MS01.01.01 - Box 01 - Folder 01 - General Correspondence, 1962-1969

[pen drawing: hills, trees, buildings in distance and tables and chairs set up in the foreground. AT HYDRA]

A[?]HNAI 26 - 6 - 64

My dear Betty,

The Gods have smiled upon this land during my visit and I have had fair weather, good friends and good food during my stay. What a beautiful country - wish I could remain longer but must go to yonder's shore. I shall miss the warmth and kindness of this lovely place.

I have had the pleasure of meeting your beautiful sisiter-in-law, her charming SISTER and your TALL and HANDSOME brother. What a charming couple they are. Last Sunday, I had the pleasure of their company by being their guest at one of the most beautiful, modern restaurant-supper clubs that I have ever seen. It is located on the sea below Fardialfa.

As for my travels, they have been many, I have visited Hydra, (see sketch above) the Aegian Sea - what blue waters - Corinth - and nearby areas. Sophia & George met me at the airport and were kind enough to take me to the hotel and out for dinner. I shall depart for Roma on Sunday but will visit in your brother's home Saturday evening. My sincere regards to your husband and I shall look forward to meeting him and also to seeing you upon my return in September. Have a good Summer. and Thanks Again.

Very Sincerely David C. Driskell A[?]HNAI-1964

Thursday Oct. 14' 65

Dear David

You seem to be avoiding me, I think. I phoned you twice and left messages and you have not returned my call. I feel that you may have spoken on impulse at Saturday's meeting about a future chance of children's art at Harvard, and now have fears about my intense show of interest in it. Please, David, forget it! You know me by this time - I don't expect anything and will not end our friendship over it. I also want you to know that I'm pleased at your successes always. Never have I been surprised, because I do think a lot of your talent and

ability. Just because I'm inactive in D.C. Art Activities, right at present, does not mean I've lost confidence in myself. And I am not driven to compete with anyone but myself. I am painting and slowly coming back to my old self again (only different).

Perhaps, since I'm a stream of consciousness talker, instead of thinker I may have said something to offend you. If I have, won't you allow me the chance to tell you how sorry I am?

As ever yours, Ruth Gabon G. [signature]

P.S. Hope you're just very busy and not angry with me.

July 2, 1966

Dear David,

Your letter came as a surprise all around. I hadn't heard that you were leaving Harvard.

Your job at Fisk U. sounds wonderful, though Nashville is in an isolated position and is devoid of cultural activity. Or am I thinking of Ashville, N. Carolina? Yes I believe it is N.C. I'm thinking of. So pay no heed to me.

Your salary down there will add up to a lot more than it would in D.C. Perhaps - you can save quite a bit as well.

We are going to Canada in our new air-conditioned Dodge Coronet. We were going to buy one like your Chrysler, but found them out of our reach. Since only one works in this family & two drive their own cars. we had to keep the price down. We do like this car, however, and from it we received the courage to drive up to Canada & from Toronto, to Montreal and Quebec. We hope to begin on July 5