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ALS signed "Love, Janis," nine pages on five sheets, 5 x 8 and 6 x 8, [July 30–31, 1965]. Content-rich handwritten letter to her boyfriend, Peter de Blanc, covering a variety of topics topics including her history class, their relationship (asking whether or not he was really ready to be married), her new appearance (complete with a detailed, full-page self-portrait sketch), and the subject of "dope addiction."
The letter begins, in part: "I just made a bad grade on a test—I know it…I had completely learned all about Alexander the Great & the Roman Civil Wars & the 3 Punic Wars, because on the test (covering Greek & Roman civ.) I figured these would be what the essays were on. BUT! As I'm diligently answering the objective part of our test, the teacher writes on the board 'Discuss the interests and beliefs of Socrates, Aristotle, Zeno, & Epicurus.' 'Who?!!' I shrieked. Oh moan—I very well may have failed."
She continues, commenting on their relationship: "What's all this about investing $10,000 in whatshisname's company & going to Europe? Oh Jesus Christ, Peter, why won't you just do an ordinary, practical, money-bringing-in-so-we-can-get-married kind of thing? I mean Jesus damn, my poor parents are really determined to like & respect you because you're my choice. And they know that 2 weeks ago you were going in the Army & if not, looking for a job so that we can get started & whatthefuck—I talk to you on the phone & now I'm dancing around the room saying, 'Oh yes, he's fine! No, he hasn't found a job yet. He may invest ( 'But I thought he didn't have any money, dear?')…in this company that's making skateboards & go to England…Or, if he doesn't do that he may go to Niagara Falls…or he may come to Houston…Well of course he's ready to get married! He really is very settled down & responsible! Really!'…Wow, baby, are you ready? I mean, I'm not trying to hassle you or anything—I mean, do what you think propitious, but good God, dig yourself!"
Joplin goes on to discuss her new appearance: "I'm going to get my hair trimmed tomorrow so it'll look nice hanging loose. Now I'm wearing it up—it's much neater for swimming & it's so hot around here! Come to think of it—this is what I look like now: (see picture) (and titles)." Joplin draws a highly detailed full-page, full-length pencil sketch of herself, pointing out her "new hair-do," "new thin gold hoop earrings," "new necklace I made myself," "shiny long light pink fingernails," "same ole purse," "nice green shirtwaist dress," and "groovey old sandals."
Continuing the next day, on slightly larger paper, she writes of her family and life in Texas: "It's really lovely here—my parents have such a nice house! The yard is just lovely w/ a big oak tree that's about my age in the front yard, several wisteria bushes & one lovely pecan tree in the back yard w/ limbs that touch the ground…Laura & I are going to the Country Club today to bask in the sun & get a better tan. You know, she and I are really getting along well now and it's really nice. Wow, I mean a friend right in my own house!"
She then describes an intellectual gathering at her parents' house: "Speaking of friends, let me tell you of our evening last night. I believe I've told you about my Father's & Mother's friends Donn & Ethel. They're really lovely people & Donn is the only friend my Father has. He's also the only man around here as smart as my father…He and his wife came over last night and we sat and talked—mostly about books—for about 2 hours. As we were having coffee, two friends of mine came over—Philip Carter & his wife Diane and their little girl…Philip is a very nice guy. Pipe smoking & very intelligent, just about to get his degree w/ 4 minors (no major) English, sociology, history, and philosophy. Well, for about another hour, we talked—about juvenile delinquency which Phil is studying now & even about dope addiction where I so astounded everyone w/ my knowledge. Then we decided to play bridge…I got the best hand anyone had ever seen."
She concludes: "Guess I'll fold this up, put it in an envelope & wait for you to tell me where to mail it." The envelope is included, addressed on the front in Joplin's hand to "Mr. Peter de Blanc," and signed with her full name as part of the return address on the flap: "Miss Janis Joplin, 3130 Lombardy, Port Arthur, Texas." In fine condition, with a block of light toning touching the salutation on the first page.
Before her rise as the lead of Big Brother & the Holding Company in the summer of 1966, Joplin had taken a break from her life in San Francisco, leaving behind a lover there: Peter De Blanc. De Blanc supported Joplin's determination to sober up by moving to her home town of Port Arthur, Texas, where she attended school at Lamar University. Their plan to marry was broken off when she learned that De Blanc was expecting a child with another woman. Joplin returned to San Francisco in June 1966 and joined Big Brother & the Holding Company to launch her legendary career. She would die tragically of a heroin overdose in 1970, at the age of 27.
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