff I had gradually taken up to Flagstaff even though I knew I had too much to manage well,  so other than one or two boxes stuck in the shed Charlie Mike and I had claimed and forgot about in the rush, I lost very little. In a way that is almost miraculous. I am so thankful I had that level of foresight.

A couple of photos--stark and now feeling unreal. Alex, looking lost and unsure and a general view of our "camp" The corrals were in the area above the table there.

Memoir Monday, August 25, 1967

 I do not recall and did not note whether the folks came up on August 25 or 26 and got me or I took the bus down.  Suffice that I went and was present and 'on duty' for the duration. I found what it was like to be actually homeless and how grim and ugly life can be when there are few to no friends and many--maybe well deserved but still almost implacable--enemies standing against you.  Even when compared to many bad times in the revious couple of years, September and October 1967 were among the hardest times I ever experienced. Nobody died, not even the animals that were still a big concern of mine anyway. And I did make it back to Flagstaff in the nick of time to register and go on with my schooling. I thank my Divinity--The Source as I  now term them--and my guardian angel for that. It was a close thing.

The one entry, made that Friday evening:

Aug 25, 1967

I'm pretty thoroughly po'ed about everything. I was really dumb not to take off for California while it was easy. But if things don't turn up PDQ I will still do it. I haven't heard from JJM; I think he is a little unreliable but perhaps he had to return to Tucson. I may call him in a day or two just to investigate. Of course I could take off without his help but I'd kind of like to have somebody see me off.  I'm really proud of myself for not coming absolutely unscrewed. I've kept my temper beautifully, really. But actually it does not reach me. I'm outside of it all and just not afraid. Most of my stuff is absolutely safe, my scholarship is all in order for fall etc. If "they" (** note) tried to get that screwed up, I could really turn the tables so I am not too worried about it now. All I have to do is keep my cool for three weeks--or maybe less. 

**The 'They" above may have referred to either  my parents and those 'enemies', even very possibly both. I almost recall that dad basically threatened without him to support me and fight, those "enemies" could revoke my scholarship or bring some kind of charges that would prevent me from going to college at all. That was total bullshit and I knew it but still the old emotional blackmail and abuse had impact. 

Of course when I wrote that passage, I knew precisely what I was upset about and why, not that I would not recall the gory details some 58 years later. I am sure the folks had either written or called and laid a very heavy trip on me like I had better come down right away and that my future was at risk and all could be snatched away without warning by those evil enemies that were hounding them to the brink of disaster. I was urgently going to need their help. (Ha ha--what help could they provide??) I expect they did have an eviction notice now and not sure what other threats or actions they faced. It was definitely ugly,  nasty, very bad. I was still mad they had let matters get to that point while they kept thinking. pretendng  or trusting they could wave some magic wand and win. That was total insanity but who could tell them anything at that point, especially Dad? He was bonafide off his rocker. So I believe I did take the bus down Saturday morning or even that evening.  That's all she wrote, you might say. There were no more written words until September 17 when I was back at NAU, breathng a huge sigh of relief that I had gotten there. The dreaded drama was not over but I was partly free of it again. and only had to ago back weekends to try to fix things where it was necessary. I was still imprisoned by that damned Eldest Daughter geas.  (That is an ancient word for a spell or magical control but fits perfectly.) So much seemed to be resting on me and I had to make things happen when no one else would or could.. It was duty, it was somehow demanded and necessary. 

This final crash and burn had been building, perking and developing for so very long. I had seen it coming although not understood how and when it would hit.  I had actually known since probably even before I graduated from high school. It was all so incredible, impossible and the whole enterprise a drug-type bad trip dream. All those loans and 'ranch hunts' and endless whines to the relatives for just one more "help" that would make The Big Difference. Yes, I am still bitter. Charlie Mike and I both are. I never got quite into discussing it much with Alex before his death but he harbored a mass of anger, sorrow, and perhaps a little guilt although this went down when he was just eight years old. I am sure it marked him for life. How could parents, especially a father, actually do this to his family, his children? Someday on the other side I will sit him down and tell him in detail exactly what damage he did and ask him WHY. He owes me--all of us--that. He has been gone for well over 30 years now. Long enough I hope to see and regret and vow never to repeat those mistakes again.  If we truly are here to learn and grow---well, please, may that be so.

Picture: I just searched and found a royalty free image that fits. I did not look like that but I certainly felt that way! I wanted to cuss and kick and throw a toddler level tantrum! But I knew that was useless. I slid mostly into a zombie autopilot mode instead and recall very little detail as a result. 

Memoir Monday, August 18, 1967

August 18, 1967

At this point, the end was coming, like a runaway train full of hazmat down a rough track with a bridge out at the bottom of the steep grade. I had been semi-wired at the end of May, but I guess one could say "You ain't seen/felt nothin' yet.."  The first time was almost all about Dusty but this next time it was very much up close and personal and I was in the middle of it.  

Aug 16, 1967 Wed

I hate to hurry this way. Forgot to set my alarm so I got up at 6:40 or later and just ran beacsue I wanted some breakfast for sure. Made it to Math class. Right after that I left Danny Downing's four shirts in the lobby and  went to get some boxes at Foodtown. I said I'd buy them if I had to because I really need a couple more. Then I called to see how much more it would be if the warehouse sent a triuck down for my stuff rather than me bringing it up.  Kinda steep. I was tempted to cut Econ but didn't think I'd better. Both classes were getting hairy now. Colleen has sure made a mess of her packing so far. But then I am the "methodical Taurus" who goes about things "the efficient way." A few more boxes and I will have it 'whupped.' And I have a dinner date at 6:00 this evening. As if I didn't have enough to do!  Yes,  Jim finally resurfaced. 

When I woke up I was dreaming that I had just seen Moonspinner disappear around a corner and I was frantically searching and it suddenly got dark. There were trucks running everywhere and I was lost, carrying my suitcase. And I 'd left my ironing board up Leroux somewhere, where I had been ironing when I saw the old Plymie. That sounds crazy and felt so! (Leroux was a Flagstaff street, up town.) So now I'm afraid he'll call or come through this evening while I am gone but that's the chance I have to take. I don't think I'll hear from him for awhile, really. Maybe October, maybe never... But at least he called me in mid July and he had not been pushed or prompted in any way. That man can be unpredictable--but I love him anyway, maybe even partly because of it.

