MS01.01.01 - Box 02 - Folder 01 - General Correspondence, 1976 January - July

Sunday, June 6th

Dear Thelma and David: After what seemed like weeks and weeks of rain, I awoke this morning to a beautiful sun shining day. After I returned from Ohio a couple of weeks ago, I called your house only to find that you two had gone to your "love nest". I had a message for you, David, from Roberta Bassinett. Roberta lives in Columbus and is working very hard to bring your Amisted (?) II there in August. She is the Links(?) Area Chairman and, according to her, has been in touch with you regarding this project. She said she sent you a check for $10.00 for two of your booklets and by mistake you sent her one. Daphne told me to contact Hooks - I did, but don't know a word he said. (smiles). Do contact her, David and get this straight (?). Actually, Roberta is one person we could have several laughs on because years ago she use to sing and still feature herself as a prima-dona - full bosom and all. don't ever make the mistake of asking her to sing a song. She will whip out her music and sing for an hour. W. and I are surrounded by

Thelma - Davereue said she was watering your plants.

boxes, packing materials etc. We are moving next Friday June 11th. Our new address will be: 364 Elmington Ave Nashville, Tn. 37205 We bought one of those Towne Houses out by the Richland Country Club. So far, preparation to move has gone quite orderly. I'm sure chaos will come when we go into the attic and basement. Our new place is quite nice - lots of closets. Thelma, you will love my kitchen. Needless to say - do visit us when you return. Lil and Jim were here for awhile. Both look great. Had several good visits with Dave and Dennis when I was in Ohio. They are fine. W. is working hard - as usual. He hopes to finish the catalog this week. Poor Stephanie had a wreck several weeks ago (perhaps before you left). She has had a time getting parts to repair her car. Marcellus & Lu Brooks have moved next door. They are really fixing that old place up. Nothing else new. Get lots of rest - both of you and call me when you return - Much love, Norma

[in the margins: David, upon checking, I see I've mispelled Roberta's name. This spelling is correct according to our directory. Mrs. Roberta Basnett 282 Woodlawn Ave. Columbus, Ohio 43203]

2 Mary O'neal was (is) in a group show at the Oakland Museum. Oliver and I went to the opening. Mary is now adding some glitter (red) to her canvases (still that lampblack that flakes and falls all over the floor). I'm going to have to talk to her about that... I didn't get to talk to her much because of the opening crowd etc. but she said that Ray Saunders was now her mentor "with his evil ass" (her words). I don't know what all that means, really. Some group is planning a West Coast Black Artist 1976 Exhibition (Oregon, Ca., Washington & Arizona) for September. I suppose it may coincide with the County's show since the dates are Sept -3-29. I haven't found out any more details. Regards to your family. How near is Falmouth to the ocean?

Allan

DAVID C. DRISKELL [blacked out area]

June 7, 1976

Dear Sam,

Will we have the pleasure of receiving a visit from our friends the Von Winbush clan this summer - or have they forgotten the people in the Northwoods? Blueberry picking time comes in August. When do you'll come? I don't mean that as literally as you are taking it Sam (Ha Ha).

Been engaged in a lot of hard work since I last talked with you. There is much to talk about. I'm still trying to hold on at Fisk but find it more difficult to be endlessly dedicated without any administative support.

Let us hear from you. The garden is growing. As ever, David All send Love.

- Over -

[image alt text: photograph of a tribeal member?] [image alt text: Tribal member] [image alt text: Decoritive attire, likely a celebration of sorts.]