Aug 17, 1967 Thurs

Well, I  made it to class even if I was still awake at 1:40 am. Two no-doze pills and a cup of coffee ought to keep me awake through the first one anyway. So I went out with Jim M last night. He came about 6:10. We went out to dinner at the Afton House where I consumed $3.95 in Chinese chow. At least we didn't sit at the same table Dusty and I had but the same little Chinese man hovered around to see we were satisfied. It almost got on my nerves but the food was delish. Then we went to the "auto movie" and listened to tapes until the show started. We saw "The Secret of My Success" and "The Russians Are coming." The latter was good, both comic and serious, in a way. It was 1:00 when we left. At the dorm, he walked me to the door and then departed without even a goodnight kiss. I really can't figure that bit. He's taken me out enough now to feel he deserves a bit more than just the pleasure of my sweet company, no? So I search for a reason--shyness? He "respects me and awaits for me to make the first move"? I'm not atractive? He is afraid of 1) me 2) himself 3) getting hooked 4)public opinion or ???? I am getting to feel fairly much at ease with him, not like Dusty yet,  but I have to  admit that would likely follow an incrased degree of physical intimacy. In some ways they are quite a bit alike. If Dusty was 30 and really single, he'd probably be more like Jim, especially with an equivalent education and not just an HKU PHD!  If only he was. I guess he didn't call, perhaps tonight? It is almost the last chance but I don'texpect it at this late stage of the game.  Except for the birthday card, I am going to leave the worthy chap alone and let him take his own time about it. There is no use getting frantic.  I've got to get my stuff  'shipped out' today. Guess I'll put up a sign or two asking for help.

Aug 18, 1967 Fri

Well, my stuff is at the warehouse signed, sealed and delivered. I hauled it upthere in a Mustang, lent me by a friend of Carolyn's The math test wasn't bad, really. I may have gotten 100%, certainly not below 90% unless I am badly mistaken. I'm really unprepared on Econ--hope I do not flub up too badly. I don't feel very well and hauling that junk downstairs didn't help much. But I am just so thankful it is done. Uncle Dan called last night--don't know what will come of that but I'll let Charlie Mike go instead of me if it comes to that. It will take awhile for the excedrins to take hold. Why didn't Dusty call? 

Not to explain but a closing comment. For a long time I was too embarrassed to even mention this event but I know now none of it was my fault. The mixture of my parents' foolishness with some people who were probably justifiably angry and vengeful, resulted in situations and events which are not shameful. They are re-enacted in different ways frequently today. In today's environment they've become too common to be shocking. I did learn to feel some empathy for unplanned hardships and an ability to understand things I see, hear and read about now from real experience.  That was a key part of learning and growth which  I expect my energy-self needed.  I actually ended up going to Clarkdale, on August 26th if memory serves but I did not write it. This last week I wrote a few times, then once more on the 22nd. Then for three weeks, not one single word.  I'll have to reconstruct that from memory and notes I wrote after I was back in Flagstaff in  mid-September. Three weeks almost out of time, out of life, out of --just OUT. 

Pictures? My internal turmoil is hard to portray. Worry and dread were hard, cold knots in my middle, not quite a pain but almost. Like I swallowed a half dozen ice cubes or drained a big bottle of very cold water too fast. How do I symbolize that?  Seeing a storm and not knowing where it will go or when it will hit--that is the feeling! I found this long ago to symbolize a scene in a story I was writing but it fits.

Memoir Monday, August 11, 1967

And yet more of the same, a bright spot or two I guess. Again I was only in Flagstaff. Apparently I did not go down to the valley again after all. I cannot remember what Mom had said in a letter but it was not good. Had they gotten the eviction notice by then? Anyway I wrote about two days. 

August 7, 1967 Monday

Monday, Monday. It wasn't bad as weekends go--but they had the  QH show and the Rodeonand I didn't go to eitehr. The rodeo cost $2.00 a day and I wasn't up to walking out to Tuthill--the usual grounds for such. So all I saw of the 'festivites' was the parade on Saturday which wasn't really much. I did $2.50 of ironing and spent most of Sunday railbirding and got quite a bunch of numbers and even saw an outfit car--the kitchen/dining of Unit 96 it said. I felt kind of lonesome and sorry for myself but didn't break down. Last nigth I did my hair with New Dawn. It sure left my mop greasy and stringy. I'll probably have to wash it several times before it wil look decdent again. I have it in frumpy tails this morning. It's a damp and foggy morning, the sort that gives me the glooms, as a rule. But since i have quite alot to do today maybe I'll  make it until the sun shines again.

Somewhat later:  Got a b'day card for Dusty over the weekend and while ago I got it all redy to send  except for typing the address on the envelope.  This will be from Campbell Associates in Albuquerque. I am probably getting too smart for my own good but hopefully it will reach him with getting undue notice wherever it may go. No mail so far today but perhaps it wasn't up yet? I'll chcek again later when I exchange my sheets. At last look Colleen was still asleep. I rather like her but she is so untidy!  I'd never think of coming in from a date, no matter how late, and dump my clothes in a heap on the floor. But so long as she keeps the mess on her side of the room I can't complain. Maybe I'll give her a complex? Yes, I am almost too fussy I guess.  Rewashed my hair and it is not so bad now. I will never use that coloring again though but maybe one more wash will do the job. I may try a real dark brown or deep auburn rinse that will wash out next I think.  I would like to be a redhead but not a carrot-top. Or possibly a real brunette. I remember one succinct remark Dusty made about some 'beauty treatment':  "And look like a jackass like a lot of other girls ..." He really does not like a lot of fancy or fake.stuff. So I guess that is good since I am not going there much. 

August 11, 1967 Friday

Have the Friday sickness again. I almost didn't go to Math but was glad I did because we had a quiz and I think I did faiiy well on it. I'm now at the library nad have been studying Econ. I ithink I have the essay question down pat. It is all written out and I have almost memorized it. I'm going to get the mail before I go to class. That way I won't be wondering, at least. I'll know the best, the worst or no-news-is-good-news. If I don't leave I have a date tonight with a buddy if Colleen's Dave. Might be better than sitting and stewng, Gives me a diversion. We are doublinjg, probably to the movie. I hope he isn't the "Romen hands and Russian fingers" type because I don't feel like fighting but would rather fight than switch (lovers). Then I might have to get up at 7:30 too catch the bus home. Gee what a life! I had all sorts of bad dreams last night so I sort of dread to go down. But I will. I may not go 'home' for the vacation though. Living without water for a month etc. Why the hell don't they get out of there? I just get in a boiling fit everytime I think of it so I'd better change the subject Like get back to my Econ. 

No photos so just grabbed a few off the NAU site and share for how it was in the summer. I did love summers up there. First a view up one main street toward town, Next anotherview with the Peaks clear and bright and finally Old Main as it is these days. My dorm for the two years was just out of view to the right here. The old campus was really pretty and had a traditional feel. The new south and west part feels alien to me. Much more modern and probably 'better' to the feelings of most. Again you can't go 'home'

 

Memoir Monday, August 4, 1967

Continuing with another week in Flagstaff. I guess it was a blessing that I knew little about events down in the valley even if I did worry. Had I known I would definitely have arranged NOT to go down for those three weeks. Yikes. No, that is not true. In the end it was very critical that I be there I am sure. At least for the sake of those seven horses and  maybe more

.July 31, 1967  Monday

Glad the weekend is over. It was literally a drag. I went window shopping on Saturday and spent most of the rest of the day reading a book by Kathleen Winsor, much juicer than Forever Amber. The letter from Mom on Saturday was not exactly conducive to peace of mind. I kept debating what, if anything, I should do and came up with no answer. Then I got this longing for Dusty which even a ten mile hike could not have cured.  The color analysis bit really bugs me. I am afraid the turquoise fits too well and it is rather disturbing because I really don't want to be that type of person. An aside-Tte only way that going to Dusty was a mistake is that now I want to be with him all the time and it drives me wild. I am almost driven to the street but the idea of any and everybody gives me the shudders and except for an occasional fantasy, I really don't want anyone else. And even with him, I freeze up when I don't even mean to. That's the narcissism probably or emotionally hot and physically frigid, What a mess!! (Note--it was mostly just companionship and contact,  not sex that I was needing.)

August 1, 1967 Tuesday

It is chilly today. I wore my blue peasant outfit to math and practically froze. so changed to my turquoise riders and striped seersucker shirt, During the break I worked on Pony of Fantasia. I started on it last night and rough finished it while ago. I think I'll send it to Linda and see if I can get her to do some illustrations. I might ever try it myself but doubt that I'd be satisfied with whatever I'd create. But I may try anyway. Watercolor wash with India Ink sketching would be best. Rough it in with pencil and then put the wash on and finally do the ink. I can see what I want but doing it is something else. Next I am going to start on Pony and the Dark Horse. I already have begun chapter 1. I think it could be almost as good as Cindy and possibly even more commercial. 

August 4, 1967 Friday

Another Friday. I doubt anyone will be up to get me byaut one never knows. Yesterday I turned back the rest of my ironing jobsand also got the monthly $5.00 from Mama Witt so I went on a small shopping spree. I bought another multi-skirt hanger, a door closet extender, some paper, a teasing comb, some pop tarts, and the August Western Horseman.  Then I did some more sorting and packing. Two weeks from today I've got to be moving out. I'll call two storage warehouses for comparison next week to find out how much it wil cost me. Maybe I'll go through my winter clothes another time today and I may buy another trunk at Sprouse Reitz.  They have some for $7.44 now. I should've waited a little. Maybe I'll get a metal suitcase instead, like Dusty's. I will go look at luggage Saturday morning. Colleen and I will probably go to the rodeo Saturday afternoon.  We didn't go to bed until 2:00 last night and I really thought I'd die trying to get up at 6:30. It took some wiil power!  I got 11/11 on my last math quiz. We're going into stats now so I shouldn't have a bit of trouble. I believe I might make a 1. That would give me only one 2 on my lower division Gen Ed and also only one on my major courses too. Hope so!!  This morning I've got to go to the library and study Econ. We have a 35 question test coming. 

Pictures? Like what??   Oh, about those two books I was working on! Two if my illustration efforts--it was a kiddie fantasy about a pitiful pony that inspired a frail princess to improve and live to help it. These were not what I hoped for but... And a clipping that inspired Pony and The Dark Horse which got lost in the following months and years and never has been completed. Probably OBE too long now.

    

Memoir Monday, July 28, 1967

For most of the last part of July and well into August, I did not go back down to the Verde. In most ways that was good.  I wrote almost daily, although a lot of it was drivel and hardly entertaining!  Anyway I covered most of this week from July 24 through the 28th. I will condense some of the rambles but try to cover anything of interest or significance. 

Monday, July 24 

Good morning. So far it looks like a pretty day in Flag. I came up on the bus last night. I don't do such a prosaic thing as commute between country and town or home and school . I move from life to life, from world to world. The bus is my time machine that takes me on that strange journey. When I got in,  Colleen was out . I took my time about getting cleaned up and finally turned in about 12:00. I did wash my hair but brushed it dry instead of rolling it. 

It's dinner time now and it rained this afternoon. I hope to tell you, it really rained. And we had an electric outage too.  I got my free record--Catrina Valente-- and my black riders which really fit.  They are already hemmed up and are super  sharp. They are more practical than purple and go with a lot of things to make neat outfits.  I guess tomorrow I'll have to go to town, rain or shine. No new ironing jobs. I hope I get some more. However I guess I can do without any extra work tonight. 

A note: with the water shut off, bathing in Clarkdale was hardly possible. I could stand it for two days or nights and did but it felt good to wash the dirt and sweat off! I was so fiercely disgusted with the folks for just squatting there as they were. It made no sense to me at all and I knew it was not going to end well. I dimly recall Charlie Mike had an altercation with Dad and got punched in the face, allegedly for 'sassing'. I could feel his rage and hate but he did not do anything right then. Still I knew it was not going to get better. It was amazing he stayed with them as long as he actually did. 

July 25, Tuesday

I found a book in the library on colors and personalities relative to certain colors. I had too many favorites so my analysis was confusing. I loved turquoise but that tended to be a fave of  narcissistic and really not the nicest people. Oh my! My other faves lilac, lavender and other purple shades were better . Well I also liked some pink and bits of red, clear light yellow and for neutrals black and white, maybe beige and dark navy blue, but not gray. Silly really but I got wrapped up in that for awhile. I was analyzing everyone!

July 26, Wednesday

I had a busy day planned and got an early start, doing a number of small tasks before going to Math and between it and Econ. I was already planning ahead on sorting and consolidating my stuff. I had way too much and I was thinking about storing it for the three weeks between the end of summer sessions and the start of the fall term. I  had already chosen the Mayflower warehouse as the best possibility. It was not far off campus, up near the railroad depots. I was still undecided about what I'd do for those three weeks. That would not be fun in Clarkdale for sure. (Little did I know! But no spoilers yet.) I kind of wanted to go to California and Uncle Dan had mentioned it. 

In a peeve, I said something not very nice! "If anything gripes me it is these moony couples to whom parting for an hour or two for class is a major tragedy. They cling to each other, gazing with mournful eyes and wait until the very last minute to part."  I had not seen Jim since April and Dusty since May! How these kids exist, I can't see. Either they'll get to where they couldn't stand each other or the partial intimacy would be impossible to bear.

I went shopping and bought two pairs of sandals and looked at the new offerings of jackets since cold weather would come sooner than one might wish. I picked a favorite but held off on the purchase. I also got a pink sleeveless shell that would go with my in-progress suit (it was light canvas weight fabric, white with roses printed on it.) It would also work with the new black bell bottom riders.  

July 27, Thursday

I chided myself for the silly habit of writing a little in my now loose-leaf journal notebook and then more on a page in my math folder. It had become a temporary habit. I was still uncertain about going down for the three weeks but at that point had heard almost nothing from the folks and was clueless. It was stressing me out and I was worried about what was going on, hearing nothing. I sensed the ledge they lingered on was crumbling away minute by minute which was close to the truth. ,

July 28, Friday

Damn, it is cold as a tomb in this accursed library this morning. After a long hour I am practically frozen. I was hunting for Vance Packard's books but only found one. I had an idea for a paper about him.  There was an econ test at 11:00 which I hoped I could zip through and go. I have head nothing from the Valley so did not know whether to expect they'd be up for me or not.  There was something about going to look at a place in Garland Prairie which I opined would be knee deep in mud after several heavy rains. (Probably another last chance bit of ranch hunt, and pointless as always.) I considered trying to talk Colleen into going somewhere on the weekend if I was staying, sharing gas and driving with her. I'm not sure where, now.  She was on and off with her boyfriend. I just realized she was not a summer student but a full time regular one also taking classes to speed it along as I was.  I also learned that Campbell would be the Honor Dorm and considered that good news since I was basically planning to be housed there in the fall and I did much prefer the north/east side of campus as being closer to town and just more my style.  Maybe I'll hear from Jim today, but I don't expect it. He is probably still in Tucson. I should get busy and do my Santa Fe report for econ and start the one on Vance Packard, called "The Latter Day Socrates" which I thought quite clever. It will be some kind of extra credit effort, I expect. I had to get out of the cold so started off to check the mail and then to the 11:00 class.  It was easier first session when they were back to back instead of at 7:30 and 11:00! And I did not go down to the valley after all. 

Photos?  Geez. I took none at that time and what applies? I'll just throw something in for eye candy I guess.  Hmm, how about that one? Just out of my collection of hero inspiration pix much later than 1967! Even a more a mature guy--which I always liked anyway!  Then Zhan in an old picture, before he was a big star on Dark Winds; this one inspired my hero in Rez Dogs and Scooter Trash, one of my JBS novellas. 

  

Memoir Monday July 21, 1967

This week was a mixture of a little momentous and a lot routine. This whole summer was a bumpy roller coaster for the most part and ended up spelling an end to several things, mainly my ties to the Verde Valley and the Morgan family "situation" by the end of the year. 

There were journal entries for  July 17 and July 21 plus a supplement on July 19and 20. It is much more coherent to go thru them chronologically and end with Friday July 21 which is the day this memoir section  is supposed to be for. So without further ado, 

July 17, 1967, Monday

Here I am all registered for a second session with everything paid off and all that. It was a wild weekend. I had helped Lynn move out on Friday afternoon after my finals. Then she decided to go to California so I put her on the train and kept her car. Train was late. It was neat waiting at the depot but I wished it was me going. So, for the whole time I had the car. It took me a little while to to get the feel of the automatic but it drives like a dream. Saturday I went to Outfit Alley but nothing was there so I then drove up to the Snowbowl. It is so beautiful up there. Sunday I drove out to Lake Mary and also the corrals where Dusty and I had been. 

My new roomie arrived. She is Coleen Ruark, kind of kookie --from California--but not bad. She has boyfriend troubles. Who doesn't? In the evening I watched TV and saw two westerns and part of two other movies. That way I was able to sleep. Friday evening I had cleaned the room and changed sides. This morning I got through registration so easy and and fast it was fantastic. Then I went shopping and got my iron and ironing board and a couple of other goodies. After lunch I napped and after supper I went and bought gas for the sweet chariot. Of course a little Lark won't be so hot but I'd be tickled to have a car come fall.* Classes start tomorrow. What a bash, I can't believe 7:30! But I'll make it.  I am going to try to earn back the price of the iron and board and then I want to save for a trip...and maybe some other things like a sewing machine. Coleen's asleep. She got drunk last night after she had a fight with her guy so she's been sick all day. Well, see you around, probably.  I'm trying to shake the blues but not having too much luck. I wish Dusty would call but I have to be patient. I just miss and want him so much. (*Note--Uncle was thinking of lending me a car but that never worked out.) 

July 19, Wednesday 

Second day of second session already. Where have the good times gone? I got up late this morning and have been running like hell ever since.  I just snatched a mad quick bite of breakfast and took off for math. That class really surprises me. I think I am going to like it. We're beginning on logic which is just fascinating. Tomorrow we will have our first daily quiz . In Econ I do not find Burglund as interesting as Anderson was but I still think I can make a 1 unless his tests are awfully tricky Yesterday I got a trunk or footlocker. I am sure it will be useful. I've got to put up some little ads and see if I can at least earn back the price of my iron and board.. Once they have paid for themselves perhaps I'll try for a sewing machine since Mary said she'd have a typewriter. I just wish Dusty would call. Of course he wasn't sure that he'd make it or when if he did go to Winslow. I can't get impatient but I do... 

July 20, Thursday

Here I sit in the library rather befuddled after 90 minutes of attempting to understand logic. I believe I am beginning to get the feel of it but I dare not get left behind or I'd never catch up. Got an unexpected letter from Jim yesterday. He is in Tucson now as both his parents are going in for operations. That is pretty tough. Also a note from Mom. She said Charlie Mike is working and the Boss will be up for me tomorrow. Lynn got back this morning. I was surprised and relieved that she was okay. She said she had a wonderful time and departed with her car. Mom said Grace and Ruth's house burned. I as really shocked. Hate to be paranoid but with Uncle Dan's feud with Wendell Robie and Dad fighting half the world, anything is possible. In a way I'll be glad to go down home but I fully expect to be miserably hot and one never knows what will happen. I just wish they'd get enough cash to bug out of that stinking pest hole.  There is No Use at all in staying as far as I can see. 

July 21, Friday

Friday again already and I guess I am going home. I'm also in business ironing So far I have made $2.50. My equipment cost me $17.00 so I have paid off 1/7th of it.  So far so good. If I can clear some profit I'll take nothing for my time because I would just be messing around. That $2.50 will presently buy my bus ticket back since I do not want to break my $10.00. Wonder if Charlie Mike will get to come up today. I don't think he has to work on Friday but he may have chores to do at home. I am glad he has a job and am sure he is too. If only Mom could get back to work... (fat chance) I hope Dusty does not call while I am gone but doubt he'd go to Winslow on a weekend. I wonder if AT&SF will take him back?  Sure have not got much mail lately. Nobody loves me anymore (tee hee) except Jim--but he might. Really and not really!

Pictures: The Flagstaff depot as it was in 1967. I might have parked Lynn's Chevy in that row of cars. Then La Posada which was both a famous Fred Harvey era hotel and later the AT&SF Headquarters for the Winslow Division.  This was a later photo, about 2015. It was still used by the BNSF for offices and admin work at that point. I know it is a hotel again now also.

Memoir Monday, July 14, 1967

July 14, 1967

Another fast week but I actually covered it better than I realized. Besides the normal journal entry I found a few pages not in the notebook, which I wrote at another time and then just stuck into the bundle . I used a second steno pad like the one I got when I began to keep a journal again after the 1966 summer blow-up and in it recorded Jan 3-July 21.  While at home I sometimes wrote on loose paper and stashed it in my purse or a folder; I did this in spare minutes elsewhere also. I covered July 12 and 14 some that way. 

First July 14, since that is the official day. It was Friday.

Ain't I got fun? This has been quite a day. Took my two exams this morning. The stat one was really a booger but I think I did okay.on the Econ. I then helped Lynn move all afternoon and   was in the midst of cleaning and rearranging the room when she burst in. She had decided to go to California after all. So I had to practice driving the Impala some. It took awhile to get used tot the brake and the automatic but otherwise, no sweat. I saw her off on ATSF #1 (San Fran Chief) which was 1 1/2 hours late and watched the Super Chief and El Cap through. Then I drove out to the airport road and back just for fun. I can't believe how neat! It is mine until Tuesday morning. I guess Monday I'll get some money which will help as I have to gas it up again but she was willing to let me drive it. I just can't afford to get caught without a license is all. That would be bad news, It is after 12:00. Guess I'd better get some shuteye. Jim's letter came today and I also heard from Laura. I have swapped sides of the room just for a change. I hate monotony!

Now back to the perhaps most significant day of the week. 

July 11, 1967, Tuesday

Summer session(s) are nearly half gone already.  The first five weeks ends this Friday. Roxie, Larry and Steve were there over the weekend with June Annette. She is a sweet little girl. I gave her two rides on Buzzie. There were no major fireworks for the two days. Surprise? Thankful!! I drove to Camp Verde Saturday morning and then delivered a subpoena to John McMillan on Sunday. The folks brought me back to Flag Sunday evening. I'm hoping to stay up this next weekend. Lynn will be leaving and I will probably have a new roommate. Exams are Friday. I think I'll make a 1 in Econ and hope for a 2 in Stats if I am lucky.  I think I'll call Jim tonight. May also call the CofC and find when the Appy Show is, if possible. Then I'll call Dusty over the weekend. Make it person to person on Sunday and hope maybe I can catch him though it is very iffy. Doubtful on an old phone number.

It rained cats and dogs yesterday. I find that terribly depressing but one has to learn to endure all sorts of things. Roxie gave me $5.00 and I got $5.00 from Mama Witt so maybe I'll go shopping in the PM today. Generally that will raise my spirits out of the dumps for awhile.  Looks like since 1965 that summer is a lonely time. Last summer sure was. I hope Dusty is not sick but I wouldn't be  surprised if he is.  I cannot forget and mark him off although I almost try sometimes. At times I may go part way but it won't work, We have been too close. I swear it really almost seems like I have been married and now divorced. Roxie tells me to have fun and catch a good husband. That's what everyone says. They'd all be awfully mad of I did marry Dusty wouldn't they?  They might approve of Jim. As for Forester Ray, I am not sure. But that is not for real anyway. I'll just drift until some old lecher decides he likes my looks or something. God, what an attitude to have. But I really do not feel I am mistress of my fate. 

Later, after 10:00 p.m.  Guess who I just talked to on the phone about an hour ago!!. It sure does not pay to give up on that man, does it? He is working as a carpenter at a mine near Kingman and living out there in a camper. He said he might be over this way sometime this summer going to Winslow for another investigation and hearing. I guess they may take him back in awhile.  At least he is well, has a job and has not forgotten me. It is just not easy to get to town and a phone. But he called, he really did. Sure,  I am crazy to be elated but I am, anyway. Yes, I do love him. 

 On July 12 I wrote mostly about Dusty and the phone call. That was a very high point in the mostly rather meh summer. I did go shopping at Sprouse Reitz to get the rest of the fabric I had earlier found a remnant of as I had plans to make a multi-piece outfit with it. I was also considering buying an ironing board and possibly doing some for hire to pay for it. I also expected my next roommate to be showing up in any day. I also decided to go ahead and call Jim and chatted with him for awhile. He was staying at the high school, I think, maybe a kind of caretaker? Also getting up very early for some reason. I'm not sure what he was doing.

Explaining needed? Not much. June Annette was my Uncle Dan's eldest. She was about ten at that time.  I have no idea how John McMillan was involved in the ongoing Morgan madness; I do not want to know!  CofC was Chamber of Commerce and of course would have a schedule of special events around Flagstaff.  I have to laugh now at that 'catch a good husband' advice. That was still so prevalent! Actually the main reason for many girls to go to college?!  Nobody was very liberated yet. It grated on me a bit even then as that was not my main goal. An MRS was not a degree I sought. And so far few had impressed me as potentially worth the effort.The Laura I mentioned was an old pen pal I had almost quit writing.  Sadly at this point I did not know how long it would be before I was to speak to Dusty again. So many things did not go our way so we lost track of each other for months. Talk about star crossed lovers; some things seem to be ...fate? karma? just DTBL?  I still felt there would be other places and times and I do even to this day.  I know what I believe

Two photos,  one old, really both are. Dusty and me as I tried to remember us through some lonely times and Lynn's nice car. It was a Chevy Impala and probably no more than a year old. I was looking forward to getting my own--someday. That took three years more.

Memoir Monday, July 7, 19667

 As I said last week, this was a period that did not get much recording,. In fact, there is only one entry in the journal between  June 26 and July 11.  It is fairly long and covers quite a bit of territory so that will have to do,. My memory supplies almost nothing in addition, so what is there is what we share. .

July 6, 1967

Where did the good times go?  Last week was just okay, neither good nor bad. Friday I went home. It was a wild 'vacation'. I do believe the first week of July is dangerous for us. Last year I sported a black eye. This year we got into a tussle with Bazok on the 1st. He moved to Payson the next day.Then the Boss got arrested on the 3rd for 'assault with a deadly weapon' involving a halfwit named Grady Glover. Looking back it really seemed unreal.  Today was the preliminary hearing before JP Murray with Kemp Williamson attorney for the state. Being a key witness, I got the once over, almost like on Perry Mason but I must have done okay because His Honor (no sneer intended) presented an opinion of no probable cause. The Boss had to return to Prescott to officially sign out of jail and I left before he returned. The hearing lasted from 2:00 until 6:30. I just floated in a fog of exhaustion up the fifty mile route on the bus. My old "grandpa" Louie was the driver and he let me off at the south gate. Lynn was out so I showered and fell into bed.

It seems like Monday now,  but no, it's Thursday--all day today. Roxie and the boys are due over the weekend so I guess I shall go down and see them. I am so tired. Don't guess I slept a total of 24 hours in five nights. But now I've got a week's studying to do in a day and a half so I can't loaf much. If I am too exhausted I may take a nap after lunch but I have to spend  the evening at the library.  I hardly rode a bit, only bareback to the river but I got several sewing projects done. My turquoise shirt came out really nifty and the skirt/chaleco outfit is neat too. I have to go and get an absence excuse from the Dean's office directly and proceed to classes. I should have loads of mail anyway.

All that is confusing without any explaining,I expect. It even seems muddled to me! So let me fill in what I can. I mention the black eye which now  supplies a basic date for the final chapter of abuse that I spoke of last summer, the time where I 'sassed" and was hit in the face and knocked across the kitchen. So that was between July 1-3 in 1966. Hmm.  Who in the blazes Bazok was I have not a faint clue. Then name rings no bell and may have been a nickname or a intentional misspelling?  And I honestly do not really remember the other incident at all. I think I just erased that part of my mental tape. I suspect some confrontation, probably out at the pasture--no as we had no stock there anymore so where?  I am sure a threat or two was made but nobody got shot at or even close. Of that I am sure, and I think I did  testify absolute truth on that so the case was dismissed.  Roxie was my aunt, the sister just younger than Dad, and the boys were my cousins, Larry and Steve Tackett. As I said last week, the water was shut off and Charlie Mike and I took the horses to the river to drink. I slightly recall the clothes I mentioned making. They are long gone and I don'tthink I even have any scraps of that fabric. I got the missed assignments caught up and made any lost progress up in the two classes, so all ended well there.This would have been about the third week of the five week summer session.  I ended up getting A or 1 in both the Stats and Econ 1 classes. a nice surprise!

Photos??   The Old Jail in Cottonwood. I think the JP court was held there at this time. Next two views of the river bottom to show how it changed from about 1959 to 2021! When we watered the horses there in 1967 it was much closer to the 1959 view. The last is just a train near Kingman--not relevant and added in error. Does not want to delete!

Memoir Monday, Jun 30, 1967

 Little to reconstruct from as I wrote nothing for a week or more about this point.. There were a few events or non-events that I alluded to after the long holiday weekend. I will try to unravel that. The one page I wrote follows. It was on Monday, June 26.

By the time the weekend rolled around, and the Independence Day holiday was coming up, I think I was not enthused to go back and that weekend stretched with an extra day. For several I wrote not at all. That will pick up with the next week's, I guess, since that Friday would be July 7. 

Monday, June 26, 1967. 

Monday again. It wasn't a bad weekend at home. Saturday I got to drive all the way to Camp Verde and back. I do like driving. Didn't ride much. It was miserably hot and the cooler is on the blink.  Last night I came back up on the bus. Mama Witt had been trying too call so I called her. I'd been surprised to see a message in my box.  I reassured her, I think,. At least I tried. I am not sure what Mom had been writing in recent weeks. But probably not very cheerful!

Now I've already changed the sheets and done my washing, Lynn and I went to breakfast this morning, not a real usual thing. I'm ready to go off to classes in about half an hour. It's hard to write anymore --not much happens. At least now I don't have to worry so much. For now, the madness of last week has calmed down. Gotta go home again next weekend but meanwhile I'll just sit back and relax through this week.  Have to run a bunch of errands today after lunch so may go to the library to study tonight. May, that is. Now if only Dusty would call, I'd feel nearly okay about almost everything. But he could be anywhere, like flat on his back in a hospital with asthma like this time last year.  Darn, I should not worry so, but I do...

A few minor explains: The cooler was a window one-room air conditioning unit that was in the living room at Clarkdale. Mostly Dad worked in there on his legal and paper stuff,  so  Charlie Mike and I both avoided it most of the time. We'd rather sweat than get any of those  lectures! I am pretty sure the water was shut off at this time so we would take the seven  horses to the river to drink, often twice a day. .Luckily Buzzie and Leo were gentle and reliable now and we did not even have to saddle up. The others led well enough also. One of us would ride Leo and lead Chief and maybe one of the mares or fillies if they were clearly not in season.  The other on Buzzie would have a handful of  three on lead.There was one young donkey too; not sure what we did for him.  As to driving to Camp Verde, not sure why. Maybe to get feed or groceries rather than shop in local store.  Maybe had too big a bill at the Clarkdale or Cottonwood store and did not want a hassle about that being paid? Things were so haywire at this point. How in any holy name did the Old Man think he could go on existing that way? There is no answer except he was truly detached from all reality.I was so grateful to have a place to go and get away from it. I felt so sorry for Charlie Mike and even Alex, for he was now old enough to see how effed up things were.

Pictures are scare!. Flagstaff was lovely in the summer and that was a bright spot in my weeks there in 1967. I enjoyed it every year  from 1967, 1968, 1969 and half of 1970. I wish I had more photos, many were lost when my hard drive died in 2018. We have never been able to get any of it reclaimed. Two views were probably out near Lake Mary and one at the snow bowl  ski area and summer hiking region on the San Francisco Peaks. That was roommate Lynn's Chevy Nova--nice car!

  

 

Memoir Monday, June 23, 1967

 So another week slides by, too easy, too fast and it feels like more of the same dull beads slipping along a a cord, a rosary of my days. What stations do they pass? What prayers or offerings are needed? Looking back so very far it feels strange, almost unreal. This week back then I actually wrote a page on two days, Monday, June 19 and Friday, June 23. This post is for the 23rd but I will put them in chronological order to save any extra explanations or repetitions. Let's time travel. 

Monday June 19, 1967

I may as well leave off trying to keep a diary or journal. The days are mostly routine with minor joys and sorrows and an occasional accomplishment. Today I got a $50 check and a nice letter from Uncle Dan. I put half of it in my account, paid off my record bill, and kept the remainder. I made a 1 on my first Econ test. The first in Stats tomorrow. It was a dull, lonely weekend as Lynn took off and I was all alone. Still no word from Dusty. Will I ever? Maybe I will get a letter from Jim tomorrow. That is a poor second  best but I want to do something besides make 1s and dream about Prince Charming.  I'm coming down with a bad case of the blues--better snap out of it, girl. Everything is too easy. I should go look for a job. I am really an awful coward...

Friday, June 23, 1967

Summer--three days old now.It feels like summer, too, except for the wind. I feel sick as a dog. Too many worries plus two cups of coffee on an almost empty stomach. It was sure not considerate of the Boss to say he'd come by and tell me what all had happened and then to disappear without a word. especially after telling me all those gruesome tales. I sure had a doozy of a nightmare last night. We were tangling with a bunch of the local 'enemies'.* I sassed them some and started to leave and this Chinese guy threw a silver wedge/ax/ knife/star at me. The device settled in my head, right at the temple. I kept thinking they would catch me but they didn't. Somehow I staggered up to Jerome and banged on Jimmy Mac's door. I collapsed at his feet when he opened it. I had blood crusted in my hair and on my face. He said he'd take me to the  hospital and I screamed. "No! No,they will kill  me! Take me over to Prescott." I wanted to go to Whipple but of course couldn't so chose the County Hospital instead.  That was about the end. Geez, I mean it was gnarly. Lynn said she didn't sleep well either.  I don't think I was yelling...  Of course I am worried about Dusty, too. I'm not even sure he found the numbers but he must have since I am positive he was there that Tuesday to get part of his stuff.  But I really do wish I knew how and where he is. I'd like to call but don't know where or what I'd say depending on who might answer. 

A kind of diatribe follows; read at your discretion. 

*As to those "enemies",  they were named in the original narrative. I have not done so here out of respect for younger generations who were generally not responsible.  First I freely acknowledge that my male parent was an unmitigated asshat  and  brought a great deal of the issues on himself. However, I have to say in his behalf that he was an extreme narcissist but also had severe mental illness such as delusions of many kinds, major paranoia and possibly others.  I think he often felt he was literally fighting for his life, and acted that way. This fact was established in court that fall on another issue. While none of that excuses much he did, it was a proximate cause and verified fact. 

My major issue with those now unnamed people is how they were not abashed, actually almost seemed delighted to go after me and my brother without mercy and did so. I was a legal adult, thus not free of blame, although the psychology of enmeshed families was not well understood then so I might plead some immunity in that circumstance.  However,  Charlie Mike was **fifteen** at this time, legally a minor and thus a 'child' under the law. The abuse and hatefulness he was subjected to is inexcusable IMO. I cannot forgive it or those who did it. That level of abusive meanness was totally uncalled for. A few did step in and try to help him, one especially being Tom Henry, then a teacher as Mingus. I honor him for his decency and humanity, even while under political pressure of the school board which included some of those most bent on "getting even." Charlie Mike never forgot him and I did not either.  May he rest now in well-earned peace. 

Even after the whole family was out of the state, an effort was made to subpoena and drag me back from Flagstaff. I suspect the instigator wanted to seize the few horses I had taken charge of and was finding good homes for so I could realize no benefit from them. That was personal and I am still angry. I believe Dr McDonald intervened and quashed that effort. I was never arrested or brought to court. I did rehome them and got a half-penny on the dollar of their true value but it was far more important to me to see them in good  trustworthy homes which I did.  I still damn the greed and hate that drove such an ill-intended effort.  I will not forget, not ever.  Make of all this what you will.  At least it may explain some of my fierce aversion to the current political situation which has given me recurring to almost constant PTSD. 

Photos: All a few years earlier but just to remind myself and my readers about how we lived and what our lives were like when a group of adults who were mad at our father decided we were as guilty if not more.  We obviously really needed to be "put in our place",  no? Who was I, a toxic, trashy Morgan,  to be highest in my class and actually go to college? And who was Charlie Mike to even exist in the same world they and their offspring  did?  I try not to be bitter since it is all far in the past. I do not always succeed however. 

Memoir Monday, June 16, 1967

Ended this week back at the U after a long but also fast two weeks down in the valley, a time tangled in trauma, trouble, dread and uncertainty about much of the future.  But all things do pass, this epoch not completely or for some time but it did.

June 16, 1967 a Friday

Already? One week of summer school gone, just like that. Had a quiz in Econ today which I think I did okay on. Got a letter from Jim on Wednesday which I answered last night.  Wednesday night I was home--I had to deliver some "documents" to Dr D Bright and Sam Slaughter. We came back up early on Thursday  I now have rugs on the floor and my phonograph to play. That's nice, no? Jim was very apologetic and signed 'love' which seems to be his habit now. I've got to to establish a positive schedule to get more done. I can't afford to let the whole summer slip away from me. I went to the library to study last night. I am going to have to work to get A/1 in these two classes. Got some photos back. I'm going to send some to Charlie Mike plus a radio battery and any other treat I can think of because he had to miss the trip yesterday. Someone apparently had set fire to Twinkles' feedbox and we saw it just as we were leaving so he got out and stayed. I got a letter from Mary that came to Clarkdale. She is in California now. I gave the folks $50 and have the same in the bank. Haven't paid RCA yet but I'm not really sure what I owe so I'll wait on a bill.  It is now 1:00 pm and I guess I'll go uptown in a little while. Lynn has probably taken off with her guy.Just have to bea back by 6:000 for dinner.  None of mine are here. I wish Dusty would call. They brought his old 193680 back to the outfit in Clarkdale on Tuesday., Have the popcorn popper here now too, so I can cook some with it, heat stuff. anyway Guess I'll say Hasty Luegi (the cook at a busy pizza parlor, you know) Oooow, that is corny!

Explains? The'documents' were part of some lawsuit crap. I just acted as a process server, unofficial, of courses. Dr Bright was on the Clarkdale City Council  then and Slaughter was or had been the brand inspector.  Was the feedbox fire the next day related? Have no clue. There had been odd acts of vandalism for months but I was never sure of the cause or the perps. I had thought the foreman car came back sooner but this seems accurate.  I had two or three Good Will rugs I used to warm the cold tile floor in my room. Recall they were pink and fairly light.

So back to the prior weekend or at least my return on June 12. What went on from June 13-15 was not recorded except a bit on Friday. I think I stayed on campus for the next weekend after the brief visit midweek..

June 12, 1967 The "vacation" is all over, Last night the old Silver Eagle sped me up the road and dropped me off at the south entrance gate to campus. Walking, I was picked up  by a sharp looking guy in a convertible from whom I will probably never see or hear of again and he delivered me to the dorm. I climbed the stairs and opened the door to 323 to find I had a roommate. I really think I'l be glad. I thought she'd be a cat, but she's nice, tall and lean, a little like Maureen and teaches PE at Tuba City. She comes from a ranch in New Mexico. Her name is Lynn Erickson.  I had dreaded the day but there was not a slip. It all rolled off smooth as satin. Now to hit two courses for five weeks and make some more ones. Statistics is going to be hard, I fear, but I'll work on it. I've got to see about a job--maybe I could babysit from 1:00 to 5:00 for older students back for continuing education etc. It is almost too quiet after the noise at "home". Lynn is very quiet. So far I have had phenomenal luck with roommates. Registration is over and I ran through $200 of the $300 I got.  I am taking Economics I and Statistics, five mornings a week and done before noon. All I have to buy now is one more book. I'm really tired but I had dinner and took a nap. The cafeteria is a fair walk away, the one the athletes use in the regular year, where Mary worked. It is 8:00 now and I am wishing Dusty would call.. Oh, I got my last semester grades. I did okay on that home stretch and came in under the wire.  Five lovely ones!!! I could hardly believe but very happy!! A couple were very unexpected!  Man and the Arts--wow, that class had been so dismal and I was sure Dr Smallwood hated me!

A few random pictures:  An example of a Continental Trailways bus like I traveled in a lot  for a couple of years. It seems they had once been affiliated with the AT&SF but how and when I don't know.Then another view from my Wilson room--dark and poor shot. I cannot identify the cafeteria here. At that time this was the far south end of campus!  I never got a picture of Lynn but recall her as tall, blonde and rather athletic looking. We got along flawlessly but hardly associated on a social level. Last is a very old shot from spring 1958 which shows the corrals in Clarkdale much as they were until the last with a few more pens tacked on. This was when we traded two mules with the Grand Canyon ride concession. One wrangler and Charley Bryant were talking while Dad and the head wrangler. finished the swap.